Are we ‘prepping’ our kids for too much stress?

A few thoughts on navigating today’s increased anxiety-filled world By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times As a teen in the 1980’s, the terms “prep, prepper, and preppy” evoke strong memories of a serious fashion statement: Tretorn tennis shoes, gravity-defying, up-turned collars, going sockless and the syrupy scent of Ralph Lauren’s Lauren perfume.  The above was often tied...

Kids are surprisingly expensive

It’s a bit shocking when you think how much we spend on our kids, but it’s worth it By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I read a really interesting article on one of my favorite websites, Refinery 29, about the cost of raising children (read it here: http://r29.co/1sA1VcH). While they were focused on the necessities like food and shelter, I was thinking this:

More than 100 kids enjoy KAPRB’s Cross Country Run

By Hannah Christopher, Running Editor, The Times More than 100 kids participated in the Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board’s annual Kids Cross Country Run last week. Pictured here is the overall winner Davis Piercy from Kennett Square. KENNETT — The 11th annual  KAPRB Kid’s Cross Country run for 14 and under children was held last Thursday night on a picturesque evening at...

How to get your kids to eat fruits and vegetables

It may take a little creativity and marketing, but it can be done By Nina Gundecha, Columnist, The Times All parents have faced the wrath of a five year old who refuses to eat his spinach because he doesn’t like the look of it… the taste of it… the smell of it… or, the texture of it.  In fact, he likes absolutely nothing about it and there is nothing you can do at that moment to get the...

I have many things to be thankful for

And so do my kids, nieces and nephews By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times My memories of Thanksgiving as a child are some of my most precious.  Our (not so large) extended family would gather at my Great Aunt’s house for food (including tons of desserts…my grandfather and his brother owned a few bakeries!) laughter and love. We would play touch football with our cousins and then come...

Does finding the right Halloween costume have to be scary?

Who has time (or the ability) to sew a costume? By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Halloween can be stressful. The temptation to consume ridiculously huge amounts of candy coupled with the added pressure of finding costumes that are age appropriate and don’t cost $125 is a real challenge. And, although I profess my love (almost weekly) for Pinterest, it is super annoying to see what crafty...

Are smart phones changing our dialog?

Technology is great, but does anyone talk face to face to anyone anymore? By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Oh my gosh, have you seen this video clip?  It is AMAZING!  I love Louis C.K.  He can articulate things in such a way that you are laughing and nodding your head at the same time. BRILLIANT.

Back to school then and now

The thrill is gone at the start of the year with older kids, now By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times BACK TO SCHOOL: THEN (meaning 5 years ago) vs. NOW THEN- Brand new backpack (ordered WEEKS in advance) with coordinating lunchbox (and superhero thermos) containing things like carrot sticks, goldfish crackers and a love note from Mommy! NOW- Backpack from last year (ripped and tattered....

Lessons learned from mom

Words of wisdom from my mom end up coming out of my mouth… By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Mothering is part instinct, part learned behavior.  This much we know is true.  I have, on countless occasions, become so much like MY mother, we are almost indistinguishable.  It doesn’t help that we walk, talk and look the same.  Now, I find myself repeating verbatim her words of...

Strawberry Festival takes the cake — the shortcake

Annual four-day festival starts May 31, has rides, music, food and, of course, its famous strawberry shortcake By Mike McGann, Editor, KennettTimes.com The midway will once again be abuzz, as the Strawberry festival kicks off Thursday, May 31 on the campus of Brandywine Hospital in Caln. CALN — It may have started as small, one-day event to raise money for a nursing scholarship, but the Strawberry...