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As the leaves turn, providing us a familiar palette of fall colors and cooler weather, many of us are thrilled to welcome autumn and the upcoming holidays.
Halloween has always been a favorite for me, playing dress-up and indulging in sweet treats. And just as we’re able to become someone else for a day in October, the changing season, in many ways, sets us on a new course. Perhaps our own leaves change, as well; a time for renewal.
Memphis Parent, too, is experiencing a metamorphosis. In the coming months, we will continue to strive to bring you the best in local, engaging, meaningful content as we make a few minor adjustments. Among them, our next edition will be a special November/December double issue, hitting stands the first of November and remaining throughout the month of December. We’ll include an extended calendar of events in print, with a supplement, updated throughout the month, on our website: memphisparent.com.
We’re also planning to begin using this very space in a new and different way, and we want to hear from you! For our new “Parent to Parent” column, we’re seeking input from parents: you, our readers. From advice or lessons learned to thoughts on current events or from-the-heart commentary on what it means to be a parent, let us know what’s on your mind. If you’re interested in contributing, please send submissions for consideration with the subject line “Parent to Parent” to shara@memphisparent.com.
In the meantime, please enjoy our Women’s Health issue, in which a local writer shares the incredibly personal experience of her mother’s battle with ovarian cancer (“Listen to Your Body,” page 16). It’s a heavy story, but one that we women should all hear as a reminder to pay attention to subtle changes or symptoms that could signify life-threatening health issues. We thank Cassie Fox for baring this bit of her heart.
Also within, you’ll see some great kids’ reading suggestions — books that highlight special needs characters — in “Building an Inclusive Bookshelf” on page 9. On page 11, a local mom weighs in on co-parenting in “It Isn’t About You.” We also celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month with “To the Rescue!” (page 12), the story of a local family whose sweet rescue pit bull fits right in.
We’re very excited this month to introduce our first-ever School Expo, presented by Orion, taking place Saturday, October 27th, at Memphis Botanic Garden from 9 a.m. to noon. This free event will allow parents to meet face-to-face with school staff, see informational videos, and pick up take-home materials for planning their child’s education. The number of participating schools is growing weekly. Do not miss this event!
We hope the season’s change welcomes growth, happiness, and positivity for us all.
Happy Parenting!
Shara Clark
Managing Editor