Kids and Cell Phones

Just like us adults who drive while texting and talking on the phone, kids are finding new distractions as well. According to this study (as if we need one) on MSNBC.com, kids become distracted while walking. It becomes a hazard when they are crossing the streets or walking along the sidewalk.

I saw a good example of this when I picked up a friend's child from school a few months back. The child had a gameboy instead of a phone. He was so immersed in his game, he walked right out in front of a car. It seems we are being taught to juggle multiple distractions at a young age these days. Common sense tells us this is not a good thing, yet some parents don't seem to notice. Let's take time to protect our children in this regard. Teach your child to answer the phone in a safe area, not in the middle of the street. Whenever they are on the phone have them stop walking or engaging in other activities. I'm not sure I'll let my children have a cell phone when they are in grade school, or even junior high school. If I do, I'll explain to my child that the phone is for emergencies only.

Pre-Pregnancy Preparation

Say that title ten times fast! But seriously, before a woman gets pregnant, it is a good idea to visit their doctor for testing. That way she can get her body ready in case she has any nutritional deficiencies. It’s also a good time to cease some unhealthy habits (drinking and smoking). I was reading today that there is an alarming number of women who don’t heed their doctor’s warnings about possible defects they can bestow upon their baby by not following those instructions: MSNBC Pre-Pregnancy Advice. They did a study in the U.K. and found that only 2.9% of pregnant women followed their doctor’s orders, specifically, “Just 5.5 percent of the women who got pregnant were taking the recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid daily…” I thought it would be good for me and others who plan on getting pregnant should have, at the very least, some sort of guideline. I found a pretty good segment on WebMd, called Your Pre-Pregnancy To Do List. It includes a great checklist along with some links to prenatal vitamins and exercises.

WebMD Pre-Pregnancy To Do List.

I hope you find it as useful as I have.

Motrin Mom Commercial. Is this a big deal?

Mothers around the nation had something to say about the Motrin mom commercial that aired a short time ago. By now you may have seen the commerical about mothers and the "pains" associated with carrying their babies. If not, here it is:



This ad has drawn national attention from mothers with most of them saying that Motrin does not understand the demographic. Many state that carrying a baby does not hurt their backs and shoulders, nor is it an inconvenience as the commercial seems to convey. Several mothers are, in fact, offended by this commercial, demanding the commercial be pulled, and asking for apologies for targeting baby-wearers.

I see that the commercial was meant to be kind of silly, and by some, could be construed as non-offensive. The commercial is playfully narrated by a "mother" who states that the theory of baby carriers seems to make sense, but there is a flaw, the pain attributed with this practice.

On the other hand, I can see where it is offensive. She states that there is "supposedly" a bonding element with the child who held close to the mother. At the end of the commercial there is a tired and crazy graphic of a mother (well just the eyes) with the background noise of a coo coo.

How do you carry your baby?

I saw this girl the other day with a baby in a sling and it kinda looked like her arm was in the sling. After seeing that I'm not sure if baby slings are right for my friends. It just seems that baby carriers are more sturdy and safe....plus those mai tei carriers let you carrier your baby on your back. I'm looking to have some answers as I start going through more sites. If you have links that I can look at, or have suggestions, just post me :)