For the most part, I played the good girl during my pregnancy. Sure, I committed some major sins (like not taking prenatal vitamins), but otherwise I was overly cautious. I never flew, I never drank, and I stopped running. So, of course, I dutifully signed up (and paid a lot) for the childbirth classes my evil ob/gyn (that's another story) recommended. Bad move.

The nurse was a very prim conventional type who talked to us like we were all in the third grade. It was obvious she took pleasure in relaying all the scary bits of labor and delivery. And weirdly, the childbirth movie she showed us had absolutely nothing to do with the way our own deliveries would progress in the very un-natural hospital we were all giving birth in.

The couple in the film had a natural hospital delivery, no drugs, no monitors, no IV, a nice bath. The mom-to-be was free to walk around the room. I didn't want an IV or a monitor, I wanted to walk around the room. I wanted all the things I saw in the

Whoever wants to be a better parent please raise his/her hand. Woah... not all at once!
Listen, we're all on the quest for the holy grail of parental perfection. A newflash: it doesn't exist.
There are ways, however, to be 'better' and it doesn't matter how busy you are, how many kids you have, how many hours you work, whether you're a single parent or have a traveling spouse. Everyone can find ways to de-stress their household and bring balance back to their family.
Do I sound like an expert? I'm NOT. In fact, I started the year with the goal of making some positive changes to my life and, more importantly, the lives of my children. Between a full time job, a spouse who works A LOT, and kids involved in everything under the sun, we're lucky if we get dinner on the table sometime between after school and breakfast the next morning. I needed something.... a checklist that I could follow. (I'm better with direction.) No, I didn't come up with it on my own. I wish I could take the

Do you think there should be a special needs retail toy/OT store in Maine for parents, educators, and therapists. Wouldn't it be great if you could go to a one stop shop special needs toy store, try the toys out, have coffee or tea with other parents and special needs educators, and attend weekly talks or seminars regarding special needs children. What a great place to go and not feel all alone and network.

Let know if you would b interested in going to such a store and I will ca or email you.

shane196541@yahoo.com

I can remember the days when celebrities would shield their children from the eyes of the media. In today's time, with social networking and news outlets available with the flick of the finger, shutterbugs have taken to the street in droves ready to catch their next meal ticket with a camera. More times than not, celebrities have their picture taken while grabbing a cup of coffee, pumping gas or taking their young children to school.


Being well known can often times bring about unwanted exposure of personal ideas and allegiances and welcome in all walks of life into a person with a high status of being "known" in the public eye. Many celebrities have seen and felt people who meet them often times know them better than they know their neighbor. Playing characters on screen and witnessing daily photographs available in gossip magazines and online in blogs and news outlets, celebrities are available 24/7 for your viewing pleasure.


As a parent of young children, I would be nervous about

Wondering how you'll fill the hours between dinnertime and bedtime the next time you host a sleepover? (After all, we all know that no one's going to bed on time.) These inventive ideas will get them moving, spark their imaginations, satisfy their sweet tooth, and generally make the evening so much fun they'll want to come back next week (if you'll have them).

1. Play extreme balloon volleyball.
Have players bat a balloon back and forth, using all parts of their bodies, while keeping it from hitting the ground. To increase the difficulty, add more balloons, all of which need to be kept airborne.

2. Sit down for an indoor picnic.
Pack a basket of goodies, lay out a blanket in the living room, and enjoy a festive, ant-free meal.

3. Do windows.
The kids will love making temporary stained-glass windows (or, more like, tagging windows with graffiti) using washable window paints, which can be found at most craft stores.

4. Go on a wild safari.
Hide stuffed

Key Questions for Nannies

Looking for a nanny doesn't have to be complicated if you know which nanny questions to ask. If you're unsure about what to expect, how much to pay or what hours and days your nanny should work, here are some of the most important interview questions for nannies and nanny agencies.

When finding a nanny, there are certain basic questions to ask. If you're finding a nanny with an agency, these nanny questions will come in useful also.

• Criminal and driving background check
• Verification of social security
• National sex offender screening

• Light housekeeping and room-tidying
• Simple cooking
• Laundry
• Driving children
• Assisting with homework

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie know how to party. The über couple had a night out sans kids recently that involved a nearly six-hour meal and five bottles of wine. Woohoo!...Read More...

Worried that your kids aren't getting enough exercise? If you find it hard to find time for the recommended half-hour a day of active play, we've got a quick and easy solution: turn everyday situations into occasions for moving and shaking. In their new book, Sneaky Fitness, Missy Chase Lapine and Larysa Didio share lots of great ways to slip exercise in to humdrum activities like doing laundry or waiting for the school bus. The best part? Your kids will be having so much fun they won't even know they're burning calories! -Andrea Zimmerman



For the three fun activities, click here.