Energizer Baby

My little Energizer Bunny runs me ragged. Trying to keep up with a high-energy child wears me out long before she's worn out. My mom tells me, "Take her outside and let her get some fresh air and run around to tire her out." Really?! We were outside for two hours running sprints uphill, then pretended to feed birds and squirrels berries, and the only person pooped is me.

Children grow extremely fast and with each new word, jump, and action she accomplishes, she impresses both herself and me. I'm extremely proud of the evolution, and with each boost of confidence, she expands her learning. Although a high energy child can be exhausting, a great way to wind them down is an introduction to sports, and brain teasing activities, toys and gadgets...or at least it's worth a try. If not, you'll both keep going, and going, and going! Enjoy your weekend.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com.



Photo taken courtesy of http://photos.costume-works.com/full/energizer_bunny.jpg

Psycho Sitter

So I was in process of interviewing a new babysitter for the days I have meetings or I'm simply running errands. The one I previously used has an issue with punctuality, and although I tried to overlook that issue because Layla loves her to death and she's really good with her, it's gotten to the point where I'm tired of scheduling her 30 minutes before we actually need her, just so she'll arrive on time. 


As I carefully examine the Care.com profiles and narrow down three prospects that may be a good fit based upon their provided details, I sent messages to all. The first gal to call is a new mom, also now a stay-at-home with a three-month-old. I thought I'd try something new, as she indicated in her profile that she would have to bring her daughter with her. I figured it would be good company for Layla, and I understand that it's difficult for many families to survive on one income as well as not wanting to leave your newborn in the care of strangers. Hiring her could work out and Layla could have a playmate, and if not, on to the next candidate.  

The gal shows up for the interview with her baby, and I'm not feeling her. I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but her profile picture was extremely deceptive in comparison to her rough in-person appearance. Also, my instincts screamed "Oh Hell NO!" and they're usually right when it comes to people. But, I was willing to see the interview out, since she drove all the way to my home. Future babysitters/nannies of America, here's my top six reasons not to get hired.

1. Trying to renegotiate pay - After immediately walking through our front door, you try to renegotiate a higher rate.  Not happening! Strike one.
2. You don't like kids?! - Following the awkward pay discussion, I try to lighten the mood with some small talk and ask if her infant is an only child. Responding with "She's definitely the one and only and I'm never having a kid again!" is not the best way to answer. Now, I totally understand the feeling and get it. One child is hard work, let alone multiple. I've made similar comments on occasion, but I'm not interviewing for a babysitting job where my tone basically emphasizes that I hate kids! Wow! Strike two.
3. Fired from your last daycare job - Telling me you were fired from your last "corporate" daycare position because you weren't cut out for corporate daycare is a ridiculous answer. When I probe for more information and you tell me that your classroom was the noisiest and you weren't able to control the volume of "20 little heathens," I could see why it resulted in termination.  What's most disturbing is her profile lists a BS in Child Development. Would that be a Bachelor of Science, or do I call BS?! Strike three.
4. Fired from another daycare job - As if the last one wasn't bad enough, telling me you were fired from yet another daycare position, before the last one, is just downright stupid. Describing that you took several children on a field trip, and because they wouldn't quiet down, you screamed "Shut up" at the top of your lungs, resulting in your coworker reporting you IS a fireable offense honey. And p.s. why on earth would you tell me these stories? Wait. Maybe I should let her renegotiate pay for an increase! And just when you think it couldn't get any worse, it gets better...
5. Anxiety - Justifying that you had to shout shut up at the top your lungs, or else you would've had an anxiety attack because you suffer from anxiety, does absolutely nothing but make me think the following:
6. Meds - Because you suffer from anxiety, I can only assume that you are on meds because of it. Thanks, but no thanks nut job. I've watched The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. I'll pass.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com.







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Meltdowns: Child & Parent

When your child is screaming at the top of their lungs because he or she doesn't get what they want, it's tough trying to prevent or end their meltdown, but even harder keeping yourself from having one.

Tantrums seem to be more of a power struggle than anything else, and given there's limitation on how much a two year old can verbalize, lashing out and screaming is their way of communicating frustration.  And while I have some tactics that work (they don't always work), I've talked with many parents who've confided that after their own sadness, anxiety, and then ultimately yelling at their child, they've locked themselves into the bathroom for a good cry. I'm no stranger to giving myself and daughter a timeout at the same time, I ultimately believe there's nothing wrong with putting your child in their crib to cry it out, so that you can go cry it out as well. Get yourself together without your child seeing it. We're human, and parents don't always have the answers. Managing tantrums is no easy feat, but here are some of the tactics I've found successful:

• Ignore It - Although this can be hard, especially when your child is screaming at the top of their lungs and all you want is some peace and quiet, giving your child some space and ignoring the bad behavior is a way for them to reflect and realize that maybe it doesn't bother mommy and daddy as much as I thought. Watch how easily the bad behavior can dissipate. 
• Give Your Child Some Space - This goes hand-in-hand with the aforementioned. Giving both yourself and child a time out by sitting them in their crib or a safe area until they calm down is a great way for you both to de-stress. 
• Distraction - The art of distraction is key to averting bad behavior. As they begin to exhibit bad behavior, show them a toy, turn on the tv or simply make up something to capture their attention. Tell them you thought you heard an airplane in the sky and walk outside to look and see if there's a bird, a plane, or anything in the sky to avert their behavior! It works like a charm. 
• Discipline - This goes without saying, but when your child has a meltdown, make sure there are boundaries in place to try and regulate their behavior.
• Food, Rest & Relaxation - This is something that can benefit all parties. A delicious big meal is a great way to nourish the body and mind, and a full belly many times leads to a desire to rest and relax. There's nothing like a good meal to prompt nap-time. 

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com.

Image courtesy of http://images.agoramedia.com/wte3.0/gcms/Set-Loving-Limits-for-Your-Child-article.jpg

Autumn Is In The Air

It was complete pandemonium. The anticipated 300,000 Kansas City Royals fans turned into over 500,000 strong in downtown KC to celebrate the World Series win. As I gazed at my family in their Royals gear, I couldn't feel more at home in this new city after moving here from Denver less than a year ago. I thought I'd miss the mountains and gorgeous autumn leaves changing color, but as the fall season is here with trees three times the size of those in Colorado changing with the season, I can't hide my excitement as my daughter is now old enough to enjoy all of the season's joyous occasions. And although it's technically not her first holiday season, it'll be the first that she remembers.

As I rake the fallen leaves in the yard, Layla runs through the piles, the sun beams down, birds are chirping, and I'm soaking up the gorgeous 70 degree weather we've been basking in this November. I absolutely love fall; the sights and sounds; football; apple cider and shopping that goes along with it. I'm not alone in my thinking, as I've befriended several new moms in my mommy meet-ups who are also transplants from neighboring states, and they share in their excitement of starting family traditions with their little one. You know you're getting old when you're thrilled about hitting the jackpot at an estate sale, where we hauled in quite a few Christmas decorations for a total of $20.00. I can't wait to decorate our first tree. I can't wait to watch football all day this year for Thanksgiving, then attending the 86th annual Plaza light show in preparation for Christmas. To see the excited look on our daughter's face as the entire town lights up is a thrill. I'm anxious to have her help decorate the tree, her first real experience with snow, baking cookies, and her reaction to seeing a real live Santa Clause. These are the priceless and precious moments a few years ago I never thought I'd look forward to, yet am thrilled in anticipation. Mommyhood is a wonderful thing, and although Christmas is still a few weeks away, it's November,  so we're officially allowed to talk about Christmas! Thank you to my readers and I look forward to sharing in your wonderful holiday moments and photos.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com

Photo courtesy of http://prolawnplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/girl_raking_leaves.jpg