Kindergarten Didn’t Change Everything

mom with backpack holding hands with school-aged child (kindergarten and working mom)September 1, 2023. That was the day my life was supposed to change. I would graduate from being the mom of young children whose days revolved around wildly inconvenient preschool pick-up times. And I could move on to being the mother of big kids with standard 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. school schedules. My work days would open up, and I could reclaim the professional part of myself that left the full-time workforce to be home with her children. Yes, the start of kindergarten would mean this working mom would finally find her footing.

Spoiler alert: It didn’t happen.

Contrary to what I expected — and was fully planning on — the nature of my role as primary caregiver to my children didn’t change with kindergarten registration. In a very unwelcome plot twist, my days somehow became even more unpredictable.

See, when my children were younger I knew there would always be a toddler walking in on my Zoom calls or asking for a snack 13 times while I tried to spend five minutes reading an important document. I planned around it because it was the expectation. For the first few months of my supposed newfound freedom when my youngest started full-day kindergarten, I had the audacity to assume I would be able to attend meetings or read emails without interruption.

But you know what full-day school schedules also entail? Randomly scheduled half days. Snow days where no actual snow has fallen but the kids are kept home to err on the side of caution. And let us not forget the germs. So. Many. Germs. 

My assumption that the start of kindergarten would mean the beginning of wide-open workdays for me led to me feeling more stressed every time “life” happened. Like so many American mothers, I had falsely believed I could work like I didn’t have kids and parent like I didn’t have a job as long as the kids were in school during the workday.

But it’s simply not realistic, and society needs to stop feeding primary caregivers the lie that it is. Kids are going to get sick. School is going to get canceled. And it shouldn’t feel like an impending panic attack anytime the school nurse’s phone number appears on caller ID.

It is not lost on me that I have the privilege of being able to work part time, from home. Our family’s financial health does not rely on my income. I want to work. I want to contribute to our family financially. But more than that, I want to reclaim that professional bit of myself that had to be tucked away to make room for playgroups and Daniel Tiger songs.

I do not regret my choice to give up my career to be home with my children. I am grateful I had the choice at all. I just wish someone had warned me that kindergarten wouldn’t change everything.

Best Soups in Boston :: 9 Soup Spots to Warm Up This Season

best soup restaurants in Boston

Boston is a city for food enthusiasts! And during the chilly winter months, the city unveils a plethora of local spots for those in search of the perfect bowl of soup. Whether you find yourself in the Back Bay, Charlestown, East Boston, or Dorchester, each Boston neighborhood boasts its own delectable array of soups. Here are nine of our favorite soup spots in the city!

Saltie Girl :: Back Bay

No guide to soup in Boston is complete without a chowder! The clam chowder at Saltie Girl is a step above the rest — it includes bacon and fried clams (yes, please!). This spot provides a trendy and fun atmosphere with excellent service. Their delightfully tasty menu also includes a lobster butternut bisque to warm up during the cold months — or to enjoy while dining outdoors on their lovely outdoor patio. 

Bartaco :: Seaport and Brookline

Bartaco offers a lively and laid-back ambience for savoring some of the finest Mexican soups available in the city. Their chicken tortilla soup — with corn and roasted poblanos — is a must-try classic. Or, delight your tastebuds with a steaming bowl of their pork posole — a rich Mexican stew simmered with guajillo chilis, hominy, and garlic.

Lulu Green :: South Boston

Lulu Green is dedicated to fostering a healthy community while providing delicious food throughout the day. Their lemony lentil soup, complete with surprises like kale, Yukon Gold potatoes, tahini, and suma, is a neighborhood favorite. And don’t miss their (seasonal) creamy butternut squash soup featuring local maple syrup!

Cafe Landwer :: Brighton, Back Bay, and Fenway

For a fast-casual dining experience that seamlessly integrates foods from many cultures, head to Cafe Landwer. Their ever-changing soup options are deliciously made with quality ingredients. Our current favorites are the hearty lentil soup and the pumpkin soup with root veggies and chickpeas. We love Cafe Landwer’s delicious, globally inspired menu! 

Angela’s Cafe :: East Boston

Angela’s is the go-to Mexican restaurant for so many Bostonians — its authentic, homemade Mexican cuisine is hard to beat! For soup lovers, Angela’s menu boasts enticing options like sopa Azteca, a tortilla soup with queso fresco and avocado, and sopa de pozole, a robust hominy white corn soup featuring an array of traditional spices.

Soup Shack :: Jamaica Plain, Brookline, and Cambridge

The ultimate Boston destination for pho, Soup Shack is the place to go for generous portions of rich pho, comforting ramen, and delicious Thai noodles. Soup Shack has something for everyone!

Cafe Polonia :: South Boston

For two decades and counting, Cafe Polonia has been serving South Boston with robust flavors of hearty Polish comfort food. Their exceptionally tasty soup offerings include borscht (beet soup) and pickle soup — a testament to the cafe’s commitment to delivering the authentic tastes of Poland. The atmosphere will transport you to a cozy Polish countryside perfect for sipping soup and relaxing. 

DOT Cafe:: Dorchester

A local gem, DOT Cafe in Dorchester has been serving up neighborhood family home cooking for years. The quaint neighborhood cafe offers an American and Vietnamese menu with local favorites like udon noodle soup (banh canh) and rice soup (chao).

Sorelle Bakery & Cafe :: Charlestown, Seaport, and Atlantic Wharf

Sorelle Bakery & Cafe is a great spot to take a break in the day and enjoy some coffee or tea and a cup of soup. The chicken noodle is divine and goes perfectly with any of their baked goods! 

Empty Bowls Fundraiser :: Roslindale

Indulge your taste buds and rally for a cause at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser on March 24, 2024, where delicious soups from Boston’s finest restaurants are highlighted in support of the Roslindale/Hyde Park Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative. Create Studios in Roslindale crafts stunning bowls for the event, and participants receive a beautiful piece of art while enjoying soup from local restaurants — all in the spirit of giving back to the community.

Mom’s Gone Wild :: 7 Ways Stressed-Out Moms Can Blow Off Steam in Boston

Look, just because I’m a mom doesn’t mean I don’t need to have adventures, blow off some steam, and even be a little naughty sometimes. And thanks to the amazing and interesting offerings available in Boston, moms can do this in really fun yet safe (and socially acceptable!) ways. Whether you’re going for a girls night out or a solo day on the town, no more drunken nights ending with a tattoo of your kid’s name on your butt! (Oh wait, was that just me?)

When I had my midlife crisis a few years back, taking an improv class at Improv Boston and doing a nude photo shoot did the trick! But, occasionally, I need to live out some mini midlife crises, and one of these local seven is sure to hit the sweet spot. I hope you’ll find the experiences below great ways to either kick back and relax or blow off some steam through serenity, creativity, debauchery, and movement.

Howl at the moon

Howl at the Moon is a high-energy experience that is part piano bar and part live concert, with lots of dancing, singing along, and yes, howling is encouraged. Just what a stressed out mom needs during the witching hour — am I right?

Visit a winery

Ahh, wine. A stressed-out mom’s best friend, at times. And a visit to Boston’s only winery is a perfect girls night out — a great way to enjoy some great wine and take part in a fun activity at the same time. Boston Winery offers wine tastings on Saturdays and fun events like “Pasta and Wine Pairings” during the week. Wine tastings include a tour of the winery. Reservations are required and easily booked online.

Go pole dancing

Here comes the debauchery. Pole dancing. Yep, you’re a hot mom, you’re not afraid to own it, and you’re bringing sexy back with exotic pole dancing lessons. With locations in Dorchester, Newton, Brighton, and Malden, Boston Pole Fitness is sure to meet the needs of so many moms. The classes follow a clear progression, starting with an intro to poles class. There are various classes for every level of ability! This is a one-stop shop experience for moms wanting to get in touch with their naughty side while getting a good workout in.

Let out your rage

If you and your mom pals just need to blow off some steam, consider taking your next girls night out from Boston to Letz Rage in Fitchburg. There are a few different types of rooms, including a true rage room, where you can smash whatever your heart desires. Another room is a paint splatter room, where you can take home your masterpiece made from built-up rage. If you were impressed by the viral mom scream in Boston a few years ago, a rage room might be a great stress reliever.  

Get a massage — the easy way

I know what you’re thinking. “Massage? Sounds awesome — and I would love that — but I have really young kids and there is no way I have the time and energy to schedule and then go out and get a massage.” Well, what if the massage could come to you? Maybe even during nap time? Heck yes! Just simply book your massage and Boston Mobile Massage will come to your house — lotion, massage table, and all — and get into those stressed out muscles, stat. Rates start at $200, and they also offer chair massages by request.

Go dancing during the day

I’m going to be honest. I absolutely love to dance. But now that I’m a mom of a “certain age,” I really can’t deal with clubs that open at 11 p.m. and have me losing my much-needed beauty sleep. Daybreaker, however, is the ultimate morning-time dance party! The fact that Daybreak starts first thing in the a.m. makes this morning-person mama do an extra special happy dance! Daybreak dance parties start at 10 a.m. preceded by yoga at 9 a.m. They offer dance parties in most major cities — the best way to be “in the know” is to sign up for the Boston newsletter.

Have some good old fashioned fun

I’m a mom of teenagers, and sometimes connecting with them is best done through activities that pique their interest. But why let the teenagers have all the fun? Head to a Boston-area arcade for your next girls night out and play Skee-Ball to your heart’s content. You can even use the tickets you win on something silly for yourselves. Or, go for a round of mini golf or a game of bowling. Do the things you would do with your kids — but leave them at home. We are all kids at heart, so let that kid out and do something playful for a change!

Honorable mentions

Artisan Asylum

For those ulta-creative moms who like to destress by creating something cool.

Calm.com 

For the moms who need a quick “serenity now” moment for free and without leaving the house.

North Shore Glass School

Right in Salem, this studio has a variety of glass classes that make a great ladies night out!

This post was originally published in 2017 and was updated for 2024 by Michelle Mady.


 

Winter Activities for the Non-Skiier in North Conway, New Hampshire

Swift River Bridge in North Conway, NH (things to do for non-skiier in North Conway New Hampshire)Remember the good old days when you could go skiing up north followed by an afternoon of après-ski? Well, if your life is anything like mine now that I have young children, those days are over. Believe me, there are days when I’d love to be having a beer on the deck of a ski lodge overlooking the White Mountains. But for now, I’m trying my best to enjoy the everyday moments with my kids when we visit North Conway each winter (while looking longingly at those same mountains).

I do try to ski a fair amount, but it’s mostly on green circles while my son learns to ski. So, in an attempt to still enjoy my time in the White Mountains with kids, I’ve compiled my favorite non-skiing activities to stay busy during a trip to the North Conway area of New Hampshire during the winter. I’m a big believer that getting away for the weekend is always a good idea — especially in the winter!

Ice skating, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing

Pack your skates and head to downtown North Conway, where you can skate for free right off Main Street in Schouler Park. You’ll have picturesque views of the Conway Scenic Railroad Station and can head across the street after for a hot chocolate at the Met Coffee House.

If you don’t have your own skates or are looking to make it into a fancier affair, head north to Jackson, where you can rent skates and glide around the beautiful Nestlenook Farm. They also offer sleigh rides and snowshoeing on their idyllic winter wonderland property. 

Museums

When I’m up north I’m staying in a condo with limited space for my children to play. As anyone with children knows, our little ones need space to run and play, and the Mount Washington Children’s Museum is a great option for that! The museum is located close to downtown North Conway and offers multiple rooms of play for children ages 1–7. My son is 4 and can play in there for hours. From the train tables to the kitchen area to the veterinarian’s office setup, it fosters great imaginative play. 

Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum
Children’s Museum, North Conway                                     

Newer to the Mount Washington Valley is Living Shores Aquarium right next to Storyland in Glen. It offers information and viewing of fish native to New Hampshire and interactive areas where you can hold birds and touch stingrays and nibble fish. Watching the otter play is also exciting. Plan ahead if you can to save money on ticket prices!

Living Shores Aquarium

Shopping and dining

Of course there’s shopping at the outlets and perusing the cute shops in downtown North Conway, such as Zeb’s General Store and the 5 and 10 Cent Store. There are always interesting finds and good deals, and somehow it feels better to shop while on vacation (especially tax free!).

There are a number of family-friendly restaurants in the area that check two boxes — fun outing and a meal! We love The Muddy Moose for its relaxed ambiance, fun decor, prompt service, and tasty meals for adults and kids. Delaneys Hole in the Wall is our favorite lunch or dinner spot — you’ll be welcomed like a local when you go there, and the food is all from-scratch and delicious!

Hopefully someday soon you’ll be back on the slopes or whatever it is you enjoy doing in your free time sans children. But in the meantime, I hope you can make the most of your time with kids — especially on vacation.

This post was originally published in 2020. It has been updated for 2024.


 

Pop Quiz! 5 Questions to Ask at Your Next Parent-Teacher Conference

Pop quiz! It’s that time of year again — when we squish our adult bodies into tiny kid chairs and sit across from our children’s classroom teachers to cram a semester’s worth of information into a 15-minute conversation. What do you say at a parent-teacher conference? What do you ask? Do you smile and nod and hope the teacher isn’t going to bring up anything surprising? Do you come armed with a clipboard and checklist? Most importantly, how can you make the conversation meaningful?

If you, like me, really want to partner with your child’s teacher and see your child thrive, try these questions — I have found them to be very helpful when talking with our wonderful school teachers!

1. What parts of learning seem to excite my child?

It can be tempting, in any parent-teacher setting, to focus solely on areas for growth. This is also important, but keeping a sense of curiosity alive is crucial for raising lifelong learners. Draw attention to (and learn from your teachers about!) which aspects of learning bring excitement to your child!

2. In what specific ways are you challenging my child to stretch in either their strengths or their weaknesses?

Kids rise to a challenge. This applies to straight A students or those on the lower end of the bell curve. Challenging them implies assessing what they can already do and then encouraging them to stretch, grow, and go deeper. Some teachers are naturally good at this, some struggle to do it with either lower performers OR high performers. Asking the question informs you about your child and gives you a picture of your teacher’s educational model.

3. What is my child’s social temperament? How would classmates describe them?

This can be a very informative question at a parent-teacher conference — and it can alert you to problems if a child’s behavior at school is radically different than at home. “I’ve noticed X at home; are you also seeing it in the classroom?” Remember, you and the teacher are (ideally!) partners in helping your child learn and grow!

4. What are some tangible ways you see my child demonstrating kindness, patience, inclusion, curiosity, or perseverance (or another value your family holds)? 

To me, character is as important to develop as academic performance — if not more so. We love when our kids get good grades and perform well, but it’s more important to us that our children are curious and kind. I ask this question to my children’s teachers because I want to be able to praise the character of my child — to my child — regardless of their academic strengths or weaknesses. I also want the teacher to look for these characteristics (and praise them!). And if the teacher is seeing great academic grades but a lack of character, I want to know about that, too.

5. Are there things that would be helpful for us to work on at home?

I want to leave a parent-teacher conference with practical strategies I can implement at home to support and partner with my children’s teachers — for the best outcomes in both academics and character development. Remember, learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. And almost every (good!) teacher sees their work as a partnership with you. Proactively owning that partnership takes a little bit of a load off the teacher. (And saying “thank you” is also very appreciated!)


 

Visiting Boston’s Art Museums — With Kids!

parent and child at the Dutch galleries at the MFA in Boston (visiting Boston art museums with kids, photo credit Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)
Visiting the child-favorite doll’s house in the Dutch galleries at the MFA, photo credit Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Boston is home to so many fantastic art museums. And they’re not just for grown-ups — why not introduce your children to art at a young age? These Boston-area art museums offer a variety of kid-friendly activities and amenities, from special events and concerts to complementary sketching materials and art workshops, and even family-approved cafe menus and changing stations! Read on to see how you can experience a lovely day with your kids at one of Boston’s art museums.

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

465 Huntington Avenue, Boston

One of Boston’s most treasured and oldest art museums has beautiful classic collections and an exciting events schedule. This museum is perfect for a “date” with one child or as an experience for the whole family!

Family-friendly features

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston

Spend a day at the waterfront and pay a visit to the ICA! Experience modern art for the whole family at this fantastic Boston art museum that offers lots of activities for families. 

Family-friendly features

  • Free admission for youth under 18 (and parents with youth on select weekends)
  • “Play Date” series, with free entry on the last Saturday of the month for a full day of activities like art-making, performance, and films
  • Gallery “game cards” to explore the museum as a “thinker, maker, explorer, or performer” — great for a variety of ages and for intergenerational audiences to play together
  • Hands-on Art Lab activities to try at home or in the galleries on your phone or tablet (like the “close-looking activities“)
  • Strollers permitted
  • Nursing stations available

Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum

25 Evans Way, Boston

The beauty inside this museum is unmatched — especially the courtyard gardens! There are many hidden gems to be discovered here, and it’s also a perfect place for an afternoon of sketching. Be sure to clue older kiddos in on the mystery of the stolen paintings — those empty frames sure are intriguing!

Family-friendly features

  • Free admission for ages 17 and under
  • Weekend concerts for ages 7 and up
  • Saturday art activities in the Bertucci Education Studio
  • Family guides with suggestions of fun ways to explore the museum with children (available free of charge at the information area in the Living Room)
  • Single strollers permitted (with tandem strollers available to borrow)
  • Sketching materials provided free of charge near the courtyard, just outside the Macknight Room.

Harvard Art Museums

32 Quincy Street, Cambridge

If you’re looking for a great afternoon at the museum — for free! — try the Harvard Art Museums. (Make it a full day in Harvard Square with a stop at a classic restaurant like Mr. Bartley’s afterward!)

Family-friendly features

  • Free admission for all!
  • Complementary sketchbooks and pencils
  • Family day” on select Saturdays, with family-focused activities like scavenger hunts, art-making workshops, and spotlight tours
  • Children’s menu at Jenny’s Cafe
  • Single strollers only (with compact strollers to borrow at the admissions desk)

MassArt Art Museum (MAAM)

621 Huntington Avenue, Boston

This teaching museum for Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a free contemporary art museum where visitors can experience works by visionary artists at the forefront of their field. This lesser-known Boston art museum offers unique events and activities for families!

Family-friendly features

  • Free admission for all!
  • Make with MAAM” activities in the Barkan Family Big Ideas Studio every weekend, like experimentation with recycled and found materials to experience artmaking and creative exploration
  • “Maker day” twice a year featuring interactive activities and artmaking designed and guided by MassArt students, faculty, and staff
  • Strollers welcome

Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)

161 Essex Street, Salem

Salem isn’t just for Halloween — it’s also known for its terrific art museum! The Peabody Essex Museum has a wonderful collection and plenty of family-focused experiences. We like to make a day trip of it and and swing by the ocean afterward to dip our toes!

Family-friendly features

  • Free admission for ages 16 and under
  • The Dotty Brown Art and Nature Center showcasing original exhibitions that investigate our connections with nature through contemporary art, memorable objects, and interactive experiences — look for hands-on displays and artmaking spaces here to touch, play, and explore!
  • The Pod, a new multisensory exhibition space with nature-inspired contemporary and historic artworks, stations to explore nature up close, and make-your-own art opportunities
  • The Wonder Zone (part of The Pod), with activity bins, a light table, and picture books for young children.
  • Drop-in art activities 
  • PEM is Certified Sensory Inclusive and promotes an accessible and positive experience for visitors with diverse sensory needs, including autism, dementia, PTSD, and other conditions
  • Kid-friendly cafe menu

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum 

51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln

Not your typical Boston art museum, this park is a kid’s paradise! Just 30 minutes north of downtown Boston, this outdoor sculpture park is well worth the drive. Stroll along the 30-acre outdoor lawns with your children — and be sure to snap some photos among the giant sculptures and art immersion installations. (And don’t forget the beautiful museum store!)

Family-friendly features

  • Free admission for 11 and under
  • Special events, like family yoga, ARTfull play, and guided tours
  • Try a “scavenger hunt for the senses” while wandering
  • Open space for children to roam and play
  • Leashed dogs welcome
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy a family meal together outdoors

Life Is Sweet :: Boston’s 15 Best Chocolate Shops!

24pc Assorted Truffle Collection from Chocolate Therapy (best chocolate shops in Boston)
Chocolate Therapy in Wayland

Who doesn’t love chocolate?! From bonbons to truffles to drinking chocolates — and those signature chocolate mice — Boston has some of the best sweets you’ll ever taste! Here are 15 of our favorite chocolate shops in Boston and beyond!

Taza Chocolate :: Somerville

Taza is one of the most well-known chocolate makers in Massachusetts. Their bars, discs, and snacks are available at local grocery stores and coffee shops — and even on Amazon! Taza also offers a factory tour and special events throughout the year. Try the cacao scouts scavenger hunts on Saturdays and Sundays with your little ones!

Spindler Confections :: North Cambridge

In addition to chocolates, Spindler’s makes caramels, brittles, and pate de fruits that are available online or in their brick-and-mortar store on Mass Ave. It’s worth an in-person visit to check out the small “candy museum,” which showcases more than 300 items that celebrate the history of candy making in the Boston area!

L.A. Burdick :: Harvard Square and Back Bay

Burdicks is regarded as one of the finest chocolatiers in the world, and its founder is known as a pioneer of fine chocolates in America! At Burdicks, the chocolates are cooked, piped, cut, dipped, garnished, and packed individually and by hand — no molds in sight, even for those signature chocolate mice! Their drinking chocolate is out of this world and a wintertime must (and try the iced drinks during the summer!). Burdicks also carries unique and special items for every holiday — from Halloween to Father’s Day to World Elephant Day (who knew?!).

Chocolate Therapy :: Wayland

The standout items at Chocolate Therapy are definitely the truffles, which come in a number of flavors, intricate shapes, and gorgeous and colorful designs. My toddler adores the shiny purple one — who cares what’s inside! Chocolate Therapy offers a very unique virtual chocolate tasting journey complete with tasting kits and personal guides to accompany your group on an exciting and educational adventure!

Watson’s Candies :: Walpole

In business for 90 years, Watson’s is well known to local residents for their chocolates and holiday specials. Stop by their shop on Main St. and try out their chocolate cashew turtles or their solid chocolate hearts — or, my personal favorite, their chocolate dipped Oreos! 

Serenade Chocolatier :: Brookline

With chocolates made in a Viennese tradition passed down through generations, this small chocolatier in Brookline Village is big on flavor and variety. From individual pieces of chocolate to their large piñata chocolate cakes, this chocolate shop has it all! From chocolates for every holiday to chocolates shaped like tools, they even have vegan treats! This place is a must see!

Beacon Hill Chocolates :: Boston

Right in the heart of Boston on historic Charles Street, Beacon Hill Chocolates offers the finest and rarest confections and ingredients from all over the world! In addition to the artisan chocolates, this shop features locally made Italian gelato, private tasting parties, and specialty gifts.

McCrea’s Candies :: Hyde Park

For those who just don’t love chocolate (surely there are a few of you), we know the perfect candy for you to indulge in — caramels. Made locally in Hyde Park, McCrea’s caramels have been featured on The Today Show, and in VOGUE, People, and The Oprah Magazine, to name a few. You can join a monthly caramel club or place a one-time order on their website.

Harbor Sweets :: Beverly and Salem

Check out Harbor Sweets for New England-themed chocolates — lighthouses, shells, and their signature “Sweet Sloops” sailboats, which are a mixture of toffee, chocolate, and pecans. This woman-led business now employs more than 100 people — and it all started in a home kitchen in Marblehead in 1973!

Phillips Candy House :: Dorchester

Phillips was established in 1925 — nearly a century ago! Their chocolate turtles are one of their signature items — each is handmade right in Dorchester with smooth and creamy caramel, roasted nuts, and a dollop of rich, scrumptious chocolate. They were even chosen as one of Oprah’s favorite things!

Gâté Comme des Filles :: Cambridge and Somerville

Take one look at this swoon-worthy photo gallery of local chocolatier Alexandra’s creations, and you won’t be able to resist a visit to her shop. Alexandra has trained in and practiced the arts of French pastries, chocolates, and wine in Paris and California at some of the world’s top culinary schools and restaurants. Now, you can find her sweets at Zuzu’s Petals in Cambridge (her wine and dessert bar) and at Bow Market in Somerville.

Hilliards :: Easton, Norwell, and Mansfield

Hilliard’s is a family-run business now in its fourth generation after launching in south suburban Boston 100 years ago. The amazing confections offered at Hilliard’s are too numerous to mention, but check out their caramel apples, fudges, and seasonal ice creams!

Trappistine Candy :: Wrentham

Two nuns learned the art of caramel making in their monastery’s basement in 1955, and today, Trappistine’s delicious toffees, fudges, and chocolates allow the sisters to be self-supporting! They now produce their candies and chocolates from their Candy House, and they ship all over!

Hebert Candies :: Shrewsbury

Hebert Candies offers specialty chocolates handcrafted in small batches at the same Candy Mansion bought by Frederick Hebert in 1946. Mr. Hebert is credited for introducing white chocolate to the U.S. in 1956! Visit the mansion for fun ice cream sundaes, classic Genevas, and their créme collection!

Winfrey’s :: Middleton, Rowley, Stoneham, Wenham

Winfrey’s began in 1979 when two parents decided to quit their jobs to care for their newborn twin sons, and they began to sell fudge as a way to earn the income to care for their family. Since then, they’ve grown the business and passed it on to their three children, who continue to build the company! Winfrey’s now has four storefronts in addition to their Beverly warehouse, and they offer 23 varieties of their cream and butter fudge and more than 100 different fine chocolates.

This post was written by Rachel Wilson in 2017 and updated in 2024 by Krystal Avila and Ashley Dickson.

February School Vacation Week Activities and Events in Boston and Beyond!


February school vacation week is just around the corner! If you’re planning a staycation and are looking for fun things to do with your kids during February break, check out these Boston-area events and happenings!


Monster Jam :: Worcester

February 16-18 

Experience big-time family fun at Monster Jam as you watch world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill!

Bugs Bunny Film Festival at the Brattle Theater :: Cambridge

February 16-25

This annual cartoon celebration allows parents to celebrate their old favorite characters — Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Taz, Tweety, Roadrunner, Yosemite Sam — and share that enjoyment with their kids. What could be better than original cartoons on the big screen?!

Lego Maritime Festival :: Charlestown

February 17-25 

Build USS Constitution or USS Cassin Young out of LEGO bricks with step-by-step instructions created by the USS Constitution Museum! Enter your Lego or Duplo creation into the daily Ship Shape Competition! Designs can be built and submitted at the museum during February vacation week or submitted virtually.

Black Bear Birthday :: Stoneham

February 18 

Black bears Smoky and Bubba are turning 18, and guests are invited to join in on the festivities at Stone Zoo! The bear exhibit will be decorated for the occasion, and the brothers will enjoy birthday treats specially made by their care team.

Chinese New Year Lion Dance Parade :: Chinatown

February 18 

Celebrate the year of the dragon in Boston’s Chinatown with the annual Chinese New Year parade! Enjoy lively music, traditional lion dances, and all the revelry and excitement the year of the dragon brings.

Wizarding Week at Ocean Edge on Cape Cod :: Brewster

February 18-25

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Resort guests will enjoy activities like wand and cloak making, as well as other magical surprises.

Presidents Day Winterfest :: Quincy

February 19 

Presidents Day Winterfest will feature live entertainment and family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities on the Hancock-Adams Common! The event will include locations in heated tents as well as inside City Hall and the Church of the Presidents.

Kiddos in the Kitchen! :: Dover

February 19-20

Spend school vacation week in the Powisset Kitchen and cook up wonderful creations. Kids will learn kitchen basics and enjoy hands-on cooking and eating. Each child will make their own individual items. Designed for kids ages 7-12. The menu is different every day.

Discovery Museum’s Everyday Engineering Drop-in Programs :: Acton

February 19-23

Daily hands-on workshops give children exposure to various engineering topics, including bridge building, cup towers, and hoop gliders.

Winter Break Weaving Camp :: Boston

February 19-24

Embrace fiber art through the craft of hand weaving! Each day the students will weave on a different loom with varying color, pattern, and texture combinations.

Children’s Winter Festival on Boston Common :: Boston

February 21

Boston Parks and Recreation presents this festival for kids on Boston Common that features treats, promotions, and fun giveaways. Spend a day in the city and check it out.

Disney on Ice :: Boston

February 21-25

Everyone’s favorite show is back at the TD Garden this week!

Curling on the Common :: Seaport

Through Feb 25

Here is your chance to try curling on the Seaport Common. Sign up for a time slot in advance.

Ice Castles in New Hampshire :: North Woodstock, NH

Ongoing

Race down ice slides, explore ice caves and frozen mazes, crawl through tunnels, and stroll through an illuminated forest!

Snow Tubing/Snowshoeing

Ongoing

Some of the best options for tubing and snowshoeing include Nashoba Valley Tubing Park, Pat’s PeakWeston Ski Track, Harold Parker State Forest, and Southern Middlesex Fells Loop.

Winter Walks and Hikes

Ongoing

Local — and beautiful — trails to explore for some fresh winter air include Fresh Pond, Middlesex Fells, Blue Hills Reservation, and Walden Pond.

Bowling Alleys

Ongoing

Check out some of our favorite spots, including Sacco’s Bowl Haven and Kings.

College Hockey Games

Ongoing

What better time to enjoy a college hockey game?! College games are family friendly — and less expensive than a professional game.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Ongoing

Lace up those skates and check out one of the many outdoor skating rinks around Massachusetts!

Looking for even more ideas for things to do with kids in Boston this winter? Check out our monthly calendar, with event listings submitted by tons of local organizations!

Fun Ways to Share the Love With Your Kids This Valentine’s Day

child making a paper valentine (how to celebrate Valentine's Day with kids)

For moms, Valentine’s Day doesn’t necessarily include getting dressed up for a fancy, romantic dinner. It might — and that would be great — but I love including the kids in the “love day” fun! Here are a few fun ideas for Valentine’s Day activities the whole family will enjoy.

Door love

Who doesn’t smile when they get a love note?! This Valentine’s Day, decorate your kids’ bedroom doors with cut-out hearts or Post-It notes that say what you love about them. What a way to make them feel great and start their day with a boost of confidence! This option from Harvard Homemaker is a great one, too — it features hearts for each family member to fill in, so everyone can feel the love!

Crafts and more crafts

One thing I’ve come to appreciate as a mom in the depths of New England winter is Michael’s order pick-up. The options for Valentine’s-themed crafts are endless, and you don’t have to be a creative mom when you’re using a craft kit! (Dollar Tree and Target are great for this, too!) Painting, DIY picture frames made of popsicle sticks, and the classic heart-shaped doily are just a few of the love-filled possibilities.

Themed meals

My kids absolutely love themed meals, and every food is more fun when it’s heart-shaped! If you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, you can use it to make so many different foods more festive — try toast, PB&J sandwiches, pancakes, or watermelon or cantaloupe. A drop of red or pink food coloring and a few heart-shaped sprinkles are another easy way to turn any drink or meal into a love-themed treat!

Baking cookies

Baking cookies is a great way to celebrate any holiday, really, but that heart-shaped cookie cutter can come in handy again for making Valentine’s-themed cookies. Store-bought sugar cookie dough and some fun sprinkles is all you need for little ones to have a blast decorating their own creations!

All the (simple) decorations

Stocking up on decorations for every little holiday can be daunting, time consuming, and costly. But homemade decorations are a great way to fill your home with love and give your kiddos an opportunity to display something they’ve worked hard to make. Anything red, pink, or heart-shaped will do! Valentine’s Day decor can also be great for a backdrop for family photos!

Read a heartfelt book

End the day with more love. “The Kissing Hand” is a favorite of ours all year round, but we always make sure to read it around Valentine’s Day. My local library always has shelves of Valentine’s-themed books on display this time of year, so we love to grab a few each visit then cuddle together (in Valentine’s Day-inspired pajamas, maybe?) and read them as a family.

Now that you have some fun ideas for your kids, don’t forget to include your partner. And if you are choosing to stay in this Valentine’s Day, here are some fun ideas to enjoy after you (finally) put the kids to bed.

Happy heart day, mamas!

This post was written in 2018 by Megan Samborski and was updated for 2024 by Stephanie Lynch.


 

5 Instagram Accounts That Make Me a Better Parent

Parenting is hard.

It is equal parts exciting and exhausting. Every phase brings a new learning curve, and we aren’t always equipped with the right tools.

We’re being pulled in a million different directions every day with our many commitments to family, work, friendships, and our communities. Yet if we consider the magnitude of our role as mothers, it feels important to aim for personal growth in parenting.

But it feels exhausting at the end of the day to pick up a parenting book to discover new ways to better parent our children. I do, however, always seem to find the time for Instagram! I have searched, followed, and unfollowed many parenting accounts. Here, I’ve whittled it down to a few key Instagram accounts that have provided me with new tools and ideas to become a better parent.

1. Kids Eat In Color

Jennifer from Kids Eat In Color is a registered dietician whose posts are informative and relatable. Not only does she offer steady, easy-to-follow nutrition tips, she shares advice on how to create a positive food culture in your home.

Jennifer focuses on nutrition and allowing her children to explore and play outdoors, so there’s little emphasis on home décor or cleaning — she acknowledges that we mothers can’t do it all! She would rather ensure her children get their fruits and vegetables than take the time to clean her bathroom, which I find both encouraging and insightful — a woman so sure of herself and her strengths that she doesn’t give way to the things she isn’t as good at!

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Jennifer Anderson MSPH, RDN | Kids Eat in Color (@kids.eat.in.color)

2. Mama Psychologists

Chelsea and Caitlin from Mama Psychologists are registered psychologists and mothers who just get it. They focus on maternal mental health with a side of parenting tips and are so positive it’s hard not to want to try. They offer quick tips, like what to say instead of a simple “be good” to your children to ensure clear communication and instruction.

I tried a saying from one of their recent posts, choosing one day to tell my son, “I’m glad you’re in our family — I just love you!” He immediately responded, “You’re the best mommy in the whole world!” I couldn’t believe how instant the results were to using positive and loving phrases like that. They also inspired my system for toy rotation, so that’s another big win for my family!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Caitlin Slavens & Chelsea Bodie (@mamapsychologists)

3. Dr. Becky at Good Inside

Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist and a New York Times bestselling author — and she’s a mom of three. Known as a “parenting whisperer,” Dr. Becky has taken everything she knows about attachment, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and internal family systems theory and translated those ideas into a new method for working with parents.

Dr. Becky’s Instagram tips are practical and helpful in the moment, even giving you scripts to use in those tough parenting situations where you feel totally out of your element. She also brings in her own parenting experiences — and it’s such a relief to learn that even the experts struggle sometimes!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dr. Becky Kennedy | Parenting (@drbeckyatgoodinside)

4. Big Little Feelings

The Big Little Feelings ladies are fun and informative. They post great reels that can be funny (like, “Get to bed early? Nah, I’ll stay up ’til midnight watching TV!”) but that get you thinking about our natural, and typically cultural, responses in parenting and how to challenge them. I love that they advise parents to apologize to children if they lose their cool, and they give tangible ways to handle those moments differently in the future. Their goal is to give parents “a practical action plan to navigate all the tough moments.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Toddler Experts (@biglittlefeelings)

5. Busy Toddler

Susie Allison is a former teacher turned busy mom, and she posts practical ideas for crafts and play. While I don’t attempt all her ideas, I like that she makes them practical, with supplies you may already have at home. I like having her ideas pop up in my newsfeed, just to keep in the back of my mind, like a little arsenal of plans for rainy days or long winter afternoons. I especially love her painting tricks (in the bathtub! or painting toy cars that can then go in the bathtub!). Follow her for easy-going parenting play and crafting tips.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Susie Allison, M. Ed | Busy Toddler (@busytoddler)

Following these influential women as they navigate parenting and share their knowledge has been extremely helpful and healing to me. I want to continue to push myself to change old habits and create a healthy, safe, and loving environment for my children — and that’s exactly what these accounts help me to do.

This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated for 2024.


 

Ways a Postpartum Doula Can Help You

This post is sponsored by our friends at New England Doula Support!
New England Doula Support

Let’s be real. The prospect of having a baby is both joyful and anxiety provoking. Some expecting parents have little to no experience holding a baby, caring for them, or changing a diaper. That’s OK! It’s normal. What’s not necessary is for new parents to have to struggle in the first weeks and months when welcoming their baby home. That’s where hiring a postpartum doula can be a valuable asset to new families.

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who comes into your home to support you and your family after your baby is born. They offer emotional, physical, and evidence-based informational support to new families. Whereas newborn care specialists focus primarily on the newborn, a postpartum doula’s focus begins with the new mom.

In our society, once a baby is born, the shift of attention from mom to baby is immediate, which can result in moms feeling alone, wondering if what they are feeling is normal, and often searching for validation that they are doing it “right.” The postpartum doula can provide guidance, reassurance, and ensure that mom is being taken care of.

Who can benefit from postpartum doula support?

Every family who welcomes a baby or babies into their home can benefit from the support of a postpartum doula. The postpartum period is critical for both the baby and the mother. Common challenges new parents face — such as sleep deprivation, feeding difficulties, and emotional fluctuations — don’t need to define the experience. Postpartum doulas allow parents to focus on the baby and their recovery, which significantly increases their experience in the fourth trimester.

While every situation is different, typically postpartum doulas help families with:

  • Newborn care tips
  • Feeding guidance
  • Schedule suggestions
  • Coping strategies
  • Infant care so parents can rest

The doula will care for your newborn while giving new parents time for significant rest.

Even if you are choosing to nurse, there is great value in choosing doula support. Doulas help nursing moms by:

  • Bringing the baby to you when it’s time to feed
  • Giving you a glass of water and a snack when needed
  • Take care of burping, diapering, swaddling, comforting, soothing
  • Getting your baby to go down in their crib drowsy but awake
  • Allowing the nursing mom to go back to sleep more quickly

In addition, postpartum doulas will help with the family laundry, light meal prep, and light
housekeeping. Your postpartum doula can also provide resources and referrals for other professionals such as IBCLCs.

How do you choose the right postpartum doula?

While the postpartum doula field is not regulated, not all training programs are created equal. Families should look for postpartum doulas who are trained and certified by a widely recognized organization.

One resource for families is DoulaMatch.net. They define quality certification programs as ones that require in-person classroom work, self-study, and practicum work that has a publicly available code of conduct, standard of practice, grievance procedure, periodic recertification, documented continuing education, and evaluations from clients and health care providers.

Which organizations meet those criteria? DoulaMatch.net has a list that includes Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA) and DONA International, to name a few. Don’t let it seem overwhelming — one of the most important ways to know if the postpartum doula is right for you is your intuition.

When should I reach out if we think we want newborn care support?

Some families start planning as soon as they know they are pregnant. Others call looking for support when the baby is already here and they are struggling. There isn’t one specific time, and it’s never too late. When you call is the exact right time for you. The goal is for you to be matched with an amazing support person who will provide non-judgmental, competent care for your family — women who have a heart for this incredible time in a new family’s life.

Interested in learning more about postpartum doula support?

Families that choose the support of a postpartum doula are making a beneficial investment in their family’s well-being. The early days of parenthood can be challenging. Who wouldn’t want help navigating those first few weeks when it can be the difference between feeling confident and rested in your journey into parenthood. For more information about postpartum support, visit New England Doula Support or email [email protected]. They are ready to answer your questions!

The Best Books for Raising Inclusive Kids :: Black Protagonists and Historical Figures

four children laying on the grass reading together (books with Black characters, books to celebrate Black History Month)

Have you considered the impact the books you read at home can have on the little people you are raising? Including books that feature characters and families that look like yours, as well as ones that don’t, is integral to raising inclusive children.

We encourage you to diversify your own little library! This Black History Month, we are happy to share this compilation of our team’s favorite books that celebrate Black characters, culture, and historical figures. 

We are always learning, and we want you to join us on our journey!

Please Baby Please book cover

From moments fussy to fond, Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, present a behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills, and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby! Vivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.

Book summary courtesy of the publisher.

Parker Looks Up book cover

When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book.

Book summary courtesy of the publisher.

Day You Begin book cover (books for Black History Month)

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

Book summary courtesy of the publisher.

Hair Love book cover

Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her — and her hair — happy. Tender and empowering, “Hair Love” is an ode to loving your natural hair — and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

Book summary courtesy of the publisher.

Little Leaders book cover

An important book for all ages, “Little Leaders” educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.

Book summary courtesy Amazon.

New Kid book cover

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

Book summary courtesy the author.

Last Stop on Market Street book cover

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

Book summary courtesy of the author’s website.

Preaching to the Chickens book cover (books with Black characters, books to celebrate Black History Month)

Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.

Book summary courtesy of the publisher.

A Is for Activist book cover (books to celebrate Black History Month)

“A Is for Activist” is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for.

Book summary courtesy of the author.

Little Legends book cover

Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history in this #1 New York Times bestseller. An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.

Book summary courtesy Amazon.

I Am Enough book cover (books with Black characters, books to celebrate Black History Month)

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from “Empire” actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.

Book summary courtesy of the publisher.

Did we miss any awesome books that feature Black protagonists or historical figures? Or any other titles that honor Black History Month? Let us know!

Email [email protected] to tell us YOUR favorite book for your inclusive at-home library, and we’ll add it to our list!

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