The Mom Memo
The Mom Memo No. 24: Give Dad His Due (and Day!)
Happy Father’s Day to any guy who builds you and your kids up!
Hey Mama
Mom and dad stereotypes have moved further and further away from the mainstream consciousness and thank goodness for that! We love celebrating a supportive, involved dad who enjoys being an integral part of the family dynamic as much as he loves a good dad joke. Happy Father’s Day to any guy who builds you and your kids up!
Hot Topics
Happy Pride Month! We’re proud to support LGBTQIA+ members and allies while we cultivate community conversations on how to keep the love going. Connect with others in our dedicated group, share your positivity, and learn more about resources that make a difference.
Mom2Mom
How to Talk to Your Kids about Juneteenth
Commemorating the day, June 19th of 1865, when slaves in Texas learned about their freedom – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation – Juneteenth was not part of many history lessons for generations growing up. But it’s important to recognize and celebrate as a historical day of freedom, even if you’re not familiar with it. The concept of slavery can be difficult to explain to children, but educating yourself on how to best approach it will help.
- Do your research. If you’re not familiar with the holiday, the best first step is to read up on it and what it means historically and as a celebration. Last year it was declared a federal holiday.
- Be open and honest. Tackle concepts in age-appropriate ways, and consider explaining the reality of the impact slavery has had on this country. Look for resources that are geared towards kids online to help the conversation.
- Celebrate! Find a local museum program or watch a streaming event together as a family and talk about the importance of the holiday.
Things We Love
3 Eye-roll Inducing Dad Jokes
Give your favorite Dad some funny fodder to add to his repertoire of silliness.
Which days are the strongest? Saturday and Sunday. The rest are weekdays.
I used to hate facial hair, but then it grew on me.
I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something.
Mom Jeans & Things
Make it the Punniest Dad’s Day Ever
Mom Jeans & Things are product and service recommendations for you and your family that you’ll really use and love – because we have! Check out this week’s top picks.
Explore the City
TAKE THE KIDS
Art Explorers Kids Watercolor Class
June 12, 3pm & June 23, 4pm | Mainframe Studios 900 Keosauqua Way Des Moines, IA 50309
This watercolor painting class promises to teach both basic and “wacky” techniques! We can’t wait to find out what that means! Open to ages 5-9 with smaller classes to provide one-on-one instruction and attention.
Black Innovation
Recurring weekly until July 7 (See details) | 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
Visit this special exhibit at Living History Farms to learn about innovative African-Americans who fought obstacles and received patents during the 19th century for ideas that revolutionized in the home, on the farm, and in town.
Pond Study
June 17, 10am | Yellow Banks Park
Take your pint-sized marine biologists to discover what creatures live in and around a pond. (We’re hoping there’s nothing larger than the size of a breadbox.)
Princess Adventures: All About Birds
June 22, 10am (Register by June 20) | Jester Park Nature Center
Not all princesses sit around bored all day in castles. Some courageously explore the outdoors and get a little dirty. Break through some stereotypes by bringing your little princess (in whatever royal attire they prefer) to learn about bravery while having a tea party, to prove the concepts are not mutually exclusive.
GET A SITTER
National Nature Photography Day Hike
June 15, 7:30pm (Register by June 14) | Yellow Banks Park, Prairie View Shelter
This time when someone tells you to take a hike, you can bring your camera along. Celebrate National Nature Photography day by spending the evening taking pictures and hiking in one of our most scenic parks, Yellow Banks. All levels of photographers are welcome!
Women in the Woods with Wine – Let’s Go Camping
June 20, 7:30pm (Register by June 18) | Jester Park Nature Center
Whether you prefer camping or glamping, you’ll enjoy this outdoor experience with tips and tricks on getting the most out of your next camping trip. First tip: bring wine.
Des Moines Storytellers Project: Travel
June 20, 7pm | Hoyt Sherman Place
The Storytellers Project is a series of live storytelling nights where Des Moines Register journalists curate and host nights of true, first-person stories from neighbors and notables. The nights send a message that everyone has a story worth telling, and that everyone CAN tell it.
The Moms Society Moms Night Out – Botox Party
July 27, 6pm CST
Join this exclusive hang with other members of The Moms Society for connections, conversation, and special savings on Botox for a smoother summer. Secure your spot now!
Send Us Your Feedback!
Moms love feedback (unless it’s complaints about the meals we’re serving) so send us your questions, comments, or suggestions about this newsletter!