parenting

Penguin publishing sent me a leftover pre-publication copy of "Savvy," by Ingrid Law, and asked me to help get the word out about an upcoming summer reading program for kids. I had seen "Savvy" mentioned in Reader's Digest, as a "don't miss this" summer read. And since I'm between installments of "Twilight," and finished with "The Host," I was grateful for something else to read in the meantime! I'm only about halfway through, but I'm enjoying "Savvy," so far. It's definitely aimed at a younger audience (ages 9-12), and it's written in a folksy storytelling tone. Here's the quick summary:

For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a "savvy" — a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity... and now it's the eve of Mibs's big day. As if waiting weren't hard enough, the family gets scary news two days before Mibs's birthday: Poppa has been in a terrible accident. Mibs develops the singular mission to get to the hospital and prove that her new power can save her dad. So she sneaks onto a salesman's bus... only to find the bus heading in the opposite direction. Suddenly Mibs finds herself on an unforgettable odyssey that will force her to make sense of growing up — and of other people, who might also have a few secrets hidden just beneath the skin.

I don't know how the story ends, so I can't give anything away about the plot. The book is whimsical and easy to read, with a lilting and sometimes sing-song rhythm. The characters' superpowers will appeal to young readers, who will imagine and wish for their own savvies. In an effort to encourage young children to read, "Savvy" will be available as a free download (pdf file) free online read next week, from July 14-20. If you're looking for something to occupy the kids during the last "Mom, I'm bored" weeks of summer vacation, check it out! Get your free download of Savvy here, between July 14-20, 2008. EDIT: Apparently, the publisher changed the download to a free online version, due to the size of the pdf. If you don't like reading online, or won't be able to finish the book during the free week, you should try printing from within the online viewer/reader. Sorry about that.

I don't know who came up with the phrase "Terrible Twos," because with my three kids, age three has always been much worse than two. I was reminded of this today, when my three year old daughter had her first humongous public meltdown. It happened like this... This morning, I needed to get some things from my favorite store, Target. I love going to Target. There is a Pizza Hut/Taco Bell snack area up front, and I can grab a soda to sip while I shop. Usually, I get a sugar cookie for my daughter, and she sits sweetly in the cart, smiling at strangers, waving at old folks. It's a nice outing. Not today. About halfway through the shopping, she decided to throw a big screaming fit. It was really magnificent. On the International Tantrum Scale (based on how many strangers would stop and stare), it was probably a 9 out of 10. There was crying, whining, screaming, falling on the floor, scratching, bleeding, hair stuck to snot, kicking... No vomiting, though. That would have made it a 10. I will spare you the rest of the little details, but let me share some of the things I learned from today's Tantrum at Target:

• Age three is more terrible than two, because a three year old is heavier, more wiggly, and can cause more damage during a tantrum.
• The first time a child has a huge tantrum at the store, it will be unexpectedly crowded, even though it's a Monday, and people should be at work.
• The more difficult your child is being, the more people will stop their carts directly in your path, blocking your way.
• The ear-splitting shrieks of an angry toddler would make a highly effective torture device.
• The ear-splitting shrieks of an angry toddler would also make a highly effective birth control device.
• Chanting "this is not my child" to yourself while you wrestle the kid and try to drive the cart around the oblivious morons parked in the middle of the aisle does not help to block out the screaming noise.

I'm sure some of you parents can relate to this experience. It's one of those things that we all go through with our kids, right? Do you have any favorite tantrum lessons you'd like to share?

First of all, let me say that this story involves throw-up. If you are averse to hearing such a story, please skip to the next post. I don't want to make you sick! If you're a parent, chances are you're over it, so read on...

When it comes to parenting, Hubby and I have lots in common. All the important things. However, one of the places we differ is in the treatment of sick children. Specifically, children who are vomiting, or who are about to vomit. For instance...

Not long ago, one of our young children was about to be sick. She's not old enough to go into the bathroom and take care of it herself, but there was no doubt about what was going to happen.

Sensing the imminent upchuck, Hubby jumped backwards, with a graceful agility I did not know he possessed. He nailed the move, and landed safely outside the splatter zone.

In the same second, I -- almost without thinking -- lunged toward my daughter. I got my hands cupped under her pale face just in time, and caught the mess! Yes, in my bare hands. I'm a mom. I've been a mom long enough to know it's much easier to wash my hands, arms, and/or shirt, than to scrub the sofa, floor, and/or carpet!

Once things were cleaned up and under control, I pointed out the difference in our reactions to my husband. I asked him why he jumped out of the way, leaving me to jump in. He said, "I don't know. It's just a reflex, I guess. And you're a vomit magnet."

"Vomit magnet." Next time I'm revising my Mom resume, I'll have to add that to my list of talents and responsibilities. Head Cook, Nurse, Chauffeur, Tutor, Vomit Magnet. Yeah, that's impressive. :-)