We try to keep abreast of the latest safety recalls by monitoring http://www.safekids.org. Here are the latest:

08/15/14 USDA: Whole Foods Markets in Massachusetts are voluntarily recalling ground beef products due to possible contamination with E.coli.

08/14/14 CPSC: Arctic Cat is voluntarily recalling snowmobiles because the fuel can leak from the fuel line assembly, posing a fire hazard. Units: 3,260

08/14/14 CPSC: Vornado Air is voluntarily recalling electric space heaters because they can overheat, melt, and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards. Units: 79,000

08/13/14 CPSC: ESL and Interlogix are voluntarily recalling hard-wired smoke alarms because radio frequency interference can cause the alarms to fail to alert consumers of a fire. Units: 154,000

08/12/14 USDA: Perdue and its subsidiary Applegateare voluntarily recalling frozen chicken nuggets because they may be contaminated with small plastic pieces, posing a hazard to consumers.

08/12/14 CPSC: JCP Equestrian is voluntarily recalling HDR stirrup leathers because the leather can crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the rider. Units: 1,200

08/12/14 CPSC: CoScentrix is voluntarily recalling candles in metal tins sold at Hobby Lobby because the candle’s flame can ignite the surface of the wax and coating of the tin, posing a fire hazard. Units: 126,000

08/07/14 CPSC: Lea Industries is voluntarily recalling lighted night stands because the light fixture under the night stand may overheat and scorch a carpet, posing a burn hazard. Units: 520

08/07/14 CPSC: L.L. Bean is voluntarily recalling children’s sweaters because an extra button sewn on the inside tag may detach, posing a choking hazard. Units: 5,300

08/06/14 USDA: Zemco Industries Inc. is voluntarily recalling smoked sausages due to misbranding and undeclared soy, posing a possible allergen hazard to consumers.

08/06/14 CPSC: Vizio is voluntarily recalling 39- and 42-inch flat panel televisions because the stand assembly can fail and cause the television to tip over, posing an impact hazard. Units: 245,000

08/04/14 FDA: Seoul Shik Poom Inc. is voluntarily recalling ice cream bars due to undeclared eggs, posing a possible allergen hazard.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/recall/august-2014-childrens-products-safety-recalls#sthash.RTAW9H36.dpuf

This phrase sums up my last two months of Mamahood with my beautiful daughter. She turned two and things changed. Top three traits:

1. Opinionated - She has a opinion about everything. It's her way or else.
2. LOUD - She screams MAMA in stores when I'm in her eyesight.
   
3. Articulate - She speaks in full sentences and expects a response

How do you deal with a bold toddler when working, cleaning, cooking, driving & maintaining sanity?


I'm navigating through this stage with coffee. I ignore what I can and diffuse what I can't. We discuss options, which has bitten me in the butt. Especially at dinnertime. I'll ask if she wants chicken, expecting the one year old answer, and get "how about pasta, Mom." Or the popular, "maybe I'll have yogurt". I've added short order cook to my resume along with nurse and chauffeur.

Which brings me to the first insult I've received from my one and only. We were running errands in one hundred degree weather - and picked up my mother for lunch. My darling tot says "Mommy can't drive"  then proceeds with "Mima can't drive". Thus, insulting the entire car in 5 seconds.

I politely explained that she can't drive, which is why Mommy is driving. She apologized immediately (fantasy). She continued repeating "Mommy can't drive" (reality) - until we reached our destination.

Since that day, I've been physically pushed, slapped and kicked during tantrums and moments of anger. Poor Dad tries to save me but she ignores his demands like a teenage girl whose cell phone was taken. We sigh in unison. Then,  I read articles on how to manage toddler rage - while tweeting about her antics.

So the questions remains -

How do you deal with a bold toddler when working, cleaning, cooking, driving & maintaining sanity?

With Father’s Day around the corner, I wanted to shine a light on daddy’s role in the psychology of motherhood. We can’t escape that a woman’s role as a parent is different than a man’s role. Sometimes as moms, we see it as a blessing and a curse. Sure, we are typically the “go to” parent to find hidden rain boots, solve problems, remember dentist appointments, and bring boxes of tissue for the classroom.

But there is a point where we get so enveloped in this role that we form a concept of “it can’t get done without me”, and if daddy was left to things all hell would break loose. This can lead to hoarding tasks and eventually over extending yourself. Eventually, you are hardly getting things done and building resentment towards dad (“He has no idea what I go through” and “He wouldn’t make it a day in my shoes”).

This is counterproductive to your initial dream of “supermom” – now you are “barely hanging on mom” and “I can’t stand your father, mom”). The truth is that he can probably take care of things, but why should he when you do, or when he does, you complain or redo it yourself? Think about it , if you went to a work conference for a week, or were in the hospital with baby #2  – I’m sure he wouldn’t forget to feed, bathe, clothe, and care for his child. Let go of your daddy duty fears and allow him to help, because although he might not 'do it like mommy', your child(ren) will be okay. So what if little Jacob had dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner – no harm, no foul, right?

What we must remember is that Moms are awesome, and so are Dads. They are here to be our partners; which means,  they can reap the benefits of our children's overflowing love as well. They might not be able to orchestrate everything the way we prefer, but just remember - the love is the same. The good intent is the same. It's the  techniques that differ.

This Father’s Day, don’t just tell him thank you for being a good dad – make sure to say thank you for being my partner in crime!   

Our Guest Blogger, Cherrell Thomas, is a professional counselor, licensed by the state of Georgia and certified by the national board of counselors. With over 7 years in the field, Cherrell has experience in multiple areas of mental health. Through her private practice, HELPFUL THERAPY CENTER LLC, she promotes the power of inner resiliency and encourages her clients to define their own "happy". However, she may have met her match in her three year old daughter who is teaching her everyday about life, parenting, and the struggle for sanity.

Follow along as we uncover the myths in a candid conversation, only a Mama can identify.