New York Nanny Center » parents

Classes Galore

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 18:23:22 +0000

It 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 back to high school and college and the pressure to get to the registrar the minute registration opened in order to get my classes of choice. After having my daughter, I gave little thought to attending any classes, as there were days when I would not even brush my teeth until after 12pm, so the thought of being dressed and out the door to a music class seemed highly unlikely. However, time has been flying and my daughter is now four months old, so it seems time to get back out into the world and to try some of these classes!

In addition to being enrolled in a music class that starts in January, my daughter and I went to our first class at our local library this past Friday. We loved it! The teacher was wonderful, and it was great to get back out into the world of the living and into a room full of other parents, child care providers, and little ones. These classes are extremely popular (they are free for one thing), so you must sign up in well in advance—registration opens on the 15 or 16th of every month. I found myself rushing out of bed first thing this morning to make sure we were all signed up for January—as I clicked through the registration process and glanced out the window to see that the sun had not even risen yet, I realized that I had turned into one of those crazy parents who thinks their son/daughter needs to be enrolled in every class, group, infant band audition so as not to miss out on anything (before she even knows that there is food beyond breast milk). The bottom line is that I, of course, want the best for my child (as do most parents who sign up for these classes). And I’m trying to think of myself as not crazy for setting my alarm to sign up, as I’m convinced it’s been the most effective way to find the best classes for me and my daughter.

-Samantha is a former LLD sitter, event planner, and elementary school teacher. She and her husband live in New York and are first-time parents

Just Say No!!!

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 18:05:26 +0000

I was born in the late 70’s and recall family member’s saying, “Children should be seen and not heard” or “…because I said so” or my all-time favorite, spoken in a whisper through clenched teeth, “When I get you home…” Thirty plus years later, parenting protocol and limit setting has changed drastically. Punitive punishment is unacceptable in mainstream society, and words like: “NO” became taboo when speaking to children. However, setting limits and boundaries for our youth is important for their growth and development as they move through childhood and adolescents into adults.

Our world has changed in many ways since I was a kid, and so have the parenting styles and approaches. In our society we have limits, we have stop signs, red lights, late fees, sorry we are closed signs etc. As parents and caregivers, it is our job to teach children about so many things and often times we have to say NO! Safety is always the most important limit we have to distinguish to young children, but we also show our kids how to have nice manners, good listening ears, inside voices, kind words, gentle hands, regular bedtime and screen limits.

Bottom line: Children will push the limits and disregard your boundaries! It is their job to do this! It’s actually a good sign and shows they are seeking independence and understanding how they relate to their external environments.

Stay calm, consistent and creative… There are many creative ways to say no or distract unwanted behavior. The most important piece is to be consistent. If you say “NO”- It has to mean “NO”… (no matter what), no matter how much crying, screaming or tantrums ensue… Keep your word. If not, you are only reinforcing that when you (adult, grown-up, parent, teacher, or caregiver) say no… it really means to the child: Show me enough negative reaction and wear me down (preferably in public) until I say YES…! Don’t fall for the trap! Just say No in a calm and confident voice, mean it and move on. Another great trick I learned is to really keep the adult emotion neutral. Children are very emotional and when parents or grown-ups react with an emotional response it feeds into the child’s tantrum and upset. Find your inner calm voice and be matter of fact!

Example: Creative way to set a limit, without actually using the word NO. Parents/Caregivers- Make good eye contact and get on your child’s level.

Child: “Mom, can I have a play date with Jack, today?”

Mom: “Oh, You want to have a play date with Jack?” (when you mimic or mirror your child’s request, they feel heard- Empathy)

Child: “Yes!”

Mom: “Ok, I think a play date with Jack sounds fun. Let’s talk to his mom and see when we can arrange it.” (Shows you care and want to arrange it)

Child: “But I want to have a play date TODAY!!!! PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE.”

Mom: “Oh, Sweetie, I know you want to, but we have to plan a play date. We already have plans, but why don’t I send a message to Jack’s mom and we will see when we can do it this week. Who did you sit next to at lunch today” (Change the subject)

Child: “I sat next to Sarah.”

(Now if the child protested and starts to react negatively, the parent’s job is to stay calm and remind the child that that response is unacceptable and if he wants a play date with his friend he has to have… nice manner etc.)

For more information on saying no or setting limits, please feel free to email Ali with questions at Ali.Sheppard@luckylildarlings.com

How about the Parenting Magazine Ap!

Lindsay Bell — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:52:00 +0000

I was thinking how cool it would be to have an app for thosetimes when you have a quick question regarding your child. Yes Google helps, but it can be sovague and it takes time to review all of the options that come up.

What if you need something really quick & easy?

I researched around and found Parenting Magazine’s app “Parenting Age’s & Stages”. It is FREE to download and offers a search-engine to ask your own specific questions. They also offer sub categories making it easier to navigate to your answer. Categories include:

Product Recalls
AllAges & Stages
Pregnancy
First Year
Second Year
The Early Years
School Years

So whether you have a question about what 5 tooth brushing tricks work for your child or easy ways to ease a baby during bath time or 20tantrum tamers, they cover it all!

For more information on Parenting Magazine click here

-LB

How do I know which doctor is BEST for my child?

Lindsay Bell — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Parents often question which doctor they should choose to help manage their child’s Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and an interesting and often mis-diagnosed disorder called PANDAS (a disorder where children develop sudden onset OCD behaviors and tics from STREP). They have been trying to cope by reading books, online blogs, and getting advice from their friends and loved ones. When they feel that their child is not getting better, they determine that they need to take things to the next level and seek professional help. How do families know where to go and which is doctor is BEST for them?

I encourage families to check out Stefanie Weiss at ASK STEFANIE. The mother of three children 10, 8 and 5 helps families select the appropriate psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or pediatrician based on a families needs. Every child’s personality is different, therefore they respond differently to different people. Stefanie interviews each doctor personally, so she can help parents choose who would be the best fit for their child. It is hard enough to get a child to open up emotionally to a stranger, especially one they don’t relate to. Stefanie makes this process so much easier! She is a true hand-holder, guiding parents through the entire process. Parents anxieties are alleviated the moment they walk in the door.

Stefanie is warm, charismatic, and very easy to relate to. She has relationships with many doctors all over New York City and Long Island. She truly takes her time with each family, helping navigate the process as well as giving parents great tips and advice on how to handle friends, relatives, and teachers. Her concierge service is truly one of a kind! One day when you need it, you will be glad that you have her number in your back pocket!

Check out www.askstefanie.com and join her on twitter @askstefanie.

Downtown Parents: Your Winter Woes have been Solved!

Lindsay Bell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Prior to the Super bowl this Sunday, I enjoyed the launch of40-year old family run business J&R’s new baby…you guessed itJ&R Jr.

Kid zone at J & R

Thank goodness, a solution for downtown parents on where totake their tikes during those long winter weekends in NYC!

Father of two Jason Friedman, and son of J&R founderJoe wanted to develop a family hot spot that offers parents and particular newand expectant moms and dads a mix of excellent products and expertservice. Major brands that you can findin the store include: Quinny,Melissa& Doug, my personal new favorite LAZOO,Leapfrog & more!

A few of our LLD kiddies about to watch the Princess show!

Thanks to Dada Rocks forinviting LLD to be a part of the event!

Check out New York Family’s interview with Jason here.

For more information on J&R Jr. click here

-LB