GetItNext Parenting Today - Tips, Advice, Laughs and Love

Is Your Pool Protected? Pool Alarms Are A Must Have

2009-07-01T16:50:00-04:00

Did you know that a child can drown in the time it takes to answer one phone call? And of the children that are hospitalized for near drowning incidents, 20 percent of them suffer permanent neurological disabilities. While nothing can replace the watchful eye of adult supervision, there are products that can help to prevent accidents when you weren’t expecting guests in your pool.

Fences around pools are required by many local governments. They work well as a barrier for younger children and pets. But older children can maneuver through these barriers. An innocent attempt to retrieve a ball that has been thrown into the pool area has potential for danger. A child can overextend trying to reach for an object that has fallen into the pool, lose their balance, and fall into the pool. There are alarms that can be installed on fences to bring attention to the area if someone should enter. Installing in-ground swimming pool alarms or another device that detects motion in the water can offer piece of mind this swimming season at a nominal price.

How to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer

2009-06-22T13:12:00-04:00

Kids love to be outside now that the weather is warmer, and who can blame them! There are so many activities to keep them busy; soccer, football and Frisbee get the cardio pumping and work on the eye-hand coordination.

Themed bikes or scooters with helmets like Barbie or Spiderman will help children dream up their next outdoor adventure.

Girls might want to jump rope or play on their roller-blades, while the boys play marbles or road hockey and trade their Pokemon cards with friends. And for the littler tykes, ride-on toys will help them join in the fun with their older siblings. Sounds like fun!

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-05-11T15:37:00-04:00

Well, the nice and humid weather has finally arrived .. and with that comes children playing outside and getting dirty. Our daughter, loves the sandbox and will find any sandbox within a one mile radius. She received princess sandbox toys for her birthday and they are getting put to good use.

Last year we bought water swords which were so much fun. They were perfect for sneaking up on the kids and spraying and cooling them off, The old stand by of course is the water sprinker because we do not have a pool. I picked up one last year that reminds me of our Hawaiian honeymoon. It is a volcano sprinkler and spurts water high in the air every few seconds.. the kids loved jumping over it. There are all sorts of cool water sprinkler toys now.

Our five year old son loves Indiana Jones (evverything old is new again) and is asking for Indiana Jones toys so there may be a visit to the local toys store in his future.

I know that the months before our son returns to school will be fun and full of great memories. Summer's finally here!

Making the most out of your sick down-time

2009-03-12T16:55:00-04:00

Another cold is upon me so I’ve huddled down to let it run its course. Since I feel like doing absolutely nothing, I‘ve chosen from a variety of books to read from Sophie Kinsella, Stephenie Meyer, and Barack Obama. Movies are always a good choice as well while waiting for the Cold-FX to kick in. The choices are numerous from romances like “The NoteBook” to action packed dramas such as “The Dark Knight”. Of course my day would not be complete without my flannel pajamas, slippers and blanket to keep the chill away. Hope to be back in the land of the living soon!

Silicone bakes it right

2009-03-07T15:17:00-05:00

It all started with a silicone baking sheet as Martha Stewart preached the benefits of her Silpat nonstick. Without any additional grease needed, it was easy to clean up, and claimed when used it was hard to burn your baked goods.

Intrigued, I went out and bought my first one and I quickly fell in love with it. The obsession with silicone bakeware began there. Subsequent purchases were made for traditional styles, bundt, cup cake and loaf-style “pans”.

I then became a fan of the whimsical shapes such as sunflower, butterfly and fleur-de-lis. And let’s not forget about my holiday collection of hearts, pumpkins, pine trees, snowman and eggs. My favorite, however, has got to be the giant cupcake…I’m sure you know why. My entire silicone baking collection is oven, freezer and dishwasher safe in addition to being lightweight, easy to stack and even foldable if storage space is tight.

Collectibles - A Mother to Daughter tradition

2009-03-03T18:50:07-05:00

After my daughter was born, I started a collection of “Precious Moments” figurines for her. I wanted her to have a special collection for the future that represented her years, as each year on her birthday she would be thrilled to receive another piece to add to her collection. Growing up, I collected dolls from all around the world and proudly displayed them on a shelf in my bedroom. Maybe one day she will share them with her daughter, or possibly start a new traditional collection of their own knowing that each milestone will be celebrated in its own special way.

Staying connected: parenting in the age of the cell phone

2008-06-19T12:22:54-04:00

I have heard so much opinion on this topic that it’s making me crazy. The people that make me most insane are usually young, 20-somethings and childless. I was amazed at a young, bright guidance counselor at a high school damning cell phones and the degenerate technology-obsessed youth who possess them. Ok, ok – so the cell phone is disruptive but wake up Neanderthals everywhere the cell phone is here to stay. I however, find that technology in general enhances parenting. And, as a working mother of a 12 year old, 10 year old and 8 month old quick access to the BlackBerry can help be in multiple spots at one time. Clients can access me as I drive a child to dance class or hockey practice, the nanny always knows where I am, kids can even email me home work questions. And, I am not alone as a plethora of articles from parenting to Business Week would agree. Although, as Amy Dunkin, a fellow working mom attested in her Business Week blog it does require commitment and it can feel like a tether as it means, she writes that "I have the cell phone with me—and turned on—at all times: at my desk, in meetings (on vibrate, of course), on errands and lunch breaks, on the train, even in the ladies’ room. And while sometimes it’s annoying to hear it ring when I’m engrossed in my work, more often than not I’m glad for the call and that I’m there to answer it". As for me, I am always glad for the call - and they have come to me in the middle of business meetings, conference rooms, contract negotiations and yes, like Amy, even in the bathroom!

In fact, the cell phone has become so much a part of my life that I can not imagine parenting with out it. And, on weekends the kids are not at home or if I am on a business trip I keep my trusty BlackBerry by my bed. Extreme you might think. Connected I say! Now don’t get me wrong – the tool does not abscond one from one’s parental duties – just the opposite. My kids are expected to email me homework lists when they get in, call to let me know plans with friends and check in whilst on school trips. And I have to admit, that a cell phone in the hands of my very busy, social 12 year old daughter gives me additional piece of mind – there are numerous instances I have been relieved she has had her phone from simple movie nights with her girl friends to trips at an Amusement Park or Shopping Mall. (Although I do NOT believe in dropping my daughter off at the amusement park alone with her friends I have agreed to a compromise which is that I am usually the parent on site. She can then "hang out with friends" with out me breathing down her neck for an hour on her own, with her friends but she MUST check in every 45 minutes to let me know where she is via cell phone and coordinate meeting times throughout the day). In addition, it is important to remember, the pay phone is becoming as extinct as the typewriter, therefore the cell phone has become an essential addition to the safety tool-kit.

As much as I love the “staying in touch feeling” I get from the multitude of mobile devices in my home, admittedly a cell phone in the hand so a 12 year old (soon to be teen) leads to a new set of parenting guidelines. For example, I insist that I have full access to her call log, she is limited on number of hours per week, and we reinforce that the cell phone is ultimately for safety purposes and contact with parents NOT to enhance her social life. In addition, we do insist that she take responsibility for its care a hard earned lesson she recently experienced as she lost hers on a snowboarding trip. The result is that we did make her wait it out a couple of months for a new one (explaining the budget impact of it all). But taking advantage of the loss to introduce a lesson in fiscal accountability we have had her research deals on eBay.

Safety and rules aside, I was (naively) surprised to observe that the cell phone is the new social status. Don’t even ask me why I was amazed, in an age of brand obsessed kids (Prada, American Eagle, Gucci, Abercrombie, Lulu Lemon) it is only natural that they the cell phones and all of its features and functions is closely monitored by the play-ground set at grade schools every where. Her current hit list includes iPhone (egads!), a Motorola Razor V3; a double flip Samsung u740 or the LG TU720 Shine Pink…..

I, who clings to my phones forever (I just gave up my age-old blackBerry) what can I say . Ten years ago I was advanced as an early adopter now my kids laugh at me as I cling to my old faithful BlackBerry 8703e Although I have to say – I might just be ready for a new one given all the hype surrounding the BlackBerry 9000 series (but I digress!).

Gayemarie’s general rules for kids and cell phones:

1. Use of a cell phone is a privilege not a right.
2. Parents must have access to all call logs, passwords or access codes at all times
3. The phone is not for social calls or long chat sessions
4. All family numbers must be programmed in
5. Children pay for their own ring tones or unnecessary down loads like games
6. The child's cell phone number is not handed to any one with out prior parental consent this includes friends at school, teachers or coaches
7. If the phone is lost it must be replaced with the cheapest available cell phone or the child pays the difference
8. If the phone usage is abused it will be taken away for up to 30 days

Pre Baby Shorts

2008-06-10T10:16:15-04:00

There they were siting on my closet shelf just staring and daring me to put them on-- my Hawaiian pre baby shorts. I had purchased them in October 2000, on the island of Kauai during our honeymoon. Since then, I have had two children and gained hips but the size 2 lime green and white shorts were calling my name. I decided to try wear them on the hottest day of the year so far.

As I anxiously pulled them up and tied them up and I screamed with delight they fit.. I was estatic!! These were and will always be my favourtie summer shorts. i paired them with a white tank top and I looked hot !! (my hubby's words).

I went outside wand pranced around. I went grocery shopping wearing them with I know that some ladies looked at me with jealousy and wished they could be so lucky. I guess training for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and walking 150 km (~ 90 mi) since March was bound to pay off.

On how to pick the perfect diaper bag.

2008-06-05T12:50:54-04:00

Rule number 1:
Remember the baby is not carrying the diaper bag. This means, that for the most part, save cutesy motifs, Winnie-the-pooh and other childish icons for the children’s clothing or kids luggage not the bag. you will be carrying.

Rule number 2
Parenting is messy. Very very messy. Hence, both the interior AND the exterior should be liquid proof, goo proof, sticky proof (your getting the picture). I know there are some nice looking bags out there with cloth or silk exteriors but I personally think that's asking for a big 'ol stain to happen. The Kate Spade bag on the right is one of my favorites for a blend of practicality and fashion savvy.

Rule number 3
Never trust the change pad the bags come with (unless they are very clear about the dimensions). They are always small or worse still attached to the bag! Is it just me or do most babies grow much longer than the length that the attached change mat allows. And, when is the last time any of the folks have been a bathroom in a restaurant?? The change table typically flips out from the wall and barely allows for the length of a squiggly infant never mind the bag! Ladies and gentlemen, cough up the $7-15 for a good, sturdy change mat, roll it tight and I promise you can fit it in any bag. In addition to the change pad stock up on a couple of key accessories - one of my favorite accessories is produced by Diapees and Wipees and holds a travel size pack of wipes and 2-4 diapers perfect for quick trips.

Rule number 4
Remember, once the baby is born, you will likely vanquish “the purse” unless you are on a girls’ nights out, or when the Nanny or grandparents can help. If you have baby in tow, its way easier to toss your wallet inside the diaper bag. This in my mind means that all diaper bags should easily double as hand bags hence – a compartment for cell phone, mascara and lipstick is essential. I personally love a small bag for makeup and an exterior pouch for car keys and mobile device.

Rule number 5

Purchase more than one diaper bag. Four bags are not unusual. Here are my must have diaper bags: The every day bag( I lean toward designer diaper bags here); the daddy diaper bag (for when Dad's on duty); the day out bag; the overnighter or long haul bag. And, yes, in case you are wondering I purchase multiple tubes of my favorite lipstick, lip-gloss, mascara etcetera and keep mini-makeup necessities in each bag for mommy as well as baby! Trust me when I say the diaper bag is a worth while investment. Most kids are in diapers until they are 3, you might have more than one child so at minimum you are looking at 6 years of usage.

The Essential Diaper Bag checklist

For Her:
Extra pockets for cell phone or PDA pocket
Bags for her must have Matching makeup bag
Extra zip pocket for wallet
Solid slip free strap that will hang from the shoulder
Side pocket for keys and quick access to keep hands free
Bottle carrier optional (depending on the choice to breast feed I have found the bottle holder option unnecessary)

For Him
- Messenger bag or knapsack options (Eddie Bauer and Jeep make great selections)
durable fabric
- cell phone or PDA pocket
- Key ring for easy access
- Exterior pockets for quick access to wipes
- Bottle carrier

- Velcro openings

For Traveler/Road Trips
Travelling with baby requires an extra roomy size bag
Extra compartments for spare clothing
Room enough for a small blanket
Miniature bag or sac to carry the essentials quick changes in airports
Thermal compartment for milk, medicines or formulas
Multiple external pockets for quick access to soothers, blankets etcetera
Solid bottom (the bottom of the bag can take a beating when traveling with baby)

Girls Night Out

2008-05-30T23:28:24-04:00

Well, tonight is the big night.. I am going with one of my best gal pals to see "Sex and the City" and I am hyped!! I have been looking forward to this for so long.. will all the girls find happiness and love? Will Carrie marry Mr. Big? These are answers to questions that I cannot wait to see unfold.. we bought our tickets on line last night and are so excited.

Not sure what all the fuss is about? I highly recommend renting or buying the Sex and the City DVDs Seasons 1 through 6. It's one my favorite shows of all time. I'll post about what I thought about the movie over the weekend.