Kiwi, the Magazine with the “Growing Families the Natural and Organic Way” slogan, has just released a special report, What Moms Want—The Definitive Me-Time Study.

The study reports that “Personal time (79%) and couples time (78%) are the top two activities for which moms feel they do not have enough time.”

Sounds like Kiwi’s right on.  I definitely lack “me” time–as do nearly all of my mom friends.  And, when I actually have ”me” time, I either find myself wondering how I’m going to entertain myself for that precious period of time or wind up watching the clock, wondering how much “me” time is left–not because I’m eager for it to end, but because I don’t want it to!

As for couple time, I hate to ask, but what’s that?  Tell me where to sign up for it, and I’ll be there.

So, Moms, are you satisfied with the amount of “me” time you get? 

The latest news in the baby naming world is that unusual is the new ordinary.  According to data collected by a web site for expecting and new parents, the top 5 names of 2007 include:

For Girls:  Sophia, Isabella, Emma, Madison, Ava

For Boys:  Aiden, Ethan, Jacob, Caden, Jayden

Your turn:  If you’re expecting, do you plan to give your baby a top baby name of 2007? 

Iowa Caucus.  New Hampshire Primary.  Election 2008.  Republicans.  Democrats.  Vote.  Ballots.  Inauguration.  Policy.  War.  Social Security.  Taxes.  Health care.  Budget cuts.  Reform. 

Children are bound to take in an earful of political buzz words this year.  After all, children hear–and absorb–much more than parents often realize.  Talking with children about politics, in an age-appropriate way that makes sense to little ears, can help demystify some of those buzz words, as well as encourage creative and critical thinking.  Talking about politics can also help children get a stronger grasp on the world around them.

Here are some tips for talking with your children about politics:

1.  Choose your words carefully, especially the *bad* ones.  Instead of name calling, explain to your children what you like or dislike in a political candidate or his/her political stance.  Help your child understand how you arrived at your viewpoint.

2.  Talk about core values and beliefs.  Discuss what matters most to you.  For example, if fairness and kindness are fundamental, discuss how they play into politics and your own views.

3.  Talk about winning and losing.  Explain what it means if a candidate wins or loses.  Discuss the implications of that win or loss. 

4.  Keep in mind the age of your audience.  The way you explain politics depends on age.  A conversation about politics with a five year old simply isn’t going to be the same as the one you have with a teenager. 

Talking about politics isn’t always easy.  But teaching kids that they can talk openly with you about politics and values may just help them realize that they can talk with you about life’s difficult topics.  That’s something both you and they will surely come to appreciate as they grow up.

“Wow, exercise is so much fun!”  Those are the words my preschooler uttered when we finished a “run” around the block.  I couldn’t agree more, especially when exercise involves my children. 

As a mom of three, I know that finding time for myself during the day is a rare event–certainly too rare to steal time for a predictable exercise routine.  At least, so I thought until I realized that exercising with my children is entirely possible with a little planning and the right equipment.  For me, planning includes integrating a walk or run into ”afternoon outside playtime”–and setting aside appropriate fitness clothing sometime during the day, so I have fewer excuses to get moving.  Equipment includes good walking/running shoes, but most importantly the double jogging stroller.  I pack my two youngest into the stroller–who usually fall into a deep sleep as soon as I get going–and my preschooler walks or jogs alongside me.

While I know my preschooler gets the bulk of her enjoyment from the energy release of moving about, we add more fun to our exercise activities by engaging in fun conversation (think, “I Spy” games on the run) and learning activities (like shouting out directions, “left” or “right,” and steering the stroller together in the direction called).  My enjoyment comes from knowing that I’m doing something good for “me” (yeah!) and for my children, while spending quality time with them.  Thanks to my children, I’ve learned that exercise really can be so much fun!

While chaperoning a recent school field trip, I was surprised at the number of chaperone dads in attendance.  As it turned out, several of them were stay-at-home dads or work-at-home dads.  When it comes to caregiving, stay-at-home dads are stepping forward in record numbers to take on the primary caregiver responsibility.  But just because men are increasingly trading in day jobs for diaper duty doesn’t mean that the job is easy, especially when it comes to finding support. 

Sure, there are support groups out there, like playgroups and ”mommy and me” classes.  There are even a few dad only groups sprinkled here and there depending on geography.  However, it’s still not unusual for a dad to find himself the only male attending parenting groups.  Sorry, dads, but truth be told, women continue to shoulder most of today’s child care, and they are still more likely to be the parent who stays-at-home. 

The good news, though, is that the Web is chock-full of terrific resources for stay-at-home dads–and aspiring ones, too–like stay-at-home dad blogs and online meet-up groups.  Dads can even find stay-at-home dad group and playgroup maps. There are also informative ”stay-at-home dad” books on the market, such as The Stay-at-Home Dad Handbook and “dad only” discussion boards. 

Of course, there are also products that make “Dad duty” even more attractive, like the Skip Hop Via Messenger Diaper Bag.  Oh, by the way, speaking of dads (stay-at-home or not), you might be surprised to know how much men appreciate toting around diaper bags that reflect their own style!  Talk about a great gift for “Dad” or the father-to-be–and one that let’s him know he can count on you for support in the parenting adventure!

For Christmas my daughter wanted a horse.  Not a real one, but one of those FurReal ”Butterscotch” robotic ponies seen at Costco and Target over the holidays.  Besides the fact that I could envision a life-like pony scaring me silly at unexpected times–like during the night when checking on my sleeping child with its motion activated sounds or movement–a pony of that size would have taken up too much space. 

As it is, I already have to make room in our shrinking house for two other large stuffed horse toys–thank goodness there haven’t yet been any requests for a Pleo Dinosaur.

Until children came along, I didn’t realize that houses really have the power to shrink in size!  As children and toys accumulate, I’ve discovered that maximizing space is a necessary evil.  Good organization is key.  Regular de-cluttering is essential–although that’s sometimes really, really difficult, especially when it means throwing out or donating precious stuff.

When a bigger house or new addition isn’t practical, possible, or even a smart idea, there are simple ways to make your space work for your family.  Here are some ideas to get you started.         

1.  Hit the closet.  Add shelving, closet storage organizers, or other neat organization accessories, like a Prince Lionheart Closet Cubby.

2.  De-clutter.  Do you need those jeans you haven’t worn for three years?  Do you need to keep that board game which is missing a bunch of pieces? 

3.  Go for storage.  Opt for furniture or toys with built in storage or shelves.  For example, pick ”trundle” drawer storage, such as KidKraft’s train table trundle drawers, or under-bed storage baskets.

4.  Tune-in.  Check out popular television networks or websites, like HGTV, for small space living ideas.

With some creativity and discipline, it is possible to find comfort in a shrinking home!

Expectant and new parents have a lot to think about–beyond booties, diapers, and nursery gear.  Like naming the baby. 

For some, selecting a baby name is seemingly simple.  Others agonize for months.  There are plenty of tales about ”nameless” babies, and stories about parents not being able to leave the hospital with their new bundle of joy until they selected a name.

According to recent findings, when it comes to baby naming, baby-name remorse is not uncommon.  Even parents who spend a significant amount of time researching or thinking about baby names can come to experience name doubt.

Have you experienced baby-name regret, or are you worried about baby-name remorse?  How did you deal with the situation?

While weight loss, paying off debt, saving money, and quitting bad habits may top the chart of popular New Year’s Resolutions, don’t forget about the possibilities that pertain to the realm of parenting as you think up your own list of resolutions.  For example, maybe it’s the year to finally read those parenting books that have been gathering dust on the bookshelf.  Maybe it’s time to make a plan to organize the toy room once and for all.  Or perhaps it’s time to put an official start date on consistent parenting–including consistent positive encouragement and discipline.

Whatever resolutions you choose, make them realistic.  Realistic resolutions carry the greatest chance of success.  The far majority of resolutions fail (somewhere around 35 percent are abandoned by the end of January), so it’s important to dream up achievable resolutions.  So, instead of resolving to “never yell again at my children,” resolve to work on communicating more effectively, learning to become more patient with your children, or taking a time out of your own when you’re tired.

Here are five additional tips for keeping your resolutions:

1.  Don’t expect miracles.  Change takes time.  Be patient.

2.  If you get off track, don’t give up.  If you happen to be one of the people who wake up at the end of January and realize that you’ve already abandoned your resolution, jump back on the resolution bandwagon. 

3.  Break your resolution into manageable, smaller goals.

4.  Find others who share the same resolution, such as an exercise partner or support group.  Enlist your family for support.

5.  Strategize.  Map out your resolution and plan accordingly to achieve your goal.  Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way!

Good luck with your resolutions!         

If you’re grasping for last minute ways to ring in the New Year with your family, here are 10 fun and memorable ideas you and your children are sure to love:

1.  Think local.  Check out your local newspaper (or online version) for family events and entertainment listings, like family-friendly First Night celebrations.

2.  Get active.  Grab your sneakers and head off to a New Year’s Eve running/walking race.  New Year’s Eve (and New Year’s Day) races are popular across the country.  Many offer same day registration and kid friendly courses.

3.  Plan a last-minute party.  Consider a ”kids only” party at noon.  Even if the guest list is limited to your own family members, it’s sure to be a lot of fun!

4.  Get artsy.  Pull out the paper, crayons, and paint.  Create party hats and New Year’s Eve decorations with your children.  Plaster the decorations throughout your house.

5.  Celebrate early.  Dig up a video clip of last year’s ”ball drop” or New Year’s Eve celebration (you’re sure to find an online clip) and play it for your kids sometime before their regular bedtime.  An early celebration means no tired children the next day!

6.  Preserve the past.  Create a time capsule or memory box with your children.  A time capsule or memory box could be as simple as a shoebox.  Put notes, photos, or objects from the past year into the box.  Store it until next New Year’s Eve–and then pull it out for a good time!

7.   Bake.  Cook something sweet or special together, like New Year’s Eve cupcakes and let your children decorate them!

8.  Stay up.  Challenge your children to stay up until midnight.  Plan a midnight celebration–maybe include a special snack or favorite beverage.

9.  Play games.  Make New Year’s Eve a game night.  Pull out the family favorites and laugh the night away.

10.  Dress up.  Encourage everyone to ”dress up” in costumes or fancy clothes and ring in the New Year in style.  The perfect occasion for playing with mom’s “grown-up” make-up, jewelry or shoes!

How do you plan to ring in the New Year?  What are your favorite last-minute family-friendly New Year’s Eve ideas?   

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has recently issued a warning that families never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces, including water beds. 

According to CPSC, air mattresses or other soft surfaces, pose suffocation risks for infants, and “Even properly inflated air mattresses are usually too soft for infants to maintain a clear airway. Air leaks and under-inflation also contribute to incidents.”

To review the CPSC warning and recommendations, click here.