When my Japanese friends offered to teach me to make sushi a few years ago, I was really excited. Not just because I love sushi, but because when most of your family is gluten-free, new lunch options are really, really…
Things He Learned . . . Everywhere
How do you know it’s working? When your six year old writes (with no parental guidance of any kind) the following editorial for a homemade newspaper: Dear Readers, I think that the world is so beautiful, and I like looking…
Highchair Travelers: St. Lucia Day
December 13th marks the feast day of Saint Lucia. This holiday celebrates Lucia of Syracuse, whom folklore tells us was a Roman Christian who helped hide another Christian family in the catacombs. Because she needed her hands free for carrying…
Rule #9: Your Kids Are Your Passport
One concern I hear from many parents planning a trip overseas is that taking kids along will cut them off from any “authentic” experiences and doom them to a vacation full of children’s museums and swimming pools. This couldn’t be…
Highchair Travelers: Advent
Growing up, my favorite part of the Christmas season was celebrating Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas. This is a common practice in Austria, where my Dad lived in his early twenties, and in many European countries. Every Sunday we…
Change Your Kids’ Lives. Get Outta Town.
During the summer of our third year in Beijing, we arrived in America for a two week visit. While we were chatting with some of my parents’ neighbors, one asked where we were living. “We’re in China, actually!” She took…
Highchair Travelers: Diwali
[Thursday, October 23rd] is Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of Good over Evil, Knowledge over Ignorance and Light over Darkness. Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated by lighting…
Highchair Travelers: Dia de los Muertos
November 1st is Dia de los Muertos. Celebrated primarily in Mexico and the southwestern United States, The Day of the Dead is a day for remembering and celebrating lost loved ones. (It is emphatically NOT “Mexican Halloween.”) In Mexico, families…
Rule #8: You DO Need All This Stuff (aka What to Pack)
Now that I’ve told you what NOT to bring, it’s time to help you figure out what you SHOULD bring on your next trip. First of all, the same rules apply. Pack light. You do not want to be…
Highchair Travelers: Brazilian Brigadeiro
This week the Highchair Travelers set off for Brazil for some Brigadeiro! Incredibly popular in Brazil, these easy chocolate truffles are a constant at any party or festival. Simple to make and fun for kids, brigadeiro are a delicious first…