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Patch Parenting

Monday, March 25, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, Have Parents Gone Overboard On Kids' Easter Baskets?

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. While many stick to the traditional egg hunt and candy basket formula for Easter celebrations, other parents report the holiday is getting out of hand. Some readers say gifts like Wii video games and other expensive gifts are becoming commonplace additions to Easter baskets. 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. John N. Small gifts and a little candy, we also plant magic jellybeans…

annee

7:30 am on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

When my kids were young, we would dye eggs and they would each get a new Easter outfit and a chocolate bunny and/or small basket with candy. Some of their friends got toys for Easter, but I told my kids that Easter is NOT a "toy holiday". Christmas & their birthday are the toy holidays. I remember I used to get upset with the ads in the paper & commercials on TV pushing toys for kids at Easter …   more ›

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad: What Rules Do You Have for Your New Teen Drivers?

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. Is there anything more harrowing than the day when you first hand over the keys to your brand-new teen driver, the same one who it seems like just yesterday was still biking with training wheels? It's not uncommon for parents to set some restrictions on their newly-minted leadfoots, so we took to our Facebook pages to find out what the laws on this are in some west-suburban households. Which brings us to this week's question: What new rules do you have for your new teen …

russ harrison

11:39 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

My kid has only herself to blame for not having her license. We set the rules, set the consequences, and set the age she has to wait until if she violates the agreement. She screwed the pooch and violated that agreement. Now she has to wait until she is 18 or enters national service to get her driver's license. With 4 kids, it sure would be handy to have an extra driver to help out with some …   more ›

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, How Much Allowance Do Your Kids Get For Their Chores?

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 parents assign their children certain chores or other duties around the house in exchange for a regular allowance as a good way to instill work ethic and responsibility. But the range of money paid and work performed can vary significantly from house to house. 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. Kari G. My main expectation to earn money is not having to be asked. If I have …

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Mickey

3:43 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thanks for posting the video. It makes sense! Going to use this method.   more ›

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, What Worries You Most About Your Children's Future?

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. 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. Patty H. As a middle school teacher, I see and hear EVERYTHING! That in and of itself makes me worried. via Oswego Patch Facebook Jennifer M. For my teen, getting in a car with someone who shouldn't be driving. I'm terrified of him getting in an accident! via Yorkville Patch Facebook Mark D. Being surrounded by uneducated, unappreciative, …

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, When Are Kids Ready for Overnight Stays Away From Home?

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

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature when 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 that time of the year when summer camp plans are in the works for many families, and parents are deciding whether their kids are ready for overnights. Whether it be sleepovers with friends or sleep-away camps, it can be tough to know when your kids are ready for a night away from home. 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. Heather R. I did it for the first time when my boys were 8…

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. Susan C. Pacifier should be gone by 1 year. I …

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Alex Keown

4:17 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

oddly enough I've heard the same thing about the physical addiction to nicotine. it takes three days to beat that, but the psychological is the issue in that case.   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. Kevin S. The day after my funeral! via Oswego Patch Facebook Jenni D. I don't think it's an age thing. I think it's depends on maturity. via Shorewood Patch …

Conrad Roy Sperry

7:46 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Conrad Roy Sperry Three months after they get married.   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?  Diana T. Lil girls these days are such in a hurry to grow up...it's truly up to us as parents to help them not grow up too fast. If only they would realize: …

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 …

boozer mcgee

9:48 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Problem today is that there is no more common sense! Idiots have to watch Oprah with Dr. Phil telling them when it's ok to shit and wipe their own ass! More..."DUMMY-DOWN-AMERICA"   more ›

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad, How Much TV Do You Allow Your Children To Watch?

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. In the new year, many parents have resolved to promote a more active lifestyle for their children, spending less time in the house and more time outside playing with friends. But how do you get your kids unglued from the TV screen? 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. Lisa C. I love TV! I have never restricted, but have never had a problem. My kids get good grades and are busy …

Larry Fleagle

1:47 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

My kids don't really care much for tv so I don't worry about it. What might be a better question, how much game playing is allowed on any game player including pcs and such. Are your kids addicted to games.   more ›

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