It’s supposed to rain. And it’s a bit chilly out. But Mother Nature is putting on a show right now that really shouldn’t be missed.
I just returned from a walk – and I’m here to tell you that it’s gorgeous out there. The fall colors – from deep green and yellow to pumpkin orange and maroon – are simply stunning.
So gather the kids and take a hike around the ‘hood. It’s a perfect time to help them develop a “sense of place” – a love of this wonderful part of the Earth that we call home.
Click here to learn about a couple of cool fall nature craft ideas from the folks at Green Hour (an awesome resource for getting kids outside!).

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on September 29, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Sleep Country, the mattress retailer, has a big heart for children in foster care. Throughout the year they hold various fund raisers and donation drives, all with foster kids as the beneficiaries.
Their current drive is to collect new coats for these youngsters. New coats in every shape and size can be donated to any Sleep Country USA store through Nov. 1, and will be distributed among 20 Pacific Northwest foster care organizations. Call 888-88SLEEP or visit www.sleepcountry.com to find the Sleep Country nearest you. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 28, 2009 // Leave a Comment

It’s the first official weekend of fall – and it looks like the weather will be spectacular. We’ve got numerous possibilities for your family to get out and enjoy our awesome autumn weather. Don’t forget to stop by Green Sprouts (click here for details) Saturday; check our online calendar for many more ideas!

All weekend
Flock and Fiber Festival. The mission of this free family-friendly event is “to exhibit and demonstrate the full spectrum of natural fibers (plant and animal), from beginning to end.” Highlights include llama, sheep, goats and rabbits, demos, craft workshops, music and more. Kids will enjoy the “Passport to Adventure” activities throughout the Festival. All ages. 9 am to 5 pm Sept. 26. 9 am to 4 pm Sept. 27. Free. Clackamas County Fairgrounds, 694 NE 4th Ave., Canby. 503-628-1205. www.flockandfiberfestival.com.
OMSI Shell Show. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 25, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Every year we hold our breath and watch the weather forecasts. And, so far, every year Mother Nature has not disappointed.
This Saturday (Sept. 26) will be the fourth year that Green Sprouts has taken place here in Portland – and it’s shaping up to be the fourth year that they’ve enjoyed beautiful weather for their delightful outdoor celebration of all-things-healthy-and-natural for babies and families. Maybe it’s just a Portland karma thing – because Green Sprouts is a quintessentially Portland event.
Dubbed an “organic baby and family fest,” Green Sprouts is a fun, family-friendly gathering that promotes “the nurturing of life through nature” for both parents and parents-to-be. Parents will find tons of information on raising families in an eco-friendly, community-involved, natural and healthy way. Kids and families will enjoy music, sing-a-longs, clowns, puppet shows and other cool activities.
So, we’ll see you there, right?
The 411: Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Sept. 26. $3 suggested donation to benefit Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative. Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way. 503-231-4848. www.greensproutsfest.com.

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 23, 2009 // 1 Comment

With the first week jitters over, and the kids all settled into their fall routines, it might be time to remind all parents what research reflects may be the most important aspect of your child’s education: You – that is, your involvement in, and support of, your child’s learning.
In fact, research shows that that a home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, education level or cultural background.
You can read more about the benefits of parent involvement by clicking here.
An article detailing how to become your child’s “partner in education” is available at this link.

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 21, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Two articles appeared in the Oregonian recently that, taken together, felt so totally wrong that I had to bring them to your attention. The lead story on the front page was about the record number of Oregonians receiving food stamps during August of this year – over 635,000 people needed that government program, a 31 percent increase over the previous August. The same article reported that the Oregon Food Bank set a record in 2008, giving out 897,000 emergency food boxes.
These are not the kind of records one strives to break.
Meanwhile, buried in the Business section, was a NY Times Service piece about Goldman Sachs and its comeback (after receiving TARP bailout funds). That article reported that “the 30,000 employees of Goldman Sachs … are on track to earn an average of $700,000 this year.” More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 20, 2009 // Leave a Comment

An eclectic weekend awaits area families: from pirates and gem shows to healthy kids’ fairs and wiener dog races. Check our online calendar for even more possibilities.

All weekend
Portland Pirate Festival. Avast me hearties! Drop anchor and come ashore at Cathedral Park Sept. 19 and 20 and enjoy pirate music, cannon and sword shows, entertainment, inflatables, games and pirate activities for the whole family. Costumes encouraged, especially Sept. 20 at 2 pm when the festival attempts to break the Guinness record for Largest Gathering of Pirates (see Web site for details). All ages. 10 am to 10 pm Sept. 19. 10 am to 6 pm Sept. 20. $15 ages 13 and up, $8 ages 3 to 12, free 2 and under, discount for advance purchase, service charges apply at some outlets. Cathedral Park, N Edison and Pittsburgh. 503-853-1497. www.portlandpiratefestival.com.
Portland Regional Gem and Mineral Show. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 18, 2009 // Leave a Comment

I had an epiphany the other day. I really ought to write it down and tape it to my bathroom mirror, or perhaps have it tattooed on the inside of my wrist.
It’s not all about me.
That was it. Yeah, I know, I’ve had that same revelation at least once a week since my kids were born, but somehow I keep forgetting.
It’s not all about me.
Here’s the latest instance in which I had to discover, once more, that what happens in the world isn’t all about me. In fact, it’s largely not about me.
We spent a lot of time this summer with friends and relatives from out of town. Aunts and uncles and other adults genuinely want to get to know my kids better, so they ask questions to draw them out. This being the new millennium, when organized activities for kids are the norm and we are all defined by what we do, adults ask “so, what sports do you play?”
Well, that’s a conversation stopper right there. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 15, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Lots of very cool stuff going on this weekend – and the weather is cooperating! Check these out – and don’t forget that our online calendar contains many, many more ideas!

All Weekend
The lions are back! The Oregon Zoo unveils its dramatic new exhibit, Predators of the Serengeti, this weekend. Predators features some of Africa’s most interesting hunters including lions, wild dogs, dwarf mongoose and caracals. Celebrate the opening with African music, dance, storytelling and activity stations. 9 am to 4 pm Sept. 12 and 13. All ages. Free with admission of $10.50 adults, $7.50 kids 3 to 11, free 2 and under. ($2 to park). 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. www.oregonzoo.org.
Muddy Boot Organic Festival. Music, organic foods, activities for kids and more. All ages. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on September 11, 2009 // Leave a Comment

We ran this story a couple of years ago – but the advice in it is timeless:
The beginning of a new school year brings excitement, anticipation and high hopes. How can we keep the momentum going as the year progresses? We asked a few local experts – educators and parents alike – what parents can do to make the most of this school year and every school year to follow. Here are seven simple steps they recommend:
1. Make School a Priority More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 8, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Yipes! Where did the time go? Labor Day weekend means that summer has officially come to a close.
Not to worry – we’ll keep the fun coming at ya. Start with these ideas – check our online calendar for many more.

All Weekend
Oregon State Fair. The fun continues at the BIG ONE, the Oregon State Fair, through Labor Day. Enjoy the rodeo, circuses, competitions, music, AG-Ventureland farming area, Fun with Physics, carnival rides, animals galore – and much, much more. 10 am to 11 pm Sept. 5. 10 am to 10 pm Sept. 6 and 7. $10 adults, $5 ages 6 to 12, free 5 and under, discount for advance purchase, extra charge for rides, some activities and shows. Free parking. 2330 17th St. NE, Salem. 503-947-3247. www.oregonstatefair.org.
OMSI Reptile and Amphibian Show. Touch some of the 100 plus exotic animals on display at OMSI this weekend. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on September 4, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Aaaah … vacations! Whether it’s daring treks to Machu Picchu, weeks spent listening to the calming lilt of Irish brogues or a simple getaway to the Oregon coast, we all need these times away – to explore, to play, to escape…
Our end-of-summer holiday – to Puerto Nuevo – sounds more exotic (and expensive) than it actually is. We are really spending three days in Newport (get it? New = Nuevo, Port = Puerto; thanks to my buddy Greta for the euphemism).
But, truly, no euphemism is needed. We are exactly where we want to be – just Mom, Dad and the kids in our favorite Oregon coastal town. We have an oceanfront spot on spectacular Nye Beach – the view alone is worth the trip.
And we’re enjoying all of our favorite Newport destinations – we check out the tidepools at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, we take in the Bayfront, with its fishing boats, barking sea lions and funky tourist shops. We visit Mo’s where we all enjoy clam chowder – and saucy banter from the waitress. We even do some whale watching – sans binoculars we can easily see the spouting of some of the resident gray whales.
And, of course, we spend an afternoon at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where we’ve been coming since the kids were little – and Keiko entertained. The kids, now teens, never balk at yet another visit. This time they’re entranced by Oddwater – and we fall in love, all over again, with the magic of the Passages of the Deep exhibit.
Most of our time, though, is spent walking on the beach or simply gazing out at the grand permanence of the Pacific. We haven’t traveled abroad or spent big bucks but there’s still a lot of awe – and aaah – involved in this getaway.
Visit www.newportchamber.org or www.visittheoregoncoast.com for more information.