News and Culture Five
What we’re reading today: 
1. We thought Norway was supposed to be cool and progressive? So why did child welfare authorities take a healthy, happy 3-year-old from his parents and send him to live with his uncle in India?
2. “Unless it’s a kid saying it, ‘mom’ or ‘mommy’ denies women’s adulthood or agency,” says a York University prof. Should we stop slapping “mommy” on everything?
3. Just in case you wanted more proof that you’re not the worst parent in the world, Lifetime has given Ice Moms the green light. Now you can compare your parenting skills to pageant moms of the figure skating world.
4. Would you let your daughter have a sleepover where the only adult around was a dad? Apparently some groups think dads aren’t to be trusted. (We agree with the commenter who said it should be about whether you know the supervising parent(s) or not.) Read more...
postcards from bunchland
Roasting some ‘mallows with Grandpa
Today’s Postcard from Bunchland comes from two stout monks in Manitoba.
Queer as Moms
Meri Perra blogs about the challenges she and her partner face in trying to raise their girls with feminist values
Coming out of the shower this morning, I heard my darling, dear to my heart, two-year old say, “Shit, shit, shit.”
What was remarkable about this moment is how un-remarkable events like this are in our home. The truth is, we’ve had little kid swearing in our family for some time.
Our older daughter had developed a potty mouth well before she was potty trained. I remember Catharine, full of new-mom brain and sleeplessness, having trouble parking the car one day, just after our second daughter was born. We heard a little voice out of the back seat.
“Oh shit, oh [f bomb],” Rosa said to herself, timed perfectly with Catharine’s back-up attempts. Read more...
The Bunchbrary
Your best bets for chocolate cake themed books
How often do National Chocolate Cake Day and Family Literacy Day coincide? Not too often, we would guess. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than getting together with some loved ones after dinner, digging into a nice slice of chocolate cake and reading a book together? There just simply is no better way. And if you don’t have carpets or light-coloured furniture to worry about, we suggest that this activity is best when done on the floor in some sort of makeshift reading nook, or piled into a big, comfy chair.
Without further ado, your chocolate cake book selections:
1. Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan (2011)
Perfect for Betty Bunnies of all ages.
2. A Baby Sister for Frances by Russell Hoban
Read more...
The Bunchbrary
Set aside some time to veg out with a good page-turner
Your first chapter book is a big deal. It’s a milestone for independence and brains. When your kids are ready to eschew picture books and dive into the brave new world of novels, you want to introduce them to the reads that will exhilarate them to the max. Something with an exciting story, relatable characters, a few lively illustrations, and just the right amount of other-worldliness. Here are some suggestions.
The Moomintroll Series by Trove Jansson (1945 – 1970)
Ages 8 and over. These cuddly-looking, round-snouted family of trolls were brought to life in Finland between 1945 – 1993. They were based loosely on the authors own bohemian, nature-loving family. Adventures take the moomins out to sea, through dark and scary forests, and under giant fish attacks. Recommended by Cynthia Crumb.
The Adventure Series by Enid Blyton (1944 – 1955) Read more...
Being Precious
Precious Chong blogs about co-parenting alongside her ex and his new fiancee
“When I’m with you I miss Daddy and when I’m with Daddy I miss you.” Jack cried as I held him on my lap. Mind you, this was after a tantrum of yelling and screaming (full disclosure: by both of us) because I wanted him to do his homework before he ate some ice cream. But it was also after he had been at Wes’ for a couple of days. I need to remember that the transitions are usually tricky for Jack. Basically he’s leading two separate lives. I mean we do stuff together too so it’s not completely separate but that only goes so far.
It makes me sad writing this. Jack wants us all to live in one house, then he wouldn’t have to miss anyone. Read more...
Dare to Draw
Drawers, here’s today’s Dare:
Hannah Potter starts us off today with a drawing of her neighbourhood in Halifax, NS.
From her mom:
“After some explaining Hannah really like this one. We live on a cul-de-sac that has its own playground attached. She drew the whole family at the playground, and Daddy is helping her go down the slide! Also, she drew our house in orange so everyone would know which was ours. Haha.”
Love it!
And from a previous Dare to Draw assignment, here’s Matthew’s drawing of a hero. He chose to draw Wolverine transforming into a Tigerman. Um, when does this kid get his own comic book, because that needs to happen.
Happy Daring and Drawing, friends! We’re just about halfway through! What have been your favourite assignments? What’s been your kids’ favourite to draw? Read more...
