Maple Sugaring

If you live within driving distance of a sugarhouse in the spring, you’re in for a real treat—maple syrup! This is a fabulous day trip for families. Before you go, check to make sure if and when the sugarhouse is operating. Most have websites or contact information. Not all have full breakfast menus available. Be sure to ask.

There are other important factors to consider when maple sugaring. The most important consideration is weather. Check weather forecasts before you plan a trip! What will the temperature be? You don’t want your children to be over or underdressed. Has there been a lot of rain or thawing? The ground may be muddy—boots might be a good idea. Maple is very sweet so I usually pack water bottles and cheese sticks to offset sweetness and of course, wet wipes for sticky hands!

Not all sugarhouses offer live demonstrations and lectures. Background research with your child will tell you which ones do. The internet is a wonderful resource! In fact, the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association has a super website with great information. (http://www.massmaple.org/) There’s even a “Maple Month Passport” that you can download. If you visit at least four sugarhouses, you'll be eligible to win a supply of Massachusetts maple syrup! Hurry—sugaring season is about halfway done! Get started now!

April Fool's Day

April Fool’s Day is a great opportunity to teach your child how to play practical jokes and pranks in appropriate ways. The whole point of April Fool’s Day is to make someone look like a fool, not harm or scare them.

One of the best sources for kid-friendly pranks is Family Fun Magazine. It has all sorts of ideas to help celebrate this fun day. (http://familyfun.go.com/april-fools-day) Here are some other websites with interesting information regarding April Fool’s Day: http://wilstar.com/holidays/aprilfool.htm and http://www.snopes.com/holidays/aprilfools/origins.asp.

Have you ever pranked someone on April Fool’s Day? I’d love to hear about it. Leave
me a comment below.