The Evolution of the Metrodad

The celebration of the working mom became an essential topic of discussion, as women left their homes to pursue high profile careers. Women proved to the world that we could climb the corporate ladders while successfully raising happy families (and doing it in stilettoes too). However the evolution of the modern mom has stolen the limelight leaving the modern father in the shadows. 

It would be unfair not to acknowledge the changing role of fathers, especially in homes with the fully transformed working mom. Now I know there are a bunch of people who will be quick to argue the single-mom statistics, and the reality of the uninvolved dad is still very much a grave reality… but this is not where the debate is heading. This blog is for all those dedicated fathers who may find the parenting role to be somewhat sexist…. Yes I said it – Sexist! 

Flip through any parenting magazine, every image is that of mom-and-child. Online mothers can find loads of options for Mom-and-Tot classes, Mother forums, Mommy blogs and the list continues. Even a trip to the shopping centre, where Mommy-Parking has become the latest trend. Now don’t get me wrong, we love the mommy-parking, there is nothing worse than trying to get car seats and prams out from small parking spaces. But why are all the parking signs of MOMS with prams?

Just the other day, my partner in crime was a victim of some sexist behaviour. It all started with a simple trip to the shopping mall one Saturday. He was rolling solo with our daughter. First he bumps into a female friend who is excited to see the baby… on further investigation she is surprised to find out that mom is not present. Her complete shock subsides by saying “Oh, okay – so where is the nanny then?” Nanny? It’s a Saturday! This conversation ensues with him explaining that he REALLY is there alone, and it’s REALLY not a practical joke. It took some convincing before she actually believed that fathers could be left unsupervised with their kids. Matters were made worse when he was inside a store, and our daughter started to cry. Now crying is no phenomenon in a 4-month-olds day, but he was approached by a complete stranger to offer him some ‘female’ support. Because obviously a man has no idea to do with a crying child! He was mortified, and bewildered.

This made me think a lot about the evolution of the modern dad. It goes without saying that we would be furious if the working mom was disrespected, I mean can you imagine a male colleague saying “Shame, Do you need help with that report, sometimes you just need a man’s touch to get it right!!” Are we not creating a suitable fathering environment for dads, should dads not have more options, and should we not be doing more to highlight their challenges?  Not long ago the world embraced the metrosexual, women encouraged their men to moisturise and have the occasional manicure – and look the world did not fall apart. I think as moms and fellow parents we should start embracing the concept of the metrodad!

Aluta Continua Metrodads!  

                             

Spring Trend: Rompers for Girls

I am loving the romper look for girls this Spring. It's suitable for both older and younger girls, as styled below.Woolworthes SA has a few romper options, but struggling to find good kiddie stores in SA generally. 

   

Go Bokke!!

Zac Ethan Thal
(Photo Courtesy of: http://adamsphotodiary.blogspot.com/)

The World Cup Rugby has finally arrived, and I wanted to wish the Bokke Good Luck! Yes, Mommies can watch Rugby too! Above is a picture of the adorable little Thal in his Springbok gear... too cute!

Bambanani : Food & Family

 

Bambanani, Melville, Johannesburg

Kids Play Area

Yummy Food

Found a great spot in Johannesburg where parents and children can co-hangout. Was really most impressed that you sign your kids in and out of the restaurant (kinda like a car parking ticket) - very clever, gives you peace of mind that your kids are safe. 

venue	85 Fourth Ave Btw 7th and 6th street Mellville Gauteng
time	Monday we are closed. Tuesday - Friday: 9 am - 8 pm (kitchen closes) Saturdays and Sundays: 8am - 8pm (kitchen closes)
cost	Kiddies meals range from R15 to R40 Adult meals include tapas from R25 to bigger meals from R55.
age	From 0 - 13 years

  

Why parents love it:

Childminders for kids:

For small kids, Bambanani boasts a spectacular imported jungle gym located in a secure and covered play area as well as an outdoor section with kiddie-friendly apparatus. Both offer direct access to a lower and upper wooden deck, which are pram and wheel-chair-friendly. From here, moms and dads can keep an eye on their little ones. But the brilliance of Bambanani is such that they can take a breather as CPR-trained childminders are also on hand to let parents relax over a coffee, cake or delicious meal all to the backdrop of Balau wooden decks and Apricot trees. 

Playstation and Moive Room:

For older children, Playstation 2 and 3 are on offer in the Movie Room downstairs, which is manned by a minder for ease of mind. Movies, games and Foos Ball are the order of the day for older kids, as is live TV coverage of major sporting events. This means that families and friends can meet in Bambananis funky indoor space, designed in low-key bistro fashion in an open-plan and interactive to watch a match or race on one of two of Bambananis flat-screen TVs (anything else to be said about TVs?). Dads can shout for their favourite teams, moms can chat over coffee and cake or tuck into one of the range of magazines provided by Bambanani and kids can join in the festivities or play outside or catch a movie or some Playstation downstairs.

http://www.bambanani.biz/

Why We Love Sophie

This year Sophie turns 50... In our household we actually cannot go anywhere without her! She is our 4-month-old's favorite toy! She is a firm favorite amongst celebrity babies, in fact I first spotted her in an Episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashian's.

So in honor of Sophie's birthday, here are the reasons why we love her so much!

Sophie is handmade in France with 100% natural rubber and food quality paint. She is BPA- and phthalates free and completely safe for your baby.

Sight:
At the age of three months, a baby's eyesight is still limited and can only distinguish between strong contrasts. The attention-grabbing spots all over Sophie’s body provide visual stimulation and she soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object for your baby.

Hearing:
Sophie squeaks when pressed, keeping your baby amused and stimulating his hearing. In later months, this helps your baby understand the link between cause and effect.

Taste:
Sophie is made of 100% natural rubber and food quality paint and is completely safe to chew, just like a feeding bottle teat.

Touch:
Her soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs, etc.) make her perfect for soothing your baby's sore gums during teething.

Smell:
The scent of natural rubber makes Sophie very special and easy for your baby to identify amongst other toys.

Easy to grip:
Sophie's shape and size are perfect for your baby's small hands. She is very light and her long neck and legs are easy to grip, even from his earliest days.

www.sophiegiraffe.co.za/  

*Terms and Conditions Apply

Probably the most common question any new mother gets asked is “How does it feel to be a mom?” a question I must confess I asked new parents too. This question usually evokes an answer which involves a long dialogue from mom on how AMAZING it is, and how it’s such a blessing… blah blah blah. What most women are not telling you is that fine print attached to the priceless gift of having a child. What they are REALLY trying to tell you, is “I am a sleep deprived crazy person, who has no idea what I am doing, and I am say it’s amazing because I am hoping that at some point it will be.”

Okay, before you start judging me… I will honestly say being a mom is AMAZING*, all I am adding is that *terms and conditions apply. The reality is that no one would willingly apply to the job description of being a mother. The job specs would look a little something like this:

"Baby looking for a mother, no experience required. Must be able to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no overtime pay. Must be willing to be vomited, peed and pooped on. Performance reviews will be done daily, if not satisfied you will be cried at. Applicant must be self-motivated willing to multitask."

Yes please, sign me up (not)! I am still trying to understand why it is so taboo to admit the pitfalls of motherhood. You are instantly judged as the ‘bad mom’ for admitting that your children are less than perfect (I mean heaven forbid). I just think the Stepford Wives outlook on life has become out-dated.

A non-parent friend of mine commented that parents try to trick you with the NICE talk, this hooks you into the idea of having one, and then when your bundle of joy arrives… BOOM… they hit you with the CRAZY talk. All of a sudden their AMAZING child story turns into the “We had 6 months of colic with our first child!” followed by countless horror stories which leaves you asking yourself, if they are the same happy-go-lucky friends who bragged consistently about their kids. This leaves you wondering if you can return this ‘gift’ only to realise that once again the fine print doesn’t allow you to return children.  

So my message to all you non-parents is: YES being a mom is amazing, but terms and conditions apply. And to all you parents who are doing the honourable job of raising kids…you are not alone!