Thursday, January 31, 2013
A debate on gun control took center stage in residents' comments during Wednesday night's legislative hearing.
NEWTOWN, Conn. — On Dec. 14, Mary Ann Jacob was at work at Sandy Hook Elementary School. "The day started like any other day," she said. "Vicki Soto came in the library first thing in the morning to pick out books she could use in her classes that day, bemoaning the fact she'd spilled coffee all down the front." As she described the events of that day, her voice trembled as she told listeners that automatic weapons had no place in communities — and that more guns couldn't have stopped what happened. "Make no mistake," she said. "If there was a police officer in that building, he'd be dead." Redding Police Chief Douglas Fuchs, a Newtown resident who sent his children to Sandy Hook School, was on his way to Hartford when he heard radio …
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Blogger Lisa Barr shares her thoughts on how suburban moms over-attention to diet and exercise may have a negative affect on their children.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
"It’s time to cut the cord and let them work out issues of their own."
Like many parents of college-age kids, I loaded up the car Beverly Hillbillies-style with all of my son’s essentials; including a half-dozen cans of Old Spice spray, enough Mountain Dew to keep his entire dorm awake until winter break, an Animal House poster, and my son, and headed to Binghamton University for his sophomore year. This experience was a bit different for me this year. Last year, I was worried he would spend too much time at frat parties and too little time in the library. I was also worried how he would cope on his own because, as I have mentioned many times in various previous articles, he is not exactly the most self-reliant creature. This year, move-in day was a whole new experience. Whereas last year he was very happy …
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Dawn Karlovsky, who has two sets of twins ages five and three, shares her organization and planning techniques in her book “Project (Baby) Management.”
For Dawn Karlovsky, being organized always came naturally. But after having two sets of twins, now ages five and three, she took organization to the next level. Making checklists, spreadsheets, calendars and planning ahead became a vital part of Karlovsky’s every day routine. Those around her including teachers, friends, strangers and of course other parents quickly noticed her stellar organization. It was then that she decided to take her organization methods and share them with others through a book she wrote entitled, “Project (Baby) Management.” “You can enjoy your time with your children so much more if you are just more prepared for the day,” she said. “And this is what the book can help you with.” The title “Project (Baby) …
Thursday, May 10, 2012
A Mother's Day reminder of the joys of motherhood
Mother's Day is this Sunday, just in case you were too busy being a Mother to notice. It got me thinking about how sometimes I'm so busy, tired, and stressed that I don't stop to appreciate why being a Mom is worth it. Some days it's easier to focus on the negatives and I ask myself why did I go through all of the pain, nausea, sleepless nights, insecurity, and the extra 10 pounds that won’t go away? So, I wrote a post on Why Being a Mom is Worth It that I wanted to share. But more importantly, I'd love to hear from you. Why Do You Love Being a Mom? Please comment below and let's create a great list of why Motherhood is amazing. The reminder is a nice gift to ourselves. I want to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. I hope your day is …
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Keep the kids happy and smiling while off from school for the Holiday.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Kirchner
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sue Kirchner is a family fun coach and weekly contributor to Patch.com. She created ChocolateCakeClub.com and ChocolateCakeMoments.com both sites dedicated to helping busy families have more fun together. Sue and her family fun ideas have been featured on TV, newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Next Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and my kids have both Monday AND Tuesday off. What to do? What to do? I know they will be bored by 10 a.m. on Monday, so I've come up with a list of 8 things we could do together or they could do by themselves while I work for a few hours. I would share my list with you as inspiration. I hope it helps! 1. Make Valentine’s Day Cards. Everyone loves a handmade Valentine’s Day Card, especially Grandma and …
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Weigh in on the portfolio of an up-and-coming child model.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Sue Kirchner
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
This week's Mom's Talk post is going to be short and sweet because we want to hear your opinions on an article showcasing an up-and-coming child model. Our editor was sent a link to a story on "parentdish" about a 10-year-old child model who has some controversial photos in her portfolio. Let us know what you think. Is the ad they are highlighting art? Is it silly? Is it creepy, as they suggest?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tips for sending your kids to day or overnight summer camp.
I can't believe that school is over in a few weeks! For months, many Moms have been planning and researching local summer camps and maybe even some overnight camp options. Summer camps are important for creating friendships, exposing your kids to new interests, keeping their minds and bodies active during the summer, potentially exploring nature, and serving as childcare for working parents. You can choose to send your kids to camp for a few hours a day, for the whole day or even for a week. My kids have gone to some super-cool camps over the years such as Harry Potter camp, Wet 'n Wild swim camp, Exploring Nature camp, Design Your Own Video Game camp, and even Quilting Camp. There's definitely a camp for every kid's interest. There are …
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
First Moms Talk column examines fear and anger brought on by new book.
Genuine fear mixed with doses of incredulity flitted through me while watching Amy Chua, self-described “Tiger Mother,” talk on ABC's "Nightline" last week about the strictness and relentless expectations she foisted on her children. No sleepovers? No school plays? Three hours of piano practice a day? And then this thought passed through me: “I’m glad she’s not my mother.” It was the first in a palette of emotions I felt while watching interviews with and reading excerpts by Amy Chua, author of “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” (Penguin $25.95), a book that was released a few weeks ago and has set off a national conversation -- as well as national vehemence -- about parenting, education and expectations. The furor caused by Chua and her …
Jay Chapel
9:42 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I worry about the method of "keeping in touch". Texting and Facebook are poor forms of communication. They deny people the ability to have some privacy, allow for rumors or lies to be circulated in moments, and disrupt face to face conversations. We shut down our son's smart phone for a few months and the changes were dramatic. Our daughter is next! more ›