Uncategorized - Funny Parenting Stories for Fathers (and Mothers)

Stoughton Public Library Schedule of Events for Week of July 13

The following is a list of events being held at the Stoughton Public Library for the week of July 13.

Monday

Arts in the Park with Magician Joe Howard will be held at 10:00 Monday morning at the South School. The event will be moved to the library in case of rain or a heat advisory.

Teen Arts: Beaded Plant Craft will be in the Community Room. Teenagers in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to make a plant with wires and beads, including some that glow in the dark. Registration is required.

Teens: Bookish Buds Reading Club will meet at Halloran Park at 2:30 P.M. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to bring a book anytime between 2:30-5:30 and read together. No registration is required.

Tuesday

The Teen Space will be open on Tuesday afternoon, 1:00-4:00. Open to teenagers in grades 6-12, the Teen Space features board games, card games, RPGs and trivia. No registration is needed.

Wednesday

The Teen Space will be open for arts and crafts on Wednesday afternoon, 1:00-4:00. Supplies will be provided for the self-led creative time. Arts and crafts is open to teenagers in grades 6-12. No registration is required.

Drop in Chess for Kids will be in the Children’s Area Wednesday evening, 5:00-6:00. Drop in Chess is open to children ages 5-11 and their caregivers. Instruction is available, but children are expected to have a basic instruction of the game.

Teddy Bear Storytime with Peggy Sewyck will be in the Children’s Craft Room 6:00-6:30 on Wednesday evening. It is open to children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed friend.

Bring Your Own Craft Club (BYOCC) is a DIY social space for adults. Crafters of all kinds are invited to bring their current project and supplies to the library for inspiration and good conversation. The BYOCC is designed to bring creators side-by-side in a relaxed social space.

Thursday

Storytime at Halloran Park will begin at 10:00 at Stoughton’s Halloran Park. The event is open to children ages 0-6 and 7-12. In case of rain, Storytime will be moved to the library.

The Teen Maker Space will be open for video games, 1:00-4:00. Wii, Switch, PS2, and PS4 will be available for use. No registration is required.

Drop-in Scrabble is open to adults, 1:00-4:30 in the Conference Room. No registration is necessary.

Naturalist Jonathan Kranz will host “Let’s Talk About Mushrooms” at 6:30 Thursday evening. Kranz will talk about foraging and the mushrooms that are safe to eat and not safe to eat. Registration for this event, held in the Community Room, is required.

Friday

Adults are invited to create a glowing mini terrarium lantern with Jennifer Holmes. The project will utilize battery-operated tealights, moss, natural elements, and recycled glass jars. Registration is required and space is limited. The mini terrarium lantern craft runs 10:00-11:00 on Friday morning.

Saturday

Storytime at Halloran Park will begin at 10:00 on Saturday morning, open for children ages 0-6 and 7-12. Storytime will be cancelled in the event of rain.

Stoughton Public Library is closed on Saturday’s during the Summer.

Potty Train your Puppy and Save your Home

I tell everyone I have children, a dog, and a cat. These little creatures, all of them, tend to give us a little more excitement than we would like. Our adventures have included trips to the vet and the emergency room. More often than not, the causes of these trips have been instances where we thought we had been careful with our home and its inhabitants.

Our First Dog

In our life before children, Wife and I had a dog. This dog proved to be more than we bargained for, and his behavioral issues forced us to get rid of him. Wife was pregnant, and we weren’t sure our baby would be safe. Our dog tended to growl, and he got territorial around wife.

We made a difficult decision when we decided to give him up. It was tough for both of us. We got him on during our first Christmas in our new house, so there was a little bit of history with us, our dog, and our home.

The Dog and our Porch

One of the issues Wife and I dealt with was potty training. I was reading an article written by A Dog Guide. This story brought back some not-so-great memories of cleaning up pee and poop throughout the house, especially our three-season porch.

This specific area became the dog’s domain. He had a crate there. He liked to pull cushions off of the furniture and play with them. Our dog found the seam to the linoleum, and that was it for the linoleum.

As previously mentioned, there is a lot of work and responsibility when it comes to raising a dog. It’s not like you can toilet-train a dog. The next best thing is to train Man’s Best Friend to ring a bell to let the bipeds know when it’s time to answer nature’s call.

Potty Training Tips for Your Dog

(Source: dogguide.blog)

Create a Consistent Routine: The Golden Rule of Potty Training
Choose a Designated Potty Spot
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward, Reward, Reward!
Watch for Potty Signals: Learn Their Language
Use Crate Training Strategically
Handle Accidents Calmly (It’s Going to Happen!)
Stay Patient and Consistent: The Power of Persistence

Treats and Praise

One of the tips to a successful potty-training is to give treats. This was something I didn’t do when we were potty training. My thought was, “Why should I reward the dog for something he was supposed to do anyway? No one gets me a beer every time I have to hit the head.”

Alas, I was doing it wrong. Wife told me this positive reinforcement was necessary when it came to making sure your dog was doing it right. Rewards and treats are one of the imperative things you should be including when trying to train your four-legged friend.

Teaching and training dogs isn’t easy. There are a lot of things to take care of, and the training and frequency will depend on the dog. Smaller dogs mean smaller bladders, so you need to be more vigilant in making sure your pet is properly trained and getting out enough, thereby avoiding piddles.

Outside is best for the Dog and You

When your dog gets outside, they will sniff around for a place to do their business. This makes it that much more important they get outside. If your dog pees or poops inside the house, they will have marked their territory. This means your dog thinks they have a place to do their business from then on. If there is an accident, make sure the area is properly and thoroughly cleaned. Dogguide recommends an enzyme-based cleaner for accidents.

You can start early with your dog. Take them outside and tell them to “Go”. Try to keep a set schedule so the dog will be on a clock and go to the bathroom at the same time every day. A predictable routine will minimize surprise gifts left on the floor. The habit will be engrained in both the dog and the human. This means the animal waste will be out in the yard instead of stinking up your home.

Stoughton, MA Block Party Will be Held on June 13

The Stoughton Block Party, celebrating the 300th anniversary of the town’s founding, will be held Saturday, June 13 at 12 noon on Wyman Street.

A “Kids Zone” and local vendors will be open at that time, while the Block Party’s Grand Opening Ceremony will take place at 1:00. Festivities will run until 6:00 and will feature a free barbecue (2-4), live music (3-6), and a cash bar (2-6). In addition to the barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs will be sold at the Portuguese National Club.

More information can be found at stoughtonrec.org.

Parking for Stoughton Block Party

MBTA Parking Lot (98 Railroad Ave.)
MBTA Parking Lot (Morton Sq)
MBTA Parking Lot (Off Porter St)
15 Pleasant St (Rec Department)
10 Pearl St (Town Hall)

“Homeopathy Primer” by Abby Beale

This post features products I will earn a commission on if you buy.

People get sick. Children, daddies, mommies. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, illnesses tend to find you. If you’re lucky, it’s something you can handle while you’re going about your business and just sip some tea or pop a lozenge. Sometimes it’s worse than that and you need some rest. Either way, getting sick is an unfortunate but inevitable fact of life.

Illness has made its presence felt in my home as Wife and children have been hit with a malady. People have been up at all hours of the night needing medicine or tissues to see themselves through the latest round of sickness and discomfort here. Happening on Christmas put a dent in our plans. We were going to visit family and stay overnight, but the condition of some of our children plus not wanting to infect other guests who were vulnerable and susceptible to germs made us rethink those plans.

New Plans for the Day

After exchanging presents on Christmas morning, healthy members of the family got in the car and drove to my in-laws for a brief celebration. There was a lovely meal prepared, and we sat down to feasting and drinking. I was able to see my brother-in-law, his wife, and my nephews. It had been a while since I could do that, so it was nice to be able to see them.

Days after Christmas, there are still people who are trying to feel better. Some people are doing better than others. I am trying to do what I can administering remedy and relief to people who are laid up and need sustenance and nutrients to make it through their ailments.

No one wants to be sick. If you are feeling sick, you want to feel better as soon as possible. I am a firm believer in rest, tea, and hot baths. Taking it easy isn’t always easy, especially in this house, but sometimes you have to find the time to relax a little and give your body time to recover.

Meet Abby and her Book

If you want to look into some of the more natural ways to treat illnesses and injuries, you might be interested in a book called “Homeopathy Primer” written by Abby Beale. Abby is a homeopath based in western Massachusetts. When her son was 9 months old, he was suffering from constant ear infections. Abby was at her wits end with what to do and turned to homeopathic medicine in hopes of helping her son. The treatments were successful, and the ear infections stopped. For the past 25 years, she has used her know-how to help patients and parents of patients.

Abby’s book features comprehensive descriptions and explanations of homeopathic remedies and solutions. It talks about the causes of illnesses and injuries and how homeopathy can be used to administer to these aches and illnesses. While the book explores in-depth preparations and processes, it also mentions at numerous times throughout the book that there are instances where an exercise or cure should be left to a professional and when a trip to a hospital or your primary care provider would be best.

Other Information in the Book

Also included in the book are definition of terms and a directory of stores to find homeopathic supplies and remedies. There are also a number of resources to help you start or continue your journey in homeopathic medicine. “Homeopathy Primer” offers treatments for illnesses at all kinds of severities and shows how to treat the patient depending on how long they have had the illness and how bad it is as well as how old they are and how to best make the necessary antidote.

Parenting is tough. It’s tougher when you’re the one who’s sick. Daddies and mommies don’t always get to take a day off no matter how ill they are feeling. If you’re looking for a way to treat the little patients in your home, or if the idea of a natural remedy appeals to you, that “Homeopathy Primer” might be just the thing for your library.

Events at Stoughton Public Library

Here is a list of events happening this week at the Stoughton Public Library.

Monday

Teens Bookish Reading Club will meet at Halloran Park Monday afternoon, 2:30-5:30. No registration is required. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to bring their own book to the Reading Club.

The Teens’ Crochet Club will meet in the Teen Maker Space Monday afternoon, 4:00-5:00. Teenagers in grades 6-12 are invited to bring their current projects to share and talk about. Registration is required.

Tuesday

The Teen Space will be open on Tuesday afternoon, 2:30-4:45. The Teen Space features cards games, board games, video games, and craft supplies. No registration is needed to attend.

Wednesday

The Teen Space will be open Wednesday afternoon, 2:30-4:45. The Teen Space features card games, computers, craft supplies, Nintendo Switch, Wii, PS2, and PS4.

Drop in Chess for Kids will be in the Children’s Area, 5:00-6:00 P.M. Drop in Chess is open for children ages 7-12 and their caregivers. Players are expected to have a basic understanding of chess, but instruction is available.

Teddy Bear Storytime will be Wednesday evening beginning at 6:00. Children ages 4-7 are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their stuffed friend. Teddy Bear Storytime is in the Children’s Craft Room.

Thursday

The Library will host Storytime at Halloran Park on Pierce Street. Storytime will be 10-10:30 on Thursday morning. In the event of inclement weather, Storytime will be moved to the library.

Drop-in Scrabble will be open to adults on Thursday afternoon in the Conference Room from 1:00-4:30. No registration is needed.

The Teen Space will be open Thursday afternoon, 2:30-4:45.

Saturday

Storytime at Halloran Park will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 on Pierce Street. It will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.

Stoughton Library Hosts Activities for Week of June 1-6

Stoughton Public Library is hosting great events for children of all ages during the week of June 1-6.

The Bookish Buds Reading Club is meeting at Halloran Park on Monday, June 1 at 2:30. If the weather does not cooperate, the meeting will be moved to the library. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to bring their book and read together. No Registration is required.

Stoughton Public Library’s Young Adult programming and collections is shaped by the library’s Teen Advisory Board. The board will meet Monday evening at 5:30. Attendees are asked to provide ideas and feedback that will make the library a better place for teens. Pizza will be provided, and active participants will receive credit for one hour of community service. Registration is required. Interested parties can fill out a volunteer form at the registration desk. Click here for more information and to register.

The Teen Space will be open Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-4:45. Teens are invited to the space and play video games, board games, and card games. There is also craft supplies for the more creative types. The library’s gaming systems include Nintendo Switch, Wii, PS2, and PS4.

Drop In Chess is at 5:00 on Wednesday evening. Children ages 5-12 are invited to the Children’s Area for an hour of chess matches. Instruction is available for those who want/need it, but children are expected to have a basic understanding of the game.

Teddy Bear Storytime, hosted by Peggy Sewyck will be on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal.

Storytime at Halloran Park will be on Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10:00. In the event of rain, Storytime will be moved to the library on Thursday, and Saturday’s Storytime will be cancelled.

Drop-in Scrabble is Thursday afternoon from 1:00-4:00. In the Conference Room. No registration is necessary. The Conference Room is located on the top floor.

SPL will collaborate with Pop Up Art School for Minecraft Bobbleheads on Thursday beginning at 2:00. Registration is required. There are currently no open seats, but you are invited to sign up for the waiting list.

Teenagers in grades 6-12 can go to the Community Room for Open Gaming with VR and One Up Games. Open Gaming starts at 1:00 in the afternoon. Registration is for this activity is required. You can register at this link.

“Manitoba Polar Bears” will be hosted by Bob Gee of the South Shore Camera Club. Bob will feature photos and stories of his trip to Manitoba. This exciting, informative presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Registration for the event is required.

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Stoughton Library Events for Week Running May 19-23

The following is a list of events hosted by the Stoughton Public Library (SPL) for the week of May 18.

The Teen Space is open Tuesday-Thursday afternoons, 2:30-4:45. The space has video games, board games, card games, and craft supplies.

Wednesday

SPL’s 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group will meet via Zoom on Wednesday morning at 9:00. Professional Coach Deborah Hope will facilitate this informative session. In addition to networking opportunities, there will also be access to hiring managers. Creating a job search tool kit, topical presentations, interactive workshops, ad coaching guidance are also usually featured at the bi-weekly sessions.

The theme of Wednesday’s session is “Second Act Careers.” The Networking group is open to anyone ages 50+ who are looking for a new job or career direction. You can register for the event by clicking here.

Drop-in Chess for Kids will take place on Wednesday afternoon at 5:00. Chess players ages 5-11 are invited to the Children’s Room for an hour of castling and batteries. Instruction is available, but children are expected to have a basic understanding of the game.

At 6:00, Peggy Sewyck will host Teddy Bear Storytime in the Children’s Craft Room. Children ages 4-7 are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their stuffed friend.

Thursday

Family Storytime will be on Thursday morning, 10:00-10:30 in the Community Room. Storytime is for children ages 2-6.

Drop-in Scrabble will be in the Conference Room from 1:00-4:30 p.m. No registration is necessary. The Conference Room is located on the library’s top floor.

Friday

Baby Storytime will be held in the library’s Community Room at 10:00 on Friday morning. Baby Storytime is open for children ages 0-6 and their caretakers.

Saturday

Saturday Morning is Storytime for children ages 3-7 in the Children’s Craft Room. Sewyck hosts the activity, running 10:00-10:30 Saturday morning. Storytime includes stories and singing songs.

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Craize Snack Crackers to Appear at ’26 Sweets & Snacks Expo

raize chips are made with clean, simple ingredients and all-natural fruits, veggies, and spices blended right into the arepa corn dough, proving that better-for-you snacking never has to compromise on flavor. All flavors are seed oil–free, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher.

Craize, the bold chip-cracker hybrid redefining better-for-you snacking, will make its official debut at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, taking place May 19–21, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

More than just a cracker, Craize is crafted using a proprietary fire-griddled process that delivers exceptional taste, crunch, and versatility—without frying or added oils. Craize chips are made with clean, simple ingredients and all-natural fruits, veggies, and spices blended right into the arepa corn dough, proving that better-for-you snacking never has to compromise on flavor. All flavors are seed oil–free, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher.

Adding to its growing recognition, the Craize Everything flavor was recently honored with the sofi Gold Award as Best Cracker of 2026 at the January Winter Fancy Food Show.

Michele Abo, General Manager of Kayco Beyond, exclusive distributor of Craize, says, “Craize is a truly differentiated snack that delivers on taste, craftsmanship, and modern wellness. Designed to meet consumers’ growing demands for healthy snacks, Craize stands out in a crowded category with its distinctive crunch, innovative production process, and crave-worthy flavor profiles.”

What Makes Craize Different

Chip-Cracker Hybrid – The satisfying crunch of a chip meets the versatile, toppable nature of a cracker
Fire-Griddled, Never Fried – A proprietary slow-griddling process locks in flavor and crispness without added oils
Versatile Enjoyment – Perfect for dips, toppings, charcuterie boards, or straight from the bag
Real Ingredients Baked In – Fruits, vegetables, and spices are blended directly into the dough—not just sprinkled on top
Wholesome & Allergen-Friendly – Vegan, non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free, seed oil–free, and produced in an allergen-friendly facility

Five Signature Flavors

Everything – Sesame and poppy seeds blended with garlic and onion for a savory, bagel-inspired bite
Sweet Corn – Lightly sweetened with dark brown sugar; pairs well with jams, nut butters, or guacamole
Guava – Fruity and refreshing, made with authentic guava puree
Coconut – Infused with dried coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon for a subtly sweet tropical twist
Jalapeño Lime – Zesty heat balanced with bright cilantro and lime

About Kayco

Kayco is a leading supplier of kosher foods. Its Beyond division sources and distributes innovative products that meet the growing demand for healthful, convenient, and lifestyle-focused food options. Headquartered in Bayonne, NJ, Kayco’s Beyond Division portfolio includes Dorot Gardens, Craize, Wonder Juice, Mighty Sesame Co., Absolutely! Gluten Free Crackers and Flatbreads, and Beetology Refrigerated Beets.

Craize will be at booth #4572. Learn more at @GoCraize on Instagram and Facebook.

Is a Friend Leaving the Neighborhood?

It’s been an anxious time for the Fruit Loops. There has been talk of one of the boys moving out of the neighborhood. Loyal readers know the Fruit Loops are the gang of lads who cruise around the neighborhood after school and during their days off from school. No one knows what these future leaders and heroes are up to. When we ask The Boy what they did, he responds with, “Nothing,” or “We just rode our bikes around.”

Wife and I have learned from one of the neighbors they are looking to move to another part of town or maybe even to another town. The seismic shift this could cause to our neighborhood and its young inhabitants needs no description. A member of the Fuit Loops pulling up stakes and landing in a foreign neighborhood? Some losses just can’t be recovered from.

My Old Neighborhood

Our house in East Lynn. (Photo: redfin.com)

I lived in East Lynn for a few years. It was a great place to be. We were down the street from Manning Bowl. This meant high school marching bands would come march down our street on their way to the annual Lynn English-Lynn Classical Thanksgiving football game. Next to Manning Bowl was Fraser Field. Fraser Field hosted the Lynn Sailors, an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Youth baseball teams would get at least one game at Fraser Field during the season. Fraser Field has also hosted independent baseball teams and currently hosts Fisher College’s baseball team.

There were a lot of things to like about our house and the neighborhood. Another great thing about where we were was the people who also lived on our street. My best friend, Donny, lived across the street. On his side of the street were Kevin, Andrea, Ryan, and Joshua. My side of the street was home to Monique, Gary, Michelle, and Erica. We played and rode our bikes together.

Toward the end of the first grade, my parents made the decision to move across town. I don’t know what led to this, but they decided to move to West Lynn to the house my grandparents built. My grandparents were moving to live in their house in Florida year-round. We packed up and moved to West Lynn. I had been there plenty of times to visit my grandparents, but I really didn’t know anyone except for Matthew and his family, who lived on the other side of the fence from my grandparents.

The New Neighborhood

Our house in West Lynn. (Photo: zillow.com)

On our first morning in our new house, my brother and I set out to look for kids in our neighborhood. We weren’t sure where to start. Like I said before, we visited my grandparents but didn’t pay much attention to anyone else on the street.

Of course, we knew Matthew, but we wanted to see who else was there since this was going to be our new home. On that day we met another Matthew. He lived on the other side of our street. Next door to him was Johnny, Salvy, and Angela. We also met Matthew’s sister, Jessica, and Amanda, Danny, Mark, Jeff, and Nick. We met more kids through these people, and we were soon engrossed in games of baseball, kickball, and football.

Our circle grew, and people have managed to stay in touch with each other over the years. We made new friends. Some came and went, but there was always a nucleus of people who stayed. People ate dinner and slept at others houses. There was a week spent in New Hampshire. The settings have changed, but people have managed to stay together over the years through football games, weddings, baptisms, and unfortunately funerals.

What Happens to the Fruit Loops?

The Boy updated us on the happenings with his group and the potential loss of a friend for him and neighbors for us. According to updates, the family is moving but they are moving to another house in the neighborhood. This hasn’t been confirmed, but if this is true, no doubt there is a sigh of relief. The Fruit Loops are still intact. They will have to do a little more pedaling to get to the new house, but it’s a small price to pay to keep the band together.

I’m happy for The Boy and his crew. Had this particular child left, his absence would have been felt. He and the others would have moved on to other people, other neighborhood events. “L” would have met other people and maybe have another gang of his own. Fortunately, that is not the case, and he will be there the next time the Fruit Loops get on their bikes and ride into the sunset. It’s a good thing, too. There is a lot of “nothing” these boys do and see every day.

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Community Events at Stoughton Public Library

Stoughton Public Library is hosting events this week (May 11-16) for all ages.

On Monday, May 11, teenagers in grades 6-12 are invited to “Bookish Buds” at Halloran Park. Teens can bring their own book and read together. No registration is required. “Bookish Buds” runs from 2:30-5:30 Monday afternoon. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Teen Maker Space at the Stoughton Public Library.

Also on Monday is the Painting with Pop up Art School. This workshop, open to teens in grades 6-12, teaches aspiring artists to, “create a Drippy Sky” canvas painting.” They will paint a pastel sunset with a star-filled sky and fluffy clouds. Painting will begin at 3:00 and registration for the event is required. Click here to register.

The Teen Space will be open Tuesday-Thursday, 2:30-4:45. The Teen Maker Space has video games, board games, and card games, as well as computers and craft supplies.

Drop in Chess for Kids will be held Wednesday afternoon in the Children’s Area from 5-6 p.m. Open for children ages 5-11 and their caregivers, Drop in Chess gives your child the chance to test their skills against other children and volunteers. Players are expected to have a basic understanding of the game, but instruction is available.

Wednesday evening is Teddy Bear Storytime in the Children’s Craft Room from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Children ages 0-6, their parents, and their stuffed friends are invited to unwind from a long day with stories, music, and more!

Family Storytime will take place on Thursday morning 10-10:30. Family Storytime will be in the Community Room and is open to children ages 0-6.

Adults are invited to participate in Drop-In Scrabble from 1:00-4:30 Thursday afternoon. Registration for this event is not required. Drop-In Scrabble will be in the Conference Room.

Wanita Gomes will host an Adult Painting Class from 6:00-8:00 Thursday evening in the library’s Community Room. No seats are currently available, but there is a waiting list for those who are interested. You can sign up for the waiting list here.

Baby Storytime will be at 10:00 Friday morning in the Community Room. Babies ages 0-2 and their caregivers are invited. Saturday Storytime is for children ages 3-7. It will begin at 10 a.m. in the library’s Children’s Craft Room.

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