Oh dear.

Here's an article about parents who dislike their kids getting an icee (note spelling) at the playground or when out and about, and who are working to prevent unlicensed vendors for no reason other than that they don't like saying no to their kids. (That's how it reads, anyway.)

Choice quotes: 1. Parents in most places improvise solutions — running the other way when they hear the jingle or telling their children that they left their wallets at home.

2. As a new mother, she said, people coach you on potty training and what to feed your child. “But the ice cream truck, nobody ever mentions that,” she said.

I have the answer to both of them: Be the parent and tell your kid "no". No, they CANNOT have an icee. No, they CANNOT keep whining for one, repeatedly. My nieces, they know that asking over and over again will turn a yes or a maybe into a no, will turn a no into a time-out - or an immediate trip home. This isn't hard, is it?

Or say yes. No skin off my back, that's for sure.

( Read more... )

Babyproofing PSA:

Let's talk about outlet covers.

In the US, they're a bit of a hassle. Everybody seems to have a story about their kid taking one off and giving it to them, and a lot of people observe that sockets didn't become interesting to their kid until the covers were put in, at which point they became a FUN NEW TOY. So, you know, get them or don't, but you'll still have to watch your kid. (That's true of a lot of things.)

Apparently the situation in the UK is worse. Well, technically, it's better - your outlets are plenty safe as it is and you don't need to buy a single thing! However, many people buy covers anyway. Normally I'd just cite "a fool and his money" or "one born every minute" and be done with it, but apparently putting a cover in one of your super-safe sockets actually makes them less safe.

So don't do it. And tell all your friends!

Now - can we get those sort of outlets for the US?

After paying careful attention to P101, I've come to a conclusion about child development:

1. No matter what problem you have, just about *any* method you pick to deal with it will eventually work if you're consistent.

2. If the problem is an annoying developmental stage (like tantrums in two year olds, or lying in four year olds), they'll probably outgrow it before Rule 1 can take effect. So, with that in mind, why not take the easiest method? They'll stop anyway, and you won't have to drive yourself crazy with exertion!

3. Rule 2 only applies in general. If your kid is screaming in the library, you still have to leave or make them stop. However, if 99 times out of 100 you make them stop by giving them a time out, and ONE time you make them stop by giving them a cookie, even though this is a bad idea it probably won't mess them up for very long.

4. Obviously, all previous rules no longer apply if you're actually a really shitty parent. This list assumes you're competent. And they also might not apply if your kid has special issues that keep them from applying.

*thinks*

I think this is pretty comprehensive. Now, if only I had a way to expand these concepts into an hour long "reality show" or a bestselling book....