Bunchland

Beth Blenz-Clucas blogs about music for kids that grownups will love too

For many kids, this is the first real week of school, and here’s where excitement and mortification collide. Even the coolest kid is good at hiding the insecurities that come up with the first days of school, as the social schematics are figured out. Inevitably, some kids will feel left out. The cries of “You’re not my friend anymore” are all to frequent, even among kids not raised to be mean. 

My sister-in-law has a theory, based on years as a substitute teacher, and hanging out with her nephews, that kids are inherently conservative. They like routine, they hate change and they want to fit in.

Most kids do seem to want to be like their friends, even if it leads them (like lemmings) off the proverbial cliff. “Normal” is good, and the popular kids determine the standard to which aspires.  Read more...

What we’re reading today:

1. Some parents are planning their kids around when the $ 1,500 adaptable stroller will be available: “Hey, I’m thinking of having my second, so when do you think you’re going to have the stroller?”

2. With gay marriage now legal and happening in New York state, the New York Times interviewed three same-sex couples who already had kids and got married this weekend. What does marriage mean for people who’ve already started a family together?

3. Decemberists lead singer Colin Meloy has written a young adult novel. If it’s anything as imaginative as his songs, we’re pretty sure we”ll like it.

4. A British MP says that there aren’t enough girl characters on kids’ TV shows and the ones that do exist are too pink and princess-y.

5. Flying anywhere sometime soon? Make sure you know all the safety protocol stuff:  Read more...