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We hadn't said anything to our boys, but one of their friends brought it up yesterday and talked about being scared. I told them what hurricanes are and that they can be scary, but that we have a strong house, are paying attention to weather forecasts and have the things we need to stay safe (water, batteries etc.). Basically I let them ask questions until they stopped. They wanted to know if they'd been in a hurricane before, so I told them about Hurricane Isabel (when they were 2 and 2 months) and how we had a big neighborhood cookout because nobody had power to cook inside for a few days. I tried to focus more on the positive side of things. My older son Tommy, who is 9, had heard about Hurricane Katrina from watching Sports Center, so we talked about how the geography here is very different from New Orleans and that we are much less vulnerable. Sammy, age 7, asked if the hurricane might land on our house and lift it away, which made me realize he thought we were talking about tornados. So we touched on the differences. I also said that while we can't be sure, this storm doesn't seem like it's going to be too terrible (fingers crossed). I don't think they are freaked out now... hopefully not!

My child goes to Beach Fellowship in Va Beach, and we love it. :) It was recommended to us, as well. Good luck in your search, I know it can be overwhelming.

It's a hard situation, that's for sure. I sometimes skip breakfast here and my kids have always given me a hard time about it. I hope that you will keep us updated on how you solve the situation.

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful ideas. I will definitely be implementing more out of the house time--it seems to make us both happier:)

Some of this depends on where you live. However, every area has a library with regular story times. Going every week is the best because you will see the same people, making new friends. The ones we have been to not only have a story, but the kids do a craft, giving them something to show off. And not to mention you get to borrow books, tapes and DVDs. Many bookstores also have a story time. Check with your parks and rec dept. as well for dance classes, never too early to start this life skill. They also have swim classes at indoor pools for toddlers, another life skill. Again, when you go regularly, you meet people. And Allison mentioned museums, which have memberships, they vary according to what you want. We just get enough for our family which is a little cheaper. Check out the Tidewater Parent magazine's event calendar section and this website's events. Plenty to do and see. At least twice a month, venture out of your area. Finally, check out support groups on this site, you might find a playgroup (MOPS for instance) and have a lot to do. MOPS is an international organization, so you can also google them to find one. There are several other including stroller striders, etc.

My older boy, age 9, does this to me too. I also love the curiosity factor, but sometimes I swear Tommy is asking just to keep the attention on himself and hear his own voice. My favorite useless question today: "Mommy, if you were a golf ball and someone hit you, how much do you think it would hurt?" I think if we are feeling tired out, it's OK to tell them you love talking to them but you need a break from questions for a while. Kids should learn that some silence isn't a bad thing. If we're at home, I've also encouraged Tommy to go look up answers to his questions on the computer or in one of his books. I feel bad because his dominant personality often drowns out his younger brother, who is much quieter in general. I try to make sure he's heard too, but it isn't always easy. Maybe we should get Tommy and Charlotte together and let them fire questions at each other!

A couple of years ago my husband got deployed to Iraq and left me and my son for 13 months. He was so sad to go. My son was an infant and he was our first child. Needless to say he had no other choice but when he left he but a little army bear in my sons car seat before he had to leave us. My son was to young to understand at the time but it is funny because as he grew very close to that bear. He hung on to that bear it has traveled with us to many different places and through many more deployments and he is still super protective of that bear. What makes this bear so sweet in my life is because my son treasures it so much and he now shares it with his little sister. I plan to keep this bear for their children.

What is it with little boys and poop and boobies?! Part of me is laughing for you and the other part crying. Glad you have such a good sense of humor about it!! How you do all this and work too is amazing.

Check out our support group section on this site. There is also a group call MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) that is an international Christian organization. I never did them because Newport News has Family Focus playgroups, but my sister-in-law in Texas did and still does with her second. She loves it. Try rec centers and Stroller Striders (play and stay in shape). Those organizations can be Googled. Also, a great source of entertainment and a way to meet friends is library story times (be a regular) as well as area bookstores have story times, they not only read a story or two, but do sing songs and do a craft. Good luck and let us know what you find so we can pass it along. I think this is one of main questions we get over and over.

Susan Smigielski Acker, Community Editor

I had a picky eater on my hands...well, I still do, she's just off formula. And we had weight gain issues that we still fight with at 2.5 years. I would be thrilled to just have had any options at that point.

It's formula. It tastes like junk IMO, and anything to make it taste better is ok in my book. I think it's a case by case basis on how difficult it is to get them off of that kind of thing. For what it's worth, Zoe was getting what I called "cheesecake shakes" to bulk her up (whole yogurt, cream cheese, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and milk) and she eats veggies and such just fine. So I don't think her having that made her any more likely to want sweet things than anything else would have.

I remember my dad always letting me taste his beer or wine...and the resulting laughter that came with my making a hideous face. It was never a question, that stuff was just for adults.

I drank a LOT in high school, in my town there was pretty much nothing else to do! And I don't think my parents letting me have a sip if I wanted it...or my hating it then...had anything to do with it.

There was no mystery to it. I knew my butt would be in a sling if I was caught. I don't suppose it will be any different when my munchkin is older. She's only 2 now, so isn't usually too interested in what I have unless it's in a fun glass.

Maybe this is a time I should be happy to have boys. Mine could care less what their backpacks and school supplies look like. The most they've ever wanted is something in a favorite color. Maybe these kinds of issues will come up later. Any moms with older boys have insights on that?

If they do begin to care, I would be inclined to do what Susan does... give in a little without giving in all the way. I remember being a kid too, and one or two special items might make them feel as if they "fit in" better or boost their spirits a bit. Beyond that point, I'd say they can make up the difference in price with their own money.