Checklist for Parenting

Our trip to Miami was fabulous. We slept in, went to the beach, swam in the ocean, read, ate great food and just relaxed. Until we got on our Continental flight from Miami to Newark…

I don’t know anything about being a parent. I’m not one yet. But I know how NOT to be a parent and I learned that valuable lesson on Flight 44 — thanks to a family of four that sat in front of us.

The parents were traveling with their two and four-year-old daughters and completely ignored those girls the whole trip. For that excruciating two hour and 28 minute flight – one of the girls was whining, while the other one was screaming at the top of her lungs…the entire time. I’m not kidding. And the parents were zoning out – doing nothing — literally nothing. I was feeling my blood pressure rise.

I don’t blame the kids at all – they are innocent in this story. It’s the parents who I have a problem with. They acted like they were in their own living room instead of on a crowded plane with 200 other people. They were rude, selfish and inconsiderate to me and to their kids.

I’m not a parent yet and I’m not pretending to know what it’s like to be one. So I’ve enlisted the help of my parent friends for this checklist for good parenting:

Jene Luciani, Gigi’s Mom

  • Count to ten before reacting in a high pressure situation
  • Always find time for laughter; at the end of the day, a happy child trumps all else
  • Always be as prepared as possible…especially when going on a trip! Bring everything you could possibly need in any situation – make lists! Read more

Angie’s List: An Empire Built on a List

Angie Hicks, Angie’s List

As many of you know I’m a senior producer for a news network in New York City. I cover everything from surgeries to fitness classes. Recently I was fortunate enough to do a segment about saving money on your medical bills with one of the most famous list makers of all — Angie Hicks — the founder of Angie’s List.

Her consumer review website helps people find doctors, contractors and other local services. Angie’s List now has 1.5 million members across the country — and to think it all started with a list!

Q: Why do you call yourself a compulsive list maker?

A: I wouldn’t necessarily call myself compulsive, but Angie’s List is certainly getting a national reputation as the mother of all lists… Angie’s List started out as just that – my list of the best and worst companies in and around Columbus, Ohio. We’re in more than 200 U.S. cities, now and the list just keeps growing – both of cities served and number of companies rated by consumers in each local market. So I guess I am compulsive about making lists, after all! Read more

Keeping Pets Happy on 4th of July

For years my parents would throw a huge 4th of July party in their backyard. There was always great food (thanks mom,) good music (thanks dad,) and lots of friends and family. But one of the things I remember the most is my cousin’s dog, Brody. A happy little beagle who is terrified of fireworks. It has been an ordeal every year to help him deal with this stressful time. This year I sought out a list from the experts at “Pets in the City” — a premiere dog walking and sitting company in Los Angeles.

Keeping Pets Happy on 4th of July

by Aaron Hill

As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, good food and spectacular fireworks, it’s important to take a moment to think about the safety of our four-legged family members.

While fireworks have become a staple of Independence Day, the American tradition can be terrifying for animals. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that everyone – including your pet – enjoys a safe and happy 4th of July.

1. Stay Calm: Before the fireworks and parties begin, owners should know what works best to calm their pet. Read more

Checklist for Getting Over a Setback

I’m an eternal optimist and almost always have a smile on my face. Ask anyone who knows me. But even I’ve had “one of those days” every once and a while. You know what I’m talking about – those days when you just don’t feel like yourself. Or maybe you’ve had a hard time and you’re in a rut. Getting back to normal can seem impossible. That’s why psychologist Dr. Michael Nuccitelli created this checklist to help get us over any setback.

Checklist for Getting Over a Setback

by Michael Nuccitelli, Psy.D

The trick is to practice as many of the tips as you can, check off each one you finish and I guarantee you will be feeling better in no time at all. Please “Do Not Pass Go” until you have completed step one. Without insight into step one, the other nine will have no bearing on your ascent to vim and vigor. It’s what the doctor recommends. Read more

The Ultimate Magazine List

I love reading magazines. It’s my guilty little pleasure and has become a borderline obsession. My husband makes fun of me because our coffee table is always overflowing with the last few months of my favorites. But I have to have them all and reference them to take notes. Eventually I give them to my mother-in-law because she also has this magazine addiction.

As a self-proclaimed magazine connoisseur – here is my list of favorites that you must try:

1. Health Magazine: It has the perfect mix of mind, body and soul – and recipes too! They have great contests and events for their readers. One of my favorite features is the “To-Don’t List,” which highlights tasks overwhelmed women don’t have the worry about. Perfect! I also like the “What the Yuck” column by Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa – I worked with her briefly when we were both at WPIX in New York City. Read more