With the kids home from school in the summer time, they'll have a lot of free time. The weather isn't always perfect, and the kids will often get tired of playing outside - so there needs to be things to do to fill the time gaps. TV and video games always seem to be an option. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.  Grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with this…

With Fourth of July around the corner, its time to start planning for the holiday. Luckily, there is no shortage of places to take the family. The Brockton Fair will be in full swing and parades will take place in Plymouth and Randolph. In Stoughton and Sharon, there will be plenty of Fourth of July Fireworks. Others may choose to attend a barbeque or just stay home. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians and the thousands of other issues that arise while …

For those "outdoors-type" families, summer is the best time of year. It means you can take the family hiking canooning, or even just to a camp ground for a night or two. There are plenty of campgrounds in the area. Canoe River is in Mansfield, Normandy Farms is in Foxborough, KOA is in Middleborough and Appalacian Mountain Club is in Canton. For a more genuine experience, some families might pack up and take a trip up to New Hampshire or Maine where "hiking" doesn't mean a walk through the woods, but up a mountain. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community …

Last year an estimated 68,130 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – and an estimated 8,700 died, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nearly $2 billion is spent treating the disease each year, according to the Associated Press. The staggering numbers have led the Food and Drug Administration to create stricter regulations for sunscreens this week. Sunscreen manufacturers will be required to undergo testing for ultraviolet A-rays and sunscreens with an SPF under 15 will be required to carry the label "This product has been shown only …

If you've been outside lately, you'll know that summer has offially arrived. The National Weather Service is predicting a high near 93 degrees today and a high near close to 100 degrees tomorrow. While the heat is refreshing for some after a long winter, it can also be dangerous for some, particularly children who might be outside playing in the heat. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.  …

Summer is finally here. For Easton kids, that means they'll be outdoors riding bikes, skateboarding and playing with friends. But, not all Easton roads are safe. Routes 138, 123 and 106 run through town and there are plenty of busy roads in the area. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.  Grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with this week's question below. …

Not too long ago, Easton Public Schools sponsored "Walk to School Day." It was a day in which students were encouraged to forego a bus ride or a car ride and take to their feet on their way to school. The event tied in well with one of Ross Muscato's latest columns about "helicopter parenting," in which he describes a generation that rarely walks anywhere anymore. Instead, parents provide rides, supervision and playtime everywhere a child goes, in his opinion. As Ross describes, it wasn't always like that - and children often walked to a park to play outside. Moms, dads, grandparents and the …

With Town Meeting over, residents have had their say.  They've voted to fund a number of projects that they clearly believe will add to the quality of their lives, including the restoration of the Queset Gardens, behind the Ames Free Library,  a contribution to help purchase the Governor Ames estae, on Oliver Street (to become a public park), and the restoration of the Oliver Ames Memorial Hall. But what will probably  effect most parents is the decision to purchase land on Chestnut Street, so the town can have more playing fields for children.   Right now, the town has a conceptual plan, for…

When President Barack Obama stepped to the podium Sunday night and announced that Osama bin Laden had been shot and killed by U.S. Special Forces, celebrations broke out across the country. People gathered in front of the White House Gates, at Ground Zero in New York and on college campuses. But, some have expressed that they feel uncomfortable celebrating the death of another human being. Normally death is a time of sadness. But, in the case of a mass murderer and American's number one enemy, it is, as Obama said "a good thing for America." It is a concept that might be difficult for …

Bullying has been a topic of discussion in Easton for some time now. Just this month, Superintendent David Colton announced the bullying prevention plan drawn up by the Easton School Committee as part of a state requirement was approved by Massachusetts Department of Education. This came after an incident in the fall when the mother of an Easton student said she was bullied while at School. She appeared on channel 4 news to discuss the topic. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week…

Stealing headlines across Massachusetts and the country in recent weeks has been news regarding Camp Good News - a Cape Cod summer camp that has recently shut its doors amid scandal revolving around camp counselors and abuse of children. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, email Patrick.Maguire@Patch.…

Between Maplewood Country Day Camp and Enrichment Center, the Children's Museum in Easton, Ames Free Library, and the many parks and recreation areas, Easton parents are lucky. There is plenty to do with the kids, especially during school vacations. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, email Patrick.…

At a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Raynham Selectman Joe Pacheco discussed ways Raynham plans to mitigate the effects of a train through his town and encouraged Easton officials to do the same. One of Pacheco's areas of concern was child safety. He asked that education on train safety be provided for children in the community. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If …

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan have been a major topic in the world since its happening. Even our columnists, Christine Iacobucci and Bob Havey have touched on pertinent issues regarding the tragedy. But, sometimes the issues are hard to talk about with your children. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic …

Students at Easton Public Schools have spent the week choosing classes for next the 2011-2012 academic school year, but sometimes deciding which course placement students would benefit most from is difficult. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, email Patrick.Maguire@Patch.com Moms, dads, grandparents …

Last week, our Patch Picks feature dealt with area summer camps. We did the research and gave you some options. This week, we want to know where Easton moms are sending their kids this summer. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, email Patrick.Maguire@Patch.com Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse …

Frothingham Park is one of Easton's most treasured landmarks. It is an excellent place to enjoy scenery and outdoors, play or watch a game. It is a great place for everyone - but sometimes that means a mixing of kids at different age levels could pose a problem. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, …

The snow is melting and spring is almost here. For many area parents, that means the kids will be taking the MCAS exams before we know it. We want to know how you're handling it. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, email Patrick.Maguire@Patch.com Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who …

There's plenty of places in Easton to go with the kids when they're off of school. With February vacation in full swing, we want to know what you're doing. Moms Talk Q&A invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Easton. Each week, members of our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. If you'd like to take part in deciding the discussion topic each week, email Patrick.Maguire@Patch.com Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community …