Hip to be Mom» Toddlers & kids

Parenting, sieved and seasoned to taste

Clairity — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:22 +0000

I think I’ve probably read all of 2 parenting books in all of the years after my babies were born. As you can imagine, with my kids being teens and megateens now, it’s been a while since I put Dr Spock back on the shelf. So you’ll excuse me for not having heard of attachment parenting… until this past week, or tiger mommying or detachment parenting for that matter.

I have to say I did glean some useful pointers from Dr Spock and company and I’m grateful for the free and plentiful advice handed down from older relatives. I value their wisdom and experience which, if you think about it, comes from years of having been there, done that. There’s so much we can learn from them without having to make those mistakes ourselves. I’m all for short cuts.

But still, me being me, I run it through my giant sieve for good measure and filter out the ones that fit in with our situation and beliefs. And throw in a few of my own. And that’s basically my randomly put together, sieved and seasoned to taste parenting style. What’s yours?

Fairy tales too scary for your kids?

Clairity — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:20:53 +0000

My 3 kids grew up on fairy tales, the classics. It was our nightly routine. I’d get home from work and after dinner and shower, I would settle down with the kids to read them a bedtime story (or 2 or 3 ). My kids were around 2+-3 years old at the time but they loved every fairy tale we read and they would eagerly pick out the book they wanted me to read.

But a study by the British TV channel, Watch seems to say that some of the classic fairy tales (as we know them) are just too scary, or could be inappropriate if kids with overactive imaginations took them literally.

In the case of Snow White, the idea of a wicked witch for a stepmother who tries to poison her is perhaps too much for little kids. Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin involve stories about kidnapping, and in The Little Red Riding Hood, the big bad wolf gobbles up a helpless grandmother.

So apparently some parents are ditching these classics. To be honest, I would never have thought of these storylines as a problem. The question never even arose. At least, they make more sense than Teletubbies and Spongebob, just sayin’. Anyhow my kids loved reading these stories over and over, and these books are now part of our prized collection.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice was a big favorite for us. Don’t ask me how many times I’ve read this book!

So how do you feel about the classics? Would/do you read them to your kids? What do your kids read?

Restaurant tells parents to control their misbehaving kids

Clairity — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:21:42 +0000

It seems there’s been quite a lot of discussion in the news lately about keeping (I won’t use the word banning) kids out of airplanes and restaurants. In the latest article I read here this morning, a family restaurant in Atlanta has issued a statement to parents to please take their crying and unruly kids outside so the other diners can eat in peace.

The Grant Central Pizza in Grant Park put up this disclaimer in their menu:

“Dear all present and future patrons: GCP is proud of its reputation as a family restaurant, a title that we will work to keep. Unfortunately a number of our diners have posted unpleasant experiences because of crying and unsupervised children. To ensure that all diners have an enjoyable lunch or dinner with us we respectfully ask that parents tend to their crying tots outside.”

Apparently the restaurant owner was prompted to take action after receiving negative reviews, and an unpleasant encounter with a parent whose child throw a toy which hit another diner on the head. OMG, I hope it was a soft toy .

These days, children’s so-called toys can be lethal weapons. My idea of a toy would be, say, a harmless doll or a few tamiya models. But it seems, more and more, parents’ cell phones and iPads are becoming playthings and a source of distraction for kids.

As a mom, I’m all for bringing the kids out and having a fun time. Granted, kids will be kids but if they start misbehaving in public, we’ll just have to step in now, won’t we?

What do you say?

Sunday Shopping: Free shipping on the I Heart Vans Collection, perfect for Valentine’s

Clairity — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:05:51 +0000

I gotta tell you, I love, love, love Vans shoes. We have countless pairs of Vans and the girls love every single pair of them. The colors and designs are so upbeat they’ll brighten up your day. These are my personal heart-shaped favorites, so adorable on a girl’s feet on Valentine’s or indeed any day.

Hearts Authentic, Girls

Candy Hearts Authentic Lo Pro

Star Heart Stripes Slip-On, Girls

Glitter Hearts Slip-On, Girls

Shop the I Heart Vans Collection and receive free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Be sure to enter the coupon code – FREE100 – at checkout. Offer ends February 14, 2012.

Sunday Shopping – Warm and cheery clothes for your little girl

Clairity — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:07:15 +0000

With cooler weather on the way, my selections this week will definitely bring a smile to your little girl’s face. I know I’m a little biased, most of the clothes I’m featuring on Sunday Shopping are for girls but I promise to have something for the boys later .

Corky & Company Toddler Girls’ Reversible Anorak Jacket – $54.90
Retail Price: $64.90
You Save: $10.00

I love reversibles for the fact that you essentially get two for the price of one, not to mention this even comes with a matching shaggy furry hat. Red is a very upbeat color on girls. The elastic waistband is a nice touch and give kids some space to grow into. Made in USA.

Mis Tee V-Us Toddler Girls’ Long Sleeve Hooded Dress – $29.90
Retail Price: $39.90
You Save: $10.00

This is really cute with an elastic empire waistband and a felt flower patch. Made In USA.

Me Me Me by Lipstik Girls’ Long Sleeve Leopard Heart Dress – $43.60
Retail Price: $53.60
You Save: $10.00

Okay, I saved the best for last. Leopard prints are not just for us grown-ups. The trimmings and embellished heart patches make this the perfect princess look for your little girl.

What kind of mother is this?!

Clairity — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:51:13 +0000

Anyone else following the Casey Anthony case? Truth is I’ve not been able to stay away. Simple as that. Not that I even tried.

Being a mom myself, I find it truly appalling that a mother aka Casey Anthony could spin such a giddy web to lies to cover up what (I believe) she did to her little daughter. Mind you, Caylee Anthony was only 2. We hear about the terrible two’s but if you ask me, there’s nothing terrible about a child at age 2.

Two is when a child is just starting to become inquisitive about everything. I remember my kids at that age asking 100 questions per hour, and those little feet going 100 miles an hour.

It really tears me up to watch those pictures and videos of little Caylee, happy and carefree and totally oblivious to the fact that her own mother, the one person she should trust to love and protect her, would be the one to do something so unthinkable to her.

How could anyone snuff the life out of their 2-year-old, then throw her body out like garbage into the woods, just so they could go about their wild partying ways without being tied down to the responsibility of being a mother and raising their child? It’s absolutely beyond me.

I mean, Casey Anthony really didn’t have to kill Caylee. She had just about the best support system there is, one that would be the envy of young mothers everywhere. Her parents and brother doted on little Caylee (and who wouldn’t? she was so cute!). She could’ve just left her with them. Or given her up for adoption.

Day after day, I’m glued to the courtroom circus, legal analysis and never-ending twists and turns. Another week or so before the defense wraps up the case and then it’s anyone’s guess. I can’t wait to see how this will all turn out for Casey Anthony.