It’s Not Bad to Want Alone Time
December 31, 2008 | 10 Comments
If there is one thing I cannot stand, it’s this.
A mom who loves to spout “I’m so much better than you because ___” diatribes on her blog.
I came across a post yesterday that made me sick. I won’t link to the post because I don’t want to pass along my page rank and traffic. 
The gist was that because some mothers enjoy an occasional break from their children, there must be something wrong with them.
Sorry, but I’m going to call cow pie on that.
If you honestly never crave to be alone, then you are not emotionally healthy. An emotionally healthy person enjoys being alone with their thoughts from time to time. An emotionally healthy person likes to finish a complete sentence in their brain.
If you never need alone time, you may be relying on your children to meet your emotional and social needs. That is called emotional incest.
An adult needs alone time to plan things, to dream, etc. That requires quiet. There isn’t a lot of quiet to be had when you live with young children. And studies show that even kids need alone and quiet time for their health and proper development.
I will go so far as to say that anyone who says that stuff is either lying, trying to convince themselves, trying to look superior to other mothers, or has ONE child – probably under the age of one or two. (That doesn’t count because you’re still in the blissed out babymoon phase, similar to being in love and you’re not thinking straight. Plus, you’re still all hepped up on breastfeeding hormones. lol!)
What really offends me is that I see this stuff on so-called Christian blogs. Now, I am a Christian and make if my goal to live my life as closely as possible in Jesus’ footsteps.
Even Jesus craved alone time!
Matthew 14:13 and Mark 6:31 if you don’t believe me. He was perfect and still needed to be alone from time to time.
Here is another good one:
Proverbs 25: 17 says: “Make your foot rare at the house of your fellowman, that he may not have his sufficiency of you and certainly hate you.”
What’s the point?
That it’s ok and even desirable to take a break from relationships.
Sorry folks, but that’s scripture. And you don’t outrank God.
For those of you who have husbands, do you not appreciate a little break from him? Or do you want to be around him ALL the time? (I’m pretty sure I know what he’d say if I asked him the same question – that’s why men invented fishing trips!) Isn’t it a good thing to miss your husband? Don’t you appreciate him more when he comes back from a business trip or when you have been visiting relatives out of state?
I rest my case.
Getting away from my children from time to time doesn’t mean I ignore their needs. But it is a very good thing for them to miss me occasionally – and me them.
In a practical sense, it’s also much more convenient and kinder to do some things without children around, because they would be bored while I was doing the thing or the place simply isn’t appropriate for young kids.
My kids are with me 24/7. They’re homeschooled and I’m a work at home Mom. They spend two days every two weeks with their father.
Needing a break from childcare and constant child chatter does not make me a bad mom. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy my children’s company (if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be a work at home homeschooling mom) and it doesn’t mean they’re not charming or interesting or whatever.
It means I’m human. (I wonder if God ever needs to be alone?)
Even your BABY, who craves your presence 24/7 – needs alone time! Ask any childhood development expert why babies sometimes refuse to meet your gaze, look away when you try to engage them, yawn, fall asleep or otherwise appear bored?
Because they need a BREAK from the stimulation that is YOU.
Take that! You might feel superior that you don’t need a break from your kid, but they sure need a break from YOU.
Men are wonderfully UNapologetic about needing alone time, and take it without asking. We could learn from the guys on this one.
Now please understand – I am not one of these moms who tells everyone in earshot how hard it is to be a mom or who complains about her children and what a burden they are. I don’t believe in that kind of thing. Only my very closest friends will ever hear any complaints from me, and even that is rare.
But I maintain that moms who claim that they never want a break from their kids are lying, trying too hard to convince someone or themselves, or trying to be superior.
And this is my blog.
You, however, may leave a comment below. 
And while we’re at it, I thought you might enjoy this free report:
Having More Sanity and Satisfaction as a Stay at Home Mom
(Click to open, right-click to download.)
WW: Art of Babywearing
December 31, 2008 | 1 Comment
My Mom picked up this wall hanging for me at the Asian market. Note traditional Korean wrap.
The Tale of Despereaux Movie Review
December 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I was pretty excited to see that one of our favorite books, The Tale of Despereaux, by one of our favorite authors, Kate DiCamillo, became a movie.
Caleb even recommended it in his post about recommended kid’s books.
I took the younger kids to see it Saturday. (My oldest broke my heart by refusing to go. His excuse was “I’ve read the book like 3 or 4 times mom!” but I think the real reason is he’s getting too old for these kinds of movies.”) My 7 and 5 year old loved it, and the youngest sat through it quite nicely.
Here’s mom’s official review of the movie.
Despereaux is a lovable mouse who just doesn’t fit in. Much to his parent’s dismay, he doesn’t cower. He doesn’t scurry. And he’s not afraid of cats and carving knives either. Instead of eating books, he reads them. He has the heart of a gentleman.
His antics eventually get him banished from the Mouse Kingdom, but thus begins the greatest adventure of his life.
In the town in which Despereaux lives, everyone is heartbroken because the Queen’s death led to the King’s banishing rats and, worst of all, soup. There is no sunshine and no rain. This is a town who needs a hero.
Kate DiCamillo succeeds in pulling you into a story about an unusually small, big hearted, big eared mouse who falls in love with a Princess. And who can resist characters like Miggery Sow?
Voice talents from the likes of Matthew Broderick, Christopher Lloyd, Stanley Tucci, Dustin Hoffman, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline and William Macy add to the movie’s appeal.
You can watch a preview of The Tale of Despereaux below.
Of course, you have to read the book first:
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
Natural Moms Podcast #109
December 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
My guest this week is Shelly Kalnitsky of Cell Phone Radiation News Bureau and WaveShield.
CPRN was created to educate people on the latest news concerning cell phones.
Today we’re talking about cell phones and children.
Children are at greatest risk from cell phone radiation because their brain tissues are still developing. Radiation goes deeper into their brain than adults because their skulls are thinner. And yet kids (especially teenagers) seem to live on the phone. 
Some common symptoms are headache, fatigue, insomnia, hearing difficulties, short term memory loss.
There is a connection between cell phones and cancer, especially in areas right behind the ear and also the parotid (salivary glands).
Switzerland, Sweden and England have implemented boundaries around the use of cell phones for their youngest citizens.
Many people use cell phones far too much. Instead of using them selectively, for emergencies and such, people use cell phones to avoid simply planning ahead. Much cell phone use is disruptive instead of helpful.
Shelly noted that cell phone users exhibit addictive behavior, constantly checking their phones and even leaving movie theatres to take calls.
Shelly found a material that blocks 99% of radiation that is used to protect people who work in radioactive environments. He created a product called WaveShield that you can simply stick on your cell or cordless phone. The ear happens to have the highest absorption rate of radiation of any area in the body.
A recent study from UCLA showed that pregnant women who use cell phones can increase their child’s risk of autism. A world reknowned neurosurgeon who concluded a 15 year study recently predicted that cell phones may cause more cancer than cigarettes.
The website lists cell phone manufacturers’ product radiation levels. It would be smart to check their listings to buy a model with lower radiation levels the next time you purchase a phone. Headset phones that stay on your ear are especially dangerous. Reports have shown that a man’s fertility can be negatively affected when their phones are kept on their hip.
Some people notice symptoms from their computer monitors as well, especially if they use a computer for several hours a day.
Shelly comments that everyone who claims that cell phones are safe are either ignorant of the facts or getting a paycheck from the industry.
2 Gluten Free Baking Mixes We Likey
December 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment
In my continuing quest to find tasty wheat free treats to serve to my 3 year old wheat allergic daughter (and myself, when I’m being a good girl and avoiding the stuff since I’m also allergic!), I discovered these two mixes.
I’m eating a Snickerdoodle made from The Gluten-Free Pantry Old Fashioned Cake & Cookie Mix
And it is a sure winner. This one will definitely be appearing in my pantry again.
123 Gluten Free Sweet Goodness Pan Bars Mix
They were delicious! So moist, and you never would have guessed they were wheat free. The texture was just right. The box suggested making icing to go on the top of the pumpkin bars but they were so good without it (plus, I was out of cream cheese).
I’ve discovered that I have to stay away from any mixes that contain soy because I can taste it, and the finished product will give the sensation of sucking on a soybean, which really, really leaves me cold.
This is true of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Fun With Stats
December 26, 2008 | 2 Comments
Every once in awhile, I like to look through my stats to se how new people are finding the site. These often turn up pretty predictable results, but occasionally the keywords are totally hilarious. Here are a few I plucked out for your viewing pleasure, for December.
free moms
(why, are they stuck somewhere?)
www old and faat
(thanks a lot!)
sexy natural moms
(now that’s more like it)
caffeine free coffee
(i know this one, wait a sec, it’s on the tip of my tongue…..
decaf!)
velcro cloth diapers on planet earth
(yeah, cuz I had a reeeally hard time getting some when I went to Mars last time too)
can a punch give you arthritis
(???)
blogs on making your home more efficiant
(first, search for blogs on learning how to spell)
moms old fat/old fat mom/www.fat woman to talk to .com
(you guys are so mean)
kefir yogurt comes from what beast
(the bovine kind)
apple cider vinegar moms
(NOT to be confused with the white vinegar moms.)
suddenly defiant 4 year old/son suddenly defiant age 7
(heh. my kids are WAY ahead of yours, developmentally speaking. they start defiance at 18 months! you really need to have that late defiance checked into.)
taming breast milk
(call the breastmilk whisperer to tame that breastmilk!)
kids band in a box
(quick, let them out before they suffocate)
laryngitis podcast
(Oh sure, I get laryngitis ONE time and you never let me live it down. sheesh!)
shaving moms
(yes, I’m not THAT crunchy.)
skin tea
(now I’ve heard of green tea, white tea, black tea, and red tea – and I’ve heard of a skin storm, but never skin tea. not sure I wanna know either.)
new jammies footsie
(to keep your wittle bitty tootsies warm)
how to make your 2 year old behave
(easy, wait until they’re 3)
everyone says i am too picky
(is everyone right?)
ecos laundry soap does not work
(too late for the internets to help you with that now.)
extreme baby strollers
(in case your baby gets on extreme makeover?)
natural alternative to killing germs
(easy – let the little buggars live!)
when is it ok to bring your children to your girlfriends for sleepover
(hint: when you get a really cool friend)
breastfeeding support for father
(cause those sore, hairy nipples are hard on a guy! lo!)
dishwashing moms wearing gloves
(i’ve heard of some out there fetishes, but this one takes the cake)
craft headers
(kinda like metalheads, skinheads and deadheads, only for the crafting crowd)
Now, your turn. Tell us about some of your wacky stats and link to your post in the comments.
Giveaway: Mermapillar Organic T Shirt
December 26, 2008 | 29 Comments
Congrats to Lisa (commenter #5) who won the Clip ‘n Feed nursing cover. This week’s giveaway is an Organic Cotton baby t shirt by Mermapillar.
Mermapillar is a Minneapolis clothing company that offers only 100% sweatshop free, organic cotton clothing for babies and toddlers. They use only vegetable based inks as well.
The T shirt I’m giving away is sized 6-12 months. It’s a creamy pale white with a cute pink doggie and bone applique.
To win, simply leave a comment below before Wednesday, December 31 at NOON Eastern time. I’ll pick a winner then and notify you here.
Congrats to our winner Kathy – commenter #13 – look for my email Kathy.
Chemicals in Baby Bottles
December 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
EarthTalkTM
From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk:
Is it true that some baby bottles contain chemicals that can cause health problems for babies? If so, how can I find alternatives that are safer?
– Amy Gorman, Berkeley, CA
No links connecting specific human illnesses to chemicals oozing out of baby bottles have been proven definitively. Nonetheless, many parents are heeding the call of scientists to switch to products with less risk. A 2008 report by American and Canadian environmental researchers entitled “Baby’s Toxic Bottle” found that plastic polycarbonate baby bottles leach dangerous levels of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic chemical that mimics natural hormones and can send bodily processes into disarray, when heated.
All six of the leading brands of baby bottles tested—Avent, Disney/The First Years, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex—leaked what researchers considered dangerous amounts of BPA. The report calls on major retailers selling these bottles—including Toys “R” Us, Babies “R” Us, CVS, Target, Walgreens and Wal-Mart—to switch to safer products.
According to the report, BPA is a “developmental, neural and reproductive toxicant that mimics estrogen and can interfere with healthy growth and body function.” Researchers cite numerous animal studies demonstrating that the chemical can damage reproductive, neurological and immune systems during critical stages of development. It has also been linked to breast cancer and to the early onset of puberty.
So what’s a concerned parent to do? Glass bottles are a tried-and-true chemical-free solution, and they are widely available, though very breakable. To the rescue are several companies making BPA-free plastic bottles (out of either PES/polyamide or polypropylene instead of polycarbonate). Some of the leaders are BornFree, thinkbaby, Green to Grow, Nuby, Momo Baby, Mother’s Milkmate and Medela’s. These brands are available at natural foods stores, directly from manufacturers, or from online vendors.
Most of the major brands selling BPA-containing bottles are now also offering or planning to offer BPA-free versions of their products. Consumers should read labels and packaging carefully to make sure that any product they are considering buying says unequivocally that it does not contain the chemical.
Unfortunately, switching to a BPA-free bottle is no guarantee the chemical won’t make its way into your baby’s bloodstream anyway. BPA is one of the 50 most-produced chemicals in the world. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), it is used in everything from plastic water jugs labeled #7 to plastic take-out containers, baby bottles and canned food liners. It is so omnipresent that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has found that 95 percent of Americans have the chemical in their urine.
Also, nursing mothers—especially those who haven’t discarded their old BPA-containing Nalgene water bottles—may be passing the chemical along through their breast milk. And if that weren’t enough, BPA is also used in the lining of many metal liquid baby formula cans. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) has posted email links to the consumer affairs offices of the major formula manufacturers so concerned parents can ask them to remove BPA from their product offerings and packaging.
More on this site regarding BPA.
WW: Portrait of a Mommy (by 3 year old Sadie)
December 24, 2008 | 1 Comment
Note steaming coffee cup
On My Nightstand This Month
December 24, 2008 | 2 Comments
5 Minutes for Books has a monthly meme called “What’s On Your Nightstand” and I decided to play along this time.
These are the books I’ve read this month, either in their entirety or at least partially. There’s always a stack of books on my nightstand and sofa.
* Pasture Perfect: The Far-Reaching Benefits of Choosing Meat, Eggs, and Dairy Products from Grass-Fed Animals
* Never Be Sick Again: Health is a Choice, Learn How to Choose It
* Feeding the Whole Family: Cooking with Whole Foods
* Empowered To Birth Naturally by Patrice London – the story of a mom and her journey to homebirth.
My latest issue of Ready Made
* All of these authors are upcoming guests on the show so stay tuned.
