I’ll never forget that terrible day of Sept. 11, 2001. We had just returned home from a trip with family including my one year old son to Nags Head, N.C. That particular week, there were multiple shark attacks along the coastline just down the beach from where we were staying. I thought that was scary. That beautiful sunny Sept. 11th morning, I began to unpack and get things back in order and as usual was watching the Today show. When they cut in with coverage of the first tower being hit by a plane, I thought to myself, “Wow that’s odd, it’s such a beautiful day. How could a plane crash into…
There are still many drivers who continue to talk on the phone while driving. For busy moms, often toting children in a min-van, this can be a dangerous habit that is hard to break. Is the new law pertaining to cell phone use while driving working and how have you changed your driving habits since it was put in motion last September?
Anyone else struggling with the fashion choices for little girls age 5 to 12? It seems that every year, the shorts get shorter, the shoes get higher, and the clothes get skimpier or glitzier. I mean, do we really need our 7 year olds to wear sweatpants that say "Juicy" on the bottoms of our little girls? There has been controversies over the recent Bikini top with padded push up tops offered for young girls by Abercrombie & Fitch http://edition.cnn.com/2011/BUSINESS/03/26/abercrombie.bikini.controversy/index.html It's not just clothing, shoes with 2 1/2 to 3 inch wedges are sold to young …
There are so many websites and fun, fabulous, informational blogs for us moms to check out. It seems like there is a blog or website for just about every problem, idea, inspiration, emotion, or laugh we as a parent and/or mom might need. Here are a few of my personal favorites: www.starkravingmadmommy.com -I knew when I happened upon this blogger with her subhead "Losing my mind, one child at a time" that I had found someone who knew what us moms go through. Very funny but also informational as she has children with various cognitiive and developmental issues. Don't we all? www.…
How often do we as the parent, hear our child say things like “I stink. I’m terrible. I’m never going to win the game ball, etc.”? It’s hard as a parent to make sure your child has a good strong sense of self confidence and self esteem. For many kids (and adults alike) this is a hard thing to achieve. Many kids are very shy and quiet and therefore don’t always speak up or communicate their achievements or actively seek out friendships as quickly or easily as others. Certain achievements like a good grade on a test or making an all-star team are achievements children and teens can be proud of…
Well it’s hard to believe that it’s the end of the school year once again! With only about 20 school days left in the year, our thoughts quickly turn to summer activities. But before we say goodbye, a parting gift to our teachers is always appreciated. If you have a unique idea or have had success with a certain find- share it! Busy parents and caregivers are the ones traveling around town looking for that special something to let the teachers know they will be missed - any suggestions to help make the shopping less time consuming is helpful for busy parents.
I don't know about you, but the news we've heard and the images we've seen lately on the television, radio, or the Internet can touch on disturbing stories and topics. Reports on natural disasters, child abductions, homicides, terrorist attacks, terrorist retaliations and school violence can teach kids to view the world as a an unfriendly, scary, confusing, and threatening place. News about a natural disaster, such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the after effects, could make kids worry that something similar is going to hit home. My own kids have asked me "Earthquakes don't …
What was your most memorable Mother’s Day? Was it a great gift? A thoughtful surprise by your husband and kids? How about your funniest Mother’s Day? How about what you’d love to get for Mother’s Day? Let’s get the conversation started. When we’re done, there may be enough time to show your loved ones this list so they can still have time to make your Mother’s Day something to remember. Maribel Ibrahim: My husband’s brother’s birthday is in early May and it occasionally falls on Mother’s Day. We usually visit my his family that weekend. One year, my husband took his brother golfing for…
In honor of Mother’s Day and mothers everywhere, Patch would love to know what has surprised you most about becoming a mother. Was it the amazing strength you summoned to kill a wasp to keep it from hurting your baby when you would have run away before? Is it the uncanny ability to talk about poop and puke while eating lunch? In what way has motherhood changed you or your expectations?
With all the heavy news going on, it's great to see the world the way our kids do and laugh a little. What are some funny things your kids have said? Share a funny joke, saying or comment that made you laugh out loud. Maribel Ibrahim I remember in the car once, my oldest, (who was age 3 at the time) and I were listening to Bible stories. I asked him to tell me what happened to Adam and Eve after they ate the apple and he said: "God put them in a BIG time out!" I still laugh at that one. Leslie Hunt During a visit to our pediatrician, my son who was about age 4 was asked what his …
Many people take trips or visit family during spring break, but there are a lot of working moms who are self-employed or simply have to work. So what do you do with the kids if you don't have nearby family or friends to rely on? Please share with us what has worked for you when school is out and you have to work.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by December 2009, "the prevalence of autism had risen to one in every 110 births in the United States and almost one in 70 boys." Do your children have friends or classmates with autism? Are you familiar with its signs and symptoms? Have you talked to your children about autism and other disabilities? Place a your comment on the topic below and start a discussion.
Allergies to everyday foods are becoming more and more commonplace. In Florida, parents picketed over a girl with a severe peanut allergy because of the precautions her school made to protect her. What are your thoughts on the case? If you have family members with food allergies, how do you handle it at school, parties and other social situations? We'd love to hear your thoughts about this growing phenomenon. Sharon Folts (regarding the picketing case): I see the parents' point about changing all the rules because of one child. There are some kids that peanut butter sandwiches are all …
Last week, we discussed the need to share favorite meals that are quick, family-friendly and healthy. This week, we'd like to share a reader's question on how to handle mealtime during play-dates. A Patch reader asked: "How do you keep from offending other mothers when letting them know you do not give your child the same food they may give their child? "I try my best to give my daughter all organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) foods, while I have a good friend who does not make the same choices. It can make meeting for play-dates that turn into lunch-dates uncomfortable at times."
I don't know about you, but most of us moms are in serious need of some new, great-tasting, preferably healthy meal ideas that are quick and relatively painless to make! Whether you have a picky eater or someone with special dietary constraints, meal time can be stressful. You can't always pick up the phone and order take out. Well I suppose you could, but it would cost a fortune! What to pack for lunch is also a problem in a busy household when you are in an early morning rush. My kids would only eat Doritioes, a fruit roll up and cookies if it was left up to them. But since we are the …
Being a mom is a never ending job. Left to our own devices, we can quickly burn out if we don't make time for ourselves. "Me" time is time that mama takes for herself, hopefully alone to do something nice. It is the much needed breather that would not happen if we don't make it happen. Running errands, "getting things done" and other "work" does not count. It has to be something that you enjoy to remember who YOU are! How do you sneak bits and pieces of "me time"? Sharon Folts: I have a friend who sets their clock a half hour early to have a cup of coffee uninterrupted. She puts the kids …
With spring right around the corner believe it or not, it’s already time to start thinking about summer camps! What camps have your kids enjoyed in the past? What camps are you thinking about trying this year? As parents, we’d love to hear any good recommendations you might have for all age groups. Sports camps, overnight camps, nature camps, all of them. Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks will be hosting a Camp Fair this Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Severna Park High School from 10-1 p.m. where they will showcase all the summer camps and programs in the Anne Arundel County area. For …
This week's Moms Talk topic is one all parents are familiar with - when is it the "right time" to allow your child to explore the vast world of video games and other "techno" gadgets that can easily swallow up their time, and your money? Join the Severna Park Patch Moms Council each week as they share their opinions on parenting. Please chime in and share your own! Put a comment below, you must be logged-in to Patch to do so- we look forward to chatting with you!
Parenting in a highly technology-driven society raises new concerns and decisions that the generation before us did not have to make—e-mails, Facebook, Twitter and the vast land of the Internet all beckon to the youngsters and pre-teens. When is it time to let go and allow our children to explore the Web? Social networking is almost necessary to keep pace with our teens today. With the popularity of Facebook and the seeming willingness of young people to participate in “sexting” how can parents manage online interactions without alienating their kids, driving them away from the nest and into …
Severnaparkpatch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Severna Park.Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council take your questions, give advice and share solutions.Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children. Moms Talk will also be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic. …
