Let's Talk about Sex!

Today the Texas House Public Education Committee will hear a number of bills of interest to children in Texas. One of them is a proposed law that would require that, if Texas schools choose to teach sex education, they must present medically-accurate and age-appropriate information, including information about abstinence but also contraception, effective communication, responsible decision-making and what it really takes to be a parent. A second bill does not require discussion of condoms or contraceptives but it does require scientific accuracy if they are discussed – and it prohibits discouraging the use of condoms or contraceptives. 

Did you know that, according to the group Children at Risk, Texas receives more federal funding for abstinence-only programs than any other state in the country yet, at the same time, it has one of the highest rate of births and repeat births to teenage girls in the nation?The group Education Works believes teenagers need honest information to make responsible choices about sex. 

Have you discussed sex with your children? No matter how the schools cover it, it is our job as parents to make sure our kids are well-informed and can make educated decisions with their life and sexuality. Unfortunately, there are too many kids out there that do not receive proper guidance from their parents or other adults in their lives, so it falls on the schools to help them make good decisions about their bodies and morality. Obviously, teaching abstinence alone does not work. So, how far do you think schools should go in preventing teen pregnancy? It's a highly controversial topic but there is no avoiding it. 

I think it's time to start talking! Don't know how to start? I suggest a book written by Sugar Land mom and OBGYN nurse practitioner, Janine Sherman, and therapist Mary Jo Rapini: "Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom about Health, Sex or Whatever." 

We love the Q&A format and the lighthearted take on these big time issues that are so hard for moms and kids to discuss sometimes. Buy one copy for you and one for your daughter. We wish there was a boy version, too! (We suggest highlighting the parts boys should know in blue highlighter and giving it to your son to read!)

Dora is Growing Up ... for Better or Worse?

Got an invitation recently to sign a petition asking Mattel to "Stop the Dora Makeover!" Apparently, Mattel is launching a new "tweenage" Dora doll and online "club" for girls who may no longer be interested in the preschool version of Dora the Explorer. 

According to Mattel, parents were asking them to create a Dora character that is more appropriate for older girls. (Of course, they also want to capitalize on the Tween market. Based on the success of Hannah Montana, Barbie and the Bratz dolls, can you blame them?)

Based on a Reuters article and the photo released of the "new and improved" Dora (see above), I think Mattel might be giving moms of little girls just what we needed. Not more Bratz and Hannah Montana craziness ... but a cute character who has lots more going for her than a bunch of eye makeup. She's still smiling, doesn't wear high heels, appears to be sporty and healthy, doesn't appear to have a belly ring and still wears pink (and not all over her face)! Even her jewelry is tastefully simple. 

While I'm a little (okay, a lot) concerned about the high price tag for the new Dora doll (something like $60!) and the fact that the doll hooks up to the computer and gives "alerts" when new online activities are available (and, of course, there will be lots of stuff to go with the expensive doll – sold separately), I'm not that concerned about the new Dora's look. She is not getting a makeover. She's growing up ... just like my little girl is. 

According to Mattel, the new Dora isn't going to spend all of her time texting, shopping and running after boys. She's going to solve mysteries with her girlfriends and will be interested in wildlife, the environment and school. (I don't see any games where girls solve environmental problems on the Hannah Montana website, by the way. And, just take a look at the Bratz Web site. They look like contestants on VH1's Rock of Love.) 

This new Dora seems cute, smart and fashionable. I'm not sure I will be buying the new Dora given the price tag and the fact that, after the whole Webkinz craze, I am sick of toys that do not require an imagination,  just a computer.  However, if there are books or less-expensive "fashion" dolls, I might be interested. 

And, by the way ... Dora the old-school, preschool version isn't going anywhere, so don't worry! The new Dora will be a totally separate line, and she won't have a regular show on TV like the original. You'll only be able to find the new Dora online (and probably under the Christmas tree). 

Strawberry Patch News Not Berry Good

There was a rumor that the Strawberry Patch in Wharton, a favorite pick-your-own spot for many Fort Bend County residents that closed, was opening back up. Not so, says the owner:

I'm sorry, but we have not opened back up. We take our berries into the Bayou City Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. We are there from 8-12, but usually sell out between 9 and 10. I wish things could be different, especially our soil. It really hates strawberries. But we keep trying.
Thanks for checking with us.
Melissa Boerger

I guess we'll all have to visit the Bayou City Farmer's Market to get our fill of the delicious Strawberry Patch strawberries. Check it out at 

http://www.urbanharvest.org/programs/market/index.html

The Mom Who Came to Dinner

I'm visiting family in the Midwest  and feeling like a royal pain in the you know what ... sitting here taking over my mom's house. However, my family of four's annoying tendencies pale in comparison to Sheridan Whiteside's monopolizing of the Stanley family's home, also in the Midwest. At least I hope we're not as bad as Whiteside! 

If you have time this spring break week, check out the Alley Theatre's "The Man Who Came to Dinner," playing only through March 22. Whether you are a house guest or have been entertaining house guests or just need a good laugh, you won't regret visiting the Alley to see this show.

Visit www.alleytheatre.org or call 713-220-5700 for tickets.

How to Get Out of Working This Weekend ...

1) Mulching stinks ... literally. If you live near New Territory (or Telfair, River Park, Greatwood, etc.), call Boy Scout Troop 732 to come out and do all of your mulching this Saturday! Time is running out so be sure to call right away. For $3.50 or $4 a bag, plus $1 to spread it, the boys (with help from some girl scouts!) will come out and take care of spring's worst chore. We had them come out last weekend and, boy, were they done fast ... and it looks lovely!

Call 281-762-3044 or email 732mulch@gmail.com.

2) While the boy scouts are mulching, don't feel like you have to be there to help them (as if you were going to help). Leave them a check and head out to the corner of U.S. 59 and Hwy. 99 (River Park Shopping Center), where the members of the Lamar Consolidated High School band will be washing cars this Saturday between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for a band trip. 

Can't get out there Saturday? E-mail band booster jansrussell@earthlink.net and give the band a pledge per car. (If you pledge 5 cents per car and they have 200 cars show up, you owe the band $10.) 

3) Sit back and relax knowing you helped the youth of America ... without lifting a finger. 

You, the Pope and the Boss ... all on PBS this week!

I love PBS. I contribute to their drive every year because I figure, if I can give the cable company tons of money every year, I can at least throw HoustonPBS a little something for giving my kids gifts like "Arthur" and "Sesame Street." Because I am too busy watching highly intelligent programming like "The Real Housewives of New York" and "Celebrity Apprentice," I often neglect to check out what is on PBS in the evenings. You know what? There is some cool stuff on there!

Just got my weekly listing e-mail from HoustonPBS.org (you can sign up to receive their "don't miss list" each week) and I am going to set the highly expensive DVR I rent from the cable company to record these three upcoming shows on PBS. I thought you might like them, too!

1) Wednesday, March 4 from 8:55 p.m. to 10:26 p.m.  (PBS has funky time slots)

You: Inner and Outer Beauty with Dr. Michael Roizen

Forget about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Beauty in the way it's going to be defined in this program is in the eyes, the skin, the hair, the face, the brain and in the soul of you. 

2) Thursday. March 5: 7-8:30 p.m.

Discovering Secrets of the Vatican

It's Lent ... why not?

3) Saturday, March 7: 8:30-10 p.m.

Bruce Springstreen & The E Street Band, Live in Barcelona

If you saw the Super Bowl Half-Time Show, you are not wondering why I want to see this concert. 

Happy watching! And, remember, it's public and commercial-free programming. If you like these shows, email HoustonPBS a few dollars. Big Bird says "thanks."