Family Ties

A conversation between parent and child can be incredibly powerful. StoryCorps is a program that records exchanges so society can benefit from them. It's not hard to be moved by one such interview between 12-year-old Joshua Littman (who has Asperger's syndrome) and his mother, Sarah Littman. It was taped five years ago and garnered national attention, but as budget cuts threaten the organization's existence, the interview has be brought back into the spotlight.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). No federal funding for CPB might mean the end of StoryCorps, which for me would be a deeply personal tragedy. StoryCorps is the national public broadcasting project that gives everyday Americans the chance to record a forty minute oral history interview with a loved one. A copy of each interview is archived at the Library of Congress so our great-great grandchildren can get to know us through our voice and story. CPB is StoryCorps’ primary funder.

Would you take part in this project? Who is the person you would choose and why?

It's one thing to give your loved one kisses hello and goodbye each day, but another to turn them into full-on movie-style embraces. Couples trying to recapture some of their pre-children friskiness often find themselves facing embarrassed tots when they hug, kiss, or give each other a pat on the rear – and I'm not even talking about instances when the kids walk in on them.

While some couples try to keep their love life hidden behind closed doors, others are happy to showcase it for the world – including their children – to see. LilSugar readers have made it clear that they see nothing wrong with walking around in the buff in front of their kids, but how much PDA do you engage in when they are present?

Incredible things come out of the mouths of babes, but it's hard to keep track of all the tidbits your tot says — especially if you are mother to many. Some people write the anecdotes down, and others just commit them to memory by repeating them to anyone who will listen, but I've come up with a few easy ways to keep a record of these utterances.

• Frame it! Take your favorite picture of your child and frame it. While a black and white photograph works best, anything will do. Use a dry erase marker to scribble the latest saying across the top or bottom of the glass and it becomes an ever changing work of art. If you have more than one kiddo, create a wall of quotes.
• Stencil it! Looking for design inspiration? Fill the walls of your child's room by penning, painting, or stenciling them with the family-famous sayings.
• Journal it! Fill the pages of a leather-bound journal with all the wonderful things that come out of your child's mouth. Then take the time to read through them every so often.
• Facebook it! Share your youngster's musings with family and friends via Facebook so everyone can appreciate your wee one's wit.
• Twitter it! Since tweets are 140 characters or less, a private account is an excellent way to technologically chronicle your offspring's thoughts.