Why kids don’t hear “no”
by Karen on 4/19/11 | 6 Comment(s)
Parenting Through Picture Books #2: Boundary Pushing with “No, David” by Alice Kaltman Have you ever tried to count how many times a day you say “No” to your child? No, not now. Time to go. No, that’s dangerous. Put that down. No, don’t touch that. Pay attention. No, you cant. Be quiet. Stop that!!!!! [...]
Tribeca Parenting adds courses with free trial
by Karen on 4/12/11 | 0 Comment(s)
With Tribeca Pediatric’s expansion into Fort Greene, Tribeca Parenting has been able to expand its workshops and classes. They are now offering baby wearing classes taught by the baby gear gurus (Jamie Grayson and Jennifer Link) who spoke at our Baby Expo. These baby gear experts are especially good as they offer information on baby [...]
It’s a thin line between love and hate: siblings
by Karen on 4/01/11 | 2 Comment(s)
Your three year old is hugging the new baby so sweetly, when all of a sudden the hug turns into a death grip. Your five year old is chasing his two year old sister laughing and – in a flash – he pushes her straight into the wall. Par for the course for siblings. You [...]
Healthcare for Uninsured: NY has options
by Jimmy on 3/21/11 | 0 Comment(s)
There are thousands of working, uninsured adults in New York. Some of them have families. Chances are good that you know someone in this category: the guy delivering your pad thai, a friend, your nanny or maybe….you. Running around without insurance can be scary, especially if you get sick or have a major medical incident. [...]
Free acupressure workshop for parents
by Karen on 3/01/11 | 1 Comment(s)
Who hasn’t tried a little acupressure on their own? We press down on our kid’s boo boos to stop them from hurting or rub their tummy when they are having bathroom issues. We even pinch that sweet hand tendon to get rid of a particular annoying headache at times, but- wouldn’t it be great to [...]
When do you let your kids run errands by themselves?
by Karen on 2/28/11 | 3 Comment(s)
I love this guest post because as a parent of younger kids, I haven’t thought much about the issue of when to let my children be physically independent- like doing an errand on their own. I think more about how physically dependent they are! But I love knowing what issues are “down the road” for [...]
Sharing- should we expect our kids to do it?
by Karen on 2/17/11 | 5 Comment(s)
Parenting through Picture Books #1: Sharing with “Duck & Goose” by Alice Kaltman I have a confession to make: many books written by colleagues sit in a pile on my desk, half- or never-read. I can barely get through these well-researched, informative books, and I know the sleep-deprived, stressed out parents I work with have [...]
When you are hiring a nanny……
by Karen on 2/17/11 | 11 Comment(s)
We’ve had part-time nannies ever since our son Birch was born 4.5 years ago. The hours have varied from 11 hours a week up to 24 now (hello Brooklyn Baby Expo that is slowly killing me!) Along the way, I have learned some valuable lessons that I thought I might share. I’m sure some of [...]
Teaching kids tolerance
by Karen on 1/27/11 | 1 Comment(s)
Difference by Alice Kaltman We can teach kids what we believe is right, but we can’t always protect them from what’s wrong. That’s a sobering and scary fact especially these days. While our entire nation is reconsidering the power of intolerance in the wake of recent horrific events in Tuscon, I think how this is [...]
Moms Groups debut- working moms, toddler and new moms
by Karen on 1/19/11 | 0 Comment(s)
If you’re a mom in Brooklyn, chances are that you know about BabyBites Brooklyn and their seminars, lunches and workshops. People often think of the events as being only for new moms, but that’s not the case -they have potty training seminars, holiday parties…and now they are doing facilitated moms groups for 2nd time moms, [...]
Kindergarten and the bully: my experience
by Karen on 1/06/11 | 5 Comment(s)
* this is a guest submission that, when it was sent to me, I knew I just had to post it. Somehow, it seems impossible that bullying can happen in kindergarten, and yet, it can and does. Read on. It’s taken me four years to feel strong enough to write about my daughter’s first few [...]
Yesterday I saved my daughter’s life
by Karen on 1/04/11 | 17 Comment(s)
That sentence gives me strength and fear at the same time. Yesterday I saved my daughter’s life. I have been terrified of one of my children choking to death for 4 years, ever since the eldest was born. I’m also terrified that one of them will be hit by a car. And one of those [...]
5 ways your kids can set New Year’s resolutions they’ll actually stick to
by Karen on 12/31/10 | 0 Comment(s)
1. Set resolutions that are meaningful to your child It’s tempting to let your own priorities dictate your child’s new year’s resolutions. (“Honey, why don’t you resolve to not put your sticky fingers all over mommy’s iPhone every single day?”) But it’s best if you can help your child tap into a reason that resolution [...]
Diagnoses of ADHD or ASD or anxiety disorders?
by Karen on 12/01/10 | 2 Comment(s)
With rates of ADHD rising (5.5 % from 2003 to 2007) and ASD disorders now at 1 in 110 children in the US, there has been a rise of treatments to help children and parents cope. According to Brooklyn therapist, Candice Baugh, therapy is a very effective tool in helping children who suffer from anxiety [...]
Parenting: which style is “you”- how to work it out
by Karen on 11/30/10 | 1 Comment(s)
Parenting Team Planning 101 by Alice Kaltman (by the way Alice has her popular talk coming up this Saturday, “To Work or Not to Work” in Boerum Hill. For full details see the bottom of the article) Achieving balance in parenting is one of the toughest aspects of family life. It’s so tough, many parents [...]
Why I’m going to quit saying “Good Job!” (or at least try)
by Karen on 11/11/10 | 7 Comment(s)
This has been gnawing at me for months. I have been saying, “Good job, good sharing, or good _______ (fill in the blank) far too often. Not only am I sick of hearing myself say it, I am tired of hearing my husband say it and I suspect Birch is sick of hearing it. How [...]
Parenting Talks with our Parent Coach
by Karen on 11/02/10 | 0 Comment(s)
I look forward to our posts from our Parenting Coach, Alice Kaltman, every month. She reminds me that we are all trying to be the best parents we can be and our children are striving to be the best they can be…and the two shall meet (amicably and happily for all!) To address some of [...]
You’ve got kids, right? Don’t forget a will
by Karen on 10/28/10 | 4 Comment(s)
Recently I was telling my friend that the best wedding present we received, (sorry Aunt M), was a session with an attorney to get our wills drawn up. My friend was shocked. “How morbid!” she said. All I can say is “thanks Dad!” It has given us peace of mind as we have had children, [...]
Kids regressing? Spiraling is okay
by Karen on 10/13/10 | 3 Comment(s)
Shout Out for Going Backwards!!! by Alice Kaltman As this summer ended and autumn began, my office phone rang off the hook. The perfect sleeper was suddenly up at 3 am, the previously potty-trained was back in pull-ups, the former fair sharer was biting his best friend. Each parent calling had a kid facing a new challenge. [...]
The dreaded morning drill: tips for making it easier
by Karen on 9/12/10 | 2 Comment(s)
Savvy Tips to Get out the Door (for School or Daycare) With Brooklyn gearing up for back-to-school, now is the perfect time to think about your family’s routines and schedules. Switching from summer to the fall can be super stressful, but you can smooth the ride with just a little bit of planning. Focusing your [...]
Help for new and expecting parents: and with a deal!
by Karen on 8/19/10 | 0 Comment(s)
I am really excited about one of our newest Directory Listings: Birth Day Presence. I’m excited because I’ve gotten to know them over the last 4 years while creating this blog and I think they are part of what makes the Brooklyn birthing community so special. They care a lot about parents- and I’ve seen [...]
Bunk beds- should you or shouldn’t you?
by Jill on 8/11/10 | 1 Comment(s)
As my daughter approached 3 (still in a crib!) and my tall son seemed to be growing in the shape of a C in his toddler bed, I had to come up with a new sleeping solution.We don’t have a bedroom big enough for them to have two twin beds. We needed a compact solution. [...]
Food Issues and Toddlers
by Karen on 8/10/10 | 2 Comment(s)
This blog’s Expert, Donna Fish, tackles food issues that most of us have had with toddlers. I would be surprised if you don’t recognize your own child’s habits in here. Keep reading for some great advice. Food Issues and Toddlers THE FOOD DEMANDER and THE TROUBLE TRANSITIONER by Donna Fish Anyone out there have a [...]
Mom, Do I look Fat?
by Karen on 7/29/10 | 2 Comment(s)
“Mom, Do I look Fat?” by Donna Fish Anyone out there deal with this one yet? (I am writing today for those with girls in that 8 – 13, 14 year old range.) If you have trained yourself to stop saying: “Do I look fat in this?” out loud, particularly in front of your daughter, [...]
Pregnant? Brooklyn Moms Tell All
by Karen on 7/22/10 | 1 Comment(s)
Are you pregnant or a new parent? There’s a lot to think about: birth options: a doula, midwife, which hospital, postpartum doulas, products, daycare, nannies (how to find them), best pediatricians, lactation consultants and more. Argh- it’s enough to create a minor panic attack. So, that’s where we come in. I, Chana from babybites Brooklyn [...]
