GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

We were so excited to announce the news recently that we are expecting our third child. My excited anticipation was tempered, however, when mere moments after our announcement I was overtaken by a wave of nausea that has continued for the last 12 weeks. With my first two children I did have moments of morning sickness (usually around 7 pm) but felt great for most of the day. This pregnancy has been a completely different story. I have literally been confined to my bed or the couch for the last three months only to begin feeling a bit of relief in the last week.

In my desperation I tried many, many remedies to help ease the constant discomfort- most suggested by friends who had tons of advice (usually taken from their mothers or grandmothers) about how to rid yourself of morning sickness. I have tried everything from ginger tablets, to pineapple juice and from drinking a gallon of water a day to eating spoonfuls of mustard. Unfortunately none of these remedies did anything for my nausea (except in some cases make it much worse).

One day an unexpected box arrived on my front porch containing three small boxes labeled Morning Sickness Soothers. By that point I was desperate for an answer so I decided to give these little guys a look. Morning Sickness Soothers are a soft, flexible piece containing natural essential oils that slips discreetly and comfortably into your nose. The idea is that the gentle smells can help ease the morning sickness that plagues many women.

I researched these little gems and decided after much review to give them a try. I have to say that in the short time that I used the first one I did feel a bit of a change. It didn’t relieve my discomfort completely (I am not sure that anything other than birth will do that) but it did give me a time of relief. It allowed me to be able to walk about without the constant need to rest and I truly felt rejuvenated in a way I hadn’t for all those weeks.

I love that Morning Sickness Soothers are all natural and drug free. They contain only one ingredient and that is flavored essential oils. There is no discomfort while wearing them and they truly are very discreet. I would recommend these to anyone struggling with difficult morning sickness or anyone who is sensitive to certain smells. I believe these would also be great during travel as often planes, trains and buses contain foul odors and these would be a great relief in those circumstances.

About Morning Sickness Soothers:

Morning Sickness Soothers… Soothing Relief With Every Breath!
If you are pregnant and suffering from morning sickness, nausea or sensitivity to smells you are not alone.

Finally there’s an answer! Introducing Morning Sickness Soothers, a revolutionary product that will amaze you…

Morning Sickness Soothers are specifically formulated to provide an all natural, drug-free way of easing morning sickness, nausea and sensitivity to smells.

A soft flexible piece containing natural aromatics slips discreetly and comfortably into the nose to help interrupt the nausea cycle and help counteract and neutralize undesirable odors.

Using patented technology, Morning Sickness Soothers deliver a constant, gentle infusion of natural mint or citrus aromas that serve to refresh and rejuvenate.

Ergonomically designed, Morning Sickness Soothers are virtually undetectable, so you can wear them anytime, anywhere.

So stop suffering and enjoy your pregnancy! Try Morning Sickness Soothers, you won’t believe your nose!

Buy It: You can purchase Morning Sickness Soothers on their website. For more information you can also follow them on facebook and twitter.

Win It: The great people who created Morning Sickness Soothers have generously donated  two boxes of Morning Sickness Soothers to one of our lucky readers. To enter:

• First mandatory entry- visit the Morning Sickness Soothers website, then come back and let us know which flavor you would like to try.
• Second additional entry- follow Morning Sickness Soothers on facebook or twitter. Leave us a comment including which you did and a valid email address.
• Third additional entry- follow Parent Reviewers on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Leave us a comment including your twitter id and the tweet url.
• Giveaway ends April 14th, 2011.
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only and a winner will be picked using Random.org. We will not be emailing winners, so please make sure you subscribe to our feed or check back here for the winner announcement post.

Good Luck!!

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Our selected team of reviewers recently had the priviledge to review two books, Entertain Like A Gentleman and Aurora Fee, thanks to New Year Publishing.

First off, Entertain Like A Gentleman, written by David Harap is one of those very much needed guidebook for men who are not as ”talented” when it comes to entertaining and cooking. The book starts off with Entertaining 101 which includes a list of 25 things to do to ensure a stress free entertaining. For those who are totally clueless in the kitchen, the book also provides an explanation of the basic tools in the kitchen ranging from food processor to mixing bowls to measuring scale as well as metric conversions. Trust me, these morsels of information may be pretty useful to some.

As far as the recipes are concerned, I am ashamed to admit that I have so much to learn from David Harap. I like the way the recipes are divided into different occassions, for example, Super Bowl/March Madness, Cheese and Wine Party, Pool Party, Double Date Night, Romantic Dinner (Spring/Summer) and Romantic Dinner (Fall/Winter), etc. My favourite of course was Cooking With Kiddos, which I would never have expected to be included in this book. Overall, the recipes are not what you would call simple and neither are they intimidating. I’m just a bit surprise that there aren’t any pictures to accompany the recipes which would have worked better.When it comes to recipes,  I’m one who believes that  a picture speaks a thousand words   If your man is showing hints of interest in the kitchen, this might be just the book to get him started.

Here’s what some of our reviewers thought of Entertain Like A Gentleman:

Confessions of an overworked mom – Now if your husband is like mine, you might expect this cookbook to be filled with recipes for buffalo wings, frozen pizza and chocolate chip cookies. You couldn’t be more wrong! The recipes in this book are going to put your cooking skills to shame. At least they’d put mine to shame. Just thinking about dates stuffed with blue cheese mousse and fennel and spinach strudel has my mouth watering!

Pookie and The Boys – Most men wish they had the ability to cook for their woman and give her the wow factor. Entertain Like a Gentleman by David Harap tries to give a little boost in the kitchen department for men. The thing is to remember this is for a gentleman, not a man. There are no recipes including a bottle of beer, and some of the recipes require up to a week of prep. The recipes have easy to read measurements and it seems that most ingredient choices are conveniently found in your local grocery. Instructions are detailed letting you know the “do ahead” and the actual “night of the dinner” steps for preparation.

Mom Most Traveled – Entertain Like a Gentleman has 75 original recipes appropriate for all types of themes; from Super Bowl parties to Scotch tastings to intimate dinner parties.

Recipes in Entertain Like a Gentleman use common and accessible ingredients, and you also get tips about how to make your evening flow…like butter.

Heavenly Savings – The recipes by David Harap are not your basic everyday recipes. Each dish looks and smells appetizing and the taste is to die for! You will be wining and dining your guests in no time with these timeless romantic recipes! There are also parts of the book that will help you know how to organize and set up your foods in the most spectacular and passionate ways!

Adventure in All Things Food – Mmm… all delicious recipes, and easy to make. These simple, yet elegant ideas will have your guests singing your praises! Each chapter has a full menu of ideas, a shopping list and equipment list for each recipe. Some chapters even have added suggestions for making your gathering more enjoyable. This book helps to plan everything out for the host or hostess. I have to say that I am always looking for ways to make entertaining go more smoothly.

Renaissance Culinaire – The recipes are written in an easy to understand fashion, intended to help aid in a less-stressful entertaining experience. Included in the book are shopping and equipment lists, with blank pages after every section to allow you to jot down thoughts or notes – making Entertain Like a Gentleman perfect for the cooking inept or the seasoned culinary traveler.

Happy Healthy Families – I know this book is aimed towards men, and yes, it is perfect for the man who needs some step by step guidance in the kitchen, but really, I think just about anyone would love reading it. There are tips and secrets throughout the book that will make even the most novice host feel ready to take on a party for family and friends!

Acting Balanced – I really like how the recipes are laid out – with the instructions first and the ingredients and equipment listed down the right hand side, with the ingredients listed like a shopping list – ingredient first, amount second. The tips are great too – for men or women – and help you to break down your entertainment planning and cooking chores into easy to accomplish steps. This book is all about being impressive without being difficult.

Mom of 2 Dancers – There is no stronger way to impress someone than by showcasing your culinary skills. Bachelor Chef and culinary instructor David Harap has created a series of menus that any man can make his own. This book helps men create unforgettable meals for their guests without stress or needing years of cooking school. In addition to many exciting recipes for every occasion, that are tons of tips and secrets on how to become the ultimate host. Memorable meals made easy.

Aurora Fee was written by Megan Barnes when she was just a high school senior. It tells the story of an ordinary  teenager with centuries old deep dark secret. The truth is, Aurora is no longer a human but a CAT to be exact. She could transform herself from a human into a cat, has the ability to read minds and is immortal. Aurora also has to be careful with her emotions which may result in different parts of her cat personality appearing out of the blue, such as happiness will trigger the appearance of the tail, embarrassment triggers the whiskers, etc.

Aurora Fee is definitely geared for the tweens to teens but as an adult, I did enjoy reading it too. The story involves typical teenage issues such as  high school, cliques, jealousy and romance. Aurora Fee kind of reminds me of James Patterson’s Daniel X.  As far as paranormal fiction goes, I give it the thumbs up and will definitely be looking forward to a sequel.

Read what our reviewers had to say about the Aurora Fee below:

The Sewing Mom – While Aurora has to contend with her shape shifting, she also contends with typical teenage issues, school, friends, and even love. All of these things cause angst and can peak emotions particularly in a teenager, so it’s even more of a challenge for someone who doesn’t want their cat ears giving them away! As the parent of a teenager, I found it easy to relate to the teenage issues in the book. I found some of the story to be a bit far fetched and naive, but overall, it is a very enjoyable book. I am very impressed that the author, Megan Barnes, was just 17 when she wrote the story and had it published. On that alone I recommend the book! I admire anyone that follows their dreams, but to do so at such a young age is absolutely a triumph!

Creative Writings 101 - Aurora suffers from normal teen feelings, wanting to be loved, and of course, the fear of being different. Something we all can relate to in one way or another. I was surprised to see that the writer of this book is only a teen herself, I think she did a great job and had a great handle on the emotions and experiences that teens face on a daily basis. This is a good book for a tween and/or teen to read, and fits the young adult paranormal genre perfectly.

Adventure in All Things Food – This was a fast read, and I am sure as a teenager I would have consumed it in one sitting. At 240 pages it is not a long read, but a perfect serving of feline adventure. I enjoyed that it was a great mixture between usual teen conflicts, and life and death action. It is a great story I would recommend for tween through teen readers, especially girls interested in paranormal fiction.

Happy Healthy Families -My daughter loved this book, and basically had it in her hands from the time she started reading it to the time she finished. Though shape shifting is a big part of the story, it also follows Aurora’s daily struggles being a teen and dealing with normal teen situations such as school, friends, falling in love, etc. This would be a perfect stocking stuffer for young teens and even pre-teens. My daughter gave it two thumbs up!

Acting Balanced – Aurora Fee is full of action and fun. The book is well written and I could possibly see a sequel. The only change to this book I would make is to add a prequel, but that might give away to much. I can’t believe that this book was written by a high school senior. I would recommend this book for anyone 11 and up.

Mom of 2 Dancers – Besides this being a great book, it a good read for most ages. I’d let my 9 year old daughter read it since it isn’t graphic, etc. It is probably geared more towards later tween years and teens. Plus of course, us adults that love young adult novels. I still can’t get over the other being in high school. Congrats to Miss Barnes for writing a fantastic novel. I hope to see a Aurora Fee become a series!

Maria’s Space -This is a young adult book and is written by a young adult. So, the dialogue is youthful and easy. This is a quick read and the characters aren’t very deep but in this very creative storyline, I give kudos to Megan for her shout outs for one of my favorite books. Obviously a Twi-hard like me, Aurora is looking for her “Edward”. Aurora and her boys (Kartik-Edward and Zane-Jacob) was very Twilightish. She is in love with two boys who will do anything for her yet, in the long run. She remains friends with Zane and chooses Kartik.

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GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

What started out as a device to communicate, the cell phone has evolved over the years and has become a style statement for its users. Every few months, one comes across the most high-tech and sleekest cell phones in the market but not everybody can afford to keep up with changing trends. Consumers are discovering innovative and fashionable ways to customize their cell phones with creative accessories. Gone are the days of those ugly big black cases that protected the cell phone but made it look bulkier than usual. From “skins” and faceplate designs to charms and Swarovski Crystals, you can find as many accessories for your mobile phone as you will find for yourself.

However, until now, cell phone accessories were designed as separate fashion pieces and not designed to actually function as a part of your everyday wardrobe. To solve this fashion faux pas, designer, Andrea Behar created Cellies™ a stylish stretch cuff bracelet that easily slips on your wrist that allows cell phone users to conveniently wear their phones, and not just carry them.

What are Cellies™?

Made from stretch power mesh, Cellies™ are a stylish solution designed to hold all wireless devices including cell phones, iPhones and Blackberries. Seamlessly fusing function and fashion, a convenient hands-free compartment securely holds your phone in place. The strong but transparent material provides viewers with touchable and visible access to their phones.

Cellies™ allow your hands to be completely free to drive safely, to work the office or house, be active, eat, workout, play sports – anything that you couldn’t do before while using your cell phone. Cellies™ are great for runners, snowboarders, cyclists, roller bladers, and people on the go. Cellies™ are for men, women, teens and sports enthusiasts. It allows them to carry their cell phone safely and securely without having to attach it to their belt or carry it in their pocket. Cellies™ also offer wearers instant access to their phones, credit cards, identification, business cards or even lip gloss without having to search through their handbag.

BUY IT : Retailing at only $35, Cellies are these To Die For gift for the young and trendy (and also the young at heart). There’s no denying that studs are a must-have this season. They add instant edge to everything from handbags to shoes. Urban-glam with Cellies™ allover studded detailing, facetted stones and grommet cuffs by Andrea Behar.

WIN IT : We know you all want one, so Cellies have generously sponsored one unit to giveaway to one of our reader. That could be you! Here’s what you need to do for a chance to win this giveaway:

• One Mandatory Entry- Head over to www.mycellies.com and tell us one fact about the designer of Cellies, Andrea Behar.
• Two Additional Entries- follow us on twitter and tweet this giveaway “Win  Arm Candi For Your Cell at Parentreviewers.com” once a day. Leave an additional comment including your twitter id and the tweet url. You can tweet on a daily basis.
• Three Additional Entries- Blog or share on Facebook about this great giveaway! It can be done on a daily basis too! Leave your blog URL or FB id.
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only.
• Giveaway ends on January 2nd, 2011 . and a winner will be picked using Random.org. We will not be emailing winners, so please make sure you subscribe to our feed or check back here for the winner announcement post.

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GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Here’s one for the moms out there. This is definitely THE NEW YEAR package you deserve to pamper yourself with. You can win these cool products just for YOU! Check out what they are:

1. The Winkee, created by entrepreneurs Patricia Calamari and Karla Kennedy, is the ultimate solution to plunging necklines. Combining the concept of a tank top layer with the added benefit of being removable, the Winkee is a revolutionary mock camisole which allows women to effortlessly cover up cleavage when they need to. Now you can switch from “day to night” seamlessly without having to change outfits completely! Placed over any bra with two straps, the Winkee offers optimal coverage without compromising style.

According to Patricia, “The Winkee is a must-have fashion accessory that solves every woman’s occasional need to have a multi-purpose outfit. From the jetsetter who simply wants to pack lighter, to today’s multi-tasking woman who wants to go from a day at the office to a night out on the town with friends, the Winkee has you covered – literally!”

The Winkee is easily attached to any bra with two straps in three easy steps:
1. Stick Winkee Dots on the inside of each of the three Winkee tabs
2. Wrap top side tabs around straps of bra
3. Wrap bottom tab under the middle of front of bra

In styles such as Romance, Rouched, and Sweetheart, all in various colors and patterns, there’s a Winkee to fit every occasion. Your “bosom buddy,” the Winkee offers an affordable way to maximize your outfits without compromising their design. The must-have accessory is available for purchase on www.thewinkee.com and is priced from only $17-$20.

2. Beautiful Skin Revealed by New York and Houston Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman

In an effort to separate fact from fiction, Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman, has co-authored the forthcoming book Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin. This comprehensive book offers an expert’s insider view on common skin conditions and treatments that really work, in addition to offering tips on how to maximize the time with your dermatologist. According to Dr. Friedman, “The book is grounded in science and explains why conditions occur. Using before and after photos and real patient testimonials, Beautiful Skin Revealed shows readers the incredible results made possible through the latest treatment options.” The book contains 12 chapters including sections on: Complexion, Acne, Wrinkles, , Rosacea, Birthmarks, Eyes, Leg Veins, Skin Cancer, Scars and Stretch Marks, General Dermatology, Products, and finally Choosing a Doctor. It is available for purchase at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

3. Kymaro Body Shaper – The Kymaro® New Body Shaper is the fastest and safest way to take off inches in all the important places where we can’t seem to lose the weight. Plus, these amazing undergarments smooth out the rolls and bulges, giving the simple look of a sleek and slender body.

Available from : www.ubuyez.com

Price: $39.95

4. KYMARO GLAMOUR EYES Eyelash Extension Kit – The eyelash extension craze actually started in Asia, its sweeping through Europe, and has just taken the USA by storm. Most of your favorite movie stars are already wearing them. But they are getting their eyelash extensions applied at a salon which can cost you over $500 and the whole process can take up to 2 hours. This can be a big hassle to fit these visits into your already busy schedule and lets not forget that it costs a small fortune. But don’t worry because Kymaro’s eyelash extensions are handmade and are professional quality and the cost of the whole kit is just a fraction of the price when applied at a salon!

Availability: www.ubuyez.com

Price: $39.95

To enter and win this wonderful pampering package fit for all moms, please check out the entry requirements below. Remember, there will only be ONE winner!

• ONE MANDATORY Entry – Tell us why you deserve to win these fabulous products.
• One Additonal Entry – If you’re a subscriber, please leave a comment to tell us that you are. If you’re not, be a subscriber here!
• Two Additional Entries- follow us on twitter and tweet this giveaway “Win The Ultimate Beauty & Fashion Products From Parent Reviewers” once a day. Make sure you link back to this post for a valid entry. Leave an additional comment including your twitter id and the tweet url. You can tweet on a daily basis.
• Three Additional Entries- Blog or share on Facebook about this great giveaway with a link back here . It can be done on a daily basis too! Leave your blog URL or FB id.
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only.
• Giveaway ends on December 30th, 2010. and a winner will be picked using Random.org. We will not be emailing winners, so please make sure you subscribe to our feed or check back here for the winner announcement post.

Good Luck!

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/2

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Her Interactive has recently added another Nancy Drew game, which is available for the Mac as well PC. I received my review copy via the downloadable purchase option which is available on Her Interactive’s website. Nancy Drew: Shadow at the Water’s Edge is the third of three Nancy Drew titles – to celebrate her 80th Anniversary this year. It’s definitely one of the scariest games amongst the ones I’ve tried out so far.

In this adventure, Nancy Drew travels to Japan for a vacation, to meet up with some old friends as well as teach young students English in order to fund her trip. While staying at a traditional Ryokan Hiei (inn), strange encounters seemed to point to the possibility that the inn was haunted. Reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activities were scaring guests away and our young sleuth decided to uncover the mystery behind the haunting.

The game starts with a choice of Junior or Senior Detective level which sets the level of difficulty. As with its predecessors, the point and click function enables the player to inspect clues, pick things up, explore the surroundings and select Nancy’s choice of interaction as well as respond to other characters in the game. Once more, Nancy’s cell phone plays an important role in the game as players can use it to take pictures and call Bess and George for advice when needed. There’s also the usual checklist to help the player keep track of things to do.

Similarities aside, Shadow at the Water’s Edge provided better quality graphics and more life like 3D characters than its last installment. The voice over and sound effects were just as good. I have to admit though, that some scenes were quite dark, which made it harder to see but I guess this was unavoidable due to the night time scenarios. If you are a person who enjoys learning about other country’s culture, then you will be delighted to know that this game gives player the opportunity to learn about origami, Japanese tea ceremonies, bento and calligraphy. Players also get to explore a wider environment in different areas around Kyoto, Japan via the subway system. I personally enjoyed the lovely and unique Japanese garden settings the most.

As far as solving the mystery is concerned, there are puzzles popping up all over and they feature a variety of matching games and number challenging Sudoku, Pachinko, Renograms and Nonograms. I seriously wonder if players who are weak in numbers would be turned away by them. But then again, perhaps those like me who enjoys number and logic puzzles may find them more appealing.

Shadow at the Water’s Edge does have some spooky scenes with eerie music which may not be suitable for the younger and more timid kids. However, as an adult, I enjoyed the horror story and the beautiful graphics was a definite plus. Overall, this is one gaming experience fans of Nancy Drew would not want to miss.

BUY IT : You can buy the downloadable version, boxed game via http://www.herinteractive.com or even call 1-800-461-8787 to order your copy of Shadow at the Water’s Edge.

WIN IT : Thanks to the good folks at Her Interactive, we are giving away a boxed game of the above title valued at $19.99 to ONE very lucky reader. Now, here’s how you can enter for a chance to win this giveaway:

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GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Moore Unique Skin Care was created and patented by Houston-based dermatologist Dr. Milton Moore after feeling a void in the market for shaving products. He set out to create a product that delivered the smoothest, longest lasting results on any area of the body for use by men and women alike. Dr. Moore began inventing and patenting a line of skincare products made to treat PFB (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae), more commonly known as ingrown hairs.

BUY IT : Moore Unique Skin Care products are available for purchase through www.mooreunique.com and at select Walgreens locations Nationwide.

WIN THEM : Here’s an opportunity to pamper yourself this Christmas. Thanks to Moore Unique Skin Care, we are giving away the fabulous items below to one lucky reader of Parent Reviewers:

Shaving Solutions

Silky Hydroglide: The first product by Moore Unique made specifically for women, Silky Hydroglide lubricates, moisturizes, and treats dry and irritated skin, for the closest nick-free shave possible. It is great for use on the legs, underarms and bikini line and prevents razor burn, rash and bumps making it ideal for sensitive skin. Silky Hydroglide can be used both as a shave gel and an after shaving lotion to regenerate healthy, smooth skin. Price: $7.99

Razor Rash Relief: The revolutionary, patented cream treatment soothes skin after shaving and, with proper and consistent use, prevents future razor burn, rash, and PFB (shaving bumps caused by ingrown hairs). Formulated with anti-bacterial salicylic acid and micro-molecular technology, this emollient smoothes the skin surface, softens the hair to be shaved, and prevents new growth hair from turning back into the skin. Treats razor burn, sensitive skin, and ingrown hairs. Price: $12.99

Multitasking Products for the Face & Body

Clear Skin Acne Wash: Potent yet gentle formula containing emulsifying, deep cleansing colloidal sulphur and anti-bacterial salicylic acid to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells, clean pores, reduce oil, and clear acne on face and body. Treats acne, whiteheads and blackheads, oily skin, clogged pores. Price: $7.99

Body Scrub Lotion: This cool and refreshing emollient Body Scrub Lotion has natural grains that clear away dry skin cells for smoother feeling skin. Includes invigorating ingredients that exfoliate rough, dry skin and help regenerate new cell growth. Price: $12.99

Hydrate Facial & Body Wash: Formulated especially for sensitive skin. Mildly exfoliates while gently cleansing, moisturizing, and reducing the signs of aging. Excellent for relieving eczema, rashes, and mild to moderate acne. Price: $8.99

Bath, Body and Hair Oil: Lock in moisture! A mineral rich moisturizer for dry skin and hair. Targeted to men and women with severe dry skin and dry scalp as well as dry, brittle, chemically treated hair conditions. This all-in-one moisture treatment can be used daily during the bath to replenish moisture to the skin. The bath oil has a dual purpose since it can be applied to hair to prevent it from being dry and brittle. It adds lustrous shine to hair. For those with more severe dry skin conditions, prepare skin with Hydroglide™, and then apply Bath-body and Hair Oil. 8.0 oz. Price: $7.99

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE ABOVE PACKAGE OF PRODUCTS:

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Whenever a child is missing and foul play suspected, stepmothers collectively breathe a sigh of concern, hoping that a stepmother is not involved. They worry that both the media and everyone else will immediately go to the default stereotype that stepmothers are evil and wicked, and responsible for the child’s disappearance.

The stereotype that stepmothers are wicked has existed for thousands of years, popularized by “Cinderella,” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” fairy tales collected by the Grimm brothers. These folktales serve a greater function than merely entertain children; they reinforce the moral lessons that a society wants its members to learn. Unfortunately, the message that stepmothers are “the bad guys” still persists in the 21st century, despite the fact that there are approximately 15 million stepmothers with stepchildren under the age of 18 in the U.S. When adult children are included in these estimates, there may be as many as 36 million stepmothers. How can so many women be wicked?

Stepmothers come in all shapes and sizes, with different personalities. The vast majority of whom are loving, kind, and compassionate to their stepchildren yet the stereotype still persists. And, stereotypes matter. Unconsciously, they oftentimes influence us to hold beliefs and make decisions based on inaccurate information. If people believe stepmothers are wicked, they will treat them poorly. Too many stepmothers end up exhausted by, and depressed from trying to repair their misimpression others have of them. Here are a few tips to overcome the stepmother stereotype:

1. Focus on the young: The stepmother stereotype is inculcated in small children from the moment they can understand the stories being read to them. One way to overcome the stigma associated with stepmothers is if parents would take the time after reading Cinderella to their children to explain to them that most stepmothers are loving and kind. Even though Cinderella’s stepmother was cruel, not all stepmothers are bad. Parents might then give their children some examples of good stepmothers whom their children know to contrast Cinderella’s wicked one. This would balance out the negative image to a more neutral one.

2. Self examination: Do you perceive stepmothers in a negative light? Try an experiment to find out if you see stepmothers negatively by becoming conscious of the times you think of one. Are the adjectives you use negative (such as wicked, evil, mean, horrid), or positive (such as loving or kind)? If you are like most people, you will notice that you think of stepmothers negatively. What you think has a tremendous influence on your behavior and beliefs. By changing your negative view of stepmothers to either a positive one or a neutral one, you ensure that you do not prejudge stepmothers unfairly. Rather, you treat them fairly, something we all deserve.

3. Stop offensive stepmother remarks: It’s inappropriate for anyone to use a derogatory term for a member of any ethnic group. Jokes that poke fun at certain races or nationalities may seem harmless, but they covertly reinforce stereotypes that compartmentalize, and inaccurately define, who a person may be. This is true for stepmothers as well, so don’t allow others to use derogatory adjectives when describing stepmothers in your presence. Tolerating contemptuous and ignorant remarks about stepmothers is unacceptable, and can damage their self-esteem, even when the thoughts are expressed as a form of humor or endearment. You might consider saying, “I know you don’t mean any harm, but that comment is offensive to me because it perpetuates a stereotype about stepmothers.”

4. Eliminate over-functioning by stepmothers: Indoctrinated by the same cultural stigma as everyone else, many stepmothers try to compensate for the “wicked stepmother” stereotype by over-functioning. They take on greater responsibilities in their stepfamilies to make up for any deficiencies others may perceive. They work hard to prove that they are different, that negative stereotypes do not apply to them. When any of us try too hard to overcome a label attributed to us, we tend to become anxious which interferes with our efforts to succeed. In fact, they may even serve to perpetuate these stereotypes. Instead of wasting time and energy trying to prove to family members and friends they are kind and loving, stepmothers should breathe deeply, relax, and focus on accepting they are “good enough” exactly as they are.

5. Stand tall, stepmothers: To avoid being judged and criticized by others, too many stepmothers try to be invisible, and won’t share their frustrations with this most challenging role to family and friends. They end up feeling isolated and lonely even when surrounded by others. Stepmothers have nothing to be ashamed of. Their struggles are not personal; they are endemic to stepfamilies from the effects of divorce, and the insidious nature of the stepmother stereotype. Stepmothers can be helped by reaching out to others who are going through something similar by joining a stepmother support group, either in one’s community or online. Peer support groups provide guidance and encouragement to stepmothers, as well as serve another important function. They can be part of the process to overcome the stepmother stereotype. When stepmothers help each other improve their self-esteem, they can recognize and embrace their contribution to their stepfamilies. their pride can counteract the negativity of the stepmother stereotype. A collective voice is more powerful than a silent one, and can accomplish major changes.

Many other groups have succeeded to overcome the unfair stereotype attributed to them. Let’s all work together to finally banish the stepmother stereotype!

About The Author

Rachelle Katz, Ed.D. is a psychotherapist with 25 years in private practice in New York City. She is the author of The Happy Stepmother, self-help guide for stepmothers. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as an addictions specialist, certified in alcoholism and substance abuse counseling. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Clark University, her M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College, her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research, and her doctorate in Family and Community Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association.

Since May 2004, Rachelle owns and moderates www.stepsforstepmothers.com, a website designed for stepmothers to provide support, advice, and encouragement to each other. She also leads a monthly support group for stepmothers in New York City. She has been married for 19 years, and has a 23-year-old stepdaughter.

I just got back from an 8 hour plane flight, with three kids (2, 4 and 7) and 60kg of luggage, by myself. Not only that, I managed to watch 3 movies, eat the meals and enjoy myself. The best thing was, the 2 year old did not scream or yell (unlike the first time we went, where he screamed non-stop for 2 hours) and instead, entertained himself and the other passengers. To be honest, as I was planning for our 19 days trip, everyone asked if it would be alright, traveling with kids. Well, to be honest, the best answer to that is to not to have any expectations on how your kids will behave. They will not sleep if you want them to. And they will sleep when you least expect them to. I gave myself a big pat on my shoulder, and for remembering to take double of my anxiety relaxant pills.

However, if I had read “Wanderlust and Lipstick – Traveling with Kids” by Leslie Forsberg and Michelle Duffy, it may have given me more ideas on how to relax even further!

“Wanderlust and Lipstick – Traveling with Kids” is a collection of real-life experiences by moms who travel with kids. By travel, it could mean interstate or international. It doesn’t matter. What really matters, is your sanity and maintaining it. Reading this book WILL. HELP. YOU.

It covers from pre-travel (yes, even if you’re just thinking about it) right up to post-travel, where it mentions recovery from jet-lag. It includes an extensive list of websites, which is pretty handy since it’s all laid out in one book! While alot of us moms just worry about the logistics, the food and water supplies, we often forget about the enriching experiences our kids go through. Like just letting them play and make friends with the local kids, is enough to fill their memory banks for a lifetime. The book is peppered with “hot tips” for short trips that are 1 hour drive away or super long ‘around the world’ trips!

About Wanderlust and lipstick :

Our mission is to increase your passion for travel by providing inspiration, tips and words of wisdom from experienced Wanderlusters who’ve seen it all! Here you can find travel stories to whet your appetite for adventures around the globe; join a WanderTour to Bhutan or India; peruse posts from the ever expanding group of WanderBloggers; read travel tips from experienced globetrotters; learn about Wanderlust and Lipstick-recommended travel gear; and salivate over the glorious photos in the WanderGallery submitted by travelers the world over.

More about the co-authors : Leslie Forsberg and Michelle Duffy, please go here!

Buy It! The Wanderlust and Lipstick series is specifically targeted to women, and I only wish I had known about it earlier. I have so many girlfriends who have the ‘wanderlust’ in them, and have traveled far and wide, and this would have made perfect gifts for them. Series include :

• The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo – 2nd Edition
• For Women Traveling to India

These books are available at the Wanderlustandlipstick website and also at Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/0