Parents used to lament that kids should come with an owner’s manual, but these days we have loads of childcare manuals to offer advice, as well as classes, workshops and seminars galore. In fact, our online Parents’ Calendar is packed each month with classes and groups for local parents.

But how are we to know which books and classes will be useful for us? More…

Category: Contests, Parenting // Posted on November 29, 2010 // 8 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s the official opening of the Holiday Season and there’s plenty of festive fun to be had –- starting NOW! Here are our picks for the long holiday weekend ahead. Check our online calendar for more fun every day.

HOLIDAY SEASON OPENINGS

Zoolights. Oregon Zoo’s spectacular holiday light extravaganza runs Nov. 26 thru Jan 2. 5 to 8 pm (open to 8:30 Fri. & Sat.; closed Dec. 24 & 25). $10.75 adults, $7.75 ages 3 to 11, free 2 and under, includes train ride. 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org.

Macy’s Santaland. Santa holds court at Macy’s in downtown Portland from Nov. 26 thru Dec. 24. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on November 24, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Three years ago, Metro Parent started a holiday tradition of partnering with our generous readers to raise enough money to get one local homeless family off the streets and into stable housing through local nonprofit JOIN. (In 2008 we raised enough money to get TWO families into stable housing!)

Will you help us? More…

Category: Charitable Giving // Posted on November 22, 2010 // Leave a Comment

It’s a weekend of great stories and great storytelling, with Multnomah County Library’s Tapestry of Tales, the openings of the Polar Express ride on the Mt. Hood Railroad and A Christmas Story at Portland Center Stage, plus much more! See our online calendar for more!

ALL WEEKEND

Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Show. Elaborate model railroads. (Read our review for more details.) 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays in Nov. $6 adults, $2 kids 3-11. Behind the scenes VIP tour $10, reservations. Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club, 2502 N Vancouver. 503-288-7246. cgmrc.com.

Amazing Race: The Musical. Fast-paced entertainment, extravagant costumes and talented young performers. Ages 3 and older. Check website for show times. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on November 19, 2010 // Leave a Comment

In our November issue, we explore the unique challenges and unique joys of adopting older children. While prospective parents often wait years — and spend small fortunes — trying to adopt newborns, hundreds of older children wait in the state foster care system for permanent, loving homes of their own.

This Saturday you can learn more about foster care adoption and Oregon’s waiting children — and have some fun at the same time. More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on November 17, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Looking for some great holiday savings? Check out our November issue for these exciting coupons and deals:

Lakeshore Learning: Get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more; $10 off your purchase of $50 or more; or $15 off your purchase of $75 or more. (Pg. 5)

OMSI Science Store: Take 20 percent off your total purchase in the store or online. (Pg. 20) More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on November 15, 2010 // Leave a Comment

The holiday season is warming up, but this weekend brings some exciting non-holiday fun, too. Here are our picks, from plays to trains to movies to college prep workshops to Baby Loves Disco and more. As always, you’ll find complete listings on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND
Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Show. Elaborate model railroads. (Read our review for more details.) 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays in Nov. $6 adults, $2 kids 3-11. Behind the scenes VIP tour $10, reservations. Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club, 2502 N Vancouver. 503-288-7246. cgmrc.com.

Amazing Race: The Musical. Fast-paced entertainment, extravagant costumes and talented young performers. Ages 3 and older. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on November 12, 2010 // Leave a Comment

If the holidays are stressful and overwhelming for you, just imagine how a child — especially one with sensory integration challenges — must feel. There’s the excitement of opening presents, the hubbub of visiting relatives, chaotic schedules and deviations from the familiar routine. It’s no wonder so many children become overstimulated and act out.

But help is on the way, and it’s coming from an unexpected source. IKEA is hosting a free Sensory Integration workshop for parents on Nov. 17 More…

Category: Events/Performances, Parenting // Posted on November 10, 2010 // Leave a Comment

In our November issue, we asked the question: Is technology a helpful tool or an obstacle to good parenting? Turns out, it can be both. (Read Plugged In … or Tuned Out? beginning on page 30 to find out how local parents are balancing the good and the bad to stay truly connected to their kids and each other.)

On the helpful side, our writer found eight apps that can double as parents’ little helpers. Unfortunately, we didn’t have space in the magazine for the list, so we’re running it online – how appropriate is that? More…

Category: Parenting, Technology // Posted on November 8, 2010 // 1 Comment

This weekend brings theater openings, dance and puppet shows, concerts, a model railroad show and much more. As always, check our online calendar for even more family fun each day. Happy November!

ALL WEEKEND

Alice & Wonderland: A Rock Opera. Oregon Children’s Theater presents a rock twist on the classic tale. All ages. Nov. 6 through 21. Check website for show times. $13 to $26, plus service charges. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. pcpa.com. (Be sure to read our Family Fun review of the show!)

Thinker Toys Annual Birthday Sale. Get 15 percent off all Playmobil, Bruder, Melissa & Doug and Skuut Balance Bikes. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on November 5, 2010 // Leave a Comment

How would you react if your child started hanging out with a youngster who wouldn’t be your first choice in a friend for him? What if your teen, after years of banking on a four-year university in her future, told you she wanted to attend a technical school or earn a two-year degree instead?

In this month’s Viewpoint, available online only, Emily Moser, director of parenting programs at Oregon Partnership, discusses the important issue of goals – our goals for our children, and our children’s goals for themselves. More…

Category: Parenting // Posted on November 3, 2010 // Leave a Comment

We’re so excited to announce the second issue of our sister magazine, Portland Woman, out this week. In it, you’ll find “She Inspires 365” exploring a year of inspirational – and breathtaking – photos by Andrea Leoncavallo. You’ll also find “A Very Merry, Very Portland Gift Guide,” featuring the coolest gifts from our favorite local shops, and a Q&A with the Rev. Marilyn Sewell entitled “Are You a Spiritual Person?” In “Home-Grown Humanitarians,” you’ll learn about some amazing local women-founded nonprofits.

The magazine’s regular columns are packed with great stuff as well. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on November 1, 2010 // Leave a Comment