Turn Off the TV

This afternoon, just after lunchtime, I quickly glanced at the newspaper and saw a picture of Dora the Explorer. Yes, it is sad what catches my eye these days.

As I unfolded to see why there was a picture of her on the front of the Calendar section of the LA Times, I discovered that there was an article explaining that kids watch more TV than ever - especially in the 2 to 5 age group. According to new findings released by Nielson on Monday, 2 to 5 year olds watch TV 32 hours a week on average.

I quickly glanced over my shoulder to see both of my kids watching Dora the Explorer on Nick Jr. What a coincidence! (I knew what they were watching before I looked over my shoulder, but it was at that point I put two and two together.) I let my kids finish that episode and then turned off the TV. And what did we do after that?

Well, let me show you!

We made ghosts out of tissues! Okay, so they might not be the most professional looking ghosts, but I worked with what I had around the house: a box of tissues, white dental floss, black Sharpie, and gold/orange curling ribbon. We made 12 ghosts and then strung them up with curling ribbon to make a ghostly garland!

The kids were so excited to make their own spooky Halloween decorations and I didn't even need to leave the house for my materials (which is a plus with my maniac almost 2 year old. You should have seen her at the post office today!!!).

Don't get me wrong, I am not condemning TV. The article in the newspaper was just a little wake up call for me that it was time to turn it off!

Happy Mother's Day - Be Sure to Pat Yourself on the Back for a Job Well Done

I know these days everyone strives to be the perfect parent, but let me fill you in on an interesting fact I learned from a psychologist friend...children don't need a perfect parent, they need one that is good enough. When first hearing this statement, you may be appalled (just as I was). But in our over-achieving society, it is good to know that you can make mistakes and not be perfect, and your child will still be okay.

Having said that, here are some ways to balance the chaos we fondly call motherhood.

• Take care of yourself, and you can take better care of your family. When was the last time you did something just for you - a pedicure, a long walk at the park, coffee with a friend? If you can't remember, make time for yourself as soon as possible.


• Accept it: Things will never be perfect. But that's OK. The world will not end if your son goes to school with his hair sticking straight up. Forget the impossible standards and focus on what you do accomplish each day. Your children feel more secure every time you tie their shoes, read them a book or give them a hug.


• Ask for help. Let older children help younger children get dressed. As your partner to empty the dishwasher. Trade babysitting duties with a friend so that each of you can have a real mother's day.


• This is your 'today,' not your 'forever.' The kids will leave home eventually. When they do, it is quite possible that you'll remember these hectic days with fondness.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Do Grandma's Really Favor #1?

According to Grandparents.com, more than half of the grandparents out there think it is important to invest in their grandchild's future. In this study, it was also revealed that grandmother's love the firstborn more - well, at least money-wise.

The good news for grandchild #1...grandparents save an average of $3,150 for #1, while saving only $1,343 for grandchild #2.

If you see this as a trend in your family, now is as good a time as any to share this interesting study with good ol' grandma and grandpa!

Parenting Tip #1: Plan on Getting Nothing Done

While reading Real Simple Family magazine today, I saw a piece of parenting advice that made me stand up and shout, "Holla!"

Plan on getting nothing done. It's the best advice my sister-in-law ever gave me after I had my baby, because I had so many plans for my maternity leave.

-Anna Fontenot

I found the less I planned for, the happier I was to just spend my time with my baby and not worry so much about stuff that needs to get done.

What's the best parenting advice you have received?