Mozart Music Does Not Make Babies Smarter
by Veronica Spettmann
A recent article on lifehacker.com
defined nine myths about the human brain that won’t seem to go away.
One of these is a myth that even some Savvy Aunties have fallen for:
that playing Mozart for your baby nieces and nephews will help turn them
into super-baby geniuses.
The study that originally caused some to believe this myth actually
never produced substantial conclusive evidence that Mozart made babies
smarter. Dr. Gordon Shaw and Dr. Frances Rauscher originally found that a
specific piece of Mozart music temporarily boosted cognitive skills in
young children. Brian Dunning of the Skeptoid podcast adds: "although
they had some
promising preliminary results from a particular Mozart piece which made
immediate worldwide headlines, the full study eventually showed no
significant result." Nevertheless, these findings led to entire
businesses created to capitalize on the myth, producing products and
claims centered around the benefits of Mozart for babies.
While playing Mozart symphonies around young nieces and nephews will
certainly not cause them any harm, Aunties should not expect them to
turn out to be baby geniuses. Only close guidance and strong teachings
by parents, teachers, Aunties and other loving adults can do that kind
of work!
Published: December 14, 2011
Monday, March 25, 2013
A Disney Princess for Little Girls
Back to Savvy Auntie, but I think this run will finish off my contributions to that site. (That's not to say I won't submit more articles in the future, but for personal reasons, I have stopped writing for them for now.)
A Disney Princess for Little Girls
by Veronica Spettmann
“Sofia the First” will be premiering in her own Disney movie on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in the fall of 2012, Aunties. This is the first time in Disney princess history that the story will be centered around the princess as a little girl. Sofia the First is a character that is meant to appeal to our preschool-aged nieces.
Sofia the First starts as a regular girl until her mom marries the king, at which point she is moved to the glamorous and confusing royal castle. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather (Aunties’ favorite fairies from the childhood classic, Sleeping Beauty), will star as the headmistresses of Royal Prep, the school that Sofia attends with other princes and princesses.
The movie release in 2012 will be followed by a television series that will air on the same channels in the spring of 2013. Senior Vice President of Disney Junior Worldwide, Nancy Kanter, says, “Although Sofia will have plenty of pretty dresses and sparkly shoes, our stories will show Sofia, and our viewers, that what makes a real princess is what’s inside, not what’s outside. That the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty, and grace make you special, not the dress you wear.”
Sofia the First is going to be a wonderful character for Aunties to share with their young nieces. It can help Aunties teach their nieces that it is important to be a good person, while reminding them that they will always be princesses to their Aunties!
Published: December 14, 2011
A Disney Princess for Little Girls
by Veronica Spettmann
“Sofia the First” will be premiering in her own Disney movie on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in the fall of 2012, Aunties. This is the first time in Disney princess history that the story will be centered around the princess as a little girl. Sofia the First is a character that is meant to appeal to our preschool-aged nieces.
Sofia the First starts as a regular girl until her mom marries the king, at which point she is moved to the glamorous and confusing royal castle. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather (Aunties’ favorite fairies from the childhood classic, Sleeping Beauty), will star as the headmistresses of Royal Prep, the school that Sofia attends with other princes and princesses.
The movie release in 2012 will be followed by a television series that will air on the same channels in the spring of 2013. Senior Vice President of Disney Junior Worldwide, Nancy Kanter, says, “Although Sofia will have plenty of pretty dresses and sparkly shoes, our stories will show Sofia, and our viewers, that what makes a real princess is what’s inside, not what’s outside. That the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty, and grace make you special, not the dress you wear.”
Sofia the First is going to be a wonderful character for Aunties to share with their young nieces. It can help Aunties teach their nieces that it is important to be a good person, while reminding them that they will always be princesses to their Aunties!
Published: December 14, 2011
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Breaking up another run of Savvy Auntie articles with this poem I wrote. It was published in another college compilation called Word from the Herd: The Horse Course Roundup. I happen to like this poem far more than the fable I published in the other college compilation. A photograph I took was also featured in this compilation. It will also be featured below. I hope you enjoy it!
"Horse Rhythm"
by Veronica Spettmann
Thump:
We blink.
Thump-thump:
My racing heart.
I thump
your sides with my heels.
Thum-um-um-ump:
Speeding hooves on decaying leaves.
Thump...thump...thump...
as we slow to a silence in which you
hear the
thump
of the pulse of history.
And I thump
your side with my hand in thanks for
the thump
of natural rhythms.
"Horse Rhythm"
by Veronica Spettmann
Thump:
We blink.
Thump-thump:
My racing heart.
I thump
your sides with my heels.
Thum-um-um-ump:
Speeding hooves on decaying leaves.
Thump...thump...thump...
as we slow to a silence in which you
hear the
thump
of the pulse of history.
And I thump
your side with my hand in thanks for
the thump
of natural rhythms.
Don't Trick Your Infant Nieces and Nephews, Auntie!
Don't Trick Your Infant Nieces and Nephews, Auntie!
by Veronica Spettmann
Your baby nieces and nephews will likely mimic you, Auntie, but won’t for long if you trick them, a new Canadian study shows. Researchers at Concordia University in Montreal found that when adults trick babies, they will no longer mimic the sounds, facial expressions, or actions of that person.
Diane Poulin-Dubois of the psychology department at Concordia says, “Specifically, infants choose not to learn from someone who they perceive as unreliable.” The findings published in Infant Behavior and Development showed that babies can differentiate between credible and un-credible sources.
The experiment looked at infants between the ages of 13 to 16 months. The babies would be excitedly presented with a box and were left to discover if there was actually a toy inside or not. Only 34 percent of those babies paired with the unreliable adults actually followed suit when the adult used his or her forehead to turn on a push-on light, while 61 percent of the babies paired with a reliable adult mimicked the action of turning on the light with their foreheads.
After this study, Aunties may want to think twice before playing what is believed to be a harmless prank on their infant nieces and nephews!
Published: December 14, 2011
by Veronica Spettmann
Your baby nieces and nephews will likely mimic you, Auntie, but won’t for long if you trick them, a new Canadian study shows. Researchers at Concordia University in Montreal found that when adults trick babies, they will no longer mimic the sounds, facial expressions, or actions of that person.
Diane Poulin-Dubois of the psychology department at Concordia says, “Specifically, infants choose not to learn from someone who they perceive as unreliable.” The findings published in Infant Behavior and Development showed that babies can differentiate between credible and un-credible sources.
The experiment looked at infants between the ages of 13 to 16 months. The babies would be excitedly presented with a box and were left to discover if there was actually a toy inside or not. Only 34 percent of those babies paired with the unreliable adults actually followed suit when the adult used his or her forehead to turn on a push-on light, while 61 percent of the babies paired with a reliable adult mimicked the action of turning on the light with their foreheads.
After this study, Aunties may want to think twice before playing what is believed to be a harmless prank on their infant nieces and nephews!
Published: December 14, 2011
5 Tips to Help Teen Nieces and Nephews Travel on a Budget
This article is another one of my favorites. Traveling on a budget is a bit of a specialty of mine, so I was happy to be able to apply what I had learned through first-hand experience to information pertinent to my audience.
5 Tips to Help Teen Nieces and Nephews Travel on a Budget
by Veronica Spettmann
Parents can’t always take their kids on vacations around the world. Often, Aunties can’t either. But if kids wait until they are adults to travel, they likely won’t have the time or resources anymore. If they do, they may not have the experience behind them to make the trip enjoyable.
With that in mind, Aunties may realize that they best time for their nieces and nephews to travel is in their later teens and early 20s. By then, they’ll likely have a job, and won’t have very many expenses that Mom and Dad won’t be helping them with. Their jobs won’t pay much, though, so if your nieces and nephews are expressing an interest in getting away (winter or spring breaks, perhaps?), here are some tips you can share with them to help them get where they want to go on a meager budget:
Book Flights with Lesser Known Airlines:
Believe it or not, all pilots have to go through the same training and certification to fly jets. Always check an airline on the Better Business Bureau or in Consumer Reports to be sure people have been satisfied in the past. But if some airline from another smaller country is flying from your airport to your vacation destination for hundreds less than the bigger airlines, just go for it!
Consider Staying in Youth Hostels:
Any Auntie who has seen the Hostel movies is not going to want her nieces and nephews staying there, but they really aren’t bad. Rooms are generally clean and shared between groups of people of about the same age. There are generally communal bathrooms, but as long as your nieces and nephews aren’t licking the toilets, there won’t be a problem. The prices for rooms in youth hostels are absolutely unbeatable. If you’re concerned for their belongings, buy them luggage locks and have them keep the key on a decorative chain around their necks or wrists for stylish safe-keeping.
Only Pack What is Absolutely Necessary:
Fees for overweight or additional luggage are always on the rise and can wring a young adult’s wallet for hundreds of dollars. Make sure your nieces and nephews understand that it is okay to do laundry in the sink while they are away. This way they will only have to pack three or four outfits that they can wear on a rotation. Have them pack detergent in their checked luggage so they won’t have to pay extra for it if the prices are higher at their destination. Also pack some non-perishable food items (like Ramen noodles), so they won’t be tempted to spend a ton of money on eating out while they are away.
Travel with the Right Amounts of Money:
Travel, especially to foreign countries, requires very careful money withdrawals. When using debit cards abroad, it is very important to remember that the bank fees for ATM withdrawals will be exorbitant, so take out a lot at a time as infrequently as possible to avoid these excess account charges. It is also a good idea to go with a reasonable amount of cash in one’s wallet to begin with. Travel with too much cash, and your nieces and nephews will lose too much if they are robbed. Travel with too little and you may be stuck in a bind if a location doesn’t take debit or credit. Just remember those bank fees!
Skype or Oovoo:
This may sound silly, but trust me. Internationalizing a cell phone is very expensive, especially over long periods of time. Purchasing a calling card for pay-phones when everyone already has cell phones is silly. Buying an international SIM card for your phone when you are abroad is a hassle to start up (especially for teens, who will need ALL of their parents’ account information to boot it up). Skype, however, is completely free, allows you to not only talk to the person, but see the person, no matter where you are, and can be done from the comfort of a hotel room or lobby (almost all of which are equipped with WIFI by now). If the hotel or hostel doesn’t have WIFI, there are internet cafes and coffee shops everywhere.
These are just some tips (learned from experience) to help your nieces and nephews have the experiences of a lifetime on the limited budgets of young adults. (Though, cash contributions from Aunties are always welcome. Keep that in mind around the holidays and their birthdays!)
Published: December 14, 2011
5 Tips to Help Teen Nieces and Nephews Travel on a Budget
by Veronica Spettmann
Parents can’t always take their kids on vacations around the world. Often, Aunties can’t either. But if kids wait until they are adults to travel, they likely won’t have the time or resources anymore. If they do, they may not have the experience behind them to make the trip enjoyable.
With that in mind, Aunties may realize that they best time for their nieces and nephews to travel is in their later teens and early 20s. By then, they’ll likely have a job, and won’t have very many expenses that Mom and Dad won’t be helping them with. Their jobs won’t pay much, though, so if your nieces and nephews are expressing an interest in getting away (winter or spring breaks, perhaps?), here are some tips you can share with them to help them get where they want to go on a meager budget:
Book Flights with Lesser Known Airlines:
Believe it or not, all pilots have to go through the same training and certification to fly jets. Always check an airline on the Better Business Bureau or in Consumer Reports to be sure people have been satisfied in the past. But if some airline from another smaller country is flying from your airport to your vacation destination for hundreds less than the bigger airlines, just go for it!
Consider Staying in Youth Hostels:
Any Auntie who has seen the Hostel movies is not going to want her nieces and nephews staying there, but they really aren’t bad. Rooms are generally clean and shared between groups of people of about the same age. There are generally communal bathrooms, but as long as your nieces and nephews aren’t licking the toilets, there won’t be a problem. The prices for rooms in youth hostels are absolutely unbeatable. If you’re concerned for their belongings, buy them luggage locks and have them keep the key on a decorative chain around their necks or wrists for stylish safe-keeping.
Only Pack What is Absolutely Necessary:
Fees for overweight or additional luggage are always on the rise and can wring a young adult’s wallet for hundreds of dollars. Make sure your nieces and nephews understand that it is okay to do laundry in the sink while they are away. This way they will only have to pack three or four outfits that they can wear on a rotation. Have them pack detergent in their checked luggage so they won’t have to pay extra for it if the prices are higher at their destination. Also pack some non-perishable food items (like Ramen noodles), so they won’t be tempted to spend a ton of money on eating out while they are away.
Travel with the Right Amounts of Money:
Travel, especially to foreign countries, requires very careful money withdrawals. When using debit cards abroad, it is very important to remember that the bank fees for ATM withdrawals will be exorbitant, so take out a lot at a time as infrequently as possible to avoid these excess account charges. It is also a good idea to go with a reasonable amount of cash in one’s wallet to begin with. Travel with too much cash, and your nieces and nephews will lose too much if they are robbed. Travel with too little and you may be stuck in a bind if a location doesn’t take debit or credit. Just remember those bank fees!
Skype or Oovoo:
This may sound silly, but trust me. Internationalizing a cell phone is very expensive, especially over long periods of time. Purchasing a calling card for pay-phones when everyone already has cell phones is silly. Buying an international SIM card for your phone when you are abroad is a hassle to start up (especially for teens, who will need ALL of their parents’ account information to boot it up). Skype, however, is completely free, allows you to not only talk to the person, but see the person, no matter where you are, and can be done from the comfort of a hotel room or lobby (almost all of which are equipped with WIFI by now). If the hotel or hostel doesn’t have WIFI, there are internet cafes and coffee shops everywhere.
These are just some tips (learned from experience) to help your nieces and nephews have the experiences of a lifetime on the limited budgets of young adults. (Though, cash contributions from Aunties are always welcome. Keep that in mind around the holidays and their birthdays!)
Published: December 14, 2011
Gingerbread Cookies
I nearly forgot that the image for this activity article was one that I took. Not only that, but it is a photo of cookies that I baked and decorated. Fantastic!
Gingerbread Cookies
by Veronica Spettmann
At this time of year, our nieces and nephews want to feel like they are contributing to the festivities. They are into the season and want to help in any way they can. Why not let them help you with your holiday baking? Kids love sinking their hands into food, and there are some recipes out there that are so easy, your nieces and nephews can do them without (much) help!
Gingerbread cookies are on almost every Auntie’s holiday baking list. This cookie is actually perfect to make with nieces and nephews of all ages. Here’s what you’ll need:
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening
1 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
For later, you’ll need:
Icing
sprinkles
food coloring
This is a great chance to help young nieces and nephews to learn how to measure. If they are old enough, show them the right size measuring cup, and show them what they will be measuring. This will help them with their math skills, just as baking will help with their science skills.
Have them measure all of the dry ingredients into one bowl and all of the wet ingredients and brown sugar into another bowl. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Separate the dough into 3, 1.5 inch thick pieces and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. (This is the perfect opportunity to make dinner with your nieces and nephews!)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Have your nieces and nephews lightly flour your surface (you may want to emphasize lightly for them). Then, let them roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. You may need to help them with this, but they’ll appreciate that you’re letting them try. Rolling pins are fascinating to kids.
Then let your nieces and nephews cut the dough with fun, holiday-shaped cookie cutters (Santas, dreidels, stars, and regular people shapes are all fun options).
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cookies look dry but are soft to touch. When the cookies are cook, you can set your nieces and nephews loose! Set them up with icings of different colors. To make it easy, scoop the different colors into the corners of plastic baggies and cut the tiniest hole in that corner. This will allow them to draw pretty much whatever they want in icing. Show them where to find the sprinkles, then let them have at it!
They’ll love showing off their holiday cookie creations to the family, you’ll have made cookies for everyone to enjoy, and you’ll have had some valuable bonding time with your nieces and nephews. Your house may even end up looking like a winter wonderland (remember, flour LIGHTLY)!
Image Courtesy: Veronica Spettmann
Published: December 14, 2011
Gingerbread Cookies
by Veronica Spettmann
At this time of year, our nieces and nephews want to feel like they are contributing to the festivities. They are into the season and want to help in any way they can. Why not let them help you with your holiday baking? Kids love sinking their hands into food, and there are some recipes out there that are so easy, your nieces and nephews can do them without (much) help!
Gingerbread cookies are on almost every Auntie’s holiday baking list. This cookie is actually perfect to make with nieces and nephews of all ages. Here’s what you’ll need:
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening
1 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
For later, you’ll need:
Icing
sprinkles
food coloring
This is a great chance to help young nieces and nephews to learn how to measure. If they are old enough, show them the right size measuring cup, and show them what they will be measuring. This will help them with their math skills, just as baking will help with their science skills.
Have them measure all of the dry ingredients into one bowl and all of the wet ingredients and brown sugar into another bowl. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Separate the dough into 3, 1.5 inch thick pieces and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. (This is the perfect opportunity to make dinner with your nieces and nephews!)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Have your nieces and nephews lightly flour your surface (you may want to emphasize lightly for them). Then, let them roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. You may need to help them with this, but they’ll appreciate that you’re letting them try. Rolling pins are fascinating to kids.
Then let your nieces and nephews cut the dough with fun, holiday-shaped cookie cutters (Santas, dreidels, stars, and regular people shapes are all fun options).
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cookies look dry but are soft to touch. When the cookies are cook, you can set your nieces and nephews loose! Set them up with icings of different colors. To make it easy, scoop the different colors into the corners of plastic baggies and cut the tiniest hole in that corner. This will allow them to draw pretty much whatever they want in icing. Show them where to find the sprinkles, then let them have at it!
They’ll love showing off their holiday cookie creations to the family, you’ll have made cookies for everyone to enjoy, and you’ll have had some valuable bonding time with your nieces and nephews. Your house may even end up looking like a winter wonderland (remember, flour LIGHTLY)!
Image Courtesy: Veronica Spettmann
Published: December 14, 2011
Tantrum Trouble? Try This, Auntie
Tantrum Trouble? Try This, Auntie
by Veronica Spettmann
Have you ever looked after your young nieces and nephews and had to deal with a traumatizing temper tantrum? Did you ever try to console them or tease them just to find that the tantrum gets worse? Well, scientists decided there may be patterns behind tantrums to help desperate parents (and Aunties) deal with these situations.
In a recent article on WNYC.org, Aunties find relief for tantrum woes. Michael Potegal of the University of Minnesota and James A. Green of the University of Connecticut discovered that children’s tantrums have patterns that fluctuate between anger and sadness. The one way to get past the anger, which is associated with the screaming and kicking, is to simply ignore it. The article says, “Once the child was past being angry what was left was sadness, and sad children reach out for comfort.”
The article advises that Aunties not even acknowledge their nieces and nephews when they are in the heat of anger. Asking children questions or teasing them during a tantrum could only make matters worse, because they won’t have the capacity to process the new information.
Recognizing that tantrums have a rhythm can not only help Aunties to end their nieces’ and nephews’ tantrums more quickly, but will give Auntie a sense that she is in control. Scientists recognize that it is easier to say you will ignore a child’s tantrum than to actually do so, but their study of more than 100 temper tantrums proves that Aunties really need to try to stand firm.
The article explains that tantrums can be studied scientifically like thunderstorms, and says, “Studying them as scientific subjects rather than experiencing them like parents can cause the tantrums to stop feeling traumatic and even become interesting.” While describing tantrums as “interesting” may seem to be a bit of a stretch, learning how to control nieces’ and nephews’ tantrums is something every Auntie is interested in!
Published: December 7, 2011
by Veronica Spettmann
Have you ever looked after your young nieces and nephews and had to deal with a traumatizing temper tantrum? Did you ever try to console them or tease them just to find that the tantrum gets worse? Well, scientists decided there may be patterns behind tantrums to help desperate parents (and Aunties) deal with these situations.
In a recent article on WNYC.org, Aunties find relief for tantrum woes. Michael Potegal of the University of Minnesota and James A. Green of the University of Connecticut discovered that children’s tantrums have patterns that fluctuate between anger and sadness. The one way to get past the anger, which is associated with the screaming and kicking, is to simply ignore it. The article says, “Once the child was past being angry what was left was sadness, and sad children reach out for comfort.”
The article advises that Aunties not even acknowledge their nieces and nephews when they are in the heat of anger. Asking children questions or teasing them during a tantrum could only make matters worse, because they won’t have the capacity to process the new information.
Recognizing that tantrums have a rhythm can not only help Aunties to end their nieces’ and nephews’ tantrums more quickly, but will give Auntie a sense that she is in control. Scientists recognize that it is easier to say you will ignore a child’s tantrum than to actually do so, but their study of more than 100 temper tantrums proves that Aunties really need to try to stand firm.
The article explains that tantrums can be studied scientifically like thunderstorms, and says, “Studying them as scientific subjects rather than experiencing them like parents can cause the tantrums to stop feeling traumatic and even become interesting.” While describing tantrums as “interesting” may seem to be a bit of a stretch, learning how to control nieces’ and nephews’ tantrums is something every Auntie is interested in!
Published: December 7, 2011
Good News, Auntie. They're Not Sexting. Much.
Good News, Auntie. They're Not Sexting. Much.
by Veronica Spettmann
“Sexting” or the sending of sexual text messages or photos, has become a highly discussed issue in the media in recent years, especially as it pertains to adolescents. But should Aunties be concerned about their own nieces’ and nephews’ potential participation? Survey says, probably not.
Kimberly Mitchell, a research assistant psychology professor at the University of New Hampshire conducted research that reveals that only 1 percent of children aged 10 to 17 have shared nude photos of themselves or others. Past surveys revealed as many as 20 percent, but these surveys also included a higher age range.
The results of Mitchell’s study reveal that most sexting is not malicious and is not something parents should panic about. Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston says that exploring sexuality is normal behavior, even through text messages. He says, “We’ve been doing that since somebody scribbled a picture of a nude woman on the side of a cave and the guys gathered around to check it out.
Researchers conducted a separate study to see how police have dealt with teen sexting of photographs. Results show that they don’t seem to be over-reacting. Of the nearly 4000 reported sexting cases nationwide in 2008 and 2009, only a little more than one-third of them ended in arrests.
All in all it appears that sexting is just this generation’s way of sneaking a peek at a dirty magazine. The important thing for Aunties to remember is that they should remind their nieces and nephews about responsibly using their computers and cell phones, and to let them know they should not be afraid to ask their ConfidAunt about sex. Aunties are in the perfect position to help their nieces and nephews grow through these hormonal stages in life.
Published: December 7, 2011
by Veronica Spettmann
“Sexting” or the sending of sexual text messages or photos, has become a highly discussed issue in the media in recent years, especially as it pertains to adolescents. But should Aunties be concerned about their own nieces’ and nephews’ potential participation? Survey says, probably not.
Kimberly Mitchell, a research assistant psychology professor at the University of New Hampshire conducted research that reveals that only 1 percent of children aged 10 to 17 have shared nude photos of themselves or others. Past surveys revealed as many as 20 percent, but these surveys also included a higher age range.
The results of Mitchell’s study reveal that most sexting is not malicious and is not something parents should panic about. Dr. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston says that exploring sexuality is normal behavior, even through text messages. He says, “We’ve been doing that since somebody scribbled a picture of a nude woman on the side of a cave and the guys gathered around to check it out.
Researchers conducted a separate study to see how police have dealt with teen sexting of photographs. Results show that they don’t seem to be over-reacting. Of the nearly 4000 reported sexting cases nationwide in 2008 and 2009, only a little more than one-third of them ended in arrests.
All in all it appears that sexting is just this generation’s way of sneaking a peek at a dirty magazine. The important thing for Aunties to remember is that they should remind their nieces and nephews about responsibly using their computers and cell phones, and to let them know they should not be afraid to ask their ConfidAunt about sex. Aunties are in the perfect position to help their nieces and nephews grow through these hormonal stages in life.
Published: December 7, 2011
Five of Auntie's Favorite Christmas Reads
Five of Auntie's Favorite Christmas Reads
by Veronica Spettmann
It’s easy for Aunties to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, especially when we try so hard to make it a special time for our nieces and nephews. But it’s important to remember to spend quality time with them, and what better way to do that than by curling up with your nieces, your nephews, and a delightful Christmas book to read? Here are some of Savvy Auntie’s suggestions this Christmas season:
Christmas is Coming: A Holiday Pop-Up Book by Stephen Lambert
A twist on The Night Before Christmas, this story follows a Mama Mouse who must look through the house for items to make Christmas special for her baby mice. Your nieces and nephews will love that this story is told with shining foil pop-ups!
The Elf on the Shelf by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell
This book allows children to help Santa’s favorite scout elf interactively, which is great for kids with active imaginations and a love of play-time!
Auntie Claus: Home for the Holidays by Elise Primavera
Auntie Claus is bringing the North Pole to New York to see Sophie Kringle play the Sugar Plum Fairy in her school play in this completely unique and fun Christmas story.
Olivia Claus by Kama Einhorn
This story about the popular children’s character, Olivia, encourages children to give this Christmas season.
My Penguin Osbert by H.B. Lewis
This beautifully illustrated story is a reminder to children that they should be careful what they wish for, or else they’ll end up like protagonist, Joe, who is very specific about his Christmas wishes!
So get your hot cocoa, grab your Christmas book, and sit down with your nieces and nephews to enjoy a day of Christmas reading. It may just be that special thing you do this season that will stick with them for life.
Published: November 30, 2011
by Veronica Spettmann
It’s easy for Aunties to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, especially when we try so hard to make it a special time for our nieces and nephews. But it’s important to remember to spend quality time with them, and what better way to do that than by curling up with your nieces, your nephews, and a delightful Christmas book to read? Here are some of Savvy Auntie’s suggestions this Christmas season:
Christmas is Coming: A Holiday Pop-Up Book by Stephen Lambert
A twist on The Night Before Christmas, this story follows a Mama Mouse who must look through the house for items to make Christmas special for her baby mice. Your nieces and nephews will love that this story is told with shining foil pop-ups!
The Elf on the Shelf by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell
This book allows children to help Santa’s favorite scout elf interactively, which is great for kids with active imaginations and a love of play-time!
Auntie Claus: Home for the Holidays by Elise Primavera
Auntie Claus is bringing the North Pole to New York to see Sophie Kringle play the Sugar Plum Fairy in her school play in this completely unique and fun Christmas story.
Olivia Claus by Kama Einhorn
This story about the popular children’s character, Olivia, encourages children to give this Christmas season.
My Penguin Osbert by H.B. Lewis
This beautifully illustrated story is a reminder to children that they should be careful what they wish for, or else they’ll end up like protagonist, Joe, who is very specific about his Christmas wishes!
So get your hot cocoa, grab your Christmas book, and sit down with your nieces and nephews to enjoy a day of Christmas reading. It may just be that special thing you do this season that will stick with them for life.
Published: November 30, 2011
Concert Savvy Aunties
A bit of backstory:
This article is one of my favorites. If you click the link, you'll see the photograph (also attached below) used to accompany the article. That is me with my friends' daughter, Skye. We went to her dad's rock show together and had the best time, so I was really excited to write this article, inspired by our experience. I hope you enjoy it!
Concert Savvy Aunties
by Veronica Spettmann
Do you love listening to heavy music with your nieces and nephews or going to particularly wild concerts with them? Or do you wish you could take them to see some of your favorite bands in concert, but are just too afraid that they aren’t old enough? I was lucky enough to spend an evening at a metal show with my niece-by-choice and her parents recently, and I realized that a lot of Aunties may not bring their younger nieces and nephews to cool shows like that because of the obvious concerns surround that kind of environment. Here are some pointers to put your mind at rest so you can enjoy your favorite bands together, no matter what the volume.
If you're afraid a show or concert may not be appropriate for your nieces and nephews, there are a few things to consider. Of course, this is primarily up to the discretion of your nieces’ and nephews’ parents. Their word is law, and if they deem a show to be inappropriate, then you’ll have to respect that decision. However, if Mom and Dad say you’re okay to go, then there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
Will there be mosh pits at this show? - A lot of rock and metal bands have mosh pits and crowd surfers at their shows, which is all fine and fun, but could be a hazardous nightmare for kids. If you want to be close to the stage, be prepared to act as a human shield for them. If that doesn’t appeal to you, consider getting a spot further from the stage; this will keep them out of harm’s way and will also be safer for their hearing.
Does this particular artist curse a lot? - If the answer is yes, you can either choose to take your nieces and nephews to another show, or you can make it very clear to them before you go that some words are completely inappropriate and that they should not repeat them if they hear them. Aunties are a great influence on their nieces and nephews, so they’ll listen to you. If your nieces and nephews are really young, they may not even know what most of the lyrics mean, so you won’t have to worry too much.
Do your nieces and nephews handle crowds well? - If not, consider taking them to see less popular bands where there will be smaller crowds, or try to find another way to share your musical passions that will involve fewer people. If your nieces and nephews love the excitement of being surrounded by people, then rock on! Just be careful to keep your nieces and nephews close to you and to have a back-up plan should you be separated from each other.
Should you be concerned for your nieces' and nephews' hearing? - kidshealth.org, a great reference for kids and adults alike explains that the volume at concerts is high enough to cause temporary hearing damage or hearing loss. Most Aunties have probably experienced this at some point: that feeling that you are wearing earmuffs after a show when you aren’t actually. The same happens to kids, though extended exposure to volumes like that can cause serious permanent hearing loss for your nieces and nephews. If you want to bring your nieces and nephews to those bass-filled hip-hop shows or to a blaring loud metal concert, consider providing them with earplugs to protect their hearing. There are even custom earplugs for musicians or frequent show-goers! And don’t worry, these shows are loud enough that your nieces and nephews won’t have any trouble hearing and enjoying the show.
Don’t let concerns like these get in the way of enjoying a rockin’ show with your younger nieces and nephews. As long as you’re safe, well-informed, and stay close to your nieces and nephews, these concerts and shows can be a great way to bond with your favorite kids in the world. You’ll also be the coolest Auntie around!
Published: November 30, 2011
This article is one of my favorites. If you click the link, you'll see the photograph (also attached below) used to accompany the article. That is me with my friends' daughter, Skye. We went to her dad's rock show together and had the best time, so I was really excited to write this article, inspired by our experience. I hope you enjoy it!
Concert Savvy Aunties
by Veronica Spettmann
Do you love listening to heavy music with your nieces and nephews or going to particularly wild concerts with them? Or do you wish you could take them to see some of your favorite bands in concert, but are just too afraid that they aren’t old enough? I was lucky enough to spend an evening at a metal show with my niece-by-choice and her parents recently, and I realized that a lot of Aunties may not bring their younger nieces and nephews to cool shows like that because of the obvious concerns surround that kind of environment. Here are some pointers to put your mind at rest so you can enjoy your favorite bands together, no matter what the volume.
If you're afraid a show or concert may not be appropriate for your nieces and nephews, there are a few things to consider. Of course, this is primarily up to the discretion of your nieces’ and nephews’ parents. Their word is law, and if they deem a show to be inappropriate, then you’ll have to respect that decision. However, if Mom and Dad say you’re okay to go, then there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
Will there be mosh pits at this show? - A lot of rock and metal bands have mosh pits and crowd surfers at their shows, which is all fine and fun, but could be a hazardous nightmare for kids. If you want to be close to the stage, be prepared to act as a human shield for them. If that doesn’t appeal to you, consider getting a spot further from the stage; this will keep them out of harm’s way and will also be safer for their hearing.
Does this particular artist curse a lot? - If the answer is yes, you can either choose to take your nieces and nephews to another show, or you can make it very clear to them before you go that some words are completely inappropriate and that they should not repeat them if they hear them. Aunties are a great influence on their nieces and nephews, so they’ll listen to you. If your nieces and nephews are really young, they may not even know what most of the lyrics mean, so you won’t have to worry too much.
Do your nieces and nephews handle crowds well? - If not, consider taking them to see less popular bands where there will be smaller crowds, or try to find another way to share your musical passions that will involve fewer people. If your nieces and nephews love the excitement of being surrounded by people, then rock on! Just be careful to keep your nieces and nephews close to you and to have a back-up plan should you be separated from each other.
Should you be concerned for your nieces' and nephews' hearing? - kidshealth.org, a great reference for kids and adults alike explains that the volume at concerts is high enough to cause temporary hearing damage or hearing loss. Most Aunties have probably experienced this at some point: that feeling that you are wearing earmuffs after a show when you aren’t actually. The same happens to kids, though extended exposure to volumes like that can cause serious permanent hearing loss for your nieces and nephews. If you want to bring your nieces and nephews to those bass-filled hip-hop shows or to a blaring loud metal concert, consider providing them with earplugs to protect their hearing. There are even custom earplugs for musicians or frequent show-goers! And don’t worry, these shows are loud enough that your nieces and nephews won’t have any trouble hearing and enjoying the show.
Don’t let concerns like these get in the way of enjoying a rockin’ show with your younger nieces and nephews. As long as you’re safe, well-informed, and stay close to your nieces and nephews, these concerts and shows can be a great way to bond with your favorite kids in the world. You’ll also be the coolest Auntie around!
Published: November 30, 2011
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