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February 13, 2010

Simple Love Lessons

four-hearts.jpgToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth of Alphabet Soup 4 Parents shares simple love lessons for Valentine’s Day:

Whether you are cynical or sentimental about Valentine’s Day, a day that inspires reflection about relationships seems worthwhile to me. Subsequently, here I share four simple love lessons to embrace on Valentine’s Day and every day.

Continue reading "Simple Love Lessons" »

February 12, 2010

Striking A Balance

balance.jpgThis time last week I was at Blissdom, where I had the honor of moderating a panel on work/life balance. Panelists Deb Rox, Megan Jordan, Carmen Stacier, and I wanted to foster a candid conversation, free of “achieve balance by getting up earlier and getting more organized!” type advice, and I think we conveyed a realism that was very different from typical balance panels. Here are the key takeaways, some of which have served me extremely well this week while I’ve been playing catch up with work:

Continue reading "Striking A Balance" »

February 2, 2010

Cyberbullying 101

text-message.jpgBetween recently watching the PBS Raising Girls program and reading about Phoebe Prince last week, my mind has been on cyberbullying. I’m subsequently grateful to PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody, who today shares helpful information, tips, and resources for parents regarding cyberbullying:

Continue reading "Cyberbullying 101" »

January 29, 2010

Bringing Sexy Back

mominatrix.jpgMy friend Kristen Chase is a funny, prolific, no holds barred writer and I’m currently laughing my way through her new book, The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex, in which Kristen offers advice for bringing sexy back during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. I’m thrilled to help welcome Kristen to Boston on Tuesday, February 9 (7-9pm) for a Valentine’s chocolate and wine tasting + sex chat at Finale in Brookline, via Moms Going Out. Tickets are only $5 and space is limited (autographed books will be available for purchase); I hope to see you there!

Continue reading "Bringing Sexy Back" »

January 28, 2010

Rushes in Paradise

atlantis-1.jpgApologies for my reduced posting this week, but, save a couple of brief Twitter and Facebook updates on the front end of my trip, from Saturday through Tuesday I went radio silent while absorbing a visit to Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas and I'm currently attempting to cope with my besieged inbox. While the trip was for work (a press event), it also was very personal, signaling my first mom-daughter flight with Laurel and my first work trip where Laurel was encouraged to attend. The trip also provided opportunity to reflect on some of my baggage about life's luxuries (suffice to say, growing up, my immediate family of nine never flew anywhere), and also about human behavior in response to rushes of all kinds (you can take the girl out of psychology, but not the psychologist out of the girl).

Continue reading "Rushes in Paradise" »

January 20, 2010

Raising Girls

raising-girls.jpgThis past weekend I finally had a chance to view PBS’s program A Girl’s Life with Rachel Simmons, and I highly recommend that parents watch the program. Though the issues (e.g., body image, cyberbullying) were not new to me, learning that girls are equal to or ahead of boys until middle school (at which point they tend to fall behind as confidence crumbles due to social issues, negative body image, etc.) and seeing the interview footage made the issues so much more real to me. I couldn’t help but envision Laurel five years (or less) forward.

Continue reading "Raising Girls" »

January 15, 2010

Communication Resolutions

listen.jpgToday, from parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth of Alphabet Soup 4 Parents, because it’s never too late to resolve to communicate better:

Earlier this month, Bob and I listened to an NPR show about making and keeping resolutions. The advice? Keep resolutions to a bare minimum and keep resolutions specific. While resolutions such as losing weight, becoming a better tennis player, and communicating more effectively are all good in theory, these resolutions raise red flags. They’re too general. However, resolution number three is critical to me -- I believe that good communication is the underpinning of all great relationships (and certainly parent-child partnerships) -- so I want to break it down into smaller, more tangible components.

Continue reading "Communication Resolutions" »

January 6, 2010

What Makes a Good Mother?

to-hell-with-all-that.jpg Today, Kate recommends a thought provoking book about motherhood:

“The essayist Caitlin Flanagan has developed a successful career writing thoughtfully and often with acerbic humor on issues of family, marriage, motherhood, and feminism. She courts controversy by raising uncomfortable questions about whether men or women are better suited to housework, whether small children should be cared for by anyone other than their mothers, and whether contemporary women are fundamentally unsuited to accept the sacrifices required by marriage. She points at working mothers, stay-at-home mothers, and work-at-home mothers -- in other words, all of us -- and asks us to look into ourselves to understand our motivations, our compromises, and our choices and their impacts on our children. She is also the mother of twin boys, and a breast cancer survivor.

Continue reading "What Makes a Good Mother?" »

December 8, 2009

Here's to the Holidays

holly.JPGToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth of Alphabet Soup 4 Parents shares tips for bringing back your holiday mojo:

“Many of us have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. For example, I love spending time with my family, playing board games and cards fireside, finding a special gift for each of my girls, attending Christmas Eve services, winter walks, and more. Then there’s the stuff I hate: the excess, the stress, and sometimes my memories of Christmases past. Here are some classic holiday related struggles and how to cope with them.

Continue reading "Here's to the Holidays" »

November 25, 2009

Stay Healthy Tips

cdc-flu.jpgToday, Carole Arsenault of Newborn Nurses shares some tips for staying healthy during the flu season:

“Expecting mothers or moms of young children have more than just themselves to worry about this flu season, particularly with the added threat of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Pregnant women and young children are particularly susceptible to complications related to the flu.

Continue reading "Stay Healthy Tips" »

November 19, 2009

Road Dogging with Puppies

christine-koh-john-ondrasik.JPGA few weeks ago I experienced a rather unusual night of party hopping that included seeing John Ondrasik (aka. Five for Fighting) live at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. In addition to being utterly moved by the musical experience itself, I also was touched by John’s clear love for his family (exemplified when he explained the inspiration for various songs). Thanks to the lovely Barbara Jones, I met John after the show, at which time he kindly offered to pen a guest blog post on Boston Mamas. In particular, I was curious about John’s best strategies for staying connected with his family while on the road; an issue I discuss with many parents who travel for work. Read on for John's advice on this topic:

Continue reading "Road Dogging with Puppies" »

November 18, 2009

Simplifying the Holidays: Everyday Philanthropy

everyday-philanthropist.jpgJennifer James is one of the first bloggers I met in real life, through the inaugural Disney mom bloggers mixer. She since has become a dear friend and a trusted professional confidante; someone I admire for her kindness, good karma, smart insights, and astute perspective as a long time blogger (among her many projects, she’s best known as the founder of the Mom Bloggers Club). The second in my Simplifying the Holidays guest blog series, today Jennifer shares a collection of wonderful ideas for everyday philanthropy where you can make a difference from the comfort of your home.

Continue reading "Simplifying the Holidays: Everyday Philanthropy" »

November 13, 2009

Fight for Preemies: Alyssa's Story

fight-for-preemies.jpgNovember is Prematurity Awareness Month and this year Bloggers Unite is partnering with the March of Dimes in support of the Fight for Preemies. The goal of the campaign is to have 500 bloggers post about a baby they love on or before Prematurity Awareness Day (November 17) to create awareness of the ongoing need for prematurity research funding. Today, in support of the campaign and in my role as a March of Dimes mom, I’m sharing the story of my niece Alyssa, with heartfelt gratitude to her parents for their candor and willingness to have me write this post.

Continue reading "Fight for Preemies: Alyssa's Story" »

November 9, 2009

Motherhood, In Less Than 650 Words

motherhood.jpgToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares key lessons from motherhood:

“Could I write an essay -- under 1000 words -- about motherhood? What an absorbing assignment. In the recently released movie Motherhood -- which includes great actors, great Manhattan scenes, and too many New York tears shed over a life that looks terrific -- Uma Thurman attempts this very project for a magazine contest. Inspired by this task, here I share a few key lessons from the alphabet stew of motherhood, in less than 650 words.

Continue reading "Motherhood, In Less Than 650 Words" »

October 29, 2009

The Good Fight

heart.jpgToday, 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?

Continue reading "The Good Fight" »

October 21, 2009

Beware of Bratzillas

npr.gifThis 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!

October 15, 2009

Partnership Parenting

partnership-parenting.jpgToday, 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):

Continue reading "Partnership Parenting" »

October 14, 2009

Conversations About Cancer

wgbh-cancer.jpgFinding 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

October 8, 2009

Coping With Unwanted Advice

busy-phones.jpgToday, 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?

Continue reading "Coping With Unwanted Advice" »

October 7, 2009

Mom Sends the Msg

MomMsg_125sq.jpgSo 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.

October 6, 2009

Cord Blood Banking Basics

baby-mom-hands.JPGToday, 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:

Continue reading "Cord Blood Banking Basics" »

October 1, 2009

Reassurance for Different Families

two-homes.jpgToday, 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.

Continue reading "Reassurance for Different Families" »

September 30, 2009

Let's Be Honest

robie-harris.jpgI didn’t plan on this being sexual health education day, but it seemed only fitting to follow my tomKIT post with this one from PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody. Today, Amy shares three favorite resources to help parents discuss sexual health and sexuality issues with kids ages 4 and up:

Continue reading "Let's Be Honest" »

September 29, 2009

Giving More, Getting More: Live

the-juice.jpgThis past summer I responded to an invitation to submit an idea for an episode of The Juice, a content arm of BlogHer that offers women tips on getting more of what they want (and less of what they don’t) out of life. I shared my perspective on giving more to and thus getting more out of relationships and was honored that my post was selected as the winning entry. I flew to San Francisco to film a webisode about the topic with the lovely Jory Des Jardins (BlogHer co-founder and host of The Juice) and the segment is now live! To check it out, visit The Juice and select episode “Giving More, Getting More.”

September 15, 2009

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

ovations-for-the-cure.jpgIn light of September being National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, today, Sarah candidly shares her story, as well as important information for women to consider:

“I always assumed that by the time I reached the ripe old age of 35, I’d have a husband, two kids, a house in the ‘burbs, and a dog. What I didn’t expect was the minivan. Oh, and the cancer.

Continue reading "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month" »

September 11, 2009

Coping With Kindergarten Transitions

broken-pencil.jpgLaurel has always been a creature of habit. Her within-day care class transitions always were hard so I thought I was ready for a challenging transition to kindergarten. Turns out I wasn’t prepared for the impassioned sobbing of “I don’t want to go to kindergarten, I want to stay home with you!” (both awake and even in her sleep one night), the magnitude of her distress at drop off, or heart wrenching comments such as “Mommy, you’re so smart you could teach me everything I need to know. PLEASE let me stay home with you.” Not surprisingly, we’ve been scrambling to cope; I wanted to share tactics that have been effective for us this week, plus some great suggestions I received from folks via Twitter and Facebook.

Continue reading "Coping With Kindergarten Transitions" »

September 1, 2009

Fall Structure Strategies

fall-leaves.JPGToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares fall structure strategies that are useful to keep in mind through the whole year:

“Around this time every year I get a small back-to-fall-schedules lump in my throat and wonder, 'Who took my summer away from me?' Kids experience the same emotions, and they’ll likely need some help through the transitions. Here are some tips on coping with return to fall structure.

Continue reading "Fall Structure Strategies" »

August 31, 2009

Easing Back To School Jitters

abc.JPGToday, Sheri shares tips for easing back to school transition jitters:

“Remember back to the night before your first day at a new job. You couldn’t sleep because your mind was racing and your stomach was doing flips with all of the excitement, nervousness, and thoughts of what the new adventure would bring. These feelings are no different than what your child is feeling before school starts, and even throughout the first full month of a new school year. It is normal and should not be cause for worry. Here are some things you can do to help make the transition to a new school year a smooth one for everyone:

Continue reading "Easing Back To School Jitters" »

August 13, 2009

Hold Me Tight

hold-me-tight.jpgToday Tracy shares a recommendation for a book that can help couples reconnect in times of discontent:

“In my practice as a clinical psychologist, my clients often asked for book recommendations. It’s a rare book that is accessible enough and/or leaves me comfortable enough with the message it sends that I’m happy to recommend it to clients. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love is different, however.

Continue reading "Hold Me Tight" »

August 3, 2009

Tips for Talking About Periods

pplm-menstruation.jpgToday, PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody shares tips for talking to daughters about menstruation, including advice especially for dads:

“If your daughter is approaching menstruation, you can make the whole process easier and more comfortable for her (and you) by talking to her openly about what it means to have your "period." It's very important to begin to teach girls about the changes their bodies will go through during puberty - and especially menstruation - before they get their first period. But it is never too late to start!

Continue reading "Tips for Talking About Periods" »

July 16, 2009

Away We Go

away-we-go.jpgToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares parenting points gleaned from the movie Away We Go:

"When I heard about Away We Go, a film about parenting, I asked my husband to join me to see the movie. Bob, a good critic, said, "I liked the movie. I liked the characters too, but I didn't see much point." I, on the other hand, thought the movie offered good acting but also heart, comedy, and romance. The New Yorker said the movie has a "ruminative" tone and I agree. After seeing the film I began to ruminate on several fine points of parenting the movie raised.

Continue reading "Away We Go" »

July 14, 2009

Lessons Learned

grommet-bike.jpgMy writing has taken me down memory lane recently, and I wanted to share two external posts that are relevant for parents, regarding the lessons we learn and pass on to our kids. I guest posted today at the Daily Grommet blog about lessons learned from summer vacations of past and present, and yesterday I posted at Pop Discourse (my personal blog) about ways to cope with the mounting stress I have observed in relation to BlogHer. Whether or not you’ll be in Chicago next week, the post speaks to the importance of shedding adolescent baggage and modeling behavior for your kids that is kind and accepting, not cruel and excluding.

July 8, 2009

Losing the Stroller

walking.JPGToday, Kate shares the benefits that have come from following her daughter’s itch to walk:

“When I was pregnant, I spent many happy hours considering which stroller to buy. I read reviews, talked to friends, discreetly checked out the latest models on the sidewalks of my neighborhood, and weighed cost against style, durability, and fabulousness. In retrospect, I'll admit that I put more emphasis on the look of the thing than on its actual operation, but it was my first pregnancy and I had no real idea what it would mean to transport a newborn and then baby and then toddler on four wheels and in all seasons.

Continue reading "Losing the Stroller " »

July 6, 2009

Media Mentions

fox-boston.JPGI'm a tad remiss in reporting, but wanted to share some recent kind media mentions. A couple of weeks ago I was quoted in Joanna Weiss’s Boston Globe feature on imperfect parenting confessionals. And last week I was included in FOX25 Boston’s special report on mom bloggers. Given the brouhaha that has erupted amidst the blogging community re: product reviews, I was particularly pleased that my comments on ethics and transparency made the cut.

Continue reading "Media Mentions" »

July 2, 2009

Lessons From My Dad

dad.JPGIn May I signed on as a March of Dimes mom, through which I will donate one post per month to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, newborn, or general family topics. In honor of Father’s Day, June’s suggested topic was – not surprisingly – dad issues. I know I’m a few days late in sharing my thoughts on this topic, but there’s a good reason why.

Continue reading "Lessons From My Dad" »

July 1, 2009

One on One With Four

child-hand.jpgToday, Heather shares ideas for ways to work in one on one time with siblings:

“With four children, ages 2-5, giving each of my children the individual attention they want is truly one of my greatest challenges. Many days it feels as if they all need a piece of me at the same time, especially in the 10 minutes after I come home from work. But I have learned that even as little as 5 minutes of daily one on one time does wonders for all of us. Below are some simple ways that I have managed to carve out quick one on one time with my children (of course, in some of these examples my husband needs to be home to supervise the other three).

Continue reading "One on One With Four" »

June 30, 2009

Love, Marriage, & Experimentation

uncommon-arrangements.jpgToday, Kate shares a book recommendation for grownups:

“I have long been fascinated by marriages. What keeps two people together over many years? What really goes on during all of those dinners together, those long car rides, those epic changes and everyday activities? How do some couples manage to strike the right balance between independence and interconnectedness? And how is it that some couples - even after decades - still share private smiles that suggest love and excitement, while others seem like barely more than comfortable companions?

Continue reading "Love, Marriage, & Experimentation" »

June 25, 2009

Public Displays of Affliction

tantrum.jpgToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares tips for coping with public tantrums:

“Small children tantrum; sometimes in a big way. And sometimes in a public place. We manage tantrums just fine at home, but less well on the playground, or at the public library, market, or mall. Why? Because it's embarrassing to watch Alex collapse to the floor and go completely out of control when everyone (or so it seems) is watching/judging how we deal with this tiny tornado. Here are some tips for coping with public displays of tempestuous behavior:

Continue reading "Public Displays of Affliction" »

June 24, 2009

Oh, the Karma!

the-juice-web.jpgIn response to an invitation to submit an idea for an episode of The Juice, last week I wrote about a topic I care deeply about: nurturing relationships and the value of doing good things for people. And I’m honored to report that The Juice selected my post as the winning entry of their Trop 50 Juice Contest. As a result, I’ll head to San Francisco to film a webisode with host and BlogHer co-founder Jory Des Jardins, featuring the tips I wrote about, plus some additional useful ideas and resources on the topic.

I’ll let you know when the webisode is live; meanwhile, I’m flattered that my post was selected from what no doubt was a pool of thoughtful and insightful entries, and am happy to have the opportunity to spread the good karmic word!

June 23, 2009

The Joy of Walking

walking.jpgToday, Kate shares her favorite means for fitness:

“I turned 35 this year, which - combined with other major changes in my life - prodded me into thinking that I should be doing more to keep myself healthy and active. In the past, I've tried gyms, pools, classes, DVDs, and different pairs of sneakers, but nothing has ever stuck for very long and nothing has really felt right: classes don't fit my schedule, gyms are too impersonal, pools are too much of a nuisance (the chlorine! the wet hair!), and I've never quite had the discipline to commit to exercise at home. However, my family has a history of heart disease and I have some very special people for whom to remain healthy, so I decided that this spring would be the season in which I would figure out a way to exercise that I could both enjoy and sustain.

Continue reading "The Joy of Walking" »

June 17, 2009

Giving More, Getting More

the-juice.jpgLast fall I had the pleasure of meeting BlogHer co-founder Jory Des Jardins, who recently collaborated to launch The Juice, a site geared towards helping women “get more of what they want, and less of what they don’t out of life.” I think a lot about this topic so was compelled to respond to an invitation to submit an idea for an episode of The Juice, as follows.

Continue reading "Giving More, Getting More" »

June 16, 2009

Little (Perfectly Imperfect) Helper

cherries1.JPGIn my work, I definitely tend to be bound by perfection, but one area of my life where I’ve really enjoyed letting my perfectionist tendencies fall to the wayside is in my parenting. Not only is it too hard (and somewhat pointless) to strive for parenting perfection, but the extra bonus is that letting go often translates to fun (and often educational) experiences for Laurel that also foster her independence and free up my hands. Here are two examples where this played out beautifully (while prepping yesterday for Jon’s birthday):

Continue reading "Little (Perfectly Imperfect) Helper" »

June 15, 2009

Pedagogical Playgroup

drawing.jpgThis past Saturday was remarkable in that: a) Laurel happily attended a drop-off playgroup with a group of kids she largely was unfamiliar with (she tends to turn reticent around strangers, even little ones); and b) the playgroup essentially was organized and hosted by a 9-year-old (supervised, of course). This concept was fantastic for several reasons: it offered the families of the young guests a means for socialization and separation, it provided a way to teach an older kid about responsibility and earning money, and it gave me food for thought as I mull how we’ll handle the whole new ball game that will be kindergarten, with its vacation stretches and early school pick up days.

Continue reading "Pedagogical Playgroup" »

June 3, 2009

Nine Years, Nine Lessons

bouquet-and-invite.JPGNine years ago today, my hair was in a seemingly impossible up-do of loops and pearl pins, the sun was shining brightly and the ground had miraculously dried out after a huge rainstorm the previous night, and I was about an hour shy of getting married. Not surprisingly, I’m feeling a bit reflective today, so I thought I’d share some lessons (nine of them, actually) I have learned over the last nine years. I hope some of these are helpful to you; if you have other family or partner lessons to share, please feel free to comment in below.

Continue reading "Nine Years, Nine Lessons" »

May 29, 2009

Love These Links!

fireworks.jpgI’ve palpably felt the heat of fireworks in the blogosphere lately, no doubt due at least in part to reactions to a certain family reality show, the tension that can come from stratifying moms via accolades, general mommy war matters, and this whole business with the Federal Trade Commission and mom blogs. Here are some links that caught my eye around the web this week per Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Love These Links!" »

May 22, 2009

Digital Nation

digital-nation.jpgLast night I visited WGBH for a preview of FRONTLINE’s Digital Nation – an upcoming documentary that will explore how the Web and digital media are changing the way we think, work, learn, and interact - and a discussion with the documentary’s producer, Rachel Dretzin. The preview and discussion were truly thought provoking and I found that some of Dretzin’s opening comments really touched a nerve. She referred to her dominant emotion around the current digital age as anxiety, with a feeling that people are “drowning in a sea of emails and text messages.” She also expressed her disdain over realizing that her kids “reach for technology to fill an empty space.”

Continue reading "Digital Nation" »

May 18, 2009

Goodies from Avon

avon.jpgA few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being in on an amazing call with finance expert Suze Orman, who provided sage advice on everything from women in business, to student loans, to saving for your child’s education, to home and personal finances. Call sponsor Avon (who brought Suze Orman on board as a personal finance advisor to their representatives) generously followed up the call by providing me with a goodie bag valued at approximately $125 to gift to a lucky reader. Read on to learn how to enter to win the Avon gift bag!

Continue reading "Goodies from Avon" »

May 15, 2009

Math Moments in Everyday

chalkboard.jpgToday, Sheri offers great tips for encouraging math moments in everyday experiences:

“Mathematical experiences are all around us in everyday situations that we don’t even realize, and it’s important to tap into these hidden experiences with our kids. Research shows that developing and encouraging math skills and problem solving at home provides children an advantage in school, as they now are asked at a very early age to understand number sense. Here are some easy and tangible ways to encourage “math talk” in everyday experiences. The truth is that the math opportunities are already there - you just have to notice them and grab the moment to share them with your child.

Continue reading "Math Moments in Everyday" »

May 11, 2009

Coping With Parent Preferences

parent-preferences.JPGToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares tips for coping with parent preferences:

“Parent preferences happen, even in the best of households. One sunny spring morning my husband took our then 3-year-old daughter tricycling. She soon fell off her tricycle and cried and cried. When Bob tried to help her (and all the way home) she cried, "Mommy! Mommy!" Today, it's Bob who gets the homemade Father's Day cards, the birthday phone calls, and the adoring looks from our daughters while I get, "Moooomm, you're not wearing that are you?" and " Moooomm, you're so embarrassing!"

Continue reading "Coping With Parent Preferences" »

May 8, 2009

Me & My Mama

koh-buffet.JPGGrowing up, people often commented (somewhat inappropriately it occurs to me...) that I didn’t look like either of my parents (in the way my six siblings distinctly do). But I’ve always definitely felt like my mother’s daughter, so I couldn’t resist participating in the Parent Bloggers Network’s Mother’s Day Blog Blast in partnership with the Celebrity Hand Me Down charity auction. PBN is asking bloggers what they think their mothers handed down to them, and I decided to make this post a family effort, canvassing Jon and Laurel for their thoughts, and following with my own. I hope this weekend will offer you some time to reflect on and celebrate motherhood.

Continue reading "Me & My Mama" »

May 6, 2009

Memory, Motherhood, & Celebration

tiffany-pendant.bmpToday, Kate shares how she chose to celebrate her awakening to motherhood:

“The first two years of motherhood were unexpectedly hard for me. I say unexpected because I had sailed through pregnancy and fully expected motherhood to be an enhancement to an already full and happy life, not a fundamental or in some ways jarring change. It sounds naive to write that now, but at the time I was caught totally unprepared for the nagging sense of sadness, emotional disequilibrium, and whispering worry that I was an inadequate and insufficiently loving mother.

Continue reading "Memory, Motherhood, & Celebration" »

April 24, 2009

Chatting With Suze Orman

suzeorman.bmpOnce upon a time I was financially savvy. My checkbook was perfectly balanced, I paid off my school loans well in advance, and I did my own taxes. Then as the years passed and Laurel entered our lives, it was all about divide and conquer; I focused on domestic jobs and Jon took over the finances. And then one day I realized I was an independent businesswoman absurdly paralyzed by the prospect of dealing with my finances.

Given said paralysis, I have a habit of tuning out financial talk, but yesterday, on an amazing call with finance expert Suze Orman, it wasn’t long before I was hanging on to her every word. Here's the amazing advice Suze shared, spanning women in business, student loans, saving for your child’s education, and home and personal finances. Also, at the conclusion is a gift from Suze (expiring at midnight 4/25)!

Continue reading "Chatting With Suze Orman" »

April 16, 2009

Raising Avid Readers

books.jpgI’m thrilled to introduce new contributing writer Sheri, an impassioned educator and single mom to a wonderful son. Today, Sheri shares tips for raising avid readers:

In an age where technology is sprouting faster than the human eye can track it on Google, there’s no doubt that we’re raising a generation of tech savvy kids. But as exciting as these developments are, I’ve also seen a troubling trend regarding reading for fun, enjoyment, and relaxation: kids are growing up lacking an intrinsic love of books and reading.

Continue reading "Raising Avid Readers" »

April 10, 2009

Talking to Teens About Sexting

sex_and_tech.bmpToday, PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody shares tips for parents and teens regarding sexting:

As parents, we know that taking certain risks is a natural part of development for teens. However, a recent survey by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com indicates a troubling trend of teens electronically sharing sexually suggestive content (text, photos, videos) with people they know as well as complete strangers. Furthermore, the study showed that what teens are doing electronically seems to have an effect on what they do in real life.

Continue reading "Talking to Teens About Sexting" »

April 7, 2009

Featured Mama Angelika Paul

angelikapaul1.JPGWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Angelika Paul, a mother of one (with #2 on the way) who founded FightPregnancyDiscrimination.org to help connect women with legal or other types of help to fight pregnancy discrimination.

Continue reading "Featured Mama Angelika Paul" »

March 31, 2009

Discipline and Consistency

balance.gifToday, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares tips on discipline, consistency, and complementary parenting approaches:

Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. Such a BIG word when it comes to parents applying discipline. In our home - where my husband and I shared much of the childcare - it was unrealistic to assume that two such different but equally competent people would do childcare in the same exact way. So is this need/insistence on consistency vastly overrated?

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March 11, 2009

Homebirth Tips

welcomewithlove.jpgPlanning a homebirth? Today, Tracy shares tips that proved useful in preparing her sons for the homebirth of their third child:

“As we anticipated and planned the homebirth of our 3rd child, my husband and I quickly realized that aside from preparing ourselves, our gear, and our hearts for the arrival of a new baby, we had two boys to prepare as well.

Continue reading "Homebirth Tips" »

March 9, 2009

Featured Mama Isabela Garcia

garcia_1.jpgWelcome to Boston Mamas Rock! – where we’re giving a voice to fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today’s interview with Isabela Garcia, a young mother who has overcome the challenges and stereotypes associated with teenage pregnancy to create a loving environment for her son, while pursuing her education and contemplating future aspirations of becoming a psychologist or doula, writing a book, and advocating for more realistic sex education in schools.

Continue reading "Featured Mama Isabela Garcia" »

Accidental Family Log

penandpaper.jpgLet go of mom guilt with Heather’s tip about baby documentation:

"Capturing every 'first' was easy to do with our firstborn. I was given a beautiful baby book as a shower gift and religiously kept it up to date until Emma was about two years old. I had every intention of doing the same for our triplets. I was determined to treat them all equally; what I did for one I wanted to do for the rest. I even purchased 3 separate baby books.

Continue reading "Accidental Family Log" »

March 6, 2009

Chatting With Belbin & Agosto

belbinagosto1.JPGI've recently had the honor and pleasure of conducting some really lovely interviews, and last week I sat down for a one-on-two chat with 2006 Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto before they led a skating clinic at the Simoni Arena in Cambridge. Read on for my interview, in which I talk with this personable duo about everything from competitions, to shows, to tips for skating safely with kids, to important advice for parents who are enrolling their kids in any types of lessons, to why Boston ranks among Tanith’s favorite cities. (Visit Pop Discourse for additional personal photos.)

Continue reading "Chatting With Belbin & Agosto" »

February 23, 2009

Detours & OnRamps

detours_onramps.jpgI get a lot of questions about how I run my online businesses while juggling the demands of family life, and if you want to learn more about this and many other topics, come to Detours & OnRamps in Waltham on March 25. This workshop will provide moms with information, resources, and networking opportunities useful for all stages of family and work balance planning; I’ll be speaking on online business development. Also, register by February 28 to save $25 off of registration. Please come by and say hello if you attend!

February 9, 2009

Chatting with Salma Hayek

salmahayek_1.JPGFollowing my previous post on the Pampers/UNICEF press conference, here is a transcript of the small group interview, during which I had the pleasure and honor of chatting with Salma Hayek along with Isabel Kallman (Alpha Mom), Nicole Feliciano (Momtrends), and Lauren Passell (Parenting). We talked about everything from the “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” campaign, to the loneliness that motherhood can bring, to daughter Valentina’s favorite books and lovey. We also were privileged to have Caryl Stern (President and CEO of UNICEF) in on the conversation.

Continue reading "Chatting with Salma Hayek" »

February 6, 2009

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_93.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

The Bump features ideas for fun ways that new or expecting parents can celebrate Valentine’s Day. And you could win: a $100 Toys ‘R Us gift card + Uville book and membership at Moms’ Buzz, or an eco-friendly (made entirely from recycled plastic drinking bottles!) love backpack from Dante Beatrix over at MomFinds.

February 3, 2009

Teen Pregnancy Talking Tips

teentalk.jpgToday, PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody shares tips for talking to kids about teen pregnancy:

“Unplanned pregnancy, especially teen pregnancy, has been high on the media radar in the last year, both locally via the increase in teen pregnancies in Gloucester, and through several media-hyped celebrity pregnancies, including Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin.

Continue reading "Teen Pregnancy Talking Tips" »

February 2, 2009

Chatting With Kimmie Meissner

kimmiemeissner1.jpgAfter posting about Boston area skating rinks and the lack of media buzz in advance of the recent US Nationals, I was offered the wonderful opportunity to chat with Kimmie Meissner, national and world figure skating champion, member of the 2006 Olympic team, and 2010 Olympic contender. Read on for my interview with Kimmie, where we talk about everything from competitions, to shows (she’ll be in Boston in April for Stars on Ice), to the amazing family that has kept her grounded, to tips for skating safely with kids.

Continue reading "Chatting With Kimmie Meissner" »

January 28, 2009

Stella & Sam

stella.jpgToday, Evadne shares her family's love for the Stella & Sam sibling book series:

“I spend a lot of time reading with my children (ages 4 and almost 2 years) and so have a special appreciation for books that are well written and beautifully illustrated. One of our favorite series follows the adventures of a fiery little redhead named Stella, and her more cerebral younger brother, Sam.

Continue reading "Stella & Sam" »

January 22, 2009

Love These Links!

heartlinks.jpgIt’s been a crazy, crazy week, but apparently there’s always time to surf. Here’s what caught my eye around the web this week, in my 2nd edition of Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!

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January 21, 2009

Coping With Separation II

dadenvelope.jpgMy husband recently returned from 10 days in Mexico, and while I realize that many families are split up for far longer stretches, this was a big deal for us. Prior to Jon’s departure, I prepped myself by revisiting and gleaning ideas from the coping with separation collective editorial that I posted last spring. And below are additional tips that proved useful for making it through the separation:

Continue reading "Coping With Separation II" »

January 20, 2009

Celebrating History at Home

obama_cupcakes.jpgPursuant to my previous post on local inauguration celebrations, here are some ideas for celebrating history at home with your family, excerpted from the energetic and ever informative Andrea Astrachan of Stop & Shop. These ideas would do well implemented not just today but through the remainder of the week or month. I know I could use the history refresher (last bullet point):

Continue reading "Celebrating History at Home" »

January 6, 2009

Love and Cookies

heartcookiecutters.jpgToday, Kate offers inspiration for the creation and nurturing of traditions; here, with a favorite family cookie recipe:

"With the 2008 holidays now behind us, I am reflecting on one moment in the past few weeks that was especially special for me: baking holiday cookies for my father with the help and company of my toddler daughter.

Continue reading "Love and Cookies" »

December 17, 2008

10 Holiday Survival Tips

holidays.JPGIn theory, the holidays are supposed to be a time to celebrate and relax with family and friends, but I’m hard pressed to think of anyone who hasn’t mentioned holiday-related stress in some form, whether it’s due to shopping, holiday cards, or the prospect of dealing with family. Today, I’m offering 10 tips for reducing stress this holiday season, per a blog blast in conjunction with the Parent Bloggers Network and FFDA, a non-profit organization that offers support and assistance for folks who are feeling overwhelmed, both at the holidays and all year long. Please feel free to comment in if you have other tips to share!

Continue reading "10 Holiday Survival Tips" »

December 10, 2008

Celiac Tips

celiac.jpgToday, Mary shares food tips and resource leads for managing Celiac Disease:

“A year ago, my biggest concern when grocery shopping was scanning the aisles for the best sales, but once our daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease - the autoimmune disorder caused by a reaction to gluten protein found in wheat, barley, and rye (see basic Celiac facts at the end of this post) - my priority turned towards reading labels and looking for the presence of wheat, barley, or rye in our groceries.

Continue reading "Celiac Tips" »

November 24, 2008

Sending Thanks

envelope.jpgToday, Suz shares an idea for showing appreciation to loved ones; a reflective twist on the classic December holiday update letter:

“In our household, every day is proof that it takes a village to raise a child. We feel blessed to have many warm hands, talented minds, and doting eyes in our "village," and thus find it particularly appropriate and meaningful to – literally – send thanks around Thanksgiving.

Continue reading "Sending Thanks" »

October 28, 2008

The Good Life For Less

shoestring.gifOne of my favorite perks of traveling in creative circles is meeting truly inspired and amazing innovators, and I was honored when Melissa Massello and Meghan Udell - the savvy and stylish local brains behind Shoestring Magazine - asked me to be part of their creative team. New this month, Shoestring’s mantra is “the good life for less” and offers great content on resourceful living and achieving style on a budget. While surfing they're cool site, check out my first column with Shoestring, on secondhand, vintage, and regifting for kids.

October 27, 2008

Why Children Lie

pinoccho.jpgOpportunities can emerge in unexpected ways, and shortly after reporting about Care.com last year, they approached me about freelancing. I’ve written a lot of nuts and bolts family care articles for them, and more recently have written about some very interesting child development and child care topics. Check out my column on understanding why children lie and how to work through this normal part of childhood development.

Continue reading "Why Children Lie" »

October 20, 2008

Tricky Treating

jackolantern.jpgToday, Tracy shares Halloween tips for parents, friends, and neighbors of kids with allergies:

“One of the biggest bug-a-boos for families dealing with food allergies is Halloween. When a holiday is specifically targeted at kids, and the whole point is to collect as much candy as possible, what are parents and their food allergic kid to do? Here are some of the ideas we have found useful over the years, and how they are changing as our children get older.

Continue reading "Tricky Treating" »

October 8, 2008

Buddy Walk

buddy_walk.jpgToday, Suz shares information about this Sunday's MDSC Buddy Walk:

“I love the month of October – the invigorating colors and crispness in the air, and the return of pumpkin lattes. October – which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month - also brings an amazing group of “differently-abled people” into the public’s eye.

Continue reading "Buddy Walk" »

September 15, 2008

Local Empowerment Funds

mddc.gifToday, Suz shares information about a funding program for individuals and families with developmental disabilities:

"Raising a child with a developmental disability can be both challenging and empowering. The MDDC’s Consumer Empowerment Funds Program is a hidden gem that grants up to $500 towards the cost of attending meaningful conferences and events within the state that benefit your efforts of living with a developmental disability. The goal of this program is to promote the empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by assisting them in their efforts to achieve independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion.

Continue reading "Local Empowerment Funds" »

September 5, 2008

Honoring Grandparents

snapfish.bmpThis Sunday is Grandparents Day, and whether grandparents are near or far, there are many simple yet meaningful ways to express your appreciation for these beloved family members. Here are my 10 favorite ways to honor grandparents, for this weekend and beyond.

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August 22, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_74.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Moms’ Buzz offers tips for spending less when shopping for back to school necessities. Clever Parents features clever ideas for healthy school lunches. Modern Mom announces the launch of their mom groups, where you can meet other moms at exclusive Moms Night Out events, play dates, and more. In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, One Chic Mama features two pumping solutions. And you could win a $100 giggle shopping spree at MomFinds.

August 20, 2008

Teaching Green

earth.jpgIn my unofficial role as green parenting guru, I was pleased to provide a guest column on Teaching Green to Preschoolers, over at The Savvy Source, a site that focuses on raising preschoolers. Most of the ideas actually are applicable to kids of all ages. Enjoy!

August 11, 2008

Stop & Shop's Overhaul

natures_promise.jpgOn a regular basis, I begrudge the absurd amount of time and energy we spend on grocery shopping. To get everything we need, we typically hit 3-4 stores, and I have talked to countless moms who share this inefficient routine. So when Stop & Shop invited me to learn more about their quantitative and qualitative overhaul, I was more than ready for a centralized shopping solution.

Continue reading "Stop & Shop's Overhaul" »

August 5, 2008

I’ve Been Betty’d

bettylogo.jpgI love conducting interviews via Boston Mamas Rock!, but it was a real pleasure and honor to be interviewed as Woman of the Week on Betty Confidential, a website dedicated to women’s life stages and confidential social networking. Managing editor April Daniels Hussar asked all sorts of thought provoking questions; click here to read the interview, where we discussed everything from career changes, to the elusive working mom balance, to overcoming insecurities, to little known facts about the mama behind Boston Mamas.

August 1, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_71.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Coochicoos features the imaginative murals by Japanese artist Ami Suma. Clever Parents offers an article on coping with a stepdad. Car & Caboodle highlights 5 essentials to pack for overnights with the grandparents. And you could win: a $100 giggle shopping spree at MomFinds, and a pair of Isabooties soft soled shoes at One Chic Mama.

July 31, 2008

Fostering Acceptance & Awareness

sex_richardson.jpgFollowing PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody’s post about engaging GLBTQ kids in conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity, we received a comment from reader Jen, asking about guidelines on having these conversations with straight kids. I am grateful to Amy for kindly providing follow up material on this topic:

Continue reading "Fostering Acceptance & Awareness" »

July 18, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_69.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Moms’ Buzz provides a primer on commonly used acronyms that kids use while text messaging and chatting. Classy Mommy features a video of Katie Couric reporting on the powerful mommy blogger revolution. And visit MomFinds to enter to win a $200 shopping spree at The Fine Art of Family.

July 11, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_68.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Coochicoos features the unusual charm and beauty of a room created from a drainpipe. Car & Caboodle presents part 3 of their series on the love/hate relationship moms have with the minivan. Moms’ Buzz offers tips on the proper fit for flats vs. heels. Classy Mommy documents her adventure to meet Kyra Sedgwick of The Closer. And you could win a Dante Beatrix DB Haul Tote at MomFinds, and a Nine-Month pregnancy keepsake necklace at One Chic Mama.

June 24, 2008

Time-Out, Mama

mothersneedtimeouts.jpgToday, Jules and Heather review Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too, a book that seeks to motivate moms to give themselves the time-outs they need and deserve. Read on for their reviews, as well as to learn how to be one of two winners to receive a copy of Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too:

Continue reading "Time-Out, Mama" »

June 6, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_64.gifAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

One Chic Mama features the affordable and eco-friendly household products by Charlie’s Soaps. Clever Parents offers guidance on “green” decorating and remodeling. Moms’ Buzz reviews content from April and May. The Nest Baby wants you to weigh in on a report of a grandma trying to breastfeed her grandson. And you could win: a $75 gift certificate to Vincent Shoes at Modern Mom, a Homedics Shiatsu Massaging Cushion for Dad from MomFinds, and a copy of the Sex and the City: The Movie book from We Covet.

May 30, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_63.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Clever Parents offers tips to help children cope with separation and divorce. Moms’ Buzz features a last minute family travel deal from Norwegian Cruise Line. We Covet loves the Pin Up Girls handmade clear resin bracelet. And you could win: a Playskool Rose Petal Cottage from Classy Mommy, Kids’ Cobian sandals at MomFinds, “Moms Rocks” tees from One Chic Mama, and gifts for daddy from The Nest Baby.


May 20, 2008

Coping With Separation

envelope.jpgA local reader recently wrote in asking whether we could cover separation from the mom perspective. This mom is relocating across the country for work this summer, will be separated from her husband and child, and found little online in the way of tips for handling separation, particularly as a mom. I am grateful to my guest contributors who chimed in for collective editorial, offering tips to prepare for and handle separation.

Continue reading "Coping With Separation" »

May 13, 2008

Understanding Orientation & Identity

glbtq.jpgToday, PPLM Parent Education Program Manager Amy Cody offers an excellent feature on how parents and caregivers can engage with their kids in conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity. Amy covers basic definitions, as well as insightful thought and action points.

Continue reading "Understanding Orientation & Identity" »

April 4, 2008

The Dad Factor

nagin.jpgLast week I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Melissa Kotlen Nagin, a certified lactation consultant and About.com’s Breastfeeding Guide. In particular, Melissa and I connected to talk about the dad (or partner) factor when it comes to breastfeeding. We had a fabulous time chatting; read on for highlights from the interview (a Boston Mamas first!), where we cover role shifts, dad/partner involvement, pumping, nighttime feeding, baby nurses, co-sleeping, bottle feeding battles, postpartum depression, the supermom syndrome, and re-lactation:

Continue reading "The Dad Factor" »

March 28, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_55.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading: Clever Parents offers stretching exercises to wake you and your kids up. The Nest Baby features a Chinese gender chart – originally found in an ancient royal tomb near Beijing and now in flash and interactive – that is said to be over 90% accurate. Mom’s Buzz highlights an article in which Donald Trump gives parents advice on how to make your children financially responsible, deal with financial setbacks, and manage money.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

February 25, 2008

Boxers From The Beginning

gigglygear.jpgI realize that there’s a time and place for tighty whities, but gigglygear makes an awfully strong case for boxers from the very beginning. Their super cute diaper covers – styled as boxers for boys and bloomers for girls – come in a variety of bright and cheery patterns and can be paired with a color coordinated tee, or you can choose a gift pack set. Particularly when the warm weather hits, these comfy coordinates will serve baby well, whether at home or at the beach.

Want to win a gigglygear gift pack set*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Boxers From The Beginning" »

February 15, 2008

Weekly Web Roundup

webroundup_49.jpgAnd now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Win it: Modern Mom is on location at Disney to kick off their Dream Vacation Giveaway. One Chic Mama is giving away a Gold Heart Envelope from Dante Beatrix packed full of beauty products. MomFinds is offering up a chance to win a Haute Kiley bag from HMR by Christine Price. Classy Mommy is giving away 4 board books from the Good Night Our World series.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Refuel Your Tank

parentingwkshp.bmpAs joyful as it is to parent children as they become increasingly communicative and independent, those developments also can, at times, test even the most patient parents. For those who feel as if they’re running on fumes, head to Lynn Lyons and Christine Cook’s Refueling Your Parenting Tank workshop on March 9 at the JCC in Newton. Parents will learn how to work through button-pushing moments and difficult transitions with kids, and the buzz on this workshop – geared towards parents of 3-10 year olds – is that Lyons and Cook are talented educators who provide parents with the ideas and communicative tools needed to refuel and hit the ground running.

Want to win two registrations to this workshop (bring a partner or friend!)? Simply email contests@bostonmamas.com by Feb. 22 (with ‘Refuel’ in the subject).

February 11, 2008

Undivided Attention

airheart.jpgToday, Heather offers Valentine's Day ideas for non-material ways to show your loved one that you care:

“As Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself fretting over finding the perfect gift for my husband. But I suspect if I asked him directly, he would simply ask for some undivided attention.

Continue reading "Undivided Attention" »

January 18, 2008

Bringing Home Baby #2

bigsibling.jpgOr 2, 3, and 4 as was the case for Heather:

"Adjusting to a new baby at home is often difficult for older siblings, especially children under 5 who are used to having lots of attention from mom and dad. One of my greatest worries when I was pregnant for the second time was how our 3½-year-old daughter would feel with the arrival of 3 new siblings at the same time. The world she knew would be forever changed. Here are some tips that we found eased the transition and reinforced our love:

Continue reading "Bringing Home Baby #2" »

November 13, 2007

Mindful Doses

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Two days removed, I can hardly believe that this weekend symbolized my first solo 30-hour stretch since becoming a mom more than three years ago (Jon took Laurel on a trip to visit his parents). And despite fanciful visions of sitting around indulging in movies, bon bons, and spa treatments, I went into characteristic superfreak mode, working on design and writing projects, tweaking the layout and static content of this site, catching up on my ridiculous email backlog, assembling Laurel’s big girl quilt (more on that in a forthcoming post), and tidying up the house.

Continue reading "Mindful Doses" »

October 22, 2007

Saved by Scrabble

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This may sound odd, but this weekend our Scrabble set – dusty from years of dormancy – served not only to connect letters into words, but also to reconnect Jon and me.

Over the last six weeks, the stress of negotiating several transitions (Jon and my new work commitments and Laurel’s preschool room) was taking its toll. Initial school separation anxiety aside, Laurel seemed happy, but Jon and I were distracted, edgy, and not well connected. And conversations with several mama friends made it clear that I was not alone in feeling depressed that our lives seemed mired in logistics management.

Continue reading "Saved by Scrabble" »

October 17, 2007

Motherbridge of Love

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Given the diverse make up of our family (not to mention the world), we’re especially committed to providing Laurel with books and conversations about how families can be formed in many ways, whether the mix includes different skin colors, two mommies (or daddies), or one parent. To celebrate the bridging of cultures and families via international adoption, check out Barefoot Books’s Motherbridge of Love. Book collaborator Xinran Xue will be in Cambridge today through Friday for MOL events; on Friday (10/19, 10:30am), families can share in story hour with Xinran, followed by a special wishing tree craft project.

Want to win a copy of Motherbridge of Love? Email us by midnight EST tonight (with “Motherbridge” in the subject) and name another MOL book tour stop. We’ll draw 4 winners (US entrants welcome)!

Barefoot Books, 1771 Mass. Ave, Cambridge; Tel: 617-349-1610

October 10, 2007

Unsolicited Discourse

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I have yet to meet a pregnant person or parent who hasn’t, at some point, been subject to invasive comments and questions from strangers. But the level of unsolicited discourse seems to increase exponentially the more children you have. Today, Heather shares the most common questions and comments she gets as the parent of a preschooler + triplets, and the responses she has at the ready:

Continue reading "Unsolicited Discourse" »

September 26, 2007

Teen Talk

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Being a parent often means being at a loss for words when it comes to tough topics, no matter what your kid’s age is. For parents of teens, Amy Cody sent us a great article written by one of her interns; the content offers parents advice for how to navigate the rocky adolescent communication road:

Continue reading "Teen Talk" »

September 14, 2007

Multitasking Minutes: The Squat & Edit

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As Jon and I adjust to juggling his new multi-site schedule and my work needs, one car, the never ending list of household errands (requiring said one car), and Laurel’s periodic resistance to heading to her new preschool room, it seems as if we spend an inordinate amount of time figuring out how many minutes it takes to do X, Y, or Z. And this morning’s realization that I’d do well to trade sitting-in-rush-hour minutes for much needed exercise was well timed with a blog blast our pals at The Parent Bloggers Network are running in conjunction with Ryka. All bloggers are invited to submit posts today (by midnight PST) about how you stay active with kids in the mix; randomly selected bloggers will win sneakers or an entire outfit (including sneakers) from Ryka (click here for details)!

Continue reading "Multitasking Minutes: The Squat & Edit" »

September 4, 2007

Back to School With Allergies

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Back to school season can be both wonderful and stressful, and allergies add an additional layer of concern to the mix. Today, Tracy shares some great resources for families; useful to check out if your child has allergies, or in the likely case that one of your child’s peers does:

Continue reading "Back to School With Allergies" »

August 30, 2007

Just Say No

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Truly, I'm not prone to histrionics, so take me at my word when I say that yesterday made me feel as if I was a priority to no one. Part of the problem is the overstretched, overwhelmed state that seems like the modern motherhood status quo; the other (related) part involves my rampant yes tendencies, even in the face of absurd requests. Read on to find out how I unraveled (and then, lest you think this is pure rant, I’ll provide a resource to consider if you feel similarly overwhelmed, overbooked, and overlooked):

Continue reading "Just Say No" »

August 20, 2007

Because You Care

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I had the unusual opportunity of growing up in a three-generation household where, one by one, as circumstance dictated, my parents took in each of their parents (not to mention other periodic immigrating family members along the way). Most modern families, however, can’t sustain this arrangement, whether it’s due to logistical, emotional, or medical constraints. For this reason especially, I was extremely impressed when I learned about Care.com.

Continue reading "Because You Care" »

July 30, 2007

Your One and Only

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Some mamas have a very firm sense of how many children they want (present company not included…). Reader Erica from Northampton wrote in with a recommendation for parents who are set on one child: “There are precious few resources out there for those of us considering the single child route. Parenting an Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only, by psychologist Susan Newman, addresses and disputes a lot of the cultural myths of only children (spoiled, antisocial, etc.) while offering practical strategies to prevent the myths from becoming reality.”

July 27, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

First, congratulations to our friends at Coochicoos, who have welcomed a beautiful baby girl (shown), sure to inspire lots of stylish girly design finds on their site. And for another beautiful baby, check out Babyfaces’ photo of the week.

Other goodies include: MomFinds features a baby essentials guide for new moms. Coochicoos showcases the European Bloom Highchair. Healthy Bump has raves for Diaper Baggies. One Chic Mama suggests letting Spendella keep you current on fashion advice. And Clever Parents offers tips on how families can work together to ease back to school jitters.

July 25, 2007

Open Communication

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As an adolescent, my parents never discussed anything human body-related; I subsequently got all of my (somewhat sketchy) information about sex, periods, etc. from my older siblings and friends. I’m thus determined to keep the communication channels open with Laurel (and she’s already been testing me here…). Today, Amy Cody offers ideas to help frame your conversations about sex and sexuality with your child:

Continue reading "Open Communication" »

July 23, 2007

Thing 1 & Thing 2

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Preparing for life with 2+ kids obviously involves more than, say, the practicalities of unearthing your layette and transitioning your toddler to a big bed to free up the crib. A cognitive shift in perspective helped clinical psychologist Tracy relieve herself of the guilt stemming from not doing exactly for her second as she did for her first:

“For parents of two or more children, life can sometimes feel like an episode from The Cat in the Hat. Life does eventually settle down after “Thing 2” comes along, but those early days of adjustment can make you feel like the fish, balancing atop a precarious pile of obligations, chores, and well, your children.

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July 6, 2007

Weekly Web Roundup

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And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Check out the full sized version of Babyfaces’s gorgeous photo of the week: a new parents’ dream – asleep at last. We’re not the only ones talking about self-care this week; one of the things that Sara at Clever Parents constantly stresses during group coaching sessions with moms is the importance of self-care. When you take care of yourself, you are in a better position to take care of your family’s needs. MomFinds reports: The happy medium between foundation and moisturizer, with SPF coverage as an added bonus, tinted moisturizers are a mom’s best friend not just during the summer, but all year long. Check out their top five tinted moisturizer picks for summer beauty.

Are You Her Mom?

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Today, our friends at the Parent Bloggers Network are hosting a blog blast to celebrate the launch of their Body, Soul, & Baby campaign (check back next week for my review of this new book). PBN wants to know, “What's the most annoying preggo/new mom question you've ever been asked -- AND -- what's your best, snarky "wish-you-could-have-said-it" answer?

Anyone with a blog is invited to write on this topic today. Email your permalink to PBN – 2 entrants will receive an iPod shuffle and an autographed book! Meanwhile, here’s my take on the question (feel free to comment with alternate clever responses or share your own experiences if you don't have a blog):

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July 3, 2007

Me First

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Since becoming a parent, whenever I feel overwhelmed by stress, household minutia, and/or the seeming inability to pee or shower in private, I repeat the airline mantra, “Secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” Moms are notoriously challenged in tending to their own needs; today, Tracy offers thoughts on how to work towards better self-care (and she’s a doctor, so listen up!):

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June 27, 2007

Flux

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July marks the 1st birthday of Boston Mamas, and September will mark a year since I left research to make a go of it on my own professionally. I feel grateful every day for making the jump, but - not surprisingly - working independently brings a new set of challenges to the family system, such as feeling more (self imposed) pressure to take care of mundane household chores when I’m working at home, or dealing with the assumption that it’s easy for me to pick up the child care slack if Laurel gets sick or a family care arrangement disappears (e.g., earlier this week I found out from Sharon that my mom wouldn’t, in fact, be coming over to take care of Laurel as planned because she had flown South for a couple of days).

If you’re looking for solidarity in the struggle for balance, reader Julia from Newton wrote in to suggest Flux by Peggy Orenstein. Julia writes, “[It is] a wonderful book about the choices women make (or default into) about their lives.”

June 26, 2007

Time for a Truce

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Inquiring minds want to know: Does your child use bodily fluid as a means to communicate low parental approval ratings?

We finally are nearing the end of an insane two-month stretch where every weekend has involved travel, visitors, or (least fun of all) Jon being away. Not surprisingly, Laurel has not been happy about Jon’s weekend absences, and it appears that she also hasn’t been oblivious to the tight lipped tension or petty squabbling that has occured when my grumpiness and his guilt about these weekends have collided.

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June 8, 2007

Inner Child

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So here’s the million-dollar question of the morning: What do you do when you want to act like a child when you’re with your child?

This morning as I walked Laurel to school, we hit a typical narrow passage where there’s no sidewalk. Per usual, I kept the stroller tight to the side even though there were no cars coming. Then, from behind us, a middle aged woman in a (cheesy, I might add, because I’m feeling bitter and childish) red car tore around the bend, hit the brakes, and screamed angrily at me “Excellent place to walk!” Two other cars were slowing in the opposite direction, so I turned briefly and curtly replied “There’s no where else to walk.” Once the two oncoming cars made their way through (at this point the woman in the red car was yelling “C’mon, move it!” at them), she peeled passed us and screamed her sentiment at me again.

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June 7, 2007

Birthday Fun for Food Allergic Kids

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Pursuant to Tracy’s Piggy Party post (including allergy friendly cake and frosting recipes), here are some great tips for hosting and attending parties where allergies are an issue:

"My older son has been to many birthday parties, and has enjoyed himself immensely. As far as I can tell, he has never felt left out because of his food allergies (milk and milk products, eggs, peanuts), and I think the collaboration I engage in with hosting parents helps a lot. There certainly has been a learning curve, though, in figuring out how my son can safely enjoy partying at a friend’s house; the following are some tips that might help parents of allergic kids, and parents hosting parties where allergic kids will be attending.

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June 1, 2007

Date Night

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Ah, date night. They just don’t happen enough these days, and today The Parent Bloggers Network has teamed up with E-Harmony to ask the question: “You know you need a date with your husband/partner when…[fill in the blank].” If you’ve got a blog, write about this question today (including links to PBN and E-Harmony, please), email your post to PBN, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 AMEX gift card for a dinner date with your spouse/partner, plus $100 cash for the babysitter. And if you don’t have a blog, feel free to add a comment to this post; we’d love to hear how you keep connected with your partner.

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May 25, 2007

Good Mommy, Bad Mommy

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Not surprisingly, as a daughter (raised by traditionalists), mom, and parenting publisher, I think a lot about the challenges of contemporary motherhood. This Sunday (7 pm EST, or subscribe to the show with iTunes) you can tune in to a fascinating chat that esteemed New York based writer Felicia Sullivan will be hosting on her new radio show, Writers Revealed. Felicia will chat live with critically acclaimed authors Sabina Murray, Elissa Schappell, Liesel Litzenburger, and Victoria Redel on fractured families in contemporary literary fiction, emphasizing the bad mother. They’ll also discuss the boomer mother vs. today’s mom (e.g., issues, pressures, concerns, mom as best friend gone wrong) and what it means to be a good mother.

If you have a question for the authors about their work or anything in general, leave a comment at the episode post. If your question is asked on the air, you’ll win a free book!

May 22, 2007

Little Village

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We’re blessed to have a terrific core of local parent friends, and we often daydream about pooling resources to buy a commune so we can hang with our friends while enjoying village-style parenting “economies of scale.”

While our dream village won’t materialize unless the real estate market tanks (and we can get our friends to agree on a central location), we’ve recently come pretty close to this scenario via some lovely afternoons with our neighbors and their two granddaughters.

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May 11, 2007

What Makes You a Mother?

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I’m part of the Parent Bloggers Network and today they, in conjunction with LightIris (whose founder Kevin has been sporting a Preggo Suit this month), are inviting all bloggers to post today on the topic, “What Makes You a Mother?" E-mail PBN your permalink today; one lucky entrant will win a $100 gift certificate to Spa Finder. Meanwhile, here’s my take on the question:

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April 19, 2007

Enough is Enough

These days I seem to field a lot of inquiries about when we’re going to have another baby. And probably like many parents, on the good days I think “Sure! Now is good!” and on the bad, “We’re done." Our thoughts have become further muddled by logistics (e.g., finances, Jon’s loss of his office/meditation station), and guilt about the prospect of never again being able to give Laurel our undivided attention.

It’s refreshing when others have the answers and today we’re thrilled to introduce Tracy, a new guest contributor, who has made her decision about family size. Read on, and weigh in with your opinion on ideal family size.

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