Like this ad, featuring two gay dads and their kids, around the time of father’s day last year.  I felt like this ad told me something about the values of JC Penney, in the wake of also hiring Ellen DeGeneres.  I support gay marriage (as do many other Americans, nine states, the American Academy of Pediatrics, I could go on….) and I think efforts to publicly support gay parents (or as we should call them, “parents”) and this ad rock.

I realize that certain things about me result in the fact that advertisers and companies probably spend a lot of time and money figuring out how to influence my brain so I will decide to buy their products.  But if this is what you put out to sway me and my brain, and thereby tell me and the world this is what you and your company value, keep it coming.

If lovin’ Luvs is wrong for this advertisement featuring a breastfeeding-in-public mom, I don’t wanna be right.  Because this was SOOOO me when I was breastfeeding my kids!

Mommy’s brains (not to be confused with the disabling syndrome “mommy brain”) are also prime time advertising real estate.  As Moms, we make or have high influence on most household purchasing decisions.

Personally, I have two kids, a boy and a girl.  I’m in my mid-thirties.  We are part of the middle class, whose spending primarily drive the economy of this country.

I’m a mom with purchasing power.  And this mom has fallen for certain advertisers’ fishing expeditions:  Hook, line and sinker.

Have you seen this sweet, adorable ad from Cheerios featuring a multi-racial family (AKA a “family”) and one of the most adorable children you will ever see?  Sadly, the first time you heard about it was probably directly connected to the word “controversy.”  The ad came out this week and within hours, Cheerios disabled comments on YouTube due to an overwhelming number of insensitive and racist remarks from haters.  {Boo!  Haters!}

More and more, I find that I tune in to advertisements that I not only like, but that reflect values that I agree with and want to support.  When I see ads that reflect the values of equality, justice, and the kind of world I want my children to grow up in, I don’t see controversy.  I see progress staring back at me from the screen and I just smile.   

Hmmm,  I wonder if they sell Cheerios at Costco?  I may throw the kids in the car and make a trip this weekend.

As for our daughter, Dahlia… Does anyone remember that old TV show called “Dinosaurs”, where the baby referred to his parents as “Momma” and “Not the Momma”, and spent every episode gleefully clubbing his dad with various blunt objects? I guess that would pretty much sum up Tamir’s relationship with her.

Baby Sinclair from Disney’s Dinosaurs

Apparently, the first mistake Tamir made was not producing milk. Her initial opinion of him was based on this, and for quite a while she decided she didn’t have much use for him because of it.

His next mistake was having stubble. Ever since one scratchy encounter with Daddy’s face, she has insisted he keep a safe distance, screaming “GO AWAY DADDY” if she feels he is getting within close proximity.

But definitely the biggest oversight on his part was just plain not being female. I mean, really! This person doesn’t dig fashion, sparkles or the color pink! How on earth could Dahlia be expected to relate?

“Not the Mama!”

Lately however, Dahlia has managed to find some redeeming qualities in him, such as a great imagination and sense of humor. They now have a game called “Castle Adventure”, where various little toy animals try to assault the castle and ineptly fail. That really cracks her up.

Also, she has decided that he makes a good punching bag, and most of her physical affection involves body blows. But he doesn’t mind too much. He’ll take assault over “GO AWAY!” any day.

Come to think of it, maybe I should find out what she has in mind for Father’s Day, just to be on the safe side…

Richmond Nannies & Tutors are ready to take on your childcare needs.

Aaarrrggghhhh!

It’s Thursday and Father’s Day is just 3 days away, but you don’t have a gift yet! What do you get for dad that shows him how much he is loved and appreciated? Or what do you do when you’re looking for something really unique and special for your husband and the father of your children?

College Nannies and Tutors has the perfect idea!

Give dad a gift that continues giving all year long. Sure, dads love spending time with their kids. But just like Richmond moms, dads need a break too. And they get very limited quality time with their wives, so why not give a gift that has special meaning to the entire family?

Consider giving dad “12 Nights Out” without worrying about the kids!

Here’s how it works

1. Create a simple “gift certificate” or card that says dad is receiving special “date nights” out with mom over the next year (number of nights out can vary – see below).  He can use his nights to go with mom out to dinner, a movie, a live theatre performance, a cooking class, a golf game, a swim at the pool, or social time with friends! You can even let the kids in on the fun by having them draw pictures and write special messages to dad.
2. Call College Nannies & Tutors to arrange for childcare that ensures high quality, safe, and nurturing care for the kids while mom and dad get some much-needed time away together – each month for an entire year! Mention Richmondmom.com and get 50% off the one-time registration fee – that’s a savings of $100! As long as you call by June 30, 2011, this deal will be honored but you don’t have to use it right away so you have time to plan your night(s) out. You don’t have to book your nights right away, but your nannies will still be waiting.
3. Enjoy your time together while the kids enjoy fun with their College Nanny.

You can adapt this idea and offer 1 night, 2 nights, 12 nights (one each month) or any number of nights as your gift. And it’s fun to make each “date night” special by doing something different. Head out to Lewis Ginter for a concert, visit Sur La Table for cooking classes, go to a new movie release, or just sit and enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee together over a good book — whatever makes you both enjoy the time together is what you should do.

Professional, Safe, and Secure Nanny Services

The best part of it all is that College Nannies provide an on-call service that is the perfect alternative to trying to find a babysitter — and they are much more than just babysitters. Nannies On-Call are an easy to use solution for hourly childcare needs and they provide safe, reliable and fun role model care. They are there only when you need them and as often as you need them — they are professionals and many of them are education majors or graduate students at VCU. All nannies are pre-screened and they are employees of College Nannies & Tutors so you’re getting someone who really loves caring for children and has committed to work as an employee for College Nannies instead of a contracted person. Many of their nannies even continue on past graduate school to become full-time nannies as a career.

Managing Director and Owner, Vicki Daniel, explains, “College Nannies aren’t just babysitters – they provide interactive, hands-on activities for children of all ages. They focus on learning, education, and fun all at the same time. Most children love hearing that their “nanny” will be coming for a visit – they look forward to the night as much as their parents do!”

You can enjoy your time out together without worrying about the kids.

Contact Information

If you’re looking for the perfect, unique gift for dad, then you’ve found it. You and dad deserve this time together and College Nannies will make it worry-free and easy for you.

Visit College Nannies & Tutors website for more information and to find out about their great “on-call” services.  You can also reach them at glenallenva@collegenannies.com or by calling 804.346.2242. And while you’re there, check out their full-time, part-time, after school, and summer childcare services too.

Tell them Richmondmom.com sent you and get 50% off the one-time registration fee before June 30, 2011. And if you already have your Father’s Day gift, don’t worry. You can get this same deal for birthday, anniversary or “just because” gifts too. Call today and find out all that College Nannies & Tutors has to offer.

They’re located at 10825 W. Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Ahhhhh……now that’s a Father’s Day to remember all year long!