My children do not watch the news. We make a concerted effort to balance sugar coating their world and telling them the truth. The thing is, the "truth" to 9 and 7 year olds is vastly different that the "truth" to adults. We want to shelter the boys as much as we can while doling … [Read more...] about I Finally Wrote About Sandy Hook Elementary
Dirt and Noise
Is art essential to education?
Do you believe art is an essential part of your child's education? I think this is a no-brainer. I fear that art is dismissed and ignored simply because it is a subject that cannot be standardized. Tested. Ugh. The beauty and benefits of art are esoteric and too profound to be … [Read more...] about Is art essential to education?
Puttin’ on the Ritz for Mercy for America’s Children
Just before Christmas, my friend Stacy wrote about her commitment to Mercy for America's Children. She serves on the board, and as a teacher and a mother, she has special perspective on the hearts and minds of children. I applaud her contribution to our community every single … [Read more...] about Puttin’ on the Ritz for Mercy for America’s Children
The World According to Disney and Jeff Kinney?!
Some houses are guided by the Bible or other sorts of scripture, depending on one's faith. Some homes are guided by cultural traditions or perhaps even the phase of the moon. At Chez Dirt & Noise, there are three things that guide and inform our world. Good Luck … [Read more...] about The World According to Disney and Jeff Kinney?!
Edith’s Fizz – 5:00 Fridays
A couple days from now (January 12, if you're a stickler for precision) marks the date on which the very first episode of All the Family aired in 1971. I remember watching that show when I was a kid. This was before the days of helicopter parental supervision apparently. I'm not … [Read more...] about Edith’s Fizz – 5:00 Fridays
Spotted in a Boutique in Montreal – Wordless Wednesday
Clash of Values Can Kill a Friendship
I have always said the worst thing about parenting is other parents. It can be a challenge when you take different discipline paths in the midst of a play date. It can be irksome to listen to the overbearing sports parent cheer and denigrate in the same breath. It is intimidating … [Read more...] about Clash of Values Can Kill a Friendship