As the back-to-school season overtakes the leisure of summer, most of us are concerned about getting our kids back into the swing. We help them adjust to a more regular schedule. We make sure they have the clothes and supplies they’ll need. We strategize with them about getting and staying organized. But let’s face it, most of us parents are heading back to school, too. More…

Category: Education, Parenting // Posted on August 31, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Our September issue is hitting the stands this week, with a special focus on special needs families. In Support for Special Families, we explore how families with special needs children find support and build community. Our Ages & Stages feature, Making Sense of Math, answers the question, “How can I help my child develop strong math skills … even if I don’t love math?”

You’ll also find all your favorite regular features inside More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on August 29, 2011 // Leave a Comment

It’s that time again … time for the Oregon State Fair! Check our picks below for more family fun going on this weekend (the fair runs through Labor Day weekend), then check our online calendar for even more enticing options.

ALL WEEKEND

Oregon State Fair. It’s The Big One! Carnival rides, animals, demolition derby, big name concerts, talent shows, timber sports, prize-winning pickles and MUCH more! More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 26, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Do you and your kids love reading? Love college football? Love winning? If you answered yes to any of these questions –- and especially if you answered yes to all of them -– the Oregon College Savings Plan (OSCP) is running two contests you should know about! More…

Category: Contests, Education, Finance // Posted on August 24, 2011 // Leave a Comment

We’re matching donations to Mercy Corps

Nearly everyone we know has been impacted by the current recession. Friends, neighbors, relatives and acquaintances have been laid off or taken pay cuts. Our 401(k) plans have tanked. We worry about whether our children will be able to go to college. We agonize over the very future of our country.

But none of us has endured what the women of Somalia are experiencing. More…

Category: Charitable Giving // Posted on August 22, 2011 // Leave a Comment

August might be half over, but summer is still in full swing! Check our picks below, then take a peek at our online calendar for even more options every day.

ALL WEEKEND

Clackamas County Fair. Runs through Aug. 21. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 19, 2011 // Leave a Comment

So far this summer, my son and I have been perfect slackers! We’ve been to the neighborhood pool several times and even made it to the coast for a few nights with friends, but other than that we’ve pretty much just been lazing around the neighborhood, playing with friends and generally slacking off.

Now, with only a few weeks left of our precious unscheduled summer –- and with the weather doing its part to make it feel like summer, finally! –- I’m determined to venture a little farther from home for some once-a-year summer fun. More…

Category: Family Fun // Posted on August 17, 2011 // Leave a Comment

It’s that time again — time to shop for school supplies. While you’re at it, why not pick up some extra supplies to donate to a teacher or a student in need?

Teachers often spend their own money for classroom supplies, and many schools and organizations collect supplies for students who can’t afford them. Where to donate you ask? The choice is yours: More…

Category: Charitable Giving // Posted on August 15, 2011 // Leave a Comment

It’s another fabulous, fun-filled summer weekend! Here are our picks, but you’ll also want to check out our Fairs & Festivals listings for details on the Tualatin Crawfish Festival and North Plains Garlic Festival, plus you’ll find more fun every day on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND

Arts Festival in the Forest. Entertainment, kids’ art station and more. Aug. 13 & 14, 10 am to 5pm. FREE. Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Dr., West Linn. artsfestivalintheforest.com. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 12, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Sunday is the last day to vote for your favorite local family-friendly businesses in our annual “Family Favorites” Reader Survey! Not only is it a great way to support the wonderful local businesses in our area and share recommendations with other parents, but every reader who votes will be entered to win a fabulous Family Fun Package including a $50 gift card to the top-rated restaurant, a $50 gift card to the top-rated children’s book shop, a $20 gift card to John’s Incredible Pizza and other family fun items. More…

Category: Contests, Metro Parent // Posted on August 10, 2011 // Leave a Comment

A new issue means new coupons and deals (along with a few regular favorites!). Here’s the scoop for August:

We Speak Baby: Healthy Pregnancy & Parenting: Attend this informative symposium and get breakfast, all for FREE! (Back Cover)
Young Athletes Heart Screening: Have your teen checked for potential heart problems for $10. (Page 11)
Portland Youth Ballet: Free dance class for first-time clients. (Page 42) More…

Category: Finance, Metro Parent // Posted on August 8, 2011 // Leave a Comment

There’s lots to do this weekend, as you can see below! Be sure to check out our Fairs & Festivals listings, too, for details on the Great Oregon Steam-Up, Homer Davenport Days, Wilsonville Fun in the Park and more. Then check out our online calendar with even more listings for every day!

ALL WEEKEND

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Rockin’ biblical musical by Christian Youth Theatre. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 5, 2011 // Leave a Comment