Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in pittsburgh, PA

OTC Medicine and Children: An Interview with Chandra Wilson

by Jennifer Signore

May 11, 2009

The lovely Caroline of Being Savvy Tampa was recently offered an exciting opportunity to be part of a mom blogger interview with Chandra Wilson, the very talented actor who plays Dr. Bailey on the hit television drama, Grey's Anatomy.  Chandra Wilson is the spokesperson for the Treat with Care Campaign, an initiative from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) to advocate for the safe use of children's over the counter medication (OTCs).  Caroline was gracious enough to share the information from the interview with a few other Savvy city editors, and I am glad to bring the interview right here to Being Savvy Pittsburgh.  Plus, I love Chandra's character on Grey's Anatomy, so this lets me live vicariously through Caroline.

As many of you know, the FDA changed its OTC recommendations, especially with cough and cold medicines, as they relate to children and now suggests they only be used for children four and older (previously, labels recommended use for ages two and older).  I know that many of us have wondered how we can help our children when they are sick without inadvertently harming them with medications.   That's exactly why the Treat With Care Campaign was launched.

Now, on to the interview with Chandra Wilson (as told by Caroline).

Chandra greeted us all warmly and was clearly happy to speak with us. She spoke to us not as the character she plays on "Greys", but as just another concerned mom. Each of us took turns asking questions about her use of OTCs and how we should be more cautious. She suggested the following tips while using OTCs.

*Read labels and never give your child more than the recommended dose
*Store medications out of reach AND out of sight of your children. The flavors can be enticing, so she even turns the labels with the cute grapes inward
*Never use an OTC for children younger than the recommended age of four or under (unless prescribed otherwise by a doctor)
*Never use adult medications for children
*Never use any medication for the purpose of making your child sleepy

Chandra also explained that OTC medications are dangerous when parents misuse them or children have taken them on their own and over-dosed. In fact, the FDA found this was occurring more often with children under the age of 4, hence the changes on labels. She told us that this campaign is simply just a good reminder to everyone about how we should administer OTCs - they are safe if they are used correctly and per the FDA's recommendations.

Finally, I did ask Chandra how she balances such a busy work schedule with being a mother to three children. She explained that she has a great support team in place. She has a day to day schedule and tries to stick with it. And while she has a plan in place, she always makes room for the human factor. Things can change daily and she tries to accommodate accordingly. Sometimes her kids might come to work or maybe one has to get to camp - whatever it is, she just tries to make room for it just like we all do.

It was a joy to speak with Chandra - I appreciated how real and relaxed the conversation was. Because she is not a doctor, she is a working mom just like so many of us. We laughed about our kids, we swapped stories and we talked about how important it is to protect our children. At the end of our half hour, I was truly a little sad to say
good-bye.

Thanks to the CHPA for offering me the opportunity speak to Chandra about the Treat with Care Campaign. And if you want to see more from Chandra, click here to watch her Treat with Care PSA about over the counter medication safety.

******
 
 

Review: The Essential Breastfeeding Log

by Jennifer Signore

May 04, 2009

Last week at the Savvy Source, we talked about getting the kids to eat well and how make the family meal a reality.  Today, I'd like to take a step back to our kids' earliest days and talk about breastfeeding.  I am not going to get into the merits of nursing versus formula feeding.  But, what I do want to offer is my review of a new tool for nursing moms, The Essential Breastfeeding Log, by Sarah Bowen Shea and Suzanne Schlosberg. 

Whether you are a new mom or have been through the ropes, the Essential Breastfeeding Log can help to get you through those days when getting showered and dressed are monumental tasks.  One of the first sections of the book shares the authors' top ten tips for successful breastfeeding.  Many other books offer hints and tips, but what this book offers is a sense of reality.  When I saw that Tip #1 was "Remember: Just Because It's Natural Doesn't Mean It's Easy" I knew that it was a guide that spoke my language. 

The log itself is well designed and is separated by week and then by day.  On each day you can log the time of each feeding, how much time was spent on each breast (a great tool when you get to the next feeding and can't remember on which side to start), the amount pumped (if applicable), and tally up the wet and dirty diapers.  The authors give advice on how you might use each section of the log but go on to say that you should use it in whatever way helps you.  I appreciate their understanding that not every mom wants to chart every single item on the list.  Starting in Week 7, the log also provides a space where moms can chart their own activities, like exercise, "me" time, and a brief food log.  This is also the time at which the log provides a section to log sleep time.  I know that my kids had very erratic sleep schedules for at least two months, and an acknowledgment of how difficult it is to track newborn sleep patterns by leaving that detail out of the early charts should be a comfort for many moms.

One thing I would change is the way the days are numbered.  Week 1 starts with "Monday" and a blank for the date.  However, not all children are born on a Monday.  I would suggest that in subsequent editions, the authors leave both the day and date spaces blank.  And, while it is not necessarily a birth log, I would have liked to see a page at the beginning of the charting section for some thoughts and reflections on the birth as well as the first nursing session.  Those minor critiques aside, had the Essential Breastfeeding Log been available when my children were born, I would have considered it a necessary addition to my rocker-side table. 

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a complimentary copy of the Essential Breastfeeding Log in exchange for my review.  I am giving that copy to a chart-loving friend currently expecting her first child. 

About the Authors:

Suzanne Schlosberg is the author of seven other books, including The Ultimate Workout Log and Fitness for Dummies. She has contributed to magazines for more than 15 years, including Shape, Health, Natural Health, Women's Health, Fitness, and Fit Pregnancy. Suzanne nursed her twin boys, and kept a log of her own making to keep her sane and get the boys on a schedule.

Sarah Bowen Shea has been a contributing writer for Fit Pregnancy since its inception. She has also written for The New York Times, Self, Shape, Glamour, Health, Parenting, American Baby, Real Simple, Women's Health, and Baby Talk. Sarah nursed each of her three children and knows first-hand the need for a breastfeeding log and organizer. 

Time-Saving Tips to Bring Back the Family Meal

by Jennifer Signore

April 28, 2009

If your home is anything like mine, it seems like everyone is always heading off in different directions.  Whether you are a working parent or not, pulling together a family meal can sometimes be a daunting task.  But it doesn't have to be.  I think for a lot of families the time required to prepare a family meal creates the biggest barrier (especially when the kids are young-when you have teenagers, you may need a different strategy entirely).  This week at the Savvy Source, we are talking about food with the family, so here are a few ideas to help you make the meal a reality without losing your mind.

Do The Prep Work in Advance

Even a simple recipe can take a while if it involves a lot of fresh ingredients that have to be peeled, chopped, or otherwise prepared.  Because fresh foods are such an important part of a family diet, make them easier to use by preparing some in advance.  Most foods can be prepped a day early as long as they are stored properly.  Let's say that you want to make a quick stir fry for the family on Tuesday.  Monday night you can chop all of the veggies and store them in a sealed container (add a touch of moisture if you think they might dry out).  Then chop the meat (or tofu) and store in a different container (I sometimes use a baggie for raw meat and then toss-avoids any potential contamination).  If your sauce is homemade, make that, too.  Then, on Tuesday you need only fill the rice cooker (a necessity in our house) and cook the prepared items.   

Use the Crockpot

I know that I have mentioned this appliance before, but it bears repeating.  Many a hot meal in our home has been a result of slow cooking.   Use the hint above and then morning assembly is easy.  If you have a removable crock, you can even assemble the night before and store in your refrigerator.  Who doesn't want to come home to the smell of a cooked dinner.  Plus, for the summer months, it doesn't heat up the whole kitchen!

Cook Two Meals at Once

Now you think I'm crazy because if you don't have time to cook one meal, how on earth will you cook two?  Well, on those days when you do have time to cook, make the most of your kitchen time.  If you are making one lasagna, make two.   Make your pot of chili extra large.   Let tomorrow's dinner simmer while you are eating tonight's.  And the best tip related to this practice?  Freeze a bunch of the food.  That way when your day is extra crazy and you come home to realize that there are no prepped foods and no crock pot meal, you can turn to your freezer and have a hot meal ready in no time.   

A Meal Doesn't Have to Be Hot (or Complicated)

That being said, a family meal doesn't have to be a hot meal.  It's a time to get together, share your day with each other, and reconnect.  Have a salad, or sandwiches, or (gasp) take out.  True, it's a lot healthier if you make your own food.  But picking up a pizza on occasion is not the end of the world.  Especially if it gives you a moment to breathe and enjoy the people with which you share your home. 

There's More Than One Meal in a Day

Everyone seems to imagine dinner when they think of the family meal.  But if you know that your day is going to be especially crazy, get everyone together for breakfast.  It's all about the time together, not the exact food items in front of you or the time of day.  Cherish it, and make it happen when you can.

What do you do to make the family meal a reality in your home? 

Seminar on Raising Kids: Dan Kindlon

by Jennifer Signore

March 30, 2009

I think a lot of us worry that we are spoiling our kids with too many toys or videos or clothes.  Is it going to make a difference in the long run or are we worrying about a lot of nothing?  If you'd like to learn more about this topic from an expert in the field, then check out the Sewickley Seminar Series this week for a talk by Dan Kindlon, PhD, child psychologist and adjunct professor at Harvard University.  The seminar advertisement has this to say:

As co-author of the best-selling book, Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age, Dr. Kindlon examines groundbreaking research that reveals the detrimental effect of overindulgence on American children. He identifies patterns of behavior common among children of affluent times, known as the "seven syndromes of indulgence," and encourages family dynamics that foster accountability and strong, meaningful relationships. Dan is a clinical and research psychologist specializing in child and adolescent behavior and a former professor of child psychology at Harvard University. He is the author of other best-sellers including Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys and Alpha Girl: Understanding the New American Girl and How She is Changing the World.

You can hear about Dr. Kindlon's book at two events this week:

Tuesday, March 31
Book Discussion-10:00 to 11:00a.m.
Penguin Bookshop in downtown Sewickley
Discussion of Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an
Indulgent Age

Thursday, April 2
Evening Presentation - 7:30 pm - Rea Auditorium at Sewickley Academy
"Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age"
Reception to follow
Please register in advance if possible

I can't make the events, but I do plan to check out his book.  I'll let you know once I've read it.  If you get to the event or have read his book(s), please share your thoughts in the comments section!

Coming Soon: The New Children's Hospital

by Jennifer Signore

March 23, 2009

This week and next at the Savvy Source, we'll be talking about getting the kids out and about-especially now that spring is here.  Unfortunately, for some families, kids running about translates into a trip to the emergency room.  While I truly hope that you don't find yourself in that situation, I wanted to let you know that the new Children's Hospital campus will be opening officially on May 2, 2009.  So, in another two months, any needs you might have at Children's will need to happen in Lawrenceville.

The new campus was designed, in part, to address a number of issues that could not be addressed at the old campus due to the age and construction of the building.  The ultimate focus of Children's is to transform the lives of the young people it serves, and the new campus demonstrates their commitment to this goal. 

The massive 10-acre campus in the heart of Lawrenceville includes the main hospital area, offices for faculty members, research facilities, family housing, and three parking garages.  If you want some more of the nitty gritty, check out the fact sheet.  One element that I am happiest with is the fact that all patient rooms are private and include furnishings for parents to stay the night with their child.  My son was an inpatient for four days when he was a year old, and while the hospital staff was amazing (truly-I gave them a glowing review on a post-release phone survey), the shared room was a nightmare and the sleeper chair was not conducive to, well, sleeping.  So, while I hope we don't have to take advantage of the private rooms for our kids, it's awesome knowing that they are there.

Other elements that make me happy are the environmental consciousness of the entire campus.  The green elements that have been incorporated will make the area trees smile.  Another perk is that the hospital is designed as a quiet building.  When you are trying to heal patients in the middle of an urban landscape, you want to eliminate as much of the outside sound as possible.  That's a given.  What has also happened with the design is that individual patient rooms have been "quieted down."  Monitors don't produce audible beeping and noise and, while it isn't necessarily a noise issue, much of the patient monitoring can be done remotely either from the nurse's station or from observation windows at the patient rooms.  

If you want to check out the campus for yourself, you can take the virtual tour.  Or, if you're like me, and want to see the building in person, you can sign up for a community preview on Sunday, April 5.  One-hour, self-guided tours will take place between the hours of 11:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. (the last tour leaves at 3:30p.m.  The tour is free and open to all, but to reduce congestion, you are required to register in advance for a specific time and you will need to show your printed registration at the door.

See you there!

Nutrition for Parents and Giveaway

by Jennifer Signore

March 09, 2009

Being a parent is a busy job, whether you stay at home with the kids or work full time outside the house (like me).  We always want to give the best to our kids, and sometimes we get so focused on taking care of them that we forget to take care of ourselves.  It's much easier to just clean off the kids' plate (and less wasteful, too-right?) than to take the time to make ourselves a healthy meal or snack.  I do it too-guilty as charged.  But what options are there when you feel like your last nerve is being rubbed raw and it's not even noon?  Today's guest posters, Bonnie Johnson and Deanna Segrave-Daly, serve up five great ways parents can maintain a healthy lifestyle even in the midst of all the childhood chaos.  As registered dieticians, they know the ins and outs of good nutrition.  Even more important, they are moms who understand that our busy, crazy schedules means we need quick, manageable solutions - and all the help we can get.

------------------------------

5 Basic Boosts for Busy Parents
From Two Spicy Moms
Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD and Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, LDN (on behalf of trim®)

(1) Kick Up Your Heels - Don't make exercise a daunting chore. Have a 20-minute dance party with the kids. Everyone gets to pick one song. Try out different rhythms or steps like hula, cha-cha, the twist or the oldie-but-goodie chicken dance.

(2) Faster Fruits- Often, we are so focused on getting our children to eat healthy, we forget about ourselves (sound familiar?) And most of us need to at least double our daily dose of fruit. So, instead of trying to count that strawberry cheesecake as a serving, try:

1/2 cup applesauce - Add a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg

1 can of trim® Juice drink - New from Tree Top, one can counts as a 1/2 cup of fruit serving and comes in yum flavors like Mango Peach and Strawberry Kiwi)

1/4 cup dried fruit - Try tossed into cereal, over a salad or eaten on the go

(3) Satiety is the new buzzword in healthy eating-it's that feeling of satisfaction after a meal or snack. It makes sense - if you are satisfied longer, you won't scarf down those extra calories you really don't need (like the remnants of junior's PB&J.) Fiber has great satiating power.  Shoot for getting more fiber by  choosing cereals with five grams or more fiber per serving, tossing a can of beans into a pasta dish,  having a small bowl of popcorn  or enjoying a single serve can of trim® which has three grams of fiber per serving.

(4) Get Some Extra Zs - That's sounds dreamy but how do you get your head on the pillow when  you are multitasking long after the kids are in bed? Research shows that a good night sleep can reduce stress, improve your memory and even increase your success at weight loss. While experts recommend at least 8 hours a night, start by going to bed just 15 minutes early. Do that every night for a month - and see how you feel (and if you can up it another 15 minutes.) And yes, this is one of Deanna's New Year's resolutions.

(5) Cover Your Bases - As dietitians, we recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from food first. But as moms, we know you can't have it all. Add a basic multivitamin to your morning routine just to be sure. But remember, it's called a supplement because it SUPPLEMENTS your diet (rather than replaces food) - and really, we're all about keeping as much tasty and healthy food in your diet as possible!)

Trim is not yet available in the Pittsburgh market, but if you would like to try some for yourself, you can win a Trim sample pack.  All you have to do is leave a comment on the wall or ask a question on the discussion board at Trim's Facebook page.  Then, send me an e-mail letting me know what you said/asked.  The first five people to respond with a FB post and e-mail to me will receive the Trim sample packs.  It's that easy.

An Interview with Emme

by Jennifer Signore

February 23, 2009

Recently, a group of Savvy city editors conducted an interview with plus-size supermodel Emme of emmestyle.com.  As we kick off National Eating Disorders Awareness Week today, Emme's insights on weight bias and self-esteem give us a lot of food for thought (pardon the pun).  Many thanks to Naomi (Savvy Cleveland) for finding the opportunity and coordinating the interview.

SAVVY:  How did you become involved with Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity? 

EMME:  I met Kelly Brownell a few years ago.  I was very much influenced and made aware of his impact in food policy and his efforts over the years.  I have always viewed Kelly as a professional and the voice of reason.  Whenever I had to speak on this subject, I would get his perspective.  In the past two years, the Rudd Center was developed to be able to really take a stand in the prejudice and discrimination with obesity.  We're very lucky in this country to have Leslie Rudd, Kelly Brownell, and the Rudd Center. 

SAVVY:  What is weight bias? Why is it such a growing problem in the US? 

EMME:  The issue with childhood obesity is that it has doubled in the past 20 years, and 30% of adults are obese.  One in five children are overweight.  The obesity rate in teenagers has tripled in the last 20 years.  If you read the studies, you find that children who are obese have the same type of feeling as a child going through cancer treatments.  They get mobbed and they are verbally assaulted by their parents, other friends, coaches, and teachers.  To think that these kids are walking around feeling this way makes it no wonder that they have a high dropout percentage.  It is vitally important that government take it past the point of just talking about it.  Right now, nothing is really being done behind the scenes.

SAVVY:  How can we help reduce weight bias at home and at school? 

EMME:  Exactly what we're doing right now.  We're talking to different avenues in the media.  Openly communicating about the issue.  It is definitely not about keeping silent.  It is definitely about encouraging the conversation around the kitchen table.  It is about talking to kids who are not obese as well as talking to kids who are obese.  As a society, we need to treat each other better. If families were better aware of these issues, when children see that teasing going on in the classroom, on the playground, in bathroom stalls, it would be easier to deal with the situation.

When they see an obese child, encourage your child to stand up for that child.  We need to have more peer-to-peer efforts working in our favor. Open communication.  I use the sunflower idea often.  Imagine a field where all the flowers are sunflowers.  Even though they are pretty, that would be pretty dull.  We need all different types of flowers in the world.  We need the world to look different.  When obesity is kept a secret, it really does lead a child down a really, really bad road.

Be aware - as parents - how YOU speak to children about obese people in the movies, in a restaurant, in an image.  As a mother myself, I am aware that 80% of women aren't satisfied with their bodies so a lot of negative talk is going on just inside the home ... telling children that our self-esteem is surrounded just by our body image and shape.

The last week of February 23 - 27 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

SAVVY: How do you talk to your children about the negative advertising by diet companies and negative media?

EMME:  I tell them that the companies are trying to sell us a product for us to buy and make us believe that it will fix you...but not everyone can look like that.  They are trying to influence you.  When you buy that product, it probably won't do what it's supposed to do.  Once again, are we ALL supposed to look the same?  Look at mommy.  Look at mommy's friend so and so.  Bring up real life examples of how everyone looks differently.

Use your voice when you see negative ads.  Write to companies and news stations about the advertising and tell them to stop.

SAVVY:  What do you hope to accomplish with emmestyle.com?

EMME:  Emmestyle.com is about to take a very large leap and create a revolution.  I can't tell you everything, but it's going to be more than anything has ever been.  It will become a site for women that have been neglected. It will be THE plus-size destination.  There will be a plethora of women there who love themselves.  We are in the midst of getting into the down and dirty of creating this revolution.  Join as a member and we'll keep you posted about all of the changes.

SAVVY:  Your motto, "Shattering the Myth," is a great one - how can we personalize that in our own small towns and with our immediate families?

EMME:  You can instill change by doing a call to action--ask every member to write a letter about a specific offensive ad, for example.  A lot of times people get away with things because they are not being held accountable.  Don't be a couch coach, take that finger and point it towards yourself--what are YOU going to do about the situation?  Use your voices, it will make such a change, especially with the Internet.  Women and mothers can come together and make a change with the Internet

Specifically concerning your children: regularly ask your child, "How was your day?"  Keep your ear attuned - if you hear anything about teasing or anything about body size, listen.  Try so hard to not react to it or make excuses for it. Simply listen neutrally because then they will be able to tell you what's going on and you'll then have a bit of time to give words of advice.   Children that are just below being obese, that aren't thin-thin, they are affected too.  When talking to overweight children and being supportive, point out their strengths ... tell them, you are a creative soul, you are a great chef, you are an awesome swimmer, etc.

Get away from the physicality and focus on their strengths.

Talk to the teacher and communicate with the teachers to let them know it's happening.  The more people you talk to, the louder the issue is heard.  If you can come together and not cause blame, the issue can be closed down faster.

it is important that we have more positive role models ... this is a challenge - not just celebrities, but role models in the child's life that happen to have curves on their bodies ... all of the role models that are currently out there in mass media are extremely thin....

SAVVY:  What do you hope the videos will accomplish in the fight against weight bias?

EMME:  To increase public awareness of its consequences.  There are two videos ... one geared towards teachers/parents and one geared towards the medical community.  Surprisingly enough, there is quite a bit of weight discrimination between doctor and patient!

The other goal is to try and change the negative attitudes about obese individuals and replace it with tolerance and respect.  It's awfully hard in this culture right now when there is such loathing and fear around food.  It's hard to ask any of us overnight to just be nice and be kind. There needs to be so much more education and exposure, so many more conversations, and so much more knowledge.

SAVVY:  Where can we find out more information about weight bias? 

EMME:  The Rudd Center's Website, yaleruddcenter.org. When you visit the Website, please sign up for their newsletter.  I constantly throw stuff over to my Facebook page on the things I learn about there.  There are incredible studies and all of the horrible things happening relating to obesity discrimination.  Our culture is not yet at a place where there is tolerance, so we really need to sit down at our own tables and talk about this. 

SAVVY:  What if your child is suffering from being isolated because of his or her weight?  How can you support them while getting any help they may need? 

EMME:  Parents should provide open communication, good and bad.  Listen and be neutral.  Let them download.  When you're driving them home from school and you hear chitter-chatter or the kids are having snacks, a lot of information is going down there.  Check in regularly with the teachers.  Is there any teasing or bullying going on?  Remind the child of their strengths-you are strong, kind, empathetic, creative, you think really quickly on your feet, etc.-instead of using their body as the variance for their self-esteem for the day. 

Also, check with your school to make sure that the anti-bullying at your schools also covers obesity and weight related teasing. 

SAVVY:  How can we set a good example to our children in terms of weight bias?

EMME:  You want to be able to find positive role models for your children ... people with diversified figures that still do amazing things.  Just because they have curves doesn't mean they are not role models.  Find those role models and bring them up to your children over and over.  

SAVVY:  When did you first begin struggling with weight?

EMME:  I always joke that I was born a size 12.  I was never an extremely thin model; I was a size 12 walking in to my jobs.   I was extremely athletic, that was my gift, but my gift covered an eating disorder.  At a very young age, I knew what diets were all about.  I purged through athleticism.  If eating was a bar, that bar kept getting higher and higher.  I was very confident on camera and in the role I had taken on, but when I was alone, I was beating myself up that I wasn't doing enough.  I finally said that I needed to get off of the train.  I had a meal, and needed to go workout.

SAVVY:  What did you learn, culturally, about being a mother from your experiences in Saudi Arabia?

EMME:  I think I found my voice from the experiences of living there - where women were required to be covered and shrouded.  It goes way beyond that.  It is a complete lack in self esteem in that culture.  When you are together with the women with no men around, hammam - the bathing areas - where we were able to be together without the shroud, there was a lively bit of self esteem - there was no body bashing.  Predominantly, if the women were from a middle class family, you found that they had average body shape, if not more rounded.  I think what I took from that culture is that, my gosh--here we are in America, we have GOT to use our voices where we are allowed to use them.  We must continue to speak out about what we're passionate about.  What I found from my living there was that the acceptance of one's self needs to be how everyone feels.  And "back off" to anyone else who wants to tell me to look any differently.

***

We need to get this whole issue with obesity down pat and be able to get some exposure about the inequities in medicine and school.  Women have a double whammy going on.  It's not as easy for women to adapt to society, and if she's obese, she's completely out.  We need to be able to be advocates for one another.  This is not just about obesity, it's about women.  It's about all of us standing up to support each other.

It's a call to action to all citizens ... this discrimination kills people.

Perspectives on Junk Food

by Jennifer Signore

January 12, 2009

I was doing a casual read on some of my regular blogs and came across a post over at Shapely Prose that might be a good read for anyone dealing with weight issues. If you do not struggle with weight, give it a read anyway--it gives some interesting insights into indulgences and deprivation. One topic it addresses, and the reason I am bringing it to your attention, is food choices  Read more...

Tools for the busy parent

by Jennifer Signore

January 08, 2009

I don't know about you, but I am often left wondering what to do when a new situation arises with my kids. I have enough parenting time under my belt to wing it, but what do you do when something really odd happens or if you are a new parent without that terribly heavy toolbelt to carry around? Well, you go out and get some new tools, that's what! I know that there are many parenting  Read more...

Focus on The Things That Matter

by Jennifer Signore

January 06, 2009

As parents of preschoolers, we do hundreds of things on a daily basis in the process of raising our kids.   Some of those things won't matter worth a hill of beans in ten years and others could make a lasting impression.   Do you know the difference?   Do you worry about whether you're getting it right?   I know that I worry about things like this, but to save my sanity, I've tried to  Read more...

Child Safety Kit

by Jennifer Signore

December 18, 2008

At this time of year, life is crazy with shopping, cooking, decorating, baking, and all of the little tasks that make the holidays special. That means it is also the perfect time to talk about safety with your kids. Before you decide that I am crazy, stop and think about when most accidents occur. When we are distracted because we are busy? Exactly. And that is just what the holidays tend  Read more...

Surviving Holiday Preparations

by Jennifer Signore

December 01, 2008

We have no sooner recovered from Turkey Day and we find ourselves neck deep in preparations for the winter holidays. No matter the holiday you celebrate, you probably find yourselves completely worn out by the time the holiday actually arrives. Am I right? Or is it just me? What I would like to offer today is a list of things that help me minimize holiday stress. As a working mom, I am  Read more...

Tough Topics: Let Mister Rogers Help

by Jennifer Signore

November 20, 2008

tough topic? let Mister Rogers help As most of us know too well, life can be full of things that are difficult to explain to a small child. And to complicate matters further, most preschoolers are innately curious and are full of questions. So, when something unpleasant arises, how exactly can you answer the inevitable questions without causing more distress? Family Communications  Read more...