Comments for MamasOnCall

Comment on What is ‘Attachment Parenting’, and is it too Late? by Sarahs

Sarahs — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:26:23 +0000

Try to remember that a big part of Dr. Sears’ point is not to get so caught up in what ‘baby experts’ recommend that you follow advice ill-suited to your child. (or you) If you’ve read his basic ‘attachment parenting’ book, you’ll note that he makes the case several times that YOU know YOUR baby best BECAUSE of your attachment to your baby, and you should feel confident that you can make good parenting decisions based on your knowledge of your child. His ‘recommended techniques’ are designed to help parents get attached/ get to know their baby and to help them not second guess THEMSELVES when ‘experts’ say ‘do this’ or ‘do that’ as blanket statements for all babies and mothers. You haven’t ‘ruined’ your child if you haven’t needed to follow every little suggestion Dr. Sears gives, and he says as much. Your fine, and a good parent.
:o)

Comment on My Creepy, Nosy Neighbor Won’t Leave Me Alone by Sophie Tucker

Sophie Tucker — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:09:23 +0000

Is it possible to just take these people aside, say “we need to talk”, and then just lay it on the line? Say, “We enjoy your company, but the family really needs alone time. the kids are getting older and we need time for those spontaneous talks that pop up, or questions that arise when I talk to them, that don’t happen when others are around and I am chatting w/ them. So we are asking all our friends to respect this, and Not Come Over Without An Invitation.” Or, “I am the type of person who really needs Alone Time. Just cause I am alone does not mean I need or want company. Please Don’t Come Over Without An Invitation.”
i went thru something of the same sort, and i know that sometimes these people just don’t get it til you say No to them in every different aspect imaginable. “Well, now that we’ve tried it, we’ve been enjoying our breakfasts alone w/ the kids and finding it a good time to check in with each other. or w/ just us parents- same reason.”

Comment on My Creepy, Nosy Neighbor Won’t Leave Me Alone by Jessie

Jessie — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:24:02 +0000

Whew! Relief to know it’s not just me who feels harassed by such people!

I’ve had such neighbours for a long time (two different households) who could not give me a moment’s privacy! The one neighbour (who I don’t speak to at all any more), used to ‘wander’ into my backyard, pull up a chair and sit down, regardless of who else was there. If she didn’t like the person I was already chatting with, she would remain silent the entire time she was there, leaving everyone else feeling very uncomfortable! I’m thankful we are “on the outs” and I don’t have to bother with her.

Unfortunately, the family who lives next door to her has picked up the obnoxious slack! She is a single mom, with three adult children…but I do believe they are all a ‘little slow’. I was out just today, mowing my lawn and the minute I was finished and sat down on the front steps, one of them was on the way over, followed by the mom. I was asked if I “had fun mowing the lawn” as they walked across the street. I said yes and got up and went in the house – infuriated – I just wanted to rest for 5 damn minutes on my own front step, without being bothered.

I have been outside weeding my garden, reading a paper, playing with my children, washing my car, talking on the phone, visiting with my next door neighbour….none of that matters….they will march right on over anyway and interrupt whatever it is I’m doing because they don’t have a clue! Sometimes the entire family comes over within minutes of me being outside. One day, as I was chatting with my next-door neighbour, the ‘mom’ came over and stood there, listening to our conversation. Completely ignoring her had no effect as she butted-in and said “I just wanna ask you something when you’re done”. I had to cut short my visit with someone I actually do like in order to accommodate this nuisance’s question. And then they never leave unless I get up and say I have to get going. It wouldn’t be so exhausting if it didn’t happen EVERY SINGLE TIME I go outside! I have, many times, gone into my house when I see them coming out their door, but nothing appears to give them the hint that I’m not interested in their company just because I’m outside.

Sometimes I get soooo mad at them I could scream! I have, in the past, invited them over for bbqs or a cup of tea…just trying to be friendly, but I’m a private person, with two young children to raise on my own and I don’t really have time to entertain grown-ups who have nothing better to do than hang-out on my front step! I’m a peace-loving person – don’t like friction and will avoid it at all cost and I really don’t know what to say (hints don’t work) that would diplomatically provide them with an understanding that they are driving a wedge between our neighbourly-ness. I know I will feel much worse than they will if I say something to them!

I don’t know if I’m just too wishy-washy and get taken advantage of by people….or if they are just that dumb and clueless about their ignorance….or if it’s a total lack of respect for me, or what?
Anyway, I feel better now that I’ve vented! Thanks! lol

Comment on DAILY FIND: U.S. Circumcision Rates Falling by Lori

Lori — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:08:32 +0000

Lady Diana refused to allow her sons, Prince William and his younger brother Harry, to undergo the procedure. Her husband, Prince Charles, was for some reason. The circumcision rate in the UK is less than 1% currently. In the Pacific Northwestern states here in America, less than 20% of infants are getting the cut. The less the better, knives and baby genitals don’t mix too well. They never did.

Comment on My Creepy, Nosy Neighbor Won’t Leave Me Alone by Joanne

Joanne — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:48:13 +0000

It seems such a shame that people cannot simply be courtious anymore. Popping by on the offchance that a friend is there is one thing, but it seems like the neighbours are simply smothering you all. I would have the mother(s) over and speak to her frankly, saying something like “I do not wish to cause upset but this is upsetting me so i feel i need to explain about our need for privacy here”. Try and explain that by simply popping round or constantly ringing it is not intentially building a friendship with that neighbour but putting you off from them. Everyone needs space to themselves or indeed a time where they can just do what they feel like, without the stress of worrying whos turning up midway or inviting themselves round at all hours. Im a kind person and will help anyone ladies but if you dont stand up for yourself and your time this will drive you mad until eventually you will lose your temper with them. Life has taught me not matter how many hints you leave some people just have to be told straight.
Good luck!

Comment on “Food” Advertising: Their Tricks Are For Kids by Sue Carney

Sue Carney — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:52:40 +0000

I linked to this piece from my fb page, “How Marketers Target Teens, Why It’s Not Cool, and What You Can Do About It.” (we tackle shameless ploys against kids sometimes, too.) You really hit the nail on the head. Very few people see what’s wrong with licensed characters hawking unhealthy food. Great piece!

Comment on What is ‘Attachment Parenting’, and is it too Late? by Hannah Nedrow

Hannah Nedrow — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:27:21 +0000

I couldn’t agree more: “There is NO single best way to parent.”

My son was in a crib for awhile and them he and I moved to the floor, where we both slept on a mat. He didn’t seem to care either way.

I breastfed him until age 23 months, but I also sent him to preschool very early. He is extremely extroverted and has never had any problems with attachment.

That’s what worked for us, and whatever works for other parents is their own business.

Comment on Speak Softly by Hannah Nedrow

Hannah Nedrow — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:23:23 +0000

Lovely site and thanks for reminding me that yelling is counterproductive.

Off to start my seven-day no-yelling pact.

Comment on What is ‘Attachment Parenting’, and is it too Late? by Lindsey Whitney

Lindsey Whitney — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:09:52 +0000

I’m a pretty big advocate of attachment parenting, but I certainly don’t think you’ve done any damage to your daughter by putting her in a crib. Certainly attachment parenting is much harder for working moms (which is part of the appeal of co-sleeping for some… it’s a time to reconnect). I personally can’t sleep well with the baby in the bed with me, so she’s slept separate from the beginning. She’s still well attached and very happy. Just be sure that you’re responding to your little girls needs… comfort her when she’s crying, don’t try to make her “tough it out”, and play often together — when it sounds like you’re already doing! Keep it up, and don’t worry about nosy Mom in playgroup.

Comment on They STOLE Our Son’s Name! by Jfever

Jfever — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:56:21 +0000

This happened to my friends too, except they live Very close. The gal with the older boy was steamed for a while, then just (kinda) let it go. The older child’s mom talked to a neutral third party (me) but never the name-grabber.

At least I know what NOT to name a son…