Everyone is Talking
About how we protect our kids from the Larry Nassars of the world.
Why do I care?
Last week, the country watched over 100 impact statements at the close of Larry Nassar’s trial. For those who missed it, Larry Nassar is a pedophile who used his privilege as a doctor to victimize over 150 young girls. This has naturally sparked discussion among parents.
How do we protect our kids from predators that come masked as protectors?
Tell me more.
One-by-one over 100 of Larry Nassar’s victims shared accounts of being sexually abused. Larry Nassar was a man who their coaches and parents trusted to care for their kids since he joined the medical staff of USA Gymnastics in 1986.
Layered within the accounts were stories of police and school staff who did not take action on claims and even parents who did not believe their kids. There were missed moments, signs ignored and questions that went unasked for fear of losing momentum in the sports world.
Children, according to former Olympian turned civil rights lawyer, Nancy Hogshead-Maker should be taught from a young age that they have control over their body and saying ‘no’ to coaches, doctors and trainers is O.K. It should be clear from the beginning that parents are with children for meetings and appointments. She goes on to say, “You can tell an 8-year old that a good, ethical coach will never text just you. He or she will never contact just you on social media. Everything should be in group texts or social media posts. A good, ethical coach will never give only you a gift. A good, ethical coach doesn’t play favorites.”
What’s clear is that empowering our children with the knowledge that they can say no to an adult, that they have control over their bodies, and a right to ask questions of an authority figure is one preventative step that parents can take.
The Kids Are Alright
Is middle child syndrome a myth? Possibly.
For those of us who were middle children, we may not feel so stoked about this declaration, but as parents, it may bring some comfort. In fact, your middle child may have some great characteristics that will serve them well in their lives, like patience and negotiation strategies. Your middle child may be less interested in pleasing others (also known as a smidge stubborn) and are the trailblazers of the group.
As the folks at Scary Mommy say, it is likely that your middle child isn’t getting the shaft.
That’s What She Said
Kristen Bell is ‘Momsplaining’ all things parenting. She’s offering up some real talk on birthday parties, giving birth, and she even chats it up with some kids about the birds and the bees. The series will be six episodes. However, we’d like to state for the record that welcome more, because Kristen is the friend we all want in our lives, a down-to-earth truth-teller.
Trending Plate
The Super Bowl is coming up this Sunday, are you ready? If you’re like us, we’re looking for some ideas for party food.
Real Simple has a recipe collection for the New England Patriots fans in your midst – think Lobster Rolls and Clams.
If you’re a Philadelphia Eagle fan, you can’t go go wrong with a cheese steak. Cheese steaks in your Instant Pot, One-dish Cheese Steak Sliders and even Cheese Steak Egg Rolls. If you want to get crafty like Marchiano’s Bakery, straight out of Philly, then make a green cheese steak.
Get in ma’ belly.
TODAY is offering up cocktails with the Fly Like an Eagle-tini and the Patriots Tea Party Punch to finish things off.
We dig it.
Parting Thoughts
What advice do you wish you would have been given before becoming a parent? Reddit has a conversation happening about that. This particular thread is FOUR years long. And still going. Our favorites?
- Making time for yourself is important, and totally legit. Eliminate the guilt.
- DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT keep the house silent while baby is sleeping. Otherwise, no social life, T.V. or above-whisper talking for you in the next 5-10 years. #justsayin’
- Lack of sleep in the newborn stage shows sides of you and your partner that you won’t anticipate. Tag team, walk away, count to ten and take a breath. You and baby will be better for it. This is also relevant in the tween and teen years.
And, this one:
“One time I really wanted ice cream while my kids were both asleep. I drove past the speaker and went straight to the window with the car window cracked an inch and asked for a flurry in a whisper. Then I drove to the library to park and eat. Eldest, 3 at the time, woke up halfway through and said ‘it smells like ice cream.’
‘No it doesn’t’ as I hunch down to finish the last of my ice cream.”
We’ve all been there.
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