Top parenting stories of 2009

If you were talking about it this year, Real Parenting was too. Here are our picks for the top parenting stories of 2009:

H1N1 flu pandemic - In June, the World Health Organization declared an H1N1 pandemic. It was the first flu pandemic in over forty years. Parents everywhere became particularly concerned when it became apparent the virus was disproportionately affecting children and young adults.

Toddler kicked off Victoria bus - In September, an Oak Bay mother and her 20-month-old daughter were asked to get off a city bus because the driver said the little girl's fussing was interfering with his ability to drive the bus safely. The story got attention around the world as bus riders and parents everywhere took sides.

Downfall of Jon & Kate Plus 8 - In April, it was being reported Jon was having an affair. Rumors swirled that Kate too was having an affair with her bodyguard. Divorce proceedings started in June. Ratings soared to a show record of 10.6 million viewers for the season premier in which the couple talked about their marital problems. Jon objected to the children continuing with the TLC series. The final show aired last month. The divorce was finalized last week.

Octomom - In January, single mother of six Nadya Suleman captured public attention when she gave birth to octuplets she conceived by in vitro fertilization. By the end of the month she was being referred to in the media as "Octomom." There was much public criticism of Suleman for having a total of 14 children without the financial means to support them all. The doctor who implanted the embryos that resulted in octuplets was also heavily criticized.

Suri Cruise's high heels - In September, the 3-year-old daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise was spotted wearing mini high heels while shopping with her mom in Boston. The message boards went wild.

Balloon boy hoax - In October, in an apparent attempt to gain public attention, and potentially a reality TV series, Colorado parents Richard and Mayumi Heene falsely claimed their 6-year-old son had floated away from the family's property in a home-made balloon. For over an hour the soaring balloon was followed by police and television audiences over a 80 km journey at high altitude. The boy was eventually found safe hiding back at the family's home. Last week both parents were sentenced to prison time.

Recalls recalls recalls - Whether it was toys, cribs, strollers or pacifiers, few families escaped the recall list this year. Major manufacturers sold pajamas made of flammable material, cribs that trap and suffocate kids, and toys painted with lead and barium. Hoodies with drawstrings were recalled 9 out of 12 months.

Boxing Day on Real Parenting

TOP PARENTING STORIES OF 2009
Shirley Broback of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair and Swings and Roundabouts blogger Eleanor Nickerson join me to talk recalls, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Octomom, and other top stories that fired up the message boards this year!

READ MORE BOOKS IN 2010
Children's author Theo Caldwell is encouraging young Canadian readers to make a pledge on New Year's Eve. Find out what he's encouraging kids to do less of.

Today from 10 to 11 on C-FAX 1070.

Listen live here.

Today on Real Parenting

KIDS IN THE HOLIDAY KITCHEN
Get tips from a pastry chef Lora Lonesberry of Creating Occasions on making the goodies kids love best. Listen for a chance to win a baking kit!

BEST BOOKS FOR GIVING
From babies through teens, get shopping tips from Drew Lorimer of Victoria newest children's book store, Tall Tales Books, on great reads for the kids in your life.

Today from 10 to 11 on C-FAX 1070.

Not in Victoria? Listen online here.

Top 5 in online holiday fun

The internet is a fun and festive place for kids this time of year. Here are Real Parenting's picks for the Top 5 in online holiday fun:

1. Storynory - Cuddle up together and listen to some traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas stories read aloud. Or download the MP3 for free and listen in the car on the way to Grandma and Grandpa's house!
2. Portable North Pole - This technological breakthrough from Sympatico lets your child get a personalized video from Santa himself! This'll charm the stockings off your kid.
3. Elf Yourself - Seeing their own faces pasted onto these ridiculous dancing elves will have your kids rolling on the floor. Add four more faces of friends and family and e-mail them the link.
4. Norad - Follow the official Christmas countdown clock and track Santa's progress as he gears up for the big day! Be sure to visit Santa's Village for games and activities.
5. Virtual Gingerbread Cookie Decorator - TheoWorlds lets you decorate a realistic gingerbread man and e-mail it to friends and family with a personalized postcard attached.

Got a favourite family holiday site you want to share? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Today on Real Parenting

MOM'S TRUE HOLIDAY WISH LIST
From gifts they wish they didn't have to give to wanting their husbands to do more than just put up lights, the Managing Editor of Savvymom.ca, Minnow Hamilton, tells us what Canadian moms said in a national survey about holiday stress.

TEACHABLE HOLIDAY MOMENTS
Make a list and read it twice! Get 10 family literacy tips and activities to warm your winter holidays from Nikki Luscombe of ABC Canada Literacy Foundation.

Today from 10 to 11 a.m. Pacific on C-FAX 1070!

Listen online here.

Today on Real Parenting

THE M-I-L
Jane Angelich, author of What's a Mother (in-Law) to Do? dishes on what your spouse's mom is thinking but won't tell you.

RECALLS, RISK, AND REALITY
With cribs, toys, and strollers being recalled at an alarming rate, Vancouver Sun parenting blogger, Chad Skelton, gets real with us on safety fears and miscalculated risk.

This morning from 10 to 11 on C-FAX 1070.
Listen live here!

Embarrassing lack of shame

It was on our descent into Calgary International Airport while wearing my toddler like a fanny pack in my lap that I felt the sudden warm rush of fluid on my right thigh. My son, one day shy of his second birthday, had just peed out the side of his diaper, through his brown corduroys, and onto my jeans. Despite the overstuffed diaper bag shoved beneath the seat in front of me, I did not have a spare pair of pants for him. That's why twenty minutes later my son was happily marching alongside me in the terminal while holding my hand, wearing nothing but hiking shoes, a diaper, and his Mr. Messy shirt.

Although the sight of him brought smiles and sympathetic laughter from other travellers, I couldn't help but also feel a little embarrassed. Hi, yes, I'm the mom that didn't pack extra clothes. Yep, that's pee on my pants too. And, you got it, we still have another flight to connect to.

His embarrassing lack of shame reached a head ten minutes later as we sat eating bagels at the airport Timmy's and his cream cheese-frosted mouth opened to ask, "Did you pee all over yourself?" Yes, I said, you did. Then even louder, "Did you pee all over mommy, tooooo?" Yes, I said, you did that too.

I suppose I could have been reading magazines and getting lost in my laptop like other travellers. I suppose I could have been enjoying the relative peace and anonymity of air travel. But instead I had my little Mr. Messy teaching me how to be humble and how to not let life's little messes embarrass me.