Buzz Off

by Something Blue

If you want free advice, have a child. Out of the woodwork, childless experts start popping up. “You need to say ‘No’ with more authority.” “You should be putting your children to bed earlier.” “All television will permanently harm your child’s development.”

I nod and smile politely while I internally visualize myself scratching their eyeballs out. When did they become a Pediatric Specialist? Did their cousin Sally-Lou with her fourteen children share this great piece of advice over tea and biscuits? Have they been devouring parenting advice books to provide an air of superiority whenever my child has a tantrum? Maybe I should chalk it up to one too many episodes of Dr. Phil.

From what I recall of life pre-children, I offered tips on the hottest new albums, not whether my friend’s child should be wearing Pampers or Huggies.

The media dishes up big servings of parenting propaganda. Before we embark on parenthood, we make observations to prepare ourselves for when tiny bundles of joy grace our lives. Well-intended advice givers forget to take into account that every child is different. What works for some, doesn’t work for others. Having a child does not mean that a strict regime is mandatory to achieve success in becoming a future -insert parent’s dream here-. They believe that if little Emma doesn’t go to bed at 7 P.M. every night, she will never become a doctor. If Connor watches “Blues Clues” he will never become CEO of a leading corporation. They are doomed to become delinquents, destined for a life of crime.

Once a Childless Commanding Wonder breeds, do they follow their own advice or do they forget their ideals that they shoved down my throat? I have a sneaking suspicion that these people have a harder time adjusting to their new lifestyle. It can be hard to rid yourself of preconceived notions. Rules were made to be broken.

That’s why, when the moon is blue, I will allow my children to fly high on a sugar buzz. I’ll even let them have an extra sweet treat right before bedtime. This rare occasion only transpires when I have invited an Expert over. The look of horror in their eyes is completely worth it.
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Jana is a Prairie Girl turned City Mommy. She lives among dust bunnies in an under renovation house with her two daughters, senile cat and Peter Pan syndrome inflicted husband, Colin. She escapes her chores by dashing to the office to do behind the scene things in the music industry.

A Very Merry Little Christmas

by Jana

Most of the time, I am one of those people that starts singing "Silver Bells" long before the first snowfall. I will meticulously string strands of popcorn and cranberries for the tree. I stay up late addressing cards to be sent out to friends and family.

I haven't been hit by the happiness of the season yet. I can't help but struggle with the commercialism. As we celebrate the 75th year with our Coca Cola designed Santa, sip our Gingerbread Lattes and decorate our upside-down Christmas trees, it feels like the festivities have lost their meaning. It seems that many shoppers are budgeting so that they will have enough left over for the big Boxing Day sales.

My lack of glee might have been caused by a store that outright refused to sell me an item that I wanted to purchase as a gift. Don't mention shopping online as the solution because when I tried that, my husband almost got arrested.

It could be that I have heard one too many people say that Christmas is for the children as a lame excuse so that the adults stop buying presents for each other. I can't help but think that these people would rather save their money to spend it on themselves. It is the time of year that I delight in finding something special to give because I truly love giving.

It could be the result of past years where I worked myself up into a frenzy of spirit to quickly settle into the post holiday blues. I think I have come to expect too much from this one day of the year.

Of course the holidays are not the same if I don't get to see the rowdy bunch of relatives on my side that are all out west. I will miss eating too much of my Mom's, Aunts' and Baba's delicious traditional staples. I will miss laughing at my brother's jokes and watching my daughter play shuffleboard with my cousin's son.

I haven't found our new family holiday groove yet. I don't know what will be the treasured things that my children look forward to each year. We are still sorting out the different rituals that my husband and I both have. The big issue being that in his family he did not get presents from his parents. They all came from the jolly man in red. In my family we asked Santa to bring the one hot ticket item plus he filled our stockings with little goodies.

I want to spread good tidings and peace. I want to merrily wave to my neighbours and smile at strangers as they pass me on the street. I want my house, all decorated with a sparkle and glow, to be filled with laughter and love and the sweet scent of goodies baking in the oven. I want my heart to expand and grow twice its regular size. I desperately need to know the secret in how to make the transition into new family traditions.

The one thing that I do have is the twinkle of anticipation and excitement in my children's eyes. That is precisely enough for a merry little Christmas.

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Jana is a Prairie Girl turned City Mommy. She lives among dust bunnies in an under renovation house with her two daughters, senile cat and Peter Pan syndrome inflicted husband, Colin. She escapes her chores by dashing to the office to do behind the scene things in the music industry.

Comfort Zone

by Something Blue (and daddy blogger guest, Niloc)

Dig into your goodie bag for something to ponder.



Comfort Zone offers another perspective to popular culture, current issues and parenting. I will expose my perspective on a variety of hot topics. I would like to encourage every viewpoint and hopefully readers will be stirred to share their own experiences and ideas.

Monthly, this column occassionally features "Another Angle" segment with a male standpoint given by my husband, Niloc. At parties he's had to wear the nametag Mr. Opinionated. We will offer blog debate as we often share opposing ideas. Working out our issues should provide humor. Our intention is not to create the same vibe as finding yourself in the middle of a public row but we will accept free marriage counseling.