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/Should You Try a 'Mommy Cleanse'?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/mommy-cleanse/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/mommy-cleanse/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/mommy-cleanse/#commentsFiled under: ,

cleanse

Credit: Blueprintcleanse.com

Sure, celeb moms like Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, and Sarah Jessica Parker do "cleanses" -- restrictive, mostly liquid diets that claim to detoxify your system, improve your health, and, let's face it, offer a speedy slim-down. But lately we've been hearing the moms at drop-off complaining that they're cranky because they've traded in their usual fare of leftover kid waffles and birthday party pizza for a cleanse of their very own.

Yes, pricey celeb cleanses are becoming popular among moms, who may not have time to get to a gym and are looking for a quick way to shed a few pounds before hitting the beach or to kick-start a plan that will hopefully get rid of the baby weight once and for all. And these plans claim to deliver a whole lot more than good health for frazzled, sleep-deprived mamas.

The BluePrintCleanse (shown above) -- which includes numbered bottles of juices like Pineapple Mint or Spicy Lemonade that come in three levels of cleansing intensity (one level allows you to still eat a vegetarian/raw dinner) -- supposedly will "rid your body of impurities, regain an alkaline balance, and normalize digestion and metabolism." It costs $325 for a three-day regimen, though you can make your own if you buy the BluePrint book.) Another popular choice, Organic Avenue, costs $250 for a three-day cleanse of options like cucumber soup and pomegranate juice and promises a whole range of benefits from "bright eyes," a "clear complexion," and "perfect weight," to "feeling grounded and balanced," and having "positive thoughts."

Even if those claims are true, is an all-liquid diet really a good idea? As an RN, I worry about moms using cleanses as a short-cut to weight loss because they don't exactly lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy eating and exercise. Sure, you'll survive for a few days on juice alone, but the kidney, liver and colon already handle detox-ing your body. (Restricting calories during breastfeeding, however, is a dangerous idea since it can affect your milk supply. To their credit, both of these companies state that nursing is not the time for a cleanse.) A healthier (and cheaper) option might be to cut out processed foods in favor of fruits, veggies, lean meats and whole grains. Lifelong health and weight management is based on realistic habits that can be maintained over time -- something that, unfortunately, can't be bottled and sold.

Have you ever tried a cleanse? Chime in here.

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]]>celeb cleansecleansemommy cleansethe editors at iVillage.comFri, 15 Jul 2011 12:30:00 ESTSurviving a Summer of Shared Custodyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/surviving-a-summer-of-shared-custody/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/surviving-a-summer-of-shared-custody/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/surviving-a-summer-of-shared-custody/#commentsFiled under: , ,

shared custody

Juggling separate vacations with camp and daycare schedules can throw everyone off-kilter. Credit Getty Images

For divorced moms and dads, sharing custody during summer vacation can be a challenge. Juggling separate vacations with camp and daycare schedules can throw everyone off-kilter -- but these tips can help make sure your custody schedule doesn't put a damper on summer fun.

Plan ahead. Going on vacation? Be sure you and your ex reach an agreement on what your kid needs for the trip -- and who will supply it. (For example, will she need dress clothes during her visit? A new swimsuit?) A checklist in your kid's suitcase is an easy way to keep track of what was sent and what should be returned.

Set up some personal space. If your child doesn't have his own room in both parents' houses, organize space for him before he arrives. If he'll share a room with a full-time kid resident, set aside drawers or closet space for his clothes. This will help him feel like he has his own space -- and the child sharing the room won't feel as intruded upon.

Share important phone numbers. Exchange important contact numbers like your child's doctor, dentist and where you'll be staying if you're going out of town. This is especially important if your child takes regular medication. If you're the non-custodial parent, make sure you're up-to-date on your kid's medications and dosing schedule -- and stick to it. It sounds obvious, but discontinuing meds without consulting your child's doctor may be dangerous to your child's health.

It's okay if they miss home. If your kid complains that she misses her other parent, be supportive -- and know that she's confiding her innermost feelings to you, not necessarily claiming a preference. Look for ways to calm her down and don't take it personally (and definitely don't use it as a license to bad-mouth your ex).

There's company in numbers. Let your kid's friends visit. Allowing older kids to bring their friends along when they visit is a surefire way to guard against boredom -- and keep them grounded when they miss their normal surroundings.

Remember to have fun! Plan activities beforehand to ensure your kid will look forward to her visit. If you're a working parent, day camps are always a big hit. Or, take time off and plan a special trip together.

Think quality, not quantity. By the same token, try not to over-schedule your kid so that every minute is spent doing something. Plan ample time for activities -- but allow time for vegging out and reconnecting, too.

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]]>shared custodysummer activitiesthe editors at iVillage.comFri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 ESTIs It OK to Be Sad Around Your Kids?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/is-it-okay-to-be-sad-around-your-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/is-it-okay-to-be-sad-around-your-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/is-it-okay-to-be-sad-around-your-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

Is it okay to be sad around your kids? Credit: Corbis

With all the tornadoes and flooding in the news these days, it's no surprise that some of us are feeling pretty down in the dumps. But should we let our kids see our sadness? Or should we just tune out the news and pretend that everything is A-OK?

The fact is, it's completely fine to be less than cheery in front of your kiddos every now and then.

"If something happens that makes you sad, it's an honest emotion," says Jan Faull, author of "Amazing Minds: The Science of Nurturing Your Child's Developing Mind with Games, Activities and More." "But you also want your children to see you get over it, and you certainly don't want to burden them with your sadness."

As we all know, things happen in life that bum us out: a grandparent dies, neighbors move away, something you love gets broken.

"Letting them know there are reasons to be sad allows them to witness that emotion, and it helps them understand their own feelings of sadness," Faull says. "You can't put on a happy face on all the time." Doing so can actually be confusing to kids, she adds, because kids can read our body language -- and they know when we're sad. So instead of faking a smile, try the following:

Keep it brief. If your kids ask why you're sad, give a simple, short explanation, such as, "I'm sad because we don't get to go on vacation."

Let them know it's temporary. You can say, "I won't be sad forever, but I'm sad now."

Don't overshare. "The younger the child, the less you reveal," says Faull.

Let your kids know they're not the cause of your sadness. Kids are very ego-centric and might blame themselves.

Seek help. If your sadness turns to depression, see a doctor. If you're not sure, notice if your feelings are getting in the way of your relationship with your child or if her teacher or caregiver notices a change in her mood.


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]]>the editors at iVillage.comThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:30:00 ESTWhat to Buy Teachers for an End of the Year School Gifthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/what-to-buy-teachers/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/what-to-buy-teachers/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/what-to-buy-teachers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

End of the Year School Gift

What teacher gifts will make the grade? Credit: Getty Images

School is nearly out -- and the annual hunt for the perfect end-of-year teacher gift is on. What do you get that won't collect dust, garner a (private) yawn or duplicate what every other mom buys?

Here's our unofficial guide to teacher-gift giving:

Follow the rules. Does your kid's school have a policy limiting the amount that can be spent on gifts? If so, honor it. It's also smart to check with other parents in your school to find out what they're doing; this helps you avoid feeling sheepish if your gift is out of step with everyone else's. And don't forget to recognize teacher aides with a small token, too.

Consider a group gift. Ask for a small donation ($5 to $10 per family) towards something larger (a massage! a Kindle!) It's an easy, budget-friendly way to gift a nice present while taking the burden off individual parents. If you're coordinating the gift, remember that not everyone can -- or will -- participate. Regardless, include every student's name on the card. It's just classier.

Gift cards are always appreciated. Yes, it's a little impersonal, but you know it's going to get used! Consider a gift certificate towards something the teacher may not splurge on herself -- a manicure, a restaurant, a class, that kind of thing.

"Things" are great -- if you know your teacher's taste. Imagine getting 15 gifts from well-meaning pseudo-strangers. Some you'll love, but most will likely miss the mark. By all means, buy your teacher a monogramed tote bag, an umbrella or a pretty scarf if you're confident you know her taste. But if you don't, stick to the gift certificate or the group gift.

Make the packaging personal. Whatever you gift, include drawings or handwritten notes from the kids! Consider using the drawings as the gift wrap itself.

Finally, remember that no teacher needs a mug/pen/frame with the words No. 1 Teacher on it -- no matter how cute it looks in the store.

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]]>End of the Year School Giftgiftsteacher giftsthe editors at iVillage.comWed, 08 Jun 2011 11:30:00 ESTWriting a Will: Yes, Parents, You Need One!http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/25/writing-a-will/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/25/writing-a-will/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/25/writing-a-will/#commentsFiled under:

writing a will

Creepy? Maybe. But you need to write a will. Credit: Getty Images

The idea of writing a will gives some of us the creeps. After all, what you're preparing for is your demise -- hardly a rosy thought. But, if you're a parent, it's essential to start planning for that fateful day.

Your kids depend on you f,or more than your love -- they depend on you for their quality of life. And, if something happens to you and/or your spouse, you need to make sure they're taken care of. Who will they live with? How will they be raised? Who gets your wedding ring? You want a say in all these decisions and more.

Beyond a gloomy reputation, there are also lots of misconceptions about wills. Two biggies: what they cost and how they work.

Myth No.1: Wills are expensive. Cost is number one on the list of why more of us don't have wills. In fact, a study by Lawyers.com last year found that more than 40 percent of folks blamed tight finances as the reason why they haven't gotten a will yet. But a basic DIY will kit -- which makes clear who will be the guardians of your children, along with some basic estate decisions -- only costs about $50 on sites such as Nolo and LegalZoom.

Your kids are worth at least half the cost of your monthly cable bill, right? Making a full estate plan that involves a lawyer can run you $500 to $1,000, depending on how complicated your estate and your instructions are.

What costs more than that, however, is fighting the judgment of the court if you or your spouse doesn't have a will. A contest in court between you and your in-laws could cost upwards of $10,000. Wills and trusts are your first line of defense -- and an investment in protecting not only your family unit, but everything you've worked so hard to have.

Myth No. 2: Your spouse and kids will get your assets anyway. The same study found that 20 percent of Americans think the courts automatically hand over what you have to your spouse and/or kids when you die. Wrong. Not having a will means not only that a judge will decide where your kids (and your assets and debts) go, but that someone can contest and fight those decisions.

Really, a will is just the beginning. You also need a living trust to name beneficiaries for assets, including your house, retirement funds or even jewelry or a car. Of course, a solid living trust should go through the eyes of a lawyer, even if you get started on your own online. The extra money spent is all about preventing gobs more from leaving your estate down the road.

We know what you're thinking: "Estate? What estate?!" But estate is just a fancy word for the stuff you've got that's worth something -- from equity in your home to cash in the bank to retirement savings. All are part of your "estate," and thus part of estate planning, no matter how big or small.

So squash your excuses. Keep the courts out of your family affairs and your stuff. Get that will today, and work on that living trust, too. You'll make sure that on that fateful day, what your loved ones are mourning is you -- not the loss of their home and way of life, too.

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]]>estate planningwriting a willwriting your willthe editors at iVillage.comWed, 25 May 2011 10:30:00 ESTAnnoyed Your Kids Don't Get Along With Your Best Friend's Offspring? Here's How to Make It Work!http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/getting-kids-to-get-along/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/getting-kids-to-get-along/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/getting-kids-to-get-along/#commentsFiled under: ,

kids playing

Isn't it nice when we all just get along? Credit: Getty Images

It's hard enough to find cool people to hang out with, let alone cool people who happen to have kids your kid's age and who have the same Saturday afternoon free that you do. (Adult conversation! In your very own home!)

But instead of relaxing in the backyard over glasses of wine while the kids swarm the swing set, you keep having to get up and police.

Grrrr. Why can't they just get along?! Can't they see Mommy is socializing???

The good news is if you invest some time teaching the kids how to work things out, you may be able to get your dream afternoon back -- at some point in the future, says developmental psychologist Nancy S. Buck, Ph.D and founder of Peaceful Parenting Inc.

Her advice:

Make a playdate plan with your child in advance.
"Ask her to imagine it and tell you the story of how it will go, so she has a sense of creating the plan," Buck says. "Ask, 'how shall we handle it if there's a disagreement?' Listen to her idea, and if it's too 'magical' give her a reasonable solution."

You should also go over the rules, and ask your child if she has it in her to follow those rules at the playdate.

"If she says no, believe her and don't go," Buck advises.

Agree to connect with your child.
"She may need to know she can come snuggle on your lap for a few minutes," Buck says. "Let her know she can come get Mommy if she needs your help working something out with the other kids."

Give it a few months.
Not working? Give it some time.

"Every six months, kids alternate between a cooperative stage (where fun and love are the strongest needs) and a competitive phase (where power and freedom drive needs)," Buck says.

Two kids in a competitive phase equals rough going; one kid in each stage is workable; and two cooperative kids (not surprisingly) will be easiest.

A favorite trick of ours? Let your kid quarantine a toy or two before a playmate comes over -- especially if fights are erupting over sharing.

Finally, remember that just because you and the other mom are besties, it doesn't mean your kids have to be, too. They simply need to learn to tolerate each other enough so that you and yours can sip Merlot in peace.

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]]>friendsgetting alongparentingthe editors at iVillage.comFri, 20 May 2011 11:30:00 ESTFree (or Almost Free) Kids' Activities That You Will Love, Toohttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/14/free-kids-activities/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/14/free-kids-activities/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/14/free-kids-activities/#commentsFiled under: , ,

free kids activities

Credit: Getty Images

Throw Beauty Parlor Day, At Home
Have an at-home spa day with hair play and facials!

What you'll need: ¼ cup of pumpkin puree, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, a ponytail holder, a brush.

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together. Pull all the hair away from your face and slather on the pumpkin mask. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash off.

Why they'll love it: Natural, healthy face masks like these will make your kid feel all grown up!



free kids activities

Credit: Getty Images

Send a Message in a Bottle
Write a heartfelt letter (or scribble a picture), seal it in a bottle and release!

Best for kids aged: 3 and up

What you'll need: Glass bottle with a cork, a piece of paper, and a pencil.

Directions: Have your kid write or draw a message to a pretend pen pal. When she's done, have her slip it in an empty bottle. Find the closest body of water to your house (it doesn't have to be an ocean!), take the drive or hike, and chuck it in!

Why they'll love it: The promise of having a pen pal in the future is almost too good to be true. And before you head out, tell her about the recent story of a boy who found a 24-year-old traveling bottle.




free kids activities

Credit: Getty Images

Play Hopscotch Indoors!
Take the age-old game inside for a fun, rainy day activity.

Best for kids aged: 4 and up

What you'll need: Colored tape, scissors.

Directions: Using sticky, colored tape, make a hopscotch grid as you would with chalk (go for carpeted or tiled areas). Jump!

Why they'll love it: This version eludes all the downfalls of its outdoor cousin -- no waiting in line, and no rain washing it all away.

Want more free kids' activities? Click here!

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]]>free kids activitieskids activitiesthe editors at iVillage.comThu, 14 Apr 2011 13:00:00 ESTDo Alternative Cures for Colic Really Work?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/08/cures-for-colic/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/08/cures-for-colic/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/08/cures-for-colic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cures for colic

There is no straightforward cure for colic. Credit: Getty Images

A new survey of scientific research confirms what doctors have been telling sleep-deprived, stressed-out parents about alternative treatments for colicky babies: There's just no straightforward cure for colic.

"Nutritional Supplements and Other Complementary Medicines for Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review," published in the April 2011 issue of Pediatrics, identifies more than 1,500 relevant studies published in electronic databases through February 2010 -- and found just a handful that were well-designed, says Ari Brown, pediatrician, AAP spokesperson and author of the "Expecting 411" book series.

And even in the most promising studies, alternative treatments worked for some babies, but not others.

"The CAM (complementary and alternative medicines) therapies investigated did not significantly reduce the symptoms of colic, and further research is needed in finding a successful treatment," the authors conclude.

Even so, some things seem to work better than others. The CAM study review found fennel extract, herbal tea (with chamomile, licorice, fennel and balm mint) and a sugar solution were most effective in relieving symptoms of colic; other treatments, like probiotic supplements, massage and reflexology, had inconclusive results.

If your babe is suffering from colic, Brown first recommends this standard of care:

  • Mark your calendar. Prepare to cope with your colicky baby until she's 3 months old.
  • Get moving. Some babies seem to respond to motion. Go for a car ride or put your little one in the stroller.
  • Cry for help. Line up help from good friends and family to help tend to your baby during her unhappy hours. Colicky babies suffer more abuse than non-colicky babies because the constant crying is so stressful for parents.
In spite of the lack of compelling data for CAM therapies, Brown also recommends gripe water, a ginger and fennel solution that can relax the intestine and ease a baby's discomfort (commercial versions, such as Colic Calm and Little Tummys, are labeled with dosing information) and probiotics. Known to help the intestines break down food, probiotics seem to bring relief to some babies.

In one study cited in the review, 95 percent of parents whose colicky babies received probiotics reported an improvement in colic, compared to just 7 percent whose babies received Mylicon, Brown says.

Still, she cautions parents to first make sure their child truly has colic. Reflux, heartburn and milk protein allergies are often mistaken for colic because they, too, make for such an unhappy baby. She also recommends against looking for miracle cures on your own.

"If there's something you want to try, definitely run it past your child's doctor," she says.

While colic can be maddening for parents, there is one comfort.

"Your colicky baby will be fine," Brown says. "There's no correlation between colic and disposition later in life. They do turn out to be really nice kids."

Did your baby suffer from colic? If so, what helped? Click to comment!

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]]>coliccrying babiestreatments for colicthe editors at iVillage.comFri, 08 Apr 2011 16:00:00 ESTTreatments for Autism: What Works, What Doesn'thttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/07/treatments-for-autism/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/07/treatments-for-autism/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/07/treatments-for-autism/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Watch a video on how autism can be treated.
treatments for autism

Credit: Getty Images

Moms of kids with autism usually try everything under the sun -- from medications to diets to behavioral therapies -- to help their kids. But there's new guidance in the world of autism treatment: A report in the most recent issue of Pediatrics says that while medications can be a mixed bag, behavioral interventions can help -- a lot.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University reviewed the evidence behind drugs, injections of the hormone secretin, and behavioral therapies. What they found: Antidepressants (such as Prozac) and stimulants (such as Ritalin) don't help autistic children and neither does secretin. And while the anti-psychotic drugs risperidone and aripiprazole decreased kids' hyperactivity and irritability, they also caused serious side effects, such as weight gain and sedation.

On the other hand, children who received intense behavioral intervention -- working one-on-one with a therapist at least 25 hours a week -- made moderate to huge improvements in their IQ, language, and social skills. Since kids on the autism spectrum vary widely in their abilities, there's hardly a one-size-fits-all approach and the report looked at studies of several methods. Experts generally agree, however, that the earlier a child can get therapy, the better.

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Do you know a child affected by autism? What therapies have helped? Chime in here!

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]]>autismautism researchtreatment for autismtreatments for autismthe editors at iVillage.comThu, 07 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST