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 need help dealing with my three-year-old and seven-year-old daughters—the whining is getting out of control. I am a smart woman, but I have absolutely no idea how to handle them right now. I've tried everything and nothing seems to be working.—Alicia, Westchester, NY

Children can, indeed, reduce an otherwise smart gal to bumbling, blithering doormat. My advice is: just say no, set boundaries, remain calm and always be consistent. Now, having said that, I'll readily admit that my direction is much easier advised than done. I recently read a book that might help you get through this time of whine and roses: The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums and Tears ($11, www.amazon.com) by parent educator and best-selling author Elizabeth Patntley.

Pantley presents usable solutions to the trials and tribulations of parenting by empowering the readers to be proactive in handling situations and helping them to stop wallowing in the guilt and fear so often associated with being a disciplinarian.

Out in the 'hood (parenthood), we need all the tools we can get to help us enact what we know instinctively. I'd keep this one bedside or desktop while you muster through the crying games.

I just am about to transition out of using a baby bath in the bathtub. Is there any product that I can use to make the bathtub a little safer?—Natalie, Kansas City, MO

Yes, actually there is. Check out the Baby Bath Gate (www.thebabybathgate.com), an easy-to-use device that protects your bathing beauty from burns, bruises, scrapes and chipped teeth (yikes!) that can happen when he or she can reach the faucet and other tub fixtures.

Recommended for babies six months and up, it's adjustable, fitting standard bathtubs, self-locking, lightweight and can withstand up to 45 pounds of pressure. For $29.95 (sold all over, including www.amazon.com), it's a simple way to make sure that the splish-splash of bath time is happy and safe good time. Rubber ducky sold separately.

What are the best sun protection products for summer 2007?—Randi, St.Paul, MN
We're featuring a story on this very subject (click here to check it out), but I will call out a few for you that are my personal favorites. I love the Hampton Sun SPF 30 Suntan Lotion because it's infused with antioxidants ($35, www.hamptonsuncare.com), refreshing skin as it protects it. I also love the Reslish Beauty Lip and Face Protector SPF 15 ($12.50, www.relishbeauty.com)—don't forget to protect those smackers! Vincent Longo does a pretty lipstick with SPF 12 available in many different shades ($23, Baby Balm Lipstick SPF 12, www.sephora.com). For the kiddies, I like the Burts Bees line because it's chemical-free (www.burtsbees.com) and I absolutely love Huggies Little Swimmers Sun Sensors, a little little stick-on that helps you monitor their sun exposure ($4.99, www.drugstore.com). Preparation is the best protection, so be sure to keep these sun tools on-hand at all times to ensure a safe and wrinkle-free summer.

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