Morning Coffee Newsletter

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE “TIGER MOM” DEBATE
As I am sure you are all aware there has been much debate around the self proclaimed “Tiger Mom” and her tyrannical parenting ways. Although I agree that many children are left to spend far too many hours surfing the web, watching TV and generally being under stimulated and under cared for, I don’t however, agree that forcing a young child to learn a piano song without water or bathroom breaks, or calling them garbage, is exactly the parenting style anyone should want to imitate.

There seems a lot glaringly wrong with the “Tiger Mom” ways, but for today’s Morning Coffee I wanted to discuss a just a few. Firstly, apparently her husband was completely against this style of parenting and despite raising his concerns they were completely ignored. What kind of opinion of their father, the male figure, are the “Tiger Mom’s children going to have?

Secondly, her parenting techniques assume the only measure of one’s success is academic when we all know there are far more things to measure a person’s success by, the number one I would argue being happiness.

Thirdly, and this is the clincher, the book has been written with a triumphant air as if the fact that her 15 and 18 year old daughters don’t seem to have gone off the deep end is some kind of clinical trial victory that her style of parenting works.

The very young ladies have not yet been through and graduated college, met partners, become parents, held down jobs or, most importantly, made it through their 20s with flying colors. It remains to be seen whether this insulated and strict environment has prepared them for the world or left them vulnerable to the issues that plague so many with difficult childhoods.

When “Tiger Mom” is no longer around will these girls experience depression, bad relationships, and a complete rebellion? Or will they suffer in more subtle ways from a youth that sounds as if it was stripped from them? Clearly for their sake I hope not, but it seems far too early for her to be singing the praises of what seems to me to be an abusive style of parenting.

POSITIVE STEPS FOR NEW MOMS IN THE WORKPLACE
A fascinating component of Obama’s healthcare bill will mandate employers to provide a place for nursing mothers to pump and breastfeed their wee ones.

While many are concerned about the additional cost this could bring upon businesses I think they are missing an overwhelmingly positive point. If mothers can feel confident that going back to work doesn’t mean having to stop breastfeeding their children I think the transition back into the workplace after maternity leave can be that much more of a welcoming and inviting one and therefore encourage women to stay at work rather than leaving their careers behind them.

This is also particularly good for mothers that have to go back to work immediately following delivery due to unpaid maternity leaves. I don’t deny that there may also be logistical issues for small businesses who lack space or for businesses that are primarily conducted outside of the office. However, the fact that this is being considered and that women and men are being consulted on the value this would add is a huge step forward into the struggle to achieve balance between being a mom and working and wanting to provide the very best for your children.

I encourage you to read the article and let me know what you think.

TECHNOLOGY BABY STEPS
Seeing as we were on the subject of Luddites last week let me just say that my new found friendship (well that is a little extreme to call it that) with technology has also led me to the iPad. I have yet to get over the frustration of not being able to type as quickly as I would on my normal keypad or my whizz ability on my Blackberry (yep I can write emails while walking… not something I suggest). I have, however, been pleasantly surprised by how much my son enjoys it.

Now remember, I am still heavily anti-video games and a large portion of the apps for children do seem to be based on the traditional video game however I have discovered a wonderful sector, albeit nerdy, of apps that cater to every parents desire for an educational gadget. My son is 2 ½ so clearly the apps are more toddler appropriate but let me give you a wee list of fantastically educational, nerdy yet remarkable enjoyable apps for kids… these are so educational even the “Tiger Mom” might approve!

Try these iPad apps for kids:

• Splash HD for counting
• Shape Builder for puzzles and special awareness
• Alphabet Fun or Alphabet for learning A-Z and drawing letters.

I am also very excited about my new Facebook and Twitter pages. Please ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ me for the latest news and info about Rosie Pope Maternity, MomPrep, my Bravo show—and me!

www.facebook.com/RosiePope
www.twitter.com/RosiePope

SPRING 2011 IS HERE AT ROSIE POPE

Yes it is probably snowing or at least howling with rain outside but as far as the fashion industry is concerned it is spring my lovelies! We love to help will the weather in the right direction by filling our stores with fun colors and light breezy dresses and Rosie Pope Maternity is no different.

February brings our new spring 2011 collection and it is a big one. From embellished Ts to floral shirt dresses, from maxi minis to maxi longs, there is nothing you won’t find for your maternity wardrobe in this cornucopia of maternity style. Have a browse online at www.rosiepope.com or put on your woolies and come bask in the glory of a store that makes you feel like it is really spring at last!