Momma Told Me: Parenting 10 Years Apart: Bridging The Gap With Modern Tools Like Audio Books

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Parenting 10 Years Apart: Bridging The Gap With Modern Tools Like Audio Books

This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me by Coupons.com. Hosts for this event are Still Blonde After All These Years and ModlyChic. #AudiobooksForFall
Bridging the gap,parenting 10 years apart with modern tools like audio books and apps.
Momma Told Me:  The tools may have changed, but being a mom hasn't.

Part of being 'one of those' women who try to map out their entire lives with pencil and paper before actually get started on their lives is that I get to watch all my friends and family go through the trials first. Graduating several years ahead of my class, most of my high school friends began having babies and getting married long before me; even my baby cousin had her first this Spring. I have to say there's nothing quite like being able to spoil a child, and partake in all the excitement of having a child, without actually taking on the stress and financial responsibility. Through the past several years I've had the pleasure of growing into more of a sister than Aunt-like role to Sabrina (11), and was delighted to hear her mother was expecting yet another bundle of joy this Summer.
Sabrina's mother couldn't have been further from the baby mentality when the magical stick fortold a future of burp clothes and late nights, some near-eleven years after her first. As a blogger and childcare-giver, I was already in the know on all of the must have gadgets and gizmos, and even the advancements in modern diapering. A lot changes from one year to the next in baby technology, but an entire decade can be overwhelming to catch up on. Luckily, the core of having a child, the nurturing, loving, and instincts never really go away- so Savannah was already easing back into this 'new mom' thing even just weeks after the announcement.
But there was still much to learn! Sometime near the end of her first trimester she came to me complaining of how her OB was trying to push some fancy new bottles on her, and asking which bottles she had picked out to use. "Isn't a bottle a bottle?" she asked, exhausted by the conversation. As many new parents know, the range of bottles, brands, and nipples have exploded over the past decade, as has the important conversations of 'BPA Free' and 'Natural Bottle Feeding.' While I preferred the Tommy Tippee and MimiJumi range of bottles for their intuitive feeding systems that also allowed for venting, she would need to do much more of her own research to find the products that fit her mothering style.
Audible audio books.
I could tell all of the new technology and expensive parenting aids were beginning to stress her out; after all, the cost of raising a child from 0-18 has risen a shocking 40% over the past decade alone! But some technology of the past has stuck around just as simple and convenient as yesterday- audio books. And what better way to reassure an existing, turned modern mom, into a calm and collected baby producing vessel than with some simple words from professional mothers. Raising a child may have more options than ever, but the tools and tricks are still very much the same, as outlined in Suzy Giordano's Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old, on Audible.com.
Modern Moms use apps like the Audible.com audio books application for Android and Apple.
An Amazon.com company, Audible offers over 150,000 titles available to subscribers within an instant and at their fingertips. The easy to navigate smartphone or tablet applications make listening to texts on the go, driving in the car, doing postnatal workouts, or while soothing a fussy infant possible. From 50 Tips For Breastfeeding to 50 Shades of Grey, the library is always evolving and completely accessible when downloaded to your account, or with  WiFi connection. My Momma had to fuss with bulky boxed sets of cassette tapes to listen to her romance novels while driving me through the streets at 1 AM (to soothe my colic,) but today's modern Momma uses an Audible app and simple subscription to stay educated and entertained while doing virtually anything!
Hospital Bag Must Have: Audio Books with Audible.com subscription and Coupons.com discounts. http://www.coupons.com/coupon-codes/audible/
And, with a book a month as low as $7.49, through special Coupons.com Audible promo code, I'm making an audio books subscription one of my hospital bag must haves for mothers of 2014. Not only is it a weightless aid for new mothers, it's sure to provide hours of peaceful post opp entertainment, and fussy afternoon feeding relief. There are even children's story books for you to enjoy with your growing baby during tummy time an meal prep, brought to life by colorful narrators. Bridging the parenting gap between the past decade doesn't have to be stressful; rely on tried and true resources with modern improvements to help soothe new moms during the transition. Fancy baby monitors and crying interpreters are great, but sometimes a soothing voice is really all we need- no matter our age.

What Daughter Says: Modern moms know simple improvements on classic remedies can mean the difference between being up all night and sleeping peacefully.

62 comments:

  1. There were so many great pregnancy and parenting books that I probably would have absorbed more fully had it been in audio. I love that idea for her. I also think that once the baby comes and she's spending so much time sitting and feeding with her hands full, listening to books would be a great way to relax.

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  2. Oohh, audiobooks, I haven't used one of those in forever...haha, I tend to think I read faster but they can be good for some

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  3. I will have to look into Audible. This is a really good idea for expecting moms!

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  4. That is so it - I have to keep it in mind. Just remember who much stuff is going at the hospital totally need the audio books to go

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  5. What a brilliant new mom gift idea! Education, escape and entertainment all in one simple app.

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  6. This is a great idea! My daughter is 9 years old and we are currently trying for our second child. It will be a big age gap but I am sure we will manage!

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  7. My kids are both reluctant readers and my daughter has dyslexia so books on tape are a must in our home.

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  8. Audible is looking better and better with less free time to sit and read. Plus for those that struggle with a reading disability they don't have to miss out on what so many readers love and enjoy--BOOKS!

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  9. There are so many neat new things out today that I would love to have if I was having a child. There have been so many changes since my kids were babies.

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  10. I know that Audible is useful for so many situations but I had never considered it for a hospital stay. Or how about staying with someone who is in the hospital? Much much better than carting around heavy books or reading those disgustingly germy magazines in the waiting room!

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  11. I love it, I can still listen to my book while am feeding my baby and I won't have to worry about book marks or losing my place. I won't have to worry about having to grab my book cause I always have my tablet and phone with me!!

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  12. I had never considered audio books for a hospital stay. That would have been nice with my two kids since my stay was a week long with each of them. Things have definitely changed in the 10 years since your 'little sister' was a baby.

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  13. I'm so in love with Audible books! It's so hard for me to just sit and read. I love it, but I hate missing out when I don't have the time. Now I don't have to!

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  14. I used to listen to audio books with headphones on my belly for the baby to hear

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  15. I wish they would have had the 12 hours in 12 nights book when my oldest was born. I don't think we had made 12 hours by the time she was 12 years!

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  16. Audio books are a great idea! I didn't think of that when I was preparing for childbirth.

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  17. That is an awesome idea for an expecting mommy! I wish I had done that.

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  18. Things have changed so much since I had my son. I much more tech savvy than I was then and would definitely be using some apps. Audio books sound perfect for new moms.

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  19. Yes, things have even changed in the past four years since I gave birth last... ha! Audible in the diaper bag is a great idea

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  20. Audiobooks are a great thing to give to a new mom. After all, there were few times in a day when I had both hands available. One was always holding or feeding someone!

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  21. Audible seems like an awesome thing to have. I would have loved a few good audiobooks when I was recovering from my cesarean.

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  22. Love audiobooks and use audbile all the time. My latest tech thing though was the DVR. Helped me through many late nights with the baby.

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  23. I love audiobooks. I listen to them in my car all the time.

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  24. I always use audio books when I drive. I have two drives coming up back to back this month. I need to get the Audible hook-up.

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  25. Audio books definitely can be great for so many activities, as I noted before for the person at the hospital but also good for the kids who stay at Grandmas!

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  26. My little sister is 10 years younger than me. It feels like quite a gap, but I bet it will be great!

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  27. I love the idea of using audio books while you're preggo, I don't know if I would be patient enough to listen to them! But with a 17 hour delivery I would have had finished a few.

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  28. I wish I had though of taking an audio book when I was in the hospital. It's great how technology can help moms these days.

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  29. Congrats! I have 5 and I have noticed the difference in baby gear over the years! My oldest is 9 and youngest 15 months! Similar to yours!

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  30. Great idea on the Audible subscription for the new mommy's hospital bag! So much to learn or remember when you have a newborn!

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  31. Things have changes so much since I had my babies. I would have loved audio books when my kids were younger.

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  32. I remember with my first pregnancy I read lots of books. Now that time has changed there are so many other options. I love the idea of audio books but haven't used them.

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  33. My son is so into audible books. His girlfriend started him on them and he in turn passed it on to me. It's a great idea if you want to be able to read while doing other things.

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  34. Great post, great books are a must. Loved all the pictures!!!

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  35. What a fun post; I had my kids 8 years apart, so totally understand you!!! I know this is exciting but I think being a "new" parent this day is MUCH easier with all the cool things they have now, wish they had when my kids were babies.. Ahhmm 19 years ago... :-)will share this post with my new mommy friends, I bet they will love it, too

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  36. I never had time to read, so I can't believe I haven't already started listening to books. It definitely makes the most sense to me.

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  37. My wife wanted to have kids right after we got married, before we were financially stable and responsible enough to raise a child. I always told her, nobody ever looks back and says, I wish we would have had a kid when we were 20, but a lot of people think, I wish we would have waited a few years.

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  38. My wife wanted to have kids right after we got married, before we were financially stable and responsible enough to raise a child. I always told her, nobody ever looks back and says, I wish we would have had a kid when we were 20, but a lot of people think, I wish we would have waited a few years.

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  39. I love that for such a cheap monthly fee that I can enjoy books via audible while driving on my long commutes. Things sure have changed since I had my son twenty years ago.This would be great for some of my hospice patients who miss reading but their eyesight is not good enough.

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  40. My brother and I are 10 years apart. He is 19 and I am 29. It is not a bad difference.

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  41. I don't have kids but I absolutely love audio books. Right now I am relistening to the Outlander series.

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  42. This is really great for new mommies or again mommies after a period of time. I like the idea of an audiobook for mommies.

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  43. this is great for people who dont' like to ACTUALLY read and people that want to listen and become more educated!

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  44. the years between your pregency and then a lot of have happen with book and baby things

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  45. This is a wonderful idea! I'm a firm beiever in making some me time, and audio books are a great way to do it while doing other things.

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  46. This is a super suggestion and one I had not considered for new parents. The Audible app is a great way to enjoy books while in the car, folding laundry or doing other chores.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  47. I did that too,my 2 kids are 10yrs apart also,,boy first time girl second,,wow,what a difference in raising them,,like two only children,she started first grade when he was a senior in high school,,they are really close now,he is almost 40 and she is almost 30

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  48. I agree that there are so many new baby items out now then there were 10 years ago. When my kids were born we did not have quite the selection of items that they have now, but it is easier to shop on-line now and compare. I would have liked the audio books though.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

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  49. What a fantastic idea! This is perfect for a new mom or moms on the go. I could have used this with my first 11 years ago. She was up day in and out and had so many issues. I could have had entertainment to help me stay awake. Score for technology!!

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  50. Audible seems like something I gotta get into! Only hear great things!

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  51. I just start audible and I love it! So great to get in extra reading time when driving or working out and anywhere anytime on the great app on my phone. I don't have kids but would definitely check out parenting books when/if I do.

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  52. I have never used an audible book before but can see how it might come in handy.

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  53. I haven't listened to an audiobook for quite some time, but I do listen to lectures on you tube pretty often. This is a really reasonable price for what you get!

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  54. This is great! I remember reading like crazy while I was pregnant I really should've thought about audio books I could get things done all the while listening to a book.

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  55. This Audible would have been great for me twenty years ago because I was bedridden for most of my pregnancy and had to lay a certain way which made reading difficult. I am amazed at how wonderful technology has made expecting so much easier :)

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  56. now a days the stuff they come out with is miracle we used the old way calucate and then figure one week or two either way and then nowi wish we hasd computer were i lived

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  57. what a great idea,wished i had it when i had my kids i was most of the on bed rest.I will recomend my bff who is expecting twins any day now.

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  58. I have always thought audiobooks were awesome....you can listen to them while stuck in traffic! Great item for a baby shower gift.

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  59. I would have loved to have audiobooks when I was at the hospital. I took books but had a hard time keeping my eyes open LOL

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  60. Audio books are awesome for car rides. The narrators all have nice soothing voices. I would guess that the same calm effect would take hold on a Mom in the early stages of labor. Excellent idea for a baby shower gift. I wish you a speedy labor , delivery and recovery time.

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  62. I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. mommy blog

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