Family
No proof of benefits of attachment parenting
The cover story in last week's Time Magazine is all about "why attachment parenting drives some mothers to extremes, and how Dr. Bill Sears became their guru."
Date: 05/21/2012 | Life
Attachment parenting
There's nothing trendy about child-rearing method
Date: 05/20/2012 | Local News
Front Porch: Lots of Masons, Sophias around
Top baby namesMason, Liam, Alexander, Jacob and Ethan for boys.Sophia, Olivia, Emma, Isabella and Emily for girls.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Local News
Jury seated for couple accused of locking up boys
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- A jury has been seated for the trial of a Vancouver couple accused of locking up two young autistic boys in a dark room.The Columbian reported that opening statements are expected Monday in the Clark County Superior Court case.
Date: 05/18/2012 | Northwest
A fire crew of neighbors
On Hat Island, firefighters volunteer for the love of it
Date: 05/18/2012 | Local News
New state law helps with immunization compliance
A state law that makes it tougher for parents to opt out of having their kids receive the immunizations required to attend school seems to have had an effect.Exemption rates have dropped significantly since the law was passed last year, according to the state Department of Health.
Date: 05/18/2012 | Local News
Driving with kids, it's one block at a time
In a rare incidence of crooked parking, my husband was backing out and reparking our SUV at the Old Spaghetti Factory last night when our 2-year-old daughter piped up from the back seat: “Mommy does this all the time.”
Date: 05/16/2012 | I Brake for Moms
Welcome to 'I Brake for Moms'
My name is Jennifer Bardsley and I am one of those awful Californians you hear about who sells their itty-bitty condo near San Francisco and buys a beautiful house in Edmonds. But it's OK to still like me because #1) I'm really nice, and because #2) my husband has roots in Edmonds that run five...
Date: 05/16/2012 | I Brake for Moms
Shop aids Habitat for Humanity's home building
Sinks and dishwashers, hardwood furniture, picture frames and toilets, too.
Date: 05/16/2012 | Local News
Guatemala: U.S. refuses to return adopted girl
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala -- The U.S. government has told Guatemala it won't return a girl adopted in 2008 after allegedly being snatched from her Guatemalan mother, because the two countries had not signed the Hague Abduction Convention at the time of the kidnapping, a Guatemalan official said...
Date: 05/15/2012 | Nation & World
Yoga ideal activity for tweens
Question: Your tween daughter is begging to take a weekly yoga class with her friends. Should you steer her toward a sport instead?
Date: 05/14/2012 | Life
Milestones a time to reflect on mothers, families
On Mother's Day 1983 -- it was May 8 that year -- I was a new mom. I stood up in church holding our baby girl. She was dressed in a handmade christening gown.
Date: 05/13/2012 | Local News
Windows' screens aren't enough to prevent a fall
EVERETT -- Highs in the upper 70s are predicted for the weekend, prompting Snohomish County health and safety experts to remind parents to safeguard children around windows.
Date: 05/12/2012 | Local News
Snohomish parents keep 550 students from test
SNOHOMISH -- More than 550 Snohomish School District students did not take state exams in the past two weeks, a revolt staged by parents who question whether the tests are worth the money. The parents also hoped to get the...
Date: 05/11/2012 | Local News
Tailor your parenting style to child's personality traits
It's a concept that parents may not be familiar with, but experts say it can explain a lot about family conflicts: Is your child's temperament a good "fit" with yours?
Date: 05/08/2012 | Life
A charitable seat
Auction of artistic chairs will support fund that aids new renters
Date: 05/06/2012 | Local News
State Patrol to teens: Texting, driving don’t mix
EVERETT --The season of teenage freedom is ahead, and that means more young drivers will be on the road.The Washington State Patrol wants to remind young folks and their families about the dangers of texting while driving, Sgt. Kirk Rudeen said.
Date: 05/05/2012 | Local News
Without a will, your family has no way to avoid chaos
My brother Ross recently died of complications from lung cancer. He was 40.Ross left a wonderful personal legacy. He was a good father, friend and coach. He was a dedicated educator who devoted his career to working with children with emotional, developmental and physical disabilities.
Date: 05/03/2012 | Business
What parents should do when kids don't tell the truth
Question: Your 10-year-old lies. A lot. Is this normal?Answer: Normal? Extremely. A little annoying? Yep. Fixable? Totally.
Date: 05/01/2012 | Life
Shake, rattle and goo: Take your baby dancing
Toddlers, waddlers and wee creepers can exercise those rhythmic little legs in the Everett Parks Department's dance, music and movement classes.Instructor Laura Harris teaches the dance classes designed to develop the tots' motor skills and coordination and promote parent-child bonding.
Date: 04/30/2012 | Life
Kalama man accused of extorting parents
KALAMA -- Police say a 41-year-old Kalama man threatened to burn his parents' boat if they didn't give him more money.Police arrested the man Monday evening on suspicion of extortion.The Daily News reported that the man lives aboard his parents' boat at Kalama's Columbia River marina.
Date: 04/24/2012 | Northwest
First lady honors Edmonds military families group
EDMONDS -- Few Snohomish County residents can claim an invitation to the White House among their life accomplishments. Edmonds resident Maria Montalvo can.
Date: 04/19/2012 | Local News
Racy photos a teaching moment
Question: We recently found racy pictures on my 13-year-old son's smartphone. The women were not nude, much less participating in sex acts, but were wearing very revealing bikinis, short skirts and halter tops. Their poses were very provocative as well. My husband says this is normal stuff and...
Date: 04/16/2012 | Life
Study shows resilience of marriage of those in military
Despite enormous stress on military families from repeated wartime deployments and long periods of living apart, service marriages are showing a level of resilience that social scientists can't explain.
Date: 04/16/2012 | Business
Father of teenager who took his own life endorses 'Bully'
DETROIT -- A parent who's experienced the tragedy of bullying is giving the new documentary "Bully" his endorsement.
Date: 04/16/2012 | Life
'Dateline NBC' series puts parental maxims to the test
NEW YORK -- Correspondent Natalie Morales ended up in tears when she put herself and her 8-year-old son through the same parenting test that "Dateline NBC" is subjecting others to for a series that starts Sunday.
Date: 04/13/2012 | Nation & World
Family seeks mom's stolen ashes on Craigslist
LOON LAKE -- A northeast Washington family has turned to Craigslist in an effort to recover their mother's stolen ashes.
Date: 04/12/2012 | Northwest
Trips with friends can be confidence builder for kids
Question: Your 10-year-old is invited on spring break with a pal. Is that too young to travel out of town with another family?
Date: 04/09/2012 | Life
Laughter can teach kids how to cope
Have you ever done something funny -- put a sweater on backward, stepped in a wad of gum, spelled "happy" wrong on a birthday cake -- then laughed about it?
Date: 04/02/2012 | Life
Age 14 marks the end of childhood
A lot of people think they have to pay to be entertained. When you're the mother of a 14-year-old boy, you know entertainment is as close as the living room couch where the aforementioned is agonizing over Shakespeare for English class. "So, Mom," he says.
Date: 04/02/2012 | Life
Stuffed animals help kids living with feeding tubes
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE -- For children who are fed through tubes, sometimes nothing can be done to change their condition.Something can, however, be done about their feelings of being alone.
Date: 03/27/2012 | Local News
$5,300 night on town, all on dad's credit card
SALT LAKE CITY -- A man who racked up more than $5,300 in charges on his father's credit card told police he just "needed to escape" when he went out for a night on the town in a limousine.
Date: 03/23/2012 | Nation & World
Problems are quickly solved when the child begins to care
Parents tell me their daughter is intelligent and did well in school up until the seventh grade, at which time she stopped doing the required work and her grades, consequently, went down the proverbial tube.My response: "Who cares?"
Date: 03/12/2012 | Life
Parents shouldn’t be fined for kids’ truancy
Money is not the answer to everything. For example, consider the trend of schools forcing families to pay fines for various infractions such as getting their children late to class. It's counterproductive and the fines often hit people who can least afford them.
Date: 03/08/2012 | Business
Sharing bedroom helps kids develop valuable social skills
In the Panebianco house, sharing a bedroom is about more than saving space.Gerri and Sam Panebianco have chosen to put their sons, 3-year-old J.P. and 2-year-old Eric, in the same room because they want them to become good friends and develop social skills.
Date: 03/06/2012 | Life
Many factors could cause low grade
Question: Your middle-schooler just got her first D. What's an appropriate response?Answer: An appropriate response is to step up your own game, said pediatric neuropsychologist Karen L. Schiltz, author of "Beyond the Label: A Guide to Unlocking a Child's Educational Potential."
Date: 03/05/2012 | Life
Do the French have parenting figured out?
So you're visiting someone's home with your child and hot chocolate is served. As the hostess' kids sip the delicious concoction politely and silently, your own little dear takes a gulp and promptly spits it back into the mug.Admit it, parents: Something similar has happened to you.
Date: 02/27/2012 | Life
How to deal with Facebook revelation
Question: Your daughter's Facebook profile says she's "in a relationship." You've heard of no such thing. Should you ask her what's up?Answer: No harm in bringing it up casually (provided your daughter knows you have access to her Facebook page).
Date: 02/27/2012 | Life
In helping parents dig out of debt, don’t get dragged down, too
During a recent online discussion, one reader titled his post "Big, big problem."
Date: 02/23/2012 | Business
How to deal with strict grandparents
Question: Your parents are the opposite of indulgent grandparents -- stricter rules than yours, harsher scolding. Do you step in?Answer: A flinty grandma with little tolerance for shenanigans is unlikely to hurt your kids.
Date: 02/20/2012 | Life
Mollify newly declared vegetarians with cheesy polenta
It's a familiar refrain. One day a child's favorite foods are chicken tenders or pizza with pepperoni, the next day the same kid swears off meat ... forever. And cannot be persuaded otherwise.
Date: 02/20/2012 | Life
Shooting a bratty kid’s laptop is harsh, but the sentiment against overindulgence is understandable
I've taken away my 16-year-old daughter's laptop. I've confiscated her cellphone.
Date: 02/19/2012 | Business
Fame and fortune of celebrities such as Whitney Houston offers cautionary tales
Like so many others, I was stunned to hear about Whitney Houston's death at age 48. You just can't overlook the pleasure Houston's music brought into the lives of so many. Several of her songs could immediately make me tear up with joy.
Date: 02/16/2012 | Business
YMCA launches fundraising campaign for youth programs
Summer camps, obesity prevention, teen centers and other positive programs are offered at Y branches throughout the area. To help run those programs, the YMCA of Snohomish County has launched its 2012 Invest in Youth Community Campaign.
Date: 02/15/2012 | Local News
This is how it's done
Warm Beach seniors share keys to life-long loves
Date: 02/15/2012 | Local News
Global parenting lessons in new memoirs
Asian mothers demand straight A's. A French mere makes her children taste eggplant and truffles (and stay out of the marital bed in the morning), while pygmy fathers soothe fussy babies by offering a manly nipple.
Date: 02/13/2012 | Life
Russia may suspend adoptions by Americans
MOSCOW -- Russia's Foreign Ministry is asking the government to suspend adoptions of Russian children by U.S. nationals following an "incessant string of crimes" allegedly committed by American adoptive parents.
Date: 02/12/2012 | Nation & World
Talk to your spouse about your retirement, and not just about investments
There are many reasons why I agreed to marry my husband, but one thing that clinched it for me was his answer to a question I asked early in our courtship."Where do you see yourself when you retire?" I wondered.
Date: 02/12/2012 | Business
Arson death haunts survivors
25 years later, family and comrades remember firefighter
Date: 02/12/2012 | Local News
State House: Adoptees should have access to records
OLYMPIA -- A bill passing unanimously in the Washington state House would allow adult adoptees access to their birth certificates unless a biological parent has filed an affidavit to the contrary.
Date: 02/11/2012 | Northwest
Tragedy focuses attention on supervised visits
Questions rise from ashes. After Sunday's fiery horror, much is unanswerable.How could a father open the door to his children, then set the house on fire?
Date: 02/10/2012 | Local News
Same-sex marriage bill to be signed Monday
A bill legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples will be signed into law Monday morning, the governor's office announced this afternoon.
Date: 02/09/2012 | The Petri Dish
Following their passion can teach kids confidence
Question: Your son wants to take ballet lessons but he's afraid his pals will tease him. What should you tell him?
Date: 02/06/2012 | Life
Shin discusses vote against same-sex marriage
For weeks, Democratic state Sen. Paull Shin of Edmonds kept silent about how he might vote on the bill legalizing marriage for same-sex couples.
Date: 02/03/2012 | The Petri Dish
Duped dad might get a refund from wife’s boyfriend
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Over the years, Eric Fischer had grown suspicious of whether he was really the father of his youngest daughter. So he secretly got a sample of the girl's hair, grabbed one from his own head and sent them to a lab for DNA testing.
Date: 02/03/2012 | Nation & World
Same sex marriage vote - the reactions
Below is a sample of the statements issued tonight before, during and after the debate. Gov. Chris Gregoire, who watched the proceedings in the wings on the Democratic side:
Date: 02/01/2012 | The Petri Dish
Senate plans dinnertime debate on same-sex marriage bill
State senators are planning to meet at 6 p.m. to debate and vote on a bill to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples.
Date: 02/01/2012 | The Petri Dish
Same-sex marriage bill in line for Senate vote
As expected, the state Senate Rules Committee agreed today to send a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to the floor for a vote as early as Wednesday.
Date: 01/31/2012 | The Petri Dish
Adult kids must learn independence
When adult children depend on their parents for housing, food, transportation and health insurance, parents need to work on creating a plan. For a long list of reasons, adult children are returning home to roost in the family nest.
Date: 01/31/2012 | Life
Homework doesn't need to be a struggle
Question: Homework is a nightly power struggle: When to start, how to stay focused, striving for some accuracy. Is there a trick to ease the battles?
Date: 01/30/2012 | Life
Adoptive parents of Asian children celebrate culture with Lunar New Year
With its fireworks, family reunions and feasts, Lunar New Year is the longest and most important celebration for millions around the world.For kids adopted from China, it holds special meaning. Lunar New Year makes them mini-ambassadors of a culture they know little about firsthand.
Date: 01/23/2012 | Life
Fat dads pose biggest risk for children
LOS ANGELES -- Kids might be at higher risk for obesity if Dad is overweight, a study suggests.
Date: 01/20/2012 | Nation & World
Before the snow melts …
Enjoy this gem from the blotters:Officers were dispatched to a disturbance heard at an (apartment complex). Contact was made with a son and his mother. The two were arguing over who should walk to the store in the snow to buy cigarettes. The argument did not become physical.
Date: 01/20/2012 | Sirens
Bigger is better
Some families are bucking the trend of shrinking households
Date: 01/18/2012 | Local News
Family film guide
"Beauty and the Beast" 3-DRating: G.What it's about: A callous prince living under a spell as a "beast" must win the love of the fair Belle to break that spell.
Date: 01/17/2012 | Life
Habit-forming fitness
YMCA brings families together to learn good eating, exercise
Date: 01/17/2012 | Life
Young kids sign up for Facebook with help from their parents
Nancy Gerstein is a savvy marketing executive who knows a lot about Facebook. She supervises corporate Facebook pages for her company's clients.
Date: 01/16/2012 | Life
Creating drama a common problem
Question: Our oldest son, age 8, has recently started saying that he has no friends, no one likes him, he's no good at anything, and so on. None of this is true, mind you. He's a good kid who does well in school. We are at a loss as to where this is coming from.
Date: 01/16/2012 | Life
5 tips for a money talk with parents
As your parents grow older, you may start wondering if they have enough money to sustain their lifestyle and protect them in case of problems. But many people find it difficult and awkward to ask Mom and Dad about their finances. Here are some tips to make that discussion easier:
Date: 01/15/2012 | Business
Seminars teach couples how to work on marriage
Happily ever after is the hope of every newlywed. Couples soon learn it isn't a given."When I walked into my marriage, all of a sudden I realized you have to work at it," Kelly Beebout said. It was a surprise, the Arlington woman said, that "he doesn't think the way I think."
Date: 01/14/2012 | Local News
One in every 30 babies born in U.S. is a twin
ATLANTA — The number of twins born in the U.S. soared over the last three decades, mostly the result of test-tube babies and women waiting to have children until their 30s, when the chances of twins increase.
Date: 01/04/2012 | Nation & World
How to get kids to eat vegetables
In an effort to get my kids to eat vegetables, I've schemed, wheedled, prepared tofu sausage and spent a king's ransom on cherry tomatoes.But recently it occurred to me I'd left at least one stone unturned.
Date: 01/02/2012 | Life
Let child decide if she's full
Question: Our 4-year-old daughter's weight (25 pounds) is at the first percentile for her age, but she is otherwise healthy, energetic, creative, polite and well-behaved. Our only real problem occurs at meals during which she picks at and dawdles over her food.
Date: 01/02/2012 | Life
Do parents need to stop the gossip mill?
Question: Your daughter and her friends spend a lot of time gossiping about their classmates. Should you cut in?
Date: 12/26/2011 | Life
Marysville man decorates for holiday with cut-outs of family
MARYSVILLE -- Earlier this year, Ken and Colleen Jones had a burglary at their home on Sisco Heights Road.
Date: 12/24/2011 | Local News
Dentists on wheels provides care to kids in need
LYNNWOOD -- Before last week, 12-year-old Kateara Utley had a phobia about going to the dentist.After two visits with SmileMobile staff and volunteers, Kateara, a sixth-grader at Meadowdale Elementary School, has changed her outlook even after her teeth were pulled.
Date: 12/23/2011 | Local News
Do parents have to be equal-opportunity givers?
Question: One child wants a whole bunch of gifts. The other doesn't want much. Are you obligated to spend equally?
Date: 12/19/2011 | Life
Get kids learning about interest
Compound interest is an important concept, and the earlier it's learned, the better.Money you put away in savings earns interest that is added to the principal. Then you earn interest on that, causing savings to build faster.
Date: 12/18/2011 | Business
To some, the best gift is a little help
As you are thinking about what to get the people on your holiday shopping list, consider giving something special to those caring for an elderly relative or friend.
Date: 12/18/2011 | Business
U.S. marriage rates fall to a record low
LOS ANGELES -- When it comes to saying "I do," more and more Americans seem to really mean, "Not so much," according to a new analysis of the increasingly troubled institution of marriage.
Date: 12/15/2011 | Nation & World
New data shows continuing drop in child abuse
NEW YORK -- Fears that persisting economic woes would increase child abuse in the U.S. have proved unfounded, according to the latest federal data.
Date: 12/12/2011 | Nation & World
Divorced? Christian group in Yakima offers support
YAKIMA -- Your emotions are shattered, your self image in shreds, your children confused -- all common occurrences when divorce hits a family.
Date: 12/11/2011 | Northwest
Navy families adapt, stay strong when duty pulls them apart
The USS Abraham Lincoln is 1,092 feet long, with a 134-foot beam and a 4.5-acre flight deck.Luke Griffin came into this world nine days ago at 21 inches long, weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces.
Date: 12/11/2011 | Local News
These new novels for kids are full of adventure
Great news for young fiction lovers: There's an abundance of wonderful new novels for young readers this year.Here's a selection of these books for ages 8 to 12:
Date: 12/05/2011 | Life
Sultan Boys & Girls Club will stay put
SULTAN -- The Sultan Boys & Girls Club is staying just where it is.The club's proposed new 18,000-square-foot building will be at the Volunteers of America's Sky Valley Family and Community Resource Center, 617 First St.
Date: 12/03/2011 | Local News
Can you be too young to say you're sorry?
Question: Your kindergartner treated a pal poorly. Do you make her apologize or is that a pointless gesture at her age?Answer: There's imparting parental wisdom, and then there's saving face in front of the other parents. There might be a little of both at play here.
Date: 11/28/2011 | Life
It's highly unlikely your kid needs a cellphone
By Michelle SingletaryMy son has had a case of cellphone envy for several years now. To hear him tell it, he's the last kid in his eighth-grade class who doesn't have a phone. When his father upgraded his 3G iPhone to the 4S version, my son had dreams of getting a smartphone hand-me-down.
Date: 11/27/2011 | Business
How to talk turkey with family about finances
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- This week, as parents, kids and siblings gather 'round for the Thanksgiving holiday, financial experts say it can be an ideal time to initiate conversations about money matters.
Date: 11/25/2011 | Business
Canadian judge upholds nation's ban on polygamy
VANCOUVER, B.C. — A Canadian judge ruled Wednesday that the country's anti-polygamy law is valid and that the harms polygamy inflicts on women and children outweigh any claims to religious freedom.
Date: 11/23/2011 | Nation & World
Daughter invited her troubled pal for Thanksgiving -- what to do?
Question: Your daughter wants to invite her somewhat troubled pal to Thanksgiving. You're a little nervous about the relatives' reaction. How to navigate?
Date: 11/21/2011 | Life
Family film guide: 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1'; 'Happy Feet Two'
A guide to movies from a family perspective:"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1"Rated: PG-13.Best for: High school students and older.
Date: 11/21/2011 | Life
Thanksgivings skate by with one family's tradition
Lolly Lehtinen's extended family is too big to fit around one Thanksgiving table. No problem.This clan has an ingenious solution.While other families take long walks or watch football before sitting down to turkey and trimmings, Lehtinen's loved ones are -- literally -- on a roll.
Date: 11/20/2011 | Local News
A day to celebrate adoption
Courtroom opens as families meet newest members
Date: 11/19/2011 | Local News
Babies always play second fiddle on TV
LOS ANGELES -- Every year, the networks trot out some show or other that revolves around a baby, and every year, I start counting the hours before that baby vanishes.
Date: 11/15/2011 | Life
Bookish Christmas gift ideas for kids
Classify book gifts for kids as no-brainers. Buy them early, stash them away, and you'll be so happy when you need a present "right now."Here are some great ideas to stuff their stockings with, if not their brains.
Date: 11/14/2011 | Life
No one wins when 'safety of the kids' turns to abuse
Ed Lundberg was president of Mill Creek Little League for four years. He was in Pennsylvania when those wonderful boys played in the Little League World...
Date: 11/13/2011 | Local News
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