Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Whether sleep-away or day camp, parents want to make the transition a smooth one.
As the school year wraps up and the lazy days of summer approach, many families are thinking about the next item on their agenda: Summer camp. Whether it is overnight or day camp, anxiety and concern may be creeping in … and the kids are nervous too. While camp applications were filled out weeks ago, parents may be wondering if their kids are now truly ready. Children heading off to sleep-away camp may be concerned about missing their family or making new friends. Kids who will be attending day camp may worry about being in a new environment with new teachers or counselors. Not to worry, many parents and children go through this transition each year. They not only survive camp but enjoy wonderful experiences and gain friendships that can …
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Join our Moms Council for a discussion of what you're planning to do this weekend.
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011
If it's early May than that must mean Mother's Day is just a few days off. If you're lucky, you get a full day off while the rest of the family sees to you every need, right? Hmm, I guess if you're like most of us, Mother's Day is pretty much business as usual, only served in a crepe, like at those fancy brunches to which many of us will go. Maybe you'll get a nice gift or two. If you're really fortunate, maybe you'll get a few hours to yourself while Dad looks after the brood. Our Madison Moms Council has their own plans. Please chime in and tell us about your own Mother's Day experiences!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Camp is just one activity, our Madison Moms want to know what else you've got planned once school lets out.
While most of us are still shaking off the effects of a cold, snowy winter, parents are busy formulating plans for summer, and answering that key question: What are the kids going to do? Camps, both day and sleep-away, are a staple for many families and just one way to occupy the kids. Our Madison Moms Talk wants to know what else you've got going on. After a long school year jammed with homework, clubs, sports, and more, maybe it's time to let the kids relax at home with fun projects. Or maybe you're spending the summer poolside. Many families also enjoy day trips, there are countless places to visit within easy driving distance. Please use the comment box below to join in the discussion, we look forward to hearing from you!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
How do you handle family access to phones, tablets, laptops? Patch wants to know!
Technology and the family -- is too much never enough? Well, if you're reading this than you're one member of the global community who depends on technology to stay connected. And there's no shortage of devices to enable that community, and a profusion of places online to facilitate those connections. All well and good for adults, but what's our view on technology when it comes to our children, especially younger ones? There as many questions as there are devices: How do I control access to inappropriate web content? What's the right age for a child to have a cellphone? If they don't have a laptop, will they fall behind in school? How do I protect my kids in the expanding world of universal social media? We want to hear from you! Please …
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Join in with our Madison Moms as we discuss this very important subject.
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Has your child been a victim of bullying? It's as serious an issue for schools and towns as curriculums and educational budgets. The experiences of being bullied, whether in grade school and up to high school, can be devastating, leaving a child with emotional scars that last a lifetime. Fortunately, there are far more resources for dealing with bullying than even a generation ago. In 2002, the State of New Jersey passed legislation requiring each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying on school property. In this week's Madison Patch Mom's Talk, we want to discuss bullying, its forms and its effects, hear your experiences, and offer insight, information and maybe solutions that kids and families …
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
What your kids find under their pillow could say a lot about who we are, and what's really important to us.
It's a fair question for parents of small children: How much is the Tooth Fairy paying these days? Unlike Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays and other special times when we spend 'til it hurts on gifts for the little ones, the Tooth Fairy can be more of a day-to-day barometer of how we're doing, what we believe, and what we really consider to be valuable. For the youngest children the Tooth Fairy is a palliative, a way to ease the physical pain of losing a tooth loss that in itself can also be a traumatic experience. The Tooth Fairy is also a symbol and a metaphor, a signpost along the road to adolescence for parents and children, and a way to hold on to some small part of childhood that too quickly disappears in the rush to grow up. So pull …
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Talk to our Madison Patch Moms Council about the importance of getting involved—and of stepping back.
When it comes to personal involvement, many people would agree that volunteers are the lifeblood of any vital, active community. Particularly where kids and school are concerned, there are more than enough worthy groups, boards, positions and projects to keep the typical volunteer busy eight days a week—or more. But how much is too much? Does compulsive volunteering take too much time away from the family? Does it make sense to set goals for community involvement, to make the best use of time? Join our Moms Council for this week's Moms Talk, as we discuss the ins and outs of volunteering, how to manage our precious volunteer time, and what it means in the bigger picture of family life. We're waiting to hear from you!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tell us your views as the Patch Moms Council talks about a subject that's near to families, but not so dear to kids' hearts.
Moms Talk is a new feature on Madison Patch and part of a new outreach initiative on the Patch network to better connect with moms and families. Each week on Moms Talk, our Moms Council will take your questions, give advice and share solutions. We're creating a new resource for moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and their families who live in the Madison community to explore questions about local schools, the best pediatricians, opportunities to volunteer, and the myriad other issues that arise while raising children. Moms Talk will also be the place to drop in for a discussion about the latest parenting hot topic. From school and homework issues, to social, sports and after-school activities, we'll start the conversation and invite you …
Colleen Bohensky
1:48 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
How old do they have to be for Girl Scout Camp? Maybe Zoe will do that next summer. more ›