Parenting Faux Pas?

Just this past week J. Crew featured a new ad showcasing a mother and son enjoying what seems to be a normal day in any stay-at-home mother's life. But, if you take a closer look you'll see that this isn't your typical mother-son moment. Both with smiling faces (can be typical), the mother holds her son's feet (odd, but not bizarre), which have bright pink nail polish painted on them (wait... PINK nail polish?). Yes, on her son's feet! Now, being an educator, I understand the need to explore the imagination, let children play without critiquing or criticizing, so in my mind, I'm not really all that disturbed. But my opinion is not shared by many people; mothers, fathers, critics, reporters and so on. Some argue that this ad allows and encourages children to question their sexuality. Others say that it's a form of play and argue that if your daughter dressed up as a boy during play time, would you become upset? Here's my opinion, and please understand that I am not rejecting or criticizing any body else's opinion. What makes this ad controversial is not that the child has nail polish on his toes (although some may disagree), but it seems that the mother has done it for him. I don't think either are bad, but I believe that that is what most people are getting caught up on, the fact that it seems as if the mom is encouraging her son to play with, what's typically labeled as, 'girl' products by helping him paint his toes. I have no concerns over this sort of play, but I know many other people do.

Would you let your son paint his toe nails? Would you help your son paint his toe nails if he asked? HOw about this. Would you let your son play with dolls and Barbies? Or, would let your daughter get a crew cut if she wanted one? What about allowing your daughter to play with a tool set (made for children)? Do you believe this act of 'play' is really encouraging your children to question their sexuality? Let me hear your opinion!

CNN's Report

Today Show Report

An Update on my post... thanks to a college friend, and Jon Stewart :-)

(WARNING (to those who might be offended...): there is some foul beeped language and inappropriate references in the clip)

http://www.hulu.com/watch/232355/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-wed-apr-13-2011

The Million Dollar Stroller

Okay, so this stroller isn't a million dollars, but it is the most expensive, high end stroller you can find on the market. It's called the Bugaboo. The basic stroller starts at $600, but if you want the convertible stroller, no I'm not talking about top down, hair blowing in the wind convertible, I'm talking newborn to infant to toddler convertible, that stroller starts at $1,029 and with each add-on seat it is another $400-$600. But what does this outlandishly expensive stroller get you, other than a loan with your local bank? Status. Anybody who is anybody in the world of baby will recognize this stroller in a snap. With wheels that are made with the technology of an all-terrain bike tire, that spin like the new style found on rollable suitcases, and the minimalist, modern appearance as if coming straight from the Jetsons' home, these strollers are definitely one-of-a-kind. The fabrics come in an array of bold, bright colors, so you can individualize your stroller to fit you and your baby's personality. And if you find it difficult to pick just one color, no worries, have your choice of two when purchasing one of the convertible strollers! Mix and match with basics and your choice of color from the rainbow! All for only another $100! But, what's $100 when you're already spending $1,000 for the stroller? Oh, did I hear you say you wanted somewhere to put your $8 venti, non-fat, vanilla, no-whip iced cappuccino? No problem! Bugaboo also sells 'accessories' for your stroller. A cup holder will only put you back another $30. And how about adding something chic that will shade your baby from the sun (since you bought one of the strollers that does not come with a canopy)? A parasol can be added to your order for $40, and in one of 13 colors! Feel like also giving to charity while supplying your little one with the newest, greatest stroller there is, Bugaboo gives 1% of all revenue to a global organization to help in the elimination of AIDS in Africa. So, for the hip, modern, parents out there who want to be sporting the latest, chicest stroller, don't be caught with anything other than The Bugaboo!

Halle Berry

Naomi Watts

Jennifer Garner

Little Ballerina Struggles...

This had me remembering my days in ballet... Enjoy!

FDA Decides....

In response to my last post, the FDA has decided that warnings do not need to be administered on products containing food coloring... any thoughts?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42362742/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/?new

Food Dye Linked to ADHD?

While watching The Today Show yesterday, where it seems like most of my news comes from these days, I saw a featured report on the links of Food Dye to ADHD, a disorder that has recently (in the past decade or so) become so prominent in many children. For those who don't know, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is 'a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination... beyond the normal range for a child's age and development'. (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Another name for this disorder is ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and the two often are used interchangeably in society. There has been much speculation over the past couple decades as to why children are developing this disorder at a much higher rate than previously found. What has been proven to be the cause of ADHD is heredity, that there is a given gene that contributes to the development of the brain which causes children to have such symptoms as inability to concentrate for long periods of time, sit still or even follow directions. (My ADHD)


Although heredity is the number one source linked to ADHD, many believe that products our society uses today increases the chance that your child will develop these symptoms and eventually be diagnosed with the disorder. Next to hormones, television and poor parenting, studies have also shot down the idea that a child's diet does not affect whether or not they have ADHD. However, in a recent article featured on The Today Show, Jackie Jackson Van of Washington D.C., a mother of four, says that removing all dyes from her children's diet has made a significant improvement in their day-to-day living. 


She decided to make this life altering change when she noticed her son showing symptoms commonly associated with ADHD; hyperactivity, inability to concentrate for long lengths of time, etc. She had heard and read articles that claimed that dyes found in many of our common foods were the source for ADHD symptoms so she removed all dyes from her children's diets. Within two weeks she saw drastic changes in her children's moods, behavior and even hand-writing. Although the FDA continues to deny that there is any such link, it makes a person wonder. After much speculation, the FDA is once again conducting more research on this topic.


Europe has already begun its fight to rid all foods of dyes, switching to natural fruit and vegetable sources for colors. In Britain you'll find that Fanta is dyed with pumpkin and carrot extracts and NutriGrain bars use beetroot, annatto and paprika. I do agree that by using natural elements to color our foods is much safer and better for our systems. But I am still debating whether the dyes do in fact bring out or even cause symptoms of ADHD. What are your thoughts?


Here are the two articles.
Jackie Jackson Van or Washington, DC
FDA Examines links between Food Dye, hyperactivity


Additional websites containing information on ADHD and Food Dyes:
ADHD - Pub Med Health
Food Safety Net - Cancer, ADHD and Dyes
Web MD - ADHD and Dyes

Colic

No one enjoys colic... neither baby, mommy nor nanny. The Today Show recently found a study on ways to better cope with colic and here I am to share it! It's so interesting how the natural elements of tea can be good for everyone, no matter the age. Read the article to find out what exactly I'm talking about.

Photo credit - icetea.com

http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/03/28/6355131-how-to-soothe-babys-colic-pour-a-cup-of-tea

Thanks...

Photo credit - Pen and Paper blog

To all those who say the written word is dead, you're wrong. Tonight after changing my facebook pictures in celebration for tomorrow's College of Wooster festivities (the seniors are celebrating their victory over Independent Study), I decided it was time to pull out my button so I could wear it to tomorrow's event in Chicago. What was going to take a simple 15 seconds, changed into an hour long walk down memory lane through my two boxes of Wooster memorabilia (the word is used very lightly). It started with the button, but then ended with my graduation cards. Hit with all emotions that brought tears and laughter, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of letters, cards and simple notes I had received during my years Wooster from family and friends. Most were from my mom, dad and sister, words of encouragement, drawn pictures, a little money here and there for laundry (now only the letter remaining of course), nothing much, but it was everything to me. And as I think of those times, it could have been simpler for them to pick up the phone and say 'hi' or 'we're thinking about you', but the beauty and honor that pen and paper bring would have been lost. There is something to be said about someone who takes the time out of their oh-so busy days to write even the simplest of words. But those are the moments that hold such pleasure, to know that someone cared so much about you that they wrote you a note.

So why did I label this post 'thanks'? Because I want to share my appreciation with my friends and most importantly my family for sending me those notes every now and then. They will be something I will treasure for ever. And here's what I would like to pass on to you. Do you have someone you've been thinking of recently, or someone you haven't spoken to in a while, or just a friend you'd like to say 'hi' to? Pick up a piece of paper and a pen. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. It takes five minutes, but the joy felt on the other end will last much longer. And who knows, maybe one day that smile will end up right back in your mailbox. Happy writing!