Posts Tagged ‘parenting’

She works hard for the money…and feels guilty leaving the kids behind to put in a long day at the office. But what if that schedule involved maximum security prisons?

NYC criminal defense attorney Claudia Trupp chronicles the challenges of a being a working mom with a hardcore career (and a criminal-filled one at that) in Hard Time & Nursery Rhymes: A Mother’s Tale of Law and Disorder. This wise and witty memoir puts a new spin on the work/life balance. Filled with anecdotes of life with her three young daughters (whether it’s marshmallows for breakfast or shopping at American Girl) that parallel stories of her most memorable cases, this relatable book opens up discussion about bigger issues like faith and perspective.

So you better treat her right.

Available at amazon.com.

Ever since you had kids, your bedside reading is limited to books with a picture of a baby on the cover and the word “help” in the title. Yet, your questions remain unanswered. What you need is a crash course in childrearing — or better yet, the crib notes.

Swellbeing Webinars are a little of both. The hour-long seminars, courtesy of the go-to NYC-based parenting resource, summarize all you need to know to successfully navigate a particular child-rearing hump then offer it up in a live interactive webcast. At $30 a pop, you get straightforward advice from the experts on everything from toilet training and sleep solutions to feeding and disciplining techniques, all from the comfort of your couch instead of a sterile conference room (several dates coming up next month). Plus you won’t have to brave the subway, the tourist-filled streets or even your front door.

Now maybe you can get back to more lofty literary pursuits.

Visit swellbeing.com.

After 17 hours (that’s consecutive time) on the UB message boards, you’ve finally got a handle on the city’s preschool situation. Sort of.

Find out the ABCs and the inside scoop. At the end of the month, MoonSoup hosts a workshop on everything from applications to choosing the right school for your child. Patti Wollman, founding director of the Nursery at the JCC Manhattan will share her insights and expertise on the process, as well as preschool alternatives.

And then it’s back to the boards.

When: Thurs. 7/31, 6:30-7:30pm; $30 (RSVP required).
Where: MoonSoup, 1059 Second Ave. (bet. 55th & 56th), 212-319-3222.

You can’t help but describe your in-laws with a lot of “o” words — overbearing, over-involved, overwhelming. Throw those endearing qualities into the mix once your baby is born and the postpartum chaos escalates.

UB spoke with NY-area psychotherapist and parenting coach Tammy Gold about tips for preemptively (and politely) clamping down on the in-laws before bringing baby home from the hospital:

• During the pregnancy, or soon thereafter, design as a couple a “parental plan” and “parental philosophy” to navigate the postpartum period and beyond. The plan covers who is going to do what when (night feedings, grocery shopping, greeting visitors). The philosophy deals with all the emotional stuff such as family issues and house rules.
• Respectfully communicate your rules on everything from naps and pacifiers to bottle feedings to your in-laws. Perhaps even give them a written list.
• Be clear about when they’ll visit, whether they’ll bunk in your 700-square-foot apartment and what they’ll be doing (caring for the baby? running errands?).
• Outline your philosophy on baby presents and the fact that you don’t want weekly deliveries from FAO.
• Get on the same page regarding the bris/baby naming/christening and your preferences for the size and tone of the event.
• Have a response ready for any unsolicited (translation: undermining) parenting advice they may hurl your way. Verbalize your opinion and explain that you’re trying to figure out things on your own.
• Decide on a secret password to use with your sig-o when you want to bid adieu to your in-laws (or any other guests overstaying their welcome).

We told you so.

For more information, visit goldparentcoaching.com.