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Hey Mom And Dad

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, When Is It Time To Pitch Your Child's Pacifier?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. Children get accustomed to certain security items and habits at a young age, whether it's sucking their thumb or a pacifier, or holding onto a special blanket or stuffed animal. Some children lose attachment to those items on their own, but in other cases, parents have to help the transition along. That brings us to this week's question: Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. Lucia Luke Phillips: My kids didn't use a paci…

SP

7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Okay, well I guess I'm a bit outside the group. I didn't introduce the pacifier. Once I read something that really stuck for me - and it was to be careful that the pacifier or any other object becomes "you" in the sense that instead of you being the source of comfort to your child, you put a pacifier in their mouth or give them the blankie. So I was always mindful of that. Now, she did get …   more ›

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, When Is It Appropriate to Let Your Kids Start Dating?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. With Valentine's Day close at hand, love is in the air. Valentines exchanged in school from an early age are innocent enough, but it's not long before classmates start developing crushes. That brings us to this week's question: Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. Nicholas Surges: let...haha. — Woodridge Patch Facebook Karen Sherman Bushy: Not so much a numerical age as it is their sense of maturity - where they intend …

carrie esposito 7405 richmond

9:29 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

This is a tough one, I believe that it is different for everyone and based on many factors.   more ›

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad: At What Age Should Girls Be Allowed to Wear Makeup?

Middle school, high school or never? What's your take?

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. Young ladies have been sneaking makeup past their parents for generations. They'll wait to get to school to put it on, and wipe it clean away before they dare step back in the house. It's an issue that's not likely to go away any time soon. That got us wondering ... when should girls have to stop sneaking around?  Kelly Ann: Ummm....if you ask my 8 year old now, but I remember 6th grade. — Woodridge Patch Facebook Nicole Kinnaman Seidler: My daughter has been wearing …

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad: What's the Best Approach for Raising Kids?

Hands on or hands off?

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. This week we looked at a hugely popular parenting blog that appeared on a Patch site outside of San Francisco. You can find it here. The blog has gone viral and has touched a nerve with a lot parents.  In a nutshell, the blog centers on two different parenting techniques — one in which the parents hold their children closely and protects them from harm. The other allows the children to make mistakes and sometimes get hurt in the process.  Here's what a few of our …

Suzanne Matthies

3:15 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013

Do we have to choose between coddling and tough love? How about being flexible and open to the notion that each child and each moment is different. How about blending safety and opportunity. How about being the best role model you can be.   more ›

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, How Much TV is Too Much?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. It can be tough to get kids back in the rhythm of homework after a holiday break—especially with the entrancing glow of the TV luring them in. While some TV can be educational (and let's face it: fun), many parents worry that too much will turn their kids into lemming zombies. So parents, tell us: Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. Wendy Johnson Filip: We didn't set specific time limits on TV for our daughter when …

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, How Do You Convince Picky Kids to Eat Healthy Meals?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. Many families have resolved to try to eat better in the new year. However, this can often be easier said than done, with picky kids prone to pushing vegetables around on their plate and each dinner turning into a battle of willpower between you and your child. That brings us to this week's question. Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. Eddie Komrska: I'll let you know after I grill salmon tonight how it goes  2 of the …

Joe

8:12 am on Friday, January 11, 2013

How about the old fashioned way? If they don't eat what's put in front of them, they get nothing until the next meal. Then watch them gobble up what's in front of them. Teach them to respect the food and the preparer of the meal. As a child, I was not given a choice but to eat what was in front of me whether I liked it or not. I wasn't a fan of that rule then but I'm glad my parents had it. I …   more ›

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad: What Is Your New Year's Resolution For Your Family?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to Hey Mom and Dad—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting.  Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the western suburbs. Each new year, people vow to make a fresh start for themselves or loved ones. With recent gun violence in the news, some parents have told us they plan to cut back on their kids' consumption of violent movies or video games. Others may want to eat more family dinners together or have their kids spend more time outside. This brings us to this week's question: Take a look at what Patch users throughout the western suburbs had to say and join the conversation in …

Melissa

11:01 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013

I would like to work on better time management since I'm expecting number 2, and I want to get the family to church a little more often.   more ›

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Hey Mom and Dad: What Holiday Gift Did You Refuse to Buy Your Child?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to Hey Mom and Dad—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting.  Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the western suburbs. Take a look at what Patch users throughout the western suburbs had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. Elizabeth Carini Salamon: Wii/DS. Kids spend way too much time with electronics. — Batavia Patch Facebook Brenda Garcia: A Karaoke machine! Although someone else got it for them and I didn't know so I guess all I can do is add to my list some good ear plugs. Why? Three kids fighting to take a turn and "sing" very " beautiful" songs.... …

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Parents, How Did You Address The Connecticut Shootings With Your Kids?

Patch likes to hear from you on questions that get families talking and certainly, nothing is weighing more heavily on our minds this week than last week's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Here's how your neighbors discussed it with their kids.

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. We're starting off with a question we posed recently on the Patch Facebook pages. Last week's tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT left the entire country shocked and speechless. Nevertheless, many parents felt they needed to discuss what happened with their children. That brings us to this week's question: Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. Stacey Greenwood Poulter: As of this morning my kids had no clue about the shooting. I am sure they will hear about it at school though. I did feel it best not to say anything about it (we stayed away from all…

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Hey Mom and Dad: Is a Pet an Appropriate Holiday Gift for a Child?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to Hey Mom and Dad—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area. It's a rite of passage for nearly every child: Begging your parents for that first cat, dog or guinea pig as a Holiday present. The debate on our local Facebook pages took many different turns this week, and we want to hear from you, too. Leave your opinion in the comments below and check out what some of our Facebook friends had to say: Jan Rollins: when the are responsible enough to walk it, feed it & potty train — Darien Patch Facebook Kathleen Bowler Kadolph: after …

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Darren McRoy

6:17 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Wisdom from someone who knows pets well!   more ›

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