While most parents are not even thinking about a pre-school until their child hits the age of 2; other parents are stressing about the pre-school situation while still pregnant. These parents are city dwellers, and their friends have been discussing their own anxiety of how their little ones will get into a top tier pre-school when the demand for an opening far outweighs supply.
On my radio show I had an opportunity to talk with Amanda Uhry, founder of Manhattan Private School Advisors about this problem. She is an expert on this subject because her company's whole focus is to help parents across the country get their kids into hyper competitive pre-schools. Her company is located in New York City where Tribeca is now being termed Triburbia, and there are 700,000 more kids under age 5 than ever before. While having 3 kids is now the "new 2" -- there are now more children than spots available in city pre-schools. And while the answer should be to just build more schools, it is difficult to do in the city where real estate is limited and expensive, and insurance is costly.
So in lies parents concerns about what to do. In our competitive world, what used to be that middle school determined the best high school and then college -- now it is what pre-school your child starts at will determine their schooling from then on...
Which brings me to Jody Martin, Director of Education and Curriculum at Creme de la Creme Early Learning Centers, a day care, pre-school and kindergarten all in one. It is an upscale environment created in a 21,000 square foot facility that has a Disney World feel, a great enrichment program for kids and provides and easy transition from pre-school into kindergarten.
They currently have 20 locations across the country and are adding 5 more locations in 2009. (Although not in cities where pre-schools are in high demand.) I was impressed with their curriculum which combined social skills, with playing, and with learning.
With my work with younger kids -- many times I am advising parents to enroll their children into a pre-school that is focused on social skills, while other times kids will have the social skills, but will need a more curriculum based environment. With Creme de la Creme, parents can be assured that their children are getting both.
With social skills being such an important part of a child's foundation, for peer interaction in the future, I am always amazed at how many children are not receiving those skills early on!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bonding With Daddy
There are a lot of moms that need to travel for work and leave their young children at home. I discovered first hand how difficult that is when I went off to Las Vegas for a few days to attend the largest baby expo in the country.
Those few days were defining for me. It was the first time I had traveled alone on the plane without my son, since his birth, and it caused flashbacks to when I would travel all the time for work, unencumbered. I was feeling caught between two realities -- the one of a career woman (before baby) and the other of being a responsible mom (traveling for work).
It was also the first time my husband was solely responsible for our son, for more than overnight. My thoughts wandered to how would they do? How would Zack's naps and bedtimes go, and how would Jeff manage for a few days without assistance?
I knew that if all went well, it would be much easier to travel again for business --but if there were a lot of challenges, it would make it harder for me to leave town (emotionally and mentally).
Luckily, those few days became a great bonding time for both Jeff and Zack. Jeff had dedicated time with our son without me being there, and Zack got a chance to hang out with dad and bond. And the bedtimes seemed to go easier for Jeff than I imagined!!
Those few days also provided a great opportunity for me to also get some sleep without having to get up with Zack at 6:15 am. Where in my previous reality I would have gone out on the town and gotten back to the room later in the evening; now, by 9:00pm all I wanted to do was to crawl into bed and get some sleep!!
My how times have changed!!
Those few days were defining for me. It was the first time I had traveled alone on the plane without my son, since his birth, and it caused flashbacks to when I would travel all the time for work, unencumbered. I was feeling caught between two realities -- the one of a career woman (before baby) and the other of being a responsible mom (traveling for work).
It was also the first time my husband was solely responsible for our son, for more than overnight. My thoughts wandered to how would they do? How would Zack's naps and bedtimes go, and how would Jeff manage for a few days without assistance?
I knew that if all went well, it would be much easier to travel again for business --but if there were a lot of challenges, it would make it harder for me to leave town (emotionally and mentally).
Luckily, those few days became a great bonding time for both Jeff and Zack. Jeff had dedicated time with our son without me being there, and Zack got a chance to hang out with dad and bond. And the bedtimes seemed to go easier for Jeff than I imagined!!
Those few days also provided a great opportunity for me to also get some sleep without having to get up with Zack at 6:15 am. Where in my previous reality I would have gone out on the town and gotten back to the room later in the evening; now, by 9:00pm all I wanted to do was to crawl into bed and get some sleep!!
My how times have changed!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The ABC Expo Explodes with Mompreneurs(FM)
As I walked aisle after aisle in Las Vegas, I was amazed by all the different products created by moms, because they saw a need and wanted to share their idea. Many were exhibiting for the first time and really launching their company at the show: while other companies have been around a couple of years and were receiving "buzz" and a positive response from retailers and consumers.
One of those companies is Boogie Wipes -- which grabbed my attention right away. I received a press release about their product and company right before the show and had to stop by to see them in person. Mindy and Julie, the inventors of Boogie Wipes, are two high energy women who were tired of chasing after their kids with runny noses and having the hard tissues pushed away...so they created a soft wipe made with saline for runny and stuffy noses. That to me sounded ingenious since my son was always stuffed up as a baby, and he hated having the saline spray squirted up his nose.
Mindy and Julie agreed to be on my show with The Baby Planners (which they knew very well -- no surprise there) to talk about the last year and how they have been on a wild ride, bringing their idea into reality, creating a fun name, putting together fabulous packaging, and setting marketing into place. Not to mention all the hard work that went into being able to produce almost $3 million dollars in sales by the end of this year.
We had fun chatting it up and I can definitely see them becoming regulars on my show, talking about the mompreneur aspect of creating a company based on a need discovered by having kids. And the best part of being a mompreneur is doing something that you love and having the flexibility to be there for your kids, because time with them goes by so fast!!
One of those companies is Boogie Wipes -- which grabbed my attention right away. I received a press release about their product and company right before the show and had to stop by to see them in person. Mindy and Julie, the inventors of Boogie Wipes, are two high energy women who were tired of chasing after their kids with runny noses and having the hard tissues pushed away...so they created a soft wipe made with saline for runny and stuffy noses. That to me sounded ingenious since my son was always stuffed up as a baby, and he hated having the saline spray squirted up his nose.
Mindy and Julie agreed to be on my show with The Baby Planners (which they knew very well -- no surprise there) to talk about the last year and how they have been on a wild ride, bringing their idea into reality, creating a fun name, putting together fabulous packaging, and setting marketing into place. Not to mention all the hard work that went into being able to produce almost $3 million dollars in sales by the end of this year.
We had fun chatting it up and I can definitely see them becoming regulars on my show, talking about the mompreneur aspect of creating a company based on a need discovered by having kids. And the best part of being a mompreneur is doing something that you love and having the flexibility to be there for your kids, because time with them goes by so fast!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The ABC Expo in Las Vegas (FM)
Before my son was born, almost 2 years ago, I was doing some consulting work for American Express, while building my business and I was traveling at least once a month. Once my son was born I was breastfeeding and didn't want to travel overnight the first year.
Throughout these past ten months, after his first birthday, I did do a couple of overnights; but my first big trip took place two weeks ago when I flew to Las Vegas for the biggest Baby Expo in the country. It took up two entire floors on the south end of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and took me almost 3 days to see most of it. Although I will admit that I flew passed the furniture and bedding areas (which were huge).
If I felt that the baby product industry was large before, this expo really solidified that fact...no wonder new moms are overwhelmed with the number of choices available to them. How do you know what you really need, which products are right for you, and which items you can live without?
On this weeks show, I brought back The Baby Planners from Los Angeles; the pioneers of the baby planning industry in the U.S.. Since the inception of their company, they have been intensely researching the baby product market, testing out strollers, car seats, accessories, etc...everything for baby; so they can provide solid information for their clients about what is best for them. They have also become my Baby Product Experts and are joining my Family Matters Radio Team as regular contributors on my show.
We swapped stories about the ABC show and they provided their Top Picks of products they uncovered while at market.
Throughout these past ten months, after his first birthday, I did do a couple of overnights; but my first big trip took place two weeks ago when I flew to Las Vegas for the biggest Baby Expo in the country. It took up two entire floors on the south end of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and took me almost 3 days to see most of it. Although I will admit that I flew passed the furniture and bedding areas (which were huge).
If I felt that the baby product industry was large before, this expo really solidified that fact...no wonder new moms are overwhelmed with the number of choices available to them. How do you know what you really need, which products are right for you, and which items you can live without?
On this weeks show, I brought back The Baby Planners from Los Angeles; the pioneers of the baby planning industry in the U.S.. Since the inception of their company, they have been intensely researching the baby product market, testing out strollers, car seats, accessories, etc...everything for baby; so they can provide solid information for their clients about what is best for them. They have also become my Baby Product Experts and are joining my Family Matters Radio Team as regular contributors on my show.
We swapped stories about the ABC show and they provided their Top Picks of products they uncovered while at market.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Breastfeeding & Postpartum Depression (FM)
This was a very interesting show and both topics are the most talked about with new moms because no woman can control either one. An expectant mom can't really practice breastfeeding before baby arrives and ultimately the baby will determine how breastfeeding goes. And with 15% of new mothers being effected by postpartum depression, it becomes a question of whether you become part of that statistic.
Tamara Hawkins, a maternity nurse and certified Lactation Consultant with her own practice www.StorkandCradle.com provided a lot of information on the subject of breastfeeding. If I were to have a problem breastfeeding my baby once I got home from the hospital, I would feel very comfortable having her come to my house to help me.
Then Dr. Shoshana Bennett, PhD, a pioneer in the field of prenatal and postpartum depression enlightened me on the whole postpartum situation. I had no idea that 15-20% of pregnant women could also fall victim to pre-natal depression -- that was quite an eye opener to me. And discussing the ways that new moms can prevent postpartum were important keys for any new mom.
If anyone is interested in learning more about pre-natal or postpartum depression I totally recommend Dr. Bennett's book -- Postpartum Depression for Dummies. I learned a lot and it was a very easy read!
Tamara Hawkins, a maternity nurse and certified Lactation Consultant with her own practice www.StorkandCradle.com provided a lot of information on the subject of breastfeeding. If I were to have a problem breastfeeding my baby once I got home from the hospital, I would feel very comfortable having her come to my house to help me.
Then Dr. Shoshana Bennett, PhD, a pioneer in the field of prenatal and postpartum depression enlightened me on the whole postpartum situation. I had no idea that 15-20% of pregnant women could also fall victim to pre-natal depression -- that was quite an eye opener to me. And discussing the ways that new moms can prevent postpartum were important keys for any new mom.
If anyone is interested in learning more about pre-natal or postpartum depression I totally recommend Dr. Bennett's book -- Postpartum Depression for Dummies. I learned a lot and it was a very easy read!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Labor and Delivery (FM)
In this show I wanted to talk about the nitty gritty of Labor and what really happens in the delivery room! Which is not what you find in most of the expectant mother books available.
There are several different child birth classes to choose from, learning about each one and choosing the right one for you is the first step. I chose Lamaze, and although there wasn't a lot I learned from the class (since I had already been practicing breathing in my Yoga classes) -- what I did learn was the various stages of labor. That became important for me because I wanted to work through the stages without having an epidural. However, more important than that, was the bonding experience my husband and I shared as we went to the class together each week. I also think that he gained a lot of information about how to help me and become an active partner through the delivery process.
Kimmelin Hull, as a childbirth educator, shared with me the differences between a midwife and a doula -- which I get questions about a lot. A midwife is similar to an OB/Gyn but much more hands on, being there through the whole birthing process and delivering the baby as well. While a doula is more of an advocate for the parents through the birthing process. She is with mom from the beginning of her labor, helping her work through the pain while at home, and then goes with the parents to the hospital when she feels she is close to delivering, to become the voice for them in dealing with the hospital and their procedures. And as Kimmelin explained, with a doula there is a 50% decrease in c-sections because she is there speaking for the mother.
Then Ilona DeSantis, RNC shared with me the "real deal" of what happens in the delivery room -- information that most expectant moms do not know. We talked about how the nurse is with you during most of the delivery process, with the doctor showing up at the end to deliver the baby. And we chatted about the big topics such as having an epidural, breaking your water, receiving pitossin, and the recovery process after delivery.
Ilona and I could have continued talking for another hour -- there was so much that wasn't discussed. I am sure I will have her on the show again, specifically to address the whole subject of delivering twins and triplets.
There are several different child birth classes to choose from, learning about each one and choosing the right one for you is the first step. I chose Lamaze, and although there wasn't a lot I learned from the class (since I had already been practicing breathing in my Yoga classes) -- what I did learn was the various stages of labor. That became important for me because I wanted to work through the stages without having an epidural. However, more important than that, was the bonding experience my husband and I shared as we went to the class together each week. I also think that he gained a lot of information about how to help me and become an active partner through the delivery process.
Kimmelin Hull, as a childbirth educator, shared with me the differences between a midwife and a doula -- which I get questions about a lot. A midwife is similar to an OB/Gyn but much more hands on, being there through the whole birthing process and delivering the baby as well. While a doula is more of an advocate for the parents through the birthing process. She is with mom from the beginning of her labor, helping her work through the pain while at home, and then goes with the parents to the hospital when she feels she is close to delivering, to become the voice for them in dealing with the hospital and their procedures. And as Kimmelin explained, with a doula there is a 50% decrease in c-sections because she is there speaking for the mother.
Then Ilona DeSantis, RNC shared with me the "real deal" of what happens in the delivery room -- information that most expectant moms do not know. We talked about how the nurse is with you during most of the delivery process, with the doctor showing up at the end to deliver the baby. And we chatted about the big topics such as having an epidural, breaking your water, receiving pitossin, and the recovery process after delivery.
Ilona and I could have continued talking for another hour -- there was so much that wasn't discussed. I am sure I will have her on the show again, specifically to address the whole subject of delivering twins and triplets.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Being a Mom -- Creating a Business (FM)
As I explored women that are reinventing their career for their kids -- I saw more and more moms creating their own companies for the flexibility. They were also creating companies based on a need they saw in the marketplace for a product or service -- because they were moms.
Gretchen Menzies developed www.Essentialmom.com as a local resource guide in her community dealing with everything parents because there wasn't anything out there. She is now getting 250,000 hits a month to her website.
Nina Frye and Cindi Schmitzer had been wanting to start a business of their own, and then one day the humor of their chaotic life as moms sparked an idea. "Living the Dream" was born. They developed t-shirts with funny depictions of mom in her many roles to remind mom to laugh more....
Since the show I have been amazed at the companies in this particular industry that were started by moms -- mompreneurs -- and what has mushroomed.
Today's children are definitely a huge influence and they don't even realize it!
Gretchen Menzies developed www.Essentialmom.com as a local resource guide in her community dealing with everything parents because there wasn't anything out there. She is now getting 250,000 hits a month to her website.
Nina Frye and Cindi Schmitzer had been wanting to start a business of their own, and then one day the humor of their chaotic life as moms sparked an idea. "Living the Dream" was born. They developed t-shirts with funny depictions of mom in her many roles to remind mom to laugh more....
Since the show I have been amazed at the companies in this particular industry that were started by moms -- mompreneurs -- and what has mushroomed.
Today's children are definitely a huge influence and they don't even realize it!
Reinventing Your Career (FM)
There is an interesting trend that has been taking place. Ten to fifteen years ago women were pushing ahead with their career and their children were worked into the equation. It became a tough juggling act to provide the best for their child; but on the career side, they had worked to hard to get where they are and didn't want to jeopardize their position.
Today women are making different choices with their careers. They have decided to take a hiatus from their careers or reinvent their career for the sake of their children.
This show was an example of two women who were burned out from their careers, and wanted to do something different. They also wanted to spend more dedicated time with their children.
By creating something new -- they also provided two cool companies that give moms an opportunity. Catherine Clifford with YourOnRamp.com created a website and company for all the talented moms out there that had been taking a hiatus from their job and are now looking to get back in the career game, but on a more flexible schedule. This company provides the answer. It also helps moms create a better "off ramp" so that when they are ready to go back they will have done all the right things to make it easier.
Then Barbara Jones started One2One Network, where moms can learn about new products and services and have fun, while doing it. She is providing research to companies about what moms like and don't like and moms get to share their opinions.
It becomes a win, win for everyone as children are playing a role in their moms career choices.
Today women are making different choices with their careers. They have decided to take a hiatus from their careers or reinvent their career for the sake of their children.
This show was an example of two women who were burned out from their careers, and wanted to do something different. They also wanted to spend more dedicated time with their children.
By creating something new -- they also provided two cool companies that give moms an opportunity. Catherine Clifford with YourOnRamp.com created a website and company for all the talented moms out there that had been taking a hiatus from their job and are now looking to get back in the career game, but on a more flexible schedule. This company provides the answer. It also helps moms create a better "off ramp" so that when they are ready to go back they will have done all the right things to make it easier.
Then Barbara Jones started One2One Network, where moms can learn about new products and services and have fun, while doing it. She is providing research to companies about what moms like and don't like and moms get to share their opinions.
It becomes a win, win for everyone as children are playing a role in their moms career choices.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Regaining My Equilibrium
The interesting part of my trip away to Florida with Zack was seeing the difference in him while away (hanging on me, being so needy and whiney) which he isn't normally at all. Then when we arrived back home on saturday afternoon, he was back to his normal self -- happy to play with his toys and run around the house, without needing me! I was able to go upstairs and take care of some chores, go to the basement and let the dogs out, and he was fine.
Then on monday when I dropped him off at his sitters, he never looked back at me, as he went running off to play!!
I, on the other hand, needed a coffee and to sit outside, in the sun, and breathe.... for about an hour to regain my equilibrium. I had totally felt out of sorts emotionally and physically, after having to cope with Zack's clinginess to me, his demanding moods, his overstimulation and crying spats, with less than adequate sleep, without much help and no real break for myself for 10 full days. (It had been constant)
Amazing how a little person can totally throw my body, mind and emotions out of kilter.
It literally took me a whole day to get back to my balanced self, and get back on track!
Then on monday when I dropped him off at his sitters, he never looked back at me, as he went running off to play!!
I, on the other hand, needed a coffee and to sit outside, in the sun, and breathe.... for about an hour to regain my equilibrium. I had totally felt out of sorts emotionally and physically, after having to cope with Zack's clinginess to me, his demanding moods, his overstimulation and crying spats, with less than adequate sleep, without much help and no real break for myself for 10 full days. (It had been constant)
Amazing how a little person can totally throw my body, mind and emotions out of kilter.
It literally took me a whole day to get back to my balanced self, and get back on track!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Stresses of Traveling With Toddler (Part II)
One way to alleviate stress was to not travel with extra items that I could arrange another way. That way came in the form of www.visitingbaby.com -- a national company that rented everything needed for baby and toddlers. I was able to rent a crib and booster seat for Zack, for my mother-in-law's house and it was great -- they arranged to deliver it, set it up, and came by to pick up when I left. Which was ideal when I arrived at the house with Zack asleep in the backseat of my rental car (worn out); I was able to pick him up, carry him into the bedroom, and place him in the ready made crib!
Although what I wasn't prepared for was his disrupted sleep the first night while getting acclimated to a new place, and as we ended up sharing a room, I didn't sleep well most of the week. I have now become an extremely light sleeper, after becoming a mom, and any noises he would make, would wake me up! So little sleep did not help in the way of patience.
And the biggest stressor that I didn't account for was him not handling the transition of house to house very well. He is normally very independent and will want me, but if he knows I am around he is fine. But while away, he didn't want me out of his sight, which made walking out of the room difficult, and he would break down in tears if I even went to the bathroom or tried to take a shower.
It was also difficult for family members that don't get to see him that often, they weren't sure what to do or how to calm him down. Needless to say, it was an extremely difficult week -- no matter how many solutions I tried to put in place!
Although what I wasn't prepared for was his disrupted sleep the first night while getting acclimated to a new place, and as we ended up sharing a room, I didn't sleep well most of the week. I have now become an extremely light sleeper, after becoming a mom, and any noises he would make, would wake me up! So little sleep did not help in the way of patience.
And the biggest stressor that I didn't account for was him not handling the transition of house to house very well. He is normally very independent and will want me, but if he knows I am around he is fine. But while away, he didn't want me out of his sight, which made walking out of the room difficult, and he would break down in tears if I even went to the bathroom or tried to take a shower.
It was also difficult for family members that don't get to see him that often, they weren't sure what to do or how to calm him down. Needless to say, it was an extremely difficult week -- no matter how many solutions I tried to put in place!
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