Science-y Gifts for Kids

SteelyKid and The Pip illustrate the process of science.

One of the questions from a caller when I was on the “Think” show was about how to keep kids interested in science. As I said, the issue isn’t so much creating in interest as working to not squelch the interest that’s already there. Taking kids to cool places like zoos and science museums is… Continue reading Science-y Gifts for Kids

How to Build a Rocketship

SteelyKid and The Pip illustrate the process of science.

The Pip’s current phrase of choice is “How do you build…?” We get asked this several times a day. “Daddy, how do you build a glass?” “Well, you get the right kind of sand, and you get it really hot, so hot it melts. Then you make it into the shape of a glass, and… Continue reading How to Build a Rocketship

Happy Pip Day

The Pip explaining to the world in general that today is his third birthday.

Exactly three years ago today, The Pip arrived, in a manner that will allow him to kill Macbeth should that become necessary. This is the age where kids first become aware of the concept of birthdays, so he’s just a tiny bit excited about this. He’s a fast-developing Little Dude, chattering more and more every… Continue reading Happy Pip Day

Cute Kids Weekend

The Pip as Winnie-the-Pooh, and SteelyKid as a Lego construction worker. From the free caricature artist at Kids Night at LT's Grill in Niskayuna.

It’s been a brutally busy couple of weeks here, what with reading folders for the job searches we have going on, trying to keep on top of my class, and multiple day-care closings for the Jewish holidays. But the kids are still very cute, as you can see from the above caricatures of The Pip… Continue reading Cute Kids Weekend

Drumming for Fall

Trees just starting to turn by Lock 7

The JCC is closed today for Rosh Hashanah– and best wishes for a happy new year to those who celebrate it– so I’m spending the morning with The Pip before Kate comes home to take the afternoon shift while I teach my class. SteelyKid is in school today as usual, so don’t tell her, but… Continue reading Drumming for Fall

Father’s Day 2014

according to SteelyKid I am as tall as a seeling (ceiling) and as strong as a grilau (gorilla).

Today is Father’s Day in the US, so I got a bunch of little gifts from the kids. The Pip’s was just a construction-paper card mostly made by his teachers, with a bit of scribble on it. SteelyKid’s, though, included a fill-in-the-blank booklet that she wrote on and drew pictures to go with. Some of… Continue reading Father’s Day 2014

Kickin’ Back

The Pip relaxing with some cartoons.

Made it home Friday evening after another bout of airline nonsense– they had replaced the plane for my flight into Albany with a smaller aircraft, so my email boarding pass assigned me to a nonexistent seat. Which had been corrected in their computer, but was never communicated to me, or to several other passengers who… Continue reading Kickin’ Back

Botany for Kids

Kate’s arguing a case in Connecticut today, so I was solo-parenting last night and this morning. which means that while I did manage to watch Cosmos last night, and have some thoughts about it, I don’t have the time or energy to write them up this morning. As explanation, I offer this video from dinner… Continue reading Botany for Kids

Go Fly a Kite

SteelyKid, flying a kite.

The kids spent last week at Grandma and Grandpa’s, as school was closed for Passover/Easter (best wishes for each of those holidays to those who celebrate them), and Kate and I went down there for the weekend. During which trip we went up on top of the flood control dam in town, and flew a… Continue reading Go Fly a Kite

Spring Break

The Pharaoh SteelyKid I is judging you.

This week is Union’s spring break, and like basically everything associated with Union’s academic calendar, it’s too short. I have to turn in my Winter term grades today, and next Monday is the start of my Spring term class. I also find myself in a place right now were every little thing is pissing me… Continue reading Spring Break