http://onmilwaukee.com/rss/rss_family.xml Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Kids and Family en-us Sun, 8 Nov 2009 10:00:28 CST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://onmilwaukee.com/images/layout/omc_rssfeed_logo.gif http://onmilwaukee.com 204 67 Recently, I dated myself without even realizing it. My son told me he wanted to make magic wands, and among other supplies, I suggested that we buy some "pipe cleaners." http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/pipeblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/pipeblog.html?20767 Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:07:00 CST Milwaukee families can visit the zoo for free this weekend, meet a slew of snakes, watch robots battle or check out a new play at the Lincoln Center for the Arts. All of this and more is detailed in this week's roundup! http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/roundup110709.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/roundup110709.html?20732 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:03:00 CST Pork Chop Kids are, basically, long, snug socks -- a "thigh high" for kids and babies -- worn in place of tights or even pants. At first, some parents might have a difficult time wrapping their mind around Meaghan Resenhoeft's new product, but once they do, they're usually instant fans. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/porkchopkids.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/porkchopkids.html?20675 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 15:30:00 CST The adoptive mom lets go of a lot, but she receives an abundance in return, too. Here are some reasons why adoption rocks. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/adoptionblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/adoptionblog.html?20716 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:27:00 CST If you're looking for a good way to get your blood pumping this Halloween, hit up any number of these haunted houses in the area. Combining rooms of terror, corn mazes and spooky hikes, local business, organizations and schools set out to scare you senseless. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/hauntedhouse.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/hauntedhouse.html?20378 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:08:00 CST I spend hours a week grilling my kid on spelling words, and even though I'm a writer, I'm questioning if it's really necessary to spend this much time on it. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/spellingblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/spellingblog.html?20642 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:02:00 CST The trick-or-treat experience varies from kid to kid. For some, going door to door for candy is a dream come true, but for other little people, the all-in-good-fun spookiness is very scary. Regardless of how your little ghosties interpret the particulars of All Hallow's Eve, it's important that everyone is safe. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/halloweensafety.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/halloweensafety.html?20619 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:02:00 CST Milwaukee's trick-or-treat is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Do you stick around and hand out candy or do you make a point to leave during this time? And if you do hand out candy, will you give the sugary goods to kids not wearing costumes? http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/soundoff102509.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/soundoff102509.html?20604 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:59:00 CST I owe a partial apology to the City of Milwaukee after ripping its Swine Flu vaccine clinic mobilization earlier this week. Though I stand by my assertion that the City's communications regarding the H1N1 vaccine clinics have been confusing, contradictory and incomplete, as I found out today, the execution actually went more smoothly than I expected. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/h1n1vaccine.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/h1n1vaccine.html?20629 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:04:00 CST I hoped it wouldn't go down this way, but I feared it would. After hearing about an initial vaccine clinic all week, this morning, we received a fax (yes, a fax) from the City of Milwaukee Health Department will all sorts of new and confusing information. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/swinefluconfusion.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/swinefluconfusion.html?20606 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:43:00 CST Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday, celebrated Nov. 1 and 2, and it's a time to honor the deceased. For the past few years, I created a Day of the Dead altar with my kids as a way to remember my four grandparents, none of whom my kids ever got to meet. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/dayofthedeadaltar.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/dayofthedeadaltar.html?20556 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:29:00 CST Mark your calendars: Trainfest returns to the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This year's event promises even more kid-friendly entertainment. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/trainfest09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/trainfest09.html?20550 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:03:00 CST Set amid fields of soy beans, stands of corn and cornfields already cut, Jim's is a charming little farm -- complete with a babbling brook. We spent just under $15 for two hours or so of fun with two adults and two kids. We took home two big pumpkins, an acorn squash to make with supper, three ears of Indian corn and a tiny pumpkin, too. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/jimspumpkinfarm.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/jimspumpkinfarm.html?20552 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:52:00 CST It's true: there is beauty is a broken teacup, just like the term "wabi-sabi" suggests. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/wabisabi.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/wabisabi.html?20476 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:44:00 CST Tim Knuth plays all of the instruments himself on his new CD for kids, but he invented "Robot Tim" as a way to explain to kids how one person can make multiple sounds on a recording. Human Tim and Robot Tim play together at Beat Kitchen in Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 1, and will play numerous gigs in Chicago and Milwaukee in the coming year. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/humantimrobottim.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/humantimrobottim.html?20444 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:03:00 CST Prior to this fall, I considered myself pretty fortunate in the tantrum department. Neither of my sons were big fit-throwers at 2 or 3 when such behavior is common. But around the ripe age of 5, my son started to fuss in such an explosive way that I questioned everything from his diet to the history of my family's mental health. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/motherfest1108.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/motherfest1108.html?17204 Tue, 6 Oct 2009 15:05:00 CST If a picture is worth a thousand words, this video of a dancing baby is worth a million You Tube views and just as many belly laughs. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/babybeyonce.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/babybeyonce.html?20308 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:14:00 CST Earlier this month, The Cream City Foundation, an LGBT organization based in Milwaukee, launched a billboard campaign in southeastern Wisconsin featuring local gay families. OnMilwaukee.com interviewed a few of the teens featured in the billboards. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/teensfromgayfamilies.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/teensfromgayfamilies.html?20289 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:00 CST Mayfair's Build-A-Bear Workshop isn't cheap -- it can cost up to $50 for your kid to "make" a stuffed animal and adorn it with adorable accessories. Luckily, however, the experience delivers more than a lesson in consumerism. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/buildabear.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/buildabear.html?20286 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:29:00 CST Yesterday, I created an e-mail account for my 7-year-old son. It was another Major Mom Moment, and one that affected me deeply. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/firstemailblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/firstemailblog.html?20251 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:35:00 CST In some cultures, it's common for infants to have their ears pierced, but other families have a strict age as to when ear piercing is acceptable. If you are considering ear piercing for your child, here is a list of places in Milwaukee that will do it, and a couple of things to consider before you go. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/kidspiercingguide.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/kidspiercingguide.html?20201 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:28:00 CST Recently, my son, who is 7, asked me how he could make money other than from the tooth fairy. I don't blame him. The fairy's occasional $2 doesn't do much for a boy who dreams of massive Lego sets and a bike with gears. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/allowanceblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/allowanceblog.html?20230 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:16:00 CST Recently, a person I know told me that she and her husband have a sex schedule, meaning they "do it" three nights a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Romantic? No. Practical? Maybe. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/sexscheduleblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/sexscheduleblog.html?20217 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:50:00 CST Monday, Sept. 21 is National Myositis Day and Milwaukee's Kris Lane Barger is doing her part to raise awareness about this rare, painful disease. Barger, the mother of two children, was diagnosed with myositis in 2006 and struggles with muscle weakness and fatigue almost every day of her life. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/myositisday.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/myositisday.html?20148 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:31:00 CST Warning: potentially annoying "cute things my kids said lately" blog. You might want to stop reading right now ... http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/mouthofbabesblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/mouthofbabesblog.html?20154 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:30:00 CST So, let me get this straight: everyone should get flu shots and children are especially susceptible. But some doctors around here don't have the shots and places like Walgreen's won't give the shots to children. Ask the city and you can pretty much cue the crickets. This doesn't say much for our preparedness. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/flushot.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/flushot.html?20139 Wed, 9 Sep 2009 11:58:00 CST Nobody said we could plant sunflowers around the toxic brown space, but no one said couldn't either. So, last May, six Riverwest families, all of whom were responding to an e-mail, showed up with shovels, ready to guerrilla garden. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/sunflowerproject.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/sunflowerproject.html?20124 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 16:04:00 CST Do your kids need their "hairs" cut? Before you reach for a bowl and a pair of Fiskars, consider a professional haircut at a salon designed specifically for shorties. Here's an annotated list of children's hair salons. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/kidcuts.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/kidcuts.html?6185 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 14:28:00 CST For some parents, it's difficult to weigh out the pros and cons of vaccinating kids against swine flu.On the one hand, kids are at greater risk of dying from the swine flu, so the vaccination seems like a good idea. On the other hand, the vaccination could contain toxins that are particularly harmful to children. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/soundoff090609.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/soundoff090609.html?20102 Sun, 6 Sep 2009 07:10:00 CST For anyone who regularly cooks with bulk food items -- or those wanting to experiment -- Whole Foods Market, 2305 N. Prospect Ave., announced an interesting recipe contest for Milwaukee families and individuals. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/wfrecipecontest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/wfrecipecontest.html?20058 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:07:00 CST The Brewers lost today, but the most interesting aspect of the game for me was seeing how much my boys have matured since the last game they attended. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/brewergameblog2.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/brewergameblog2.html?20055 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:25:00 CST In 2008, Metro Milwaukee welcomed two bouncy house franchises: Monkey Joe's, 2040 W. Bluemound Rd., in Waukesha, and Pump It Up, 195 N. Janacek Rd., in Brookfield. In your opinion, which facility is better? http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/monkeyjoespumpitup.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/monkeyjoespumpitup.html?19989 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:22:00 CST I got a text from my husband while I was in Boston this week that simply read, "Ginger died." http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/hamsterblog2.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/hamsterblog2.html?19994 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:18:00 CST Last Halloween, The Edelweiss introduced a new concept: a family-friendly cruise with a "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme. Because the cruise was a success, it's now offered regularly throughout the summer and fall. The next cruise is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/piratecruise.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/piratecruise.html?19914 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:33:00 CST Monday was the first day that same-sex Wisconsin couples could apply for a "declaration of domestic partnership," and although only about 20 couples registered, West Milwaukee's Denise Cawley and Anne Hefter were happy to spend part of their day at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/domesticpartners.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/domesticpartners.html?19832 Wed, 5 Aug 2009 16:31:00 CST Whether your kid is more bouncy or craft-oriented, there's a Brew City birthday party that can accommodate his / her wishes -- and hopefully your budget. Remember: the best part of the away-from-home birthday party is that you don't have to clean up after the festivities. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/partyguide09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/partyguide09.html?6098 Mon, 3 Aug 2009 15:01:00 CST For the third year in a row, the Milwaukee Breast Feeding Coalition hosts "Walk to Protect, Promote and Support Breast Feeding" to illuminate the oldest form of nutrition. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, and the the theme for 2009 is "Breast Feeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are you Ready?" http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/breastfeedwalk09.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/breastfeedwalk09.html?19766 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:36:00 CST Although divorce groups and singles' groups exist, there aren't many -- or any -- groups that support people in very-long-term relationships. So my friend and I started one. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/longhaulforum.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/longhaulforum.html?19769 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:56:00 CST On certain days, "Mmm, Mmm good" is the perfect tagline for parenting, but during more grueling times slogans like "It's Miller Time" are more descriptive of the experience. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/motherfest32.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/motherfest32.html?7398 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:22:00 CST Thanks to a $1 million grant from Kohl's Department Stores, the Milwaukee Art Museum recently became even more family friendly. Kohl's Art Generation is a studio and gallery located inside the museum that provides art education and art making for children and their parents. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/kohlsartgeneration.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/kohlsartgeneration.html?19579 Tue, 7 Jul 2009 05:29:00 CST Summerfest is, primarily, a playground for adults. Much of the music appeals to fest-goers in their 20s, 30s, 50s and 50s and, for a lot of people, it's all about the beer. Children have plenty of options, too, but what about teens? Is there enough for them to do at the Big Gig? http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/soundoff070509.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/soundoff070509.html?19568 Sun, 5 Jul 2009 07:04:00 CST Without discussion, my husband invented a distinct, low whistle for when he cannot find me at, say, Target. And another whistle -- higher-pitched and longer -- that's perfect for trying to get my attention from, say, across a waterpark. Honestly, before I had kids, I don't think I would have been OK with being whistled at like this. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/familywhistleblog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/familywhistleblog.html?19376 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:44:00 CST Accept no substitutes, here's an updated-for-2009 list of fun stuff for kids of all ages. From smelling the roses at Boerner Botanical Gardens to visiting Old World Wisconsin, this list is chock-full of suggestions to keep your littles entertained all summer long. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/100kids.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/100kids.html?1625 Mon, 8 Jun 2009 05:14:00 CST A bunch of families got together this weekend to "flower bomb" ugly and barren spaces in our neighborhood. The idea was inspired by the documentary "Handmade Nation." http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/guerrillagardening.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/guerrillagardening.html?19290 Tue, 2 Jun 2009 10:58:00 CST My cat, Mojo, is insane, but this isn't really news to anyone who has met, been bit or scratched by him over the years. We think Mojo is about 10 years old. He could live for many more years, but he wants, more than anything, to be outside. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/mojo.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/mojo.html?19284 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:42:00 CST Just over 4 feet tall, Amy Roloff, the star of the TLC reality television series "Little People, Big World," is a little person with a big message. Consequently, Roloff will be the keynote speaker at Independence First's eighth annual power lunch, scheduled for 11 a.m. June 16 at the Midwest Airlines Center. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/amyroloff.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/amyroloff.html?19257 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 05:27:00 CST Riverwest residents living south of Locust Street present "Discover the SoLo District," a cross between an art walk and a pub crawl. KT Rusch and the Universal Love Band plays at 5:30 p.m. at Club Timbuktu. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/solodistrict.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/solodistrict.html?19262 Fri, 29 May 2009 12:01:00 CST I'm a kid's human garbage disposal and it's not good. I've found that trying to limit a child's intake of sugar can lead to an increase in one's own calorie count. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/garbagedisposal.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/garbagedisposal.html?19256 Fri, 29 May 2009 09:31:00 CST Planning a shower or blessingway for yourself or a friend? Before you run out and buy pink-and-blue party favors galore, consider a few important details so the mom-to-be is pleased-as-punch with your pre-baby bash. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/babyshower.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/babyshower.html?8034 Wed, 27 May 2009 14:19:00 CST It's a three-day weekend for many Milwaukee parents, which means an extra day to giddyup and get out of the house. Check out one of these family-fun activities, like the beach, a circus or a play about pirates. http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/roundup052209.html http://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/roundup052209.html?19174 Thu, 21 May 2009 14:16:00 CST