This week's discussion topic stems from a recent personal quandary. On Monday, my daughter went on her first full day field trip. The trip was to the Providence Children's Museum.  I was not lucky enough to be one of the “Chaperone Lottery Winners,” nor was I able to "follow the bus" due to last minute obligations. I didn’t give my absence much thought and was primarily focused on ensuring her lunch was completely disposable.  Much to my surprise, I found myself a nervous wreck Monday morning!  I ask that you bear in mind that my professional background includes operating school age programs…

The Stoughton Police Department has definitely been in the forefront of the media as of late.  Since Saturday, they have had many news worthy events, such as the handling of the Page Terrace shooting and the collaborative drug bust of two Stoughton roommates. The department also kicked off National Police Week with an awards banquet, the first of its kind, to recognize some very deserving officers. Then, of course, there is the most recent milestone…Town Meeting’s overwhelming approval to fund the purchase of tasers. However, this isn’t the first time Stoughton Police Department has been news…

The other day at my daughter’s school I realized that spring fever had set in.  I am not just referring to the typical absentmindedness that comes with the distraction of nice weather.  But rather, in the awkward interactions between boys and girls of the upper elementary grades—just a few months ago they acted as if they were from different planets now they linger around each other and are even in “relationships.”  I will be honest, it kind of freaks me out-how quickly kids grow up.  Especially since the Kindergarteners have lunch and recess with the 4th and 5th grades.  On a personal note, …

Since my first Mother’s Day I have had a secret wish to have the day “off.” I envisioned being pampered with a full day of beauty at Elizabeth Grady. As the years passed it evolved into the hope of sneaking out to get my nails done while the kids napped.  Six years later I have accepted the fact that there is no day off, as soon as we give birth we are and remain “on.” This acceptance led to reflection of the wonderful Mother’s Days I have had…my husband’s hand made gifts with the kids and the year we hung out at the beach together instantly came to mind.  These were amazing; “Mommy Moments” …

The April 11 Mother Knows Best column discussed my opinion of kids respecting their elders by addressing him or her by their surname (please note that elder refers to any adult, even if we have yet to consider ourselves as such!).  In response to the column, a reader named DJ posted a very fair comment.  DJ suggested that by trying one sets themselves up for ultimate failure.  Of course, DJ does not know my “all-or-nothing” personality or the defeat I am typically confronted with when I do not achieve perfection. However, the past few years have matured me in my parenting role and therefore, …

I must admit that I am surprised at how much I take for granted my child’s safety at school.  Even after so many tragedies over the years, I feel like the schools are overall a safe place for the kids to be.  I can think of only a couple of times a year that I more mindful of it…when my Kindergartner participated in a drill this fall which included “standing by the sink very quietly in case a mean man ever came into the school” (she had bad dreams for several days with that one, and so did I).  I of course get nervous about field trips because kids can wonder off or, like in an episode of the…

This week’s topic: How old should children be when they get their own cell phone, iPod, Facebook account, etc.? Call me, “old school”, but I am constantly amazed by how much younger and younger the kids are that I see with all types of tech devices or even their own Facebook accounts.  Don’t get me wrong my 3 year old knows how to navigate my Droid probably better than I, but as far as the electronic gear that he and my 6 year old actually own-only the Leapster Game Systems.  Perhaps I should be embarrassed that we just got a Wii system this past Christmas.  I figured since I apparently am …

It seems that we are faced with never-ending supply of bad news.  It has gotten so bad that I tend to shut off the news after the weather because it is so depressing.  Luckily, as adults we have the ability to process and rationalize the sensationalized negative media blitz we are bombarded with.  Unfortunately, kids cannot, and therefore internalize this information and the graphic images that they may see.  Events such as the earthquake in Japan may be a bit easier to put in perspective due to the distance and rarity of such an occurrence (although they are more frequent than anyone would …

Last weekend, as my daughter celebrated her birthday I, like many mothers, spent many moments reminissing. While she spent the morning quoting the classic character Eloise saying, “Hi, I’m Bella, I’m six!,” I appreciated the sweet little girl she has become.  Then, as she was opening her gifts at her first “friend” party, I came to a startling realization.  The way her eyes lit up at the gift sets of makeup and accessories told me that being six is not quite what it used to be.  While, I never considered myself old, this experience has definitely dated me.  I didn’t even experiment with …

This week the Moms Talk Council was asked about the practical ramifications of the Stoughton Teachers Association’s decision to no longer allow teachers to perform any voluntary activities, as the STA negotiates a new contract.  The question was as follows: With the teachers no longer volunteering their time for additional activities, does this change your opinion about volunteering personally?  Do you feel that you will volunteer more or less of your time than you do currently?  Has this decision turned you off from offering your help to the school? The first Mother of a 4th and 6th grader …

After last week’s great debate surrounding sledding at Chemung Hill, I hope to facilitate some honest dialogue concerning the ceasing of afterschool activities that teachers were doing on a voluntary basis.  After reviewing the Stoughton Teacher Association’s public statement as quoted in Mark Snyder’s Around the Town column, the Council was asked the following questions: After reading the Stoughton Teachers' Association statement, what are your feelings? Do you find yourself swayed to one side or another?  For example, the teachers who are making a point by eliminating volunteering or the …

(Editor's Note): Stoughton Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in our community. Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council will take your questions, give advice and share solutions. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for the questions and issues that arise while raising children of all ages. This week Mother Knows Best Columnist Christine Iacobucci leads the dicussion as to whether or not it is safe to sled down Chemung Hill, located behind …