Why My Nursing Without a Cover Isn’t a Political Statement

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August 6, 2018

With World Breastfeeding Week upon us, I thought I’d give a shout out to all the moms feeding babies out there. I nursed three babies of my own not so long ago, and I remember it fondly. The snuggles, the eye contact, the bonding.

You know what I don’t remember about it? The nursing cover. Because I mostly didn’t use one. Because the baby didn’t like it. Because at first, it was hard to latch without seeing what I was doing. Because I forgot it at home. Because I needed to keep an eye on whether a sleepy, somewhat skinny baby was nursing or dozing. Because as she got older, she’d snatch it off anyway.

Because I assumed no one really cared.

So I was all geared up to write a celebration of not covering up, or covering up, or doing whatever you’re comfortable with when nursing your own babies. Yet when I went online to do a little research, I was surprised to find that the majority of articles out there today suggest — no, demand — that ladies cover up. These people (many of whom are moms themselves) argue that breasts are sexual, that nursing without a cover is disrespectful, and my favorite — that those of us who don’t cover up are doing it to make a statement.

You know what else I don’t remember about nursing my babies? Politics.

Seriously, why is every parenting decision today labeled as a political statement? Baby carrier versus stroller. Bottle versus breast. Cloth diapers versus Pampers. Private school versus public. It’s all given this extra weight that we moms don’t need to carry around — especially on top of the stuff we’re literally lugging. We’re raising kids here, not running for office.

Maybe there is the occasional mom who is making a statement. I read a post by one breastfeeding (and not covered up) mom who practically willed people to look at her when she was nursing her baby by staring back at them. And not looking away. For a long time. To me, that seems a tad aggressive. And honestly, kind of tiring. I think most of us moms like to blink.

Really, I think 99% of moms with new babies are just trying to make it through the day. We’re trying to navigate the grocery store with a newborn, we’re trying to usher an older sib to karate when the younger one needs to feed, we’re trying to occasionally meet a friend for a coffee and feel like a real person. When the baby cries and needs to nurse right there in the coffee shop, we’re not thinking, “Aha! Here’s my shining feminist moment!” We’re thinking, “OK, here we go, let me try to balance the baby’s head in one hand while spoon-feeding the toddler with the other, and please let’s all try to just get through this day without a huge meltdown or a visit to the emergency room.”

Since this is World Breastfeeding Week, let’s take a moment to reflect that in other parts of the world, this wouldn’t even be a debate. In many African countries, women don’t cover up at all, let alone to do something as natural and essential as feeding a baby. Heck, even in First World Europe, people are more relaxed about showing a little skin when nursing than we are here in the States.

So if you’re struggling with whether or not to cover up while nursing, just remember this choice is up to you (and your cover-snatching baby). It’s against the law in Massachusetts for anyone to tell you to cover up while breastfeeding, to ask you to leave, or to suggest that you nurse in the restroom (gross).

If you feel more comfortable with a cover, and your baby will tolerate it, great. But if the cover isn’t working for you or your little one, feel free to leave it at home. Right next to your picket sign.

SolBe :: Reimagining Traditional Notions of Childcare and Preschool

By

Boston Moms

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August 3, 2018

We can't wait for SolBe Learning to open this fall in Chestnut Hill!

When considering schools for our young children, we tend to think about what is best for them and fail to take into account the needs of the family as a whole. There is so much more to our choice than what works best for those few hours our children are at school. The school day is much more than the minutes our children are at the physical location — it impacts the whole family. We are really excited about a new early learning center opening in Chestnut Hill this fall, SolBe, which “reimagines traditional notions of childcare and preschool.”

SolBe Learning [sohl-be] is an early learning center that reimagines traditional notions of child care and preschool. The name defines their perspective: “Sol,” from the Spanish word meaning sun, and the English word “be” combine into a name meaning “to be full of light.” Learning is not the filling of a cup, but the lighting of a fire.

What sets SolBe apart is the incredible attention to detail in every aspect of programming, the physical space, and family support. The SolBe team has paid attention to what helps children thrive and has taken several educational approaches in their Spanish-immersion program with a focus on every little thing. They will be offering a mixed-age classroom approach, serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. They have so much to offer it’s hard to wrap your head around! I was lucky enough to tour the facility and meet some of the incredible staff at SolBe. I was blown away by how passionate they all are about what SolBe is and how excited they are for this facility to open. And with good reason. Here are just some of the great things SolBe will be offering starting this fall:

☀ There will be a seed-to-table nutrition program, and students will be offered breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. Not only that, the students will help prepare their meals and learn more about their food and where it comes from.

☀ The program will be all inclusive and will provide diapers and wipes, bottles and formula, and safe nap mats for all children. These are all things parents will no longer have to worry about (both financially and the emotional burden).

☀ The curriculum will be immersive and rooted in Montessori and Reggio Emilia. Children will be a part of every aspect of learning.

☀ Families will be a focus. From dedicated spaces at dropoff and pickup for mingling and relaxing to family- and parent-focused events, all families will have a voice at SolBe and will be encouraged to use it!

☀ Employees will have continual opportunities for growth and dedicated spaces to collaborate, relax, and plan, which will allow them to fully focus on the children.

☀ The space is bright, colorful, cheerful, creative, and fun! Rooms will be uniquely shaped and decorated, there will be creative dedicated spaces, plus plants everywhere (which the children will help tend to). And safety is imperative!

☀ SolBe is currently looking for Founding Families to start this fall and help shape the program!

Schedule a tour now. SolBe is on track to open this fall! Families who are intrigued by SolBe’s vision can sign up for progress updates on SolBe’s website or call to schedule a tour of the space at 617-794-1189.

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Why I Couldn’t Breastfeed :: The Decision I Made 17 Years Ago

By

Krystal Avila

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August 3, 2018

I couldn’t breastfeed my babies.

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I’m sharing my story about why I couldn’t breastfeed — and the decision I made that caused me to be unable to nurse my children.

“Bombs away!”

I’ll never forget these words. That was what I would hear while walking down the halls of my high school. Why? Because I was a junior in high school with a DDD boob and an E boob. Of course, not only were my breasts huge, they were not even equal. After “developing” very quickly during my sophomore and junior years of high school, I had not only caught up to the other girls in school, I’d surpassed them. I could no longer wear just one sports bra, shop for cute bras with my friends, or stand for long periods of time without my upper back hurting.

Breast reduction?

During my senior year of high school — after enduring the physical and mental pain of my large and uneven “girls” — it was time for a change. After consulting with a surgeon, I was scheduled to have a breast reduction during April vacation of my senior year. At 17 years old, I was voluntarily going under the knife to change my life.

The risks

Of course I knew the risks of surgery. Like any surgery, there were risks of infection, swelling, or even death. But, there was an added risk that other surgeries don’t have, and I remember the words exactly as my surgeon said them: “Due to the surgery and the way your incisions will be, you MAY not be able to breastfeed. There is no guarantee, but this is a possibility.”

Breastfeed? What? Why is she talking to me about breastfeeding? I am only 17. I need to have these things smaller and will do whatever it costs to do it. I am so unhappy with them.

Post-surgery

I remember waking up in pain, then after leaving the recovery room heading to the pediatrics floor of Newton Wellesley Hospital — because I was still a child. My mom stayed overnight with me at the hospital — I was still her baby, having major surgery.

I was feeling pretty good after a few days and even ventured out of the house (with gauze around my incisions and special bra on) to visit with my friends that week. I couldn’t stay out too long before I had to get home and change my dressing and take more pain meds. But that first day out with my friends in a normal shirt — without the weight I had been carrying around — felt amazing!

Breastfeeding

Approximately 13 years after my breast reduction, I had my first child. Throughout my pregnancy, my OB and I had many conversations about breastfeeding and what my chances were of being able to do it. Since I had had my surgery 13 years prior, and the incisions I had were pretty extensive, there wasn’t much hope that I would be able to breastfeed once my son was born. But, hey, I would give it a try!

Post-birth

Was I able to breastfeed? Yes. Was I able to give my son enough breastmilk to nourish him? No. In the hospital, I was breastfeeding, supplementing (with a syringe), then pumping for each feed. It was a two-hour process, every two hours. Each time I pumped, I ended up with less than an ounce of milk. (And yes, I totally agree, it is liquid gold.) So I was only pumping six ounces a day — if that. And my son needed WAY more. Clearly, my boobs had failed me and my son.

Regrets

Do I have any? Absolutely not! As a 17-year-old, I made an extremely important decision and one that I would make again if I had to. I was so unhappy each day dealing with my huge boobs, and after having the surgery I felt a sense of relief — a relief that can’t be explained. A relief that my formula-fed sons have not suffered from. I have two very healthy and happy little boys and know that if I had not made the decision to have that breast reduction, I probably would not be a healthy and happy mama for them.

Kids Need a Ride? A Review of Zemcar’s Ride-Share Service for Families

By

Timika Hopkins

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August 2, 2018

Thank you to Zemcar for sponsoring this post and sharing more about this great ride-share service!

Every parent knows the difficulties that come with managing the schedules of multiple household members. Between parents’ work schedules and children’s activity schedules, there are many times when we could use an extra set of hands — or better yet, an extra set of wheels. Within my own family, there is one particular recurrent calendaring issue — an overlap of approximately 30 minutes where schedules become nearly impossible to cover.

And this is where I could use a service like Zemcar for peace of mind.

Zemcar is a ride-sharing service specifically for families. The service offers door-to-door transportation to passengers as young as 8 years old. However, unlike other ride-sharing apps, Zemcar offers multiple wonderful features to better service the needs of families.

Little girl in Zemcar app — My precious cargo!

Safety: A+

Zemcar offers a number of features that really made me feel comfortable allowing my 10-year-old daughter to use their service. The drivers are thoroughly screened and trained (more about them later), parents can upload special notes about drop-off locations and child needs into the app, and parents designate “supervisors” within the app as the only people who can retrieve a child after drop off. These components are wonderful on their own, but my favorite feature was watching my daughter via video monitoring during her ride. It is obvious that safety is the number one priority for the Zemcar team — they have covered every base.

Drivers: A+

Maria arrived at our home to pick up my daughter, Rae, and any hesitations I had were quickly relieved. Our children are precious, and their safety is our number one concern. The thing we parents want more than anything is to feel that the people who are teaching, watching, or driving our kids are trustworthy and responsible. Maria was on time, she was friendly, she was approachable, and she made sure to help my daughter feel comfortable as well. The two of them talked and smiled during their whole ride.

mobil application with information about addresses — Our driver, Maria!

App: A-

Using the mobile app was a nearly perfect experience — there were just a few very minor glitches I ran into. The Zemcar app was easy to find and download. Once downloaded, you are able to add family members. I added my daughter Rae as my first family member. Once the member is created, you can click on the name to add a photo and notes and schedule future rides. The app includes a map feature similar to Google maps, allowing you to view the route — and allowing the app to show the cost of the ride. Parents can leave voice memos or video memos that designate a “supervisor,” giving that person permission to retrieve the child.

Rae’s feedback: A+

So, how did the passenger feel about her first Zemcar ride? I asked Rae what her thoughts were, and here’s what she said: “I thought it was really, really good. The lady was very, very nice, and she would talk to me and keep me company, unlike some people that don’t like to talk.”

So, there you have it! From start to finish, this was a superb service with wonderful features. It was so convenient — I will definitely use it again!

Say Yes to Summer!

By

Lindsay Goldberg

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August 2, 2018

summer - boston moms blog

Every year around this time, I start getting antsy. I start to realize the summer I have been waiting for is already halfway over. All of a sudden, I realize there is so much I want to do and so little time left to do it. I finally switched into summer mode just in time to start thinking of when the local beach will be closing.

Maybe this is because there’s no actual official beginning or end of summer for me — work, preschool, and daycare are all year-round. And so commitments, too, are all year-round. Maybe it’s because this is New England, and when you get 70 degrees in February and nor’easters in March, it’s really hard to believe any weather is here to stay. Maybe it’s because I’m a lousy transitioner.

Whatever the reason, my vow for August is that I will not let the rest of my summer slip away.

I will stop over-thinking. I will embrace the hot, laid-back days and late nights.

I will start saying YES to summer!

I will say yes to more trips to the local beach and not care about the sand that gets in the car seats.

I will say yes to driving up to Maine so my baby can be startled by the ocean waves for the first time (and I will try not to care about the traffic).

I will say yes to the nighttime outdoor concerts on the common, even though I know getting out the door the next day will be a nightmare.

I will say yes to ice cream again and again and teach my kids that summer is the time for extra special treats.

I will say yes to summer because that carefree summertime cheer will soon be gone. I will say yes because my summer dresses will be swapped for corduroys and sweaters soon enough. I will say yes because those summer concerts won’t be here much longer, and it will be dark at 6 p.m. before we know it.

This August, I really hope I do say yes!

5 Frugal Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

By

Jalisa Harris

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August 1, 2018

kindergarten - Boston Moms Blog

Kindergarten — the word that brings parents feelings of both dread and liberation. You have taken care of another person for the last five years and are reaching another milestone. But this one takes some preparation and brings about a lot of questions: Is my child kindergarten ready? Should I have started preparing him much earlier? How will she adjust to the new schedule?

My son has been in preschool for the last two years, and it’s been great for him — he thrives in a structured environment with a scheduled routine. But I know kindergarten will still be a major adjustment for him. So it’s on me to help him get ready!

I’m not a professional educator, but I love finding fun ways to help him understand life and learn from it all at once. Whether you are a homeschool mom, working mom, or just want to help your child succeed, try some of these frugal ways to help prepare your child for kindergarten!

1. Go to your local library

You can find playgroups or events that will naturally help your child gain social skills. Summer reading programs are also a great way to practice reading-readiness skills. Most libraries offer lots of special activities and reading groups throughout the summer — perfect for helping children get in a literacy mindset!

2. Explore with sensory bins

Sensory bins are a great way to help your kids gain new tactile experiences. My son has ADHD and gets bored easily, so sensory bins are a great way to help.

3. Play with shaving cream

Learning how to write your name is no easy feat. Try spraying shaving cream onto a baking sheet or plastic table and show your child how to draw out his name. This route is more engaging than the standard pencil-and-paper method and can help engage kids who aren’t especially inclined to enjoy writing.

4. Make flash cards

For math, create cards with dots to aid in counting and teaching one-to-one correspondence. Alphabet flash cards can be used for lots of fun games. Try spreading the cards across a rug, and have your child jump or run to the card you call out.

5. Go shopping!

Shopping with kids isn’t typically a walk in the park, but it offers great learning opportunities. Shopping for school supplies from a teacher-provided list lends itself to experiences in reading, counting, sensory building, and even social interactions. Plus, your child will begin to see the various tools and supplies she’ll be using come fall. And who doesn’t get excited about a shiny new box of crayons?!

Preparing for kindergarten can be nerve-wracking and stress-inducing. But it doesn’t have to! Just remember, this big 5-year-old milestone might just be more difficult for you than for your child.

The Getting-Out Guide :: Boston’s Best Events for Kids This August

By

Emily Fahle

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July 31, 2018

If you are looking for Boston events to keep your family entertained this August, we’ve got you covered! Our monthly events guides are on hand to be sure you don’t miss a thing happening around the Boston area. We know you are looking for ideas for family fun all the time. It’s hard to believe there is only one more month left of summer! Make the most of it!

In addition to our Getting-Out Guide, be sure to check out our Guide to a Boston Summer and our 2018 Summer Bucket List for awesome ideas for summertime fun in Boston!

We’ve also included links to area libraries and recurring events. This is, by no means, a comprehensive list. If you know of any fun family activities we missed, please let us know in the comments.

Oh, and be sure to join our Community & Conversation Group to meet other moms near you!

August 1–5

August 1–4 :: Yankee Homecoming :: Newburyport :: Head north of the city to Newburyport for a week of music, food, art, family activities, and more — all capped off by fireworks on the waterfront on Saturday and a parade on Sunday. Featured events include sidewalk sales on August 2–4, U.S. Coast Guard open house on August 2, family day at Maudslay State Park on August 4, parade on August 5 at noon, and fireworks on August 4 at 9:15 p.m.

August 3 :: Harry Potter Festival :: Marshfield :: Calling all Hogwarts students and fans of the boy who lived! Pay tribute to everyone’s favorite school of witchcraft and wizardry. Don’t worry, the Triwizard tournament here will be much safer (sorry, no live dragons this time) and everyone will be able to participate. Cost is $5 per child.

August 3–5 :: Salem Heritage Days :: Salem :: Celebrate the past and the present during the annual Salem Heritage Days. Featuring food, fun, and activities for all ages, highlights include the Essex Street Fair, Tour-A-Truck at the Salem Willows, the Ice Scream Bowl on the Common, and the car show on Chestnut Street.

August 4 :: Rosalita’s Puppets :: Boston :: Rosalita’s Puppets will charm children and adults alike with new productions each week. Find the show at 10:30 a.m. on South Market Street (outside Wagamama). Rosalita’s Puppets will move inside to the rotunda in the event of rain.

August 4 :: Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival :: Boston :: Come in early and grab dinner or snacks to enjoy during the movie! Picnic blankets and beach chairs are welcome. Spend just $10 and receive discounted parking in the Prudential Center Garage. The August 4 movie is The Incredibles. Closed captioning will be provided for all movies.

August 4–5 :: Salem Maritime Festival :: Salem :: Celebrate ships, sailors, sawdust, and song at this annual free family festival. Hosted by the National Park Service, the festival features live music, historical re-enactors, tall ships, demonstrations, and interactive programs and crafts for families. Harbor cruises will be free by lottery on Saturday and Sunday. People may also visit vessels at the dock.

August 4–5 :: Scituate Heritage Days :: Scituate :: Head to the South Shore for this fun annual event. See the works of artisans and crafters, including handmade jewelry, pottery, seaside home décor, and many more. Historic sites including Old Scituate Light and The Maritime and Mossing Museum are open for tours. Kids events include art projects, baby animal petting zoo, character visits with Ariel and Belle, carnival rides, swashbuckling fun with Captain Jay and his Pirate Camp, Toe Jam Puppet Band, SALT (the 43-foot inflatable humpback whale), and more.

August 5 :: SomerStreets :: Somerville :: SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally-renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and other modes of activity. Through SomerStreets, the city and its community partners aim to promote and encourage easy access to physical activity, reconnecting with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment.

August 5 :: Boston Seafood Festival :: Boston :: This family-friendly event brings together seafood tastings, chef demos, educational events, all day lobster bake, Battle of the Shuckers, a fish cutting contest, Harpoon Garden, and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet.

August 5 :: Run + Ride at CambridgeSide :: Cambridge :: Compete in the seventh annual kids-only duathlon with biking and running in and around CambridgeSide! Run + Ride at CambridgeSide is for kids ages 5-13 years old. Race with your friends and make new ones! Sign up for Run + Ride at CambridgeSide today! Get ready to enjoy a fun-filled outdoor event with prizes, giveaways, entertainment, and more!

August 6–12

August 6 :: Free Cruise to Spectacle Island :: Boston :: Join Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on a free Share the Harbor cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands! On Monday, August 6, Save the Harbor will set sail to Spectacle Island for a day of fun, art on the shore, fishing, swimming, and crabbing. Cruises are free and open to the public, and will begin boarding at 10 a.m. at the World Trade Center Dock for a 10:30 a.m. departure. Please RSVP here.

August 6–12 :: Salem Heritage Days :: Salem :: Celebrate the past and the present during the annual Salem Heritage Days. Featuring food, fun, and activities for all ages, highlights include live music, free movies on Salem Common, the Essex Street Fair, the Ice Cream Bowl, and the Car Show on Chestnut Street.

August 7 :: Storytelling at Faneuil Hall :: Boston :: Professional storytellers perform free shows that are kid-tested and parent-approved. Find the fun on South Market Street outside Wagamama. The August 7 storyteller is Alan White.

August 7 :: Kidleidescope :: Spectacle Island :: Take the ferry and head to Spectacle Island for fun activities designed for kids ages 3–8. Activities include nature walks, beach exploration, storytelling, or arts and crafts.

August 8 :: Summer Concert Series: Karen K & the Jitterbugs :: Allston :: The Harvard Ed Portal is proud to present the 2018 Summer Concert Series! Bug out with Karen K and her imaginary friends, the Jitterbugs. Best known for Karen’s award-winning, well-crafted, and totally catchy tunes, the Jitterbugs deliver one of the most entertaining live musical experiences on the East Coast. All concerts are rain or shine, family-friendly, free, and open to the public. No RSVP is required.

August 9 :: Story Hour on the Farm :: Lexington :: What better place to learn about the very hungry caterpillar or wiggling worms than in the learning garden at LexFarm? Kids pull up a seat for stories, crafts, and a visit to the goat yard.

August 9 :: Neighborhood Nights Block Party: Cosmic Cycle :: Boston :: Everyone’s invited to the Gardner for Neighborhood Nights, a series of fun and free interactive evenings for you and your family. Enjoy music, performance, food trucks, cash bar, gallery games, and hands-on creative experimentation inside the museum and out.

August 10 :: Free Fun Friday : Institute of Contemporary Art :: Boston :: The ICA opens its doors at no cost to visitors all day long thanks to the eighth-annual Free Fun Fridays program sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation. Activities for the whole family will take place throughout the day.

August 11 :: Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival :: Boston :: Come in early and grab dinner or snacks to enjoy during the movie! Picnic blankets and beach chairs are welcome. Spend just $10 and receive discounted parking in the Prudential Center Garage. The August 11 movie is Mulan. Closed captioning will be provided for all movies.

August 11 :: Second Saturday Story Telling :: Boston :: Connect with family and friends at the ICA Watershed through the art of storytelling. Look, listen, and participate while making connections to artworks through movement, music, poetry, and readings. Get ready to share your art-inspired stories with others! Activities recommended for children ages 3–8.

August 11 :: Downtown Playdates Lego Challenge :: Boston :: Drop in for a LEGO challenge during the Downtown Playdates series using your imagination and an extensive collection of LEGO bricks. Each week participants will face a different design challenge, including creating the tallest tower, reimagining a Boston neighborhood, designing a new neighborhood, or picturing buildings resilient to sea level rise. Join BSA Space’s design team for a brick ton of fun while envisioning Boston’s future using your favorite design tool.

August 12 :: Open Newbury Street :: Boston :: Newbury Street will become a pedestrian-only walkway, closing to vehicles to allow pedestrians the opportunity use the full width of the street. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

August 12 :: Pupsicles Pawty Benefiting Missing Dogs MA :: Lynn :: Savor the dog days of summer with a fun Pupsicles Pawty! Enjoy an afternoon of cool beers and cool pupsicles for a great cause. Keep busy with brewery tours, doggy pools, and a dog training demo. Don’t have a dog? No worries — come hang out and pass out treats to all the furry friends in attendance. Kids and polite dogs welcome!

August 13–19

August 13 :: Free Cruise to Spectacle Island :: Boston :: Join Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on a free Share the Harbor cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands! Save the Harbor will set sail to Spectacle Island for a day of fun, art on the shore, fishing, swimming, and crabbing. Cruises are free and open to the public and will begin boarding at 10 a.m. at the World Trade Center Dock for a 10:30 a.m. departure. Please RSVP here.

August 14 :: Storytelling at Faneuil Hall Marketplace :: Boston :: Professional storytellers perform free shows that are kid-tested and parent-approved. Find the fun on South Market Street outside Wagamama. The August 14 storyteller is Nicolette Nordin Heavey.

August 14 :: All About Bees at the Discovery Museum :: Acton :: Join researcher Rachael Bonoan from Tufts University as she shares her work studying honey bees! Test out your bee vision, taste test honey from different locations, and make a candle out of beeswax while learning all about the importance of pollinators and what you can do to help honey bees.

August 17 :: Pinocchio! Presented by Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre :: Beverly :: An amazing series of adventures awaits Pinocchio in his quest to become a real boy. Will he take the Blue Fairy’s advice and listen to the smart little cricket? Or will he end up as a donkey on the Isle of Joy? It’s a show the whole family will enjoy, no strings attached. All seats $12.

August 18 :: Fido Fest 2018 :: Arlington :: It’s Arlington’s Annual Dog Video Festival and Dog Pageant! Watch everyone’s dog video submissions on a large screen at sunset in Spy Pond Field. Activities before the showing include the dog pageant and an obstacle course for kids. There is free popcorn!

August 18 :: Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival :: Boston :: Come in early and grab dinner or snacks to enjoy during the movie! Picnic blankets and beach chairs are welcome. Spend just $10 and receive discounted parking in the Prudential Center Garage. The August 18 movie is Tarzan. Closed captioning will be provided for all movies.

August 18 :: Downtown Playdates Lego Challenge :: Boston :: Drop in for a LEGO challenge during the Downtown Playdates series using your imagination and an extensive collection of LEGO bricks. Each week participants will face a different design challenge, including creating the tallest tower, reimagining a Boston neighborhood, designing a new neighborhood, or picturing buildings resilient to sea level rise. Join BSA Space’s design team for a brick ton of fun while envisioning Boston’s future using your favorite design tool.

August 19 :: Quincy August Moon Festival :: Quincy :: Quincy Asian Resources, Inc. (QARI) is proud to partner with the City of Quincy to host the 2018 August Moon Festival. For the first time, the August Moon Festival will feature a beer garden! Play over-sized backyard games like giant Jenga. There will be hip-hop, rap, and rock performances, cultural performances, a kids’ zone with petting zoo and pony rides, food trucks, and food vendors galore!

August 19 :: Imagination Playground :: Boston :: Imagination Playground lets kids’ creativity soar as they build and design their own structures. Visit the lawn next door to the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center, close to the intersection of State Street and Atlantic Avenue.

August 20–26

August 21 :: Storytelling at Faneuil Hall Marketplace :: Boston :: Professional storytellers perform free shows that are kid-tested and parent-approved. Find the fun on South Market Street outside Wagamama. The August 21 storyteller is Tony Toledo.

August 22 :: Everyday Engineering: Kites! :: Acton :: Engage in some everyday engineering as you construct and create with repurposed and recycled materials. Put your engineering skills to the test by designing and building simple kites out of a variety of materials. How high will your kite fly?!

August 24 :: Willy Wonka Junior presented by NSMT’s Summer Program Students :: Beverly :: Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Junior follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences. All tickets are $12.

August 24 :: Heritage Museum and Gardens Free Fun Friday :: Sandwich :: Head down to Heritage to walk through the gorgeous gardens and grounds. Bring a picnic and a ball to further enjoy the day. Admission is free thanks to a partnership with the Highland Street Foundation.

August 24 :: Summer Music Series : Say Darling :: Lincoln :: Enjoy the warm summer air, great tunes, and time to relax at Drumlin Farm Summer Music Series concerts! Bring a picnic dinner, blankets, chairs, and an outdoor game. Farm fresh snacks, sweets, and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale to round out your meal. Each performance will feature a different Boston-area band. Join on August 24 (no rain date) for Say Darling!

August 25 :: Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival :: Boston :: Come in early and grab dinner or snacks to enjoy during the movie! Picnic blankets and beach chairs are welcome. Spend just $10 and receive discounted parking in the Prudential Center Garage. The August 25 movie is A Wrinkle in Time. Closed captioning will be provided for all movies.

August 25 :: End of Summer Bash :: Boston :: Atlantic Wharf is hosting the 5th Annual End of Summer BASH on Saturday, August 25, from 12–2 p.m. outside on Waterfront Plaza. This event will finish off the Downtown Playdates series for an afternoon of live music with The Stacey Peasley Band, face painting, activities and games, food, and more! Picnic blankets and chairs are welcome.

August 26 :: Archery at the Museum :: Waltham :: Participate in the live archery range that will be open from 10:45 a.m.–1:40 p.m. inside the Museum’s historic 1901 Engine House. All equipment is provided. The $20 class enrollment fee includes museum admission. Participants must be age 9 or older to shoot on the range.

August 27–31

August 28 :: Storytelling at Faneuil Hall Marketplace :: Boston :: Professional storytellers perform free shows that are kid-tested and parent-approved. Find the fun on South Market Street outside Wagamama.

August 30 :: Mega Musical Chairs :: Boston :: Participate in an epic round of Mega Musical Chairs in front of Quincy Market. Don’t miss this free, one-of-a-kind Mega Musical Chairs event with live music provided by Cocek Brass Band. Elimination rounds and a “Champions’ Circle” will offer plenty of opportunities to win prizes from Faneuil Hall merchants! The fun starts at 6 p.m.!

Library Storytimes

Ongoing Events

Baby-Friendly Monday Matinees at the Capitol Theatre :: Arlington :: Mondays, 12–2 p.m. :: The Capitol Theatre features a baby-friendly movie every Monday afternoon. Please check the theater’s Monday schedule to see what feature has been selected for parents and their infants.

Kids’ Art Club :: Dorchester :: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. :: This club has a new art project at the library every Tuesday. Projects include collage self-portraits and artist’s books. Art Club projects are showcased in rotating displays in the library children’s room.

Nature Time at Blue Hills Trailside Museum :: Milton :: Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. :: Introduce your preschool-aged child to nature with this fun program. Programs may feature a story, nature games, crafts, short walks outside, or meeting one of the museum’s animal residents. Meet, play, and learn with other area families. Each program runs for 45 minutes and meets most Thursdays. Museum admission is included with this program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

JFN Free Friday Playgroup :: Natick :: Fridays, 9:30–11:30 a.m. :: Bring the little ones and come join other parents and caregivers in the Metrowest area for a fun-filled morning of play and socializing. There are plenty of songs, activities, toys, snacks, and laughter, as both the children and their grown-ups build connections and lasting friendships.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays :: Acton :: Fridays, 10–11 a.m. :: A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, the Forest Friday program is held outside, no matter the weather. Every Friday morning there is a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in Discovery Woods or out on the adjacent conservation land. All ages are welcome but activities are designed for 2- to 6-year-olds. Please note that the conservation land trails are not ADA or stroller accessible; please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

StoryTime at the Curious George Store :: Cambridge :: Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m. :: Small children and their caregivers are welcome at these weekly storytimes, running throughout the year.

SaturPLAY :: Rose Kennedy Greenway – Chinatown :: Boston :: Select Saturdays, 1–3 p.m. :: The Asian Community Development Corporation’s youth program, A-VOYCE, hosts a placemaking event monthly to activate and bring children to The Greenway’s Mary Soo Hoo Park. Each month features a different theme with games, activities, crafts, and more. Youth volunteers are on hand to engage children. SaturPlay is subject to weather conditions.

Family Show :: Cambridge :: Saturdays, 4–5 p.m. :: Improv Boston’s improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every week based on your suggestion. No two shows are alike! Best of all, children who want to participate have opportunities to be on stage and take part in the fun! Our show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. The Family Show is fun for the whole family and best for children ages 4-12.

Boston to Montréal — With Kids!

By

Lynzi Clyde

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July 30, 2018

I love Boston dearly, but every once in a while I get a hankering for a good, old-fashioned family road trip. I have no idea why; spending hours stuck in a car with a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a 3-month-old doesn’t sound like fun at all. Sometimes it really isn’t.

It helps, though, if you have some insider information. I’m going to let you in on my top tips to make driving from Boston to Montréal as easy as one, two, POUTINE!

1. Children under 16 are able to get across the border with birth certificates!

No need to pay and wait for your little one’s passport to arrive. Just grab your passport, your kids’ birth certificates, and get out of here!

2. Time it right.

There are two main routes to get to Montréal from Boston — taking 93 or 95. Check out Google Maps on your computer the day before and type in what time you’re wanting to leave. It will show you what traffic usually looks like at that time. No need to make a five-hour drive into a seven-hour one, right?

3. Download some French-learning audiobooks for the drive.

A lot of people speak English in Montreal, but to be polite and endear people to you, it is always good to start with “Bonjour,” and use as much (or as little) French as you can muster. They love it when little kids squeak out “Merci!”

4. Check your phone plan before you leave.

We thought we would be able to make calls and use data without additional charges. WRONG! If your carrier doesn’t provide free international data (some do!), upgrade your plan or download maps so you can use them offline and become a Wi-Fi hunter and send emails while munching a macaron in a cafe. Or live like it’s the ’80s and cut yourself off from the digital world — have a vacation like your parents used to have!

5. Stop at Costco in the States for a break, lunch, and snacks.

We made it all the way to Burlington, Vermont, before needing to stop. We took this opportunity to use the bathroom, buy some cheap pizza for lunch, and get a box of granola bars and a bag of Angie’s Kettle Corn for snacks on our trip. Costcos in Canada only accept MasterCard, so watch out!

6. Get gas in the States!

Gas is ludicrously expensive where we were in Canada. It looks cheap, until you realize it’s PER LITER! When we were there, the prices were the equivalent to $5 per gallon. Sacré bleu! Fill up before you cross the border and save your money for the baguettes.

7. ATM machines are called “un guichet automatique.”

You’ll need Canadian cash to buy things in Montréal. The taxes are so high that a lot of places only accept cash. To ask where an ATM is located, just say “Ex-cuze-ay moi, oo-west-kuh luh gee-shay automateek?” A Montréalan will smile and point you in the right direction.

Bonne chance!

What are your best tips for making the trip to Montréal?

Why Is Mom Self-Care SO Hard?

By

Caitlin Hynes

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July 27, 2018

“What do you do that’s just for YOU?”

My husband has asked me this question several times over the course of the last few weeks. And every single time he asks, I stare at him blankly or look down. I never have an answer. It’s not that I don’t want to answer the question. But I honestly don’t have a response. The most recent time he asked I was able to muster, “I got my hair cut tonight.” And for me, that was a big deal.

I don’t frequently get my hair cut. It happens about twice a year (and that’s double the frequency it once was). I typically let my hair grow until it becomes an unhealthy mess I attempt to hide with bobby pins and a messy bun. Then, I finally get so fed up with how awful it looks that I go to the salon and have a couple of inches chopped off. I used to just show up at Super Cuts or Great Clips in a frenzy and hope for the best. But I stepped up my game a bit last fall and visited an actual salon. For some people that may not seem like much. For me, it’s a huge step in taking care of myself in a way I had never bothered to before.

It’s not that I dislike getting my hair cut. So what’s with the avoidance? Making an appointment for a haircut may seem like a small thing, but for me — and I’m sure for many of you out there — it isn’t that simple. It requires some planning! Sure, I can make appointments online (which is amazing for those of us with phone anxiety!). But choosing an appointment time is the bigger obstacle. Between work, picking up my son, other appointments, my husband’s travel schedule, and Saturday soccer games, finding a time for a haircut is no easy task. I also have a hard time justifying the cost of a haircut. It may not be breaking the bank, but I have a hard time spending money on myself.

And more than anything else, when it comes to things like haircuts, or manicures, or reading books, I don’t make time for them because I always feel there are more important things I should be doing. There’s the constant flow of laundry that needs to be washed, folded, and put away; the steady stream of dishes that goes between the sink, dishwasher, and cabinets; the need for my son to be attached to me when it’s the most inconvenient.

As I try to be the Caitlin I want to be for my students, husband, son, family, and friends, I don’t know how to make time for the seemingly small things that are for me and no one else. I loved reading and miss books. I once read “The Da Vinci Code” in one night because I just couldn’t put it down. Since my son was born four years ago, I can count on one hand how many books I have read. I don’t think this problem is unique. I know I’m not alone in struggling to do things that don’t seem to help my family or my job.

Maybe your lack of self-care has nothing to do with a haircut or reading. Maybe it’s an eye appointment you’ve been putting off despite the fact that your glasses are older than your children. It could be that you really need to buy some new jeans since the last pair you bought was for the first New Kids reunion tour in 2008. Self-care looks different for every man, woman, and child out there. What makes you happy and makes you feel like you can handle whatever obstacles life is sending your way may not look like what your closest friend needs to feel confident and assured. And that’s fine.

But collectively, we moms need to make sure we are happy and rested and cared for the same way we work so hard to ensure our children and husbands and co-workers and friends have their needs met. I’m still unsure how to accomplish this. But one thing I know — what you do to care for yourself isn’t nearly as important as ensuring you do care for yourself. And that’s something every mom can work on!

Was It Worth It? Traveling With 3 Toddlers

By

Megan Chen

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July 26, 2018

Last summer, my husband and I took our three kids on a road trip to Sesame Place. At the time, our twins had just turned 1, and our son was 2.5. All three kids were at a prime Sesame Street-loving age. We posted the obligatory happy family photos on Facebook, and a few commenters said they were considering taking their kids. They asked, “Is it worth it?”

It took me awhile to answer the question.

We arrived at the hotel after a long and fairly uneventful drive. The kids ran around the room, excited to be somewhere new, and they jumped all over the beds after being cooped up in the car most of the day. We went for a swim in the hotel’s pool, which they loved. They slept all night and had a great breakfast at the hotel in the morning. Then finally, we were off to the park!

It was August, and the weather was especially hot and humid. As soon as we got in line to get into the park (which was more like a mob of people), my son started crying that he was hot. And it all went downhill from there. The heat and crowds, combined with the abundance of stimulation, were the perfect storm for my toddler. The 1-year-olds whined about being in the stroller, as they had just learned to walk and wanted to be on the go. We brought them to a shaded play area, and they spent a good hour playing there. My son begrudgingly tried a few rides and then asked to go back to the hotel. It was lunchtime anyway, and everyone was happy to return to the hotel.

Round two came after a good rest. We had learned from our experience earlier in the day that we needed to find the least hot and least crowded spot in the park. We ended up finding a quiet wading pool in the shade, and all three kids had a blast splashing around. The next day, we went back for more. As soon as we hit the mob of people again, the meltdowns started. We took it slow, enjoyed a few shows, and took some photos in front of the facades. Then there was the expensive lunch with the long wait. Then, finally, the day-long drive home that took double time due to traffic and rest stops.

So was it worth it?

For my kids, I’m not so sure. My son still talks favorably about the trip, and all three kids like to flip through the photo book we made to commemorate the vacation. But truthfully, they probably would have had just as good of a time at our local park, library, or even our own backyard.

And was the trip worth it for my husband and me? Yes. When we are too close to home, our to-do lists loom over our heads when we are trying to spend time with our kids. When we are away, there is nothing else to do but soak up our kids, and that’s exactly what we got to do for three days. No laundry to wash, no meals to make, no work to do. We also learn more about our kids when they are put in these new situations, which helps us better navigate future outings, both near and far. Although there were meltdowns, there were some magical moments, too. For us, that makes it all worth it.

So would we do it again? Sure. Just not in the August heat.

Do I Exist Just for Them?

By

Jessie Keppeler

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July 25, 2018

motherhood - Boston Moms Blog

The other day, I was rushing to get my daughter to the bathroom in time when I peed my own pants. Just a little, mind you, but enough to shame me.

And more than enough for me to see the irony.

And I thought about how this kind of thing happens so much to us moms. Always the last to eat. Always first to get sunburned. Last to bathe. First to clean up the gross thing. Last to see a doctor. First to wake in the morning. Last to sleep after a long day.

And we accept this — even embrace it — on our good days. Playing second fiddle is part of the job — the job we’ve known since we were first pregnant, maybe even before that, when we started eating more kale and popping prenatal vitamins for the mere idea of someone else.

Then come those early days of motherhood, and all you’re doing is feeding, holding, and diapering a tiny human. To the point of exhaustion. Literally. We actually need to be reminded to close our own eyes, clean our own skin, feed our own bellies.

We embody selflessness. We are self-less.

Then those tiny people start to grow, and the hope is that somewhere along the way, you reclaim bits of yourself. Maybe you’re back at work. And while that has a whole other set of challenges, one positive is that you reestablish your identity outside of being a mom.

I have a mom friend who’s a scientist. Another who’s a high school biology teacher. Still another who’s a ballet teacher. And more than I can count who are doctors. This is part of who they are.

But what about those of us who take a longer leave from the workplace? What if your entire identity is wrapped up in being someone’s mother? Because then, instead of diapering and swaddling, you’re chauffeuring and chaperoning, overseeing homework and shopping for soccer cleats, and — dare I say it? — still living their lives.

A recent conversation with my 3-year-old (who goes to “school” two mornings a week) went like this:

T: Dada goes to work. S goes to school. E goes to school. And I go to school. And Mama goes home.

Me: And what does Mama do when she gets home?

T: Makes my lunch.

Me: OK. And what else?

T: Makes E’s lunch.

And I realized that in the movie playing in T’s curl-covered little head, I dutifully go home and prepare to serve her needs for the rest of the day. And the needs of her sisters. Which is kind of true, but it’s not the full picture. But it’s not T’s fault for not knowing that yet.

Because the stay-at-home-mom has to work a little harder to establish identity. I try to remind my girls (and myself) that I’m a mom, and I love my job as a mom, but I’m also a writer. Some days more of a writer, some days less, but it’s still an important part of my identity.

And occupation aside, we’re all so many other things, too. Things that have little to nothing to do with being a mom. We’re leaders, mentors, advocates, board members, travelers, athletes, daughters, wives, sisters, and friends.

The key is to keep in touch with some of those other parts of yourself. I recently started playing in a basketball league again and am reminded how much I love sports, how before I ran a household I ran up and down the court.

A good friend of mine believes the point of life is to realize one’s full potential. What I like about this is that “potential” is so subjective. I already know that part of my potential is to be a good mom. But I think my potential might include more than motherhood, too, and I can see that now that my girls are getting older and the dust around us settles a bit. I just need to chart my path forward.

And I need to get to the bathroom on time.

How I Really Feel About My Kids Going Off to Sleepaway Camp

By

Jenny Berk

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July 24, 2018

I have a huge dilemma.

And it’s one I’ve never quite dealt with before in the 13 years I’ve been a mom. All three of my kids are going off to sleepaway camp this summer, and for the first time ever, I’m going to have vastly fewer distractions, obligations, and concerns.

For two whole weeks I won’t have to deal with the following daily parental responsibilities (i.e., all the mundane and grandiose tasks and jobs and to-dos that make up being a mom and that are why we can never truly explain how complicated it all is to someone who is not yet a parent):

Schlepping people places.
Having 125 requests per child, per day.
Signing permission slips.
Putting everyone to bed but myself.
Navigating fighting matches.
Dealing with complaints about bad snacks.
General noise and mayhem.
Stepping on trinkets and Shopkins.
Planning play dates and their social calendars.
Nagging everyone to do their homework and practice piano.
Etc.

My husband and I have been talking for months about how cool it will be once they leave — having sex on the kitchen floor (well, just because we can, of course), drinking cool beers on the porch, going to a movie and new restaurant every night. We delight that we will be able to have full conversations with each other without constant distractions — we’re even going on a four-day trip to the Berkshires!

One would think I’d be elated beyond measure at this newfound freedom. And I am — but it comes at a cost.

Never before would I have imagined the polarizing and conflicted emotions at my children going off to camp. There is a part of me that desperately wants them to leave, so I can finally get even a small reprieve from the crazy pace of this life as a parent. And yet an equal emotion, demanding to be felt, is my sense of longing and yearning for them to stay home with me.

Quite frankly, our kids are the life force and pulse of our home. The frenetic pace, the chaos, and the joy have become part of the gestalt of our home, and without it, we’re left with a searing void.

While it’s temporary, of course, I can’t help but feel the remorse and guilt of willingly sending my kids away, albeit by their choice as well, when immigrant children are being forcibly removed from their parents every day right here in the U.S.

While my children frolick with friends and eat watermelon and relish in all the joys of camp, the adults back home still worry about them, still miss them and long for all the messiness and joy that fill our home each day.

And yet, I cannot be more grateful for the solitude, the freedom, and the ability to schedule my days on my terms and at my own cadence.

I imagine I’m getting a little micro-taste of what empty nest syndrome feels like. The push, the pull, the gratitude, the melancholy. The identity crisis, the freedom, the joy, the longing, and the epiphany of the passage of time.

Come to think about it, this polarity is familiar. It’s what mothers experience every single day in the quest to balance both parenthood and their own independent paths and passions and community. I just never anticipated quite the pastiche and tapestry of emotions to swirl around concurrently inside me.