"Because I said so, that's why"

In my house growing up, I didn’t hear this very often. And it wasn’t because I never asked, “Why”? It was because I was raised by authoritarian parents and you didn’t dare say anything but “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” when told to do things, especially if they were mad. Nevertheless, my siblings and I did hear it, as do most kids at some point in their upbringing. I swore I would never say it as an adult.


While the younger set just says “No” multiple times, toddlers have a tendency toward asking “Why”? over and over and over again. That’s because at this point they are discovering the back and forth art of conversation, even if they don’t understand what’s being said exactly.

Experts say these are words you should never speak….and that you should have a good answer/reason why you’re asking the child to do something. What? Really? As if once you explain it to your little darling, that will be the end of it. As if the child won’t look you right in the eye and continue doing exactly what you asked him not to and ask, “But, Why”? Right!

Believe me, I have a reason “why” but I refuse to stand there and banter back and forth. I’m the adult and this child needs to understand that pecking order. I’m teaching him to follow rules, right? …and respect his elders, right? Besides, sometimes it’s all you have the energy for. I get it now. So I said, “Because I told you to”.…and it worked, I guess cause there’s no real good argument against it.

Barbie's got Ink

The latest Barbie out now on the market is the new Tokidoki Tattoo Barbie which comes sporting permanent tattoos. This new doll is causing quite a stir amongst some parents! The controversy over tattoos on Barbie is not exactly new territory. Back in 2009, Mattel released “Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie” that included a set of tattoo stickers to place anywhere on her body.

Tokidoki Barbie comes dressed in a pink miniskirt, leggings and a black sweatshirt with skull heart and crossbones, that fall off the shoulder so you can see the tattoos around her neck. Pastel pink hair and silver heels complete the look. Truthfully though, compared to some of the past Barbie offerings, this version is positively tame in the clothing department; if you can just get past the tats.

I know tattoos are more commonplace than ever in the real world and that’s fine; to each his own…..for adults. But, do we really need to stimulate imaginings and thoughts of getting tattoos to very young girls?

This new Barbie is a limited edition and can only be purchased through select locations and the Barbie collector website. Whether you like the tattooed Barbie or not, you have the same choice as you do for TV shows you don’t like or radio stations you can’t stand; if you don’t like it, don’t buy (watch, listen) to it! That’s all good and Mattel says the doll is not marketed to all audiences but that doesn’t mean your daughter’s friend won’t show up at your house with one. Teaching moment, anyone?

Real men have diaper parties

Modern men no longer sit by the wayside and casually watch as the women plan and execute baby showers for their children-to-be. But they don’t have to bake cupcakes and string crepe paper either. They can celebrate the upcoming milestone of fatherhood in their own way….with alcohol, food, sports and bad jokes! Congratulations to go around.

The idea is for the guests to bring boxes of diapers in lieu of gifts; no wrapping paper, no games, no registry, no hassle. It’s a perfect way for guys to support their friend transitioning to a new part of his life.

So fire up the grill and chill the beer but don’t forget to remind the guys to bring different sizes. Babies have a tendency to grow.

Night Terrors - What is going on?

Night terrors can be scary for both toddler and parent. These sleep episodes are fairly rare and affect only a small percentage of children and are characterized by crying, flailing, whimpering, screaming or even bolting out of the bed. Even when their eyes are open, they are not awake. Night terrors usually start at the age of about four, however, they can start as early as 9 months and go into early adolescence.


It’s hard to know what to do when this is happening to your child. Your first instinct will be to comfort them however, they won’t respond since they are asleep. It’s best to just stay with them and make sure they don’t hurt themselves. The episode should pass fairly quickly; most last between 15 to 20 minutes, and your child should go back to sleep. The good news is, they won’t remember it in the morning.

There are a few things you can try to head off these night terrors. Make sure they are getting enough sleep. Overtired children are more likely to experience sleep disturbances. Also, watch the pattern; most kid’s night terrors start in the first part of the night, about 90 minutes after falling asleep. Try waking up your toddler gently about 15 minutes before an episode usually starts to interrupt the cycle.

An occasional sleep episode is not cause for alarm. See your pediatrician if it becomes a frequent thing. For more information on night terrors, there’s a great article on the Mayo Clinic’s site at:  http://tinyurl.com/3lya4uz

Baby Loves Disco - Bust a Mini-Move

Ever heard of this? You would have had to hear about it on the grapevine because without any traditional, advertising, marketing or publicity, this monthly event is spreading baby fun and disco throughout the US!

What is it? Baby Loves Disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes from the 70s, & 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving. This fast-growing national network of night clubs sanitize the setting for the day-care crowd. Local parents organize the event intended to introduce kids to adult music and socialize with other children.

It's great for parents looking for something new and different to do with the kids. This is a fun and healthy (lots of excercise) alternative to the playground for a change and parents actually enjoy themselves also.

It's BYOB or BYOJB (juice box). The thing is, this IS your mama's disco!

For more info visit: http://www.babylovesdisco.com/  and shake your groove thing!