A: I just got Jake a cell phone (he is 11) and it's a bottom-of-the-line, no-frills phone and he knows he may use it only for emergencies. Paula Mackenzi

A: Sudbury library is a great resource. They have passes to lots of day activities! And they are FREE! Check it out. Mimi Dimauro A: Board games or card games are good for a few hours depending upon the age of a child or children. The library has free passes to many of the museums here in Massachusetts and most of them are indoor so that's always something to fall back on for a rainy day if you don't mind driving in the rainy weather to get to the museum. Or just walking around the mall — my son could spend hours in the Lego store and be perfectly happy building things from the bins that are …

A: Absolutely. Although my son won't be attending L-S until 2013, it does concern me that the classes will be too large, there won't be enough staff to teach AP classes — which are requirements to gain entrance into many colleges and universities — and the existing staff will be overwhelmed with the increased of amount of students because of the cutbacks. I hope that in the next few years, an override will pass and that L-S will gain funding to be able to hire enough teachers to keep class sizes reasonable for both students and teachers and that courses needed for college placement will be …

A: My core parenting skills have not changed but I find myself allowing my son a little more room to grow — and a bit more freedom — as he has gotten older. I still instill how important the truth is — my philosophy with my son is, "If you tell me the truth I will not be mad." We now talk in depth about picking good friends, and how character, integrity, loyalty and compassion shape his life. These values are so important for children to understand early on, but I've explained in more detail the importance of those values now that my son is 11 because these are values on which he can build a …

A: Returning cans! It's usually free money. Collecting, preparing, returning and accounting for the job and money. Let them network the neighbors who don't recycle, then go straight to the bank. Another great lesson about money and how hard it is to come by and save. Mimi Dimauro A: As a single parent, I taught my son early on about the value of money. He knows that I can buy him two pairs of sneakers that will last just as long as one pair of "designer" sneakers that cost twice what two "regular pair" cost. That way of thinking applies to many things in our home. Now that he's 11, whenever …

A: We always had a great time in the summer at Camp Dimauro! Being able to enjoy the summer at home and build many fun memories with the family that we still talk about even now that the kids are 27 and 28. Mimi Dimauro A: Personally, I think summer camp is a great way to build self-confidence, self-esteem and character. I have had no choice but to find summer camp accomodations for my son because I work and just can't take an entire summer off! BUT with the recent horrendous revelations about the alleged sexual criminal conduct of the counselor(s) at Camp Good News on the Cape, which has now…

A: Most important thing is that we put up an American flag. It is an opportunity to share values with our children. It marks the day as “different.” It is a good opportunity to visit the Memorial Garden in Heritage Park on Route 27. After that it is a family day — picnic or barbecue, low key. A day to say thank you to those who served and continue to serve our country. Malka Young

A: My son is 11 and a newshound like myself so discussions are in "adult terms." He knew about the shell casings found at L-S and his comment was simply "only an idiot brings stuff like that to school." He gets it. The lockdown at Nixon was a different conversation altogether and we talked about the entire incident - inclusive of the note found - and the "bad" things that have happened in the past few years at different schools around the country. Now that he's older, these stories take on a new meaning for him and he has more of a grasp on these events and tends to ask a lot of "how and why…

A: Since the passing of my own mother it has become a day of remembrance and fond memories. For me everyday is mothers day because I am so fortunate to have life changing and wonderful daughters! Mimi Dimauro A: Mother's Day means that for nearly 11 years, I have been someone's hero, someone's sun, moon and universe. And this someone has taught me to look at rainbows and bugs and the world in general through his eyes - the eyes of a child. The view is absolutely spectacular!   On Mother's Day, I think back to how I didn't have a clue nearly 11 years ago when I had my son so I just "made it up…

A: I'm the first line of defense. It's amazing what you can learn on how to do things on the Internet. If I can't fix it my husband takes a look at it, and then we call a handy person if we don't have the skills. Malka Young A: I tend to fix most things myself unless it's something in my rental agreement that my landlord or its maintenance employees must handle. Otherwise, I can hammer and wrench and drill with the best of them. I do have a friend who is one of those do-it-all handyman types so if it's something I genuinely cannot conquer with the large assortment of tools I do own and …

A: I was bullied as a child all because of my birth name. It caused me such grief and pain that as soon as I turned 18, I changed my last name. My brother did the same, and our lives changed drastically as a result. We were never bullied again. I shared this with my son and explained to him how hurtful "words" can be especially in this age of technology where words are used as "weapons" to hurt others, particularly when these hurtful "words" are spread through social networking sites, text messaging and emails. My son knows what happened to Phoebe Prince and to others who ended their lives …

A: Play the license plate game. Good old-fashion car game. Everyone (but the driver) get a pad of paper and pencil. The first person to get 10 different states wins! Mimi DiMauro A: This depends on the age of your children. Involve them in planning, using maps, have them pack a small suitcase or backpack with activities to keep them occupied. School-age kids can be engaged playing the license plate games (looking for license plates from different states) or the alphabet game (finding words on signs that start with the letters of the alphabet in abc order).  Of course with iPods, iPads, …

A: When my son turned 1, I invited immediate family and close friends to celebrate. My son was ONLY interested in squashing the cake between his fingers. As the years wore on, I found he enjoyed having gatherings of his friends at places where I had only to bring a cake. Cost-wise, those parties were low-key and fit into my single-parent budget. Now, as he approaches 11 years of age, my son would prefer a small gathering of his friends in our home and perhaps pizza, cake, ice cream, a movie and a sleepover so they can stay up all night. Now that's cost-effective thinking! Paula Mackenzi A: I …

A: I always say very politely, firmly and respectfully to my son, "Mom is talking right now. Please wait your turn and then I will listen to what you have to say." This accomplishes two things: It makes my son understand that I "have the floor" at that moment but also lets my son know I am interested in what he has to say and when I am done speaking, he will have my full attention. This also counts for when I am on the phone or working from home. However, in order to be successful and attain a continuity, I give him the same respect when he is speaking and I do not interrupt him.   Paula …

A: I am very fortunate to have a husband and partner in life. It definitely has strengthen our bond. Having created the most precious and important part of our lives. Even during the trying teen year we have always been able to get thru anything! Mimi DiMauro

A: It depends whether or not you are talking about one child sleeping over at another child's house or a group sleep over. Sleepovers are not necessary to grow up to be a happy, healthy functioning adult. Think about your own memories of sleepovers. Despite anticipation, were they opportunities for bullying, catty gossip, sleeplessness, homesickness or non stop fun? Amy Chu in her recently parenting memoir "The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" forbade sleepovers.  Though extreme, she may be right. Your children will have many opportunities for healthy separation (perhaps with extended family …

A: Ignore unsolicited advice and follow your instincts with your baby. Gabrielle Daniels A: Grab the bar of the parenting rollercoaster and get ready for the white-knuckled ride of your life! Everything you know is about to go from zero to 200 mph before you can blink your eyes!  If you remember anything, remember this: You are the parent, and whether you are a two-parent household or a single mom or single dad raising one or more children, you are ultimately the foundation upon which your child or children will build his/her/their life with values you instill, and character and integrity you…

A: I have a son who turns 11 soon, and we have had a long-standing, simple rule regarding his clothes: As long as he doesn't mix plaids and stripes, his clothes are clean and not ripped or stained, and they fit him properly (no flood pants), he may wear what he wants. My feeling is as long as he is comfortable in his clothes, then he is happy and so am I. I am lucky that my son likes simplicity - sweatpants and jeans and sneakers - and has not asked me to buy anything "designer" for him. He understands the value of money as it pertains to clothes. Sometimes the most expensive does not mean …

A: Most definitely my mother prevails. Old fashion common sense usually. Teaching right from the start, basic values of right, wrong and the consequences of your actions. Mimi DiMauro

Q: How do you make new mom/parent friends, especially if your children are quite young, or you are new to town? **** A: Sudbury has two terrific organizations that were created so that adults in Sudbury can meet – with or without children.  The Sudbury Family Network (for parents of children up to around age 5 or 6) and The Sudbury Newcomers Club for everyone – even people who have lived in Sudbury for years are involved in the Newcomers Club.  Health Clubs (Bosse Sports, Bonnie’s Bootcamp at L-S or the Field House or Longfellow Tennis and Fitness in Wayland), and your Sudbury Real Estate …