http://www.mommyq.com MommyQ

The simple beauty of Oeuf is just undeniable. In addition to cool cribs and luscious loungers, Oeuf creates baby clothes that delight children of all ages. This is a new item for the 2009 collection, an alpaca wool hat with stars on the side. It comes in infant sizes and retails for $46 at ArteBebe.

Just like healthy eating and good manners, lying begins at home. According to a story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a new study suggests parents lie all of the time. Hey, at least we’re consistent.

Out of 127 parents, the “vast majority” says they lie to their kids, yet emphasize the importance of honesty. Although parents might have many different reasons for lying to their kids, the study focused on two motivations: to influence their behavior and to make the child feel better about something. We’re not talking about promoting fantasies like the existence of Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. These are lies we tell our kids to make them act how we want. Like telling them they need to eat vegetables or a monster will grab them. I personally hate it when parents do stuff like that. It seems rather mean to scare a child into eating a carrot.

Not only are we liars, but we are also total hypocrites. Here’s why:

“At the same time that many parents tell lies to their children, they also try to drive home the message that lying is wrong. In fact, the study found, parents who were the most punitive about lying also were more likely to lie to their children.”

How much do we lie on a day-to-day basis? Is the truth really that difficult to tell? Are we rationalizing the act of lying to make our lives easier or to make the reality of our child’s world seem less scary? If a relative dies, is it really wrong to tell your child that person is now a star in heaven? What do you think?

A 7-year-old wants a gang tattoo just like his daddy. Awe, that’s so sweet. So daddy holds him down while he gets it. Hmmm, are we liking this parental freedom or not? I’m sure you can guess what the story is about, but now it is going to a judge. Is tattooing your minor a form of permanent disfigurement that can land a parent in jail with a life sentence? Maybe it’s something less than a mayhem charge? That remains to be seen.

This case made international news because a father, along with a fellow gang member, tattooed his 7-year-old son. Yep, a quarter-size pawprint that represents a dangerous gang in Fresno, the Bulldog, was forcibly placed on the child’s hip. The child did want it, but the reality of the painful process seems rather abusive.

The defense attorney is arguing the idea that routine circumcisions are equally painful, so getting a tattoo is no worse. Right, right, right. So getting a circumcision in the hospital when you’re a tiny newborn is just as bad as getting a gang tattoo that will last a lifetime. Then again, parents can pierce their baby’s ears easy-peasy. Is it really that different? We’ll soon find out.

It’s a mixed blessing to be a professional writer. Most of the time, I enjoy writing immensely. It’s a release that allows me to express a tiny percentage of the random thoughts floating through my brain at any given moment. Yet, there are times when typing a quick, lighthearted blog post is an impossible task.

My friends and family have been suffering some devastating losses recently and my desire to write about pricey baby clothes, upscale baby gear and the like has been greatly diminished as a result. When life hands you lemons, sometimes making lemonade is the last thing on your mind. It doesn’t really heal or help true pain. The only thing that helps is the passing of time.

My heart goes out to my friends and family members who are suffering right now. Whether it’s the loss of a life that didn’t last nearly long enough or worrying about a life that may be cut short or mourning a full life that met a tragic end – I am sorry for you all.

MommyQ is taking a short mental vacation to mend, prioritize, re-examine and reflect.  I’m sure my goofball perspective on motherhood, my fascination for animal print everything and my cynical wit will return quickly. Let’s just say, I’m not feeling it at the moment. And I would never want to be a faker. Peace out for now…