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June 2008
Got cute kids? Tips for perfect picture-taking
Let’s face it moms, we all think we have the cutest baby or kid in the world. In fact, I’m quite sure my two kids are the most adorable children to ever walk (or crawl) the face of this planet.
Some of us go to great lengths to prove it to the world — by this I mean entering those cute baby/cute kid contests. Parents magazine is currently looking for the cutest kid in America.
If you’re on a mission to prove it’s your kid, you better brush up on your photo-taking skills so you can capture the perfect moment that will really showcase your child’s inner and outer beauty. Or maybe you just really want to impress your family and friends with the perfect scrapbook.
Sharon Elcock, who has organized hundreds of photo shoots for Parents magazine, shares these basic picture-taking tips:
Take photos with a really simple, but pretty background. No one wants to look at dirty dishes in your kitchen sink (hmm, guess this counts me out). Instead, go for natural scenery in front of lush greenery or pretty flowers.
No pictures with food on the face. Cute for grandma’s refrigerator — not so much for the judges.
Try to capture your child in a care-free, happy moment. Photos that are too staged usually don’t show you’re child’s true energy and personality.
No extreme close-ups. It makes it hard to see the whole child.
Try taking pictures using interesting, fun angles.
And before you enter that next beautiful baby/child contest, why not share your photos with local moms at 937/513moms.com
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Wiggles coming to Columbus on Aug. 13, plus more kiddie shows
Hey moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas — this could be a dream come true — or your worst nightmare depending on how you look at it.
The Wiggles are coming to Ohio. That’s right. Your four favorite (or not so favorite) Australian goofballs are coming to Columbus in August in a live stage show. Scheduled to appear are Anthony, Jeff, Murray, Sam (who replaced Greg as the Yellow Wiggle in 2006 — though Wiggles programs featuring Greg still air on the Disney Channel) plus pals Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Captain Feathersword the friendly pirate.
So act quick. Tickets for “Pop Go The Wiggles Live” at Nationwide Arena on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 6:30 p.m. go on sale for the general public on Monday, June 23 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster. There’s a 10-ticket limit per household. All kids who’ve reached their first birthday and older will need a ticket. Prices range from $20 to $40.
A couple upcoming kiddie shows in Dayton:
Check out Sesame Street Live with Elmo and the gang Sept. 4-7 at Hara Arena. Tickets for all performances range from $12-$25. Looking for a deal? All seats will be $12 on opening night. Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 21 at 10 a.m. All children who’ve reached their first birthday and older will need a ticket. Tickets will be available at the Hara box office or at Ticketmaster.
See Kidz Bop Live, a rock concert for kids, at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering. If you’re not familiar with Kidz Bop (though you’ve probably seen commercials for the CDs on TV), the schtick is kids performing today’s popular Top 40 hits. Featuring local participants, dance contests, video screens and song voting, kids will be the biggest part of the show — and kids and parents both are encouraged to get up and sing and dance along. Tickets range from $15-20 and are available at at Ticketmaster.
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I’m raising a bully
My almost 4-year-old daughter has suddenly decided she’s the boss — especially when it comes to ordering around her 6 1/2-year-old cousin.
For years, Sophie and her cousin have been best playmates. They typically get together several days a week for a playdate at grandma and grandpa’s house. They put on their dress-up high heels, push around their dolls and stuffed bears in strollers, play house, pretend to be superheros, go “chalking” on the sidewalk and swing “high as the sky” on the swings in the back yard or at the park.
It’s so sweet to watch them together… well, most of the time.
All bets are off when it comes to sharing the big wheel and scooter. Playtime suddenly isn’t so sweet.
My Sophie has decided that the big wheel and scooter are hers (though they really belong to her cousin). Let’s just say the sharing isn’t going so well.
In fact, this goes far beyond whining and bickering over a turn. Sophie has gone as far as pushing her cousin off the big wheel in demand of her turn.
“But she wasn’t sharing,” Sophie pleads, as if this made pushing her cousin off the big wheel perfectly acceptable.
Ayyyyy.
Some background: I typically work until about 7 p.m., so much of the time I’m not around when the girls are playing together. Daddy takes Sophie to grandma’s, and inevitably I end up on the phone reinforcing my husband’s “share nice” lectures after an incident that usually leaves one or both in tears.
Earlier this week, I received the following phone call from my husband while at work:
Husband: “You won’t believe what Sophie just said.”
Me: “Uh-oh. Now, what?”
Husband: “She told Julia as we were leaving, ‘You can have your scooter back now. I’m leaving. I’ll be back tomorrow to be the boss of you again.’ “
Me: “WHAT??????????”
When I asked to speak to Sophie on the phone, she seemed somewhat proud of her “domination.” Let’s just say when I got home we had a long talk about how we treat the people we love, and everyone for that matter.
Funny thing is Sophie only seems to exhibit this behavior with Julia. At preschool, her teachers tell me she’s quiet, but very friendly and gets along well with all the kids. “Sophie’s everyone’s friend,” her teacher told me at the year-end conference. At home and at her other grandma and grandpa’s house during the day, she’s sweet as can be about 95 percent of the time (they all have their moments).
She’s also very mothering to her baby brother and her younger cousin, Taylor. She also plays very nicely with the kids in the neighborhood.
I’m afraid my in-laws are going to get the wrong impression of their granddaughter if this behavior continues. I don’t know what it is about the recent dynamic with Julia, but hopefully we can stop this bad behavior soon. Advice, anyone?
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What age is right for a cell phone?
So I’m caving — but just a little bit — on buying a cell phone for my 12-year-old son. We had set 13 as the “golden age of the cell phone,” but to tell you the truth, he did so well on his last report card — bringing up three grades from interims! — that I think he deserves the reward.
We have been wavering on this for some time. Our poor mistreated son has been begging for a phone since fourth grade. Although he swore he was the only sixth-grader on the planet without one, I highly doubt that was the case.
In general the boy is a responsible person, but my husband is old school. He half-jokingly suggested that to prove himself worthy of carrying a phone, son would have to carry a chalkboard eraser in his back pocket for three months without losing it!
For us the time is now: He’ll be a big junior high student soon and involved in sports and socializing. He’ll get a longer leash, but I want to be able to give him a call and jerk him back when I need to.
What age is too young for a cell phone? Did I wait too long? Not long enough? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’ll post any responses when I get back from TWO WEEKS IN FRANCE! — the kids and I are flying out of Dayton in a few hours. Wish me luck.
Au revoir!
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Three things to do with your kids in Dayton June 15-21
Summer’s here. The kids are home, and chances are they’re already tired of riding their bikes, swinging on the swingset or splashing in that wading pool. If you’re looking for a bit of variety, check out these three ideas for things to do this week (June 15-21, 2008):
See a massive turtle: One of the last remaining giant alligator snapping turtles in the world is coming to town from Monday, June 16, through June 21 at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton. Take advantage of this limited opportunity to see this 165-pound creature who’s 150 years old. Admission to the museum is $8.50 for adults, $7 for seniors and adults. Plus, check out the super-cool Chinasaurs exhibit while you’re there.
Explore nature’s beauty: Check out butterfies, frogs, fish, plants and more at Wegerzyn’s Children’s Discovery Garden. The park includes drop-in activities that last 20-40 minutes such as storytimes, flower tours, vegetable gardening, wildlife feeding and more. Registration will not be taken as these activities are designed for casual drop-in participation (perfect for our more hectic lifestyles). The park is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue in Dayton. The children’s area is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Rubber duck race: Wanna see 15,000 rubber ducks in the Great Miami River? Don’t miss the 5th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 18. A benefit for United Rehabilitation Services, all proceeds will benefit infants, children and adults with disabilities or others with special needs in the region. This race is held in conjunction with the Lite 99.9 Listener Appreciation Lunch and will include live entertainment, food and vendors, as well as fun family-oriented activities. Admission is free, but you can adopt a duck and benefit this local charity for $5 (plus, you could win prize such as a $2,500 Kroger gift card or airplane tickets. Don’t forget to adopt your duck beforehand.
Do you have the inside scoop on any cool events for kids? Share your ideas here.
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What to do for the dads in our lives for Father’s Day
I don’t know about you, but Father’s Day in my family usually consists of one of the following:
A cookout high on protein and low on relaxation. The food is tasty and a manly dream, but the dads have to do all the work (at least in my family). No way they’re letting me (or the other females in the family) near their precious grills.
A stressful extended family gathering at the restaurant. This usually translates into a long wait, loud and bickering children, a minimum of two spilled drinks, someone in tears (probably the waitress) and empty pockets after leaving a massive tip for said waitress out of sheer pity. Love the family, but is this really the day the dads in our lives deserve?
A peaceful day at home. Well, it’s a nice dream. But the children are always stir-crazy. And no matter how hard I try (and I know I’m not alone), I can’t resist the temptation to nag my husband to at least load the dishwasher. Time is precious, ya know. If you let the chores go even one day, it’s hard to rebound.
So what to do? I say get away if you can. It’s the only hope for a memorable day. Baseball tickets would have been nice had I thought of that idea early enough. But maybe a good last-minute plan is to head to the park or the local pool and enjoy the outdoors (if Mother Nature is feeling friendly of course). Maybe go play miniature golf, or let the guys be guys and go play golf together or hang out at the sports bar in peace.
Did you know The Beach waterpark in Mason is offering free admission for dads with the price of at least one child ticket? Now that’s an idea the whole family could enjoy (well, minus the bathing suit trauma for most of us moms).
Whatever you decide, hope it’s a day the dads in your life will enjoy. Happy Father’s Day to the men we love.
If you have any good ideas for Father’s Day fun, share them here.
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Three great deals this week: June 8-14
Who doesn’t love a great deal? Especially with gas and food prices so high these days, I thought I would try to scope out some deals for myself and then share them with you.
Here are three deals I spotted this weekend browsing online and in the Sunday circulars.
Above-ground pool: Did you cut a pool membership out of your budget this summer? Well you and the kids may still need a place to cool off, so maybe it’s time to think about an above-ground pool. Your lawn may hate you, but your kids may love you even more for it. Big Lots is advertising an EZ Set Pool for $70 this week — a $28 savings.
Big savings on luggage: Planning a vacation still despite gas prices? Good for you. Well, if you need some new luggage, Kohl’s has luggage on sale through Tuesday, June 10, at 55-60 percent off. Sale prices range from $54.99 to $134.99.
Electronics: Searching for a Father’s Day gift? Maybe Dad could use a new digital camera. There are plenty of options out there depending on your budget. Best Buy is featuring 5 to 25 percent off select digital cameras online only today, June 9. Target has the Samsung S85 digital camera for $98, billed as the lowest price of the season, through Saturday, June 14. The 8.2-megapixel camera has 5x optical zoom. This camera retails for $129.99 on amazon.com
Have you spotted any good deals this week? Let us know.
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Help your child help SICSA
What do you give the kid who has everything? Apparently, nothing!
There’s a trend of parents requesting “no gifts” at their child’s birthday parties, according to Lisa Kothari, author and children’s party planner. She says, “A lot of Gen X and Gen Y parents feel their kids already have enough stuff. They don’t want a bunch of miscellaneous gifts.”
I say, “Hear, hear!”
Kothari’s alternatives to presents include:
1) Have a book exchange, with every child bringing a wrapped book, and everyone getting to take one home.
2) Ask for presents appropriate for kids in the hospital. After the party, the birthday child delivers the gifts.
3) Request art supplies and donate them to a shelter.
4) Contact a favorite charity for a Wish List. As an example, the local animal shelter may need leashes, collars, toys or food bowls. Request that guests bring these items in lieu of birthday gifts to donate.
A 10-year-old animal-loving friend followed this magnanimous route and asked party-goers at his recent Pump It Up birthday extravaganza to bring a donation for SICSA, the Society for the Improvement of the Conditions for Stray Animals (yes, it’s a mouthful).
Our generous little friend collected $85 in cash and a bunch of doggie treats, cat toys, etc.
His dad says a few families tossed in an extra gift for the boy. Some presented receipts for money that they had donated on his behalf.
Proud Papa added that while his son initially found it a bit hard to hand over all that cold hard cash, he felt good about it afterward. (Incidentally, their family dog was rescued from the pound.)
Another way your family can help: The nonprofit SICSA, which is dedicated to saving the lives of Miami Valley dogs and cats, is having its 10th Annual Walk for Strays this morning, June 7, at Kettering’s Delco Park. For more information or to donate, click here to visit SICSA’s Web site.
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The inside scoop on free ice cream on June 7
Like ice cream? Even better, like free ice cream?
Who doesn’t. If you’re up for a freebie, head to your favorite local Friendly’s restaurant on Saturday, June 7, from noon to 5 p.m. for an ice-cream giveaway.
Friendly’s will dish out 4-ounce cones or bowls of any flavor of its ice cream. Giveaways are limited to one cone or dish of ice cream per person.
To get your free cone or dish of ice cream, visit your local Friendly’s restaurant: 500 E. Stroop in Kettering, 1901 W. Main St. in Troy, 564 W. National Road in Vandalia, 3281 Dayton Xenia Road in Beavercreek or 8270 Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.
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Free ice cream at Friendly’s on June 7, 2008?
I was in the Kettering Friendly’s today at Stroop and Shroyer and noticed a sign advertising free ice cream on Saturday, June 7 from noon to 5pm.
I don’t have any more details yet, but it might be worth checking out, moms.
A quick Google search seems to indicate that it’s all area Friendly’s … free 4 oz. cones or dishes of any flavor ice cream. We have locations in Beavercreek, Kettering, Troy, Miamisburg and Vandalia.
Sounds yummy.
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Secrets to a happy family road trip
Seems like everyone is pinching pennies these days. I don’t know about you, but we have no plans for a big vacation this year. But, we probably will do a couple weekend getaways, which means a lot of time in the car.
If you’re traveling with kids, especially kids prone to motion sickness, check out these handy tips.
The July 2008 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, offers the following tips for a happy family road trip. Try these steps to help minimize your travel troubles:
DON’T let carsick-prone kids read, color, play handheld games or watch videos. Have them listen to music or audiobooks and play games such as I Spy that involve looking out the window.
DO plan frequent stops for fresh air. Wear the kids out at a park or fast-food play area. Sleeping children don’t get carsick.
DO be prepared with a waterproof bag and a cleanup kit. Include a change of clothes, paper towels, an enzyme-based pet-spot remover (good for cleaning and deodorizing after human accidents, too), and a towel to cover the cleaned seat.
DON’T give susceptible kids an untried over-the-counter antihistamine. Try a test dose at home. These drugs make most people drowsy, but some kids have the opposite reaction. And you don’t want to be stuck in a moving vehicle with a hyper child.
More good news: many kids outgrow motion sickness by adolescence.
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