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I’ve Become My Mother

By
Rachel Wilson
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my mother - Boston Moms Blog

My mother was visiting recently, helping with the kids during the period when camp had ended but school had yet to begin. My youngest bumped her head and started to cry. At the exact same time, in the exact same tone, my mom and I both said, “Oh, goodness” to her. This is not the first time I’ve noticed myself doing or saying something just as my mom would. It seems I have turned into my mother! Here are three ways I find myself mimicking my mom.

Our choice of words

“Oh, goodness” is just one example of the things I say that are just like my mom. My daughters are firm about choosing their own clothes, and I tell them exactly what my mom used to tell me. “I don’t care what you wear, as long as you are clean and neat.” Living in New England rather than the West Coast, I need to add “seasonally appropriate.” Nonetheless, I’ve made my mom’s phrase my own. I also find myself telling my kids, “When mom gets cold, you put on a sweater.” Another mom gem from my own childhood.

Our media habits

Growing up, my mom would listen to one of two radio stations in the car — the classic rock channel or NPR. I used to BEG her to change it to the local pop station, often to no avail. I’m sure you can guess that now I’m the one listening to “the oldies” (the ’80s station) or to NPR. And just like I did, my own daughter BEGS me to turn it to Top 40. Similarly, I’ve now taken to watching PBS on television. If my kids were old enough to watch TV at night, I’m sure I would get the same whines of, “This is boring!” that I used to give.

Our clothing choices

When I was a teenager, my mom bought herself a pair of French jeans. They were $100, which was A LOT to spend on jeans at the time. It was a very considered purchase on her part, and she made sure I knew it. Those jeans are back in style today, and were my mom and I the same size, I could wear them and be considered trendy. I can’t, but I notice myself gravitating toward more conservative pieces since I became a mom — higher waistlines, longer hemlines, and flat shoes. And I wonder what else my mom had in her closet back then that I might like to poach today.

The first time I heard myself using one of my mom’s phrases, I cringed a little. But I realize now, why wouldn’t I want to be like my mother? I had a great childhood. And my mom is a person I really like today as an adult. I can only hope I’m as good a mother to my children as she was and is. So the next time I put on a sweater and tell my kids to do the same, I’ll smile.

Because I’m just like my mom.

 

5 Things I Didn’t Know About Saving for College

By
Teresa Kett
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When our first child was on the way, my husband and I started looking into saving for college for our baby. Yes, we started early. I was and still am daunted by the cost of college and how to save. As it turns out, figuring out the process isn’t so bad. Coming up with the money is the more challenging part! We chose a 529 plan, which means the earnings are tax-free as long as it’s used according to the rules set up in the tax code it’s named for. This type of saving was all new to me, and I’m certainly no financial expert. But here are a few things I picked up along the way that may be helpful to other parents who choose to go the 529 route.

It gives family and friends a place to put their money (instead of toward more toys).

As a parent-to-be, I feared becoming overrun with kid stuff. Yes, that happened anyway. But I shudder to think how much more stuff we would have if we hadn’t suggested a college fund donation when family and friends asked what they might gift our kids for birthdays, Christmas, baptism, etc. Think even as early as your baby shower!

You can set up a 529 plan before your child is born.

Yes, it seems strange, but it’s possible. And beneficial — see above. The first roadblock was that our little fetus had no social security number. But you can set it up in one parent’s name, and switch it out once the baby arrives and has a social security number. Or just wait until the baby comes. Either way, the earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.

You don’t have to invest in the 529 plan for your state.

Many states offer 529 college savings plans. Like many investments, you can choose based on performance, fees, and other benefits. You’re not locked in to a lesser-performing plan just because of where you live. We checked other states out and picked one that made sense for our family. 

The money can be shared among kids.

Even though you open a 529 plan for a specific person, you can use it for other kids or even for yourself. This is nice to keep in mind in the event your child chooses a path other than college or earns a scholarship. You can even use it for the degree you never finished or for graduate school for yourself.

Saving money for college is hard.

While pregnant and when our first child was an infant, we made regular deposits to the account. Once our second child came along, it got harder. Everyday bills, daycare, mortgage, retirement, and unexpected expenses all seem to take priority. We send money when we can. But we love how donations to our kids’ college funds have become a regular birthday and Christmas gift from grandparents and great-grandparents!

 

Dear Blippi :: A Love Letter to My Toddler’s Favorite YouTube Personality

By
Deanna Greenstein
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Dear Blippi,

It’s me, Gabe’s mom. You may not know it, but we spend a heck of a lot of time together. Some days, I think I hear your voice more often than my own. I’m pretty sure we could be considered roommates by this point.

Oh, and I love you.

It started out simple enough. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, and a post about you showed up in one of the mom groups I am a member of.

“Ugh, anyone else have a kid who is obsessed with Blippi? I am going insane!”

What the blip is a Blippi? I thought to myself, and I clicked on the comment section out of pure curiosity. A handful of comments from annoyed moms followed. “That laugh! It grates right through me!” “So annoying!” “I’ve banned Blippi from my house!”

And then a comment stood out:

“My son learned to talk from watching Blippi.”

The responses to that comment were swift. “Mine too!” “We love Blippi! He has helped my child so much!”

I glanced at my then 2-year-old. Born prematurely, he had been recently diagnosed with a severe speech delay. When we began Early Intervention services a few months prior, his vocabulary consisted of only ten words. Through the diligent work of his Early Intervention specialist and his speech therapist, he had been making steady progress. We were hearing new words every day, and we were thrilled. But, a little extra help couldn’t be a bad thing…

I pulled up a YouTube video and called my son over. He had never sat through a television show before, only giving the screen a fleeting glance as he sprinted off to his next toddler adventure. I was doubtful that any show would keep his attention long enough to make any sort of impact, but it was worth a try.

He was transfixed. By the end of the short video, my speech-delayed kid was dancing around, attempting to sing along to a song about an excavator. I was in awe. And when it ended…

“Want… more… fippi…”

And, my dear Blippi, that is where our love began.

My sweet boy graduated from Early Intervention recently. Over the course of the year that he received services, his vocabulary soared from a mere 10 words into the hundreds. The toddler who made only unintelligible sounds a year ago is now speaking in sentences.

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I will be forever grateful to Rachel and Bethany, the Early Intervention specialists who spent countless hours sitting on my living room floor, lovingly guiding Gabe into speaking through play-based activities. I can happily say that after a year of their hard work, the wish that I had hoped for on our first day together has finally come true: He won’t stop talking, and I wish for a few minutes of quiet. Those specialists — and you, Blippi! — helped to give me the gift of endless toddler chatter.

Blippi, you are welcome to stay for as long as Gabe will have you. With each new video you post, new words appear in my son’s vocabulary. Words I wouldn’t typically hear myself saying, or didn’t even know myself, are sneaking into his vocabulary. (Yes, my 3-year-old now knows that a rickshaw is called a tuk-tuk in India. I was yesterday-years-old when I learned that.) He gleefully shrieks when he sees objects you have made him familiar with out in public.Blippi - Boston Moms BlogHe sings your songs every waking moment of the day. He starts conversations with people about the fun things you do. You have been a bonus teacher to him, encouraging his growth in an engaging, toddler-appropriate way.

And for that, I love you. Even if you annoy the other moms on Facebook.

Love,

Your biggest fan (and her kid, too, I guess)

P.S. I do a rocking version of the backhoe dance. Just ask my middle schooler.

The 5 People You’ll Meet While Pushing a Grocery Store Car Cart

By
Krystal Avila
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car cart grocery shopping - Boston Moms Blog

“Mommy, I want the car!”

Those are the five most dreaded words any mom can hear when entering the grocery store.

Have you ever driven the shopping cart attached to the little car?

I am talking about that bright yellow and red car attached to the shopping cart. The car your toddler can already see when you’ve only mentioned a trip to the grocery store. The car that barely has seat belts, when it should have a five-point harness. The car that gives your children quick and easy access to all the foods on the bottom two rows in each aisle.

Yes, that car. 

It’s always interesting walking around the store pushing this car cart, and over the past few months I’ve been seeing the same people while I’m “driving” my two boys around in that precious car. So I thought I’d give you a rundown of the people you can expect to see when you’re lucky (or brave) enough to tackle the cute little car cart. 

1. The stare-down person

You see me coming from a mile away and just stare. You don’t blink. You don’t offer to push your cart out of the way. You just stare at me. While I’m using all the mom muscles I’ve built up from carrying child number two, who won’t let me put him down, you fix your gaze into my direction. Then, finally, once I have passed you, I hear you breathe a sigh of relief and continue on your way.

2. The teammate

I see you out of the corner of my eye pushing your kids in the other yellow and red car. I feel your pain. I know you have encountered the same people and have not even made it to the bread aisle yet. We must stick together but, at the same time, stay out of each other’s way. These cars are huge and don’t take corners well. We smile at each other and continue, in opposite directions.

3. The pity-look person

Your kids are probably grown, but you remember the days when grocery shopping was like a NASCAR race. The flashbacks this car cart brings strike a little fear in you, but a little nostalgia sets in because your kids have grown. I can see that. As we pass each other, you look, give a head nod, smile, and move quickly toward the next aisle. 

4. The friendly cashier

Seeing you means I have almost successfully made it out of the grocery store without any meltdowns, car accidents, or tears. You smile and then get a confused look on your face because I am not unloading my carriage like everyone else. I am shimmying between the carriage and the convenient mountain of candy in your lane because I can’t possibly reach over the car to put all my groceries on the belt. And, while I’m squeezing between the carriage and candy, you hear me talking and assume I have kids but aren’t quite sure because the car blocks all view. You only hear me saying, “No, we are not getting candy, no we cannot buy the magazines, or the balloon.” (Whose idea is it anyway to sell balloons at EACH register?) Once I have unloaded my carriage, I give you one-word answers in between the conversation with my kids, and you are very pleasant and tell me to have a good day.

5. The bagger

I appreciate you, and probably more than you know. You know that entertaining my children while I try to unload my carriage and pay is not in your job description, but you do it anyway. You are always so friendly and sometimes even give my kids stickers. Thank you. You have just helped me end my shopping trip on a positive note, even if I smashed into two displays, put “stolen” goods back in the wrong aisles, and opened the Goldfish mid-trip to quiet down the two in the little car.

Just remember, next time you go to the grocery store, say yes to the car cart and enjoy the people you encounter. It makes “driving” through the grocery store much more fun!

 

Moms’ Night Out — Gone Wrong

By
Jessie Keppeler
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It had been a long, tough week. Perhaps it was for you, too.

You know, that week a couple months ago when Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford went before the Senate Judiciary Committee. And yes, I believe her.

So after an inundation of maddening news clips, I would have preferred to have been home in sweatpants Netflixing my pain away. But I was being a good bridesmaid to a dear friend, and there we were, a bunch of girls* at a bachelorette party at a certain adult entertainment club showcasing Boston’s finest male strippers.

Let’s call it Men in Lotion.

*Let me pause here to say that we’re not exactly girls. My friend waited patiently to find “the one” and so is getting hitched at 41. As I’ve confessed to you all recently, I’m 40. And the other women in our group are around the same age. Most of us are moms. All of us follow the news. It’s probably fair to say we all would have liked to be home Netflixing our pain away. Bride included.

But we were rising to the occasion, celebrating the upcoming nuptials in a traditional, tacky kind of way. So we flocked into the nightclub with the rest of the masses, a sea of long, wavy locks and high heels. 

Men in Lotion works like this. Everyone pays a cover fee to get in. Guests of honor (bachelorettes and birthday girls) pay extra for a “hot seat” so they can go on stage during the show and get a special dance from the guys. And high rollers pay even more to sit on the stage during the whole show.

We stood near the bar. It was close enough.

The show started well enough. Four men danced onto the stage as the throngs of women screamed from their seats. It was very Chippendales, and just as I had imagined it. We whooped and whistled with the rest of the ladies.

Then the special dances began. The men led one bachelorette onto the stage. She was dressed in a white cropped top and white wide-legged trousers, a perfect tiara perched on her shiny brown hair. Let’s call her Classy Bride. 

Classy Bride smiled warily as two men on stage encircled her. She looked rather sober. The men guided her onto the floor (I winced for her perfect white pants) and had her lay there as they took turns gyrating on different parts of her body. Then they rolled her over and did more of the same, Classy Bride’s cheek smushed against the stage. When she stood, she was flushed, her hair tangled around her tiara. Smoothing it, she tried to regain some dignity as she returned to her cheering friends. She didn’t look happy.

The next bachelorette was not so sober. In fact, let’s call her Drunk Bride. Drunk Bride was bent over a chair while one man worked her behind and the other, grabbing her hair, moved her head up and down against his crotch. Then one of the guys — a tiny man resembling Zoolander — removed his belt and looped it around Drunk Bride’s neck, grinning wildly at the crowd. As he dog-walked Drunk Bride around the stage, his thonged buttcheeks moved up and down, up and down. They looked like little grapefruits.

The audience went crazy, clapping and screaming like a bunch of banshees. 

How did we get here? I don’t mean T or Uber. I mean, how is this sexy? Sure, letting loose is fun. And so is going outside our comfort zones. But here’s a question: Why isn’t she the one holding the belt? Why isn’t she the one to throw the man down on stage? Wouldn’t that be sexier?

Men in Lotion wasn’t all bad. Some of the guys were more respectful, seducing women in a slow dance, or undressing before bachelorettes who were given the dignity of actually sitting in chairs. One handsome man dressed in a white military uniform (a la Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman) thrilled the crowd with the slow removal of his hat… and jacket… and pants. It was sexy, and he didn’t require props, or intoxicated women, to make it so.

Maybe I’m too old for this kind of thing. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right head space to watch two men pantomiming having their way with one woman.

Maybe it was because I couldn’t stop thinking of Dr. Ford, and how her bravery has reminded us all that we deserve some respect.

I can’t stop thinking about that.

Let’s not.

 

My 10 Biggest Gross-Out Moments as a Mom

By
Jenny Berk
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They say parenting is not for the faint of heart, and it’s true. It’s hard to be a germaphobe and a mom simultaneously. And while my gross-out moments have occurred on the regular, I see it almost as my hazing process into the exclusive sorority of motherhood.

I know not everyone likes to get in the gutter to talk about poop and other bodily fluids, so if that is you, spoiler alert — look away now! For everyone else, I know you can relate and share my pain. I invite you to commiserate with me and share all your gross-out mama moments, too — mostly so I don’t feel like I’m the only mom who’s had to disinfect herself now and again. Here are 10 of my grossest moments as a mom to date.

Explosive poop at Boston Common

I was out with a few other new moms in Boston when I smelled the ever familiar scent of poo coming from my 3-month old. After three months of dextrous diaper changing, I thought I was an old pro. But nothing felled me more than sitting on a park bench while trying to maneuver a crying baby with leaking, explosive poop and still trying to make small talk with my new mama friends. Yeah, that day sucked an egg.

Leaky breastfeeding boobs

At work, on a date night, at a restaurant, and everywhere in between! Who can relate to this one?

My teenagers’ wads of hair in the drain

My oldest daughter has hair down to her butt. You can imagine what the shower situation is like in our house. In addition to always being the one left with a cold shower, I’m also constantly fishing out nasty wads of hair from the drain and on the walls. #nice

Lice x 4

Remember that long hair I talked about for my oldest? Yeah, the other two have long, thick hair too. And so do I. That means when we all got lice a few years back, it was a family affair gross-out. And the award for most calm, collected, and unaffected went to my husband, who single-handedly picked out every louse and nit on each of our heads for a week. Now that’s love.

Snot bubbles

What mom can forget those quaint little snot bubbles that appear from your baby’s nose, that grow bigger and sometimes burst as they are mid-tantrum? You try in vain to grab the tissue and wipe their nose, but the quick little baby ninjas dodge your efforts, swiping their heads and thrashing on the ground, leaving you to have to deal with the cringing effects of said snot bubble turning into goo and running down her face and on to the new dress you just bought her. Oh wait, is that just me?

Unflushed toilets

You think boys spraying pee on and around the toilet seat while standing up is gross? It is, don’t get me wrong. But what about day-old excrement with heaps of TP to boot for me to find? My girls are so sweet. They tell me its because they don’t want to scare or disturb anyone by flushing. They are so considerate! I’ve taught them well. #sarcasm

Playing in the kitty litter

We have always had cats, whom we adore. But what I adored less is when my then 3-year-old thought it would be super fun to play around in the kitty litter just like a sandbox! What joy she had digging for cat poop and playing with the self-clumping pee wads… until I found her, that is. Should this be #1?

Being projectile vomited on

Nuff said.

Stinky socks being left in my bed

Where do all these socks come from, and why do they always end up in my personal space? And why do they smell so bad, and why do they never match?

Finding one moldy cheese stick, leaking blueberry yogurt, and some stale Cheerios clinging to life at the bottom of my diaper bag. 

(Actually, I guess this one was my fault. LOL.) What funky, nasty things have you found at the bottom of a diaper bag when you finally remember to clean it three weeks later?

There you have it!  My top 10 gross-out moments as a mom to date. Not all of my girls are teenagers yet, so I’m equipped with the knowledge that more disgusting, vile, and uncouth behaviors are yet to be discovered. #blessed.

What are your biggest gross-out experiences as a mom? I’m always in the gutter, so I don’t mind some company! Share below in the comments!

 

There’s Plenty to Do in November in Boston!

By
Kate Cotter
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November in Boston - Boston Moms Blog

If November had a hashtag, what would it be? Any word that has to do with thankfulness and gratitude, for sure. Sandwiched between the festive kickoff of fall/everything pumpkin/Halloween, and the sparkling, merry holiday season, November has Thanksgiving, yes, but otherwise, what else does this thankful month have in store? Plenty, come to find out, especially in our historically rich, beautifully colorful corner of the country.  

Here is a roundup of family-friendly activities to enjoy right after Halloween and before the holiday season. Let’s make the most of November in Boston!

1. Visit a cranberry bog and catch part of the fall harvest, which takes place from September until early November.

2. Check out where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, and then see history come alive nearby at Plimoth Plantation.

3. Grab a pair of ice skates and head to the Frog Pond (which typically opens in mid-November).

4. Visit the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, which offers a plethora of programs ranging from wildlife exploration to birding and cheese making in November.

5. Check out the work of emerging Boston artists at the Renegade Craft Fair, taking place at the Cyclorama in Boston on November 3 and 4; food trucks will be on hand at this colorful event!

6. Attend this classically Boston fall tradition: the 135th Harvard-Yale football game that will take place at Fenway Park November 17 at noon.

7. Too chilly and dark to play outside after dinner? Head to the Boston Children’s Museum on any Friday night from 5–9 p.m. and pay just $1 per person.

8. If you can’t resist getting into the holiday spirit in November, head over to the Franklin Park Zoo to check out the twinkling annual light display, ZooLights, which opens on November 23.

9. Bring your toddlers to the Museum of Fine Arts’ Playdates series on November 5 and 17. The theme for the month is “Friendly Faces,” and activities include story time, checking out the art galleries, and making art (this begins at 10:15 a.m. and is free with admission).

10. Gobble as you wobble, and register the whole family for a road run or walk in your community on Thanksgiving, November 22. 

11. And above all else, savor the beauty of autumn before the New England winter makes an appearance!

 

4 Reasons Gyms With Childcare Are a Parenting Necessity

By
Rachel South
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gyms with childcare - Boston Moms Blog

Being a stay-at-home mom can be very rewarding, but it’s also extremely hard. My typical workday starts at 6 a.m. and regularly goes until 7:30 or 8 p.m. The only break I get is during nap time, which can be very inconsistent. Needless to say, I definitely need some “me” time during the day — and working out while my son goes to the gym childcare has been my saving grace! Here is why joining a gym with childcare has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a parent:

It motivates me to work out.

While I like to be active, I have always struggled with keeping a consistent workout routine. Knowing that I only get a break from my son if I work out gives me all the motivation I need to hit the gym. I’m in better shape now than I’ve been in a long time, and working out has fit seamlessly into my weekly schedule.

I can take an uninterrupted shower.

I am a little ashamed to admit that showering has become a little too inconsistent since I’ve become a mom. Some days I just can’t find the time to fit in a shower, and when I do, I’m often interrupted by a crying toddler. I love the days I go to the gym because I know I’ll have time to wash my hair, shave, and maybe even apply a little makeup. Some days I even cut my workout short so I can spend some extra time in the locker room.

My son is gaining independence.

Even though I use a babysitter once in a while, there are few times during the week where my son is away from me. I think it’s important for him to learn flexibility and resiliency by being with different caretakers. He is also learning social skills and how to function without me when he goes to the gym’s childcare center.

I have more energy to be a better mom.

Working out makes me energized, relieves my anxiety, and helps me sleep better. All these things make me a better mom, and I have more energy to be present and focus on my son when we’re together. 

If you’re considering joining a gym with childcare I highly recommend it! I go to Healthworks in Cambridge and absolutely love it.

Looking for a gym near you? Here is a list of Boston-area gyms with childcare:

Bodyscape Fitness :: Brookline
Boston Athletic Club :: Boston (South Boston)
btone Fitness :: Chestnut Hill, Lexington, Boston (North End), Waltham, Wellesley
Equinox :: Chestnut Hill, Boston (Back Bay)
Evolve Fitness :: Cambridge and Framingham
Healthworks Fitness Center for Women :: Cambridge, Back Bay, Brookline, Chestnut Hill
Lifetime Fitness :: Chestnut Hill, Burlington, Westwood, Framingham
YMCA :: Various Boston-area locations

 

Whittle Schools :: The Future of Education Is NOW

By
Meghan Block
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At Whittle School & Studios, the world is at your child’s fingertips. 

As the first global school network, Whittle School & Studios provides global education for pre-K through 12th grade, with an international faculty that teaches using a carefully developed progressive curriculum combined with experiential learning.

Whittle School - Boston Moms Blog

Focusing on language and cultural immersion, Whittle School & Studios will boast a diverse student body with day and boarding students throughout a network of schools — with the first campuses opening in the fall of 2019 in both Washington, D.C., and Shenzhen, China. In total, the school will be comprised of 30 campuses that will all work collaboratively through constant exchanges and online activities, prompting a community of learners unlike any single-site institution in the world. As the first of its kind, Whittle School & Studios is challenging traditional schooling methods and creating a better, more connected world.

In addition to a carefully developed progressive curriculum rooted in interdisciplinary and experiential learning, Whittle School offers an unequaled advising system to provide a personalized and rigorous education. Each student will receive a global education with a personalized educational experience carefully curated to their individual needs and passions.

A modern approach to education is absolutely integral to raising future leaders and change-makers. Whittle School & Studios aims to ensure our children receive the best that education can offer. 

Learn more about how Whittle School & Studios is re-imagining education at https://splashthat.com/sites/view/bostonwhittle.splashthat.com.

Whittle School - Boston Moms Blog

The team at Whittle School & Studios is very pleased to invite you to a reception to learn about the school’s new educational endeavor — a reimagined, global K–12 school with a network of boarding campuses around the world. Join members of the leadership team for an informational reception at the Harvard Club Back Bay Clubhouse on Sunday, October 28. Register here. 

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The Family Motto — and Why You Need One

By
Jessie Keppeler
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family motto - Boston Mom Blog
Photo courtesy SweetPrintDesigns on Etsy.

“Be kind and be grateful.”

“Work hard.”

“Make good choices, and remember who you are.”

Does your family have words you live by? Something you repeat over and over? Something other than “wash your hands with soap” or “don’t hit your sister” (both commonly used in my house).

I recently read an article about the importance of the family motto — how having one can “reaffirm family values and serve as a real compass for kids as they get older.” The article discussed how repetition speeds up learning and how “eventually the things we say to our children become second nature to them.”

That really resonated with me. Maybe it’s the idea that in the midst of our chaotic lives, if something is on repeat, it just might stick. Or maybe it’s because I’m concerned that my girls will only remember me standing at the breakfast table with platters of eggs and turkey sausage, shrilling “pick your protein!” (“She made us pick our protein” may very well end up on my gravestone one day.)

But really, I think I just like the idea that my family can choose something that’s important to us and make it part of our fabric, our story. When you’ve heard something said over and over, those are the words that pop into your head when faced with an obstacle or in the midst of a dark day. Those are the words that guide you on your path — or help you get back on it. When your family can’t be right there with you, their words are.

Growing up, I remember one of our family mottoes was “save your pennies.” Seems basic, and my sister and I would groan when we heard it at the mall, but it stuck with me. I always knew that my family respected a dollar. We splurged on the occasional trip to the Caribbean, but we also liked shopping second-hand. (I still do!) When I started babysitting at the age of 11, earning a whopping $1.50 an hour, it was so I could save my pennies.

My friend recently shared with me one of her family mottoes: “If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.” When both of our daughters were navigating tough social stuff at school, we urged them to go forth with these words in mind. “Be brave” and “be a good friend,” are simpler spins on that one.

I’m batting around a few more for my family. One is “make it happen.” Too often, we think luck — or someone else’s luck — affects our outcome. But once we own our path, not as predetermined fate, but as self-actualized destiny, we can do anything.

My husband likes “believe in yourself,” and I’m adding “and treat yourself well.” Happiness and confidence start within — and then allows us to be kind to others, to be brave, and to make good choices. Treating yourself well can mean everything from taking care of your health to enjoying your own company to trusting your gut. Basically, we want our kids to go forth in this world loving themselves as much as we do.

And finally: “Do what you love.” Whether it’s piano and soccer now or a future dream job as an art historian, do what you love, and let go of what you don’t. We already encourage our girls on this front, but perhaps our message bears repeating, especially to my practical eldest daughter, who, at age six, wanted to know salary levels before declaring her career path. Do what you love, work hard, and the money will follow.

And then you can, you know, save those pennies.

Childcare for Nurturing Early Learners :: Bright Horizons

By
Morgan Sheena
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Boston Moms Blog is thrilled to partner with Bright Horizons to provide info about top-notch daycare opportunities in the Boston area.

As a mom of three who works from home, finding people who can take care of my children in a way that makes us all feel safe and secure is crucial. As parents, we all want to find a place with people who love and support our children and encourage them to be their best in a nurturing environment. I’ve always believed a childcare facility that encourages children to learn the best way they can is the way to go.

When you are a working parent looking for childcare, a huge list of questions and concerns comes up. What is of utmost importance is finding a care provider that is right for your child and your family. You want your kids to be somewhere that is warm and loving and will also help them learn, grow, and thrive. You want them to love where they are and look forward to their days. And, of course, you want to be a part of it too!

When you find an environment that not only makes childhood and learning joyful but cares for each child and their individual needs, you are setting your children and your family up for success. Having a place that is not only a daycare facility but a home to grow with is imperative for confident babies who become confident children.

I had the opportunity to tour the Landmark location of Bright Horizons and was astonished by how happy everyone was. The kids couldn’t wait to start their days, the teachers loved their jobs, and the parents were clearly secure dropping their kids off for a fantastic day.

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At its core, Bright Horizons has a curriculum that is designed for every age and stage and is designed with early learners in mind. Starting as young as 6 weeks old, children are encouraged to learn and grow from what is around them. They seek to build on individual strengths and empower their children to reach for the stars. Early learners are encouraged to explore not just the world around them but also what interests them and how they can use that in the classroom. These students carry this confidence with them and leave Bright Horizons ready for school, confident in their abilities and ready to take on the challenges ahead. Children take ownership of their work, and the pride shows.

Bright Horizons focuses on many aspects of learning with its World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which helps children become aware of the world around them and lets them learn in a way that works for them. There are six core tenets of the curriculum, encouraging the children to leave school ready for whatever comes next. Students focus on language, math, science (STEM), art, the world around them, and self-awareness.  

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In addition to encouraging students to explore their own interests and capitalize on their own talents, the staff makes sure parents are a part of the whole process. Parents don’t miss a thing, thanks to the MyBrightDay app. The app keeps parents up to date about everything going on in school and makes sure parents know what their children are learning. The teachers make sure to document what the children are learning with creative documentation boards in and outside the classrooms. Bright Horizons also seeks to educate the parents with webinars and events that encourage parents to understand what their children are learning and help them understand their children and their development.

The teachers and school as a whole work so hard with the parents to make sure the children are getting what they need, learning in a way that is best for them, and growing so they are ready to take on the world. Children come first and truly excel.

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Boston Birthday Party Guide

By
Boston Moms
-
We are so excited to bring you our Birthday Party Guide and are so grateful to our amazing sponsors!
Birthday Party Guide - Boston Moms Blog

We understand just how important the perfect birthday party is to you and your child. Whether you are celebrating big or small, there are memories to be made! But where do you start? Bring an entertainer to your home? Head to a great spot and party? Plan a themed celebration?

Making all the party-planning decisions can feel intimidating. Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you! We’ve rounded up some of Boston’s best and have them all here for you in our Birthday Party Guide. Our Guide, below, details a variety of local venues, entertainers, and party planners.

Now let’s party!

Kids in Sports

A Kids In Sports birthday party is a fun, memorable experience for kids of all ages! Kids In Sports designs the party to suit your child’s sports interests and abilities. A standard birthday party is 90 minutes, with the first hour for sports and games and the remaining half hour for food. Parents provide the food, and Kids In Sports coaches will take care of everything else! All parties are private in a clean, kid-friendly, indoor facility. Plus, all guests receive a free trial sports class! Kids In Sports offers classes, camps, and parties for kids ages 1–8 years old.

Website
Facebook

555 Providence Highway
East Walpole, MA

508-660-7111

Archery Games Boston

AG-Boston

Boston’s only combat archery arena offers the ultimate action experience!

The game allows two teams to battle it out with bows and foam-tipped arrows in the Archery Games arena. The arrows leave no painful marks or bruising, and no archery experience is necessary. All training and equipment are provided during the 75 minutes of fully supervised and refereed programming.

Reserve the party space free of charge and bring your own food/drink to throw an unforgettable birthday celebration.

The Archery Games Boston facility is located just minutes away from TD Garden, and there is plenty of free parking on site. (Archery Games Boston parties are for ages 7 and up.)

Website
Facebook
Instagram

121 Webster Ave.
Chelsea, MA

617-466-0142

Jam Time

Jam Time is Massachusetts’ premiere play space, catering to little ones 3 months to 6 years old. This ultra clean, safe, and unique indoor playground features climbing structures, slides, imaginative playhouses, ball pit, play tables, baby area, and more. Jam Time is open seven days a week for open play with no membership required, so stop by anytime! Jam Time offers fun and creative classes and is the ultimate birthday party destination! The playspace includes a cafe with coffee and snacks, comfy seating, and free WiFi. Visit locations in Maynard, Natick, and Norwood, and see why Jam Time is repeatedly voted the number one indoor playspace!

Website
Facebook
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86 Powder Mill Rd.
Maynard, MA
978-897-2917

251 West Central St.
Natick, MA
508-651-2917

111 Lenox St.
Norwood, MA
781-269-5390

Zoo New England

zne logo 450x450

Calling all party animals! For a wild experience, host your next birthday party at the zoo!

A variety of birthday packages fit for children of all ages are available at Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo.

Winter (October 1–March 31)
Franklin Park Zoo only
Daily, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Please note, parties must end by 3 p.m.

Summer (April 1–September 30)
Franklin Park Zoo or Stone Zoo
Daily, either 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 2–4 p.m.

But the festivities don’t end there — guests can explore the zoo before and after the party!

Website
Facebook (Franklin Park Zoo)
Facebook (Stone Zoo)

Treat Cupcake Bar

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Our parties are built from our love of the endless possibilities of dessert. Party staff are experienced in running a successful birthday party for any age!

We have 3 super fun options for your child’s special day…

Cupcake Decorating Party: Decorating 5 cupcakes, learning fondant techniques, and decorating cupcakes with buttercream and toppings.

Baking Party: Baking cupcakes or sugar cookies as a small group and decorating.

“Cupcake Wars” Party: Give your child the opportunity to get extra-creative in this fast paced cupcake decorating event based on the popular TV Show, Cupcake Wars!

Price starts at $475.

Website

1450 Highland Ave
Needham, MA  

Facebook
Instagram

781-444-4995

Jump N' Slide

Jump N’ Slide is a unique kids entertainment center in Boston. We do the best birthday parties for kids of all ages! No kidding!
 
We have various attractions for all: 
 
Arcade Castle with 20 different arcade games and a Prize Center
Jump Hall with 4 inflatables and Cannon Shooting Range
Toddler Area for kids under 5 years old
 
Our private party room is spacious fitting up to 40 kids AND their parents. The Birthday Packages are specifically designed to make your birthday party the Best. And there’s no effort to plan – All you need to do is to send the invitations!
Website

145 Wells Ave
Newton, MA 

Facebook
Instagram

617-906-6206

JCC Greater Boston

Children’s Birthday Parties at JCC Greater Boston in Newton. Fun, creative and active parties for children of all ages and interests. Choose from one of our many options including sports, dance, gymnastics, swimming, live shows and more…or design your own! Parties include a coach or instructor for the party activity, a JCC birthday party coordinator to assist from start to finish, and a private party room for cake and gifts. Plan your party today! Contact us at [email protected] and learn more at bostonjcc.org/birthday.

 

Website

333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA

Facebook

[email protected]

Little Groove

Little Groove is a friendly, Boston-based company that offers one-of-a-kind music enrichment classes for children in Boston, South Boston, Brookline, Charlestown, and Newton. Little Groove offers fun, interactive music and movement birthday classes at your home or the venue of your choice. Programs are designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, along with their parents or caregivers. Little Groove classes are a wonderful way to help your child have fun and also learn and reach important developmental milestones. Sign up for a class near you, and experience first hand why families love Little Groove!

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Instagram
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Starting Birthday Traditions

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Birthday Resources A - Z

Birthday Resources A-F

5Wits http://5-wits.com/
A Firetruck for All Afiretruckforall.com
A Piece of Cake Parties https://www.apocparty.com/
Action Athletics
Altitude Trampoline Park
American Girl
Andrea Lovett
Animal Adventures
Animal Craze http://animalcraze.info/
Animal World Experience
Art Barn Preschool and art space
Art on the Spot http://www.karaandrews.com/
Bach to Rock https://www.b2rmusic.com/
Barn Babies Traveling Petting Zoo https://www.barnbabies.com/
Bead Addiction http://bead-addiction.com/
Belkin Lookout Farm http://lookoutfarm.com/
Benjamin the Juggling Clown
Big Joe the Storyteller http://www.bigjoe.com/
Big Ryan’s Tall Tales http://bigryanstalltales.com/
Billy Beez https://billybeezus.com/
Boch Ice Center
Bonkers Funhouse https://bonkersfunhouse.com/
Boston Bowl Hanover
Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Theatre
Boston Fire Museum
Boston JCC
Boston Paintball https://bostonpaintball.com/
Boston Party Adventures
Boston Rock Gym
Bricks 4 Kidz https://www.bricks4kidz.com/
Bruce’s Fun Company http://www.brucefun.com/
Busy Bee Jumpers & Tents
Cape Cod Childrens Museum
Carosel Family Fun Center
Castle Creek Adventure Land
Catch the FUNk http://catchthefunk.com/
Ceramics a la Carte
Chocolate Therapy
Clarity the Clown
Clay Dreaming http://www.claydreaming.com/
CoCo Key Resort
Collins Bowladrome
Colores Kids https://www.coloreskids.com/
Cowabunga’s
Create a Cook http://www.createacook.com/
Curious Creatures
Cutie Cake
Dance Place
Dreamtale Puppets
Easton Childrens Museum
Edaville http://www.edaville.com/
Einstein’s Workshop
Empow https://empow.me/
Energy Fitness
Extra Innings Watertown
Exxcel http://www.exxcel.net/
F1 Racing Boston
Face Paint By Leelee
Faerie Tribe
Fairytale Dream Parties
Fantasyland MiniGolf
Farm Visits http://www.farm-visits.com/
Fine Face Painting
Flips R 4 Kids https://www.flipsr4kids.com/
FMC Ice Sports
Frozen Ropes https://www.frozenropes.com/
Fun and Games
Fun Faces with a Twist

Birthday Resources G - O

Galapagos Puppet Theater
Game Truck Party
Ginger Bettys http://www.gingerbettys.com/
Girls & Tiaras
Glass Bar
Goldfish Brookline
Golf on the Village Green
GravOxy http://gravoxyfitness.com/
Greenway Carousel
Gymboree South Shore
Gymja Warrior www.gymjawarrior.com
Gymnastics Academy of Boston
Hago Harrington’s Miniature Golf
Happy Kids Entertainment
Hidden Hollow Farm
Honey Pot Hill Orchards https://www.honeypothill.com/
Hugh Hanley Musician/Entertainer www.hughhanley.com
Imagine Cambridge
Imajine That http://www.imajinethat.com/
In Sync
It’s 2 Cool http://www.its2cool.com/
J & J Pony
Jay Gee’s http://jaygees.com/
Jeff Jam http://www.jeffjam.com/wp/
Jenny The Juggler
Johnny the K https://www.johnnythek.com/
Judith O’Hare of You and Me Puppets
Jump Around
Jump N Slide
Jump On In! https://jumponinfun.com/
Jungle Jakes
Jungle Jim
K.E.C. Party Rentals https://www.kecparty.com/
Kaleidoscope Art & Entertainment http://www.kscopeart.com/
Karen K & the Jitterbugs https://www.jitterbugsnyc.com/
Kidcasso Art Studio
Kids Stuff Amusements
Kidz Planet
Kidzfun http://kidzfunparties.com/
Konditor Meister https://konditormeister.com/
Laser Quest https://www.laserquest.com/
Launch
Little Celebrations
Little Lovage
Little Miss Princess Parties
Lizzy’s Homemade Ice Cream
Loch Ness Playcenter
Mad Science
Magic of David Hall
Magpie Puppets
Marina Bay Sportsplex
Marmalade The Clown
Masks By Design
Massachusetts Gymnastics Center
Matt and Shannon Heaton
Mike Bent http://www.abrakidabra.com/
Mike the Hatman http://mikethehatman.com/
Mike’s Moonwalk Rentals
Montillios http://montilios.com/
My Princess Dream Party
Norah Dooley http://www.norahdooley.com/
North Bowl Lanes http://www.eatdrinkbowl.com/
Oakleaf Cakes https://oakleafcakes.com/
Open Space Studio
Over The Moon

 

Birthday Resources P - Z

Paragon Carousel
Parties Over Boston
Paul’s Pony Parties
Pinz Bowling https://pinzbowl.com/
Planet Gymnastics http://planetgym.com/
Plaster FunTime https://plasterfuntime.com/
PlayTown Express
Pretty Pretty Princess Parties
Rainforest Reptile Shows
Reasons to be Cheerful
Renee Boston Facepainter
Rock On Adventure http://rockonadventure.com/
Rock Spot Climbing http://rockspotclimbing.com/
Roller World! http://roller-world.com/
Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream and Bowling
Ryan Family Amusements https://ryanfamily.com/
Ships Ahoy
Sky Zone https://www.skyzone.com/
Smolak Farms http://www.smolakfarms.com/
South Shore Pottery Shop
Sparkles Birthday Parties
Starland Fun Park
Stephanie Beach Magic
Stronghold Ops http://strongholdops.com/
Sugar Plum Parties
Sunnyside Bowladrome http://sunnysidebowl.com/
Super Soccer Stars
Sweet Tooth Boston
Tanglewood Marionettes
Taste Buds Kitchen https://tastebudskitchen.com/
Teamworks Acton
The Art Beat http://www.theartbeat.net/
The Bubble Music Man
The Creature Teachers
The Discovery Museum
The Fun Bus https://funbuses.com/
The Icing on the Cake http://www.tiotc.com/
The Kid’s Place 4 Fun
The Little Gym https://www.thelittlegym.com/
The Loved Child https://thelovedchild.net/
The Mad Tatter https://www.themadtatter.com/
The Party Fun http://www.thepartyfun.com/
The Teapot Fairy
Toe Jam Puppet Band
Tommy James Magic Shows
Tony Toledo
Top Secret Science and Math http://topsecretscience.com/
Total Entertainment
Treat Cupcake Bar
Tumble Fun Gymnastics
Tumblebus http://tumblebus-mass.com/
Ultimate Mobile Gaming Truck http://www.umgtruck.com/
VinKari Safari
Violet the Clown https://violettheclown.com/
Watertown Playspace
Wayne Martin Puppets
Weymouth Club
Whimsy
Whites Bakery
Wiggles and Giggles Fun
Woburn Bowladrome https://woburnbowl.com/
Xtreme Craze Laser Tag https://www.xtremecraze.us/
Zoo New England

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Birthday Party Guide - Boston Moms Blog

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