Q: My little one is starting pre-school, and I’m thinking of getting a part-time job. I’ve been out of the market for about three years, and have no idea where to start. Do you have any advice for me? A:You are not alone in your intent. It seems as if every day I hear of a mom who is considering getting a part- or full-time job. It can seem daunting to dive right back into the pool, but consider the following advice from Joanne O. McGhee, founder of Sage-ELT, LLC, (973-736-8900) who helps individuals and groups recognize the blocks that hold,them back from achieving goals and success, and …

Q: I feel out of shape since giving birth to my baby six months ago. What can I do to get my body back? A: I appreciate your sentiment, but frankly, feeling out of shape six months after giving birth is normal. Give yourself a break. It took me 18 months after having my daughter until I truly felt like myself again. For answers, I spoke with Joshua Margolis, a certified personal trainer and owner of Mind Over Matter Health & Fitness in New York City (212-865-9290), who was recently featured on the Today Show to address “Mommyrexia,” the issue of weight gain and loss surrounding pregnancy. …

Q: My husband and I both work, and our toddler is in daycare. Because we don’t get that much of a chance to see him, I’d love some tips on how best to connect with him so he feels secure. A: My husband works long hours and often travels for work, but he has developed such a strong bond with my daughter that she doesn’t just call him daddy; she calls him ‘mydaddy’. This bond began from her birth when he was the expert swaddler (my forte was singing to her). When they are together, his focus is completely on her (he reads to her, brings her to the playground, and takes her on regular outings to…

Q: With the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 coming up, how can I address what is sure to be a media onslaught with my impressionable five year old; and my teenager? A: To answer your question, I reached out to The American Psychological Association (APA), who recently posed these kinds of questions to Psychologist Robin H. Gurwitch, PhD, a professor and program coordinator of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. APA and Dr. Gurwitch are also partnering with Nickelodeon on a discussion guide created to help parents, educators and …

Q: This is a crazy week; because just as we are recovering from Hurricane Irene (yes, our basement was flooded); we are also getting ready for our first week of pre-school. Can you share tips to make the transition for my three-year-old easier? A: I am in the middle of the same dilemma (although thankfully our family got through the hurricane with property and possessions intact). Like your child, my daughter is heading to pre-school for the very first time, and it is quite a momentous occasion. She is a very adventurous girl, but I am taking some simple steps to get her psyched for this new …

Q: We will be taking a family vacation abroad starting this Labor Day weekend. What is the best way to travel safely (and sanely) with my children? A: My most recent family vacation in June to the beautiful Atlantis family resort in the Bahamas was also our first trip out of the country so I was understandably nervous. Besides packing band aids, sunscreen, Benadryl, Neosporin, a thermometer, a new spin toothbrush and generic baby acetaminophen drops, I also made sure copies of our passports and itinerary were left with family members back home and brought lots of snacks for the plane and …

Q: Thankfully my one-year-old is finally sleeping through the night. Now I am the one with the problem. I have trouble falling asleep, mainly because my mind is so restless. What can I do? A: I know what you mean. Before I had my daughter I used to sleep, like, well, a baby. After she was born, and even well after she began to sleep through the night, I found my sleep patterns disrupted (I attribute it to mommy worries). I have tried sipping chamomile tea, supping on turkey for dinner (the tryptophan in it makes me feel drowsy); and have stopped watching the 11 o’clock news, and violent TV …

Q: I am thinking of hiring a nanny but want to make sure I’m choosing the right person to take care of my two-year-old when I go back to work. Can you help? A: When hiring a nanny, it is best to go through a reputable agency. Ultimately, select someone you feel will interact with your child (and hopefully not just chat away on their cell phone, while keeping your child prisoner in her stroller or crib). Here is additional advice from the experts. Suzanne Royer McCone, president of Annie's Nannies Household Staffing. Your Childcare Styles Should Be a Match: During the interview process, you …

Q: I’m pregnant with my first child. I plan to breastfeed, and have already taken a class at Englewood Hospital, where I plan to deliver. I know that I have to focus on the needs of my baby when it comes to breastfeeding (i.e. the baby has to suck for a long time to get the fatty part of the milk), and frankly, I’m fearful of the pain. Can you give me some suggestions on how to successfully breastfeed? A: The timing for your question is excellent; the first week of August has actually been designated World Breastfeeding Week by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a global network …

Q: I love my two toddlers, but the constant refrain of ‘mommy, do this; mommy, I want; mommy I need’ is driving me to drink. I need a break so I can reconnect to the ‘me’ I lost when I became a mother. My friend feels the same. Where should we go? A: An informal poll of my FB mom friends showed that when women allow themselves to take off on a girls’ getaway once or twice a year, they come back renewed and feel more appreciated by their families (at least for a little while). Thankfully, hotels, resorts and spas are realizing the “mommy market” is a viable one and are featuring “girlfriend …

Q: My baby is nine months old, and I’d like to start feeding him organic baby food (although I’m not sure why it’s better than canned). I’d also love a few recipes incorporating baby food for when he’s a little older. A: I introduced my daughter to baby food when she was six months old. We started with the fruit and veggie jars (which went over well), but she hated the meat, and after trying it myself, I agreed. The stuff tasted vile! Eventually, we found our way to organic baby food, and quickly got hooked on the fresh, delicious taste. Whether you plan to make the baby food yourself (try …

Q: I love the summer, but the combination of sun, wind and water plays havoc with my hair, skin and nails. Can you suggest a few products to make me look (and feel) my best as I shuttle my kids back and forth from the pool to camp? A: When summer comes ‘round, I want to spend less time getting ready, putting on makeup, and doing my hair than during any other time of the year. This is why it’s essential to have beauty products handy that help instead of hinder your routine. With that in mind, here is a roundup of some of the best new items to soothe, clean, moisturize and help you glow as you …

Q: I have one child with my husband, but friends and family keep asking me, “When are you going to have another baby?" Their questioning is driving me nuts, namely because I work full-time, had infertility issues before having my son and don’t feel I could handle another child without sacrificing my marital and personal happiness. How do I justify my position and/or what can I tell these people to get them off my back without revealing too much? A: Because this is something I see a lot of women dealing with, I was delighted to read an informative new book, The Case for the Only Child (HCI …

Q: I recently heard about the Fairview man who offered several Fort Lee children on their way to school $5 and a ride in his car (they refused, and thankfully he was charged with harassment the next day), and now I'm concerned about "stranger danger." What suggestions can you give me to help me prepare my child for any scenario she might encounter? A: I, too worry about danger from strangers. Sometimes I even question the intention of people who ask my toddler her name and where she is going. (Admittedly, these conversational gambits occur after she has actively worked to call attention to …

Q: My daughter is addicted to her pacifier (a.k.a. binky). She always wants to have it in her mouth, and she’s 18 months old. I am trying to limit her use of it, but I don’t know how to get her to give it up. What are your suggestions? A: My daughter is in the same boat. True, she’s two years old, but she’s loved the binky since birth (see photo). Right now we’re limiting it to her afternoon naptime and night time (and she’s fine with that). She has a funny routine where we have to “wash the binky” for her before she takes it in her mouth. Anyway, I always say that a binky is semi-permanent, …

Q: I’m searching for the perfect gift for my husband this Father’s Day. Ideally, I’d like to go off the beaten track and opt for anything but the usual cologne, tie or business card holder. Do you have any thoughts?  A: My husband is hard to shop for, and for this Father’s Day, I wanted to change it up a bit by getting him something unexpected. Although he may have to wait until his birthday to get his ultimate wish, a Dream Car Tour, which offers the opportunity to drive six exotic sports cars in a single day for less than the cost of one standard rental, I can help him indulge his interests…

Q: With sunny weather finally (finally) here, I want to take some flattering shots of my three-year-old outside in our backyard. Can you provide me with a few professional tips to get her picture-perfect? A: While I enjoy looking at the pictures from my daughter’s holiday photo shoot last December (which took place indoors), I also love the photos my brother-in-law, a photographer, took of our family last summer in Ross Dock Park, because the pictures really pop against the backdrop of the George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River. I’ve also always appreciated the concept of showing a …

Q: My husband travels a lot on business, and finally my kids and I have an opportunity to travel with him. My toddler has never been on a plane, and I need advice on how to make the experience as pain-free and pleasant as possible for us (and the rest of the passengers). A: We are taking our first airplane trip with my daughter very shortly and in preparation (and hoping that my preparation will prevent a first class meltdown in coach), I have downloaded several excellent Apps to my iPad, including, Komochis® Feeling Frenzy, The Day the Music Stopped, Let’s Go Count Animals! and Cake Doodle. …

Q: My two-year-old toddler is showing signs of potty readiness (knows when she needs her diaper changed and asks for it; puts her teddy bear on the potty) but she’s leery about going on it herself. How can I be sure that it’s time to train her? A: Relax Mom. She appears to be right on schedule. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics only between the ages of 18 and 24 months do children begin to have the cognitive, emotional and physiological developmental skills to begin potty training. Although the average age for potty training is between two and three years old, some children may …

Q: I would like to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with my family and friends this Thursday, but the party (and food) needs to be toddler-friendly. Care to share a few suggestions? A: It does seem as if many popular foods for this holiday, such as multi-layered nachos or tostadas are too messy for toddlers to tangle with. Still, with just a few tweaks, you can turn a Cinco de Mayo celebration into a kid-friendly fiesta. Here are a few tips from Jillian Leslie, creator of www.catchmyparty.com. Belly up to the (Taco) Bar: Toddlers (and kids who are picky eaters) will appreciate a make-your-own taco or …