Like many modern moms, I have all those little social networks as my stops online.  It’s primarily due to them that I can stay in touch with friends and family that otherwise I would have lost contact with a long time ago. 

Besides, let’s face it- social networking can be incredibly fun. 

Also like a lot of other moms, I have quite a few mom friends online too.  Most of them are a lot more talkative about their children that I am, as I tend to take the private route.  With many of those friends, you wouldn’t even have to be right there to know what’s going on at any given time with them, their children, and every other little detail.

Unfortunately, this same openness has also seemingly erased any real acknowledgement of things that may be left not online.  While at some point most people have secretly laughed at some of the digital faux-paux online, many of the same people who wouldn’t dream of doing ‘something like that’ could still putting themselves at risk.  Maybe even in ways they aren’t thinking of.

The case of a mom who recently found her child at the center of a Craigslist adoption scam recently found this out the hard way.  While yes, her child was home and not going to be kidnapped- the entire incident left her understandably shaken. 

When it comes to our children, everything is exciting.  In a world of firsts it can be hard to not over-share all those firsts, and besides (and especially for parents) they are exciting.  With digital cameras you can take a ton of photos and post them all in a matter of seconds, and really with our cell phones- it really doesn’t take much to update everyone on all those same things.s

A simple ‘first’ update with a photo can have some lasting problems for children, especially in their later years.   Kids can be cruel, and if your blog or status updates are uncovered by a bully, that really won’t bode well for your child.

Also considering the sheer amount of people online, and how many people may be on your ‘friends’ list, many that you may not really know- there’s always the chance that someone with some not so great intentions may stumble upon those photos.

The easiest way to protect yourself is really to keep private.  Be it by not sharing too much, or just remembering to to update privacy settings on your social networks.

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It’s true that we all handle our emotions differently, the backlash faced by this mom over Twitter is astounding.  While many of her detractors have let up, others won’t.  They blame her for the death of her son, who had fallen into a pool he had drowned.

The other day I wrote about a family who was trying to make something good out of a horrible tragedy. 

Due to what this mom is going through right now, I’m not writing out the handle.  Obviously, if one is inclined it’s easy enough to find anyway. The blogosphere is taking the story and running with it, for better or worse.  While many are taking the side of the mother in question, others are being outright ruthless.

Many people have a support network online, and it can be the only place some can turn with their problems.  While this case is an extreme one, it shows that both social reaction and technology doesn’t seem to be running at the same pace. 

While many bloggers may turn to their audience with problems and concerns, not everyone finds that an appropriate place to vent.  While many are simply writing about a bad day at work, or maybe forgetting some mundane thing at the store, this case features a real mom with very real pain. 

It’s obvious that not everyone was receptive.  Perhaps in part due to the initial tweet that had made the accident sound as if she was writing it before doing anything, or maybe people are just cruel.

What is your view?  Should this woman have ‘expected’ this type of backlash?  Or are some just taking this to extremes?

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She’s (or he) is everything you have always dreamed of- funny, smart, a fantastic listener.  The only thing is, they have children.  Could this ever work out?  What should you do?

First off, dating a single parent is a lot different (in many cases) than dating someone without children attached.  You as the potential girlfriend or boyfriend do have to understand some things will be different, but there’s no reason it can’t work out.

As a single mom myself, I’ve come across some people who didn’t understand a few of the things below.  It’s a good and early sign that the future with these people just wasn’t feasible, and that everyone involved was in for a very bad time.  Yet there are people out there that will understand and will make a great match (if you are reading this looking for advice, that’s a great sign right off the bat).

The ‘rules’ below are in no particular order, and may not apply to everyone.  This is just a general guide for dating a single parent, and if you are in doubt about something- ask them!

• Drop the drama.  It’s a good sign that this person has been in a relationship before considering they have a child.  If you are planning on playing games, better off not bothering.
• Don’t assume they are looking for a mother/father for their children.  This is where many people seem to misunderstand.  More than likely your potential sweetie isn’t looking for a stand in father or mother.  It’s a good way to poison things right off the bat if you start acting that way.
• Point blank, you aren’t the children’s mother or father.  Sure things may work out for the long term and you will be the step parent, until then respect your position.
• Don’t discipline their kids.  Point blank: Don’t Do It.
• Respect the ex.  Don’t badmouth the children’s other parent especially in front of the children.  You still have to respect the fact that they are in their children’s lives.  You don’t have to be best friends, just give them basic human respect.  Jealousy, insults, and all that has no place in that dynamic.
• You won’t be number one.  The children come first, no matter what.
• Don’t tell them how to raise their kids.  Generally speaking, they know what they are doing.

While things may work differently, these are the things that a few parents have wished that potential partners knew.  There isn’t any reason that the two of you can’t work it out and be happy.

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Having your child snuggled in using a baby carrier is a great way to promote parent- child bonding.  However if your child has one of the many issues that requires proper leg support these same carriers posed many issues and concerns.  Even if your child didn’t have one of these issues, proper leg support is still an important feature to ward off potential future problems in the growing muscles.

NAP Inc has introduced the first soft structured baby carrier with proper and full leg supports, called the Boba.  They are simple to use (just slide in your child’s feet) and support your baby’s growing legs.

From the Press Release:

The backpack-style Boba ensures that the toddler’s knees are supported and the legs are placed at a natural 90-degree angle. When the child is seated in this flexed abducted position (legs apart, knees bent) and oriented towards the carrying adult, their hips and pelvis naturally align to support and take pressure off of the spine which means increased support and increased comfort for the baby or toddler. In addition, the design of the Boba uses more material providing higher back support.

This is a brilliant design, and truly supports your child’s growing frame and extremities.  It also supports your comfort as well, using many other features.  Baby wearing is popular, but a few problems can make the practice painful, a proper fit and proper support of your child however reduces the risk of pain.

Additional benefits of the Boba include:

Additional Boba benefits for babies, toddlers and parents include:

• The most affordable organic and locally made soft structured baby carrier available on the market.
• Eco-friendly – shell and batting made with GOTS and OE100 certified organic cotton and lined with 100% organic Texas cotton. No pesticides or herbicides are used – ever.
• Extremely easy to wear and use with the option of carrying the child on the adult’s front or back. Parents can be ready to go in just minutes.
• Strong enough to carry a child weighing 15 to 45 lbs.
• Lightweight for adults – Boba weighs less than 2 lbs.
• Eliminates the feeling of wearing an expedition backpack – no poles or metal parts. The soft Boba is compact, adjustable, gently form fitting, and is 15″ tall x 16″ wide.
• Super secure waist belt comes with a triple lock military grade buckle to ensure child is safe at all times.
• Completely adjustable and easily fits moms and dads of all shapes and sizes.
• Available in six sophisticated, earth-inspired color choices that will match any outfit.

Boba is available for $99.00. Visit http://www.bobacarrier.com to purchase online or to find out more information regarding retail availability nationwide.

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Motherhood can bring a lot of surprises.

One of the many is brilliant ideas that can turn a dire situation into something life changing.

After acquiring a new ‘single mom’ status life can take many different turns.  One of many is starting out something you may never have before, including a new business venture.  At least that’s how the HattieRose came to be.

The fabulously adorable bibs in the shop are all super absorbent and shop-exclusive. All of the gifts on the HattieRose website are created for the website by the company’s own designers.

The bibs are a fabulous find for children who may spit up or drool more than the average kiddo.  They would also be quite handy to have on hand for the teething stage.  HattieRose has a ton of styles to choose from, so there is a definite bonus as well!

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