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Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] I looked up PS116 bec of the mom who was upset about getting G&T there. Insideschools says 5 out of 5 stars. It is one of the best schools in the city, it says. I don't get why the mom is sooo upset. 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 06.21.08, 07:12 PM Flag
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because she has too much of her id tied up to her kid. the poor kid is screwed pretty much with that sort of pressure [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:13 PM Flag
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that is what I am thinking. she just doesn't get it yet. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:33 PM Flag
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The poster mentioned her concerns about it being a K-5 school and about the curriculum. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:21 PM Flag
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^^^ I would also add class size to this. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:22 PM Flag
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Unless her kid got into Hunter it's the same curriculum - G&T or Gen Ed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:22 PM Flag
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hunter is not all that different. in fact, no elementary school is all that different. all teach pretty much the same thing. its elementary! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:34 PM Flag
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Except Hunter is a lot more accelerated. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:39 PM Flag
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its still elementary school, ya know? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:43 PM Flag
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It is, but everyone is 1 or 2 grades accelerated and several kids are 4 or 5 grades advanced (every grade and every class, they said), so they go thru MS curriculum while in Elem school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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and then what? HS in MS, and then what? there is still only so much actual content to be taught. after that its just independent study, which could just be added all the way through. no reason to finish the curriculum in record time, in order to hang out for a couple of years before college. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:59 PM Flag
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It's not that they're trying to race anyone. You misunderstand. If you did/knew stuff 5 years ago, you don't want to relearn it. You always want to learn new stuff. That's all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 08:00 PM Flag
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ITA! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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It's not like that at all. Math is the only subject which kids can accelerate that much in. Otherwise, everyone is in the same English, social studies, science, etc etc classes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 08:14 PM Flag
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They may have the same names, but the content, level of discussion and expectations are widely different between even good schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 07:16 PM Flag
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because it's not as big a "name" school as anderson or hunter. and because she's a freak. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:22 PM Flag
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Looked so good that I went to streeteasy.com to look at rentals for 2BR. Holy cow. Nothing under $4k. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:25 PM Flag
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Try a one bedroom, convertable to a two bedroom, in a non-doorman building. You should be able to get the price to $3K/mo. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:35 PM Flag
[ - ] Need an urgent bday present for a 11 yo niece (lives in So CA if it makes any difference). What to give? TIA 15 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:10 PM Flag
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A trendy cool outfit. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:11 PM Flag
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won't work, she is a big overweight, last time we got her something it was too small, don't want to get something in size 14 to be too small, and in size 16, and if it's too big, it's almost an insult [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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an ed hardy t-shirt [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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DYO beading / necklace [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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nice, also ITunes [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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like a gift certificate? i like that idea [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:29 PM Flag
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Is she a reader? Or can you ask parents what music she likes? I can't have been the only 11yo who liked getting books or music as presents. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:20 PM Flag
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OP: she is in a performing group which sings "americana songs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:21 PM Flag
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what are Americana songs? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:23 PM Flag
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american patriotic songs [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:23 PM Flag
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Oh. That seems a little scary to me. Anyway, the jewelry idea sounds good. Or maybe a book. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:27 PM Flag
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op anyone familiar with Miss Sixty jewelry? is it a desirable brand for teens (therefore 11 yo)? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:32 PM Flag
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Pete Seeger's Greatest Hits [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:41 PM Flag
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I'd say a cute necklace or something jewelry oriented. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:22 PM Flag
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one of those cute mini ipod things [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:23 PM Flag
[ - ] my dh and i are in desperate need of a good parenting class. can anyone recommend one in blyn or manhattan? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:10 PM Flag
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call NYU child study center. They offer workshops sometimes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:12 PM Flag
[ - ] What is with all of the crazy drivers in this city? At least three cars hopping the curb and hitting pedestrians in the last couple days, and DS & I were about to cross the street today when an SUV sped through the red light. Had I not noticed how fast it seemed to be going, we would have been right ini front of it in the crosswalk. Seems like it's getting worse lately. 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.21.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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The veterans are back from Iraq and mad as hell [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:08 PM Flag
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We were driving up the West Side highway today and some SUV two lanes over decided to make an illegal u-turn and literally cut directly in front of us. Were it not for my husband's quick instincts, we would have been in a serious accident and my DCs were in the back. It was seriously the craziest move I have ever witnessed in a car. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:10 PM Flag
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I'm telling you it's the soldiers, 30%+ return to states and behave like maniacs and the police are seeing real trouble with them [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:13 PM Flag
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i wouldn't say behave like maniacs-more like have severe ptsd and the military does nothing to support them. big difference [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:14 PM Flag
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Call it what you will, are you a social worker? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:16 PM Flag
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no, just not someone who is that judgmental like you. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 08:57 PM Flag
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that could explains some of it, but the accidents I saw on the news were teenage drivers without licenses [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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also, what's with SUV owners deciding that because they have a big car they should take two parking spaces, even if they could fit into one so that no one will ding them? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:19 PM Flag
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NP: LOL! I drive an SUV and DH does not. He drove my car today to meet me somewhere (I had gone earlier with a friend) and he parked like that. I asked why and he said just that -- he didn't want it to get scratched. I thought to myself: "WTF? I park it every day and the only scratch it has is from our garage -- when DH nicked it!" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:28 PM Flag
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If only you had two spaces free for the suv in your garage;) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:36 PM Flag
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I am a little shocked to hear someone actually say they took up 2 spaces. Thats brass balls...so selfish! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:36 PM Flag
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I didn't do it...DH did! The lot wasn't full, but I still thought it was a jerk-move. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 08:51 PM Flag
[ - ] I used to think I was a pretty good mother, but as my first DD gets older (she's 4.5) and is testing me more and more, I feel like maybe I'm not so good after all. She's one of those kids who when she's good is very good, when she's bad she's horrid. I lose my patience so quickly. I'll yell, curse, say things that are immature and hurtful. What is wrong with me?? I am starting to get really upset about it because what if I really am a terrible mom and I've been kidding myself all this time. 19 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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I am /was you. Read "Scream Free Parenting." I hate books about parenting but this book is truly amazing. And recognizing your limitations and asking for help means you are a good mother. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:08 PM Flag
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It's normal to lose your patience but just don't curse at your kids! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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I know. But I'm a curser by nature (not that I talk like a sailor, but have always found a lot of release when I am upset by cursing) and it's hard to stop. I guess I kind of understand how abusers say they can't stop. It's out of my mouth before I even think. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:12 PM Flag
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np: why is it such a big deal, really? As long as you're not calling them names, the occasional curse word is not going to hurt them. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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OP here. I would never call her a name. I drop the F bomb. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:16 PM Flag
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bad grammar or below: same here. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:19 PM Flag
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You are not a horrible mom; you donesn't haven't been tested too much until now. IMO, 4.5 yo was about the worse so far. My dc is 5.2 yo now, and it's still not pretty. I've also resort to swearing, screaming, and throwing my own fits. It's really tough. Try not to give her too much negative attention, praise the good stuff, and be consistent. (now if I can just follow my own advice!). GL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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omg...I so cannot type. Sorry for the crap grammar. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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Thank you. She had gone through such a terrific spell until a few months ago. I thought the worst of the toddler/pre-school bad behavior was over. It's been a daily struggle with her lately. I'll check out the book. Thanks! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:11 PM Flag
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OR (with the book) - this time of year is also very stressful - school ending, transitions, etc. and the age is difficult. Don't beat yourself up. We all have limitations - recognizing them and working to change your behavior is much easier than you think it is, I promise!! I was doing everything you say you are and, while it hasn't stopped, it has really improved. I try to focus on the positive... when dd does something I want repeated I tell her "I like when you....." and when she is behaving a way that I know will bring us down that path I try to start with "I really like it better when you... " to try to redirect her behavior. The more I have done this the more it works. The book is great b/c it isn't all self-help-y - it's just very common sensical. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:14 PM Flag
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I just looked it up on Amazon and it looks interesting but it references that the principles are "based on scriptural truths" Is it a secret Jesus-y book? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:24 PM Flag
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Huh? There isn't a single thing in there that references religion or scripture. These aren't the Babywise people. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:27 PM Flag
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Cool. It was in the little blurb that Amazon provides. Otherwise it looks very interesting. I'll buy it. Thanks! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:28 PM Flag
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Of course now I'm wondering if it was so subtle I was subliminally indoctrinated! (JK). No idea where that came from. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:30 PM Flag
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np: 10 Days to a Less Defiant Child is a good one. Very simply written, but also a lot of common sense stuff. I haven't read the Screamfree one, so not sure how it compares. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:32 PM Flag
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i just walk away when I am so mad. i am on west coast this week and ended up putting dc to bed now after umpteen temper tantrums, dc was screaming and I just walked away, couldn't handle my anger [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:10 PM Flag
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Its not about you being "good" or "bad". You need to get a hold of yourself and exert some self control. These are vital teachings years and you are modeling poor behavior. Get some therapy or some other kind of help. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:12 PM Flag
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You're not a terrible mom just because your daughter pushes back. Give yourself a break. We all lose our tempers. Doesn't make you a bad mom. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:24 PM Flag
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actually, not being able to control herself or her language on a regular basis might make her a bad mother. she is the adult, she needs to be able to control herself. if she cannot get a grip as an adult, what does she expect of a 4 yo?? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 05:20 AM Flag
[ - ] How old was your dc when you transitioned out of crib? My DS flipped himself out of his crib last week but has not done it again since. He just turned 2 last week. Do I need to get him out of his crib ASAP or wait? tia 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.21.08, 07:02 PM Flag
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no but i would make sure you have a rug down with padding in case he does it again. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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17mo and it went fine [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:25 PM Flag
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I'd try a crib tent if you're worried. So many of my friends' kids gave up the nap when they moved into a bed. I plan on keeping my 2.9-year-old in the crib for a few more months! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:37 PM Flag
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18 months. went fine, actually. i was dreading it, but dd is now 2 1/2 and still napping 2 hrs a day [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 08:17 PM Flag
[ - ] How many dc's? Public, private or parochial? Family vehicle? 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:01 PM Flag
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zzzzzzzzzzzz [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:02 PM Flag
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beauty school dropout? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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2, 1 in public, 1 in private (nursery school -- but she will go to public school when the time comes), Honda Pilot (and DH drives an ancient Honda Accord) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:04 PM Flag
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Me too [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:05 PM Flag
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Don't you like it? I wanted the Acura, but we had no $, so I "settled" for the Pilot and now it's all that I ever want to drive! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:07 PM Flag
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And everyone has them now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:07 PM Flag
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I'm so trendy! :) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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1, public, subway [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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me too [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:19 PM Flag
[ - ] zipcar moms -- is there a way to see if a zipcar is available on a certain day without being a member? I am considering joining if the car is available .. 4th of July weekend fwiw ... Thanks. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.21.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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i don't think so. but if you want one for then i would go ahead and join and then reserve it quickly. i find that it's hard to get a car close to you if you wait until the week you want it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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if you want it for whole weekend, than a rental is going to be much cheaper... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:20 PM Flag
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it's probably not available. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:29 PM Flag
[ - ] Went to visit friends in the 'burbs today. I had a nice time, but DH and I agreed that from now on, we will have a no visit to the 'burbs policy unless it's to visit family or some sort of very special occasion. It's official, we've become crazy city people. But both of our kids get vomity car sick, we have to rent a car and put in the car seats each time, and getting out of Brooklyn is such a hassle in the car. It's such a stress. 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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good decision. just make them come to you. GL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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The thing that makes me crazy is that most of them were friends who moved out of the city. And now they expect us to come visit them all the time. I feel like, okay, I've seen your new digs, now leave me alone. That sounds much crueler than I mean it to sound, but darn it, they are the ones who chose to leave, why should I have to schlep now? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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That's too bad. You will miss out on a lot of nice road trips then. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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ya nothing like spending hours in traffic with kids barfing all over the place. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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If your kids (and me, too, actually) suffered from serious motion sickness, you would know that there is no such thing as a nice road trip. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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Dramamine? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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train? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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We almost did take the train, but it would have been 45 mins to Penn Station, then another hour to their train station, then they'd have to pick us up and 15 mins to their house. Too much of a PITA for everyone. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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At least you wouldn't have to worry about them getting car sick. ;) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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your kids won't get carsick or need carseats forever... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:16 PM Flag
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So maybe in 4 years I'll change my policy. :-) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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eh, those relationships will fall apart over time anyway [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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You're probably right. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:22 PM Flag
[ - ] Attempting to order towels from Neiman's website -- what's the difference between a tub mat and a bath rug? I want the towel-like thing. Is that the tub mat? (I know it sounds stupid, but I don't want to deal with the hassle of ordering the wrong thing!) 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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check the measurements. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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that's the tub mat. i'd check lands end if i were you -- the bamboo towels are much better than the charisma ones that neimans sells [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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Thanks for the rec. I was going to buy the "Marcus Collection" towels -- I've heard that they're (practically) the same as Matouk, but made for Neiman's. But now I can't make up my mind about the color! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:25 PM Flag
[ - ] Perfectmatch.com or chemistry.com? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
[ - ] So many of my Ivy educated friends who went to get advanced degrees from Ivy as well decided to SAH for a while and made career sacrifices. I respect them for it and I think it's great they have this choice. I don't see why one should measure success in terms of money and career. 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 06.21.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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It's a money losing decision but if you get the best education in the world, should you not be working to pay it forward? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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NP - SAH and raising your kids isn't paying it forward? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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no [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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Well I'll have to disagree with you. And no, I don't SAH. To each her own. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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to each his own. you really have to decide based on your individual life goals. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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Exactly. Who is OR to say that SAH isn't paying it forward? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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By that argument, no one with a top education should ever be allowed to take any time off during their career. Not for childcare, not to retire early, not to care for elderly parents or a sick spouse, etc. And who would say to a successful professional "Sorry, you can't retire at 50. You went to Yale and owe it to the world to work at least 40 years" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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What do you mean "pay it forward"? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:04 PM Flag
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Exactly -- did society pay for them to go to school? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:06 PM Flag
[ - ] doing an allergy test for hair coloring: do I leave this spot on, or can I wash it off now (an hour later)? TIA 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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You wash it off and wait 24 hours to make sure you don't get a rash. I have to say I have sensitive skin and I've never done this test. GL. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
[ - ] so, went to the gyn today w/ abnormal bleeding/clots, and it looks like i'm having a mc though i was still a "trace" pg. I didn't even think i was pg, since i had a pd a week and a half ago. he wants me to repeat the pg test at home in 2 weeks. wdyt? i have no symptoms. do i go along as if i'm pg until i get a definite no? or consider this bleeding, etc the mc and move on w/ my life? 10 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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don't go to the gym while preggers! wtf? i had spotting in the early stages. mom said stop working out. i was 34. stopped and now have a very healthy dd. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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don't go to the gym while ttc! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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? so you think i should continue as if i'm pg for the next 2 weeks? who said anything about the gym? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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I said the gynecologist, not the gym. read people. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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np: What does OP's post have to do with working out? But anyway, most OB's will tell you that exercise during pg is a good thing. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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OP: what i want to know is about booze. should i lay off or not? because honestly, if i'm having a mc, then i want a drink. but if i'm pg i can wait. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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Will not really matter either way at this stage [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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thanks. i'm getting the wine. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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one glass only! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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if you have to ask your seriously sick. don't drink, don't work out. do you really want a baby or are you one of those pple who want to have a child so you will "fit in"? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:01 PM Flag
[ - ] What's the deal with the Mandarin language craze? Wny does everyone want their kids to learn that in particular? I'm all for learning as many languages as possible, but this seems to have become a big thing overnight. 79 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.21.08, 06:46 PM Flag
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Because by the time our kids are adults it will be the #1 spoken language in the world. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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It already is being spoken by most people on our planet as the mother tongue. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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I meant among non native speakers as well. It's not a craze in my family. DH speaks it so DCs will. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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I think it's good that Americans are learning an [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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I do not think it is correct to say that most people people on the planet speak Mandarin. I think the poster below may be correct that it is the language used by the most people. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:04 PM Flag
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mother tongue, i said [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:29 PM Flag
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I think Spanish is a much better bet. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:32 AM Flag
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Not likely. In China students at good schools are all learning English. And then there's India. I think between those 2 populations and the rest of the world it's safe to say English will be the dominant language when our dc are grown. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:01 PM Flag
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I think it's provincial to think that way. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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You can think what you like. We'll both have to just wait and see, won't we? Meet you back here in 20 years and one of us can say, " I told you so!" OK? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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;) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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Sure. It's a date. I'll say it in Mandarin. :)* [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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NP: Wo gaosu ni! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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^^^ le. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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LOL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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yes, but the cance that all these nyc private school kids taking mandarin will actually speak it one day is about zero! total waste of resources by the wealthy and over-indulged [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:37 PM Flag
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My son's public school taught it up till last year. I said at a meeting it was silly and several parents gave me stink eye. I asked them where their kids would practice this language (as opposed to Spanish which they could use all over NYC.) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 01:10 PM Flag
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That's what I said when my kid was entering Kindergarten and now she's in college and she still doesn't need to know it unless she plans to do int'l banking or law. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 05:11 AM Flag
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Because it's the hippest new thing. Once Brearley jumped on the bandwagon, everyone wants it! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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ditto [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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Brearly is about 20 years behind my traditional, suburban high school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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But not your traditional, suburban kindergarten, I'll bet. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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No. It was French and Russian in elementary school and French, Spanish, Russian, Latin, or Mandarin in High School. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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The new craze, as I posted below, is Mandarin for preschoolers and kindergarteners. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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Not a new craze. A long standing practice of teaching Mandarin and a long term trend of moving foreign language education to earlier years. Nothing out of the ordinary or special. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:01 PM Flag
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Sorry but learning Mandarin in Kindergarten is definitely new. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:01 AM Flag
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np: I live in Nolita. A bilingual pre-school opened here in 1998. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:03 AM Flag
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In/near Chinatown? Wouldn't that make sense? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:23 AM Flag
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I took Mandarin in HS. Hardly a new craze. Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language in the world (something like 15% of the world's population speaks Mandarin). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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thought english was [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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Nope. Mandarin is spoken by more people than English. English is more widespread and is spoken in more countries and is a more common second language. But Mandarin is still spoken by more people than English. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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Really? Many Chinese people don't really speak it, Cantonese is more common in many parts of china. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 01:30 PM Flag
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But the new trend - in NYC as well as rich burbs - is Mandarin for preschoolers and kindergarten at the latest. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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That's just pushing languages that have long been part of the normal curriculum to younger ages. And that is not so radical. The philosophy has long been that foreign language education should be moved from the middle school years to nursery and elementary school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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Not in the top private schools of NYC, funny enough. They are just now changing back to introducing foreign language in K, but the thought for years & years was that kids don't need to have language classes until 4th grade or so. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:02 PM Flag
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The top private schools of NYC aren't exactly models of educational excellence. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:05 PM Flag
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So what are? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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New Zealand and Australian public schools get my top vote. Followed by South Korea. Focusing on the pedagogy of TT NYC private schools is just sad. Expensive schools, lots of competition, terrible pedagogy and parametrics. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:10 PM Flag
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When were you in HS, and where? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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Graduated in 1990, Long Island [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:05 PM Flag
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If you ask me, it's because China has become a superpower and has become a major economy (4th largest in the world right now and will be the biggest economy in a decade). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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IMHO, the whole China as next superpower thing is overblown. That place is a f*cking train wreck and it's not going to get any better, only worse. Cost of labor will go up but their sloppy practices will continue and all of a sudden most of their exports will be overpriced crap, sometimes overpriced dangerous crap. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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That's what they said about Japan and other countries. It is the most successful economies in the world that is transitioning from command economy to market economy. They will have political upheaval who want more democracy to go with their new wealth and a growing middle class... but temperamentally, they are not likely to have a very radical upheaval like the French revolution. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:02 PM Flag
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Taiwan and S. Korea are still hurting because they haven't figured out how to make the transition as well as Japan... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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they were never command economies, [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:30 PM Flag
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japan's economy has been in the dumps forever. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:33 PM Flag
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np. ITA. I think India is going to be the country that emerges as the next world superpower. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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It will be after China, though, bec India's poverty is worse than China's. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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India's no where near the same league as China. China has public education, etc. India's poverty is going to really hamper growth... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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China has a serious problem with water. They don't have enough. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 09:45 AM Flag
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only a craze with finance parents. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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My DH's nephew speaks about 6 different languages. One of them being Mandarin. Because he speaks this language he has endless job offers and opportunities constantly. By the time our kids grow up it will be the #1 language spoken in the world. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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As someone who learned Chinese and speaks/reads it fairly well, I seriously doubt that it is ever going to come close to being as practical for Americans to learn as spanish will. That said, since few native english speakers know it, it is fabulous for the job market right now, hopefully these kids won't screw that up for me in 15 years. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:33 PM Flag
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we should learn proper English Grammar first. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:08 AM Flag
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Because my daughter is Chinese and I'm not. As she grows up other Chinese people will expect her to be able to speak Mandarin, and rightly so. It's her heritage. 90% of her class is kids adopted from China, the other 10% are kids with a Chinese parent who feel they will be more accepting in a school setting than at home. I don't know of anyone in her Mandarin school who isn't in some way connected to China, and it's a pretty big one. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 06:55 AM Flag
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I think that's great. I've met so many people who have adopted from another country that haven't really honored the culture of where their kids are from. I think that it will definitely help her in the future. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 09:48 AM Flag
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Are you an adoptive parent? I don't think it's correct to say other Chinese people will expect your child to speak Mandarin. I fear you may be placing an unfair burden on your child: even if she was born in China and it is her heritage, she does not have to fill anyone's expectations about what that means. I'm also an adoptive parent of a child of another background. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 09:52 AM Flag
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I'm not op, but I have spent a ton of time in China, and speak Chinese (I am white). The Chinese will expect the kid to know Chinese, I traveled with an american-born person of chinese decent who spoke zero chinese for a little while, and I felt really bad for her because people weren't very nice to her at all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 09:54 AM Flag
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^^^opp, I meant I'm not or [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 09:58 AM Flag
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I was speaking of the expectations of Chinese people in this country. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:05 AM Flag
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Well, I doubt that the OR was talking about this country. When one says a Chinese person, they don't usually mean Chinese-American. Most kids want to go back and see there home country when they grow up, I think that it would be traumatic if they found out that people would look down on them for not learning the language. I don't know if this holds true for other countries, but I think or is doing a great thing for her dd. It's a useful language to learn, it's not like she's wasting her dd's time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:09 AM Flag
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Thank you. Yes, you're right. DD has already repeatedly expressed a desire to go back to China. From the many Korean adopted adults I know, and Chinese adopted teens, I know it will be a happier experience for her if she speaks Mandarin. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 12:57 PM Flag
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^^^ and, again, I question the wisdom of having your child meet someone else's expectations. It's a slippery slope--the fact of a child's international adoption has already offended somebody's expectations. The child doesn't have to prove herself. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:11 AM Flag
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you don't think that she should give her dd a chance to experience the culture in which she was born? I think you are very judgmental of a parent's desire for her child to experience all sides of her heritage. I think that includes both the birth side and the adoptive side. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:14 AM Flag
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I guess I was noting the poster's comment that her child would "rightly" be expected to speak Chinese and I am cautioning her to help her child become who she is outside of other's expectations. I don't think it's wrong for a child to learn Mandarin, but I don't think it makes her less of a person--or less of who she is--if she does not become fluent in the language. I see some international adoptive families almost appropriate their children's culture--and I question the wisdom of this. A book that goes into this is: http://www.yeongandyeong.com/beyond_good_intentions.htm [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:24 AM Flag
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In this case, you are wrong though. At least, you are speaking contrarily to the most current expertise on the subject of Mandarin for Chinese adoptees. Or, in fact, for any international adoptees to learn their native language when they are young enough to learn it easily. You can quote books all you want, but I've consulted (extensively) with transracial adoption experts and I'm gonna say they're right, you're wrong. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 12:58 PM Flag
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Mandarin (including writing) is not learned easily at any age. A weekly class or two will not accomplish learning the language. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 04:48 AM Flag
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No but it will accomplish learning the tones and the rhythm of the language, which makes in-depth tutoring much easier later on in life if they choose to do it. DD doesn't speak it much but understands it quite well. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 05:44 AM Flag
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Honestly, I think that the argumentative poster is an adoptive parent who has made no attempt to expose her kids to their birth culture/language and she is trying to rationalize this decision. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 05:57 AM Flag
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I think you're right. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 11:37 AM Flag
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I think that you hurt adoptive kids by not showing them that you embrace and respect where they came from. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:18 AM Flag
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Have you traveled with an American of Chinese decent who spoke Mandarin? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 04:44 AM Flag
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Many of us adopters have, our guides or other families on the adoption trips are often Asian-American and speak fluent Mandarin. My best friend from college is American of Chinese descent, I haven't traveled to China with her but I have traveled in the Philippines with her. She speaks Mandarin, and is held to a different code than Caucasians there--as in, it is fine for me to wear a bikini, but she will be literally yelled at, even though we are both American. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 05:46 AM Flag
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Yes, I'm an adoptive parent. We have had an incredible amount of interaction with Asian adults adopted into Caucasian families, have discussed with experts in all realms of the international adoption field. We've read and researched, a lot. My best friend is Chinese, raised in the US, now living in the Philippines. We know that we are making the right decision for our daughter, and have the benefit of many people's expertise and experience behind us. You all can speculate and debate all you want, but unless you're the parent of a Chinese child and have done the research, I'm quite confident that you don't know what you're talking about. At all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 12:55 PM Flag
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I, too, have an adopted Chinese daughter. Which Mandarin school does she attend? We're looking. Thanks. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 11:16 AM Flag
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I think there's a list at www.fccny.org. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.23.08, 11:38 AM Flag
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Stupid...they should all learn Spanish. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 09:52 AM Flag
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it's a trend by people who were afraid they were becoming too us-centric. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 10:26 AM Flag
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1/5 people in the world speak Mandarin. It's an important language. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.16.09, 11:56 AM Flag
[ - ] When did J Crew's final sale start sucking so hard? I seem to remember that they did it (no returns or exchanges) when they were down to the third mark down. Now I'm supposed to by some overpriced non-designer duds at a 30-40% discount online only to be unable to return it if it doesn't work? Who's buying this stuff? For final sale, IMHO it should be 70-80% below retail. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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They have been ridiculous a few years now. Overpriced and not great quality. I know everyone says their cashmere is made at the Loro Piana factory - but I find the quality is much better at Henri Bendel or Vince, at same price point. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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I know, I have one of their cashmere sweaters and it held up much worse than two really nice brands I own. I think they probably started that rumor. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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i love vince. and for cashmere, I also love henri bendel or even lord and taylor [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:04 PM Flag
[ - ] Ds turns 3 next week. Completely potty trained for pee -- but refuses to poop anywhere but in his underwear or at night in his pull-up. He basically won't even sit on the potty. Any tips on how to get the other part of potty training done? He pretty much only poops now after he goes to bed or first thing in the a.m. before he's in underwear. TIA 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.21.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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He'll do it in due time. Don't push it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:37 PM Flag
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special treat for poop [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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been offering him choice of M&Ms or the chance to watch a DVD with a character from his favorite show. he talks about both incessantly and how he's going to get them when he poops, but he won't/isn't able to do it [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:42 PM Flag
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I just when through this and after going through I wish I had really known that until they are ready you cannot make them ready. Let him poop in a pullup if he's afraid of the toilet. Take the pressure off. We had a terrible withholding period as the poster below mentions can happen. You do not want that to happen. One day my ds just said he was only wearing underpants and using the toilet and he did after that. Just try not to make it a big deal. Poop is a big thing for some of them. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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Sit on the toilet every day when he wakes up, after meals, and whenever his "schedule" calls for it. He will get the hang of it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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don't push him or he might start withholding his poop and then having painful bms. then you'll be in a very bad cycle. I was there and it took about a year to correct itself. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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ITA. I just posted above. Luckily we didn't have it for a year but it was hell when we were going through it. I posted here everyday so you may remember me from a few weeks ago. Miraculously we are done now with the whole thing and I'm trying to figure out what to do with all the leftover pullups! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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start making him help clean up his "accidents." he'll get tired of it and start putting them where he doesn't have to clean them up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.21.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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No pull-ups ever; these are just crazy things that drag on the whole delusion that kids don't know what's up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.22.08, 07:36 PM Flag
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