parenting

12.22.11
0
Recently many family members asked me what Jonah wants for Chanukah. I would often respond with a “he doesn’t need anything” (an answer that grandmothers cannot accept) and follow up with “okay, um….okay… he’s in to robots and science stuff…” But at a recent westside “be a better parent” group, I learned from the jedi parenting master that 4 year olds are in such a “gimme gimme” stage, that now would be the time to talk to them about giving back. That instead of them telling us all the things they want and need, we should encourage them to think about what we can do or give to others. So I ...Read More
11.10.11
2
So…. you know how I tried that whole “go to your room and spew obscenities” thing a couple weeks back? Well, yeah… So it worked. For a brief period… For a few days, I went without hearing my little 38 pound mad scientist/dictator grunt his favorite one word: “fuckit.” When he needed to get out the “dammits” and the “assholes,” he fled to his room for some quality-tourrettes- alone-time and re-emerged relieved and ready to talk about worldly and important things like how we need to start bringing money to school because they’re trying to help “the poor HOPEless people” or how in heaven WE (me and him) will “share ...Read More
When it comes to invitations of any kind, I do try to take some consideration when it comes to RSVPing. Ironically, I pulled a big RSVP “no no” just yesterday. Weeks ago, I had responded “Yes” to a 1st birthday party. Apparently, I had also responded “Yes” to plans to go to the Zoo with the entire family. DUH. Today, Lisa Gache of Beverly Hills Manners and I discuss RSVP etiquette… clearly, I need to heed my own advice! > Manners Monday: RSVP! from lisagache on Vimeo. Lisa’s RSVP Tips! Ø Keep Track of Your Invites. Once you receive an invitation, you should RSVP within 24-48 hours of its receipt. This system helps to ...Read More
I recently started blogging for a fantastic website called GalTime. Thought I’d share with you a post I wrote about being a single mom and how it’s all too easy to live in “woe is me” land. While I certainly wouldn’t consider myself the poster child for single mothers everywhere (as all of our journeys are so very different), I will say that I think my advice, though simple and very literal, could help ease some of the anxieties that all moms face- single, separated, divorced, dating or happily hitched. Looking forward to your thoughts…. **** Single Moms: How to Minimize the “Woe is Me” By Jennifer Brandt on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 While the ...Read More
05.05.10
1
As mentioned a few weeks ago, I have officially become a single mom. This change in status not only comes with a slew of complex emotions and sadly, hairier legs, but also an onslaught of incessant mommy guilt…. which, as a working parent, who happens to work in the world of parenting, it can feel a little overwhelming. So, with a 2.5 year old little boy, my sensitivity level to what might ultimately eff him up for life (due to said divorce) is at an all time high… That said, I think it’s gone too far and Baby-Ko knows it. The kid is playing me. He hears the guilt ...Read More
Have you ever been at the gym and seen a really unfit looking trainer and wondered where THAT person gets off telling THIS person how to get in shape? Well, between you and me, I think I’m “that unfit trainer” in the world of parenting. As the Managing Editor of Parents Ask, I have access to incredible experts, information, and answers—I have resources on how to/why to parent this way or that way at my fingertips. I hear it. I read it. I know it. Yet, in my own little world of all things cheerios and triple paste, I can’t say that I always look and act the ...Read More
No matter how hard I try, my mornings with Baby-Ko are usually a little harried… especially when he wakes up at 5:36am ready to play doctor. (Oh, have I mentioned he likes to pretend that he works at a “Hop-tical” now?) Despite my attempts to have everything from food, to clothes to morning rituals laid out and planned ahead, there is one thing I have zero control over: his mood. This morning: He. Was. In. A. Mood. Gave him the play dough (reserved for his table/ but played with on the couch).Gave him a lollipop (reserved for dinner/ but given before breakfast).Gave him a basket of my old makeup (reserved for the ...Read More