Mother's Day: According to Local Kids

Creative Kidstuff, a specialty toy retailer based in Minnesota, brought together some kids to tell us what is so special about Mother's Day.

Parents Talk: Discussing Tragedies in the Media

How do you explain incidents like the Boston Marathon bombings to your children? Share your ideas in the comments section below.

In the aftermath of the Boston bombings, many parents may be struggling to find the write words to explain such a horrific event to children. At Patch, we wanted to use this week's Parents Talk as an opportunity to provide some resources and gather advice from readers on how to talk to kids about tragedies in the media. Share your ideas on this topic in the comments section below. The Child Development Institute gives the following discussion techniques for dealing with tragedies in the media: See the full Child Development Institute article here. Unfortunately, this isn't a first-time discussion on Patch. Following the Newtown, CT massacre, and the more close-to-home shooting incident at Accent Signage in Minneapolis, readers and bloggers…

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Farmyard Fun, May Day and Spring Migration: Events for Kids in Three Rivers Parks

A variety of low-cost events April 28-May 4, 2013 are open for registration.

Information provided by Three Rivers Park District. Preschool Drop-Off: Kits & Cubs: Tremendous Trees Monday, April 29 and Tuesday April 30, from 1-3 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Learn different ways to identify trees. Make a tree craft to take home and have a snack that comes from a forest. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #212216-28. This program is for ages 4-5. Preschool Drop-off: Doodlebugs Tuesday, April 30, from 1-3 p.m., at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony. Spend part of every class exploring spring  then get messy as we cut, paste, paint, or sculpt! Dress for the weather and bring a small snack, water bottle, and a bag…

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Wooddale Community Nursing to Host Open House

Parents are invited to visit the preschool, tour the space, meet the teachers, and learn about the program.

Parent’s Talk: Finding Activities for Kids During Winter Break

The winter break hiatus from school is coming up soon for kids. How will you embrace the break?

I’m assuming most youth attending school – from elementary to high school – are ready and waiting anxiously for the upcoming winter break. While kids of all ages tend to look forward to a break from school, sometimes it can be a little challenging for parents. From finding alternate daycare to combating the “there is nothing to do” phrase or just being the sole source of transportation, winter break from school can be both a blessing and a curse for parents. This week, we’re asking parents to help out each other this holiday season. SHARE: What ideas do you have for kids and families to do during winter break? What are your favorite “go to” places in the winter months? How do you handle daycare challenges? Share your ideas and thoughts in …

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Parents Talk: Helping Your Kids Create a Reasonable Holiday Gift List

Kids have started making their lists and checking them twice. How do you help them make their lists?

When I was a kid, the excitement that would blow through the Burgess home as the holiday shopping season began can be pinpointed to one thing: The Toys-R-Us catalog arriving. My sister and I would pore over the pages, carefully dog-earring them to call special attention to the items circled therein. We would proudly hand it to our parents, believing we had done them a great service. (There would be no way they could disappoint us if they took our direction on the gifts.) Of course, I never got that electric Barbie car. (Sigh) A paper catalog seems a little old school now with the Internet and so many shops to choose from. So, how do you help plan your kids' gift lists? Do you take them to the store? Supervise them online? Or do you wait …

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Parents Talk

How Do You Handle a Child’s Temper Tantrum?

What sort of evasive action do you take when a child screams or cries to get their way?

Whether you have kids or don’t, you've likely seen a child throw a fit in a checkout line at a grocery or heard the wails and cries coming from the toy aisle. What happened? Some kid didn’t get what he or she wanted and resorted to a full-out assault on his or her parents complete with tears, screaming or my personal favorite—the wet noodle collapsed on the floor. Or, maybe your kid just likes to throw the temper tantrums at home. I still remember going absolutely nuts on my mom when she wouldn’t let me wear my favorite pair of pink jeans because they were in the dirty laundry. And, no, that wasn’t last week—I was probably about 7 years old. I’ve seen parents handle the situation a variety of ways. I’ll admit, I’ve used some of these …

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Becky Glander

2:56 pm on Thursday, December 8, 2011

Sometimes the best word for kids to hear is "no" when they beg for things at the store. I always felt like such a wonderful parent when I was able to say "no, I don't have the money to buy that for you today." If they throw a tantrum after saying "no," then you just feel reinforced that they shouldn't have gotten a prize. It's when the sweet little thing says "OK, Mommy" that you want to run over…   more ›

Parents Talk: Should Kids Be Allowed to Curse?

Whether you call it swearing, cussing, cursing or profanity, should it be coming out of a child’s mouth?

A difference in family values could mean the difference in whether a child uses profanity or not in public. But, is cursing really all that bad? From my experience, cursing in school is usually frowned upon. Although, walk down any crowded hall at many junior and senior high schools and you are likely to hear “those” words float around with ease. When my kids (now teenagers) were growing up, I was careful not to expose them to swearing—whether it be at home, movies or in public. I knew what would be expected of them in school and I didn’t want to be “that mom” that laughed it off when her kid threw out the “s-word” when their blue crayon broke. It’s still pretty PG around our house for the most part. However, I’ve always disagreed with the…

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(PHOTOS) St. Louis Park Ice Cream Social Draws a Crowd

On a beautiful spring day, people packed Wolfe Park for free ice cream and fun.

On a perfect day for ice cream, hundreds gathered at St. Louis Park's Wolfe Park to enjoy free cones from Sebastian Joe's and celebrate the community's youth. The 18th annual Children First Ice Cream Social was held Sunday under clear skies. The event celebrated Children First, a community partnership among education, faith, city, health and business communities that strives to make St. Louis Park a great place for young people. Attendees enjoyed free ice cream, of course, but there was also live music at the amphitheater throughout the afternoon. Nearby, the Kids Garage Sale was in full swing, with a variety of toys, books and games for sale. The St. Louis Park police and fire departments brought and displayed vehicles, which was a total …

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