Parent Talk Matters Blog

Needham Farm Gardening Classes for Young Families

2019-04-23T12:46:00.001-04:00

New Family Gardening Classes
at the Needham Community Farm!

The Needham Community Farm (NCF) just celebrated its 10th anniversary, but many Needham residents don’t know about this great non-profit. The NCF has three intertwined missions: to educate about sustainable growing and nutrition; to provide food to those in our community who experience food insecurity; and to build community through volunteerism. Visitors to the Newman School may have noticed the NCF’s pilot garden site next to the Needham History Center, but the primary garden site is off the beaten path at the former Nike Site, adjacent to Ridge Hill Reservation, and next to the Needham Dog Park.

For most of the 10 years, the produce grown at the farm has been donated to the Food Pantry at the Needham Community Council. A few years ago, distribution hours were added at the Needham Housing Authority sites. Last summer the farm began to offer subscriptions for weekly farm share distributions (CSA) during the growing season.

The NCF has always held gardening classes. Typically, a student signs up for a full bed or half bed, and it’s theirs to farm for the season. The instructor provides lessons in layout, planting, pest control, and other sustainable gardening practices. This year, in conjunction with Parent Talk, NCF is offering new Family Classes with a different model, suitable for small children. The class members will all share several beds. At each class the activities will depend on where we are in the growing season, whether it’s planting peas, weeding, pulling carrots, or picking tomatoes.

Families can sign up for classes to be held on Wednesday afternoons or Saturday mornings. Each class is one hour long. Three sessions are offered: Spring (9 weeks), Summer (9 weeks), and Fall (8 weeks). For more details, costs, and registration, please go to the NCF website at www.needhamfarm.org/family-garden-class.

Author: Jane Evans, Needham Community Farm Board Member

Parent Talk Guide to Happier Kids with Pam Garramone

2019-03-04T20:17:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago many Parent Talk members braved the cold to attend "The Parent Talk Guide to Happier Kids", the latest installment of the Parent Talk Lecture Series. Presenter Pam Garramone was fantastic; not only did she provide lots of amazing info, but she was extremely funny and made the evening super fun. In case you weren't able to make it out that night (or if you were, but didn't take detailed nerd-notes like I do), hopefully I can relay some of the ideas and resources Pam shared with us that night; however, I'm not nearly as funny as she is, so I recommend you attend one of her talks if the opportunity arises in the future.
There has been a good deal of research done to try to determine what it is that makes happy people happy - data has been collected and compared regarding where people live, what they do for work, how they spend their time, and pretty much every other possible determinant affecting how we feel. And it turns out that happiness may be far simpler to attain than many of us think. Based on this research, happiness is 50% genetic, 10% external, and 40% actions and thoughts.

So 40% of what determines whether or not we are happy is within our control, we just need to think positive thoughts - easy, right? Not quite. Our default when it comes to thinking is what is referred to as "negativity bias" - on average we have 70,000 thoughts a day, and 85% of these are negative. Add to this that our awareness of our surroundings is so influenced by what we are already thinking that we tend to see what we expect to see, what we are already thinking about, and miss the rest. Take this video awareness test to see what I'm talking about.

The good news is we can increase our happiness without having to move or change our jobs. Instead we can focus on finding things that make us feel good, pursuing activities that we enjoy, spending time with others, finding meaning in our actions, and accomplishing the goals we set for ourselves. And we can bring our kids along for the ride.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." Henry Ford
You've probably heard the terms "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset" - in a nutshell, fixed mindset is thinking that we are inherently good or bad at certain things, while a growth mindset believes that we can achieve whatever we want if we put the effort in. From the perspective of a fixed mindset, mistakes, failures and rejections are devastating and final, indicative of permanent weaknesses or inability. From the perspective of a growth mindset these same experiences, while still disappointing, do not define us, and can be learned from to further us on the path to success. We can help our kids develop a growth mindset by teaching them to enjoy the learning process, mistakes and all. How? Rather than praising our kids, we can praise what they are doing/have done. Example: instead of "You're great at math!" try "Wow, I'm so impressed with how much you've been learning in math!" Instead of "You're such a good dancer!" try "I love watching you dance!". If kids feel they have to live up to an expectation of "being good at" something, they will be afraid to make mistakes. Here's a short video about growth mindset: http://www.letitripple.org/films/science-of-character/

Identify Strengths and Use Them
When we use our strengths we feel good about ourselves and engage in less negative thinking. Different people have different strengths - this survey can help you determine what yours are, and there's a test for kids too: www.viacharacter.org
How can we help our kids identify and enjoy their own strengths? Here's an example: "I noticed that you [insert strength here] when you [insert behavior here]"

Practice Gratitude
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life." Melody Beattie
When we consciously think about the things that are good in our lives we dominate our internal dialogue with positive thoughts, which can tip the thought scales and overcome our negativity bias. Make a regular gratitude practice part of your routine, and you will start noticing and appreciating all the good things going on around you.

Some ways to practice gratitude on your own, or with your kids:
Gratitude jar – keep a jar and a little bag of dried beans on the table, and at meals have each person share something she's grateful for and put a bean in the jar. Watch the jar fill up.
Gratitude call – make a phone call to someone you are grateful to have in your life.
Gratitude journal - every day write down a few things you are grateful for. A morning ritual I've found effective is writing down 10 things I'm grateful for, 10 people I love who love me, and 10 personal goals.
Gratitude visit – write a letter to someone you are grateful to have in your life, find a time to meet with her, and read her the letter.
Gratitude message – every day text/message/email someone in your life thanking or praising them in some way.
What Went Well exercise – Write down or share 3 things that happened in the last 24 hours that made you feel good. I've started doing this one every night before bed with my daughter, and she loves it; a friend of mine does it on the car ride to school in the morning.

Connect With Other Human Beings
"You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." Jim Rohn
Social connection is the greatest predictor of a happy personal life and of academic success. The people we choose to spend time with have a profound effect on our general wellbeing. Make it a priority that your child spend some time with a friend (other than at school) every week.

Help Others
Unsung Hero Video
We are hardwired to care about other human beings. Our brains even fire mirror neurons when we witness another human being suffering. There is no faster, more direct route to feeling good than helping or making someone else feel good, especially when the someone else is a stranger. Research suggests that helping others benefits our physical wellbeing as well. Find opportunities to volunteer in your community with your child. Parent Talk offers opportunities for family volunteering such as making overnight bags for Project Night Night, in which even very young children can participate.

Consider becoming a Parent Talk member to gain access to more great programming year-round.
And visit https://www.pamgarramone.com to invite Pam to come speak to your group and spread the joy of simply being happy!

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, lives in Brookline, and makes up half of the Perras Group at William Raveis Real Estate. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications & Blog Coordinator. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Call for submissions:

Would you like to write something to be featured on the Parent Talk Blog?

How to Ensure Holiday Cheer for Your Whole Family with a Sound Morning Routine

2018-12-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

Image courtesy of Pixabay

How to Ensure Holiday Cheer for Your Whole Family with a Sound Morning Routine

When the holidays roll around, families and stress seem to go hand-in-hand. However, by establishing a concrete routine for the mornings, you can set your whole gang up for success. Here’s essential advice for ensuring the holiday season is smooth sailing for you and yours.

Holidays and Stress

Everyone loves the idyllic version of the holiday season we all see in classic films. However, dreaming of a sentimental and relaxing celebration and living it out aren’t typically one and the same. In fact, some studies indicate 45 percent of Americans would actually prefer to skip right past the biggest holidays of the year, avoiding the drama and angst the season brings with it. Thankfully, you can help your whole family through the holidays with a few simple strategies.

Let Go of Perfection

One of the biggest obstacles to enjoying the holiday season is perfectionism. You might not even realize you’re hanging onto unrealistic expectations, but you might be putting pressure on yourself to find the “perfect” gifts, bake the “perfect” holiday desserts, decorate a “perfect” tree, have the house looking “perfect” for your guests — well, you get the picture. Instead, focus on making memories. Enjoy your children, sing some carols, let the kids put together the tree, and play silly holiday games. If guests are coming and you can squeeze it into your budget, hire a cleaning service to cut time and energy spent on chores, which will be better spent doing other things. What’s more, it also improves your family’s efficiency in the morning. Just keep in mind that the national average to hire a professional cleaning service ranges from $116 to $235.

Steady on Through Special Times

Time away from school, work, and other commitments can often mean your family members end up with schedules that are all over the place. Sleeping late, eating at odd times, and rushing to your obligations can lead to feeling harried and off-kilter. According to experts at Utah State University Extension, simply establishing a solid routine and sticking with it can help every member of your family feel better, from the youngest to oldest — including yourself. Setting expectations can help everyone feel prepared and provides a sense of control, which reduces stress and anxiety and eases any sense of confusion.

While the holidays can be more relaxed than other times of the year, prioritizing normal sleeping and eating habits can help body rhythms remain the same, lowering strain physically and mentally. Real Simple recommends hanging onto some other basic practices as well, such as brushing and flossing teeth. It’s a great way to reinforce what’s important for your kids’ health.

Hone in on Unhealthy Choices

Holiday celebrations often include indulgences. While you want everyone in your family to enjoy the season, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Keep in mind that your family members need good sleep in order to stick to the morning regimen, and it’s important for adults in the family to stay on track as well as the kids. Similarly, when it comes to special snacks and drinks, pay attention to how much you and your children consume, especially later in the day. Sugary foods and beverages, caffeine, and alcohol can all wreak havoc with sleep habits. If you’re looking for festive nibbles that won’t interfere with sleep, Reader’s Digest recommends foods such as walnuts, cheese and crackers, pretzels, hummus, and cereal.

When the holidays are coming close, it’s more important than ever to reinforce good habits in your family members. Clarify priorities and stick to a strong morning regimen. With a healthy plan in place, you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday season with good cheer.

About the Author:

Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other single dads with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.

Take A Creative Approach to Dealing With Learning Disabilities

2018-10-23T20:44:00.003-04:00

Take A Creative Approach To Dealing With Learning Disabilities

Image Courtesy Pexels

Children who struggle academically due to a learning disability are, by definition, in possession of average or above average intelligence. Their disability doesn’t mean that they cannot learn, only that traditional teaching methods have not reached them. Gardener’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences describes differential ways of learning. There are people who take in information auditorily, visually, or by performing physically. There are people who learn best from books, or from interacting with others. By exploiting these multiple avenues of access, educational goals become more attainable. We have to tailor the approach, to the individual strengths and weaknesses of the particular child. Children with learning disabilities often struggle in the classroom. This can damage their self-esteem and lower their expectations for academic success. But kids with disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, and attention difficulties are frequently inventive, creative, and very intelligent. They can flourish, if their instructors are willing to think outside the box.

Using The Arts In Education:

Music therapy, in the form of music instruction, dance, or learning to play an instrument, can improve academic performance in students with learning difficulties. Studies demonstrate Improvements in communication skills and behavioral outcomes, along with an elevated mood and sense of self worth, among participants receiving music education. The art of dance teaches mathematical skill, integrating emotional and cognitive development. It can help them to express emotional states, and address concentration, aggression, and conflict behaviors. Performing in plays can help remediate social language skills and helps autistic students develop theory of mind and increased empathy. Creating visual works of art, in the mediums of paint and clay sculpting, can improve dexterity and reinforces math and spatial skills. Art therapy can allow nonverbal children, or children with communication difficulties, to find new methods of self expression and actualization.

The Practical Arts:

Making handicrafts allows children to experiment with texture, color, and arrangement, and reinforces spatial understanding. Creating something beautiful brings with it a sense of real accomplishment that restores self-esteem and a sense of autonomy and independence. Visual and kinesthetic learners, who struggle with academic concepts in traditional educational approaches may benefit from a more hands-on, directed method such as making something with their own hands. Sewing, knitting, and crochet are practical life skills that allow personal creative expression that will benefit the student for the rest of their life. Sewing, and the other activities, can be frustrating if you don’t have a good starting point of resources. Fortunately there is help online, such as this list from HomeAdvisor. In the same vein, classes in cooking and preparing food teach self-reliance and creative expression, while improving manual dexterity and skill level. By focusing on a child’s particular interests, and targeting the ways in which they learn and retain information, we can meet their educational needs while encouraging their creativity.

Utilizing the arts for therapeutic and educational interventions benefits students with learning disabilities by allowing differential access to learning, according to each child’s individual talents. The acquisition of skills and expression of creative impulse enhances self confidence and self-worth, and can even yield practical applications that help guide the student towards greater personal autonomy and sense of self. Academically speaking, such strategies improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, physical spatial sense, mathematical and communication abilities. But arts education in the US is in a time of crisis, with budget cuts targeting music, art, and drama across the country. Home economics and shop left in the eighties, depriving our students of many hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to enjoy the act of creating something meaningful with their own hands. We owe our children the opportunity to learn by self-expression. We need arts instruction, so that all our students may benefit from its advantages. For children who have trouble learning in a classroom setting, such instruction is more than helpful, it is absolutely necessary.

Thanks to guest blogger Lillian Brooks

lillian@learningdisabilities.info
LearningDisabilities.info was created to offer information and understanding to parents of children with learning disabilities, as well as adults who are in need of continued support to succeed

Teaching Young Children About Consent and Body Safety

2018-09-04T11:28:00.000-04:00

Consent and body safety are both concepts that can be understood by young children, and can and should be taught long before they are old enough for sex ed. Healthy attitudes towards our bodies and respect for personal boundaries are not ideas exclusive to romantic or sexual relationships. It's become abundantly clear with all the media coverage of the #metoo movement as well as the rates of sexual assault on college campuses that we need to do a better job of teaching our kids the meaning of consent.

But how do we go about this in an age appropriate manner? Here are a few ways to introduce the ideas of consent and body safety in a way that young kids can understand.

My body belongs to me.

Kids should know that no one can touch their body unless they say it's ok. We should never force a child to hug or kiss someone if she doesn't want to - instead, we can give her the option of waving, or otherwise saying goodbye politely, if she is uncomfortable with hugging a relative or family friend.

Hands to my own body.

Kids should also know that it's not ok to touch anyone else's body unless they say it's ok. We can teach them to ask their friends before they hug them, and to accept "No thank you" for an answer.

Private parts are private.

Some parts of kids' bodies are only for them to touch, except in bathing, toilet, or dr. checkup situations. We should teach them the proper names for their private parts, and provide accurate and age appropriate books to help explain how the body works. Yes, this may be a bit outside many of our comfort zones, but muscling through a little embarrassment can go a long way toward fostering an environment where our kids feel secure coming to us for answers. Which is of course what we hope they will do if they are ever in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Probably the most important way to teach kids about consent, as with all things we hope to teach them, is by modeling appropriate behavior. We should always respect the boundaries of other people, adults and children alike. If we want our kids to feel their words are important and should be respected, we can demonstrate this by listening and acknowledging what they have to say.

There are plenty of materials out there to support having this discussion, like this excellent Youtube video, created by a young girl and her mother to explain consent to kids : Consent For Kids

Some relevant book suggestions from A Mighty Girl Blog : Body Smart, Body Safe: Talking With Young Children About Their Bodies

If you'd like to delve deeper into how to approach the topics of consent and body safety with young children, check out this article: Healthy Sex Talk: Teaching Kids Consent, Ages 1-21

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, lives in Brookline, and makes up half of the Perras Group with William Raveis Real Estate. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications, Blog Coordinator, and Sale Committee Member.
Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Flicks On The Field This Saturday August 25th! Featuring "SING"!

2018-08-23T09:53:00.000-04:00

Join Parent Talk for a night under the stars featuring the movie "SING"

Needham, MA – Parent Talk is hosting it’s 12^th Annual Outdoor Movie Night, Flicks on the Field. The event will be held on Saturday, August 25^th *Rain Date August 26^th* at Memorial Field in front of Needham High School.

Friends and families from surrounding MetroWest towns will convene on the field beginning at 6:30 pm for children’s entertainment featuring Davey the Clown, face painting, music, games, and more. At sundown (7:45 pm), attendees will gather blankets and chairs and enjoy this year’s feature film, Sing, on the big screen. Light concessions and refreshments including popcorn and cotton candy will be available. The cost of the event is FREE. Families are encouraged to bring a food donation to help support the Needham Community Council. A big thank you to this year’s Flicks on the Field sponsors: Copley Motor Cars, Louise Condon Realty, and Wegmans, as well as our Parent Talk sponsors: Needham Bank, Charles River School, Dedham Country Day, and Goldfish Swim School.

Questions? Download our Frequently Asked Questions here: FAQs

Parent Talk Flicks on the Field featuring ‘SING’

Saturday, August 25th^th *Rain Date: August 26^th*

6:30 pm Children’s Entertainment, 7:45 Movie Begins

Memorial Field (In front of Needham High School), 92 Rosemary Street, Needham MA

Cost of entry: FREE! Please bring a food donation to help support the Needham Community Council.

For more information, please email flicksonthefield@parenttalk.info or visit www.parenttalk.info.

*************************************************************************

About Parent Talk

Parent Talk is a community-based organization helping families with young children connect, learn, play, and grow together. We offer comprehensive enrichment activities designed to help members build relationships as well as educational tools and vehicles focused on child development and parenting. Our membership is comprised of approximately 500 families residing in Needham, Dover, Westwood, Natick and surrounding towns.

Parent Talk members enjoy numerous benefits including playgroups, lectures, free access to our indoor playspace, free museum passes, retail discounts, reduced rates on select children’s classes, family activities, and social events for children and parents. In addition, Parent Talk offers clubs and committees designed to engage members in the community and develop lifelong friendships.

Founded in 1991, Parent Talk is a non-profit organization run entirely by a network of dedicated volunteers and holds a large and active presence in the local community.

Educational Fun For Your Kids During Rainy Weather

2018-08-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Educational Fun for Your Kids During Rainy Weather

No matter the time of year, being stuck inside on the weekend or after school can be disheartening for kids. Thanks to the Internet, however, there are plenty of ways to have educational fun without relying on television or video games. If you’re running out of ideas on what to do with your kids during rainy days, here are some excellent ideas to consider.

Make Music

Even if you’ve never picked up an instrument in your life, you and your children can have fun by learning about and making music. If you are worried about not knowing how to teach them, don’t fear. There are plenty of websites out there that offer free lessons, specifically for kids. Of course, many require a specific instrument, so you’ll need to pick one out with your child. If that isn’t practical, you can play some musical games instead. Exposing your little ones to different kinds of music can be quite beneficial and even get them exploring new cultures. One study done by the Brain and Creativity Institute from the University of California suggests that music can speed brain development, so get the tunes going when you see gray skies on the horizon.

Have Fun Exercising

Exercising indoors can seem difficult, especially if you don’t have any indoor-safe equipment. However, thanks to video sites like YouTube, you can find fun, kid-friendly workouts that you can do in the comfort of your home. Make sure that whatever video you choose is age appropriate and has a warm-up and cooldown at the end. There are different forms of exercise you can explore, from yoga to dance to movement practice for toddlers. Most include music for your little one to enjoy, which helps to keep things fun at the same time.

Get Artistic

Kids of all ages love to draw. It’s fun and creative and can help stormy hours pass by. Did you know you can make it educational, too? You can find online tutorials for different things, including activities like teaching your little one how to create optical illusions or zentangles, abstract shapes used to create patterns or a scene. Art doesn’t stop with a box of crayons and paper, however. There are various crafts you can do with your children, using things you have around the house, to get them experimenting and expanding their creativity.

Tell a Tale

One way to pass the time together when it’s raining is to make up an impromptu story with your kids. If you’re unsure how to start, it’s easier than it seems. Pick a protagonist or main character. Come up with a backstory for this person with your little one. How old are they? Do they have a job? If they are a child, where do they live? Next, decide where this story is going to take place. Is it going to be a magical tale? Real life? In outer space? You’ll need something for your main character to be doing, so come up with a conflict or a surprise that they have to deal with. Do they need to raise money for a project? Are they trying to get home? Are they going on an adventure to explore the world or to find a missing friend or sibling? Once you have this figured out, take turns telling parts of the tale. You never know where it will lead.

Experiment with Science

There is nothing like a science experiment to get kids learning and laughing. It is never too early to stimulate a love of STEM in your child. If you don’t know how to begin, Earth Science Jr. has a bundle of free lesson plans to get your children learning about the world around them through experimentation. The great part about these experiments is that they only require what you have around the home, so you don’t need any special preparations to get started.

Being trapped inside can trick us into thinking our only options for entertainment are TV or video games. However, you don’t need to sacrifice education for fun due to rain or a storm. With a little preparation and some teamwork, you and your children can have an enjoyable time learning something new!

About the Author:
Jenny Wise homeschools her four awesome children. As any homeschooling parent knows, every day is an adventure, and Jenny has begun chronicling her experiences at SpecialHomeEducator.com. She hopes to use the site to connect with other homeschoolers and to provide helpful advice to parents who may be considering a home education for their kids.

Tech 101 for Toddlers & Preschoolers

2018-07-11T20:58:00.000-04:00

As parents, the information on how much screen time (and what kind of screen time) our kids should have seems endless. It’s challenging to keep up, much less sift through it all and figure out what’s real and current. I’ve taught technology to elementary and middle school students for more than 15 years, and have two kids of my own under the age of 6. These basic guidelines (based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics) can help you navigate the muddy waters and figure out what’s really ok for your child at different ages.

Good guidelines to follow are:

Children under 18 months should avoid any media unless looking at pictures or using video chat.
Children 18 - 24 months may watch high quality programming if you watch it with them (and talk about it with them).
Children 2 - 5 years may watch 1 hr./day of high-quality, co-viewed programming; at this age, it’s important for parents to help kids understand what they’re seeing and how it relates to the world.
Children 6 years and older need enough sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face social interaction first and foremost – it’s essential that these be priorities. According to recent research, once these are accounted for, children are not negatively impacted academically, socially, or mentally by moderate amounts of screentime.
A good rule of thumb is no screens half an hour to one hour before bedtime.

So, why are the guidelines the way they are? Children learn the most from direct parent interaction and connections with the real world around them (think of this as your fruits and vegetables). Next, they learn from co-viewing, which includes watching or reading with an adult. They learn the least from using media by themselves (think of this as junk food). You might have a cupcake once in a while, but you wouldn’t have it in place of your meals!

It can also be challenging to figure out which media is high-quality media. The best programs for kids are slower-paced, concrete, and real-world, with pauses for interactivity. PBS Kids has some good options including Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Mr. Rogers, Curious George, Doc McStuffins, SuperWhy, Wild Kratts, and Planet Earth.

Parents should be very careful with Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime. Content on these services is not filtered effectively for kids, and inappropriate content is just one click away; young kids should never view/navigate these channels by themselves. For example, on YouTube, videos that get a lot of attention bubble to the top; unfortunately, a video may seem like a cartoon initially, but a few minutes in shift to violent or other inappropriate content.

I’ll leave you with a few practical suggestions for helping your family navigate the technology-driven world that we live in:

Ask permission before taking pictures. This seems like a simple thing, but we don’t do it. A sobering statistic is that more than half of all girls will be asked for a nude photo of themselves by the age of 14. Our children need to be comfortable saying “no.”
It’s ok to have different rules for different kids. Kids are different from each other – one may need very firm limits, and the other may function well with more flexibility.
Treat media time the same as you would reading books – sit together, and choose content that is language-rich and interactive.
Re-enact things from a show; repetition and contextualizing things with kids help them process it. Talk with them about what they took away from a show.
Eliminate background TV.
If a smartphone is in the room, it’s affecting the quality of parent/child interaction; find a place to dump it.
Technology doesn’t have to be just screen media. If you have old pieces of technology around your house (keyboards, phones, etc.), use them as “take aparts,” or spend time playing with Snap Circuits or Makey Makey.
If you have an iPad for your child, keep one app on it at a time. When they get bored with it, they will naturally turn it off and go onto another activity. Periodically, change that app out for another one. Some good apps for young kids include Puppet Pals and Scratch Jr.

At the end of the day, parent-child engagement is key with media, as it is with anything. Following the practices outlined here will support your child’s development and set the foundation for a healthy relationship with technology in the future.

About the Author:

Steve Trust is Director of Academic Technology at Charles River School, an independent PreK - school in Dover, Mass., and father to a five-year-old son and two-year-old daughter.

3 Things You Can Do to Prepare to Be a Parent with a Disability

2018-05-01T07:49:00.000-04:00

3 Things You Can Do to Prepare to Be a Parent with a Disability

While new parents eagerly await the arrival of their bundle of joy, they busily prepare their homes and themselves for their lives to change in the best way possible. All parents try to prepare as much as they can, and parents with disabilities have special considerations to make before a new baby arrives. We share a few things you can do to prepare for your new role as parents, including how to handle the stress that comes along with your newborn.

1. Prepare Your Home

Preparing your home for a new baby does not necessarily have to include baby-proofing, since your little one won’t be crawling for some time. Many new parents feel they need to get their homes ready for baby by installing childproof locks on doors, windows, cabinets, etc., but you have a few months before you need to worry about your baby being able to get into potentially unsafe places. Save yourself time and stress by focusing on the most pressing preparations for a newborn.

For example, you need to choose a space for the nursery, find places for the swing and baby bouncer, and make sure that you have baby monitors in place to help you keep an ear or an eye out for baby at all times. Keep in mind that new parents with disabilities should purchase accessible baby gear.

Consider putting as many items on the main floor of your home as possible if you have mobility challenges. Put a changing station on both levels of your home so that you have the necessities handy. And, put a bassinet in your bedroom to keep your newborn close, so you don’t have to worry about maneuvering around your home in the dark when you’re exhausted and stressed.

2. Find Support

Becoming a new parent is an exciting, stressful, and scary time for anyone. But, people with disabilities may fear that they will struggle in their new role as a parent and not know where to turn for support or encouragement. If you’ve struggled with addiction in the past, especially because of your disability, it is crucial that you find support before you cope with stress in an unhealthy way or put your sobriety at risk. Attend a meeting, talk to your sponsor, or meet with a counselor or therapist to remain in recovery.

Another way you can help yourself handle the stress of being a parent with a disability is joining a support group to talk with other parents who face the same struggles. It will help you realize you are not alone and provide additional resources and encouragement from people who are in your position and have healthy, happy families. Talking with other people will help you combat feelings of isolation and depression, and it will give you an outlet for sharing your emotions and relieving stress.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

It may seem counterintuitive to make yourself a priority when you have a new child, but you cannot be the best parent possible if you fail to care for yourself. Practicing self-care involves taking time for yourself to exercise, relax, read, or practice mindfulness. Anything that makes you feel good, relieves stress, and relaxes you will energize you and help you handle the pressure of being a new parent.

It’s easy for parents to feel selfish or guilty if they put some of their needs first. But, mental health professionals agree that new parents need downtime for self-care because they have such a demanding job. Say yes when friends and relatives ask if they can give you a break. Use the time to take a nap, take a hot bath, or read a book (one that is not about parenting) for a few minutes. Ask your spouse to take over while you get outside for some fresh air. Allow people to drop off food for you, or ask a friend to pick up take-out for you on her way home from work.

People with disabilities can prepare their homes and their lives for parenthood by purchasing accessible baby gear, finding support, and prioritizing self-care. The more you prepare, the less stressful having a newborn will be.

Image via Pixabay by jakobking85

Ashley Taylor is a disabled mother of two wonderful, amazing, energetic children. She met her husband, Tom, while doing physical therapy. Tom had suffered a spinal cord injury due to a car accident and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Ashley and Tom knew they wanted children and knew they would have to adapt their lives and home in order to make this dream come true. Ashley is happy to say that they are the proud parents of two healthy, wonderful children and their disabilities haven’t stopped them from leading a happy, fulfilling life.

Setting Compass Points for Children

2018-04-02T20:18:00.000-04:00

Parent Talk is grateful to Dedham Country Day School for their sponsorship and willingness to share information and inspiration. In this guest blog post, Allison Webster, shares her analysis of two books and applies it experiences children have every day in the course of their school days.

Setting Compass Points for Children

1/23/2018

Allison D. Webster, DCD Head of School

I wrote in my last blog post about peak moments and all they do for a child’s memories and well-being; last week we had a peak moment for both children and adults at DCD. Mr. Clifford, wearing a top hat and tails, led a parade of students and penguins through the Lowell Center, which was packed with students and families.

Nearly 50 penguins waddled in, each pushed by a proud pre-kindergarten or kindergarten student artist who had been hard at work since September on their creation. We all sang an original song by Ms. Glaser, 8th graders shared penguin facts, and children from the upper grades raised their hands with enthusiasm when asked if they could remember their own penguin experience. Each penguin maker learned about creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication through the process of making and presenting their penguin.

These skills – known in education as “the Four Cs” – are ones we value deeply at DCD. I recently read the book Whiplash by Joi Ito, and in it he makes the case for the importance of these skills, especially as we prepare children for a world that will inevitably be different from our current one. He suggests that we need to abandon the idea of providing children with a detailed map of how their lives will progress, and instead instill in them a compass that can guide them as they find their way into adulthood. He writes,

"...a map implies a detailed knowledge of the terrain, and the existence of an optimum route; the compass is a far more flexible tool and requires the user to employ creativity and autonomy in discovering his or her own path. The decision to forfeit the map in favor of the compass recognizes that in an increasingly unpredictable world moving ever more quickly, a detailed map may lead you deep into the woods at an unnecessarily high cost. A good compass, though, will always take you where you need to go."

As we develop children’s skills and capacities, we also set the compass points of DCD’s values. In one short penguin parade, children experienced many of our compass points as a school: all students have a voice and participate; hard work and persistence are expected; we value the continuity and meaning that comes from traditions; we celebrate together as a community. Throughout the process, children experienced the delight of learning, especially at times when creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication converged.

The learning that occurred for each child during the months of penguin creation and celebration was extraordinary, and the social context in which it occurred was a critical part of the process. I recently read a passage in Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing that captured what experiences like the penguin parade provide children and how it builds a well from which children can draw. In Ward’s extraordinary book, the grandmother and grandson have a special relationship. She tells the grandson, Jojo, that she hopes he saved up the emotional sustenance she has provided during their years together. She says, “I hope I fed you enough. While I’m here. So you can carry it with you. Like a camel…Maybe that ain’t a good way of putting it. Like a well, Jojo. Pull that water up when you need it."

I know that today’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will one day parade out of DCD, carrying diplomas rather than pushing penguins. When that time comes, they will have a strong and trustworthy compass to steer them, and a deep well of emotional reserves which they can “pull up” when needed. Penguins live in groups known as rafts or colonies, and last week was a time when we were all reminded how fortunate we are to be a part of our “raft” at DCD.

Blog direct link: https://www.dedhamcountryday.org/page/blog-post?pk=981989&fromId=225774

The Playdate

2018-02-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

The Playdate

I love my daughter and enjoy her company; she's smart, affectionate, and frequently hilarious. That being said, I REALLY do not want to spend my Saturday afternoon playing Ana to her Elsa. I will if I have to, but the effort required to muster the demanded enthusiasm leaves me drained. Happily, there are some totally valid, unselfish reasons to get me off the hook - the biggest one probably being plain old social emotional development. For kids to learn how to interact with others, resolve disputes, and have a good time in the process they need to spend some time with their peers. Luckily, we have the option of arranging playdates with other kids. Especially during the winter months, when making a friend at the local playground isn't frequently an option, playdates are a great way to keep our kids to entertained without losing our minds or dying of boredom in the process.

The Golden Rules

Keep to a reasonable, pre-determined, agreed upon time limit.
This should be age appropriate - an hour tops for babies, 2-3 max for toddlers and preschoolers. Decide and agree upon the details before you arrive. If it's a drop-off playdate, be punctual for pick up.

Reciprocate.
If your child attends a playdate at a friend's house, make sure you offer to host the next one.

Be flexible.
Your household rules do not apply in someone else's house, and every family does things differently. Unless you feel your child may be at risk, try to suspend judgement. If you do feel your child may be at risk, don't arrange the playdate. In your own house, the rules are up to you. So if you are very sparing with screen time and a playmate arrives bearing a tablet, nothing wrong with holding it for her until the playdate is over. That being said, if you relax the rules temporarily you will not lose the kingdom; just use your better judgement.

Show gratitude.
Make sure you thank the host, and your child thanks the host. Offer to assist with clean up, with the kids' help of course.

Guidelines

Snacks - offer but don't insist
Unless your child has a food allergy or other dietary restriction, don't send them with a snack. If your child does have limitations on what she can eat, definitely DO bring the snack, and bring enough to share. Establishing the habit of arriving for a visit with a small gift for the host isn't such a bad idea - gluten-free pretzels today, a nice bottle of Malbec tomorrow.

Activities
Never a bad idea to have a few prepared options available, but committing to an intricate craft idea you found on Pinterest is a risky venture. You could spend hours setting it up and either have the kids burn through it in 10 minutes or decide they'd rather pretend to be dogs for 2 hours. Unstructured play is healthy, and in today's world there is less and less of it. I like to set up a few DIY activity stations the kids can use or ignore, and keep a fun idea or two in my pocket as an emergency distraction. I have a shoebox of bits and clippings from wrapping paper, magazines, and crafty odds and ends; I have glue sticks, I have paper and markers - voila, it's an art station. I have play dough. I have flashlights, and a blanket and kitchen chairs, which apparently make a much better fort than the ridiculous circus tent I bought thinking it would serve the same purpose.

Supervision - should be age appropriate
Babies obviously need to be watched very closely, but toddlers and preschoolers can be monitored from a safe distance. Stay nearby enough to know what's going on and be able to intervene if necessary, but for the most part, just let the kids play. Isn't the point here that you DON'T have to entertain your child?
TIP : prior to the playdate, check in with your child to decide what toys she does NOT want to share with her friend, then tuck those things away until after the playdate.

Clean up
Offering to help clean up at pick up is good manners, but if your host declines the help, let it be. If you are the one hosting, a good idea is to enlist the help of the kids in cleaning up BEFORE the visiting kid's parent arrives for pick up. This not only teaches good behavior, it also signals the impending pick up transition, which may make that transition go a little more smoothly. Unless your house has been utterly destroyed, or you are in a hurry to go somewhere and really don't have time to clean up the remaining mess on your own, take care of it yourself. Remember, next week it'll be someone else's house that gets trashed.

Should I stay or should I go?
Under 3 years old? Stay.
First playdate? Stay.
Your child isn't ready to be on her own? Stay.
Other than that, if the host suggests you take off, feel free. She might have a few things she'd like to get done while the kids play too. Just pick up on time and show your gratitude.

What if my child misbehaves?
It happens to EVERYONE. Even your perfectly-parented, well-adjusted little angel. It's hard to hear, but try not to be defensive. This is information about how your child behaves when you aren't in the room, and short of bugging your own house, how else can you get that?

What if someone else's child misbehaves?
It's not your place to discipline anyone else's child, so leave that to her parents. If there's a problem and you need to intervene, it's fine to explain your house rules calmly and to separate fighting children so they can calm down. One really effective tactic is to divert their attention from the situation entirely - snack time beautifully serves this purpose, as well as taking care of any testy attitudes brought on by hunger. Then when the other parent arrives for pick up, go ahead and tattle - with respect, diplomacy and politeness. Pretending things went beautifully when they didn't helps no one. Take the parent into another room (a.k.a. out of earshot) and let them know what happened. Try not to assign blame. Kids are just kids, and sometimes somebody gets bitten.

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications, Blog Coordinator, and Sale Committee Member. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Parent Talk Celebrates Our Super Volunteers, Part 2

2018-01-29T13:44:00.001-05:00

Parent Talk is happy to honor Meghann Freni and Laura Perras as recipients of our Volunteer of the Year service award. On December 27th, we celebrated with a blog post on Laura, and today, we follow up with a post on Meghann!

Spotlight on Meghann Freni, Volunteer of the Year

Meghann Freni is someone who seems to like getting off to a running start, judging from her habit of diving headfirst into each new volunteer experience with Parent Talk!

Meghann is wife to Jon and mom to Ryan, Colin and Nora (ages 5, 3 and 1, respectively). She shares the Volunteer of the Year title with Laura Perras because of her remarkable willingness and courage to jump in and lend a hand, and leadership, when needed.

After giving birth to Ryan in 2012, Meghann left her Human Resources job in Boston to become a stay-at-home mom. She moved with her young family back to her hometown of Needham. Once in Needham, she joined a Parent Talk playgroup.

When Ryan turned 4, Meghann had her first real volunteer experience with Parent Talk. She became Co-Chair for Parent Talk's Preschool and Kindergarten Fair in 2016. She quickly followed that experience by once again, stepping in as Co-Chair, this time for the annual Summer Camp Fair in 2017. Meghann explains, "I had friends who were involved with Parent Talk [who] really enjoyed their volunteer experiences, so they encouraged me to get more involved and I'm so glad I did!"

In chairing each event, Meghann's responsibilities included reaching out to schools, enrichment programs and camps to invite them to attend and purchase a table at either of the two fairs. "From there, it was logistics such as set-up, materials needed for the event, and of course, the [Preschool Fair and Camp Fair] booklet[s]!"

While learning the ropes from the bottom up may be the preferred way many of us get started on a new adventure, a lack of past experiences appears not to have posed any constraint on Meghann! Consider that freshly off of her second Parent Talk volunteer experience of co-chairing the Summer Camp Fair, Meghann neatly stepped into her current Board role as Parent Talk's Fundraising Co-Chair.

Meghann has continued her involvement in Parent Talk because of what she views as the rewards of volunteering -- getting involved, making friends, and gaining a sense of community. Of her experiences with the Preschool Fair and Camp Fair, Meghann says, "I was able to see both events from start to finish. It was great to see how families got a lot out of both events and I enjoyed the planning process and meeting new families and Parent Talk members. By volunteering, you are helping to promote a sense of community, which in turn helps those who are new to the area or those who are looking to find something new within our community."

Thank you, Meghann, for all you do to make great events and programming possible for the entire Parent Talk community!

Are you thinking of volunteering or filling a leadership role for the first time? Perhaps take a page from Meghann's book and jump right in, learning trial by fire! If that's not your cup of tea, keep in mind that beginning your involvement with Parent Talk can be as easy as clicking on the next Sign Up Genius link that you see, and filling a one-hour volunteer slot! Volunteer opportunities are announced in Parent Talk's weekly e-newsletter and Yahoo Groups discussions. They are often also announced on our Facebook page and website. Keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity!

About the Author:

Darlene W. Cancell first volunteered for Parent Talk at its biannual Used Toy, Clothing and Equipment Sale. She followed that with at stint as PT's Blog Coordinator and currently is enjoying her role on the Board as Volunteer Chair. She hopes she can help make volunteering with Parent Talk even more fun, convenient and rewarding. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about volunteering, please email her at volunteer@parenttalk.info

Successful Parenting Advice for Single Dads

2018-01-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Successful Parenting Advice for Single Dads

Being a father can be an overwhelming challenge, especially if you are flying solo. It’s a struggle more men are facing, and with the right tools you can be a successful dad with happy and healthy kids.

You’re not alone. More households than ever are led by single fathers. According to studies cited by ABC News, the number of single father homes in America rose by 62 percent in a single decade, with numbers totalling over 2.2 million. It’s believed that the rise signals acceptance of men’s ability to function successfully as single parents, and the number is only expected to continue to grow.

Challenges. Single dads struggle in many of the same areas single mothers do, with financial strains and finding balance between work and home life. Unfortunately, single fathers often don’t feel they can reach out for help, fearing loss of custody. There are things you can do to face your challenges head on and work toward overcoming them, beginning with asking family and friends for help when you need it. Get involved with local or online support groups, too - you’ll find there is benefit in shared struggles, and sometimes you may glean tips or assistance when you need help with your many obligations.

Coping skills. Being a single parent can be extremely stressful, but with good coping skills you can manage your concerns and overcome the obstacles in your path. As explained by the experts at Behavioral Wellness & Recovery, "It’s important to learn small ways to face that stress head-on and reduce it no matter where you are, because having effective coping mechanisms handy will allow you to get through even the most challenging times. You can use your new skills to immediately start feeling better, and to prevent the emergence of chronic mental health problems." Some simple skills you can incorporate into your lifestyle are:

● Reading a book. Take a book with you wherever you go, and when life is feeling complicated enjoy an “escape” into the pages.

● Strolling outside. Nature has a positive, healing effect on your well-being; a walk in the park or even around the block to enjoy some green space, fresh air and sunshine can work wonders for your stress level.

● Petting animals. Engaging with pets offers terrific benefits, like lowering your blood pressure and improving self-esteem. If you don’t have a companion animal of your own, consider volunteering at a local shelter.

Finances. Experts note that one of the most important issues you face as a single dad is budgeting your money. Understanding your income and financial obligations, planning how you will meet them, and arranging your spending habits to accommodate your needs will give you a sense of security and control. If you need to go back to school, do so. Studies reflect that improving your level of education directly and positively impacts both your parenting style and communication, not to mention the potential for improving your work situation and income.

Enjoy yourself and your children. Establish a daily routine in your household and make sure fun is part of it. It’s healthy for you and your children to engage every day, talking and doing activities together. Having a routine schedule gives your family security, and it’s better for everyone to know what expectations are. Don’t think that because you’re a dad you can’t be close with your children; experts at Livestrong note that studies found the opposite: “...the relationship between a single parent and a child can be one that is close and affectionate. A child in a single-parent home often sees the parent in a new light, and a single parent may be more likely to focus love and affection on a child when no spouse is involved. The parent and child are mutually dependent on each other, and in many cases this leads to a relationship that is more supportive and communicative.”

Life as a single dad is challenging, but you aren’t alone in your struggle. Reach out for help, use good coping skills, take control of your finances, and enjoy your children. With these terrific tools you can achieve success as a single dad!

About the Author

Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other single dads with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.

Parent Talk Celebrates Our Super Volunteers

2017-12-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

Some people go the extra mile, and Parent Talk would like to recognize two of our extra milers! This year's Volunteer of the Year recognition is shared by Laura Perras and Meghann Freni. We first shine this week's blog entry on Laura! Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Meghann.

Spotlight on Laura Perras, Volunteer of the Year

While friends might call Laura Perras fun, outgoing and friendly, and clients might find in her a local realtor who does a great job with the buying and selling of a home, Laura describes herself as a "total music nerd" who has been an "underground edm dj for almost 20 years." She spins house, techno, drum n bass, breaks, downtempo and bass genres while also producing techno and house music. You may not have moved lately or have been lucky enough to see Laura's musical talents in action, but there's a good chance that you have run come across Laura at some point of your Parent Talk experience over the last two years.

Maybe it was reading Laura's posts on the Parent Talk Matters Blog, where she could probably win another award for being such an entertaining and humorous blogger. "I take my own experiences, successes and failures, and the info I've found and try to simplify and condense it into something that's also entertaining to read," she says. "At trying times, I've really gotten a lot of relief from brutally honest, humorous parenting blogs like Scary Mommy, and I hope that along with sharing some good tips I can provide a little humor as well. I think everything seems to get a little easier when we don't take it too seriously."

Aside from blogging, she also helps maintain and update Parent Talk's Facebook page as one of PT's Marketing Co-Chairs. Or you may have met Laura at any number of Parent Talk events.

It's Laura's can-do attitude, her reliability, and her contribution to so many aspects of Parent Talk that have made her such an invaluable member of Parent Talk. She's a Most Valuable Player -- an MVP and a no-brainer when it came to candidates for Parent Talk's Volunteer of the Year. From lending a hand for a few hours at each event like Flicks on the Field, Parent Talk's New Member Playdate, Winter Marketplace, and many more involved hours as a member of the Sales Committee, to sharing her personal research on parenting questions as blog coordinator and her commitment in her current position as Co-Chair of Marketing on the PT Board, Laura is a remarkable volunteer! And she does it all with humor and grace. We applaud and appreciate all of her efforts to help make Parent Talk resources available to all members.

Laura first got involved in Parent Talk after moving from New York City with her daughter, Violet (age 4), back to the area where she grew up. As a William Raveis realtor in Brookline, she helped open an office for her firm in Needham, and now practices out of both locations. She also tried to find a robust online mom's forum, similar to what she had in NYC. Parent Talk was the answer.

She first volunteered at Flicks on the Field and came back for more by joining the Sale Committee. She says she loves the fast pace of the Sale, meeting great people, and getting amazing deals. But the best part for her comes at the end of the Sale, after buyers have already swept through in the first few hours of sometimes frantic shopping that includes the Bag Sale. One of her favorite Parent Talk volunteer experiences was assisting a charity in collecting leftover Sale items for use for their members and clients.

Another of Laura's memorable volunteer experiences has been donating to Project NightNight, an organization that collects bags, including a blanket, soft toy and book for children staying in shelters. She says, "One of my favorite things about Parent Talk is that there are opportunities to volunteer with our kids. I did a lot of volunteer work with my mother growing up (not all of it willingly, I admit) and it definitely shaped who I am." She and daughter Violet put together a bag with an emoji pillow and book about Rad Women for an older child.

Asked what she might say to members who have not yet volunteered with Parent Talk, she advises, "You're missing out! Every time I go to a Parent Talk event, I leave inspired and energized. I not only get to connect with other parents and relate our parenting experiences, but I also get to remember what it's like to be myself, a person, apart from being a mom. And I think we can all agree most parents could use a little more of that."

About the Author:

Darlene W. Cancell first volunteered for Parent Talk at its biannual Used Toy, Clothing and Equipment Sale. She followed that with a stint as PT's Blog Coordinator and currently is enjoying her role on the Board as Volunteer Chair. She hopes she can help make volunteering with Parent Talk even more fun, convenient and rewarding. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about volunteering, please email her at volunteer@parenttalk.info.

Battling Winter Boredom : Things to Do & Places to Go

2017-12-07T13:07:00.001-05:00

As winter descends upon us with colder temperatures, windy weather, and early darkness, we can't rely on a trip to the playground to break up a monotonous morning or wear the kids out at the end of the day. So here are a few indoor options to keep us all from going stir crazy this winter.

Upcoming ParentTalk Events, Classes & Playdates:

Playdates at the Playspace! 10:30-12:30 December 7, 16, 21, 30 January 4, 13, 18
Craft Decorating at Architrave 10-11am December 9
Gymboree Play & Music Playdate 4-5pm December 14
Kidville Free Trial 3:30-4:45pm January 12

Indoor Playspaces & Playgrounds:

Drop in:
ParentTalk Playspace - Dover (don't forget about this one! As a member of ParentTalk you have access to our playspace, and can even rent it out for birthday parties!)
Inside Playground - Watertown
Kids Fun Stop - Dedham (ParentTalk members get $2 off child's admission)
Children's World - Canton
Imagine Playspace - Cambridge
Jam Time - Natick
Mini Athletes open gym - Norwood (10% off session costs for ParentTalk members)
Classes:
Kidville - Wellesley (try a free class; check our retail discounts if you decide to sign up - while you're there, bring junior to the Kidville Salon for $5 off a haircut)
Gymboree - Needham (try a free class; 10% discount for ParentTalk members)
My Gym - Newton (try a free class; $25 off lifetime membership or 5% off class tuition for ParentTalk members)
Charles River YMCA offers a wide variety if classes and camps - Needham (10% off membership dues for ParentTalk members)

Stores That Feature a Playspace:

Architrave - Needham (ParentTalk members get a 10% discount on toys)
Magic Beans - Wellesley (ParentTalk members get a 10% discount on full-priced toys)
Magic Beans - Brookline

Trampoline Parks & Inflatables

Jump N Slide - Newton - (right on the Needham/Newton line, ParentTalk members get 33% discount on walk-ins)
Jump On In - Brighton
Launch Trampoline Park - Norwood - this one has a separate area for toddlers
Launch Trampoline Park - Watertown - see their schedule for toddler jump hours

Indoor Rock Climbing

Rock Spot Climbing - Boston (ParentTalk members get 10% off any program or camp)
Rock On Adventure - Norwood
Brooklyn Boulders - Somerville
Dedham Health and Athletic - Dedham
MIT Climbing Wall (free) - Cambridge

Other Active Indoors Ideas:

Beanstalk Ropes Course at Jordan's Furniture - Reading
Enchanted Ice ($6 to ice skate indoors - includes skate rental) at Jordan's Furniture - Avon
Ninja Warrior/ Parkour Courses at Action Athletics - Wellesley

Get Creative:

Drop in for some arts and crafts activities at The Kids Place - Needham (15% discount for ParentTalk members)
Check out a free kid's workshop at the Home Depot
Register and take part in the Monthly Mini Model Build at the Lego Store - Natick

Take a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts - the museum often hosts family friendly events like the Hannukah Festival of Lights December 13

Museums:

Ecotarium Science and Nature Museum - Worcester
Sock Skating!! Boston Children's Museum - Boston

Boston Fire Museum - Boston (walking distance from the Children's Museum - make it a two-for)
Museum of Science - Boston

Harvard Museum of Natural History - Cambridge

More Indoors Fun:

Needham Public Library - check the events calendar for activities ranging from yoga to sing alongs to crafts
Check the Needham/Newton Chamber of Commerce community and member event pages for upcoming events of all kinds
Nature exploration classes at Puddle Stompers - Newton (10% discount for ParentTalk members)
Take a stroll through the Enchanted Village and visit with Santa at Jordan's Furniture - Avon
Come check out the Polar Express 4D Movie Experience at Jordan's Furniture - Avon
Check out a kid-friendly movie or entertainment at the Coolidge Corner Theatre - Brookline
Have the ultimate Lego Experience at Legoland Discovery Center - Boston
New England Aquarium is amazing any time of year
See a puppet show at Puppet Showplace Theatre - Brookline
For a fancy treat, attend a Teddy Bear Tea at the Taj or at the Four Seasons - Boston

Willing to brave the outdoors? Just a few suggestions ...

Zoo Lights - Stoneham Zoo
Free Ice Skating - this article is from last year, but probably still holds true, just call before you go
Tubing at New England Sports Park - Amesbury

Hope this list can save an afternoon or two! Stay tuned for more ParentTalk events posted on our website events calendar as well as on our Facebook page!

About the Author:Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications, Blog Coordinator, and Sale Committee Member. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Encouraging Kids to Cultivate Gratitude on Thanksgiving

2017-11-14T14:53:00.000-05:00

After begging for months, your child no longer wishes to attend the expensive gymnastics classes you sacrificed your Sunday mornings for. Slumped in her chair, she glares unblinking at the table because the pizza upon it did not originate from her restaurant of choice. She refuses to wear the new black Uggs she'd previously been pining for, because her friend at school has pink ones. With bows.
And like a slowed-down movie clip you hear yourself asking the eternal parent-to-child question: "Do you realize how lucky you are?!!"

The short answer (which in a perfect world would be delivered sans eye-rolling) is "No." Of course she doesn't. Hopefully, her limited life experience has not included walking 3 miles in the snow to school every day in beat up sneakers, or being forced to sit at the table for hours until she managed to choke down her cold brussels sprouts. Everything she's ever done has been scheduled for her by somebody else (which, let's face it, isn't always fun, even if the scheduled activity is expected to be). She has very little control over or responsibility for her present situation, and almost zero perspective. So aside from asking rhetorical questions or haranguing her with tales of our own pre-internet, landline limited childhoods, how can we hope to help our kids see how good they've got it? And secondly, why should we?

According to quite a bit of research in recent years, cultivating a sense of gratitude in our everyday lives can have a significant impact on our overall happiness. Every day of the year holds opportunities to reflect on the many things we can be thankful for in our lives; however, as the name suggests, the Thanksgiving holiday provides a veritable bonanza of these opportunities. Like any lasting practice or habit, cultivating gratitude on a regular basis is the best way for it to really take hold in our minds, but Thanksgiving is the perfect moment to introduce these ideas, start the process, or check in with what we've already been doing. Here are some ideas for cultivating gratitude with our kids, our families, and ourselves this Thanksgiving holiday.

Talk about the food.

Where did the food on the table come from? Who prepared it, and how? Discuss each family member's favorite dish and why. When we immerse ourselves in our experience, and really look at why we like what we like and what it takes for us to get to enjoy those things, feeling thankful naturally follows. Letting our kids participate in cooking the Thanksgiving meal can also be fun - find some kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes here.

Talk about why we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Ok, this is a sticky topic no doubt, and the truth about this time in our country's history is anything but pretty. Also, upon doing research for this blog post I discovered (and this may be true for you as well) that while I thought I knew how Thanksgiving came to be celebrated, I was missing a fair number of details. Perhaps for these reasons it's even more worthy of discussion. For some guidance and ideas for broaching the topic without glossing over reality or traumatizing the children, give this article a gander. In addition to the history of the holiday, there is also the meaning it holds for each one of us, which in the end has more to do with why we continue to celebrate this tradition than the historical event that started it off.

Talk about what we are thankful for.

Just reflecting on this and discussing it tends to make us more aware of all we have. Go around the table and take turns saying one thing each person is grateful for and why. Or brainstorm a family gratitude list. Since anything and everything counts no matter how big or small, this can be a lot of fun.

Involve kids in donation.

There are ample opportunities to donate food this time of year (all year round, actually). When bringing food donations to a local charity, take the kids along for the ride. They can learn about what you're doing and why you're doing it, and they get to be a part of it. With older kids, consider participating in some form of community service, like serving food at a soup kitchen, or sorting donated items at a food bank.

Have fun being together.

For many families, this is the only time of the year that all or most family members are in the same place at the same time. While this can be stressful, bringing some fun into the mix is never a bad idea. Depending on what your family likes to do, you can start a yearly tradition : a flag footbal game, an ugly sweater competition, or a pie-eating contest (you're gonna do it anyway!)

To wrap this up, here's a link to some fun Thanksgiving games, crafts, and activities to keep the kids entertained. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

About the Author:

Consign or Donate Your Used Kids' Items at the Parent Talk Sale!

2017-09-25T08:02:00.003-04:00

WHY CONSIGN AT THE SALE?

We all see the posts on For Sale and parent groups on Facebook, and it often occurs to me that I could get rid of the piles of outgrown kid stuff in my house that way, but I rarely do. The few times I've tried did not result in the easy success I anticipated. After volunteering at the Sale and seeing how it works, I realized that consigning was actually a much better way to clear out my used stuff than by attempting to sell items one at a time online.

1. I can get everything out of my house at once.
2. Everyone who sees my items will be specifically looking to buy these types of items, and there's a ton of people at the Sale. That's much better exposure than to people who may or may not be seriously looking to buy anything, may just see the post by accident, scrolling through a thousand other posts on their phones on the couch at night. Check out all the ready to go shoppers in the background:

3. If somebody buys my items, they take them right there. We don't have to schedule a pick up that may or may not go down. I've waited for someone to pick up free stuff and been stood up before, I imagine that happens more frequently when it isn't free.
4. If somebody buys it, I get some $$, while also supporting this fantastic organization - both financially and by contributing my really cool items to make the Sale the awesome event that it is.
5. No negotiation. Nobody is going to show up, dig in their pockets and say "Oh, I've only got a 5 - is that ok?"
6. If nobody wants my stuff, it's still out of my house. And it goes to charity.

HOW TO CONSIGN ITEMS AT THE SALE

This is the first time I'm consigning things at the Sale, and probably like many people who've never done it before I kind of assumed it would be a big project. One I might never actually get around to. I decided the best way to test this theory would be to actually do it, and for motivation, try to write a blog post about it. Which is working.
SO . . . I'll break it down and make it EVEN easier for you than it has been so far for me :

1. Click on this link CONSIGN AT THE SALE. It will take you to a page with all the info you need about consigning.
2. Download your SELLER'S KIT. This document is yet another testament to the mind blowing efficiency and organization that is the legacy of 25 years of ParentTalk planning. Don't be overwhelmed by the sheer size of it - it's not because this is complicated. It's because this pdf is an easy-to-navigate compilation of the answers to every question posed by sellers over the last 20 years. It practically consigns your stuff FOR you.
3. Get yourself a Seller's ID by emailing the following information to ptsellerkits@gmail.com :

Full Name

Address including zip code

Phone Number

Preferred Email Address

4. Decide what's going. The Seller's Kit has guidelines as to what will and will not be accepted. For the Fall Sale, I'm consigning fall and winter clothing, a shelving unit for organizing toys, and a baby carrier, among other thing. Here's my pile so far:

You don't see any toys, because I'm hiding them.

5. Print out your tags from the template, also found in the Seller's Kit.
6. Label them clearly with price and Seller ID - pricing suggestions are included in the Seller's Kit. To make it easier and make sure your labels are readable, we'd suggest typing in your Seller ID before printing the tags. Some people type in all or a few prices before printing (for example, "$4 shirt" if you're consigning a bunch of shirts) to save time and avoid having to write the same price over and over for similarly priced items.
7. Attach the tags to your items. You might want to purchase a tagging gun like I did. If you are volunteering as well as consigning, this gun will come in quite handy later on - veterans know what I'm talking about. If you don't have a tagging gun, make sure the tags are fastened securely with strong tape so they don't fall off, as items do get moved around quite a bit as people are shopping.

8. Bring your tagged, priced items to the Christ Episcopal Church at 1132 Highland Ave on Friday October 13th between 9am and 8pm. Place them in the areas where they belong, ie. clothing downstairs on racks with the appropriate size, toys upstairs - the Seller's Kit also includes a sizing guide for clothes, and explains where everything goes.
9. Wait for your check. You will receive 50% of all proceeds collected before 11:45a.m. on Sale day, which is Saturday October 14th this year. All items not sold prior to 11:45 a.m. will become a tax deductible donation to Parent Talk.

If you're looking for an even faster way to clear out your gently used items, you can donate them to the Sale and we'll do all the work for you! Donations are currently being accepted at our two drop off locations (6 Birds Hill Ave and 10 Noyes St), or you can bring items directly to the church on Friday October 13th.

If this sounds good to you, check out this other blog post about consigning your used kids' items :
How To Consign and Donate to PT's Sale

Once you've gotten your consigned goods cleared out, it's time to buy more! Consider volunteering 2 hours at the Sale for preferred shopping hours. Check out this post about how much fun it is :
Do Good, Have Fun, and SHOP

See you at the Sale!

About the Author:

Beating the Back to School Blues

2017-09-03T22:02:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again . . .

Stay-at-home parents are popping corks and putting their feet up as the obligatory first-day-of-school photos upload to their Facebook profiles; working parents are singing along with Pharell Williams as they drive to work ("because I'm happyyyy ...") ... ok, maybe that's a mild exaggeration. But some of us ran out of good ideas for kid-friendly parent-tolerable things to do before the end of June. Even if you're a summer-loving master cruise director who actually ENJOYS pushing your child on the swing for 45 minutes a day, it's nice to be able to complete a task without being interrupted (ever get to the beach before you realize you only shaved one leg?).

We hope that our children are as overjoyed to get back to business as we are, but they're usually not. After months of loose schedules, playing outdoors, and spending extra time with family, going back to school can be a difficult adjustment. Even more so for younger kids, or kids starting a new school. But there are things we can do to make it easier and less stressful for kids and parents alike.

Establish Regular Routines

The more repetitive and consistent, the better. Establish an early bedtime and stick to it, despite the temptation to let it all hang out on the weekends. Use printables to help kids get themselves ready in the morning, and cut down on the nagging. Prepare for the day the night before - let kids pick out their outfit for the next day, pack lunches the night before. Get everybody up early enough to relax and eat breakfast, rather than running out the door with a pop tart and a bad attitude.
A consistent after-school routine can be helpful as well. Most kids are starving and worn out by the time they get home, so follow a routine that allows them to unwind and unload, in that order. We should give them a chance to have a snack, a drink, and some time to themselves before we start grilling them about their day.

The Goodbye Routine

With younger children in particular, the goodbye routine is a biggie. Especially if we want to avoid them creating their own goodbye routine, which usually involves crying and clinging to our legs for dear life. I ask my daughter how many kisses and how many hugs she wants when we say goodbye, and if she's particularly clingy that morning I also ask her to wave goodbye to me from a window. I tell her I love her, remind her to have fun, and that I will see her at pick up time - I know it seems odd telling her the specific pick up time when she can't tell time yet, but it's more reassuring than "See you soon!".

Back to School Anxieties

As much as we'd love our kids to happily trot off to school with nary a backward glance, it would be weird if they didn't miss us at least a little. Unfortunately many kids miss their parents so much, going to school is really difficult for them. Other causes for kids to feel anxious going to school can be if they have a new teacher they haven't connected with yet, don't know or feel comfortable with the kids in their class, or feel overwhelmed being in a new place with new rules to adjust to. All of these things are to be expected; however, it's important to determine if your child's anxiety is the result of a more serious external cause like bullying, or if your child is exhibiting symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and would benefit from additional help or intervention.
As always, when we practice what we preach our kids catch on fast, so we should also be mindful of and manage our own anxieties - the kids aren't the only ones going through this transition. When my daughter started "school" - daycare, really - I used to cry every day in the car after I dropped her off. But I kept a smile on my face until I was safely in the car and out of sight. I reminded myself every day of all the reasons why this was a good decision, like a mantra, and I took time to vent with other grownups who could relate. Kids are ultra sensitive to our emotional states, so if we want them to feel secure and relaxed, we need to cultivate those feelings in ourselves.

Morning Nerves

One way to cope with these anxieties is to talk about them, try to determine what the specific worry is and then find a way to manage it. Another helpful strategy could be meeting up with another child before school, either to travel with or just meet upon arrival. Some kids will complain of stomach aches when they have morning nervousness before school; letting them stay home is more likely to make the problem worse.
At breakfast or in the car on the way to school I try to get my daughter talking about her friends and teacher, about what she might do that day at school - have snack time, take a rest, go for a walk, read a book etc. Sometimes I talk about the kind of day I want to have, then ask her what kind of day she wants to have. Yes, this can elicit less than positive responses, but even then it seems to get her mind in the right place.

Throughout the Day Comfort

While we can't be there with our children during the school day, and checking in or showing up is more likely to be disruptive and upsetting than helpful, there are ways we can provide comfort between drop-off and pick-up. Taping a family photo in their lunchbox or slipping it in their backpack for rest time is one example. Or make them a special fabric heart that they can keep in a pocket to hold onto at scary or sad moments during the day; I've also seen small worry stones with phrases carved into them, like "You are loved", that might also serve as a sort of talisman to ward off anxiety throughout the day.

Letting Off Steam

Talking is always a good way to let kids get anything that's bothering them off their tiny chests, and maybe work through the things that bothered them that day or that they are nervous about in the future. But while we should definitely encourage them to talk, we need to give them a moment to relax before we start interrogating them after school. A good after school routine that gives them a little space can allow them to process their day before dinnertime or bedtime presents an opportunity for sharing it. I've found in my daughter's case that at bedtime she just starts relating the day's events and dramas without any help from me, all I have to do is listen. As well as listening, we can always help them along by eliciting with specific questions. Rather than "How was your day?" we can ask things like "What was your favorite part of today?" or "Who did you sit next to at circle time today?"

Give it some time

Change is hard for all of us, kids and adults alike, and adjusting to it doesn't happen overnight. Playdates with classmates outside of school can help develop a more comforting class environment. Getting to know a new teacher, and talking about that teacher in familiar terms with our children can also help them feel more secure in the classroom. Above all, our patience and positivity will go miles toward our kids settling into a happy school year. So let's dig our heels in and brave the beginning storms of nerves and grumps, they too shall pass.

About the Author:

Keeping Cool with the Kids This Summer - Area Splash Pads, Sprinkler Parks & Wading Pools

2017-07-03T14:08:00.000-04:00

As summer temperatures rise, what better way to get the kids outdoors without overheating than hitting one of the many splash pads, sprinkler parks and wading pools in the area!

Massachusetts is home to a few full-on water themed resorts, most of which offer day passes, with the exception of Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, which is an overnight-only resort. In no particular order:
CoCo Key Water Resort in Danvers
Hurricane Harbor at 6 Flags in Agawam
Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis
John Carver Inn and Spa in Plymouth
Water Wizz in Wareham
Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg

Looking for a place you can just stop by and cool off on the fly? Try one of these great spots:

Artesani Park & Wading Pool (free) in Brighton - my personal favorite, Artesani is not only free - it also has loads of parking, clean restrooms, life guards, a sprinkler park AND separate wading pool, playground, picnic area, and is located right on the beautiful Charles River. The entire facility was upgraded about 2 years ago. IT'S AWESOME.

Rings Fountain on the Greenway (free) in Boston - located right near the Aquarium, it's a great place to stop by and cool off after a trip to see the fishies. Every summer my daughter and I hit the Figment Art Festival (this year planned for Saturday and Sunday July 22 & 23) on the Greenway to check out the music and interactive art installations, and we always visit the Rings Fountain for a good soaking. In fact, there are fountains all along the Greenway, so you can take dips the whole way through.

Frog Pond on the Boston Common (free) - it's easy to spend the whole day on Boston Common with the kiddos, whether there's an event going on or not. Check out the enormous wading pool, the sprinkler park, the playground, the carousel, maybe even take a ride on a Swan Boat - not to mention the gardens are stunningly beautiful, great for a stroll with an ice cream cone before you head home. There are also lots of fun activities planned for the summer months, like free evening yoga, so check out their website to find out more.
Minot Rose Garden Playground (free) in Brookline - I live near this one, so we hit it a lot, and the roses are in full bloom right now. The splash pad is the usual playground sprinkler set up, nothing fancy. The fancy part is its location - right next to a fantastic playground that is itself located inside a large, shady, fully fenced in park with a paved loop perfect for scooters or bikes. This park is named and known for it's gorgeous rose gardens, and makes a great spot for a picnic or catching a free morning yoga class on a Sunday.
Daniel Ford Playground at Emerson Park (free) in Brookline - another great Brookline playground, along with a separate sprinkler/fountain area, in a large sunny park where summertime often finds my daughter and I (and a hundred or so other families) sharing some takeout pizza with friends and listening to some live music at the Brookline Summer Concert Series Wednesday evenings.

Those are my personal favorites, but there are so many more:

Soule Recreation Center (free) - Chestnut Hill
Charlesbank Playground & Spray Deck (free) - Boston
North Point Park & Splash Pad (free) - Cambridge
Danehy Park Splash Pad (free) - Cambridge
Johnson Playground & Stonybrook Spray Deck (free) - Jamaica Plain
Bradley Palmer State Park & Wading Pool $ - Topsfield
Beaver Brook Spray Deck & Playground (free) - Belmont
Luciano Park Spray Pool (free) - Arlington
Artemas Ward Wading Pool (free) - Marlborough
Nelson Memorial Park & Splash Pad (free) - Plymouth
Davis Farmland $ - Sterling (Yes, this is a farm with a spray park. I cannot WAIT to take my daughter here.)
Petersen Splash Pad at Watson Park (free) - Braintree
Cellucci Skate & Splash Park (free) - Hudson
Lynch Park Splash Pad (free) - Beverly

Or look them up yourself:

Waltham alone has 9 parks with splash pads, so depending where your day takes you, there may be a place to cool off nearby : Spray Parks and Pools

Wherever you go to stay cool this summer, be safe, have fun, and don't forget your SPF!

About the Author:
Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications, Blog Coordinator, and Sale Committee Member. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Do Good, Have Fun, and Shop! Volunteer at the Spring Sale Saturday May 19th

2017-05-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

This weekend myself and countless others will be volunteering (and, of course, shopping!) at the 2018 Parent Talk Spring Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale, happening Saturday May 19th at the Christ Episcopal Church in Needham. The founding members of Parent Talk put on the first Sale in 1993, and since then it has mushroomed in both scale and popularity. Now it's held twice a year, with shoppers and volunteers returning again and again, some for most or all of the Sales over the past 24 years.
If you've never been to the Sale before, it's what I can only describe as an extravaganza of deals on quality gently used kid's items. You can find everything from books to bikes, strollers to swimsuits. Proceeds support the Parent Talk organization, and all the items that remain after the Sale are donated to charities and non-profits. If you've been, but have yet to volunteer, know that a meager 2 hours of your time is all that is required to reap the reward of early shopping hours before the general sale is opened to the public. And if you've taken advantage of the early shopping, but have yet to join the Sale Committee, I'm here to tell you you're missing out.
So here's how the Sale happens from a general shopper's perspective. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and everyone can have at all the fantastically priced stuff until 11:45 a.m. Then everyone cashes out, and those who'd like to take part in the Clearance Bag Sale are provided as many bags as they want, at a flat rate per bag. At 12:00 p.m. the doors reopen, and the shoppers have until 12:45 to cart out as much as they can fit in their bag(s); anything too big to fit is automatically reduced to half the tagged price. It's fast, it's fun, and everyone gets great stuff without spending a ton.

Sounds good, right? It is. But volunteering at the Sale is way, WAY better.

You get first pick of everything.

This is the most obvious perk, but I'd say not even close to the best. Still, allow me to share with you the mindblowingest of the many bargains that I personally found at the last Sale. Number one is a pink princess vanity table with mirror I snagged for a cool $20. I saw a similar one at Home Goods a few weeks later priced at $99. Number two is a full kid's drum set, complete with little stool, pedal and drumsticks I scored for a jaw-dropping $35. I looked it up online later; $180 new. (On a side note, I'm aware that buying something like that for a 3 year old might be considered evidence that I've lost my mind - the truth is, my kid's just got a really cool mom.) I also picked up a beautiful velvet dress with the price tag still on it, suede winter boots (in 2 sizes, you never know), puzzles, a box of wooden train tracks . . . . Let's just say Santa was VERY good to my daughter this year.

It's exciting.

The Sale is basically a pop-up, and as such a ton of energy, planning, and hard work goes into organizing and setting up a pretty large-scale event for a remarkably brief period of time. The past 24 years of mistakes, solutions, and ideas has fine-tuned the strategy and organization of the sale, resulting in an event that for all it's many parts runs like a well-oiled machine. As someone who appreciates efficiency and preparation (in other words, as a mom) this is inspiring to witness. It goes by quickly, with never a dull moment. I feel weird saying this about volunteering at a fundraising sale, but it's a rush.

You get to hang out with your friends.

And don't tell me none of your friends are going to be at the Sale. I moved back to this area from NYC three years ago, volunteered at my first Sale this past October, and not only did I make new friends doing so, I ran into neighbors and people I didn't even realize I knew at the Sale. This has to be the best perk of volunteering, whether you do the 2 hour gig or join Sale Committee for all the fun get-togethers too; you will have a great time socializing and meeting people in your community.

Your faith in humanity will be restored.

Maybe that's a bit dramatic, and maybe your faith in humanity is fully intact, but if you wouldn't mind a little positive upswing to your perspective, this could do it. There's really nothing like working with other people toward a common goal to make you feel more connected to the world. Especially when you know that everybody is there because they want to be. It feels good to be a part of something positive, and to be supporting not only Parent Talk but the other great charities and non-profits that benefit from the Sale, including Cradles to Crayons, Circle of Hope, Room to Grow, Bayong Kulturang Pinoy Inc, Jeremiah Project and others.
In addition to all the aforementioned benefits, I personally get a great sense of satisfaction from the Sale because I abhor waste, and almost equally despise clutter. So I love that I can easily clear my closets of outgrown items guilt-free, and that something I want or need at the moment is there for me to use, instead of becoming more garbage. I also love saving money (don't we all), and while I suppose I could buy a drum kit for my child at $180, I'm not about to. But now she has one, and she loves it. Almost as much as my neighbors do.
The Sale is almost upon us, but it's not too late to sign up for a volunteer shift! So if you'd like to give some of your time to a good cause and have fun doing it, see how below. See you at the Sale!

Volunteer: email ptsalevolunteers@parenttalk.info for more info or sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4ca4ae23a46-spring5

Check out this blog post with great tips on how to donate, consign, and utilize the Sale to declutter and clear out your outgrown children's items : How To Consign and Donate to PT's Sale

More info : Parent Talk Spring Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale
Saturday May 19, 2018
Christ Episcopal Church in Needham
1132 Highland Avenue (across the street from Needham Public Library)
General Sale: 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Clearance Bag Sale: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Call for submissions:

Would you like to write something to be featured on the Parent Talk Blog? Send me an email! Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

The Benefits of Boredom

2017-04-17T14:27:00.000-04:00

April vacation is here! The kids are out of school and the weather is warm, great conditions for a family vacation. Alternately there are plenty of options from gymnastics to computer programming to fill those non-school hours with edifying pursuits. But some of us do not have a trip planned and prefer not to spend an almost equivalent amount of money on "vacation camp", and we are faced with the daunting question: "What am I going to do with my kids all week?"

Well, the magic answer to that question does exist : NOTHING. That's right, nothing. Apparently boredom has benefits that may outweigh any or all of the 21+ enriching activities we've spent hours planning to get ourselves and the kids to the end of the week.

Creativity & Imagination
Being bored forces children to use their imaginations to entertain themselves. A 1980s study comparing the imaginative capacity of preschoolers who watched TV with those who didn't showed significantly more imagination on the part of the TV free kids. More recently, Dr. Teresa Belton, who studies the connection between boredom and imagination at University of East Anglia, maintains that boredom is critical to the development creativity in children.

Independence & Self Reliance
When kids don't have their whole day scheduled out for them, they are compelled to figure out on their own how to best spend their time. According to child psychologist Lyn Fry, "Your role as a parent is to prepare children to take their place in society. Being an adult means occupying yourself and filling up your leisure time in a way that will make you happy."

Tolerance & Emotional Self-Regulation
Having to deal with being bored is one way kids get practice tolerating things they may find unpleasant or uncomfortable, definitely an important skill in adulthood. It will serve them well when they become parents, and have to listen to their own kids whine about being bored.

Better Sleep Habits
This particularly applies to the overuse of digital devices for entertainment, but applies to non-digital forms of excitement as well. Giving kids' brains a break from constant stimulation, even educational or beneficial stimulation, can improve sleeping habits and contribute to the ability to calm oneself. If they never get a break, how can they learn how to consciously take one when needed?

Does this mean we don't have to play cruise director? We don't have to defy time and space to deliver 3 children to 3 separate activities that all begin within the same 15 minutes? That's exactly what this means. But before you start calling your mom friends to find out if they prefer mimosas or margaritas, I'm afraid I have to point out one teensy weensy downside to this approach : they are going to whine. By 'they' I mean your kids, and that's 'whine' with an 'h'. So herein lies the real challenge for us, the parents: to listen to the whining and hold strong. As in "No, you can't watch TV"; "No, you can't play video games"; and "No, you can't use the ipad".

That being said, we're only human. So when you've reached the point where you're wishing you actually were a cruise director, on a boat, somewhere far away - remember it's only a week. Still fantasizing about working for Norwegian Cruise Line? You'll find a few links for some activities and ideas for things to do below. So you and your mom friends can make it to the end of the week and enjoy your margaritas in peace.

"A child develops best when, like a young plant, he is left undisturbed in the same soil. Too much travel, too much variety if impressions, are not good for the young, and cause them to grow up to become incapable of enduring fruitful monotony." Philosopher Bertrand Russell, 1930

Kids' Fun Stop Indoor Playspace (Parent Talk member discount $2 off child's admission)
Needham arts & crafts drop off classes (Parent Talk member discount 15%)
Jump N' Slide (Parent Talk member discount 33% on walk-ins)
Check out our ParentTalk Member Discounts page for more discounts on drop-in fun
Needham Public Library Calendar
Needham Candlepin Bowling
Wellesley Toysinbox 3-D Printing Show
Natick minigolf
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln
Cambridge Science Festival
Boston Common Swan Boats
Museum of Fine Arts Vacation Week Free Activities
Zoo New England Vacation Week
Ecotarium in Worcester

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s very excited to be taking on the role of blog coordinator! Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Teaching Kids Compassion

2017-03-31T21:00:00.000-04:00

We all want our children to grow up to be kind, compassionate, happy adults.

Research has shown that engaging in acts of compassion increases individual happiness, well-being and physical health. One study found that even in toddlers as young as 2 years old (yes, even those little monsters) giving to others made them happier than being on the receiving end. We are all born with an innate sense of compassion, but while adults have the benefit of learned impulse control and the understanding that tomorrow is another day, children live in the moment, at the mercy of feelings they can't even name. So how can we help them tap into this beneficial ability?

Live our own lives compassionately

If there is a golden rule of parenting, it's probably this: If you're gonna talk the talk, you'd better walk the walk. Our kids learn how to be people by watching us, so if we want them to become compassionate people, we have to show them how. First and foremost by addressing their needs. Particularly when they are pushing our buttons. It's often in those moments when we aren't exactly bursting with spontaneous compassion that our kids need our comfort the most. And when we screw up? We can admit it. We can apologize if an apology is in order.

Talk to our kids about compassion

There are lots of ways to bring compassion into the conversation with kids, since it plays a role in so many aspects of our day to day lives. We can't force them to be kind or care about others, but we can certainly sing their praises when they do, and we can ask questions that lead them to both articulate their own feelings in a given situation and ponder how someone else might feel. Examples can be found during dinnertime discussions of the day's events, while moderating sibling disputes, or by reading books or watching movies together that tell stories of compassion and kindness. Younger children especially are still learning how to name their feelings, and by helping them do so we are not only teaching them how to communicate but also helping them develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

For a list of books with compassionate themes for all ages, click here: http://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/teaching-compassion.html

For movie suggestions, click here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/movies-that-inspire-compassion

Encourage acts of compassion

Cheering up a sad friend, comforting a sick sibling, or helping a neighbor are all acts of compassion. We can help our children write sincere thank-you notes for received gifts, or volunteer in our community. You can find family friendly volunteer opportunities here on the Parent Talk website, such as our upcoming Project Night Night event on April 8th (info below). Check out this article for more Boston-area volunteering ideas:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/02/23/places-where-you-can-volunteer-with-your-kids/1ZepVUAO0dgGiFuHgQIIyI/story.html

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s very excited to be taking on the role of blog coordinator. Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here: Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Please join us on Saturday, April 8th, from 10-11:30am for Project Night Night Bag Decorating and Playtime. We'll provide all the supplies you need to decorate your bag(s), plus your child(ren) can enjoy the playspace when they are done with their bag(s). Bring your PNN bag(s) or bring $3.50 for each bag you are picking up at the event, as well as your items to fill them with.
Location: Caryl Community Center, Room 215, 4 Springdale Ave, Dover
More info about Project Night Night: http://www.projectnightnight.org/
Contact: Nar and Julie @ projectnightnight@parenttalk.info

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-night-night-bag-decoratingstuffing-and-playtime-tickets-32475977523

PT Volunteer Raffle Winner Does It All, But How?

2017-02-22T07:46:00.001-05:00

Parent Talk's new volunteer appreciation program has drawn its first raffle winner and . . . (drumroll) . . . Julie Hannon and her family have won a free Parent Talk membership year!

Julie joined PT about three years ago after being introduced to PT's playgroups by a neighbor. Since then, she has become a familiar face, volunteering at PT's Preschool and Kindergarten Fair, the bi-annual Used Toy, Clothing, and Equipment Sale, Spring Fundraiser, and the Summer Camp Fair. Volunteering at these events can include helping with things like set-up/clean-up, tagging, contacting participants, organizing, and marketing. This year, Julie's efforts coordinating Parent Talk's 4th Annual Summer Camp Fair resulted in her name being entered in PT's first raffle under the new volunteer appreciation program.

Julie with her husband P.J. and sons Bobby (5 months old), Patrick (4.5 years old) and Joseph (3 years old).

Julie works two nights a week as a nurse at Boston's Beth Israel and is married with three kids (aged 4.5 years, 3 years and 5 months old). Parenting is a challenging job, whether you share responsibilities with others or do it all yourself. Add the energy devoted to nurturing a relationship with a partner or spouse. Add the demands of a stressful job like nursing. Add the fact that all three kids are energetic boys under age 5. Add that one of them is an infant. What do you get as the total sum? Not a lot of time left for volunteering, that's for certain! So, how does Julie do it?!

Julie explains, "The great thing I found out about Parent Talk is that sometimes you are afraid that you have no time to dedicate to it, but a lot can get done on your own time. You can do it a little at a time, and not all at once."

Julie's first volunteered at PT's annual Preschool Fair. She needed to research preschools for her family, so decided to fill the role of event coordinator. She enjoyed it, and coordinated the Fair the next year, along with volunteering for many other PT events.

"It can seem overwhelming at first to take on a coordination role, but you can do a lot from home and online, especially with events like the Summer Camp Fair and Preschool Fair. You can do it when you have a free moment, whether it be morning or night. There's a lot of historical help. [Parent Talk's] Preschool Fair [keeps] spreadsheets of who to contact. It's easy to navigate a list of what to get done. It makes it so much easier. You don't necessarily have to get together with a group of people and coordinate schedules."

Julie says volunteering has helped her make connections and meet people in the community she otherwise would not have met. "The best thing about volunteering is that you learn about Parent Talk offerings . . . and you are helping a great organization," she adds. You might miss an online announcement, but volunteering puts you in contact with the community and can keep your family in the loop about fun events and helpful resources.

While many volunteers could just as easily have won this first raffle, we are happy that it was you, Julie! Thank you for all of your efforts that benefit our entire Parent Talk community.

About the Author
Darlene W. Cancell first volunteered for Parent Talk at its biannual Used Toy, Clothing and Equipment Sale a few years ago. She continued to volunteer at various events and enjoyed a stint as PT's Blog Coordinator. Currently, Darlene is enjoying her role on the Board as Volunteer Chair, She looks forward rewarding more PT members in future raffles under the new volunteer appreciation program!

Parent Talk thanks all of our wonderful volunteers who are essential to making PT events, programming and resources available to all members!

Make Meaning with Parent Talk this Holiday Season and Beyond

2016-12-05T10:10:00.001-05:00

We all want to teach our children to be kind and generous, especially in today's world. It can be both heartening and overwhelming to know that they learn directly by watching us -- the way we interact with others, the manner in which we speak, and the things we value most.

"Garden Clean-Up Grand Rapids Montessori School" by Steven Depolo

This time of year, many of us have long To-Do lists. Simultaneously, we strive to concentrate our efforts on making memories. Many Parent Talk members are also looking for ways to give back to the community. We would like to help you in these efforts!

Ways to Give Back, Give Thanks, and Spread Kindness

1. Share the food pantry wish list from Needham Community Council with your children and have them pick an item to purchase on your next trip to the grocery store. Pop by the food pantry together to drop it off.

2. Help your children choose one or more toys that they no longer play with and donate them to an organization such as Cradles to Crayons.

3. Explain to your child the importance of thanking public service workers for all that they do to keep us safe. Help them write a note and/or draw a picture and drop it off at a police or fire station.

4. Connect with the Needham Community Council to find out what it needs for its holiday outreach programs. One possibility is decorating bags to hold gifts for local nursing home residents. Your kids could also make holiday cards to send along with NCC's turkey dinners that are dropped off with local families.

5. Find a good-sized rock, help your child paint it, and write an inspirational word or quote on it. Place it in a popular place where it will bring a smile to people's faces when they see it. Some places to put rocks include next to a tree in a park, on the edge of a frequently traveled path, or give it to a teacher for use as a door stop. The goal is to pick a place where it can spread kindness and happiness to others.

Organizations Parent Talk Supports/Has Supported

Let Parent Talk know if you want help in getting connected to opportunities to support the organizations below, or others. These links are to the organizations (along with some opportunities to get involved) that Parent Talk has supported through the years. If you have hatched your own idea, don't be afraid to reach out! Parent Talk is interested in helping you develop initiatives that help the community.

"cradles-to-crayons-4" by Barb Hoyer

Circle Of Hope

Needham Community Council (Fit To Be Tied Program; Food Pantry)

Project Night-Night

The Walker School

Home For Little Wanderers

Room To Grow

Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

Library Foundation of Needham (Little Free Libraries)

Cradles to Crayons

Massachusetts Department of Children and Families

Operation Christmas Child

Bagong Kulturang Pinoy

Arm2Arm

Lynn Women's Health

The above are opportunities to feel accomplished while showing your kids what matters most. Please feel free to contact Parent Talk's Community Relations Chair at cheripugatch@gmail.com, anytime with questions, comments, or ideas about supporting our communities.

About the Author
Cheri Pugatch is mom to three daughters and a golden retriever puppy. Before becoming Parent Talk's Chair of Community Relations, she was a kindergarten teacher. She enjoys volunteering in her daughters' schools and with various non-profits. Cheri is very excited to get more involved in Parent Talk, where she brings her passion for connecting children and families with community service.

Parent Talk Wishes You Happy Holidays! May this Season (and Beyond) Be Filled with Meaning and Memories!

Volunteering with PT Just Got More Fun with More Rewards!

2016-10-11T07:46:00.001-04:00

If you are a Parent Talk member who volunteers, you already know that volunteering is its own reward. Volunteering makes you feel good, and it's a great way to get to know the community and make new friends. Now, with a new volunteer appreciation program, there is added icing to the cake!

"Cupcakes" by phil wood photo

Starting with PT's 12th Annual Preschool and Kindergarten Fair (October 19) and Portraits in Silhouette (October 23-24), every time you volunteer, you will be entered into a raffle for a free year's membership to Parent Talk. The more you volunteer, the more entries you get. The more entries you get, the more chances of winning! We will also be awarding gift cards and other prizes to a few lucky volunteers at various times during the year.

Haven't gotten around to volunteering yet? Want to cross that 2-hour annual commitment off your To Do list? Now is the time! You might be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is. Give yourself the satisfaction of finally being able to say, "Mission accomplished!" And, don't forget, you might be a winner!

"We Can Do It" by Stew and Vee Carrington

Member-volunteers run almost all aspects of PT. Have you enjoyed shopping at Parent Talk's bi-annual Used Clothing, Toy, and Equipment Sale? Or attending playgroups, lectures, and family-fun events like Flicks on the Field and Barn Babies? Yes, those are all run by member-volunteers. Just goes to show you that while 2 hours is a small amount of time, the contribution of many volunteers achieves great things! And when you find out how rewarding it is (as I have), you just might keep coming back.

So, go ahead and volunteer! Volunteer opportunities are usually announced in PT's email newsletter, and time slots are viewable on links to Sign Up Genius. The PT website, Facebook and this blog can also have information. Check for a time that works for you on October 19 or October 23-24, respectively, for the upcoming Preschool and Kindergarten Fair or Portraits in Silhouette. If those dates don't work for you, not to worry -- there are plenty more volunteer opportunities coming up, like Parent Talk's Winter Marketplace on December 11, 2016! Hope to see you at a PT event soon!

About the Author
Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom. She discovered the joys of volunteering with Parent Talk through its Sale, and then as its Blog Coordinator. Currently, she is excited for the chance to help make volunteering even more fun and convenient for PT members in her role as Board member and Volunteer Chair. She welcomes your feedback and suggestions for volunteering here, or at darleneparenttalk@gmail.com and volunteers@parenttalk.info.

Parent Talk Matters Blog

Needham Farm Gardening Classes for Young Families

New Family Gardening Classes at the Needham Community Farm!

Parent Talk Guide to Happier Kids with Pam Garramone

How to Ensure Holiday Cheer for Your Whole Family with a Sound Morning Routine

Take A Creative Approach to Dealing With Learning Disabilities

Teaching Young Children About Consent and Body Safety

My body belongs to me.

Hands to my own body.

Private parts are private.

Flicks On The Field This Saturday August 25th! Featuring "SING"!

Educational Fun For Your Kids During Rainy Weather

Tech 101 for Toddlers & Preschoolers

3 Things You Can Do to Prepare to Be a Parent with a Disability

Setting Compass Points for Children

Setting Compass Points for Children

The Playdate

The Playdate

The Golden Rules

Guidelines

Parent Talk Celebrates Our Super Volunteers, Part 2

Successful Parenting Advice for Single Dads

Parent Talk Celebrates Our Super Volunteers

Battling Winter Boredom : Things to Do & Places to Go

As winter descends upon us with colder temperatures, windy weather, and early darkness, we can't rely on a trip to the playground to break up a monotonous morning or wear the kids out at the end of the day. So here are a few indoor options to keep us all from going stir crazy this winter.

Upcoming ParentTalk Events, Classes & Playdates:

Indoor Playspaces & Playgrounds:

Stores That Feature a Playspace:

Trampoline Parks & Inflatables

Indoor Rock Climbing

Other Active Indoors Ideas:

Get Creative:

Museums:

More Indoors Fun:

Willing to brave the outdoors? Just a few suggestions ...

Encouraging Kids to Cultivate Gratitude on Thanksgiving

Talk about the food.

Talk about why we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Talk about what we are thankful for.

Involve kids in donation.

Have fun being together.

Consign or Donate Your Used Kids' Items at the Parent Talk Sale!

WHY CONSIGN AT THE SALE?

HOW TO CONSIGN ITEMS AT THE SALE

Beating the Back to School Blues

It's that time of year again . . .

Establish Regular Routines

The Goodbye Routine

Back to School Anxieties

Morning Nerves

Throughout the Day Comfort

Letting Off Steam

Give it some time

Keeping Cool with the Kids This Summer - Area Splash Pads, Sprinkler Parks & Wading Pools

As summer temperatures rise, what better way to get the kids outdoors without overheating than hitting one of the many splash pads, sprinkler parks and wading pools in the area!

Looking for a place you can just stop by and cool off on the fly? Try one of these great spots:

Those are my personal favorites, but there are so many more:

Or look them up yourself:

Wherever you go to stay cool this summer, be safe, have fun, and don't forget your SPF!

Do Good, Have Fun, and Shop! Volunteer at the Spring Sale Saturday May 19th

You get first pick of everything.

It's exciting.

You get to hang out with your friends.

Your faith in humanity will be restored.

The Benefits of Boredom

Teaching Kids Compassion

PT Volunteer Raffle Winner Does It All, But How?

Make Meaning with Parent Talk this Holiday Season and Beyond

Volunteering with PT Just Got More Fun with More Rewards!

New Family Gardening Classes
at the Needham Community Farm!