9 Things This Parenting Editor Will Remember About 2009

The H1N1 Outbreak

The emergence of 2009 H1N1 flu last spring led to the first global flu pandemic in 40 years. Parents will remember having to make the decision to (or not to) get their children vaccinated if they could find it. Kids will remember the incessant hand-washing lessons.

First African American Elected as U.S. President

In January, Barack was sworn into office. He also made our fine state his first vacation destination when the Obamas headed to Martha’s Vineyard.

Sesame Street turns 40

Forty years and 4,187 episodes later, Sesame Street has not only made learning fun for millions of American children, but it also now teaches children in 125 countries. I’ll never get tired of my favorite song, “C is for Cookie.”

More Women in the Workforce than Men

As of November, women held 49.1 percent of the nation’s jobs, according to nonfarm payroll data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now, we just need to continue the fight to get paid as much as they do.

Harry Potter and the Young-Blood Prince Casts its Spell

The sixth film in the Harry Potter film series hits movie theatres and quickly proves the following for this fantasy-adventure based is still a winner among young audiences. Check our review of the new exhibit at the Museum of Science on the Family Fun page at WickedLocalParents.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Captures Hearts

Written and illustrated by local Massachusetts father - Jeff Kinney – it chronicles a boy as he records the hazards of adolescent life. Read Meredith O’Brien’s Q&A with Kinney online at WickedLocalParents.com.

Snuggies Become the Hot Item of the Year

The blanket with sleeves has sold more than 4 million blankets within 3 months. I bought five of them. One for the holiday gift swap here at the office (sorry guys!)

Zhu Zhu Pets Top Holiday Wish Lists

Some parents report “increased happiness” on not having to actually get a real pet. These robitic hamsters are cute and don’t require food! My son still wants the real thing.

Barbie Turns 50

But, why doesn’t she look her age? BarbieÒdoll has had more than 80 careers -- everything from a rock star to a paleontologist to a presidential candidate. I’m herby putting my request in for an “editor” doll.

Things you won’t be able to forget: Balloon boy, the passing of Michael Jackson and Ted Kennedy and Jon & Kate plus 8.

Happy New Year!

Heather