Real Moms Stefania Pomponi Butler
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Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Where I live now: "Silicon Valley," California
Kids: Bunny, age 4.5; Wallie, age 2.5
Husband: J.
Job: Blog editor and writer
10 Questions for Stefania
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before having kids?
You will never sleep soundly again. Ever.
What's the best parenting advice you've gotten?
Securely fasten the Velcro on bibs and baby clothes before washing with your clothes or else: fuzzy panties and bras.
What's the one product you can't live without?
Q-tips. I love them. In fact, I'm sure I am addicted to them. (Other Q-tip addicts: You know exactly what I'm talking about.)
What has been your proudest moment — large or small — as a parent?
Right now I'm proud of my girls' independence. Even at their young age, they are confident and curious and eager to try new things and experience new situations. My older daughter says "Hi" to all the kids on the playground and asks, "Want to be friends?" I am proud that they are friendly, caring, confident girls.
If you had an extra hour a day, how would you spend it?
Doing yoga. Oh, who am I kidding? I'd be reading trashy magazines.
What is your most treasured family tradition?
Eating rice cakes and Korean dumplings at midnight on New Year's Eve. We watch the fireworks then come inside for champagne and dumpling soup. Then we go to bed full, happy, and ready to start the new year.
What's been the best discovery you've made recently — whether it's a product, service, or indulgence?
Twitter. It's like crack. My mama-friends and I Twitter instead of e-mailing or calling each other to keep in touch throughout the day. Moms these days aren't sitting around eating bon-bons, we're seeking out the latest "Web 2.0" tools to help make our lives easier and to help keep us sane.
Name your sure-fire way to get the kids to bed at night.
Have a bedtime routine. I cannot stress this enough. Their routine (bath, stories, bed) hasn't changed since they were babies. As a result, they go to bed exactly when they are supposed to — no matter where they are.
What's your tried-and-true tip for calming down a temper tantrum?
When I give a warning, I follow through and my kids know it. If they are tantruming, all I have to do is remind them of the consequences (time out, loss of privileges) and that usually works.
What's the one kid-friendly dish you can throw together in a pinch?
I have a whole blog devoted to quick and delicious kid-friendly dishes called Family Food. My favorite throw-together dish that kids will eat is spaghetti with tomato-butter sauce.
Read more from Stefania at City Mama.
