Mom’s Talk Q&A: Getting in the Swim of Things for Summer

Q: With the onset of this near-balmy weather, I'm dreaming of taking my 15-month-old to the beach and pool this summer. I know he's too young to swim, but can you recommend a local mommy and me water appreciation class? 

A: You're absolutely right: It’s too early for your little one to do the breaststroke, and we know he won’t be jumping the waves anytime soon. However that’s no reason not to start getting him used to the sensation of sitting in water deeper than his bath. Check out this cornucopia of local classes (in the children’s aquatics department) that offer accredited instructors, heated pools and sessions that teach parents water safety; babies how to blow bubbles, and includes songs, games and rhymes to relax him.

• JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly; www.jccotp.org; 201-569-7900·      

• The Spa at Glen Pointe in Teaneck; www.thespaatglenpointe.com; 201-836-5400·      

• YMCA Bergen County in Hackensack; www.ymcagbc.org; 201-487-6600·  

• Ridgewood YMCA; www.ridgewoodymca.org; 201-444-5600·      

• Bergen County YJCC in Washington Township; www.yjcc.org; 201-666-6610·      
• If you live in a building with a pool, or belong to a community pool, ask the lifeguards if they are willing to give lessons. 

Don't Fret About Play Date Etiquette 

Q: I’m new to my town, and about to take my toddler on his first group play date. I don’t want to blow it by offering the wrong snack, talking smack, or watching my toddler give my friend’s son a whack. What is proper play date protocol? Here are some common sense strategies to ensure a successful session. 

Prepare for a Snack Attack

Kids get the munchies. To please their palates, carry an assortment of snacks from puffs to pretzels, and offer to share. It is also always nice to bring something special that you know the mom will love (yes, I will have a slice of your delicious homemade cherry pie).           

Discipline Do’s and Don’ts

Do discipline your little darling when he or she hits, spits or grabs another’s toys (remember, it’s nice to share). A quick reprimand and immediate removal from the offending object or person should do the trick. (Risk a longer, more embarrassing rebuke and you’re likely to face a tantrum straight out of “Toddlers & Tiaras”). Time outs are best saved for your own home where you know the lay of the land. And never discipline somebody else’s child. No matter how much you want to put little Billy in his well-deserved place, resist the temptation or you will surely become the neighborhood pariah. 

Wheezing and Sneezing is Not Very Pleasing

Simple rule of thumb: if your child has a runny nose that you have to keep wiping, or a constant open-mouthed cough, or is sneezing all over you, her Sippy cup and her favorite stuffed animal, do everyone a favor and stay home. Kids can spread germs faster than it takes the town gossip to spread a rumor. 

Diaper Dilemmas

If “doody” calls, make sure that you ask your host where you can dispose of the dirty diaper. Nobody wants to find a stinky diaper in their garbage can, when they have a perfectly good diaper genie sitting in another room. If possible, come prepared with those little scented diaper baggies to dispose of the offending object. 

Mind Your Manners

Finally, teaching your child to say “please” and “thank you” (and that goes for you too, missy) goes a long way towards charming the host and receiving that much-coveted return invitation. 

Editor’s note: If you have questions related to parenting, raising kids or just generally being a mom, feel free to submit them to the author at estellewriter@aol.com or the editor at erik.wander@patch.com. Your question might just be featured in a future column.