Blog Posts by Michelle Zanatta

As your little baby lies in your arms, contented and healthy, you stare down at him or her and thank all the stars in the universe the birth procedure went well. You look over at your hubby and he is just aglow with pride and happiness. Like you, and many others, this type of scene happens millions of times every year. Nonetheless, there is another scene that is full of trauma and tears.

As a previous daycare owner, and curriculum coordinator for the state of Delaware, I constantly learned new and eye-opening information to share with licensed daycare providers, and their parents concerning the welfare of mothers and their babies. It is scary to know that according the United Nations Population Fund, "one woman dies nearly every minute, which is 536,000 a year, because of problems associated with pregnancy." If you have had one child, or dozen, or just pregnant with your first, you can learn about the causes of childbirth issues, and prevent them by seeking quality care to

My daughter gets a kick out of the fact that I like to go out for a breakfast or lunch with my friends. Spending time with "the girls" demonstrates the importance you place on friendship and models every mom's need for time to herself.

As moms, we are not immune to the good, the bad, and the ugliness of relationships. When friendship troubles occur, remember we have a friend above that is there to always' help.

Are you a loner, a social butterfly, or somewhere in the middle? Consider how your socialization comfort level differs from that of your child and what signals that it may be sending to him or her.


Here are additional articles written by this contributor:

First Person: A Relocation to Georgia from Delaware Means Thrifty Grocery Shopping
A Move from Delaware to Atlanta's Heat Means Lifestyle Changes
Don Tello's Tex Mex Grill - Great Place and Great Environment!

I love the south! I love Tennessee! Visiting Tennessee brought back some beautiful memories. The Smokey Mountains are beautiful, and the peace that surrounds your family is incomparable. Here is a poem dedicated to Dollywood. I hope you enjoy!

Dollywood Vacations - A Country Vacation

I woke up at 5am and got dressed to get ready to go to the hospital to give birth to my son. After two other C-sections, I reminded myself that my two other children were fine, and everything will go smoothly.

Arriving at 6am, the nurse took my information and prepped me for surgery. Frightened out of my mind, I snuggled against my husband. My whole body shook as I was sat in the wheel chair and rolled down to the surgery room.

As soon as I received my spinal, I was laid down and surgery began as normal. I still remember looking up at the nurse as she gently pushed my hair aside.

"What is going to be your baby's name?" She asked in her thick accent. "Antonio Gianni" I answered slowly as I closed my eyes.

"That is such a strong name for a little boy!" She replied looking down at me.

After Antonio was delivered I had one small glimpse at him - this little man meant the world to me.

As they took my new baby boy away, and brought me into the recovery room, I was

How much homework is too much? Today educators recommend not more than twenty minutes of homework for the first couple of years in elementary school, and forty years through the later years of elementary school. Whether your child goes to public school, or is homeschooled, here are some homework strategies to help your day go a little bit easier.

1. Set a regular time.

I know this sounds cliché, but it is super necessary! As a mom of four (yes, I homeschool all of them!) A good schedule means everything -including keeping my sanity!

2. The best spot.

Location isn't really important, however the comfortableness of your child is! Make sure there is good lighting, access to supplies, and quiet time.

3. Lose the distractions.

I mean think about it - can you concentrate on bills when your two year old is climbing on the table, and your 4 year old is singing "over the rainbow" as loud as he can? A small desk in their room or at the dining room table (when you take