Post by Jessica R.

Here’s a little parenting humor to remind us that sometimes it’s better to laugh than to cry when we realize that our lives no longer resemble anything we ever imagined.

You know you’re a parent when…

1. You refer to “using the restroom” as “going potty.” For yourself. In public. Around other adults.
2. You need a hair tie to put your hair in a ponytail and ask if anyone has seen a “pretty” for you to use. For yourself.
3. You cut up your husband’s steak into teeny, tiny pieces for him.
4. You’re not just a “parent” to your kids, but to everyone—asking if they’ve eaten enough, if they feel alright, if they need help (and not in a host-type way).
5. You’re always prepared—if someone needs a bandage, you have one. If someone needs crayons or a pen, you’ve got one. If someone needs a snack or juice, you’ve got one—mainly because you never leave the house without your “bag o’ tricks.”
6. Click here to visit Crazyadventuresinparenting.com to see the rest of this fantastic list. It just gets better and better.

When did you know you were really a parent?

I’ve often heard parents and educators say that sending a child to “time out” gives him or her time for quiet reflection, helping kids to learn from their bad behavior. But according to experts, sometimes time out can do more harm than good—especially when used incorrectly.

This article from FOXNews.com cites an example of an eight-year-old girl who was left alone in a school time-out room for three hours!

This tragic story is a clear example of time out gone wrong, but are do you find merit in this form of punishment for kids? Would you object to your child’s school or day care using time-out rooms? You tell us!

With answers, bargains and even celebrity dish, BabyCenter offers the ABCs of being a mom or dad. But the site’s advice goes far beyond the basics–these writers offer tips for everything from getting pregnant to dealing with a nine year old child. They even offer a “For You” section that has advice on maintaining balance in your grown-up relationships, finding healthy recipes and tips for traveling with kids.

I heard about baby center through a friend whose spunky and adorable little girl has recently learned the word “No!” and isn’t afraid to use it. This stylish mom loves their email newsletters, which use information about her daughter that she stored on the site to send email alerts that are specific to her stage of development. Like the Tiny Prints email newsletter, the site offers tips and bargains, along with advice on hot topics like how to handle biting, a timeline of when she should start using utensils and an ongoing list of the number of words she should understand. One recent email announced, “You have one year, two weeks, four days and seven hours left of the terrible twos!”

I also love their ultra-friendly celebrity parent column, FameBaby. It’s all the fun of celebrity gossip presented in a family friendly way. Last week they highlighted Maggie Gyllenhaal as the “Haute Mommy” of the week for her stellar style and devotion to her one year-old daughter, Ramona.

This site is a great resource for parents, whether you are looking for a little celebrity dish, trying out some healthy family recipes or just wondering when your little tot can handle a fork and spoon on their own!