Raising Maine

"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS I looked like a pregnant, frumpy housewife from Maine as I sat in the conference room in New York City waiting for my turn to declare myself a bad mother. I wasn't pregnant; however, I can see why, in my shapeless, decidedly un-hip dress, someone... more

Lady Luck smiled on Biddeford mom Heather Lauridsen twice in one week, when the winner of this month's Raising Maine complimentary makeover picked up $100 in babysitting services in the Mother of a Month contest, also put on by Raising Maine. Heather, who works in marketing support at Delta Dental, is the sole provider for her 2-year-old daughter, Maya. The single... more

After 41 years, a change in Maine law and a chance hit from an internet search, mother and daughter meet again. By KAREN BEAUDOIN, Raising Maine Staff Writer Ann Houston doesn't remember a time when she didn't know she was adopted. Her adoptive parents, Donald and Jean Houston, included that know- ledge with the rest of her childhood lessons, making sure always... more

A conversation with Kristin Barry of Scarborough, an olympic-caliber runner who has set her sights on 2012. By JOANNE MYLES, Raising Maine Contributor As she lined up on Boston's Boylston Street for the 2008 Olympic Trials – shoulder-to-shoulder with the country's elite marathon runners – Kristin Barry couldn't help but feel out of place. "It was so surreal," recalled the 34-year-old Scarborough native.... more

The right gear, a solid plan and a little encouragement can propel you into the ranks of runners. By JOANNE MYLES, Raising Maine Contributor "Who are these crazy people?" I wondered as I slowed to a walk, observing the smiling faces bouncing by at a pace I could barely muster on a bicycle. "How can they talk and laugh and use ridiculous... more

By PATRICIA MCCARTHY, Raising Maine Contributor In one moment, at the tender age of 17, Samantha Cole knew exactly what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Sprawled on the ground, comforting a victim of a horrible auto accident, it just hit her: She wanted to be a part of a team like the one responding to this scene. "I... more

By SUSAN HYDE, Raising Maine Contributor It can be really fun to spend a little money on your children when you are able and when they truly appreciate the value of what you are giving. There is a line, however, between generosity and manipulation which, once crossed, can become toxic to the parent-child relationship and can in fact result in long-term... more

The front-page news stirred outrage. "What?" my 7-year-old screeched over her bowl of cereal. "They can't close Mister Market! I'm going to picket!" Mister Market was our town's grocery version of the fictional bar, Cheers: Everyone who shopped and worked there knew your name, and if they didn't know your name, they knew your face. Family-run for 40 years, Mister Market was more than a store... more

By KRISTEN DEQUATTRO, Raising Maine Contributor July is National Grilling Month, so let’s celebrate with some tried and truly delicious recipes. There are many great benefits to grilling food – no pots and pans to clean, it is a high-heat (fast) method of cooking, and whether you’re fixing meats, seafood or veggies, grilling is a surefire way to impart distinctive flavor without... more

By JACKIE CONN, Raising Maine Contributor It's time for a personal revolution! Declare your independence from excess weight and restrictive diet rules. You can break free from the tyranny of dieting and be happier and weigh less by doing so. You don't have to eat what you don't like and you don't have to stop eating everything you love. No more... more

Communities throughout Maine make plans to celebrate July 4. By CHRISTINE DEVEREUX, Raising Maine Contributor It has always struck me as odd that on one day each year we not only allow, but sometimes encourage our children to play with fire. Heck, not just fire, but explosives. The fact that firecrackers, cherry bombs and roadside fireworks have become such a tradition in... more

In Maine, one of the favorite pastimes is picking some ripe berries on a beautiful summer day. Because the weather in Maine isn’t always beautiful, berries and fruits may ripen earlier or later than usual. Because of this, it’s always good to call ahead before a visit to your favorite farm. If you’re looking for a “favorite” place to go... more