Helicopter Parents!

As a parents we are inundated with information regarding the safety and well being of our children. What is right?, what is too much?, what is not enough?.  It can become a little overwhelming if you let it, and I have seen the growing trend of over worrisome parents.  The term is not new, but lately I hear it being thrown around like candy at a parade , "Helicopter Parent."

We all know one, have at least seen one, or perhaps are a bit of one.  Overly protective, concerned about every move on the playground, every interaction and every single grade and assignment at school.  I am not here to judge, but merely observe. I believe that being involved with your child and staying involved is paramount to a healthy upbringing. Sometimes we all need to pump the brakes a little.

When i was a child the term used daily in parental conversation was "latchkey."  I was one of those who arrived home after school to an empty home every day.  I believe that my generation of Latchkey parents has evolved into the over protective hovering parent as a mechanism for making up for what we thought we lacked as children.

Just a thought I had while drinking my coffee this morning.  Here are some articles on the subject including a quiz to see if you are a helicopter parent.  Let me know what you think about the subject?

Time Magazine

Babyzone- Quiz

Ny Times

US News

We are nominated  this year on Denver  channel 7 A list.  We love winning things!  Please vote for us Here!

Mimi - 6.23.11

Slow day for foot traffic but busy day checking in Ugly Dolls, Baby Banz, Belly Bandits and some fill in Zutano.  John was in for Annie again today....she's still recovering from the flu (yuckers!).  Store looks nice and full lately.  I showed a few folks some strollers and helped with gift ideas.  We sold two G-Luxes today too. I'm back in tomorrow morning....see ya then!

Obit Adds Colors!

New colors are available for your orbit stroller!

Splash some color on your Orbit Baby stroller.this sunshade and upholstery set is available in 9 different colors!!
• provides you with a full extra set of upholstery and matching sunshade
• convenient for parents: easy to swap out and machine wash
• works only with Orbit Baby Stroller Seat G2
• state-of-the-art ventilation system uses perforated foam and wicking fabric
• eco-certified fabrics that are safe for your baby and safe for our planet
• Buy it HERE!
  

Cool Baby Pics!

 A Friend of mine stumbled across these fantastic photos.  The mother, Adele Enerson,  has taken the time and creativity to photograph her sleeping baby in some very original and thoughtful settings. She Says," This blog is my maternity leave hobby. While my baby is taking her nap, I create scene around her and take quick snap photos. I use only few minutes per picture, including creating idea, implementation and editing, 'cause I don't want to disturb her sleeping and most of my time is for my family. My camera is small and inexpensive Canon IXUS 750.  


Below are a few examples of her work. you can see more here at http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/p/about-blog.html

My personal favorite!

Surfs up !

Parking Space Day In Boulder!

Walk & Bike Month holds ‘Park(ing)’ Spaces Day June 17
Boulderites to claim parking spaces as ‘no parking zones’

On June 17th from 10 am – 2 pm, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Boulder businesses will commandeer 18 parking spaces on “Park(ing) Spaces Day.” Businesses and workplaces will transform a street or private lot automobile parking space into a “park” area for the day.

There will be Park(ing) Spaces to  play games, kick back and read a book, lounge on some rolled out grass or patio furniture, practice yoga, walk your dog, get a massage, drink some tea or just hang out and chat with other visitors in overstuffed chairs for a little while to take a break.  Real Baby will have a jumping Castle so Bring the kids!

Park(ing) Spaces will average eight feet by 17 feet.

This is a light-hearted attempt to raise awareness of a serious issue, the trade-off of space allocated for automobiles versus space for human activities. This event symbols our desire to rethink how we use our streets. This is a big part of what Walk & Bike Month is all about, raising awareness for a more sustainable community.

2011 Park(ing) Spaces Locations and Addresses

Park(ing) Space Sponsor	Park(ing) Space Location
Ají	1601 Pearl Street
Boulder Green Streets	1035 Pearl Street
Chipotle	919 Pearl Street
The Cup	1521 Pearl Street
Frasca Food & Wine	1738 Pearl Street
Full Cycle on Pearl	1795 Pearl Street
Momentum	1625 Pearl Street
Page 2	6565 Gunpark Drive
Real Baby	1505 Pearl Street
Smooch Frozen Yogurt	1926 14th Street
West End Suites	1035 Pearl Street

Summer Safety Tips !

Here is a list of summer safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.  When I read the section on strenuous activity for my children I realized I fall short in the hydration department. Perhaps thats why my son said his head hurt the other day after two plus hours at the skate park in the blazing sun.   More water!



FUN IN THE SUN 
Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/tanning.htm
Babies under 6 months:

• The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and to dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For All Other Children:

• The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave. 
  
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  
• On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays. 
  
• Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult. 
  
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
  
• Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDREN
Source: http://www.aap.org/policy/re9845.html

• The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
  
• At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 7 to 14 days to acclimatize to the heat, particularly if it is very humid.
  
• Before prolonged physical activity, children should be well-hydrated and should not feel thirsty. For the first hour of exercise, water alone can be used. Kids should have water or a sports drink always available and drink every 20 minutes while exercising in the heat. Excessively hot and humid environments, more prolonged and strenuous exercise, and copious sweating should be reasons for children to substantially increase their fluid intake. After an hour of exercise, children need to drink a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage to replace electrolytes lost in sweat and provide carbohydrates for energy.
  
• Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothing.
  
• Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted. Children should seek cooler environments if they feel excessively hot or fatigued.

POOL SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm

• Never leave children alone in or near the pool or spa, even for a moment.

• Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
• Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

• If the house serves as the fourth side of a fence surrounding a pool, install an alarm on the exit door to the yard and the pool.

• Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

• Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children and parents a false sense of security.

• Children ages 1 to 4 may be at a lower risk of drowning if they have had some formal swimming instruction. However, there is no evidence that swimming lessons or water survival skills courses can prevent drowning in babies younger than 1 year of age.

• The decision to enroll a 1- to 4-year-old child in swimming lessons should be made by the parent and based on the child’s developmental readiness, but swim programs should never be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age.

• Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”

• Avoid entrapment: Suction from pool and spa drains can trap a swimmer underwater. Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers.  Ask your pool operator if your pool or spa’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act.  If you have a swimming pool or spa, ask your pool service representative to update your drains and other suction fitting with anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices or systems. See PoolSafely.gov for more information on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

• Large inflatable above-ground pools have become increasingly popular for backyard use. Children may fall in if they lean against the soft side of an inflatable pool. Although such pools are often exempt from local pool fencing requirements, it is essential that they be surrounded by an appropriate fence just as a permanent pool would be so that children cannot gain unsupervised access.

BOATING SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tippslip.htm

• Children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water.

• Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps belted.

• Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should not be used as life jackets or personal flotation devices. Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection, and to set a good example.

• Adolescents and adults should be warned of the dangers of boating when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications.

OPEN WATER SWIMMING

• Never swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies!

• A lifeguard (or another adult who knows about water rescue) needs to be watching children whenever they are in or near the water. Younger children should be closely supervised while in or near the water – use “touch supervision,” keeping no more than an arm’s length away. 

• Make sure your child knows never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects.

• Never let your child swim in canals or any fast moving water.

• Ocean swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.

We Love The Svan High Chair!

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