ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/School craft: Backpack tagshttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/17/school-craft-backpack-tags/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/17/school-craft-backpack-tags/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/17/school-craft-backpack-tags/#commentsFiled under: ,

This September (why so late, Texas?), both of my children will be heading down the street to the Mother's Day Out preschool program, or, as one commenter once referred to it, "glorified babysitting." Just for the record, it isn't glorified babysitting; my daughter learned much more during her time there than I ever planned on, something I can't say from other babysitters we've used.

Now that is off my back...my kids are heading over to Mother's Day Out next month. We got my son a nice, plain backpack that I'm hoping we can resell when he's done (yeah, right.) because I'm as cheap as they come. As I'm writing this, I'm thinking about how hard that little boy is on his things, so maybe we won't be selling it once he's done.

Hmm. Okay. On to the craft! You have a kid! And a backpack! Both are heading off to school! What should you do? Make a tag for your backpack!

Here's what you need:

  • Shrinkable plastic (aka Shrinky Dink or Poly Shrink)
  • Markers, colored pencils and such
  • Stamp pad
  • Key rings
  • Sandpaper
Follow the directions on the plastic if it needs to be sanded. Decorate the plastic with the markers; I'm thinking "This is Johnny's bag so get yo' grubby paws off" would be a nice touch. Use the stamp pad to make an image on the tag to be colored in with said markers. Cut out the tag and make a very large hole for the key ring. Follow instructions to bake the plastic. Attach to key ring and put on backpack.

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]]>back to schoolbackpackBackToSchoolcraftsschoolRachel MostellerFri, 17 Aug 2007 11:04:00 ESTWhat are the good non-commercialized movies for kids?http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/08/what-are-the-good-non-commercialized-movies-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/08/what-are-the-good-non-commercialized-movies-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/08/what-are-the-good-non-commercialized-movies-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

We live in a movie house, or well, we did before we had kids. I enjoy movies much more than I do television shows, to an extent. (As I've found with my husband and his sister, there is such a thing as too many movies watched.) My main problem with them is that it seems that almost every movie aimed at children is commercialized.

That got me to thinking about what good movies there are out there for younger children that don't have every single action figure/toy available on the market.

I've been searching around, trying to decide what movies would be good for kids who are about 4 to 6-years-old and older. Here's what I have so far:

Do you know of any other movies that would be good for my kids in a year or two (I plan early) that wouldn't involve characters we'd normally see in our popular consumer culture?

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]]>adschildrencommercialsfilmkidsmoviesRachel MostellerWed, 08 Aug 2007 12:02:00 ESTHomemade "match game" for toddlershttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/06/homemade-match-game-for-toddlers/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/06/homemade-match-game-for-toddlers/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/06/homemade-match-game-for-toddlers/#commentsFiled under:

I'm constantly looking for new ways to keep my daughter entertained during the day. At just-turned-three, she's not at the age where she understands how to play most games. But, I figured I could take a game from my youth and make it simple enough that she'd understand.

Also, if she didn't like it, well, I made it so it didn't cost me any money.

Here's what you do: Take a piece of large construction paper and cut it into an even number of pieces. I think I chose 12. Then, look around the house for stickers you can decorate the paper with. For example, I chose two puppy dog stickers to put on two different squares of paper. Another two had smiley face stickers and two more had stars. Once I ran out of stickers, I drew shapes, such as a square or triangle, that my daughter could recognize.

Then, once finished, flip over and you have a toddler-version of "Guess Who!"

My daughter loves playing the "puppy dog" game, even though she tends to want to keep flipping cards when it isn't her turn. I love letting her because it is helping with that memory we all know little people posses and is an activity/game that she's good at doing.

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]]>activitiesgamespreschooltoddlerRachel MostellerMon, 06 Aug 2007 11:06:00 ESTBlogger of the Day: The Bloggesshttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/02/blogger-of-the-day-the-bloggess/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/02/blogger-of-the-day-the-bloggess/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/02/blogger-of-the-day-the-bloggess/#commentsFiled under:

I, like many other women (and men) in the blog world, just returned from Chicago and the BlogHer conference. Besides getting to meet a few of my "co-workers" here at Parent Dish (Kristin! Jen! Susan!), I also got to meet a bunch of new bloggers.

I figured once I left the W Hotel in beautiful downtown Chicago that my blogger meetings were up. But, no! In fact, I ran into two bloggers once my plane had landed in Houston: Girl Con Queso and Jenny from The Bloggess!

Like many others, I went home and logged onto my computer to see what others were saying about the conference. What was their favorite part? Least favorite? I have to say that Jenny's "love letter" to Amy Sedaris made me laugh out loud.

You see, Amy Sedaris was quite the superstar at BlogHer. She's a comedian, crafter and all-out funny gal. She's also the sister of the incredibly talented David Sedaris, who writes some of the best books out there.

Click here to read Jenny's "love letter" to Amy. That girl has some major balls to do something like that; I think of myself as somewhat gutsy and I doubt even I could do that.

If you were at BlogHer and met any awesome new bloggers, please feel free to share! I'm still feeling the Blog Love and would love to see more awesome women (and men) that I might have missed.

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]]>amy sedarisAmySedarisblog herbloggessblogherblogher07david sedarisDavidSedarisgirl con quesoGirlConQuesothe bloggessTheBloggessRachel MostellerThu, 02 Aug 2007 15:05:00 ESTGoing from the sippy to the cuphttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/01/going-from-the-sippy-to-the-cup/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/01/going-from-the-sippy-to-the-cup/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/01/going-from-the-sippy-to-the-cup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When my daughter was about 13-months-old, we had a battle of the wills regarding the sippy cup. Basically, we wanted her to take it and she did not. I have to admit; she got pretty good at throwing the thing at our heads when we offered it to her.

Now, many, many months later, she's a sippy girl. In fact, she's 3-years-old and, according to everyone else around me, we need to have that child drinking out of a regular cup at all times. She's perfectly capable of drinking from a real cup, it is just that...those things spill.

One slide of the arm and milk goes all over dinner. Turn around and she's on the couch, holding that cup of water. I already have enough messes to clean; I do not need to end up soaking milk out of my cushions.

I'm curious as to when most other people give up the sippy cups. I'm more than happy to let her drink from that regular cup, promising that she will sign a waiver that says she promises never to spill milk on my bed.

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]]>cupdrinkingkidssippiessippy cupSippyCupRachel MostellerWed, 01 Aug 2007 14:03:00 ESTJennifer Weiner expecting second babyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/jennifer-weiner-expecting-second-baby/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/jennifer-weiner-expecting-second-baby/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/jennifer-weiner-expecting-second-baby/#commentsFiled under: ,

I started reading Jennifer Weiner's books several years ago and, I have to admit, I'm a big fan of her work. I remember reading her personal blog regarding the weeks leading up to the birth of her daughter while I was pregnant with my first.

I was happy to read recently that Weiner is pregnant with her second child! She's due "late this fall" and is still working. According to Jennifer, and this is something I'd totally say, she seems to be in sync with day time talk show hosts and their pregnancies. Last time, she was due around the same time as Kelly Ripa and now she estimates that she and The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck are due at the same time.

She and her husband, Adam, live in Philadelphia with their daughter, Lucy Jane, who was born in 2003.

Congrats to Jennifer, Adam and Lucy!

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]]>elisabeth hasselbeckElisabethHasselbeckjennifer weinerJenniferWeinerkelly ripaKellyRipapregnantRachel MostellerMon, 16 Jul 2007 14:30:00 ESTSometimes, I just want to toss it allhttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/sometimes-i-just-want-to-toss-it-all/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/sometimes-i-just-want-to-toss-it-all/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/sometimes-i-just-want-to-toss-it-all/#commentsFiled under: ,

When it comes to pregnancy and parenting, I often find myself encouraging other women not to beat themselves up over things. If you want a coffee while pregnant, drink it. If your kid is begging for that second (or third) pudding cup and it has been a long day... go for it.

And yet, sometimes, I find myself feeling so guilty about things. It is easy to say that I have a love hate relationship with technology. Love, obviously because I have blogged at my personal blog for four years. I write for Parent Dish. I read some blogs (though I really don't read too many anymore due to life/work) and have made many friends through the 'net. After four years of wanting, I finally got a TIVO for Christmas, something I never thought would happen.

But, at the same time, I hate technology. I hate how I see people walking around, talking on cell phones instead of the person they are with. I hate seeing parents with the iPod in their ears instead of paying any form of attention to the child in the basket at the grocery store. I hate the commercialization of childhood and how so many children end up sitting in front of the tube and computer. I hate how I've let my kids watch more television than I'd like to admit.

I don't think the television is bad. I think that sometimes it is okay to let a child watch TV. It is just so easy on those days when you're feeling tired or stressed to say "fine." I've made much more of an effort to get my daughter engaged in pretend play during the day. I love seeing her take all her "babies" and make them go down the "slide." I love to see her racing in the house.

Sometimes I dream about picking up the television and locking it in the closet. But, honestly, I don't think I can. Why? It is my security blanket. The TV is my backup. I am a wuss and I feel horribly guilty about it.

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]]>cell phonesCellPhonescommericialsipodskidslifesimplicitytelevisiontvvideo gamesVideoGamesRachel MostellerMon, 16 Jul 2007 12:05:00 ESTTravels with Toddlers: Wear those suckers out!http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/travels-with-toddlers-wear-those-suckers-out/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/travels-with-toddlers-wear-those-suckers-out/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/travels-with-toddlers-wear-those-suckers-out/#commentsFiled under:

This week, we're heading out of town with my two toddlers. This car trip, which normally takes eight hours for two adults, will easily take over ten with my two in tow. Argh!

We've made the trip multiple times over the years and have adjusted it according to what works and what doesn't.

What doesn't work: Leaving at four in the morning. Once my kids are up, they are up. They also won't nap in the car, so I end up with two very awake and very annoyed kids.

What works: Leaving later on in the day. This time, we're hoping to hit the road at about four in the afternoon. We'll drive three to four hours (to Dallas, Texas) and stop to have a snack and let the kids run around at a fast food joint. We'll probably end up getting to town after midnight, but I'm a night owl, so this works for me.

What we're unsure of: Will they fall asleep in the car at night time? Should we eat dinner before we go (earlier than usual) and bathe the kids to put them in their pajamas? Would that be a bad idea? Can a toddler who is usually potty-trained at home (and out) hold it in a car trip that goes through a lot of barren land?

What we think will work: Wearing them out! My plan for Tuesday (the day we travel) is a Day of Fun. I'm hoping it doesn't rain so I can bring them to the pool to splish and splash to their heart's content. Want to go outside, even though the humidity is through the roof? Sure! Want to scream and jump and act a fool? Go ahead!

What has worked for you with traveling with little ones? Most of the "advice" on the 'net seems, ahem, like it wouldn't work for my kids. I doubt they'd be interested in a "puppet show" for more than two minutes and reading books aloud? Forget about it.

All help is needed; my sanity thanks you.

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]]>babiescarskidsoneroad tripRoadTripthreetoddlersvacationRachel MostellerMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:03:00 ESTSouleMama's book on pre-orderhttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/soulemamas-book-on-pre-order/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/soulemamas-book-on-pre-order/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/16/soulemamas-book-on-pre-order/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of my favorite things about reading blogs is the whole behind-the-scenes aspect. It is so much fun to find a blogger and see them get a book deal and learn about the entire process of the book.

I'm happy to say I've enjoyed reading reading Soule Mama's account of writing a book.

If you're interested in seeing the Amazon page for her book, it is up! The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. The publication date is in March 2008, so you have awhile before it hits the shelves.

According to the book description, "For parents of all backgrounds, The Creative Family offers unique creative activities for the whole family. The range of projects includes: imaginative play such as dress-up, home theater, and parlor games; arts and crafts such as family drawing time and knitting with children; nature explorations such as creating garden journals and using natural toys; and family celebrations that include making music and displaying children's art."

Sounds like something right up my ally. Can't wait to read the book!

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]]>amazonbookscreatecreativefamilysoule mamasoulemamathe creative familyTheCreativeFamilyRachel MostellerMon, 16 Jul 2007 07:30:00 ESTTraveling without kids? Get your papers ready.http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/15/traveling-without-kids-get-your-papers-ready/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/15/traveling-without-kids-get-your-papers-ready/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/15/traveling-without-kids-get-your-papers-ready/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This week, my husband and I will pack up the kids and drive over ten hours to begin our vacation. After spending a few days with the in-laws, we will be packing up and getting on an airplane for some mommy and daddy alone time.

While we've been busy buying snacks for that really long car trip, I've also been getting our papers together. Since we will spend several days without our kids and ahem, our wills are basically non-existent, I had to act fast.

I looked up the will laws for my state online and I could have a written will, as long as it was signed by two adults in my presence. After hashing out details of who would become the guardian, establishing trust funds from life insurance policies and who should reside over our estate in the case of our deaths, we still had a lot left to do.

In another envelope, I included the details needed in case something did happen to us. I specified some of the wishes in regards to money, our kids' education as well as pertinent info regarding disposal of the bodies (cremation, with ashes scattered). It also included some of that information a potential caregiver would need to know, such as location of all our documents and names and numbers of all the doctors who care for my children.

In a third envelope, we have the information for short-term care of the kids. One includes a list of the things one needs to know to care for two toddlers (one pretty much refuses to eat meat while the other will eat most anything except tomatoes) and tips and tricks for getting through the day in one piece (warn the girl before flushing public toilets). In addition, I included another piece of paper with a "waiver" saying I allowed my in-laws to seek any medical attention for my kids. At the bottom of that paper, I decided to add a bit of information. Thinking on my father-in-law trying to fill the paper out while my mother-in-law helped the child, I added in information such as drug allergies (none) and the kids' dates of birth and current weights.

While I hope none of these papers will need to ever be used, I feel a lot safer leaving my kids knowing that many of the loose ends are tied up.

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]]>deathgrandparentsroad tripRoadTripvacationwillsRachel MostellerSun, 15 Jul 2007 10:03:00 ESTFun family activity: Making peanut butter!http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/10/fun-family-activity-making-peanut-butter/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/10/fun-family-activity-making-peanut-butter/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/10/fun-family-activity-making-peanut-butter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When it comes to food, I'm known around my parts as a gal who likes to keep things simple. I'm also a gal who likes to bake. Putting these two together, I've found myself in the kitchen, slaving over a variety of different "do it yourself" foods and baked goods.

Some have turned out well while others...uh, not so much.

I have found an activity that is fun, tasty and good for the whole family to get involved: homemade peanut butter!

Here's what you do: Either buy peanuts that are shelled or still in the shell. If needed, remove the shells. My almost 3-year-old had a blast helping me remove the shells, especially since I let her eat from her own bowl (not mine). Also, just to state the obvious, if you have a peanut allergy in the house, don't do this activity.

Place the peanuts in either a food processor or blender. Add in a bit of oil and blend. If it isn't getting creamy enough, add in some more. Keep repeating until you get the right consistency. Then, add in a bit of salt (to taste) and, if you want, some sugar or honey.

I have to admit, after trying this, we will never get store bought peanut butter again!

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]]>cookingfunpeanut butterPeanutButterpeanutsrecipeRachel MostellerTue, 10 Jul 2007 12:03:00 ESTStudents stick it to "the man," keep feeding homelesshttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/students-stick-it-to-the-man-keep-feeding-homeless/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/students-stick-it-to-the-man-keep-feeding-homeless/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/students-stick-it-to-the-man-keep-feeding-homeless/#commentsFiled under: ,

As a parent, I'm always hoping that I'm setting an example so that my children will be compassionate towards others. I've been known from time to time to go into a store or restaurant to buy food for a homeless person on the street and I hope my kids will one day do the same.

So, when a group of students from the Philadelphia area fed the homeless, you'd think people would be proud that they were being compassionate towards others.

But...not quite. Recently, the city's new managing director told the kids to stop feeding the homeless, explaining that it does them no good to be handed food without further resources. While jobs and a place to sleep are important, so is eating.

You can't make someone get the help if they don't want it.

Currently, the kids have ignored the managing director and have continued to feed the homeless, even having a little fun in doing so. While it isn't always the best to let your kids disobey the rules, it is good to know that these kids are doing it with big hearts and good intentions.



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]]>compassioneducationfeedfoodhomelessphiladelphiaschoolsRachel MostellerSun, 08 Jul 2007 13:07:00 ESTTaiwan cancels speed-eating contest for kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/taiwan-cancels-speed-eating-contest-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/taiwan-cancels-speed-eating-contest-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/taiwan-cancels-speed-eating-contest-for-kids/#commentsFiled under:

If you're looking for a place to enroll your kindergarten-aged child in a speed-eating contest, I highly suggest you don't look to Taiwan. Officials in Taipei have announced that it wasn't the best idea to invite elementary school-aged children to a contest to scarf down bowls of pork rice.

Wow, you think?

The contest originally had four categories: kindergarten, elementary school, adults and foreigners. I love how the foreigners (Read: Big Mac Eating Americans) have their own category.

The original contest had the children eating the bowl of rice in three minutes with the child eating the fastest winning the contest. Children are now invited to taste the rice and then either write or draw a picture regarding their thoughts on said rice.

How do you say "boring" in Mandarin?

And what, exactly, were the reasons for stopping the rice eating contest?

"It's not right to use kids for publicity in this manner," said an official. "They could choke. Children should always be taught to chew carefully. Encouraging them to bolt food down for a prize is irresponsible."

"Scoffing down such a greasy dish could result in indigestion and vomiting."

Yeah...it is also, ahem, unhealthy.

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]]>americanseatingfoodspeed eatingSpeedEatingtaiwanRachel MostellerSun, 08 Jul 2007 12:02:00 ESTGift guide by the ages: 2-years-oldhttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/gift-guide-by-the-ages-2-years-old/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/gift-guide-by-the-ages-2-years-old/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/08/gift-guide-by-the-ages-2-years-old/#commentsFiled under:

Birthdays. Everybody has one. They also have holidays and all sorts of special occasions where it seems a gift is needed. If you're anything like me, it is easy to get overwhelmed and just want to run out and get a gift card. While I certainly like to get the gift of a gift card, I prefer to give something tangible.

That's why I started thinking about good gifts to give by ages.

Two-year-olds are an interesting bunch. They're no longer "babies" but aren't exactly ready for some of the big kid toys. That means sometimes a kid is going to get a present that is far above or below his age-range.

I'm a huge fan of these Melissa and Doug wooden puzzles. We have one, my daughter's school has some and the local library has some. So, basically, if you don't have any, where's not coming to your house. Or, at least warn me so I can bring my own.

Sidewalk chalk. Head down to the craft store and you can get a big bucket for a few dollars. Perfect for little hands and hours spent outside, drawing pictures and scribbling here and there.

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]]>burthdaychalkpuzzlestoysRachel MostellerSun, 08 Jul 2007 07:59:00 ESTSimple summer maternity wardrobe: bottomshttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/06/simple-summer-maternity-wardrobe-bottoms/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/06/simple-summer-maternity-wardrobe-bottoms/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/06/simple-summer-maternity-wardrobe-bottoms/#commentsFiled under:

For many in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is in full swing. If you're also pregnant, you might be realizing that the clothes you've been hanging around in recently are starting to feel a bit warm.

If you're going to go buy new clothes for maternity shopping, I suggest looking for things on sale that are comfortable and that you can mix and match. Because, seriously, once that final month comes along, you're going to hate everything you own.

I think a bermuda short is a great thing to have in the summer. I know that some women really hate them, but come on, sometimes it is time to put down the short shorts and have something a little longer. These could also be dressed up for the office if your boss is down with that.

If your work environment requires something a bit more formal, you can't go wrong with black pants paired with any of the shirts (not the tanks, though) mentioned in previous posts.

If you happen to be one of the lucky ones that lives in an area where you can wear jeans in the summer, you might want to check out a pair of cute boot cut jeans. I prefer a dark wash-- they seem a bit more dressier, which is nice when you're down to the final few outfits that still fit.

Let's admit it: Being pregnant in the summer isn't always fun, especially if you're nearing the end. I'm a sucker for comfy pants, even more so when I'm carrying another human being in my belly. You can get some pretty comfy looking "yoga pants" at Old Navy (they're on sale, too) for those days where comfort is queen. I love the gray ones, though I have to admit that I'm a sucker for the cute pink bottoms as well.


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]]>clothesmaternitypantssummerRachel MostellerFri, 06 Jul 2007 14:59:00 ESTMaking the decision to homeschoolhttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/06/making-the-decision-to-homeschool/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/06/making-the-decision-to-homeschool/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/06/making-the-decision-to-homeschool/#commentsFiled under:

The other night, as my husband and I lay in bed, we were discussing our future and the future of our children. One of the issues that came up was school. We had both agreed awhile ago that we didn't feel comfortable with public schools at the present moment, mainly due to standardized testing and the pressures put on it.

My husband looked at me and said "maybe we should homeschool."

Standardized tests are not the only reason we're shying away from public schools, though I don't feel the need to go into the rest here. The schools in my area are "good" and "safe," as people on message boards always say. And, yes, they are.

But I don't think they're right for our own personal parenting philosophy.

The other alternative, private schooling, is quite the expensive one. I don't have between ten to twenty thousand dollars per child per year to spend on private schools. Even if the schools offer scholarships, I wouldn't want my kids to feel like the odd man out in a school where paying $40k for your kids' education is norm.

Making the decision to homeschool is like standing on the edge of a cliff with a bungee cord around your ankle. Yes, you want to make that jump, but isn't it so much easier (and safer) to keep standing on the cliff? That jump seems pretty drastic.

Part of me is thrilled at the prospect of giving my children the education I want for them to get. I found a homeschool co-op here, so they can have interaction with other kids and adults. Also, I'm more than happy to have someone else teach them math and science! My son will most likely play a sport (he is very interested in all sports, even at the age of one) and my daughter seems very musically inclined. The co-op offers violin and piano lessons, so there's something there for her.

It is just taking that jump that seems so scary. I know I can do it; it is just getting my feet off the ground that is the hard part.


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]]>co-opeducationfamilyhome schoolhomeschoollearningprivatepublicRachel MostellerFri, 06 Jul 2007 11:01:00 ESTVisit to US cost 'Living Goddess" her titlehttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/visit-to-us-cost-living-goddess-her-title/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/visit-to-us-cost-living-goddess-her-title/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/visit-to-us-cost-living-goddess-her-title/#commentsFiled under:

Several weeks ago, I read a story in The New York Times regarding a "Living Goddess" from Nepal. According to the article, Sajani Shakya, who is 10, was in town to promote a documentary about the living goddesses of Nepal.

There are currently twelve living goddesses, who are believed to be reincarnations of the Hindu goddess Kali. The goddesses, who are worshiped, are chosen at the age of two after Hindu and Buddhist priests consult a horoscope and find a girl who meets "the 32 perfections."

Wow...that's a lot of pressure for a kid. Even more so, the child's own family worships her.

The original article mentions how Sajani was the first Living Goddess to visit the United States, because they are kept in seclusion. Turns out that local religious leaders weren't happy with this trip, which they consider "impure" and "against tradition." Sajani has lost her title of Living Goddess.

Religious leaders are still discussing if she should receive her pension. The goddesses retire at puberty and then receive a monthly stipend.

Even before she lost her title, Sajani, who wants to be a teacher and used her monthly salary to help support her family, said she felt said about returning to normal life.

"When I'm not a goddess anymore," said Sajani, "no one will treat me as well as they treat me now."

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]]>buddhisthindukaliliving goddessLivingGoddessnepalsajaniunited statesUnitedStatesusaworshipRachel MostellerWed, 04 Jul 2007 12:05:00 ESTFun craft: Paint fireworkshttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/fun-craft-paint-fireworks/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/fun-craft-paint-fireworks/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/fun-craft-paint-fireworks/#commentsFiled under:

If you live in The States, you're probably putting some hot dogs on the grill right now. And, if your kids are anything like mine, they're asking when the fireworks are going to start.

While you're waiting for the food to cook, why not have some fun making a fireworks craft? This is a good idea that would definitely look cute and festive.

You'll need:

A piece of paper (blue might be good for the night sky)
A paintbrush or dropper
Several colors of watered-down paint
A straw

Take the paintbrush or dropper and put drops of the watered-down paint on the paper. Use a straw to blow the drops of paint outwards, so that they look like fireworks. If you want to make them a little more festive, try using iridescent paint to make the fireworks sparkle.

What an easy craft! The best part? Nobody gets burned!


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]]>craftsfourthfourth of julyFourthOfJulyfunjulykidspaintRachel MostellerWed, 04 Jul 2007 10:04:00 ESTBoss offers her secretary cash to become a surrogatehttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/boss-offers-her-secretary-cash-to-become-a-surrogate/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/boss-offers-her-secretary-cash-to-become-a-surrogate/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/07/04/boss-offers-her-secretary-cash-to-become-a-surrogate/#commentsFiled under: ,

Everyone who has ever had a job has a story of a boss who made an insane request. One lady in California says that her boss made one of the oddest requests I've heard in a long time.

Claire Connelly, a former secretary for a chairwoman on the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, says that her former boss, Ann Richardson, walked into the office with her request: She wanted a baby (she was 51) and wanted Claire to be the surrogate. She'd also pay Claire $10,000 for the process.

Claire said she'd think it over, even though Ann said she'd have to wait until her term was over so there wouldn't be a conflict of interest. According to Claire, who is a single mom, she decided that the surrogate route wouldn't be a good option and denied. Then, says Claire, that's when things got difficult.

She says Ann began berating her over her job, making things difficult. She brought in her dog, says Claire, and made her walk and clean up after it.

This soon turns into a she said/she said argument over Ann's treatment of Claire and Claire's reasons for leaving the office. She has filed a complaint of sex harassment and retaliation against her former boss.

Man, this makes all those times my former boss asked me to watch his kids seem like...uh...child's play.

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]]>ann richardsonAnnRichardsoncaliforniaclaire connellyClaireConnellyharassmentinfertilitymomsurrogateRachel MostellerWed, 04 Jul 2007 08:00:00 EST13-year journey of 23 kids from Harlemhttp://www.parentdish.com/2007/06/29/13-year-journey-of-23-kids-from-harlem/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/06/29/13-year-journey-of-23-kids-from-harlem/http://www.parentdish.com/2007/06/29/13-year-journey-of-23-kids-from-harlem/#commentsFiled under:

I've looked at the children in my daughter's class before and wondered where they'd be in the future. And, honestly, it is easy to look at them-- young children from (mostly) wealthy suburban families and figure they have the odds in their favor.

Have you ever looked at a class of young children, or even remembered your grade school years, and wondered where everyone went? How they turned out?

Now you can take a then and now look at a class from Harlem. They started Kindergarten in 1994 (I was in HIGH SCHOOL!) and just finished high school this year. The stories are as different as the kids. One became involved in a gang until his worried mother withdrew him from school. One landed in jail for a crime he didn't commit and now is going to college to become a lawyer. One of the girls had both parents murdered by the time she turned 10 while another student is majoring in physics at Carnegie Mellon University.

There's aspiring rappers and actresses and a young father. There's also families who sacrificed much to see a child succeed and teachers who helped pave the way.

What an inspiring story to read.

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]]>disciplineeducationfightsgangsharlemhistorykidslearningnewsschoolteachersRachel MostellerFri, 29 Jun 2007 12:03:00 EST