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Weekly Blueprint

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a great weekend! Ours was a complete whirlwind, what with helping to host a 5K, soccer, open studios, cheering a friend on at a ballet performance, and my last long training run (12 miles!) before the half marathon. These were all good things, but whoo boy, I am slightly amazed we made it through and I'm ready for things to calm down a bit! Anyway, on to a new week -- enjoy this roundup of events via the Weekly Blueprint:

May 18: Do you know where sea turtles spend their summer vacation? (Boston)

May 18: FREE admission to Harvard Arts Museums! (Cambridge)

May 18: Share how you’re celebrating International Museum Day. (Lincoln)

May 18 - 24: The Boston International Children’s Film Festival. (Boston)

May 19: The New England Conservatory’s Youth Jazz Orchestra performs. (Boston)

May 19 - 22: Child-friendly tours of the Manse Mansion. (Concord)

May 19 + 21: Dear June performs for your lunchtime enjoyment. (Boston)

May 20: Back to the 80’s prom night at Legoland Discovery Center. (Somerville)

May 20 + 22: The Redcoats are coming! The Redcoats are coming! (Boston)

May 21: Get out there and run and play. (Salem)

Image credit: New England Aquarium

Fun Indoors, Fun Outdoors, LocalMay 18, 2015Comment

Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome

Happy weekend everyone, I hope you're having an excellent one! We're in the middle of a bizarrely busy day (seriously, what is it with everything being scheduled for this weekend?) but I wanted to pop in quickly to share a roundup of reads and visuals that caught my eye via Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome. So much interesting stuff out there! Enjoy the rest of the weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday!

- It's time to Climb Out of the Darkness.

- Congrats to Nick Fradiani (of my beloved alma mater)!

- Ha! Please stop saying these 25 ridiculous phrases at work.

- The definition of hell for each Myers-Briggs personality type.

- Stand with girls around the world - post a #Strengthie!

- The Muppets are returning!

- Where the "elite" kids shouldn't meet.

- Do we talk funny? 51 American colloquialisms.

- Generation X's parenting problem.

- The real reason college tuition costs so much.

Image credit: s'mores brownies via Pinterest

Family Issues, Mama in the WorkplaceMay 16, 2015Comment

Weekend Roundup

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you're having a great week! It's been a lovely and also full one here, ramping up for a busy weekend including soccer, a 5K I'm helping to organize, and seeing Laurel rock out at open studios. Sometimes I still can't believe how much Laurel has evolved over the last few years! Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend on tap; enjoy this roundup of 21 weekend events, lovingly curated for your consideration!

1. Especially for Me evening at the museum for children with visual impairment. (Acton)

2. Magic show with Rupayan Neogy. (Acton)

3. Spend the day with the goats at Habitat. (Belmont)

4. The Lawn on D is open for the season. (Boston)

5. Safety 1st is popping up all over town. (Boston)

6. Help clean up Bumpkin Island. (Boston)

7. Boston International Children’s Film Festival. (Boston)

8. Learn about endangered species and how we can help them. (Boston, Stoneham)

9. Ben Rudnick is hosting a teddy bear picnic. (Chelmsford)

10. The Great New England Air Show. (Chicopee)

11. Guided trail walks, a puppet theater, paper airplane folding, nature crafts & more all inspired by The Great Paper Caper. (Harvard)

12. Huge children’s consignment sale.(Lexington)

13. Group explorations of Sculpture Park installations, Museum galleries, and inspiration by the themes and artists of the day. (Lincoln)

14. Calling all fairies, elves and gnomes. (Lincoln)

15. Get inspired, educated, and entertained with LEGO bricks! (Marlborough)

16. The beautiful and delicious Nantucket Wine Festival. (Nantucket)

17. Emergency boats, cars and the jaws of life! (Rockport)

18. Motif No.1 Day Festival celebrates the Arts in Rockport (one of our Local Gems!). (Rockport)

19. Learn how to seek and find geocaches. (Waltham)

20. West Medford art studios are opening up. (West Medford)

21. The Ecotarium comes to life just for adults. (Worcester)

Image credit: Lawn on D

Fun Indoors, Fun Outdoors, LocalMay 15, 2015Comment

How to Educate Kids About Sex & Relationships

Today I'm presenting the second in a series of posts, following reader queries about educating kids about sex. As I mentioned in the first post on how to talk to kids about pornography, I'm thrilled that former regular contributor Amy Cody (Parent Education Manager at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts) is generously returning to answer these important questions. Today she shares 10 great tips, as well as specific resources for boys.

The original question I received asked specifically about educating boys, and Amy provides specific resources for boys below. However, the general responses are applicable to both boys and girls.

QUESTION: How do I thoroughly educate my son about sex, sexuality, consent, sexual health, reproduction, and relationships?

ANSWER: When it comes to educating our kids about the complexities and depths of comprehensive sexuality education, it’s good to think of the process as an ongoing conversation, rather than the single “Big Talk.” Starting early and talking often is great, however, remember, it is never too late to begin the dialog!

1. Keep in mind that sexuality is not just about sex. While sexuality is about gender, reproduction, and sexual activity, it includes so much more. Sexuality is also about feelings, attitudes, values, intimacy, caring, sexual orientation, messages about being male and female, body image, trust, communication, self-esteem, and respect for others. In other words, sexuality is what it means to be human.

2. Embrace your role as the primary educator. As parents, it is our right and responsibility to be the primary sexuality educators of our sons and our daughters. Respect your kids' right to have accurate and honest information about sexuality. Providing them with factual information, as well as sharing your values, will enable them to make healthier, safer, and better-informed decisions related to sexuality.

3. Know that kids want to hear from their parents. Research supports it! How to talk to them depends on your family and your personalities. There is no “one” way to do it. Both parents can get involved. Be patient and realize that even if your son or daughter doesn’t want to talk, they are listening.

4. Be connected with their world. Be curious about their interests (music, TV, sports, etc.) and know their friends. Ask them where they are learning about things and how it makes them feel. Stay on top of the media; use external topics for conversation. Most adolescents say they are compelled into thinking about relationships, sex, and pregnancy when they are portrayed on in the media by some celebrity.

5. Affirm them. Complimenting and affirming kids helps foster positive self-esteem and will help them to open up to you. Kids who feel good about themselves engage in less risky behavior.

6. Talk less, listen more. Ask questions that open the door for discussion (e.g., When do you think a person is ready to be a parent?). Validate their questions and really listen without judging when they answer. Be an “askable” parent.

7. Choose the right times. Use teachable moments. Talk to your kids while you are both in the car, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, watching TV together, etc., not when they are on the run or engaged in an activity like homework. Often times, it's easier for kids to open up to you while you're doing something together in parallel, vs. face to face in a "serious talk" situation.

8. Be prepared. Learn about the sexuality education being taught in your school system and faith communities. Identify and share resources such as websites, books, and professionals. Confirm accurate information. Correct inaccuracies. Most teens say they know all about protection and not getting pregnant, yet they don’t. Many believe misinformation such as that two condoms are better than one, or that someone can’t get pregnant during menstruation.

9. Be honest. Communicate your feelings and values honestly. If you feel your child should wait to become sexually active, tell him/her in a positive, compassionate way. Don’t expect to have all the answers. Admit when you don’t know and be willing to seek answers together. It is OK to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Choose what to say about your own past but it’s better not to lie.

10. Take advantage of existing resources. In my post on how to talk to kids about pornography, I shared these excellent general resources: The Joy of Sex, Our Bodies Ourselves, It's Perfectly Normal. And here are some wonderful books for parents of boys related to different facets of sexuality: Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men, It’s All for the Kids: Gender, Families, and Youth Sports, Men to Boys: The Make of Modern Immaturity, Raising Cain, Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, The What’s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A Growing Up Guide for Parents and Sons.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and expertise, Amy! If you want further quick and easy ideas for talking with your child about sexuality topics, sign up for The Parent Buzz, an e-newsletter that features current, age-appropriate, helpful strategies and resources for talking with kids about sex and sexuality topics.

Development & Beha..., Family Issues, Tweens & TeensMay 14, 2015Comment

Make Your Home Awesome: 5 Easy Settings to Make Your Table Shine

It's time for another edition of Make Your Home Awesome, via the incomparable Paige Lewin of Tess & Ted:

Unlike many interior designers, I did not rearrange my room monthly from the age of 5. However, whenever my mom had friends over for dinner or hosted a holiday, the table setting was MY domain. I loved hunting through cabinets for the right dishes, arranging the flowers purchased at Star Market, and choosing linens perfect for the occasion. In fact, to this day, my favorite part of throwing a party is setting the table.

I think a lot of people are overwhelmed by the idea of “dressing up” the table, but the truth is, you can have a phenomenal table by starting with what you own and adding a few key pieces (Christine does this beautifully). Here are five easy settings to use as inspiration for making your table shine:

1. For a springy lunch with friends, start with basic white dinner plates (my favorites are these from IKEA) and your own cutlery, then add the Somerset Napkin from Anthropologie ($10), Reactive Salad Plates from Sur La Table ($7.95), Daily Bubble Glasses from ModCloth ($24.99 for 2), and a small bouquet of coral ranunculus (image via Pinterest).

2. There’s no reason you can’t dress up the table for your kids…half of the dining experience is in the presentation! Again, start with your white dinner plates, cutlery, and glassware, then add these great cork-backed placemats from A Farmer’s Daughter ($40.50 for 4), black modern bowls from World Market ($47.94 for 6), black ticking stripe napkins from Little Blu Nest ($14 for 4), and a big bowl of red grapes in the center of the table for all the little hands to serve themselves (image via Pinterest)!

3. Get ready for summer with this coastal inspired setting. Breakfast by the ocean? Start with white dinner plates and cutlery, and add Honfleur Linen Napkins from Fresh American ($48 for 4), Naturalist Outdoor Chargers from West Elm (on sale for $24.99 for 4), Clara Tumblers from Williams-Sonoma ($27.95 for 4 short), and a few blue hydrangea in a simple glass vase (image via Pinterest).

4. Bring the summer picnic inside with this bright and colorful setting. Get the white dinner plates, glassware, and cutlery together and add Jolie Napkins from Furbish ($40 for 4), Laurentide Side Plates from Anthropologie ($12), Vista Square Placemats from Crate & Barrel ($10.95), and a gathering of gorgeous succulents (image via Pinterest).

5. Finally, bring elegance to your table with summery earth tones. White dinner plates and cutlery will serve as a base for the Melange Leaf Print Salad Plates from Ballard Designs ($49 for 4), Center Stripe Woven Napkins in Horseradish from West Elm ($24 for 4), Tortoise Shell Rocks Glasses from Furbish ($50 for 4), and a small arrangement of Bells of Ireland and orange roses (image via Pinterest).

Bon Appetit!

Images via linked sources above; compilation graphics by Paige Lewin

Decor & Furniture, Home, SolutionsMay 12, 2015Comment

Weekly Blueprint

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a great weekend! We enjoyed a truly lovely escape to the Hotel Viking in Newport and I'll have more to share about that soon! Meanwhile, enjoy this roundup of fun events for the week, and be sure to enter to win these incredible New Balance and Just Add Cooking giveaways! Also, I'm going to start reviewing Creative Assistant applications soon, if you want to toss your hat in the ring!

May 11: Live music and overhead views of the Greenway’s new aerial sculpture. (Boston)

May 12: A special evening out just for teachers. (Lincoln)

May 12 + 14: The lunchtime Berklee Music Performances are back. (Boston)

May 13: A whirlwind tour of all things baby gear. (Boston)

May 13: Film screening and Q&A with Sebastian Junger. (Harvard)

May 13: Learn how to prepare your child for kindergarten. (Needham)

May 13: Home school day at Old Sturbridge Village. (Sturbridge)

May 13: It’s toddler time on the farm. (Waltham)

May 14: An evening with author Jennifer Weiner. (Newton)

May 14 - 17: Safety 1st is popping up in Boston. (Boston)

May 15: Discover birds of prey at the Blue Hills trailside museum. (Acton)

May 15: Open book and open play with the works of Eric Carle. (Amherst)

May 15: Gallery tours of the newest Children’s Museum exhibit. (Boston)

May 15: Join the talented BYSO musicians as they lead interactive programs. (Boston)

May 15: Get inspired, educated, and entertained with LEGO bricks! (Marlborough)

Image credit: Rose Kennedy Greenway

Fun Indoors, Fun Outdoors, LocalMay 11, 2015Comment

We Didn't Start the Fire

We sat behind a family at the Billy Joel concert. Mom, dad, older sister, her husband, younger sister, her bestie, son, girlfriend. The girls, at least, had clearly grown up listening to their parents' Billy Joel albums, because they kept getting each other's attention and doing dance moves choreographed sometime between size 6x and the juniors section.

I loved watching them. Also, they were almost the youngest people there. Beloved and I, at 41, were bringing down the average age of the crowd in our section all by ourselves, and these glorious children young adults were probably fifteen years younger than we are.

I sat (because you sit when you're old and surrounded by other old people terrified to have another beer lest they have to once again roust the entire row to use the restroom) and thought how nice it must be to be Billy Joel and see your music unite so many generations. Or just to be someone capable of filling stadiums for decades. For DECADES. Props, Billy Joel.

Then he sang a song I'd heard he said he wouldn't ever sing again because he kept forgetting the lyrics: "We Didn't Start the Fire." These are those lyrics:

Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray
South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio
Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, Television
North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe

Rosenbergs, H-Bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom
Brando, The King And I, and The Catcher In The Rye
Eisenhower, Vaccine, England's got a new queen
Marciano, Liberace, Santayana goodbye