Teachers Bring More Than Academics in Time of Tragedy: Parents Talk

As you give your child an extra hug, send out your thoughts to Oklahoma and share what makes the educators in your child’s life special.

Last week, I had the opportunity visit with a few children at the Excelsior Farmers Market. Not surprising, they knew the exact number of days left until summer break. While many of our kids in Minnesota are eyeing the calendar with anticipation for summer break, I was reminded this week how much we owe our educators. As parents, we send our children off to school each morning expecting another typical school day until we pick them up. It becomes a parents worst nightmare when unexpected tragedies and circumstances hit a school – situations that seem to have been all too common nationwide during the 2013-2013 school year. Yet, time and time again, we hear about educators that put their life on the line to save those students they are …

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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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Parents Talk: My Kid's Bedroom Is a Mess—Now What?

Do you intervene or leave it to children to keep their rooms clean?

Almost any kid can make a room messy. It seems it's only a special, rare breed of child who consistently keeps a bedroom or other kid-area clean. What do you do about messy kids' rooms? Strictly enforce a cleanliness standard? Or let them learn a lesson by not getting involved? Or do you periodically do the dirty work yourself to help your kid start from a clean slate? It's "Cleanliness is next to godliness" vs. "She didn't make her bed, so let her lie in it." Which side are you on? Leave a comment below.

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Stars, Winter Animals and Farm Life: Children's Activities in Three Rivers Parks

The following activities are offered Jan. 13-19, 2013.

The following was provided by Three Rivers Park District. For more information, visit threerivers.org or call 763-559-9000. Preschool Drop-off: Kits & Cubs: White Winter Animals Monday, Jan. 14, from 1-3 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Drop off the kids to discover the world of camouflage animals. Compare the different animals’ abilities to hide in the snow. Play hide and seek, make white snow art, and enjoy a tasty snack. Cost is $10 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #112216-24. This program is for ages 4-5. Doodlebugs Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-3 p.m., at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony. Each week’s activities are based on …

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Parents Talk

Parents Talk: Speeding Up the Adoption Process

Parents adopting children in England are to be given extra support and a "more active role" in the adoption process. Should the United States do something similar?

Most adoptive parents or those waiting to adopt, will likely tell stories of the long and sometimes difficult process they go through to bring a child home. According to BBC News, England's government is attempting to speed their own processes up and provide more support for adopting parents. Government officials want more adoptive parents to come forward to increase the number and speed of adoptions. According to the article, the number of children approved for adoption rose from 3,000 in 2010 to more than 4,000 in 2012, government figures show. But there are still about 4,000 in care waiting to be matched with prospective parents. In the article, Children's minister Edward Timpson said up to 25,000 people asked about adopting each year, …

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Stars, Space and Kicksled: Children’s Activities in Three Rivers Park District

Plan your January 2013 winter outings children’s events offered at the Three Rivers Park District.

The following events are offered Jan. 6-12, 2013 in the Three Rivers Park District. Some activities do require preregistration. For more information on registration, visit the Three Rivers Park District website or call 763-559-6700. Information provided by Three Rivers Park District. Preschool Drop-off: Kits & Cubs: Stars & Stripes Monday, Jan. 7, from 1-3 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove. Drop off the kids to discover the wonders of space. Make a glow-in-the-dark project, sing space songs, and eat a galactic snack. Cost is $10 and reservations are required.  Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #112216-23.  This program is for ages 4-5. My Preschooler & Me: Puppet …

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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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Children, Family Programs at Three Rivers Parks in December

Looking for some family fun with your children? Check out activities at Eastman Nature Center, Gale Woods Farm and more Dec. 2-13, 2012.

Editor's note: The following information was provided by Three Rivers Park District.  Children, Family Activities Dec. 2-13, 2012 at Three River Parks. Space may be limited. Recycled Bird Feeders Sunday, Dec. 2, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Prepare a feast table for the birds. Make bird feeders using milk cartons, pinecones, and meshing. Learn which birdseed attracts which birds. Receive seed and a suet cake to take home.Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #112201-01. This program is for ages 5+. Free Family Funday: Naturalist Hike Sunday, Dec. 2, from 1-3 p.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North …

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Children's Programs in Three Rivers Park District for November

Several parks in the north metro have kid-friendly programs Nov. 11-14, 2012, including turkey and nature related activities. Preregistration is required.

Provided by Three Rivers Park District My Preschooler & Me: Nature Discoveries — I’m a Turkey! Sunday, Nov. 11, from 2:30-4 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Explore nature with your preschooler as you both participate in hands-on discoveries. Listen to the book “I’m a Turkey,” by Jim Arnosky. Examine turkey artifacts, hike in search of wild turkeys, and put out some corn. Design a turkey art project, play turkey games, and dance the turkey pokey. Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #412203-12. This program is for ages 2-5. Preschool Drop-off: Kits & Cubs — Nature’s Camouflage Monday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m.-noon, or 1-3 p.m., at …

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Parents Talk: Fighting On and Off the Field

Are parent’s attitudes from the stands rubbing off on players?

During one of the first years my son played baseball, I remember a parent from an opposing team who routinely sat as close as he could to the field and constantly yelled at his son. No matter what his 9-year-old son did, apparently it was wrong in his father’s eyes. I felt bad for the kid, his teammates and, well, pretty much everyone that had to listen to it. I couldn't wait for the game to be over.  Fast-forward to recently and we hear of incidents of player infractions such as recent fighting on the field during a Totino-Grace High School and Prairie Seeds Academy boys varsity soccer game. The competition in youth sports has seems like it is at a point where more parents are trying to “coach” from the stands and players might be taking …

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