Uncategorized Archives - Page 4 of 12

Easter Carnival

Apr 23 2012

Happy Easter!! A little late, admittedly. But lately blogging about parenting has taken a backseat to you know, parenting. This post is about Easter, but it’s more about imagination; that magical childhood entity that in adulthood often becomes squashed under the heavy burden of daily responsibilities. This Easter our 8 year old questioned the reality of the Easter Bunny. He found a bag of not so carefully hidden chocolates and asked, “Are you the Easter Bunny?” I denied it and hopped away in a panic. He also questioned how a giant rabbit has access to chocolate in the first place and why it’s okay for him to break into people’s houses? Fortunately my boy is still a child at heart and was willing to accept our lame excuses. So for now at least, Mr. E. Bunny lives on. On Easter Eve a certain Super Hero and his sister disappeared to the basement, aka “The Play Pit” for several hours. When asked what they were doing, we were told to wait. “Don’t come down!!!” they shrieked. When preparations were finally complete, our son and his dutiful sibling assistant treated us to an Easter Carnival. I’d never heard of this, but there[…]

Which Mom Are You?

Apr 10 2012

Sometimes play groups or the park can feel like a Mompetition. We all think we know what’s best for our kids, but judging, scolding, one-upping? Stop it. That mom on the left is just asking for a swift kick to the ovaries. “Goldfish crackers, Dora’s Spanish lessons, killing seals…” Just put a terry cloth sweatband on my head and I’m the mother on the right.

Apr 04 2012

The only silver lining to being hit with a virus is possibly shedding a few unwanted pounds. Unless of course, you’re a teeny, at-the-bottom-of-the-growth-chart tyke like my little girl, who doesn’t have an ounce to spare. So when she’s sick, maintaining her hydration level and caloric intake is essential. Two weeks ago she caught that nasty bronchial infection going around — cough, fever, no appetite, no energy. For a child who is a picky eater on a good day, getting her to eat when she’s unwell is a major struggle. If only she would suck back a healthy smoothie. I’ve tried many times… unsuccessfully to entice her into enjoying a yogurty, fruity concoction served in fun glasses with funky straws. Total bust. Mind you… pitcher of untouched smoothie + coconut rum = a tasty caregiver cocktail. For later in the day. I do not drink Pina Colodas for breakfast. Or while getting caught in the rain. Yesterday, I had a stroke of brilliance. It happens so rarely, I thought I’d share. Avery loves her cereal so piggy backing on that, I replaced the milk with a calorie packed smoothie. Yes. It does look like someone threw up in[…]

Mar 05 2012

If you’re sticking close to home this March Break, you may be looking for something to do with the kids. May I suggest something a little old school? Bowling baby! Five pin, ten pin, rolling pin, it’s all good. Mind you, you may as well have dropped a bowling ball on my toe the last time we went. Ouch — it’s far more expensive than I remember. So scrounge up a coupon or a Groupon if you can. I worried Avery wouldn’t be able to manage the ball, but I was happy to discover the “ramp.” An adult safely puts the ball on the ramp. The little bowler pushes the ball down… …and awaits a STRIKE!! Note the sign that reads, “For your safety please do not cross this line.” That’s there for a reason. Avery stepped over the line to chase her bowling ball down the lane. I followed and we both landed flat on our backs. That waxy floor is mighty slippery. You have been warned. Another thing to watch out for is…little hands in the ball retriever. A hand caught between two balls could be crushed! (Yes, I’m aware of the joke to be made there but[…]

Feb 21 2012

Many parents sleep better at night believing that teens and tweens who commit suicide are hopelessly troubled and come from equally troubled homes. This is not the case. Recently my friends’ daughter came forward to talk about her struggle with clinical depression. She attempted suicide at the age of thirteen. Instead of hiding in the shadows, Alyssa has chosen to share her story. By speaking out, this brave and poised young woman hopes to help other kids her age. If you find comfort in the notion that such a circumstance could never befall your child, you are wrong. Depression is an illness. It can strike anyone, at any age, in any social situation or family dynamic. Alyssa’s home is filled with love and structure and happiness, and yet she wasn’t exempt from this disease. The fact that she has chosen to talk about her experience, and to reach out to others who may benefit from her message, is a testament to the love and support from her family. Here is Alyssa’s story. How mental illness is affecting one teen and one family. http://www.ctv.ca/canadaAMPlayer/index.html?video=615232 Related: Teen suicide in the media Canada AM opens the floor to questions related to mental illness,[…]

Category - Uncategorized

Easter Carnival

Which Mom Are You?

Smoothie Cereal For Picky Eaters

Bowl Me Over

Bringing Teen Depression Into The Light