Copyright 2009 The New York Sun Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:17:09 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Parenting :: Stories from The New York Sun http://www.nysun.com/parenting istoll@nysun.com (Ira Stoll) webmaster@nysun.com en-us SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/when-families-become-less-insular-and-more-open/86824/ Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST While watching the presidential debates with my sons, it occurred to me that my children's political views are identical to mine and my husband's. When Senator Obama spoke about his tax plans, the faces of my boys twisted in horror. When Senator McCain spoke on the subject of foreign policy, they nodded their heads in agreement. Of course, their parroting is normal. We all parrot opinions. I was surprised when, during a typical conversation about the election, my close friend told me that I was... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/banishing-the-post-baby-bump/86823/ Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Even the most active New York City mother knows how grueling it can be to lose pregnancy pounds. Although exercise and dieting can help, the stubborn belly area is often slow to respond. The Belly Bandit ($39.95), a tummy wrap, was created to help new mothers reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies. Made from compression material that reduces swelling, it is designed to take the tension off the lower back even as it helps tighten the abdominal muscles. According to the makers of the Belly Bandit... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/do-five-children-make-a-vice-president/86357/ Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST In the past month, more than a dozen people have asked me what I think about Senator McCain's choice of Governor Palin as a vice presidential candidate. I don't mean that in the course of normal conversation, people have asked me what I think about the presidential election: Instead, acquaintances have made a beeline toward me in social settings and asked, rather fiercely, "Are you ready to be president?" "You have five kids," they say. "One of them is a baby. Do you think you could do it?" How... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/baby-bling-with-bite/86358/ Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Schlepping toys around for teething babies to chew on can be a cumbersome task for new mothers. Thanks to Smart Mom Jewelry, a practical and stylish option is available in the form of a collection of teething rings meant to be worn by the mother. Designed to assuage babies' discomfort, Smart Mom Jewelry is wearable and easy to tote. Items are made out of federally approved silicone, and the material is nontoxic and completely free of chemicals and harmful substances. The collection includes... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/no-to-no-sibling-policiesin-private-schools/85880/ Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Each year, in the rarefied world of private-school admissions, there is a new batch of horror stories. But this summer, one tale, more than any other, made its way around the gossip circuit. A well-connected set of parents (both grew up in the city) with a young child applied for a kindergarten spot to the same prestigious Upper East Side school in which their older child was happily ensconced. They were told by the head of the celebrated school that to be safe — given the "no-sibling" policy... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/posh-pacifiers/85879/ Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Mothers are constantly in search of effective ways to limit the spread of germs, especially when it comes to infants and toddlers. In particular, keeping track of pacifiers can be a daily headache for cautious mothers, as the baby-soothers can get mixed up with those belonging to other children at day care, nursery programs, or playgroups. Aiming to put an end to the mix-ups, the creator of MyPacifer designed a pacifier ($15-$56, recommended for ages 3 to 36 months) which can be printed with... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/when-children-play-a-part-in-grieving/85398/ Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST My 92-year-old grandmother died this weekend. My family was expecting her to die, and I had prepared my children all week for the inevitable. I had told them how old she was and what a full life she had led. The night before my grandmother died, the boys had sung her songs over the telephone. And yet when my mother called me with the news, I couldn't bring myself to tell them. For nearly two hours, I fed the girls breakfast and we played, as I considered different ways I might share the news... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/eco-friendly-to-babys-bottom/85401/ Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST As the trend toward going "green" shows no signs of slowing, it was perhaps only natural that parents would seek products for children that are also eco-friendly. FuzziBunz ($19.95), a reusable cloth diapering system, employs a "pocket-style" construction. Its waterproof outer barrier keeps wetness from leaking, while a soft inner layer, made of fleece, rests gently against the skin. A "pocket" exists within the inner layer, which can be padded with absorbent materials for extra protection; the... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/calendar/boys-will-be-boys/84961/ Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Finding classic, sophisticated clothes for young girls is all too easy, but the task can be harrowing when shopping for little boys. Babysusu aims to solve this dilemma by creating a collection ($66-$120) for boys ranging in age from 6 months to 4 years. The pieces boast a modern twist on classic looks. Using all-natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, and cashmere, the clothes are luxe but comfortable enough for a child. For fall, parents will find sweaters made from sensible cotton and cashmere... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/the-struggle-at-summers-end/84962/ Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Ambivalent. That's how I feel this week as my tour as Julie McCoy, cruise director of the "Love Boat," comes to an end. Say good-bye to the bathing suits, bike rides, lemonade stands, Scrabble games, and sand castles. And say hello to uniforms, 8 a.m. drop-offs, homework, play dates, and practices. I'm not exactly sure why I feel ambivalent about the end of summer. The structure of school certainly affords me more precious time to myself. And there is no season I enjoy more than fall in New... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/a-diaper-bag-with-buzz/84566/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST The sophisticated city mother needs a diaper bag that looks like anything but. Thanks to the Bumble Collection, a sleek new bag is at her fingertips. The company's Queen Bee Honey bag ($300) is made from 100% Italian cowhide leather and boasts 18-karat-gold hardware. The bag is water resistant and the perfect size to tote when running out on errands with the little ones, but just as chic for storing mother's everyday essentials. In addition to plenty of roomy pockets for holding baby items, the... WENDY BELZBERG http://www.nysun.com/parenting/a-summer-warm-up-for-a-self-indulgent-future/84117/ Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST "Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home." Thank you, Bill Cosby, for putting a fine point on the looming end to the blissful, if unnatural, quiet I have been enjoying for the past several weeks. My summer is over, camp is out, and, indeed, my children are coming home. In the last six weeks, my husband and I have gone to the theater, caught up on art films, and screened the entire first season of "Mad Men" on DVD. All that before we took off to Italy for... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/leaving-bike-riding-to-the-children/83649/ Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST This week, as the summer days began to get the tiniest bit shorter, and the nights had the slightest hint of crispness, I realized that I'd better make good on my promise to teach my daughter, nearly 6, to ride a bike. Getting rid of the training wheels was one of a few summer promises Kira and I had made to each other at the end of June. And we hadn't touched the bike since. One morning, I gulped down my last bit of coffee and told Kira I was ready. "Put on your sneakers and helmet, and let's... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/refining-babys-palate/83650/ Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Feeding children can be all too harrowing a task. But thanks to Petite Palate ($58 for a packet of 24), a line of organic, nutritious baby food packed with flavor, mealtimes promise to be a lot more appetizing. Created by two chefs (and new mothers) who trained at London's Cordon Bleu and the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Petite Palate is designed to nurture infants' and toddlers' taste buds from the first bite. While jarred baby foods undergo a heating process to make them... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/learning-how-to-play-the-game-of-life/83222/ Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Last week, I took my daughter, who is nearly 6, for a tennis lesson. At the tennis club, I happened to see a mother I casually know as she was watching her two daughters having a lesson of their own. Her girls were older, maybe 10 and 12, and their tennis was — to be perfectly honest — terrible. Balls were flying all over the place. Their gangly bodies were going backward when they should have been going forward, and vice versa, and their strokes were awkward and inconsistent. They were also, I... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/an-optimistic-mother-ponders-her-pessimistic-child/82757/ Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST There's this great story being forwarded among parents about an optimistic child and a pessimistic child. The two children are taken to different rooms. The pessimistic child is taken into a glittering hall of brand-new toys. There are magnificent old-fashioned toys, as well as the latest Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation. There's a sleek computer, a gorgeous dollhouse, and a jumping castle. The optimistic child is taken to another room. In this room is only horse dung. Mountains and mountains... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/craft-work/82758/ Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Mothers looking for creative ways to fill the downtime this summer will find a trove of ideas in Abby Pecoriello's "Crafty Mama Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby and Toddler) Projects" (Workman, $15.95). The child-themed activities are both inexpensive and easy to make: Peekaboo books, no-sew blankets, "insta-bibs," and photo bracelets are just a few of the DIY designs. The guide includes instructions on decoupage, cropping photographs, and handcrafting jewelry. The author, who has led... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/a-parents-summertime-checklist/82346/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST We are about halfway through summer vacation, and around this time every year, I try to make a list of family activities I want to do before summer's end. In my house, if it doesn't make it onto my list, it doesn't get done. So, here goes: My top 12 list of must-dos this summer. 1. Go to the beach Which beach might matter to you, but it certainly won't make much difference to your gang. Coney Island, Jones Beach, Rockaway Beach, a Hampton beach, or Fire Island are all for the taking. Go with... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/mothers-go-om-for-summer/82347/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST With the little ones off to summer camp or vacations with relatives, mothers get some downtime at parties in the Hamptons. But dressing up in the season's maxi dresses for Sunday brunch or a night out requires the perfect accessory. The elegant Nizam Embellished Cuff by Rosena Sammi ($99), part of the jewelry company's "Om" collection, is made from beads and wire, and comes in sterling silver or gold with an "Om" charm. The collection includes locket and vermeil-beaded necklaces, rings, and... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/the-runaway-bunny/81855/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST My column has been running in this paper for more than four years. In that time, I have railed against teachers who assign hours of needless homework — and the parents who are pleased to see their children slave away for four hours each night. I've written nearly a dozen columns about savvy ways to financially educate our children. And I've tried to explain the recent rise in teenage suicide and casual sexual behavior, among other thorny issues. Few of these meaty subjects have elicited as much... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/sleep-dreams/81856/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Sleepless nights are an all-too-common occurrence for new mothers. But the Glo to Sleep company has developed what it promises is a revolutionary new technology that guarantees restful nights. The Glo to Sleep mask ($59.95) helps to slow the brain's natural activity by calming the alpha waves needed to induce sleep. Mothers who want to relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep naturally, can simply don the mask: While a tired parent raises her eyes upward and keeps her gaze focused on a blue pattern... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/growing-older-but-not-up/81375/ Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST There are days when I wake up and think that I might, just maybe, still be 15 years old. I know I have children and responsibilities. But that doesn't always seem to stop me from thinking that I'm not that different from a 15- or 20-year-old. It turns out I am not alone in this kind of magical thinking. Many people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s whom I've spoken to said that having children and jobs didn't necessarily always make them feel so grown up all the time. But then there are those moments... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/lip-service/81376/ Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Running around after their tots during summertime can leave mothers with little time to take care of their cosmetic needs. But kaplanMD has created the perfect lip moisturizer — both easy to apply and enclosed in a stylish case, in vibrant new colors. Lip 20 ($30) is loaded with marine collagen, peptides, and antioxidants, which are designed to protect, enhance, and maintain the pout. A divalysscious mom has to keep her lips hydrated, after all. Created by a Beverly Hills dermatologist, Stuart... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/calendar/a-mother-rabbits-stressful-situation/81001/ Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Just a few hours after filing last week's column about the comical gender-bending adventures of my daughter's bunny, Ahava, I went to the rabbit cage to see if there was enough food and water. For those of you who missed last week's saga, I'll review: We took home the kindergarten class rabbit for the summer and discovered — a little too late — that the adorable, fluffy, female Ahava was actually quite the lady's man. After buying two female rabbits that we thought would keep "her" company... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/fancy-feet/81002/ Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST The brainchild of two mothers, Britta Bacon and Hayden Porter, Heelarious is a line of stylish crib shoes ($35) for infants up to 6 months old that are designed to look like high heels. The soft satin shoes are, of course, not meant for walking, as the heels collapse when weight is applied. The shoes, which come in various styles, including the Brooke, Ella, and Kate, are the perfect footwear for a girl with a budding flair for fashion. They are available in pink, black patent leather, and... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/calendar/classic-caftans/80532/ Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST A breezy caftan can be the perfect beach cover-up for a new mother shedding unwanted post-pregnancy pounds. Now she can lounge in the sand with a matching one for her little girl, thanks to the Mommy & Me: Arianna Kaftan from the Si Belle by Sibel Mesta collection. The wraps, in turquoise or gypsy rose, are perfect for long summer days spent in the Hamptons. Made out of 100% Turkish cotton, the caftans come in child sizes ($110, ages 1 through 7) as well as adult ($260, long and mid-length)... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/the-birds-the-bees-and-the-bunnies/80534/ Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST A few weeks ago, my husband, David, called me after dropping the gang off at school and told me that he had volunteered that we would take care of Kira's kindergarten class bunny during the summer. I know what regular readers of this column are thinking: We have five children — do we really need to take care of the bunny? But David knew that in my heart I love animals, and that I have a particular soft spot for Ahava, the cocoa-colored, floppy-eared rabbit that Kira and her classmates had come... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/parents-reflect-on-the-things-they-did-right-with/80123/ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Many months ago, I wrote a column about the fantasy that we parents entertain — to have a second chance at raising our children. I polled nearly 100 acquaintances and asked them what they would do differently with their children if they were given another chance. The column was entertaining and received a huge response from readers. This week, I wanted to know what it is that we feel we have done right — that is, what we would do again if we had the chance to do it over. "Why is it so easy to... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/secretly-slimming/80124/ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST As they shed pregnancy pounds, new mothers are frequently on the lookout for clever ways to appear leaner — and a recent birth can mean little time for exercise. The Yummie Tummie shapewear line offers mothers a no-fuss solution. Designed using a dual-fabric technology, the range of tanks and long- and short-sleeve T-shirts ($62) are intened to slim the midsection, hiding any bulges or unsightly bumps. While Yummie Tummie apparel looks like basic summer gear from the outside, it smoothly... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/a-maternity-workout-made-easy/79627/ Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST For soon-to-be mothers, staying fit has never been easier. A program developed by a working mom in New York City, Beverley Caen — Sane Fitness Preggers: Maternity Workouts That Won't Drive You Crazy ($24.95) — is a regimen outlined in an illustrated box of cards. The color-coordinated deck contains all the information needed to stay in healthy shape even as the body changes. Acting as her own personal trainer, a mother can follow the six-week program, which includes user-friendly instructions... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/as-the-family-grows-summer-social-schedule-shrinks/79628/ Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST This time of year in New York is full of endless possibilities. It's not just because of the weather that brides and grooms choose to begin their lives together in June: This month is filled with hope and a sense of renewal. The summer is stretched out lazily in front of us, and is packed with trips to the beach and the countryside, leisurely meals, and athletic excursions. In years past, I can remember pondering my summer plans and carefully trying to balance the pleasure of lounging around at... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/does-summer-break-really-help-children/79136/ Tue, 3 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST There must be an internal alarm inside my body that goes off at the beginning of every June. Coffee — a steaming hot cup at the crack of dawn — must be thrown over ice. I like my apartment to be freezing cold, even on days that aren't especially hot. And school must end. Now. At dinner last week, when my friend who lives in Greenwich, Conn., told me that her children only had a few days left of school, I felt an overwhelming pang of jealousy. The pang turned into a shooting pain when she told... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/a-baby-blanket-for-all-seasons-and-purposes/79137/ Tue, 3 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST With vacation days ahead, city mothers need an all-purpose blanket that can adapt to all of a child's needs. Rugged Idea has created multipurpose, weatherproof blankets that can easily attach to a stroller, a baby carrier, a car seat, or a sling. The comfortable wraps are designed to protect the baby from the elements and are constructed from fleece and weather-resistant nylon. The colorful blankets can be used as changing pads or as beach throws, among other things. Available in three sizes... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/the-perfect-diaper-bag-for-the-beach/78605/ Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 EST Now that summertime's officially here, everyone is ready to head to the beach. What can city mothers use to carry all their essentials? Tory Burch's Tory totes ($225) are the perfect summer accessory to "tote" around from the city to the beach to the beach house. Made of cotton canvas with a tonal patent trim, each bag has two interior pockets to hold essential items such as pacifiers, keys, and phones. It's big enough to also fit that beach towel — without being too bulky to carry on the sand... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/the-lasting-truth-behind-sex-and-the-city/78606/ Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 EST When I tell people about the kind of weekly column I write for this newspaper — a parenting column that focuses on the sometimes reported and sometimes very personal joys, struggles, and peculiarities of raising children in New York — they occasionally tell me that the column reminds them of the column penned by Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) in the HBO television series "Sex and the City." "Sure," I always respond mischievously. "Except that it's a parenting column. It's more like 'No... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/tackling-fear-of-riding-for-childrens-sake/76708/ Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 EST Last week, on one of those long-awaited crisp and sunny spring days, I decided that I would take my daughter, Talia, 3, to the Central Park Carousel. It's not that I really wanted to go to the carousel. But as any parent of two or more children can attest, sometimes you have to force yourselves to accompany your younger children during certain activities, to ensure that you've spent enough time together, as well as to give them all the benefits and exposure that you've so lovingly heaped upon... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/matched-set-of-summer-suits/76709/ Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 EST After a longer-than-usual stretch of gloomy weather, some city moms will be heading to the Hamptons for a little sun this Memorial Day weekend. What could be more adorable on the beach than matching bikini sets for mommy and her tot? The high-end Open Your Eyes, or Oye, swimwear line ($330 adult-size bikinis; $230 children's sizes) offers handcrafted, comfortable suits in bright colors and elegant fabrics. The 2008 summer collection has chic features such as jeweled and semiprecious closures... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/when-teenagers-burn-the-midnight-oil/76341/ Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EST The other night, while leaving a benefit at the Plaza, my husband and I bumped into an acquaintance we hadn't seen in a long time. It was 10 p.m., and there was such a mass exodus from the dinner that it reminded me of Cinderella's mad dash to heed her fairy godmother's warning that at the stroke of midnight, all would return to the way it was. As we left the Grand Ballroom (which, incidentally, looks exactly the same as it did before hundreds of millions of dollars were poured into the hotel)... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/happy-tunes-catchy-beats/76342/ Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EST Children's tunes often have a way of getting lodged in a parent's mind long after the music has stopped playing — whether one likes it or not. But singer Joanie Leeds makes catchy music that little ones — and their parents — won't mind hearing again and again. Her debut album, "City Kid," is an upbeat collection that is a tribute to New York City. It boasts original songs such as "Ice Cream," "Tongue Twister," and "Sushi," on which she chants, "tuna, yellowtail ... roll it up, roll it up, I... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/sweet-treats-for-mothers-day/75920/ Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 EST While flowers are always lovely and breakfast in bed never gets old, on Mother's Day, most mothers secretly just want to feel sexy — and "divalysscious." The Sweet Treats "Mini-kini" gift set ($140) by Si Belle is the perfect present for making mom feel pampered, especially post-pregnancy. Each ribbon-tied box — in a shape that recalls a box of truffles — contains four luxurious 100% silk chiffon panties in rose, lavender, cream, and chocolate hues. Si Belle's undergarments also feature just... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/too-young-for-the-beauty-salon/75921/ Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 EST My high school reunion is next month, and this week I received a few e-mails about who's planning to attend the festivities. After spending 15 years together at the same school, I can still remember the birthdays of some of these classmates — even though I haven't seen them since graduation. While cleaning up my apartment a few days ago, I came across my high school yearbook, and with the reunion approaching, I took it out and began to flip through the pages. What struck me most was not how... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/newborn-baby-provides-relief-from-the-antics/75501/ Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST The best way I can relate the pure pleasure of having a baby at the same time as having older children is to imagine having a perfect grilled cheese sandwich after a few nights of three-course meals at Nobu, Le Cirque, and Jean-Georges. It's like watching "I Love Lucy" after a few episodes of "24." It's like having a scoop of Hδagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream after being dazzled by the newfangled flavors of Ben & Jerry's. Now that Nate, my fifth child, is 3 months old, and I am madly in love with... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/jcrew-outpost-just-for-tots/75502/ Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST A company whose brand is synonymous with laid-back, preppy style, J.Crew, has launched a child-friendly offshoot, Crewcuts. At the Crewcuts outpost in SoHo, a collection of pint-size fashions is available for youngsters between the ages of 2 and 10. Chinos, madras shorts, cashmere sweaters, floral-print dresses, and trench coats are on offer, and many items are decorated with the flagship's signature prints — lobsters, turtles, and other critters. The Crewcuts line keeps up with its target... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/longing-for-lazy-days/75050/ Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST Sunday was going to be a fantastic day — I was sure of it. Unlike so many weekend days, we didn't have a single plan. There were no dreadful birthday parties and no endless sports matches. No cutthroat chess tournaments and no hectic lunch plans. The gang could sleep late and stay in pajamas. It was going to be a supremely lazy day, and I was looking forward to it. The brood slowly emerged from their bedrooms one by one, collapsing in different parts of the living room. In their pajamas, with... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/postnatal-lingerie-line-a-cinch/75068/ Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST With spring in full bloom, city boutiques are offering a range of body-skimming frocks in the season's key floral patterns and sleek silhouettes. But for new mothers struggling to shed stubborn post-pregnancy weight or adjusting to a changing body, shopping can be uninviting. A new line of corrective undergarments, Dr. Rey's Shapewear ($27.50–$60), is designed to camouflage imperfections and play up assets. The lingerie collection is available in several options, including a waist cincher, a... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/manual-for-mothers/74704/ Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST Motherhood doesn't come with a manual, but author Stephanie Hirsch's "Mother Nurture: Life Lessons From the Mothers of America's Best and Brightest" ($24.95) offers useful commonsense advice. Ms. Hirsch compiled the 52 stories after seeking out the mothers of successful actors, pop stars, athletes, and other public figures who have reached the tops of their fields. The collection explores the ways in which these mothers nurtured their children and primed them for success, from preserving family... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/moving-to-the-table-from-the-treo/74722/ Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST Recently while I was at a friend's birthday breakfast in Cape Town, South Africa, where I spend a few months every year, I spoke with 10 women about their most pressing parenting concerns. I was curious about whether their issues would be similar to those that my friends and I face in New York. Sure enough, many South African mothers are struggling to instill in their children a sense of familial and communal duty. They are working to find ways of combating rampant materialism. They are trying... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/soccer-moms-take-to-the-stage/74301/ Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST New York City mothers know the juggling act that happens upon becoming a parent. Their suburban counterparts confront many of the same challenges, and are depicted in the poignant off-Broadway production "Secrets of a Soccer Mom." The 90-minute show, directed by Judith Ivey, tells the story of three mothers: the consummate do-gooder, Lynn; an unhappily married former athlete, Alison, and a struggling photographer, Nancy, who is eager to recapture her pre-mommy persona. The women balance the... SARA BERMAN http://www.nysun.com/parenting/child-rearings-toll-on-a-parents-memory/73950/ Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST The other day, while having a quick lunch with a friend, a woman came over to my table to say hello. "It's so great to see you," she gushed. I tried to look very happy to see her, but the truth was I had absolutely no idea who she was. "This is my friend Chris," I said, hoping that she might introduce herself. "Nice to meet you, Chris," she said. "Sara, I haven't seen you for ages. Did you really just have another baby?" she asked, failing to fall for my introduction trick. She looked very... Divalysscious Moms http://www.nysun.com/parenting/getting-animal-crazy/73971/ Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST Diaper bags are an essential fashion statement for όber-trendy city mothers. For many, it's important to find one that is sufficiently stylish as well as functional. Felix Rey's Lucia leopard print diaper bag ($350) is the answer to the dreams of chic mothers from the Upper West to Cobble Hill. Made out of leopard-print canvas and featuring either a black or white patent trim with gold hardware, the tote has detachable shoulder straps and a top handle with a bow. With plenty of storage space...