Parenting Then and Now Podcast #8 – Video Killed the Radio Star
Stewart Reynolds aka “Brittlestar” joins Sam to discuss kids, social media and how things have changed When Stewart Reynolds (aka “Brittlestar”) was a kid, he used to amuse himself by making radio...
View ArticleChild’s Play
Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned play? The news that Toys R Us had filed for bankruptcy was, sadly, not surprising. For those of us who’d been navigating the crazy world of parenting in...
View ArticlePTAN Retro Memory #9 – Video Stores
Before Netflix was the go-to digital destination for movies, there was this quaint thing called “The Video Store.” The Friday and Saturday night ritual for many of us included a trip to this...
View ArticleSupport Women’s Maternal Health in Ethiopia Through Cuso International
DISCLAIMER: This post is written in partnership with Cuso International to raise awareness about the topic of women’s maternal health overseas. As with all content on this blog, opinions are completely...
View ArticlePTAN Podcast Episode 9: Free-Range Parenting in an Age of Fear
Free-Range Parenting in an Age of Fear She was crowned the unwanted title of “World’s Worst Mom” when she decided to let her nine-year-old son ride the New York subway alone back in 2008. And while...
View ArticleIN THE NEWS: Give Grandma a Kiss!
Is it okay to force our kids to give relatives a hug or kiss? “Come on now – give Auntie Jane a kiss!” These words and similar are told to our children daily, upon meeting, visiting or otherwise...
View ArticlePTAN Episode #10: Can’t Parents Just Get a Break?
Listen to the full episode below! School Rules Have Made Parenting Really Hard… We’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we? Most of us – whether we’re parents of younger kids, older kids, or observers...
View ArticlePTAN Retro Memory #10 – Home Economics and Shop Classes
Should we bring back Home Economics and Shop classes to schools? Whatever happened to Home Economics and Shop classes? Once upon a time, they were the norm, not the exception, and kids came away from...
View ArticlePTAN Retro Memory #11 – Barbie
Ever wonder how Barbie came to be? She was the brainchild of an enterprising American mom who, in the late ’50’s, visited Germany and fell in love with a doll that was modeled after a real-life adult....
View ArticleTeens: If You Eat Tide Pods, Things Won’t End Well
Because eating detergent is never a good idea Teens are eating Tide Pods. And while this may sound like the beginning of a comedy skit, an entry into the Darwin awards or not something in the grasp of...
View ArticlePODCAST EPISODE #11 – Where Everybody Knows Your Name
“Where everybody knows your name” Raising kids in a rapidly changing world has always been a challenge, but perhaps not as much as it is today. At least that’s what comedian Charlie Demers is finding...
View ArticleOPINION: Are ‘Girl Geeks’ Cool?
Girls and Expectations – Both Have Changed Back when I was a kid, it wasn’t cool to be uncool. Back then, the tech revolution wasn’t in it’s infancy; it hadn’t … The post OPINION: Are ‘Girl Geeks’...
View ArticleSOCIETY: Helicopter Parenting vs. Latchkey Kids
Fear of the unknown stops many parents from giving their children responsibility Are there still latchkey kids these days or have they gone undercover in the age of helicopter parenting … The post...
View ArticleSOCIETY: The Dad and the Parking Spot
Parking rage…undeserved? The other day, I had just gotten into my car to pull out of a parking spot at the local supermarket. My window was rolled up … The post SOCIETY: The Dad and the Parking...
View ArticleCBC PARENTS ARTICLE: Parenting Young Children in Middle Age
“Note that my kids aren’t the problem; my aging body is” “I don’t know how you do it, Sam!” I hear this often. It’s apparently supposed to be a compliment. … The post CBC PARENTS ARTICLE: Parenting...
View ArticleCONTROVERSY: Help! My Teen Wants to Wear a Sexy Halloween Costume!
Your teen wants to wear a risqué halloween costume. What do you do? It’s that time of the year. Trick-or-treating and costume parties are in the air. Your tween/teen is … The post CONTROVERSY: Help!...
View ArticleFOOD: I’m Baking Without My Kids During the Pandemic – And I’m Fine With That
I’m Baking Without My Kids During the Pandemic – And I’m Fine With That “If only I had the time.” That was the refrain that I’d say to myself as … The post FOOD: I’m Baking Without My Kids During the...
View ArticleIN THE NEWS: Parenting Guilt During COVID-19
Parenting During COVID-19 These are challenging times, particularly for parents. COVID-19 has shaken up every aspect of our lives. Let’s face it: most of us are stressed, trying to work … The post IN...
View ArticleIN THE NEWS: Racism, Kids and Current Events
Racism – A Difficult Topic to Discuss With Kids Race and Real Life – Speaking to Children About Disturbing Events These are trying times. The disturbing events that underscore the … The post IN THE...
View ArticleINTERVIEW: The Difficult Conversation That is Race
How do you start the difficult conversation about racism with your child? A few years ago, I had a difficult conversation with my son Erik about an incidence of racism … The post INTERVIEW: The...
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