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July 2009
Short cook takes awhile to warm to new idea
My sons really like to help me cook. Of course, part of this allure is due to the fact that they have only gotten to do it a couple of times.
It isn’t that I don’t want them to help me — not entirely, anyway. It usually just comes down to the fact that I know it will be faster if I do it myself; and I am always in the market for faster.
Regardless of our checkered tablecloth of a past, it is something I want to change. I want my kids to keep up their interest in cooking help them learn some valuable life skills at the same time.
So, to that end (and in an effort to shake up our dinner choices), I came up with a plan I just knew the guys would love — I would hand them a cookbook and let them each pick any meal they wanted and then help me cook it.
I was sure the younger one would like the plan the most. The last time he got to help with dinner he was in charge of the broccoli — he had fun and he was meticulous in taking off leaves and cutting them just right.
Since then, every time we have had broccoli, he would shake his head disapprovingly whenever he found a leaf I had missed on one of the pieces he was served.
So, I approached him first about my plan and told him he could pick any meal to cook.
“Any meal?” the 8-year-old asked, and I nodded. “Ice cream?”
“Ice cream really isn’t a meal,” I said.
He looked disappointed and even started to tear up.
“Are you crying?” I asked, somewhat incredulous.
He nodded and said he just didn’t think it would be that fun. This was followed by more tears and him saying, “I don’t even know why I’m crying!”
Fortunately, before I could give up on him and the plan, a much-needed shot of parental instinct kicked in. It is funny when you realize you know more about your kid than he knows about himself.
“I think I know why you’re crying,” I said. “I think it sounded fun at first, but then you couldn’t do it like you wanted so it made you sad.
“But, here, I will look through the cookbook with you, and we’ll see what we find. OK?”
“OK.”
The older one was much easier. When I asked him if he wanted to pick a meal, he said, “Sure!” and then hounded me for the cookbook while I was still talking his brother down from the ledge.
So I handed the 10-year-old the cookbook deemed safest: “1001 Best Short Easy Recipes.”
It didn’t take him long to zero in on the beef/pork section, and then quickly arrive at his selection: Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza.
He smiled big and licked his lips: “This is going to be good!”
Then it was the younger guy’s turn to pick. He spent most of his time in the seafood and poultry sections, and quickly ruled out anything with fewer than five ingredients.
“I want one that has more cooking in it,” he said — this from the kid who didn’t want to take part 20 minutes earlier.
And he finally made his choice: Shrimp Pasta Au Gratin.
“Is that French?” he asked.
“I think so,” I said, not knowing if that would be a pro or a con in his book.
Later, when making a list for the store, I noticed that the total produce needed to make both of their meals was one onion.
I wasn’t surprised.
We made the pizza Saturday and the pasta Sunday, and both turned out pretty well.
It made me see how much they needed these experiences to learn — “Why did they put those little tails on the shrimps?” — and it reminded me that I need to slow down a little to let them do just that.
Maybe next time, we’ll even make ice cream.
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TweetRestaurant Week = Date Night
Put down that wooden spoon and take off that apron. Restaurant Week is here again! YAY!
The twice-a-year culinary event is Hubby and my favorite time to do Date Night. We get to visit some of the best restaurants in the area, and since the price is right — a three-course meal for just $20.09 — we can try new places or treat ourselves to old favorites. And $1 from each meal goes to charity. There’s nothing not to like.
Through past RW’s, we’ve had wonderful experiences at Meadowlark, Rue Dumaine, Coco’s Bistro, Cafe Boulevard, Sweeney’s Seafood … the list goes on and on.
Click here to see menus from participating restaurants, and visit Mark Fisher’s Taste blog to see what local diners think or post your reviews.
But you have to hurry: The special runs through Friday, July 31. If you miss it this time, be sure to watch DaytonDailyNews.com/restaurants for news on the winter version of Restaurant Week. Bon appetite!
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TweetMotherhood: Is Your CPR Training up-to-date?
Thinking I would be able to recall “just enough” in an emergency situation, I put-off recertification in CPR for more than a decade.
Bad idea. Since then, I have had to call 9-1-1 twice.
In one situation, I recall the panic creeping up my spine as I wracked my brain in attempt to remember how many rescue breaths and chest compressions were correct. Fortunately, none were needed.
My youngest son, Nick, however, has tested my first aid skills with a few head dives into the coffee table — remarkably, the site of my bleeding child actually moved me into action with minimal panic (not that it didn’t take a few hours to calm my nerves).
However, with a baby on the way and Nick also having a reputation for choking, I decided it was way past time for a CPR course. I signed up at the local American Red Cross for child and infant CPR training.
Whoa. I was in for an eye opener — and a workout.
Had memory served me what I thought was “correctly,” I’d have been way off base in my attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
My memory — or lack there of — was telling me to do two rescue breaths and five chest compressions when in fact it is now two rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions. Yep, 30 — and fast — in 18 seconds, for a two full minutes.
I was stunned at my lack of stamina when performing these actions, but I made myself push through the exercises knowing a real-life situation may very well present itself. In fact, despite my exhaustion, I was counting to 30 in my sleep following the class that night.
I don’t recommend just “reading up” on CPR or taking my words as information-enough, you need to do it — repeatedly — yourself.
Following the course, I test myself with “pop-quiz” questions and now fully understanding why certification is good for only a years time.
It wasn’t until I had run through the sequence of “Check, Call, Care” more than a few times that I began to feel comfortable with the routine. A routine I hope I never have to go through — especially with one of my children.
CPR and first aid may be one of the most important things a parent, or caretaker — anyone, really — learns.
We can’t keep our kids in a bubble and feed them mush (which can still be choked on), for their lifetime, but we can arm ourselves with the knowledge to save their lives. These are ever changing techniques well worth the time it takes to learn them.
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for a course schedule and make it a point to educate yourself. It may be the best decision you ever make.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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TweetMotherhood: Is Your CPR Training up-to-date?
Thinking I would be able to recall “just enough” in an emergency situation, I put-off recertification in CPR for more than a decade.
Bad idea. Since then, I have had to call 9-1-1 twice.
In one situation, I recall the panic creeping up my spine as I wracked my brain in attempt to remember how many rescue breaths and chest compressions were correct. Fortunately, none were needed.
My youngest son, Nick, however, has tested my first aid skills with a few head dives into the coffee table — remarkably, the site of my bleeding child actually moved me into action with minimal panic (not that it didn’t take a few hours to calm my nerves).
However, with a baby on the way and Nick also having a reputation for choking, I decided it was way past time for a CPR course.
I signed up at the local Red Cross for child and infant CPR training. Whoa. I was in for an eye opener — and a workout.
Had memory served me what I thought was “correctly,” I’d have been way off base in my attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
My memory — or lack there of — was telling me to do two rescue breaths and five chest compressions when in fact it is now two rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions. Yep, 30 — and fast — in 18 seconds, for a two full minutes.
I was stunned at my lack of stamina when performing these actions, but I made myself push through the exercises knowing a real-life situation may very well present itself. In fact, despite my exhaustion, I was counting to 30 in my sleep following the class that night.
I don’t recommend just “reading up” on CPR or taking my words as information-enough, you need to do it — repeatedly — yourself.
Following the course, I test myself with “pop-quiz” questions and now fully understanding why certification is good for only a years time.
It wasn’t until I had run through the sequence of “Check, Call, Care” more than a few times that I began to feel comfortable with the routine.
A routine I hope I never have to go through — especially with one of my children. CPR and first aid may be one of the most important things a parent, or caretaker — anyone, really — learns.
We can’t keep our kids in a bubble and feed them mush (which can still be choked on), for their lifetime, but we can arm ourselves with the knowledge to save their lives. These are ever changing techniques well worth the time it takes to learn them.
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for a course schedule and make it a point to educate yourself.
It may be the best decision you ever make.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Motherhood Column
TweetDoes nutrition equal hot dogs and mac and cheese?
My 1-year-old daughter is a picky eater. And by picky I mean she won’t eat vegetables or fruits. If it includes bread, cheese, yogurt or a Nilla Wafer, we are good. Otherwise, she delicately picks it up off her tray and drops it on the floor.
Eating has always been an experiment with her. I made all of my own baby food for months. She tolerated it but wasn’t enthusiastic. Then, in a pinch, we got store-bought baby food, which she loved. For awhile. It also has not helped that her first tooth didn’t sprout until a couple weeks before her 1st birthday so we’ve had to be pretty choosy on what she can have. She still just has that one tooth although there are a few that look ready to come through.
So far her favorites seem to be yogurt, string cheese, macaroni and cheese, black beans and she’s recently developed a love for hot dogs (all beef at least). This does not seem like a healthy balance to me.
I read about these mothers whose children eat squash, lentils, avocado and other assortment of fresh veggies and fruits. And there I am each night heating up mac and cheese yet again and watching my daughter cram it into her mouth Cookie Monster style.
We’ve tried lima beans, melon, green beans and other fresh produce. Each is met with a similar reaction. She promptly spits out the first bite and sweeps the pile to the side. I’ve been told I should keep trying, which I do, but still have little success. One day she will eat a pile of lima beans but the next time we try, nothing.
Any moms out there have a better experience getting their little one to eat healthier?
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TweetDo moms, dads do back-to-school differently?
It is less than five weeks until the start of school. I only know this because one of my aliases is “Mom.”
I was having my annual discussion with my husband the other day about how I was getting a little anxious about all that has to be done to get ready for the impending year — getting school supplies, making schedules, figuring out what clothes the kids need, etc.
When I asked him if he shared that concern, he just shook his head.
“Well, they haven’t moved the school, have they? We can just tell them, ‘There it is, boys; go learn.’ ”
Then he cited some obscure “Hot for Teacher” lyric as backup.
But, even though I question bringing in the wisdom of Van Halen, I can see his perspective.
One good thing about being married for a pile of years is that you are more able to see your spouse’s point of view, then completely disagree with it and go about your lives amicably.
It isn’t one of the first things you learn, but it is one of the most important.
Besides, on this issue, I also know that he doesn’t have to be concerned, because I am concerned enough for both of us.
Taking over the tasks that need to be completed before school starts is one of the many jobs that parents just work out — many times without really thinking about it.
But, just for my own backup (and for fun), I polled a few friends who had school-age kids to see how concerned the moms were vs. the dads.
What I found was refreshing, actually. Contrary to my personally tainted hypothesis — that more moms than dads would be getting anxious about the family’s preparation for fall — the results didn’t have as much to do with gender.
For example, one dad of three from Bellbrook said he has already begun to think about school preparations.
“School supplies are much easier to deal with now that most schools publish supply lists on their Web sites well ahead of time,” he said.
A Middletown dad of two said: “I’m on such a tight budget since the divorce that I’ve got to think ahead a little and see what I can get on a discount or what we already have — that goes for school supplies and school clothes.”
He added that he’s not overly concerned about getting it all done, though.
“And if not,” he laughed, “I can just act like the dumb dad; teachers expect less of dads.”
A mom and dad of two kids in Kettering said they have both been trying to get the kids back into a routine as the summer days dwindle.
“The only thing we worry about is the school supply list,” the mom said.
(Note that nice “we” in there.)
And I found moms on each extreme, as well.
One mom of two from Beavercreek said: “I have been thinking about school supplies, uniforms and transportation since school let out. It never ends for most mothers on getting the kids ready for a new school year.”
Another mom, who lives in Englewood and has one son, said: “I had a fleeting thought this week that I need to find that sheet of paper that went home on the last day of school about what school supplies he’ll need for second grade.
“I usually start getting everything a week or so before classes start, which for us is Aug. 19,” she said.
So there you have it. Like most family issues, which parent works the business end of back-to-school isn’t as clear as black and white — or blue and pink.
And that is good to hear.
It doesn’t change anything in my house, but that’s OK.
I really wouldn’t want it any other way … although I could do with less singing of “Hot for Teacher.”
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TweetPhoto of the Week: It’s Red Hotz dance camp time!
Every year at about this time, I go into stage-mom mode for the Red Hotz and Lollipops dance camp. This is my 11-year-old daughter’s fourth year and counting.
I’ve extolled the camp’s virtues in a previous post (which also features a photo of my daughter with Amy Winehouse hair), but we just love this program so much, I can’t stop myself from blathering on about it, even on “Wordless Wednesday.”
For two weeks, I get to help my favorite girl plan elaborate get-ups for the camp’s fun-filled theme days, including Crazy Hair Day, Mismatch Day and Crazy Hat Day. But this year it’s twice the fun, because we are hosting a young house guest from out of town who is also attending Red Hotz.
One of the cool things about the camp and its uber-organization is that daily photos of each group are posted on the Web site, allowing us proud parents to get a glimpse of our little stars in action.
The Day One photo gallery included a shot of daughter at her Broadway best. So I’m a happy camper already!
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TweetMotherhood: Give birth at home? I’d rather not
I’m not much of a risk-taker. Never have been. In fact, I tend to be a “worrier.”
The birth of our third child is looming and admittedly, I am harboring some anxiety even though I have “been there, done that.”
Therefore, I am amazed at the number of women opting to give birth at home these days. Definitely not an appealing option for me.
Am I too chicken? Maybe, but I like to think I am making the best personal decision for our baby and myself. I prefer the hospital— and the option of an epidural.
If time is of the essence in emergencies, why take the chance of something going wrong at home and having to be transported to the hospital anyway?
Dispatchers and medics are trained and have experience with the birthing process. I commend them for this but prefer not to meet them in this circumstance.
Granted, situations have occurred when labor comes on hard, strong and unexpectedly — thus a home birth is unavoidable. A friend delivered her daughter on the bathroom floor with only the help of an emergency dispatcher and her husband.
My husband would likely be “hee-hee-hooing” along with me in an effort not to pass out — requiring medical attention himself.
While opting for a home-birth may be the trendy thing to do (no one has ever accused me of being “trendy,”), much debate exists concerning safety.
“While childbirth is a normal physical process that most women experience without problems, monitoring of both the woman and the fetus during labor and delivery in a hospital or accredited birthing center is essential because complications can arise with little or no warning even among women with low-risk pregnancies,” says a statement by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
On the other hand, the American College of Nurse-Midwives says, “The safety of birth in any setting is of utmost priority and has been the focus of home birth research.” Back in the day, there was little choice: Most babies were delivered at home, and the infant and mother mortality rate was higher than today.
Medical advances have allowed for prenatal care on a scale never known before.
But, my faith is in God, my trust in my doctor, and my baby will (hopefully) be delivered in a hospital.
Did you choose to give birth at home? Why or why not?
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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TweetBaby Trivia: Take our quiz!
Preemie Update: Our great-niece, born at 27 weeks weighing 1 pound, 12 ounces, recently made it to the 5-pound “NICU escape weight” and went home from the hospital on Day 75. Woo-hoo! (Read more about our little miracle here.)
Because of her baby’s surprise early arrival, Niece’s baby shower actually happened after the birth. The party was a lovely affair, with tasteful decorations, tasty punch and just the right number of games: 2.
I don’t know know about you, but I hate shower games. I mean really hate them. I actually refused to let my mom plan any for my bridal and baby showers.
So when “it’s time for games” was announced at Niece’s shower, I noticeably cringed. But I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the only two games were a “How many Q-Tips are in the jar?” guestimate, and an interesting quiz on baby facts.
I’ll just state right up front that my exam score was dismal. I got just 2 out of 10 correct. Meanwhile my mom-in-law, who was sitting beside me, scored 60 percent — along with three other guests. This was the top score, so you know it’s a bit tricky. (I should’ve peeked over MIL’s shoulder! :)
Ready to test your Baby Trivia knowledge?
- A baby’s eye color usually sets by:
a. 1 week
b. 2 months
c. 4 months
d. 12 months
- By the end of a pregnancy, the womb’s capacity will have increased by how many times?
a. 10
b. 50
c. 100
d. 300
e. 500
- In what year was the first test tube baby born in the U.S.?
a. 1975
b. 1981
c. 1984
d. 1989
- Babies generally don’t need to be fed after birth for:
a. 8 hours
b. 1 day
c. 2 days
d. 3 days
e. 4 days
- Curly hair is passed by a dominant gene.
a. true
b. false
- What percentage of babies actually arrive on their due dates?
a. 5
b. 8
c. 10
d. 15
e. 20
- Approximately how many babies are born in the U.S. each year?
a. 1 million
b. 2 million
c. 4 million
d. 6 million
- When will a baby begin to react to hearing its own name?
a. 1-2 months
b. 3-4 months
c. 4-5 months
d. 8 months
- When will a baby begin to say “ma-ma” and “da-da”?
a. 0-2 months
b. 2-4 months
c. 5-8 months
d. after 9 months
- According to FSU, the month in which most babies are born is:
a. September
b. February
c. October
d. June
The answers: 1. d; 2. e; 3. b; 4. d; 5. b; 6. a; 7. c; 8. c; 9. c; 10. a.
I got Nos. 6 and 9 correct, and initially selected the right answer on No. 1, but scratched it out and chose badly the second time around. I would have gotten a better score had I picked the standard “c” across the board! Sad, sad.
So I guess I’m not such an expert mommy after all. Either that or the “What to Expect” minutiae has been replaced in my brain cells by my kids’ football rosters, wrestling records and individual freestyle times. Just trading one set of problems for another.
How did you do on the quiz?
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TweetThere is a big difference between ages 8 and 10
Two years might not seem like much of an age difference between siblings, but, as kids are growing up, that amount of time can be a chasm as far as maturity is concerned.
It’s not always that way. There have been years in my sons’ lives that the 23-month span between their births didn’t seem to matter.
For instance, when they were 5 and 7, and even 7 and 9, they enjoyed practically all of the same games and jokes, shared friends and had a relatively similar view of the world.
But this year, at ages 8 and 10, it is clear to see that the older one has moved on to that next square on the sidewalk of life — while his little brother remains behind, happily watching a trail of ants go by.
A few incidents of late have clued me in on this transition.
The first, which happened a couple of weeks ago, occurred when the 8-year-old and I were out driving. We were listening to the radio, and he said, “Oh, I’m going to have to tell (my brother) something when we get home.”
“What?” I asked.
“Oh, nothing. I just heard a name of someone he would want to know about.”
“Who?” I asked, truly puzzled because we weren’t even listening to sports at the time.
“Carmen Electra,” he said, looking out the window. “She’s some supermodel that he likes.”
When we got home, he ran to tell his brother: “Hey, they were talking about Carmen Electra on the radio!”
His brother quickly looked at me, not knowing what to say since he has always claimed he did not consider any girls pretty.
Meanwhile, the little one skipped off. He didn’t even realize that might be an opportunity to tease his brother.
I again noticed this contrast in outlook and maturity last week when we were at dinner with a big group of extended family.
My guys were the only kids at the table, and it was clear that one of them could roll with the conversation, while the other still didn’t quite get it.
As various diners weaved in and out of the banter with stories about each other and those absent, the 10-year-old listened and did his best to contribute what he could about the topic at hand.
The 8-year-old didn’t pay attention to much besides who he had to ask for the last piece of bread, but that didn’t stop him from speaking up whenever he got the chance and about whatever crossed his mind.
His dad and I kept telling him, “Shhh. Just listen for awhile.” But he looked confused as to why we wouldn’t let him have the floor.
One last example of this shorter kid’s short-sighted perspective also occurred last week while we were shopping for clothes.
Whenever we were shopping for him, he was fine, but when we started focusing on his brother, he started whining about where his shoes were or why he couldn’t sit down.
During the same trip, his older brother volunteered to carry bags or trays and ran ahead for me to check on items (including his sibling).
Finally, after the younger one made a repeated plea for his shopping needs, I told him: “You need to be patient. Have I ever taken you guys out for clothes and forgot to buy yours?”
He said no and hung his head. Then he added, lip quivering: “Sometimes, it seems like no one appreciates me except for the dog!”
Sigh.
But I know this time is fleeting, and that these little differences and immaturities will melt away in time.
In the meantime, all I can do is try to “appreciate” each of the kids at their various stages — be they endearing or not.
And I bet someday, not that far off, I might even miss the times when I had to remind them how to act grown up.
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TweetPhoto of the week: 5 years come and gone like that
Five years ago today, I welcomed to the world my firstborn — a 7 pound baby girl.
That day, from the hospital bed, I remember countless words of advice from family, friends, doctors, nurses. Every single person that day (and many days following) told me to cherish every moment because children grow in what seems like a blink of an eye.
Yes, it sounds cliche, but it’s really true.
My memories of meeting my baby girl are so vivid I can hardly believe it’s been five years. And every moment since has been one to cherish, from that first smile, to those wobbly first steps, to that first piece of birthday cake (and bath immediately following), to the first time I heard that tiny voice say, “I love you, Mommy.”
I promise I won’t get too sappy here. I’ll save that for late August when I’m facing on another milestone first — the first day of kindergarten. Yes, that’s really hard to believe …
For now, I just want to say Happy Birthday, Sophie.
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TweetMotherhood: Vacation reveals family comedy
Now that Daddy and I have survived our first full year of school with the boys — albeit preschool — I have a better understanding of the need for summer break.
What a relief it is to not have to worry about packing a snack every night and setting out clothes for the next day.
Little things, yes, but on those few days I forgot to pack Noah’s snack, he made no bones about letting me know.
“Mom! I had to share goldfish with the teacher today, you forgot my snack again.” Oops. Maybe if I kept the snacks on a lower shelf he could pack them himself?
The day after school was out this year, we headed to south Florida for a week in the unbelieveably hot sun with family and friends. No schedule or routine, and a welcome change in scenery and environment.
It’s funny how, when on vacation, a dip in a pool full of chlorinated water will suffice as a “bath” for the day (for the kids anyway).
Early in the week, we spent a day in a safari theme park full of animals. Driving through the refuge, we happened upon an ostrich couple. The female was sitting on the ground looking bored, while the male shook his tail feathers — literally. He flapped his huge wings and bobbed back-and-forth in what appeared to be a Vegas-style showgirl dance.
Completely oblivious, I asked, “What is he doing?”
“He’s shaking, Mommy!” Nick informed me.
At that point Daddy interjected, “What do you think he is doing?”
Ah, a visual lesson in the birds-and-the-bees. Just what we were not hoping for.
“Yes, Nick, you are right he is shaking,” I said stifling a laugh at my own ignorance as the male ostrich continued to try to woo the female.
While cruising in the car, the summer radio anthems were playing in the background.
Thankfully paying more attention to the hazardous driving going on around us, we missed out on the fact that the Black Eyed Peas were getting more air time than Delta. Until Noah blurted out a, “Gotta git, git … boom, boom, boom!” followed by a rousing rendition of “Ya know you want me” by Pitbull.
Our laughter only encouraged him, “Uno, dose, tres, quatro … Rumba!”
His head was bobbing and arms were flailing — kind of like an ostrich. But Noah successfully wooed his family who joined him in the convulsion-like dancing. We looked like a carload of goofballs, but we had fun.
Forget the staged memories of playing in the sun and sand, these are the moments and the laughter that make travel worth the effort, and summer break a welcome time for “kids” of all ages.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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TweetFinding easy ways to keep baby entertained
My daughter will be a year old this Saturday. It’s amazing the transformation she has made from a little peanut of a being that did nothing more than cry, sleep and eat to a bigger peanut who has her own opinions, wants and will to make (some of) it happen.
One thing I’ve been struggling with lately is how to keep her entertained. There isn’t much out of the ordinary that you can do with a not-quite-baby, not-quite-toddler. We read a lot. We play in the yard, crawling around and blowing bubbles. We explore all the rooms of the house, tearing up the cabinets and flinging clothes about.
But we can only do so much of that. I’ve been looking for sources of fun outside of our house.
We went Young’s Jersey Dairy recently. She was suspicious of the goats but interested and loved the ice cream. Her favorite thing might have been the cow statue.
I plan to take her to Wegerzyn Gardens later this summer. We went when she was just a few weeks old so she didn’t get to experience all of the fun. While she’s still a little young to appreciate all that is there, I think she will enjoy it.
We’ve also found that she enjoys the pet store. As odd as it might sound, it is cheap, easy thrills. The husband suggested it after he took her there once. So one evening when she became restless, we hopped in the car and headed to the pet store. There, I could barely keep her in the cart as she lunged for the bird cages. She was in awe. The fish were equally as fun and she thrust her chubby little hand toward the cats in excitement. (I did make sure to buy a treat for our cat so we weren’t loitering.)
I think we have a small window for this to work. I figure by her second birthday, she will throw a fit when I refuse to buy her a cat, a bird and a fish during each trip.
So what do you do to keep your little ones entertained?
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TweetHow would you answer this child’s question?
As I was loading the kids into the car this morning, my almost 5-year-old daughter, completely aghast, exclaims: “Mommy, look he’s not wearing a shirt!”
My daughter was referring to our neighbor, who was out front doing some yard work.
“It’s OK, sweetie,” I told her. “He’s outside working, and he’s hot.”
“How come boys don’t need a shirt and girls do?” she asked.
OK, how am I going to explain this one. I was really trying to avoid any puberty/body part related discussions at this point. She is pretty young after all.
“Well, sometimes boys just get a lot more sweaty than girls … you know, like Daddy gets really sweaty sometimes, especially when they’re working hard,” I explained. “Girls just don’t get as sweaty, so they can cool off by putting on a tank top.”
“Oh, OK,” she said. Whew! She settled for my first answer. That doesn’t happen often.
Moms, do your kids ever stump you with their questions? How would you have answered this one? What are some questions you’ve struggled with?
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TweetTeaching kids overdue skill not as easy as riding a bike
I was on vacation last week and spent it at one of my favorite places: Home.
Although it can be great to get away, I sometimes like it even better when I can relax a little in the comfort of my own little abode.
It is the only place I know of where I can sleep in and read back issues of People amid tufts of dog hair, ketchup-stained children and half-drunk glasses of milk, and not pay so much attention to the numbers on the clock.
After a few days of that, I even had the energy to attack some of the long-overdue projects that have been weighing down many-a Post-it for months, and others for years.
One such project my husband and I tackled last week, one that fell in the “years” category, was teaching our kids how to ride bikes.
Somehow, summer after summer and without me really noticing, my sons managed to get to the relatively ripe old ages of 8 and 10 without acquiring this seemingly basic kid skill.
My husband and I readily shoulder the blame for this oversight, but I must say the kids’ lack of interest played a role as well.
Even though my sons have always had bikes at their disposal, complete with age-appropriate training wheels, they rarely wanted to ride.
There was always a soccer ball, a baseball bat, a lacrosse stick or some other remote piece of sporting equipment that caught their eye first.
Sometimes I would off-handedly remind them that they were going to have to learn to ride someday, but I always expected their desire to kick in on its own like it did for me.
But it never happened, and I think it has a lot to do with how different a kid’s world is compared to 30 years ago.
When I was a kid, bikes were the main event. They topped our Christmas lists and were rarely far from reach in the summer.
My brother and I would spend hours riding all over the neighborhood with our friends — going to the store, visiting friends’ houses, flying off self-constructed mud hills behind the nearby creek and teaching ourselves how to “pop a wheelie.”
But, it isn’t like that these days. There is just much more parental supervision involved with kids this age — I should know.
My husband and I often debate about whether there are more dangers now than there were when we were kids, or if there is just more information available. I have seen the statistics spun both ways.
However, as a result of these real or perceived fears, you just don’t see kids riding around their neighborhoods like you used to.
But my husband and I still wanted the kids to learn how to ride bikes, and set out to do that last week.
And, let me tell you, it was no fun — for the kids or the adults. When we told the kids of our plans, the older one groaned, “Do we have to?”
Fortunately, this was immediately followed by the younger one (my new favorite) saying: “I want to learn.” (Whether he wanted to contradict his brother or save him remains to be seen.)
We took them to a park and started on the softer baseball diamond and then moved to an open parking lot.
My husband and I kept yelling, “Keep pedaling! Stay balanced! Don’t forget your brakes!” as we ran behind their bikes with a guiding hand. The kids did their part by falling, crying, picking themselves up and trying again.
And we made it. After about eight hours, nine Band-aids, two bruised bottoms and innumerable tears , the kids can, although shakily, ride their bikes.
Whether they will want to do it again, however, is still in question.
But at least they have the skills to ride if they choose to. And my husband and I can, at least tentatively, cross that big one off the list.
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TweetPhoto of the Week: VBS Knocks Out Tot
As a concerned mother, sending my rather high-maintenance, overly-energetic son to Vacation Bible School for the first time was a bit harrowing. To my surprise though, he received glowing reviews from his group leaders and participated in the activities with oodles of enthusiasm. So much so in fact, that by the time Friday rolled around he was completely wiped out - hitting the couch and catching up on his zzzzz…’s because his bed was just too far to walk.
Wish it was that easy for Mommy to snooze …
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TweetMotherhood: Surprise! Rosemond is right-on!
“Solve Your Child’s Behavior Problems” was the subject of an e-mail I received from a parenting Web site.
Curiosity piqued, I clicked in to discover drop-down boxes where you select your child’s age and behavior problem such as aggression, tattling, tantrums and more.
While the advice was not bad per se, I just don’t see myself having a drawn out conversation with my 3-year-old about why his hitting is unacceptable and the way he is “feeling” is OK. He has the attention span of a gnat.
My mother would have to only give us “the look” in order for us to snap back in line. I give Nick “the look,” and he thinks it is funny to see what I will do next. Seriously frustrating.
Our son Noah, is a pretty easy kid. He has his moments, but is far from challenging. So why such the difference in Nick? Nearly age 4, Nick should be done with the “Terrible Two’s.”
Additionally, I question my mothering skills almost daily. Parenting advice books are available in abundance, but they confuse me. Then, I was turned on to “Parenting by the Book” by John Rosemond.
I never liked Rosemond’s advice especially when he said a child could/should be potty trained by an absurdly young age. Desperate not to raise heathens though, I gave the book a chance.
Surprise No. 1: It is a Christian faith-based book. Yes, from Rosemond, a psychologist, who calls himself out saying, “I am absolutely convinced that modern psychology has done more harm than good to the American family.” Surprise No. 2: I loved the book and couldn’t agree more with Rosemond.
He proceeds to point out the flaws in “Postmodern Psychological Parenting (PPP).” Flaws indeed. My parents certainly didn’t feel the need to “explain” their rules. Rosemond explains that PPP has caused parents to lower their expectations of children and essentially, “time-out” doesn’t work.
No kidding.
It’s been a trying transition, but I am keeping this simple logic in mind when I have to “go Rosemond” (no, it’s not violent) on my child.
We continue to be tested, but are striving for consistency.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, this one is worth the read, and hopefully one day my children — and yours — will thank us for this.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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TweetMom trying not to make girl too girly
Last week I wrote about how people often mistake my daughter for a boy. Some people saw it for what it was - a light-hearted look at how it is sometimes difficult to tell whether a baby is a boy or a girl.
Others took me to task and some even made a valid point that maybe I shouldn’t be so concerned with gender norms.
In actuality, I’m not. I try not to push my young daughter into typical “girly” stuff. I don’t buy too much pink and opt for some blue (which might lead to the confusion).
My daughter has a Tonka fire truck and police car in honor of her uncle and grandfather’s chosen professions. The husband bought her matchbox cars, which she loves.
She plays with all of her boy cousin’s toys including a Home Depot workbench. I’ve even thought about getting her one of her own when she gets a little bigger. My parents have a John Deere child-sized riding tractor for my nephew that they said they would paint pink for my daughter. I told them it wouldn’t be necessary. Not everything has to be pink.
I’m also very adamant about keeping all things Disney Princess away for as long as possible. Too many play the damsel in distress waiting for their prince to save them - a lesson I want my daughter to buck. I want her to be her own heroine. I want her to know that she can do whatever she wants with or without a partner in her life.
I think it is all about balance and letting the child choose some. If she wants the Disney Princesses for awhile, so be it. But I’ll also try to include those such as Mulan, who picked her own path and fought for what she wanted.
When she gets older, I want her to be active in whatever makes her happy and balanced, whether that is sports or Girl Scouts or both.
How do you balance your child and negotiate typical gender norms?
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TweetHold your unborn baby? Yes, you can …
Have we taken all elements of surprise out of pregnancy?
Not only can we see Baby via ultrasound, now in 3-D/4-D color no less, but we can find out what gender Baby is months prior to delivery.
These are a great features for excited expectant parents - myself currently being one - but, did you know you can now “hold” your baby prior to delivery? Yes - you read correctly - “hold.”
A recent report on ABC’s Good Morning America explains just how, thanks to Brazilian designer Jorge Lopes who uses 3-D images to make models of unborn babies.
Touted as a “Prenatal Bonding” experience, Lopes makes these models life-size, pertaining to the week of gestation the images are from, for parents to bond with.
What do you think? Would you like to “hold” your unborn child or wait until the real-thing makes his or her appearance? Check out the video link and let us know …
Contact this reporter at dmjordan@coxohio.com.
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TweetGreat deals: $5 pizza, free DVD rentals, swimsuits that last!
We hosted a pool party for my daughter’s 11th birthday, and the main attraction (other than the great weather and fun crowd) was the pizza.
We had invited some family friends, along with a few of her classmates who would join her for a sleepover later that night, but we weren’t sure how many would show up, so that made menu planning tricky.
We wanted to serve pizza — everybody’s favorite — but hadn’t decided on where to pick it up, until fate chose for us. A few hours before the party, I stopped into the local Family Video to rent some DVDs for the night, and right next door was a Little Caesars.
A sign in the window announced the chain’s 50th anniversary deal — a large, one-topping for $5. Could this be for real?
I hadn’t had Little Caesars in a coon’s age, so I thought, “Why not?” I popped into the shop and ordered nine pies — yes, nine — and had my pizza problem solved in like 4 minutes.
Hubby drove down and picked it up a little later, and what we got were 9 fine pizzas that were mostly devoured amidst a lot of “Mmmmms.”
For all that ‘za, $45 was quite the bargain, I think.
I added a big bowl of veggies and dip, and I was done “cooking” for the night.
Speaking of swimming, a few fellow swim team moms recently turned me on to an awesome practice suit for my little dolphin: Dolfin Uglies.
When the team moms first mentioned needing to order some “Uglies” for their girls, I replied, “Huh?”
They weren’t surprised at my ignorance — I’m kind of a noob compared to these swim team veterans.
After their glowing recommendations, I looked at the suits online and decided to take the plunge. They’re polyester (instead of the usual nylon/spandex combo), fully lined and durable.
Another plus for the swimsuits? The bright, fun patterns! With names like Spyra Gyra, Hippy Dippy and Pinkabelle, what’s not to love? (Read all about how Uglies got their name here.)
So my next stop was SwimOutlet.com, where the Uglies are a great buy at around $28.95. Both daughter and mom are totally pleased with the product.
I also added a plain-Jane competition suit to my shopping cart for $19.95 — about half of what many parents paid through the “official” team supplier Kast-A-Way.
The bargains don’t stop there: The videos for the sleepover were FREE! thanks to daughter’s stellar report card. Her five A’s in core classes earned her certificates for five free rentals. I love having smart kids! ;)
And I just love a good deal!
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TweetPhoto of the week: Like mother, like daughter
This is something I vowed I would never do but I’ve found it is too much fun not to. I’m coordinating outfits with my daughter. It started out innocently enough when I realized I had similar colors on as my daughter and now I’m purposefully dressing us alike.
The husband won’t join in on the fun.
I think it is hereditary. My mother dressed my sister and me alike for years. Now we have numerous matching outfits for my daughter and my niece. There is just something irresistible about it.
Do you try to match your kids? Do you dress your kids alike?
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