ParentMap, March 2009 Issue

So, what's it going to be: the family vacation or the violin lessons? Something's gotta give for many families as money woes hit home. This month, we focus on the recession crisis - and, believe it or not, the possible opportunity it presents for families forced to simplify and slow down. We're all in this together, and this month, our tragically in-the-know staff brings you insider deals and steals for family must-haves and services at every age & stage. Also this month - a get-started guide to jogging with baby, a look at a little-known (but much beloved) fringe festival, and a guide to nurturing your child's natural talents, be they the next Yo-Yo -- or the next Yoko. Feature: Slow parenting in a sliding economy

About this issue

Dear Reader,

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst is a family favorite. Your seemingly miserable day could never be quite as horrible as Alexander’s. Poor kid woke up with gum in his hair, his friends deserted him, and there was kissing on TV. “I think I’ll move to Australia,” is Alexander’s solution to that day’s many traumas.

Speaking of Australia, “The local economy may continue to perform better than the rest of the world despite forecasts suggesting 2009 will be the worst year since World War II,” was the headline in Australia today. What does Alexander know that we don’t? We may all want to consider a move to the land down under in these painfully harsh economic times that appear to be going from terrible to horrible.

This issue’s theme “Crisis = Opportunity?” respectfully suggests ideas for parents in these challenging times. No doubt a paradigm shift is needed for many families these days; some of us are suffering woefully more than others.

We don’t imagine that this issue will change lives in dire straits or ease emotional stresses caused by financial woes. Our hope is that the shared stories in “Slip-sliding away: slow parenting in a sliding economy” or “Recession guide: great deals on family entertainment” will remind us that we are not alone, and possibly uplift us a bit with creative and less costly solutions for family fun.

Our staff meeting last month had our tragically in-the-know ‘Mappers quizzically murmuring, “What is a ‘Moisture Festival?’” The proud few festival regulars raved about this “comedy/varietè ode to spring.” While a move to Australia is doubtful, we will definitely explore this “collection of circus and vaudeville acts … and the happily unclassifiable, stitched together with respect for humankind’s periodic need to get together and get a little wild.”

Getting wild is my self-proclaimed “yes-a-holic” 7-year-old’s favorite (inherited) pastime, so, Moisture Festival, here we come!