Beyond Sibling Rivalry -- Upcoming PT Lecture

While siblings have a special opportunity to develop close, strong bonds with one another, this special relationship can just as easily go the other way.  Siblings can engage in serious competition to such an extent that getting along just doesn't seem possible.  As the younger of two sisters, I have experienced sibling rivalry from childhood through my adult years.

"And a little sibling rivalry" by Cathy T

Some sibling competition can be good thing.  When my sister received a National Merit scholarship in her senior year of high school, I knew there was no question that I had to do the same. My senior year mirrored her accomplishment.  Although our paths took a different chronological order, we also both went on to graduate from the same university, attend law school, become attorneys, become part-time working moms and stay-at-home moms.  Along with similar interests, our competitiveness played a part in propelling us down similar, ultimately fulfilling paths.

At other times, sibling rivalry is not so pretty.  My sister and I have outgrown our rough and tumble cat fights as young kids.  But as an adult, I find it very easy to be pulled into the internal dialogue in which I compare the accomplishments of my child with her child, my niece whom I adore.  Based on our sibling history, I am certain that my sister does the same!   Luckily, for our families, this competition has not surfaced in any visible way (I hope!).

"Sibling rivalry" by Richard Leeming

If only there were some strategies and tactics that parents could take so that sibling competition among their kids doesn't become unhealthy rivalry.  Parents want their kids to nurture good feelings about each other and build supportive relationships that will last throughout their lives.

Interested in learning more about the pros and pitfalls of sibling rivalry?  Attend Parent Talk's  upcoming lecture, "Beyond Sibling Rivalry," by Peter Goldenthal, Ph.D on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles River School in Dover.  The author of a book by the same name, Dr. Goldenthal is an expert on sibling relationships and child development.  Parent Talk members are invited to attend for free and non-members can purchase tickets for $20.  Register and get tickets at Eventbrite.com.

About the Author
Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently, blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

PT Spring Sale: Six Reasons to Volunteer, Donate, Consign and Shop!

If you are pregnant or new to parenthood, the Parent Talk Sale on Saturday, May 7, 2016, is a must-not-miss event.  You can expect to see some high-end baby gear, clothing, and toys at bargain basement prices (literally...the Sale is held in a church basement!).  And all of it within a welcoming community of fellow moms and dads, eager to swap stories from the parenthood trenches or share resources ranging from pediatricians to preschools to summer camps.  It is so special that I have friends who travel from Connecticut and Western Massachusetts twice a year to volunteer and shop.  No joke.  There is simply nothing else like it.

A long line of shoppers waits to enter one of PT's bi-annual Sales.

If you are welcoming another baby to the fold, you also owe it to yourself and your growing family to check out the Sale.  Donate or consign some of that outgrown blue clothing and search for something new in pink!  Volunteer as a Sale staffer, share your hard-earned expertise with a friend, and learn something new from someone with older kids.  Simplify your life and pick up an extra set of everything (cheap!) for grandma's house, and never ever schlep another toy or pack-and-play there again.  Doesn't that sound amazing?!

I can't wait.  See you Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham.  The General Sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the $10 Clearance Bag Sale from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The Sale is open to the general public.  Membership in Parent Talk is not required to donate, consign, volunteer or shop. 

 If you need a few more reasons to squeeze the Sale into your calendar, here are six:

1.  HIGH END BRAND NAME CONSIGNMENTS

The Sale has established a reputation for high quality.  You can often find brands like Hanna Andersson, Mini Boden, Crew Cuts and more.  Think Kate Spade diaper bags, Kelty backpacks, and Bugaboo strollers.  Even if you are just cleaning out a pile of Carter's jammies, you can feel good about making the donation.  Or, turn a tidy profit when you place your consignment cast-offs in the company of brand name merchandise.

Shoppers among the many racks of clothing.

2.  DO WELL AND DO GOOD!

Parent Talk is a 501 c3 non-profit organization, so your donations to the Sale are fully tax deductible.  Half of all that you earn on consignments also directly supports Parent Talk programs that benefit hundreds of Metro-West families.  Any unsold donations or consignments are scooped up by other regional charities that help needy or homeless families, such as Circle of Hope, Cradles to Crayons, and the Department of Children and Families.  Email donations@parenttalk.info for donation drop-off information and sellerskit@parenttalk.info for information on consigning.

3.  REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

Donate your well-loved toys and clothes to the Parent Talk Sale, not the landfill.  Shopping for recycled treasures at the Sale is much more fun and eco-friendly than shopping at your local big box store or online.

Example of a "jackpot" item from a past Sale -- small Trek mountain bike.

4.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL

Parents can shop with their children to teach them elementary math while making purchases and how to best manage their money.  Kids enjoy a freedom of choice not possible at more expensive stores. 

5.  VOLUNTEERING HAS ITS PRIVILEGES

If you serve on the Parent Talk Sale Committee and/or sign up for a 2-hour volunteer shift, you can shop from Sale items a whole day early, and under less crowded conditions.  Friday is a private shopping day for volunteers and some of the most desirable items are sold then, before the Sale even opens to the general public. 

6.  IT'S IN THE BAG!

The very last hour of the Sale is exciting.  For just $10, shoppers can fill a bag with as much merchandise as they can carry.  Even if you shop all day at Friday's private sale for volunteers, you will want to come back to bag the best bargains on Saturday.

The Parent Talk Sale is the Olympics of sales.  But you can't get to the PT Sale from your computer or your iPhone.  You have to show up to share the good gossip (maybe even get a warm hug!) and grab the deals of the century.


About the Author
Catherine Memory is a freelance writer and publicist, and a former Parent Talk Board member.

Parent Talk Photo Album: College Throwback

Fun abounded for those who attended Saturday's College Throwback night, this year's spring fundraiser for Parent Talk.  With a program that included food and drinks, DJ, NCAA basketball, a wish tree (wish list of items for PT's Playspace and community partners), raffle, and silent auction, what was not to like?  The dress code at the Biltmore Bar & Grille in Newton was college casual.  PT members rummaged through the back of drawers and closets to proudly don the names of their almae matres for one more night.  See pictures below!

Hey, that's pretty funny!

Line-up of items for sale in the silent auction.

 Just chilling at the bar.

We're starting our own College Conference.

Give me a P. . . P! Give me a T. . . T! Go, Parent Talk!

The PT crowd.

A great team starts here:  PT's President Megan Bourque (left), VP Ellie Beasley (center), and Executive Director Susan Kagan (right).

PT's wish list and a popular college past-time come together to dress up the Donation Tree.

This is better than guys' night out!

Members of PT's 2015-2016 Board and Event Co-Chairs.

Couples hang out.

Taking advantage of a chance to catch up.

Taking a break from watching the Syracuse v. North Carolina game.

Playgroup friends are the best!

A memorable experience to share with a friend.

Over 50 local businesses donated to Parent Talk through College Throwback 2016!  Parent Talk would like to thank these businesses and all of the silent auction donors and bidders, along with all of the Red Cup Raffle donors and winners.  The response to our wish list was gratifying.  Many items were donated to the Parent Talk Playspace and to other local charities.  Parent Talk thanks Ginger and Julia from the Biltmore Bar & Grille which was the perfect location for College Throwback.  The chicken and waffles were a hit!  And for their unwavering support of Parent Talk, including attending College Throwback, we would like to thank Needham Bank's Eric Morse and Michelle DiSimone. 

Parent Talk members can likewise support local businesses in our community.  Plan to shop at Needham Cash Mob on April 30th!  Spend at least $10 with local retailers.   The event starts at 10:00 a.m.   Shop anytime throughout the day!