That photo on the right tells a story, doesn’t it? There is the ebullient Dr. Oz—the devoted heart surgeon and high-profile emissary of healthy living—and there I am, the poster child for overly tired, plump, and graying editors of family magazines. At the time of the photo, taken at his TV show’s studio at 30 Rock, I was just happy to be enjoying the good man’s articulate and lively company (which you can do too here). But now, as I look at the photo, I’m thinking, yikes, what an unfortunate contrast. And what a sign for me to give better eating and more exercise another chance.
With or without Dr. Oz, I usually get this way as September approaches. More than winter, the fall is my season for resolutions and renewal. The summer’s over, the kids are going back to school, work takes on a more serious coloration—transition is the air. In the same spirit, this issue is jam-packed with good ideas—large and small—for families re-engaging with the fall.
Let’s begin with our big blue whale of a guide to children’s classes for fall and early winter guide. Jump in! Rather than just offer general descriptions of venues, we’ve assembled overly 100 recommendations for particular classes, with suggestions for all ages and many interests. With two kids of my own, I’ve been at this game for a while, and I found lots of fresh and surprising enticements on the list. Hopefully, you will too.
I know a few apartment-dwelling families who are really good at riding herd over the clutter of living, but not many. So I happily steer everyone to our how-to story on home organization, a perfect project for early fall if there ever was one.
Then there’s the issue’s really big game-changer: New pets! We challenged ourselves to go beyond cats and dogs, and come up with five other animals who would make great city pets. But let me first offer a modest caveat: I hope you liked the movie “Ratatouille.”
The combination of pets and children is wonderful and complicated. But don’t take my word for it. See our essay by NYC mom Lorraine Duffy Merkl on her son and “hiss” pet.
A Happy September To All,
Eric Messinger
Editor, New York Family
