Welcome to another installment of Hey Heylee, your favorite local parenting advice column!
A Monster Problem
A Monster ProblemHey Heylee,
I think my little girl is starting to hit the phase where she’s super scared of monsters. Any advice on how to calm her down and get her to feel less afraid?
Monsters ARE scary. I like the idea of being scared, but the feeling itself makes me want to either zip myself up in a sleeping bag or run full speed into my hall closet. That’s not cool, Zubil. (He’s the monster currently subletting in my hall closet.)
To a little kid, monsters aren’t only scary they are very real, and a mistake that we often make as adults is to tell them that they aren’t. Your little’s imagination is as strong as an ox. And like oxen, your child is not feeding you any bull. Lean into their feelings, ask questions about the monster and acknowledge that to your child it is real.
Hear me out now: you’re going to have to be a creative advertiser. Take a small spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of essential oil. This is your child’s mace. I suggest that you call it something friendlier, like Mutant Mist or Aromatic Ogre Eliminator. Tell your little monster slayer that this particular monster DOES NOT like the smell of it and it causes them to run away, shrink, sneeze, or whatever you fancy. It’s your product – sell it! The idea is that the Aromatic Ogre Eliminator empowers her to bravely face the monster. She can keep it at her bedside or hire her favorite stuffed animals to be protectors, too.
If all else fails, step back and think about what shows you’re exposing her to. Maybe it’s time to lay off the screen time.
Funky Spring Chicken
Hey Heylee,
Yesterday I swear I saw the first robin of the season. That means that spring is almost here and I’m in desperate need of a new spring wardrobe. What’s the latest in mom fashion?
My favorite go-to item for daytime is a sensible, smart, sleek, and long coat that hits at ankle length. Pair it with a neutral-colored, straight-legged pant that accentuates the bulky multi-layers of long underwear. Need to turn up the volume from your day look to night? Slip on heavy insulated boots that are heat-activated by the hopeful thoughts of warm weather.
According to the world wide web and fashion bloggers, 90s fashion is making a comeback. Platforms, fringe, pastels, scrunchies, and huge tote bags. You could raid a Gen Xer’s high school closet or head to one of the hippest vintage clothing shops: Found + Formed. It’s easy to spend an entire day sorting through the unique pieces that make you feel as though you traveled through time. Without it costing you an arm and a leg.
Not only are oodles of unique, and locally upcycled clothes, there are funky, locally made jewelry and accessories that are perfect for that quirky friend on your list.
Need advice? Got more questions? I’ve got relatively acceptable answers. Send your parenting questions to: info@crmoms.com and I’ll do my best to help you out.
Make sure you never miss out on a parenting or community-related blog post: sign up to receive Cedar Rapids Moms posts in your inbox. While you’re at it, join our VIP List to ensure you’re one of the first to know about upcoming Cedar Rapids Moms’ events and promotions!!
