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All Kids Need to Swim

Swimming with the girls
Swimming with the girls, when they were younger.

More young people are drowning due to not being taught to swim, according to an article on news.com.au. I for one believe it is the high cost of swimming lessons that are causing this. Parents cannot afford to pay for school, other activities and of course swimming lessons.

Quotes from the news.com.au article:

“Royal Life Saving believes that the rapid increase in drowning in young adults … is undeniably linked to a fall in the swimming and water safety skills of children in Australia over the past 10 years,” the organisation said.

“The RLSS believes many families simply can’t afford swimming lessons and having them as part of the curriculum would be one way to ensure all children receive training.”

“It acknowledged that some schools do offer swimming training but said it was often only a few lessons every year.”

We have been fortunate to have the girls have some swimming lessons but cannot afford to do so this year. This is due to the girls going to pre-school and the costs of everything else in between.  In my post “The extreme cost of activities for kids” I mention that it will cost for both kids to do a 10 week term for swimming lessons it will cost us, $280.00. There are four terms per year, so you will need to times $280.00 by four to find out the real cost per year to put kids in swimming lessons. The amount comes to: $1,120.00, so as you can imagine it is a lot of money to find that is extra on top of what you are already paying.

I also touched on the idea to have the schools have swimming lessons as part of the curriculum in my post, ‘Swimming for all, not just for the lucky 10,000’ as I believe this would be beneficial. It would give every child the chance to learn how to swim.   Swimming is a life skill that will save lives.  Money should not be an issue, everyone has the right to know how to swim and it should be part of the school system.

Kids who are around water, or who come into contact with water need to know how to be safe. If they fall in they know how to get out of trouble. What happens if they go to a mates place, they have a pool and this kid cannot swim? Will other kids pick on this child? Will they throw him/her in the pool as a joke due to not believing the child? If this happens and the kid cannot swim, then this is dangerous and of course a possible drowning. However it is preventable and learning how to swim is vital to being safe and of course having fun and participation in water sports.

Being around water and swimming is fun for health and relaxation. Living in Australia we are surrounded by water so one day your child will come into contact with a pool, the sea at the beach or a creek at a farm. It is not only safety with water outside the house; it helps kids know how to get out of trouble even in the bath. My girls have fallen over while playing in the bath and managed to get up unassisted. I do believe that this is due to the training at the pool and the fact that we as parents take them swimming and try and teach them.

Also on The Sydney Morning Heralds article about the rise in drownings, “Mr Bradley (From the RLSS) says about one in five Australian teenagers are entering high school unable to swim 50 metres or even float for two minutes.”  I for one find this shocking, not being able to swim that distance and also not able to float for 2 minutes, my kids are four and they can swim, well dog paddle mostly the length of a pool and also to float for more than 2 minutes.

I agree with the RLSS and would like to see the school system take on board swimming lessons for all children. What are your thoughts? Do you find it tough to pay for swimming lessons? Do your kids swim? If all kids could swim, it would making a safer world for kids.  Send in your comments

Why not continue the discussion on our twitter (when on twitter use #kidsafety) or facebook pages.

Disclaimer:  ‘I am participating in the National Kidsafe Day Blogger Competition to support and promote child safety, along with the added bonus of chances to win prizes. All opinions are my own and not those of Kidsafe. To find out more or to enter the competition, please visit www.kidsafe.com.au

 

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Is Technology Making Us Smarter?

According to a story on news.com.au by Jackie Sinnerton, technology is making us smarter. This is apparently due to being exposed to more information and a wider vocabulary. I do agree the more things you are exposed to the greater chance you have of learning more and absorbing the information, this is especially so for little kids who have been described as sponges due to the fact that they soak up everything around them.

I do question the person or family that cannot afford all the gadgets and technology and doing things the old fashioned way. Reading books, exposing their child/children to the same things but not via a computer tablet, or an iPhone (note, I have the series 4). I do agree if you can afford the technology all the better, however it is expensive to make sure that you have what your kid needs in this technology age. We would love to give the kids an iPad each, but we are not made of money. It does not need to be an iPad, it could be a Google Nexus each or something similar. Maybe the Microsoft Surface (release date for 26th Oct 2012 – not sure what the cost of this product is as yet, waiting to see) when it comes out. We are not picky but it really all does come down to money. We cannot purchase one we will need to get two, so every cost is doubled.

In this age of technology it is a must to expose your child/children to computers and any technology that will help them with their future and of course school work. No computer skills will be a negative in the future, everything is computer driven and related. I must say that the iPhone that I was lucky to get for my birthday this year was very easy to use and with no lessons the twins are using it like masters.

My girls have done most things early, but not sure if that is a sign of genius or just smart little girls. I do know they have been told they are advanced in some areas, but also in some areas they need to do more. So in regards to advancement who knows really. In the news.com.au article there is a link to a Mensa Test. I never do well at intelligence tests, not that I am dumb but my brain does not do well with these type of questions. I like more creative things, I tend to find that I lean towards to the arts more than the maths and sciences. Maybe this is why I don’t do well with an intelligence test.

Why not test your smarts and take the Mensa Mini Quiz, answers are listed as well just in case you want to know if you are getting it right. Not everyone can be geniuses or have a high IQ. I do think my kids are smart but it does not bother me as long as they are happy. When they are older the girls find something they like to do, and manage to make a living out. You can only wish for happiness and that they do well. If they are clever at some subjects or certain areas, I do hope the school sees this and pushes them to do more, although hard to know until they are in school as they are still in pre-school. Why is it everyone has to have advanced clever kids, why can’t they just be average? I know it is more interesting if they are smart and excel and everything, however many successful people were average and have done very well.

Many kids that are very smart give up trying as they think it all comes naturally to them. When they go to a selective school with all smart kids they find it hard to keep up as they are now not the smartest person in the room.  This is a big shock to some kids. The average student tends to try harder and achieves while some over achievers and high IQ kids don’t want to pursue a career as a doctor, lawyer or politician and some decide the pressure is too much. I have seen this happen.  While this is just some things that I have witnessed and is not indication for all, so don’t think that average is bad, it sometimes can make you try harder and do very well at life.

Do you think we are getting smarter? Is it due to more information or that parents are teaching more things to their children and in turn the kids are learning more? As a stay at home mother I find that the kids benefit by me being here and teaching them, but vice versa, if I was working they would be learning things at care and also to pre-school so maybe it is much of a muchness. Send in your comments, and why not continue the discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

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Happy Grandparents Day

The official flower of the U.S. National Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not
The official flower of the U.S. National Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not which blooms in the spring. As a result, seasonal flowers are given in appreciation to grandparents on this day.

Today is Grandparents Day in the United States.  This holiday is to honour “contributions seniors have made throughout history. She (Marian McQuade the founder of Grandparents Day) also urged the youth to “adopt” a grandparent, not just for one day a year, but rather for a lifetime.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandparents_Day)

Grandparents Day is not just a holiday celebrated in the United States, other countries including Australia celebrate also. Read the below quote from the Wikipedia page about Grandparents Day:

“Queensland was the first Australian state to officially celebrate Grandparents’ Day – on the first Sunday in November 2010.[11] A range of community events took place in schools and at sporting events around the state.[12] New South Wales held their first inaugural Grandparents Day on Sunday 30 October 2011, and will be celebrated this year on Sunday 28 October 2012. This year’s Grandparents Day is being led by Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA NSW). The Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia will hold their first Grandparents Day in 2012.”

I had no idea about Grandparents Day until a friend told me ages ago. I think it is a nice idea and we should make more of a fuss about grandparents and seniors that help us and our children. You might be surprised to know that  in 2004 the National Grandparents Council in California said that this is the official song – “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa”, by Johnny Prill.

So next month is Australia’s celebration, bookmark the 28th of October to celebrate your grandparents that help you and your kids.  If you are celebrating GrandparentsDay today, what have you done to celebrate?  Send in your stories.

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Potty Training at Dinner Table?

Have you as a parent had kids go to the toilet in bushes, on the side of the road and somewhere less than perfect. Well I have as it is hard to get to a bathroom at all times, especially travelling and with twins.

A woman has caused controversy over having her twin girls sit on potties at a dinner table in America. I know not good and terrible at the dinner table, and I agree that this is not on. I am not sure what the reason for her to do this was, other than the fact that the kids needed to go. Maybe she thought that she was on her own and it is easier to keep an eye on them at the table. However when I am out and about, most times I am on my own with the kids, I bundle both kids up and take them to the bathroom.  I need to have both girls with me to make sure that they are safe and all o.k.

You can be the judge of what happened. Check out the article on Baby Center and see the images that were taken by another diner at the restaurant.  I for one think that the mother should have taken the kids to the bathroom and not done what she did, but maybe that is just me. Tell us your thoughts.

Why not continue this discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

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A Paper Bag Is not Worth $285!

Mummy to Twins Designer Paper Bag
Mummy to Twins Designer Paper Bag

I am not sure what is worse, a person selling a paper bag for $285 or a person willing to purchase the paper bag. Currently Jill Sander’s a fashion designer who has a paper bag for sale and it is selling for $285, but the weird part is that they have sold out.

I for one would not purchase a paper bag worth so much, and I am wondering why others have rushed to get such an expensive paper bag. Why is it worth so much? What makes it so expensive? Is it the fact that it is a designer paper bag? Could I create my own line of paper bags and make a fortune? These are some of the questions I am entertaining currently. Maybe I should give it a go. Check out my first stab at a designer paper bag, I have to perfect my design but think I might be onto something, will practice and showcase my work soon.

At first I thought how silly of the designer to design a product that clearly is not worth the price tag, but I have changed my mind. I am now finding the consumer the silly part of the equation. If the business thinks there might be a market and wants to have a go to see if the public would bite, as it is a bit of a laugh all until the product becomes popular and it sells. I say why not. It is just weird that consumers don’t see past the designer label and see it is still a paper bag and not worth $285.

Just for those people out there thinking how much does a paper bag cost well I have found out. At Woolworths online shop a pack of 100 paper lunch bags cost: $2.93, so that is a cost of 0.13 for each bag. Even shopping with Bag Mart Australia would still be a bargain compared to Jill Sander’s paper bag. No matter which way you look, this designer paper bag is not worth it.

It is very good marketing by Jill Sander’s and team, how much they have earned from just a paper bag, the mark-up must be huge! It just goes to show that the public will purchase anything if it is marketed in the right way.

Maybe I am just missing the point of this special paper bag, if I am please send me the reason that it is so expensive and a must have item. I personally would just go and get a standard cheap paper bag from the supermarket or the shops.

Do you think this item is worth $285 or is it just designers hoping to sell for an inflated price? I for one think it is inflated and not worth it. Send in your comments.

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Weighing in

There has been a call to weigh kids in school to tackle obesity. I for one don’t think this is a good idea. I feel that it would point out kids that are already sensitive to their weight and having issues. These kids don’t need the further pressure of this at school.

I understand it is an issue with kids and adults, however just weighing kids and monitoring this is not going to help.  Changing your lifestyle and what you eat will have much more of an impact, and I am sure that this will be hand in hand with any programme that is developed.

The choices and what is eaten in the home should be looked at also. Kids rely on their parents to pack a healthy lunch and if the choices are not good, then they eat what is given to them. It is a learnt behaviour. Parents need to be tough and say no.

I know it is hard with kids asking for treats and chocolate, but the more you offer the better things like an apple or yoghurt the more the child will know that this is the only options available.  Every now and then the girls have a bit of chocolate or a treat, but it is a sometimes food.

In the article about weighing kids in school it mentions that: “They (the researchers) said it appeared that problems could be avoided by taking measurements privately and confidential results.”

Making sure to weigh kids in private is the ideal, as I would hate to think it would be done in public with all other kids to watch. All you need is a bad group to make fun of someone or a group of kids and the whole idea of this would fall flat.

As stated, I don’t like the idea of this and believe it is an issue for the family to look after. Why do the schools need to infer in the child’s weight now? I know they are trying to help but I feel it is intruding and it is something that is best dealt with as a family unit. Would this information of your child be shared to other schools or universities? And let’s not stop there, would the data be kept for this individual, and impact the life of this person due to the findings?

Would you want your work to weigh you? I am sure you would not. Maybe this is the tip of the ice berg and we will see employers weighing their staff in the future? Will it be an insurance issue to make sure that all employees are a certain weight and fitness? Who knows? Send in your comments.

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Period Tax a Joke!

Why are pads and tampons considered a non-essential item? Ask any woman or girl who has to purchase these items and they would not be able to live without them.   Try and think how your life as a woman would be affected without having pads or tampons, I don’t want to even think about this terrible idea.

Clem Bastow wrote in her article, “Why we should be angry about periods” that the government considers these sanitary products non-essential and they require us to pay the GST. I for one think this is just ludicrous and stupid. Women don’t choose to have their periods it just happens; it is not like you can stop it at will.

You have to wonder if this wisdom or decision was created by a man. If women were involved, why wouldn’t they have said, what a silly decision it was and is. Purchasing tampons and pads is expensive and apparently could be cheaper.

Below is a quote from Ms Bastow’s article that sums up the position of the tax on sanitary products:

“The Howard government introduced the GST on July 1st, 2000, and included in the items that would carry the new tax were pads and tampons – “non-essential” products, according to the stellar minds at Howard HQ. Flash forward to 2012, and pads and tampons are still being taxed as a non-essential item. (There is no GST on frangers, in case you were wondering.) I harangued both the Howard and Rudd governments about this nonsense tax and received witless replies from both; I haven’t bothered contacting the Gillard government because I assume the response will be the same. But when a supermarket chain uses removing the “period tax” as an advertising angle – and even that was four years ago – that was also shrugged off by the government; you know something’s still rotten in the state of tampons. Anyone for a bleed-in at Parliament House?”

Should we as women complain in numbers to parliament or local members to have this changed? I think so. Why is it that an essential item is considered non-essential? Is it to make more money off us? Do men or others see purchasing these products as a choice, you get it or you don’t? Well I hate to break it to the decision makers, having periods every month is not a choice it is nature and sanitary products are essential and should not be taxed. Send in your comments.

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Judging Family Size

Before I got pregnant, I thought I would have one child, then after about 2 years or so, have the second. This was not to be, as I had twins for my first children, so good for me as no second pregnancy for the second child. In the news there has been talk of a lady with ten children and pregnant with quintuplets.  I think having ten children would be challenging as there are times that just two drive me up the wall, so cannot imagine what ten would be like, and adding another five to the mix would make things very busy indeed (busy is probably an understatement).

Some of my friends have more children than myself and they range from 1 kid, 3 kids and 5 kids. Not everyone is content to just have two children or one, some love the idea of a larger family. We are content with our little family. However that said, do you think people judge you for your families size? I do know that I have asked people who have one child if they might do it again, and sometimes the answer is yes and sometimes no.

The reason for the no answer mostly is that they are content with having one and did not realise what one child would demand. With one child you can focus all money and energy into that child, also another reason is the mother does not want to do it again and would really like to get back to her job, life and assemblance of being the person she was before she became a mother. If you do it again, you have at least another 5 years of things you need to put on hold, well that is if you are not having help.

The yes answers are nice, and sometimes it is yes but we need to wait until we have more money or the first child starts school, or something along those lines. All fine, but it is really the families decision and not mine or others. It is up to you what you decide and do, it is your family after all.

Other reports about the Melbourne lady who is having quintuplets is she is in her 29th week and about to have the babies any day now. I hope that all goes well, all the babies live and hang in there. I do understand what it is like to have babies in intensive care and it is not fun. We were lucky that we had our twins at 34 weeks and 2 days, our girls were well considering and were only in care for about 2 weeks. So good going all around. Sending positive vibes for her.

With a larger family I am sure that she will have adequate help but it will be hard, but if she has managed all those children, I am sure she can do it. I hope that the media respects her privacy and allows her to get on with things without intruding, not like what happened in the US with the Octomom.

What are your thoughts? Do you have a large family or a small family? Do people constantly ask you why or when will you have another child? Is it annoying? What are your answers to such questions? Send in your comments.

 

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Teach Kids to Be Active

Sporty Child. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Sporty Child. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In an article on Essential Kids, “Sedentary lifestyles robbing kids of motor skills”, it mentions a landmark study that looked at NSW children. This study showed that the children are “unskilled at basic movements such as throwing, running and jumping”.

The article also stated:

“Less than half of all NSW primary school children do the recommended 60 minutes of exercise daily and this could be linked to the decline in basic movement skills.”

As a parent I am rather amazed that more time is not set aside for exercise. My girls will go to big school (primary – Kindy) in 2014 and I hope that the school puts more emphasis on physical activity. We as a family do activities that promote movement and exercise, dance, yoga, kicking the ball, throwing the ball, bush walking, swimming, running, and jumping. The girls are in the backyard with a family member and me some days and we throw and kick the ball, sometimes it is daddy sometimes it is me.

I also try to have outside time at parks, and no television and some day’s just music. However it depends entirely on the weather as living in the Blue Mountains is not great for outside time (I must say it is winter and freezing it will get better soon), cold, wet, and just sometimes not pleasant unless you are in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate or a nice glass of wine – relaxing then I can say.

One point the article mentioned is that:

”Parents mistakenly believe that children naturally learn those fundamental movement skills. But children need to be taught them.”

Parents need to spend time with their children teaching them how to catch a ball, how to throw and so on. Spending time with your child doing physical activity is great, the child sees you play and they join in.

It is interesting to note that boys are outperforming the girls in some areas. In the article it is suggested that the reason for the difference is that more boys are seen on the oval and the playground. An idea in the article to fix this was maybe a girl’s only area?  One reader who has commented on the article has suggested letting girls wear shorts and t-shirts rather than the school dresses. If the girls were more comfortable they might attempt or do more physical activity. I think that is an excellent idea! Do it schools, do it now!

What are your thoughts? I think this is rather scary that we are having a generation that are not physically active. When I was little we ran around in the sun all day and came home at night time for dinner. I know times have changed but we are leading a very sedentary lifestyle. I for one don’t want my girls to grow up without having the ability to run, jump or do any physical exercise. It does impact how you interact with your peers at school, with school carnival (swimming and running), and also playing with other kids – if the child cannot do something they might be picked on or made fun of due to not being good at catching a ball. Send in your comments.

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Pushing the Breast

Breast feeding, Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Breast feeding, Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Michael Bloomberg the mayor of New York is demanding that hospitals in the area stop giving away free baby formula. Bloomberg and the hospitals want to promote breastfeeding with new mothers.  I do believe that breast is best but some people due to medical reasons and non-medical reasons have issues with breast feeding.

In the article, “Call to hide formula to force more mums to breastfeed!” on Kidspot.com.au, states that mothers who want formula need to have a medical reason and will get a lecture from staff on the benefits of breastfeeding.

I do agree with the Kidspot article as not everyone can or does breastfeed, this pressure to do so, can cause more PND (Post Natal Depression) and the mother feeling like a failure. I for one had issues as my babies were so small they could not latch on correctly. I had to get a nipple thingy that goes over my nipple so the babies could suck correctly.

As I had twins, I never managed to do the dual breastfeed correctly and at home I expressed my breast milk till both girls were five months, and during that time I added formula for the night feeds. This break that formula gave me was great as it allowed me to make more milk. I expressed after each formula feed in the evening to show my body that I still needed to make more milk and also drank a pint of water after each feed. This helped me a great deal.

I don’t believe that you can dictate what a mother does, breast milk or formula. It should be up to the mother and her family. The initiative according to the article will start on the 3rd of September and 27 out of 40 hospitals will partake. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of this is.

Many comments from readers on the Kidspot article say that it is not much different to Australian hospitals and I tend to agree, I was told that I was not allowed to leave until my twins were gaining weight and were all on breast milk feeds, via actual breastfeeding. As I said before, I did not dual breastfeed and that left doing it one at a time. As a new mum you are already not getting any sleep, why make it less by feeding kids one at a time, feeding the babies together maximised the time I had to do things and for them and me sleeping. It also fostered a great routine for us, pity that routine has flown out the window, but as the twins are nearly four that is probably to be expected.

I would say that the hospitals here have a negative opinion of formula but when the twins were first born they went straight into intensive care, the nurses were ringing me to ask for breast milk, but I had no idea how to get breast milk, and I only just had them. I felt harassed and just upset about the whole situation. I eventually got colostrum but that was less than 5mls, it did get better each day but I was not making much in the early days.

The NICU (Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit) fed them formula as they needed to be fed, but they did not like it, I had no other option, although one of my twins decided she hated formula and was nil by mouth. All breast milk went to her and if extra was over it went to the other baby. You work with what you are faced with, as a new mother you have no idea if you can or can’t breast feed. This is something you think you can do until you find out you have issues. Why make things worse for new mums, give them options not hurdles.

In a post called “Breast v’s Bottle” I discuss how I felt in the early days about breast feeding with twins. It is very similar to this story but more about a father using bottle feeding to help out. This week is breast feeding week a time to increase awareness and celebrate, maybe this is why we are hearing more of these pro breast feeding stories. I do think breast is best, but it is up to the individual what ends up happening. You can plan to breast feed and not be able to. What are your thoughts? Were you able to breast feed? Did you supplement with formula at some stage or was it all breast milk? Send in your comments.

 

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Cheap Shot at Olympic Shooter

Shooting Finals
Shooting Finals

Today I read about Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi, a Malyasian shooter that is representing her country at the London 2012 Games.
The controversy is that she is 8 months pregnant, and I think we should all just stop having a go and support Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi on her goal to become an Olympian.

Shooting air rifles is not harmful, it just puffs a bit of air, and there is no recoil for air rifles compared to the standard rifles. As there is no major or immediate danger, the unborn child is in no harm, so what is the fuss about. One person I spoke to says of people who shoot air rifles, “Are they really doing anything?” , this is due to the quietness of the rifle – so not only is there no injury after using this type of rifle, it is also much easier on the ears.

To participate in this sport, you need to be calm, have low blood pressure and focused. These behaviours are of great benefit to the unborn child, and yet another thing that will not harm him/her. I hope that she does win now to quiet those that criticisd her.  I am cheering for you! Go for gold! (I know you are not in the Australian team, but I think what you have done is great)

Why can’t we give this athlete a break and just let her enjoy her time at the Olympics and focus on her sport, not focus on the criticism of her being pregnant.  Send in your comments.

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Working Through Maternity Leave

I read with interest that Yahoo has hired Marissa Mayer who is expecting her first child soon. I congratulate Yahoo for seeing that pregnancy is not an issue.  However there has been much talk of Ms Mayer’s comment that she is only going to have a couple of week’s maternity leave and that she will work all throughout the leave as well.

Many women take less leave after a baby and this is not news. I for one did not, but I am not in the league of Marissa Mayer in earnings or at the CEO level (I wish I was, maybe one day) Why not continue in your field? Have the good job with a great salary. Men don’t get criticised about working hard when they have a new baby, although they are not the person that has the child or will breastfeed.

I for one don’t have a problem that Ms Mayer is going to work throughout her maternity leave, it is a personal choice. Many women don’t have an option but to work when their kids are babies, the family needs to pay the bills somehow.   Someone that has been successful in work has the ability to hire help, nannies, and carers.

Jill Cordes from Fearless Feisty Mama is questioning if women can truly have it all? I do understand and feel that sometimes we cannot, that we can have the career and then the family and then go back to the career.  It never seems to all happen at the same time, however if I had more money and help maybe I could have both?

Currently I am enjoying looking after my girls, and I would not do it differently, but there are moments where I long for work and wonder what I would be doing and what my position/role would be if I continued in the corporate world.  Would I be a manager? Would my earnings be greater? Who knows, it is a guessing game now as I’m a stay at home mummy to my twins.  As you would have read from previous posts, for me to work would do us a financial disservice, so it is better for me to be home with the kids. Also my work is in the city and we are two hours away, just not a good fit right now. So as stated, home educator/carer is better for now, hoping the work will come later.

While writing this my nearly four year old twins want me to play with them, cuddle them and be with them. It is a hard balance, trying to get some things done for you, and spending time with your little ones. I do enjoy playing with the girls, although it does not get a lot done with the house. This is where a cleaner/nanny would come in handy. I could spend time with the kids while hired staff helps me keep the house. Oh how that would be nice… Universe I am putting it out there, when we get rich I want a housekeeper to help with the house.

Jill Cordes does make a good point that you have ideas on how it will be with the baby and reality never equals your ideas of how it was supposed to be. My girls were good and slept well after 3 months, however during their first three months; I was up every 2-3 hours feeding them. They did sleep well in the first three months, but it was just a blur with no sleep and hard. After the first three months they slept about 12-14 hours a night… thank god for that. What would happen if the baby/babies did not sleep had reflux or some other issue?

A quote from Jill Cordes article: “I worry though, that Mayer could also send a message to the rest of the world that women can push through their maternity leave if they want; that all it takes is “a few weeks.” She could ultimately be hurting the case for the majority of us who actually want to enjoy our babies–and take care of them–before returning to the workforce.”   I hope that others don’t see this as the norm in maternity leave and that some people just would rather to work and have less leave, it should be seen on a case by case basis.  Let’s hope that women don’t get pressured to have shorter leave.

I am sure that when Ms Mayer’s first baby comes she will adapt to the new person in her life and make changes accordingly, as the CEO she will have the ability to make changes to her schedule within reason.

With the idea getting work after kids are at school, not sure how this will work – I hope to be able to do something part time or from home. Maybe setting up a business from home might be the way to go? Well you never know.

I see the point of sticking with your great job, why move if it works for you, and they are flexible with family. If I was Marissa Mayer I would not listen to others about her choice, it is up to her and other women in the same situation. Why feel even guiltier about your choice. It is not for me to judge. Do you believe that other women will get pressured to work and have less maternity leave due to this example? Did you take less maternity leave? Did you work through your maternity leave? What are your thoughts? Send in your comments.

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No Pram = Angry customers

You and the family are off to breakfast on the weekend. You have the pram with you, due to the fact that you have young kids. You are about to sit down to then be told, prams are not allowed in the cafe or restaurant on weekends.

This happened to a Port Melbourne man, George Hitchens. His story was documented in the following article, “Dad furious as cafe says ‘no prams allowed'”.  According to the article, there was plenty of room to accommodate the pram. Mr Hitchens asked if prams were being discriminated against but was told no, Mr Hitchens also asked the cafe owner if the same rule would be made for people in wheelchairs and the answer was no. The cafe in question has a regular customer that is in a wheelchair and they accommodate this person easily.

The response was that prams are getting too big and the weekends the cafe is very busy. I do understand the remark that prams are getting bigger and bigger. I have seen ones that are very similar to a 4wd’s/SUV’s. However I feel that if you, as a customer see that there is room in the cafe to accommodate you and the family, why not be seated?

I agree with George Hitchens that if this is the treament that they got, why would you frequent the cafe and would probalby tell others not to, but that is just me.  I am not speaking from the perspective of the business and I can imagine it is difficult to find room for prams and patrons. However if there is room, why not?  Just my input.

Have you had this happen to you? If so what did you do about it? Did you manage to work on a resolution, and go back to the cafe/restaurant in question? Send in your comments.

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News

Serious Gear Lust

I have had serious lust over the iPad’s and would just love to own one. I know it is a terrible thing to admit, but it is true. Having a tablet would definitely be a help in life, while out with the kids I could be doing work, and at home I could take the tablet to bed (how strange to say take a tablet to bed, you know I mean a laptop device, not a bex or a tablet) to read articles for university, and of course if I have any further spare time, I will use it to surf the web or just read for my own interest.

Finding out that there is a mini iPad about to be launched is great news, and that it might be cheaper than the other iPad’s on the market. This mini iPad will be launching in October some time so I’m keen to find out more, although the article about the mini iPad claim that the launch will be more likely for September. We will have to wait and see.

It is not just the iPad’s that have managed to wake my gear lust; it is also Microsoft’s Surface, again coming in October. From what I understand there is no cost listed currently for these devices and I would love to have one also. You might just say that I am keen to have a portable device that I can take with me, out and about or to just retire and read books or articles with. The desktop computer just does not cut it anymore. One amazing thing about Microsoft Surface is that the cover for the tablet becomes the keyboard, no need to purchase the keyboard separately.

Do you lust after products that you cannot have? Is it just me that wants a tablet? I also find the term tablet a bit strange…I feel like I am asking for a pill/medicine. I know it is not, but that is what it sounds like. A bit like when I first heard of the Nitendo Wii, it took me a moment to understand that people were talking about a product and not wanting to go to the toilet. I know silly, but how many others have had the same issue? I am up with technology and very savvy with it, and sometimes the names for products just throw you.

Send in your comments, or stories about what things you lust over. My list is getting longer and longer, however I will stick with either an iPad or the Microsoft Surface for the moment.  It will be interesting to see how Google, Apple and Microsoft go with very similar products and what prices they will sell at.  Having a price point that is more competitive might mean the organisation that wins the business will corner the market.

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News Uncategorised

SAHM V's Working Mother debate

Why is this still a debate, it does not matter to me if you stay at home as a mother (SAHM), or you are a working mother. You do what is right for you. In the news the other day there was an article ”Curse of the mummy wars” by Jessica Irvine on the Sydney Morning Herald .

Some people need to work to keep the house and their way of life, and these mothers would very much like to spend more time with their young children. Understand and that is hard as well. I am in the other situation, where I would love to work a bit part time but it is hard to impossible.

We are lucky that I can stay home with the kids; however more money would be a great thing at the moment, as we like a lot of people are in financial stress. It is hard to work, due to living further out from the city, having no family to help and the costs of childcare. If I was to get a job, it might prove difficult to keep as what do I do during school holidays or if the kids or one gets sick?  Currently I need to do something at home that fits in with my current situation as a stay at home mother to the twins.

Not only have I caught myself drooling over jobs, it makes me miss the whole idea of work. Currently the workplace would be an escape and a way to have my individually noticed, skills respected and being taken for more than just a wife and mother. I am sure that others feel the same way; however I know my time will come, but there are times I am frustrated and feel annoyed about not doing more for us and especially me.

People must think being a stay at home mother is all relaxing and having fun with the kids. Yes there is a bit of that, but it is a really hard job. This is a job that you don’t get time out, help, sick days, or holidays. It makes me think that all my old jobs were dead easy now.

In the article by Jessica Irvine, Ann Rommey the wife of presidential candidate Mitt Rommey, opened a twitter account to answer critics about her choice to stay at home to look after their children.  Do you feel that you are always justifying your choice as a stay at home mother? I don’t care it is what we have done and it is working for us. If I decided to go to work, it would break us even more financially, as what do I do with the kids? How do I find the money to pay for their care? Who will pick them up and look after them after school? It boils down to what is the better option for your family. No one else needs to enter the debate.

It is sad that the value we have on women is more for paid work compared to raising the next generation. Why is the female of the species belittled for doing what works for her family?  In my instance we would have to find money so that I could work. Why would you do it if the money you earn is not going to pay for everything? Cheaper and better off to stay at home and care for the kids.

In the article it states that men traditionally have earned more than women, and this is in my view still happens. I for one have more qualifications than my husband but did not earn as much as him in the corporate world. It made sense for us to keep the higher salary earner in the workforce. However that said, I am hoping that my finished master’s degree in project management will help me get the next job with of course a decent wage.  Some women do out earn men, and I hope that one day that will be me. However no matter what way it goes, I think the higher wage earner is the better choice. Just my opinion, but of course you can both work which is great too.

What are your thoughts on the debate of SAHM (Stay At Home Mothers) or Working Mother? Why are we still having this discussion? I don’t see the need to worry, it is not my business what you or your family do, and it is up to you. You will work it out, not me or the media. Send in your comments.

 

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News

SAHM V’s Working Mother debate

Why is this still a debate, it does not matter to me if you stay at home as a mother (SAHM), or you are a working mother. You do what is right for you. In the news the other day there was an article ”Curse of the mummy wars” by Jessica Irvine on the Sydney Morning Herald .

Some people need to work to keep the house and their way of life, and these mothers would very much like to spend more time with their young children. Understand and that is hard as well. I am in the other situation, where I would love to work a bit part time but it is hard to impossible.

We are lucky that I can stay home with the kids; however more money would be a great thing at the moment, as we like a lot of people are in financial stress. It is hard to work, due to living further out from the city, having no family to help and the costs of childcare. If I was to get a job, it might prove difficult to keep as what do I do during school holidays or if the kids or one gets sick?  Currently I need to do something at home that fits in with my current situation as a stay at home mother to the twins.

The girls and I a few years ago now. We were at Melrose Park to see a man jump out of plane for the fly over. This was on the 25th of May 2013.
The girls and I a few years ago now. We were at Melrose Park to see a man jump out of plane for the fly over. This was on the 25th of May 2013.

 

Not only have I caught myself drooling over jobs, it makes me miss the whole idea of work. Currently the workplace would be an escape and a way to have my individually noticed, skills respected and being taken for more than just a wife and mother. I am sure that others feel the same way; however I know my time will come, but there are times I am frustrated and feel annoyed about not doing more for us and especially me.

People must think being a stay at home mother is all relaxing and having fun with the kids. Yes there is a bit of that, but it is a really hard job. This is a job that you don’t get time out, help, sick days, or holidays. It makes me think that all my old jobs were dead easy now.

In the article by Jessica Irvine, Ann Rommey the wife of presidential candidate Mitt Rommey, opened a twitter account to answer critics about her choice to stay at home to look after their children.  Do you feel that you are always justifying your choice as a stay at home mother? I don’t care it is what we have done and it is working for us. If I decided to go to work, it would break us even more financially, as what do I do with the kids? How do I find the money to pay for their care? Who will pick them up and look after them after school? It boils down to what is the better option for your family. No one else needs to enter the debate.

It is sad that the value we have on women is more for paid work compared to raising the next generation. Why is the female of the species belittled for doing what works for her family?  In my instance we would have to find money so that I could work. Why would you do it if the money you earn is not going to pay for everything? Cheaper and better off to stay at home and care for the kids.

In the article it states that men traditionally have earned more than women, and this is in my view still happens. I for one have more qualifications than my husband but did not earn as much as him in the corporate world. It made sense for us to keep the higher salary earner in the workforce. However that said, I am hoping that my finished master’s degree in project management will help me get the next job with of course a decent wage.  Some women do out earn men, and I hope that one day that will be me. However no matter what way it goes, I think the higher wage earner is the better choice. Just my opinion, but of course you can both work which is great too.

What are your thoughts on the debate of SAHM (Stay At Home Mothers) or Working Mother? Why are we still having this discussion? I don’t see the need to worry, it is not my business what you or your family do, and it is up to you. You will work it out, not me or the media. Send in your comments.

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News

Drinking when pregnant?

Glass of Red Wine
Glass of Red Wine

When I was pregnant, I did not drink alcohol. I knew that some people said a drink here or there will not matter. I was one of those women who had waited to have kids and wanted to ensure all went well. I know things could have still gone wrong in many ways, however decided that I would give up alcohol as it is something that I could control.

According to DrinkWise Australia, there is no known level that is safe to the child. The site states that the more you drink (binge drinking especially) can be harmful to the baby. This was the same story I got at the doctors and was advised to not drink, so I didn’t.  However I can understand women who might have the odd glass of wine, or say a shandy or watered down alcohol beverage. These women might not be binge drinkers but it is their right to order a drink as long as it is in moderation, like with everyone else.   I personally would not drink, but that is my view.

In the news today, there was an article titled, “I can’t serve you. You’re pregnant”, in the Sydney Morning Herald – The story is about a woman who is pregnant and asks for an alcohol drink and was refused, due to her being pregnant. This occurred in California, so not sure if the rules are different there, and from the article I don’t think so. Makes me wonder if this has occurred in Australia? –  If it has let us know.

Refusing service due to being pregnant is an interesting one; will this become the way in the future? I just think it is discrimination, what about you? What about soft cheeses? Will I not be able to have a salad with my favourite cheese just in case it is dangerous?  Could the same be said for spicy chili dishes? If the spicy chili meals were banned, I would have been in deep trouble. I had many meals with dumplings with hot and spicy sauce. YUM would not mind some dumplings now.

It is interesting that you do get such conflicting advice. Some doctors say a drink here or there is fine and others say NO, don’t drink anything alcoholic!

Having it out with a hungry and angry pregnant woman might not be the way to go. But all joking aside, this is a serious issue, why can a complete stranger dictate what you eat/drink.  What are your thoughts? Did you abstain from alcohol when pregnant or did you have a glass of wine every now and then? Send in your comments.

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News

Wonder clock not that wondrous

Why is it that we need applications to tell us when we will stop being able to have children. As a woman who had children later, I find this rather upsetting to say the least. There is ample media attention on women mainly in their mid to late 30’s, and this attention is stressing us all out.

I know it is best to have kids early rather than later, some people keep thinking that there is time, however you cannot wait forever to do the kid thing. It does have limits. We understood that, and it was not up to us, it just took longer in our case.

Working in my early 20’s and in my 30’s was essential, I had a degree and wanted to climb the corporate ladder, but also wanted to have a husband, kids and a good family life. This we have been lucky to have and we were blessed with twins. So we were just over the moon, however once pregnant I was conscious of the media and any stories that were ageist, telling me that there will be problems if I do get pregnant, and if I was, well then I had to be careful.

I decided to turn of the television/radio when these stories were on the air, I refused to be part of others conversations on these topics and I listened to a relaxation CD, now a digital file/MP4. I found tuning out the best medicine. I knew things could happen, but I wanted to just be positive and see what would happen and listening to others stressed me, I did not want to be part of this stress.

Having this iPhone application “Wonder Clock”, is just stressing all women out there and as you will see from Kasey Edwards story on the Sydney Morning Herald the app gives wrong results. I can understand the need and want to find out how long you have left, however if I knew that I would be stressing and running around like a mad woman.
What if you had an iPhone app for how long you have before you die, would you buy that? I wouldn’t, due to the fact that I would not want to know, and don’t want to be spending my last moments freaking out and worrying.

Why is all the focus on women? Women do carry the babies and are generally the ones that have a time limit, however research has shown that men need to look after themselves and indeed have time limits also.

Below are some links that show that men have a time limit on their fertility as well:

·         A man’s age and fertility
·         Fertility clock ticks for men, too
·         Men’s fertility decreases after 35

It could be stated that a percentage of women would like to settle down and have kids, but the man in their life is not ready, unreliable and just a child.  So the woman moves on to never meet the right guy. Then they are faced with the fact that they are getting older, and would like a child.  Maybe we need an iPhone app to sort out if the guy we are dating is a family man and the type for having kids with? Now that would have been something I would have purchased. (And this is my idea, so I am claiming dibs on it if it is created, and millions are made)

I don’t see why we should purchase an application that tells you will be barren in how many years. I for one would not purchase it; I want to feel energised, and youthful. Why buy an application to be told you are old. Let me know if you have used products like this? Did they work? And if they did, do you feel okay with the results? Send in your comments.