Keeping your Child Safe Now that your toddler is on the move and can speak for herself, she is more independent and potentially more vulnerable. Begin to teach her about safety issues in the home and elsewhere, but emphasize the need for awareness rather than increasing fears. “Be prepared for accidents. Stay calm, make sure … Read more

The best known of Berlin’s symbols, the Brandenburg Gate stands proudly in the middle of Pariser Platz, asserting itself against the hyper-modern embassy buildings that now surround it. Crowned by its triumphant Quadriga sculpture, the famous Gate has long been a focal point in Berlin’s history: rulers and statesmen, military parades and demonstrations – all … Read more

Of all the buildings in Berlin, the Parliamentary Building is probably one of the most symbolic. The mighty structure, erected in 1884–94 by Paul Wallot as the proud manifestation of the power of the German Reich, was destroyed by arson in 1933 and bombed during World War II. In 1996, the artist Christo wrapped up … Read more

The Market stretches for several blocks high above the port traffic sailing on the gleaming waters of Elliott Bay. This historic district includes a meandering multi-level underground arcade, and street-level tables and stalls. Established in 1907, America’s oldest continually operating farmers’ market has become one of Seattle’s most treasured institutions. By mid-century, most farmers’ tables … Read more

The site of 1962’s Century 21 Exposition, tagged “America’s Space Age World’s Fair,” Seattle Center has survived decades of massive growth all around it. The main attraction is still the Space Needle, revealing the futuristic vision of 1960’s Seattle. Today, a close second is the ultra-modern and controversial Experience Music Project, Paul Allen’s monument to … Read more

Cooking “within season” means using only those ingredients that have good, fresh flavor and are ripe. Restricting yourself to ingredients that are in season in your region is a great way of creating constant challenges and exposing yourself to new ingredients. And because in-season ingredients tend to be of higher quality and pack more of … Read more

Gazpacho (Summer) Purée, using an immersion blender or food processor: 2 large (500g) tomatoes, peeled, with seeds removed Transfer the puréed tomato to a large bowl. Add: 1 (150g) cucumber, peeled and seeded 1 cob (125g) corn, grilled or broiled and cut off the cob 1 (100g) sweet red bell pepper, grilled or broiled ½ … Read more

White Bean and Garlic Soup (Winter) In a bowl, soak for several hours or overnight: 2 cups dry white beans, such as cannelloni beans After soaking overnight, drain the beans, place them in a pot, and fill it with water (try adding a few bay leaves or a sprig of rosemary). Bring to a boil … Read more

Tim Wiechmann’s Beet Salad Chef Wiechmann is the chef and owner of T.W. Food in Cambridge, MA. He creates his menus using local organic produce with a classic French approach. How you go from planning a dish to putting it on the table? I start with the ingredients—they all have to be in season. I … Read more

Q: Do I have to pay attention right away every time? A: When your child says “Look at me,” she’s presenting you with a golden opportunity to show her she’s more important than anything else. Sometimes these moments are not convenient—they come at busy times of day, while you’re making a meal or on the … Read more

Generations getting along Involving the whole family Whether grandparents are involved with your family on a daily basis, through occasional visits, or are present in your memories and values, they play a role in raising your child. They’re able to tell your child about past generations, achievements, and the qualities your family share. Events from … Read more

As your child becomes more independent, she’ll be able to enjoy an increasing number of outings with family and friends, and may begin to eat meals outside her home. It’s natural to be concerned that she’s getting everything she needs, but keeping your eye on the overall picture, and using a little creativity, will help. … Read more

Rushed mornings If you need to give your little one breakfast on the go, good ideas include: little sandwiches

As your child becomes more active it is natural to feel anxious about her safety, since you want to protect her from harm. But she needs to be allowed to explore and make a few mistakes, too. One of the hardest aspects of parenting is learning how and when to “let go” of your child. … Read more

5 points to remember End of an era You can congratulate yourself on getting him through the toddler years. The skills he has learned have nurtured his curiosity and will help him settle in at school and adapt to exciting challenges during the years ahead. Having fun Let him try different experiences. Achieving new things … Read more

There have been a number of attempts over the years to devise a scientific model for predicting which flavors will work well together. While not particularly well suited for day-to-day cooking, these types of approaches do have a place in helping create new combinations of flavors and they are used by the food industry and … Read more

Harold McGee on Solving Food Mysteries Harold McGee writes about the science of food and cooking. He is the author of On Food and Cooking (Scribner), described by Alton Brown as “the Rosetta stone of the culinary world.” He also writes a column, The Curious Cook, for the New York Times. His website is at … Read more

Q: My four-year-old wants to be with her older sister all the time, and follows her around like a puppy. A: First of all, it is important to empathize with your older child and acknowledge how annoying it is to have her little sister wanting to spend every waking (and some sleeping) moments with her. … Read more

Fighting between siblings A constant battle or beneficial? Eighty percent of us have brothers and sisters. Within this common and familiar relationship runs the whole gamut of human emotions, from murderous hatred to fawning adoration and, in between, considerable ambivalence. All of these emotional responses cause parents a great deal of worry and present them … Read more

As your child’s eating habits become firmly established, you may become concerned about her weight. Overweight toddlers may be on the increase, but as long as your little one is active and eating a healthy, nutritious diet, you can be sure that she’ll put on the correct amount of weight for her individual body type … Read more