Moms Casted as Leading Ladies for Oscars

(Source: Getty Images)
Michael Fassbender & his Moma

(Source: Getty Images)
Jared Leto & his Mom



(Source: Getty Images)
Leonard DiCaprio & his Mom
 

(Source: Getty Images)
Jonah Hill & his Mom
 

As parents we can only hope to one day share in our children's accomplishments but it always warms the heart to see the child openly acknowledge the source of their success.  As an Oscar nominee what better way to show your appreciation than to escort your Mom as your date. 

BIG THUMBS UP FELLAS!!!!

Stop Back and Help Us Celebrate!!!

We Love Them, But Do They Love Them?

Editorial by
Renee Jamerson



This month, one prevalent topic that seems to keep reoccurring in my life is the importance of a positive body image.  I recently watched a television program and had my 8 year old daughter question me on Beyonce's new video, "Pretty Hurts".  It made me reminisce back to my youth when the "positive body image" anthem was "Unpretty" by TLC.  I got the message of the song because my mother had instilled within me a love for myself so deep that even when I felt "unpretty", I knew it was only a temporary feeling and turned my "swag-meter" to 1,000 with self-praise.  As I strolled down memory lane, I pondered whether or not I had instilled the same values in my own children. 

I ran through a quick mental check list:

(1) You are special, if for no other reason than you are a child of God, created in his own perfect image.  - Check! We read the bible and attend church at least 3x a month.

(2) You are as smart as you want to be - Check!  I have repeatedly told them that they are smart enough to accomplish anything they put their mind to with the right training and hard work.

(3) Nobody can make you feel inferior, your acceptance of their judgement does - Check! I know for sure at least 2 of my girls will tell you to take a hike if you even think of offering your opinion of their hair or fashion-sense.

But was this enough?  I decided to speak to my oldest on her opinion of herself and what she felt the video meant.  She expressed a couple of issues regarding her appearance and what she'd like to change; which I have to admit was a little funny seeming as how I never really thought of changes to my appears until Junior High.  But, kids do develop faster these days...I guess...right?  After some thought I figured this wasn't too absurd, my daughter is a bit mature for her age.  We continued to talk and at some point she expressed a correlation between Beyonce's treatment in the video and the movie, Bully, a cinematic experience offered by her school to educate children on the consequences of bullying.  I found her comparison interesting.  I mean, think about it, we're all mentally bullied into a way of thinking and conceptualizing beauty.  We are held to societies and the fashion industries standards and when you don't fit, you're ostracized in a way.  I went on to tell her how she was "quite the little genius" and to "never conform".  I reassuring her one more time that she was made perfect in God's image and that the only way to one day understand true love was to first love yourself.

I walked away proud, because although she may not understand fully everything I said, I know that she is at least alert enough to know that passing judgement on someone based on their appearance is unfair, even if that person is yourself.  Plus I figured, for her to have this perception and be a tiny resident of NYC, gives a nod of approval to my parenting.  <smiling>

~Never Conform~

Snow Days = Slow Days, Maybe Not

On an ordinary day many of us find ourselves wishing we could spend more time with our children, especially working moms.  Nothing screams quality time like a snow day, does it?  Don't you see it, the day before, we anxiously await the announcement that the office is closed and celebrate when it is, thankful for that extra day to rest...NOT!

While mentally we imagine a day of relaxation, catching up on missed conversations and possibly a book, it turns out to be anything but that.  We either end up with family members dispersed in the home, some watching TV, others on electronics and others sleeping.  If you are fortunate enough to catch some zzz's there's still that point in the day/days when your kids run out of creativity and shows and want that imaginary character that only Mommy can bring to life.  While playing pretend with the little ones, theoretically, is the perfect description of quality time their demand usually happens at the most unexpected time.  Not to mention, pretending to dress up for a wedding was a lot more fun when YOU were 12 than it is at...(fill in blank).

If this describes you and you find yourself awaiting a blizzard,  it is not only wise to stock up on groceries but a schedule of activities as well.  There are tons of things to do when trapped in doors, some of which may interest you.  Here are my top 4:

1. Yoga - you can find yoga videos on YouTube for free ranging from beginner to advanced.  I've noticed that kids love to exercise, especially if Mommy's doing it...have a class with them and while they may not get every pose right, you'll have enough fun watching each other fall over.

2. Games - games such as Monopoly Jr. or even video games that include teams and dancing can be a lot of fun.

3. Devotionals- I love to include a bible study in my day so why not go the extra mile and have a full class complete with coloring pages and all, its a great use of time.

4. Cooking classes - just about every child loves to experiment with food, having your kids help you bake a cake or even create a finger snack is sure to be a blast and can take some stress out of having to figure out a menu for the day.


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New Year, New Accomplishments

While many people might consider New Year's Resolutions overrated creating one with your little one could serve as a beneficial teaching moment as a lesson in setting goals.

For example, you could have your child set a realistic goal for their resolution with tasks/steps and deadlines to actually accomplish or keep it.  It's an excellent idea to create a checklist and as your little lady or fellow completes a task/step have them check it.  This will encourage them to keep their resolution and feel a sense of accomplishment.

While these tips can help a child learn to set goals, trying them out yourself may even help you keep your New Year's Resolution (for once) and result in a handy plan of action for your own goals.

Have a Happy New Year from the Urban Nurturing Team!

Loss of Wisdom

Editorial Spotlight

By Renee Jamerson

Last week, I had the pleasure of getting all 4 of my Wisdom Teeth removed.  I say this reluctantly, but the actual process was a lot less painful than expected and have to admit that the healing process seems to be the nightmare.  Oddly enough, the bottom two teeth were the worst, complete with hooked roots (Uggghhh); which for some reason surprised my doctor who upon abstraction of the first one commented, "no fair that's not supposed to look like that", as he proudly held my blood-drenched tooth with his prongs.  

After leaving, I hurriedly filled my prescription of Percocets.  It was only while reading the label that it hit me that as a Mother of 4 young girls the next couple of days was going to be interesting.  Let me explain, you see, while my Husband is a wonderful, caring and loving Father; like most of the Mothers out their I am the sole caretaker of our 4 girls.  Maybe it's because the amount of estrogen produced by these 4 tiny females combined with their time-stopping spats and, lets just be honest, close to Civil War magnitude battles my poor husband is out-numbered and often beaten to a pulp. How was I going to go through the next couple of days high on Percocets and still function as a Mother.  

While it is still impossible to feel the left half of my lower lip, I am happy to say today I am on Day 5 and I survived with minimal pain.  Thanks to the collaborated efforts of my Dear Husband and my Mother-In-Law!  Though we practically had to uproot my family for a couple of days (LOL), I am today, Percocet free and capable of a half smile...if I try hard enough.  

There's my story, what's yours? Who is your support system when you find yourself yelling "Mommy Down"?!?!?!?!?

  

Self-Soothing - A form of neglect??

Editorial
By Renee Jamerson

Recently there was a lot of talk in the news about the benefits of allowing your baby to "self-soothe" as they call it.  A recent study showed that babies who were allowed to cry awhile were under no more stress than a baby who wasn't.  The point of the study was to prove that self-soothing is okay for the baby and is a great way to build self-reliance.  It was however proven amongst a group of Moms that continuous crying actually stressed the mom more than the baby (well duh).

I have to say I fall into that category.  I like these Moms experience anxiety at the sound of my babies cry.  A lot of people believe that responding to a baby's every beckoning makes the child spoiled.  I happen to believe that it maks them feel secure.  I want my children to know that despite whatever they may go through "Mommy is here" and we'll get through it together. 

I believe that children can learn self-reliance at a later date when it is more comprehensible.  For example, Kindergarten.  And while this may cause some pre-school teachers to cringe.  Most children go through separation anxiety when they start school anyway and then learn self-reliance.  So in the end why put so much pressure on a tiny person who can't verbalize what they want, need or feel?  They depend on us for their every need and even comfort.  So I think I speak for a lot of Moms when I say self-soothe, smelf-smoothe (tttthhhhpppptt)!

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