How do you help children cope when a new job means the family will be leaving town?
This week's Moms Talk edition for St. Louis parents involves moving with children. Suppose your family has to move out of town because of a new job. You have three kids in elementary and middle school. So onto this week's question: What do you tell them to smooth it over with their friends and ease the pain?
How can conversations about the outcome of those events be held to avoid family disputes?
This week's question involves presidential politics just weeks ahead of the November election. The presidential debates are coming up soon. So onto this week's question: Should your high school students spend time watching them? How will you discuss the outcome with them without it ending in a fight?
What can moms and dads in Ladue, Frontenac, Clayton and Richmond Heights do to help stop practices such as the obscene annual list of graduating senior girls at Ladue Horton Watkins High School?
This week's installment focuses on ending bullying in schools throughout the St. Louis area. Recent reports have spotlighted a yearly list at Ladue Horton Watkins High School that describes graduating senior girls in obscene ways. So onto this week's question: In light of those reports, what are you saying to your teenagers to encourage them not to perpetuate such activities? Is there any hope that bullying between high school boys and girls will end anytime soon?
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How can St. Louis parents support their children in extracurricular activities while ensuring there's still time for studies and family?
This week's question for parents in Ladue, Frontenac, Clayton and Richmond Heights involves regulating extra-curricular activities for children. Suppose your teenage daughter arrives home from middle school and announces that on sign-up day, she registered to become a cheerleader and to participate in five other activities. You're impressed by her enthusiasm but nervous about what it might mean for her studies—and your time together as a family. So onto this week's question: How will you moderate these activities so as not to take her away from the books too much? Will you put a limit on the number of acceptable activities? Or is there a better option? More back-to-school coverage on Patch:
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9:10 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
Middle school is a great time for children to learn through experimentation and hands on experience. One of the most important skills middle school aged children need to learn is the basics of time management. Talking about time management skills will work for some children while others may need to learn through experience. Most middle schools encourage the use of a planner and actively teach … more ›
Will you set limits on the amount of Olympics 2012 coverage your children watch?
Athletes from around the world are competing in London in the 2012 Olympics. It can be compelling to watch these talented people put their skills to the test. These events can inspire children and encourage them to reach their potential. But they can also keep them indoors. So onto this week's question: How much of the Olympics will your kids get to watch? Will you set limits on their TV consumption over the next two weeks, or will you make exceptions?
What are your strategies for letting kids browse the toy aisle without busting your budget?
This week's question about parenting in St. Louis involves the issue of money and children. Suppose that every time you take your young children to the store, they make a beeline for the toy department. So onto this week's question: How do you manage to get your shopping done without dropping a pile of money on things your kids don't really need?
8:56 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I tell them they can put it on their birthday or Christmas wish list. more ›
If your child's teacher suggested holding him back a year, what would you do?
Suppose your St. Louis first-grader is about to finish the school year. He struggles with reading, and learning doesn't come easily. He is one of the younger children in the class. His teacher suggests that he be held back a year. So onto this week's question: What will you do about this?
7:31 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
At our school, the teachers know the students incredibly well, and have an excellent sense of each child's strengths and weaknesses. I do not believe they suggest holding back students lightly, so if that was their recommendation, I'd be inclined to accept it. In observing other students who have been retained here, it doesn't seem to have significant social effects - the kids are pretty … more ›
Assuming it's appropriate for younger students to present their St. Louis teachers with end-of-year gifts, what works best?
As the end of the school year approaches, Patch wants to hear your ideas about appropriate gifts for those dedicated St. Louis teachers who have worked with your children for the last year. So onto this week's question: Is it appropriate to buy a gift these days, especially for elementary school teachers? If so, what might make a nice gift? If not, why not?
What books will your children be reading this summer? And how will you develop their book lists?
We suspect many parents in Ladue, Frontenac, Clayton and Richmond Heights will encourage their children to stay mentally fit this summer through reading. So onto this week's question: How will you develop your children's summer reading list once they are out of school? Will you pick the books yourself, use the list provided to you by their teachers or take another approach? What books are must-haves for those lists?
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4:16 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012
Summers can turn into such productive time for both children and their parents. Nothing better than some quiet reading time. more ›
We want you to tell us where you hope to take your family this year after school gets out.
The end of the school year is quickly approaching, so we're asking St. Louisans this week to tell us about their summer plans. Whether you intend to staycation in the suburbs or travel overseas, we want to hear from you. So onto this week's question: Where are some places you'd like to take your family this year for a summer vacation? Why? What is the best summer month for traveling?
Wilma Flintstone
6:35 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
My 17 year old daughter can stand Obama and told me that she hopes Romney embarrasses him during the debate. I told her that Obsma is a socialist who has caused harm to more people both her in the US and the mid/east than any other president. Also told her that when he does not have his TelePrompTer he always screws up. With no TelePrompTer at the debate it should be fun to watch. How could any … more ›