Grandparenting

My mom, aka Grandma Sylvie, inspires me and has encouraged my writing ever since I was a little girl. She was the one who told me about the Examiner and told me to apply. I got accepted within a week and have been having a great time writing for them - and making money!

I asked her to put some guest posts together for me so that I can have a grandparent's voice and wisdom of her years of parenting experience to share and include here. She's awesome and continues to inspire me with everything she says and does. Here's her latest:

I worked the gift shop (volunteer work) yesterday and saw a good idea for me to start journaling again. I haven't journaled for about 10 years or longer.

There was a book there called "Simplicity Journal." On each page were the words: Happy, Funny, Heart, Good, Challenge, Learned, and Other Thoughts with enough space next to each word to write one word to a short paragraph.

My words for today are:

Happy- I am happy that Hip_M0M called me while on her road trip. It was good to talk to her and hear her voice.

Healthy- I took a walk and walked farther than planned. I saw an old man getting his mail and he told me to keep walking. He wished he could walk but can't. It is amazing how a few words of encouragement can make this 58-year-old body move.

Hip- I play my favorite music. Right now I am listening to the soundtrack of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Grandparenting- I look at the grandsons' photos and pray that they are happy and safe.

Take care and keep smiling.

Top 100 Healthy Mom Blogs

How do you define healthy?

When I first created my blog, I wanted to make sure I was covering topics on financial health, emotional health, spiritual health, physical health and sexual health. Am I forgetting anything?

I received an email this morning alerting me about the fact that my blog (Check out this site to learn how to not only be a healthy mom but to be totally hip while doing it.) is included on the Top 100 Healthy Mom Blogs list published by RN Central.

Also included were a few blogger friends that I am honored to be listed alongside, such as Single Mom Seeking, Momlogic, Foodmomiac, 5 Minutes for Mom, Empowering Parents, and of course, many more.

What sites or blogs do you think should've been included in this list?

How Healthy Are You?

If you're anything like me, you make sure your child is taken care of, setting up doctor's appointments in a timely manner and take him to the doctor when his fever is high, his cough lingers too long or something just doesn't seem right.

If you're anything like me, you haven't been to the doctor yourself for quite some time. So, how do you know if you're healthy then? What preventative measures can you take to make sure you remain strong and healthy so you can continue to take care of your child?

With a better general awareness of health, fitness, and nutrition, many people may feel that they are staying on track in doing what they need to in order to stay healthy. If you would like to see how you measure up, then take a few online quizzes and tests to see what you know and learn how you can keep yourself healthy and fit.

With categories including women’s health, men’s health, children’s and teen health, specific health issues, fitness, nutrition, and more, you will find plenty of quizzes to ensure you are on the right track with you and your family’s health. Remember, though, that these quizzes never substitute for a visit to your doctor.

The Easiest Way to Learn

by Steve Goodier

A true story points to a universal truth about human beings: we learn best by watching how others behave.

President Calvin Coolidge once invited friends from his hometown to dine with him at the White House. Unsure of their table manners, the guests decided to imitate the presi­dent. They watched closely to see which utensils he used, what foods he ate and when.Their strategy seemed to succeed until coffee was served. Coolidge poured some coffee into his saucer. They did the same. He added sugar and cream. His guests did, too. Then the president bent over and put his saucer on the floor for the cat!

Like Coolidge's hometown guests, we, too, seem to learn best by imitation. Kids learn by ob­serving parents when they are young, and by copying their peers as they grow older. In fact, parents should probably be less concerned about whether their children are paying attention to them and more worried about the fact that their kids are ALWAYS watching.

They tell us that adults learn in much the same way. If you're struggling with your computer or want to learn to drive a car, you will be more successful if you have someone show you how to do it. You can always read the operator's manual and try to figure everything out yourself, but you will learn best by watching others and asking questions.

What if you want to become more self-confident, to organize your life, to be a better parent or to get along better with others? Again, we're told that the best way to learn these skills and attitudes is to find somebody who already is confident, or who is an effective parent or who has healthy attitudes and then mimic the traits you want to adopt. It is the easiest and quickest way to shape your life.

Just about ANY personality trait or skill can be learned: simply find it in someone you know and copy it. Then watch what happens.

A New Chapter

1. Where did you begin 2008?
I honestly don't remember. Home with my son?

2. What was your status by Valentine's Day?
In a relationship with a long-distance love.

3. Were you in school (anytime this year)?
I teach...does that count?

4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
I had to take a co-worker on an out-of-state business trip (what an story that was)!

5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
Yep. I was pulled over for speeding on my way to work one morning.

6. Where did you go on vacation?

I went snowboarding with my man at Keystone in early 2008, met him in Vegas for a weekend rendezvous. (Gosh, when was that?)

7. What did you purchase that was over $500?
Many items that added up (or exceeded) that amount but not any one thing.

8. Did you know anybody who got married?
Yep! I attended two weddings this year and another dear friend just got married in Mexico!

9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes. My grandma died just before Christmas.

10. Did you move anywhere?
Nope.

11. What sporting events did you attend?
None.

12. What concerts/shows did you go to?

I had a date who took me to hear live music and I also took my son to see The Grinch at the Old Globe Theatre.

13. Where do you live now?
San Diego

14. What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Have to start looking for another job.

15. What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
Laughing with my son, attending my friend's weddings, working with amazing families and spending time with loved ones.

16. What's something you learned about yourself?

I'm stronger than I knew, happier than I thought I could be, and I'm a damn good mom.

17. Any new additions to your family?
Yes, my nephew was born in late June.

18. What was your best month?

The last two months since I didn't have to travel or be away from my son for an extended period of time.

19. What music will you remember 2008 by?
That silly Madagascar song that my son sings while shaking his booty.

20. Made new friends?

Yes, there are a lot of great parents and people that work at my son's school that I'm glad to know, along with many great online contacts I've made - all of whom continue to inspire me and help me grow.

21. Favorite Night[s] out?

I dressed up for Halloween for the first time in my adult life. That was fun and I hope to do it again!

22. Any regrets?
No.

23. What do you want to change in 2009?
To take my son on a real vacation and get my butt back in shape!

24. Overall, how would you rate this year on a scale of 1-10?
I'd have to say 9...2009 will be a definite 10!

25. What would you change about 2008?
Not a thing.

26. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
On an airplane, hotel room, or in my car!

26. Have any life changes in 2008?
Nothing drastic in my life, although the Presidential campaign rocked my world and moved me in ways that I never expected.

27. Change your hairstyle?
No, but I'm thinking I need to!

28. Get a new job?
No, but am starting to look.

29. Do you have a New Year's resolution?
To get in shape and take my son on a real vacation.

30. Did anything embarrassing?
No...it takes a lot for me to get embarrassed.

31. Buy anything new from eBay?
No, I don't shop on eBay.

32. What was/were your favorite purchase?
My new jeans.

33. Get married or divorced?
No.

34. Get arrested?
Riiiight.

35. Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
Never seen it!

36. Did you get sick this year?
I had a 24-hour flu but nothing major (knocking on wood).

37. Start a new hobby?
No, but I'm training for a new certification.

38. Been snowboarding?
Earlier in the year, not since this last snowfall.

39. Are you happy to see 2008 go?
No.

40. Drank Starbucks in 2008?
Who didn't?

I hope everyone has a Happy Healthy Hip New Year!

What Makes Sarah a Happy Healthy Hip Parent

Sarah is a single mom who I recently connected with on Facebook. We're both members of the Single Parents Connection group which is a great place to find support and like-minded individuals who truly know and understand the challenges of raising a family solo.

Sarah is the mother of a young girl named ZZ (no periods, not short for anything). She recently turned 3 and she and Sarah play by their own rules. Here's what Sarah had to say about her experience as a mom and finding the balance between work & family.

I am the Evaluation and Contract Manager for First 5 Napa County. I was lucky to find this position that only requires 20 hours a week. Because First 5 was created on the premise that the first 5 years of life are the most valuable developmentally, they are more than accommodating of my schedule and needs as a single mom of a 3 year old. I brought my daughter to the job interview! Since then she has accompanied me to conferences, meetings, and site visits!

What makes you happy, as a parent?

The birthday cakes I receive each morning, carefully created and handcrafted by my 3 year old. I receive the cake, candy and the Happy Birthday song every morning in bed (the cake is usually stars she pulled from a skirt, erasers, and beads)!

When my daughter will stop whatever she’s doing and exclaim, “Mama, Mama- can I tell you something?” I then say, “Yes.” She promptly tells me, “I love you.” My heart melts.


Walking around with stickers on my cheeks and a tiara on my head!

What’s the healthiest thing about your relationship with your daughter?

She and I play by our own rules. When my husband of 10 ½ years left, ZZ was only 8 months old and my world fell apart. Two and half years later I am grateful he gave me the opportunity to be a single mom. It has freed me up to live how I want to live! And that means ZZ and I play by our own rules!

When ZZ wakes up in the middle of the night she is ALWAYS welcome in my bed! We dance, hula hoop in our kitchen, jump on the bed, have Gak fights in the house with the neighbor boys, collect nature “treasures” (leaves, etc.) and bring them inside, leave the house in princess dresses, tiaras and sparkles on our cheeks!
Who cares what others think? We don’t! Oh yeah, and our 70 pound Siberian Husky, Marble, spends each morning in bed with us!

Kids say the cutest things. What is the funniest story you recall about ZZ?

ZZ has been asking me about my own mother quite a lot lately. She died about 10 years ago from cancer. I’ve been struggling with how to explain death to her keeping my own Buddhist beliefs present in the explanation.

Recently I was telling her that bodies eventually stop working and that people die, like my mother, that their spirits carry on but that we can’t be with them in the same way at this time. Her response was so sweet. She told me, “We better get your mommy a new body. Mama, you will hold your mommy’s head and I will fix a new body for her. Then we can know your mommy.”

What is your proudest parenting moment?

We were going to a birthday party recently where Cinderella was going to make an appearance. ZZ is obsessed with princesses right now. A friend asked ZZ who was going to be at the party. Her reply, “My mommy.”

What is your biggest parenting challenge?

Accepting that I won’t always “get things done.” I used to be someone who accomplished things, but now I sometimes spend hours just trying to get out of the house! Being a single parent - I struggle if I get sick or am just plain tired. I don’t have the same back-up which at times can be brutal.

What’s your favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Kelly’s No Bad Days Café, Napa, CA

What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with your daughter?

By far it’s going to the beach. My father, sister and I all surf. The beach is a very important place for us as a family. A family that surfs together, stays together!

What advice would you give to new or expecting parents?

Remove all expectations of yourself and your child.

Who or where do you go to for parenting advice?

I go to other single parents. I believe we have different needs and expectations of ourselves. It’s tough and we need to keep it realistic.

How would ZZ describe you?

She’d say mom participates, engages, plays, is honest and loves to kiss and snuggle!

Sarah and ZZ inspire me. Knowing that there's two child-like individuals out there dancing and leaving the house in princess attire is what makes this world such a special place. I think it could be said of most single parents but we tend to expect our children to have a bit more responsibility at an early age, which is why it's that much more important to us to allow our children (and ourselves) that time to just be children - silly, brave, proud, brilliant and curious.

I'm pleased to have met so many wonderful individuals - even if it has just been on line - and I encourage you to go out and explore your neighborhood and community for parents that you might not otherwise meet. Regardless of whether or not your children will get along, or are the same age, parents need other parents and you'd be surprised at just how much you will grow from having another experienced mom or dad to share a drink with or go to for advice.

And if you're not very outgoing, don't have time to socialize or simply can't imagine letting someone else into your life, meeting people online is another way to vent, express your opinions or learn from others. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their lives and experiences here with the series of parent profiles. I'll be sharing my answers to these same questions shortly.

What Makes Carla a Happy Healthy Hip Parent

I met Carla through our Single Parents Connection on Facebook. She’s a single mother of three. Her oldest, Bud, is 13. Kaitybug is 11 and Miss E is 6.

Like many single parents, Carla works numerous jobs. She is a substitute teacher, an on-air talent for Froggy 106.7 and a Recovery Coordinator for her church.

Carla took some time out of her hectic schedule to talk about what makes her a happy, healthy, hip parent.

1) What makes you happy, as a parent (besides when your kids finally fall asleep)?

As a single mom I’m not ashamed to admit it’s having a night off!

2) What’s the healthiest thing about your relationship with your children?

I let them feel what they feel. I was taught “cry today, get up tomorrow,” but I want my kids to know that it’s ok to have a bad day. I want them to live life instead of plowing through it.

3) Kids say the cutest things. What is the funniest story you recall about each of your children?

Miss E. is the comedian of the family but her most recent funny moment was this Halloween. She was a bee… “so I can sting the boys.”

When Bud was in sixth grade we started talking about his future and how to achieve his goals. He wanted to get online and look at colleges so I showed him how; five minutes went by and I heard “Mom I’ve found the college for me!” I asked how he knew it was the one to which he replied, “Because it has two floors in the cafeteria!” I was quickly reminded that he’s still very much a kid.

Kaitybug likes to tell on me. I got pulled over by a police officer for speeding and while he was standing at the window asking for my information she piped up and said “Hey Mom, does he know you ran that red light too?”

4) What is your biggest parenting challenge?

Crawling into bed at night and not having someone there to fall into.

5) What’s your favorite family-friendly restaurant (name and city, please).

Casa Mare in Fort Wayne, IN.

6) What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with your children?

It’s different with each of them…I love when I put Miss E. to bed and we say our prayers. She is truly selfless in those moments. With Kaitybug she and I are growing closer and I’m watching her become a young lady. I love to listen to her talk about her friends while she helps me cook. And my son…my favorite thing to do with him is take him out to eat alone. I get his full attention and he gets mine. It means a lot to him, which in turn means a lot to me.

7) How would your children describe you?

A few weeks ago we had a meeting at church which my son and I were apart of. We each had assigned seats so he sat at the back of the room and I was at the front. At the beginning of the meeting, we were asked if anyone wanted to share good things going on or blessings in their life. A few people stood up and shared and then my son stood up. He said with a trembling lip, “I am so thankful my mom is my mom. She taught us about God and that changed our life. My mom is my hero.”

My children and I have been through so much in their short time on this Earth and that night he gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, they see my heart above my past. They hear my love above my words. The feel God above the moment.

8) Who or where do you go to for parenting advice?

I have an inner circle of friends that know my heart and know my past. They aren’t afraid to tell me the truth and I have the utmost respect for each of them so I turn to them often. But before any of that, I pray. I simply pray.

9) What advice would you give to new or expecting parents?

Your job is to be their parent not their friend.

10) What is your proudest parenting moment?

When someone tells me how much they enjoy being around my kids, not because of my parenting but because of the people they are…I think my kids are awesome and love to hear when others see them that way too!

Carla is an inspiration to all parents and I truly believe that her kids are the wonderful people they are because of her. Children learn by example, and through hard work, discipline and balancing work and family successfully, Carla’s three children are just as successful; just as happy, healthy and hip.

What Makes Laurel a Happy Healthy Hip Parent

I first connected with Laurel Snyder through Twitter, a social networking site that is both addicting and inspiring. It provides marketers and bloggers with great resources and countless contacts. I'm friends with her on Facebook and follow kidlit bloggers closely, which is how I first discovered her.

Getting to know someone is easy to do when they have children. Simply mention their role as a parent and you'll start to hear stories that tell you everything you need to know about the way they behave, behind closed doors. Laurel is a happy, healthy, hip mom and without meeting her in person, or her children, I can say that based on the answers she provided.

You may know Laurel from the books she's authored: Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains, Inside the Slidy Diner, The Myth of the Single Machines, Half Life, and Daphne and Jim. You can find Laurel's books at your favorite independent bookstore. She's currently working on her second novel.

It's my opinion (and that of most others I know) that all parents are working parents. Laurel does, however, earn a paycheck from her writing, although she admits that the bulk of her income goes to child care. Here's what else Laurel had to say, in her own words:

I write books for kids, and thank my lucky stars I'm able to publish them. It's a blast! Not only do I get to think and dream and get paid, but I also get to do events for children, and bring my kids along!

How many children do you have?

Two, both boys. Mose is 3 and Lewis is about one and half. They're wild men.



What makes you happy, as a parent (besides when your kids finally fall asleep)?

Oh, man. So many things make me happy. But most of all I'm happy when I see them having fun with each other. In the bath or the yard, digging with sticks, or sitting on the couch looking at books, or building a fort with pillows. didn't expect they'd be ready to play together this early, and it is really amazing. Sometimes in the car the older one will start laughing for no reason, and Lew will imitate him and they'll just cackle.

What's the healthiest thing about your relationship with your children?

I'm a believer that the most important thing is that I not be resentful or stressed, so I cut a lot of corners (baths, meals, etc). At least at this point, that feels hugely functional in our house. I'm not ashamed (or secretive about) Cheerios for dinner, or them sleeping in the buff, or sometimes turning on the TV for an hour before preschool, so I can have coffee and listen to NPR. I feel good, and so they feel good. They're VERY relaxed kids.

Kids say the cutest things. What is the funniest story you recall about each of your children?

Oh, recently Mose adopted this imaginary friend named "Little ghost". And one day we were driving in Virginia, and he freaked out and was like, "We left Little Ghost!" So I asked him where we'd left him. And he pointed out the window, to where we just happened to be passing an awesome pumpkin patch full of scarecrows and dogs and all sorts of fun stuff. Convenient, eh? We stopped, and ended up with a ton of cookies and cider. Oy.

Lew isn't very verbal yet, so everything he does is adorable, but it's very hard to describe. I love when he "talks" on the phone. And the minute we get in the car he sings and sings until we stop.

What is your proudest parenting moment?

Is it weird that I can't think of one? I don't really think of it in moments. As a stay-at-home mom, my life feels like a giant wave of routine, but I love it. Maybe that I have driven 12 hours (ATL to Baltimore) and back, by myself, three times, with both kids. I feel like it's something to be proud of that I have two boys under three who can sit and talk and sing and sleep and manage a drive like that together.

What is your biggest parenting challenge?

Balance. Isn't that true for everyone? Finding the moment BEFORE the moment where I get frustrated. Setting aside time for myself, but not skimping on the kids. Being a good mom and also a good woman. And remembering that sometimes you can't do it ALL and you have to ask for help or call it a day.

What's your favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Dakota Blue, in Atlanta. They have baskets full of toys and are just grubby enough. But not too gross. I also love to go to Holy Taco. The only Mexican place I know with brisket tacos, amazing margaritas AND chicken nuggets (or as Mose says, "tikken donuts").

What's your favorite activity you enjoy with your children?

When my husband is home and we're all here together on a Sunday morning, and we read the Times and drink coffee and the boys make a mess with art supplies and we eat sausages and raisin toast off paper plates in the living room. Usually there's some TV involved and nobody showers. It doesn't happen often enough.

What advice would you give to new or expecting parents?

Do all you can to relax. I'm really worried for the Purell mommies who spend all their time researching toxins online and fretting over babysitter reccommendations. I understand the impulse, the desire to keep your kids safe. But you can't protect them from everything, and the end result is often, I fear, messed up kids.

Who or where do you go to for parenting advice?

My mom. My friends. But most of all my gut. I believe in having a pediatrician I trust and leaving medical questions in her hands. After Lew was born I tossed out the books (except the AAP, for 911 moments) and swore to stop the Google searches. We all have instincts and the books tend to get in the way. Online medical and parenting advice is like the "monkeys with typewriters" phenomenon. For every concern, some crazy person online will have guessed correctly, simply because there are 8 trillion crazies online. But you can't spend your life cutting out every food that turns up in a "study." I believe in moderation.

How would your children describe you?

Mose says I'm a goofball.

To learn more about this goofball mom and author, visit her site or those of her publishers: Laurel Snyder
Random House
Ten Speed Press

What Makes Tracy a Happy Healthy Hip Parent

True to my word, I'm highlighting happy, healthy, hip parents over the next few months who may not be famous but who are raising amazing children and celebrating many other successes in their lives.

Facebook has brought me face-to-face with several high school classmates since joining, including Tracy, mother of two. Her son will be turn four in less than a month and her daughter just recently reached her six-month milestone.

Besides being a mom and wife, Tracy works as an Accounting Manager for Bechik Products, Inc., a small mattress supply distributor and manufacturer in Eagan, Minnesota. She also recently started TNT Dancer this year, a one stop shop for all dance necessities. Her goal is to grow this online business, quit her full-time job and spend more time with her children.

I asked Tracy to answer a few questions about her relationship with her children and her role as Mom.

1) What makes you happy, as a parent?

I love watching my children learn. Ryan is writing his name and beginning to read short words. It absolutely fascinates me. He isn’t even four yet! Their little minds just blow me away.

Lea is rolling all over and laughing constantly. No matter what kind of a day I had I know that she will make me smile. Every new action and gesture she makes is amazing. Just seeing my children and receiving hugs makes me very happy.

2) What’s the healthiest thing about your relationship with your children?

My children and I have a great relationship. Ryan and I are constantly laughing and making up new games. Our imaginations run wild and that is not only healthy for him, but it keeps me young.

Lea lights up when I walk into the room. Whenever she is sad and just needs a break, Mommy can always calm her down. Sometimes she just needs a break from Daddy - not everything is a game at 6 months!

3) Kids say the cutest things. What is the funniest story you recall about your children?

Ryan is constantly saying cute things. A few of them are:

“I am handsome, just like a Daddy!”

About his Spider-Man Halloween costume (it had poofy arm muscles and pecks). "I have muscles like Daddy and boobies like Mommy.”

“Mommy, you are my girlfriend.”

Lea just squeals a lot.

4) What is your proudest parenting moment?

When Ryan told me how he spells his name and then wrote it. I was so proud. He loves to learn and I like to think that I have something to do with that.

5) What is your biggest parenting challenge?

My biggest challenge is my physical limitations. I have multiple sclerosis and it can be very challenging to work full-time, take care of my 2 kids at night, and maintain a tidy home. Luckily I get help from my husband around the house and with the kids. My mother is also a huge help.

The challenging part is fatigue and how that makes it even tougher to keep up with an almost four-year-old.

6) What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with your children?

My favorite activity with Ryan is reading. It is relaxing for me and Ryan is starting to learn the words, so very fun for him.

7) How would your children describe you?

I think that Ryan would describe me as a goofball. We are always laughing and singing. Anything to be silly. My Mom was that way with my sister and I. It was great. I am bringing that same smiley outlook to my children.

Lea probably just thinks I'm the lady who changes her, gets food, and smiles a lot.

8) Who or where do you go to for parenting advice?

I go to friends or my Mother for parenting advice. If the questions I have are too technical I do some research on-line or call the doctor.

9) What advice would you give to new or expecting parents?

Enjoy every moment with them because your parents were right…they grow way to fast. Get down to their level and act like a child. Always laugh! They are only little once.

I encourage you to visit the National MS Society and donate an amount that you can afford to help fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

Interview with Yoga Mama

Yesterday afternoon, I was interviewed by Yoga Mama for her podcast which is recorded live each Friday (12:30pm PST). Yoga Mama is also known as LaSara FireFox, MPNLP, a master practitioner and trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), life coach, educator, and professional speaker.

LaSara helps her clients to find balance in their lives, and alignment with their personal and family-held values. She is also a mother of two, a successful author (Sexy Witch, nonfiction/self-help, Llewellyn Worldwide, 2005), and founder and CEO of the Ecstatic Presence Project and Global Family Awakening: an educational, peace and humanitarian family adventure club. She teaches and coaches internationally.

LaSara recently wrote an article entitled Seven Steps to Healthy Communication With Your Kids.

1. Honor your kid's questions with answers.
2. Own your feelings.
3. What isn't said speaks more loudly that what IS.
4. Own your boundaries.
5. Respect your child's boundaries.
6. Respectful, loving touch fosters connection. Stay embodied.
7. The model is the message.
   

Read more about these seven steps or download other articles on LaSara's website and join her every Friday for the Yoga Mama Satsangha weekly podcast.

Five Percent

In every relationship, we should keep in mind that each of us needs to give 110%, that way there is no question of someone not doing their part or pitching in. It's never going to be an equal balance of give and take so even better advice is to not keep track at all. Simply give and you will receive (just as many others from history have said).

If you are looking for ways to give more, keep in mind the 5% rule, suggested by Neil Rosenthal, and based on his experience as a marriage and family therapist:

"...Make sure you hold yourself accountable for doing what you say — consistently — over time. Saying or thinking it isn’t enough. You must do it and then continue doing it. That’s what a happy, healthy, committed love relationship requires of all of us. And it sure beats being in a marriage counselor’s office being guided by someone else to do it."

Neil Rosenthal is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Denver and Boulder, specializing in strengthening intimate relationships.

The Morning After

Last night's party was a great success! It was so wonderful to meet the happy, healthy, hip parents who came out to mingle, celebrate family and enjoy a night out.

I want to give a big thank you to Alicia from Java Mama for her support and help during the drawing last night. The upcoming schedule for parenting workshops that Happy Healthy Hip Parenting offers at Java Mama will be announced soon.

Another thank you goes to Stacey from San Diego Bargain Mama for her support and promotion of the event. Stacey took pictures during the event and will be sharing those with our on line commUNITY shortly! Keep your eyes out for your face to appear.

Finally, a thank you is extended to Christine from The Neighbourhood for providing - and selecting - my attire for last night. She owns a fabulous boutique in University Heights which is a great place for men and women to discover wares from the latest designers. Christine hand selects her inventory and works with each customer to provide them with the perfect fit. She's great. Stop by.

The Airport Lounge was a fantastic venue for the event and we were all treated like First Class passengers so I look forward to heading there again to enjoy more great food and fabulous cocktails. The female DJ was a hit so a few of us took advantage of the dance floor and relieved some stress and worked off the drinks we were enjoying.

I was so pleased that everyone who came walked away with some great prizes. There are still several to be given away, so if you'd like the opportunity to win even more, we're creating an additional chance to win. SUBSCRIBE to this blog OR the weekly Parenting News You Can Use newsletter to be entered for this drawing.

Here are the additional prizes that will be given away:

from eBags.com
5 people will receive coupon codes to use on line

from Kaboost:
a Kaboost Portable Chair Booster

from Seal Press:
one copy of Literary Mama: Reading for the Maternally Inclined,
edited by Andrea J. Buchanan & Amy Hudock

one copy of Andrea J. Buchanan's
Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute of It

one copy of The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide: Field-Tested Strategies for Staying Smart, Sane, and Connected When You're Raising Kids at Home
by Melissa Stanton

5 people will receive a copy of Rebecca Woolf's
Rockabye: From Wild to Child

The biggest prize that was given away last night was the Enrollment (for 2) to the upcoming Parenting Retreat held at the La Jolla Marriott. You can learn more about this weekend course on the Happy Healthy Hip Parenting website or you can simply call or email me with questions and I will be happy to provide you with more details.

Thanks to everyone who joined the celebration last night. The Happy Healthy Hip Happy Hour is destined to become an annual event here in San Diego, and in other cities around the country.

I'm grateful that you have chosen to become a member of the Happy Healthy Hip Parenting commUNITY. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas for next year.

Happy Healthy Hip Happy Hour

Here's the agenda for the Party tonight:

Doors open at The Airport Lounge at 8pm. If you've paid in advance or have been provided with a ticket by a sponsoring company, your name will be on the First Class boarding list. You will need to fill out the information on the boarding pass to receive your drink and food tickets and to be entered into the drawing to win some of the great prizes being given away during the raffle.

With your drink tickets, you will be entitled to choose FREE drinks* from the Happy Healthy Hip Happy Hour menu and you'll be entitled to half price appetizers with your food ticket.

The drawing will begin at 9pm and we will start by giving away the smaller items before getting into the bigger items so be sure to stick around for that! Additional raffle tickets may be purchased for just $10 each. Each raffle ticket purchase will also provide you with 2 additional drink tickets...not bad, right? Everyone will walk away with a Goodie Bag so be sure to pick yours up on the way out.

TICKETS ARE LIMITED so purchase yours BEFORE 6pm!

*Please drink responsibly and designate a driver.

Let's Talk About Sex

Since my son is only four, I haven't felt the need to start worrying - just yet - about the sex talk, but I'm prepared for when the time comes to sit down with him and explain ways in which he can protect himself (and his partner) from not only unwanted pregnancy, but from STDs as well.

Now I'm not going to preach here or share with you my personal beliefs (or experiences) but I will say this: I was a teenager once.

Childhood is much different these days than it was when I was growing up. I'm sure things will change quite a bit more before my son reaches his teen years. Check out this startling new Safe Sex Passport that is meant to be provided to / from partners before sexual activity.

Luckily, there are several resources that will help give him the proper information while allowing him to explore these embarrassing and often-times, difficult questions on his own.

Thanks to the Daily Bedpost, I discovered that today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Now, I realize that unwanted pregnancy is not something anyone (of any age) wants to deal with, but what about preventing STDs. Isn't that something to be even more concerned with?

Here are just a few sites I've discovered that provide factual information and answer questions many people may have:

Planned Parenthood

Smarter Sex

Your Total Health:
Sexual Health Information

SIECUS: Sexuality Information and Education
Council of the United States

Medical Institute for Sexual Health

Sexual Health Network

Coalition for Positive Sexuality

Feminine Box

I Wanna Know

And for parents or adults to share with children:

How to Talk to Your Child About Sex:
It's Best to Start Early, but It's Never Too Late
A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

It's Not the Stork

It's So Amazing

It's Perfectly Normal

Ten Talks Parents Must Have
with their Children about Sex & Character

Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts!

Do something you’ll never forget - book an all-inclusive resort vacation. The advantages to staying at an all-inclusive resort are seemingly endless. Most include meals, beverages, tips, entertainment and activities in the price of the room - allowing you more time to actually relax on vacation and less time figuring the bill. Don't miss #9 - where I'll be traveling this December to celebrate one of my dear friend's wedding!


#1. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive - Cancun, MX
Prime yourself for luxury at the Moon Palace Gold and Spa Resort in Cancun. Guests enjoy gourmet meals, beverages, tours, entertainment, and both land and sea activities. The resort also boasts a signature golf course by Jack Nicklaus and full spa facilities.


#2. Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa - Providenciales, TC
Touting itself as a multi-faceted fantasy world where private bungalows, pools and 12 miles of white sand overlook turquoise water, this resort features fine cuisine, land and sea sports, spa, nightly entertainment and a kid’s club - Pirate Island.



#3. Barcelo Bavaro Beach Hotel All Inclusive - Punta Cana, DO
Escape from the busy world at Barcelo Bavaro Beach Hotel in Punta Cana. This breathtaking hotel’s all-inclusive package offers admission to nightly entertainment, three meals daily at eight of the hotel’s 14 restaurants, complimentary transportation between five of the Bavaro brand hotels and complimentary local beverage and snack service.


#4. Paradisus Palma Real All Inclusive - Higuey, DO
Combining world-class facilities with a Caribbean setting, the Paradisus Palma Real features luxury suites, spa facilities, health center, sea-front pool, a casino, nightly entertainment and remarkable dining. Unlimited green fees and nightly entertainment are included in the all-inclusive package.


#5. Le Blanc Spa Resort All Inclusive - Cancun, MX
Upon arrival at the Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, guests are greeted with a cool drink and washcloth. This adults-only haven allows guests to immerse themselves in the luxury of 24-hour room service, butler service, entertainment, premium drinks, haute cuisine and non-motorized water sports. All taxes and gratuities are included.


#6. Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort All Inclusive - Nuevo Vallarta, MX
Let your worries float away as you indulge at the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Luxurious all-inclusive services include gourmet dining, Pilates, yoga and meditation programs, Aqua bar, tennis and spa services.


#7. The BodyHoliday at LeSPORT All Inclusvie - Cap Estate, LC
Pamper yourself at The BodyHoliday at LeSport in St. Luciathis winter: all-inclusive amenities include dining at hot spots like Tao, fitness classes, Body Treats from the Oasis Spa, and land sports and water sports.


#8. Barcelo Langosta Beach All Inclusive - Tamarindo, CR
Relax and rejuvenate by the crystal waters of Playa Langosta at the Barcelo Langosta Beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where long stretches of white sand beckon. Activities and classes, land sports, unlimited local beverages and buffet-style meals are all part of the resort's all-inclusive program.


#9. Akumal Beach Resort All Inclusive - Riviera Maya, MX
Enjoy daily beachside activities, a welcome cocktail, all meals and local beverages, scuba clinics and more at the beautiful Akumal Beach Resort, located on a one-mile stretch of beach front in the Riviera Maya.


#10. Jolly Beach Resort All Inclusive - St. Johns, AG
Lazy days await at Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua, where you can take advantage of their all-inclusive amenities, including meals and drinks at five restaurants and bars, children's activities, tennis, nightly entertainment, daily activities and non-motorized water sports.