Planes, Trains, & Bad Manners

We flew to Chicago for a trip, but I decided to embark on an adventure with my toddler, by riding the Amtrak upon return. The train was completely full, and I was pleased to see the cleanliness and spaciousness of the seats, particularly as my daughter had not napped given all of the excitement. Having additional room for a toddler to maneuver seemed like a great way to start this ride, and I was hopeful of a relaxing trip.

A group of approximately 15 women (aged mid forties to upper 70's) were seated around us. One of the 70-something's was complaining that her foot stool was broken, so she could not recline. I'd normally volunteer to switch seats, but she was in a large group that could oblige, and I had a sleepy toddler in tow; signage (see above) says priority is given to the elderly and those with children, and while I am a firm believer that younger generations should care and give up their seats out of respect for the elderly, mom's with babies in tow for seven hours require comfort as well, especially given the potential nuisance that a small child can create, leading to everyone's discomfort! 

The ride began, just as one of the 40-something's made a final attempt at rigging the leg stand for the woman, when she turns to me and says, "Could you have your daughter switch seats with us? It's not like she'll need to recline?" My face clearly read, "Are you nuts?!" but I respectfully said, "I normally would, but my daughter has not napped and will need to recline for proper rest, and the comfort of all of us."  I caught a glimpse of the Golden Girls' evil-eyes for a good portion of the trip until at last, my daughter fell sound asleep, completely sprawled out and reclining in her chair. After a wonderful ride without tears and no shouting by any kids on the train, I found it rather ironic that none of the women considered giving up their seat for their very own friend, rather relied on a stranger. The point being, don't ask someone to do something you're unwilling to do yourself. As we approached our destination, one of the women praised my daughter. Well, "Sleep is the best meditation." - Dalai Lama


-Leslie Osmond

Kids Tormenting Pets

Toddlers tormenting pets - not in a bad but cute and cuddly way - is hilarious...and scary. It's funny because neither baby nor animal understand the meaning of being gentle, and your pet is torn between fleeing, fighting back, or simply put up with it.

Our daughter loves animals as I am sure most kids do. We have a cat named Phoebe that loves attention, and both our daughter and cat exhibit such enthusiasm when playing together, but trying to explain to a toddler that you have to be gentle because you can't pull their tail or pick up a cat or dog when you're half its size is a task in itself. And while parents should always have an eye on their children around pets, it's necessary to guide your child into learning the appropriate motor skills and reasoning to be gentle and controlling forceful touch. Here are some examples I have used and learned in teaching children to be gentle: 

• Use gentle touch when correcting. By demonstrating how to nicely pet or touch the animal, children are likelier to mimic this behavior.
• Demonstration is key, and can be used on the child. Caress your child's face or hand so they realize what soft or gentle touch feels like.
• Using gentle words like please, excuse me, or I am sorry,  and speaking in a soft tone sends a good message. Also encourage them when they are being gentle by affirming the behavior. Say "Nice job" or "Thank you for being so gentle."
• Reading picture books that convey this message or demonstrating on stuffed toys and animals. 
• Directing their hands by placing them on the animal and applying the right pressure to show them exactly how the pet likes to be snuggled, pet, and loved.

It is important to help children make right choices by teaching at a young age how to interact nicely and gentle. One of the first steps can be through their interaction with pets, because there's no greater love than the love from parents and pets.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com

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Single Moms & Dads

Hats off to single moms and dads. Parenting is tough enough when both are in the picture, but watching friends carry the weight of two roles is something that does not seem fair. I have nothing but the greatest respect for the sacrifices made every day by single parents, and overcoming the challenges posed by one income, childcare needs, and the desire for partnership. There are many days that I am exhausted and all I want is a few more minutes of rest in the morning, or quiet in the evening. Seeing single friends that have no choice but to rise above the exhaustion and beat the odds is inspiring.

I want to take a moment to appreciate the single parents that work tirelessly to support their children, and are doing the unimaginable for the sake and happiness of raising wonderful beings that will make a difference in the world. Your child appreciates you in more ways than you know, and although at times it may not be evident,  they see the sacrifices you make. You're a gladiator. Here's to another day of strength, discipline, and love, and you are an amazing parent.


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com




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Activities Today's Kids Will Never Know Or Appreciate

I'm eating dinner that includes part of a pre-packed salad, and as I'm about to take a bite of a long strand of grass, I laugh hysterically as my husband grabbed it to whistle. This piece of "salad" is what we used as children to whistle. As my husband and I reminisced about activities we loved when younger that today's kids will never know, we thought about how unfortunate the missed opportunities our children will not experience. The "phone" our parents had that we created as kids was two cans connected with a string. Today's kids have iPhones by age six! We had the joy of random activities to preoccupy us for hours and made us who we are today.

I decided to compile a list, in an effort to expose our daughter to some of the outdoor games we played that no longer seem to be played by kids. Not only are they fun, they keep kids busy and active. I want my daughter to be active and learn more than just how to play games via iPhone, social media, etc. I want her to exercise her body and mind, and the games we played as children build character and whether we got dirty or into trouble, also develop creativity and imagination. I encourage every parent to do some of your childhood favorite activities with your kids. It is more fun than you know, and brings back the kid in you. Here's a list of some of my favorites:

• Freeze Tag
• Climbing trees 
• Capture The Flag
• Looking for bugs, mice, snakes, etc. was an adventure that kept my siblings, friends and I outside until the sun went down.
• Hide And Seek
• Dodge Ball
• Red Light Green Light
• Water balloon fights
• Running through the sprinkler
• Building go-carts, tree-houses, etc.
• Camping in the backyard or at our neighbor's and roasting marshmallows
• Ding Dong Ditch (I'm not encouraging this one, but let's be honest, most parents have done this at some point and it was hilarious!)
• Flag Football
• Roller hockey in the street
• Kick ball
• Frisbee
• Red Rover
• Hacky Sack

Have fun with your kids and happy Monday.

-Leslie Osmond

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What A Load of $h!t

I think my neighbors think I'm a slob. There's only three of us in my household. That includes a toddler, and every week on trash day I haul four giant garbage bags to the curb like Santa Clause, despite a two bag per household county restriction. In addition, I have a mountain of recyclables. I feel there should be a parenting disclaimer in hospital delivery rooms warning about the the amount of diaper waste little ones make. What is most disturbing are the statistics regarding diaper waste worldwide.

In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports more than 20 billion disposable diapers sent to landfills, which accounts to nearly 3.5 million tons of waste. I'm not a tree-hugging hippie, but these numbers are shocking, and I see the impact from just my household. I cannot imagine seeing the pile of dirty diapers worldwide. Isn't there something we can do?

I tried cloth diapers for a while, but the hassle of them leaking or being so disgusting that you don't want them in your washing machine; the stench from the diaper pick-up bin after a few days; the extra laundry, to my never-ending laundry, etc...let's just say I am not a fan of cloth diapers! But I understand from the environmental standpoint why some moms choose this method. The EPA advises that it takes 3.4 billions gallons of fuel oil per year and 200,000 trees to manufacture disposable diapers. Landfills are flooded with them, and I am unsure of the solution. So the question is do we deal with the inconvenience of cloth diapering because it saves the planet, or do we save moms' sanity when it is just easier to throw away a diaper? I don't have the answer, but it appears no one else does either. Such is life...


-Leslie Osmond


Please visit our website ozzybaby.com


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My Kid Drives Me Nuts

There is something inherently ridiculous but funny about a mom screaming at the top her lungs to use an inside voice! It's so hypocritical and counterintuitive, but sometimes kids drive you nuts, and you can't take another minute of the whining, crying, and extreme need for your undivided attention 24/7. Just when you think you have two seconds of calm, they test your limits..."MOMMY!!!"

"USE YOUR INSIDE VOICE!!!"

I'm not sure exhausting is even the right word. The never-ending pile of laundry, pull-ups, snack time, dishes, making dinner, etc., coupled with fussing every two minutes, you're liable to pull your hair out. Every day is consumed by my daughter, but the reality is that I would be lost without her. She has taught me patience and love, and her tiny voice and laughter fills the room with joy. We all struggle with mommy moments, and counterintuitively screaming instruction, but the moral of the story is live in the moment. Learn in the moment. Just be in these moments, because before you know, our little ones walk, talk, and are grown up.  Cherish these times, because I know some day I will reflect back and laugh at my hypocrisy. I already am.

-Leslie Osmond


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Up to Mischief

Just when you think your toddler is fast asleep, you walk into the room to see her drenched in shampoo. My floor is slippery and sticky, and her hair looks like an old man's combed over toupee! I had to resist laughing hysterically because the hairstyle was atrocious. To make matters worse, explaining why we had to rinse her hair over and over given that the bubbles from her hair would not stop was interesting.  Needless to say, my toddler, sheets, and floor are squeaky clean! Happy Hump Day!

-Leslie Osmond

Today's Kids Are Worse Than Yesterday's

Parents, control your kids and stop getting mad at teachers for telling you that your child needs to be disciplined. The teacher is right, especially when they initiate contact for support. Why would a teacher reach out to you, if they in fact are causing the problem? They're asking for help. And don't get me wrong, I am all for backing up your child if in fact the teacher is mistreating them or being unfair, but you're doing your child a disservice when siding with them for bad behavior.

When teachers are unable to teach because a child is a non-stop distraction in class and coaches can't yell at your kid because he's too delicate and it hurts his feelings, then we have failed as parents and are creating the wimps of the world.  Students should not be able to curse out any adult or assault them without repercussion. And school administrations in the litigious country we live in should stop punishing teachers for defending themselves. No wonder there is such a shortage of them. At what point did today's kids become worse than yesterday's?

It's midnight, and 20 busloads of highschoolers are running through the halls of our hotel, jumping and bouncing above the heads of all other occupants. When I was an athlete, traveling was a privilege.  We were thrilled about the opportunity to leave town and stay overnight, so never would we want to ruin the opportunity by not following rules. If we even dreamed of leaving our rooms, let alone made a peep after curfew, coaches wreaked havoc on our butts, parents would be called, and we knew there would be severe punishment. Respect no longer seems to be a priority. Parents don't stand by authority rather their disrespectful kids' word. And although kids will be kids, they are kids and should respect adults, rules and regulations. At some point, every parent experiences the feeling of not knowing what to do when you've tried everything to encourage good behavior. Trying to punish children into good behavior does not always work, but you can require them to practice better behavior. Being a part of a sports team, band, or debate team, etc. is a privilege. Consequences used to encourage time-specific behavior helps change bad behaviors. Children crave structure, even though they deny it. Later in life - as I'm sure we as adults can attest - we appreciated the effective consequences and boundaries set by adults. Adults made us who we are today. Let's try to steer today's kids toward better behaviors by teaching them respect and disciplining their negative behaviors. After all, the time you spend with children when they are little, is the time they spend with you when you're old. Make it quality time.


-Leslie Osmond



Photo taken courtesy of https://i.ytimg.com/vi/71KPLw3esPg/maxresdefault.jpg

Bad Habit Baby

"Daddy, you're stupid." With both of our jaws dropped in disbelief behind the comment, my husband and I immediately scolded Layla for using these words. Where did she hear that? Neither of us even use the phrase especially when referring to other people.  Did she hear it at her daycare amongst the kids, or perhaps on television? Either way, this is one bad habit we don't want her picking up.

I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out which of the television programs she watches may use that phrase. But all of her shows are educational and provide life lessons. I cannot for the life of me imagine that Peppa Pig, Bubble Guppies, Little Einstein's, or Paw Patrol use such an expression. Then again, over the last week or so, she's picked up some interesting bad habits like shoving on the playground, being overly bossy and refusing to share, but that's just terrible twos behavior right?  So over the last few days, as our munchkin began repeating "I can't" for every request or command asked of her like a broken record, I was at a loss for words. Where is she learning this stuff? She's always been especially independent and head-strong, why on earth does she all of a sudden believe she can't do something? As the days progress, I try to ignore the bad behavior by redirecting her attention. Given she's determined when it comes to everyday tasks, I prefer her being assertive in her activities and around people, so there's no need to even give any more attention to the bad behavior.

Over the past week and a half or so as our daughter is waking up earlier and earlier, I found a few alternate cartoons to keep her preoccupied. I am not a morning person, so getting a few more Zzz's after Layla rises and shines at 6:00am is just what the doctor ordered. I prop her next to me with breakfast and cocoa, and as I slowly wake, I crack up laughing with her at Sponge Bob assaulting the octopus Squidward, and am amused as they verbally attack each other and another character argues about how she "can't" do something. HELLO Leslie!!! The lightbulb went off, because this is how Layla's learning the behavior, and it's all my fault! The irony of not realizing the garbage we watch as parents, and how our amusement at the behaviors in these shows, validates these bad behaviors to our children. If mommy thinks it's funny, then it must be okay. And while I do have a sick sense of humor and was always a fan of off-key shows, I now realize the err in my ways as it pertains to childrearing.  Kids are truly sponges, and while we can't stop them from absorbing all the filth in this world, we can surely steer them away from it and towards absorbing the good. No more SpongeBob for my munchkin...at least not until she's older and her brain has gone back to remembering the good habits.


-Leslie Osmond


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Hips Don't Lie: The Art of Belly Dancing & Birth

The history of belly dancing is an interesting one. My husband and I were watching a television program where diners ate at a restaurant with belly dancers. To their horror and disbelief, one of the women was dancing pregnant. As the diners were criticizing and talking amongst each other, my husband also commented to me in shock, until I explained that belly dancing was meant for this exact purpose.

Originating in the Middle East, belly dancing was practiced primarily in a woman's private quarters as a birth dance to help relieve and ease contractions. The pelvic-centered dance which is highly sexualized in modern-day, was actually used as a way to strengthen abdominal muscles, and as a bonding experience for women and girls. Belly dancing lessons began following a girl's first menstruation, to prepare her for future natural birthing experiences. During labor, belly dance movements help distract mothers from contraction pain, and would aid in directing the baby down the birth canal. While many people in today's day-and-age are unfamiliar with its origin, belly dancing is not only a natural form of art, but delivers life.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com


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You Better Say Something To Your Kids Before I Do

I've written and talked about this before, but was exceptionally annoyed last night while treating my daughter to some ice cream and fun at a local restaurant with play area. We occasionally frequent this site during the day which is comprised of stay-at-home moms and grandparents, a crowd drastically different than the one we experienced after 5pm. And while I understand that working parents find these restaurants convenient after work to quickly feed and keep kids entertained, that does not absolve you from supervising your children. Being too busy texting and Facebooking is not an acceptable excuse. Allowing your child to misbehave at the expense of others is not parenting. We are all tired. The last thing I want to do as a parent, is scold someone else's child and subsequently get into an argument because of it.

With that, I would like to say to the exhausted looking father of four, allowing his children (roughly ages 4-8) to kick and punch younger kids in the play area, put your phone down for two seconds and be a parent. Every adult in the restaurant is biting their tongue not to confront you or your children because it is not our place. But if being glued to your phone makes you too busy to notice, then someone should explain right and wrong to your kids. And I get that children usually work out issues amongst each other, but being outnumbered and standing up to four siblings makes it a bit difficult.

As we continued watching the foursome prevent our kids from sliding, Mr. Too Busy On His Phone had not looked up once despite two sets of parents commenting aloud about the behavior and his children hitting. The real problem is why should we have to punish our kids by leaving because one parent will not be a parent, and we are trying to avoid confrontation? Yes. I am that parent: the nosy observer.  It's called parenting, and I need to pay special attention, especially as my daughter goes through the "Mine" stage because she needs to share and give other kids the opportunity to play.  As Mr. Too Busy continued on his phone, his four kids would not share or let other children pass to go up and down the play area. They also blocked others from exiting the slide. I watched without saying anything, and noticed that his four-year-old boy in particular was the biggest aggressor. To all the parents' horror, he spit from the top of the play area to the bottom, and as the spit trickled down the side of the play wall, some of the parents could not take it anymore and left.  Just when I'd had enough of him pushing and trying to trip my two-year-old who is too oblivious to realize the boy was not playing tag, he punched her with all of his tiny force in her chest as she was moving past him. I jumped up in disbelief to enter the play area and reprimand the boy, but before I was able to get the door open, my little girl in true linebacker form, tackled the living mess out of him! I had to pull them apart as they were going blow for blow, and she certainly made it clear that she would not tolerate him hitting. I guess kids do work things out on their own! There's only so much a person can take, even little people. After separating the two, I sat Layla down to finish her food and advised the father that he may want to get off his phone and watch his kids. I am not judging him. Actually, I am. Say something to your kids before others have to.


-Leslie Osmond




Please visit our website ozzybaby.com

The Importance of Baby Talk

Communication with babies is critical for their development. And while they start off babbling and what appears to be gibberish, engaging in their way of talk is an excellent step in building the foundation to their speaking abilities for the future.

When I go to the grocery store and hear parents chatting with their toddlers, I always find it amusing how distinctly they manage to understand what their child is communicating, even when the children are not speaking in full sentences. Translating baby talk is something parents work to understand, because knowing our kids' wants and needs makes life easier. Chatting also takes practice and repetition. And while we may not always know what to chat with them about, reading is a great supplement. The importance of interacting and talking with babies is crucial enough to be linked to intellectual gaps among children. I was astounded to learn while volunteering the other day, that many of the children that come from homes where communication is irregular, accounts for nearly three million fewer words per year from birth to the age of three. And while genetic factors were taken into account during these studies and observations while in daycare, the bulk of the studies showed that environmental factors far outweigh genetic.

Everyone comes from a different walk of life, and therefore, demographic, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc. can make it difficult to spend as much time with your child as perhaps a stay-at-home parent. But keep in mind, talking is free. And while some children may not be afforded all of the monetary things parents would like to buy if the means were available, communication is priceless, as is a child's development. There should never be a shortage of communication when it comes to taking the little bit of time you may have, to aid a baby's development. I implore all parents reading this blog to take the time to engage with your children. Their future depends on it.


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com





Photo taken courtesy of http://www.lifeofdad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/baby-on-the-phone-md.jpg

Forced Paternity Leave

Forcing men to take paternity leave makes the world a better place. After all, it takes two to tango, so it's only fair that both parents participate in what's traditionally a mother's duty, in an effort for fathers to experience and empathize with mothers, yet also build stronger bonds with children. Other countries do it. Why not the United States? Should we mandate paternity leave?

Some of you may be reading this and thinking, "On what planet is mandatory paternity leave going to happen?" Well, for several years, the country of Sweden requires fathers take 60 days leave following the birth of a child. Such efforts have encouraged equality at home and in the workplace, therefore paving the way for improvements in equal pay, work hours, benefits, housework and childcare. And while other countries like Belgium, France, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Spain provide similar benefits, many companies in the United States (not to the same degree as these countries) also offer paternity leave.

My husband was fortunate to have a few weeks paid leave following the birth of our daughter.  He welcomed the time as a family effort in taking away some of my load, so that I could rest following birth. The leave also encouraged quality time which he spent bonding with our daughter. Daddy time is something my husband enjoys very much, and it is something he misses nowadays when all she wants to do is cling to mommy, and daddy yearns for a little snuggle time, like during her infancy. In my opinion, baby bonding within the first few months makes for better, happier dads. They gain instinct that would otherwise be foreign, and cherished memories. I still reminisce over the times our munchkin was just a few weeks old, and she'd only shower with her dad. Remembering her clutching him ever so tightly with those tiny fists, makes my heart melt. Daddy was her favorite, and she'll always be his little baby. After all, during those crucial weeks, he learned how to change her diaper in a flash, learned some of her likes and dislikes, and only he had that special way to rock her to sleep. Paternity leave is a necessity. I think it can also strengthen marriages. I mean, if the added stress of feeding, bathing, clothing, and providing for a child is there, what greater satisfaction and appreciation for one another, than allowing the other party a glimpse into having equal roles? If not for the parents, it is wonderful for the child. Perhaps this is something more companies in the US should consider, for the sake of productivity and a greater work-life balance.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com

Take A Parental Time-Out

How do you stop yourself from laughing hysterically at your daughter, after you've just scolded her for being too loud, and she pouts her way back into her room with a balloon in tow, all while riding on the back of a toy dog that is blinking like a disco ball and singing the ABC's?!! You had to see it to truly grasp the scope of hilariousness. It was sheer comedy and took every ounce of my husband and I not to let her see us cracking up. Moments like these make me think of how as parents, we can get frustrated over the littlest thing after a long day, and our children's goofy moments place things back into perspective. Rather than blowing up, and pausing for a moment to take a parental time-out is a great way to calm before a storm.


Kids always want more of our attention. Our tolerance of their noise level, whining, crying, etc. is skewed in various situations. For instance, when we have guests, if we merely want a few minute of tv time or quiet, or we are at our wits end, parents are likelier to to get frustrated in the heat of the moment. I am sure all parents have had that moment where you are enjoying some much needed adult conversation, so you allow your child a little more freedom for the sake of get out of my face! Yes, you can have another piece of candy. Sure, watch another episode of your cartoon so I can finish viewing Dr. Oz. I am on the phone, if you continue to interrupt, we will not go outside and play. As these negotiations or bribes do not work in our favor, we end up raising our voices, getting frustrated -- the works. Parent-child relationships can be the most rewarding, and the most challenging. When love and anger meet head-on, it is important to be wise and control our emotions, even in moments of weakness. I am thankful for the reminders that make me laugh, such as my daughter leaving my room upset on the back a singing disco dog. Life is too short to lose patience, stress and lash out in anger. "Laugh a little louder. Smile a little bigger. Love a little deeper. And walk through life a little slower, enjoying more." -Unknown


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com




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Valentine's Day Fun With Kids

I love Valentine's Day, even when spent at home. As my husband and I get older, low-key is our preference during holiday season, and having a few drinks at home for a fraction of the cost, beats spending hundreds on cocktails during a busy day of the year where restaurants charge a premium. Vegging out with a Netflix, box of pizza, and bottle of wine has been our go-to solution for holidays. With children, it is nice staying in because you avoid the extra expense of a sitter, there's no guilt if you choose to stay out longer than anticipated, and no fear that your sitter will call unexpectedly. Additionally, the amount of money spent for a night on the town (dinner for two, cocktails and whatever else) will practically break the bank! This year we have planned some family fun given our munchkin in tow.

Valentine's Day is Sunday, and we decided to make an entire day of it.  I like no hassle, quick and easy, so for breakfast, I bought cinnamon rolls to pop in the oven and some sprinkles for our daughter to decorate them. After breakfast, our plan is to take her bowling for the first time. I made sure the bowling alley has kids bowl so she can aim the ball perfectly using special bumpers. She is quite the competitor. For dinner, our grocery store has an amazing Valentine's Day surf and turf dinner special: $20 for two lobster tails and two strip steaks. Our after dinner drink to get our party started involves this awesome Tipsy Bartender recipe. I love experimenting with new drinks, and what a perfect day to do it. 

And lastly, for the moms that want to go out for Valentine's, put a fire under those husband's butts! You deserve a night out on the town without the kids. Don't let them use the excuse that they're exhausted from working all day. Remind them that you're exhausted as well, from cleaning the house, taking care of the kids, doing laundry and making dinner. You want a nice night out. You deserve it. Happy Valentine's Day!

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com

Shrunken Baby Heads

Bearing a child is a gift that fills parents with an indescribable love. The idea of something bad happening to our little beings, is a thought no parent wants to fathom. As I watch and read the news regarding the fear striking millions worldwide because of the mysterious and incurable Zika Virus causing birth defects resulting in shrunken heads aka microcephaly, and therefore the brain not fully developing, I too am stricken with fear. My fear results from living in this melting pot, where travelers worldwide enter the United States, we enter their countries, and all of us are completely unaware of the potential that we are spreading this virus. We may be hosting this virus, given it has been in existence since 1947. What is more, studies have not concluded whether or not this virus affects toddlers.  Adults that are infected only evidence mild cold symptoms. But what do we know of the long-term effects?  Nothing.

The Zika Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. Primarily affecting Brazil and Latin American countries, this virus thrives in warmer climates and has made its way to Atlanta and Texas.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has urged women that are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to be wary of traveling abroad for fear of infecting their offspring. And while I have seen many posts of friends, acquaintances, etc. going on babymoons and excursions to the areas with travel alerts, I fear for them. At the same token, should we live in fear? We cannot have our entire existence be dictated on a potential scare, because how do we prevent the spread of this disease, particularly with Brazil being the most affected nation, yet hosting the 2016 Olympics? Given all of the travelers that will enter this country and return, how do we know whether or not fans will return carrying Zika?

My dilemma as a parent of a toddler and sister to an Olympic hopeful is whether or not to attend the Games in Brazil. Experts are still learning the effects on children, but given the virus has been around since 1947, how can parents be sure they are shielding their children from this evolving virus? Surely travel alerts that include 22 countries including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Barbados is an insignificant method in deterring the spread. Given the number of Americans that will exit and re-enter the country this year, can we really be certain the virus is not among us? Do we live in fear of the unknown? Or do we accept the fact that we may very well have been exposed long ago, given that only one out of five affected people experience basic flu-like symptoms? I fear for the pregnant moms who were not alerted about this virus before their trips. But I also fear for my child and the unknown. I urge parents to be on high alert and follow this story to educate yourselves regarding the effects on your children, that are to be determined.


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com.




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Mom Friends: A Generation of Flakes

In high school and college, it's typical to be friends with just about anyone. You call them to hang out, study, chat, etc. Nowadays, good friendships are hard to find, especially a quality mom friend. A girlfriend and I were reflecting on people we have or haven't kept in touch with over the years. We realize that our generation is full of flaky people. We ourselves are flaky. Let me explain. We've all promised a colleague that we'd get together, but never do. We all have had a longtime friend come to town, so we generically reach out to set up a lunch date that never happens. Or we message each other promising to visit or vacation, but life happens. And while we desire more face-to-face interaction with friends of our past, we understand that the the era of texting and emailing without response, is the bane of our generation's existence.  Everyone is busy, and with little ones in tow, it makes finding quality mom friends even more difficult because you're seeking out all new friends, particularly when your longtime girlfriends aren't moms, which is my case.

Despite being acquainted with a vast number of people, I have primarily kept in touch with two to three girlfriends and never had a large circle.  As I have gotten older, we change and spend less time in contact with past friends, especially between college, career, marriage and baby. Times change and friends change, so we make room for the next chapters. Social media makes it virtually impossible to lack communication. But once we graduate high school, we lose touch. And while social media forums are a great way to keep in contact and track what everyone's doing, it can also break relationships. Expressed conflicting political views, basic disagreements, as well as jealousy surrounding friends' transitions in life can lead to rifts. And while some relationships can pick up right where you leave off regardless of years apart,  I can admit that I am not the best at keeping in touch, especially as I've gotten older.

So why is making mom friends so difficult? Having moved with my husband's career and newborn out of state, we have a lifestyle that should incorporate friends at the same stage in life as us. My husband and I've talked and laughed about our dilemma, because it appears not many parents seem interested in making friends -- at least with us! And while I've had this same discussion with other moms in the same boat, these same moms never hang out with us. So what gives? I have put myself out there in making connections and invitations for dinner and get-togethers; we seem to click at mommy meet-ups or initial gatherings whether they are work related or not; our kids love each other and don't want to part ways, but we never see each other again. And while we exchange emails, phone numbers -- the works -- promise to get together, and despite me initiating contact, we never meet again. Apparently I am a glutton for punishment because I haven't given up the effort. We've invited some of my husband's colleagues to a basketball game, and will keep our fingers crossed that everyone hits it off. In the meantime, I am searching for a life-long mommy-friend. Matter-of-fact, wanna come over for a play date?!


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com and like our Facebook page.

Sleep Regression

Last night, our two year old screamed like hell for about an hour and half refusing to go to bed. After finally giving in to the cries, we allowed her thirty minutes longer to stay awake. Me with a killer migraine, and her with puffy tear-stricken eyes and a hoarse voice, there was finally some relief. She fell asleep. Today we're back at it, and friends and family have advised me of this period known as sleep regression. 

Children experience sleep regression at various stages. This anti-sleep campaign spans from birth to approximately age three, in spurts of 1-4 weeks. After last night's hiatus, I feel like a complete zombie, am short-tempered, and an epic nap time saga begins again. A determined two-year-old kicking the wall in defiance after insisting on a countless number of stuffed animals in her crib, I finally had enough and threatened to give all her toys away! That did the trick, and now she's sound asleep.

I previously (at about eighteen months old) spoke with our pediatrician who says this is normal during growth stages, and at age two, some children -- not all -- will no longer take naps. The pediatrician who is a mother of three, says she speaks first-hand because one of her boys did not take naps after age two. I replied with, "Over my dead body!" I need my hour or so to unwind and have a few minutes to myself. After speaking to other moms that have been in my shoes along with reading various articles, I found a solution that has worked for us at the 18-month mark, and I am implementing again. To deter sleep regression here are four tips:

1. Devote one or more hours of outdoor time to you and your child, so you're both getting some much needed fresh air and activity. This will put you both in snooze-mode and/or give parents enough energy to get other tasks done once back in the home.
2. If you're unable to go outdoors due to weather (or you're not in the mood), participate in at-home 15-30 minute yoga and/or stretching. There are countless online videos as well as fun games you can play that involve exercise, to keep the child's attention and wear him or her out. This is also a great way to bond and encourage health and wellness.
3. Extra feedings. As most adults know, eating large amount of food can trigger the desire or need to take a nap. Extra feedings before a scheduled nap time is a great way for your child to settle down and want to relax.
4. Earlier bedtimes in the evening help with a an overly tired child, and helps alleviate parent exhaustion. It's okay to let a restless child cry for a bit until they fall asleep at night, especially since they are exhausted.  

Implementing a schedule to aid in the prevention of sleep regression can start off overwhelming, but this is just one of many stages that children go through. Rest assure, a modified schedule and sleep training with the above four tips, will help. Thanks for reading. 

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com and like us on Facebook.

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Dumb Things Parents Do While At Home

Parents, have you ever done something so stupid when it's only you and your child at home, that after you started (or finished), thought to yourself, "This could've ended badly...like on an episode of Rescue 911?!"

Being a parent involves nonstop household responsibilities like laundry, washing dishes, vacuuming, chasing around little ones, and the occasional outdoor stuff. I perform outdoor duties as an occasional courtesy to my husband who is working all day, as a supplement to workouts, and so my daughter gets some fresh air and is pooped for a nap. These tasks are also as a way for me to say, I can do it too! Today's blog comes by way of starting then stopping today's outdoor task, because I would have been a complete idiot to try this at home, alone with my toddler.  Let me explain.

After procrastinating for a few months about getting our loose chimney cap re-attached following a series of wind storms, last night it officially blew off following heavy winds. This morning, I found the cap sitting in the middle of our swimming pool. As I began to go outside and strategically decide how I was going to retrieve it without damaging our pool cover, I realized I had no clue how much a chimney cap weighs. Considering it's 17 x 41 and made of stainless steel, atop a frigid swimming pool, how dumb am I to retrieve this on my own, given the possibility of falling into the water with no one but a two-year old as my source of help? And while the chances of this happening are slim, it's a possibility. Think about the countless episodes of rescue shows we've seen where stranger things have happened and you hear about kids dialing 911 or parents being lucky (or not so lucky), because of an unfortunate decision. Needless to say, I called my husband to tell him what I initially planned, and to his disbelief at my ignorance, agreed that I wait until his arrival. This task reminded me of a couple of other instances, like the time I began climbing up a ladder onto our roof to vacuum leaves out of the gutters. Layla was sound asleep inside, and as I got about halfway through the task I thought, "Damn! If I fell from the roof, no one would be able to call for rescue until my husband got home." There was also the time I ran full speed after the mail truck with an oversized box I could barely see over, in an effort to ensure it was sent that day. I nearly broke my ankle stepping off the curb, only for the mailman not to see me and continue driving. I'm too cheap to call an ambulance, so I actually considered driving (my car is a stick shift) with a severely injured ankle and baby on board. I reconsidered that too.

Sometimes parents are a hot mess! Do you have a dummy moment?  Please share with us on Facebook or visit our site ozzybaby.com.

-Leslie Osmond



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Kids Say the Darndest Things

I pride myself in teaching our daughter to be polite by saying excuse me when appropriate and please and thank you. What I was unprepared for was the little old lady blocking the grocery aisle, and to my disbelief and horror, having my two year old say in the most matter-of-fact fashion "Excuse YOU lady!" I just about died of embarrassment, and apologized profusely. #kidsSaytheDarndestthings

Please share if you've had a similar story.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com and like our Facebook page. 

Sex Ed in Kindergarten

I consider myself fairly progressive in terms of access to birth control, marriage equality, minimum wage, etc. But sex education in Kindergarten is where I draw the line. While many of today's children are growing up faster than parents would hope, lawmakers in Arizona have pushed for sex-ed in Kindergarten. Is there an age-appropriate form of sex instruction for five and six year olds?

In a recent airing of PBS Kids, four-year-olds were taught a lesson on sexuality, love and relationships. President Obama is also a proponent, citing it 'Is the right thing to do.' In the Netherlands, sex education begins in Kindergarten and part of the overall controversy surrounding this topic is whether or not kindergarteners grasp the topic of sex. After all, their comprehension and attention span stretch as far as juice boxes and cookies!

In a recent airing of daytime television program The View, the hot topic was Sex Ed in Kindergarten. The panel was split on whether or not an introduction to the birds and bees at this age is beneficial. Should we leave it to the schools to discuss such a serious topic, or is this an area -- and age -- where parents step in, especially given the number of kids having kids later in life? Personally, I do not want my 5 year old learning about sex. However, The View proponent panelists brought to light some valid arguments. Perhaps this education is not speaking about sex per se, rather touching that is appropriate and inappropriate at home, in an effort to alert others if children are being violated. And while many parents - myself included - believe such controversial topics should be reserved for a more appropriate age, are we merely stigmatizing the topic? Perhaps if the curriculum is shared with parents beforehand and parents have the right to opt in or out, more would be accepting of the subject matter. Only time will tell...


-Leslie Osmond


Please visit our website ozzybaby.com and like us on Facebook.







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Frumpty-Dumpty or Hot Mama?

Stay-at-home-moms, do you wear make-up every day? If so, why? I mean, I know looking great makes us feel wonderful, even if the only person that sees us is two feet tall, can barely speak, and doesn't care if we look awful anyway! Naked face (no make-up, lashes, hair in a bun, etc.) is what I call my days of in-house glamour.  I'm curious why some moms get dolled up if they're not leaving the house for anyone to see.

I'm the queen of frumpty-dumpty and loathe putting on make-up if I'm not attending an event. I have joked with friends and other moms that I either look homeless or completely dolled up. There is no in-between! Given I love to workout and live in sweats the bulk of the week, the only other time I may spruce myself up, is as a kind of anti-depressant. You know. It's 'just one of those days.' The kind where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, nothing's really wrong, but you're feeling down? Or, perhaps the morning starts out horrible and the day continues that way. Since you're feeling like crap anyway, why look it?! I figure, why look at myself in the mirror and think blah? So I'll slap on some make-up as a quick pick-me-up.  And while I'm happy at my transformation, it is interesting to catch the expressions of other moms that never see one another without make-up, surprised at those of us who finally wear any. Why hide from one another under a mask, when we all experience the fatigue, judgment, and there's not enough time in the day for anything but our rugrats? Perhaps I'm too blase`or jaded when it comes to mommy looks and outings, so I am interested in other moms' opinions.  Please share your thoughts and thanks for reading.


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com and like us on Facebook.



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Poisoning Our Children

"I'm sorry" are the words spoken by Michigan Governor for the Flint, Michigan state of emergency that has left hundreds of thousands of people with a contaminated water supply. I'm sorry is not good enough.

How is a parent to cope, when thousands of children are suffering from above average levels of lead that can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, lower IQs and a variety of other issues according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine? In 2014, the water supply from Lake Huron was rerouted in an effort to save money in Michigan, yet this cost-saving measure is projected to be a setback of millions of dollars due to the water supply being contaminated. The question remains: Who poisoned Flint, Michigan?

My heart aches for all of the families of Flint, especially those with children. What mother feels safe bathing her child in a sea of bacteria? Or even worse, waking up at night to prepare her crying baby a bottle, only to find the drinking supply is toxic? How can a parent overcome such a tragedy, knowing there was nothing they could do to prevent poisoning their own child? The Center for Disease Control indicates that in addition to the elevated levels of lead, additional bacteria in the water may lead to other concerns such as pneumonia, various lung diseases, and more. What I cannot understand most is why on earth, Flint residents are still being charged for their water supply? They are poisoning our children and billing for it?! Words cannot explain my utter disgust. Shame on them.

-Leslie Osmond



Please visit our website ozzybaby.com and like us on Facebook.







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Deferring Payment

Planning for your child's education may be something destined to happen down the line, especially if they are still in diapers. But how much time is enough? With student loan debt and forgiveness flooding headlines, at what point do we as parents consider setting aside the few extra dollars we spend on miscellaneous activities such as dining out, shopping, etc., to ensure our kid(s) do not become a statistic in America's society of borrowers? 

Graduates are appealing to the government for student loan forgiveness. After graduating with degrees, unable to find jobs in their fields or even positions that pay enough to cover the never-ending student debt, Americans are finding that the false promise of an excellent career post-grad is unlikely. And according to a study conducted by Project Student Debt, the average tab in 2014 was approximately $30,000 for those graduating at public and non-profit colleges, and I cannot fathom the amount of debt for private universities. As tuition rates rise year after year, how will any of our children afford an education and be able to enjoy life in years to come? 

My husband works in the investment world and is constantly advising parents on the importance of investing for your family's future. While he was fortunate to have a college fund, my undergraduate schooling was paid via scholarship, and I had to take out a few loans for graduate school. Both of us are without student debt, however, I expressed to him my frustration when repaying the loans. Additionally, with surging college costs and the lack of resources that educate students about student loan debt, graduates' lives are being robbed and they're unable to find satisfying careers to cover the costs of an education.  Students avoid phone calls from their loan providers, they utilize forbearance, deferments, attempt to refinance, etc. All of these options don't really make it easier to pay back the debt. The debt is merely postponed in some fashion or another. We made a plan that we believe all parents should consider, in ensuring your child's success and their opportunity to attend college without fear of debt post-grad.

1. Go through your bank statements for the last three months. You'll be shocked to see how much money you spend on nonsense. For example: how much are you spending on fast food? Dining out? The club or alcohol and cigarettes, etc.? Shopping? Total it up. Can you cut back on groceries such as unhealthy items? If you're spending $25/month on soda or chips, drink water and just don't buy the oh so delicious but unhealthy snacks. Not only can you invest that extra $25+ for your child's education, you'll lose weight and be healthier physically and mentally for it.
2. Find a financial institution to open a 529 College Plan for your child or children.
3. Begin auto-investing the extra money into the plan (you can use the same steps for retirement plans).

Education is important, and equipping your children for the future is critical. Don't defer their 529 payment. Gear them with the chance to succeed.

-Leslie Osmond

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Fantasy Football Win

"Football is boring," say a lot of women.  For the many that don't enjoy sports and/or simply do not understand football, I found a great way to bond with your football-fanatic other half. Learning the game is also a great way for them to enjoy time with the kids, throw the ball around, and teach you both the sport...just don't ask too many questions during the games. It annoys them!

Because the football ritual takes place every year for about half the year, my philosophy is: 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.' Why let the fellas have all the fun, with their barbeque, snacks, drinks, and all the excitement? I was determined to learn the sport, and began studying the positions by playing free Fantasy Football. Joining a league to learn the game will not only add some fun competition to your relationship, but it also provides answers to questions like, "Why would anyone want to put on pads to be hit that hard?" Once you become a fan of football, you'll know why. "Why do players try to run through all the other guys, instead of around them? And what team are we cheering for?! Why won't the quarterback just run it himself when he's clear to run and can't find anyone open?" All of these are questions that drive men nuts, but they're legitimate to the football layman.

When I decided to learn the game of football, I began picking players in Fantasy Football at random. I asked my husband to join a league as well, and he gave me a hard time for winning against him, because his players were picked based upon statistics and his knowledge of the game. I found it more interesting to pick players based upon physical appearance, whether or not they looked hot in their uniform, and also if I liked their names! Since I was kind of picking them at random, it worked out in my favor. Over time I became addicted to watching the games and seeing if my team did better than my husband's (a bit of healthy competition amongst spouses never hurt anyone). Over time I learned each athlete's position, who was injured, and I began to analyze various aspects of the game. Football is household event in America, and now I've started looking forward to it even more than my husband. As a result,  our daughter is a die-hard football fan and loves spending quality time with daddy before the games, throwing her pocket-sized football and being tackled.  I implore all moms, especially stay-at-home  moms that are not interested in sports to take some time to learn. We are busy bored a lot of the time throughout the week anyway.  What better way to kill two birds with one stone than to learn a sport and if you're good -- and lucky -- you can win money while spend quality time with your husband. Good luck to everyone and may the best Superbowl team win.


-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com to share your thoughts and read more.




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Surrogate Mom: No Returns Accepted

This story blows my mind! Former View host Sherri Shepherd paid nearly $100,000 to a fertility clinic in order to have a surrogacy-born son with her husband Lamar Sally.  Sherri has no DNA ties to the baby, as her eggs were unusable, and Lamar's sperm was used to fertilize a donor's eggs. This was agreed upon and contractually bound by the couple. Yet, midway through the pregnancy, Sherri and Lamar separated and ultimately divorced, at which time, Sherri stopped paying for prenatal care and no longer wanted the baby.

As an outsider looking in, I cannot account first-hand how any of the parties must feel. But from the outside looking in, Sherri Shepherd is absolutely ridiculous for thinking she can return a baby! While I understand Sherri has no DNA ties, a decision was made -- with this in mind -- to bring another life in the world. Not only that, there are many people struggling to have a child. Finding a surrogate that agrees to such a physical and life-changing decision to help someone, only for that family to change their mind and stick her with the bills well along in the pregnancy, is insane. Fortunately, a recent Superior Court ruling deemed that Sherri Shepherd is in fact responsible for the child, despite her naming the surrogate as mother on the birth certificate. Shepherd is ordered to pay $4,100 per month in child support to ex-husband Lamar Sally who is raising their child, and following their son's 13th birthday, support increases to $4,600.

No one wants to think about a mother abandoning a child. Given she has no biological ties, it makes for an interesting debate. But, once you sign on the dotted line, a contract is in effect. It is hard for me to feel sorry for Shepherd who is not only abandoning an innocent child, but also an obligation she had with her ex-husband and a kind-hearted stranger, willing enough to give and carry a life that Shepherd herself was unable to create. I have never been a fan of couples in trouble or rough relationships having babies. Relationships are stressful enough with just the two of you. Why add the stress of a baby when you have not worked out all the unresolved kinks amongst each other? Children should be raised in a nurturing environment without being in the middle of parent strife. Shepherd and Sally had to know they were at odds long before agreeing to have this child and as such, I am happy to say I agree with the courts. Shepherd owes a responsibility to the child and Sally. One-year-old Lamar Junior was born. No returns accepted.

-Leslie Osmond


Photo courtesy http://www.eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Lamar-Sally-and-baby.jpg

Powerball

You can't win if you don't play. That's also the game of life. And where there's hope of winning the jackpot, it's no surprise that only a few are victorious. If we look at it from a different angle, there are many other "jackpots" to win in life; accomplishing dreams; a career; a relationship; strong family ties, etc. How would we truly spend our winnings?

To fantasize about dream homes and vacations, to fancy cars, money for the kids and stupid rich material items is great. However, as billionaire mogul Mark Cuban tells it, if you aren't happy before you win the money, you will not be happy after. Having $1.5 billion dollars would surely make things a lot easier in terms of finances. But if you currently live life in the negative state or constantly wishing things were different, over analyzing every aspect of life, how would millions and billions of dollars make things easier? We've all heard the saying 'More Money More Problems.' As I sat watching the hundreds of people storming the poor convenience store in California that sold the winning Powerball ticket, I chuckled because this was a sheer representation of the mayhem that past lottery winners encounter. As I stomached the realization that I didn't win the lottery, instead, I feel I've hit the jackpot with a wonderful family and child, I also decided to tell my husband, "We weren't supposed to win because it means more if we earn it." Of course sarcasm never fails. He replied with, "A head start with $1.5 million wouldn't hurt!" Since I'm writing and for those of you reading this, I guess we're all in the same boat and back to the drawing board. Mega Millions anyone?! Happy Thursday.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com

Moms Are The Backbone of Society

I was PMSing all day yesterday. As the day came to an end and I lay wide awake last night staring at the dark ceiling, listening to my husband snore like a grizzly bear, it finally dawned on me: I'm supposed to be a mom. God's plan for me and my family all along, is this.

I've questioned my path, career, ideas and future for a while, and I came to a stark realization late last night, that my desire to do more, is not the plan -- at least not right now. I've joked on occasion with my mom, husband and close girlfriends about not knowing what I'm passionate about or what I want to be when I grow up. I've talked about how it is great being a mom, but I need something more for ME. The recurring reply is always, "Maybe this is God's plan for you. You are supposed to be a wife and mother." I couldn't and refused to wrap my head around it because I've always worked hard; I've always been driven; I have a passion for life, people, and knowledge. How can someone with a graduate degree and drive want to just be a mom?! As I lay in the dark trying to go to sleep, my husband's words from that day (and all the days before) finally sunk in. All of the other jobs, skill sets, education, and drive in life equipped me to be the backbone that my family needs to succeed. I was never an expert at any of the careers I chose. I may not have been the best student, nor the best athlete. But my passion for the people I love, their success, and pushing them to be their best is what my husband reminded me was the reason we were brought together. We are successful as a team, and as a family.

I love to cook. I hate to clean. He loves to cook, and hates when I don't clean! I love that my husband values my input and opinion in his work situations, and the twinkle in his eye when the advice helps. His victories are mine, and while moms and wives don't have all the answers, we are truly the backbone of our families and society. I may not have accomplished the career path I set out in life, but I am damn good at my current job as a wife and mother. It's 2am, and as I get out of bed after continued listening to my husband sleep, I check on our daughter tucked in bed snoring like the miniature grizzly version of her father! As I return to bed feeling reassured of my day, my husband's voice echoes in my head, " Maybe you ARE supposed  to be 'just a mom,' or at least until Layla is a little older. And there's nothing wrong with that, because we need you."

I am a mom. I am a wife. And in this 2016 year, I want all the moms to embrace mommyhood and be fulfilled.

-Leslie Osmond

Please visit our website ozzybaby.com.


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Happy New Year

Happy New Year family, friends and readers. With the chaotic time of year concluding (from the standpoint of Black Friday shopping as well as making purchases through the holidays, preparing for family, cleaning, grocery and holiday lists, etc.) the winter season can take a toll. Keeping the sanity is a task in itself. But we've survived another year, and I am thankful for it along with the wonderful lessons learned, friends made, and relationships that left in 2015.

In life we hope to mature and grow wiser in our years. The birth of children give aid to fresh perspectives on life, and we grow to become more tolerant and patient about things and people that otherwise, may consume us and our thoughts. As we prepared and toasted to the New Year; as we made and continue to make resolutions; resolve in being a continued work in progress. The New Year will be a great one. Enjoy life and 2016. Happy New Year.

"It's a very funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it." - William Somerset Maugham


Please visit our website ozzybaby.com.

Sincerely,

-Leslie Osmond






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