Mom’s Guide to Taking Care of Herself
By Paola Gancman
“When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are about our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others.” Eda Le Shan
Being a mom is the most precious, rewarding and challenging job that we will ever have in the world. Our time and energy is completely invested in nurturing, protecting and encouraging our children to grow and shine. We all balance many different roles as moms, professionals, wives, partners, daughters, friends and much more. That is why the words of Eda Le Shan speak to me so clearly. If we can truly take care of ourselves, inside and out, we can be more alert and sensitive towards others. We can be the mom, wife, partner, friend and professional that we want to be. (more…)
Halloween Shop
Does My Child Need Glasses
How to know when your child needs glasses.
Q: When is the right age for children to have a proper eye exam?
A: Dr. Super has examined children as young as newborns however we typically recommend that children come in for their first comprehensive eye exam around the time they’re starting school – say 4 or 5 years old.
Please note that a comprehensive eye exam is very different than the basic vision test your pediatrician might do. An optometrist like Dr. Super uses state of the art equipment to scan eyes for medical health in addition to being able to detect some learning disabilities, and to provide more accurate vision assessments.
Q: How long does the initial exam take?
A: An initial comprehensive eye exam typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. (more…)
What Every Parent Needs to Know in Case of an Emergency
Keep this number on speed dial on your phone.
By Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke
We’ve all been there: a great night out on the town, a few too many cocktails, and an accidental trip. The result? A cut on the face, a split lip, or a black eye. What is our first, knee-jerk response? Head to the Emergency Room, where long wait times, costly bills and a scar that looks like it was sewn up in the back garage await.
Or another common scenario: your small child running around the house like they’re Usain Bolt, only the finish line becomes the corner of a coffee table or a spill down the stairs. Again, the first response? Head to the ER. Isn’t it even MORE important in this scenario to have a well-hidden scar that won’t haunt them into their teen years? (more…)
Avoiding the Homework Battle
By Alexis White
We’ve spent the summer enjoying long days and late bedtimes, but as we move into the school year, we have to face a dreaded routine change. Getting our kids down earlier and making sure they’re up and at ‘em, fed, dressed and ready to conquer the day is plenty. On top of that, we have to fit in afterschool activities and of course…ugh…homework. While there are myriad views on the effectiveness and necessity of homework (particularly for young students), a stress-free nightly routine can help our kids understand how they learn best, which is a tool that they will use for the rest of their lives.
In fifteen years of working privately with students, I’ve realized that every child (like every adult) works differently. Some kids come home, sit right down, and finish their work—before they’ve had a snack or even “vegged” out. Others have to eat dinner before they can even look at a worksheet. The best way to avoid the homework “fight” is to: (more…)
Back-to-School shopping
Staycations Are Better Than Therapists
By Shirin Yadegar
Staycations in Los Angeles are awesome. Sometimes all you need is a night away from your house and your kids. A night on the town with your partner is magical for a marriage and less expensive than a therapist!
We recently stayed at the newly renovated Viceroy L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills for 24 hours of awesomeness! Complimentary champagne was served upon our arrival, which set the mood for a relaxing afternoon. The rooms are spacious, clean and super comfortable. (more…)
How to Prepare Your Kids for Going Back to School
By Nancy Macnamara, M.Ed.
Getting back to the routine and rigor of school after a summer break that’s been filled with relaxation and fun-in-the-sun activities can be quite an adjustment, even for those kids who love school. Change can be difficult, no matter how exciting and happy we are to be going through it. You can help ease some of the anxiety that comes with this change by taking steps to anticipate what will trigger uneasiness in your child as the first day of school approaches. (more…)
Guidelines for Internet Safety
LA MOM MAGAZINE interviews Sam Pemberton on keeping our kids safe online
By Sam Pemberton
Q: What are some of the best ways for parents to keep their kids safe online at home?
A: Talking to young people often and openly is the best way to help keep them safe online. Engage with them about what they do online and how they use digital resources – are they active on online forums, social media, or gaming sites? Take an interest in what sites and applications they enjoy using, and explore these sites and apps together. It’s important to be positive about this process and try not to overreact about any concerns you have so that you can open up a dialog with them. (more…)