I don’t know about you, but everytime I try to have “the big talk” with my girls about SEX, they roll their eyes and tell me “they know.” After all, they  have Health in school. But what do they REALLY know? Have you ever, for once, called your child’s Health teacher to find out what they’re teaching? All you have to do is turn on the TV or the radio: our kids today are bombarded with sexual images—many of which only help to breed misconceptions.

Which is why we at Rockland Magazine are so excited to host Debra Haffner, author of Beyond the Big Talk: Every Parent’s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Teens at the Nyack Center on November 8th at 7 p.m. Admission is free, though if you want free childcare, you should register at Real Life. Real Talk. our partner in the event. (Not to mention we have GREAT goodie bags!)  It promises to be an interesting and informative evening. Hope to see you there!

I don’t know about you..but I barely have time to put my makeup on then sit down and diligently read every video game or game console my girls bring home (they are more web/internet savvy than I am). Which can be dangerous. Especially with the upcoming holiday season, and the array of gifts they’re sure to get?

I wrote about protecting kids from internet dangers in the latest issue of InTown: Westchester. And, since researching my story, I also found out about ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) The front of virtually every game box displays an ESRB rating symbol ranging from EC (Early Childhood 3+) to AO (Adults Only 18+).  On the back, you’ll also find content descriptors which helps busy moms like us discern what age the game may be best suited for and what types of content may be of parental concern.

This is a big topic, and one that I’m trying hard—despite my deadline crazed, stressful life—to take more time to understand.

How do you fight with your spouse? Arguing is an inevitable part of married life. And according to a recent sudy, the way you fight can affect your health. Lucky for me, I’m outspoken and honest (though I’m careful to couch my words) because apparently, those that keep their feelings bottled up are more likely to get sick over time. Men, on the other hand, are not affected by staying quiet. Needless to say, this doesn’t mean you should start throwing dishes at your husband and raising your voice, but you do need to communicate.

Anyone see the recent issue of U.S. News & World Report that says more moms are finding smart ways to blend work and family? I kindof “borrowed” mine from my doctor’s office (one reason I haven’t been blogging: forgive me—hurt my back and been a bit under the weather).

But I digress. The good news: is that women today are rejecting the “supermom” image from the 80s as well as the “soccer mom” stereotype of the 90s and today are more likely to negotiate flexible schedules at work and demand more participating from their partners at home. Nearly 26 percent of working women with children under 18 work flexible schedules, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared with 14 percent in 1991. Most of us, when pressed, would rather have the “part-time ideal,” but if you can’t get that, it’s good to know that we’re all in the same boat (I say this after my boss has been SUPER nice since I hurt my back: thanks ML!).

This clever YouTube video says it all.

There’s a growing happiness gap between men and women. According to new research, men have gradually cut back on activities they find unpleasant. They new work less and relax more.

Women, on the other hand, have replaced housework with paid work—- and as a result are spending almost as much time doing things they don’t enjoy as in the past. In other words, we’re spending more time on paid work and less on cooking and cleaning.

I don’t need research to tell me that. I’ve said this before and will say it again: my husband gets up, goes to work and unless I really bug him—comes home sans stopping at CVS, Stop and Shop and the dry-cleaners. I, on the other hand not only do errands after work, on my lunch break and before work, I’m also the one remembering to stop at Staples because Syd  needs White-Out or rushing home to throw laundry in because Corey needs a certain shirt for tomorrow’s gym class. I’m also the one worrying about how messy the house is (his parents officially think I’m a slob); what we have in the house for breakfast/lunch/dinner that’s not frozen or pre-packaged, as well as who needs to be carpooled where.

So am I happier than him? What do YOU think?