STAY INFORMED & SHARE YOUR VIEWS

THE BLOG CONNECTION — you'll always have someone to "talk" to!

OPINIONS, TIPS, NEWS, ADVICE... AND FUN, TOO!

EXPLORE WESTERN NEW YORK is written by Christine Smyczynski, wife, mother of four (ages 6-18), freelance writer and author of Western New York An Explorer's Guide from Niagara Falls and Southern Ontario to the Western Edge of the Finger Lakes.

Her blog features a wealth of information on activities and events throughout the region, gleaned from the many press releases she receives each week, plus some original content about local attractions, venues, stores, restaurants and more.

When she's not chauffeuring kids around to various activities or trying to restore order in her home, Christine also finds time to write for Western New York Family, The Buffalo News, The Democrat & Chronicle, and a number of other web sites and local and regional publications.

OUR WORLD, YOUR KIDS
Are you feeling pressured as a parent, feeling like you have to fend off a bombardment of outside influences which seem to be pushing at you from all sides as you try to raise your children? Do you sometimes feel as though you're the only one trying to uphold any sort of standard? You're not alone!

As a former teacher, the mother of two grown children (ages 29 and 26) and the editor and publisher of Western New York Family Magazine for the last 25 years, MicheleMiller has gained enough life experience to form some strong opinions about what's happening in our world that's affecting how we raise our families. A parent's job is being made much more difficult by outside influences — technology overload, violent media, the plain old lack of civility towards one another, less than stellar role models, and a whole lot more.

Becoming a first-time grandmother in September 2008 has made her even more vocal on the subject of what's wrong with the world when it comes to doing what's in the best interest of our children. In her profession, she has access to cutting edge facts, research and statistics, well-known authors and experts, books, DVDs, educational products and more that can serve as the basis of some great blog discussions about where our world is headed when it comes to serving the needs of our kids.

Get involved. Join the discussion. After all, the future of OUR WORLD will be determined by YOUR KIDS!

At PARENT TALK TODAY, written by Kathy Sena, "We chat about everything that's on your mind as a parent. Grab that Frappuccino and join us for book and movie reviews, videos, tips, a little whining, and a lot of fun. We're the next-door neighbor you wish you had!" Kathy's writing has appeared in Western New York Family, Newsweek ("My Turn"), USA Today, Woman's Day, Family Circle and many other publications.

DAD-O-MATIC is a blog written from a dad's perspective. But it's not just one dad blogging — it's an entire group of male voices sharing opinions, views, reviews, advice and a whole lot more. Oh, and it's okay for mom's to read it, too!

MARTHA AND ME is written by Brette Sember, a Western New Yorker, former attorney and mediator who is an author, freelance writer, mom and someone who is about to give her family a “Martha Makeover.” Follow her attempts to duplicate Martha’s recipes and projects — don’t we all wish we had the patience and skills to strive for Martha-like perfection. How will Brett fare in her makeover as a mini-Martha? You’ll have to read her blog — it’s a “Good Thing”!