feedback for "5-Minute Time Out: Stefanie Wilder-Taylor"

1. I agree that many "perfect" parents are lying--I tell my stressed out new mom friend that it is easy to be perfect for an hour a day. You don't know what goes on in their homes.
   
   That said, it is overboard--though perhaps more sexy--to say any statement like "no TV" is a lie. This sort of thing perpetuates the idea of making yourself feel better by putting down others.
   
   We all pick our own priorities...maybe one child's diet is really 100% organic and homegrown and etc. I could never do that, but it I'm sure someone who finds it really important can.
   
   My daughter doesn't watch TV yet...and I don't go around telling that at every opportunity but when asked, I am honest. Hopefully the other moms I meet don't think I am a liar as a result.

   posted by : CaliMama on 5/23/2008 at 12:41 PM Flag For Abuse

2. I know, right?? My daughter doesn't watch TV but neither do I.
   
   And why is it crazy to puree whatever the grownups are eating so the baby can eat it? That's what I did. I didn't buy "superfood" or whatever it's called, but I just pureed our food for her. It took all of two minutes, if that. I didn't worry myself with "testing" one food at a time with bated breath, looking for allergies or assuming she wouldn't eat food with spices. I had no reason to think she might have food allergies. And now she pretty much eats what we eat...and she LOVES garlic. She doesn't eat as many vegetables as I would like, but hey, at least I'm not dumbing down her food.
   
   And I don't by any means think this makes me the 'perfect' parent.

   posted by : KarynK on 5/23/2008 at 1:09 PM Flag For Abuse

3. Word, CaliMama. My 17m kid has never watched TV either (unless you count occasionally locking on Dancing with the Stars and The Office), but not for any lofty reasons, but because I want to put all that off as long as possible (giving over the TV, begging, having to watch kid shows myself). I'm certain my next one will watch a hundred times more TV than the first just because his/her sister will be into some shows by that time. I don't judge anyone who plops her toddler in front of a Baby Einstein - we all have our tricks to make the day flow more easily.

   posted by : Chiara on 5/23/2008 at 1:32 PM Flag For Abuse

4. Stephanie's books are hilarious, no lie. If you read a snippet you'll 'get' Stephanie's humor and where she's coming from. She's no perfect parent, she gets it, I think this is more about being accepting and honest as moms and women to each other, rather than continually judging in negative ways. :) Seriously though, consider picking up the book for a quick, fun read. Def worth many laugh out loud moments!

   posted by : windycitykat on 5/23/2008 at 2:25 PM Flag For Abuse

5. Nothing to discuss. Stephanie's books, blog and vibe are all much needed and brilliant gems for this Mother.

   posted by : Candace on 5/23/2008 at 2:54 PM Flag For Abuse

6. Why is it so weird to people not to watch TV and/or not have our kids watch TV? Why is it an issue? Some of us just don't watch it- big deal. Can we move on? I think it's the people who do watch it that talk about it more than those who don't. I have a year old kid who hasn't watched TV and it's really not a big deal. When I need a break I plop her on the floor with some toys and she is good to go. I read Stephanie's book and it was pretty funny, but not really ground breaking or anything. Ladies, let's all just raise our kids as we see fit, not judge the next guy and have some fun in life!

   posted by : Anonz on 5/23/2008 at 9:44 PM Flag For Abuse

7. So, if the TV is on, but the baby is not really WATCHING it, but it's ambient and the parent is sort of watching it...like CNN, or Top Chef or Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations...does that count as the baby watching TV? Or does it have to be programming specific for kids that the baby is actually sitting there paying attention to to be considered the baby watching TV?

   posted by : gp4avie on 5/24/2008 at 5:58 PM Flag For Abuse

8. I would say that if the TV is on and you're half watching it and let's just say it tuned into the World Poker Tour, don't be surpised if your baby can play a mean hand of Texas Hold 'Em by the time they're one.

   posted by : Writermom on 5/24/2008 at 8:17 PM Flag For Abuse

9. So, my girl's either going to be America's Next Top Model or a great chef...I guess I can live with that ;)

   posted by : aviesmaman on 5/25/2008 at 10:45 AM Flag For Abuse

10. Where ARE all these parents who lie about being perfect? I've never met a mom who pretended to be perfect even though everyone always writes about it as though it's epidemic. Everyone I know admits they're just doing the best they can - everyone I know has alway been comfortable with that...

    posted by : Don Mills Diva on 5/26/2008 at 11:32 AM Flag For Abuse