Babypalooza Magazine Spring 2018

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While his days were once filled with work, they are every bit as full now. He awakens each morning between 4:45 and 5:30 to hit the gym. After getting the kids to school, he takes care of household responsibilities, such as dishes, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. Then comes the long list of home improvement projects. After Nhu gets the kids from school, he shuttles them to their various activities, including piano and tae kwon do. Then comes dinner, homework, piano practice, and reading. For Nhu, one reward is the close relationship he shares with his children. He grew up in an immigrant household, and both his parents worked, which meant he and his brother spent a great deal of time home alone. “While I was working, I noticed that the relationship with my children mirrored the relationship I had with my parents, which was distant,” he says. “Now that I spend more time with them, my children are more open and communicative with me.” He also pours his energy into helping to ensure his wife is happy. He focuses on dealing with household responsibilities so she can enjoy her time at home with the family. “My love language is serving my wife,” he says. “It is very rewarding when she returns home from work and the kids rush to greet her happily. Especially knowing that she does not have any stress concerning household chores.” However, like any job, being a stay-at-home parent brings unique challenges. For Nhu, the loss of identity hit hard. “As an Asian, specifically an immigrant, I placed a great deal of identity in my career, education and successes,” he says. “This is a cultural bias that was challenging to overcome once I gave up my career for my family.” Like many stay-at-home parents, he has also struggled with isolation. “I was accustomed to working in a team environment on enterprise-wide projects,” he says. “Now I spend a great deal of time with little adult interaction.” Nhu thoroughly enjoyed his career, and he knows if things were different he’d be back at a multinational corporation working on impactful projects. For now, though, he is focused on his family. He also understands that by the time he has completed his full-time parenting responsibilities, the field will have changed. SAHD Resources In a sea of Mommy & Me classes and mom-filled playgroups, stay-at-home dads may have a tougher time finding support—but it is out there. Here are some helpful resources. • National At-Home Dad Network: This organization offers support, education, advocacy, and community for dads who are primary caregivers. athomedad.org. • Fatherly: This online publication offers advice, timely news, and product reviews, specifically geared to dads. fatherly.com • Meetup: From playdates to hiking groups, dads can connect in person with like-minded people. If no group exists in your area, you can start your own. meetup.com • Facebook: Facebook groups offer dads an opportunity to chat, network, and get advice. Facebook.com/groups 28 BabyPalooza.com
Present Parenting <strong>Spring</strong> Into Fun BY KRISTEN LEE DOUGLAS 1 Summer is a magical season in a child’s life, and as parents we want to make it as memorable and meaningful as possible. In the first few summers of a child’s life, parents can be intentional about making summer a time of fun family togetherness. Start creating family summer traditions right now with these 8 ideas: ENJOY A SWEET TREAT—Beat the summer heat with a special frozen treat! Magic City Sweet Ice is a fun dessert spot in Homewood run by David and Wani Shaw. Ordering a kid-sized Italian ice will leave your toddler smiling, and you can sit in the shade on Magic City Sweet Ice’s porch and just enjoy being with your family. 715 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 mcsweetice.com BabyPalooza.com 29
Page 1 and 2: Babypalooza Magazine Stay-at-Home D
Page 3 and 4: Babypalooza Magazine FOUNDER & PUBL
Page 6 and 7: Editor’s Letter From the Editor Y
Page 8 and 9: News & Notes Hot Off the Press Comp
Page 10 and 11: Photo by Ashley Sargent Photography
Page 12 and 13: Partners in Kids’ Health Preventi
Page 14 and 15: Childcare Resources Advocate Like a
Page 16 and 17: Mompreneur Cookie Fix BY KIM HILDEN
Page 18 and 19: Mom Groups Chocolate Milk Mommies B
Page 20 and 21: A Long Journey Home BY BARRY WISE S
Page 22 and 23: MOMS OF Multiples BY BARRY WISE SMI
Page 24 and 25: Stella for 12. Prior to having the
Page 26 and 27: MR.Dad The day and the life of two
Page 28 and 29: says. “When I had the chance to b
Page 32 and 33: 2CAPTURE THE MAGIC FOREVER— Celeb
Page 34 and 35: Family Travel Margaritaville Resort
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Page 39 and 40: is a proud beverage sponsor of OWA
Page 41 and 42: EVENT picks COMPILED BY BABYPALOOZA
Page 43 and 44: 4MARCH FOR BABIES, BIRMINGHAM APRIL
Page 46 and 47: Backpage Moms of Alabama PHOTO BY J
Page 48: Monogram Maternity We know that pro

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