The past few weeks I’ve heard a lot of parenting stories that have resonated with me. From the insane to heart-wrenching, sometimes it’s hard to believe some of the things you read on the news . Below are some of the most recently talked about parenting stories that have evoked strong opinions in the Blogosphere:
1. This father’s dilemma is exactly what my husband and I have dealt with for close to four years with our eldest son. When your child requires a rigid nap and sleep schedule or else epic meltdowns occur, it’s extremely limiting and makes you part envy/part hate parents with “easier” children.
2. A mother of four was kicked out of her Georgia church for breastfeeding. She told the media that the pastor compared her to a stripper and she may face charges for “lewd behavior” even though Georgia state law permits breastfeeding anywhere. I guess the clerics at her church believe in separation of church and state.
3. Disney World’s Epcot is under fire for its Habit Heroes exhibit, which was designed to encourage healthy lifestyles through fighting villains with names like “Sweet Tooth” and “Ice Cappuccino.” Some experts and parents are up in arms over the Habit Heroes concept (which includes games on a Website and apps) saying that the villains enforce negative stereotypes about fat people. Personally, I think the ones expressing such outrage should also consider taking a stand against all Disney villains. Stand up against negative lion stereotyping (as portrayed by Scar in the Lion King) and fight for the rights of stepsisters (as portrayed by Cinderella’s evil stepsisters.) Make sure you support dwarfism as well—no one should have to be called Dopey if they don’t want to.
4. A key cancer drug for children is facing a shortage. As a parent, I can’t even begin to imagine how I would feel if one of my children were receiving treatment with this medication.
5. Should preschoolers have homework? Most experts say no but parents seem to be reluctant to speak up according to this article . I have two children in preschool and the very idea of sitting down with them to do homework at their young, wiggly, unfocused ages seems about as easy as pushing a boulder up a hill in the snow with my hands tied behind my back.
Robin Saks Frankel
An Episencial Mom