With parenthood, it seems one day you're bouncing a baby on your hip and the next you're sending him off to college. The same can be said for the journey that has been ParentMap. It's hard to believe it has been 13 years since we printed our first issue. On the cover was my son, Eli; just this month, he was accepted into a dual law and master's degree program in international affairs. The cover article itself was prophetic, discussing how to talk to kids in threatening times; the Iraq War began later that same month.
In celebration of our 13th anniversary, we've rounded up some of our favorite stories through the years. Thank you for joining us on this wild and wonderful journey, dear readers. If you have a favorite story, we'd love to hear from you in the comments.
One phrase we often use to describe ParentMap's range of content is "from broccoli to popcorn." We strive to bring you both those stories that are fun (the popcorn) and those that tackle more serious issues (the broccoli). Our March 2013 feature story, Stolen Youth: Child Sex Trafficking on the Streets of Our Cities, explores what is perhaps one of the most underreported stories about youth today: children who are being commercially sexually exploited. While it may be an uncomfortable topic to read about, these children are our children. They come from every walk of life. A first step in helping them is to face this tragedy head on.
Pray much? Lots of local parents do — whether they go to church or not. Our December 2007 feature story, Does God Matter?, explores why faith matters now and what it means to families.
Our January 2011 feature story, Are We Born Racist?, takes a fearless look at the neurological and social underpinnings of racism in children. Find out why raising kids with the message "all people are the same" can actually hinder egalitarian beliefs, and read about the one simple thing you can do to help your child develop cultural literacy.
Our August 2014 feature, Beyond Pink and Blue: How Our Kids’ Generation Is Redefining Gender, helps readers walk in the shoes of those children and parents questioning the gender they were assigned at birth. Reading their candid stories will likely pop the bubble we all occasionally find ourselves living in. You know — the one where social norms dictate what our children should look like or accomplish in order to be happy.
Our December 2014 feature story explores a question every parent faces: Should I step In or stand back to help my kids find their passion. Read about the science behind what helps — and hinders — passion, creativity, success and happiness.
From technology to kids' health, Seattle has become a hub for creativity. Our March 2015 feature, The Seattle Effect: Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit Make Magic, takes a close look at what makes the Emerald City so special.
Every year at ParentMap, we sit around the table with a stack of recommendations from readers, child advocates and community leaders and discuss who to feature in our annual issue of champions for Washington families, which we aptly call the "Superheroes Issue." Don't miss this month's line-up of midwives, advocates, teachers and more.
