By Vicki Salemi

From the Secret Life of a Soccer Mom and All My Children to Desperate Housewives and The New Adventures of Old Christine, today’s TV moms are entertaining, but they’re anything but parenting role models. Here’s a look at some TV parents behaving badly.

Desperate Housewives

While all of the ladies of Wisteria Lane have had their unflattering mommy moments at some point or another, Bree Van De Kamp’s rank right up there with shock value. On a recent episode, she insisted on having baby Ben share her bed with Orson since she doesn’t want to make the same mistakes she made with her first children. The problem is, she said it a little too loud and her older son Andrew overheard it. He makes a point of saying he’s a responsible adult with his own job, car and health insurance and that she’s been too busy to notice. Not to mention she kicked him out of the house two years ago.

All My Children

Sure, we know soap operas have a dramatic appeal, but when it comes to appalling behavior, Erica Kane takes the cake. Between her sordid past and her non-motherly behavior, she’s certainly not a poster parent. Whether it was stabbing her eighth husband (yes, eighth!) after hallucinating he was her rapist from years past or becoming addicted to prescription pain killers, her daughter Kendall and son Josh are doomed to lives of soap opera-style drama (which, in their cases, is sort of appropriate).

The New Adventures of Old Christine

Single mother Christine is certainly not your typical mother, though she’s got a good heart. Consider this: In season one, she is concerned her son Ritchie is too young to be exposed to sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Initially, she forbids him going to a Rolling Stones concert with his dad. Eventually she relents, panics, and decides to sneak into the concert to keep tabs on him.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

This “momager” of five daughters and one son puts out publicity fires, schedules appearances, and cooks, too. But there is a time when you can be a little too supportive. For instance, when vixen daughter Kim bared it all for Playboy, this mom was all for her daughter disrobing for the world (and pimply teenaged boys) to see. For us conservative types, well – we felt it was kind of un-Momlike.

The Secret Life of a Soccer Mom

The tagline says it all: “What if one decision could send your life in a completely different direction?” While the show’s premise is about the SAHM vs. Working Mom debate, it’s hardly an accurate portrayal of women who can excel at both. Remember the episode where Jeannie had the opportunity to fulfill a dream by attending the Police Academy? After one of her four kids ends up in the emergency room, though, she struggles to keep up. When confronted with the decision to stay at home or pursue her dream, her husband abruptly makes the decision for her. Luckily he set her straight, otherwise we’d be left with yet another Mom in the spotlight with a case of messed-up priorities. Kid in the hospital always trump work any good mom knows that!

One Life to Live

She’s strong and powerful, but Dorian Lord is also vindictive and cunning. When her daughter, Adriana Cramer, had a menacing stalker her boyfriend Rex took her to a remote beach house for safety and refuge. While there, she discovered that Rex had secretly stalked her in order to be the one to save her. In actuality, though, Dorian framed Rex so Adriana would dump him. Now that’s what we call overprotective!

Be prepared for anything (and we mean anything!) with these must-have on-the-go baby gear picks.On-the-Go Baby Gear! Perfect parent products in a pinch.

by Vicki Salemi

We know your type: You’re hip. You’re happening. (And let’s say it together now…) You’re super busy.  On the go 24/7, you do what any smart parent would do – you check out cool baby products geared toward helping out parents in a pinch.

Fold Away Potty Seats

Unlike those nasty Port-a-Johns (the outdoor make-shift green little outhouses we’ll use in case of emergency and we do mean an emergency), these mini portable potties for your little one are almost worthy of being called Port-a-Janes; that is, they’re that sweet. For instance, the On the Go Potty by Kalencom is for your little tyke 18 months old and up. With three disposable liners and a plastic carrying case with drawstring, this lightweight potty is geared for your road trip pit stops and fits right on top of normal toilets.

$10 at  Kalencom.com

Dad-Focused Diaper Vests

How much do we love these, let us count the pockets… The folks at DadGear have the hottest invention in parenting gear. Think style. Think purpose. Think manly mangear.  This innovative twist in which the traditional diaper bag meets fisherman’s vest lets fathers grab diapers in strategically placed compartments.  Two large pockets on the interior can be used for diapers or other baby gear, two pockets on the side of the vest may be used for bottles, and as for the right chest zippered pocket? Quick access to baby wipes for spit-up emergencies, of course.

$82 at www.DadGear.com

Portable Snack Trays

Courtesy of the folks at Fisher Price, we’re particularly gaga over their car seat snack tray. Where else could you have a make-shift tray that attaches to most car seats and strollers? There are two clamps for a better fit and get this – it hsold sippy cups, juice boxes, and bottles. The three different sections are fab for snacks on the go like chopped apples or little PB&J triangles.

$11 at www.FisherPrice.com

Travel High Chairs

Picture it: a high chair that’s lightweight, safe, sturdy, and goes everywhere you do! This high chair clamps onto most tables and voila (snap fingers here!) it creates an instant high chair whenever you need it.  The travel high chair from Phil & Ted’s weighs only two pounds and collapses to one inch of thickness. The nylon seat makes it easy to clean and the frame and clamps provide a secure grip.

$49.95 at www.PippinMcgee.com

Take Along Toys

They’re portable. They’re adorable. Better yet, we’re wondering if they’ll make them for adults!  For instance, the Manhattan Toy Company’s dog take along toy is designed to stimulate and strengthen your baby’s new skills. It rattles, squeaks, and rotates as your little one can honk the paws, pull the legs and arms, and wiggle-jiggle the entire body.  As for the best part? The fabric loop allows you to attach it to strollers, carriers, and car seats.  Road trip, anyone?

$12 at www.ManahttanToy.com

Portion Snack Cups

If you sometimes feel like a walking kitchen, you’re not alone. In your right pocket perhaps you’ll find a baggie of Cheerios. In your backpack or purse, perhaps a banana. As for the left-hand coat pocket? A bottle of water. In any event, The First Year’s take & toss portion snack cups allow you to carry customized portion-controlled snacks in a no-spill container that’s sectioned off so your raisins don’t intermingle with your Goldfish. Now that’s what we call smart snacking.

$2.99 at www.ToysRus.com

By Mary Fetzer

When it’s one of those days, the ones where nothing you do seems to sway your little one’s bad behavior, many parents look to the time-out to do the trick. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t worked for you. Either you can’t get your tot to stay still, he laughs at you, or you wind up yelling at him making him more upset.

The good news is time-outs don’t have to be a waste of time if you employ just the right technique. Take some time to read these tips…

What’s the Point of a Time-Out Anyway?

Renee Mostyn is mother to 5-year-old Nicholas and 2-year-old Nathaniel. Mostyn feels strongly that time-outs are effective. “When my boys are fighting,” says Mostyn, “it is unacceptable to me. Putting them in a time-out ends the fight and de-escalates the situation.”

The goal is to help your child learn to cope with frustration and soothe himself, a quality that he can take with him throughout his life. What time-outs shouldn’t be, though, is a form of punishment, says J im Weiss, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist.

“While a time-out can be used as a form of punishment,” says Weiss, “it is not recommended. Time-outs work better if they’re used to shape behavior rather than punish. If time-outs are used as a form of positive reinforcement (that is, rewarding behaviors you want to see more of) or negative reinforcement (which is removing unpleasant conditions to get the behavior you want), they stand a better chance of changing behavior than if they are done in the form of a punishment.”

So, When Can I Start?

Like anything you do with your children, age appropriateness is important. Make sure your child understands what a time-out is before you try to implement it. For most children, this will be between their second and third birthdays.

Some parents start as early as 18 months, but Stephanie Bourgeois thinks that may be too soon. “At this age, it’s actually better to distract a child, or to hold him until he calms down,” says Bourgeois, a psychotherapist. “He will learn to handle his emotions, to control his impulses, and to self-soothe.”

As the child approaches his third birthday, the “distract” or “hold” techniques can be converted to the time-out technique. Now, instead of just diverting the baby from undesirable behavior, you’re adding a quiet place for the child to spend some time alone. The child should be old enough now to understand that he is in this “quiet place” to settle down and get control of himself.

How Do I Do It?

• Do it right away.
  To be effective, the time-out must happen as soon as the misbehavior occurs. Escort your child to a predetermined time-out spot – a kitchen chair, the bottom stair, for instance – and instruct him to quietly remain there.
• Stay calm.
  Keep your demeanor firm, but unemotional. Unlike yelling or being upset, your calm reaction offers positive reinforcement and becomes a “teachable moment.”
• Keep it short.
  In kid time, doing something they don’t like for even one minute may seem like an eternity. So how long should your child be in a time-out? Weiss recommends one minute per year of age (three minutes for a three-year-old, four minutes for a four-year-old, etc.). As the child gets older, the time may vary depending on the behavior, for example “five minutes for fighting.” Oftentimes, it’s the actual removal of the child from the place of misbehavior that makes the impression rather than how long the child sits quietly in time-out.
• Be quiet.
  Screaming and talking should be avoided during the time-out period – and that goes for you, too! The time-out isn’t the time for you to lecture or preach. It’s only in the quiet time alone that the child can come to terms with why he’s there, and what he can do differently the next time.

  At the daycare Mostyn’s children attend, kids in time-out are expected to sit in silence until their time is up. While Mostyn appreciates that the daycare uses time-outs – thus reinforcing her use of them at home – she doesn’t necessarily agree that has to be silent time. “When Nicholas is sitting on the time-out step, I just go about my business, whether that be unloading the dishwasher, or whatever. He may cry, he may protest, but I think that’s alright. By the end of his time-out, he has calmed down and is ready to talk to me.”

• Be consistent.
  Use time-outs consistently. Whether or not you implement a time-out should not be determined by your mood or your location. When your child misbehaves, respond with a time-out, no matter where you. Says Mostyn, “If one of the boys acts up while we’re at a restaurant, I just take him out to the van for five minutes.” Whatever spot you choose for your on-the-go time-out, just make sure it’s unrewarding.
• Reconnect
  Immediately following the time-out, there should be a form of reconnection between you and your child. Weiss advises parents to be careful not to shame or embarrass the child. “Depending on the age of the child, the reconnection might involve a form of praise for cooperation or for calming down, or it might involve noting something elsethe child did well that day, or pointing out that it may be easier to interact now that they have calmed down, or that they are in a better place to solve the original problem.”

  Mostyn agrees. “I get down to their level, on my knees, and we talk calmly about what happened. We always end with a hug or a kiss.”

When It’s Over, It’s Over

Your child has served his time, hopefully learned his lesson and is ready to move on. Let him go. Until next time…

By Jarrod Thalheimer

Children fib, obfuscate and distort the truth with a zeal that can only be instinctual. Some lie a little, some lie a lot, but they all do it because it works. Where does this come from? What can we do about it? Are we simply doomed to being forever treated like some “heard-it-all-before cop” pulling over speeders?

Maybe George Washington couldn’t tell a lie, but he was definitely in the minority when it came to the rest of the young men living nearby. It can be expected that as the future father of America was dusting off his funny pants and owning up to whacking down that cherry tree, every other local punk was lying his britches off about swiping their dad’s tobacco stash, scoring the hubcaps from the buggies parked in town, or tipping over an occupied outhouse or two.

Kids lie. It’s what they do. And we know this because we lie too. That’s why it’s so gosh darn easy to catch the little candy-suckers doing it.

Good Liars Aren’t Made, They’re Born

When I was seven or eight, my father owned a convenience store. Determined to get rich, I asked for advice. Dad suggested I search the streets for soda bottles to trade for the deposit. Energized, I found the first couple so easily I was convinced millions lay ahead. Unfortunately, discarded soda bottles proved pretty hard to come by. Frustrated and discouraged, I gave up and snuck into the back room where my dad stored all the returned bottles he’d already reimbursed folks for. I grabbed some and brought them to the front counter. My father eyed them suspiciously.

“Where’d you get these?”

“I found them.”

“Did you get them from the storeroom?”

Apparently my silence, and the pristine cleanliness of the bottles, gave me away. After a rather amplified dissertation on the value of hard work and telling the truth, I was once again sent on my way.

The next 25 bottles I presented apparently passed muster because I collected the money without incident. Still, my father played detective and followed me out and around the building where he discovered my illicit operation: several cases of clean bottles from his storeroom, one soupy mud puddle, and a blanket to dry my now muddied “hand-ins” to ensure their sufficiently scruffy appearance. After he stopped laughing, my enterprise was abruptly shut down.

Lying Is Almost Never Random… Self-Preservation Trumps Conscience

Kids know that the shortest line between getting into trouble and making it all go away is a well-placed lie.

Michelle from Vancouver was babysitting for her neighbor’s children. The evening passed more or less uneventfully and once the kids’ parents returned, she said her goodbyes and went home thinking all was well. Months passed and she was surprised to have never been asked to baby-sit again. It took a chance meeting at the grocery store when this same neighbor accused her of rummaging through their drawers while they were out that night.  As my friend’s face burned tomato red and her mouth dropped several inches below her knees, she knew what had happened. The kids went exploring and then blamed her for the mess when mom and dad discovered it. Talk about ruthless!

My younger sister, Krista, recounts the fun she has sneaking up on her kids and catching them in the act when they’re busy at something they absolutely shouldn’t be doing. “There they stand, guilty as all get out, as I demand to know whose idea it was,” she explains. “Without hesitation, everyone present points to the youngest one in the room – the baby that hasn’t learned to talk yet – knowing full well I won’t yell at the baby and that poor little guy can’t even defend himself anyway.” The fact that the baby had nowhere near the manual dexterity nor the physical strength required to force a Swiffer handle, two combs, four Yahtzee dice, and a tube of toothpaste through the laundry room floor drain is beside the point. Kids will stick to a lie like jam on a couch.

If You Want to Win This War, You Better Plan Your Attack

So we know the little ones lie, but what to do? Each kid has their own set of tells, or signals that prove they are lying through their rapidly disappearing first set of teeth. And while you have to pay attention to find out what your little liar’s tells are, here’s a few tips to help you along:

1. Liars fidget
2. Liars touch their faces constantly
3. Liars often forget or mix-up the details
4. Liars can’t look you in the eye
5. Liars look down or away when they try to remember details

Mastering these tips is a must, especially as the kids age. What may seem easy to spot now will require the expertise of a hardened CIA agent by the time they hit their teens. Also, don’t forget the guilt. Reminding your kids how proud you are of them when they tell you the truth or how much you appreciate the trust they have in you will guilt them into confessing nearly any lie left hanging in the air for more than a few minutes.

They say the truth will set you free. So if we want these miniature squatters to buy into the authenticity of honesty, we better make bloody sure we’re setting a good example  Remember, every lie you catch them in is one more they’re going to be looking to nail you on later. It seems to suggest that maybe the reason kids lie is to somehow force us into being more honest versions of ourselves. Could this really be true?

If so, it sure makes it plenty hard to get too mad at them now doesn’t it?

SIDEBAR

Top 3 Children’s Lies

“I didn’t do it!” – Casey, 4 years old. A staple. When in doubt, he denies it.

“He did it!” – Monaco, 7 years old. Classic misdirection. Effective but often fails due to lack of proof.

“You did it!” – Calvin, 4 years old (my son). Extremely sophisticated method of placing the accuser on the defensive while taking control. Future politi

Feeling run down by the end of the day? If you’re like me, then you’ve tried energy drinks, drank coffee 24/7, and still you feel sluggish. How will you ever keep up with your little one tomorrow, you wonder?

We consulted the experts and uncovered four simple steps to boost your energy throughout the day. Don’t worry; you won’t need to test a new energy-infused beverage. And no, you won’t have to hire extra hands around the house.

Step 1: Breakfast & Tea

While breakfast is a must-have meal for you and your kids, make sure you stay away from donuts. As much as the McDonald’s drive-thru tempts you, steer clear from the Egg McMuffin. Instead, try whole-wheat toast or cereal that’s high in fiber, suggests Jyl Steinback, a personal trainer and author of healthy cookbooks who’s been dubbed the “World’s Healthiest Mom.” If you want to have eggs in the morning, make yourself an egg white omelet.

Substitute your usual cup of coffee with freshly brewed green tea. “This provides a small amount of energy-boosting caffeine, along with super antioxidants that increase blood flow,” says Ann Kulze, a recognized nutrition expert, physician and author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet. “Green tea is known to not only boost energy but also enhance immunity, prevent cancer, and protect against heart disease … for zero calories.”

Step 2: Eat Balanced Meals Throughout the Day

Even if you’re busy running errands and tending to your family, skipping meals is the worst thing you can do to your energy level. Steinback says to eat five smaller meals a day rather than three large ones or skipping them entirely. This will provide you with a constant source of energy. If you’re too busy to have five meals, it’s OK to have three, but snack healthily in between.

It’s not only about how often you eat, it’s also about what you eat. “Choose foods that are high in complex carbohydrates for a steady supply of energy,” Steinback suggests. This list includes whole grain breads, cereals, pasta (yes, pasta!), legumes, fruit, and most vegetables. “Complex carbs stabilize blood sugar levels to keep your body energized for long periods of time,” she points out.

Of course, steer clear of foods that are high in sugar to avoid the sugar crash your kids may be familiar with. “You’ll get a quick boost of energy [if you do], but this will be followed by a tired feeling from the sugar blues,” Steinback adds.

Avoid trans fats like processed foods containing hydrogenated oils, stick margarine, and fried products. Keep your consumption of saturated fats like red meat, butter, and whole dairy products to a minimum, too. “Both trans fats and saturated fats are energy busters as they impair blood flow,” Kulze says. “Decreased blood flow translates to decreased energy.”

Step 3: Don’t Forget to Exercise

You have to keep moving to keep energized. Exercising invigorates your body and mind while releasing energy-zapping stress. Steinback suggests that you work out three to four times a week for at least 30 minutes each session.

Whether you want to use weights, bands, balls or bars; or just walk briskly up and down the street, doing so will reactivate the circulation in your body, as well as boost your metabolism, lower your blood pressure and slash sluggishness.

If you’re too busy to hit the gym or to take a jog, consider doing exercises at your desk at work or on the couch while you watch TV. “All you need is five minutes to do jaw exercises,” suggests Jackie Silver, “Aging Backwards” expert and single mom. “A common response to stress is to clench our teeth, which can cause jaw stiffness, headache, backache, and low energy.” The jaw relaxation technique has helped this busy mom and business owner with her energy level – it’s an instant relaxer and rejuvenator.

How do you do it? Open your mouth as wide as you can and repeat three times. Then, with your hands under your chin, try to open your mouth, but resist with your hands Finally, massage the muscles just under your ears at the back of your jaw for a few moments. “It’s amazing how this little exercise can have such big rejuvenation effects,” Silver attests. “Try it!”

Step 4: Stir In Some Relaxation Time

It’s OK to rest. Give your body permission to stop and recharge if you need to during the day. Resting between 2 and 3 p.m., for instance, is a good idea. “Studies show that taking a catnap during the ’siesta zone’ is a great way to get some extra energy,” says Silver. “That’s the hour we naturally feel tired and taking a 20- to 30-minute nap can give your body a boost.”

“If you have young children who nap, try to nap with them,” she adds. “The laundry and dishes can wait until later.”

It’s also important to maintain normal sleep patterns at night. “Get up and go to bed at the same time each night so your body gets into a routine,” Jyl says. “Also try to get seven to eight hours of sleep. This will affect your energy level, mental alertness, mental attitude, and complexion.”

The family bed – it’s big, soft, and apparently community property. Mom and dad may claim ownership, but it’s the kids that exercise squatter’s rights in taking it over. So the question is, should you let them stake a claim or are you better off drawing a line in the hallway and forbidding the little hobos from crossing it? Must family closeness take a back seat to a good night’s sleep or is a restful slumber simply something to give up on until your children are seniors in college?

As a young man on the prowl, the male fantasy of having more than one party sharing your bed at one time loomed large in my circle of friends. Far-fetched? Absolutely, but great fodder nonetheless for booze-fueled boasts. Was such an egocentric goal shallow, depraved, and insultingly misogynistic? Most certainly, but the immature male mind is nothing if not creative in its selfish desires.

When It Comes to Bedtime, “The More, The Merrier”
Fast-forward to genuine adulthood and life with four kids. I never thought it was here that my wish would materialize, but come true it did, although with a few crucial differences. My Maxim dreams are more Sesame Street these days as the group sharing our bed is more likely to yell, “Swiper, no swiping!” than anything particularly naughty. The weird thing is, I couldn’t be happier with the situation even though many mornings we could quite literally use orange cones and a flag-person to regulate the traffic flow moving in and out of our bed. When I open my eyes to greet a new day there is a better than 50 percent chance that I will see a foot on my forehead or a tiny butt pressed into my face before actual sunlight penetrates.

Fast-forward to genuine adulthood and life with four kids. I never thought it was here that my wish would materialize, but come true it did, although with a few crucial differences. My Maxim dreams are more Sesame Street these days as the group sharing our bed is more likely to yell, “Swiper, no swiping!” than anything particularly naughty. The weird thing is, I couldn’t be happier with the situation even though many mornings we could quite literally use orange cones and a flag-person to regulate the traffic flow moving in and out of our bed. When I open my eyes to greet a new day there is a better than 50 percent chance that I will see a foot on my forehead or a tiny butt pressed into my face before actual sunlight penetrates.

And truly, heaven could not be any sweeter.

Thing is, many experts claim that letting the kids sleep in your bed, or co-sleeping as they dub it, is considered a bad idea. The Internet offers the testimonials of many who should know, all declaring co-sleeping a no-go. “It’s a safety issue,” they claim. A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Douglas Baker has firsthand knowledge of several senseless deaths related solely to children being suffocated by their sleeping parents. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with the AAP, officially discourages the practice of co-sleeping due mainly to the potential safety hazards that exist.

It’s a Safety Issue
But what do you say to that sad face that peers down at you sometime south of 2 a.m. begging to snuggle in close? Well, first of all, a lot of the safety concerns are based on infants so the bigger kids are probably okay. Even still, if you’re one of those unfortunate souls that insist on downing half a case of beer and a handful of sleeping pills before bed I would suggest that sleeping with anyone at all is a bad idea. Any drug or medication that will keep you from waking up is obviously dangerous to folks weighing less than your right leg. If you can resist the meds and the drinks it should be okay to have a visitor or two.

Another legitimate concern is that letting older kids sleep with you will somehow make it so they don’t ever want to leave. This means you could either have a child who is afraid to sleep on his own or one who will positively remain an only child because mom and dad can’t get a chance to see if another brother or sister might be in the offing. So is the answer to all of this really coming down to a razor-wire screen at the foot of the bed?

I don’t think so.

So What Should We Do?
All kids need to learn to sleep in their own beds, if for no other reason than they’ll get a better night’s sleep if they do. Each one of them has their own bundle of odd habits which work fine in their own bed but pose definite problems when sharing. One kicks the blankets off, while another requires 30 pounds of cushions and immersive heat, while the last one cannot rest unless there are enough stuffed animals on hand to stock a Toys “R” Us. No matter what, learning to sleep in your own space provides a confidence that will be invaluable as they get older and further develop their sense of self.

That said, along with the list of detractors there is just as long a list of expert parent gurus who tell us we should be sleeping with our kids in order to bond with them and let them know how much we love them. I agree with this too. Some of my best conversations with my little ones come after hours when the lights are off. For a small child (or a big one) to know they are welcome to snuggle up to mom or dad when the night is at its darkest sends a message that will transcend the years and provide comfort long after they leave home.

If we can take a cue from the animals, there are few things more cozy and warm-looking than a sleeping mother and father surrounded by their dozing cubs.

Just not every night, okay?

Throughout your pregnancy, you do everything you can to give your baby all the advantages you can to come into the world a strong, healthy newborn. Now that your little bundle of joy has joined the outside world, you are doing every possible thing to keep him healthy, right?

You may be surprised to learn that the things your baby comes in contact with every day are filled with harmful chemicals that can affect his growth and development, as well as harm to the environment. But, before you go online and order that pure air bubble you want to raise him in, take a peek at some of these natural alternatives that will have even Halle Berry making room for you on the go-green buggy, er, bandwagon.

Nursery

If you’re like actress Laura Dern, her environmentally friendly philosophy is “less is more.” But for the things you can’t live without, here are some green options for your pink or blue nursery:

Crib - Furniture made of pressed wood products can contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer. Try PacificRimWoodworking.com for solid maple cribs and furniture that is finished with natural oils and formaldehyde-free.

Bedding – From the flame-retardant chemicals in the mattress to the pesticides in the sheets and pillows, a good night’s sleep may do more harm than good. Rule of thumb: Always choose organic, untreated materials such as wool or natural cotton.

Flooring – If you have to go carpet, sink your toes into 100 percent biodegradable carpet with wool fibers and no toxic adhesives like Nature’s Carpet by Colin Campbell’s Studio Line. Otherwise, opt for cork, wood, linoleum, or natural material throw rugs. You may find it’s a cleaner way to go for the entire house!

Paint – Older homes may have been painted with lead paint, which is harmful to babies and adults alike. Try using paints with natural pigments, such as clay. Check out GreenPlanetPaints.com for a variety of these earth- and baby-friendly pigments.

Clothing

Dress your tot to the nines like celebs Courtney Cox and Kelly Preston by choosing organic cotton garments, like the ones found at UnderTheNile.com. Or, products made from natural hemp fibers or organic cotton and hemp blend fabric can be found in baby wear and cloth diaper solutions.

Laundry Detergent

Method® (MethodHome.com) makes environmentally friendly products like their HE Compatible Laundry Detergent – Baby, which is free of harsh chemicals and dyes to reduce irritation to your tiny tot’s skin. Or, ALL® makes a Free & Clear product in a Small and Mighty® size which uses a concentrated formula in a smaller bottle, using 50 percent less material for their packaging than their 100-ounce bottle.

Health Care Products

Keep your baby’s sensitive skin soft and protected by Mother Earth by going organic with baby’s health care products. BurtsBees.com offers an entire line of ecologically friendly products called Baby Bee, while Arbonne.com offers a baby/kids line that includes sunscreen, lotion, and body/hair wash that is all natural as well.

Organic Food

What goes into your baby can be Earth-friendly as well as good for your baby. Many products on the market like Gerber Organic’s Tender Harvest® are preservative-free and made with food that is pesticide-free. Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow prefer to use a food mill to control what goes into her kiddies, but if you’re not the from-scratch type, check out stores such as Trader Joe’s Markets (TraderJoes.com) and Henry’s Market (HenrysMarkets.com) for organic food options. Or, browse the local farmer’s market for more home-grown favorites, but make sure you ask if they meet the USDA’s organic standards.

One-stop Shop to Save Planet Earth

Actress Soleil Moon Frye co-founded a store and Web site that gives you everything you need to go all-natural with your tot. TheLittleSeed.com features clothing, bedding, toys, and furniture to “help make our planet a little greener, and our children’s lives a little healthier.” Just be prepared to break out the greenbacks (products range from $4 for smaller toys to $795+ for furniture).

Whether you completely refurbish your abode or change some simple habits, you’ll not only be giving your precious babe a healthier environment, you’ll be saving the environment, too.

When your baby is born, you vow to give only the best to your little one. You research the latest in organic baby care products, make sure to wash all of his things in chemical-free detergent, and even switch back to paper instead of plastic at the grocery store check-out, just to make the Earth last a little longer for your offspring. But, when it comes to your cutie’s caboose, are you choosing cloth or disposable diapers?

Disposable diapers themselves have been around since the 1940s, but the great diaper debate was born in the 1990s when eco-advocates began to raise concern about the effect of disposables on the environment. With images of landfills dancing around your head, you start to wonder what is really better for your baby’s bum?

Research shows that, environmentally speaking, each diaper option affects the ecosystem in a different way. Yet the fact remains that until your tot is toilet-trained, you need to cover those cheeks! So, to help you make a decision of your own for your household, here are the dirty-detail pros and cons of each diaper alternative:

Pro-Cloth

• Recyclable – you can wash and reuse
• Biodegradable
• Can be used as dust rags
• Allows more airflow for sensitive skin
• Organic cotton options are available as an additional eco-friendly advantage
• Washing at home is quicker than driving to the store
• Toddlers in cloth tend to potty train more quickly
• Diaper services are available for those who wish to avoid the wash cycle
• All-in-one diapers like FuzziBunz (FuzziBunz.com) offer clean and green solutions for your baby’s number-one and number-two needs.
• If you’re not keen on the idea of washing traditional cloth diapers yourself but still want to use cloth, look into diaper services in your area by visiting DiaperNet.org.

Anti-Cloth

• Uses water and energy to produce and wash product
• When using plastic or rubber pants to keep leaks at bay, they are not as breathable as cloth alone
• Users go through twice as many cloth diapers as those who use disposables over a year’s time
• The chemicals used to process cotton are not environmentally friendly, nor best for baby’s skin (see organic cotton options in Cloth Pros list)
• Inconvenient while traveling
• When compared to disposables, require additional effort after use
• Can be messy, which may be the biggest Daddy disadvantage… at least for guys with a sensitive gag reflex; number two may be a job best left for Mommy’s iron will.

Pro-Disposable

• New stay-dry technology and leak-less designs
• No laundry to do, so you are using less water
• Convenient disposal of contents, especially on trips or running errands
• No safety pins needed

Anti-Disposable

• Non-biodegradable, so used disposables fill landfills (with the exception of new biodegradable disposable diapers, which some debate are not truly biodegradable in present landfill conditions)
• Diaper rash is more common than with cloth
• Cause higher heat temperatures in the diaper area, which may affect your little boy’s reproductive system down the road
• Cost more than cloth diapers
• Chemical in diapers that allows for super absorbency is the same substance removed from tampons in the 1980s

Neither cloth diapers nor disposable diapers are more sanitary. The cleanliness of diapers has to do with hand washing habits and storage containers for each. Choosing between cloth diapers and disposable diapers, or a combination of both, should be a decision between you and your baby’s bottom. After all, only you know what works best for your family.

Tension Tamer 1: Don’t Drink Alcohol or Caffeine Before Bed

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, a board-certified internist and author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!, advises moms to consume little to no alcohol right before bed. Alcohol shortens your sleep latency. You may fall asleep in five minutes rather than the usual 15, but drinking wine before bed can cause sleep disorders because it can supress rapid eye movement stage of sleep, which means you’ll get less deep, quality sleep.

Stay away from caffeine after 4 p.m., too. Avoiding coffee and soda, for instance, will give you a better night’s rest and will allow you to fall asleep faster.

Tension Tamer 2: Do Drink Chamomile Tea

So what can you drink before bed that’s caffeine free? “Peppermint chamomile tea is a good relaxant,” points out Linda Illingworth, onsite dietician at Cal-a-Vie, a health spa resort in Vista, CA. “Chamomile is a calming herb and peppermint soothes the intestinal track.”

Illingworth points out that we associate warm beverages with comfort so sipping tea (caffeine-free tea, that is) will assist us in the relaxing process.

Tension Tamer 3: De-stressing Exercises

For really busy moms, Illingworth suggests an easy de-stressing exercise. “Lay on your back with your legs angled (close to 90 degrees) against the wall,” she advises. “Rest for five minutes in that yoga-like position.”

If stretching isn’t your thing, try just having a moment of pure silence. Five minutes should do the trick. “Focus on yourself and your thoughts,” Illingworth says. “Taking part in an activity that has a meditative quality, like listening to music, journaling or knitting is also relaxing.”
Illingworth explains that repetition is the key to these de-stressing activities that allow you to focus on yourself and release the tension of the day.

Tension Tamer 4: Apply Body Butter

When your skin is feeling dry, you can’t help but itch all night. We recommend including Epoch’s Baobab Body Butter from Nu Skin in your bedtime routine. The way it feels on your skin and smells – don’t worry, it’s not perfume’y – soothes. It also hydrates, smoothes, and conditions skin using the power of the Malawi Baobab Tree combined with ethnobotanicals, macadamia nut oil and shea butter.

The product is $29.95 at www.nuskin.com. And to help you sleep better after spending, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Nu Skin Force For Good Foundation for the Malawi Seeds of Hope project, which will help reforestation and conserve baobab trees.

Tension Tamer 5: Sleep on a Dream Pillow

If all else fails, a good pillow can make a huge difference. DreamAid’s pillow covers are designed to aid in your sleep. With comfort and a peaceful state of mind, as its main purpose, sleepers can be rest-assured, they’ll have a good night’s sleep.

DreamAid’s pillow covers, which are $24 at www.dreamaidproducts.com, will help you drift into a blissful state with its inspirational sayings, and 100% cotton and 250-thread count.

Your lives are crazy. Married with kids has a ton of advantages, but even more work. The clock never stops, but sometimes you both just want to say “Enough!” and lie back while your butler makes it all go away. Not likely? You might be surprised.

When you’re Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, deciding to “make some time for mom and dad” isn’t too hard. You just let the live-in nannies know you’ll be gone for a few days, hop on your private jet, and wing it to Italy where your good friend George has generously offered the use of his palatial palazzo (the key is under the mat). It’s nice to be rich and famous.

Why can’t I be famous just once?

But what if you’re merely average? A simple Jane or Joe who lives in a world of tanking stock markets, shrinking savings, and gas prices rocketing directly to the moon. Even if you had the cash you don’t have the time. Gramps and Gran can’t handle the kids for more than a day so your freedom is limited. You could throw up your hands, admit your life sucks, and hit the video store.

Or you could try something else.

A top-line vacation to Hawaii would set you back several thousand dollars and take a week or more of time but, if you can afford to spend up to $500 for a super-fantabulous indulgence for just the two of you, there’s no reason you can’t share an experience that will redefine the word “memorable.” All you need is a little planning, a sense of adventure, and a desire to have some fun.

5 Super-cool Mom & Dad Splurges

1. A picnic, with a twist – With a simple phone call, you can arrange an event the Great Gatsby would be proud to attend. Hiring a private chef is easy these days and most are more than ready to set up, and host, a fantastic picnic for two. Pick your location, arrive on time, and enjoy the pampering. When you’re done you walk away knowing everything is taken care of. A perfect picnic.
2. Drive-in movies, first class – Most cities still have at least one drive-in movie theatre within a couple hours drive. Hire a limo to drive you to the movie, snack on wine and appetizers while you ride, and arrange for the driver to set up chairs in the field so you can enjoy an open-air movie under the stars. When your eyes start to droop, retire to the comforts of your upholstered chariot and snuggle together in back while your driver returns you home safe and sound.
3. Visit a new restaurant, by airplane – There was a time that air travel was considered upper class and fancy. The indignities we endure these days are a modern-day crime, however, if you book last minute flights to any city less than an hour’s flight away you can probably get affordable round trip tickets for two that leave and return the very same day. You won’t need luggage, making security a breeze, and if you fly out that afternoon you can have dinner at a groovin’ restaurant and be back in your own bed that night. An unforgettable experience and a heck of a great story to tell.
4. After-hours anything – Going to the museum is one thing but calling ahead and arranging to come in after-hours makes you feel like a superstar. Most places are more than willing to open up for a private visit if you’re willing to pay a fee. You could hit a winery, maybe an antique store, or even an art gallery. VIP treatment and you don’t have to be freaky like Michael Jackson to get it.
5. Best hotel room ever – When you have a budget of $500 to blow on lodging for one night, you can get yourself a pretty amazing room. By staying in your own town you can skip the luggage and arrive unencumbered, ready to experience the exhausted-parent luxury of spending the night in a room you don’t have to clean the next day. It’s as close to heaven as some of us may ever be.

Going big on a budget is easier than you think. If you plan ahead and get creative you might even be able to pull it off a few times a year without breaking the bank or even abandoning the kids for too long (no matter how much they might deserve it).