Parents Talk: Discussing Tragedies in the Media

How do you explain incidents like the Boston Marathon bombings to your children? Share your ideas in the comments section below.

In the aftermath of the Boston bombings, many parents may be struggling to find the write words to explain such a horrific event to children. At Patch, we wanted to use this week's Parents Talk as an opportunity to provide some resources and gather advice from readers on how to talk to kids about tragedies in the media. Share your ideas on this topic in the comments section below. The Child Development Institute gives the following discussion techniques for dealing with tragedies in the media: See the full Child Development Institute article here. Unfortunately, this isn't a first-time discussion on Patch. Following the Newtown, CT massacre, and the more close-to-home shooting incident at Accent Signage in Minneapolis, readers and bloggers…

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Kids 'n Kinship Skating Fundraiser Scheduled on Sunday

The event runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 17 at the Burnsville Ice Center.

Head out onto the ice and support a local nonprofit organization at the same time as part of a family-friendly Kids 'n Kinship fundraiser at the Burnsville Ice Center on Sunday, March 17. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Rink #2 at the ice center. The cost of the event is $10 per person or $30 per group of four. Cookies and hot cocoa will be included as part of the event. Kids 'n Kinship has been matching children living in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount with adult mentors for over 40 years. The organization matches them with caring individuals, couples and families for weekly activities in the community and in the home. To RSVP, call 651-493-8883 or dakotavalleyassociates@gmail.com. The event …

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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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Parents Talk: Helping Your Kids Create a Reasonable Holiday Gift List

Kids have started making their lists and checking them twice. How do you help them make their lists?

When I was a kid, the excitement that would blow through the Burgess home as the holiday shopping season began can be pinpointed to one thing: The Toys-R-Us catalog arriving. My sister and I would pore over the pages, carefully dog-earring them to call special attention to the items circled therein. We would proudly hand it to our parents, believing we had done them a great service. (There would be no way they could disappoint us if they took our direction on the gifts.) Of course, I never got that electric Barbie car. (Sigh) A paper catalog seems a little old school now with the Internet and so many shops to choose from. So, how do you help plan your kids' gift lists? Do you take them to the store? Supervise them online? Or do you wait …

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PHOTOS: Dakota County Families Celebrate New Year's Eve

Hiking, candlelit ice skating and bonfires were among the activities at 'Ring in 2012' at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan Saturday night.

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