Moms are one of the fastest growing populations on blogsphere. From writing about the details of their daily lives to serving as a sounding board for politics, the arts and more, moms are sharing their thoughts and opinions while legions of faithful online followers also continue to grow. Meet some local mom bloggers and learn how to start  your own.

A what? Simply put, a baby sprinkle is a baby shower for second-time moms. Baby sprinkles are totally in vogue with women having their first and second child spaced out years apart. Here P&K contributor Mary Hart gives you plenty of reasons to have one and some ideas on gift-giving.

As I was walking my son to his classroom a couple of months ago, we noticed something out of the ordinary: all of the teachers stood together in the school yard, then walked into the building as a group just a minute before the school day started. As it turned out, teachers in all Haverhill schools did the same on that morning, in an effort to “show solidarity,” according to a subsequent article in the local paper, which explained that the teachers were unhappy about their contracts. The demonstration and the article made me think: as a parent, to what extent should I be concerned?

Twice a week, Evelyn House in Stoughton becomes much more than a shelter for the kids who live there: It becomes a classroom where they can get help with their homework, advice on issues that come up during the week, and, most importantly, one-on-one attention. This ongoing support for kids who might otherwise slip through the cracks is the mission of School on Wheels of Massachusetts. The organization provides children and families experiencing homelessness with tutoring, educational resources, parent workshops, school supplies and something less tangible – confidence.

P&K is keeping it local this holiday season. With so many wonderful, unique toy shops here in greater Boston, we wanted to open up the doors and show you some outstanding products that line their shelves. Rookie and veteran parents share their comments on why your kids would LOVE to play with these toys!

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean that you can’t ever go out for New Year’s Eve. Here are family-friendly events to bring in the new year together:

 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices are increasing at the fastest rate since 1990. And, according to Rutgers Food Policy Institute, food prices increased 4.5 percent from March 2007 to March 2008, the largest one-year jump in nearly 20 years. Butter prices are up 31 percent, cheddar cheese prices are up 65 percent and nonfat dry milk prices are up 117 percent from a year ago. Rising energy cost surely have most of us worried but when we’re faced with an extra $20, $40, $60 per week at the grocery store, we feel the pinch on a more personal level.
 

Get in style for the holidays with P&K Fashion for the Holidays feature. We've got you covered from head to toe!
 

 Finding the right fit between a parent’s expectations and an independent school’s culture and mission, is crucial when it comes to ensuring your child’s academic and social growth. And finding the right fit starts with asking the right questions.