Welcome to our new series, sponsored by our friends over at Royal Cup EspresShip! We hope you will take a little afternoon break and share some of your secrets with us!!
GenBump: Waiting for Baby!
Waiting for Baby – Whether you’re just beginning the journey to conceive or you’ve been trying with no luck, questions about your fertility and getting pregnant have probably crossed your mind.
Join our infertility specialist and moms who have been in your shoes, in an open conversation about the struggles of conceiving, issues along the way and finding hope. They’ll share their knowledge and experience about questions to ask, where to seek help and steps to move toward the goal of having children. There will be plenty of time for questions and conversations with our expert panel. Refreshments will be served.
To Register: Visit GenBump.com
Location:
Hart and Soul
1014 Oxmoor Road – Homewood
(next to New York Pizza and Dream Cakes)
Patience! Count to 10
Patience has to be one of the toughest challenges of motherhood. It’s so hard to repeat yourself time after time, to not show the frustration that you’re feeling, and to remember the bigger picture. If the togetherness of Spring Break is starting to wear you down some, try this.
There’s one tip we keep coming across in all of our Patient reading: COUNT TO TEN.
It’s pretty self-explanatory. Typically, we react because our emotions and adrenaline are high. If we can just pause for 10 seconds, our reaction is so much different. One of the articles we read said that if you count out loud, at least your kids will learn to RUN before you get to 10.
Mamarazzi: Snooki. Pregnant.
Snooki, New Jersey’s favorite drunken meatball, is pregnant.
This is no longer breaking news, although I must admit I was holding out on writing something about it, hoping that it was all a ruse. Or maybe she read the pregnancy test wrong. Got herself a really bad, long-lasting hangover that she mistook for morning sickness. But … no. Looks like we aren’t that lucky.
Apparently, Snooki really IS going to be a mommy. The thought of this seriously misguided, trainwreck of a person raising a child scares me. Her comments about the matter aren’t helping – she commented on Jersey Shore After Hours that she is excited to be a young mom because “now I can be a MILF.” Because that certainly is the most important aspect of having a child.
Maybe motherhood will be just the dose of reality she needs to get her life together. Frankly, I fear for her and her kid, but I’m trying to look on the bright side: at least her liver will get a much-needed break during the next few months.
About Harmony:
Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and recently quit her job to stay at home with her two boys. Her sanity is in question. Visit her blog at www.modernmommymadness.com.
Event of the Week: Harlem Globetrotters
On the heels of signing one of the most remarkable rookie classes in team history, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, AL on Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00pm. Just in time to fill up some space in your Spring Break Calendar!
The outstanding rookies include Paul “Tiny” Sturgess, the world’s tallest pro basketball player at 7-8, Jonte “Too Tall” Hall, the shortest Globetrotter ever at 5-2, and Fatima “TNT” Maddox of Temple University, the team’s first female player since 1993 and ninth female in team history.
The new Globetrotters also feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including the reigning champ Jacob “Hops” Tucker. At 5-10, Tucker sports a 50-inch vertical leap and his YouTube videos have garnered well over four million views. Tucker joins slam dunk runner-up John “Jet” Williams of UNC-Ashville and semifinalist Darnell “Spider” Wilks of the University of Cincinnati.
The 2012 rookie class has a total of three seven-footers including 7-4 Jermaine “Stretch” Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history, and 7-foot Anthony “Biggie” McClain. At 7-8, Sturgess becomes the tallest Globetrotter ever after playing center at Mountain State University (W.Va.). He is the 19th internationally born player in team history, hailing from Loughborough, England.
“The Globetrotters are excited to welcome a new generation of stars to carry on the storied tradition of the world’s most entertaining basketball team,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “This year’s rookie class features some of the most talented and promising players from across the world.”
Current Globetrotters stars Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Dizzy Grant, Scooter Christensen, and many others will team up with the world class rookies for nearly 270 games on the North American portion of the World Tour, bringing the Globetrotter magic to over 230 cities in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces.
It’s not too late to get your tickets!
Discounted tickets are available by contacting Paul Marranca at the Harlem Globetrotters for all Birminghammommy.com readers and their families!
Tickets start at $17 but if you mention “BirminghamMommy” when you call, you’ll receive $7 off!
Paul can be contacted at 602-707-7030 or marranca@harlemglobetrotters.
Bonus points if you made it through this entire post without whistling the Harlem Globetrotters theme song!
Birmingham Events Calendar: Spring Break Edition!
We’re changing things up a bit this week since we’re headed into spring break week. If you aren’t off to the beach, here are some things to keep you and the little ones busy around town!
Lots of movies and fun at your local libraries, the Birmingham Zoo will have special programming each day and the fountains will be open!
Don’t forget about our local parks, and the trails are now open at Red Mountain Park, if you haven’t been out there, Spring Break will be a good time to go!
We know a couple of Spring Break camps still have a few spots available, if you haven’t signed up yet, you might be in luck! But hurry!
It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!
Saturday March 17th:
Kites and Ice Cream – Railroad Park
Kites + Ice Cream + Free + Railroad Park = This Saturday! FREE ice cream & kites this Saturday thanks to Eastview Healthcare Center! “Senior Kite Day”
11am-3pm on the 17th St Plaza. Event is free and open to all!
St Patrick’s Day Science – McWane Science Center
Don’t miss the ooey-gooey green experiments on St. Patrick’s Day!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Ruffner Mountain CSI 101: Critter Scene Investagation
Have you ever dreamed of being a detective? After taking this course, you’ll be a true nature investigator. We’ll practice looking at nature evidence, including everything from scat, to tracks and broken branches. We will take a walk to search for clues and put our newfound skills to work! Students will receive a CSI 101 Certificate after completing this course.
$10/ $7 (member)
2 PM – 4 PM
Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
8am-4pm
Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
Info Phone: 205-477-5711
Barts Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is My Dog Thinks I am a Genius by Harriet Ziefert.
11am
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am
Spring Kids Fest – Riverchase Galleria
Join us for free family fun at our Spring Kids Fest! Kids ages 2-12 are invited to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of face painting, crafts, games, music, dancing, prizes, and more.
Plus, the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance from 11:00am to noon.
11am – 3pm
Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.
Lucky Tucker Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and read Lucky Tucker. See what happens when Tucker the dog finds some four leaf clovers. We will make a craft and have something from the Cafe.
11am
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Sunday March 18th:
Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
8am-4pm
Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
Info Phone: 205-477-5711
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm
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Monday March 19th:
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Gnomeo and Juliet
11:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30
Pirate Party – McWane Science Center
What arrrrrr you doing this Spring Break?
Dress like a pirate and set sail for an educational voyage during the Pirate Party at McWane Science Center. Join our crew as we explore the museum and aquarium on a treasure hunt with fun activities. As you navigate your way through the aquarium discover an octopus, touch a shark and see a horseshoe crab up close during exciting programs!
TIMES: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Monday Mammals – Oak Mountain State Park
There are many mammals in Alabama. They should be emerging from their hibernation locations. Let’s see how many we can find. Come to the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m. Free after admission into Oak Mountain State Park.
Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Come join us as your library is transformed into a movie theater with real movie popcorn.
Snacks will be provided.
3:30pm
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Tuesday March 20th
Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hannah Center, Samford University
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, AL. Don’t miss this must see family fun event! Don’t forget to get your discounted tickets here, before you go!
7pm
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Ramona and Beezus
11:30am
Birmingham Museum of Art: * Multiple Event Listings *
Artbreak: Kids Connection:
Looking for something to do over Spring break? Why not explore the art of looking with your child. Assistant Curator of Education Kristen Greenwood gives tips on how connect with art here or anywhere.
12pm
Doodle 4 Google:
Google employees are coming to the BMA to facilitate a contest where kids K-12 can design the next Google logo. The winning design will not only be featured on Google’s homepage, but the winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship. As for the runner-ups, they get their clever designs hung on the walls of our Museum in a special Doodle 4 Google exhibition starting in July.
Barts Art Cart:
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. This Spring Break, learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am
Bart’s Books:
Bart’s Spring Break adventure continues! Bart the Art Bat selects books about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. Come out to hear a special reading by a Museum volunteer.
Children’s Films:
Come out to the Museum during Spring Break for a FREE children’s movie marathon in our auditorium!
Library Scavenger Hunt – Hoover Public Library
Unlock the secrets of the library in our fun-filled team scavenger hunt. Grades 6-12. Part of SPRING BREAK: SUSPENSE IN THE STACKS – Free
4pm
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Octopus Feedings – 1:30
Pirate Party – McWane Science Center
What arrrrrr you doing this Spring Break?
Dress like a pirate and set sail for an educational voyage during the Pirate Party at McWane Science Center. Join our crew as we explore the museum and aquarium on a treasure hunt with fun activities. As you navigate your way through the aquarium discover an octopus, touch a shark and see a horseshoe crab up close during exciting programs!
TIMES: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Tuesday Tweets – Oak Mountain State Park
Spring is springing & the birds should be tweeting. Let’s get out, look, and listen for signs of birds.
Meet at 10a.m. at the Treetop Nature Trail (base of stairs) on Terrace Drive. Bring your listening ears and binoculars, if you have them. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we are hosting a very Irish Story Time. All ages welcome.
10:30am
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Wednesday March 21st:
The Adventure of Tin Tin – Alabama Theatre
Come join us at the Alabama Theater as we present The Adventures of Tin Tin! Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock’s ancestor.
Tickets: $7, available at the door. Info Phone: 205-251-0418
11:00am
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*We’re Back! A Dinosaurs Story
11:30am
Scooby Dooby Doo – Where are you? Hoover Public Library
The Mystery Machine is back! Watch Scooby and the gang search for clues and track down the bad guy. Featuring the talented staff of the Hoover Public Library. Fun for the whole family! Part of SPRING BREAK: SUSPENSE IN THE STACKS
10:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30
In the Woods Wednesday – Oak Mountain State Park
There’s so much to find in the woods. We are going to explore & touch to expand our knowledge of the world around us.
Meet at the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m. to explore. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Kite Day. See what happens when bear and mole decide to make a kite. We will make a craft and have something yummy from the Cafe.
11am
Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am
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Thursday March 22nd:
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*RIO
11:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Dive – 10:30am
Octopus Feedings – 1:30
Tiny Treasures – Oak Mountain State Park
Let’s get DIRTY! Come dig in the dirt & turn over rocks to see the tiny creatures of the world.
Meet at 10a.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
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Friday March 23rd:
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Cars 2
11:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30
Ribbit Ribbit – Oak Mountain State Park
Have you heard frogs calling after it has rained? Or seen a mass of jelly in a pond & wanted to know what it was? Come learn about the animals we call frogs and toads. Meet at 2p.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
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Saturday March 24th:
Family Geocaching – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Geocaching is often described as a combination of an outdoor scavenger hunt mixed with hide and seek. This course is perfect for those interested in learning more about how to geocache, as well as those who just need a little guidance. Families will learn the basics of geocaching and have the opportunity to search for caches on the mountain. Each family needs to have at least one handheld GPS unit or smartphone with a GPS geocaching app. $10/ family. Reservations required. Reserve your spot at shop.ruffnermountain.org.
10am – 12pm
Ride the Train! Opening Day – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Welcome to the 2012 season! Enjoy a historic train ride through the forests of Shelby County on our family-friendly railroad! Relive the golden age of railroads and the people who built them as you view railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and books in restored depots, and visit the Railroad Signal Yard. Groups welcome!
Train departures at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Adult $12
Child $8
Caboose $20
Locomotive $30
Info Phone: 205-757-8383
Cartoons and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Wake up and join us to watch some of the best of Saturday morning cartoons and munch on a bowl of cereal.
9:30am – 11:30am
Barts Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is My Dog Thinks I am a Genius by Harriet Ziefert.
11am
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am
Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.
Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us for Storytime as we read I Don’t Want to Be a Pea. Find out what happens when two friends can’t agree on what to be for a party. We will make a craft and have something delicious from our Cafe.
11am
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Sunday March 25th:
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm
Keep Your House Clean the Easy Way
It’s a never-ending battle that we fight trying to keep toys out of the floor and dishes clean and laundry f
olded. We blame it on the kids, and it is mostly their fault. It’s also our husbands’ fault too. Not ours though. We’re so close to perfect it’s not even funny.
Here are a few proactive ways to keep it clean without going crazy:
1. Have an In box and an Out box. Once kids go to school, the number of papers, permission slips, etc is overwhelming. Not to mention bills, important dates, and everything else. Keep those items organized and you’ll never be late or forget them again.
2. In each room, choose one area that always has to be clean. For me, it’s my dresser in my bedroom. If I don’t stay on top of it, it will be piled with laundry in no time. I keep it dusted and looking great, and it makes the whole room look and feel better.
3. Routine… we harp on making our kids have a routine, but it’s really something the whole family should have. Sweep and mop on Sundays, do laundry on Wednesdays. Little things to make sure you don’t forget.
Here are a couple of websites we like if you’re looking for something already set up and structured for you:
The JustMommies Home Organization plan – It’s all laid out for you daily and offers printable charts. I keep the current month on the side of my Fridge. Seeing it broken down into small daily tasks keeps me from getting overwhelmed. It also helps me coordinate the bigger tasks on a regular basis, like cleaning out my car!
The other is one that I hear about from lots of Mom’s – FlyLady. She’s big on de-cluttering and thinks you get more accomplished each day if you get up and get dressed. It will organize you, as well as motivate you.
How do you stay on task when it comes to keeping your house clean?
Kid Flicks Movie Review: The Lorax
Spring Break is next week and you might be looking to keep the kids busy with a great family movie, might we suggest The Lorax?
We took the kids and nephew (ages 4, 4, and 6) this past weekend. It’s one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, so we were all excited to see it
In order to make it longer than the short story, the boy that talks to the Once-ler gets a lot of background and character development. Instead of just being the boy, he is Ted, a boy in love with a high school girl who dreams of trees in a time gone. His desire for her approval leads him outside of Thneedville to the Once-ler, where he learns the story of the truffula trees.
The movie had comic relief in the forms of the animals- the bears, fish, and birds were all cute and remained a fixation for the younger kids.
The humor in the movie was just right for my 6 year old. He laughed at parts that the younger kids missed.
The movie stayed as close to the book as possible, but the Seuss-style language was lacking. I missed hearing the fun made up words.
All in all, we all enjoyed it. The middle had a slightly dark part where the 4 year olds tensed up but weren’t scared. The ending was so happy and sweet, the middle was quickly forgotten.
The kids gave it a 9 out of 10. And don’t be afraid of the PG rating, we’re still scratching our heads on that one. The only thing we could think of was the use of the phrase “What the…?” and even then, we weren’t sure that would do it.
Eat Green on St. Patty's Day!
It’s always fun to get the kids involved in your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, here are a few ways to surprise them at mealtime by turning their food green!
Breakfast– It’s easy to throw some green food coloring in eggs, pancake mix, or cereal milk. The kids will love the surprise. You could even take one balloon of each color and make a fun rainbow for above the table!
Lunch & Snacks– Go green with green grapes, apples, guacamole… or try this fun Leprechaun Dust! Get a box of Lime Jell-O and let the kids sprinkle the “Leprechaun Dust” on their fruits. It looks white until it gets wet, and it turns bright green!
Dinner- Broccoli, spinach balls, green mac ‘n cheese (just add food coloring to the mix!), cucumbers, celery, pickles… just find green and fill up their plates! Add food coloring to any mix– make bread or rolls that are green.
Parenting with a PhD: Teaching your Daughter to "Own It"
By: Kristen Berthiaume:
If you’re the parent of a young girl, you probably worry from time-to-time about whether she’ll have a healthy body image in 5 years. And with good reason – research indicates that around 40% of 1st through 3rd grade girls want to be thinner and eating disorders are being diagnosed in girls as young as 6. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help your daughter to form a healthy body image, even when she is quite young. However, before your daughter can feel good in her own body, she needs to have ownership of it. Here are some tips for encouraging that to happen. Some of these ideas apply to your son, too; a good thing since body-related issues for boys are on the rise.
Teach your kids the proper names for their body parts – all of their body parts. Using cutesy euphemisms for genitalia sends the message that these body parts are embarrassing or “secret” and not to be mentioned. Of course, you’d be mortified if your daughter exclaimed loudly about her “VAGINA!” in a crowded restaurant but, even more so, you don’t want her to keep quiet if someone has touched her genitals because she doesn’t think she’s allowed to talk about them. Of course, it’s important to specify that some body parts are private and should only be talked about, looked at, or touched in certain instances. Decide with your spouse or partner ahead of time what those situations are (e.g., at a doctor’s visit, when mommy or daddy is helping with a bath, etc), and explain them. Give reminders when your child seems to have forgotten the parameters (i.e., dropping trou in public) but try to remain neutral and avoid statements that might shame her.
As difficult as it can be to explain to well-meaning relatives, your child does not have to give out hugs and kisses upon request. Affection should always be voluntarily given and received, and you can’t teach this lesson too early. If your daughter shows signs or states directly that she’s uncomfortable with physical affection at a certain time or from a certain individual, empower her to politely decline. She may be open to giving a handshake or wave versus a hug. Keep in mind that the rule applies to you, too. Even though you’re wanting a goodbye kiss, your child might have other plans. Forcing affection, even with the best of intentions, teaches your child that she is not in control of what happens to her body and that there may be negative consequences for asserting herself. You can probably guess at the potential outcome if your daughter then encounters someone with very bad intentions. Teaching your young child that she has the right to say no to any kind of affection at any time will enable her to set boundaries with romantic partners and to trust her instincts if someone is offering inappropriate affection. Avoid using guilt or emotional pressure to gain your child’s affection – that’s the same as punishing her if she refuses to hug grandma. She may come to recognize that withholding affection bothers you and use it against you at times but, if you remain calm, the novelty of having that power will eventually wear off.
Recognize bullying for what it is. I recently read a blog post (the link is here but please be aware that some might find the language offensive. Read at your own risk) that cautions parents against using the trite phrase, “That means he likes you!” in response to their daughter’s complaints of physical bullying. This explanation has been given for decades by countless adults to help millions of little girls feel better about how they’re being treated. But, consider the message such a statement sends: The way boys show that they like girls is by hurting them. As the blogger points out, can you imagine a parent telling her son that another boy hit him because he wants a playdate? When a girl accepts this kind of skewed logic as a reasonable response to her complaint, she is less likely to report relationship violence later. Why should she? She’ll have learned that physical violence is an expression of love, that she deserves it, and that nothing can be done to stop it. To encourage our daughters to stand up to bullying, we must express empathy when they report physical aggression. Then, we have to take steps to stop the bullying. Immediately. Without excuses.
Encouraging your daughter to “own” her body is just the first of many steps toward helping her develop a positive body image. Getting her involved in sports can lead to an appreciation of the ways her body can be strong and fast. Limiting her exposure to media, especially media that portray girls and women as pretty scenery, decreases the likelihood that she’ll compare herself unfavorably to the unattainable ideal. Encouraging her to think, create, help, play, and get involved all contribute to forming a positive self-concept. What are ways you encourage the little girls in your life to “own” who they are, inside and out?
About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.
About Kristen:
Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her five-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.
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