Come learn how to satisfy your crazy pregnancy cravings in a healthy way with Brooke Alpert of B Nutritious!

Nutritionist Brooke Alpert will be talking about her new book "Healthy Eating during Pregnancy"

Wednesday, June 29th from 6 pm to 7.30 pm

Being a Positive Parent: The top ten questions to ask yourself

 
1. What type of parent are you currently? Rate yourself. If you could score yourself on a 1-10 basis. 1 being the worst and ten being the best. Where would you put yourself and why?
After having over fifty parents answer this question. I have found the most common answer to be anywhere from a five or less. As parents, we tend to think we are never doing enough. We think we’re ok but could always do better. We remember everything we did wrong. I just yelled at my daughter, I wasn’t fully listening, I couldn’t get off of work to see her school play. We never think of the good we did.
 
2. What type of parent do you want to be? What personality traits do you need to work on as a parent?  Think of all the traits you would like to portray to your children. Think of the person you would want to be that would make you a great role model. Remember, most traits are learned. This means you can learn any new traits you think your missing ( patience, listening skills, empathy, etc). This also means you can teach your kids some really great personality traits which will help guide them thru life is a positive way such as respect for yourself and others, kindness, gratitude, helping others, etc.
 
3. What have you learned from your child? For example: my child has made me see the joy in life. I watch her innocence ( not knowing the world has a dark side), the laughter of just enjoying the flowers, the sky, ice cream - living in the moment. I also learned from my daughter that we are born happy. We are born to love life. This gives me the motivation to find that joy in my own life and share it with everyone around me. Think of the influence your kids have on you?
 
4. What does my child need from me? Don’t think about just what you want to give or think she needs? Ask your child what her interests, likes, dislikes are? Find out what your child really needs and wants? Make sure you really listen to your child. Don’t tune out thinking you know what’s best for your child all the time. Don’t get me wrong -as a parent, your always looking out for your child and protecting them. But you need to listen to them and follow their interests to help them grow and become their own person.
 
5. Do you find yourself “Keeping up with the Jones”?  This typical statement that we hear all the time holds a lot of truth to it. Do you find yourself comparing yourself to other parents or trying to compete with other parents? If you do, stop immediately. This will only cause failure for both you and your child. Be yourself- be the parent you want to be. Let your child grow and develop in their own pace. Every one grows, develop and learns differently - this is ok. Don’t push your child to be someplace they are not. Encourage but don’t push!
 
6. When was the last time you said something positive to yourself or your spouse about your parenting techniques? If you haven’t found something good you have done - your not looking hard enough. We are learn how to be parents thru trial and error. We have help and support but there is no degree on parenting. You have done a lot of good already. Think about and praise what you have done right. Your children need to see you praise yourself. They need to see you have a good sense of self.
 
7. What are your expectations for your children? Have you set realistic expectations for them? Write a list of your expectations. Make sure they are realistic - don’t set your child and yourself up for failure.
 
8. Write a job description for yourself. I actually have written a job description for a mom but you can do the same for a dad. You can also re write your job description if it has changed. Maybe, you have become a single parent or you went from a stay at home mom to a working mom. Your job descriptions as a parent can change at any time. Be prepared. Write your description. Here is an example of a Help wanted ad for a mom:
 
Help Wanted: Mom
Must have a beautiful  smile, warm eyes and a loving touch. Highly motivated and energetic individual with the ability to multi-task, negotiate and manage time. Must be a self-starter and be willing to learn new tasks at any time. Must be organized, delegate responsibility and manage a budget. Patience is a must. Must work well under pressure. Must be responsible, caring, disciplined and have good managerial skills. Listening skills a plus. Must have a reliable car. Position requires long hours, overtime, weekends and holidays. No sick or vacation time. Pay is low, appreciation is rare but you will learn a lot from this position. 
 
9. Who are you outside of being a parent? You’re a parent - that’s great must not only should you have a sense of personal accomplishment but also have a sense of professional development. You should have outside interests, hobbies and friends. This will show you as a well rounded person that your children can admire. Having outsides interests and friends will also make you happier. A happy parent = happy children. To be a good parent, you must first be a happy individual
 
10. Do you have Support  network?- Always make sure as a parent that you have a strong support team. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This was extremely hard for me. I always thought I could handle everything. ( I had some control issues) But then you realize this is impossible once you have kids. I remember, the day my babysitter got the stomach flu, my husband was at work already and I had an important meeting at work I couldn’t miss. The obvious  answer/solution: ask for help. It was hard but I did and it worked. Think of a few people that you could turn to in an emergency situation or just for when you need a break. It might be family or friends- just have those peoples numbers close by. Parenting has a lot of spontaneous moments you want to be prepared.
 
For more information on Diane Lang or her new book Creating Balance & Finding Happiness, please visit her website: www.dlcounseling.com  Please contact Diane with any questions at Lifeline36@aol.com

Customer Appreciation Event

Please join us at Metro Minis on Friday, May 13th 2 PM to 4 PM to celebrate the showcasing of our new store artwork provided to us by Adriana Casey Photography, a favorite customer of ours.
We are thrilled to have photography by a customer, featuring our other lovely customers.

To show our appreciation for customers like Adriana and you, we will have light refreshments, a raffle for a gorgeous Sakura Bloom ring sling and an "A Lifestyle Portrait Session" and a 11X14 print courtesy of Adriana Casey photography

Free gift with a purchase of $20, and discounts on a bestselling cloth diapering system.

2

Help Wanted: MOM

Help Wanted: Mom

Must have a beautiful  smile, warm eyes and a loving touch. Highly motivated and energetic individual with the ability to multi-task, negotiate and manage time. Must be a self-starter and be willing to learn new tasks at any time. Must be organized, delegate responsibility and manage a budget. Patience is a must. Must work well under pressure. Must be responsible, caring, disciplined and have good managerial skills. Listening skills a plus. Must have a reliable car. Position requires long hours, overtime, weekends and holidays. No sick or vacation time. Pay is low, appreciation is rare but you will learn a lot from this position
 
Diane Lang, MA
Positive Living Expert/Educator

Private Consultations

Due to the amazing response, we extended our promotion:



PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS
In our place or yours!
Whether you are looking for more individualized attention, have special needs, a bag of donated carriers, or just can't make it to our store, we are here to help you!
Let one of our certified babywearing instructors guide you through the difference in babycarriers and slings.
Private, one-on-one consultations are $50 in-store and $100 in home
if scheduled in the month of May. You will also receive a 5% discount on any carriers you purchase. Please contact us to inquire about dates or you can reserve a spot online

You do not need to book a private consultation to purchase a sling/carrier. All our staff knows about babywearing and is happy to help you at any time. The private consultations are available for customers who would like a more personalized experience.

Ju Ju Be Trunkshow

We are finalizing the details but we will be having a Ju Ju Be Trunkshow in May.



Stay tuned for more info here. Sign up for our blog, newsletter or friend us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop.

Stand Up For Women's Health!

Please join women of NYC and around the country who are standing up for Women's Health! All over our country little by little women's health and rights are being tested right now. This weekend join with Planned Parenthood of NYC, Raising Women’s Voices, NARAL Pro-Choice New York, National Advocates for Pregnant Women and other local groups to stand up for the rights of all women to have access to reproductive health services.

Even if you think this won't impact you, likely you have a daughter, sister, niece, friend, or a co-worker to whom access to affordable reproductive health services will be important!

ACT THIS WEEKEND!

Keep up with what is going on thru:

Twitter - Tweet about the rally! Here’s a sample tweet: “Join me and @ppnycaction on Feb 26 as we stand up for women’s health! RSVP today: http://bit.ly/h4ubMk #Feb26 #women”

Facebook - Join the facebook event and invite your friends to join too!

Tumblr - They created a Tumblr where they will be promoting all things rally-related!

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Address:
Foley Square, Across from the Court House in Lower Manhattan
Between Lafayette St. & Centre St.
New York, NY 10007
United States

If you'd like to attend this event you can RSVP online.

Need to get Fired Up about it, check out:
http://feministing.com/2011/02/16/its-time-to-fucking-rally/

Introducing our new Girasol Colorways Lotus, SoHo and Chelsea

We just received three new Girasol colorways. Of course they all have our signature three stripes. We really proud of them, take a look and order them at our online store or come to our retail location to check them out.

Happy Snow Day!

From all of us at Metro Minis, thank you for supporting us during 2010! We are looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Today, as you might have guessed, we closed due to snow conditions. We will also be closed this Saturday and Sunday while we celebrate New Years!

Please enjoy the holidays safely!

NY Times article on Kangaroo Care

We have been recommending Kangaroo care to our customer for years so we were happy to see this article in the NY times today.
Please take a look it is a great piece.


The Human Incubator
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/the-human-incubator/?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=ab1

Charlie's Soap Refill Station at Metro Minis!

Do you love the eco-friendly Charlie's Soap? Take your green thumb to the next level by reusing your Charlie's Soap containers!

You can refill your container at our refill station; helping you save money and the environment!

Bring your 2.64 lb (80 loads) Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder and refill it for only $12 (regular price of a new container is $16).

Just another way Metro Minis is helping NYC parents go green!

Return of the Lunchbots!

The Lunchbots have returned to the land of Metro Minis, saving people everywhere from the cursed legion of plastic containers that have plagued the countryside!

In their secret hidden base, at 75th St and Park Ave (near the 6 train), the Lunchbots have organized themselves into a fighting force of stainless steel -- ready to assist with four different sizes and colors!

In their epic campaign to provide eco-friendly lunch containers, the Lunchbots have enlisted a new ally!

Now, with the help if the Children's Stainless Steel Dish Set, the Lunchbots are better than ever!

Create your own team of Lunchbots! All sizes are restocked and ready to assist you!

Free Winter Babywearing Classes Available!

Our Winter Babywearing Class is back!

Just in time for cooler temperatures, NYC's only certified babywearing educators stand ready to teach you the best ways to use your favorite baby carriers while on-the-go during fall and winter months!

The first two FREE classes are scheduled for Oct. 30 at 1pm and Nov. 8 at 2pm!

If you've attended one of our popular Babywearing 101 Classes, you will definitely want to check out this class as well!

Recommend this class to your friends!

Don't let the cooler NYC winter weather slow you down!

Cloth Diaper Photo Contest!

Get your camera and cloth diapers ready, its time for the 2nd Annual Real Diaper Association (RDA) Reusable Cloth Diaper Photo Contest!

Anyone can enter the contest – all you need is a child in cloth diapers and a camera. Entries will be collected from now until November 3rd and there is a special treat for the 12 best photos that are submitted.

What happens to the best 12 photos? They will be used to create the 2011 RDA Cloth Diaper Calendar! And the picture with the highest number of votes will win a Flip UltraHD 2nd generation video camera!

Hmmm….now which diaper should I choose and where should my setting be? The beach maybe? A park? In Metro Minis? A holiday inspired picture? Oh the choices are endless!

Keep your baby warm this Fall/Winter!

Don't let cooler temperatures take away the joy and convenience of babywearing. You can still use your baby carrier when you combine it with cold weather covers.

Made specifically to fit over baby carriers, brands like Kowali, Peekaru, and Ergo have great options for Fall and Winter babywearing.

Fortunately, our free Winter Babywearing Class will be making a reappearance later this year. I will blog the day/time for it as soon as its scheduled.

In the meantime, come into our store and let us show you how to use our many practical and cozy fleece covers!

New research on how to raise kinder children

This probably won't surprise you, but now we have research to back it up.

According to a recent Time article, new studies have shown that babies who are kept closer to their parent and given more positive affection and responsiveness are more likely to grow up into kinder and more intelligent adults.

Babywearing compliments this style of parenting perfectly. Using a wrap or carrier instead of pushing a stroller is always something we've believed to be developmentally healthier for your child. Instead of being pushed two feet in front of you, your baby is right next to you when you're babywearing. And lets be real, dragging a stroller around NYC streets and subways is not something that's very convenient.

This week is International Babywearing Week, through Oct. 12th! Come into our NYC store and mention its babywearing week! We'll tell you our special on baby carriers!

Infant CPR: Every Parent Should Know

Would you know how you resuscitate your infant if the worst happened?

Join us at Metro Minis next Wednesday, Oct. 13, and learn CPR for infants and children, as well as basic first aid and safety techniques.

Topics covered include infant and child CPR; Heimlich maneuver for choking; first aid for bleeding, head injuries, falls and burns; treatment for poisoning; dealing with fever and allergic reactions; and the most preventive measure of all: how to baby proof your home. Practice with mannequins is included.

Instructor fee is $75. Class in session from 2pm to 4pm. Reserve your seat and sign up now!

Taught by Fern Drillings, R.N.

Share your babywearing stories with us!

Help us celebrate International Babywearing Week!

We love to hear from our customers how much they love their baby carriers! Send us your babywearing stories as we celebrate International Babywearing Week, Oct. 6-12!

We'll choose a few stories and post them online, with your permission of course!

Also, join us at Metro Minis for babywearing specials all week long! Just mention International Babywearing Week and we'll tell you about our specials!

Celebrate International Babywearing Week with Metro Minis!

Come celebrate International Babywearing Week with us, Oct. 6-12, while we offer in-store specials on baby carriers! And spread the word about babywearing to your friends - its safe and great for you and your baby!

International Babywearing Week, organized by Babywearing International, Inc., is an opportunity to help focus the world's attention on "babywearing," a term coined by pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears and his wife Martha Sears. Babywearing simply means carrying a baby or young child on one's body using a cloth baby carrier. Not only does babywearing allow parents to have both hands free while carrying their children, studies have shown show this practice is more likely to lead to happier babies who experience more secure attachments to their mothers.

This year's theme for International Babywearing Week is "Safe Babywearing: Enjoy the Benefits."

"International Babywearing Week is a great opportunity to bring awareness to the benefits of babywearing, and to focus on teaching how to wear babies safely," explained Glenda Criss, president of Babywearing International, Inc. "There are a variety of comfortable and safe ways to wear a baby."

If you want to learn how to wear your baby or help your friends learn, our free class on babywearing is a great place to start!

Spanish dads win breastfeeding rights!

(CNN) -- The European Union Court of Justice has ruled that working fathers in Spain have the same right to breastfeeding leave as do moms.

Thursday's ruling grants Spanish dads the same rights as the mother of their child to leave work up to twice a day for a total of an hour or to shorten their workday by 30 minutes for the first nine months of the baby's life.

The court called the law "an unjustified discrimination on grounds of sex" that fathers weren't granted breastfeeding leave in the same instances as women were.

The statute, challenged by Pedro Manuel Roca Alvarez, didn't allow dads to take the same leave afforded to women if the mother of their children didn't work or were self-employed.

The law was "liable to perpetuate a traditional distribution of the roles of men and women by keeping men in a role subsidiary to that of women in relation to the exercise of their parental duties."

...So does this mean we'll see Spanish fathers attending our new NYC breastfeeding support group on Thursdays at 1pm?