Classes Galore
December 18, 2013It is unbelievable how many classes there are for babies—yoga, music, swimming…..the list goes on and on. During my pregnancy—when talking to other moms-to-be—a question that often came up was “what classes will you be signing up for?” At the time, I had not given it any real thought, but of course my mind flashed Read more (…)
Are You Really Sorry?
November 1, 2013At LLD, our sitters are trained to help children manage inevitable conflicts and unhappiness. However, when children are playing together nicely, sometimes even a small things can become challenging. Dana Rosenbloom, Owner and Therapist at Dana’s Kids, explores how we use “I’m Sorry” in place of fostering meaningful interactions between our children. The Problem: Children Read more (…)
Mama Bell Is Back For Her Last!
October 14, 2013Recently while visiting my daughter in NYC, I had the opportunity to meet and have dinner with her boyfriend’s father, who was visiting his son from Texas. Visiting may be the wrong verb, as we were both in the city for the same reason: to help our children with their prospective business start-ups. We sat Read more (…)
The Bell Family Nanny
September 9, 2013When I went back to work after having my last baby there was a big problem. I had five kids, one going to part time kindergarten, and no babysitter or nanny. So I enlisted the help of a newspaper, friends and family to help with the search. Unfortunately, I did not find anyone I felt Read more (…)
Jam with Jamie
May 23, 2013Have an upcoming party for your lil’ one? Check out Jam with Jamie! Your lil’ ones will love all the instruments and fun songs they can rock out to at parties, play groups, or events with Jam with Jamie. We asked Jamie a few questions about what she and her group can do for you! Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week 8: The Final Entry
April 22, 2013This will be the last entry of the Diaper Diaries. I can’t believe that 8 weeks have passed, time flies when you are having fun. Even more so when you are engulfed in sleepless nights, little miracles, a lot of hard but gratifying work and a bunch of crazy love. I leave with mixed emotions. On one hand I’ve been Read more (…)
How to Get Perfect Party Photos
April 12, 2013We know that party planning is hard work, and you want the perfect pictures to remember all the fun. So, we asked Bethany Kruska, owner of Shutter Happy for some of her tips for creating the perfect photos. Whether you do it yourself or get a professional, these tips are sure to work! As a professional photographer, Read more (…)
Tips & Tricks for Feisty Lil’ Ones
March 15, 2013Dear Ask-a-Sitter, My pre-k’er NEVER listens! I’m losing my patience & don’t know what to do. Help! -Cousin Kel Dear Cousin Kel, Losing your temper with a child this age never works & chances are you’ve tried the all-understanding patient approach. . . and STILL he/she does not follow your instruction. Here are a few Read more (…)
Simple as ABC, 123!
March 14, 2013Letter and number primers are a necessity in any lil’ ones’ library, and we are in love with author and photographer Deborah Donenfeld’s beautifully photographed Baby ABC and Baby 123, two books that will captivate your lil’ ones. Deborah’s books are unique in that she uses black & white photographs of children and pops of color with Read more (…)
Priorities
February 20, 2013I have heard many of my friends tell me they are a mom first, wife second. And now that I am a mom, I completely understand that you always have to put your child first…his or her needs always take priority. But I sometimes feel that at the end of a long day, I don’t Read more (…)
LLD’s Take on Role Models
March 27, 2012As soon as you think about your lil’ one growing up, who can help but think about who is going to be their role model. Who is going to help them grow up to be the best that they can be! First and foremost of course the family! You know, moms, dads, brothers and sisters, Read more (…)
LLD Weekend Pick-My Gym UWS!
March 16, 2012Looking for just the rightindoor gym for your children? Here are 5 reasons to go with My Gym on the UWS! The energetic group at My Gym! 1. All of theirteachers have “My Gym DNA” which is a unique blend of energy, love of children,creativity and physical fitness. 2. All programming isintention based. Children have fun while Read more (…)
Bring Back Family Dinners!
February 9, 2012By AllisonBrooks This is the 21st Century! Home ofthe overworked, underpaid, tired and in dire need of “me” time.Parents, children, husbands, wives and extended family are become isolated fromeach other, due to disparate schedules, after school activities, work and amyriad of other reasons. These days, people go to the nearest drive thru andeat on the Read more (…)
New Way to Bring Balance to Your Family
January 30, 2012Della Clark,former Division I NCAA All-American, uses the power of sports to empowerchildren and teach them lifelong values. I recently sat down with Della, who is also a certified Reiki Practitioner.Reiki is the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allowsone to manifest a life of happiness, harmony and health. Her number one goal Read more (…)
Reliable Childcare Makes for a Well Balanced Family
January 26, 2012Childcare is an investment. I realize that on every level andI’m not yet a mother. It is timely. Itis a financial commitment. Click hereto read Denise Schipani’s post on Daily Worth, she spent over $80,000 onchildcare while her children were growing up and she says it was worth everypenny. Finally, it is an emotional commitment. Read more (…)