parents ask

08.23.10
5
It’s hard to believe that almost three years ago to the day, I was feverishly reading all the what you need to know about your baby books in anticipation for the arrival of Prince Baby-Ko. As I made mental lists and actual lists (God, I miss having the time to be anal retentive), I’m pretty sure I declared a whole lot of sheeeyaat that I absolutely thought I would never do…. Yup. At the time, I was pretty sure that *I* would never be the one to discourage teeth brushing at bed time. Cue 2 weeks ago… I’m marching Baby-Ko in to his room after his third attempt ...Read More
A few weeks back, the Executive Producer for Momversation (the sister site to Parents Ask) was teasing me about this protein only diet that I’ve been doing… (Yes, I have been that annoying person in the office responsible for the wafting smell of microwaved turkey bacon and Jarlsberg Lite every morning). So, what was my reason for doing the kind of diet that I typically detest? “I want to get rid of baby weight.” He cocked his head. “Um… How old is Baby-Ko again?” Busted. My kid is starting preschool in the fall. Hello…. Right then and there it occurred to me that I have officially reached my cut off for ...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
I must admit, I don’t even know what a Zhu Zhu is and I certainly can’t fathom sitting down to a game of Mattel’s Mental Mind Flex after a day like today. Granted, my son is only 2 1/2 and is easily entertained by removing every receipt and penny in my wallet and throwing it around the room, so the dire need for “the coolest” toy on the shelves isn’t quite as crucial as it is in some homes. However, when I read about the new Fisher Price “Tablet for Toddlers” that was debuted this past week at the nation’s largest Toy Fair in NYC, I realized I may ...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
After last week’s McDonalds/ “Cryyyyyyyyyyyyy” incident of 2010, I felt like a battered and wounded soldier. I really felt like I had made a decision that could lead to Baby-Ko having issues not only with food for the rest of his life, but major anxiety issues as well. Well, I asked Parents Ask expert Dr. Bonnie Zucker, a psychologist who specializes in anxiety for children and adults, to weigh in. According to Dr. Z, this one incident of stuffing my son’s feelings with happy inducing fried-ness may not result to a life sentence of therapy, buuuuuuut my parenting could use a little finessing… Check out her advice HERE! http://www.parentsask.com/parenting/anxiety/french-fries-wont-kill-your-kid.html
Every now and again, we, parents, have one of “those” nights…. Those nights that test your patience… Those nights that test your skill… And those nights that tug at your heartstrings… Last night, I had one of those nights. Yes. All of the above. At some point in the late afternoon, I got a call from my babysitter “Ash-a-Wee” saying she had an emergency and if it was okay, she needed the evening off. This meant that she wouldn’t be able to pick up Baby-Ko from day care at 4:30pm. Just to preface, day care closes at 5:30 on the dot but Ash-a-Wee picks Baby-Ko up M-F at 4:30 or earlier. ...Read More
Every year, every goddamn year, I make A LIST. Sometimes it’s just in my head. Other times it’s on paper. But every year, the list IS MADE. Every year I resolve to do more, do less, be something. Well, I wish I could say that this year “the list” can suck it and I’m going to spend 2010 being exactly as I am… But alas, I can’t… Because if there was any year that needs to be put to rest, tweaked, and given a complete overhaul, it is 2009. Yep. See ya bitches. Here’s what I’m doing in 2010: 1) Hitting Less Curbs. I personally think I’m a fine driver. ...Read More