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.
For those children who have been screamers since birth and recently are at a peak, I feel your pain. No they do not scream all of the time, but even a couple times a week makes life a little more difficult. When they were younger, it would help to say, “Use Your Words,” and now, they Scream their words… It has been a habit that is hard to change and walks along side the whining.
I recently purchased a sign for my house that says “No Whining Allowed …… Ever”. I was hoping it would assist me in laying down the law. This was my experiment to see if I could tone down the whining and screaming. So far, I have received several responses on the chalk board next to it, saying, Boo Hoo, No Way, Not Fair, but I continue to point to the sign when I hear the Whining, which often can turn into screaming when I say No! It is too soon to see if there is a difference yet.
There are so many reasons behind screaming, guilt, fatigue, boredom, and often for no good reason, but then sometimes, they scream because they need to sort something important out and do not understand how to communicate it. This is what makes it hard for us parents to discriminate. I believe the answer is in discussing with your child after he/she has calmed down. Very often they are very straight forward and will say to you, “I don’t want to go to school because…” Please take them at their word and support them in facing the issue and finding a healthy solution. Obviously, there is something there that he/she is struggling with that you can support he/she on. Oh Yeah, and for those of you who hear the screaming coming from my house, you should know I hear your children screaming too!
July 28, 2011
Discover Thy Self – For Mommy’s and Men who want to Understand “those parts” Better A brief review of “What’s Up Down There” by Lisa Rankin By Barbara Salvador
“What’s Up Down There?” No for real! So much does go on down there and things are constantly changing due to our hormonal cycles. It is confusing as it is, but then throw in pregnancy, and then… post pregnancy… and before you know it, menopause. Yes our schooling and sometimes our parents told us how the machinery works earlier in life but they did not explain the nuances in the body, the natural rhythms that create our own original experience and the fact that we all have similar issues. This becomes clear although we all have our own unique privates parts with their own needs.
Then there is the “orgasm.” I learned that a large percentage of women don’t have one! What about you ?
Well, I am here to let you know that whatever you experience, you are not alone, and Lissa Rankin is there to let you in on the secret in her book, What’s Up Down there? I love how she gets into sexuality, and orgasms, and even sex in your 80’s in this book. I laughed out loud so many times reading about her experiences with her patients.
But more importantly this book shared information that I was unwilling to discuss with friends (and I can say a lot!), information that helps you to understand your body better, information that lets you know you know you are normal.
The message she conveys is get to know your body, love your body and enjoy your sexuality. So if I had to review this book, I would say this is a must read for all women. It is one of the current books of our generation for our sexuality. So go , get to know thyself better! As Lissa would say, “Let’s talk about coochies and boobs.” Read it and let me know if you got anything out of it
Barbara Salvador has been recruiting for 20 years both in child care and corporate career industries, and is a parent of 2 beautiful girls. She truly understands the search for the right nanny is a journey – from the perspective of recruiting to the very personal decision of who will become part of your growing family. Check out her website at www.nannymama.com
February 17, 2011
Slobber Alert: Turn Your iPhone Into A Baby Toy
Great Blog about where we are going with the babies and small cell devices 
….
I have a very good friend who is a nanny. Almost every time I see her, her iPhone is either scratched or has a broken screen because she lets the children she cares for play with it. It’s really no surprise. As we know from this study…
via Slobber Alert: Turn Your iPhone Into A Baby Toy.
October 5, 2010
Thoughts On Conception Through Art
“Before I fell pregnant I started to think about all of the women that I know who have struggled with conception. I am interested in superstition and how to instill my seemingly innate luckiness into an object that I could distribute to others. I wanted to create a symbol that embodied the essence of fertility. I began to paint this symbol with Japanese ink on Sumi paper. Then I fell pregnant…”
Conception is a 60 ft scroll of japanese rice paper that has been painted in a meditative state with a recurring symbol of fertility. This symbol has been distilled from various cultural/historical symbols of fertility such as the Venus of Willendorf, the circle (of life) and the celtic spiral. The sculptural form is itself a spiral and will be sectioned and distributed as lucky talismans to people who wish to conceive at the conclusion of the show.
Tara de la Garza
www.taradelagarza.com
Conception is a 60 ft scroll of japanese rice paper that has been painted in a meditative state with a recurring symbol of fertility. This symbol has been distilled from various cultural/historical symbols of fertility such as the Venus of Willendorf, the circle (of life) and the celtic spiral. The sculptural form is itself a spiral and will be sectioned and distributed as lucky talismans to people who wish to conceive at the conclusion of the show.
Tara de la Garza
www.taradelagarza.com
RIPE: conception and perception
Anonda Bell and Tara de la Garza
Opening reception Oct 23rd 7-10pm
Closing reception Dec 11th 7-10pm
Gallery Aferro
73 Market st, Newark, NJ
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.
Get Informed -
Google It:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/shapingnj/partners.shtml
http://www.whale.to/v/sugar_q.html
http://www.facebook.com/SmartHabitsFans#!/SmartHabitsFans?v=wall
Get Cerebral:
http://www.techjackal.net/other/2010/04/22/sugar-is-not-so-sweet-for-your-health/
http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v10/n6/full/oby200266a.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63J69U20100420
http://www.princeton.edu/pr/news/02/q2/0620-hoebel.htm
February 25, 2010
Jersey Fresh
The Heart of the Matter- Community Participation makes such a difference to your Town! There is so many great things about supporting local farms. Many local Farmers in NJ use much less pesticides! WE are hoping to get an organic farmer for both vegetables, and for meats this year in Caldwell….
http://caldwells.thejerseytomatopress.com/detail/3308.html
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.
January 16, 2010
Divorce and Autism: They don’t have to go hand in hand. A father’s struggle to heal his son, his family and beat the odds
Let me introduce myself. I’m Emerson Donnell. Born and raised in New Jersey I waited until my 40’s to have a child. Little did I know I was a perfect match, a statistical poster of the typical parent who sires an autistic child, (an older white male living in New Jersey, the state with the highest incidence of autism.) And little did I know after the birth of my son Emerson that my wife Jen and I were being railroaded right into the next widely accepted statistic. Supposedly over 80% of marriages that sire an autistic child end in divorce. 
Read more
January 8, 2010
What is Viacord? What Stem Cells?
Most expectant parents & grandparents are not aware that they can save their baby’s cord blood, and these precious life saving cells are simply thrown away at birth
. Read more
January 5, 2010
Tanisha Day
Interview with Tanisha Day on going back to the workforce.
[display_podcast]
Factors to consider before going back.
As seen on MommysFriendsOnline.com- Websites for "Girlie" AccessoriesI just had a baby girl and a friend shared with me some fun websites to order some special "girlie things." I especially love the large flower headbands! These sites offer the most precious accessories. Add some glam to your little one's wardobe...check out these websites www.Poshlittletutus.com www.pinkbowtique.com… […]
- Essex County Turtle Back ZooHave a wild adventure at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo! Essex County 8th Annual Open House Saturday, June 5th- 10am to 2pm- Free… […]
- Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at Ventimigla VineyardsMother's Day Winetrail… […]
- Summer ReadingI'd like to suggest a New York Times Best Seller, "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" for your 3rd or 4th grade readers. As a reading teacher, I highly recommend the book. Your child or student will not put it down! You can find the series at Barnes and Noble, but I think Amazon.com has the best prices. Make sure your child has their reading books read […]
- Family Day: Cherry Blossom FestivalSunday. April 18th: Bloomfest Enjoy a family day in the pink park! A packed schedule of events includes cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food, and more. FREE ADMISSION. 11am to 5pm. Most activities take place around the Essex County Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park, […]
- Websites for "Girlie" Accessories
