Although New Year's Eve is typically considered a holiday for the grown-ups, celebrating with your kids can be such a blast! We've got some fun ideas for ringing in the new year with your kids.
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Ring in the New Year together
Although New Year's Eve is typically considered a holiday for the grown-ups, celebrating with your kids can be such a blast! Here are some fun ideas for ringing in the new year with your kids, including party ideas, fun crafts and ways to celebrate without keeping them up until midnight.
Change your time zone
There's no doubt that the best and most festive way to celebrate the arrival of the new year is watching the ball drop in Times Square in New York City, but we all know that keeping little ones up until midnight will make for a very rough start to the new year! Luckily for families on the West Coast, the major news stations air coverage from Times Square at 9 p.m. EST, so families can join in on the fun without having to stay awake so late.
Break out the glitter
Use today to take down your Christmas decorations — if you haven't already — and put up some New Year's Eve decor! Cover plain party hats with glitter by spraying them with spray glue and then letting the kids go to town sprinkling glitter on them . Prepare for the big countdown by making paper poppers that can be filled with confetti — use a toilet paper roll and wrap it in a couple sheets of tissue paper, closing the ends with curling ribbon.
Make a time capsule
You don't have to dig a hole in the backyard to create a memorable time capsule with your kids. In fact, this can easily become a fun and special New Year's tradition for your family! Print out a survey that every family member needs to complete, with questions such as these: What's your favorite food right now? What is the best thing you did this year? Include the survey and a photograph of each family member and put them all in a special box. Add to the time capsule each year with the same survey of questions. It will be so fun to read from year to year and even five or 10 years down the road!
Throw a family-friendly bash
Remember all those friends that you used to spend New Year's Eve with, pre-kids? Well, now that you're all in the same parenting boat, there's no reason why you still can't get together to celebrate the new year! Invite them all over with their kids and throw a big, family-friendly New Year's Eve bash, complete with champagne... and juice boxes. Tell your friends to bring pajamas for the kids and set up movies, popcorn and sleeping bags for the little ones so that everyone can stay as late as possible.
Get inspired
The simplest but also the most memorable thing you can do with your kids on New Year's Eve is to sit down as a family and make a plan for the year to come. Get a big piece of poster board and go crazy brainstorming things you want to do as a family, places you want to travel, projects to conquer and goals to accomplish.
Finding balance between motherhood and work and life can sometimes feel impossible . But the key isn't to try to become the ultimate juggler who successfully has umpteen balls in the air at any given time. The key is to find what works best for you.
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Perfect your balancing act in 2013
Finding balance between motherhood and work and life can sometimes feel impossible .
But the key isn't to try to become the ultimate juggler who successfully has umpteen balls in the air at any given time. The key is to find what works best for you.
To really nail balance this year, it's all about redefining, rethinking and reconsidering everything you thought you knew about what balance really means.
Redefine the meaning of quality time with your kids
The whole idea of giving your kids your undivided attention is, of course, important, but it's not always practical or necessary. Sometimes, it can be enough that you are present in the same room with them. Or, according to Helen Ryan, mother and author, you can maximize your time together while doing other things.
Drive and talk: "Driving is a great opportunity to talk to our kids. Don't answer your cell, don't let them answer theirs or text, don't let them watch TV. Even if it's just a five-minute commute. Every moment adds up."
Cooking and homework: "Have them do homework near or in the kitchen so you can chat while preparing dinner. They can ask you questions; you can ask about their day."
Let them interrupt your work:"When my kids were little, I found that they would keep interrupting my work all the time. I finally realized that if I gave them 10 full minutes of attention they would be happy to go play for a while after instead of interrupting me a billion times. Although it was hard for me to pull myself away from a project, 10 minutes would not make or break my day as much as repeated interruptions would," adds Ryan.
Rethink how many of your child's events you'll attend
Your head swims when you look at your family's calendar. You've got your daughter's basketball game and your son's band recital. Then there are plans to get a drink with your best friend — that you've penciled in. And this is all supposed to happen on the same night.
Would you ever consider skipping your children's activities and putting those drink plans in pen? Author and parenting coach, Richard Horowitz says you should. "Being an involved parent does not mean that you have to attend every soccer game, baseball practice, etc. Children need to learn that sports and activities are for their benefit, not for the entertainment of parents. Involvement means supporting their efforts without hovering."
Of course you've heard this one before. But there's a reason it's repeated over and over when it comes to a mom's struggle with balance. It's important. But perhaps one of the reasons it's so hard to achieve is because women feel this time has to be significant to be worth it.
Changing your definition of how long "me time" should last is the first step. Why not work out even if you only have 15 minutes? Read a book, even if you only have 10 minutes before bed. Take a walk, even if you can only circle the block once.
Writer, health educator and mom Sarah Clachar says the secret to fitness and sanity is sneaking a moment in. Ironically, it's her kids who taught her this. "They'll impulsively skip for a block or jump at a moment's notice. I sneak in a little jump rope, calisthenics or maybe a game of tag or dancing to the radio whenever I can. It's a great energizer and destresser."
It's inevitable: From the second you share that you're pregnant, you're bombarded with unsolicited advice — from in-laws to complete strangers, everyone has an opinion. With a few tips and a sense of humor, you'll be able to navigate nine months of unsolicited opinions, old wives' tales and even the most absurd advice with your sanity intact!
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It's inevitable: From the second you share that you're pregnant, you're bombarded with unsolicited advice — from in-laws to mom friends to complete strangers, everyone has an opinion.
9 Months of advice
With a few tips and a sense of humor, you'll be able to navigate nine months of unsolicited opinions, old wives' tales and even the most absurd advice with your sanity intact!
Doctor blame-game
If you're overwhelmed with old wives’ tales and aren't up to listening to a theory about how your baby can steal your beauty if it's a girl, or you need to dodge a risky morning sickness remedy from a well-meaning grandmother, "My obstetrician says... " is always a good place to start. When all else fails, blame it on the doctor. It's an easy out, and it reminds everyone that you do have an expert advising you.
Mum's the word
If your birthing method, your position on vaccines or other decisions that you're making for you and your baby are at odds with your in-laws' opinions, sometimes it's just better not to engage with them over it. While it's tempting to try and educate them about why you're choosing to have a home birth or are opting not to circumcise, consider staying quiet and saving your sanity. If you're never going to see eye-to-eye on a controversial pregnancy or childbirth topic, it's better to avoid conflict and keep a few things to yourself.
Stranger intervention
A smile and a nod as you move along, or a simple "interesting" can help you diffuse well-meaning but often-annoying strangers who seem to be drawn to pregnant women like magnets. If you find yourself stuck in a store line with them or can't easily walk away, try the stranger advice trifecta: smile, nod then distract. Acknowledge them with a quick smile and nod, then hop on the phone, grab a check-stand magazine to read, or quickly find another distraction. If you're the non-confrontational type, this is a great way to say thanks, but no thanks.
Agree, until the novelty wears off
While most people genuinely feel they're doing you a service, or simply enjoy reliving their pregnancy experiences by sharing them with you, some people love to give advice because it makes them feel like an expert. They'll take every opportunity to educate you, and the only way to put an end to it is to agree with them until the novelty wears off. When you encounter these advice-givers, try agreeing with, “Yep. You're absolutely right,” or, “Agreed. My doctor told me that very thing this morning.” If you have nothing new to learn from them, they'll ultimately move on.
Look but don't touch
Whether it's extended family or complete strangers, advice-givers tend to have one thing in common: They often like to get up close and personal while they dish out their opinions. More often than not, that means going straight for a belly rub. Physical contact is one area you might be compelled to draw a hard line on with a knee-jerk, "Don't touch." If you're not the just-say-no type, try a quick block with the hand partnered with, "You don't want to do that. My morning sickness kicked into high gear today and I'm this close to losing it again." Then, smile as they suddenly find it in themselves to respect your personal space.
Spend New Year's Eve with your little ones this year! Sure, it's not the same as hanging out at the coolest club or hitting the hottest party in town — but you can still have fun while ushering in the new year with toddlers and young kids.
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Spend New Year's Eve with your little ones this year!
New Year's Eve with kids
Sure, it's not the same as hanging out at the coolest club or hitting the hottest party in town — but you can still have fun while ushering in the new year with toddlers and young kids.
Re-set the clock
Do your kids generally go to sleep at 7 or 8 p.m.? Don't make the little ones have to strain to stay up until midnight. Instead, set your clock forward a couple of hours so that they can still celebrate at mock midnight — they don't have to know it's early.
Head to the kitchen
Cooking with kids is always fun. In the hours leading up to midnight, you can bake cookies, prepare chips and dips, or put together a special meal. Make something special to ring in the new year — you may be starting a new annual tradition.
Toast with sparkling cider
At midnight, pour a round of sparkling cider into plastic champagne glasses. Toast the new year with your kids and reflect on all your blessings from the last year. Turn up the music, give everyone noisemakers and, if you don't mind the mess, allow your kids to throw confetti. What's a little bit of clean-up when you're making memories?
Dress up in style
Forget the ordinary party hats — put on your best dress and encourage your kids to dress up in style. Boys can wear bow ties, vests and Daddy's fedora, while your little girls can put on Mommy's heels, jewelry and bright red lipstick. Kids love dressing up, so get fancy to ring in the new year. Make sure to take plenty of pictures to savor the moment in the future.
New Year's Eve is a great time for crafting and scrapbooking. Have your kids help put together an album or memory book of all the fun activities and events your family experienced in the last year. Include pictures, drawings and ideas from each family member, no matter how little. Make a new book every year on New Year's Eve — you'll treasure them for years to come, particularly when your nest is empty.
You might want to have a special dinner with your kids, celebrate at mock midnight, and then have a babysitter put them to bed while you go out on the town with your hubby. Though that's a great idea — date night is always fun with your partner — you can also spend the whole night at home with your kids by hosting a family slumber party. Break out the sleeping bags or pitch a tent in the living room. Roast marshmallows on the fireplace, pop popcorn and watch your favorite movies on DVD. If you are having a slumber party in the living room or family room, your younger kids can fall asleep whenever they get tired, while the older ones can stay up a little later.
Modern baby gear makes the daily tasks of parenting a little bit easier. These top picks from 2012 will make you wonder how anyone ever got by without them. Add these to your list of must-have baby gear and gadgets.
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Quinny Zapp Xtra stroller
Moms who want to use a lightweight stroller and an infant carrier have very little to choose from. The Quinny Zapp Xtra is a lightweight stroller that folds to nearly nothing and works from newborns to kids up to 50 pounds. Unlike most lightweight strollers, the seat can be used forward or rear-facing and fully reclines either way. As an added bonus, it can be used with the popular Maxi-Cosi infant seat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a cup holder, but you can buy one as an add-on.
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Beaba Pro 2X baby food maker
If you want to make your own baby food, nothing makes it easier than this innovative kitchen appliance. The newest version of the popular Beaba Babycook steams, blends and reheats baby food in 15 minutes or less. You can make over nine cups of baby food at a time, using your own fresh ingredients and fruit and vegetable blends. The system allows you to control consistency, making this an appliance that will take you from the earliest solids through toddler days.
Designed by a mom who wanted to make babywearing comfortable and stylish, Beco baby carriers are ergonomic and ultra easy to use. The new Beco Gemini distributes weight for maximum comfort and features quality fabric in unique designs that stand out from your standard black and tan baby carriers. Made in the U.S., Beco carriers are a favorite among seasoned baby wearers who need something with a little more structure than a wrap. Available in 10 colors, the Gemini will quickly become part of your essential baby gear stash.
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4Moms mamaRoo bouncer
When it hit the market, the mamaRoo made a big splash. This year, 4moms released an updated model. The mamaRoo sways back and forth and bounces up and down, moving the way you move when you’re soothing and carrying your baby. Super high tech, this cool baby bouncer plays built-in nature sounds or music from your MP3 player. The updated version moves more smoothly and quickly and comes in brand new vibrant fashions. The soft, plush seat can be removed and cleaned after inevitable spit-up and diaper mishaps.
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Skip Hop Complete Sheets
The new Skip Hop Complete Sheets are so stylish and innovative, it’s hard to believe no one thought of this before. With crib bumpers becoming obsolete, these adorable new sheets feature a contrasting pattern around the outside that resembles a crib bumper when seen through the slats of the crib. The seven available prints feature modern design and bright colors that get away from tired pastels. Super cute.
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Peg Perego Siesta high chair
The stylish, sleek Peg Perego Siesta adjusts with your baby, reclining for feeding little ones and adjusting for growing legs. It's a sturdy but lightweight high chair, making it easy to move around your house. And who hasn't dragged a high chair from room to room? This chair is ultra easy to fold, so even though it's chic enough to leave in your dining room, you can fold it away for more space as needed.
As the blogosphere evolves and grows, it gets harder and harder to stand out. These eight mom bloggers continually engaged us in 2012 and brought unique insights into the experience of being a mother.
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1
AskMoxie
Magda Pecsenye of AskMoxie has a rare talent for troubleshooting. She’s also experienced a lot of living, from being a married stay-at-home mom to a divorced work-at-home mom. Magda’s posts range from advice columns to open calls for venting and commiserating. She helps other moms with issues like weaning, potty training and tantrums. Accessible and friendly on Twitter, Magda is a true resource to the blogging community. We love Magda’s spirit of giving.
2
Mama's Losin' It
At Mama’s Losin’ It, former English teacher Kathy looks at parenting from a humorous point of view. Known as Mama Kat to her readers and friends, Kathy takes on the ups and downs of motherhood and pokes some good-natured fun at trends in the mom blogosphere. Her latest post on the epidemic of chalkboard paint isn’t just funny, it also functions as a writing prompt to inspire other bloggers. We love the way Kat fosters a sense of camaraderie.
3
Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Reading Mir Kamin’s blog, Woulda Coulda Shoulda, feels like returning to an old friend every time you drop by. Opening up on difficult topics like divorce, mental illness and autism, Mir shares her stories with eloquence and quiet honesty. While dealing with crisis situations, Mir manages to maintain a grounded and oftentimes humorous look at life. Her blogging approach focuses on experience and writing, making it a rare gem in the frenetic blogosphere.
4
Mom101
There’s a reason Liz Gumbinner's blog Mom101 remains at the top of the mom blogosphere year after year. Liz balances a great many things in her life and on her blog, from work and parenting to humor and gravity. She recently worked with One Moms and blogged about her travels to Ethiopia. Liz takes on issues that are important to many readers, offering a perspective that rings far truer than what one might find on a traditional media outlet. We love Liz’s blend of snark and compassion.
5
Mom Generations
For many women, it takes becoming a parent to truly understand all the effort, love and heartache that went into being raised. Mom Generations is a blog that combines the parenting experiences of two generations of women with glamorous tips and tricks that inspire. Sisters Jane Govednik, Audrey McClelland and mom Sharon Couto team up to bring Mom Generations to life. We love the stylish fashion reports from these glamour mamas.
6
Blacktating
Elita Kalma, mom of two, shares breastfeeding activism and news as well as her personal accounts of parenting on her longstanding blog, Blacktating. She has a unique voice and takes a look at attachment parenting, extended nursing, green living, breastfeeding advocacy and race issues with a no-nonsense approach. Blacktating commonly features inspiring photos of women feeding their babies. We love Elita’s dedication to providing women with breastfeeding tools and education.
Over the years, humor blogger Brittany Gibbons has undergone major changes in the public eye. As her blog Barefoot Foodie became more popular, she began building a career as a writer and social media personality. Rebranded as Brittany, Herself, she has become an outspoken voice for positive body image and co-founded the successful group blog, Curvy Girl’s Guide. We love Brittany’s unabashed TMI and personal style.
8
The Feminist Breeder
Gina Crosley-Corcoran is a certified childbirth educator and certified doula. A former rock star , Gina is a self-proclaimed birth junkie and provides childbirth information and lively discussion on the intersection between motherhood and feminism on her blog, The Feminist Breeder. Gina shares stories of her own experiences with birth and parenting, as well as uncensored opinions on the blogging world and current parenting and birth trends. We love her unique blend of rock star and nurturing attitudes.
New Year's Eve parties aren't just for adults anymore — teens love to ring in the new year too. That doesn't mean that your teen can't have a safe New Year's Eve though. We found five teen-friendly New Year's Eve activities to keep them safe while celebrating.
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Daytime ball drops
Museums and other local venues often host daytime, family-friendly, safe New Year's Eve ball drops where people young and old can count down to the new year without having to stay up until midnight. Check with your local convention and visitor's bureau for possible events.
Fireworks
Start the new year off with a bang and take your teen to a professional fireworks show. Some ballparks and amusement parks put on an amazing fireworks display that can be viewed from both inside and outside of the park, so pack a blanket and enjoy the show.
Organized events
Indoor activities like roller skating, ice skating, bowling and commercial arcades are safe and fun New Year's Eve activities for teens. Check for special deals and events that may prohibit kids — including teens — from leaving until the event is over or until picked up by a parent for peace of mind. Have your teen plan to attend with a group of friends and coordinate amongst the adults who will be in charge of picking them up.
Host a party at home
Hosting a safe New Year's Eve party for teens is the easiest way to ensure your child is playing by the rules. Music, movies and munchies are the perfect combination for a rockin' New Year's Eve party for teens. Let your teen help plan everything from the decor to the food. Try make-your-own pizzas, hearty appetizers or maybe a chocolate fountain for dessert.
Theme parks often offer special events and hours during the holidays, such as Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which is open until 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Security patrol, monitored activities and an enclosed environment offer teens a safe New Year's Eve option so that parents can rest easy.
Don't forget safe driving rules
There are many options for safe New Year's Eve celebrations for teens, but if your teenager will be on the road this New Year's Eve, review safe road rules, including no drinking and driving or texting while driving.
"End the night right: If you fear that your driver for the evening may have become under the influence during the course of the night, do not — under any circumstances — get in their vehicle," advises Kevin Markham, Ford Global Driver Safety, Dearborn Development Center and Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program. "Your parents or sibling won't be mad if you call late for a ride; in fact, they should be happy you made the responsible and safe decision."
New Year's Eve is a tricky holiday for parents. It's hard to find childcare that allows you freedom to attend a swanky party. And even if you have a reliable babysitter, it’s likely you'll be paying a premium for her services. Taking your child to an adult party may be an option, depending on the circumstances of the gathering. Following the proper etiquette will ensure you and your host a drama-free night with the kids in tow.
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Party on NYE without kids?
New Year's Eve is a tricky holiday for parents.
It's hard to find childcare that allows you freedom to attend a swanky party. And even if you have a reliable babysitter, it’s likely you'll be paying a premium for her services. Taking your child to an adult party may be an option, depending on the circumstances of the gathering. Following the proper etiquette will ensure you and your host a drama-free night with the kids in tow.
The rules on taking your child to a holiday party can seem murky in some instances, especially if it's a family member's or even a best friend's fete. In order to clarify some of the holiday party madness, SheKnows asked for advice from acclaimed etiquette author and expert Jodi R.R. Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. Her advice follows:
1
Read the invitation
Make sure you child is invited and do not presume it includes your adorable toddler even if it's your best friend's party. If the invitation includes "and family" that is a green light to bring your kids.
2
Pick up the phone
"Pick up the phone and call to get a lay of land," Smith says. Find out details like how many other people will be attending, what food will be served, where will kids be during the party, will there be a supervisor on hand and, finally, is the house child-friendly. A necessary part of this research is understanding what will be available for your child at the party and what you need to bring — extra diapers, special foods, etc.
"I encourage parents to be very thoughtful about the situation they're putting their child in," Smith says. "As a parent it's your job to be responsible for your child; it isn't the host's job."
Parents should think about the noise level at the party. If it's a small, quiet cocktail party, you should opt to leave your rowdy brood at home for the night. On the flip side, if you have a newborn, and know there will be smokers in the house, leave the baby at home.
3
Don't go to the party hungry
Feed your child ahead of time and take extra food, but be conscious of others with allergies who might be in attendance. No nuts!
4
Be realistic about the length which you might stay
While you may enjoy staying for the duration of a three-hour cocktail party, your child might not fancy the idea. Tell host in advance that you could be leaving early, depending on your child's mood.
"My rule for play dates and parties is leave before the blood and tears," Smith says. "If you see your child is about to have a meltdown, get out."
5
Check up on your kids often
Find out if the kids are happy and well. If they break anything, Smith says fess up right away and always offer to replace the damage.
Spend the last moments of 2012 and ring in the New Year with your kids at home. Invite other families over and make it a party or keep it simple. Either way, here are some tips to make your family party a lasting memory.
Ring in the New Year as a family
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Spend the last moments of 2012 and ring in the New Year with your kids at home. Invite other families over and make it a party or keep it simple. Either way, here are some tips to make your family party a lasting memory.
Have fun celebrating with the kids
Plan your New Year's Eve party the way you would a birthday party. If you are inviting other families, turn the invitations making process into a craft project with your kids... don't forget the glitter!
If you're running low on time or craft supplies, use a popular website to create and send an easy or "green"New Year's Eve party invitation.
New Year's Eve party food
Fortunately kids aren't that picky when it comes to food. So you don't have to spend a lot of time or money on elaborate dishes.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Pizza
Make your own pizza or make a note to order pizza hours -- or a day -- before your party. You don't want to get stuck with a two-hour delivery quote an hour before dinnertime with a bunch of hungry kids running around.
Let the kids toast just like the adults by supplying plastic champagne glasses and sparkling apple cider or other fizzy kid-friendly drinks. Your kids will love toasting to a prosperous 2013 with these delicious holiday beverages for kids.
New Year's Eve party themes and ideas for kids
You can simply break out the party hats and horns, or plan a themed party for your kids on New Year's Eve.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Pajama party
Skip the fancy dresses and dapper suits and instead ask that the kids come in their comfortable and warm pajamas. The other parents will love this idea, especially when they are carrying their sleepy children to their bed after returning home from your party. Or, if you are hosting just a few kids, make it a sleepover. It doesn't matter if the little ones drift off before midnight, because they'll already be in their sleeping bags.
Dance party
Make a playlist or mix CD of kid-friendly tunes, like the song from Kidz Bop. If you have a gaming system, purchase the Just Dance Kids video games to keep the kids entertained and take the pressure off of you -- teaching them how to dance.
Karaoke party
Rent or buy a karaoke machine and let the kids be as loud as they want while singing their favorite songs. Many karaoke machines hook up to your TV and DVD player so that you can watch the kids "singing" live, and also record it to watch for years to come.
Movie marathon
Most kids won't want to sit around watching the New Year's Eve specials on TV. So instead, rent a few movies. Depending on the age of the party guests, consider renting movies that have two or more sequels: Toy Story, Kung Fu Panda, Cars, Harry Potter, The Twilight Saga, etc.
Craft party
In between the eating, dancing, singing and movie watching, you can keep the kids busy with fun New Year's Eve crafts. Set up different craft stations with age appropriate crafts. Remember that little ones shouldn't be unsupervised around things that can be easily swallowed, such as beads, sequins, etc. Pipe cleaner fireworks are an easy craft that children love making on New Year's Eve. Learn how to make them and other New Year's crafts for kids.
Want to let the younger crowd in your house in on the New Year's Eve celebration? Round up some age-appropriate fun for the kids and let them celebrate New Year's in their own way.
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Want to let the younger crowd in your house in on the New Year's Eve celebration? Round up some age-appropriate fun for the kids and let them celebrate New Year's in their own way.
Party ideas for the under-21 crowd
Celebrity party planner Marley Majcher, aka The Party Goddess, offers one big piece of advice — preplan. "The less preplanning you do, the more the kids are in your hair the night of the party," says Majcher. "For the under-21 group — because drinking is not part of the equation — focus on three kid-friendly areas: Food, beverages and activities."
Party food
The food may be out for several hours, so select edibles that hold up over time. Majcher recommends tamales and tacos, pasta dishes, homemade pizza and kid-friendly wrap sandwiches and food bars.
Create a snack bar of bite-sized finger foods and include healthy options such as apple slices, veggies and string cheese. "Display them in a fun setting that draws kids in and makes them want to eat," says Majcher.
Set up a make-your-own s'mores table with different types of graham crackers, marshmallows, peanut butter and chocolates. Bonus: Food bars are perfect for picky kids, says Majcher. Consider a salad bar, an ice cream sundae bar or a top-your-own-cupcakes bar.
Party drinks
Beverages are the thing at many grown-ups' New Year's Eve parties, and kids want to imitate their parents. Choose a signature fancy beverage that everyone will enjoy, but provide options like juice boxes or bottled water.
Fill plastic versions of adult wine or champagne glasses with sparkling juices
Add light-up ice cubes to the kids' punch bowl
Create a hot chocolate martini bar — kids can add marshmallows, whipped cream and more
Party activities
The kids can eat and drink only so much, and planned party activities are a must. Since the main event doesn't happen until midnight, there are lots of hours to fill before that. Think of party activities that have something for everyone, and let older children supervise or lead the activities. Indoor games are a must-do for New Year's Eve, so plan ahead for lots of time inside.
Hourly surprise bags
For the younger set, the hours until midnight can really drag. Megan, a mom and entrepreneur, helps her family pass the time with hourly surprise bags.
"Add different times to the front of the bags," says Megan, "and when that time rolls around, find out what surprise activity the family can do!" For example, at 6 p.m., open fortune cookies, and at 7 p.m., make New Year's Eve hats.
"When it's time to ring in the new year," continues Megan, "the last bag could have poppers and confetti!" Making some noise to welcome New Year's is fun for all ages.
Photo booth
"Make your own photo opportunity with different backdrops," suggests Majcher. "Use props, costumes, dress-up items, a glam makeup station and a mock red carpet. Use disposable cameras or iPhones to snap paparazzi shots." If you use your digital camera or phone, you can easily see how the photos come out and email them to party goers. Older kids love to Instagram their photos, so they can quickly upload and send their photo booth shots.
"Use props, costumes, dress-up items, a glam makeup station and a mock red carpet."
White elephant gift exchange
Everyone brings something they don't want so they can regift, suggests Megan. "One man's junk is another man's treasure!" Exchanging gifts in this way makes it fun and takes the pressure off. Just the gift exchange — and subsequent trading — can take up a good chunk of time.
Music
Kids love to sing and dance. Make playlists of songs that most kids will recognize, and mix it up a bit. Majcher recommends setting up a karaoke machine for a sing-off or the Wii for a dance competition. You may need to coax a few to participate at first, but once they get going this will be a party hit everyone will love.
Quiet time
Hard-partying kids need some downtime too. Choose something they can watch on DVD for some much-needed rest for tired kids with full bellies. A short movie will give them enough time to recharge their batteries and move on to the next activity.
Though you probably don't want to take your new baby to a loud party, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the New Year with your little one. Make your New Year's Eve special and fun, even with a baby.
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Watch the ball drop on television
Unless you can spend a fortune on a babysitter or have a family member in town who is willing to watch the baby, you might be staying in to watch Anderson Cooper ring in the New Year in Times Square. Don't fret because most new parents are in this position. To spice things up, plan a fun menu to cook together with your hubby or have some board games to play during the commercials.
Host a slumber party
If you have enough space at your home, there's no better time to have some close friends and their babies over for a classic slumber party. You can order pizza or host a potluck dinner. When the kids go to sleep, you can break open the champagne. The beauty of a slumber party is that no one has to worry about transportation when the festivities come to a close.
Invite your friends over
The easiest way for new parents to celebrate in pre-baby style is to bring the party to you. Invite other parents with babies and young kids. It can be a play date and New Year's Eve party rolled into one. Celebrate early, it's New Year's in other time zones after all, and you can maintain the family-friendly atmosphere.
Go out to an early dinner
Some babies can tolerate a short time in public without too much fussing. Plan an early dinner well before bedtime. You could also find a holiday event that is not overly long and slightly more mellow. Try to give your baby a nap, clean diaper and food right before the outing so she is content when you go.
Bring your baby to the party
If you really want to go out to a party, consider bringing your little one with you. This depends on what kind of party you'll be attending, of course. A loud, raging soiree is not an option, obviously. But it's acceptable to bring your baby to a gathering at a friend's home where there will be food, drinks and celebration. Just make sure your baby won't mind being around strangers and will stay happy for the most part. It's a big plus if the host has a secluded area where you can lay your baby down early. No one wants to ring in the New Year with a screaming baby.
Make plans for New Year's Day
Believe it or not, you don't have to be awake at midnight to celebrate the New Year. Instead, consider going to bed early and then celebrating on New Year's Day. Going out to a special family brunch or having friends over for appetizers and cocktails the next afternoon is a fabulous idea. You'll have something fun to look forward to and going to bed at an earlier hour won't seem so lame.
There's going to be a new member to the Kardashian clan soon -- Kim Kardashian is pregnant with Kanye West's baby!
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Kanye West announced during his Atlantic City show on Sunday night that Kim Kardashian is expecting. News spread like wildfire and celebrities from Russell Simmons to Kim's sisters Khloe and Kourtney have been expressing their excitement about Kim Kardashian's pregnancy on Twitter.
What they are saying
Khloé Kardashian Odom wrote: "Keeping secrets is hard with so many family members! Especially when you are so freaking excited!!!!! LOVE is everything!!!!"
Kourtney Kardashian also tweeted: "Been wanting to shout from the rooftops with joy and now I can! Another angel to welcome to our family. Overwhelmed with excitement!"
Khloe's husband Lamar Odom said on Twitter: "I'm excited for Kanye and my sister! There's nothing like bringing life into this world! Let's keep Gods blessings coming!"
E! News has also confirmed the news with the Kardashian family. Kim is said to be about 12 weeks pregnant.
This will be the first child for the couple, who have been dating since April. We can't wait to find out what they'll name the baby. We are betting it will start with K.
It's a new year and a new slate. And an opportunity not just to empower yourself, but to also empower your daughter.
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Raise an alpha daughter this year
It's a new year and a new slate.
And an opportunity not just to empower yourself, but to also empower your daughter.
Start with what's present, not what's absent
Clinical psychologist Julia Simens says, "Give up the 'perfect' mold and hone a strength: Most moms want their daughter to be perfect. We tend to bombard them with what they could do to be better: Better grades, more friends, more community service and much, much more. Start with what’s present — not what’s absent — and talk about what works for your daughter."
"Think outside of the box and define your daughter's strengths more than intellectual or physical. Look at her interpersonal skills, her dispositions, interests and motivations. These are keys to empowerment," says Simens.
It's hard in our culture, but it can be done
Silvia M. Dutchevici, president and founder of Critical Therapy Center says that raising a confident daughter can be quite challenging in our culture where there is plenty of objectification and sexualization of young women. After years of counseling both adolescent girls and young women, she suggests these specific ideas for encouraging confidence:
Encourage daughters to express their emotions and not be afraid to speak up.
Encourage young women to challenge assumptions about gender roles in our society.
Talk with your daughter about her self-worth and view of herself; perhaps watch TV together and talk about the portrayal of women in television and how this reflects a deeper objectification of women.
Having a male role model who believes that women can do the same things that men can do is as crucial as having a woman role model who is confident and independent.
Remember that children learn by modeling. As a parent, portray attitudes of self-confidence and compassion with your daughter, while teaching her how to resolve conflict in a collaborative way.
Don't forget the basics
Silvana Clark, author of 12 Going on 29: How to Survive Your Daughter's Tween Years, reminds parents of some basic, but important skills that can help your daughter's confidence from the time she is a little girl through adulthood.
Make eye contact - "Girls need to be taught basic skills such as making eye contact when speaking to other people, especially adults. I started teaching my daughter at an early age how to speak to adults with confidence. When she was 3 and people would ask, 'How old are you?', I taught her to answer by saying, 'I'm 3 years old and my birthday is in November.' Immediately the adult would comment how smart she was, which of course reinforced her confidence. As she got older, we role-played how to answer questions to teachers and adults in full sentences."
Speak with authority - "If working in a school-group setting, let them know it's OK to give ideas in a strong way. I beamed the day my daughter came home from seventh grade and announced, 'I figured something out today. If you say anything with confidence, people listen to what you say.'"
Get her out of her comfort zone - "Instead of hanging out at the mall every Saturday, help her find a simple one-time class or activity she hasn't done before."
Families around the world will be ringing in New Year's soon and — believe it or not — it's not tradition in every country to watch a gigantic, glittery ball drop from the sky! Here are some ways families across the world celebrate New Year's Eve.
New Year's traditions worldwide
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Families around the world will be ringing in New Year's soon and believe it or not, it's not tradition in every country to watch a gigantic, glittery ball drop from the sky! Here are some ways families across the world celebrate New Year's Eve.
families ring in the new year around the world
Sweden
Despite the fact that December 31 happens during one of the coldest times of the year in Sweden, Swedish families love putting the traditions of Christmas behind them by getting out of the house to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
Just like we watch the ball drop in Times Square, Swedes tune in to catch the celebration at the Skansen Open Air Museum, located in Stockholm, where a translation of the English poem by Tennyson, Ring Out, Wild Bells, is read to the crowd to the ringing of actual bells when New Year's arrives.
New Year's celebrations in Russia are certainly all about family and in most places in Russia, it also begins a two-week winter vacation for school-aged children! Besides spending the day with family, Russia symbolizes the new year with a special tree — the Novogodnaya Yolka — which is topped with a star and covered in sweets. "Father Frost" also makes an appearance on New Year's Eve, leaving gifts under the tree for good little girls and boys. Another popular New Year's tradition in Russia is to have your fortune told to see what is to come in the new year.
Greece
If you're a child in Greece, you could care less about Christmas — New Year's is when the presents arrive! The New Year's traditions in Greece don't stop there. Greek families typically spend New Year's Eve out and about — visiting with friends, shopping and strolling leisurely. New Year's Day brings even more fun, with families playing low-wager card games of chance to see what luck the new year will bring them.
Italy
A country that is big on tradition, Italian families celebrate La Festa di San Silvestro on December 31, with huge feasts , festivals in their local villages or town squares and lots of dancing! The best fun fact about the way families celebrate in Italy is the tradition of wearing red underwear for the festivities — they are supposed to bring you luck!
Celebrating New Year's in Thailand as a family will likely involve travel if you live in one of the larger cities, away from your home village. It's tradition for Thai families to travel "home" for New Year's Eve, where they will spend the evening hopping from house to house, enjoying food, family and gifts. On the morning of January 1, families in Thailand will put on their fanciest clothes and visit Buddhist temples, offering donations to the monks in hopes of good wishes for the coming year.
Will they or won’t they? Taxpayers have been anxiously waiting for Congress to make decisions about cutting tax rates for months. With no answer so far, on December 31, 2012, the so-called “Bush tax cuts” will expire. Those cuts were initially set to lapse in 2010 but were temporarily extended for two years due to legislation signed in December 2010. Now, the cuts are up for debate again and so far, there’s been no movement.
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Here are 11 tax changes looming in 2013 and what they mean for families:
The Alternative Minimum Tax will affect nearly 30 million additional taxpayers. The exemption amount for the AMT is not indexed to inflation which means that Congress must “patch” the exemption each year to keep pace with inflation and other increases. The most recent exemption amounts are $74,450 for those taxpayers filed as married ; without a patch for 2012 or 2013, the AMT exemption amounts will be $45,000 for those taxpayers filing as married . Those lower exemption amounts mean more families are affected and may pay higher taxes; if you are subject to the AMT, you figure your tax rate two times and pay the higher amount.
Dividend rates
Dividend rates will be re-characterized. Currently, dividends are taxed as capital gains or ordinary income, depending on the nature of the dividend. In most cases, it’s more advantageous to be classed as capital gains. However, at the end of 2012, all dividends will be taxed as ordinary income; that includes dividends which are re-invested in DRIP .
Capital gains tax rates
Capital gains tax rates will increase. Capital gains tax is, at its most simple, the tax paid on the difference between the sales price of an asset and its cost. Capital gains rates are low at present, at just 15 percent for most taxpayers. In January, those rates will increase to 20 percent for assets not inside a tax-deferred account; remember that gains and losses inside a tax deferred account are not realized, fortunately, until you take the money out.
Unearned income and Medicare tax
Unearned income, generally income from sources other than wages , is currently exempt from Medicare tax. That’s changing in 2013 when a Medicare tax of 3.8 percent will be imposed on unearned income for high income taxpayers. Fortunately, while children subject to the kiddie tax are taxed at their parents’ rates for purposes of the Medicare tax, the normal rules for children’s income still apply which means that children are not subject to the tax just because their parents might be.
Medicare surtaxes
Medicare surtaxes will be imposed on high income taxpayers. Beginning in 2013, the Medicare tax imposed on high income taxpayers will be increased by 0.9 percent to 2.35 percent for wages over the income thresholds .
The payroll tax cut
The payroll tax cut will disappear. The payroll tax cut, which reduced payroll tax contributions on the employee side by 2 percent, was intended to last just one year but was extended into 2012. It expires at the end of the year and will not be in place for 2013. That means that all families with at least one working parent will see at least a 2 percent decrease in their take-home pay.
Limits on exemptions and deductions
Exemptions and deductions will be limited for high-income families. The general rule is that as income increases, personal exemptions and itemized deductions decrease. That hasn’t been the case for the last few years when families in all tax brackets could take advantage of personal exemptions and itemized deductions. In 2013, the original thresholds, indexed for inflation, will be reinstated. That means that families in the top brackets will not be able to claim all of their personal exemptions for dependents; itemized deductions will also be reduced. The result? It basically bumps the top tax rate up even higher for those in the top brackets.
Child tax credit
Credits for families with children will also be reduced. Credits are generally more desirable than deductions because they reduce tax due on a dollar for dollar basis . Under the current tax scheme, families could claim up to $1,000 per qualified child as a child tax credit. In 2013, that amount is halved to $500 which could boost tax bills by up to $500 per child.
Medical deductions
Medical deductions will be harder to claim in 2013. Medical expenses for taxpayers who itemize are currently deductible to the extent that they exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income ; that threshold is sometimes referred to as the “floor.” Beginning in 2013, taxpayers who itemize can only deduct those medical expenses which exceed 10 percent of AGI . That means that fewer families will be able to claim medical expenses, making pre-tax plans more attractive.
Education tax breaks
Tax breaks for education will be reduced. The American Opportunity Tax Credit for education is a souped-up version of the Hope Credit. It allowed families a credit of up to $2,500 for certain educational expenses; when it expires, the credit will revert to the Hope Credit and will be limited to $1,800. It’s also going to be more difficult to put money aside for education: Coverdell Education Savings Account contribution limits will be dramatically reduced from $2,000 per year to a mere $500 per student.
With all of these changes in store, what should you do? There is no crystal ball. And absolutely no one knows what’s going to happen in 2013. The best advice is to plan for tax laws in place as of today — but stay educated and be flexible.
It’s pretty easy to come up with New Year’s resolutions that target your wallet or your waistline. Resolving to give back can sometimes be more difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.
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It’s pretty easy to come up with New Year’s resolutions that target your wallet or your waistline. Resolving to give back can sometimes be more difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.
Resolve to give back
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, we sometimes think only about ourselves. Resolve to be a little more selfless this year by reaching out to your community as a family. Here are some suggestions for socially responsible resolutions to get you started.
Explore your neighborhood
How well do you know your neighbors? An opportunity to give back is probably closer than you think. Maybe 2013 is the year you hit the pavement and shake some hands. If you have a favorite recipe for cookies or banana bread, whip up a few batches and deliver them to neighbors you don't know well. They'll probably be shocked by the gesture but you'll definitely make some people smile . Your small step will go far when it comes to improving the sense of community in your neighborhood.
In these difficult economic times, giving financially to a charity or nonprofit organization can be painful. But, we also have an opportunity to teach our kids about character when we struggle. Encourage your family to put extra change in a designated spot and then decide where to donate the money when it reaches a certain level. Let your kids know that even though the budget is tight, we can still help others.
Do you have a favorite charity? Ask your family members to research some charities and local nonprofits and pick one they'd like to support. When your kids feel a personal connection to an organization that is giving back to the community or helping people in need, they will be more excited about giving of their own resources. Perhaps you can take turns volunteering at everyone's chosen organization or rotate a family donation.
There's no denying the fact that we're all consumers, but where we fall on the consumerism spectrum varies. Where do you rank when it comes to making wise choices with your purchasing power? Maybe you'd like to buy more locally-made or sustainable products this year. However you choose to revamp your choices, the important thing is to be cognizant of your purchases. Your kids will see that there's no joy in accumulating "stuff" and that every purchase should have a bit of thought behind it.
Maybe this is the year you resolve to discover and share your skills. We all have something to offer and it doesn't have to be money. Are you a skilled organizer, gifted writer or patient teacher? There are plenty of charities that can put those skills to good use. Seek them out, and then teach your kids to do the same.
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How does your family plan to give back this year? Will you make any socially responsible New Year's resolutions?
Telling your daughter she can do whatever she wants with her life might seem like the kind of encouragement she needs. But a new study says that what girls really need is career direction — and to truly understand that all career paths are open to them. That means it's time to get specific.
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Telling your daughter she can do whatever she wants with her life might seem like the kind of encouragement she needs.
Helping our daughters find their future career
But a new study says that what girls really need is career direction — and to truly understand that all career paths are open to them. That means it's time to get specific.
Remember when you were a young girl and everyone asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up? The ubiquitous question is both hard and challenging, as girls get to know themselves — and explore what they may or may not like.
As a parent, it's tempting to tell our daughters that they can be whatever they want to be and leave it at that. However, a new study is showing that girls need more than that — they need parents to help them head in a direction of the right career for them.
Studying career thoughts
"Telling girls that they can do anything simply isn't enough."
The study by Simmons College and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts looked at more than 1,600 middle school students in New England, New York and Pennsylvania. What researchers found was that middle school girls were less likely than boys to choose careers in STEM fields — only 10 percent of girls compared with 32 percent of boys.
What's more is that many of the girls didn't think their parents would want them to have a career in a STEM field — only 11 percent thought that would be something their parents would want for them.
Gender stereotypes
And perhaps most disturbing, 27 percent of girls and 35 percent of boys agreed with the statement that "boys have more career options than girls." Worst of all though, 55 percent of girls and 73 percent of boys also agreed with the statement that "there are some jobs that boys are better at than girls."
Seriously, is this 2012 or 1950?
"Despite 40 years of progress by women in the workforce and the best intentions of parents to encourage broad career aspirations, societal messages still have a major influence on attitudes about job opportunities based on gender," study co-author Mary Shapiro, a professor at the Simmons School of Management, stated. "When parents tell their middle schoolers 'do whatever makes you happy,' this message is being heard through gendered stereotypes about careers."
Telling girls that they can do anything simply isn't enough. We need to give them concrete ideas and show them that their strengths — whether it's in writing, science, engineering or something else entirely — can lead to a successful career. And moreover, we need to do this so that girls can look at all careers with an understanding that they can do anything boys can do.
Go for the strengths
When kids show an aptitude for something, that's a great place to start in guiding them toward a career they'll be successful in. "Parents can best offer guidance to their teenage daughters by letting them know what they and their teachers have noticed over the years as their natural abilities and strengths," says Meredith Liepelt, owner of Rich Life Marketing, a personal branding and marketing consultancy.
In the end, Liepelt says this can lead your daughter to a more rewarding career. "While it's possible to do most anything, finding a career that fits a girl's natural strengths, skills and talents will be much more rewarding to her than simply chasing a job because she has been told that she can do anything," says Liepelt.
If you are gearing up to pick the perfect baby name for your child in the upcoming year, it is time to brush up on these baby name resolutions. Whether this is your first child or third, you are expecting twins or are adopting, check out these tips for picking the perfect baby name.
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Tips for picking a baby name
If you are gearing up to pick the perfect baby name for your child in the upcoming year, it is time to brush up on these baby name resolutions. Whether this is your first child or third, you are expecting twins or are adopting, check out these tips for picking the perfect baby name.
Resolutions aren’t just about losing weight, organizing or getting out of debt. If you are expecting a baby and are searching for the perfect baby name, our baby name resolutions will help you avoid many of the common baby name mistakes many parents fall in to.
Tip: Check out our list of the top 100 baby names and try to steer away from the names at the top of the list if you are looking for a more unique name.
I will think outside the box
Most parents who regret their baby name choice say it is because they picked a name that was too popular. Not sure if your name is in danger of being overused? Pay attention to the names of the babies and kids at the parks or at stores. If you love the name Mason or Olivia, but have heard a couple of kids with that same name you might want to consider a different name — unless you don’t care that your name choice is a popular one.
I will think twice about picking a name with a weird spelling
Even though you may not necessarily want a popular name, there is something to be said for picking a name that is easy to pronounce and spell. If you name your child Ryan, but spell it Rian or decide to name your daughter Emileigh instead of Emily, be prepared for you to have to spell it out and pronounce it to friends, family, teachers... the list goes on.
The bottom line is when it comes to creative baby name spellings, what looks cool on paper doesn’t always translate well into the real world.
I will look to the past for ideas for the future
One baby name trend we love are old-fashioned or vintage baby names. Many of these classic names are easy to spell and pronounce, yet still sound unique and fresh. Some examples include Milo and Jack for boys or Pearl and Delilah for girls.
I will use the middle name as a buffer
If you pick an unusual baby name or one that has a different spelling, consider using the middle name as a buffer by picking a classic name that can be used if your child wants to as he or she grows up.
I will be inspired by celebrity baby names, but won’t copy them
You can be inspired by celebrity baby names, but think twice about copying them. For example, if you love how Reese picked a destination name, consider naming your son Austin or your daughter Brooklyn. Instead of naming your daughter Blue, you can name her Sage or Rose.
I won’t go with names that sound too much alike when naming twins
Things can get confusing fast if you name your twins names that sound too much alike, such as Hayden and Aidan or Ava and Ada. You can pick names with the same first letter, just make sure there is a clear distinction between the two, such as Madison and Max.
Special considerations when naming children who are adopted
Many parents who are searching for a name for a child they are adopting struggle with deciding if they should keep the birth name or change it. Although every circumstance is different, many parents have decided to incorporate their birth name as a middle name as a happy medium. If the child you are adopting is older, letting him weigh in on this decision is a good idea. Some may want to completely change their name, other children may want to hold on to it.
From ditching the guilt trip to putting unrealistic expectations in check, here are four resolutions from a recovering workaholic mom to balance career, family and sanity in the new year.
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From ditching the guilt trip to putting unrealistic expectations in check, here are four resolutions from a recovering workaholic mom to balance career, family and sanity in the new year.
New year, new rules
Everyone loves the clean slate that comes with the start of a new year. While it's tempting to ring in yet another new year with promises of weight loss, getting more organized, or tackling some career milestone, this year it's all about my family!
1
Say goodbye to guilt trips
If I had a dollar for every minute I wasted on guilt, I’d be a very rich woman. I feel guilty if I’m in my home office working too long, instead of cutting myself some slack for creating my business around virtual offices and flexible hours, so I can spend more time with my kids. Some days I feel guilty for being too tired for a trip to the park with my kids, when I should be reveling in the snuggling that’s happening on the couch instead. What I’ve learned is that guilt is an enormous emotional drain and typically a complete waste of precious time. This year, I’m resolving to spend less time beating myself up with guilt trips and more time giving myself a little credit for finding a way to fit everything in.
2
Value my time
I have this pattern of overcommitting at work and spending way more time going above and beyond on projects than was probably ever expected. Of course, that's immediately followed by a guilt trip because I feel like I should have been spending those extra hours with my kids. What I wish I’d have realized sooner in my career is that my time has real value. It’s not just a never-ending to do list that has no boundaries — it’s an actual ticking clock of real time that belongs to me and I have a say in how I spend it. This year, I'm resolving to place more value on my time. All of that overcommitting used to just seem like an extra 30 minutes here, 40 minutes there… but I’ve realized now that those minutes add up to hours that I can never get back.
3
Make marriage a priority
Before we had kids, I was very conscientious of my husband’s needs and all of the little things I did that made him adore me. I’d give him physical attention, make his lunch for work, have dinner ready when he got home… all while maintaining my career and even finding time for pedicures and hair appointments and all the little things that make a newlywed wife look so put-together. Then, I gave birth to two beautiful boys who, frankly, completely own me. Now, I shower my kids with loads of affection, I go out of my way to show them how much I adore them and I downright obsess over their happiness. By the time I've tackled a long day of work and spent whatever energy I had left on my kids, my husband is lucky to get leftovers for dinner, a quick kiss before bed and let’s just say I spend more time in yoga pants than I do keeping up appearances. This year, I’m resolving to bump my marriage up higher on the priority totem pole!
4
Be good enough
Moms have a crazy way of outdoing themselves, even one-upping each other on the super-mom scale. It's no longer just about balancing work and home... it's about balancing work, being domestic goddesses, baking from scratch, crafting something spectacular and whatever else we think we have to live up to because Pinterest and Etsy remind us that somehow other moms are doing it, so we should be super human, too. This year I'm resolving to be satisfied with good enough. Don't get me wrong, when it comes to focusing on my family, I want to be awesome. But if that means just being good enough at everything else so I have time to accomplish that — so be it!
Jenny McCarthy is our January Girl Crush for obvious reasons — she is a hilarious and hot hands-on mom who also happens to be a best-selling author. McCarthy, who has a son named Evan, recently opened up to us about her somewhat surprising parenting role model.
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January Girl Crush: Jenny McCarthy
Jenny McCarthy is our January Girl Crush for obvious reasons — she is a hilarious and hot hands-on mom who also happens to be a best-selling author.
McCarthy, who has a son named Evan, recently opened up to us about her somewhat surprising parenting role model.
Jenny McCarthy first came on the scene in the late 1990s as the gorgeous host that wasn’t afraid to make ugly faces and put men in their places on the MTV show Singled Out— and yes, her Playboy pics didn’t hurt her rise to fame. However, she has since become a mom and best-selling author of six books, including the hilarious must-read, Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood.
McCarthy, 40, is a single mom of her 10-year-old son Evan with her ex-husband John Mallory Asher. Evan was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old and McCarthy has been an outspoken activist for the disorder. Whether you agree with her beliefs or not , it is hard to deny her passion for finding a cure for autism and her dedication to her son.
Jenny McCarthy’s parenting role model
Which leads us to our question for McCarthy. Which celeb parent does she admire the most?
“Hugh Grant,” she told SheKnows. “He’s a very hands-on dad.”
Grant, like McCarthy, is also a single parent. The About a Boy actor welcomed a daughter named Tabitha with actress Tinglan Hong last year and he told Ellen DeGeneres that his daughter was a happy surprise.
"I can't pretend it wasn't a little bit of a surprise but, it's a very nice surprise," he said. "The baby's name in Chinese, because the mother is Chinese, means 'happy surprise.'"
Grant, who usually keeps his private life under wraps, said having a baby has changed his life. "It's surprising that everyone was right all these years, saying, 'Hugh, why don't you have some children? It changes your life!' and you're thinking 'Oh, shut up.' And now that I have, it is life changing. I recommend it. Get some."
Single celebrity parents
Who are some other single celebrity parents that make great parenting role models?
Sandra Bullock
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Sandra Bullock won an Oscar, discovered her husband Jesse James was cheating on her and adopted a baby boy named Louis Bardo — all in one year! Bullock didn't let it get her down that she would be raising Louis as a single mom. In fact, she and her adorable boy are doing better than ever!
Michelle Williams
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Michelle Williams is another single celebrity mom who has handled life’s ups and downs with grace as a single mom to her daughter Mathilda. Despite the fact that Heath Ledger, Mathilda’s father, passed away, she is doing a wonderful job with her adorable daughter.
Jennifer Lopez
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Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony seem to have the co-parenting thing figured out. Since their divorce, the couple is dedicated to play an active role in the lives of their twins Max and Emme.
Usher
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As far as celebrity dads, Usher is dedicated to his two sons, Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely, with his ex-wife Tameka Foster. "Having not had a father wasn't a reason not to be a good father,” Usher said. "That was all of the reason to be a good father, because I didn't have one."
Other single celebrity moms that are good single parenting role models include include Katie Couric, Denise Richards, Sheryl Crow, Katie Holmes and Padma Lakshmi.
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Learn more about Jenny McCarthy, the ultimate alpha woman and our January Girl Crush.
