Still the Same vs. What’s Changed

It all started in the fall of 1992, when two mothers with young children recognized a need in the community – to share information about all things parenting. At the time, founder Collette Jacobs and business partner Becky Harris would exchange information and give each each support over the back fence. They realized other moms needed to know they weren’t alone as they held screaming newborns, battled the terrible twos and learned to live with dramatic teens. Toledo Area Parent was born, and here we are 25 years later, still providing information to parents on everything from tips on finding quality childcare to navigating the world of technology to fun, free activities in the community.

In that time, Ann Arbor Family, The City Paper, Findlay Area Family, M Living and Current have all published, too.

“I never envisioned all this when we started,” Collette said. “But a lot of the topics we covered back then – working moms, healthy snacks for kids, family-friendly activities – it’s all still relevant today.”

And today we continue to strive to provide valuable information, to support parents and to have a positive impact on the community. Cheers to 25 more years!

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(from the Publisher’s Letter in the Sept/Oct 1992 issue)

The Goals of Toledo Area Parent

In our very first issue, we laid out the goals of this publication.
25 years later, they still ring true.

“First, we will be an extensive resource for families and children by spotlighting activities and all sorts of useful information in our community calendar.

Second, we will provide information and help to the growing number of parents who face difficult choices about day care, child health, safety and education. Most importantly, we are committed to bettering our children and our community. Parenting requires a balanced approach: discipline with caring, support with independence, learning with fun. We look forward to providing you with the resources to make the job of being a parent a little easier.”

The Mother’s Center, where it all began.

A nonprofit organization for mothers and their families. It’s a place where moms come together for education, support, friendship, advice and positive reinforcement in their roles as parents and as women. This is the place where our founders met two and a half decades ago. Together, Collette Jacobs and Becky Harris, decided local moms were hungry for information on everything from keeping kids healthy to making sure they were physically active and engaged in the world around them. Thus, Toledo Area Parent was born. Today the Mother’s Center of Toledo is still around, providing moms of newborns, toddlers, and school-aged children a welcoming, non-judgmental support network.

The Toledo Art Museum

We ran a story about The Toledo Art Museum and offered a handy, interactive map to help parents navigate the museum and show their kids some of the highlights. It was highly controversial when we did — then museum director, Roger Berkowitz, didn’t have such an open-door policy for kids. Fast forward 25 years and today the Art Museum embraces children, offering kids art classes, outdoor games and open spaces to foster creative play and even a Family Center where families are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get a little messy, all while enjoying the arts.

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To Work or Not to Work?

25 years later and women are still facing some of the same tough decisions, especially when it comes to balancing motherhood with a career. After having a baby, many women may find themselves asking: should I work? Should I stay home? What’s best for my baby? For me?

In our first issue 25 years ago, we ran a column about this dilemma,
and it still rings true today.

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