Published in The Kansas City Star
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
By STACEY HATTON
Hello, my name is Stacey and I was a Martha Stewart addict…
My pitiful story started in the mid ’90s, when I began devouring all of Martha Stewart’s magazine articles and books. It seemed harmless at first. Then her television program appeared where she had the innate gift of making everyone feel inadequate about how uncrafty they were. How could one woman have such control?
Her gorgeous autumn magazine would materialize in my mailbox and I would cancel all plans just so I could have my evening alone with Martha, uninterrupted. Then I would create the perfect cup of tea, which I would pluck from the November 1994 issue, Page 45 (fictitious example, please don’t try to look this one up), apply a dab of lavender to the lightbulb and curl up under my crocheted blanket Martha had designed the previous season. I would savor her every word.
I swear to you I was not the only person under her powers, and there was nothing we could do. The worst part was as we labeled our guest linen closets with our label makers (each towel properly folded and placed in descending order according to size and color) we knew something was just not right about her methods, and someone needed to force us to walk away from the proverbial Kool-Aid. But I couldn’t do it alone; I was in too deep.
Only when Martha was incarcerated was able to open my eyes for a split second and see she was “just a person” running a business. Thank heavens for white-collar crimes! No longer was she the arts-and-crafts-cooking-and-decorating deity I had let her become in my brainwashed mind. I repeated my mantra each day…
Cancel the subscription to her magazine. You can cut her loose. You don’t want decorating tips from an inmate! (Even though I bet her prison cell was amazing!)
So I started my own detox program, which I am now willing to share with others in crisis:
Step One: Just saying “No!” to the magazine was the beginning of exorcising my inner Martha Stewart. Then I had to throw away all of the truckloads of mail that came to my home, without opening it, of course. I’m sure those letters were begging me to take her back. They pulled at my empathetic heartstrings but I stayed strong.
Step Two: I told friends of my plan, so I was held accountable for my actions. This had to be female friends, I learned, because I found out that men did not exactly feel the same way about Martha’s methods as I did.
Step Three: I started talking to friends who I thought were well-adjusted. These persons had a balanced life between family, household and work. I interviewed them by plainly asking what their sock and underwear drawers looked like.
“What?!” you ask.
This is the perfect determinate of how Type-A (aka “Martha Stewart”) a person is. If you neatly fold and organize your underwear in your drawer (perhaps in rows) or fold socks and arrange them in a color-schemed rainbow, you might have been brainwashed. On the other hand, if you toss everything in drawers knowing guests will not see the contents, you are like the majority of the world, and perhaps more stable and definitely with more free time on your hands.
The problem is, the Martha Stewart revolution has not gone away. She has left a huge imprint on women across this country. Even after she was released from prison, women continue to escape from their hectic lives through crafts. I understand this, ladies. I was there.
Unfortunately, as far as I have researched, there is not a formal support group for this hollow assembly of people who are sucked into the scrapbooking, cleaning/organizing and decoupaging world, but I’ll tell you what: Your family misses you!
So exorcise that bossy, blonde convict from your head and drop the beads and hot glue gun, honey! You must reintroduce yourself to your family because I promise you — one former “prisoner of chores” to another — they want you back!
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric registered nurse, writer and public speaker. Her humor blog can be found at http://nursemommylaughs.com.
Note: If you still have the love in your heart for Martha and want to get “One Autographed First Edition Hardcover of ‘Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations’ and One Admission Ticket per Person,” call 913.384.3126 or click on www.RainyDayBooks.com for your admission package to her “MEET MARTHA” on Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 7:00PM at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th Street, KC, MO. I’m sure she will make you feel warm and fuzzy and so incredibly “crafty.” ~ Nurse Mommy
Yesterday was my mother’s and father-in-law’s birthday (Happy Birthday to you both!!!) and despite it being odd that they share a birthday; but my newest sister-in-law shares a birthday with my mother-in-law and everyone else in the immediate family really comes pretty close to sharing a birthday season.
Why is it our people decided to breed approximately on the same day? It is just too odd to think about, so I am going to bring it up in public instead of bringing it up at the Thanksgiving family dinner party I host.
Last year’s Thanksgiving topic of “organ donation” was much more tasteful during the dessert course, especially when many guests whipped their drivers licenses out and not only signed in permanent ink, but made sure all had the proper witness signature to validate the strangeness of our “giving.” I mean… when this group talks about being thankful and giving, we really get competitive with our GIVING!!
So back to celebrating birthdays…my almost 5 year-old decided she wanted to make a cake out of play-dough for my mother yesterday. Too bad we didn’t have any in the house; so not only did we have to MAKE the dough, but we then made a lovely red cake with green piping and topped it off with hot pink candles, left over from any birthday party – all of which have been embossed and dipped in pink.
My mom likes to visit and take my daughter out to lunch periodically and today we suggested a surprise meeting place for her. In the past, Munchkin #2 had only requested McDonalds, Pizza Hut, or…uh, pizza, so my mom was quite surprised when my dad chauffeured her to a Japanese restaurant where we waiting for her. Surprise!!
We all ordered a lovely meal and my “All-American-Shirley-Temple-esque” child ate Japanese noodles, rice and chicken with chopsticks!!! We all were so entertained by this surreal circus act, called my daughter. She even drew a crowd with her cuteness and skills, if I must say so myself!
Then to put the “wasabi on the sake,” Munchkin #2 had brought in the play dough cake with OH, so many candles. As we asked for the check, the waitress asked if we wanted to light the candles. Obviously, the lighting was poor , or she needed glasses, OR the Japanese have REALLY interesting birthday cakes, but we all said, “SURE!!! Why not?!” So the waitress grabbed our 1970’s cake pan with the 4 inch red cake and pink candles and began to light every each one with a fireplace starter. All I can say is…I’m glad we didn’t burn the place down!
Happy Birthday Grammy and Grandad! And Grandad, we suggest you retire someday so you can have such a glorious cake and party mid week!! Wish you could have joined us. Love you both!
previously published in KC Parent in the November 2011 issue
“Each day approximately 1,110 kids become regular, daily smokers and between one third and one half will eventually die as a result of their addiction,” according to the American Lung Association. Lovely topic, I know!
Jodi McAree, MSSW, a Kansas City social worker who counsels adolescents, says, “Research shows children with low self-esteem are more likely to experiment with tobacco than those with a healthy self-esteem.” And why else do they start?
- To appear “cool” or older.
- Rebellion/demonstrating independence.
- Parents are smokers.
- Peer pressure.
- For weight loss.
Open Parent & Child Talks:
Start anti-smoking talks when your child reaches 5 or 6 years of age and continue throughout high school. Surprisingly, many kids start smoking at age 11, and some are addicted by age 14. McAree suggests, “If children can learn to assert themselves at a young age, it is much easier for them to say no when they are older.” Most youth aren’t able to see how their current actions affect their future health. Focus on the immediate problems: it’s expensive, hard to breathe, makes for stinky breath and clothes and yellows teeth.
Peer Pressure:
Find out whether your children have friends who smoke. Offer ways to respond to peer pressure with clear, concise answers: (i.e. I don’t like the way it stains my teeth, makes my hair/clothes smell bad, it will affect my running time, rather spend my money on clothes or music.)
If you discover your child has started smoking, your first reaction may be to order her to quit immediately. It’s important to realize that teen smokers become addicted to nicotine quickly, which can make quitting very difficult. Try not to judge, but offer information and resources for helping them quit, while focusing on their health. “And don’t forget to reinforce the decision to quit with praise, and stress the natural rewards, such as improved appearance,” says McAree.
Factoids:
- Someone can get addicted to nicotine within days of first using it.
- Nicotine can be as addictive as cocaine or heroin.
- Nicotine affects mood as well as the heart, lungs, stomach and nervous system.
- Studies indicate that young smokers are more likely to experiment with marijuana, cocaine, heroin or other illicit drugs. (www.KidsHealth.org)
Call 1.800.QUIT.NOW for coaching, information and referral to local resources. Resources also available at www.SmokeFree.gov.
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric nurse and freelance writer.
This is a press release from the NIH (National Institute of Health) which I thought was quite relevant for all of us parents. Have a happy and safe Halloween! ~ Nurse Mommy
Children at 4 times the risk of being hit by a car on Oct. 31 than any other night, experts warn
By Mary Elizabeth Dallas
SUNDAY, Oct. 9 (HealthDay News) — Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night than on any other night of the year, according to experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition, the researchers warned that eye trauma from sharp objects and burns from flammable costumes are also common Halloween injuries.
“Children should be out having fun and spending time with family and friends. They should not have to spend Halloween in the ER because of some injury that could have been easily prevented,” Dr. Sandra Schneider, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said in an ACEP news release.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 40 million kids aged 5 to 14 will be keeping up the tradition of knocking on doors on Halloween.
When planning for the big night, the ACEP offers the following tips to adults to help them protect kids from frightful injuries:
- Local community centers, shopping malls or schools should be encouraged to organize Halloween festivities that allow kids to “trick-or-treat” without walking outside in the dark.
- If kids do go out at night, make sure they stick to the sidewalks and obey traffic signals.
- Remind children to stay together in a group with at least one adult chaperone.
- Be sure children are aware of the potential dangers from strangers, and remind them to stay in familiar areas.
- Avoid masks that block children’s vision and costumes that could cause them to trip, such as baggy pants and high heels.
- Make sure costume fabrics and accessories are made of flame-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester.
- Keep kids away from candlelit Jack-O-Lanterns.
- Inspect all candy before children eat it and dispose of anything not in a sealed wrapper.
- Bring a flashlight while trick-or-treating to increase visibility.
- Costume accessories, such as wands and swords, should be made from safe, flexible materials and not have any sharp edges.
SOURCE: American College of Emergency Physicians, news release, Oct. 3, 2011 (National Institute of Health)
If you are a close friend of mine, you already know I have made an untraditional “New Year’s” resolution, which happened to start sometime during the month of October. My goal was I was going to be able to fit into last year’s jeans, and not only zip them up…but be able to SIT DOWN IN THE FARBER-SCHNARBERS. I’m trying to give up swearing too, but that isn’t going well either!
As one can imagine, I am a social type of person who likes a full dance card; and you know since the holidays really start mid October and continue until one can’t move or breathe in their baggy sweat pants on January 2nd, I am facing an uphill battle.
The problem is becoming quite serious though because I am not going to buy another size higher from last year. I AM NOT!! But I can’t imagine standing until Valentine’s Day. My feet will be killing me!! And watching my kids opening their Christmas gifts while laying supine on the chaise lounge is not a pretty picture…no beached Shamu Christmas for me.
So when I started my “food life change” (not a diet, mind you) that is a taboo word for us 40-something women, I decided to increase my vegetable intake and cut out sugar. So I filled up the veggie drawer and purchased some yummy fat free dip and gave myself permission to dip away when the hunger bugs started chanting my name.
Well, I don’t know when those pesky “bugs” stopped chanting my name and started screaming “Snicker Bars!!” but I panicked. I moved the Halloween candy up to the top shelf of the kitchen where I would actually have to get a ladder to reach it. That should work, right?
The chanting continued. There were other types of candy in that mega bag of trans fat hell (see), but they were keeping their lips sealed – just those pesky Snickers. I think I even heard them laughing at me (hence the name, I’m sure!)
OK…don’t freak out. Have one. Then you can tell them who’s boss and be proud YOU are in control!
So I had four. Is that such a crime? They were mini’s and they don’t even count as a whole bar you would buy at the QT. The next step is to go to the computer to get my mind off of this. I solve all the world’s problems and my expanding waistband issues at the computer. Unfortunately, I am wearing jeans and I have to type while standing…but I digress.
By this point, my pants are cutting off all circulation to my legs, my back is tightening up and my feet are going numb.
That’s it!! I’m heading over to the neighbors with my bag of candy. She’ll hide it for me until the 31st. Until then, don’t bring me anything sweet or I might bean ya with a handful of broccoli, while donning my parka and shorts!
previously published in Simply KC magazine in October 2011 issue
by Stacey Hatton
One of the most difficult parenting challenges in this century has to be the added stressors of parents traveling for work. In the past, a traveling salesman would go door-to-door or perhaps drive or fly overnight, but not nearly as frequent as today. Plus, the extended stays are becoming more common.
So how does a family successfully connect with a key family figure absent on a regular basis? Technology assists in this bonding, although it does take thought, effort and time; however, many families find it’s worth it!
Forms of Communication
Phone calls are the easiest way to get in touch with your traveler, since the pony express is so outdated and unreliable. Most families set up times in advance the next time they will talk, according to everyone’s schedule.
Texting is convenient and inexpensive for overseas communicating in comparison to most phone calls, unless you have a good plan or the traveling parent’s company pays for texts and calls. Unfortunately, this is only effective for the stay-at-home parent and older children.
Emailing is valuable; however, the sound of voices, inflections and tones can be misinterpreted and missed. This method won’t provide young children comfort unless a photo is attached. Even that can be scary for infants and toddlers who don’t understand why the parent’s face is on a computer screen instead of home cuddling with them.
Local Testimonies
Stephanie, from Overland Park, says her husband used to travel every 4-6 weeks. When asked about traditions she incorporated to keep her girls from missing their father, Stephanie said, “I would let my older girl sleep with me. Also, my husband would talk to them in the evening and we would go out to dinner or try something fun.” She ended with, “The best tradition was when he got home we did the kid hand off and he would watch the kids. This HAS to happen!”
Rob, a Prairie Village father says his wife works 7 days a week, “The kids and I spend so much time together, but my favorite thing to do (with them) is cook. It’s the one thing that is age appropriate and age customizable for all of my kids’ ages, 6, 4, and 2. If we bake a cake, for example, (the youngest) bangs on the pots, (the middle child) cracks the eggs, and (the oldest) does everything else while dad watches them make my food. Win-win! We all share the kitchen-destruction, the process, and the eating. It really is a great way to get them all on the same page.”
A Kansas City mother, Jen, says her husband brings home magnets from different states he has traveled to. “The kids are anxious to see him and they also get a geography lesson.” Jen says when her husband is away for long periods of time, they use web conferencing to communicate. “It gives your child a ‘real time’ visual and the family can check in. This still gives the father the ability to parent so they can inquire about school, homework, their day, etc.”
Web Video Conferencing
Families didn’t have the luxury of video conferencing with the traveling parent until recently. Now it’s so easy, FREE, and should be used often to keep the family bond alive.
Skype video calls can be made with most computers which have web cameras installed. Go to: www.Skype.com and sign-up for the free program on both computers – the family computer and the computer used by the traveling parent. Actually, you probably get better conversations doing this than if you all were at home! If your computer doesn’t have a built-in web camera, a separate one can be purchased at any electronics store or department with computers.
Here are some web conferencing games to get your family started, if it at first feels awkward: Stephanie, a mom of one preschool boy, from south Overland Park suggests, “You can have dinner with Dad.” Set up the laptop at the dinner table and pivot the computer to whoever is talking during dinner. Just like having Dad there for your family meal! Or you can make dessert with the parent and eat it in front of the camera…teasing them, of course, on what they’re missing.
Have the traveling parent take one of the kid’s favorite bedtime stories with them on their trip. At bedtime, place the laptop on the foot of the bed or bed stand and have the parent read to the kids. With young ones, you can have them even hug the monitor goodnight and give smooches. This works especially well with toddlers and preschoolers since their imagination still allows this magic to occur.
My kids play a game they invented with their traveling Daddy, named “1-2-3-Funny Face!” All of them repeat the title and then they all look into the web cam with the craziest face they can make. The girls and their father get big laughs out of this – the kids ask for this game each trip.
Remember…any family communication is better than none at all. And the family that laughs together swaps better stories family reunions!
This week at our house, we had one of our first drag out MONDO sister fights between my two daughters. Yes, they have fought over toys, they have tiff-ed over snacks, and argued over outfits; but this was the biggest one so far. So what brought it on you ask…? THE BOOK FAIR. Yes, my darling, loving children who are bestest of the bestest friends, took advantage of their pacifist mother while she collected the last of her tomatoes from the garden and my sweet little monkeys had a knock down brawl over a BOOK!
Nary did me as a child even dream of fighting over a book. A Barbie corvette, yes! But a literary bound piece of work? “No way, Jose (or Dora, as it were)!” Apparently, my youngest has some pent up jealously over who is getting what lately and since Munchkin #1 was proud to have a new shiny book and decided to flaunt it in front of Munchkin #2, who decided she was tired of being left out of all the fun (aka Kindergarten every day, recess, lots of new friends, and fun homework spent with Mom each night). So as the fairest princess of all, Snow White took a bite of her apple, which happened to resemble the back flank of her sister. A nice bloody chunk that would have made Stephanie Meyer proud was produced!
After coming inside and seeing the elder child crying while trying to read her new book between sobs, from behind closed doors, I asked what had caused the tears. Munchkin #2 tried to intercept the focus and drag me out of the room before I heard the story, but the words, “SHE BIT MY BACK!!!” penetrated the walls of our home, and perhaps the subdivision.
What the… I was picking tomatoes and enjoying the 70 degree weather. There was a breeze blowing through my hair and my kids are finally old enough I don’t have to watch them every second. I have a splendid life…
After focusing my attention on the hurt child and giving her love and medical treatment, I sent my other child to “timeout” in her room. I calmly informed her she needed to stay there without toys until punishment had been decided. That might be after I had a chance to talk to her father when he gets home. I also told her it would be pretty bad, so she needed to think about what she had done to her sister and how she would apologize to her until her fate had been decided.
Then I left the room thinking, “How can I have a 4 year old who would bite her sister?” Biting at FOUR? That is something a toddler would do. Not a preschooler!! I was soooooo mad at her I let her sit in her room MUCH longer than I normally would have because I couldn’t think of anything nice to say. And didn’t want to do anything to mess up the punishment.
When I finally got into her room, she had stripped off all of her clothes, and climbed into her sister’s bed and fell asleep. GRRRRREAT! Now she would be up all night. Perfect. Nice backfire on Mommy!
So why is it when our kids do something wrong, or something we don’t approve of, we blame ourselves? I had taught her repeatedly when she was a young toddler that biting was inappropriate, and she resolved the issue pretty quick. But this time, I couldn’t let it go. I was so mad at her behavior that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Seething angry at myself and her.
Then a phone call came the next morning. Basically a sucker punch right to the gut. A close friend of my family had her 4 year old son pass away the night before. While I was fretting about my 4 year old’s behavior, a beautiful boy who has been fighting his entire life to keep healthy and stay alive, joined all the other guardian angel children in heaven. (As a pediatric nurse, that’s how I like to think of them. It made my job easier that way.)
God sure can slam on the brakes when you are least expecting it. I knew that I needed to be consistent with my daughter’s punishment for biting, but how can you punish your children when you hear of a story like this. I was no longer mad. Just wanted to hold my kids and rock them until they wouldn’t let me anymore.
Yesterday, 24 hours later after the biting event, I overheard my youngest wrestling with her sister in a grand-tickle-fest. They stopped for a brief moment to catch their breath and she blurted out, “I’m sorry I bit you.” All was forgiven. BFF again.
In honor of my dear friend’s son, let’s make this the unofficial hug your children and tell them how special they are to you day. And remember…every time you give your child a hug, don’t be the first to let go. Let them release first. It makes a big difference!
Also, if you are a prayerful person, please send one out to this family.
previously published in KC Parent October 2011 issue
Dr. Deb Winburn, a pediatrician at Premier Pediatrics, sums up this viral gastroenteritis in an interview regarding a disease which surely will hit the KC Metro this winter. Here’s a heads up for parents: Get your children immunized against this nasty bug before the season arrives!
Q: How is rotavirus commonly passed from child to child?
A: Rotavirus is highly contagious and is passed via the fecal-oral route from child to child. Even with good hygiene, rota can live on the hands of providers (childcare or otherwise) for several hours. It can live on surfaces for more than a day. There are lesser amounts of rotavirus in saliva and other body fluids.
Q: What are the most serious symptoms which can arise from rotavirus?
A: Rotavirus lasts from 3-9 days. It causes profuse watery stools, fever and sometimes vomiting. Its most severe symptom is dehydration, resulting in hospitalization for IV fluids. The biggest season in the Midwest is from February to May. Infection unfortunately results in INCOMPLETE immunity; therefore, most children experience several infections with rotavirus before their 3rd birthdays. Adults can get rota too, but usually have less chance of severe dehydration.
Q: So unlike contracting chickenpox, getting rotavirus once doesn’t mean you can’t catch the virus again. So is there a vaccine that can prevent children from contracting this virus?
A: The latest rotavirus vaccines are oral. They are safe and easy to use. They result in 74 percent reduction in rotavirus infection, 98 reduction in severe rotavirus symptoms and a 96 percent reduction in hospitalization due to rotaviral dehydration. Rotavirus can be a deadly infection. Worldwide, there are an estimated 600,000 children who die as a result of rotavirus yearly. In the United States, around 100 deaths per year are attributed to rotaviral infection and its complications.
How does rotavirus spread?
- dirty hands
- contaminated food or water
- direct contact with fecal matter (e.g., from dirty diapers or toilets)
- Surfaces which become contaminated with the diarrheal virus, such as toys, restroom surfaces, changing tables or the hands of a person preparing food can be a direct source of disease transmission.
According to www.KidsHealth.org, “Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent diarrheal infections.” It is imperative all caregivers wash kids’ and their hands well and often, especially before meals and after restroom visits.
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and freelance writer, when she isn’t driving around town singing in the minivan with her girls.
Welcome to another (cue music) duh, duh, dunna… GIVEAWAY!!!!
Yes, my friends, the lovely folks at UPrinting have graciously donated 100 postcards for one lucky winner! What?! WHY?! What kind?! Well, take a lookey-see…
Use your creativity:
Do you have a special event coming up? Or just want to tell 100 of your closest friends something extraordinary?! Send out these free mailers to loved ones, acquaintances, old friends, young friend, or strangers.
The internet has provided a lot of opportunities to see different designs of postcard printing that are presented by leading online printing companies. Just take a look at all the possibilities!!
How do I win this durn prize?
All you have to do is write a comment to Nurse Mommy at the end of this post. Click on the title and you will be able to leave your comment. My children will pick the number out of my “thinking cap” for the winner on Saturday, October 8, 2011, and the winner will be announced that day as well. You will be contacted for how to get your prize. Good luck!!
Prize details:
100 Postcards for One (1) Winner
5″ x 7″
14pt Cardstock Gloss
No Folding
Front Only Printing
2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time *Free Shipping!!*
(Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only. Also, if you have won something from them in the last 6 months, you are disqualified. So sorry!)
*** If you like what you see at UPrinting, “like” them on Facebook or Twitter. They’d love to have more friends!! Now wouldn’t we all?! This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a poster for hosting. I’m very excited about free posters…hope it has a kitten dangling from a tree. ~ Nurse Mommy
previously published in The Kansas City Star newspaper on Saturday, 9/24/11
STACEY HATTON COMMENTARY
I am one of those phone calls that every police dispatcher or DMV receptionist dreads picking up. “Ma’am, you want what?” Then I repeat my inane question in another fashion, hoping it will make sense a second time.
It is at this point that I wonder whether using an exotic French accent or increasing my volume every other word would make a difference, but I usually talk myself out of that and politely ask to speak to a manager.
However, the problem remains: My questions are serious, and according to the aforementioned departments, have never been asked before. So either I am moronic or, as I like to think, creatively wired.
After my normal repartee with the phone triage person at Overland Park’s Police Department — who, by the way, is a lovely human being, and we should do lunch — I was put in contact with my buddy in O.P.’s Traffic Safety Department, Capt. Mike Imber. He doesn’t treat me like I am crazy for asking questions that every mother with multiple children has thought in the parking lot at the grocery store at some point.
I asked him:
“How can I get all of my children safely strapped in their car seats, get the groceries put away in the back and return the cart, without leaving my kids alone in the car or risking dragging them through the lot with cars whizzing by while returning the cart?”
Now I know all of you “problem solvers” are trying to figure this one out. It can be done easily if you do this, or have you thought of this?
But, Bucko, hear me out. Try it in the rain, or try it with multiple-birth infants, or give it a whirl with a posse full of ADHD kids ranging from 2 months to 4 years. It can’t be done. Only with a large supply of duct tape followed by a knock on your door from the division of children services, can you successfully manage this feat of iron.
So I pleaded with the law over the phone. Help us struggling mothers get through the day without anyone getting injured or incarcerated!
Capt. Mike found my question (once again) to be not so easily answered, so he referred to “the books.” And the most disturbing piece of information he discovered was this: “Minors should not be locked in an unattended car by any adult, unless such child has present ability to be released from such vehicle.”
Say what?
So, basically, if you securely restrain your infant in the car seat so she is not able to get out of the seat by herself, and then you walk away from the car, you are breaking the law.
If you strap your sleep-deprived, screaming toddler in his 5-point-harness car seat for him to chill out while you get the groceries in the back of the minivan in the pouring rain and lock the door because you are afraid he will get out of the harness and throw himself into oncoming traffic, and then you push the cart to the cart barn, you are breaking the law!
If you stow your smarty-pants preteen in the luggage rack above the vehicle and lock it securely with a padlock and key while you place your frozen items in a cooler so you can go next door to get a mani and pedi, you are breaking the law! (As a registered nurse, I am required by law to say I don’t recommend this.)
I guess the moral of the story is that you should watch out for those moms whose nerves are maxed out and for those who don’t have enough hands to grab onto their kids to get them safely from Point A to Point B. (I’m not recommending running up behind them and grabbing one of their kids and carrying them to the curb for her because Mama Bear can be ferocious!)
But if we all watch out for each other, take off the blinders, show some compassion and just stop to offer a few seconds of your time to a parent in distress, our community will be stronger for every helping hand. Our kids just might learn from these actions as well.
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric registered nurse, writer and public speaker. Her humor blog can be found at http://nursemommylaughs.com.
