Search Results for: blog the trouble with labels

Musings on Singles, Labels, and a “Big” Wedding

As I noted in a comment response to Jade on my “Single Side of Things” article the other day, I finally had a chance to watch Sex and the City: The Movie. In “The ‘Biggest’ Wedding of the Season?”, I’d mused about what the movie would deliver. A lot of happily-ever-after endings for Carrie and her BFFs? Meaning a wedding to Big for Carrie, and Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha having nothing but joy and contentment in their relationships. In the end that’s what the movie delivered, but not before some major heartache was endured. Life Imitating Art The weird thing … Continue reading →

Watch Out for Labels Like “Lazy” and “Spoiled”

I always cringe when I hear parents refer to their children with a blatantly negative label. Words like “lazy” and “spoiled” have such negative connotations and carry with them such baggage that it seems unfair to brand a child lazy or spoiled (or nasty or mean, etc.). Instead of labeling and complaining about a “lazy” child, why not look to the behaviors and see what can be done? The problem with labels (okay, there are many problems with labels) is that they can brandish a child in a negative way and make it tough for the child or the parent … Continue reading →

Resisting Early Labels

As single parents, we are often all that stands between our children and the outside world—this goes for doctors, teachers, institutions, etc. While we are normally, or ideally all on the same side when it comes to doing what is best for our children, ultimately we parents have to be the strongest and most informed advocates. I am of the opinion that we live in such a label-happy world; it seems everyone is eager to assign labels to children (and adults) regarding whether they are ADHD, have learning disabilities, are gifted, or whatever. And all of this labeling is getting … Continue reading →

Should Formula Cans Contain Warning Labels?

We have been talking about this particular issue in the forums. You can catch up on the debate here. However, I have to say that there isn’t too much of a debate. The overwhelming majority of people feel that warning labels on formula cans are “like a slap in the face to mothers who choose or have to formula feed.” However, like all debates, we are fueled with our personal experiences and I thought it might be helpful to provide some background information on the issue. Background The initiative to put warning labels on cans of formula is backed by … Continue reading →

The Trouble with Labels

When dealing with people of any race, gender, religion, or disability, labeling is a touchy subject. In order to identify people we sometimes need to classify them. And how can government assistance be given to individuals without grouping them in some way? Yet nobody wants to be labeled. There are disadvantages to labeling a child as “Asperger’s Syndrome,” or “Pervasive Developmental Disorder,” or “Learning Disabled.” With those classifications, expectations are set-up. The person hearing the label now assumes that the child will behave a certain way. A teacher, for example, might treat a child differently, either babying her, or allowing … Continue reading →

Swapdom Lets you Swap Kids Clothes with other Parents

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Are you looking for used baby items? The traditional way to find them is to ask your friends and neighbors if they are willing to give you the baby items that their children have grown out of. This method is generally “hit or miss” and requires a bit of networking skills. Swapdom.com offers a more efficient method for finding free baby items. There are many different methods that a parent can use if he or she is looking for free baby clothing (and other baby items). You could let your family members, friends, and co-workers know that you are in … Continue reading →

Summer Sanity Savers for Parents

Summertime and the living is easy. Kind of. Maybe. Sort of. Well, not so much if you have a house full of bored kids. Summer vacation is an exciting time for children. However, once the novelty of being out of school wears off, parents are often left with warring offspring whining that they have nothing better to do than to beat the heck out each other. In order to preserve your sanity this summer, consider the following simple kid-friendly activities aimed at keeping youngsters out of trouble: Fun with Dirt: Take a trip to a local greenhouse and select seeds … Continue reading →

About the Diabetic Diet

Before I was put on the diabetic diet, I was told by some healthcare professionals that it is really the healthiest diet for anyone to be on – even if they aren’t diabetic. Now, I am not a nutritionist, so I can’t say if that is 100% true or not, but I know I have tried a few diets and the diabetic diet is the easiest to stick with as far as I am concerned. What makes the diabetic diet unlike other diets? Well, I for one don’t really get hungry. That is because on the diabetic diet, you eat … Continue reading →

The Santa Threat

It happened in a blink of an eye. I just couldn’t help myself. I don’t know what came over me. I’ve become one of those parents… a full-fledged adult who uses Santa Claus as a behavior modifier. I’ve tried to console myself by thinking of the millions of other parents who fall into the same trap this time of year. Still, I feel bad that in a moment of weakness I pulled out the Santa card and used it on my 4-year-old. The day started out so innocently. I had a list of errands to complete, including mailing out our … Continue reading →

Death Row Records Auctioned Off

Death Row Records, made famous by such acts as Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, has been sold at an auction. Founded in 1991, it was one of rap’s best-known labels, which sold tens of millions of albums in the early 90s when Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop were just getting their start in the music industry. However, owner Marion “Suge” Knight had gotten in trouble with debt and mismanagement of the label, which forced the auction. By the late 90s, his most famous acts had left the label. However, as owner of the original master recordings, Death Row … Continue reading →