As a school nurse, I am lucky to be able to use my summers off to pursue my many curiosities. One summer I dug into baking and cooking, exploring seasonings and techniques from other countries. Another summer I spent time at different beaches with my son — he loves playing in the sand! This year I decided to take a journey into the world of computer coding. And being who I am, I added two caveats: First, I decided I needed guided, intense learning in the way of a certified coding boot camp. And second, I decided that if I was doing it, my daughter needed to learn alongside me. I am so amazed by how much you can learn with deep immersion over a short period of time!
How to start learning
I began my learning using free resources, and I recommend that anyone interested in getting started with coding do the same. You can keep yourself occupied for months with YouTube videos, library books, and online learning platforms. I started with YouTube, searching for videos such as “best computer coding language for beginners” and “how to teach yourself to code.” This rabbit hole allows you to find individuals who have taught themselves, have completed boot camps, or have computer science degrees — and each type of learner gives tips on how they chose the path that was correct for them.
YouTube made me feel more comfortable with the idea that I could learn to code — which was important, since my ego was brutally scarred by a college-level intro to C++ course at a top university in Virginia a decade ago (argh!). Soon, though, I knew I needed something more guided and more substantial. I turned to Free Code Camp, an online coding program that provides an actual certificate if you complete their extensive program (hours of content to complete). I also played around with Udemy and Skillshare to search for courses during their sales.
Finally, I knew I was ready for more. I also knew the price tag would be high. Coding boot camps generally cost between $9,500 and $20,000. I needed to determine which price point I was willing to invest in and what structure would work well for me. Eventually, I went with the Actualize Coding Bootcamp. I was able to log in after work and on weekends, and I completed about 35 hours of coding learning a week (while working for the first month of the course). I’ve learned Ruby, Rails, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Sublime, Slack, Zoom, how to find my terminal on my computer, how to think like a coder, and so much more.
What my daughter learned — and how
Through reading and speaking with a few programmers, I figured out that Scratch and Python would be appropriate places for a 9-year-old newbie to start learning to code. I specifically used the book “Helping Your Kids With Computer Coding,” which includes an intro to both languages.
I also let my daughter start reading a chapter book series about an all-girls coding group at an elementary or middle school. The books are so reminiscent of The Baby-Sitters Club books I used to read, so I knew they would spark that interest that would carry her through the difficult components of coding. She read the first four books in two weeks and began asking more and more about coding in everyday conversation.
The final components of her summer learning included attending CyberSummer camp in Brookline, which has solidified so much of the learning for her, plus doing one hour of coding a night on code.org. See if you can make it through this maze that she created in Scratch!
Plans for the future
So, what next? In two weeks my bootcamp journey will come to an end, and all I know is that I want to continue learning this awesome, creative, mind-blowing content. Learning to code is challenging and emotionally exhausting. It takes you from intense frustration to utter glee in a matter of minutes (or hours). Pursuing this was the right move, and seeing my daughter excel is so inspiring. If you are thinking about it, I say go for it! You won’t be disappointed.
As August rolls into September, there’s still plenty of fun to be had as New England weather typically stays nice for a while! If you’re like me and are looking for some ideas to round out your summer and kick off fall in Boston before school starts, here are a few that are marinating in my mind:
1. Beached out? Hop on a boat!
We are so lucky to live by the sea, but if you’ve had your fill of the beach this year, why not take a boat ride? You can take a ferry from Long Wharf in Boston to the Harbor Islands — Spectacle Island and Georges Island — and the MBTA ferry to points north and south, such as Charlestown and Hingham/Hull. Enjoy the breeze and explore new lands!
2. Pack a picnic and head for the Esplanade
The Esplanade offers many free outdoor concerts and movies through the end of summer. How magical does it sound to catch some live music or a favorite family movie while sitting under the stars beside the Charles River?
3. Dine al fresco in the city (with a side of prime people watching)
Boston offers countless restaurants that open their windows in the warmer months and/or offer patio seating. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch the city life bustling by at any of the neighborhood restaurants that offer outside dining!
4. Go on a wishing well scavenger hunt — and make wishes!
There are so many beautiful fountains around Boston that double as wishing wells; I know my kids would love nothing more than to plot out a map of many of these wells and traverse the city to find them and throw their pennies in while making wishes (perhaps for an exciting school year ahead?!).
5. Explore as many new playgrounds as possible
While this may sound mundane at first, if you think about it, how often do you and your kids frequent the same playgrounds every single day? I know we do! Go outside your comfort zone and explore play areas you’ve never visited before, and with this will come excitement, awe, and adventure!
What types of activities do you have lined up as summer winds down?
Thank you to all the photographers who have chosen to be a part of this guide!
We understand just how much you want to freeze time and enjoy every second with your little ones. It’s hard to be in the moment, especially with so many distractions around. In this age of being overly connected, it’s nice to take some time with your family, find a place you love, get dressed up, and capture some memories. Whether it’s your precious newborn curled up asleep or your whole family posing for your holiday card, finding the right photographer is key.
Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best photographers around and have them all here for you in our Guide to Boston-Area Photographers, brought to you by The Mirrored Image and Miss Z Photography. We are so grateful to the photographers who have chosen to work with us to bring you this Guide. We know the perfect photographer is here for your needs.
Now’s the time to find the perfect photographer for you and your family!
The Mirrored Image Photography
Your family, your moments.
Think back on your childhood. How did you remember your family moments? Cherished moments have long been captured in photographs. We leaf through our old family albums, we watch home movies.
What will you have for your children to cherish these moments?
Kathy is an international award-winning photographer. Much of her work is on location in Boston and around the South Shore. She specializes in newborn, family, and child photography. She works closely with her clients to create a customized session tailored to their families and special moments. Her focus is on clients who want something special and unique.
Award-winning and internationally published maternity and baby photographer Abrah Zion, aka “Miss Z,” is a passionate person. Whenever she does something, it is with full energy and love. Her photography is no exception. She started her dream profession in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. Abrah strives to give her clients the best experience possible. She personalizes all her sessions and provides a boutique experience from start to finish. She’s constantly attending workshops to keep her skills and ideas fresh and timely. Her photos are a mix between timeless and creative. Abrah specializes in maternity, birth, newborn, baby, child, and family photography. She has been proclaimed by clients as the “baby whisperer.” Her studio is located in historic downtown New Bedford.
“My style is crisp and clean, whimsical and natural. I live in the details, and it shows in my photography as well as in the care I take of each client — from start to finish. I have the studio space, outdoor locations, experience, and props to create stunning one-of-a-kind customized portraiture that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.” –Kate McKenna from Crabapple Photography
Crabapple Photography has specialized in newborn, baby, and family portraiture since 2009. The Crabapple Photography photo studio is conveniently located just north of Boston in Andover and is stocked with adorable props, clothing, and more!
Karen Kelly Photography is a luxury family experience specializing in multi-generational relationships. It was founded on a deep love for family history and the importance of preserving family legacies. A KKP experience begins with a family interview to ensure Karen will capture the true essence of the people you love most; it ends with custom-designed family artwork installed in your home. It is a true gift for today, but an even greater one for the future. Karen Kelly Photography is available to travel for family events, most frequently in Boston and Kennebunkport.
Will you remember just how tiny your brand new baby was?
Betsy is an award-winning photographer who specializes in fine art newborn portraiture. She has extensive training in newborn safety and posing. Her style is a mix of simple, timeless portraits that showcase your new little one and fun, whimsical shots.
Her studio is stocked with everything you’ll need for your session, and she’ll work with you from the initial consult to the moment you pick up your artwork. Betsy’s goal is for you to have keepsakes tailored to your decor that you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Meg and Roe Photography is all about creative, colorful, fun photography. Meg loves working with babies, children, and families of all ages, capturing traditional portraits, lifestyle shots, and the candid moments you didn’t plan but want to remember. Meg is located in Marshfield, with outdoor space and an in-home studio space perfect for children, and she’s willing to travel throughout the South Shore. Sessions are tailored to you, and personalized style and collaboration are encouraged! The client relationship is very important to Meg, and she wants you to enjoy the process, then adore your photos!
Kayla Skillin is a photographer based in Boston. She specializes in fine art and landscape photography but really loves photographing children and their families. Capturing the genuine moments of happiness and love between families is really what her photography is all about. Kayla mostly shoots on location, focusing on the Greater Boston area and the South Shore. She is available for family sessions as well as senior portraits and engagement sessions. Locations are discussed between Kayla and her clients to bring to life the vision that her clients see for their final products; sessions are customized to fit every customer’s need.
Annie tells unique photographic stories about everyday intimate moments in the lives of families. Her photographs reveal the intricacies of love within the powerful bond of family. She has exhibited her fine art photography nationally and now focuses on lifestyle family photography in and around the Boston area.
After the images are created, Annie’s work is only half done. Life is bestowed upon each photograph through albums, wall displays, prints, and tabletop items. Annie lends her expertise to every part of this boutique photographic process and leads her families through the pre-photography session to the final product delivery with care.
Want to be a part of our 2018-2019 Photographer Guide?
We want to show our readers all the great photographers available right here in the Boston area. Partnering with us allows your business greater visibility with a large targeted market of local families. Join us and help enrich the lives of Boston moms!
Maybe you’ve been in Boston for years, but you’re now having kids and looking to relocate. Maybe you’re planning a move to the Boston area from another city in the U.S. or abroad, and you’re trying to make sense of your options. Whatever the case, Boston Moms is here to help with a handy guide to some popular towns in the area! We’ll tell you about the vibe, income levels, schools, and fun insider info to help you figure out the best place for you.
Two Boston Moms Blog contributors (Kate Cotter and Emily Fahle), who both live in Scituate, collaborated on this post. They share their stories and insights about the town below.
Kate
A few magical things collided in the universe to bring my family to the gorgeous seaside town we now call home. We were expecting our third child and seeking more space, and my husband was now working on the South Shore (and not commuting to Cambridge any longer!).
Scituate had been on our list of towns to consider. My husband, who grew up on the South Shore, had repeatedly mentioned Scituate as a possibility for our family. I wasn’t so sure — I had heard it was far off the highway and there was no easy or quick way to get there. We spent months going to open houses and showings in other South Shore towns, and it would be an understatement to say this was a frustrating process.
Then one day last summer, my fellow Boston Moms Blog writer Emily commented about how Scituate was a hidden gem. I was intrigued! Having never met or spoken with her, I went out on a limb (maybe due to my crazy pregnancy hormones) and reached out to ask a million questions. She was 38 weeks pregnant and in the middle of a move herself — but she responded with a plethora of information. I instantly became hooked on this town.
After getting the inside scoop Scituate quickly moved to the top of my list. We had all but given up hope that we would find our dream home before our third baby arrived in October, but by a stroke of luck, we found our house in July, we moved in late September, and we welcomed baby Finn three weeks later!
Fun fact: In one of the biggest coincidences out of all of this, our new home is about 10 houses away from Emily’s. Her three girls and my three boys are all the same ages, and our two oldest kids are entering kindergarten at the same elementary school in the fall.
Another fun fact: There’s a cute coffee shop in Scituate Harbor named Lucky Finn, just like my lucky little guy!
Emily
In June 2015, our family relocated from Connecticut to Boston. Our plan was to rent for a year while we determined where in Greater Boston we wanted to live. We decided if we were going to rent, we should rent at the beach!
We found a year-round, pet-friendly rental, and a one-year lease turned into two. By the end of those two years, we knew we were going to make Scituate our home. We started looking for our forever house, and we found it five months later. In July 2017, we moved into our home, and three weeks later our third daughterwas born.
Vibe :: Beachy suburban
Scituate has a friendly, relaxed, beach vibe to it. With a population of just under 20,000, it’s easy to find yourself at an impromptu playgroup at the playground, beach, or at one of our local ice cream shops. Folks are friendly to residents and tourists alike.
Drivers are (mostly) courteous, and there is a strong neighborhood appeal with an old-timey feel. There are frequently organized block parties and kids playing outdoors until dark. There is a strong sense of community in Scituate, with many volunteer opportunities and charity events.
During the summer, Scituate’s population swells to almost double, but it never seems overcrowded. There is plenty of room at the beach to relax, plus nature trails to explore and shops to check out!
Live :: The town is your oyster
Want to live by the water? Check out the Sandhills, Egypt Beach, Minot, or Humarock neighborhoods. Are you interested in historic sites? Look into the Dreamwold area, Lawson Tower, or Old Oaken Bucket Road. Do you want to be closer to the commuter rail? The North Scituate Village and Greenbush neighborhoods are within walking distance to the train. Do you prefer to be closer to the highway? The west end in Scituate is approximately 10 minutes from Route 3. Andof course, who wouldn’t want to live within walking distance of our amazing harbor area? Scituate offers many options!
There is a lovely and lush town green that is walkable from many neighborhoods. Speaking of neighborhoods, I find it uniquely special that neighbors here are so friendly! When we moved into our home, we received plates of brownies from two different neighbors and a handwritten introductory note from another (people still do that?); plus, a sweet teenager across the street came over to introduce herself in hopes of getting some babysitting hours (hired!). Many neighborhoods have annual formal block parties with barbeque and hired ice cream trucks.
No matter which section of Scituate you live in, you’re never more than a few miles away from the ocean — Scituate is just 17 square miles.
Like so many towns in the greater Boston area, Scituate has a healthy real estate market. According to real estate website Trulia, the median price for a single-family home in Scituate is $525,000, and the median rent is $2,500/month. It is difficult to find a year-round rental. Most leasing periods are for nine or ten months so that the owners can enjoy their beach house in the summer! As such, the majority of residents here own their homes (88% are homeowners).
Learn :: Excellence in education
Scituate has an excellent school system that is improving each year. The four elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school were all ranked between 7 and 9 by Great Schools, and according to Boston Magazine Scituate ranked in the top 39 of best public school districts in the Boston area in 2017. There are also a variety of preschool options, with four private and one public preschool in town. The middle school is brand new (2018), and the high school underwent extensive renovations in 2017.
The Scituate Public Library also recently reopened after receiving a $50 million improvement and renovation. The children’s department offers more than just story hour — there are book clubs for littles, a Tinker Tots program, and engaging performers and musicians. There is also a new teen room (with its own librarian!) with pre-teen and teen-geared programming and academic assistance.
Play :: Scituate’s middle name
You can play at the beach, experience life on the water, taste craft beers at the brewery, run and climb at the new playground, enjoy the nature trails, shop and dine in the harbor area, and picnic on Lawson Common. The options are endless!
As a resident of this town, you may purchase an inexpensive ($35 for the 2018-19 season) beach sticker every March that gives you parking privileges at any of the seven public beaches around town. Because the beaches are for residents only, there is plenty of sandy space available, and it’s common to run into friends at any given time. The beaches are clean, and there are tidal pools and coves for the little ones plus open coastal waters for more experienced swimmers. There are lifeguards at three of the beaches during the summer months.
If being out on the water is your cup of tea, you can rent a boat for the day at the Freedom Boat Club of Scituate, or hire a charter boat in the Harbor to take you and your family fishing. There is also a new small harbor cruise operation that gives 20-30 minute cruise tours around the Harbor for $4 a person. What a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the water with the kiddos or guests in town!
Whales were feeding off the coast for a few weeks — great entertainment!
Speaking of the harbor, there is much to do there with the excellent shopping, restaurants, and opportunities to eat ice cream by the picturesque views of the boats on the water. There are gift stores with coastal items and décor, boutiques for women and children, a mom-and-pop toy store, an upscale wine and spirits shop, and art galleries. There are also fine dining options for dinner and drinks as well as more casual locations for breakfast, lunch, and small bites. The harbor also has an independent grocery store, CVS, a dry cleaner, nail and hair salons, a record store, locally owned fitness and wellness centers, realtors, and banks. There is even a small bowling alley! All of these amenities are concentrated on Front Street, where there is ample free public parking.
New to town as of this past fall, Untold Brewing is a craft brewery, offering beers such as “East by Northwest,” “Time Shall Unfold,” and “The Abigail,” (after one of Scituate’s prominent historical figures). The brewery, situated in an old school house in the middle of town, is very family-friendly with its long picnic tables, live music, an outdoor patio, board games, and the option of bringing your own picnic or ordering food in to go along with their delicious craft beers.
Scituate also has a public golf course, two country clubs, a yacht club, the Scituate Beach Association, the Scituate-Cohasset Newcomers and Neighbors Club, and other civic organizations. A dog park is in the works, and there are numerous walking trails in town.
Go :: Vehicles are a must
There are two stations for the MBTA commuter rail into Boston. The Greenbush Line begins in Scituate, proceeds north to Scituate’s second stop (in North Scituate), then continues into South Station in Boston. The train ride into Boston lasts approximately 45 minutes. The Hingham Ferryis also a nice option to get into Rowes Wharf, Long Wharf, or Logan International Airport. Hingham Ferry is about a 15-minute drive from Scituate. The ferry is my favorite way to take the kiddos into Boston, as it’s a relaxed atmosphere and there’s a snack bar on the boat!
Scituate participates in the GATRA bus program (also known as the SLOOP). It rides a set route around the town for the majority of the day at a low cost to the rider.
While there are public transportation options to get into Boston, you will need to have a car in Scituate. Fortunately, every amenity is within a 15-minute drive!
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful!
We both love Scituate and could not imagine living anywhere else. We feel so incredibly fortunate to live in a town with friendly people, fun activities, and special amenities. If you ever are in the neighborhood, feel free to reach out to us! We’d love to show you around!
Stay tuned for more town guides to clue you in about Greater Boston’s many terrific family-oriented places to live.
In addition to all things pumpkin and apples, New England does a great fall fair. Some of these terrific events are a bit further than metro Boston (here’s to you, Big E), but it can be a super fun day trip adventure! Grab the kids and your funnel cake money and check out one of these autumn (or late-summer!) festivals!
What ::Fisherman’s Feast, Boston’s Oldest Italian Festival Where :: Boston’s North End on North, Fleet, and Lewis Streets Highlights :: It’s an Italian Festival in the North End — food! There’s also live music and the famed “Flight of the Angel.”
What ::Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Fair Where :: West Tisbury Fairgrounds, Martha’s Vineyard Highlights :: Rides, games, shucking contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, fiber-arts tent, and dog and livestock shows.
What ::Marshfield Fair Where :: 140 Main Street, Marshfield Highlights :: It’s the 151st year of this premier South Shore fair. The fair draws hundreds of competitors in 4-H, arts and crafts, agricultural, and horticultural events. There is a farmer’s market, games, rides, animal shows, tractor pulls, live music, and entertainment.
What ::Plymouth Waterfront Festival Where :: Water Street, Plymouth Highlights :: Kids games and inflatables, Ducky Dash Race, food trucks, car show, and live entertainment.
What :: Clustertruck Food Festival Where :: Kalon Farms, Lancaster Highlights :: More than 25 food truck options, including dessert. Also, artisan vendors, craft brewing from Wachusett Brewing Company, and live music.
What ::Sterling Fair Where :: Sterling Airport, 121 Greenland Road, Sterling Highlights :: Friday night fireworks, kiddie tractor pulls, kids frog jumping contest (bring your own frog or they will let you borrow one!), skillet tossing, log sawing contest, horse and ox pulls, and a Lego building contest.
What :: Natick Days Community Festival Where :: Main Street, Natick Highlights :: Mini golf, a moonwalk, bungee challenge, pony rides, big trucks from the DPW, raffles, Big Daddy racing, photo booth, and an obstacle course.
What ::The Big E Where :: 875 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield Highlights :: The better question is what doesn’t the Big E have? Parades, big-name concerts (Ice-T!), animal exhibits and demonstrations, food and craft vendors, rides, street performances, a 5K, butter sculptures, and so much more!
What :: Davis Mega Farm Festival Where :: 142 Redstone Hill, Sterling Highlights :: Live music, food, craft beer and wine, family fun attractions, and campfire sites.
What :: Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs Festival at the Farm Where :: Prowse Farm, 5 Blue Hill River Road, Canton Highlights :: Live music (including kids’ sets), backyard games, pop-up performances, locally-sourced food vendors and craft brews, farmer’s market, and kids activities.
What :: 42nd Annual Corn Festival Where :: South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell Highlights :: Hay rides, pony rides, hand drumming demo, corn kernel pit, arts and crafts, 4-H animals, and live music.
What :: What the Fluff? A 100th Anniversary Celebration of Fluff! Where :: Union Square, Somerville Highlights :: Musical performances, a cooking contest, Fluff-themed games, activities, antics and fun for every age, and Fluff treats of every sort!
What :: 28th Annual KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain Where :: 499 Mountain Road, Princeton Highlights :: Kids’ entertainment, shows, giveaways, vendors, activities, a BMX bike show, live music, and dancing.
What :: Chinatown Main Street Lantern Festival Where :: Rose Kennedy Greenway (Chinatown Park), 70 Beach Street, Boston Highlights :: A variety of traditional Chinese performances, including lion dances, Chinese folk dances, and martial arts demonstrations!
What ::South Shore Irish Festival Where :: Marshfield Fair Grounds, 140 Main Street, Marshfield Highlights :: Traditional Irish storytelling, Irish music and dancing, and all things Irish!
What :: Topsfield Fair Where :: 207 Boston Street, Topsfield Highlights :: Swifty swine racing and swimming pigs, acrobatics show, monster trucks, axe women loggers, Royal Canadian Mounted Police show, human cannonball, and a hot dog eating contest.
What :: Maynard Fest
Where :: Nason and Main Streets, Maynard
Highlights :: Trackless train ride, sidewalk vendors, food trucks, and free family entertainment, including live music.
What :: The Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival Where :: Columbus Avenue, west of Massachusetts Avenue, for six blocks to Burke Street. Highlights :: Boston’s biggest block party — a free, annual, outdoor public concert. There is world-class music on three stages, phenomenal food and drink, arts, crafts, and unique gifts.
What :: Cranberry Harvest Celebration Where :: 158 Tihonet Road, Wareham Highlights :: Admission includes continuous viewing of the wet harvest operations, animal demonstrations, live music, cooking demonstrations, and many children’s activities.
What :: 35th Applefest at Wachusett Mountain Where :: 499 Mountain Road, Princeton Highlights :: Over 100 craft exhibitors, a farmers market, kids entertainment, and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Also enjoy live music, the giant pumpkin weigh-off, apple pie baking and eating contests, along with additional family entertainment.
Our love affair started late in life. I grew up in a rural area and didn’t have you around when I was a child. I saw you on TV, of course, as part of the idyllic suburban family landscape. But I didn’t truly discover the joy you could bring until my late 20s, when I moved to the Boston area. Your tinkly music was a delight. You always seemed to show up when I needed you, whether at the beach in Hull with friends or during a weekend spent hanging out in the Back Bay. And you showed up just often enough so that I didn’t get tired of you.
But then something changed between us.
I got married, had children, and moved to the suburbs. And all of a sudden, you began to irritate me! Your tinkly music practically sends me into a panic attack these days. Let me tell you why.
You always show up at the wrong time.
Let me give you a few examples. First, the fields after my daughter’s soccer class — at 10 in the morning! Really? You have to show up before lunch? Getting healthy food into my daughters’ bodies is hard enough, and if I give them morning ice cream, I basically have no chance.
Next, you come to the playground near our house. You do come in the afternoon, for which I commend you, but I never have my wallet. MUCH whining ensues, as my kids are too young to really understand that nothing in life is free. We have to stand there next to the truck, “looking at the flavors,” as my daughter says. It’s hard on both of us, Mr. Ice Cream Man. You wonder why we’re just standing there, not buying anything, while I keep saying, “I’m sorry, I don’t have my wallet” on repeat.
You cancel plans and don’t tell me ahead of time.
Remember? It was touch-a-truck day. You promised you’d be there for the 2.5-hour event. I told my daughters. And as we drove up less than an hour into the event, we saw you drive away. Why, Mr. Ice Cream Man, why?
But I suppose it really can’t be summer without the ice cream man.
Now that I live in an idyllic suburban community, you’re part of my summer family life. So I’ll make a deal with you. You show up in the afternoons, or better yet, the evenings. I’ll bring my wallet. We’ll stop staring and actually buy something from you. But you can’t come too often. Maybe once a week — twice at most. I’ll set a regular schedule with you if it makes things easier. (When my kids are older, we can renegotiate the number of visits.) Are we agreed?
August is halfway over, and the kids will be back in the classroom before we know it! Celebrate the beginning of a new school year with these fun back-to-school events!
Wednesday, August 15
Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt at Legacy Place
Wednesday, August 15 :: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Legacy Place :: 680 Legacy Place, Dedham
Bring the kids and go on a scavenger hunt around the property while enjoying a number of fun events! Guests are encouraged to bring an item to donate to Cradles to Crayons. In exchange for their donation, children will receive a free backpack and a clue list for the scavenger hunt.
This event is geared toward children in Pre-K through 2nd grade, though older children are welcome. The event is free, but guests must register here.
Saturday, August 18
Back-to-School Child Safety Seat Inspections
Saturday, August 18 :: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
North Andover Fire Department :: 795 Chickering Road, North Andover
Make sure your most precious cargo is traveling safely! Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand to assist with proper car seat installation, finding the correct car seat for your child’s weight and age, and checking to make sure your car seat is not affected by any safety recalls.
Thursday, August 23
Salvation Army Back-to-School Celebration at TD Garden
Reserved for Boston children demonstrating financial need
Children will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while enjoying a fun time at the TD Garden! Shoot some hoops, take a shot at the Bruins goal, and be sure to stop at a number of educational booths, including information about anti-bullying, nutrition, exercise, dental care, and drug prevention awareness.
To register your children, please bring the following information to your local Salvation Army, or visit here for more information.
A valid government-issued picture ID
Current utility bill as proof of address
Birth certificate or school record of each child aged 5-17 in your household
Proof of financial need
Sunday, August 26
Harry Potter Back-to-School Party
Sunday, August 26 :: 2–4 p.m. :: $5 per person
An Unlikely Story :: 111 South Street, Plainville
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter at a magical back-to-school party! Magical games, a dueling club, and a pensive selfie station await your Hogwarts sendoff! Don’t forget to come dressed in your wizarding best — prizes will be awarded for fantastic costumes!
This event is best for ages 7 and up.
Monday, August 27
Back-to-School Movie Night
Monday, August 27 :: 7–10 p.m.
Sharon Recreation Department :: 219 Massapoag Avenue, Sharon
Movie to be announced. Bring a picnic dinner, and enjoy the outdoor movie!
Tuesday, August 28
Back To School With Mac :: Author Reading!
Tuesday, August 28 :: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Scituate Town Library :: 85 Branch Street, Scituate
Join local author Kim DiLoreto for a reading of her book “Back To School With Mac,” a fantastic tradition that helps kids get ready for school, especially if they have a few first-day jitters! After reading her book, Kim will show the children what it takes and who’s involved in publishing a book. This event is great for children 3–8 years old.
Saturday, September 1
Back 2 School Bash by HYPE Basketball Academy
Saturday, September 1 :: 12–6 p.m.
Mary Jane Lee Park :: 102 Congress Street, Salem
Join the HYPE Basketball Academy at its 2nd Annual Back 2 School Bash. All ages are welcome to come and enjoy games, face painting, bounce houses, food, music, and more! Backpacks filled with school supplies will be given to children. Please visit www.hypebasketballacademy.com for more information.
Back-to-School Night at Treetop Adventures
Saturday, September 1 :: 6 p.m. :: $39
Treetop Adventures :: 200 New Boston Drive, Canton
Teachers are welcome to climb for up to 3.5 hours for only $39 when they present their teacher ID!
Students aged 7–21 are welcome to climb for $39 with the donation of two school supplies (pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, markers, or lined paper, please). All donations will go to Cradles to Crayons.
Saturday, September 8
Back-to-School Bullying Seminar
September 8 :: 12–12:45 p.m.
South Shore Tae Kwon Do :: 342 Union Street, Rockland
In this free event, children ages 4 and up are helped to learn the mental and physical skills to deal with bullying behavior. For more information, please contact the studio at 781-308-4635 or [email protected].
Wednesday, September 12
Let’s Talk Lunch at STARR Yoga
Wednesday, September 12 :: 7–8:30 p.m. :: $35
STARR Yoga :: 339 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale
School is back in session, and that means we are all faced with a daunting question — what do we pack for lunch? Join Boston nutritionist Julie Starr as she guides participants through finding healthy and enjoyable alternatives to pack in your child’s lunch box! Everyone who participates will receive samples of some nutritional favorites.
*This is a virtual event that will be held using zoom conference calling. You will be sent a link prior to the event so you can log in to the meeting. The event will be recorded in case you cannot participate the evening it is held.
Thank you to Whittle School for sponsoring this post.
“Education is stuck in the past, and a dramatic modernization is long overdue.”
“Children are not getting the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in our modern world.”
That’s about to change.
Whittle School & Studios is the first truly modern institution providing a global education for pre-K through 12th grade, with campuses in the world’s leading cities. It is a highly integrated global learning community with an international faculty that teaches a curriculum with experiential learning.
The school focuses on language and cultural immersion and will boast a diverse student body with day and boarding students through a network of schools — with the first campuses opening in the fall of 2019 in both Washington, D.C., and Shenzhen, China. It is one school with 30 campuses that will all work collaboratively through constant exchanges and online activities, creating an organization linked with a new collective intelligence unlike any single-site institution in the world.
“We believe the team and resources assembled here have a unique opportunity to achieve something extraordinary, a truly modern school that connects cultures worldwide,” said Benno Schmidt, co-chair of the school’s global advisory board and the former president of Yale University.
As the first global school network, Whittle School & Studios is challenging traditional schooling methods and creating a better, more connected world. Each student will have a global education with a personalized educational experience to each student’s needs and passions. It offers a carefully developed progressive curriculum rooted in interdisciplinary and experiential learning and an unequaled advising system to provide a personalized and rigorous education.
In the innovation age, our future leaders need to have a modern approach to education. Learn more about how Whittle School & Studios is reimagining education at boston.whittleschool.org.
The team atWhittle 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. The inaugural Boston event will be on Tuesday, August 14.
The program will include:
Rebecca Upham, Executive Chairwoman — D.C. Campus (Former Head of School at Buckingham Browne & Nichols)
Peter Merrill, Co-Chair, Education Design Committee (Former Head of World Languages at Phillips Academy Andover)
Matthew Drake, Associate Director of Admission — D.C. Campus
Date: Tuesday,August 14, 2018
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: The Harvard Club, Downtown Clubhouse :: 1 Federal Street, Boston
Whittle School & Studios is the world’s first global school with a system of campuses serving children ages 3–18 in the world’s most vibrant cities. Over the past three years the Whittle School has assembled an exceptional team to build an academic program that incorporates the very best practices and pedagogies from around the globe, including language immersion, project-based and experiential learning, and personalized education. In September 2019, they will open their first two campuses, in Washington, D.C., and Shenzhen, China, and they plan to open campuses in 30 of the world’s leading cities over the next 10 years. The school’s founding team, leading their efforts, draws from many disciplines, including:
Chris Whittle, co-founder of Avenues: The World School (Chairman & CEO)
Nicholas Dirks, former Chancellor of UC Berkeley (Vice Chairman & Chancellor)
Benno Schmidt, former President of Yale (Co-Chair of Global Advisory Board)
Renzo Piano, globally renowned and Pritzker-winning architect (Chief Design Architect)
I love summer — don’t get me wrong. But by August I often feel a lot of pressure to get out of town and go on big weekend getaways that end up costing a lot of money and are primarily fueled by my sense of FOMO. The truth is, I had a lot of fun in July and got away to the Cape and the Berkshires and even NYC!
And now, truthfully, I just want to lean into the doldrums of thick, hazy August in Boston and use it as an opportunity to stay put, relax, get ready for fall and, most importantly, explore more of our city and the surrounding areas. Much of the city clears out in August, and it’s a perfect time — fewer lines, more parking spots, and less traffic — to take advantage of all the incredible cultural, culinary, and creative offerings Boston offers us.
Below are seven Boston staycation ideas for weekend or weekday fun in August. Some of these ideas involve the whole family; others are for parents only.
Have you been wanting to stay active but can’t spend the big bucks at studios like SoulCycle and Pure Barre? Try these free community fitness classes every Wednesday evening from 6–7 p.m. at the Prudential Center. Classes range from cardio to HIIT training to boot camps.
On Saturdays in August, your Lego-loving kid can drop in for a Lego design challenge (for free!). It all goes down at BSA (Boston’s leading center for design and architecture). You only need to bring your Lego skills and imagination.
Every Saturday this August, the Magic 106.7 Family Film festival offers free family-friendly movies under the stars at the Pru. Come early for a bring-your-own-picnic or snag some snacks that are already available at the venue. August movie highlights include Mulan and A Wrinkle in Time.
Who says you have to spend hundreds of dollars just to hear some quality music or attend a concert? Every year, my family loves to attend the Gloucester Waterfront Festival. It’s only a 45-minute drive, it’s close to the beach, and it includes dozens of food, jewelry, and craft vendors from around the state. Best of all, it hosts an array of musicians and bands that fuel our sweet summer music festival vibe. For free! For other free live music opportunities check out music at the Hatch Shell.
Take a relaxing cruise around the Boston harbor. These family-friendly excursions include stops at some of the Harbor Islands and lighthouses and give the littles a lesson in our rich Boston history and heritage. We took our kids a few summers ago and they couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks. Or, try a brunch cruise or a sunset sail!
Starting at 1 p.m. on August 18, you’ll get a chance to sip some brewskies among the apes, lions, and giraffes at the Franklin Park Zoo. The entire zoo is shutting down for this event (it’s 21+), and you get to sample different beers and brews while enjoying a visit to your favorite local zoo. Just remember, it’s not a sip and share event — getting the animals tipsy is strictly prohibited!
Speaking of tipsy, why not sign up for the unique tipsy chocolate walking tour (did I have you at tipsy or chocolate?). This two-hour cocktail and chocolate tour in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay is a girls day out or date to remember. Tours are on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Whatever you do this August in Boston, be it sitting in your room sobbing that summer is almost over or going on a camping trip (and everything in between), just remember you can make it whatever you want it to be! Go out, stay home, do nothing, or pretend to do something just so you can post it on Facebook. But whatever you decide, please have fun, be mindful, and savor it — summer is always fleeting, and soon we’ll be trading in our sweaty tank tops and sunglasses for sweaters and boots. (Something to look forward to!)
I was in Chicago visiting family with my 2-year-old son, Dylan. All of a sudden I heard a horrible scream and realized something was terribly wrong. He had slipped on a wet hardwood floor and was writhing in pain. After rushing to the emergency room, I learned he had fractured his femur.
Fracturing a femur is really painful, and there’s nothing worse than seeing your child suffer. The two nights we spent in the hospital were some of the most awful nights of my life. I know some families have it much worse — I had to be grateful Dylan’s injury was only temporary, and even though it was awful in the moment, I knew he would heal and be completely fine.
The cast Dylan needed for his fracture is called a hip spica cast (used for broken femurs and hip dysplasia). It goes up to his chest, covers his fractured leg completely, and goes over the thigh of his other leg. This cast ensures his leg cannot move at all so that it can heal properly. Unfortunately, it also ensures that Dylan can barely move.
When I took Dylan home from the hospital, I quickly came to realize how hard caring for an immobile 2-year-old would be. I am a stay-at-home mom, and we have no family in Boston. Since the accident happened in Chicago (where my husband and I are both from), I decided it would be best for me and Dylan to stay there for the six weeks he would need to be in the cast. My husband would travel back and forth between Chicago and Boston for work. I am extremely lucky to have an amazing support system of family and friends in Chicago, without which this ordeal would have been 10 times harder.
It’s been a few weeks since Dylan broke his leg. Here are the things that have been the most difficult to deal with — and the things that have helped tremendously:
Hardest parts of having a toddler in a hip spica cast:
Lack of sleep
It’s like having a newborn again! Dylan wakes up multiple times a night and is regularly up for the day at 4 a.m. Thankfully, my mother-in-law will wake up early and let me go back to sleep after I’ve been up for a good portion of the night. My husband is also a huge help when he’s in Chicago and takes over nighttime and early morning duties when he’s in town.
Frustration
For the most part, Dylan is amazingly happy given the situation, but he definitely has moments where he just melts down. It breaks my heart to see him so frustrated because he can’t move around like he wants to. I try to keep him as entertained as possible so the tantrums aren’t a frequent occurrence.
Being stuck in the house
I am trying to get out and about with Dylan (he can sit in a stroller and use a car seat), but it is difficult. He doesn’t want to sit in the stroller very long, he can’t sit in a chair or on the floor by himself, and he weighs over 40 pounds with his cast!
Things that have helped:
Ivy Rose hip spica chair:
This chair/table has been a lifesaver. It is specially made for kids in hip spica casts and allows them to sit upright unassisted. A table attaches to the chair, so Dylan can eat and play comfortably. He spends a good portion of the day in this chair, and I don’t know what I would do without it.
Keeping busy
The days can be long, so in order to keep us happy I try to plan things to do every day. It can be hard to go out, so I invite tons of family and friends over to visit. Dylan loves seeing new faces, and it helps take the pressure off of me to constantly entertain him. I also found a speech therapist to work with Dylan while we’re in Chicago (he sees one in Boston), which Dylan loves.
Taking time for myself
It can be difficult to find time for myself, but I make sure there is something I can do every week without Dylan. It could be as simple as running an errand, exercising, meeting up with a friend, or going shopping. I greatly look forward to these outings, and they save my sanity.
Have you dealt with a child in a cast? What helped you get through this trying time?
In late August 2006, I gave birth to a healthy (albeit three weeks early) baby boy. He hit all the milestones at all the right times, entered his first year of preschool at age 3, and knew all his letters and sounds by age 4.
He was on track to enter kindergarten at age 5 like all his peers. But there was one problem. He wasn’t quite 5 when kindergarten began. He was 4. In fact, he didn’t turn 5 until a week after school started.
He wasn’t the first 4-year-old to enter kindergarten slightly before turning 5, and he definitely won’t be the last. But as a former elementary school teacher, I knew we were entering dangerous waters.
I had seen the youngest students in my first-grade class struggle not just with maturity, but also with reading and writing. One year, when I had the same first-grade students a few years down the road in fourth grade, I saw how their age had affected their progress and their social lives — especially the boys.
I saw how the late-August babies in first grade who were ready to move on to second grade (many were not) had an even harder time in fourth grade. Not only were they now visibly less mature than their peers, they struggled with complex comprehension ideas in reading.
I began to consider redshirting my son — having him enter kindergarten a year after he was “allowed.” But he was so ready to go — emotionally, physically, and academically — that I sent him, knowing full well I might hold him back after his first year.
But then he did well. Really well. He was one of the top readers in the class and was strong in all other areas. He didn’t seem younger than the other kids, and he certainly didn’t struggle socially.
So I (alongside my husband) agonized. I knew from my experience that while he was doing fine now, a few years down the road he might not.
I talked to what felt like every parent I could find in a similar situation. And I heard two overwhelming sentiments: “I didn’t hold him back, and I wish I would have,” or “I held him back, and it was the best decision I ever made.”
I decided I would hold him back.
I figured that as his mother (and the fact that in Texas, where we were living, you have the choice to NOT hold a child back if the teacher suggests it), surely I would have the choice TO hold him back.
But I was met with an uphill battle. And I fought it.
“He’s doing fine academically — there’s no reason to hold him back,” they said. To which my reply was, “Right NOW he is doing well academically. But what if when he is in fifth grade he isn’t anymore and he has to be held back then?! That would be devastating at that age!”
“He is socially similar to his peers — there’s no reason to hold him back,” they said. To which my reply was, “You’re right, but he won’t be when he is 17 going into college.”
“We can’t justify holding a child back for no reason to the board. That’s an extra year of tax dollars being spent!” they said. To which my reply was, “Then you tell me what my options are. Because he isn’t going to first grade next year.”
They suggested homeschooling or sending him to private school. Neither was right for our family.
And then it occurred to me. The district had a bilingual program, and it happened to be housed at his school. I asked if they would consider letting him do this program — starting him over in kindergarten. They reluctantly agreed.
He is now going into sixth grade. He’ll be 12 at the end of August. He’s one of the oldest in his class, and he is one of the tallest. But you’d never know he was “held back.”
He doesn’t remember being held back, but I do. And while it was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, I look back now and imagine how different his life would be had I not. Knowing what I know now about him, not fighting for what I, as his mother, felt was right for him versus what a school board felt was right for him is a scary thought.
Because when it all comes down to it, my gut instinct was right. And today, he is right where he needs to be.
A few days ago, I saw a meme pop up on a Facebook mom page: What is your parenting philosophy? I mentally tried to come up with my own and quickly came to the realization that I was stumped. And the fact that I was stumped bewildered me even more. I have five kids. You would think I would have a pretty strong parenting philosophy by now. A go-to, a passion, a phrase I could spout off at a moment’s notice that would tell the world my firm belief on how to raise a whole bunch of kids. And, well, not so much.
The next post, as is the usual in Facebook mom groups, was something about feeding. A mom of a newborn baby was having difficulty finding a formula that worked for her newborn, and she was seeking help from other mothers. A few helpful comments in, there it was: “Breastmilk is made specifically for your baby, you know. If you just breastfed…” The comments section quickly became filled with feisty responses, informative memes, and women begging others to just be polite.
And suddenly, it hit me. My parenting philosophy. It has been hanging in our pediatrician’s office for my entire journey as a mother, the words carved clumsily into a weathered piece of wood by our pediatrician himself:
FEED THE BABY.
I’ve run the gamut with feeding babies.
With my first baby, I experienced what could be considered by some to be breastfeeding failure. I arrived at the hospital determined to breastfeed. “Breast is best” had been ingrained in my brain from my first OB visit. A few hours after giving birth, with my premature baby laying in an isolette in the NICU, a lactation consultant told me it would be nearly impossible to breastfeed due to nipple shape and the baby’s premature suck reflex. We tried unsuccessfully to latch for a few days before giving up and becoming resigned to the life of a pumping mom. I pumped for the next three months, carrying a hospital grade pump everywhere I went. He had breastmilk for the first six months of his life, switching to formula when I ran out of pumped milk.
With my second child, I arrived at the hospital with a firm plan to exclusively pump. I received a bit of pushback from the maternity floor nurses for not trying to breastfeed, but I stood my ground. I once again pumped exclusively for 3 months and switched to formula when I ran out of pumped milk to feed him.
A surprise third pregnancy threw me for a loop. I experienced a pregnancy wrought with antepartum depression and anxiety. Mid-way through my pregnancy, when the mere idea of pumping brought me to tears, my husband gently suggested that breast is not always best, especially when it causes such strife within the mother. My daughter was bottle fed from the start.
With my fourth child, I decided to give breastfeeding another try. I bought a nipple shield and used it from the first latch. A floor nurse tried to prevent me from using it. She insisted it would cause my milk to prematurely dry up, but the wise words of a lactation consultant rang true — whatever you feel comfortable with is what is best for you. If you use the shield and it works, great! If you want help weaning him from it in the future, give me a call. If you want to use it for the entire duration of your nursing journey, great! He nursed for 22 months, using the shield for seven of them.
My fourth child stopped nursing when my milk dried up — due to another surprise pregnancy. (Yes, I am the mom who got pregnant on birth control. Twice.) My last baby, though premature, nursed flawlessly. And yet, he didn’t gain weight. After a barrage of tests and near-daily weight checks for weeks on end, he was diagnosed with an inability to absorb fat. Our pediatrician helped us to overcome this issue with a simple “old-school’ technique — a few drops of MCT oil with every feeding. He continued to nurse for 16 months, weaning himself when he was simply too busy to nurse.
With my barrage of feeding techniques, I’ve pretty much got my own breastfeeding versus formula-feeding case study.
So, what are the results?
I see no difference. At all. Nada. Zilch. Zero.
I have five gloriously weird, physically active, smart kids. The kids who had breastmilk get sick just as often as the formula-fed kid. I don’t have a closer bond with the ones who nursed. Nobody is overweight, underweight, or more picky of an eater than anyone else.
A few years past the breastfeeding stage, and I honestly see no discernable differences between my breastfed and my formula-fed kids.
It’s World Breastfeeding Week, and yes, breast is best for some people. Formula is best for others. Feed the baby, and don’t worry about what others say. In a few years, you won’t be able to gaze out upon the kids on the playground and figure out who was breastfed or who was bottle fed. You will simply see a group of kids gleefully shrieking that they found gum under the playground equipment. But, that is a story for another time.
P.S. Get your sprinting shoes ready for that day. And your hand sanitizer.
