Category Archives: children

What Type of TV is Bad for Kids?

Whether or not your child watches TV is a controversy onto itself. For those of us who do let our children watch TV, what is appropriate? Let’s face it, there is only so much Yo Gabba Gabba or Wa Wa Wubbzy I can tolerate in one day.

When I am sitting on the couch with my daughter, watching Nick Jr. with her, and I need to change the channel for a little sanity, what shows and or channels are really that inappropriate? Is daytime TV going to teach her how to become a mafiosa and marry the ringleader of some exceedingly wealthy east coast family? Are talk shows going to get her to question the way she looks?

What about in the evenings? My husband loves Family Guy. Is it wrong to subject a sixteen months old to Stewey’s potty mouth? I don’t think she understands any of the jokes, or what they are really saying. So, as far as I am concerned, she is just watching the cartoons for the visual aspects.

When we first moved into our house and cable was not yet installed, we would put on Simpsons DVDs for her to keep her busy while we unpacked. But even with as bawdy as the Simpsons at times get, it is not the same as putting on CSI where they show replica carcasses and other material which could potentially give Munchie nightmares for many months to come. But shows like these are the extreme. So where is the line drawn? When is adult TV too grown up?

Yes, in make believe land this would not be an issue, and I would be able to entertain my daughter every second she is awake without the use of TV. However, in real life, I need a break, and a shower, so the Wonder Pets are going to have to baby sit for a few minutes. Also, even when I am with her, there are times I just want to sit next to her, mellow out, and cuddle. TV zones her out just enough to make this happen.

What channels and programs do you allow in your house?

4 Common Myths About Inducing Labor

If you are pregnant, or have ever been pregnant, or even know anyone who has been pregnant, than you have probably heard one of these myths. These items or activities supposedly induce labor. I am only a few days away from giving birth, and if any of these were true, I would be in labor right now instead of writing this. And last time when I was pregnant with my daughter I would have given birth a lot sooner as well.

Basil

Basil is a staple in our house. Very few dinners we consume do not contain this herb. I am still waiting for the contractions to start.

Walking

I walk an average of four miles a day, half of which is at an incline. Again, I have not induced anything more than perhaps some toned legs. As toned as legs could get when you are nine months pregnant and retaining more water than you ever ingested. Is that even possible?

Coffee/Caffeine

This one is not so much an induction myth as a myth about premature babies caused by mothers drinking coffee while expecting. Regardless, according to my previous post, my baby should have been born early. As before, I am not saying caffeine has zero negative side affects, it just appears that early delivery is not one of them.

Sex

The specifics of this activity are really not for public disclosure. All I can say is that I should have popped this kid out last week.

Disclaimer: The sample size of my findings is one. I am the only subject used in this, um, study. If any of the above happens to help you induce labor, please share. If anything else helped you, or anyone you know, along, I would love to hear about that too.

Is There Such A Thing As Daddy Brain?

I was at the grocery store the other day, racing down the aisles, attempting to grab everything while my daughter was still enjoying her mid morning nap in her carrier, only to realize as I approached the check out counter that I forgot my purse at home. So this was basically a dry run. I put the groceries back (yes, I actually walked around the store returning all the items where they belong because I am neurotic like that), and then headed home. At least when I went to the store later that day I was able to shop in half the time; I didn’t have to search out the special marinade, or try to decide which type of bread we will be trying this week.

I know I have mommy brain a lot, and right now I am doubly blessed with mommy brain and pregnancy brain. Double whammy. I have been privy to some very annoying behavior on my part lately, mostly concerned with forgetting key things at the most inopportune times. Recounting the last few months, with all their whimsy, I wonder, does daddy brain exist?

I can’t help but wonder, does my husband also run around half the time not remembering where he is going, or why he was going there in the first place? Does he leave his keys on the kitchen counter and then stand in front of his car wondering how to get into it?

I have not observed any such behavior from him, at least not to any extremes. He claims to be frazzled every once in a while, but with such nonchalance I am not sure I believe it, despite the fact that he takes care of and spends time with our daughter just as much as me. The way our little Munchie runs the gamut of, well, everything, I would think he should be in the same zombie state as me. Either he is really good at covering it up, or mommy brains is really just for mommies.

What do you think? If you are a man have you experienced any of this? Do you know anyone who has?