The latest news and information relevant to you and your kids 2008-06-22T04:55:51-08:00 ExpressionEngine This work is licensed by Kidzwire under a Creative Commons (by-nc-sa v2.0) License. tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.440 2008-06-22T04:49:00-08:00 2008-06-22T04:55:51-08:00

I’ve been feeling a little uninspired lately, but this one caught my eye.  I am the classic worry wart - especially when it comes to my kids.  But what do other moms and dads worry about?  BabyCenter addresses this question and gives us a little perspective on the worried parent.

2008-06-22T04:49:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.439 2008-06-05T21:32:00-08:00 2008-06-22T04:48:46-08:00

Ok everyone, I have a pet peeve that I really need to express.  What better place than Kidzwire?  Before I get started, I do not intend for this to offend anyone, so please don’t take this personally. As a working mom of more than one child, it can be tough to keep all the balls in the air.  And, I understand that many of us want to do really nice things for our kids’ teachers.  But, here’s the thing:  Why, oh why, do some of the parents in my kids’ school who do not work outside of the home and have one child feel the need to send home cute little projects for us all to work on to surprise the teachers at various points throughout the year?  We have received quite a few “mystery folders” in our kids’ backpacks requesting that the respective child draw a picture or create some other self-expressive work of art as a gift to the teacher.  Oh, and it’s a surprise, so you have to call the other parent if you have questions.  It has been absolutely unbelievable, Maybe it is just our school, and if it is, I’m curious to know if others experience this same phenomenon.  We have also had some parents who do not work outside the home ask everyone for a set dollar amount for a gift, and then go buy the gift, get it wrapped, etc.  I do have to say that I have really appreciated the parents who are willing to facilitate this process and make it happen.  I have told them so, just to make sure they know how I feel. I’d love to hear opinions from folks who might be reading this. [Disclaimer:  This post is not a value judgment for or against parents who do not work outside of the home or parents of only children.  I am an only child, after all.]

2008-06-05T21:32:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.438 2008-06-05T21:23:00-08:00 2008-06-05T21:31:24-08:00

As we come to the end of the school year, some parents may be spoken to about holding their child back in the coming year.  Ever wonder if this tactic really helps?  Here’s what some experts at Greatschools have to say.

2008-06-05T21:23:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.437 2008-06-02T20:18:00-08:00 2008-06-02T20:24:54-08:00

Hello there!  I’ve been offline for a bit as I work through an upcoming job transition.  I hope Kidzwire readers are doing well.  Rather than give you kid info this time around, I found something just for moms.  An article highlighting survey results from moms talking about their post-baby bodies. 

2008-06-02T20:18:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.436 2008-04-06T05:47:00-08:00 2008-04-06T06:03:26-08:00

We had grand plans for our spring break this year.  We were going to go skiing, and enjoy one last frolic in the snow (We do not live in snow country, so this is a big deal for us).  Then, sadly, we had a death in the family, so we found ourselves finding ways to save spring break.  I wish that I had seen this article from Parents.com on keeping kids busy.  But then, we would not have visited Legoland, which was significant for me, because after one of my children vomited in our car, I was frantically searching for fresh clothes in one of the stores.  A woman who looked EXACTLY like Jamie Lee Curtis gave me directions, and told me which store in the park sells clothes.  If that was her, I was impressed by how down to earth she was, and very concerned about my plight for clothes.  I was feeling very stupid at the time for not bringing an extra set, but I thought we were past that development stage.  You learn something new every day in this parenting business we’re in. My “I think I saw a star” interaction aside, Parents.com offers some great tips for entertaining kids at home and on the road.

2008-04-06T05:47:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.435 2008-03-30T04:53:00-08:00 2008-03-30T05:06:17-08:00

I found this article about perfect parenthood particularly interesting this evening.  During our son’s baseball game today, I saw a mom leave an approximately one year old baby in the car sleeping while she watched the game.  Now, her older son was in the game, so I understand why she wanted to watch, and she had the forethought to crack some windows for the sleeping tot, but still, I was absolutely amazed.  I felt compelled to keep an eye on her car because she clearly wasn’t. [I should mention that we have more than one child so I’m not criticizing while I have my entire extended family there to watch one kid]. Please, please folks, NEVER leave your child in the car during an event.  Even if you think you are right there to watch, it only takes a second.  Now, off my soapbox.  For moms who are struggling to be “perfect,” here are some thoughts on why you need to relax. 

2008-03-30T04:53:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.434 2008-03-23T05:56:00-08:00 2008-03-23T06:05:16-08:00

An article in The New York Times shares growing concerns in the medical community about parents opting out of vaccines.  Some say we are risking a public health crisis.

2008-03-23T05:56:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.433 2008-03-16T04:23:01-08:00 2008-03-16T04:34:29-08:00

Would you change the name you gave your child if you could?  Well, some parents would, according to a survey by BabyCenter.  It can be an agonizing decision, and for some couples, it may be their first real disagreement.  Check out the survey results for interesting tidbits on names.

2008-03-16T04:23:01-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.432 2008-03-09T05:36:01-08:00 2008-03-09T05:44:43-08:00

The U.S. government recently conceded in a vaccine injury case.  Parents and others who advocate a link between vaccines and autism consider this a step in the right direction.

2008-03-09T05:36:01-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.431 2008-02-24T05:41:00-08:00 2008-02-24T05:45:28-08:00

This is a topic near and dear to my heart right now.  How do you ease the fighting between siblings? 

2008-02-24T05:41:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.430 2008-02-16T06:49:00-08:00 2008-02-16T06:54:26-08:00

For new parents who cannot breastfeed, you may be wondering what to look for in a baby formula.  The Environmental Working Group offers some advice on finding the best chemical-free choice.

2008-02-16T06:49:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.429 2008-02-11T01:33:00-08:00 2008-02-11T01:39:46-08:00

I hear many parents talking with irritation about the amount of homework their children have each night.  Many people, including educators, feel that we are not allowing kids the chance to just be kids.  How much is too much, and what amount of completed homework per evening indicates future success in school?  Greatschools.net offers some advice and background for parents.

2008-02-11T01:33:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.428 2008-02-10T05:26:00-08:00 2008-02-10T05:30:08-08:00

Hi everyone.  The posts have been slow here at Kidzwire because I had and am still battling my first severe sinus and inner ear infection.  I had no idea how debilitating they can be, and prior to this experience, I never understood how people could need multiple rounds of antibiotics to battle them.  But here I am, slowly getting better, and still fighting it. We will have more KIdzwire updates this week.  I hope you are all have a good start to the New Year.

2008-02-10T05:26:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.427 2008-01-29T05:14:00-08:00 2008-01-29T05:19:12-08:00

We definitely go out to eat a lot, and I get concerned about what the kids are eating.  Here’s a guide to navigating the menus, and some suggestions for which restaurants offer the best choices.

2008-01-29T05:14:00-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines tag:kidzwire.com,2008:index/1.426 2008-01-21T05:48:01-08:00 2008-01-21T05:51:07-08:00

If you are struggling for activity ideas for your and your toddler, check out this list.  It has ideas for summer and winter.

2008-01-21T05:48:01-08:00 Kathy http://www.kidzwire.com Headlines