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Cars-N-Kids Car Seat Monitor: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:02 -0700

Every year we hear horrifying stories of children who die after being left in cars by their parents, about half of the youngsters are left unintentionally by relatives who forgot to remove them from the vehicle.

The Cars-N-Kids Car Seat Monitor ($40) is designed to prevent such tragedies. Using a monitor placed under a car seat, the device turns on when a child is placed in his seat. When the car stops for more than four seconds, a lullaby plays to remind parents about the lil one in the back seat. The device also beeps if a creative kid climbs out of their chair while the car is in motion.

Would you invest in this product?

DIY Burials: Less Expensive, More Intimate?

TresSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 -0700

Due to the recession, most of us focus on how much we spend going about our daily lives, but we don't often budget for death, which can be very pricey. An increasing number of people are finding ways to decrease the cost of burying a loved one - they're holding DIY funerals.

Compared to the average cost of a funeral, which runs about $6,000, taking over part or all of the burial preparations can cost family members as little as $250. In states where a funeral director is required, home funerals are still less expensive. And loved ones say it seems like "the natural, loving way to do things." It also sounds a little creepy. The New York Times explained the home burial process for 92-year-old Nathaniel Roe:

They washed Mr. Roe’s body, dressed him in his favorite Harrods tweed jacket and red Brooks Brothers tie and laid him on a bed so family members could privately say their last goodbyes.

There are countless organizations and individuals (called "death midwives") who help families with things like setting up cremation, moving the body to a cemetery, or securing a burial permit (if available) when a family decides to bury their loved one on their property. Would you ever consider this?

Source: Flickr User KaCey97007

Do Tell: Which Celebrity Death Affected You Most?

TresSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:08:10 -0700

On July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr. took the fateful flight that ended in his death. I remember watching the news with my family as authorities looked for the missing Kennedy. As we sat around the TV, my parents recounted their memories of little John-John, and we were all so shocked when they announced that he had died. With no real connection to JFK, Jr. I still felt a whole lot of real sadness.

The 10th anniversary of JFK, Jr.'s death and the attention given to the recent death of Michael Jackson remind us that the death of a celebrity can really hit home. From John Lennon, to Princess Diana, Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, or John F. Kennedy, Jr., there have been so many famous deaths that have left the public collectively grieving. Which celebrity death affected you most in your lifetime?

The Custody of Michael Jackson's Kids in Question

LilSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:44:22 -0700

The death of American icon Michael Jackson has rocked the world. The man known for his single glove, moonwalk, and videos was a musical legend. While fans and famous friends of the musician mourn, those most affected by the 50-year-old's passing are his children - Prince Michael Jr., 12, daughter Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7. The kids have spent their lives sheltered from the public often out sporting veils, masks, and blankets to shield their identities. Now in the wake of their father's death, who will care for the youngsters?

Prince Michael and Paris Katherine's mother, Debbie Rowe, was once married to Jackson and petitioned for custody, but the children have always lived with their dad. The surrogate mom of Prince Michael II was never made public. One report said that the singer's wish was to have his longtime confident and the children's nanny, Grace Rwaramba, raise them if something were to happen. Meanwhile it is said that Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine, have also expressed interest in adopting their grandchildren. But, given the late king of pop was very public about his tumultuous relationship with his father, this may be unlikely. Hopefully, all involved will put the children's interests first and help them through this tragedy.

Are You Still a Child Until Your Parents Pass?

LilSugar — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Some people believe that they never really grow up until their parents die. Even as adults raising their own offspring, they can seek advice in mom or dad. But, it is in their absence that they need to become independent of those ties. Do you find this to be true?

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Parenting Q&A: How Do I Tell My Kids About Miscarriage?

LilSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:00:26 -0800

Q. My four and seven-year-olds were thrilled when I told them I was pregnant. How do I break the news that I miscarried? Should we do something to commemorate the baby?

A. The celebration of life is the most wonderful experience to share. We have come so far as a culture in enjoying the process and sharing it with our children. Mourning a loss, one we know can happen during any pregnancy, is not as comfortable. However, loss is a huge part of life. As our children’s first teachers we must teach them how to mourn. Find the words that your heart and faith can stand behind. Tell them something very sad happened and that it is no ones fault, the baby could not be born. Don’t be afraid to cry. Most importantly, listen to them. Listen to what they ask and answer as simply as you can. As a family you may need closure by commemorating, but don’t rush into anything. Give your heart and mind time to heal a little before you act. Take cues from your children. Help them move on by grieving, listening and giving everyone time.

- Lonna Corder

Parenting expert and Montessori school director, Lonna Corder has been doling out advice for 25 years as a teacher, parent/child consultant and on television. For more information, visit lonnacorder.com.

If you're at your wit's end about an issue and want another take on the situation, private message your question to lilsugar. We'll be running this feature all week!

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Do You Discuss Death With Your Children?

LilSugar — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:00:20 -0800

By the time my daughter was two she had attended three family funerals. In the years since, more people have passed including her great-grandfather and a preschool classmate. She notices when the phone rings with bad news or someone disappears so I've always told her the truth - that people eventually die. How do you handle death with your children?
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Group Therapy: My Ex-Boyfriend Just Died, And I'm Relieved

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:00:00 -0800

Over the weekend I found out that my ex-boyfriend (my first boyfriend/love whom I dated when I was 17-20) died in a motorcycle accident. He was a horrible, manipulative boyfriend who cheated on me the entire three years we were together. He disrespected me, made me feel dumb, took advantage of me, and talked negatively about me when I wasn't around. Needless to say our relationship was unhealthy, dysfunctional, and emotionally abusive. Luckily, I have moved on and become a more confident person. However, when I found out about his death, I felt nothing but relief - Now I know I will never have to see him again. People who knew us both are questioning if I will attend his memorial service, but I have no positive memories and want nothing to do with him. Am I a horrible person for not feeling anything but relief about his death? Do I need to honor his memory?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To read more GROUP THERAPY, click here or submit your own question here.]
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How to Help Parents Grieving the Loss of a Child

LilSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:36 -0800

Actor John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston suffered a devastating loss on Friday when their 16-year-old son, Jett, died. Being predeceased by a child is a parent's worst nightmare. The mere thought of losing one's offspring is enough to bring a mother or father to tears. The reality is difficult to fathom so finding the words to appropriately comfort someone who is grieving such a loss can be hard. Here are some tips to use in coping with the sensitive task of supporting a parent whose child has died.

Behave naturally
Show genuine concern
Offer love patiently and unconditionally

To see the rest of the suggestions, read more.

Offer hugs or an arm around the shoulder, as appropriate
Sit next to the person who wants closeness
Make it clear that you are there to listen
Express your care and concern
Say that you are sorry about the loss
Say “I love you” if you feel close enough
Talk openly and directly about the person who died
Cry if you feel like crying
Keep in mind that evenings, weekends, anniversaries and holidays can be extra challenging times.

Our hearts go out to the Travolta family.
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Group Therapy: Supporting a Grieving Loved One

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:00:00 -0800

My boyfriend's very close family member is dying. He is going to see her soon, but it is close to the end. Sadly, he's already seen a lot of his older family members in the same situation. He is the type who holds his feelings in and handles them privately, but I can tell he is suffering. I'm trying to give him time alone without pressuring him to talk, but I feel like I should show some more support even though it's his nature to withdraw.

No one close to me has ever died so I have no experience with this. What's the best way to support him while he is grieving? What should I say? What shouldn't I say?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be read more GROUP THERAPY, click here or submit your own question here.]

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