Home > Health > MOMania > Archives > 2008 > October
October 2008
Love or hate Jon and Kate (plus 8)?
Are you a fan of reality family shows? Do you think Kate is too mean to Jon? Do you think the shows exploit the kids?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy Halloween! The crowd has spoken, and you guys wanted a fun topic for today. I hope this hits your craving! (I can’t stop eating candy corn while I’m writing this.)
One of our faithful readers sent me a note last week wanting to discuss the TLC show “Jon and Kate Plus 8.” She writes: “My husband and I watch it and we laugh hysterically at those kids, and we watch in horror at the actions and words of Kate. I have been lurking on a blog called ‘Gosselins Without Pity.’ People that contribute to that blog absolutely slam Kate Gosselin, and they are trying to get TLC to cancel the show. They think that Jon and Kate are exploiting their children and using them for monetary gain. I am curious to know what ATL parents think of the show.”
Here are some Web sites about the show to check out:
This is just a regular person’s blog who is troubled by Jon and Kate getting so much free stuff now.
I have personally watched the show since it was just a special where they checked in with the family. In the beginning, I liked the show very much. I liked that it was realistic and honest. It showed how hard it was to manage that many kids and how parents get frustrated. I liked that Kate showed us her terribly stretched out tummy (which she eventually had fixed for free by a plastic surgeon on the show). I thought Kate had good organizational ideas, which I thought could help me at home with my kids. And I thought it was kind of funny how she was so mean to her husband.
However, lately the show just seems to be about them getting stuff for free. They got a free ridiculously expensive ski trip out west last year. Jon got free hair plugs. And now they’re going to Hawaii for free. I can’t really blame them for taking the free stuff, but it just makes the show less interesting. I want to see her get Cara and Maddie’s homework done while making dinner for the other kids — that’s the kind of TV I want!
TLC is running another reality family show about Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. They have run specials on them in the past. They are expecting their 18th kid in January. My problem with this show is the mom just seems way too happy to have that many kids. I have no idea how she’s not peeing on herself constantly, and I don’t know how she’s not ripping her hair out. Here’s the Duggar site to check out.
What do you think of Jon and Kate? Are they exploiting their kids? Should they stop taking free stuff? Are they just providing for their family? What do you make of the Duggar family?
Permalink | Comments (374) | Post your comment | Categories: Ethics of rearing kids today
Does seeing Georgia play the Gators beat out seeing your kids trick-or-treat?
The Georgia-Florida game is this Saturday afternoon. Trick-or-treating is Friday night. What’s a Georgia fan who is also a parent to do?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The timing of the Georgia-Florida game on Saturday has presented a tricky decision for many Dawg fans who also happen to be parents: Should they miss trick-or-treating to get down to Jacksonville for that game?
I guess a really devoted parent could drive down either late Friday night or very early Saturday morning but that would seem to defeat some of the fun and pageantry of the event. But it really does stink to miss your kids dressed up for Halloween.
Which is more important the memory of your daughter dressed like a little lamb or the memory of Knowshon Moreno jumping over some Gator’s head?
Will you or your spouse be missing trick-or-treating to head to Jacksonville for the Georgia-Florida game?
Permalink | Comments (106) | Post your comment | Categories: Battles between Mom and Dad
U.S. kids getting kidney stones, how to stop candy overload and kid violence growing on YouTube
It's health round-up Wednesday -- stories from the week I thought you'd be interested in!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I found a bunch of good health stories this week that I wanted to share with you.
A rise in kidney stones in U.S. children
The New York Times is reporting a large increase in kidney stones being found in U.S. children. The trend is believed to be caused by too much salt and not enough water in kids’ diets.
The story reports: ” ‘What we’ve really seen is an increase in the salt load in children’s diet,’ said Dr. Bruce L. Slaughenhoupt, co-director of pediatric urology and of the pediatric kidney stone clinic at the University of Wisconsin. He and other experts mentioned not just salty chips and French fries, but also processed foods like sandwich meats; canned soups; packaged meals; and even sports drinks like Gatorade, which are so popular among schoolchildren they are now sold in child-friendly juice boxes.”
“Children also tend not to drink enough water. ‘They don’t want to go to the bathroom at school; they don’t have time, so they drink less,’ said Dr. Alicia Neu, medical director of pediatric nephrology and the pediatric stone clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore. Instead, they are likely to drink only once they’re thirsty — but that may be too little, too late, especially for children who play sports or are just active.”
10 tips to help kids not overload on candy!
The second story is about Halloween and how to help keep your kids from overloading on candy. How much candy do you let them eat on Halloween night? How do you get them to bed on their sugar high? How much do they get each day thereafter? Do you hide the bag or keep it out where they can help themselves? How much of it do you steal?
Videos of kids fighting a growing problem on YouTube
Under the category of worrisome news for parents, apparently there are more and more videos of kids fighting showing up on YouTube. The company is trying to figure out how to combat the violent videos being on the site. Generally, the community monitors itself but the company is wondering if they need to do more. I’m wondering what we need to be doing to stop the kids from beating each other up in the first place.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment | Categories: Health
Is it better to give up a child you can’t help or handle?
A local mother left her 12-year-old boy at a hospital in Nebraska. She says he needed help neither she nor the state of Georgia could give him. Is Nebraska’s ‘safe haven’ law good in some cases?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have been reading about and watching video of the local mother who drove to Nebraska to abandon her 12-year-old son under its new “safe haven” law. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, but from the stories and video it seems like the mother believes she had his best interest at heart. She says in the video: “I ran out of fight. I ran out of hope, but I never ran out of love for my child.”
Here are some links for you to catch up on the story:
Mother says her son had discipline problems and needed help
Mother got information about the law from a Nebraska reporter
As a mother I can’t imagine giving up a child, but I also have never been in this woman’s shoes. From another perspective, we know a young child who was adopted that remembers her mother abandoning her when she was very small. I can’t imagine what that feeling must be like for a 12-year-old child. I think the mother’s hope is that it will set him straight.
Is it better for parents who don’t feel like they can handle the child to abandon them to the state’s care?
Permalink | Comments (145) | Post your comment | Categories: Ethics of rearing kids today
How much work does it take to get this stay-at-home mom Manhattan-ready?
It took several weeks, multiple experts and a charge card to get me prepped for the Big City and restore me to my pre-child state (sort of).
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How much work does it take to get a stay-at-home mom ready for a big event in New York City? I whole heck of a lot — at least in my case.
My husband was being honored by his company with an award and a fancy dinner in New York City. It meant a free three-day trip to Manhattan, but it also meant I had to make myself presentable to people beyond children and other mothers. (The president of his company and the board of directors were among the guests at the dinner.)
Before I had kids, it wouldn’t have taken much work to get ready for this type of event, but after seven years of not going into an office and only hanging out with children my standards have dropped — along with my breasts.
The Ann Taylor Loft jean skirt that I live in may be fine for taking my daughter to Girl Scouts or helping out in kindergarten, but it doesn’t fly in the Big Apple. Other obstacles included needing a bra that didn’t flip open for nursing, color on graying hair and make up that wasn’t purchased along with diapers at my local Publix. Shopping would be necessary! (Luckily, there was a cash prize with my husband’s award so I wasn’t taking food from the babies to clean myself up.)
My first stop was Nordstrom for some guidance on what type of outfit would be appropriate and how to hide my flaws. The saleswoman helped me choose a dress (in fact lots of saleswomen weighed in on the decision), and even went up to lingerie to bring me down some “shapewear” to try on under the dress.
Ladies, let me tell you about “shapewear.” It is essentially a girdle that doesn’t hurt. There’s none of the painful bones that you might remember from your wedding corset. (The only time I have ever worn anything like that.) The new stuff is like a tight bathing suit that just smoothes everything out. I wasn’t sure if I needed the Spanx with the built-in bra or with hosiery so I didn’t buy it that day.
When I was finally ready to pick out the shapewear, I didn’t want to drive back to Nordstrom or all the way into town to Intimacy, but I knew I needed help figuring out how to make everything look right under my dress. So on my hair stylist’s recommendation I went to Necessities by Sherrie in Snellville for some help.
After a little analysis, Sherrie told me my current strapless bra fit but wasn’t pushing me up and that’s what the dress needed. She also told me the straps on the dress should be tightened to hold it up correctly.
She fit me in a pushup strapless bra and some high-waisted shapewear underwear that flattens your stomach and pulls in your waist (It was a different brand than Spanx.). I had clean lines in the dress and filled out the top. She also managed to fit me in a new everyday bra before the baby freaked out and climbed out of the stroller.
Finally, I was on to hair and make up. Stephanie the owner of Salon John Francis in Lawrenceville had diagnosed my hair problem the last time I was in. She told me a bunch of hair had fallen out after the baby was born, and it was growing in and sticking out. She had cut the back shorter to let the top catch up. So this visit she shaped me up and tinted my gray a lovely shade of brown with a touch of copper.
While getting my hair done, I told Stephanie I needed help picking new cosmetics. I was wearing my make up the same way I did in high school. Plus, I haven’t bought make up from any place other than a grocery store in probably six years. This might be OK when you’re young, but not when you’re starting to show some wrinkles.
Another hairdresser overheard me and advised me to go to Douglas cosmetics at The Avenue Webb Ginn in Snellville. Many of the women there are aestheticians and can help you figure out which brands and colors are best for you. I went out there and Betty got me set up with all the right make up. New face cream, eye cream, foundation that actually matches my skin tone, powder, concealer, blush and eye shadow.
I came home and told my girlfriend Margaret that I was ready for New York. Ever wise, Margaret explained that I didn’t do this all just for New York. The trip just gave me a deadline. I needed to do all this stuff to feel pulled together after having my last baby. I think she was right.
Epilogue: We had a fantastic trip last week. My parents were very generous to keep all three children. I felt great walking around the city and very elegant on my husband’s big night. Back at home, I’m excited about feeling a little more presentable every day, not just for special occasions.
You can reach Theresa at ajcmomania@gmail.com. Ideas are welcome!
Permalink | Comments (41) | Post your comment | Categories: General Frustrations of Motherhood
Will the economy affect your Halloween choices?
Will the Bazooka bubble gum and Tootsie Rolls be filling out your candy roster instead of the more expensive chocolate bars? What about costumes? Are you leaning toward homemade instead of boutique-bought?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There is a hierarchy of candy in the world and houses are known to either give “good” candy or “bad.” Will these tough economic times affect your street rep as a good candy giver? Will you replace the Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey bars with Smarties and no-name lollipops?
Seriously, will you be adjusting your candy buying to fit your budget? Will you hand out fewer pieces per child and not let older ones who didn’t dress up partake? Do you think the kids care what kind of candy they get or are they just happy to get candy? (I actually think they are picky. Oh, they’ll still eat it, but they’d rather have something better.)
What about costumes? Are you going for the homemade instead of the store bought? How do you convince the kids you can make a Hannah Montana outfit of the dresses you used to wear clubbing before you had kids?
I will readily admit to spending way too much on Halloween costumes this year, but I wasn’t sure how to duplicate a giant yellow Pikachu outfit for my 5-year-old. If he had said pirate I could have worked with that, but Pikachu not much hope.
How do you convince them to choose costumes within your budget?
Your Money has other tips to better manage your finances.
Permalink | Comments (40) | Post your comment | Categories: Family Life
Are your teens ‘car surfing?’
It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week and the CDC wants you to know about another dumb and deadly thing teens are doing in their cars.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Car surfing may not be new (my husband said he knew idiots who did it high school 20 years ago), but it is deadly and the Centers for Disease Control is trying to raise awareness of this trend.
The CDC reports on it’s web site: “Oct. 19 to the 25 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Teens ages 16 to 19 are at a higher risk of being involved in car crashes than any other age group. And, a new study shows that teens are also among the age group most likely to participate in car surfing, a thrill-seeking activity with potentially deadly consequences.
“According to an article published in the October 17, 2008, issue of MMWR, since 1990 at least 99 people died or sustained serious injuries as a result of car surfing, an activity that involves riding on the exterior of a moving vehicle. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention obtained information about car surfing injuries and deaths by reviewing newspaper reports from 1990 through 2008. Their findings answer common questions about this dangerous phenomenon, which appeals to young people, especially teenage males.”
“What is car surfing?
Car surfing is a dangerous, thrill-seeking activity that involves a person riding on the exterior of a moving vehicle, such as on the roof or the hood, while someone else is driving.” “How fast must a vehicle be traveling in order for someone to be injured or killed while car surfing?
Car surfing is dangerous at nearly any speed. Injuries and deaths can occur at speeds as slow as 5 mph to as fast as 80 mph. The most dangerous thing that can happen while car surfing is falling off of a vehicle, which can lead to fatal head injury—even at slow speeds. Sudden, unanticipated maneuvers, such as swerving or braking, can force a person off a vehicle.”
Have you ever heard of car surfing? Did you ever do it in high school or college? Do you think your teens are doing it? Will you talk to your teens about it? What is your biggest worry about teens and their driving? What are you doing to help your teens stay safe on the road?
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Is a B good enough?
How do you know if your kids are simply B students? C students? How do you know when they are doing their best?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Grades came home last Friday for many students, and parents may be wondering “Is that the best my child can do?”
My daughter got all A’s in her academic classes but got S’s (satisfactory) in her electives (art, P.E., etc….) (They can get E’s for excellent which is above an S, and I guess equivalent to an A). I’m not sure if I should be upset about that. Am I being ungrateful and pushy not to be just over-the-moon-thrilled by all A’s in academics? But it makes me wonder what in heck is going on in art or music? Why is she not as successful there?
My husband told me that he was literally afraid to bring home a B to his parents.
Should kids feel like getting an A is the only good grade? Should you continue to encourage (or push) if they are bringing home B’s?
How do you know when your child is doing his or her best? What are acceptable grades in your house? Do you encourage them to get an A if they bring home a B? What about a C?
Permalink | Comments (99) | Post your comment | Categories: Education
Should flu shots be mandatory?
New Jersey has passed a law requiring flu shots if young children want to go to daycare or preschool. And many Jersey parents say it violates their rights. What would you do?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Would you give your kids the flu shot if your state said you had to?
New Jersey has passed a state law that requires children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years have a flu shot before they attend preschool or daycare.
Many of the parents are protesting with the argument that they should have the freedom to control what chemicals are put into their children. Here’s the story.
Ever since we lived in New York City I have been a big advocate of flu shots and have always gotten myself and my children vaccinated. I even did it while I was pregnant with all three children. However, as we’ve discussed in the past I have grown a little leery of vaccinations in general. And many of the flu vaccines still contain the mercury preservative known as Thimerosal, which the government says is not a problem but many parents are concerned about. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do this year.
I did a little poking around on the CDC’s web site, and here are some relevant pages that I found.
From the CDC Flu shot fact sheet: “Some inactivated influenza vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal. Some people have suggested that thimerosal may be related to developmental problems in children. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory and concluded that there is no evidence of such a relationship. Thimerosal-free influenza vaccine is available.”
From that sheet: “There is no convincing evidence of harm caused by the small amount of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor effects like swelling and redness at the injection site due to sensitivity to thimerosal. Most importantly, since 1999, newly formulated thimerosal preservative-free childhood vaccines (Hepatitis B, Hib, and DTaP) have been licensed. With the newly formulated childhood vaccines, the maximum total exposure during the first six months of life will now be less than three micrograms of mercury. Based on guidelines established by the FDA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), no child will receive excessive mercury from childhood vaccines regardless of whether or not their flu shot contains thimerosal as a preservative.”
But I also found where you can go to complain if you feel vaccines have injured you. That doesn’t really promote confidence.
After reading these links, I have learned that there are some Thimerosal-free flu vaccines, and I may call my pediatrician to find out if he has them.
What do you think: Are you going to give the flu vaccine this year? Does it worry you? Would you give the flu vaccine if you state mandated it? Is that a violation of rights?
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Ga. Tech beats UGA for family-friendly football experience
Free ticket giveaways, a fantastic fanfest for the kids and less rowdy fans all equal a winning day for families at the Tech game.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ga. Tech may lose to the University of Georgia at a lot of sports, but those Jackets win year after year at hosting the easiest, cheapest, most fun college football experience for families.
I’ve taken all three kids to both schools for game days, and despite being a University of Georgia graduate and a Bulldog fan, I have to say Ga. Tech is by far the more family-friendly experience. Plus, this year Tech is actually winning with their new coach!
Let’s compare our family’s experiences at each campus point by point.
1. Traffic and parking — Ga. Tech is an easy drive for most Atlantans and has plenty of parking spaces close enough for kids to walk easily. Many of the close places charge around $20, but you can find some free parking on the streets if you get there early enough.
Athens is further to drive, but it’s the parking that kills me. We actually rent a space in Athens that we pay $210 for a year, but it’s all the way up Baxter Street. My husband doesn’t mind walking that distance, but it’s too far for little kids. For last year’s homecoming game at Georgia we searched for an hour for a closer parking spot and never found one. We finally parked in our normal spot, and the kids were worn out by the time we reached the journalism school’s party. The worst part was pushing the baby’s stroller back up that huge hill and cajoling the other two children to follow along. I am certain the sight of me struggling up that hill with three children prevented some co-eds from having sex that night.
The kids and I didn’t actually go to the Georgia game that particular homecoming, and I’ll explain why in the next category.
2. Tickets — Georgia requires that all children — no matter how old — have tickets to get into that stadium. The only way a baby is getting into that stadium without paying is if it’s still inside of you!
It was simply too expensive to buy four more full-price tickets for me and the children to go to the game last year.
Tech on the other hand allows children 2 and under to enter the stadium without a ticket. Also Tech routinely has family deals and free ticket promotions. Last year for the Tech-Duke game we bought tickets that included a hotdog and Coke for each person.
This year we actually got FREE tickets for me and the kids. If you sign up on Tech’s athletic homepage for their online newsletter The Sting, you will get free ticket offers every Tuesday. They send out an email with the name of the sponsor who is giving away tickets that week. It’s first come, first serve at the sponsor location.
Georgia has always had the policy that everyone has to have a ticket, and I recognize that it’s a function of demand, crowd control and how do you verify the age of baby. But if Tech can work around those areas, then parents should take advantage of it.
3. Family events close by — Besides cheap to free seats, Tech offers a fantastic pre-game experience for kids on top of the Peter’s Parking Deck and on Fowler Street, which are right next to the stadium. Wreckfest begins about three hours before the game and includes FREE moon walks, basketball shooting games, face painting, giveaways and contests. My only objection was this year they added an EA Sports/Coke Zero video game area. There were about 16 flat screen TVs where kids (and dads) could try out all types of video games. It was tough to keep my 5-year-old focused on the physical activities.
About an hour before the game, the whole Tech band parades down Bobby Dodd Way, the street between the Wreckfest and the stadium. The band stops to perform on the steps outside the stadium. The kids are thrilled to see the instruments and hear the music up close. Buzz is usually running around and always happy to pose with the kiddies. The Rambling Wreck is parked nearby in Callaway Plaza.
4. The stands — Because Tech’s stadium isn’t usually filled to capacity, it is very easy for families to spread out. We sat in the top deck and had plenty of room. The kids weren’t bothering anyone. (Well except for my 5-year-old who kept asking people if they wanted to look through his binoculars!) In fact, my 7-year-old laid down on the bleacher to watch much of the game and nobody cared.
It’s tough for wiggly kids to sit in Georgia’s packed house for hours.
5. The Fans — It pains me to say it, but the Ga. Tech fans are far less drunk and obnoxious. (Sorry Dawgs!) I only heard one guy cursing at last week’s Tech game and only saw one guy visibly drunk. At Georgia, the drinking is obvious and rampant. Two years ago when Michael took our then 3-year-old son to the Georgia game, there was a bunch of apparently drunk college girls trying to cuddle him. On the up side, we were very happy to see bike cops cracking down on open-container violators last year.
If you’re not married to a team, or if you’re a Dog fan who can suck it up long enough to enjoy the day with your kids, then Ga. Tech is the best place in town to experience a Division 1A college football game.
Check out Your Money for more tips for cheap and free fun and for general money saving tips.
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Who stays home when the kids are sick?
When both parents work outside the home, how you decide who stays home when children are sick?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The sick season has already started at our house. I spent about three hours yesterday morning at the pediatrician’s office with the baby, and I’m watching my 5-year-old closely to see if I need to take him in as well.
(The baby has bronchitis — and is very unhappy! I’m not sure if Walsh’s coughing is cold-induced or just caused by allergies, but more to come on asthma and allergy issues in Atlanta.)
Since I work in the home, there’s never a question as to who will stay home with a sick child or who will take them to the doctor when necessary. But for many, many families this is a constant sticking point during the fall and winter.
Is there one parent that normally stays home with a sick child or do you split the duty? Does it depend on what is going on that particular day at work or is one spouse’s boss more accepting of the need to take care of a sick child? Are women bosses or men bosses more receptive to your parenting responsibilities?
At what point in the night or morning do you decide who will be the caregiver?
How do you handle staying home with a sick child when you are a single parent? Do you have enough sick days to cover multiple children’s illnesses throughout a cold and flu season?
Permalink | Comments (41) | Post your comment | Categories: Health
What to do when you disagree with a teacher’s discipline?
A local mother needs our advice about how to deal with a teacher who has punished her child inappropriately.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I got an email over the weekend from a mother who was very upset about the treatment her child had received from his teacher. This is what she wrote to me:
“Today something happened in my child’s class, and I’m at a loss. The teacher decided that my child talks too much. He’s 6, and, yes, he is quite chatty, as is the whole kindergarten class. Well as a way of disciplining him, she took his desk away and gave him a step stool as a desk where he sits on the floor in front of the class. Now I’m not sure how long this had been going on because she never has called me about him. Although, I have repeatedly told her if there is ever a problem call me. To make matters worst, I’m standing in the class and other children were acting up, and she goes ‘Do you want to be like that boy and have to sit on the floor in front of the class?’ My son was working at the time, and I really felt that was a cheap shot and not very encouraging for him. When I asked her to take him off the floor she asked me ‘What did I want her to do with him?’ ”
“Now I’m not one of those parents who says their child is perfect, but she is the ONLY person he has come in contact with that makes him out to be so disruptive. His previous teachers can’t believe this, they agree he is chatty as do I, but not to this extent. There are other children in the class who physically hurt others, but they don’t get singled out.”
“So Theresa, I’m at a loss. I feel like I should move him out of her class. I emailed the principal to have a meeting and I’m waiting to hear back.”
“I’m wondering how do parents deal with teachers when they think their child is being mistreated or singled out?”
This mother needs some advice. Have you guys ever experienced your child being singled out in this manner or had a punishment that was degrading and inappropriate to the problem? What should she say or demand from the teacher and principal? Should the child be moved from the class? Would that be too hard on the child to have to switch classes mid-year? Or would he be better off with a whole new environment?
Permalink | Comments (112) | Post your comment | Categories: Ethics of rearing kids today
Momcation was fantastic … except for that food poisoning
Have you taken a momcation? Do you like to go with girlfriends or your husband? Did you miss the kids or were you just happy to be away?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I had been dreaming of my first momcation for months, and it was everything that I had hoped for … well, except for that slight case of food poisoning that lasted most of the trip.
The food poisoning prevented me from having cocktails and from dancing the night away at the hotel’s nightclub (That was OK though, the club was pretty cheesy!), but it didn’t stop me from achieving my core goals of sleeping and lying in the sun.
My college girlfriend and fellow mom Keith and I had planned to spend a quiet weekend in Hilton Head. We planned to leave on a Friday afternoon and return on a Monday evening.
Our plans were low-key. We just wanted to doze off on the beach without worrying that our children were drowning nearby. We wanted to eat dinner after 5 p.m. — a frequent serving time at both our homes. And we wanted to eat some seafood, imbibe a few cocktails and forget for a little while all the responsibilities we had at home.
We had a slight issue actually getting out of Atlanta. Keith’s husband had a case in court and wasn’t sure when he’d be done. So my husband agreed to watch all six kids — ages ranging from 18 months to 10 years — so we could get on our way.
We left the six kids playing on the swing set out back — kissed them all goodbye and pretty much ran for the car. (I was in such a hurry to get out there I forgot to even kiss my poor husband!)
We woke up Saturday morning at our leisure and without little people jumping on our beds. What a joy it was not to have to drag a giant bag, cooler or sand toys to the beach. We grabbed our Coke Zeros, our towels and a little reading material, and we were set for the day.
Keith showed up to the beach with a book about the history of architecture. I came armed with three gossip rags and about eight catalogs. She named my collection “Mom Porn,” and we passed it back and forth lying by the ocean, discussing the celebrities before I dozed off in the warm sun.
That night, we got what we thought was some amazing seafood. Although on later reflection it would appear my mahi-mahi had a little something extra added — like an illness-inducing bacteria. I was sick for the next two days, but any mother knows she’d rather suffer at the beach than at home caring for three children.
Besides not planning on food poisoning, I also hadn’t anticipated missing my kids as much. I knew I would miss my 18-month old and worry about her care. We had never been apart for more than a few hours and she had only stopped nursing about two months before. I knew it would tough for us to be separated.
I wasn’t worried at all about my 5- and 7-year old. My husband is a very good daddy and is completely capable of feeding, entertaining and caring for their needs.
I called from the restaurant (the one that got me sick) on Saturday night to say good-night to the children. As soon as Rose got on the phone and started telling me about their trip to the Coke museum that day and riding the Marta, I started crying. I missed their little voices much more than I had expected.
I worried before we took the trip that two days wasn’t going to be long enough, but we were definitely ready to come home. The baby fared fine without me — although we had a little re-training to do after I returned. Apparently, Daddy let the baby sleep with him every night, and he showed her where the cookie container is hidden.
When I walked in the door, my son gave me a giant hug and the baby didn’t want to leave my lap. I sat and rocked her for at least an hour. She snuggled against my chest and sucked her thumb completely content. Rose made me multiple welcome home signs and letters telling me how much she missed and loved me.
I have to say the best part of the momcation wasn’t the extra sleep or the walks on the beach, but the homecoming.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Family Life
Are you worried about food tainted with melamine in U.S.?
As the affected product list grows, some people are concerned about local markets carrying food produced in China. Are you worried? Are you changing your buying habits accordingly?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I have been reading stories about the 54,000 Chinese babies sickened by the baby milk contaminated with melamine, I have been pained for the families. But I have also been somewhat relieved it wasn’t something I would have to worry about personally. As the list grew to include chocolates, I once again took it off my radar as it appeared to only include chocolates sold abroad.
But yesterday I got a note from a friend telling me that his pregnant wife had picked up some popular Chinese candy at a local Asian market off Buford Highway. She had eaten several pieces of the White Rabbit candy when she realized it was a brand that was on the list of foods contaminated with melamine — a chemical used in making plastics. She has no indication that the particular lot was contaminated, but she stopped eating it and says she’s definitely thinking twice about products that she buys at Asian markets (and any products imported from China at her regular market).
After further investigation, it seems like that may be a wise move. Canada recalled the White Rabbit candy in late September and is now recalling Pirate’s Gold Milk Chocolate.
The Allentown Morning Call reports that the FDA has identified a melamine-contaminated drink sold in Asian stores throughout the U.S. According to the story:
“Melamine was in Blue Cat Flavor Drink distributed by Tristar Food Wholesale Co. of Jersey City, N.J., according to an agency statement Monday.”
”The company began a recall of several flavors and the FDA isn’t aware of any illnesses.”
So now I’m starting to worry. Are you concerned about foods containing melamine being found in the U.S.? Are you particularly concerned if you shop at Asian markets or even eat at Chinese restaurants that may be using imported food products? Are you concerned enough to change your buying habits?
I have prepared a little Cliffs Notes research for you guys on the melamine situation with links to multiple stories and sites:
Let’s start with a nice overview of the whole melamine story from U.S. News and World Report.
This is a list of affected products known so far. I am looking for an updated list from a news source we know.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s official site and its links.
What is melamine, and how does it affect our bodies?
How much melamine is safe to eat?
And finally from The Wall Street Journal a look at if China is being up front about the number of children really affected by the melamine.
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Belly wraps or cardio to ban baby fat?
Can belly wraps take the place of cardio exercise to get rid of belly fat after giving birth? Is it really not fat and just your uterus out of place?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was working out at the gym a few months ago and was talking with this woman about the problem areas on my body. I told her my fat was all in my belly. And she told me that it wasn’t fat. It was just my uterus out of place. She said her mother was from a Caribbean island and that they would always wrap the mothers’ bellies to pull the uterus back into place and to tighten the belly and skin.
I’m listening to her and I’m thinking: Well, that would be great if all I had to do was wrap something around my stomach. But, I’m pretty sure I need to keep doing cardio to get rid of it. At least that’s what the trainers keep telling me.
So, yesterday I was watching E! and saw an interview with Brooke Burke, formally of E!, who is on now on “Dancing with the Stars.” She’s had FOUR children (one just seven months ago) and swears by wrapping her belly. In fact, she is now selling her own line of belly wraps for after birth. Here is an article about her product and some comments about belly wrapping in general.
So what do you think: Have you heard of this belly wrapping? Have you ever tried it? Do you think it would work? Will just doing tons of cardio not solve the problem completely because the uterus is out of place? Would a belly wrap still help if it’s almost two years later?
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No cough meds under 4, no kids opening microwaves, and fans can prevent SIDS
I have a round up of health news for you guys today. Can you make it through the winter with no cough meds for little kids? Hopefully, the kids weren’t getting stuff from the microwave anyway and fans can help protect our smallest babies.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Drug companies agree to mark cough and cold meds as “NOT for kids under 4”
The Associated Press reports: “Don’t give over-the-counter cold remedies to kids under 4, drug companies said Tuesday. What sniffling little ones need, doctors said, are plenty of fluids and lots of tender, loving care.”
” ‘The best thing a parent can do is comfort their children,’ said Dr. Laura Herrera, a Baltimore family practitioner and mother of two. ‘Keeping them as comfortable as possible is certainly better than giving cough and cold medicines.’ ”
“In a concession to pediatricians, who doubt the drugs do much good for children and worry about risks, the companies that make over-the-counter remedies like Dimetapp and Pediacare announced they had changed their advice to parents for the second cold season in a row.”
“Besides recommending against cold medicines off drugstore and grocery shelves, the companies say not to give antihistamines to kids to help them sleep. The new instructions are on packages that started hitting stores this week.”
I’ve never been a big fan of giving kids any type of pseuphedrine. It always just seems to whack them out. However, I do use Children’s Robutussin (just the plain one or the DM) to help stop coughing at night. (Not with the baby but with the older two.) We use the humidifier, have those pectin pops and use honey to also help soothe throats, but I think sometimes you need something a little stronger. I’m not a doctor but cough medicines do seem to work in kids. I’m a little bit baffled by them saying they don’t. On a side note: I hope this doesn’t include Zyrtec at all. My kids are living off of that stuff for their allergies! I do believe that stuff works!
What have you guys found? Do you think cold and cough meds do work for kids 2 to 4? Will you stop using them in that age range? What about specifically cough meds?
Other stories for your consideration:
Children frequently get burned by opening microwaves (the steam escapes onto their hands) and when they remove hot liquids and foods from them (spill the hot liquids on themselves.) Some parents think microwaves are safer for kids to use than a stove but doctors are stressing that is not so! The group is recommending that children under 5 do not operate a microwave.
My 5-year-old kept trying to use the microwave, and I kept telling him the stuff inside of it was too hot for him to touch and to please never open it. One afternoon he decided he could use the toaster oven. He heated himself a waffle and burned his hand (a tiny spot) getting it out. I must have been nursing the baby because I didn’t see it happen. I found him afterwards and took care of the little burn. Since then he hasn’t messed with the microwave or the toaster oven. He wouldn’t believe me until he experienced it for himself!
Do you let your kids operate the microwave? What age is appropriate to let them use the microwave? (The group says after 5, but I think that is too young!)
Using fans in a baby’s room can cut SIDS dramatically
The Wall Street Journal reports: “Using a fan while a baby is sleeping appears to significantly cut the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, according to new research.”
“Researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif., compared 185 babies who died from SIDS in 11 California counties between May 1, 1997 and April 30, 2000, with 312 normal infants from similar socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds living in the same counties. Mothers were asked several questions about fan use, pacifier use, room location, sleep surface, the type of covers over the baby, bedding under the infant, room temperature and whether a window was open.”
“The study, which is being published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, found that using a fan cut the risk of SIDS by 72%. The use of a fan in a room with a temperature higher than 69 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with a 94% decreased risk of SIDS compared with no fan use.”
I wish this said whether it means a ceiling fan, a fan on the ground or crib height, or a fan in the window. There’s lot of different types of fans!
Did you ever use a fan in your baby’s room? Would you make a point to use a fan now since it is such a dramatic decrease of risk?
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Where are the best places to get kids’ haircuts?
Nominate your favorite place to get your child’s haircut for the Best of the Big A, and also share with us your worst haircutting experiences.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Best of the Big A is searching for the best places to get children’s haircuts in Atlanta.
For people without kids this may not sound like an important category, but parents know this information is pure GOLD!
The only thing worse than a growing out a crappy haircut on a child is enduring 30 minutes of someone who doesn’t know how to cut children’s hair working on your child.
It took us a very long time to find a good children’s haircutter in Gwinnett. I took them to one so-called children’s salon where they had the TV and cute chairs to keep the children entertained. The stylists were patient and had the right equipment to safely cut around ears without cutting the kids. However, they gave terrible haircuts. One time I had to take them both into my stylist to get their hair fixed afterwards they were so poorly cut.
I have found a new place, but I will only go to one stylist in there. I don’t want to reveal her name because she’s already hard to get, and I don’t need more people in line.
One of the ladies that works at the new place was the one that did the super bad cut at the other salon. I think she is a very nice lady, but I absolutely refuse to let her cut my children’s hair again. It gets downright embarrassing. She’ll be available, but I will continue to sit until the other stylist can take the kids — sometimes 30 minutes to an hour longer. It’s so insulting to the lady but I’m not going to pay a second stylist to fix her mistakes.
Where do you love to take your kids to get their haircuts? What’s the worst haircut they’ve ever gotten or their worst experience getting a cut?
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The case of the missing blanket
It’s fantastic when kids have items that help them self-soothe, but it’s terrible when you lose those special things!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I knew it would happen one day and when it did, we would be in deep trouble.
Sooner or later, we were going to lose our baby’s favorite possession in the entire world — her pink satin blanket. It travels everywhere with us and at some point, just based on sheer odds; it was going to be left behind.
My aunt sent her the blanket a few weeks after she was born, and it is rarely out of her sight for long. It’s pink silky satin on one side and soft micro fleece on the other. It has a 1-inch silk ruffle that runs around the edges.
She has a very specific way to hold the blanket. She gathers the blanket over several times so she can feel the soft fleecy part in her palm and then rubs the tips of her fingers over the silky ruffle. At the same time she pops the thumb of that hand into her mouth. It is the most precious thing in the world to see and makes her so content!
(I’m sure I’m going to get attacked for letting my baby suck her thumb, but people she is my only baby that has been a thumb sucker or had a special comfort lovey, and she is the happiest baby I’ve ever had. She self-soothes, puts herself to sleep and is very content. She’ll give it up when she is ready, and I’m not worried about it.)
Because the blanket gets carried all around the house, it is a normal state of affair to be searching for it. I even posted one night on my Facebook status: Theresa is “searching for the baby’s blanket so she can finally go to sleep.” Another mom friend commented online that she too is constantly looking for her baby’s blanket and hoped I found it soon.
We’ve had many scares before when we thought the blanket was lost, but this was the real thing. It wasn’t in the office behind the desk. It wasn’t under the dining room parsons chairs. It wasn’t in my diaper bag. It wasn’t shoved into the big blue couch.
And worst of all, it wasn’t in my van. I searched the front seat, the middle aisle, and even the back hull. I took out the stroller and pushed the seats up. No blanket.
As I searched the van, I started flashing to all the places we’d been the day — the park, Mimi’s house, the post office. I had taken the dog with us to the park. I was so scattered cleaning up the dog’s poop in the park that maybe I missed the blanket falling out of the stroller onto the track. I didn’t remember loading the blanket into the car after our walk. I had visions of mini-vans rolling over my sweet baby’s blankie all day long. We had to get to the park right away.
Even though it was way passed nap time, I took her out of her crib and loaded her into the car. We drove back to the track. I searched under parked cars and asked a few walkers if they had seen a pink baby’s blanket. Finally I put the baby in her stroller to search the mile track. (We had already done three miles that day. Plus, I didn’t even have on my tennis shoes, just sandals that rubbed.)
We asked everyone we passed if they had seen the blanket. A man on skates circled the track quickly for me and told he didn’t find it. By about the half-mile mark, I started to think maybe I did load it back into the car. I had a vague recollection of the baby carrying it into my mom’s house. We didn’t think about leaving the baby blanket when we left my mom’s house because she gave us a bunch of fancy purses that the baby carried out.
I finished the mile and drove back to my mother’s. I ran into the house. The blanket was lying on the floor of the children’s playroom - safe and sound.
The baby was so happy to have her blanket back. During the two-mile drive home, she caressed her favorite blanket and fell asleep with her thumb in her mouth. All was right with the world.
Epilogue: I am now currently in search of a second blanket for the road so we can leave the good one safely in her crib.
You can reach Theresa at ajcmomania@gmail.com. Ideas are welcome!
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At what age is spanking appropriate?
At what point do children understand the point of being spanked?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A mom told me this week that she spanked her 10-month old baby for getting into something repeatedly. She had told the baby no over and over again and finally spanked him. She said he sat on the floor crying looking up at her.
This story disturbed me.
At what age is it appropriate to spank a child? When do children understand what a spanking is in theory trying to teach them?
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