Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

How to Start a Movie Club for Moms: A Scientific Perspective

by Amy Mumper

May 17, 2009

Hypothesis

Moms can and should have time for themselves.  One way to do this is to gather many mom friends and start a Movie Club.

Observation

While selling all my baby toys in a yard sale this weekend, I remembered  how amazing those early days were.  And so confusing.  And scary.  And so long ago.  My priorities rearranged before my eyes.  But, I did hold onto my "old self" by one tiny thread called Movie Club.  As I gave my bassinet away at the very end of the day, I hoped for each of the moms I'd sold to that they, too, could hold onto a little part of themselves. 

Hopefully, they'll be blessed as I was to have one friend who said, "If I start a movie club, would you come?"

Then they'll say "Halleluiah, yes I will!" as I did... when my first child was just two weeks old.

I recall pumping my breasts with a hand pump in between the movie (Gosford Park) and dinner (LaRosa's).  But, by golly, I did it.  I'm still meeting with friends to go to the movies.  Thank you God, for them.  Thank you God for broadening my horizons and expanding my perspective through my interaction with them.

Those are my observations.

Procedure

To prove the hypothesis that "Moms can and should have time for themselves", you must proceed as my friend did and adhere to the following scientific guidelines:

• 1. Find interested parties with various perspectives on the world. No more than 6.
• 2. Said interested parties should be comfortable discussing their own viewpoints while being open minded enough to hear from others.
• 3. Establish a firm time once a month to meet to see movies and have dinner afterwards to discuss the movie.
• 4. Purchase a journal to record each moviegoer's summary of their reaction to the movie.
• 5. Come to consensus on a rating system for movies.
• 6. In the fall, listen for Oscar buzz about movies and try to see them, even if they sound dumb.
• 7. Hold vigil for the Oscar nominations (usually late January)
• 8. Nominate one member of The Movie Club to host the Oscar party -and wear those old bridesmaid dresses you never thought you'd wear again- to the host's house on Oscar Night.

Analysis

After evaluating The Movie Club system for over seven years, I am pleased with my very scientific results that all involved have been fulfilled and exercised a part of their brains that may have otherwise rotted.

Women involved in The Movie Club look forward to meeting each month.  All women come away with food for thought on real, current events that challenge their world view.

Evaluation

Yes, women can have time for themselves.  Yes, women should have time for themselves.  The Movie Club is a proven scientific tool with which to accomplish this goal.

Conclusion

Start one today.

Happy Mother's Day!

by Amy Mumper

May 06, 2009

Let me say to each of you.... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!    Take a moment this weekend to appreciate yourself and all you do.  You are the reason your children and your family thrive.  Whatever your own particular style, you give love to everyone in some form everyday.  Hooray for you!

I hope your family and/or significant other/husband has planned a fun weekend for you.  I wish you a relaxing, carefree weekend with someone taking over those endless jobs, both big and little.  If you're a grandmother, or dad, please consider mothers of young children.  You can give them the gift of time...  just a few hours to run errands or sit still in silence is sooo priceless.  It's the best gift you can give.

Looking for things to do in the tri-state this special Mother's Day weekend?  How about...

• 1. Michael's has lots of fun, free projects... coupon books, frames, cards and more! Even if you have to take your kids yourself, do it. (Don't be afraid to tell your children they should appreciate you. You'll be happy you did when they're deciding your nursing home!)
• 2. Especially if you're treating your mom, and you're a mom yourself, why not try a restaurant, where neither of you does the work, but you can enjoy each other's company?
• 3. Try these ideas from Citysearch to plan your day.
• 4.  Honor yourself, and all of the mom-figures in your life.

Enjoy your day!

Breastfeeding 101

by Amy Mumper

April 20, 2009

Hi, again, everybody!  Wow!  Another week gone by.  While we talk about different options for eating and healthy nutrition for your family, consider the guest post below.  (Special thanks to Caroline at Being Savvy Tampa!)  Breastfeeding was both rewarding and stressful for me, or should I say stressful, then rewarding!  I hope the tips below will encourage any of you out there currently breastfeeding, or just considering it.    Best of luck!

 Today's guest posters are authors Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen
 Shea who have recently written a book titled The Essential
Breastfeeding Log. They would like to share with all of our new
mothers seven breastfeeding tips. As parents who each breastfed their
own twins for at least 9 months, they certainly know what they're
writing about! We hope you find these tips useful. What are some of
your own tips?

1. Remember: Just because it's natural doesn't necessarily mean it's
easy.  Virtually all babies are capable of breastfeeding, and virtually all
moms can produce enough milk. But it just may take more time and
effort than expected.

2. Educate yourself  The more you know about breastfeeding, the better, so take a
breastfeeding class offered by your hospital.  Also, you can join chat
rooms and check in with other nursing moms who are in your boat,
whether you have a preemie in the NICU or a 6-month-old who seems to
be self-weaning.

3. Get the gear  Sure, all that is really required for breastfeeding are breasts, but
we recommend investing in a reliable pump, a few good-quality nursing
bras, and a supportive nursing pillow.

4. Call in the pros  Many U.S. hospitals have lactation consultants on staff who can offer
advice and hands-on help during your postpartum stay. Also, ask the
nursing staff for guidance; they've been around more than their share
of new moms and newborns.

5. Set short-term goals  When you were pregnant, you may have declared, "I'm going to
breastfeed for one year," only to feel overwhelmed, even demoralized,
by that goal once your baby arrives and it's not smooth sailing. If
this happens, take it in steps.

6. Involve other people.  Sure, you're the one with the breasts, so there's only so much someone
else can do. Still, it's important for partners to support each other
on the breastfeeding front. And don't be shy about asking friends and
neighbors to bring meals and to help around the house.

7. Stay hydrated, get your rest, and eat well  The physiological system that drives lactation depends on a variety of hormonal and physical factors, many of which are influenced by hydration, energy, and sleep. In other words, if you're a dehydrated wreck, your milk isn't going to flow like the Colorado River.

Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea have combined their years of expertise for publications such as Fit Pregnancy, Women's Health, Shape, The New York Times, Parenting, Glamour, and more in their new
book THE ESSENTIAL BREASTFEEDING LOG.

An Interview with Emme: A Look at Weight Bias

by Amy Mumper

February 23, 2009

Did you know that this week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?  It seems we all struggle one way or another with our food choices.  And, with an almost seven year old daughter, the issue is even more in the forefront of my mind.  Recently, I participated in an interview that Savvy Source did with the plus-sized model, Emme.  (Thanks to Naomi, at Savvy Source Cleveland!)  Emme is now doing work to fight against weight bias.  What is weight bias?  Read on!   Read more...