by: Inna Shapiro Starting Over.  Once Again. As parents we constantly seek to teach our children important life lessons: candy causes cavities, hitting your brother will likely cause him to hit you back, and eating boogers makes you the least popular kid at the lunch table.  One of the most important lessons we can teach them is about persistence.  Even as they take their first steps we … [Read more...]

Hi Moms and Dads! Are you ready for a long hot summer?  It is already steamy out there so make sure you keep yourselves and your kids cool this summer by visiting our wonderful local pools and beaches. Lots of suggestions have been posted on the Facebook page lately about which beaches are the best, but if you have your own recommendations to share, please do so! I'd love to see the … [Read more...]

I think Spring is finally here to stay.  At least I hope it is!  I think we have all had a long crazy winter and are ready to head outside with our kiddos to have some family fun. If you are new to the area, I think you'll really enjoy what the local scene has to offer.  There are Easter egg hunts at Homestead park: a flashlight hunt for older kids during the evening on April 4th, and a … [Read more...]

Hello Moms and Dads, I hope you're not having too hard a time entertaining the little ones with this crazy weather we're having.  Perhaps you've been out in the snow or enjoying one of the great indoor kids' museums in the area.  Perhaps you've been helping your kids make Valentines Day cards for their friends. Whatever you're up to, I hope you also take a some time to do something fun for … [Read more...]

Mu Omicron Mu, the Largest Sorority in the World I never pledged a sorority in college but am now part of the largest sorority in the world.  You’re part of it too, and together we share a bond and a sense of belonging that can only come from being part of an elite sisterhood. What is this sorority?  Mu Omicron Mu, or MOM as it is more popularly known.  Okay, it may not be on the books … [Read more...]

Having “The Talk” With Your Kids by: Inna Shapiro Among the myriad of talks we had with our parents growing up, only one conversation was so significant as to be labeled “The Talk.” Sure, there were others about important topics like whether there really was a pajama-clad guy who came down our chimneys or where the goldfish went when she died, but still, that sex talk stands out in … [Read more...]

Top 10 Signs that you are a mom: 1) Your Facebook profile photo is of your kids. Or your dog. Or your kids and your dog. Or your wedding photo, because you were still thin then. But it is not a current, professional photo of you all by yourself. Because the last time you had the time or inclination to do that was for high school senior portraits. 2) Your closet is roughly divided between … [Read more...]

Protecting Our Kids I clearly remember the feeling of holding my baby girl in my arms, wanting to shield her from all the dangers of the world. People weren’t allowed to touch her without washing their hands.  Every outlet was covered and every drawer latched.  Now she’s in her first year of middle school, facing new dangers and challenges without me by her side, but my instinct to … [Read more...]

Last month Jen Hatfield's article "Worst End of the School Year Mom Ever" went viral as it struck a cord with exhausted parents everywhere.  In fact I've noticed a growing trend in these types of confessional style of articles which basically say "I'm doing the best I can but frankly, I don't always live up to my own expectations, much less of those of others, and I'm going to have to be okay … [Read more...]

Playgroups:  Not Just Child’s Play! When I was a new mom I knew that joining a playgroup was as much a part of the job description as late night feedings and endless diaper changes.  What I didn’t understand was what the heck it would be like or why I needed to do it since our babies were still infants, barely able to hold up their heads much less play with each other.  Vaguely I had an … [Read more...]