Mode Bay Area Moms

Editors Note:  To find out more about “Positive Discipline” make sure to check out Dr. Jane Nelson @ http://www.positivediscipline.com/ for more tips and resources! A foundation of Positive Discipline is to be kind and firm at the same time. Some parents are kind, but not firm. Others are firm, but not kind. Many parents vacillate between the two—being too …

Editors Note:  To find out more about “Positive Discipline” make sure to check out Dr. Jane Nelson @ http://www.positivediscipline.com/ for more tips and resources! A natural consequence is anything that happens naturally, with no adult interference. When you stand in the rain, you get wet. When you don’t eat, you get hungry. When you forget your coat, …

Editors Note:  To find out more about “Positive Discipline” make sure to check out Dr. Jane Nelson @ http://www.positivediscipline.com/ for more tips and resources! Would it surprise you to know that two to five-year-olds watch more than 32 hours of TV a week? Six to eleven-year-olds spend more hours in school, so they watch a little less …

Editors Note:  To find out more about “Positive Discipline” make sure to check out Dr. Jane Nelson @ http://www.positivediscipline.com/ for more tips and resources! What do you think of when you hear the word “discipline”? Most people think of punishment. I invite you to think a little deeper starting with the exploration of the long-term results of …

Often kids are labeled by  loved ones, and family members as being hyper, ADHD, clumsy, and “out of control”. But there may be an underlying issue that can be corrected through OT, and play therapy. If any of the below items seem familiar speak to an OT or contact Whole Kids Therapy for more info. Sensory Seeking Vestibular …

By Erika Christakis and Nicholas Christakis, Special to CNN Editor’s note: Erika Christakis, MEd, MPH, is an early childhood teacher and former preschool director. Nicholas Christakis, MD, PhD, is a professor of medicine and sociology at Harvard University. Together, they serve as Masters of Pforzheimer House, one of the undergraduate residential houses at Harvard College. (CNN) – Every …

We all know that human beings are much more than a group of individual traits, and even more than the sum of their parts.  An activity that increases proprioceptive processing will likely benefit other areas such as vestibular (balance) processing, touch, sight, etc. Proprioception is information from muscles and joints as to body position in …

Years ago, long before I found myself  in the position of having to select toys for the retail market I learned two invaluable lessons about them from my children. The first lesson arrived one Christmas morning. Greg, my then five year old, had finally unwrapped the last of the seeming-less endless profusion of toys which …

In today’s world, kids have less free play time than ever.   Recess time is being reduced at many schools, and physical education classes are not always available.  Kids are in a variety of adult directed activities after school such as music, gymnastics, art, karate, soccer, tutoring, all of which teach valuable skills that they will …

The 4th of July brings back lots of memories- from my own childhood, and from when my children were little.  I didn’t realize how connected these fun times made me feel with my family until last week, when my older brother turned 50. When my aunt emailed everyone and asked us to meet at a …

I hope the title of this doesn’t make Dads feel excluded. I can only write from my experience, and knowing that it is vastly different than my husband’s experience as a father, a mom’s point of view is the one I see most clearly. My realization of this peculiar combination of the emotional polars inherent …

This April, WFamily has cooked up a special recipe for fun with your kids, with no pots or pans required! Join us at your Center for storybook time and crafts that focus on food that’s delicious and healthy, and get great suggestions for kitchen-related fun at home.* *Family events and amenities vary by location. Please …

Number one:  Give unconditional love. We all come with a huge desire to be loved just as we are- to be fully accepted. Though we are all flawed and mistake-prone, we all carry a giant need to trust that love is an unwavering source of strength. Easier said than done, but worth every effort a …

What separates us from computers and adding machines and encyclopedias is that we are uniquely equipped with brains that not only take in data, receive stimuli, perceive input, but also are hardwired in our very circuitry to make meaning of those incoming bits of information. We add value, weight and importance, we compare and contrast …

Dear January, I have two sons, ages 4 and 2. The sleeping arrangements evolved to where I am sleeping with my oldest son in the boys’ room, and my youngest sleeps with my husband in our room. It started out when my four year old was around 1 and a half, and he would wake …

It sounds so simple doesn’t it? Life’s puzzles are often simple, but seldom easy.  The truth is the beginning isn’t always easy to know. Is it your own childhood? Your parent’s childhoods? Does the beginning for the human beings you are trying to raise start in parts destined to stay unknown? I will say over …

Hi january, I’ve got my hands full once again here, as if I ever didn’t. Joe’s really stirring up the stuff the past two weeks. Physical stuff, all out tantrums. He’s not able to get through conflicts with his peers without getting physical, and it’s a constant. At least once a day there’s a conflict …

-Flared- This ’70s-inspired style fits close above the knee and flares below to a leg opening of 22″ or more. Style Tip: Complete the look with a short or tucked-in feminine blouse, skinny belt and platform heels. Rachel Zoe Piped Flare Leg Jeans -Straight- This classic style is a long, lean and versatile choice that looks …

Next WFamily Event at Westfield Oakridge: Wednesday Feb 15th at 10:00 AM  Join Andy Z for a fun filled morning of singing, dancing, crafts and snacks! Westfield Family features family-friendly activities and events, money-saving promotions and convenient amenities offered exclusively at Westfield Shopping Centers. This is the fourth year of our free membership program that …

314 Church St San Francisco, CA 94114 (415) 431-9411 chilepies.com San Francisco is one of the greatest places in the world for specialty restaurants. We’ve got entire establishments dedicated to only french fries, chicken and waffle sandwiches, and now pies! The trending pie movement isn’t exactly a new thing, but named by many publications one of the …

Here is an article I read recently regarding sleep and learning.   With the school year starting, many of us are mulling over the question of how our little ones learn best. But a growing body of research tells us that how kids sleep may be as important to their learning as the types of challenges and …

I love everything s’mores, you might remember my S’mores Cupcakes recipe I shared with you last year, well here’s a new spin on it. I think of it as campfire elegance otherwise known as  S’mores Truffles. So hard to resist, and so easy to make, your friends and family will be blown away by the …

Parenting Well in a Media Age: Keeping Our Kids Human Gloria DeGaetano (Author), Diane Dreher PhD (Foreword) This illuminating investigation takes a fresh look at the role of media in children’s lives. An overview of the formidable challenges parents face and creative ways to overcome them are included, as are strategies for turning a home …

I’ve got tons of Holiday parties this month so when MODE received a $100 from Stanford Shopping Center to find a little black dress I couldn’t wait to hit up one of their newest stores! I headed over to the new Urban Outfitter location to see what Holiday looks I could find and I was …

When shopping for toys this holiday season, keep these five things in mind…  Adapted from Dr. David Elkind’s The Power of Play 1. Young children are heavily oriented to the senses. Natural materials like cotton and wool elicit a sense of comfort and warmth that synthetics do not. Touch is a powerful sensory experience. 2. …

“If grades and sports are good in a boys life, we assume their inner emotions are too, that’s not the case” -RAISING CAIN I recently watched a documentary regarding the inner emotional life of boys in america.  A film that challenges social and cultural expectations and norms as it relates to their development. What is …

Consuming Kids The Commercialization of Childhood Cost: $20 per person When: November 9, 2011 Time: 6:30-9:30pm Where: The Red Tent in Los Gatos This evening is devoted to screening this amazing and powerful film and an open forum for rich discussion following the film. “Consuming Kids throws desperately needed light on the practices of a relentless …

How important is the topic of Halloween? “Ann Merritt, reviewer, experienced parent and pediatric dietitian, makes an observation about this important topic. ”This advice should be in every parents’ magazine every year. I have seen so many kids have Halloween ruined for them when parents are over-concerned about sugar.” When you consider that for many …

It’s that time of the month again and Westfield Oakridge has another awesome event lined up for your family! This week there will be a special musical guest! Peter Apel is coming with his guitar and tons of silly songs to get your kids laughing and having a great time. They also get to enjoy some …

I recently discovered this article from the New York Times about play and how it may teach self-control. “Over the last few years, a new buzz phrase has emerged among scholars and scientists who study early-childhood development, a phrase that sounds more as if it belongs in the boardroom than the classroom: executive function. Originally …

    To learn more on this topic, check out Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashely Merryman

I believe that all moms never get to take a break from parenting, even when they are away from their children, they are always thinking and living for them. I am always inspired by all the moms I am surrounded by and the one thing I wish there was more of for them was encouragement. …

This morning I had the pleasure of attending the Nordstrom Fall trend show ‘Red Carpet Glamour’ at Valley Fair.  I was treated to a beautiful shiny shopping bag at the door with a bottle of Nordies water, pencil, brochure and contest card. I didn’t win this time. Clarins kicked off the show by providing a …

Come join us this Wednesday as Westfield Oakridge officially opens the new play area! Aside from the fun new play area they’ve planned out a few fun filled hours of songs, singing, magic tricks, princesses, snacks, and crafts! Come on down at 3PM to join the fabulous Andy Z., followed by a magic show, ballon …

The healthy emotional state of a human is vital. How often do people over look an infant and child’s emotional development? The 2 areas of great importance for a child who is about to enter kindergarten is the ability to socially and emotionally cope. That’s right, not the cognitive (information processing, conceptual resources, perceptual skills, …

I don’t know about you, but when something new and exciting arrives in San Jose I can’t help but get a little pumped. I attended the sign lightning last Friday night for the new to downtown San Jose, San Pedro Square Market. It’s a huge location filled with nooks and cranies ranging from 1,000 sq …

It is Friday evening and the workweek is over. What next? See a movie? Meet some friends for dinner? Catch up on laundry? How about something new and out of the ordinary? This is exactly what locals are doing every first Friday of the month at San Jose’s own South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk. Unlike …

Almost 2 years ago, I was introduced to Positive Discipline as a teacher. I had never heard of it and was surprised to find out it had been introduced in the 1920′s. It was like learning a whole new language as I began understanding what it meant and how to implement it in the classroom. …

We’re going to let the photos do all the talking! We’re SO excited about this event at Westfield Oakridge on Wednesday September 7th! Macy’s Court 3pm-4:30pm Join us for a fun filled afternoon with crafts, snacks and a special appearance from Happy Birds

When I first heard about Resources for Infant Educators (RIE) founded by Madga Gerber while taking a Child Development class 2 years ago, it made sense to me. I had never even considered another way of raising/caring for an infant until I heard of this method. I immediately started researching the foundation of it and …

SOURCE: http://www.racetonowhere.com/about-film Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people across the country who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in …

Hukilau 5 Masonic Ave San Francisco, CA 94118 www.dahukilau.com/sanfrancisco/ Just because I’m two thousand miles away from home doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy local Hawaiian dishes! Lucky for us Hawaiians, San Francisco has quite a few Hawaiian BBQ joints. Local (Hawaiian) flavors have seemed to find their way into the Bay Area, yay! I no longer have …

Do not mistake the CAPSULE Design Festival as a designer craft fair. CAPSULE is a street festival taking place in the heart of the Hayes Valley showcasing the great talent and originality of over a 130 independent designers; in the categories of men’s, women’s, kid’s, accessories, paper goods, glassware, and unique home décor. On trend …

Did you know that Westfield Oakride has an event for your family the first and third Wednesday of each month from 3 – 4:30pm! And I’m talking about really fun, exciting events that your kids are going to LOVE! As a parent I can really appreciate that they took to time to put together activities …

Yum Yum Fish 2181 Irving St San Francisco, CA 94122 This past week I’ve stumbled upon a restaurant that has become a monumental part of my life in San Francisco. I’ve found it guys. I have found that sushi restaurant that leaves behind all that fancy stuff and takes good ingredients back to the basics. Yum Yum …

Don’t forget that Wednesday is first Wednesday at Westfield Oakridge and that means great family fun for free! And this week there is a special appearance because the Circus is coming to town! And they’re coming to Westfield Oakridge so it only makes sense that something special from the Circus is in store for the …

Consuming Kids is a brand new and critically-acclaimed film from the Media Education Foundation featuring the CCFC staff and Steering Committee. The film is an eye-opening account of the pervasive and pernicious effects of children’s advertising on the health and well-being of kids. CCFC members all over the country are organizing local screenings of Consuming Kids. A …

We are halfway though July, but the summer is far from over. There are still plenty of parties to attend and camping trips to be had. Camping got me thinking, the ultimate camping treat is…you got it: s’mores! You may not have a fire pit in the middle of your apartment, so the graham cracker, …

by Lylah M. Alphonse, Senior Editor, Manage Your Life Playgrounds these days are usually brightly colored things, low-slung plastic-coated structures with short, gently sloping slides, set on surfaces covered with shredded rubber or wood chips. No see-saws. No hand-pulled twirling whirling rides. No super-high jungle gyms to climb. Swings (if there are any) often have safety …

  Did you know that children who watch a lot of TV and movies tend to: Perform worse in school They spend less time reading. They have shorter attention spans. Their vocabulary is not as highly developed. Be more overweight They snack excessively while watching TV. They see food in programs and ads that promote …

It’s Summer time and most of our kids are out of school, and we may be going a little out of our mind. There are lots of options when it comes to Summer events and activities if travel, cost and security weren’t a concern. Starting on  7/25 Los Gatos Recreation will bring multiple events at …

By Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.   The potential for lifelong joy is inside every child. Here’s how to bring it out. Think of the smile that appears on your child’s face when he’s enjoying an ice cream cone. Those are the moments and feelings we all want to preserve. But once the last drip is …

by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D. A temper tantrum is an uncontrolled outburst of anger that usually arises from a child’s thwarted efforts to control a situation. The tantrum says, “I have tried desperately to make the world go my way. Now I’m frazzled. I feel terrified, helpless, and powerless.” Both children and adults have tantrums. …

80+ Inexpensive or Free Summer Activities for Kids by Crystal on May 22, 2011 I recently asked my readers to share a  solution or resource they would like me to help them find. My friend Kim left a comment stating she needs a list of fun and inexpensive things to do this summer… so, I came up with a …

Understanding your temperament and your child’s temperament will help you determine what works best for your child. You may be wondering why your child reacts to situations, people, places, environments and the daily routine they way he/she does and how it differs from other children you know. This article will help you determine each temperament …

Parenting can be very overwhelming as the responsibility is a huge weight to carry. One of the beauties of parenting is that making mistakes in front of your child is probably one of the greatest opportunities for them to learn a life skill. For them to see how you problem solve once you’ve made a …

Mode MOMS! We want to hear what your questions are about your children!     We want to hear what you have to say about what kind of information would be most helpful to you as a Mom!     ASK away!    

Where Is Coco Going? by Sloane Tanen (Bloomsbury USA, 2004) Ages 2 to 5 A small, fluffy chicken with a bright pink bow goes on a grand trip around the world — via planes, trains, automobiles, and even a hot air balloon — all the way to Grandma’s house, where the chocolate-chip cookies have come …

Consistency: The Key to Well-Behaved Children   What does “consistency” mean? Consistency means that rules and expectations are the same from one time to another. Consistency makes the child’s world predictable and less confusing. It frees their minds of worry about what might happen and teaches them accountability for their actions. Why is consistency important? …

“Contributor Note: Sensory Integration Disorder is one of the many disorders that often go under the radar. Sensory Integration is how we take things in all at once, process them, sort them and figure out what is most important to keep. It consist of sight, sound taste and touch. We all integrate information through our …

We some­times neglect to men­tion a very basic yet pow­er­ful method of cog­ni­tive and emo­tional devel­op­ment, for chil­dren and adults alike: Play. – Alvaro Can We Play? – By Dr. David Elkind Play is rapidly dis­ap­pear­ing from our homes, our schools, and our neigh­bor­hoods. Over the last two decades alone, chil­dren have lost eight hours of …

  Recent research on intellectual and social development and learning is rich in implications for curriculum and teaching strategies for early childhood education. Unfortunately, educational practices tend to lag behind what is known about teaching and learning. This digest discusses curriculum and the methods of teaching which best serve children’s long-term development. The Nature Of …

Contributor: Here is an article from Scholastic Parent and Child magazine. The interview is with Bev Bos. Here is her Bio! “I have been the Director and Teacher at the Roseville Community Preschool in Roseville, CA for over 40 years now.  During the early years of my teaching I developed a reputation as a play …

BaconSaus Enchilada Casserole We have all been there. It is the day right before payday. I am staring at a basically empty fridge. What to do, what to do? I pull out every vegetable, meat, dairy product that I can find. I found a can of green enchilada sauce, my favorite! Decide to use that …

Understanding Brain Development in Young Children FS-609,  APRIL 2005 Sean Brotherson, Family Science Specialist, NDSU Extension Service This publication is intended to assist parents understand how a child’s brain develops and their important role in interacting with children to support brain development.   A child’s first words. Grasping a spoon. Babies turning their head in …

  I wanted to start this blog off with a bang. So I decided to use a classic recipe that I have added to my repertoire recently. WAISTLINE-FRIENDLY  TURKEYCHILI 1 pound ground turkey 1/2 cup diced onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1 (14.5 …

1 Don’t use TV as a babysitter. It may seem easier to place children in front of the television of the quality of programming when you are busy around the house, but remember, children build strong family ties from their participation in the household chores and shopping. Include them in these activities. 2 Carefully select …

I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to Randa Rosie.  A local company from San Jose that hand makes the cutest of cute for the little girls in your life.  From the ever so famous tutus, pettiskirts to my now favorite booties and crib shoes.  When I received my package, I was definitely excited …

I am an Italian girl at heart. No doubt about it. Thank God I married an Italian hunk or I would have no excuse for all the pasta I try to shove down my relatives mouths. That being said– I am always on the look out for the next great pasta dish! I came across …

Contributor: “One of the most common topics among mom’s is how to get their child to eat. Children do not have control over much in their life and are almost fully dependent on their parents. Three things that they have complete control over is what goes into their mouth, what comes out and going to …

Just in time for Spring!  Villa Montalvo is hosting their 2nd annual Art Splash at the beautiful Villa Montalvo venue on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 11am – 4pm.  This event is great for children of all ages to interact with one another and show their creative side. This is a great event for the …

Contributor: “This article is written for teachers, but I believe it has vital information for parents as well! Violence seems to be such a harsh topic when speaking about children, but it is subtly sending messages to our children today; from all types of media, to the way children treat each other at school. I …

Contributors Note: The majority of schools today are built upon curriculum that is planned ahead of time and lacking the essence of learning. I feel strongly for not only advocating for young children, but children and adolescents to be educated with emergent curriculum. I think is it true to say that the majority of society …

Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics amended their child safety seat recommendations to keep children in rear-facing car seats until age 2 and within the height and weight limits of their rear-facing seat. The previous guideline was to keep children rear facing until 1 year and 20 lbs., but research has shown that children are …

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are …

Dear BAY AREA PARENT – “My child is 17 months old now and I’m wondering if this is the right age to start toilet training and also how do you actually go about training your child to use the toilet?” Dear Parents- There are several things a child should generally be able to do before …

Parents, I must ask, who of us likes to save not only time, but our well earned money?  I sure do!  I’m a mother of two now and I have to say, getting out with two kids just to purchase some daily needed essentials such as diapers, wipes, etc, isn’t just a quick trip anymore, …

Temperament and Your Child’s Personality Personality is determined by the interaction of temperament traits with the environment. Each person (including your child) comes with a factory installed wiring. How your child is wired can determine whether they will be easy or difficult to raise. How well their temperament fits with the environment and how well …

I received the cutest Pink Tutu Pettiskirt and Pink Hair Flower from none other than Kelly from Posh Little Tutus.  They are definitely where the most girliest of girls shop and they are the largest boutique on the web that sells custom made tutus and hair pieces for infants and children.  From custom made tutus …

Calling all Mom, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. Calling all Disney lovers to come out today to Santana Row for a really fun event! Join KQED and Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! at Santana Row in San Jose– Tuesday, February 22 at 3:30 p.m. in Park Valencia for a storybook reading and a special …

For all of you Mode Moms, here is an article that will bring a different perspective on Art. There are far too many coloring books and craft kits these days that keep children from expressing themselves and their own creativity. If your child is already in school you can see from this article if open-ended …

This is what I learned at a recent seminar at my work with Eric Hoffman on superhero play with children, it is so intriguing. Here is the overview! “When we tell children who are playing with guns and such “don’t play with that” they hear “you don’t want me to have friends? you don’t want …

So you’re taking off for Valley Fair in 20 and haven’t had a bite yet? Put that granola bar away, a real cheri can make this work (and have enough time to put your face on), after all you’re going to need that energy for carrying around those shopping bags! Before your final application of …

From Our Print Archives does your child w-sit A somewhat ‘normal’ position used among children can lead to abnormal development By Donna Greco, MPT Chatting with the parents of children in a playgroup, one mother began watching the toddlers closely. She noticed that her 12-month-old daughter, Jessica, sat differently than the other children in the …

My fellow Bay Area moms, I would like to introduce to you Itsy Photography.  Ela Wunderli is the mastermind photographer and specializes in taking photos of our little wonders of life.  What’s great about her is, she’s not in a huge intimidating studio like the mall or where our babies/kids get can get distracted.  She …

It seems like the list of Pregnant celebrities due in 2011 adds a beautiful new face to it every day! I love seeing these adorable little baby bumps popping up all over. I’m hoping it will lead to better maternity choices for everyone else and lots of cute tabloid covers (when and if their families chose …

Baby Carrots knows what to do to get kids to eat healthy: market fresh veggies like junkfood. (Photo from twitter.com/babycarrots) Can you recognize a junk-food logo at a glance and instantly know the food connected with the brand? A preschooler can. A new study on childhood food preferences reveals that kids are fully aware of …

How to make Reading Fun and Beneficial for Children Article Complied by Mary Bensch Here is an article that I love. It is simple, clear and practical as it provides vital information on the importance of books and reading in a child’s life. Reading opens the door to a wider, richer world for young children. …

Via: make-up.becomegorgeous.com It seems like the beginning of the year is a truly prolific time for retailers who are on the verge of starting new projects. Targeting a group with an estimated 2 billion dollars buying power, Walmart’s new brand called GeoGirl will debut in February and will be replacing the Mary-Kate and Ashley cosmetics …

I believe in our society today that the importance of play in a child’s life has been lost. There are some who have forgotten, those who never really understood, some who have never heard of it, and then the majority,  who have many misconceptions about what it is defined as. I attended a seminar by …

By: Jane Nelson An excerpt from, “Positive Time Out: An Over 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggle in Homes and Classrooms.” Many parents and teachers say ludicrous things such as “Go to your room (or to the corner) and think about what you did.”  I’m amazed that many adults don’t know the answer when I …

Source: alfiekohn.org NOTE: An abridged version of this article was published in Parents magazine in May 2000 with the title “Hooked on Praise.” For a more detailed look at the issues discussed here — as well as a comprehensive list of citations to relevant research — please see the books Punished by Rewards and Unconditional Parenting. Hang …

Source and photo credits: Makes & Takes I recently saw this recipe on makesandtakes.com and was totally blown away by how easy it was to make! I for one am not good in the kitchen at all. I’m totally excited about how they came out and wanted to share it with you. Let me know …

When Kids Dress Themselves! Email us a picture of your child in their favorite outfit that they put together! We’ll run a contest and the winner will win a gift card to get a new outfit!

Thu, Dec. 23, 2010 (BabyCenter News) — BabyLegs has announced a recall of about 4,500 pairs of baby leg warmers and socks in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The leg warmers and socks have a heart appliqué that can detach, posing a choking hazard to small children. The firm has received one …

I personally really love this way of talking to my kids. It takes more work on our end but we’ve seen that they respond better and everyone is usually happier

Here is something fun and easy to do with your kids on a rainy day.  A friend recommended not using any food color since kids associate color with items. With white playdough they can use their imagination and create whatever they like with out being limited by the color. This will make for a fun …

Source: Positive Discipline.com By: Dr. Jane Nelson I was watching some videos by Bob Bradbury the other day. They are very informative and inspiring. Bob tells a story about a father who tried the “I need a hug” suggestion. His small son was having a temper tantrum. The father got down on one knee and …