Mommy’s little helper

What’s your best, ‘Oh no they didn’t!’ topic?

Like a lot of little kids, our son, Ryan, is fascinated with all things mechanical. The more buttons it has, the better.

The washer and dryer are all-time favorites. Ryan loves to help put clothes in the washer or dryer and push the button for us.

One night, he apparently decided that it was time to go it alone. I waved at my little angel as he headed up the stairs to play with Daddy and the baby before bedtime. I turned on the vacuum cleaner and concentrated on eliminating the little orange beetles that had invaded our home by the dozens.

I vacuumed my little heart out in the dining and living...

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Is there a best method for discipline?

For the 30-something moms out there, I’m guessing many of us had parents who spanked us when we were kids.

I’m also guessing that some of us decided we didn’t want to go that route with our own children, while others find spanking perfectly acceptable. I’ve tried the time-outs, the “blackout” method and “1-2-3 magic” – all perfectly good methods of discipline if they are followed consistently.

Consistency is hugely important, and I find that my kids really are happier and behave better when the rules are enforced every time. In the heat of the moment, they may not be happy, but overall, kids really do need to know that the parents are in charge, not them.

To party or not to party?

How many moms out there don’t have enough toys or clothes for their kids? I’m guessing not many. Which raises the question of birthday parties and at what age?

I get the 1-year-old birthday party. It’s a milestone and should be celebrated. After that, at what age is a birthday party really necessary?

My kids have enough toys to outfit a small country. And that’s just from family. My husband’s family is large, so by the time all the grandparents and aunts and uncles and mom and dad give them birthday presents, I’ve got to go buy another toy box.

Basically, I weed out old toys when a birthday is coming up to make room for the new haul.

At my house, it’s family...

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Day care center or private babysitter?

For working moms out there – how do you feel about your day care situation?

I’ve tried both day care centers and private babysitters. I’ve got to go with the private babysitter if you can afford it.

I’ve heard arguments for and against both situations. Day care centers are monitored and held accountable to the state, while most private babysitters are not, excluding those that get approved through their county’s department of human services.

We’ve all heard horror stories about children being hurt in both situations, so that one’s a wash as far as I’m concerned. I don’t care how many security cameras you have in a day care...

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Pediatricians vs. family practioner: Which is best?

I’ve used pediatricians and I’ve used family practitioners for my children, and I have to say I prefer pediatricians. Family practitioners just aren’t up on the specifics of young children and babies.

Case in point: My first child became very ill with what I thought was a bad cold at 3 weeks old. Of course, this happened on the weekend, so off to an after-hours care center we went. The doctor took one look at the obvious “first time mom” stamp on my forehead and decided I was overreacting to a cold. He never even opened my son’s top to check his breathing.

“Your son is only 3 weeks old, and we can’t give him anything at this age,” he said, patient condescension dripping from his voice.

I called my...

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