Ask a Groovy Gal (Well-Being & Health)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

I want to send some fabulous chocolates to my girlfriends this Valentine's Day. What can you suggest?—Sadie, Middletown, NJ

I am living for the chocolates from the super luxe Jin Patisserie, an online boutique sweets shop in Venice, California. Guided by the inspiration to make food that offers life enhancement, the patisserie's chocolates, cakes and cookies are just sublime—beautiful to look at and delectable to taste. I recommend the 12 Piece Box ($25, www.jinpatisserie.com) for its gorgeous presentation and unique flavors, including tea, spice, herbal, Asian, citrus and alcohol. Your gal pals will truly appreciate you turning them on to these little bits of heaven.

What's the deal with learning toys? Are they helpful or am I damaging my kid by letting her watch too much TV and play with a toy computer?—Donna, Brandon, FL
	I struggle with your quandary, too. My daughter loves her some Noggin— but it does seem like she’s learning from it a bit. When she was younger she was a Baby Einstein devotee. Of course, I had those nagging what-if-this-leads-to-ADHD fears, but I also believed that I balanced her TV consumption with outdoor play, quiet time and other kinds of wholesome activities. We did buy her those learning toys, including a kiddie computer, but we also bought her good, old fashioned toys, like books, blocks, rings and other imagination-enhancing playthings. So, I supposed what I am getting at here is: everything in moderation. For a deeper look, check out a couple of our articles on the subject, The Play's The Thing and Kidding Around.

I am having a difficult time potty training my son—and he has to be completely trained by June when camp starts.
Help!—Anne, NY, NY

I am in the midst of potty training my daughter and what I know for sure, is that whether it’s a boy or a girl, I definitely recommend getting your wee one a book on the subject. For example, my daughter Scarlett loves Once Upon a Potty ($5.99, www.bn.com). The book, customized for either sex, is a big hit in my household—and its also a classic for many parents.

Also, there's a new-ish product on the market called the Power Potty Program ($39.95, www.powerpottyprogram.com) that's designed specifically for boys. The kiddie-safe toilet-seat device fits into any size bowl and turns number one into colorful target practice (kind of like those water guns at an amusement park).

You should also take a peeeeee-k at our article, Gone to Pot, for wee-lly great expert tips and tricks.

Click here to read about Jillian's life in the 'hood—motherhood.