[-]Any Riverdale parents (or friends of Riverdale parents) on? We love the school and think we have a decent shot at K. My only concern is what I've read here about the parent body, but I'm taking that w/grain of salt. Anyone willing to give an unbiased assessment of the parents there? We're a very laid-back UWS family - Jewish but not jappy at all.
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Thx. We know 2 fams who are not at all the description that people describe here but I wasn't sure if they were the anomaly.
[ Reply | Options ]Riverdale parent here- totally laided back family too and new to the area last year. We heard the same scary things, but we were so impressed with academics and campus so we made it our very first choice, despite the rumors. Well it turns out that it couldn't be more opposite. We couldn't be happier- with school, faculty and parent/student body! We LOVE the school and feel so fortunate to have our DC there. Good luck and hope to see you there in the fall!
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Riverdale parent here - we've really enjoyed the company of many of the parents we've met and have been surprised by the diversity of careers and personalities and the number of new friends we've made. Please feel free to ignore all the negative rhetoric you see here; it's all from people who probably have nothing to do with Riverdale and like spreading rumors.
[ Reply | Options ]riverdale parents, what % of the school do you think is jewish? doesn't matter to me but just interested.
[ Reply | Options ]Honestly, on the one hand it has that rep. On the other year, I keep meeting parents of young kids there who are completely great - intelligent, funny, decent and very self-aware. Makes me reconsider, and my kids are all set anyway.
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[-]Know where I can donate two used electric breast pumps? I know they aren't supposed to be re-used but there must be some needy moms who would love one. Hate to throw them away...
7 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]If you post that on craig's list i bet they will be gone in a second! I think it will be hard to donate them through an organization b/c they're not supposed to be re-used. But I think many moms would be grateful!
[ Reply | Options ]Where does it say they aren't supposed to be re-used. Hospitals rent them out all the time; that's reusing them.
[ Reply | Options ]NP: The hospital ones can be re-used, but the pump-in-style, for example, has a different set-up. It's possible that if one user had a virus, such as HIV, milk could get caught in the mechanism and infect somebody else. So they come with big warnings not to re-use. People do it all the time anyway.
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[-]How about Packer and Poly? Any parents with dcs at either of those schools?
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[-]How would you deal with this situation? Fiance' hosts a weekly sports get together in the community where we live. A regular attendee is a single mother who self identifies as a MILF. She flirts shamelessly in my presence. This weekend she sent my DH a text on Sunday morning-which he showed me- that her estranged BF/DH had had her arrested and she needed somewhere to stay immediately (we own a few apartments.) He has been very good about saying no and not being encouraging and says he would never do anything to make me feel uncomfortable. Still I feel tremendously annoyed. WWYD?
31 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]Next time you see her, just let her know, kindly, that fiance told you all about what a hard time she is having. Make it clear he tells you everything.
[ Reply | Options ]that is good advice. Is this a public thing? If it is not why must she even be invited?
[ Reply | Options ]It's kind of a word of mouth thing, regular meetup. It's established that she comes around already so I don't want it known that I had her banished.
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that is totally fair on your part! Do women usually attend this? Is this in your home together. I mean I get what you are saying and your fiance seems totally on the up and up but you can't have this in your home. I mean let's just go with the arrested thing - what the f? I mean you don't want this drama around
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This person is BAD NEWS. Tell fiance that she and her whole situation make you feel queasy and want to end any connection right now. Call her and tell her that the sports events are being watered down and you won't be able to have her there; say lots of things are going on in your lives now as the reason and just leave it at that. Get rid of this one!!
[ Reply | Options ]OP here- I laid out how I feel and unbelievably she called him and asked if she and her kids could spend the night! He said absolutely not of course and told me all about it. How can I make this go away for good. It's a small town and if we keep hosting the sports events it is bound to get back to her.
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Your husband sounds like a great guy for keeping you informed and not being shady. Let him know you appreciate this cuz if you freak out too much, in the future if another milf comes your way, he won't tell you. i don't have any solution for getting rid of her though...
[ Reply | Options ]He is a great guy and I have let him know. Do you think though that insisting she never come back a form of over-reaction?
[ Reply | Options ]i think it's weird to ban her, because then you would be known as the 'banner' and then maybe other women in the group might feel scared to hang out with your husband. she can keep coming, and once she sees that your dh is not receptive/being a little standoffish (yet polite), she'll probably step back. i mean, hopefully she can take a hint. but if u have any inkling that your hubby likes the attention, is looking forward to her coming, etc. then yes, definitely crackdown.
[ Reply | Options ]Thanks for the advice. The only thing is that I believe she is real persistent. She asked to live in our downstairs apartment-twice- was told no firmly, then proceeded to ask about spending the night just a few days later. I don't know why I can't just let this go. Maybe I need to take tranquilisers until this blows over.
[ Reply | Options ]It's not you, it's her. If she would stop bugging you guys, you wouldn't have to worry about it. It sounds like you feel a little guilty, but know that she's bad news that would probably suck you and your fiance into a vortex of trouble (such as, how would you get her out once she came to stay?) If you could find her some sort of social service or community help, would that be the ticket?
[ Reply | Options ]Tonight on the phone I asked if he had heard from her today and he just said you really can't let this go, can you?
[ Reply | Options ]I am so upset. I feel he is utterly lacking in compassion. I started to cry. I just can't help it and I know that is one of my flaws, that I tend to overthink things.
[ Reply | Options ]LISTEN TO ME: You are very right in doing WHATEVER has to be done to put a lid on this woman. I have seen women operate like this and they have one thing only in mind and that is, to move into your territory. This woman is acting the "poor me, i'm helpless and need a shining knight to protect me" type and your fiance is on the cusp of falling for the whole act. It's actually good if it gets back to her that she's not invited to the sport's events, then, the might get the message. Do not back down.
[ Reply | Options ]btw i'm the responder who said "i think it's weird" but all these other responses below aren't me.
[ Reply | Options ]Thanks so much for your response. All week have not been able to eat or sleep over this. My fiance' says I am obsessing and I know that's partially true. I just wonder if men can really empathise. He is/has been VERY jealous of me in the past, and I went all out to convince him there was nothing to worry about.So you revised your stance that I should have her banned from the event?
[ Reply | Options ]Hi - I'm the responder that started with "LISTEN TO ME" and I in no way have revised anyting. I have felt from the onset that this woman is bad news for your life. Whatever it takes, insist that you don't want her presence at any events because you find her actions inappropriate. I have known a person similar to what you describe and she's ruthless and relentless. Your fiance won't/can't see it because he's fallen for her act. It would actually be good if she finds out she's not invited anymore so she'll finally get the hint. Good luck!!
[ Reply | Options ]Also want to add, once you've gotten her out of your social life and it's over and done, then you can let go of the whole thing. You don't need to continue thinking about it now that it's been decided that she's history in your house and lives. So go get your relationship back on track now!
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[-]I am using ovulation prediction kit for ttc. I should be ovulating during 11/19-11/22 period. Yesterday (11/19) 4pm it has a faint line, but today at 7pm it has nothing at all. Is this normal? I thought the line should get darker and thicker, until it ovulates? I definitely have not ovulated as my temp is still low. Many thanks!
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[-]Can anyone explain to me why it is that Mandell School has such over the top branding? The kids in our neighborhood who go there even have outerwear with the school on it. I saw a stroller go by the other day and it was tricked out like a Mandell ad on wheels. We're talking Mandell branded bag like a diaper bag.
45 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]It has a bad reputation in some cirles, so maybe there's a need to overcompensate?
[ Reply | Options ]Mandell parent here. The kids uniforms include coats because they go to CP to play. The school sells sweatshirts, bags, etc with the logo on it, as most schools do. Perhaps the parent you saw with the "tricked out" stroller is happy with the school and chose to buy some things with the logo. Not to sound defensive, but it does seem like you're looking to start a post trashing the school.
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give it a rest. if you don't like the school, don't send your dc there, but don't make inane comments to disparage the school. what do you care what the dcs there where?
[ Reply | Options ]You find this so odd? This is the woman who did Nursery University -- the propaganda machine for Mandell.
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NP and ITTTAAA. They probably actually have a pr firm and a branding strategy. I have noticed this too and my dc goes to a private and it is nothing like the parade of green on W.96th in the morning.
[ Reply | Options ]Alright, I am a very happy Mandell parent and I've been resisting jumping in here but now I have to. There is no "PR firm" or "branding strategy." There is a uniform, which has nothing to do with the fact that it's not a 5013c. The uniform does include coats and jackets, and while some of it is green, it also includes khaki, white, and yellow. Take a walk down any of the uniform school blocks during drop off or pick up and it will appear to be a "parade" of whatever the uniform happens to be. As a previous poster said, if you don't like the school, don't send your dc there, but don't post unfounded BS about a school, about which you know nothing.
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[-]HELP! My 8 month old still wakes up twice through the night for bottles. She used to sleep through the night. I need some SLEEP! Tips?
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i cant just let her scream if, in fact, she is hungry. not only do I not WANT to let her cry, but she wakes up my hubby (who's up for work at 6am)
[ Reply | Options ]an 8 mo old does not need to eat during the night if she eats enough during the day. You can try soothing her back to sleep instead of feeding her - she may still cry a bit but your dh should be able to deal - plenty of WOHMs get up during night to deal with babies. Or at least try to get he two one bottle per night by soothing the first time and then wait for her to grow out of it.
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I don't know--if you read Weissbluth's sleep book, he says that some babies still get up 1-2x a night to eat and then go right back to sleep and that's normal...after nine months, not normal or if they don't go right back to sleep/want to play, it's not normal and is a bad habit...
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[-]bookmom/playing librarian here. Anyone need any book recs? Tell what you enjoy reading and we'll give new suggestion. Or for your kids (give gender,age,fave books).
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girl, 5, ready to be read good chapter books - but probl too young for Secret Garden, etc? Other than Ramona the Pest, what is there?
[ Reply | Options ]Try Mrs Piggle Wiggle, The BFG by Dahl, Mr. Popper's Penguins. And have you read her My Father's Dragon series yet? If you both have stamina, try The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, too.
[ Reply | Options ]np--Rumer Godden has small chapter books that are well-written. My dd loved Mouse House and The Story of Holly and Ivy. The latter is a Christmas story. There are also the Jenny and the Cat Club books by Esther Averill. Also, don't leave picture books behind at this age. There are wonderful books (William Steig's Brave Irene; Helga's Dowry by Tomie De Paola, and Elsie Piddock Skips in her Sleep by Eleanor Farjeon have great heroines, for example.)
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6yo boy, interested in the darker side of life but hasn't been exposed to much mainstream media, trying to find gentle ways to introduce him to scarier things, not even close to ready for HP
[ Reply | Options ]I'm going to repaeat a few suggestions from above: My Father's Dragon is a good start for fantasy..not too heavy and try Dick King Smith's The Waterhorse. Dahl has a wicked sens eof absurdity..like a naugthy school boy. The BFG is one of my favorites by him. And if you haven't tried it yet, how about CXharlotte's Web. These are all books for you to read together.
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2.3 yo girl, totally digs Bartholemew (sp?) and the Oobleck, Where the Sidewalk Ends, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, Yertle the Turtle. We've also done Blueberries for Sal so many times she's bored.
[ Reply | Options ]op: lots of classics! Try The Rain Came Down, The Dragon Machine, Bats at the Beach (and Bats at the Library), The Reluctant Dragon,The Gardner, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Slater(fun rhymes and letter sounds and great before starting pre-school) and of course, Caps for Sale
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6 yo liked Harry Potter (1&2), Chronicles of Narnia, Little House series, Wrinkle in Time. Did not love Pippi Longstocking. Is interested in Ella Enchanted, Little Princess, loves Bow to the Moon and Trumpet of the Swan. What else? TIA!
[ Reply | Options ]The Ordinary Princess by MM Kaye, All of a Kind Family by Sidney Taylor, Betsy Tacy By Lovelace, Igraine the Brave and if you have good stamina for a much longer book Dragon Rider (both by Funke)
[ Reply | Options ]Thank you!! I heard about Percy and Olympian? Is that a good book? Dc reads independently but likes longer books now and is into fantasy. Or about animals in fiction.
[ Reply | Options ]OP This book works much better for an older kid as it deal with middle school issues. I bet she would love Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, but again. pretty long and complicated Other fun fantasy that is still age appropriate: Indian in the Cupboard, Tales of Deperaux, Eddie Eager's books (starting with Half Magic). I'll re-emphasize Sisters Grimm Series. And consider Gregor the Overlander.
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OP: a few ideas for you. If you were intrigued by "circus" life, Geek Love is a classic, but a bit freaky about a family where the parents intentionally create children to be in the Freak show. If you prefer historical fiction , try Loving Frank....about Frank Lloyd Wright and his Mistress, from her perspective. For an interesting outlier..a bit Dickensian, but much easier to read, try The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti
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Rec. for me. I love Phillip Roth - especially Everyman, American Pastoral. Would like something along those lines...
[ Reply | Options ]op: I love Roth also. My personal fave is THe Plot Against America (not typical Roth, I know), followed closely by American Pastoral. Have you read any Richard Russo? I rec. Bridge of Sighs. Great family saga. YOu might also consider The Story of Edgart Sawtelle. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this books (desite being an Oprah pick). Updike is a natural choice for you as well. If you haven't read his Witches of Eastwick, do so. Nothing like the silly movie it inspired.
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[-]is there an urbanbaby like site thats more downtown oriented? just curious
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[-]What ID did you bring with you to the OLSAT site? Did they want a proof of address then, or just when you register at a school?
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[-]My husband want to get the H1N1 vaccine for my ds but I feel concerned about it...all my dr. friends are not giving it to their kids. Do they know something I don't? What are you all doing?
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look at the amount of babies/small children that have died of h1n1 since april in comparison to the regular flu (REALLY, LOOK IT UP.) then run your mouth.
[ Reply | Options ]look at how many babies and small children die from other flu strains. Dude, H1N1 is a flu. The body reacts to it. Everybody is different. The only disadvantage we have is that it is an entirely brand new strain (well, not quite but close enough) and if you get it you'll get sick, no way around it. Kids and small children will always get hit the hardest. That's not H1N1 specific, though.
[ Reply | Options ]dude? wow. are you speaking from actual facts? If a person was interested in how lethal h1n1 is on babies (in comparison to regular flu, not compared to other people) they would look it up and see that, since april, h1n1 has taken the lives of DOUBLE the amount of the regular seasonal flues, through the WHOLE YEAR, combined. clearly, it's hitting much harder then regular flu. Dude.
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The mortality rate of H1N1 is not any worse than any of the other flu strains. Yes, H1N1 seems to infect the younger folks more but that doesn't make H1N1 more lethal.
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My DH is an ER doc. Having seen the kids who got hit the hardest, he called in favors to get our DD the HINI vaccine.
[ Reply | Options ]A dad from our school said their pediatrician actually advised against it. Not sure why, I think he said it just wasn't that bad. Having said that, I disagree and had DC get both seasonal flu and H1N1 mist vaccine, and I had no hesitation in doing so.
[ Reply | Options ]i don't know why any doctor would not give it to their own children. you have to look at the actual arguments on each side, not just go by what other people do and their vague reasons. for me it was pretty straightforward: there have been NO adverse reactions to the vaccine, there have been many deaths/serious illnesses from the swine flu.
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[-]Has anyone else had swine flu or any other bad flu in the last several weeks? How long did it last?
3 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]My dc had swine this week. Sick for three days. First high fever, tummy ache, vomiting, coughing. Second day low fever. Third day normal temp.
[ Reply | Options ]Yes, 4 of us had it. DD#1: got it first, moderate fever for 48 hours. dd#2: low-grade fever for 4 days, with one day of very high fever in the middle, moderate cough that lingers. me: low-grade fever for 3 days- turned into a head cold with a cough. DB: fever for 24 hours plus cold, but ped. said she probably had it too because they're seeing a decent share of mild reactions too.
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[-]Westport CT moms - Does anyone know the going rate for a daytime occasional babysitter for 2 kids (baby to toddler)? W/e evening babysitter? Housekeeper (really cleaning lady) who comes 1x/week to a 4bd house?
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[-]I hate people who don't like to try new or culturally different food. It really tells me a lot about who they are and I lose respect for them.
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OK. Because someone might be a wonderfully caring friend who constantly goes out of her way to help other people, and a lovely, intelligent, person who is fun to be around, but you know, if she's a picky eater, it's just appalling and you really should "hate" her and get her out of your life as soon as possible.
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Fine, might sound judgemental but I'm coming from a point of view of someone who is not American and when I offer food from my country of origin, I find that there are two different responses. Those who eagerly try and the ones who make a face and decline (or reluctantly take a teeny tiny bit). I've seen this enough all my life and have made my own very unscientific conclusion about these types of people and I'm usually right in my own very personal judgement.
[ Reply | Options ]You are correct that people who make a face or are reluctant are likely not especially adventurous people in general and may not rush into trying new things. If that's what you value, great. To me, that's way down the list -- after being a very kind and considerate person and someone with whom I'm able to have an intelligent conversation and who is generally happy and fun to be around.
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I don't like to travel internationally or dine at nice restaurants with these people, and maybe don't do teh fancy dinenr parties with them as a guest, but hate is kind of a strong word-
[ Reply | Options ]my brother is like this. he thinks panda express is "too fancy" and only eats kfc, burger king, and mcdonalds. i've never seen him eat a fruit. he's not fat at all either, he's 6 ft and 140 lbs. he always orders plain cheese pizza, plain vanilla ice cream, etc. i get so bored just looking at it!! it matches with his personality too, he's a very loyal friend, nice guy, but doesn't like to travel, meet new people. He has all the same friends since childhood and does the exact same thing everyday. I have met a few people like this, and the funny thing is whenever i ask "is your fave ice cream vanilla" they are so shocked, like i am a clairvoyant or something. Anyway, I would go nuts if my spouse was 'boring' like this, seriously i can't stand...
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Well first of all hate is a strong word. Why would you dislike someone because they don't want to try new food, seems odd. Since you are so ethnically superior then go to Japan and try their squid ice cream. That's right, they have it and the people LOVE it.
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