In a comment response to my Halloween candy alternatives post, Tracy made the excellent suggestion of creating a pre-Halloween feast, given that there’s time since Halloween falls on a Saturday, and also to fill bellies so there's less room to gorge on candy. Tracy’s Halloween “gross-out menu” includes beet risotto (aka “Blood and Guts”), which another commenter requested. The beet risotto recipe follows below:

From Tracy:

This method can be adapted to make any type of risotto you feel like having. I like to make it using whatever is on hand (roasted peppers, asparagus and peas, cooked chicken, etc.). This is also a great recipe to add puree (e.g., butternut squash or pumpkin) to. Here are some basic tips, followed by my beet risotto recipe:

Why yes, there are things happening this weekend that don’t relate to Halloween. Two cool picks that piqued my interest? The Boston Vegetarian Food Festival (Saturday & Sunday) will assemble natural food providers, speakers, chefs, and exhibitors offering food samples, demos, learning opportunities, and a children's activity center. And on Sunday, Design Hive is calling all vintage vixens to Cambridge to stock up on vintage clothing, accessories, and home furnishings from local sellers.

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Food & Drink; Fun Indoors; Local; Retail
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Today, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares advice on fighting well:

“Bob and I fought last week. Not a big one, but one that prevented us from playing our nightly gin game and one that led me to go to bed mad, something the experts and my parents (their only bit of marital advice) advise against. Fights are not something to avoid at all costs and the experts actually say that a noisy marriage might be better than a quiet one: at least you're talking to one another. Fights happen, yes, but how does it impact our kids? What is a good fight and how can we pull it off?

Know when to let an argument go. Sometimes when we're stressed in other parts of our lives - jobs, extended family, friends, finances, etc. - it's handy and safe to release our fury toward our partner. Whether this is the case or your partner is the cause of the anger, there’s merit to letting the argument go or redirecting the anger toward the actual guilty source. After my spat with Bob, he offered the olive branch the next morning and though I still felt grumpy, I knew I needed to let our little spat go. I did and I'm glad. Fights would not be so much of an issue for kids if they knew that they were only blips on the screen and would disappear with a kiss, a hug, a kind word, and a real desire not to stay mired in unpleasantness.

Vive la difference! Men and women actually are different, so are two women within a couple or two men. We partnered up with our significant other because of our similarities and our differences. Bob is very good at listening to me go on and on about my grievances. But occasionally he rushes in with advice, solutions, and causes – a desire to fix thing when I just want him to listen. Bottom line is he's trying to help in the way he knows how; accept different well intentioned approaches.

Pick your battles. We advise this when dealing with children and we need to abide by this within relationships too. It's not good for you, your partner, or your kids to fight about every teeny tiny resentment. Sometimes it's helpful to not see the unfolded shirts and sweaters or the catalogs piling up on the dining table. Deal with the big elephants and let the others go. As we know but often forget, it's more important to live in a happy home than a perfect and pristine one.

One person cannot meet all our needs. Entanglements ensue when we expect one person to be all and everything to us. We need friends (to give us the response we want or to hear us yet again), babysitting co-ops, babysitters, agreeable family members, and dishwashers (yes, dishwashers!) to fill in and support us when we and/or our partners are at our parenting wit's end. Learn to ask for and accept help.

Fight like an adult, not a three year old. Don't call each other names, blame each other endlessly, or throw sand in each other's hair. If you fight like a grownup, the match stands as a teaching tool. The "good fight" shows children we can get mad, express it in healthy ways, and then move on.

How to fight well. Use the all important, oft mentioned, ‘I statement’ such as, ‘I get mad (or any particular feeling) WHEN you give me causes and solutions (or any other activity) BECAUSE I feel I'm not being heard.’ (Coming up with the clause after 'because' is challenging because you need to take some responsibility for why you actually are mad, frustrated, sad, etc.) Also, don't have these conversations at midnight when the twins are screaming or at the dinner hour when the pot of water boils over and everyone's famished. If you do, everyone will end up (boiling) mad. The good fight may not feel natural at first, but it's worth it. Learning to fight well is an art!

Bottom line. It's not the actual fight that's the problem. It's the quantity (usually too often) and the quality. If you feel like you're fighting every day, then you need to sit down with your partner when you both have time and state where you're both at and what you both need. Listening can be as critical as talking. Occasional (in this case, more is better) expressions of kindness and appreciation are always welcome. Receiving them is just as important as giving them.”

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Family Issues
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What with Halloween being on a Saturday, there’s plenty of time for advanced partying. Here’s some more upcoming free Halloween fun to enjoy with the kids. On Friday: Harvard Scare! (Cambridge) and on Saturday: Community Halloween Party at Ringer Park (Allston), Brattle Trick or Treat! (Cambridge), USS Constitution Museum Halloween Haunt (Charlestown), Wilson Farms Kids Costume Contest & Haunted Hayride (Lexington), and Halloween Horribles Parade (Winchester).

If you know of other free events, please feel free to share them with the community via comment below!

Also, if you're like me and haven't yet got around to Halloween treat shopping, be sure to check out this awesome collection of ideas for alternatives to offer instead of – or in addition to – traditional candy.

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local
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Get ready for some pumpkin party hopping. Tomorrow, October 29, you can celebrate Halloween at any or all of three free, fun events in Boston. Enjoy trick or treating, crafts, and dance at the Hill House Halloween Party from 3-6pm (and spread the festive mojo by bringing a box of pasta, rice, or canned soup for their food pantry drive to benefit Boston families). Carve and decorate pumpkins and enjoy face painting and fall treats at the Fort Point Pumpkin Pageant from 12-4pm. And experience locally farmed pumpkins and apple cider at the Greenway Pumpkin Party from 12:30-2pm.

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local
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A couple of downpouring weekends ago, Laurel and I visited Clay Dreams, a pottery painting studio in Arlington. Simply pick from a range of functional (e.g., dinnerware) and decorative (e.g., pumpkins) pottery options, choose your paint colors, and create. At first, the cost ($5 fee + Laurel chose a $12 large plate and $8 mug) seemed a tad steep for an hour of entertainment but Laurel absolutely adored the experience. (And really, could I spin those pieces and fire them up myself for $25?) And she wasn’t the only one; in addition to various kid/adult pairings, one table was exclusively grownups.

While the experience itself was fun and relaxing, I was particularly won over when we picked up Laurel's pieces. On application the paints look rather pale and unremarkable, but they turn utterly vibrant once glazed and fired. I'm also intrigued to learn how to create some of their professional looking finishes, such as those shown in this image. (Our almost 10-year-old wedding dishes are all chipped up and could stand replacement.)

We're so going back to create holiday gifts for the grandparents. And since Laurel kept the plate and gifted the mug to Jon, I'm really hoping she makes me a piece next time too.

Clay Dreams, 183 Mass. Ave., Arlington; 781-641-3000

Posted by Christine Koh on 28 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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As a foodie, eco-geek, and mom of a kid apparently prone to cavities, Halloween causes me some angst. I don’t want to deprive Laurel and the neighborhood kids of candy but I don't like buying the preservative laden junk; I want to purchase good stuff (e.g., organic, fair trade) and candy alternatives without breaking the bank and/or getting my house toilet papered. I queried folks on Facebook and Twitter yesterday and got some great feedback. Below are some ideas from the community on alternatives to offer instead of – or in addition to – traditional candy. See also handy back editorial including Michelle’s tips for greening your Halloween and Tracy’s tips for promoting an allergy friendly Halloween.

Alternative Snacks:

I adore Heather Flett & Whitney Moss, the smart women behind the smart website Rookie Moms, a great destination for new moms looking to infuse fun activities amidst the daily duties of diapers and feedings. And I'm honored to now have a place in the Rookie Moms digital files via this guest post I recently wrote: Baby Activities in Boston features a sample weekly itinerary that will make any rookie mom in Boston look like a pro. Enjoy!

Also, for additional ideas, including ones for bigger kids, check out this handy post over at Alpha Mom: 50 Things To Do with Kids around Boston Before They Grow Up.

Image credit: Christine Koh (Posh Peacock)

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local
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Today, April shares a review (and some amazing results!) from Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Easy, Organic Snacks, Beverages, and Party Foods for Kids of All Ages:

“What to have for snack? It's the eternal culinary question for a parent who wants choices that are fun, tasty, and reasonably healthy. What about lunch, little gatherings, and festive moments that call for creative bites, drinks, and goodies? It's easy to run out of ideas and get stuck in a rut of cheese sticks, juice boxes, and yogurt tubes.

Lisa Barnes, who wrote The Petit Appetit Cookbook: Easy, Organic Recipes to Nurture Your Baby and Toddler is back with Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Easy, Organic Snacks, Beverages, and Party Foods for Kids of All Ages. This cookbook is focused on those little meals, gatherings, and ‘everyday holidays.’ You'll get kicked out of the routine with a collection of ideas that include lunch roll-up sandwiches, crunchy snack foods, sparkly beverages, and special celebration foods to mark things like the first day of snow.

Honestly, the idea of feeding a play group, adding something fun to a meal, or celebrating something almost ordinary (Cinco de Mayo? Losing a first tooth?) can make any parent retreat to manufactured snacks that are wanting in nutritional value—not to mention variety.

Barnes talks about food choices (organic vs. not, eating seasonally, ‘green’ habits, etc.), but does it in a friendly tone, which is so important. She offers up information and point of view the way an informed friend might when you're talking about issues that affect our families and our food. Because of that, the book is a good overview of some food issues, like refined sugars, outside food influences, and instilling good eating habits. She also talks about ways to make food eco-friendly, tasty, packable (for lunch boxes and potlucks), and coveted by everyone nearby who wants a snack.

The recipes are true snack foods, and mighty tasty. Barnes splits the book up into sections like drinks (by kind: juicy, frosty, warmers, etc.), snacks (by texture: crunchy, chewy, salty, etc.), and celebrations (by type: birthdays, holidays, everyday celebrations). For each recipe, she offers nutrition facts, like you'd see on the side of a package—making it all the better to compare a snack made chez vous to one found in aisle 7. We all buy some snacks from the store, but it's a great reminder that each serving has a potential for good and not-so-good. Just seeing the difference in fat and fiber content is interesting. She labels each recipe with icons that make it easy browsing for parents who need allergen-free foods or lunchbox-friendly snacks. But don't get too concerned about "healthy" snack food. In this case I mean "healthy" as opposed to chemical-laden packaged foods that we sometimes feel are the only option.

I like creative snacks, and I never would have figured out how to make chewy granola before reading Barnes' book. Had I tried from another book, I wouldn't have been sure if it was healthier in terms of sugar or fat content than the store-bought kind. I did make it (page 73; see my personal photos below) and it was stellar. Everyone loved it. Everyone. It's so good. Instead of refined sugars and high fat content, she uses brown rice syrup and turbinado sugar—ingredients that enhance the recipe flavors and needs. I changed her recipe a bit—dried cranberries weren't going to fly with some designated eaters, so I used dried cherries and freeze dried raspberries along with her candied ginger. I also found that it needed a bit more liquid than the recipe called for, so I adapted that on the fly. That might be my only quasi-criticism: The recipe ideas and flavors are excellent, but you might need to tweak them a bit, perhaps based on the ingredient brands and humidity differences. So get cooking, but keep an eye on how it you think it should look, keep tasting it, and play with it along the way—it's not hard.

I also made ginger ale from the beverage section. My daughter sees other kids her age drinking soda, and it's not something we give her. But I made Barnes' ginger-agave syrup with fresh ginger. Just add some soda water to make a spicy and perfect drink. It was so good that I think my husband and I drank most of it, but our daughter clamored for it. The book is full of ideas that are new, as well as foods that remake and revise the standard store-bought options.

I like my daughter to take part in wonderful tastes—and I would like it if she craves foods and flavors that are made from real ingredients. To make that happen, we have to give her tasty foods that are, in fact, made that way. Cakes and cookies are no problem, but snacky, chewy, crunchy foods have been a bit of a challenge up until now. Barnes just made it a lot easier. Snack time is exciting, tasty, and a lot better than mass-produced.”

Awesome granola photography courtesy of April Paffrath. For more foodie awesomeness from April, check out her blog Wicked Tasty Harvest.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Feeding & Nursing; For Grownups
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Today, Michelle Stern of What’s Cooking shares a how-to on using fresh pumpkin to make your own pumpkin puree, a fabulous recipe for chocolate chunk pumpkin bread, and tips for engaging your kids to help out in the kitchen.

From Michelle:

With all of the talk about eating local these days, I thought some of you might be curious about how to turn your locally grown pumpkins into something edible. It's a snap, especially if you have already hacked one open to roast the seeds anyway. For optimal flavor, use sugar pie pumpkins (they are round and small); alternatively, you could use a regular pumpkin and add brown sugar to taste.

How To Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut out the top of your pumpkin and clean out all seeds and strings from inside. Reserve seeds.

2. Slice pumpkin vertically into 3 inch wide strips. Place strips onto a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour, until pumpkin is soft.

3. Once done, scrape the pumpkin from the skins, then beat with a mixer or puree in a food processor until smooth.

Save The Seeds

The seeds can be used either to plant pumpkins next year, or roasted to eat this year! Place them in a bowl of water and rub them between your hands to remove orange bits. Pick out the orange pieces that are floating, and discard them. Drain the water and spread the seeds on a dish towel or paper towel to dry…and voila! They are ready for next year’s planting or to roast.

Chocolate Chunk Pumpkin Bread

Once you have your puree made, try this amazing recipe. It’s scary how fast it will disappear! Also, you can make muffins out of the batter if you want them to cook faster or if you like smaller portions. Just adjust the baking time accordingly (start checking around 15 minutes).

Ingredients

If your kids are like Laurel, Halloween can’t come soon enough. Here are some free Halloween picks to get the party started early this weekend: West End Halloween Parade (Boston; Saturday). Eighth Annual Pumpkin Float (Boston; Saturday), Ghoulish Gathering (Cambridge; Saturday), Witches Night Out! (Newburyport; tonight), and Halloween Fair (Newton; Saturday).

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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My dad used to tell me, “A book is your only friend.” A tad extreme in my opinion, but if you feel even vaguely in agreement with that statement, you’ll probably want to stop by the inaugural Boston Book Festival this Saturday, October 24 (10am – 6pm). Spread across the Boston Public Library, Old South Church, Trinity Church, and Copley Square, this free festival will feature 90 authors and presenters, exhibitors, live entertainment, and special programming for kids & teens.

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local
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If you’re looking for ways to improve the eco-friendliness of your diapering routine, consider the bamboo baby wipes and diaper rash ointment by locally operated Bum Boosa. Today, Jules and Evadne share a joint review of these products. Read on for their reviews, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a Bum Boosa gift basket (entry closes at midnight, October 23):

From Jules:

“Bum Boosa natural baby wipes are terrific for eco-minded parents; they're 100% biodegradable, flushable, and are made from bamboo, a sustainable natural resource. The wipes are super soft; softer than the brand name wipes I was using prior to Bum Boosa. And I love the silky texture of the diaper rash ointment, which is composed of finely ground bamboo powder, zinc oxide, vitamin E (oil that we use in our home for its healing properties), and other essential oils. The cream is really thick and I have been using it more as a protective agent on my babies. (Admittedly, I also recently used a little bit as hand cream and it worked great!)

In addition to providing environmentally conscious products, Bum Boosa plants a tree for every wipes package purchase. We should all strive to do our part so well!”

From Evadne:

“Although I have noticed the rise in bamboo products on the market (everything from sunglasses to furniture to kitchen utensils), I must confess that I never knew what the big deal was. Then I tried Bum Boosa baby wipes.

Bum Boosa baby wipes are made with 100% bamboo pulp, organic aloe vera, and pure essential oils of lavender and sweet orange. The pleasant-smelling oils provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits, and the bamboo fibers make the wipes especially soft and moist (though I found them a tad on the thin side and also wish they were sized bigger). I’m impressed by how gentle these wipes are on my little ones' bottoms and how gentle they are on the earth.

Not only are Bum Boosa baby wipes biodegradeable (read: flushable!) but, because they use bamboo instead of the industry standard of tree pulp, cotton, or synthetic material, they save trees and water in their production. In fact, bamboo seems uniquely designed for production and harvesting. The plant is regenerative (doesn't need to be replanted), sustainable (grows at least a yard a day), has naturally occurring anti-microbial properties (so crops don't need fertilizer, chemicals, insecticides, or fungicides), and can flourish on rainwater alone (no irrigation required). Bamboo even has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that inspired Bum Boosa to launch their latest product - a diaper rash ointment made with bamboo powder (love the fine texture and the smell)!

Last but not least, with each purchase of bamboo wipes, Bum Boosa ensures that a tree is planted through its partnership with Trees for the Future. Isn't it heartening to know that you can still do some good for the environment, even if you have two little ones in diapers (like me)? I guess that is a pretty big deal.”

Now, want to be one of three winners to receive a Bum Boosa gift basket? Here's how:

This week I had the pleasure chatting with NPR Tell Me More host Michel Martin, Tell Me More regular parenting contributors Jolene Ivey and Dannette Tucker, and Friend or Foe advice columnist Lucinda Rosenfeld about the complicated issue of what to do when your friend’s kids act like bratzillas. To get to the interview, click here then select the Beware of Bratzillas title to access the audiocast. Enjoy!

Posted by Christine Koh on 21 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Family Issues
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Poor customer service is perplexing, frustrating, and amazingly rampant in the retail industry, so I’m always thrilled to discover a store – such as Marathon Sports – that does it right. In need of a new pair of running shoes in advance of the Gobble, Gobble, Gobble run, I visited Marathon Sports with Laurel on Sunday. I was approached immediately (in a good way) by a friendly staffer, and after observing my feet and walking gait (in socks, pants rolled up) and asking about brand preferences, the staffer made easy work of the sea of sneaker options on the wall and pulled his two top recommendations, the second of which fit beautifully and felt great as I test trotted around the store.

I have walked by the flagship Cambridge location countless times, but this was my first time visiting the store (they also have locations in Boston, Brookline, Melrose, Norwell, and Wellesley). Remarkably, Laurel and I were in and out of Marathon Sports in 10 minutes (a major bonus since it’s not always easy doing errands like this with kids in tow). I’m still amazed that in that short time, the staff was able to put their knowledge and experience to excellent use, while offering personal attention and support as I prepare for my first race.

Yesterday, I hit the 30 minute run mark for the first time in my new sneakers. I have a feeling I'll be logging a lot more miles in these (and future) shoes from Marathon Sports.

Posted by Christine Koh on 20 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Retail
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Never mind yesterday’s snow, there’s still plenty of fall fun to be had. And in my latest monthly column as Minimalist Mama at Shoestring Magazine, I share my favorite ways to enjoy frugal fall fun for the whole family, each followed by a bonus tip rooted in the spirit of giving. Enjoy!

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 19 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Today, April shares her two favorite plastic bag alternatives: snackTAXIs and Lunch Skins. Read on for more information about these fabulously stylish and eco-friendly lunch and snack packing solutions, as well as to learn how to win a trio of snackTAXI and Lunch Skins products (entry closes at midnight, October 21):

From April:

“Before I had my daughter, I didn't use many Ziploc bags. I had always been conscious of the plastic waste before parenthood. But the pacifiers that must be kept clean, the tidbits and snacks for every trip out of the house, and the sandwiches and munchies that can overrun the life of a family with a child are staggering. I simply had no clue that we would contribute such a hefty amount to the 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags discarded globally every year. I cringe thinking about it. I had always been so careful before, but when I had my daughter I didn't feel I had options that let me curtail our usage while still doing what we needed to get out of the house.

When I came out of the fog after her first year, my more alert self was beyond a little horrified and we did some quick changing to more reusable containers. Thinking ahead a few years, we'll be staring daily school lunches in the face and after-school snacks on the go. Even now, our every outing requires a bag of snacks. That would be a lot of plastic if we didn't have an alternate plan. Thankfully it was easy to reign it in right away, especially since there are the wonderful reusable bag products by snackTAXI and Lunch Skins. Reusable containers are nice, but sometimes you need a bag -- something that folds flat and takes up no room when empty, something that fits the space you have available. And, as I found out, sometimes you need several kinds and sizes.

I still use plastic bags on occasion, but not without thinking if a snackTAXI, Lunch Skin, or reusable container would work better. It's really cut back on our use of disposable bags. It may not feel like a dent in the 500 billion, but at least we're contributing to the problem less than we were, and that makes a difference. As it is, we have several of each brand, so we usually have the right combo for what we need. I save the plastic bags for when I need their benefits the most—like transporting spill-y, gooey shampoo in my luggage. The rest of the time I go for the reusable as often as possible. Even if it's not 100 percent, it's an easy improvement on a huge global problem.

Here are our two go-to reusable bag brands:

snackTAXI

This hand sewn bag (made in nearby Plainfield, MA) has a vertical Velcro closure, so you can fasten it tighter or looser, depending on the contents. I like it for all kinds of things, but especially for Cheerios and Rice Krispies and other little foods, since I can fasten it tighter and there's no gap for the contents to rain all over the inside of my bag. The outside of the bag is 100% cotton and the inside has a polyurethane coated nylon that is free from heavy metals and pthalates and other bad things. They have plenty of different designs, so each person can pick their own lunch or snack bag for the day.

Snack Taxis come in 6" x 4.5" (snack-sacks) and 7.5 "x 6" (sandwich-sacks).

Lunch Skins

This stylized bag is made from a printed white fabric that feels like smooth sail cloth. The white makes it easy to see if it's really clean or not. It has a horizontal Velcro closure. You can't change how loose or tight it is, but it's a very sturdy hold with a structured shape. It's not so great for tiny items (the aforementioned Rice Krispies that are a favorite for my daughter) that might want to sneak out of the fold-over top, but most food stays put. It's ideal for sandwiches because it fits them so well, a bit better than the snackTAXI. It's a snug but easy fit, so the sandwich is held together by the shape of the bag. No more sliding ham and cheese, or half-opened PB&J.

Best of all from Lunch Skins is their new snack size bag. It's the same size as the plastic Ziploc snack bags—a size we use often for quick trips and little munchies. This bag alone makes a major play in our lives. When you have 2 cheese sticks and a handful of crackers, you don't want to have to use a big bag. Or perhaps two chocolate chip cookies? They don't look so lonely in this small bag. These smaller bags are the perfect complement to their larger size.

Lunch Skins come in two sizes: 6.5" x 6", 6.5" x 3.5"

A couple of final comments:

First, regarding food quality, one thing that I have always hated about plastic bags is the general smoosh factor. You can have a gorgeous sandwich and in a plastic bag it's completely unprotected from its surroundings. The only thing it does is protect the surrounding from the inevitable mess. Both the snackTAXIs and Lunch Skins are slightly thicker and add a bit of armor to the food, without adding bulk or weight. The food is more intact. The cookies are less crumbled. And the sandwich? Well, it's far less demolished and dense, and therefore far tastier.

Second, the question I get the most from other parents and babysitters is how to clean them. It's the same for both: EASY. Reusable is nice as long as it doesn't get disgusting, right? Most of the time, a rinse out at the sink with warm water will be all they need. Every now and then, they need s little scrub to get a spot of melted chocolate off. When it's really bad, like after a fully loaded PB&J has stuck to the edges a bit or chocolate chips have melted from a cookie all over it, I just rinse it once or twice and put it on the top shelf of the dishwasher, opened over the spokes like a glass. Easy breezy. I do it without even thinking about it.”

Now, want to win a trio of snackTAXI and Lunch Skins products? Here's how:

Rules:

If you don’t feel like fighting the crowds at Head of the Charles this weekend, consider one of these family friendly fall festivals: Auburn Fall Festival (Auburn), Fall Fun Festival (Boston), New England Wild Flower Society Fall Family Festival (Framingham), Green Meadows Farm Harvest Festival (Hamilton), Homestead Hayfest (Newton), and Rockport Harvest Festival (Rockport).

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Kids need to move, and never is that more evident than when our craft and book loving kiddo reaches the end of the day without enough climb time (envision Laurel leaping off of furniture). And if you’re looking for a way to combine literacy and exercise (particularly on a raw day like today), check out the Literacise exhibit at the Boston Public Library. This exhibit is based on local author Irene Smalls's book Jonathan and His Mommy and allows kids to benefit both mind and body by moving and grooving their way through a kid-sized interactive book. Literacise opened in early October and runs until March 2010.

Posted by Christine Koh on 16 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids; Fun Indoors; Local
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Back in March I gave myself a really excellent gift and started making self-care a priority. And after embarking on various challenges of the shredding and yoga variety, I decided to test my longstanding belief that I'm not built to run by trying the Couch-to-5K running plan. Miraculously, here I am, on Week 8 of the plan and now signed up for the Thanksgiving Day Gobble, Gobble, Gobble run in Davis Square (which, by the way, I thought was a 5K but actually is a 4 miler...gulp).

I’d like to invite you to come run (or walk or wheelchair) with me (and the lovely Sharon and Paige!). I'm giving an early heads up on this in case you want to start training (and also because there are a limited number of spaces for the run), but however you cross the finish line, it will be pretty awesome to give yourself the gift of fresh air and self-care before the Thanksgiving festivities begin. Let me know if you plan on coming!

Posted by Christine Koh on 15 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Fun Outdoors; Local
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Today, Sarah recommends Partnership Parenting, a book written to help parents reach mature discussion and calm compromise amidst conflicting parenting styles. Read on for Sarah’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Partnership Parenting (entry closes October 17):

From Sarah:

“With one more year to go until my younger son heads off to kindergarten, I’ve started to turn over a new leaf in my parenting arsenal. I devoted a massive portion of my vacation reading -- usually devoted to pulp fiction and chick lit -- to some seriously insightful advice books, in hopes that I could polish out the rough spots in my kid/parent interactions and re-write some of the less effective scripts I rely on when put on the spot. (You know, pot bubbling on the stove, dog whining to go out, phone ringing, and a temper tantrum breaks out in the living room about who touched the puzzle last and thus has to put it away.) And I think the change was worth it; I digested some amazingly helpful books this summer.

One of the top three was Partnership Parenting, by husband and wife psychologists Kyle and Marsha Kline Pruett. Conceived to fill in the gaps between parenting books directed at moms and other books directed at dads, this easy read focuses on the differences between viewpoints that often create conflict between parents when child-rearing situations get stressful. Sort of like Mars and Venus Raise A Kid. The Pruetts point out that many parents receive this advice after getting separated or divorced, when they have to juggle father-time and mother-time and the differences between the two, but this is the first program that helps parents while they’re still together.

Beginning with conversations they recommend couples undertake before the baby is born, the Pruetts guide the reader down a path to better he-said/she-said understanding of the motivations behind our parenting decisions, such as how moms are more likely to protect their children from encountering stressful and possibly disappointing situations, and how dads are more likely to let kids encounter disappointments as a learning tool for the way the world really works. Or how moms are more likely to reason with their children when disciplining or scolding misbehavior, while dads are more likely to summarily dismiss the offender to a timeout without too many words. More importantly (especially when a couple gets to bickering over whose parenting style is “right”), the book discusses the best, most effective and most emotionally healthy approaches to help diffuse the bickering before it starts. And in my household, I know it’s often easy to get to arguing over whose point is the right one and lose sight altogether of why we’re trying to find consensus in the first place.

The books also includes a parenting checklist, to compare your child-raising ideas against your spouse’s and find commonalities and differences (and subsequently to discuss in a civil manner how to reach a compromise), as well as a quiz to see how your idea of developmentally appropriate actions on the part of your child match up with experts’ opinions. It’s amazing how many disciplinary battles, especially with younger kids, simply are the result of parental misunderstanding of what the child is capable of at their age.

In my humble opinion, one of the hallmarks of a good self-help book (or maybe just of someone who’s help-able) is that the advice therein seems like very sensible stuff you would know yourself if you were thinking clearly at the time you needed it most. Partnership Parenting gives parents the tools they need to practice the mature discussion and calm compromise that is the pinnacle of two-parent decision-making, before the three-year-old paints the dog blue while the toddler takes every box of cereal out of the cupboard and crushes it into little piles on the floor. I only wish I’d had this book seven years earlier.”

Now, want to be one of two winners to receive a copy ofPartnership Parenting? Here’s how:

Finding age appropriate ways to have tough conversations with kids can be challenging, and if you need help addressing the topic of cancer with your child, WGBH is offering a special event this Sunday, October 18 (2 – 3:30pm). When A Child Knows Someone With Cancer will include a screening of The Great MacGrady (a new Arthur special that addresses cancer and survivorship), as well as the opportunity to interface with a panel of pediatric health and education experts on resources and strategies for supporting kids as they cope with the cancer diagnosis of a loved one. This event is free; RSVP is required.

At WGBH Studios, One Guest Street, Brighton; 617-300-5400

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Family Issues; Local; Outreach
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Per my role as a March of Dimes mom (through which I will donate one post per month to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, newborn, or general family topics), this month I wanted to share some tips on safeguarding your home; these tips are important to consider before bringing a baby home and while you have small children in the house. I extracted and adapted these ten tips from a home safety checklist guide prepared by the March of Dimes with the assistance of Dr. Ruth Etzel (Director, Division of Epidemiology and Risk Assessment, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and editor of the Handbook of Pediatric Environmental Health).

1. Stop smoking.

Children’s homes should be smoke-free -- both before and after birth. Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight (less than 5-1/2 pounds), poor growth in the womb, and subtle learning and behavioral problems -- as well as health problems -- in children. It also increases your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, placental problems, and having a baby who dies of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Even if you don't smoke yourself, regular exposure to second-hand smoke during your pregnancy puts you at greater risk of these serious complications.

2. Check for lead paint.

The older your home, the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint, which poses special health risks for pregnant women and children (e.g., miscarriage, preterm labor, or having a baby with developmental delays). Newer homes are less likely to contain lead paint, which has been almost eliminated since 1977. The greatest risk lies in homes built before 1950; they are most likely to have deteriorating surfaces covered with paint containing high levels of lead. When paint peels, chips, or is released into the air as dust (when opening or closing windows, for example), lead can be inhaled or ingested if a baby puts paint chips or dusty fingers into its mouth.

3. Consider renovations carefully.

If you're pregnant and live in a pre-1950 home, you probably don't need to be overly concerned about lead exposure if all painted surfaces are in good shape. But if you are planning any renovations, this could expose you, your baby, and any young children in your home to high levels of lead. Before renovating, test the paint for lead (your local health department can recommend experts). If lead is found, stay elsewhere while professionals handle lead paint removal.

4. Check for water damage.

Water damage from flooding, roof, or plumbing leaks can lead to the growth of molds. Some molds are very dangerous to newborns, so it’s very important to take care of water damaged areas before your baby comes home. Mold spores can get into the air and cause health problems when inhaled. One of the deadliest types of mold (Stachybotrys atra) looks black and slimy and grows mainly on water-damaged wood, ceiling tiles, carpets, and paper products. Indoor exposure to this mold has been linked to lung bleeding and sudden death among young infants. Older children may suffer allergy symptoms including nasal stuffiness, sneezing, coughing and eye irritation.

5. Check appliances.

Most homes have fuel-burning appliances, such as gas stoves, gas water heaters, gas-powered clothes dryers, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and gas or oil furnaces. If these are not correctly installed and maintained, they can emit carbon monoxide (CO) during use. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that accounts for hundreds of poisoning deaths each year in the United States. Pregnant women, their unborn babies, and children are most vulnerable to its life-threatening effects. Be sure to get all fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, and furnaces checked by a professional once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. And install a CO detector outside your sleeping area.

6. Check your basement.

In certain areas of the U.S., Americans are exposed to radon, another colorless, odorless gas. It comes from the decay of radium in rocks and soil and enters the home through cracks in the foundations, porous cinderblocks, and granite walls, so exposures are generally higher in basements than on the first floor. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon. You can buy an inexpensive kit that measures the amount of radon in the air in your home. If the radon level is found to be higher than 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L), make repairs where necessary, including sealing cracks in the foundation. You also can reduce radon exposure with good ventilation.

7. Check your well water.

If you use well water, check it for levels of nitrogen-containing substances called nitrates. Infants fed formula made with well water containing nitrates are at risk of developing a potentially life-threatening blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Babies with this disorder suffer changes in their blood that make it unable to carry enough oxygen to their vital organs. Call your local health department for water testing help and information.

Note that it's safe to breastfeed your baby, even if you have been drinking nitrate-contaminated water. Babies do not appear to be affected by nitrates their mothers may drink, nor is there any proven risk to your fetus from nitrates you consume during pregnancy.

8. Check your tap water.

Tap water may contain lead, a special risk to pregnant women, babies, and young children. Most large municipal water supplies now are lead-free, but some homes still have high lead levels in their water because it passes through lead pipes that connect water mains to homes, or through lead solder used to connect the pipes. If you're planning to use tap water to make formula, you can have your water tested for lead before your baby is born; contact your local health department or the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or on the web.

Also, to minimize exposure to lead, let your faucet run for two minutes first thing in the morning, to flush out water that has been standing in pipes overnight.

9. Home crafters, beware!

Many artists work in home studios, which can be problematic given that many arts and crafts materials commonly used in painting, drawing, silk-screening, shellacking, ceramics, paper mache, and stained glass contain ingredients that are dangerous to fetuses, babies, and children. Pregnant women and babies should not inhale fumes from art materials and should avoid skin contact because the material may be absorbed through the skin, or get into the eyes or mouth.

When buying or using arts and crafts materials, read the labels and carefully follow instructions for all materials. Also make sure the product has been evaluated by a toxicologist; buy only products labeled "conforms to ASTM D4236," and bearing the seal of the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). When working on arts and crafts projects, ventilate the work area, wear protective gloves if you're pregnant, store materials in original, fully labeled containers out of the reach of children, and never eat or drink in your work area.

10. Avoid home and yard pesticides.

Try to avoid pesticide use if you're pregnant or have a baby or young children in the home. While there is little evidence that common low-level exposure to pesticides harms the fetus, some studies suggest that higher levels may increase the risk of birth defects. Because these substances are poisons, they pose a risk to babies who touch or crawl on treated surfaces such as carpets, floors, or grass.

If your home must be treated, use bait stations instead of spraying whenever possible. If indoor spraying must be done, stay out of the home, and keep babies and children out, while it's being treated and for several hours afterward. Clear away all food, dishes, and utensils from areas to be treated, including cabinets or drawers. Be sure the home is well ventilated during and after treatment. After the treatment, have someone else wash off any surfaces on which food is prepared or served, and make sure treated areas are well vacuumed or mopped.

If your property must be treated, have someone else apply pesticides or herbicides (weed killers). If chemicals are sprayed outdoors, close the windows and turn off the air conditioning so fumes won't be drawn into the home. Cover children's sandboxes and outdoor play equipment before such spraying. And wear protective gloves when gardening to avoid skin contact with chemicals.

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 13 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Arts & Crafts; Home; Pregnancy & Postpartum; Solutions
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Today, guest contributor Robin shares a review of cloth diapering covers and doublers from Bumkins. Read on for Robin’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a diaper cover from Bumkins (entry closes October 15):

From Robin:

“I have cloth diapered for over three years now -- first with my son and now with my one-year-old daughter -- but the thrill of trying out different cloth diapering products never seems to fade. I recently tested out the diaper covers and doublers from Bumkins and loved the products.

I should say that I use my cloth diapers pretty hard so I need products that can stand up to an active, messy one-year-old and a fair amount of laundering. The Bumkins diaper cover fits our needs so well. They are well made, keep my daughter dry and comfortable, and launder beautifully. The extra geeky perks: the cover is a trim enough fit so as not to overwhelm, while still being roomy enough to fit over each brand of fitted diaper (and of course my prefolds) I tried under it, the patterns are cute (including plenty of stylish neutrals if you want to use the covers across kids), and the encased elastic on the legs is a really nice detail. These covers are PVC, phthalate, and vinyl free.

As well as being active and a lover of messes, my daughter also fits the "heavy wetter" description to a tee so I’m always on the lookout for affordable and functional doublers/soakers. Bumkins bamboo boosters are a wonderful addition to my cloth diaper stash and I grab for them all the time. I love bamboo because it is a great choice for our environment and it also washes and dries up really nicely for cloth diapering. These "boosters" have great absorbency without adding a ton of bulk and they have stayed soft with my normal cloth diaper washing routine. I plan on picking up a few more packs so I can pair them up with everything I have.

In short, I really love having these Bumkins products in our cloth diapering rotation. We do a lot of laundry in our house (what parent of little ones doesn't?), but these covers and doublers have saved my daughter's outfits from leaks and accidents on more than one occasion.”

Now, want to be one of three winners to receive a diaper cover from Bumkins? Here’s how:

As a one less car advocate and former marching band member (color guard, bass drum, and trumpet...though not all at the same time), I’m pretty tickled by the prospect of the Honk! Festival Parade leading to Oktoberfest in Harvard Square this Sunday, October 11 (12 – 6 pm; rain date October 12). After you “reclaim the streets for horns, bikes, and feet” enjoy the Square in full on party mode; Oktoberfest will be replete with entertainment, food, and vendors.

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Oh how the paths open when you lose the training wheels! Tomorrow is National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at the Middlesex Fells. This free event runs from 9:30am – 1:30pm and will include rides lead by NEMBA, bike-related crafts, bike fixing services, lunch, and a bike raffle. This event is suitable for kids ages 8 and up who are able to ride without training wheels. Parents are welcome to ride along; helmets are required for all.

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 9 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Today, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth admittedly engages a bit of a paradox and offers advice about coping with unwanted advice:

“‘Talk is cheap,’ or so they say. Apparently so is advice. You can get bundles of advice -- more than you'd ever want and more than you could ever use -- totally free. And much of it is contradictory, whether the advice is about clothing, food, sleep, or discipline. So what can we do with this advice?

Trust your instincts. ‘You know more than you think you know,’ says Dr. Spock on the first page of his tome on childcare. Spock may seem dated, but he makes good sense. Only you know your baby and only you know what feels right for you and your household. You can't walk in shoes that don't fit and you can't wear advice unless it's comfortable. As Spock says, ‘We know for a fact that the loving care that kind parents give their children is a hundred times more valuable than their knowing how to pin a diaper on just right.’

Don’t let excessive advice erode your confidence. In the face of excessive advice, it’s common to think, 'I must look like I don't know what I'm doing,' or, 'The parenting bar is very high,' or 'Maybe they do know better,’ or ‘Maybe there’s something to all of these should’s.’ Not so. Keep in mind that this is your baby now. Others had their chance and now it's your turn. Yes, you may stumble here and there, but each time you cross a new parenting threshold by marching to your own drum, confidence will grow.

Advice givers speak volumes…about their own need to offer advice. This may sound a little harsh, but the truth is, sometimes people offer advice because appearing knowledgeable makes them feel good; generally their interest is not in guiding you. And if you take the advice, you are affirming their parenting style and we, as humans, like to be affirmed. So, when you're listening to the volumes of advice, realize that the advice is not a free lunch, but more about feeding the giver.

Give advice a chance, some of the time. Although I've been pointing out negatives about advice, sometimes it is in fact given with you in mind. The best advice I ever got? "Don't fret about your weight. It took nine months to go up and it takes nine months to go back down." The second best advice I got? "Hire the occasional sitter. It's good for your mental health and your marriage." Perfect. I was planning on doing that anyway. The worst bits of advice we ever received (e.g., being accused of carrying our daughter too much and thus spoiling her) seemed rooted in the advice giver’s own issues. So listen carefully, and take the good advice to heart.

Sometimes silence really is golden. We expend a lot of mental energy (energy we don't have as busy parents of small children) wondering how to answer our advisors. Sometimes the best answer is no answer at all. We don't owe "the experts" anything. If you feel must respond, simply say 'thank you' and move on.”

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by Christine Koh on 8 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Family Issues
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So much of parenting is about modeling behavior. And though Laurel is a ways away from having her own phone, I know she is well aware of my phone and my behavior with it. And this is what the Mom Sends the Msg public service campaign is all about. Initiated by the talented ladies behind The Motherhood, Mom Sends the Msg is on a mission to engage moms to help reduce distracted driving; in particular texting while driving. Please consider signing the pledge and sharing this initiative with fellow parents.

Posted by Christine Koh on 7 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Family Issues; Travel
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I’ve long been a fan of Little Capers, indie makers of non-commercial caped superhero tees and dresses for kids (cape-free shirts are available for babies). These tees are great for everyday superhero play and would suit beautifully for Halloween; you can’t go wrong with a costume that engages your child’s imagination, is free of itchy synthetics, and still looks cool with long sleeve layers underneath in the likely case of cold weather. And for our Giveaway Goodness series, Little Capers kindly is offering two lucky readers awesome superhero tees! Simply check out the rules below and enter to win by midnight, October 9.

Rules:

Today, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses shares some basics about cord blood banking:

“Although the debate over the value of preserving cord blood is not new, many of my expecting mom clients ask me for information on this topic. Here are some basics on cord blood collection that I share with them:

Cord blood (the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after the birth of the baby) contains stem cells that can be used to treat various disorders. While the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages public cord blood banking (i.e., donation), they do not recommend private cord blood collection for potential personal or family use as a general “insurance policy.” Indeed, I advise my clients to be wary of cord blood banks that urge banking just in case your baby needs a transplant someday. Medical experts say the chances of a child needing a transplant of his or her own cells are rare.

There are, however, many families for which cord blood banking makes sense. Certain issues, such as family history or genetic disease, factor into the decision. Private companies have sprung up to collect and store umbilical cord blood for future use. If you decide to bank your baby’s blood, make sure the company you choose is accredited by a reputable regulatory agency such as the American Association of Blood Banks. The average upfront fee for storage is approximately $1500 with a $100 yearly storage fee.

Storing your baby’s cord blood is a personal decision that only you can make. Think over your family’s health history and do some homework about cord blood banking during your pregnancy so you can make an informed decision in advance. If you’re still not sure whether to store your baby’s cord blood, discuss your concerns with your doctor and/or your baby’s pediatrician. Whatever you decide to do, your decision should be well thought out and not based on guilt marketing.

For more information on cord blood banking, see the AAP’s Cord Blood Banking FAQ.”

Image credit: Christine Koh

Posted by Christine Koh on 6 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Family Issues; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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Let’s just say that SteveSongs makes an impression. SteveSongs was Laurel’s very first concert and his catchy, fun music (remarkably enjoyable for kids and grownups) subsequently was tops on Laurel's playlist for the better part of a year. This weekend you can catch SteveSongs live, when he kicks off the Regent Theatre’s Family Fun Saturdays series on Saturday, October 10 (10:30am & 3pm shows). Also cool, my friends at the Regent kindly are offering a family 4-pack of tickets to each show. Simply check out the rules below and enter to win by noon Thursday, October 8.

Want to win tickets to SteveSongs in concert on October 10? Here’s how:

When first tasked to buy baby gear, it can be challenging to navigate the options; in particular the tradeoff between investing in more expensive long term solutions vs. inexpensive short term solutions. I tend to gravitate towards the former, and am particularly drawn to items (e.g., our convertible crib) that can convert and accommodate kids as they grow. And for those mulling high chair options, I highly recommend you take a look at the STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP high chair.

When Laurel was a baby, we bought a different wooden convertible high chair. It was pretty and modern but ultimately a bit problematic: the wood finish was hard to clean and though the base of the chair was wide, the overall design didn’t feel quite as sturdy as we wanted, and the structure resulted in lots of little nooks that collected food. We subsequently tried seat elevators and booster seats, and at each juncture, these solutions worked great. But ultimately, Laurel outgrew them and I was left with items to store or sell. Which leads me to why I recommend the STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP.

STOKKE started manufacturing the TRIPP TRAPP in 1972, maintaining the same design and only tweaking the color palette to include trend colors each year. As an eco-gal I love the wood construction and the frame is sturdy, balanced, and simple; Laurel has no problem getting up and down off the chair and there’s plenty of seat room for her. The wood finish is easy to wipe down and the simple design cuts down on troublesome food catching crevices. The STOKKE is suitable for babies starting at 6 months (I would recommend investing in the baby set but perhaps skipping the cushion as one more thing to clean) and the seat and footrest are adjustable in height and depth via platform notches on the inner frame to accommodate your baby all the way into adulthood (adults would use the deeper footrest platform as the seat and stow the seat platform).

Now, obviously I’m testing this chair a bit later in the game with Laurel, who is 5 years old. She did humor me and allow me to buckle her partially into the harness and the buckles have smooth and easy latch and release action. As a regular non-harness seat, I love this chair for all the reasons described above; in particular how comfortably and safely the overall design and adjustable seat/footrest settings allow Laurel to sit at the proper height with somewhere to put on her feet. She's at the perfect height with us to eat, squirms less at the table now that she’s not shifting between sitting on her knees, sitting on her bottom, etc., and it’s easy for her to get on and off the chair when she needs to get something (independence!).

Assembly of the STOKKE is pretty straightforward, though I did experience a little confusion over the insertion of the metal nuts (noted in the instructions but color coding the shallow side with a dab of paint would help). Otherwise, my only recommendation for improvement would be for the baby harness components to be detachable without disassembling the chair. Currently, to remove the harness you need to loosen the frame attachments then remove the back bars to unscrew a small screw that secures the harness to the underside of one of the back bars and slide off the harness. To remove the harness piece off the seat, I also opted to remove the seat first since the angle was awkward and I didn’t want to accidentally ding the finish. Granted, you probably would have to loosen the attachments anyway to adjust the seat and footrest height once your child doesn’t need the harness anymore, but I think this alteration would improve usage.

In short, I think the STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP is a fantastic chair. It’s no wonder it has enjoyed a long and solid history; I just wish I had opted for one right at the beginning!

Posted by Christine Koh on 5 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (7) | Filed in Decor & Furniture; Feeding & Nursing; Gear; Home
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Since launching Boston Mamas and Posh Peacock I have entertained lots of questions about business development and social media and also met many wonderful small business owners (including those in the awesome Boston Mamas mamapreneur network). I’m thus thrilled to be a part of Kirtsy and Microsoft Office Live’s Hands On Small Business sessions. Including 100 fun, FREE gatherings in 20 cities across the US and Canada, HOSB will cover free online and social media solutions to help entrepreneurs and small businesses build and promote their business. I’ll be team teaching the Boston sessions (which start October 8) with Angela from Mommy Bytes. Register now to join us for one of the five Boston dates; I look forward to seeing you (and your laptop) there!

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Mama in the Workplace; Web (Admin)
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Today, Kate recommends Claire Masurel’s Two Homes to help families going through separation and divorce:

“When my husband and I first separated, my daughter was barely two-and-a-half years old. She made the transition to suddenly having two rooms, two sets of toys and clothes, and two houses - Mama's House and Dada's House, as we still call them - with admirable equanimity, and we all breathed a big sigh of relief. Now that she is older and more aware, however, she sometimes asks questions about our living situation that stump me, leaving me unsure whether my answers are helpful or only furthering muddying.

As common as divorce is in America and as unflappable as my daughter generally is, I worry occasionally that the choices made by the adults in her life will challenge her sense of security or jeopardize her emotional stability, and I seek out tips on how to speak to her about her family in preschool-appropriate language.

Two Homes by Claire Masurel is a lovely and soothing book about a small child named Alex - the gender is left purposefully vague - who lives with both of his/her parents, but in separate homes. With each page, the book catalogs the different domestic details of their lives -- Mommy lives in an apartment building in the city while Daddy lives in a house by the shore; Daddy has a dog while Mommy has a roof deck -- while gently making the point that Alex is loved fully and equally by both parents.

The life of the family is portrayed as integrated and calm, despite the different homes, which I believe is crucial to helping small children weather separation with a minimum of disruption to their lives and pysches. In bright and cheerful watercolors, the book so closely mirrors the way in which my daughter lives -- speaking on the phone with the parent who isn't present, enjoying activities with whichever parent she is with in a given moment -- that it brought tears to my eyes when I first read it. For any family going through separation and divorce, this book offers a gentle vision of how a childhood in two homes can be lived happily and peacefully.”

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Oct 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Family Issues; For Babies & Kids
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