Letters to the Editor

July 2008

To the editor:

Thank you so much for putting a spotlight on adoptive dads who are celebrating Father's Day for the first time (On Being a New Dad, June issue). You have done a terrific job capturing the joyful change that adoption can make for a man. Like the men you have highlilghted, those of us who work in adoption know that it is not unusual for prospective fathers to have fears about parenting an adopted child. Time and again we see these apprehensions disappear when a child becomes part of their life. Indeed, experience shows us that adoption is likely to be a life change that brings endless enormous joy to fathers as well as a feeling of great accomplishment. The interviews you describe with three different men who have recently become fathers through adoption illustrates the dramatic change that takes place and the emotional ties that are forged between a man and his new son or daughter regardless of that child's age or background.

Vicki Peterson

Executive Director

Wide Horizons For Children, Waltham

To the editor:

“Breaking the Silence: Depression is a real issue of men, especially dads” by Michelle Apuzzio was a compelling and important article. With Father’s Day around the corner, it was refreshing and unique to read a hopeful article about men dealing with depression. At Families for Depression Awareness, we feel it is vital to bring this issue to the forefront. Articles like “Breaking the Silence…” help reduce the stigma associated with depression, and encourage people to get treatment.   Your piece will go a long way toward helping men feel more comfortable about reaching out for treatment. Congratulations!

At Families for Depression Awareness it is our mission to help families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides. Although mental health can be a difficult subject to address, it is important for the public to know that people do get better and that men who have depression don’t need to suffer alone.   There are a variety of ways to treat depressive disorders, and although it can take time and patience to find the key to better health, treatment is generally effective.  

Here at Families for Depression Awareness we hear so many success stories, and we were thrilled that you were able to highlight them in your magazine. Thank you for writing such an important and timely story.

Julie Totten

President & Founder of Families for Depression Awareness

To the editor,

Congratulations on Parents and Kids' new look. I've really had fun reading the issues done in the new format. You've got a lot of good information to impart, and now it's a lot easier to read.

I especially liked the "Secret Life of Mom” (May 2008). It got me thinking and asking my friends what their "secret life" was. And, while I knew my friends were an amazing bunch of women, I really had no idea just what hidden talents they possessed. Thanks for giving some really great conversation starters!

Keep up the good work,

Ellen Zagorsky Goldberg

Malden

P&K Heather Kempskie was awarded a silver award by Parenting Publications of American for the category of ‘Interview.’

Parenting Publications of America (PPA) gave out more than 400 Editorial and Design Competition awards to 78 parenting newspapers and magazines at a banquet in late spring, the climax of the three-day PPA Annual Convention in Little Rock, AR.

PPA's Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by publishers, editors, writers and designers at member publications. Prof. Daryl Moen of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism coordinated the annual contest. A panel of judges reviewed 1,249 entries (up 5% from 1,184 entries last year) to choose the winners in each category. All judges have had significant professional experience.

Parents and Kids, "Grandparents Just Like You," Heather Kempskie, editor
The interviewer does a nice job of getting well-know personalities to share their innermost thoughts and feelings on being grandparents. The human emotions expressed bring home the universal message of love for their kids and grandkids that all grandparents share.

Thu, 03/27/2008 - 9:50pm

Dear Editor:

As a parent and longtime fan of Parents & Kids magazine, I want to applaud your new spring makeover and thank you for serving our family. I got a peek at the new issue, and the design is as fun and fresh as the content. I’m thrilled to see that the magazine is growing and improving just as fast and with as much energy as the kids you write about each month.

For years, my kids and I read each month’s issue for great playtime ideas, fun things to do around the area, and real solutions to life’s parenting dilemmas. Your special issues like the ones about grandparents or adoption fuel important discussions in our household, and remind us how precious all kinds of families are. I especially love your expert columns – it’s like a doctor’s visit without the co-pay!

Thanks for being there for me and my family and congratulations on your new look. I can’t wait to see what’s next for P&K!

Julie K. Dennehy
Medway

Dear Editor:
 

I am so thrilled to see a redesigned Parents & Kids! I’ve long been a fan of your articles and columns—especially Meredith O’Brien’s laugh-out-loud commentaries on motherhood—and count on every issue to provide an honest view of the challenges parents face today. With all that I have going on in my life, I’d rather not read articles that leave me feeling guilty because I’ve failed to get a homemade meal on the table every night! Unlike some other parenting publications, P & K does a terrific job of keeping it real.
 

Keep up the good work!
 

Erin Kane
Ashland

We want to hear from you. Send us your thoughts and comments on stories you've read at WickedLocalParents. To submit a letter to the editor, please e-mail Heather Kempskie or send mail to P&K, Heather Kempskie, 254 Second Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.