Search Results for: blog what is normal anyway

Gamestop Removes Coupon, Sells Game Anyway

Gamestop has done something that frugal people who appreciate the value of a good coupon will consider to be downright vile. They opened brand new boxes of a video game, removed the coupon that was supposed to be inside it, and then sold the game for the full, “new” price! It seems that you cannot be certain that the coupon that is supposed to be inside a product will actually be there. Gamestop sells new and used video games. They call the used ones “pre-owned”. Theoretically, you can bring in used copies of games that you, your spouse, or your … Continue reading →

Home Blog Month in Review: August

Did you have a good month? We seem to have packed an entire summer’s worth of activities in this past month. Now, it seems, it is back to school and time to get ready for autumn. Still, it is nice to look back toward warm sands and wearing shorts even as we will soon be crunching leaves and taking out the sweaters. August 1st Getting Out Grass Stains With summer in full swing, chances are that your family has been playing outdoors quite a bit. And with all of that outdoor play comes the grass stains, especially if you are … Continue reading →

Whose Job Is It, Anyway?

These days many women in are in the workforce with full time careers yet, statistics in the UK show in a number of cases women are still doing the majority of household chores. The same applies in USA. I’m sure it’s no different in Australia. I listened to a woman in the supermarket complaining the other day about her man. ‘It’s like he doesn’t even see anything needs doing.’ ‘He’s a man,’ her friend said, as if that explained everything. According to this report the allocation of household chores is a major stress factor. In your partnership are their certain … Continue reading →

Resist the Urge to Think Things Are NOT Normal

I think we live in a time where just about everything can be considered a “problem”—when it comes to our children’s behaviors, it is hard enough to know what is typical, what they will outgrow, and what we should worry about. Before you panic and assume that things are abnormal, it might be a better idea to assume things are normal—until proven otherwise. Of course, my usual disclaimer is that I am NOT a psychologist or an official parenting expert and most of my philosophies are based on anecdotal experience, but I have found that most things really are normal … Continue reading →

Loneliness is Normal (But Not Necessary)

It would be negligent not to bring up the subject of loneliness when working through all the issues that affect single parents. After all, I think that simple loneliness can be blamed for all sorts of poor decisions on the part of many a single parent! We might date people we shouldn’t, or make unhealthy choices in what we eat or do—all because we feel so darn lonely. Now, I am of the opinion that loneliness is completely normal for a single parent—but it doesn’t HAVE to be necessary… There are several ways to cope with loneliness, but I think … Continue reading →

What is Normal Anyway?

A married couple with three children, a single mom with two children, a couple together for the last eight years with one child. Which of these is a “normal family”? Each person is bound to choose given their own life experiences as well as the influences that have been applied through out their life. Most people however, would choose the married couple with three children. So, what if we give a little more detail about each family? The husband of the married couple is an alcoholic and is suffering from depression. He has received several DUI’s and will be heading … Continue reading →

Ask a Baby Blogger: Early Exposure to Allergens

Posted on by

Question: My oldest son has a very serious peanut allergy. I have two questions. I have heard that eating peanut butter while breastfeeding can cause a peanut allergy. If this is true, could I have caused my son‘s allergies while breastfeeding him? If so, should I avoid peanuts while breastfeeding this one that I’m expecting? Or should I avoid breastfeeding this new baby altogether? One very commonly accepted theory of how young kids get allergies is that they were over exposed to the allergen very early in life. However, we don’t really know exactly why some kids are more prone … Continue reading →

“My Child Isn’t Normal.”

Parents of special needs children often experience depression and frustration over the idea that their child might not be considered “normal.” They want their son or daughter to have the same abilities and opportunities that other children do. This is certainly understandable. However, I’m writing this blog to encourage parents of special needs children to let go of the concept of “normality.” First of all, I believe it’s a myth. The more we understand about individual differences, the more it becomes clear that there is no such thing as a normal child. But more importantly, children with challenges and difficulties … Continue reading →

Maternity Care in the U.S.

The recent birth of the royal prince cost $15,000.  That sounds like a lot, right?  It is, but it’s only half the cost of a birth in America.  That’s right: the average price of a birth — in a normal hospital, not a luxury wing — in the U.S. is $30,000.  That makes us, according to an in-depth article by The New York Times, the nation that pays the most for maternity care.  Yet, we also have one of the highest infant mortality rates in the developed world.  It seems like these two things should counter one another, but in … Continue reading →

Five Weird Pregnancy Symptoms

There are a number of weird, though perfectly normal, side effects to pregnancy that no one tells you about.  You might get all or none of these, and it could vary from one of your pregnancies to another. 1. Bloody Gums.  Early in the second trimester I began noticing a bit more blood than normal when I flossed.  I went to my routine dentist appointment, and the hygienist confirmed that yup, that’s just something that can happen when you’re pregnant.  Chalk this one down to hormones; they’re making your gums (and other parts) more inflamed than usual.  Pregnant women are … Continue reading →