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MSN's Meanest Moms

Filed under: Just for moms, Celeb parenting, Behaving badly

Just in time for Mother's Day, a little something different. MSN has compiled a slide show of the meanest moms to come out of Hollywood. They're fictitious kind of silver screen, of course. Take a look to see if you're familiar with any and all from this compilation.

Naturally, included in the mix is Faye Dunaway's priceless version of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest. I remember seeing that film as a child and being absolutely terrified. Even now I can't think about Joan Crawford without flinching (especially after "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!).

Also included is Norman Bates' mother from the movie Psycho, who haunts and taunts him from beyond the grave. Note to self: Do not be this kind of mother; son will turn out to be a murderer. Oh, and how could we forget Mrs. Robinson? Anne Bancroft, God rest her soul, who never looked better, played cold and calculating to a "T. If you're feeling bad about your own mothering skills, take a look at this list. I can assure you you'll feel a lot better knowing that no matter what you did--put the kid to bed to early, forgot to trim his nails (again), wouldn't let him have ice cream, etc.--you will never, ever be as bad a mom as these mamas. Have fun!

Pic of Joan and the Evil Queen from Snow White (not mentioned but worthy of inclusion!) by Evil Preacher.

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Do parents worry too much about their child's temperature?

Filed under: Health and safety

No one likes to see their kids get sick, and fevers can be especially worrisome. When my daughter caught the flu this winter, her fever soared to 104.5 and she felt like she was on fire. I think I checked her temperature every hour that night, until I could feel that she had cooled back down.

But researchers say that parents may be worrying too much about childhood fevers, and that many tend to medicate (or worse, over-medicate) a condition that doesn't even need treatment, even waking up comfortably sleeping children to give them medication.

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Not the mother I thought I'd be

Filed under: Just for moms, Preschoolers, Special needs

When my life was very clear and perfectly manageable and I had all the answers to everything, which is to say, back before I became a mother, I'd sometimes see other parents with their children and think, Absolutely not. I will never do that when I have children of my own.

My list of "nevers" was firm and my resolve was strong. There was equipment I was never going to buy: anything loud or squeaky; anything that took up more space in a room than a couch; anything that was made of plastic, especially products with colors so bright they made your teeth hurt.

I was never going to be one of those parents who interrupted the person they were speaking with, mid-sentence, to issue directives to their kids, stop picking your nose this instant, because it was just so rude. My children would never be fussy eaters, or unappreciative of gifts. They wouldn't say naughty things, or be mean to each other, or me.

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Obama answers mommybloggers

Filed under: In the news, Playground bureau

There are still many facets of life in the United States where there is room for improvement, but it's still an incredible place to hang your hat and owe your taxes. Where else could you find a place where a serious presidential contender would take the time to answer the questions of a bunch of mommy bloggers?!

Disappointed at the lame questions and lack of follow-up in that last televised debate, the MOMocrats sent a list of questions they wished had been addressed to the Obama campaign. Amazingly, they received a response from Obama on a variety of topics ranging from torture to maternity leave.

Of course, these answers were likely edited and assessed by dozens of handlers and speech writers and this is excellent PR for Obama. But it's still pretty awesome that average citizens can have the ear of a presidential nominee, even for just a second in cyberspace.

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Online programs let parents view kids' grades

Filed under: Just for moms, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens and tweens, Just for dads, Life and style, In the news, Education

In a recent NY Times article we were introduced to online programs that allow parents to track their children's grades. Many parents are choosing products like ParentConnect, Edline and PowerSchool to assist them in conversing with their children about their grades.

As the Times article points out, it cuts out the middle portion of the conversation. The parents know what the grade is, good or bad. There can be no hiding of the grades or pretending they're something other than what they are. ParentConnect allows the parent access to the grade, and lets the child know that information is out there, and that discussion is sure to follow (especially if the grade is less than desirable).

Such programs are currently being utilized by 10,000 schools in all but one of the states. Studies have shown that parental involvement can have an effect on grades, and with test scores being more important than ever these days, many are turning to such sites to assist them in their quest for kids with good grades, even though several of these sites have been around for ten years.

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What I really want for Mother's Day

Filed under: Just for moms, Love and sex, Money and work, Holidays

Moms are great. Dads are too, for sure, but this week, and this month, we're talking mamas. And you know what? Mamas work hard. I knew when I first got pregnant that being a mom would change my life, be unlike anything I'd ever done, and be very, very hard. Rewarding, yes, above all that heaven could offer, but HARD. So, I'm going to be totally honest with you when I say that not all moms go in for cards, candy and maybe some flowers.

It's not that we think we deserve the world for doing what millions of women have done before us. No, it's that life is more complicated now than it ever was. We work full-time, we're fitness frenzied, we're suffering through war and a housing crisis and a terrible economy. We're expected to keep a perfect house, perfect children, have the perfect body and be able to do it all in a day while working full-time. Oh, and we're supposed to be happy about it! So, without further ado, here's a short list of the kinds of things moms would really love for Mother's Day:

1. Quiet. Also known as "peace and quiet." Moms love it and can't seem to get enough of it. Muzzle the dog, send the kids off to a play date and lock yourself into your office (or a Starbucks with wi fi) and let mom bask in silence. After all, silence is golden, and it's a lot cheaper than jewelry. And she'll get more use out of it.

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