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Christmas Wasn’t So Magical

By
Ranessa Doucet
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I’m not going to lie; this holiday season wasn’t all that magical. It wasn’t the Hallmark movie script I had in my head. I had big plans to make Christmas cookies, drive around to see the lights, have the presents beautifully wrapped with time to spare, build a gingerbread house, decorate the tree while singing Christmas carols, and attend all the holiday parties.

Here’s where my plan got foiled: I have kids.

I get that kids bring the magic to Christmas with a twinkle in their eyes, but they also have a way of derailing your best-laid plans. They fought in the car ride to look at the lights, they broke ornaments, they smashed cookie dough into the chair cushions, and they were crazy hyper from all the Christmas cookies and gingerbread house decorating. Every time things weren’t going as planned, my stress level increased. I love my kids immensely, and I wouldn’t want to spend the holidays without them. But man, they can be difficult at times.

We were so busy from all the holiday parties and activities that the kids were often over-tired and cranky. Somehow we ended up in a panic shopping for gifts two days before Christmas. It was exhausting! Cranky mom came out, and nobody ruins Christmas as quickly as she does. The holidays were not the magical time I envisioned.

I had to give up the dream and accept the reality.

The holidays can be stressful — that’s just a fact. If we try to make them perfect, we will most likely fail.

What I realized this year — and what I want to remember the next holiday season — is that we benefit when we occasionally let the “perfect” plan go and instead look for the good that is surely there, even when it’s difficult to see. It’s not always easy for me to stay optimistic and focus on the good when things aren’t going as planned. It’s worth it to work on that (New Years resolution, maybe?). Sometimes we simply need to be with our families, chill, and remember what the holidays are all about.

The truth is, there were “magical moments” hidden within the chaos; those moments may have been fleeting, but they were there. The kids stopped fighting for a minute and marveled at the Christmas lights, they smiled when they found their favorite ornaments in the box, they giggled while making a mess in the kitchen, and they squealed with excitement while opening gifts. I’m going to try to focus on those moments amidst the not-so-magical ones, because those are the moments I want to remember — and the ones I hope my kids remember.

Maybe next year I will forget the stress of the holidays and remember it as the “best Christmas ever” like the Matt Damon SNL skit (hilarious by the way). I will also try to remember to stop trying to make things perfect, because there’s no such thing. The holidays can be fun, but they are not always magical. And that’s OK.

Cheers to imperfect holidays!

 

My New Year’s Bucket List

By
Krystal Avila
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New Year's - Boston Moms Blog

Keeping one New Year’s resolution for an entire year is not a strong point of mine. For example, that year I resolved to open my mail every day? By February the pile was almost a week deep. Or that time I tried to write in a journal every day? The pages are blank. Or when I wanted to work out, eat healthy, and get more sleep? I am still working on that, years later. 

This year, I have decided to make a bucket list instead. Small goals that are attainable. Things I can cross off when they are accomplished. Ideas that will not leave me feeling like a failure come Dec. 31. Activities to do with my kids. Adventures to share with loved ones. Books to read. Recipes to make. A list. A simple list. Not an idea that will pass with each day. 

So, here it goes. 

My 2019 bucket list:

  1. Make a Chinese food meal from scratch. 
  2. Try a new workout. 
  3. Mail birthday cards for family and friends. 
  4. Make my son’s lunch the night before, for a week.
  5. Take pictures of the boys on the beach. 
  6. Run a 5K. 
  7. Make a batch of homemade cheese.
  8. Read a cookbook cover to cover. 
  9. Plan a date night with hubby once a quarter. 
  10. Dance. Dance every day for 21 days. (Secretly hoping it becomes a habit.)

Actually taking a moment to write this list is already making me feel better about 2019. I am excited to hold myself accountable (and you can now hold me accountable) to these things. I am excited to cross things off. I am ready to tackle this list like I do my grocery list. I can do it. I will be successful. Each of these things on my list is an idea I have thought about, but now they are in a list — and they are achievable.  

Maybe this year you will make a resolution to stick to for the entire year — or, join me in making a bucket list. Either way, I hope you have a happy and healthy 2019.

New Year's - Boston Moms Blog

Bringing Light Into the Darkness :: When Your Holidays Aren’t So Happy

By
victoriamorenojackson
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At this time of year we’re bombarded with bright lights, holiday cheer, images of perfect families with their perfect children, and an expectation that we are going to make everything just right to create the perfect memories to last a lifetime. Does this make anyone else feel a little twitchy?

On the other hand, it can be hard to avoid being overwhelmed by the not-so-happy aspects of this time of year — increasingly dark days, fundraising agencies telling us their most poignant stories of need in order to persuade us to choose them for our charitable giving. Earlier this evening, I was driving in the car, listening to a description of a book on someone’s top 10 list. The book’s characters included children, an abusive mother, and an incarcerated father. I changed to the other news station. I next heard about a five-year investigation into child welfare in Australia, which found that the system in place was seriously failing to protect children from abuse. Normally, solo driving time is my solace — today, not so much.

So what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the world at this time of year? One thing I’ve been thinking about is winter cultural and religious traditions. If you think about a variety of traditions — solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah — they typically involve bringing light into the darkness. This really resonates with me. Light, life, and miracles feel like just the right thing to reassure us that after this cold, dark time, light and life will return, as they do every year. Or at least that this time of darkness is temporary and will pass. One thing I like to remind myself of, once we hit the third week of December (or so), is that the days will actually start getting longer.

Another helpful thing for me is to connect with other moms — supportive moms. Moms who you can tell your guilty secrets to (yell at your kids? not getting teacher gifts? forget to move the elf? feeling like a failure as a mother?), and who will say, “Me, too!” It can be really hard, especially this time of year, to find time to connect with your mom community, but there is nothing like hearing, “You are doing a great job!” or, “It’s okay. I do that, too, and you are still a wonderful mom!” when you’re feeling down on yourself. If your internal flame has gone out, it’s OK to ask someone to share their flame with you.

Finally, it is OK to take time for yourself. Need to hear that again? Taking care of yourself is taking care of your family. One more time? It is not selfish to do something for yourself. Think about what restores you. Exercise? Bubble bath? Watching sappy Lifetime movies? Eating a sugary treat? Reading a book? When you do these things (if you do these things), how do you feel? Do you feel guilty? Do you worry what’s going on in your absence? Do you feel a need to rush back to momming? How about trying something different? The next time you do something for yourself (which should be soon), think about it as celebrating a wonderful human who deserves this kindness and caring.

Do you feel the winter or holiday blues? How do you deal with stress at this time of the year? Please share any tips you might have for other moms who might need a little help right now.

 

Dear Fellow Mom, I Wish I Had Said Something

By
Krystal Avila
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Dear fellow mom,

I wish I had said something. 

I pulled up behind you at the gas station and saw you and your son. He was beaming ear to ear, because his little hands were pushing on that gas handle so hard. He was the one pumping your gas. You were chatting with him, showing him the numbers on the pump. He was thrilled to be learning about the process, and you two were having a moment…

Until…

The car came out of nowhere, and I heard the woman telling you something. I wasn’t totally sure what she was saying but I heard,

“Kids… cancer… DON’T DO THAT.”

And everything changed. You tried to cover up what your son was doing. You kindly pushed him away from the gas pump, because you were being judged and reprimanded on how to care for YOUR son. I saw the expression on your face. A mix of frustration, anger, and sadness. I’m not sure your son noticed. But here’s what I think.

You are a good mom!

That stranger did not see the learning opportunity your son was experiencing or the bonding between the two of you; she immediately jumped to judgment about what she thought you should — or shouldn’t — be doing.

I saw it, though! I saw everything. And I wish I had told you what I saw, because we moms need to stick together! With all the social media mom wars and the judgments passed, I think we get the brunt of it. People think they can judge us the moment we get pregnant. They think they know what is best for our children. From the comments about being pregnant, to breastfeeding, to brands of baby items, to teaching our children, they think they know best.

They don’t!

We moms know what’s best for our children because we are trying our best. We are up at night reading, researching, snuggling, feeding, consoling. We are worrying, caring, teaching, and we are what is best for our children.

I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. Because I’ve been there too. Next time, I promise to tell you how good of a mom you are. I’ll tell you not to worry about everyone else. Your son was so happy to be helping, to be learning from you, and you were both smiling. Those are moments we need to cherish and think about.

So, let him help pump your gas. Teach him the difference between regular and premium. Show him how to use the credit card in the machine. And enjoy the moment!

Sincerely,

A fellow mom

12 Festive Family-Friendly Mocktails for the Holidays

By
Jalisa Harris
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Happy holidays, friends. I’m so excited for this time of year — I love that the holiday season means extra time with family and friends. So I decided to round up 12 of the best holiday-themed, family-friendly mocktails. These recipes are festive and fun, and perfect for both the littles and the grown-ups. (You can click each image to be directed to the recipes.)

1. This non-alcoholic sangria is one for the books. Especially for the mama to be. 

Non Alcoholic Sangria Mocktail
Photo courtesy Recipes from a Pantry.

2. This cranberry apple sangria is everything for Christmas

Cranberry Apple Sangria Mocktail
Photo courtesy We’re Parents.

3. This layered drink is so fun for the kiddos. 

Layered Christmas Mocktail
Photo courtesy High Heels and Grills.

4. Nothing beats a classic mulled cider — everyone will love it. 

Mulled Cider Mocktail
Photo courtesy Boulder Locavore.

5. If you love “The Grinch” as much as we do, this Grinch Punch is definitely a must for this holiday season. 

Grinch Punch Mocktail
Photo courtesy Eating on a Dime.

6. This mint party punch is a great option for those Christmas Eve parties.

Mint Punch Mocktail
Photo courtesy A Sprinkling of Cayenne.

7. This caramel apple cider is great all fall long and is so yummy on those cold nights.

Caramel Apple Cider Mocktail
Photo courtesy Foodal.

 8. You can’t go wrong with a mimosa.

Mimosa Mocktail
Photo courtesy Watch What U Eat.

9. Sip on this Santa’s hat Shirley Temple while wrapping those piles of gifts.

Santa Shirley Temple Mocktail
Photo courtesy The Kitchen Is My Playground.

10. Grandma’s Christmas punch is the best for those close-knit family get-togethers.

Grandmas Punch Mocktail
Photo courtesy The Kitchen Is My Playground.

 11. This Christmas Holiday Punch is a delicious mocktail just for Christmas Day.

Christmas Punch Mocktail
Photo courtesy Finding Zest.

12. This rose and elderflower mocktail is one of those drinks you can enjoy during those stressful days. 

Rose & Elderflower Mocktail
Photo courtesy the Hedge Combers.

If you’re looking for a little pick me up for your next holiday party, these mocktails should be on your list!

 

holiday mocktails pin

The Smartphone Debate :: Wait Until 8th, or Embrace Smartphone Use?

By
Timika Hopkins
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smartphone - Boston Moms Blog

Do you ever feel like you are bombarded by a topic repeatedly — so often and from so many directions — that you have to take notice? This week, for me, it was technology and its effects on child and adult minds. I wasn’t looking for the information. In fact, in my household, we already have what I feel is a well-balanced media plan.

For example, my children have limited screen time during the week. Phones, iPads, and television are off limits during waking hours every weekday. The kids stay active outdoors — at the playground or as part of sports teams, and indoors there is homework, violin, piano, and reading. During the weekends there is screen time. (Last year I tried to severely limit our weekend screen time, but I was met with too much resistance from my husband to make the limited time a reality. I feel badly about this, even though I grew up watching hours of televisions every night.)

So, what collection of messages did I encounter this week? Here they are:

  • A “Wait Until 8th” flyer sent home via my kids’ backpacks
  • A CNN special, “This Is Life,” highlighting the effects of social media on our young adults
  • A podcast episode featuring Dominick Quartuccio and the concept of “drift”
  • A birthday request from my stepson, who we’ve worried about since he received a smartphone recently

Let’s explore.

The “Wait Until 8th” pledge

What if I told you that Silicon Valley executives are holding off on exposing their own children to smartphones until they reach age 14? Would it give you pause?  

The Wait Until 8th movement was made to diminish the pressure felt by parents and students to jump into the smartphone buying cycle. Parents are able to sign a pledge stating that they intend to wait until at least the 8th grade before sending their child to school with a smartphone. Flip phones and smartwatches are OK.

The movement cites the addictive nature of cellphones. Approach any group of people, and you can witness the effects of this trance-like addiction when you see 80% of the adults gazing into the phones in their palms. The Wait Until 8th movement cites the increase of cyberbullying and the casino-like features app developers use to entice adults and children to repeatedly check their notifications.  

CNN’s “This Is Life” special

My husband noticed that a CNN Special was coming on and made a plan for us to watch it. Even knowing what I thought was enough about the issue of screen time, I was in disbelief after this special. It’s difficult to know whether cyberbullying, dark and depressing Finsta accounts, sex addiction, and decreased social interaction are pervasive enough that many teens deal with these issues, but I felt the need to protect my kids regardless.  

It seems as though the introduction of smartphones into students’ lives happens when the potential for lasting damage is highest. Once their phones have more access to their thoughts and attention than their friends, teachers, or even you — their parents — the relationship is already showing signs of imbalance.  

Is there such a thing as balanced smartphone use? Is this something we can teach our children, especially if we are unbalanced in our own use? Once you decide to use these products, when and how do you begin this teaching?

“Drift” by Dominick Quartuccio

I heard Dominck Quartuccio talk about the concept of “drift” recently. The concept is much deeper than cellphone use. It is an ancient issue — and it is based in the deep and complex inner workings of neuroscience. Our brains drift, to some extent, to help us automate functions, but often times we stay in drift states for far too long. I relate it to living your life on autopilot, letting life “pass you by,” not being “awake” or “present” in your day to day life. This type of living is the opposite of what is necessary for success, for reaching goals, for making dreams come true. I loved the talk, and after receiving the Wait Until 8th flyer, I tagged Dominick Quartuccio in a post about it. He responded and also sent along this resource for further exploration. 

A time-sensitive birthday request

My stepson was turning 12. We had asked him many times what he might want, but there was nothing he could think of. Recently, he has been entranced with Fortnite, and because he doesn’t live with us, there isn’t much we can do about it. But here is the thing. This week, right after we had heard about casino gaming methods being used in app and game development, my stepson called us out of the blue. “Dad,” he said, “I know what I want, and I only have 14 more minutes to get it.” He wanted a $60 kevlar vest for a Fortnite character. Big money. Fake item. Countdown timer. Fear of missing out. Not based in reality. So many thoughts ran through my mind, but in that moment, it all became very real for me. This issue needs more of my attention.

So, my final stance on the issue?

The intersection of the flyer, the CNN special, the podcast and articles shared above, and a personal experience with my stepson came together to help me form my opinion on the topic. I, personally, am taking a stance.

I will sign the pledge, and we will wait until 8th. 

 

 

Banding Together to Lower Babysitting Rates

By
Emily Fahle
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babysitting - Boston Moms Blog

I was at a party not long ago where I ran into a friend who had recently given me a babysitter referral. I thanked her and let her know we liked the sitter and I’d be hiring her again. But then I (half) jokingly chastised my friend, telling her, “But you inflated her hourly rate too much!” My friend agreed and recounted how they had gone to a concert at Foxborough recently and gotten stuck in crazy traffic on the way home. They ended up paying more for the sitter than they did for seats at the Ed Sheeran show!

Minimum wage in Massachusetts is $12 per hour. This, of course, is before taxes are withheld and paid. So why are babysitters in greater Boston getting paid upwards of $20 an hour?

To be clear, I’m referring to date night or occasional sitters whose job it is to keep the kiddos safe, give them a light meal or a snack, and maybe put them to bed. There is no laundry involved, no family-meal preparation, no cleaning bathrooms — not even homework help! 

I had one high school sitter tell me that $15 an hour is too low and she charges between $17 and $20. I did not hire her. For those sitters who will accept $15 an hour, what is their incentive to come back? My kids are usually very well behaved. But if given a choice, would you babysit for the family that pays you the lower end of the going rate or a top rate? As parents, we are peer pressuring ourselves and inflating costs!

I did a little anecdotal research* and learned that in other parts of the country, families pay sitters considerably less. In both Ft. Worth and Austin, families pay about $10 an hour. In St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati, date-night sitters get about $12 an hour. Waco, Houston, and Dallas pay slightly higher at about $13 an hour. Nashville and Green Bay are at $15 an hour. Bostonians can take solace in our $20-an-hour average because the usual price in LA is $25 an hour!

I began brainstorming, and I came up with a few ideas to alleviate the cost burden of paying for babysitting:

Kid swap!

Swap date night (or date day) outings with a friend. If it’s a nighttime outing, throw your fellow mama a bone and put the kids to bed before you leave. During the daytime, the kids can have a playdate! Make it extra special for them by doing PJs and a movie with their friends (no matter what time of day it is!).

Be up front and set your own rate.

Instead of asking the potential sitter what they usually charge, set the stage of what you are willing to pay. “I’ll be gone for three hours, and I can pay you $40.”

Set an “awake” rate and a “sleeping” rate.

Even if you have to do a little extra math, I think this idea is genius! Sitters are still getting paid to use your wi-fi, eat snacks, and watch TV, but at a lower rate than if the kids were awake.

Have a date night in.

Or find date spots where the kiddos can join in too!

There are some parents who maintain they gladly pay an exorbitant hourly rate knowing their child is safe. To that I say, of course I want my children safe in the care of others. However, I’m not asking a sitter to teach my 5-year-old Greek mythology or my 3-year-old the proper use of pronouns. I frankly don’t even care if they brush their teeth the night a sitter has them. Keep them from beating up on each other, keep them from breaking anything, and try to keep them from bleeding. I’ll pay a healthy rate of $15 an hour. In exchange, I expect a hired sitter to keep my kids alive, pretend to be interested in horses or Legos for a bit, and put them in their beds. 

I call upon fellow Boston moms to band together and say, “No more!” Let’s slow down the incredible inflation rate that sitters are paid. Who is with me?

*My anecdotal research was crowdsourcing feedback from other City Moms Blog Network contributors. I pulled responses from bigger cities to give more of a metro comparison. 

 

When the Holidays Look Different…

By
Katie Biddle
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holidays different - Boston Moms Blog

There is something magical about this time of year. Maybe it’s the lights, the music, the baked goods, or some combination of these, but something about December transforms typical days into magical moments. Many of these moments are shared with friends and family, and over the years, these moments transform into traditions. Soon the magic and the traditions can become so intertwined that it seems one would be lost without the other.

So we go on each year, looking forward to our traditions that create holiday magic — until that inevitable year when the holiday suddenly looks different. 

Maybe someone falls in love and decides to split the holiday between families.

Maybe someone becomes a nurse, a pilot, a police officer, or one of the many other occupations that doesn’t stop for the holiday.

Maybe someone can’t afford the time off or the expense of traveling.

Maybe someone has a baby and decides to spend the holiday at home.

Maybe a loved one was lost during the year, and there’s an empty place at the table.

Maybe you are the reason the holiday table looks a little different; maybe you are the one who feels left behind.

Whatever the reason, things can start to look different, and it might feel like the traditions are starting to slip away.

And if the traditions slip away, what about the magic? Does that disappear too?

There is no hard and fast answer to this question. However, like many of you, I have faced many life changes in recent years, and my holidays have certainly morphed along the way… but the magic most definitely lives on. This is not a foolproof list to guarantee this will be the case, but these suggestions can be a starting point — or at least a reminder that you’re not alone.

Acknowledge that it’s different this year. 

Say it out loud: Things look different. You don’t need to expend tons of energy trying to make it seem like nothing has changed. Change can be scary, but talking about it often helps.

Share your feelings.

It’s OK if you’re happy about the changes. It’s OK if you’re sad. It’s OK if you’re somewhere in the middle. It might be in the days leading up to the holiday, it might be after. But know that it’s OK to share how you’re feeling — maybe not right in the middle of holiday dinner, but that is for you to decide.

Bring traditions with you.

One of the best aspects of meeting new people is learning about traditions that might be very different from your own. Feel free to share your own, especially the ones that are important to you. The holiday magic tied to that tradition can take on a whole new meaning when you see it carried on by a whole new group of people.

Start new traditions.

Every tradition starts somewhere, right? It takes someone to say, “Hey, here is something we did once. Let’s do it again!” So if there is something you have been wanting to do, why not start it this year? Organize a family 5K, set up a neighborhood caroling route, watch Hallmark Christmas movies all day in your pajamas. Share your idea, and see who wants to join in. 

Embrace the unexpected.

A few years ago I spent most of Thanksgiving in a tow truck. My tires blew, and it was easier to be towed home than into the mountains where my family was gathering. I had a great two-hour conversation with the tow truck driver and was still able to Facetime my family. It certainly looked nothing like the Thanksgivings I had known before, but that year taught me a lot about what it really means to be thankful — and how often I take things like family (and reliable cars) for granted. Sometimes you find joy and gratitude in the places you’d least expect.

Count your blessings.

Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of holiday planning, and we don’t stop to think about how fortunate we are to have somewhere to be for the holidays, let alone several places we wish we could be! In the midst of however you’re feeling (sad, happy, confused, anxious), take a moment to be grateful for the people around you.

Because whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, patients, or even a friendly tow truck driver, the true magic of the holidays is found in the people.

Control What You Can Control :: How a Wacky Mom Became Organized

By
Kat Cornetta
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A pink calendar planner

Organized isn’t exactly a word ever used to describe me. I am a procrastinator, which I like to portray positively by saying I work well on deadline. I like finding creative solutions. I roll with the punches and am calm in crisis situations. I prioritize tasks almost to a fault, putting things in a bit too large of a perspective at times. These are all things I thought would help me when I became a mother.

And it did — at first.

A crying newborn didn’t upset me. His first fever didn’t send me into a full-blown panic. As he got older, I thought nothing of dropping everything to be silly and have a toddler dance party (which, to be honest, is basically just jumping up and down repeatedly while putting your hands in the air. But then again, that basically was our Saturday nights out at packed bars in college.) Those crazy daycare requests that you have 24 hours to fulfill — 75 holiday cards for parents to give to teachers, snow pants, very specific types of sunscreen? No sweat. Finding obscure items on short notice isn’t an issue — it’s how I live my everyday. I didn’t mind my son wanting to leave the apartment in a Mickey Mouse shirt and Paw Patrol pants. With my sense of perspective, it didn’t matter because he was happy, he had a roof over his head, food on his plate, and parents who loved him.

Finally! Traits that were once labeled liabilities were now points of strength in motherhood.

Then I became pregnant with my second child. Seven months in, I found out that my husband would have to have surgery, and that surgery would have to be done within days of my due date. No ifs, ands, or buts. It simply couldn’t be done sooner — there was a certain schedule of tests and appointments that had to happen prior to the surgery. It couldn’t be pushed back a few months.

We. Were. Screwed.

The night after I found out, I couldn’t sleep. I gave up around 2 a.m. and took myself to the living room couch to cry, cry, and cry some more. First off, I was scared for my husband’s health. Second, I was honestly overwhelmed. How would I possibly handle this all? Taking care of a newborn didn’t scare me — there’s not much you can do besides rock, feed, and change diapers. My sense of perspective helps me out with newborns. But taking care of a newborn, a toddler, and an ill husband? My perspective couldn’t help me out with that scenario.

While flying by the seat of my pants was my default for dealing with motherhood, I had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t going to fit this particular challenge. Then the following phrase came to mind: Control what you can control. I have no idea where and when I heard it, but it started to make perfect sense.

First, I had to acknowledge what I had no control over — a soon-to-be newborn and my husband’s surgery. Then I had to figure out what I did have control over — my toddler’s schedule, the household, my jobs, and my reaction to it all.

With that clearly defined, I started to work on systems that would help me in the coming months. Being more deliberate with my son’s bedtimes. Making his daycare lunch in advance. Making sure he had the clothes he would need in advance of the next growth spurt. Showing him how much I love and appreciate him as much as I can now before things get hectic. I even ordered his Halloween gear in August.

Also, I had to realize that I most likely was not going to be “on call” for my full-time job like I had been through most of my first maternity leave. (No writing those mass emails to freshman from the hospital room while recovering from a C-section this time around.) I needed to tie up loose ends early and find people to fill in for even the smallest things. I had to be honest with colleagues, saying things like, “I’m not going to be able to look after X while I’m out, so what could I do now to either take care of it or find someone who can look after it for me?” And I started actually using that fancy planner I bought last December. (Which means, of course, it’s almost through and I have to buy another one…)

Being more deliberate did not mean I turned into a highly organized Pinterest mom or a control freak. After 36 years of being the wacky, creative type who can remember a 1994 NFL quarterback’s rating but not the passcode to check my son out from daycare, I don’t think I’ll ever completely change. But I’m learning that if I control what I can control, the space for me to roll with the punches will more likely be there.

 

Syncing Up Schedules :: Boston-Area Classes for Siblings

By
Jessie Keppeler
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tinkergarten - Boston classes - Boston Moms Blog
Photo courtesy Tinkergarten.

In our busy household, the family calendar is everything. When it’s overloaded, or if something unexpected pops up, our collective balance is thrown off. People get spread thin, cranky, stressed. Sometimes people are me.

But when the family calendar is thoughtfully planned and masterfully executed, there is no greater triumph.

This is my Everest.

Which is why I’m now seeking activities that my kids can do at the same time. Activities that work for me, let’s be honest, and that fit neatly onto the family calendar. I mean, I like to let my girls try different things, but within reason. I’m not a chauffeur service, and I’m not going crazy so they can dabble in cello, weaving, and water polo by the time they’re 6. And don’t forget the Russian Math. Always the Russian Math.

Finding Boston classes that accommodate different age groups — or a facility that offers classes to different age groups at the same time — is no easy feat. Especially if your kids, like mine, are more than one or two years apart. But there are a few such gems out there, and with a bit of effort and ingenuity (and some diagramming of complex flowcharts), you, too, can sync up classes for your kids.

Village Dance Studio :: Brookline

My three daughters (ages 3, 6, and 8) are currently taking dance classes at Village Dance Studio in Brookline Village at the same time. Tumbling for the big two while the youngest takes pre-ballet. (One of my daughters was actually outside the recommended age range for her class, but the studio was flexible, and she fits in just fine.) This is the first time this little scheduling miracle has ever occurred. And I sit very still and quiet for a full 45 minutes. It’s heaven.

Tinkergarten :: Multiple Locations

Tinkergarten offers outdoor classes focused on playing and problem-solving in nature. Tinkergarten is a national organization; around here, you’ll find them everywhere from Woburn to Wakefield. The best part? Kids 18 months to 8 years can participate together. Because when you’re playing outside, there really is something for all ages.

Little Groove Music and Groovy Baby Music :: Multiple Locations

Like outdoor play, music is a natural way to bring kids together. And there are two organizations that do this especially well. (Their only fault is that their too-similar names have confused sleep-deprived moms for ages.) Both Little Groove Music and Groovy Baby Music (the parent organization for Music Together) offer classes for a variety of ages. The quality of such classes is largely teacher-dependent, so ask around before committing. (I happen to adore Dylan with Little Groove.)

Kids in Sports :: Walpole

Kids in Sports offers specific “Sibling Sports” classes on the weekend, one for kids 1–5 and another for kids 3–6. These multi-sport classes allow parents one drop-off but still challenge kids appropriately, as they get separated according to age within the class.

Broderick Gymnastics (Hyde Park and Walpole), Energy Fitness (Natick and Newton), and Exxcel Gymnastics (Newton)

These gyms all host a variety of classes for different ages, especially on Saturday mornings, when the floor of each looks like a well-built freeway system, blurred lines of spandex zooming past each other. If you have a very young gymnast, Broderick offers some parent/tot classes at the same time as classes for older kids. If your kids are all drop-off age, Energy features cardio equipment for parents to work out while they watch their gymnasts in action.

The Gold School :: Brockton

With four classes running at the same time, there’s a good chance you can sync up sib schedules at the highly-regarded Gold School. Ballet for your son while your middle daughter tries hip-hop and the oldest takes modern dance. And you read a good book.

YMCA :: Multiple Locations

And let’s not forget about the YMCA. With childcare services for the youngest members and fitness classes for the grown-ups, the Y has something for the whole family. For the kids, there are swim classes, as well as karate clinics, flag football leagues, group exercise classes, and more. Check out your local Y’s roundup, and imagine the scheduling possibilities. Your family calendar will thank you.

Any other good ones? What Boston classes have your kids taken together?

 

Aysa :: An App to Allay Your Child’s Skin Condition Woes

By
Jenny Berk
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Thank you, Aysa, for sponsoring this post.

We love apps.  My kids have Twisty Road, Boggle, Helix Jump, and their favorite, 2048.

But they were a bit perplexed when I downloaded an app for them — for all of us, really — about skin care.

Yep, there is an app for all things skin conditions. It’s like a dermatological dream! Except I learned early on that my littles don’t have the same fascination about all things medical, especially gross skin medical stuff, that I do. Don’t get me wrong, they love to tell me about all their various bug bites, blisters, rashes, and random marks, but they just don’t want to see it and talk about it UP CLOSE.

I was excited to try Aysa because it seemed like the perfect little accessory to my daily dose of checking my kiddos’ skin stuff. I finally had an answer to their daily question. “Mommy, what is this red itchy blotch on my wrist?” “Well, honey, let’s take a picture through Aysa and find out!”

First up was my daughter Mira. She has had a few little bumps near her eyes for a while. I’ll save the reader the gory details like the pus on the top of each bump. We can leave that for another day. I knew, from sending her to the MD a while back, that it was mollescum contagiosum but wanted to test out the super skin sleuthing of Aysa.  

Sure enough, Aysa got the diagnosis correct!  

The cool thing about this app is that you only have to take a picture of the affected area and then you answer a few questions (such as whether it’s itchy, what color it is, and if there is an associated fever or other symptoms). Then the app gets to work through machine learning and its deep knowledge base. When the results come in, the app shows you several options of what it could be, and the user picks which it is closest to based on photos and associated symptoms. You can set up user profiles for each person in your household.

  

Obviously, one should not use this app to diagnose, and the company is clear about following up with a professional MD to get a proper diagnosis. But it actually helps reduce some anxiety about what it COULD be. As a former WebMD user, I know it’s easy to get frightened by all the would bes and what ifs.

All in all, I thought it was a very well designed and user-friendly app with the possibility for daily use, depending on your family’s own level of hypochondriasis. I kid, I kid.

I created “case studies” for all three of my girls, and we had a lot of fun with it. Two of my girls loved researching the myriad skin conditions Aysa provides info about. (My middle daughter, who, much like her father, gets queasy looking at anything medical, looked a little nauseous when prurigo nodularis popped up as the first option. She almost dry heaved upon gazing at photos of congenital melanocytic nevus and actually ran to her room after seeing what lichen simplex chronicus was all about.)

While I recognize my girls probably won’t end up being dermatologists when they grow up, we enjoyed the process and will definitely continue to use the app — for the whole family.  

I’ll just refrain from showing them the results.  

(The app is currently available for free download at askaysa.com or through your app store on your iPhone.)

Aysa __ An App to Allay Your Child's Skin Condition Woes
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A Mother’s Letter to Santa (My Wish List of Christmas Miracles)

By
Rachel Wilson
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Dear Santa,

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written. Truthfully, now that I’m an adult it’s been awhile since I’ve needed anything from you. I feel bad to only write in times of need, but that’s kind of what you’re there for, right? You’re busy this time of year, I get that. But you’re also in the business of Christmas miracles, and that’s what I need more than anything you could wrap and leave under the tree.

So here’s the list of things I’d like for Christmas this year:

1. For my 2-year-old to stop opening the bathroom door in public restrooms when I’m mid-pee.

2. For my 5-year-old to eat something other than peanut butter and jelly OR for the ability to not be bothered by it.

3. To not go into labor during rush hour traffic. More specifically, to deliver in the hospital as planned, and not in the car by the side of the road. This is my third baby, Santa, so my body may have other ideas. I’m going to need your help.

4. More sleep. For everyone — me, my husband, and my kids. Especially when this next baby comes. But I know this is a pretty common request, so you just may tell me to “Get in line, lady!” Hey, it never hurts to ask!

5. Another year of good health for my mother-in-law. Really, I want at least 20 more years, but I’m willing to take it one step at a time. My daughters love their Nana, and they need her around for as long as possible. I need her around, too, Santa — how often do you hear that?!

6. Safety at school for all children. I went to “back to school” night at my daughter’s elementary school and burst into tears when the principal described the emergency drills kids have to do. And when my daughter said something about “run to safety” while she was playing, my heart broke a little. If all parents could have a little less heartbreak this year, it would be an amazing gift.

That’s all, Santa. Pretty short and sweet, right? I’ll leave you some cookies and milk no matter what, but please do what you can. I’m looking forward to that Christmas miracle.

With love,

A Mother

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