March 25, 2012
An old Epidemic in our Suburban Neighborhoods… This is meant to be a thought provoking discussion.
Educated people, great careers, working so hard to make the American Dream. They work, and have children… they seem to have it all. It is about being happy and many want to look good. In our more wealthy areas, folks are more concerned about “keepin’ up with the Jones’.” But alas, nothing is ever as it seems these days, and an epidemic has taken over our neighborhoods… over scheduling, and partying with our children to relax. Is this self-absorption the cost to looking good and having it all? Our neighborhood friends can’t even manage life sober when they are home. And they can’t think straight to get a sitter when they are not.
March 6, 2012
The Time is Now…. Babies
The time is now to enjoy, for You to enjoy and move into the life you are meant to live. Yes, You should read into this. Time and time again, I see women who are ready for babies, and believe it is their responsibility to be married before they bring a child into this world. They must find a suitable mate, and marry him, and start the baby making process, in that order, and for some it only to ends up in divorce. But in recent years a new trend has started. Educated, fully employed women have been having babies, just out of wedlock. Why you say? Because they are educated and smart women who are not going to get married Now and/or do not feel the obligation to be married. So this brings us back to our Now. It is our responsibility to enjoy every moment. Don’t let anything hold you back to your own happiness. Granted we all need to think about the responsibility it takes to be a parent, the time, the love to share, and the money. If you are ready to walk into parenthood in a responsible and mature way, you are much further ahead than many of the folks that are married and having children.
December 5, 2011
Keeping Children Safe! by Jill Starishevsky
I am been doing teleclasses for parents and educators on how to keep children safe from predators. I am doing a live talk in NYC on 12/8 at the Museum of Motherhood. Please let your contacts know. They can register for the free event below.
Thanks in advance.
Jill Starishevsky
Prosecutor, Child Abuse/Sex Crimes
Author, My Body Belongs to Me
http://www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com
646-262-7418
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/talking-kids-sexual-abuse-10255396 http://keepingchildrensafe-efbevent.eventbrite.com/
November 8, 2011
Young Little Screamers!
Screamers
To live with a screamer is an experience unto itself. At times, I wonder who this creature is screaming in my house, such a far cry from her kind, loving way of being. To listen can be the most difficult thing to bear which warrants removal of me or her from the room. I give myself timeouts so that I can sit in quiet for a moment and gather my thoughts before making my next strategic move to calm the little monster down (I say that in a loving way). Her recent reason for screaming was she was quite tired which facilitated an ordered bath; it did the trick for her. Sometimes, a conversation works, but one thing remains the same. I do not allow the drama to continue, otherwise she is reinforced and it just gets worse. So all I can say is if you have a screamer, you are not alone. And for those who don’t, count your blessings.
February 6, 2011
There’s a Crocodile in Our Pickle Jar
Children’s Story for the young ones…
Artie has written over 20 children’s stories, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Although he has a passion for film and writing, he also has a different career in Human Resources by day… it is amazing how far your passion can take you. This story speaks to children’s eating habits. We laid it out here Artie’s 9th published story…
The Story
“Alex, your brother ate everything on his plate. Why don’t you be a good boy too and eat your dinner?”
“But I’m not hungry,” said Alex.
“Okay, I guess you won’t be hungry for sweets then,” said Alex’s Mom.
Alex’s Mom walked over to the countertop and brought over the most mouth-watering, tasty looking dessert you ever did see.
“Okay, who wants a piece of chocolate cake?”
January 26, 2011
Homeschooling ~ Really? Beth Baldino is taking it On.
Advantages of Homeschooling
For the last five months, with the help of my partner and support of my ex-husband, we’ve been homeschooling our 8 and 10-year-old children and taking advantage of the many advantages of this approach. The kids were previously attending a very good private school with a devoted and hard-working staff, so it wasn’t as if we were dissatisfied with their efforts. I do feel, however, that I am able to give them more personalized attention tailored to their specific needs than a teacher who is managing a larger group and working within the constraints of a set curriculum. Being able to focus on the children’s specific needs within each subject and provide the individual coaching they require throughout the process allows them to progress at their own pace. As such, they don’t need to spend their “after-school” hours in tutoring for extra support or doing additional homework to ensure they master the skills. This allows the children more opportunity to pursue their own interests, and we still have enough time most days to prepare and enjoy homemade meals together, an activity that is important to me.
January 12, 2011
The Amazing Impact of Music on Growing Up
by Tricia Gruswitz
I am a parent, maybe like you, cherishing the moments that my kids are still young and obsessing over making the right decisions for them while I still have some say. Our plan is for them to become young adults who succeed at everything- math, language, science, arts, social skills, teamwork, emotional handling, self-esteem, discipline, drive, and on and on. How do we help make all that happen? Dare I say… music lessons!
October 5, 2010
Emerson Speaks!
Emerson is getting the word out and folks are catching on. Check out this article on Marraige and Emerson’s family on CNN. Check out more discussions from Emerson on our blog.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/19/autism.divorce.rates/index.html?iref=allsearch
May 18, 2010
Sugar…. I like it… do you?
This whole Health Care Debate has me in a tizzy. The question becomes even when we have health care for all, are we looking at the fine print, and more importantly, what is the real issue here. Much of this issue is the state of our health in the nation. Juvenile diabetes is up, Up, UP!! Why you say,… well just take a walk into one of your weekly birthday celebrations. 
It is not enough for the children to run around and have little piece of cake. But now they must be provided with soda, juice, and goody bags full of sweets. No parent would ever deny a child more soda if they are thirsty, especially if it would make them look bad to other parents (do you know what is in a can of soda?)… and you know, these kids get thirsty. I guess water is hardly an option anymore unless the child specifically asks for it. Even at family celebrations, it is only polite to be serving cake, ice cream, and pastries for dessert. Dessert is taken to the next level and the snacks on the shelf in the grocery store qualify for the same category as desserts when I grew up. Parents profess to be aware, but when it comes to this celebration and that celebration we give in… it seems like every day!! I do not claim to be perfect… far from it. All I am saying is there is a lot of talk among parents agreeing on this but when it comes to focusing on your own children and family, it is hard to adjust. That is when the health of our children gets worse, and worse.
January 16, 2010
Things to do Before Your BABY Arrives
Select a Pediatrician
Choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you make prior to your baby’s birth. Getting personal referrals from friends and family is one of the best ways to narrow down your options before you start searching for further information. Consider both the logistical and philosophical aspects of the practice and pediatrician. Make sure all of the doctors you’re considering are taking on new patients and will accept your health insurance. Take time to speak or meet with prospective doctors.
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