A Recession in Morals

May 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I know I am about to sound like my grandmother here, but I am sure I am NOT the only MUM that worries about their children’s ethics and sense of what is right and what is wrong these days. And I am not talking just about manners either. When a 5 year old doesn’t say “thank-you” when they are given a snack, that irks me, but it does not scare me. What scares me is what is happening to our “tweens” and teenagers whose bodies look like young adults but whose decision-making skills are still naive and foolish. Their sophisticate little bodies are the source of a lot of destructive experiments. For example, had you ever gone to a “lipstick” party when you were 13 years old? I am not talking about a party where a Mary Kay Representative comes to your home and sells their new summer shades to your friends either. Apparently at some Barmitzvahs, girls each wear a distinctly different color lipstick when they perform oral sex on a single boy, so that each boy ends up with different colored rings on their genitals, like a rainbow badge of honor. This “activity” is apparently a “highlight of their evening.
This is an age when both boys and girls are already so socially vulnerable. How does this type of behavior affect their self esteem and behaviors in years to come? I would love to hear from you IF you think your kids are growing up faster than you did and HOW you are dealing with these social challenges?

Here are my must haves and must do for this week:

The Liya Kebede Foundation dedicated to Mothers and Children. The mission of The Liya Kebede Foundation is to reduce Maternal Newborn and Child Mortality and to improve the health and well being of mothers and children around the world.For more information or to donate,please visit their website at www.theliyakebedefoundation.org

Check out unique,must-see green,luxury products for new parents at maternitique.com.Babies spend so much time sleeping give them a non-toxic environment in which to sleep and breathe in. My favorites are the organic crib sets .The texture and softness are amazing ! www.maternitique.com

Luxurious fresh scents designed exclusively for little boys and girls at www.lovechicbaby.com. These scents are designed for ages 6 months to pre-teens. I love the adorable packaging of these scents too. Makes a wonderful gift.

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Allergy Medications

May 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Allergy medications can help control seasonal allergy symptoms but sometimes the side effects are worse than the symptoms. Think before you give your child a syrup that may only put her to sleep:
Nasal spray steroids. corticosteroid nasal sprays are very effective for seasonal allergies but can take at least a week to work.

Antihistamines. Antihistamines really help to relieve itching, as well as congestion and runny nose. But their effectiveness is directly correlated with their sedation effect.
Decongestants. These are short-acting medications that should only be used for a few days.they don’t solve the problem but can make your child more comfortable for the short-term.
Allergy Shots: This treatment may be right for your child but only under the supervision of a licensed immunologist.
Nasal irrigation. ( Neti Pots, saline flushes) This involves flushing out mucus and irritants from your nose with a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, a small container with a spout designed for nose rinsing.
Herbal remedies and supplements. There are several claims about the effectiveness of the shrub butterbur, as well as cat’s claw, choline, goldenseal, stinging nettle, belladonna and bromelain.
I am a big believer in nutritional healing and probiotics. During allergy season reduce your child’s wheat and dairy intake, avoid high- sugar content snacks that increase yeast growth, and be sure they stay well-hydrated. Yogurts with probiotics, or a probiotic supplement like FloraStor ( www.florastor.com) are a great way to prevent allergic stomaches.

Posted by Dr. Natalie Geary MD | Filed Under Dr Geary

A Divalysscious mom is strong, sexy and confident.

May 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment

www.divalyssciousmoms.com

A Divalysscious mom is strong, sexy and confident. Stilettos, sippy cups, strollers and Starbuck Lattes go hand-in-hand with this über cool, modern group of women. Some are career moms and some stay at home, regardless they maintain their individuality. Anyone can be Divalysscious with the right attitude and self-confidence

Lyss Stern will regularly be contributing to Modern Mums monthly, about all the Divalysscious Happenings around NYC.

Lyss Stern is the Owner of the Premiere Luxury Lifestyle Company for New York Moms.

Posted by Lyss Stern | Filed Under A-lysst

A MUMS’ SELF-RELECTIVE MOMMENT

May 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I had a bit of a well-deserved tantrum at the end of Mother’s Day- because basically mine was awful. It was not about ME at all. Although I am well aware that most people think of Mother’s day as just another one of those “Hallmark Holidays”, this is one of “those” holidays that does mean something to me. As “saccharine” as that sounds, I do take a huge amount of pride being a mother and most of the time I think I do a pretty good job.

But mine was awful and so I had a minor tantrum: We had dinner with my mother-in- law the night before to celebrate “her” Mother’s Day and it was suppose to be for me too, but somehow, big surprise, it did not feel that way. Sunday we drove even farther to have lunch with my own Mom, again this was not about me at all. The gift my husband gave me was beautiful, but there wasn’t even the hallmark card attached. So by late Sunday night, I actually teared up: I was angry that I let another holiday go by just appeasing everyone else. Even though I actually felt more like a child at this moment than a mother, it reminded me of how often we, as Mom’s, don’t really ask well for what we need.

Next year, my husband promised that we would have everyone at our house for a brunch (this way we would not have to travel). I thought to myself, what about if I don’t want to have to celebrate with “everyone”? All I really want are my two children and husband for this particular holiday… that would make it about ME, the MUM.

Nourish yourself well this week inside and out!

Here are my must have’s and must do’s for this week:

TRACY WATTS party and sample SALE this is a must! The hats are chic and hip and Tracy is a doll of a Milliner. Friday, May 16th 3pm-9pm
119 8th Street Studio 201, Brooklyn, NY email: tw@tracywatts.com

Pick up Five Star Iris ’s self-titled CD on amazon.com- I love the song “Luckiest Man”

Susan Ciminelli Spa- Algae Deep Cleanse- a daily face peel incorporates algae oils and the essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint to gently remove dead cells. I use this product once a day from Susan! www.susanciminelli.com or 212-872-2650

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Allergy Season- how to survive the blossoms!!

May 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The onset of Spring means beautiful days of flowering trees and plants, and for so many allergic kids, a month plus of headaches, congestion and itchy eyes. The offending agents initially are wind-borne pollen from trees, later grasses and still later pollen and mold. Unfortunately, as those who have allergies know, there is no “cure”, but there are many things you can do to reduce the discomfort and prevent the chances of sinusitis, headache and wheezing.

Help keep your child

pollen- free:

Posted by Dr. Natalie Geary MD | Filed Under Dr Geary

It is our job to teach our children morals: NOT Hollywood’s.

May 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I am not one to usually react positively or negatively to the gossip surrounding the likes of Hollywood- not much surprises me. I can be a bit jaded probably because I have worked with many of these types in the music industry, but this story really has made me ponder a young celebrity’s responsibility to her “fans”. Here are my two cents for what it is worth.

The pop sensational singer, Disney Actress ,Miley Cyrus is getting a lot of flack for her recent Annie Liebowitz photo shoot in Vanity Fair Magazine, for being too racy. I saw the photos. In my opinion. they are beautiful artistic shots of her. Once again the incredibly talented Liebowitz shows “another” side of a young actress.But why were so many people outraged because an actress is draped in a sheet WITH NOTHING exposed except her shoulder for a photo shoot?

Yes, I know very well that she is a role model for young children, my own daughter watches her on Hannah Montana. YES, I understand that she is on The Disney Channel and there are certain “moral” responsibilities and standards that go along with that, but shouldn’t we be teaching our children our own moral standards and showing them HOW to be good people rather than sticking them in front of the television and expecting these actors to be our children’s role models? Holding any celebrity up to this task is only going to lead to disappointment and eventually disapproval.

I would love to hear your thoughts, please e-mail me.
Be kind to yourself this week.

Here are my must haves and must dos for the week:

Kimberly Sayer’s of London Slimming and Contouring Lotion- A natural and contouring body gel and moisturizer which utilizes highly active extracts to tighten and firm the skin instantly without harsh chemicals- great for post-pregnancy skin . Available at Whole Foods Markets or www.kimberlysayer.com

Metropolitian Museum of Art, New York City- check out a balloon dog, a chocolate heart wrapped in shiny red wrapper and a silhouette of Piglet from “Winnie The Pooh”- by the pop artist Jeff Koons-your kids will love it.

HAND CRAFTED in UGANDA-Get this very cool necklace made out of thin pieces of recycled magazine by the women in Uganda who have been forced from their homes by years of violence and conflict. You will be HELPING these women earn wages to sustain their families. At least $2.00 from each sale goes to CARE- go to : care.org/necklace

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Dehydration

May 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Dehydration happens more easily in children than adults – they need more water and other fluids to maintain cellular and, specifically, kidney function. Even if they are not sick, as the weather begins to warm and kids are running around again, its important to remember to keep them well hydrated.
Besides inadequate hydration during exercise, and excessive sweating from exercise, other causes of dehydration include:
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