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Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path
I had hoped that teen star Miley Cyrus would make it through the teen years with her good sense intact, but she is headed in the same direction as teen stars Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.
Although she says she is embarrassed by a racy photo spread scheduled for the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, I am not so sure. Photos of her kissing a girl, reclining in a person’s lap and exhibiting other risque behaviors are circulating on the Internet.
I thought Miley would be a teen star that our girls could admire for a few more years.
In her defense, Miley said she thought the photo shoot was artistic. However, the picture of her nude body swaddled in a blanket tells a different story. I certainly would not want my sons to see it considering they are also fans of the Hanna Montana Show.
I hope this most recent incident will serve as a wakeup call to Miley and encourage her parents to tighten the reigns before it is too late. Let us keep our fingers crossed.
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Ingredients of a healthy life?
This weekend I read (or sort of read and skipped to the good part in the back where it tells you what to do) Michael Pollan’s “In Defense of Food.” It starts: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
It’s an interesting look at how food came to be broken down into nutrients, which ends up with things like Diet Coke with vitamins and how that’s healthy. It argues that we should look to our great- or great-great-grandparents as to what we SHOULD be eating. He gives good tips on how to know what foods to avoid: like those that have an ingredient list more than five items long or having ingredients that are long and impossible to pronounce.
I love this concept. I have many reasons to eat a more healthy diet. But I know I’ll have a very difficult time achieving eating more whole foods. Why do I know this? Because as I write this, I’m eating for breakfast a “break off a piece of dough and bake it” cookie.
I started by trying to get my son into the habit of eating fruit. That is, fruit that’s not already cut up and skinned. He actually eats a lot of fruit, just not in its whole form. We’re doing pears this week, learning the art of not biting TOO far in so you don’t get that yukky part in the middle.
BUT, I do plan to sign up for the Hunger Relief Farm’s produce program - where for a monthly fee you get some of their bounty. Now, I’m not sure I even KNOW anyone who’s eaten Swiss chard, but I’m game to try it. I’ll probably have to buy several cookbooks to figure out how. (Are you like me? Love looking at cooking mags and books but really only make about seven dishes for your family to eat?)
AND, I went out yesterday and bought a bread maker. And actually made some whole wheat bread. Smelled great as it baked, and of course, was practically effortless. And the loaf is pretty much rectangular, as opposed to the one my husband used years ago that made round loaves. I could not get used to that.
Anyway, the bread is good, although my son spent the morning dissing it. Too bland (as if he’ll even eat anything as spicy as, oh, mustard), not soft enough (we eat whole wheat normally, but that store stuff IS much smushier), weirdly shaped (hey, who isn’t?)…
I have a sister who makes bread the real way - you know, like our great-great-grandmother would have made it, I guess. But, one can only do what one can.
Next, I just have to figure out how to cook that bok choy I bought this weekend. I guess I’d better head off to the bookstore…
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What are you going to do with your rebate check?
Our government rebate checks may arrive as early as Monday. How many of you have already spent yours?
I have as well as many of my friends. However, fun and fabulous plans are not on the horizon for those of us who are getting a check. Instead we will be spending it on mundane things such as groceries, overdue bills and fuel!
That’s no fun. These checks were supposed to stimulate the economy. We were supposed to rush out and spend money on frivolous things such as vacations, new wardrobes and furniture. However, most people cannot do this with a good conscious.
I’m not complaining, by the way. It is going to be nice to catch up on some long overdue bills.
I would like hear from you guys. What are you going to do with your check?
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The gap year: should high schoolers take time off before college?
The latest trend for high school graduates is to take a year off—called a gap year. Of course I might be biased because I am a teacher, but this does not sound like a good idea.
A news segment on the Today Show detailed students participating in constructive activities such as volunteering in a third-world country or backpacking in the mountains; however, I’m sure these are rare instances. The gap year sounds good in theory, but I suspect it backfires in many instances.
Reasons I think the gap year is not a good idea: 1. Students might get a job and decide they would rather have money now than wait four years to get a steady income. 2. They may not come back from the mountains. I can see hundreds of teens becoming mountain people. 3. This is just another year for parents to fund on top of college. 4. Many students will spend the gap year on a friend’s couch. 5. Some students will decide they enjoy their freedom. 6. The momentum of going to school is broken.
Enlighten me parents. If the gap year has worked for your young adult, please let me know.
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A-plus for parents who turn in potential bomber
In an age when parents stand up for their children for everything from public intoxication to filming and airing a brawl, it is about time some practiced tough love.
Police arrested the South Carolina high school senior Monday after the ingredients to assemble a bomb were delivered to his parents’ home. I am sure the decision to turn him in was hard, but parents have to draw the line somewhere.
According to a CNN report, he hated “rich boys with good-looking girlfriends.” In addition, police say the boy’s journal revealed sympathies for the Columbine gunmen.
Parents must teach their children tolerance for other people and that there is a consequence for every action. This is a prime example of what happens when they do not learn this lesson early in life.
In addition, counseling, prayer and self analysis might solve some of the issues that drive troubled youth to kill.
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Encouraging kids to go green
The occurrence of Earth Day each year reminds us of what we should do to be eco-friendly year-round.
I want my family to do its part to conserve the Earth’s valuable resources; however, recycling is not always easy. Some suggestions that I have picked up over the years include:
Take a reusable bag to the grocery store
Use a reusable mug/cup at work
Use recycled-content copy paper
Recycle paper, plastics, glass, etc
Recycle electronics, including computers
Build a garden using native plants
Buy groceries in bulk
Do you all have any other good ideas?
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Teens and text messaging
My daughter has taken multitasking to another level. We took a family trip this weekend, and she spent more time talking on her cell phone and listening to a MP3 player than talking with us.
Aside from being annoying, both practices are probably unhealthy. She usually blasts her music loud enough for everyone in the car to hear. She types text messages with one hand, which is most likely hard on her wrists.
I finally had to make her put them away until we made it to our destination.
Do other parents have similar situations? Any good strategies for handling this one?
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Last minute prom date?
My 15-year-old daughter received her first lesson in dating earlier this week after a young man asked her at the last minute to accompany him to the event. Of course, I told her no.
She was upset at first because as a freshman, she thought it was a big score to get asked to the senior prom. However, upon further investigation, we discovered the young man has already asked at least seven other girls.
In the end, she learned that I was not being mean or unreasonable. I hope this lesson teaches her to seek young men who respect her and that it is not OK to be a “back up” plan for someone.
Planning for prom is something that takes months and lots of money. I want her first one to be with someone special, which was not the case with this young man.
What do you all think? Was I too strict?
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Test prep that’s fun? Genius
Here’s a story about an Austin company that’s teaming with Kaplan Testing - the folks behind the SAT - to make a test prep video game to help kids studying for the SAT exam. NOW you’re talking.
I’m ashamed to say that I spent 12 precious hours of my life recently playing a puzzler game on the DS - yes, I have my own - called Professor Layton and the Curious Village. It was a blast, even if it did make me use brain cells I haven’t used since 11th grade. (And I won’t even bring up that I’m so addicted to a certain part of the Brain Age 2 game that I had to give the game away lest I have no time to do things like make dinner or talk with my family.)
But bringing a SAT game to the Nintendo DS is a natural. For the uninitiated, the DS is a handheld video game that has graphics on two screens (hence, the dual screen DS thing). Their little mascot for the new game (above) might be a hard sell for a high-schooler (although I still can’t explain the apparent multi-generational adoration of Hello Kitty), but people will play nearly anything on a DS.
P.S. - Just to out myself completely, technologically speaking. I’m waiting patiently for the “game” I’m sure is going to change my life: Wii Fit. I somehow really do believe it is going to help me get in shape. I’ll let you know.
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Paying the price of convenience: plastics to avoid
Convenience usually comes with a price and the use of plastic water bottles and products is no different. If you haven’t already started checking the numbers in a triangle on the bottom of most plastic products, you should!
Depending on its recycling number, a container may be hazardous to a person’s health, especially when heated.
According to P.W. Randle at http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/101/plastic, particularly for small children, whose bodies are developing, it’s best to steer clear of plastics that can release chemicals that could harm them in the long term.
Below, the plastics to avoid (check the recycling number on the bottom of your bottle):
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), #6 Polystyrene (PS) #7 Polycarbonate. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.
Better Plastics
#1 polyethylene terephthalate, #2 High Density Polyethylene, #4 Low Density Polyethylene and #5 Polypropylene
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Husbands and housework
A new study discussed on ABC News’ Good Morning America found that having a husband adds to a woman’s workload.
The University of Michigan study found that a woman’s amount of work increases seven hours a week, while a man’s workload decreases by one hour after marriage. Furthermore, this load increases with the birth of children.
Although these numbers are changing, women still do more around the house.
Here is the clip:
Do you guys agree with this study. Does anyone have some effective tactics for sharing the load with your mate or children?
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New soccer mom assesses perks
I officially became a soccer mom a few weeks ago. My boys are now taking soccer. I am excited about them learning new skills and exploring sports to find out what they like.
I thought participating in a team sport would have the added perk of tiring them out so they would be ready to go to bed at night, but I found out this is not necessarily true. Running and kicking the ball, for some reason, energizes them. Now, it is even harder for them to wind down at the end of the night. Any suggestions for how to remedy this—other parents?
At least they are learning about good sportsmanship, team playing, while getting some exercise at the same time. This is the beginning of our quest to find a sport they actually like.
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Forty the new 20—NOT!
I recently turned the big 40. I’ve heard it’s the new 20, but for some reason I’m not buying it! I am blessed to have a better paying job than I had in my 20s and two more children than I had, but my body is nowhere near the same.
The biggest ache I have is my feet. I can no longer wear high-heeled shoes for long periods of time without them retaliating. I do not want to wear stilettos, but I do want to wear dressy shoes without having to go to the podiatrist afterward! My hair is not the same. It is thin and 30 percent grey. I am not complaining because it could be worse. I could be bald or 100 percent gray.
My vision is slowly deteriorating and I retain water at the thought of eating too much salt. My freckles are turning into age spots and my facial hair is getting thicker. Oh my… But I have several consolation prizes. I have made it through some tough periods, and I am somewhat wiser, more patient and less selfish. I have more children, more friends. Additionally, I am more experienced than most mothers of 3 and 5 year olds, which means I can better handle their temper tantrums, dirty rooms and day care fiascos.
Another ace in the hole is my 15 year old. She did her part to make the transition a little easier. She baked a cake and cooked dinner on my birthday, truly surprising me. She is also getting older, wiser and sweeter! My colleagues also helped me usher in the new decade at a surprise birthday party. We shared tales of birth, childhood and growing old.
Thank you all for helping me go fearless into this next stage of my life!!!! I look forward to spending many more years with you all!
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Helping kids with school projects… How much is too much?
My son has a school project: build a model of a covered wagon. (Great. Something ELSE to add to my pile of “must keeps” stuff. I’m going to need a bigger house)
He drew up the plan and wrote out the dimensions, then he and one of his classmates joined me at Michaels and Hobby Lobby to choose the materials. Now, I have to admit to giving him advice on the size of wire to use for the hoopy-things that go on top. And, of course, to paying the bill.
When we got home, I volunteered his dad (who accepted graciously) to be the point man on putting the thing together. It’s about halfway done, with my husband cutting the wood and my son on the glue gun. But, of course, as it has gone on my husband (who is a perfectionist and has LOTS of experience building stuff) has added a few embellishments — so technically it’s my son’s plan PLUS his dad’s plan.
Meanwhile, some friends lent us their commercially made and very detailed model of a covered wagon so we could use it as a reference. (Yes, the thought crossed my mind just for a milisecond…. but no one would believe my son could pull that off) So now I’m hot to find the little teeny flour bag, the mouse-size shovel, the eensy wooden barrel — all those cool little extras. I’m trying to keep myself from making this a whole family project.
It’s actually turned into a nice son-father thing, which I think is fine. I guess we’ll find out soon if his teacher thinks so, too.
How much do YOU help your kids with school projects?
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A shopping list for new moms: There’s so much to choose from
It’s been awhile since I’ve been a new mom. I remember it as a time of joy and anxiety - even when shopping before the big event. What was I really going to need?
The machine that would sock away stinky diapers so my nose was never offended? (BTW, I never could get mine to work right. Probably pilot error, but still….)
Which of the 10 million kinds of baby food would be just right? (Since my son only liked about four flavors, it wasn’t a big deal. But now the choices have exploded even more. Organic? “Natural”? How to pick?)
What pacifier would do its job without ruining my baby’s future teeth? (And don’t get me started on how long it’s “appropriate” to let them have one. New moms: you’ll get all sorts of “advice” about that.)
When you’re a new mom, the little things are REALLY important.
Here’s the short list of what I found I HAD to have:
One of those half-moon pillows that helps when breastfeeding or just when you’re sitting around with the baby (the brand I had was the goofily named Boppy);
Cloth diapers: Not for the purpose you’d imagine, but they make excellent soft wipes for all the inevitable vomit (although, being baby vomit, I think we called it something cutesy like “urp”);
BoBux “shoes”: Soft slip-ons for the little feet of a baby who does NOT want to wear shoes
A questions for new moms, old moms and in-between moms: What must-haves would you suggest for someone about to bring a little one (and the piles of products that come with them) into her life?
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JuicyCampus.com-should parents care?
The new latest Web site under fire, JuicyCampus.com, gives parents another cause for concern in the social networking arena.
A March 31 article by the Associated Press discusses a move by New Jersey prosecutors to subpoenae records of JuicyCampus.com, which publishes anonymous, often malicious gossip about college students. The article says, “Language on the site ranges from catty to hateful and offensive. One thread, for example, on the “most overrated Princeton student” quickly dissolves into name-calling, homophobia and anti-Semitism.”
As a parent, I would be very upset if information about one of my children appeared on this site. As attacks are anonymous, they do not have be true. Parents must be proactive because people have committed suicide after such content. As a professor, I have experience similar attacks on sites such as BUBooks, which allow anonymous venting against secondary educators.
Although I am a supporter of free speech, I believe such sites should be banned. How do you guys feel?
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Joint birthday party-not such a good idea?
Both of my sons were born in March, four days apart, so they’ve always had a joint birthday party. But after this year, I’m not sure I will be able to get away with it much longer.
They are two years apart in age, which means they have different interests and different friends. In previous years they haven’t really noticed that most people have their own party, but now they are are older and wiser.
Sharing a birthday makes sense. On one hand, we save money because they use the same cups, napkins, cake, etc. On the other hand, they don’t get a chance to develop their own identities.
I’m really torn on this one. Has anyone else encountered this situation? I would appreciate any feedback.
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Mommy and Me opportunities — on weekends? We need ideas
I had an interesting email from a reader this week. She’s running into some of the same situations I did when my son was younger. There were the occasional events on Saturdays at Ollie Mae Moen (the Mayborn’s precursor, that’s how long ago it was), but not much else a working mom and her child could do together.
Here’s an excerpt from the reader’s email. Can anyone help with ideas?
I am a working mom and can’t do swim lessons, dance, music, gymnastics, etc. classes with my 2-year-old on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 10 which seems to when EVERYTHING is. Do kids of working moms not get to do any of this fun stuff? If I can find some thing that is in the evning it starts at 5:00 or 5:30, which I still can’t make as I am not able to pick my daughter up till 6 due to work.
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Easter joy!
This Easter my sons began to understand the true meaning of the holiday. All three of my children played a role in our annual Easter program, which allowed Timothy & William to articulate the reasons we celebrate it.
My oldest son took on his speech with vigor, even trading in a shorter one for a more challenging one, while my youngest son met the challenge of memorizing his first Easter speech with much enthusiasm.
In the end their simple speeches, “Jesus died for our sins, three days later He rose again,” and “Jesus loves me and you,” were a perfect summary of why we actually celebrate Easter. I am happy they were able to move beyond Easter eggs and candy and get to the truth of the matter.
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Toddler fun on the computer
In the process of teaching my toddlers the basics of reading, I’ve run across some great Web sites that are educational as well as enjoyable for them. I have provided the list below for other parents who want to introduce their tykes to online fun.
Please let me know of any other good sites that might be useful.
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Grocery bills revisited
I agree with Paula, my grocery bills have definitely skyrocketed recently. The old staples such as eggs, milk and cereal are slowly becoming luxuries.
I’m beginning to remind myself of my grandparents who used to spend hours reminiscing about the good old days when milk was cheap and eggs were almost free. Not anymore. It’s hard to find a dozen of eggs for less than $2 and a gallon of milk for less than $5.
I too am glad that I don’t have to buy diapers anymore. The increase in the price of fuel and groceries definitely helped me speed up the potty training process!
It’s tough to balance a budget when you have to decide between putting gas in the car, buying groceries and keeping the lights on. What gives?
Hopefully, the economy will improve soon!
Latest comments
I think the picture with her father was the creepiest of all YUK !!!!! and to think that anyone would let their minor daughter do a photo shoot alone is neglect. Then not to proof the pics before you let them be seen by anyone is child abuse. This child
... read the full comment by Terrie | Comment on Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path Read Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path
oh…i forgot to mention that the show baby borrowers premieres tonight june 25th at 9pm on nbc for those of you who want to watch it…it’s a great show for moms like us…i highly recommend it…to learn about parenting…:)
... read the full comment by simone | Comment on Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path Read Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path
I’m there, too. Boy, 40 is hard. And, yet, I still get asked if I’m having another child. Can I do that at this age? I’ve also got the gray, thank heavens for hair color, but I also still get acne breakouts. I don’t like that combination.
... read the full comment by Jill | Comment on Forty the new 20--NOT! Read Forty the new 20--NOT!
I think the photo of Miley and her father is more creepy than the photo of her back. These photos should have been private family photos and they should have been able to decide which one(s) would be released to the media and which one would be allowed
... read the full comment by LY | Comment on Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path Read Miley Cyrus travels down familiar path