This issue of North State Parent is primarily devoted to parenting infants & young children. Although this stage of development has long passed with my owns sons, I admit that nearly every time I meet someone at the grocery market with a baby, or walk past a rack of infant clothing, my heart melts with sentiment. It’s not to say that … [Read more...]

There were six of us children that grew up side by side in my parents’ house. Some of my sisters were more outgoing and some were shy. One was nimble; another was book smart and musical.  One of my big sisters was especially animal savvy and tomboy happy. We grew up carrying the fresh scent of the outdoors on our cheeks when we came in for … [Read more...]

Is it too quaint to say I just LOVE Valentine's Day? It's the perfect time to acknowledge those who are helpful to us and to show our appreciation for their efforts no matter how great or small. Okay so maybe it is a bit corny! Sometimes putting out a magazine, that is, being so behind the scenes in our own little world of publishing this … [Read more...]

Publishing our annual Music, Art & Health issue is always a treat. Learning about some of the art-related enrichment programs at various public and private schools in our Upper California region, like Art Davis’ after school band program at Chico Country Day School, and the Young Imaginations program at McCloud Elementary School, greatly … [Read more...]

It was a cold and wintry December night. My four sons were all under the age of nine. Our kitchen was always a busy place, and that Saturday night over twenty years ago was no exception. There were delicious smells coming from the stove top where we melted butter and sugar. My nine year old stirred the honey glaze. I remember the light dusting of … [Read more...]

Once again it's that time of year. The cooler weather brings piles of leaves to my front yard, a chance to put on a warm bulky sweater, and the opportunity to sink into a good book. Recently, at a Boston bookseller, I purchased one of my all-time favorite children's storybooks called Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. I was in route to … [Read more...]

Fall harvest is one of my favorite times of the year. When you enjoy our beautiful region’s bounty by sipping fresh apple juice or baking a pumpkin pie from pumpkins grown on a local farm, you are surely to be enriched! I’m impressed that so many of our local farms offer tours and field trips. This is especially important for our children, to … [Read more...]

As summer wanes and fall approaches, it may be the perfect time for parents to accomplish some personal goals. These may include joining the gym, taking a dance class or reading a novel you’ve been putting off. As a young mother of four sons, I was very good at putting myself last on the list for brand new clothes or starting new hobbies. I … [Read more...]

Is there someone in your life who reminds you to be playful? Some lighthearted person who can be silly, who laughs easily and celebrates life with a certain penetrating zest? It has been said that the human brain is very complex and yet cooperative. I’m fascinated by the link between learning and playfulness. With the back-to-school vibe … [Read more...]