Here is what’s going on at SantaRosaMom.com this week:

Advice for teens
A judge offers advice to teens that some parents are considering way too harsh for this day and age, and others are applauding it wholeheartedly. What do you think?

Push presents
There’s a growing trend that mothers to be receive presents (other than their new child) once they have given birth. Is this a ridiculous idea? Or are you wishing you’d thought of it sooner?

Back to school
Parents feelings over the end of summertime range from sadness to total elation. Read more on how local parents are dealing with the start of the school year.

The Village

7 things to say to your toddler
In the busy world of raising a toddler, there are some things you shouldn’t forget to tell your child along the way.

Food Stamp Challenge
I’m really excited about this challenge I’m putting out to all of you! I’m writing an article on the reality of living off of an extremely small food budget, like many struggling families do on a weekly basis when utilizing food stamps. I’m not only looking to hear from families who use food stamps, but also from families who would be interested in joining our challenge of living from a one-week budget of $50. Find out more at my blog.

Family Events

Saturday, August 25
Taste of Petaluma: The yummiest event this weekend is happening right in Petaluma when dozens of nosh joints offer nibbles and bites of the deliciousness the cozy town has to offer. 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. $35/$40. Downtown Petaluma. tasteofpetaluma.org

Saturday August 25
Mutts & Models Fashion Show: The latest in style trends will be showcased on the catwalk beside some uncatty pooches. A collaboration of the SR Plaza, Julie Nation Talent Academy, and Sonoma Humane pairs young models with adoptable dogs, a show that can result in you bringing home new fashions and a new friend. Free. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Santa Rosa Plaza. facebook.com/SantaRosaDowntownMall

Saturday, August 25
Hawaiian Luau: Hula your way over to Penngrove Park for their 2nd annual tropical playground celebration and Penngrove Firemen benefit with delicious islandy food, Hawaiian dancers, and music from Charley Baker, plus a raffle for a Hawaiian vacation. 5:30-10 p.m. Pre-sale only – $25 adults; $10 for children under 12, Advance purchase tickets: JavAmore CafĂ©, or 707 795-3295. 11800 Main St., Penngrove. penngrovesocialfiremen.org

Aug 25-26
Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival: Arts and crafts, food from restaurants and caterers, wine and microbrews,
and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $8-$12 in advance; $10-$15 at the gate;
under 12 free. 16885 Bodega Highway, Bodega. winecountryfestivals.com.

Sunday, August 26
Back to School Festival: School’s back in, and Plaza North in Petaluma is celebrating. Opening up their parking lot for the festivities, they’ll have entertainment from local teen singers, dancers, and more. The kids can enjoy all sorts of fun including a sidewalk chalk art contest, goat petting zoo, jump houses, and fun carnival food. Plus there will be on-site kids hair cuts and raffles throughout the event, as well as music provided by Hot 101.7 and Froggy 92.9. Free. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 259 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma. theplazanorth.com

Sunday, August 26
Cooking contest: Kids are invited to sign up to bring in their own kitchen creation form a recipe out of one of Coppoerfield’s kids cookbooks. Delectable dishes will be judged at 2 p.m. at the Petaluma Copperfield’s. Enter the contest or come see if there’s any leftovers. 140 Kentucky St, Petaluma. copperfieldsbooks.com

Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you on the forums!

Crissi Dillon
SantaRosaMom.com

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