ParentMap, April 2006 Issue

Feature: Yours, mine and ours - The challenge and the promise of blended families

About this issue

Dear Reader:

“‘Do as I say, not as I do’ has always been a risky parenting strategy,” especially when it comes to manners and etiquette. (Are you a good-manners model?, Ages & Stages.) Our behavior toward others yet again confirms that in each aspect of our parenting roles, we are our children’s first and best teacher. Whether it’s our manners, political views, charitable giving, reading habits or treatment of the environment, our role modeling — for better or worse — steers our children in clear directions.

Now is the perfect time to start modeling good habits for protecting the planet as we celebrate the 26th anniversary of Earth Day. Not surprisingly, this important event has Seattle roots: The idea was launched in 1969 when a visionary U.S. senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, was attending a conference here. Inspired by the teach-ins surrounding the Vietnam War, Earth Day was an instant success, drawing 20 million participants during its first year (1970). Your family has numerous opportunities this month to learn about our environment and help protect it, not only on Earth Day, but every day. (To find events, visit the ParentMap.com online calendar and search keywords earth day or visit metrokc.gov.)

And speaking of great celebrations, Happy 3rd Birthday to us! Like many vivacious 3-year-olds, we feel a sense of pride in our augmented independence and accomplishments, including our most recent honor: receiving 10 new design and editorial awards during the Parenting Publications of America competition. This recognition celebrates outstanding local writers, artists and photographers, and our own remarkably talented ParentMap team. Most rewarding was a judge’s comment regarding our bronze general excellence award that ParentMap “reflects its Seattle roots, where strong design meets a sense of public conscience. Overall, a delight.”

—Alayne Sulkin, publisher/editor