Parenting
Everett family puzzled by decision to boot toddler off plane
EVERETT -- It was already past the 3-year-old boy's bedtime as he boarded the plane Saturday night for a six-hour red-eye from Seattle to Miami.
Date: 05/30/2012 | Local News
Life jackets set out at county lakes, beaches
LAKE STEVENS -- Snohomish County's free life jacket loaner program starts back up on Friday.Life jackets will be available for day use by swimmers and boaters, kids and adults, at cabinets around the county's popular waterways, officials said.
Date: 05/24/2012 | Local News
No proof of benefits of attachment parenting
The cover story in last week's Time Magazine is all about "why attachment parenting drives some mothers to extremes, and how Dr. Bill Sears became their guru."
Date: 05/21/2012 | Life
Attachment parenting
There's nothing trendy about child-rearing method
Date: 05/20/2012 | Local News
Front Porch: Lots of Masons, Sophias around
Top baby namesMason, Liam, Alexander, Jacob and Ethan for boys.Sophia, Olivia, Emma, Isabella and Emily for girls.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Local News
New state law helps with immunization compliance
A state law that makes it tougher for parents to opt out of having their kids receive the immunizations required to attend school seems to have had an effect.Exemption rates have dropped significantly since the law was passed last year, according to the state Department of Health.
Date: 05/18/2012 | Local News
Welcome to 'I Brake for Moms'
My name is Jennifer Bardsley and I am one of those awful Californians you hear about who sells their itty-bitty condo near San Francisco and buys a beautiful house in Edmonds. But it's OK to still like me because #1) I'm really nice, and because #2) my husband has roots in Edmonds that run five...
Date: 05/16/2012 | I Brake for Moms
Yoga ideal activity for tweens
Question: Your tween daughter is begging to take a weekly yoga class with her friends. Should you steer her toward a sport instead?
Date: 05/14/2012 | Life
Windows' screens aren't enough to prevent a fall
EVERETT -- Highs in the upper 70s are predicted for the weekend, prompting Snohomish County health and safety experts to remind parents to safeguard children around windows.
Date: 05/12/2012 | Local News
Snohomish parents keep 550 students from test
SNOHOMISH -- More than 550 Snohomish School District students did not take state exams in the past two weeks, a revolt staged by parents who question whether the tests are worth the money. The parents also hoped to get the...
Date: 05/11/2012 | Local News
Tailor your parenting style to child's personality traits
It's a concept that parents may not be familiar with, but experts say it can explain a lot about family conflicts: Is your child's temperament a good "fit" with yours?
Date: 05/08/2012 | Life
State Patrol to teens: Texting, driving don’t mix
EVERETT --The season of teenage freedom is ahead, and that means more young drivers will be on the road.The Washington State Patrol wants to remind young folks and their families about the dangers of texting while driving, Sgt. Kirk Rudeen said.
Date: 05/05/2012 | Local News
What parents should do when kids don't tell the truth
Question: Your 10-year-old lies. A lot. Is this normal?Answer: Normal? Extremely. A little annoying? Yep. Fixable? Totally.
Date: 05/01/2012 | Life
Shake, rattle and goo: Take your baby dancing
Toddlers, waddlers and wee creepers can exercise those rhythmic little legs in the Everett Parks Department's dance, music and movement classes.Instructor Laura Harris teaches the dance classes designed to develop the tots' motor skills and coordination and promote parent-child bonding.
Date: 04/30/2012 | Life
Racy photos a teaching moment
Question: We recently found racy pictures on my 13-year-old son's smartphone. The women were not nude, much less participating in sex acts, but were wearing very revealing bikinis, short skirts and halter tops. Their poses were very provocative as well. My husband says this is normal stuff and...
Date: 04/16/2012 | Life
'Dateline NBC' series puts parental maxims to the test
NEW YORK -- Correspondent Natalie Morales ended up in tears when she put herself and her 8-year-old son through the same parenting test that "Dateline NBC" is subjecting others to for a series that starts Sunday.
Date: 04/13/2012 | Nation & World
Trips with friends can be confidence builder for kids
Question: Your 10-year-old is invited on spring break with a pal. Is that too young to travel out of town with another family?
Date: 04/09/2012 | Life
Laughter can teach kids how to cope
Have you ever done something funny -- put a sweater on backward, stepped in a wad of gum, spelled "happy" wrong on a birthday cake -- then laughed about it?
Date: 04/02/2012 | Life
Age 14 marks the end of childhood
A lot of people think they have to pay to be entertained. When you're the mother of a 14-year-old boy, you know entertainment is as close as the living room couch where the aforementioned is agonizing over Shakespeare for English class. "So, Mom," he says.
Date: 04/02/2012 | Life
Stuffed animals help kids living with feeding tubes
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE -- For children who are fed through tubes, sometimes nothing can be done to change their condition.Something can, however, be done about their feelings of being alone.
Date: 03/27/2012 | Local News
Problems are quickly solved when the child begins to care
Parents tell me their daughter is intelligent and did well in school up until the seventh grade, at which time she stopped doing the required work and her grades, consequently, went down the proverbial tube.My response: "Who cares?"
Date: 03/12/2012 | Life
Sharing bedroom helps kids develop valuable social skills
In the Panebianco house, sharing a bedroom is about more than saving space.Gerri and Sam Panebianco have chosen to put their sons, 3-year-old J.P. and 2-year-old Eric, in the same room because they want them to become good friends and develop social skills.
Date: 03/06/2012 | Life
Many factors could cause low grade
Question: Your middle-schooler just got her first D. What's an appropriate response?Answer: An appropriate response is to step up your own game, said pediatric neuropsychologist Karen L. Schiltz, author of "Beyond the Label: A Guide to Unlocking a Child's Educational Potential."
Date: 03/05/2012 | Life
Do the French have parenting figured out?
So you're visiting someone's home with your child and hot chocolate is served. As the hostess' kids sip the delicious concoction politely and silently, your own little dear takes a gulp and promptly spits it back into the mug.Admit it, parents: Something similar has happened to you.
Date: 02/27/2012 | Life
How to deal with Facebook revelation
Question: Your daughter's Facebook profile says she's "in a relationship." You've heard of no such thing. Should you ask her what's up?Answer: No harm in bringing it up casually (provided your daughter knows you have access to her Facebook page).
Date: 02/27/2012 | Life
How to deal with strict grandparents
Question: Your parents are the opposite of indulgent grandparents -- stricter rules than yours, harsher scolding. Do you step in?Answer: A flinty grandma with little tolerance for shenanigans is unlikely to hurt your kids.
Date: 02/20/2012 | Life
Mollify newly declared vegetarians with cheesy polenta
It's a familiar refrain. One day a child's favorite foods are chicken tenders or pizza with pepperoni, the next day the same kid swears off meat ... forever. And cannot be persuaded otherwise.
Date: 02/20/2012 | Life
Shooting a bratty kid’s laptop is harsh, but the sentiment against overindulgence is understandable
I've taken away my 16-year-old daughter's laptop. I've confiscated her cellphone.
Date: 02/19/2012 | Business
Global parenting lessons in new memoirs
Asian mothers demand straight A's. A French mere makes her children taste eggplant and truffles (and stay out of the marital bed in the morning), while pygmy fathers soothe fussy babies by offering a manly nipple.
Date: 02/13/2012 | Life
Tragedy focuses attention on supervised visits
Questions rise from ashes. After Sunday's fiery horror, much is unanswerable.How could a father open the door to his children, then set the house on fire?
Date: 02/10/2012 | Local News
Following their passion can teach kids confidence
Question: Your son wants to take ballet lessons but he's afraid his pals will tease him. What should you tell him?
Date: 02/06/2012 | Life
Adult kids must learn independence
When adult children depend on their parents for housing, food, transportation and health insurance, parents need to work on creating a plan. For a long list of reasons, adult children are returning home to roost in the family nest.
Date: 01/31/2012 | Life
Homework doesn't need to be a struggle
Question: Homework is a nightly power struggle: When to start, how to stay focused, striving for some accuracy. Is there a trick to ease the battles?
Date: 01/30/2012 | Life
Adoptive parents of Asian children celebrate culture with Lunar New Year
With its fireworks, family reunions and feasts, Lunar New Year is the longest and most important celebration for millions around the world.For kids adopted from China, it holds special meaning. Lunar New Year makes them mini-ambassadors of a culture they know little about firsthand.
Date: 01/23/2012 | Life
Fat dads pose biggest risk for children
LOS ANGELES -- Kids might be at higher risk for obesity if Dad is overweight, a study suggests.
Date: 01/20/2012 | Nation & World
Family film guide
"Beauty and the Beast" 3-DRating: G.What it's about: A callous prince living under a spell as a "beast" must win the love of the fair Belle to break that spell.
Date: 01/17/2012 | Life
Habit-forming fitness
YMCA brings families together to learn good eating, exercise
Date: 01/17/2012 | Life
Young kids sign up for Facebook with help from their parents
Nancy Gerstein is a savvy marketing executive who knows a lot about Facebook. She supervises corporate Facebook pages for her company's clients.
Date: 01/16/2012 | Life
Creating drama a common problem
Question: Our oldest son, age 8, has recently started saying that he has no friends, no one likes him, he's no good at anything, and so on. None of this is true, mind you. He's a good kid who does well in school. We are at a loss as to where this is coming from.
Date: 01/16/2012 | Life
How to get kids to eat vegetables
In an effort to get my kids to eat vegetables, I've schemed, wheedled, prepared tofu sausage and spent a king's ransom on cherry tomatoes.But recently it occurred to me I'd left at least one stone unturned.
Date: 01/02/2012 | Life
Let child decide if she's full
Question: Our 4-year-old daughter's weight (25 pounds) is at the first percentile for her age, but she is otherwise healthy, energetic, creative, polite and well-behaved. Our only real problem occurs at meals during which she picks at and dawdles over her food.
Date: 01/02/2012 | Life
Do parents need to stop the gossip mill?
Question: Your daughter and her friends spend a lot of time gossiping about their classmates. Should you cut in?
Date: 12/26/2011 | Life
Dentists on wheels provides care to kids in need
LYNNWOOD -- Before last week, 12-year-old Kateara Utley had a phobia about going to the dentist.After two visits with SmileMobile staff and volunteers, Kateara, a sixth-grader at Meadowdale Elementary School, has changed her outlook even after her teeth were pulled.
Date: 12/23/2011 | Local News
Do parents have to be equal-opportunity givers?
Question: One child wants a whole bunch of gifts. The other doesn't want much. Are you obligated to spend equally?
Date: 12/19/2011 | Life
Get kids learning about interest
Compound interest is an important concept, and the earlier it's learned, the better.Money you put away in savings earns interest that is added to the principal. Then you earn interest on that, causing savings to build faster.
Date: 12/18/2011 | Business
Navy families adapt, stay strong when duty pulls them apart
The USS Abraham Lincoln is 1,092 feet long, with a 134-foot beam and a 4.5-acre flight deck.Luke Griffin came into this world nine days ago at 21 inches long, weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces.
Date: 12/11/2011 | Local News
These new novels for kids are full of adventure
Great news for young fiction lovers: There's an abundance of wonderful new novels for young readers this year.Here's a selection of these books for ages 8 to 12:
Date: 12/05/2011 | Life
Can you be too young to say you're sorry?
Question: Your kindergartner treated a pal poorly. Do you make her apologize or is that a pointless gesture at her age?Answer: There's imparting parental wisdom, and then there's saving face in front of the other parents. There might be a little of both at play here.
Date: 11/28/2011 | Life
It's highly unlikely your kid needs a cellphone
By Michelle SingletaryMy son has had a case of cellphone envy for several years now. To hear him tell it, he's the last kid in his eighth-grade class who doesn't have a phone. When his father upgraded his 3G iPhone to the 4S version, my son had dreams of getting a smartphone hand-me-down.
Date: 11/27/2011 | Business
Daughter invited her troubled pal for Thanksgiving -- what to do?
Question: Your daughter wants to invite her somewhat troubled pal to Thanksgiving. You're a little nervous about the relatives' reaction. How to navigate?
Date: 11/21/2011 | Life
Family film guide: 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1'; 'Happy Feet Two'
A guide to movies from a family perspective:"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1"Rated: PG-13.Best for: High school students and older.
Date: 11/21/2011 | Life
Babies always play second fiddle on TV
LOS ANGELES -- Every year, the networks trot out some show or other that revolves around a baby, and every year, I start counting the hours before that baby vanishes.
Date: 11/15/2011 | Life
Bookish Christmas gift ideas for kids
Classify book gifts for kids as no-brainers. Buy them early, stash them away, and you'll be so happy when you need a present "right now."Here are some great ideas to stuff their stockings with, if not their brains.
Date: 11/14/2011 | Life
Family film guide
A guide to movies from a family perspective:"Tower Heist"Rated: PG-13.Best for: Teens and older.
Date: 11/07/2011 | Life
Stay in touch with what teen reads
Question: Your teen is reading a book whose contents are offensive to your moral code. Should you forbid him or her from reading it?Answer: Hold your nose and grab yourself a copy of the darn book, says Sarah Flowers, president of the Young Adult Library Services Association.
Date: 11/07/2011 | Life
New books for kids by legendary authors
Young readers can delight in new books by a trio of giants in the children's literature world.Of these three, only Maurice Sendak is still living. The new books by the other two authors, Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, have been published posthumously.Here's a closer look:
Date: 11/07/2011 | Life
Author’s books bring Latino heroes to life
When Monica Brown became a parent nearly 15 years ago, she was surprised to find so few children's books with a Latino focus.
Date: 10/31/2011 | Life
How parents can help kids get on the career track
Question: Your college sophomore shows no signs of a career track. How can you help her choose a path?
Date: 10/31/2011 | Life
Drivers and trick-or-treaters should follow these Halloween safety tips
The monsters might be crepe paper, but the hazards can be real.Halloween can be a dangerous night for parents, children and drivers, local safety experts warn.
Date: 10/29/2011 | Local News
Family film guide: 'The Way,' 'The Mighty Macs'
"The Way"Rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements, drug use and smoking.What it's about: A grieving father makes a Catholic pilgrim's trek in tribute to his dead son and meets all manner of strangers along the road.
Date: 10/24/2011 | Life
Ignore boys' nightly horseplay and it will cease
Question: My twin boys will be 3 years old next month. They sleep in the same room. They've recently taken to getting out of their beds (together, although one seems to be the ringleader) every night, over and over, for up to two hours. They make a lot of noise, then they giggle and run when I...
Date: 10/24/2011 | Life
Honor the dinner hour
Moms' book shows how to keep the family around the table
Date: 10/17/2011 | Life
Family film guide: 'Footloose,' 'The Big Year'
"Footloose"Rating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language.What it's about: A new kid in town tries to get the adults to allow organized dancing, which was banned after teens died in a car accident years before.
Date: 10/17/2011 | Life
A Dickens of a story for kids
"The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale" by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright ($17 for ages 8 to 12.
Date: 10/17/2011 | Life
'Helicopter parents' may grieve, but empty nest suits most just fine
Pamela Reilly and her husband have big plans that don't include moping when their three teens finally fly the coop over the next two years.
Date: 10/17/2011 | Life
Kids' pursuit of fame can include goals
Question: Your tween daughter is obsessed with becoming famous. Should you try to talk her down?
Date: 10/10/2011 | Life
How 'Restless,' 'Real Steel' rate for families
"Real Steel"Rating: PG-13 for some violence, intense action and brief language.What it's about: A loser of an ex-boxer who operates boxing robots goes on the road with the son he never had in an effort to break his losing streak.
Date: 10/10/2011 | Life
'New' books capture young readers' attention
This season, in the land of children's books, there be giants and dragons, wimps and blue horses.First, about the giants. They're not imaginary ones. In fact, they're quite familiar.Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.
Date: 10/03/2011 | Life
How 'Courageous,' '50/50' rate for families
CourageousRating: PG-13 for some violence and drug content.What it's about: Four Georgia cops face the consequences of both good and absentee fatherhood in this faith-based drama.The kid attractor factor: Teenage problems are addressed from an adult perspective.
Date: 10/01/2011 | Life
Hybrid novels grab attention of young readers
Hybrid novels are all the rage with young readers, who love the mix of pictures and text in a chapter book.Wondering what exactly is a hybrid book? Think of the massively popular "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books by Jeff Kinney or the "Dork Diaries" books by Rachel Renee Russell.
Date: 09/26/2011 | Life
Teens to model modest fashions
Fashions for girls have become increasingly skimpy in recent years, with shorter skirts and shorts and more revealing styles all around. But there are other ways for girls to dress stylishly yet modestly.
Date: 09/20/2011 | Life
A guide for families on 'Contagion,' other films
A guide to movies from a family perspective:"Contagion"Rated: PG-13.Suitable for: High school students and up.
Date: 09/19/2011 | Life
What young athletes can do to avoid knee injuries
When it comes to injuries caused by youth sports, knee injuries are high on the list.Girls and young women can be particularly at risk of knee injuries, according to experts, because of how they're built.
Date: 09/18/2011 | Life
Officials urge extra precaution while driving in school zones
It's time to slow down in school zones again.School is starting back up around Snohomish County, and that means children are back on the sidewalks and in crosswalks."The amount of traffic is going to increase," Mukilteo crime prevention officer Cheol Kang said.
Date: 09/06/2011 | Local News
Parents, let kids do their homework
As the new school year begins, it's time for me, once again, to make my perennial case against parental involvement in homework.
Date: 09/06/2011 | Life
Picture books put focus on school
Just in time for the back-to-school season, here's a new crop of picture books that put an entertaining focus on the classroom:
Date: 09/05/2011 | Life
Program at Bastyr University helps obese kids and families
Attention, families: If you have children who are overweight or obese, this free local event is for you:
Date: 09/05/2011 | Life
Too many volunteer requests? Here's what to do
The minute your children start school, requests for you to volunteer start rolling in. Because your child's education is critical, it can be very difficult to turn down the requests. If you struggle to say no without guilt, here are five simple strategies to help:
Date: 08/30/2011 | Life
Young Brier man shares his painful lesson with others
BRIER -- Dennis McVay doesn't hesitate to pull up his right pants leg. The Brier man, 22, is used to showing people. A few inches up, scar tissue rings the shin. It marks where his sock stopped the fire.Above the ring, his skin is slick, mottled with faint yellow and purple threads.
Date: 08/29/2011 | Local News
The right way to start school year
Children are about to go off to school after the long summer break. Thinking ahead may ease the transition into autumn routines and can help prepare children to hit the ground smiling.
Date: 08/29/2011 | Life
Everett museum to close Sept. 4-9
Don't plan on visiting the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett Sept. 4 to 9.It will be closed for cleaning and routine maintenance. It will reopen Sept. 10.
Date: 08/29/2011 | Life
Back-to-school supplies for families in need
The Everett Boys & Girls Club is hosting a back-to-school event for low-income families from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at 2316 12th St., Everett.
Date: 08/22/2011 | Life
Tips for a smooth start to school
It may seem hard to believe, but the lazy days of summer are almost gone. It's time to sharpen those pencils, buy some new shoes and get ready for a new year of school or work.Before you rush out and get caught up in the office-supply-store madness, here's a little advice:
Date: 08/15/2011 | Life
Get your child's car seat checked
If you have a kid, you probably have a child safety seat in your car.Have you installed it correctly?It can be hard to tell.
Date: 08/15/2011 | Life
Update your child's clothes for back to school
Have you always wanted to learn how to hem, alter, embellish or convert your own or your children's apparel?
Date: 08/01/2011 | Life
Parents shouold pay no attention to toddler’s shyness
Question: Our 32-month-old daughter has always been outgoing and loves to be around people ... until recently, that is. All of a sudden she has started lowering her head when we get together with people she doesn't see very often and will refuse to say hi or be friendly. Is it reasonable to expect...
Date: 08/01/2011 | Life
Thread up in Everett: Upcycle your kids clothes with a back-to-school sewing class
Have you always wanted to learn how to hem, alter, embellish or convert your own or your children's apparel?
Date: 07/28/2011 | Eco Geek
What families need to know about these 'PG' movies
A guide to movies from a family perspective:"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2"Rated: PG-13.Suitable for: 10 or 11 and up, or anyone old enough to have read the book series.
Date: 07/16/2011 | Life
Book guides you and baby to toddlerhood
"What to Expect When You're Expecting" may be the most-read book among American women who buy pregnancy books.With more than 17 million copies in print, it's an easy guide to find.
Date: 07/12/2011 | Life
Kidstuff Calendar
Everett Public Library: Main branch, 2702 Hoyt Ave., 425-257-8030; Evergreen branch, 9512 Evergreen Way, 425-257-8250; www.epls.org. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Events are...
Date: 07/04/2011 | Life
Kidstuff calendar
Everett Public Library: Main branch, 2702 Hoyt Ave., 425-257-8030; Evergreen branch, 9512 Evergreen Way, 425-257-8250; www.epls.org. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Events are free.
Date: 06/27/2011 | Life
KIDSTUFF
Beach Camp at Sunset Bay: Sunset Bay Resort, 14725 Norma Beach Road, Edmonds. Register with the Edmonds parks and recreation department, 425-771-0230 or www.reczone.org. See sunsetbaywharf.com for more about the camp.
Date: 06/20/2011 | Life
Kidstuff
Everett Public Library: Main branch, 2702 Hoyt Ave., 425-257-8030; Evergreen branch, 9512 Evergreen Way, 425-257-8250; www.epls.org. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Events are...
Date: 06/13/2011 | Life
Kidstuff calendar
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture: University of Washington campus at the corner of 17th Avenue and 45th Street, Seattle; 206-543-5590; www.burkemuseum.org. Programs are free with museum admission, which recently went up to $10 for adults, $8 for age 65 and older, $7.50 for ages 5 to 17...
Date: 06/06/2011 | Life
Marysville business helps girls Be Prepared for milestone
Growing up isn't easy.It can be particularly tricky for girls who are about to start their monthly cycles.When it came time for Marysville mother Tara Bruley to go through that transition with her daughter, Mikayla, she wanted to celebrate, not bemoan, the milestone.
Date: 06/06/2011 | Life
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