This month, I've been focusing on keeping those kids of ours safe. Last week, I gave you the skinny on what to do (and not do) to keep your little ones from falling their way into the emergency room.
But when you've got a curious toddler or preschooler, a few spots in your home become danger zones. Some of the biggest culprits of injury...the kitchen and bathroom.
Well, I had the chance to talk to Stephanie Zerr, owner of Red Bud Baby Planners right here in Edmond. Maybe you don't have any little people on the way, but you may have friends or family with young children, or you may be a grandparent. And while going full-speed-ahead on the babyproofing may not be necessary for a short visit, as a parent or a host, you may want to consider these innocent-seeming items.
The awesomely enticing cabinet. Best to keep these locked with a child-safety lock (much to my mom's annoyance when she visits. "They're made for babies and the older population!" she'll complain). But really, keeping pots and pans locked up ain't a bad idea. But that's not all. Think--really think--about everything you've got in those kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Blenders? Nail polish remover? Cleaning supplies? Yep, I shiver too when thinking about a toddler getting his or her hands on those. And consider whether you really do want to make a play drawer or cabinet in your home, as it may be hard for small ones to understand the difference between "safe" cabinets and "no way" cabinets.
The stove and the oven--bring on the heat! Maybe playing with pots and pans doesn't seem so harmful, but Zerr warns that allowing children to play with them can make it difficult for them to understand why they can't pull one off the stove. On that note, safety companies make some great stove knob covers these days and oven latches. Yes, yes. I know. So frustrating to take an extra step to do anything in the kitchen, but...well, you know the phrase. And how hard is it to open those child locks, really (complaining grandmothers aside)?
Keeping them out of the can. Toilets are filled with water you really don't want your cat and dog drinking. Safe to say you probably want your kiddo to stay out of that water as well (especially since the bowl doubles as a drowning hazard). So, lock it up. You gotta do what you gotta do.
All the rest... Tub faucets--cover them! Plastic bags--put them away! And keep the poison control number posted in an easily accessible area. I know you're busy. I know, because so am I. But an ounce of prevention goes such a long way. These are your kiddos. And in a few years, when those kids are older and wiser (although still accident prone in other ways), you can toss those child locks out--followed by a "Thank you."
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Fall injury prevention - A parent's do's and don't's for keeping junior out of the ER
We all fall. And at this time of year, with more ice hitting the U.S. than that seen on Disney's Frozen, staying upright is a real challenge.
But when it comes to our kiddos, preventing emergency-room worthy falls becomes a true calling. And it's not just that pesky ice outside that can send a child to the hospital.
One of my New Year resolutions is a renewed commitment to keeping my kids safe (within reason, of course--no child-size bubbles at this house). And I'm sharing my little "fall prevention" list with you. By no means is this list comprehensive, but if you manage to stick to the following, you may avoid the worst or, best case, the type of injury that makes for a long, scary night in the ER.
Do...strap kids into their seats. A new study from the Nationwide Children's Hospital showed a sharp increase of babies and toddlers needing emergency room care, and ninety-three percent of injury visits related to a high chair or booster seat were from a fall. 'Nuff said.
Do...childproof sharp corners. Babies like to pull themselves up and waddle around, all on those very unsteady legs of theirs. Toddlers run around like mad people, with little thought to corners (or furniture in general). You're not going to keep a kiddo from bumping into things, but you can lessen the injury by softening the edges of furniture. Check out local Red Bud Baby Planners for tips and help.
Do...wear helmets for certain activities. Wearing a bike helmet seems like a no brainer (sure, you survived without one growing up, but statistics show not everyone fared so well). But other sports, such as ice skating, are also activities where a little pre-planning will save you a preventable head injury.
Do...use nightlights. You can't see in the dark. Neither can your kids. Sometimes they come to your bed when the monsters come out at night. So, light the way.
On the other hand...
Don't...set children on countertops. It's tempting, I know, because they love it and it puts them on level with you. But whether you're drying their hair or making cookies together, the impact of a fall from that distance can be devastating. So pull out that little, colorful stool, and while your at it, you'll keep ideas of climbing on the counters out of their sweet little heads.
Don't...get lazy about child gates. They are a pain to step over (take it from me, at five-feet-tall). But there's some nifty ones with little doors in them now, and keeping a kiddo from falling down a flight of stairs seems like a small price to pay for the inconvenience.
Don't...leave ladders or stepstools out or readily available. Just too tempting. My toddler son can scale one in a matter of milliseconds. Milliseconds, I tell you. Put these things away as soon as you use them. Also, think about tethering large furniture to the wall. "As a mom and child proofer, I explain to clients that although every child is different and yours doesn’t climb (now), we don’t want to see what may happen the first time they try," says Stephanie Zerr of Red Bud Baby Planners.
Don't...be a slob. I have stepped on Legos, Barbie, Octonauts, and a variety of other, not-so-feet-friendly toys. Remember that thing I said about toddlers and babies wobbling and running around like crazy people? They don't pay attention so much to toys. And you know what? When you've got a mile-high pile of laundry in your arms, neither do you. So pick up. Or make the kids do it. And you might just keep the dog from eating a few toys in the process!
That's all for now! Check in next week for kitchen and bathroom safety tips...
But when it comes to our kiddos, preventing emergency-room worthy falls becomes a true calling. And it's not just that pesky ice outside that can send a child to the hospital.
One of my New Year resolutions is a renewed commitment to keeping my kids safe (within reason, of course--no child-size bubbles at this house). And I'm sharing my little "fall prevention" list with you. By no means is this list comprehensive, but if you manage to stick to the following, you may avoid the worst or, best case, the type of injury that makes for a long, scary night in the ER.
Do...strap kids into their seats. A new study from the Nationwide Children's Hospital showed a sharp increase of babies and toddlers needing emergency room care, and ninety-three percent of injury visits related to a high chair or booster seat were from a fall. 'Nuff said.
Do...childproof sharp corners. Babies like to pull themselves up and waddle around, all on those very unsteady legs of theirs. Toddlers run around like mad people, with little thought to corners (or furniture in general). You're not going to keep a kiddo from bumping into things, but you can lessen the injury by softening the edges of furniture. Check out local Red Bud Baby Planners for tips and help.
Do...wear helmets for certain activities. Wearing a bike helmet seems like a no brainer (sure, you survived without one growing up, but statistics show not everyone fared so well). But other sports, such as ice skating, are also activities where a little pre-planning will save you a preventable head injury.
Do...use nightlights. You can't see in the dark. Neither can your kids. Sometimes they come to your bed when the monsters come out at night. So, light the way.
On the other hand...
Don't...set children on countertops. It's tempting, I know, because they love it and it puts them on level with you. But whether you're drying their hair or making cookies together, the impact of a fall from that distance can be devastating. So pull out that little, colorful stool, and while your at it, you'll keep ideas of climbing on the counters out of their sweet little heads.
Don't...get lazy about child gates. They are a pain to step over (take it from me, at five-feet-tall). But there's some nifty ones with little doors in them now, and keeping a kiddo from falling down a flight of stairs seems like a small price to pay for the inconvenience.
Don't...leave ladders or stepstools out or readily available. Just too tempting. My toddler son can scale one in a matter of milliseconds. Milliseconds, I tell you. Put these things away as soon as you use them. Also, think about tethering large furniture to the wall. "As a mom and child proofer, I explain to clients that although every child is different and yours doesn’t climb (now), we don’t want to see what may happen the first time they try," says Stephanie Zerr of Red Bud Baby Planners.
Don't...be a slob. I have stepped on Legos, Barbie, Octonauts, and a variety of other, not-so-feet-friendly toys. Remember that thing I said about toddlers and babies wobbling and running around like crazy people? They don't pay attention so much to toys. And you know what? When you've got a mile-high pile of laundry in your arms, neither do you. So pick up. Or make the kids do it. And you might just keep the dog from eating a few toys in the process!
That's all for now! Check in next week for kitchen and bathroom safety tips...
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Happy Safe Year - Easy, breezy tips for the let's-do-this-right parent
Nobody likes that phrase, "Better safe than sorry." If we followed its advice to the letter, not only would we never step foot in an airplane, take a road trip, or go to the zoo, but really, we wouldn't even leave the house (not that it's completely harmless either). Nope, in life, we have to step out, take risks, and hope for the best.
But as a parent, the stakes get higher. It's one thing to risk one's own safety, but when it comes to your kids, no precaution is unnecessary. Well, there is that commercial about the six-year-old in the Baby Bjorn. I guess when it comes down to it, we have to do what we're comfortable with as parents, while balancing our kids independence with their safety.
That being said, there are some precautions that are pretty universal. Accidents are the leading cause of death for children of all ages. So, over the next month, I'd like to take a look at some of the top areas where parents can take measures to protect their children.
Fall prevention - Kids like to run, climb, and hop around like crazy people. We know this. But all that craziness can be harmful, even fatal, if certain precautions aren't taken in the home to keep kiddos from unnecessary dangers. Strapping kids into high chairs, not letting them sit on top of counters, putting ladders and stools away, and picking up the floor are all ways to prevent the accidental fall. Check out more tips for preventing falls on next week's blog!
Kitchen & bathroom safety. Water, cutlery, drugs, stovetops, ovens, and throat-blocking objects are all hazards of these two frequented rooms. Thankfully, child safety products can help a parents protect kids from many of these dangers, but as always, one can't just rely on a piece of plastic to keep your child safe. If you can figure out a child safety device, your kiddo might just figure it out too. Check out basic tips for childproofing these areas right here on the Mom Around Town blog on January 16.
Toy safety. There's a reason manufacturers list age-appropriateness on those boxes in the toy aisle. But, as always, you've got to consider your own kids' maturity and habits no matter what any colorful box says. For example, three is the age when most small toys (choking size, to be exact) are considered to be safe. However, if your kid's like mine and still puts everything in his or her mouth, then the Barbie doll with five million accessories may be a better thought for next year. Check here on January 23 for more tips.
Car safety. Carseats. Boosters. Carseat boosters. Oh yeah. It's a whole new world in safety seats for parents. Gone are the days when my mom would tie my little brother to his carseat (he was such the escape artist), while my older, six-year-old sister giggled from the front seat. Yep, we have a whole new set of rules these days, but as I'll tell you on January 30, there's good reason for all the new laws.
So check back this month for in-depth tips on keeping the kids safe. We shouldn't live in fear, but as parents, we can be smart. And finally, having just messed with a round of the flu, I would like to mention this statistic from the National Center for Health Statistics: "During 2007–2010, emergency department visits by children resulting in hospital admission were more likely to be related to illness (78%) than injury (22%)."
So wash those kiddies' hands. And yours too.
Happy Safe Year!
But as a parent, the stakes get higher. It's one thing to risk one's own safety, but when it comes to your kids, no precaution is unnecessary. Well, there is that commercial about the six-year-old in the Baby Bjorn. I guess when it comes down to it, we have to do what we're comfortable with as parents, while balancing our kids independence with their safety.
That being said, there are some precautions that are pretty universal. Accidents are the leading cause of death for children of all ages. So, over the next month, I'd like to take a look at some of the top areas where parents can take measures to protect their children.
Fall prevention - Kids like to run, climb, and hop around like crazy people. We know this. But all that craziness can be harmful, even fatal, if certain precautions aren't taken in the home to keep kiddos from unnecessary dangers. Strapping kids into high chairs, not letting them sit on top of counters, putting ladders and stools away, and picking up the floor are all ways to prevent the accidental fall. Check out more tips for preventing falls on next week's blog!
Kitchen & bathroom safety. Water, cutlery, drugs, stovetops, ovens, and throat-blocking objects are all hazards of these two frequented rooms. Thankfully, child safety products can help a parents protect kids from many of these dangers, but as always, one can't just rely on a piece of plastic to keep your child safe. If you can figure out a child safety device, your kiddo might just figure it out too. Check out basic tips for childproofing these areas right here on the Mom Around Town blog on January 16.
Toy safety. There's a reason manufacturers list age-appropriateness on those boxes in the toy aisle. But, as always, you've got to consider your own kids' maturity and habits no matter what any colorful box says. For example, three is the age when most small toys (choking size, to be exact) are considered to be safe. However, if your kid's like mine and still puts everything in his or her mouth, then the Barbie doll with five million accessories may be a better thought for next year. Check here on January 23 for more tips.
Car safety. Carseats. Boosters. Carseat boosters. Oh yeah. It's a whole new world in safety seats for parents. Gone are the days when my mom would tie my little brother to his carseat (he was such the escape artist), while my older, six-year-old sister giggled from the front seat. Yep, we have a whole new set of rules these days, but as I'll tell you on January 30, there's good reason for all the new laws.
So check back this month for in-depth tips on keeping the kids safe. We shouldn't live in fear, but as parents, we can be smart. And finally, having just messed with a round of the flu, I would like to mention this statistic from the National Center for Health Statistics: "During 2007–2010, emergency department visits by children resulting in hospital admission were more likely to be related to illness (78%) than injury (22%)."
So wash those kiddies' hands. And yours too.
Happy Safe Year!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
My Happy New Year wishlist
This new year, 2014, marks my third year as an Edmond mom. And while I can't boast any Parent of the Year awards or children who read in Spanish by age three, I do know a little something about keeping my head above water as a mama of two munchkins who are quickly learning how to make me march to their cute little off-key tunes.
So, in thinking about New Year's resolutions and becoming an improved version of myself, I realized that I will always do my best at parenting, but that I can always do better. Okay, so maybe you have a house any germaphobe would be proud of, or your kids always say "please" and "thank you" with the most gracious of smiles. Or maybe Martha Stewart calls you for cooking, decorating, and craft advice. I'm sending a round of applause your way. Really. But what about the rest of us? What small changes can we make to be even better examples to our kids and teach them the things that school can't?
Here's a few, unscientific ideas...
Learn more. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Aquarium with my three-year-old. The result? We now have discussions about whale sharks, nocturnal animals, aquatic feeding habits, octopus ink, and why we would never want to touch jellyfish (even though they're very pretty).
Lesson here? I'm not my daughter's classroom teacher, but as a parent, I get the very cool job of taking her places that will make learning not only fun, but so experiential that she's likely to remember that Beluga whales swim in very cold water and alligators are sometimes albino. Cool.
Read more. Everyone rolls their eyes at me on this one. Whatever. There's plenty of research that points to the overwhelmingly positive link between reading and success in school, college, and life. And if you look at some of the most successful Americans, they've been inspired to greatness by what they've read. So there (insert sticking out of tongue).
And really, I'm not just saying this because I'm a writer, but you should read with your kids. And your kids should spend time reading. And you should spend time reading, because children model the behaviors of their parents (just ask my daughter, who now has road rage at age three because of my stellar example). Point made.
Give more. Generosity is a hallmark of the American spirit, didn't you know? I realize we complain about foreign aid and other countries hating us anyway and blah, blah, blah. But if you believe in karma or blessings or in being a better person, remember that no one was ever criticized for giving too much. And Edmond abounds with charities, where not only money, but food items, clothing, and time are in short supply. And how much will your own heart be touched when you see your child respond to others with a spirit of generosity and kindness?
Play more. We have parks in Edmond. An ice rink. Bowling alleys. Water parks. If it's snowing outside, build a blanket fort or have a snowball fight. Do not just sit on the sofa and watch Honey Boo Boo. You are throwing your life down the garbage disposal. Get out with your kids and live it up!
Share more. And finally, go beyond giving to the stranger. Now's the time, more than ever, to patch things up with family, reconnect with a friend, or spend some time with someone who may not have much time left. Work will always be there. Candy Crush and your IPad aren't going anywhere either.
I've lost several dear people this year, and in this new year, I know one thing for certain: Life is too short not to be a people person. Make playdates and social gatherings a priority. Believe me, those kids won't suffer for it. If anything, you might actually have that shot at Parent of the Year.
Happy New Year!
So, in thinking about New Year's resolutions and becoming an improved version of myself, I realized that I will always do my best at parenting, but that I can always do better. Okay, so maybe you have a house any germaphobe would be proud of, or your kids always say "please" and "thank you" with the most gracious of smiles. Or maybe Martha Stewart calls you for cooking, decorating, and craft advice. I'm sending a round of applause your way. Really. But what about the rest of us? What small changes can we make to be even better examples to our kids and teach them the things that school can't?
Here's a few, unscientific ideas...
Learn more. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Aquarium with my three-year-old. The result? We now have discussions about whale sharks, nocturnal animals, aquatic feeding habits, octopus ink, and why we would never want to touch jellyfish (even though they're very pretty).
Lesson here? I'm not my daughter's classroom teacher, but as a parent, I get the very cool job of taking her places that will make learning not only fun, but so experiential that she's likely to remember that Beluga whales swim in very cold water and alligators are sometimes albino. Cool.
Read more. Everyone rolls their eyes at me on this one. Whatever. There's plenty of research that points to the overwhelmingly positive link between reading and success in school, college, and life. And if you look at some of the most successful Americans, they've been inspired to greatness by what they've read. So there (insert sticking out of tongue).
And really, I'm not just saying this because I'm a writer, but you should read with your kids. And your kids should spend time reading. And you should spend time reading, because children model the behaviors of their parents (just ask my daughter, who now has road rage at age three because of my stellar example). Point made.
Give more. Generosity is a hallmark of the American spirit, didn't you know? I realize we complain about foreign aid and other countries hating us anyway and blah, blah, blah. But if you believe in karma or blessings or in being a better person, remember that no one was ever criticized for giving too much. And Edmond abounds with charities, where not only money, but food items, clothing, and time are in short supply. And how much will your own heart be touched when you see your child respond to others with a spirit of generosity and kindness?
Play more. We have parks in Edmond. An ice rink. Bowling alleys. Water parks. If it's snowing outside, build a blanket fort or have a snowball fight. Do not just sit on the sofa and watch Honey Boo Boo. You are throwing your life down the garbage disposal. Get out with your kids and live it up!
Share more. And finally, go beyond giving to the stranger. Now's the time, more than ever, to patch things up with family, reconnect with a friend, or spend some time with someone who may not have much time left. Work will always be there. Candy Crush and your IPad aren't going anywhere either.
I've lost several dear people this year, and in this new year, I know one thing for certain: Life is too short not to be a people person. Make playdates and social gatherings a priority. Believe me, those kids won't suffer for it. If anything, you might actually have that shot at Parent of the Year.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
So this is Christmas - Cue the family time (and hugging, hair-pulling, teeth-gritting, etc. etc.)
I really like my family. I really like my husband's family.
Look, I'm not trying to get brownie points right before Christmas (although I'm
cool with that). I just really want my family to know I like them before I
launch into what I'm about to say.
Family time is awesome. Family time is also a time where you wonder if God created family as a way to answer your prayers for patience. I mean, when you spend time with the same people, year after year, sometimes they get a little too honest, a little too nosy, a little too opinionated...you get the picture. For me, although I'm a fun-loving, outgoing, confident mama of two little ones, when I get back in my family structure, I somehow sink back into my middle-child syndrome. And my very cool brother and sister can still stoke my temper in a matter of seconds. Seconds, people. It's just too easy.
But for the most part, I don't have anyone I wouldn't want to see during the holidays. No "Cousin Eddie" in my family (you know, the RV nutcase on the classic Christmas Vacation). However, I know that spending time with certain family--and friends--can often be a challenge, and so I took the opportunity to chat with Jackie Shaw, a licensed therapist and Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling. She emphasized the need for having realistic expectations when it comes to dealing with some family members. Here's just some of her rock-solid advice that will keep you from drowning your sorrows in the holiday nog...
Family time is awesome. Family time is also a time where you wonder if God created family as a way to answer your prayers for patience. I mean, when you spend time with the same people, year after year, sometimes they get a little too honest, a little too nosy, a little too opinionated...you get the picture. For me, although I'm a fun-loving, outgoing, confident mama of two little ones, when I get back in my family structure, I somehow sink back into my middle-child syndrome. And my very cool brother and sister can still stoke my temper in a matter of seconds. Seconds, people. It's just too easy.
But for the most part, I don't have anyone I wouldn't want to see during the holidays. No "Cousin Eddie" in my family (you know, the RV nutcase on the classic Christmas Vacation). However, I know that spending time with certain family--and friends--can often be a challenge, and so I took the opportunity to chat with Jackie Shaw, a licensed therapist and Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling. She emphasized the need for having realistic expectations when it comes to dealing with some family members. Here's just some of her rock-solid advice that will keep you from drowning your sorrows in the holiday nog...
•Have a plan. You may have known a family member for some
time and are aware of triggers--sensitive areas that are dangerous for you or
others. Be sure to have some “practiced
responses” that are neutral, as well as a strategy for exiting the scene, if needed. Remind yourself that this is for a limited
time; knowing there is an end in sight is helpful.
•Put on some extra-thick skin. When a difficult family
member lashes out at you, remember that it is not the you in the present he or
she is talking about. In fact, he
or she may not be talking about you at all! Taking comments personally makes you easy
prey; if you can manage to not take the barrage personally, you rise above it
and are immune.
•If you can't say something nice... Take time to stop and
think before you speak. Is it possible
to take a “time out” when you feel less than joyous? Do consider the age, background, health, etc.
of your guest or guests. Sometimes just
being silent is the greatest gift, and it may save hurt, apologies, and
regrets.
And finally, Shaw encourages you to think about why you
feel the need to participate in certain family activities and to look at the
reasons you may dread doing so. At the
end of the day, we should be celebrating this beautiful season and appreciating
family as we can. And then we have to let it go.
Because, even if you have a Grinch at your gathering,
remember this:
“Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, was
singing! Without any presents at
all! He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!” Thursday, December 12, 2013
When your home is alone...a few take aways from a classic Christmas movie...
In my last post, I discussed three of my most favorite classic (and funny) Christmas movies. To be honest (and most people think I'm crazy), my most favorite of them all is Home Alone. And you say, "Really?" And I say, "Yes." Nothing gets me more revved up about Christmas than watching Kevin set the traps for the burglars to the dramatic "Carol of the Bells."
I know. Its weird. Whatever.
But something about that movie has stuck with me through the years, and I'm not just talking about the crook "Marv" with a giant tarantula on his face. The thing is, when you travel during the holidays, you've got to make sure your house isn't a sitting duck.
So I had the opportunity to chat with Lewis Long, Vice President of Marketing Communications for ADT. Here's just some of the rock solid advice he gave for those who will be away from home on or around the holidays...
Top tips for keeping your home safe year-around, and especially during the holidays:
And a few holiday-specific items:
Well then! All I have to do is find my pointy Christmas ornaments to put underneath the window. Just kidding. I'll be home for Christmas.
I know. Its weird. Whatever.
So I had the opportunity to chat with Lewis Long, Vice President of Marketing Communications for ADT. Here's just some of the rock solid advice he gave for those who will be away from home on or around the holidays...
Top tips for keeping your home safe year-around, and especially during the holidays:
- Lock your doors even when you are gone for a brief amount of time. A large percentage of burglaries happen during the day, so homeowners should secure doors and windows every time they leave their home.
- Be proactive about keeping your home safe by checking smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month. A quick test of life-safety devices can keep families safe from potential danger.
- Keep hedges and bushes around your home trimmed, so burglars don’t have places to hide.
- Sign up with 24/7 active monitoring from a security provider to ensure you and your home are safe at all times – whether you're asleep or away from home. In the event of an emergency situation, such as a break-in or fire, your system will immediately notify your security provider and within seconds, the appropriate emergency services will be contacted and dispatched to your home.
- Position all holiday trees away from furnaces and doorways so they do not present a hazard in the home.
- Never leave lit candles unattended and consider flameless candles as an alternative.
- Remember that dry holiday trees can become a fire hazard when decorated with holiday lights. Water your tree daily to keep it properly hydrated and safe.
- Inspect tree lights for damage before hanging them. Also, avoid leaving your tree lights on when the home is vacant, as they could become a fire hazard when overheated.
And finally...
- Be careful about what you post on social media if you are travelling for the holidays. Burglars can use posts on Twitter or Facebook to determine when you’ll be away.
Well then! All I have to do is find my pointy Christmas ornaments to put underneath the window. Just kidding. I'll be home for Christmas.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
This Christmas - Three favorite films with hidden messages
Yes, I'll admit it. I have a problem.
I am a Christmas movie-aholic.
Give me a little Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman, and you'll find me teary before you finish singing "So he waved goodbye, saying don't you cry, I'll be back again someday." Classic.
But I've got some new favorite Christmas fare, now that I'm a grownup and have learned that the holiday season should be dealt with a degree of humor, if you're going to deal with it at all. So thanks to the talents of Chevy Chase, Macaulay Culkin, and Peter Billingsley (better known as "Ralphie"), I follow up a round of Frosty with cheerful thoughts of 250 strands of lights.
If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, then you need to get your TV watching on this Christmas. Because these three classic holiday movies not only will have you giggling to the tune of "Jingle Bells," but will also bring up some holiday matters of importance.
Home Alone - and the cold hard facts about home security. When the mice are away, the cats will play. Or something like that. Anyway, watch the first few minutes of this movie, and even the humor won't shake away those creepy vibes from the soon-to-be villains. The takeaway lesson from this gem is this: when you're leaving your home during the holidays, get serious about security (unless you really have enough toy cars, pointy ornaments, and a tarantula to effectively defend your home, like Kevin does).
And be smart! Lewis Long, Vice President of Marking Communications at ADT, says this: "Be careful about what you post on social media if you are travelling for the holidays. Burglars can use posts on Twitter or Facebook to determine when you’ll be away."
A Christmas Story - and the hunt for the perfect toy. My husband had to coerce me into watching this movie all the way through, and even though I threated one episode of Downtown Abbey in return, I had to admit this movie has plenty to like. Also, it reminded me that finding the perfect toy for any kid is not only a challenge, but a task that might take a little outside-the-box thinking.
Kids change so fast. I mean, hey, they're kids. But according to Becky Scharf, Director of Stepping Stone Mother's Day Out and Edmond mom of four young children, you can succeed with a little effort. "When selecting a toy for a friend or family member, I try to pick something that is not going to add too much clutter or noise to their house! I also like to pick toys that they won't quickly outgrow and that can be used in different ways or foster imagination and grow with the child."
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - and finally, what to do with the family member from well, you know... You can't pick your family. You get what you get. But that doesn't always mean you like them all that much. (BTW, I love all of mine...wink, wink.) However, the holidays are the time of year when we are often thrown together with the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. Maybe you don't have a cousin "Eddie"; then again, you just might.
What to do with an especially difficult person, who may be staying with you for a few hours or even days? Jackie Shaw, a licensed therapist and Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling, suggests the following: "Make sure you have realistic expectations and a support system for yourself, both inside and outside of YOU! When the difficult relative lashes out at you, remember that it is not the you in the present he/she is talking to or about. If you can manage to not take the barrage personally, you rise above it and are immune."
I am a Christmas movie-aholic.
Give me a little Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman, and you'll find me teary before you finish singing "So he waved goodbye, saying don't you cry, I'll be back again someday." Classic.
But I've got some new favorite Christmas fare, now that I'm a grownup and have learned that the holiday season should be dealt with a degree of humor, if you're going to deal with it at all. So thanks to the talents of Chevy Chase, Macaulay Culkin, and Peter Billingsley (better known as "Ralphie"), I follow up a round of Frosty with cheerful thoughts of 250 strands of lights.
If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, then you need to get your TV watching on this Christmas. Because these three classic holiday movies not only will have you giggling to the tune of "Jingle Bells," but will also bring up some holiday matters of importance.
Home Alone - and the cold hard facts about home security. When the mice are away, the cats will play. Or something like that. Anyway, watch the first few minutes of this movie, and even the humor won't shake away those creepy vibes from the soon-to-be villains. The takeaway lesson from this gem is this: when you're leaving your home during the holidays, get serious about security (unless you really have enough toy cars, pointy ornaments, and a tarantula to effectively defend your home, like Kevin does).
And be smart! Lewis Long, Vice President of Marking Communications at ADT, says this: "Be careful about what you post on social media if you are travelling for the holidays. Burglars can use posts on Twitter or Facebook to determine when you’ll be away."
A Christmas Story - and the hunt for the perfect toy. My husband had to coerce me into watching this movie all the way through, and even though I threated one episode of Downtown Abbey in return, I had to admit this movie has plenty to like. Also, it reminded me that finding the perfect toy for any kid is not only a challenge, but a task that might take a little outside-the-box thinking.
Kids change so fast. I mean, hey, they're kids. But according to Becky Scharf, Director of Stepping Stone Mother's Day Out and Edmond mom of four young children, you can succeed with a little effort. "When selecting a toy for a friend or family member, I try to pick something that is not going to add too much clutter or noise to their house! I also like to pick toys that they won't quickly outgrow and that can be used in different ways or foster imagination and grow with the child."
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - and finally, what to do with the family member from well, you know... You can't pick your family. You get what you get. But that doesn't always mean you like them all that much. (BTW, I love all of mine...wink, wink.) However, the holidays are the time of year when we are often thrown together with the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly. Maybe you don't have a cousin "Eddie"; then again, you just might.
What to do with an especially difficult person, who may be staying with you for a few hours or even days? Jackie Shaw, a licensed therapist and Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling, suggests the following: "Make sure you have realistic expectations and a support system for yourself, both inside and outside of YOU! When the difficult relative lashes out at you, remember that it is not the you in the present he/she is talking to or about. If you can manage to not take the barrage personally, you rise above it and are immune."
Words that
have me singing a little more fa-la-la-la-la for sure.
And check out next week's blog for more on holiday security:)
And check out next week's blog for more on holiday security:)
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