Five Gold and two Bronze honors from the Parenting Media Association

The Parenting Media Association recognizes the best work from parenting publications across the country each year. These honors belong to our writers and to you, the Monterey Bay families who read, share ideas and help shape every issue. Here’s a look at the winning work, with links so you can read (or reread) each piece.

Gold Awards

Personal Essay: “Letting Go to Let Them Grow”

Dawn Alva’s column on balancing parental worry with giving kids room to make mistakes and learn took top honors. The judges called it “a poignant column” relevant to parents at every age and stage.

Read “Letting Go to Let Them Grow”

Special Series: E-Bike Series

Dawn Alva’s series walked Monterey Bay families through the world of e-bikes, from choosing the right bike to where to ride it. Judges praised it as well-written and information-packed, with practical advice for anyone considering an e-bike.

Start the series with “Choosing the Right E-Bike for Your Monterey Bay Family”

Non-Traditional Story Form: “250 Iconic California Experiences”

Andrea Breznay’s statewide family bucket list was built with help from members of our Monterey Bay Parent Facebook group. The judges called it “the ultimate bucket list for families” and singled out reader participation as both good reporting and a clever way to engage the audience. Thank you to everyone who shared their favorites!

Explore 250 Things to Do in California: The Complete Family Guide

Service Feature: “Medical Gaslighting, Menopause, and the Midlife Wake-Up Call”

Tricia Vlasak’s feature used one woman’s experience navigating menopause care to examine gender bias in medicine. Judges praised its thorough reporting and sharp writing, which they said empowers readers to advocate for themselves.

Read “Medical Gaslighting, Menopause, and the Midlife Wake-Up Call”

E-Newsletter: Weekly E-News

Our weekly events newsletter, by Andrea Breznay and Jenna Keisling, was recognized for turning a packed calendar into an easy-to-navigate guide for families. Judges gave a special nod to “Jenna’s Weekend Pick” for adding personality and thoughtful curation.

Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter

Bronze Awards

Ancillary Overall Writing and Ancillary General Excellence: Monterey Bay Military Parent

Our annual guide for military families new to the area earned two Bronze awards. Judges said it is “a publication that understands military parents” and praised how it helps new families discover not just what to do here, but how to connect with their new home.

Explore Monterey Bay Military Parent

Thank You

These awards add to the recognition Monterey Bay Parent has received from the Parenting Media Association in recent years, including nine awards in 2024. We’re grateful to our contributors, advertisers and, most of all, to the families who make this community such a wonderful place to live and raise kids.

Have a story idea or something you’d love to see us cover? Contact us or join the conversation in our Monterey Bay Parent Facebook group.