Usually, you see Mom Talk Q + A in this space, but Patch has put this feature on hiatus for the remainder of the summer. We hope to bring it back at the start of the school year.  

With the summer here, kids want to stay cool and enjoy some time in local pools. Doing so, however, can be dangerous even for adults, as shown by the recent death of a Fall River woman. This week our Moms Council answered the following question: How do you keep your kids safe at the pool or lake? Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: Growing up my family had an above-ground pool and I became very comfortable around water from a young age. We rarely went to the beach, and I am less comfortable in that arena. But, because I know how to swim, it makes it much easier to push that fear aside and go in…

With students' time always stretched to the limits, it's hard for them to squeeze in time for homework. With that, our Moms Council answered the following question this week: At what age should kids start doing homework and how much should they be assigned? Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: Although I know there are merits to homework, I must admit I am not especially looking forward to the time when my now pre-schooler reaches the grade where she is loaded down with projects, assignments and worksheets every night. I remember the heavy school bag, the giant textbooks weighing down my left …

Our nation’s birthday, Independence Day is coming on July 4. While many people treat it as a day off from work filled with fun and cooking, the day marks our nation breaking away from England, history many people forget about. With that, our Moms council answered the following question this week: What do you do to teach your kids about Independence Day?  Waltham mother Melissa Rossi: With my kids being younger, I have explained that it is the nation’s birthday and how we are independent and how we have a lot more freedom then other countries. We celebrate it by watching the fireworks, and …

Father’s Day is approaching, which means you may be making a trip to Home Depot for that leaf blower, or planning and trip somewhere. No matter what you may be planning, Patch’s Mom Council this week answered the following question: As mothers, what do you and your children do to celebrate Fathers Day? Waltham mother Melissa Rossi: My children celebrate Fathers day by making special home made gifts such as scented bath soaps, cards and more. I tell the children how hard their dad works to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. I tell them how special this day is and how lucky we …

With summer approaching, parents are likely concerned about how their childrens’ skin will respond to the sun. This week, our Moms Council answered the following question: Do you worry about sun being bad for your kid's health. What precautions do you take?  Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: For my preschooler, I try my best to keep her in a sunhat that shields her face and neck when we are outside for extended periods of time. I also make sure her shirts have shoulder coverage. If she insists on a sundress, I put a shirt over or under it.  At the beach or water park, she wears a swim shirt …

Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: I told my young daughter about Memorial Day and its meaning over the weekend. She is very young, so I told her that Monday was a special day when we say thank you to people who served our country. I did not say those who died, because she is too little to understand that concept. Growing up, I always remember my father giving a donation and getting a red poppy flower on a sharp metal stem. He always had one on the visor of his car or hanging from the rearview mirror. Our family had lost loved ones in war, and many had served in different branches of the …

WIth spring comes high school graduations and seniors contemplating the next chapter of their life, which can be quite daunting. This week, our Moms Council issued some advice for high school seniors. Waltham mother Melissa Rossi: My advice to seniors graduating from high school would be, don't be afraid to fail and take some risks, follow your dreams, be passionate about achieving your goals or career. If you’re not passionate or don't like what you are doing, you will become bored and discouraged. Find some thing you believe in. Also, stay motivated. If you feel your are stressed or …

With the summer approach, many kids will much more free time on their hands. Some will go to summer camp, some will travel and others will get jobs. But should kids get summer jobs? That’s the question our Moms Council answered this week. Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: Having a summer job is a great way for older teenagers to learn, grow and make some extra money. I got my first job when I was 16 and saved most of the money I earned for college. I remember how great it felt to have the freedom to have a little of my own money and spend it on whatever I wanted, which was mostly junk food and…

This week, our Mom's Council answered the following question: How do you talk to your children about bad news in the media? Waltham mother Susan Sutherland: Parents should look at opportunities to discuss bad news as teachable moments. When my kids watch the news and see images of devastation, or a newscaster is speaking about a tragic incident, I stop and watch with the program with them. If they don't comment or ask a question, then I will say something to open the dialogue and we talk it out. I feel it is important for them to want to understand things in our world, both good and bad, and …

This week, our Mom's Council answered the following question: What advice would you give kids who plan to attend their high school prom?   Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: My advice to students headed to the prom this year would be to have fun and use their common sense. Always stay in a group, don't drink to excess or at all if you are under age, and let someone know where you are going after the prom. Bringing some extra money and the number of a taxi company is not a bad idea. Technology today makes it easy to stay in touch, but common sense is still key. If you find yourself in a …

Our Moms Council answered the following question this week: How do you balance work and family obligations? Waltham mother Susan Sutherland: Balancing work, life and family in my world comes down to one thin — compromise. For the past 16 years, I have worked as a freelancer in the visual creative arts field. In hindsight this was the best career path for me because when I started my family, one of my children required more attention than the other. In addition to "learning" how to be a mom to someone who needed extra help, I had to develop good time management skills to plan hourly, daily, …

This week, our Moms Council answered the following question: How should children spend their school vacation?  Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: While walking around the neighborhood yesterday with my daughter, we were happy to see kids of all ages outside, despite the drizzly day. They were riding bikes, eating ice cream, shopping and giggling. It was almost like they were rehearsing for summer.  That is what a true break from our normal activities like school and work should be — hanging out with friends and family, having fun and playing outside.   We had fun during our bus ride listening …

This week our Moms Council answered the following question: How Should Children Spend Their Summer? Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: During the summer, it is important for kids to get lots of fresh air and exercise. We spend lots of time in our backyard, at the park and playing with friends.  One of our favorite things to do as a family during the summer is take a walk during the evening. It is a great time to catch up and enjoy the long, sunny days. We take a few turns around our neighborhood, enjoying flowers and trees, talking about what we did that day or what we will do during the …

This week, our Moms Council answered the following question: How do you make new mom/parent friends, especially if your children are quite young, or you are new to town? Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: If you are a new mom, many hospitals, churches and community centers offer new mom's support groups. This can be a great place to meet new people who also have newborns. Some groups even encourage moms to go for lunch or coffee after the meeting, which can foster new friendships.   I made new friends while attending a natural child birth class before my daughter was born. One thing the …

This week our Moms Council answered the following question: How much leeway do you give to your children in them picking out their own clothing and/or accessories? Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: My daughter is still young, so I pick out her clothes or they are given to her by family and friends. When it is time to get dressed, however, she is particular about what she wants to wear. I usually try to give her a few options, to cut down on the negotiating and time it takes to get dressed. I don't worry too much about her matching or looking a particular way most days. If she wants two …

In the wake of the earthquake in Japan, this week our Moms Council answered the following question: How should you talk to kids about tragedy? Waltham mother Susan Sutherland: I find that using a frame of reference that kids understand helps put things in perspective. I reminded our kids of last year when Waltham experienced a terrible rain storm that flooded roads and many homes. Our wet-vac was in constant use after a sump pump malfunction and the basement play area was off limits. Some sentimental items had to be thrown away. The roads in our neighborhood were closed and repaired for …

This week our Moms Council fielded the following question: Do you limit your Facebook time or that of your children's? And how? Watertown mother Dianne Wheeler: Facebook and other social media sites in my opinion are not for children under age 13. Parents should work with their teens to help them understand not to share certain private information, such as their birthday and address, and encourage them to think before "friending" anybody. It is important that we start warning them early of the potential dangers involved in sharing identifying information, making contact with strangers and …

With spring arriving, students are casting a fond eye toward liberation from the boredom of school and further to basking in the warm summer air. So, this week, our Moms Council fielded the following question: How should students spend their summer? Waltham mother Susan Sutherland: Getting into the summer mindset now will help you get organized and plan a fun summer for your kids. Waltham organizations offer great camps and sports programs that will keep your kids active and learn new skills. Consider signing up for programs with the Waltham Fields Community Farm where kids can learn more …

What advice should first-time parents receive? That is the question the Moms Council answered this week.  Waltham mother Susan Sutherland: My one piece of advice to parents is to immediately bring up any concerns you might have with your child's development to the pediatrician. There are developmental guidelines but every child is different and they will meet milestones when they are ready. If it seems they are taking longer than other children you observe, or seem to be struggling, discuss this with the doctor. You do not need to wait for a wellness appointment and you should document your …