20 minute read
The 7Rs of Long-Distance Grandparenting
Most long-distance grandparents will agree that you don’t have to live in the same town to play a huge role in the life of your grandchildren. Yes, you might be sad that your grandkids don’t live close by, but you can certainly still create a special and lasting relationship with some planning. Here’s how: By Kerrie McLoughlin
Do Your Research
Joy Candrian of the blog XOXO Grandma suggests: “Research the places where your grandchildren live and when FaceTiming or talking on the phone, ask them intelligent questions about their home, school and the things they have done that week.” Another example might be checking out the latest children’s movie in your own town if you know your grandkids are going to see it as well so you can talk about the best parts together.
Read to Them and Play Games
“Record yourself reading a book and then upload that recording to YouTube so your grandchild can hear your voice and see you reading them a story. After you’ve got your recorded story online, mail the book to your grandchild so they can follow along while they watch your video,” shared Candrian. Buy a blank puzzle at a craft store then, if you are arsty, draw a picture on it. If not, write a message and color in some of the pieces. Your grandchild will have a blast putting it together over and over. Online games like Words with Friends are also a fun and educational way to connect.
Recognize Holidays and Special Dates
Keep track of important dates so you can be there for the big events. Set reminders on your phone or put them on your wall calendar so you can send cards or plan a video chat for birthdays, graduations, last day of school, prom, sports, spelling bees and so much more. Candrian offers, “I think giving gifts is such a natural way to show we care, and giving a handmade gift [such as a quilt] shows we care enough to spend our time for those we love. Your grandchild may not understand that now but as they grow older and wiser, your gifts should help them feel the love you have for them.”
Raise Video Chatting and Social Media to a New Level
Skype, FaceTime and Zoom make it so much easier to see their faces and keep yours fresh in theirs. They grow and change so quickly, so make
✼ calendar the Tanglewood Marionettes. Reservations required. FREE. 617-514-1644; jfklibrary.org. Winter Backyard Birding, 10:30am, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. Learn to use binoculars, go on a bird hike and create some seed and fruit art for the birds to enjoy. Registration required. Youth, $7. 617-983-8500; massaudubon.org. Matias Latelier, 10:30am, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. An hour of magic and surprises from a Chilean magician and mentalist. Adults, $10; youth, $8. 781-646-4849; regenttheatre.com.
SOUTH
Tracking the Winter Wild Thing, 9am, Francis William Bird Park, 251 Washington St., Walpole. See Jan. 14 listing. Winter Warm Up, 2-6pm, World’s End, Hingham. Get outdoors for hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, owl prowls and tales around the campfi re. Adults, $10; youth, free. 781-740-7233; ttor.org. Family Owl Prowl, 7pm, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. Practice owl calls and meet some of the museum’s resident owls before going on a night hike to search for them. Registration required. $10. 617-983-8500; massaudon.org. Stargazing: Jewels of the Night, 7pm, North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main St., Marshfi eld. Join astronomy enthusiast Peter Reed as he guides you through the constellations. Registration required. $13. 781-837-9400; massaudubon.org.
WEST
Valentine Card Making Party, 10am, The Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Pop in to make special valentines for your family, friends or classmates. Registration recommended. $12 per pair or trio. 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org.
29 Sunday
The Enchanted Forest, 10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Artbarn, a youth community theater company, presents the tale of a family vacation gone wrong. Adults, $13; youth, $10. 617-734-2501; coolidge.org.
NORTH
Ward Winter Fest, noon to 3pm, Ward Reservation, Andover. Explore the property on a guided hike, or bring your snowshoes and sled to play. Then warm up with refreshments by the fi re. $10 per car. 978-886-5297; ttor.org.
31 Tuesday WEST
Backwards Storytime, 10am, The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Celebrate National Backwards Day with silly stories and activities. Free with admission. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org. ENTERTAINMENT & PARTY NEEDS Parents Choice Award
Winner
Fran Friedman Children’s Musician & Instructor
Birthday Parties, Schools, Concerts, Libraries Preschool & Elementary Music Specialist
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Rosalita's Puppets www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832
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Online Ordering Available Host your next party in our new Decorating Kitchen Decorating Kitchen Parents Choice Award
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Fran Friedman Children’s Musician & Instructor
Birthday Parties, Schools, Concerts, Libraries Preschool & Elementary Music Specialist
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Lots of Participation & Fun for All! 508-358-1614 • www.franfriedman.com HUNTERS HAVEN FARM HuntersHavenFarm.com 978-373-1300 104 King St., Groveland, MA • Pony parties for all occasions at your place or at the farm. • Riding lessons for all ages and abilities • Summer Camp J & J Pony Rentals THEMED PARTIES AT DEDHAM HEALTH & ATHLETIC COMPLEX BIRTHDAY PARTIES PRINCESS ★ PIRATE ★ SUPER HERO ★ POP STAR DANCE SPORTS PARTIES ★ POOL PARTIES 781.326.2900 LASER TAG PARTIES LASER TAG PARTIES DedhamHealthKids.com/Birthday-Parties ENTERTAINMENT AND PARTY NEEDS weekly dates to do things like call up the grandkids and take them on a walk with you, let them watch you bake something, read to them. One way my 90-year-old grandmother loves to keep up with her grandkids and great-grandkids is to hop on Facebook daily to check out status updates and photos. Remembrances
Make sure you have plenty of photos of your grandchildren around your home and send photos of yourself to them as well. You want them to get to know you as well, and it’s so easy these days to create photo books and books of stories from your childhood for them on a site like Mixbook. Check out the Marco Polo app for a FaceTime meets voicemail experience, where you get to leave and receive video messages, and they don’t disappear… you can save them on Marco Polo indefinitely and also save them to your phone or forward them to other family members. Plan Regular Visits and Special Trips
Carissa Jones, mom of 8, shares, “Both sets of grandparents take small groups of one to two kids home with them. My parents take the kids to their home for their 10th birthday and they have a special long weekend together that each kiddo has anticipated in the months leading up to their birthday.” Ready for a Fun Visit
When it’s time for the kids to come to your home, make sure you have a stash of games, books and universal toys (think Legos and Magnatyles) so they feel at home. Scout out local indoor trampoline parks, nature centers, kidfriendly restaurants and other activities that you can all do together during the visit.
Despite distance, you can form close bonds with your grandchildren and ensure you play a key role in their lives. Carissa Jones sums it up nicely: “I think much like parenting, relationships are built on the foundation of time together and on traditions.”
Book Recommendations: • Connect with Your
Grandkids: Fun Ways to Bridge the Miles by
Cheri Fuller • Long-Distance Grandparenting: Connecting with Your Grandchildren from Afar by
Willma Willis Gore • Virtual Grandma: A how-to guide on “virtually connecting” with little ones up to age five using FaceTime, Skype, and other apps by Alison Hillhouse • Long Distance Grandma: Staying Connected Across the Miles by
Janet Teitsort • The Long-Distance
Grandmother: How to Stay Close to Distant Grandchildren by Selma Wassermann ² Kerrie McLoughlin is the writer mom of 5 kids ranging from 10 to 18 and blogs at TheKerrieShow.com.
J & J Pony Rentals
• Quiet, gentle, lovable ponies; large and small available for any occasion. • Pony parties at your place or at the farm. • Customized packages at reasonable rates
BIG JOE the Storyteller www.bigjoe.com 617-713-4349
Birthday Parties Schools Libraries Special Events Original & classic stories Props, puppets, & surprises
Summer Camp Listings
PLEASE NOTE - In light of fast changing responses to Covid19, camp and camp offerings are now often subject to change at a moments notice. Please check camp provider’s websites for the latest information.
ACERA SUMMER STEAM CAMP (WINCHESTER) 781-729-3489 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-17 The Acera Summer STEAM Camp is a creativity-based arts and sciences day camp where children ages 5-17 can nurture their natural desire to inquire, create, and innovate.
https://aceraschool.org/summer-camp
BC HIGH SUMMER PROGRAMS (BOSTON) 617-474-5181 Age or Grade Range: Grades 5-12 Explore new interests. Build your confidence. Challenge yourself! Choose from over 30 programs in our Sports Camps, Academic Courses, Middle School Enrichment Courses or Specialty Programs. Registration is ongoing until a program is full.
https://www.bchigh.edu/summer
BELMONT HILL SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS (BELMONT) 617-993-5215 Age or Grade Range: Grades 6-12 At Belmont Hill Summer School, students from grades 6-12 can explore new subjects, hone skills, and gain valuable academic experience from expert faculty. Whether it is a six-week credit course or a three-week academic workshop, our curriculum is designed to position students for success in their upcoming school year.
https://www.belmonthill.org/about/ summer-programs/summer-school
BROOKLINE ARTS CENTER (BROOKLINE) 617-566-5715 Age or Grade Range: Ages <4-Adult Summer starts here. June - August. ArtVentures, jewelry and metals, painting, drawing, pottery, mixed media, comics, and more! Classes and workshops for children, teens and adults!
https://brooklineartscenter.com/ summer-classes/
CAMP BIRCH HILL (NEW DURHAM, NH) 603-859-4525 Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 16 Nestled in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Camp Birch Hill offers a fun, elective based program where boys and girls aged 6-16 can participate in over 50 diverse activities of their choice. Each summer they welcome campers to their grounds in New Durham, NH. This traditional, overnight summer camp sits on a 100 acre piece of private, lakeside land where kids can come for two, four or six weeks of their summer. It is a home away from home where kids have the time of their lives for two, four or six weeks while making lasting friendships and memories.
campbirchhill.com
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SUMMER STEAM CAMP J U N E 8 –AU G U ST 2 8, 2 02 0
168 engaging, hands-on, unique and fun offerings for children ages 4-17!
Curiosity, creativity and innovation come alive at Acera’s Summer Camp!Choose from courses like :
• Mini Treehouse Building (ages 4-7) • Fantasy, Forts and Friends (ages 5-8) • Backyard Biology (ages 7-10)
• Lions and Tigers and Robots, Oh My! (ages 7-10) • Drones & Flying Machines (ages 10-14) • Marshmallow Crossbows (ages 11-15)
CAMP CODY (FREEDOM, NH) 954-803-8655 We strive to maintain an environment that both encourages personal growth and creates an unforgettable summer experience. Regardless of what age a camper joins us, we work hard to make them feel like part of the Cody family.
http://www.campcody.com
CAMP WEKEELA (HARTFORD, ME) 201-612-5125 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-16 Camp Wekeela is a premiere summer camp on a bucolic setting in the beautiful state of Maine.
http://www.campwekeela.com
CHARLES RIVER CREATIVE ARTS (DOVER) 508-785-8250 Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 15 Charles River Creative Arts Program, located in Dover, MA, has been a pioneer in multi-arts education since 1970. Here, young people take risks, learn new skills, and discover new talents within a nurturing and diverse community of experienced and dedicated artists. Two 4-week sessions are offered every summer. Students may enroll in one or both sessions. Creative Starts provides an opportunity for children ages 5 – 8 to begin exploring and developing their artistic talents in an encouraging, stimulating environment. Each two-week session runs 9am – 4pm, Monday through Friday and features a unique theme, tying together creative projects with diverse art forms. We offer an age-appropriate balance of choice and structure to encourage experimentation, independence, and creative confidence.
http://www.crcap.org
CHINESE SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUTH (SMITHFIELD, RI) 401-232-6883 Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-18 This two-week program is designed for local middle and high school students to learn Chinese language and experience its culture in a university campus. There is No previous Chinese learning experience required.
https://china.bryant.edu
DEBATE CAMP (WEST ROXBURY) 888-512-8154 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-16 Debate Camp provides summer training programs in public speaking, debate and Model UN for students in grades 5 to 11
http://www.debatecamp.com/boston
DEDHAM COMMUNITY HOUSE SUMMER CAMP (DEDHAM) 781-329-5740 Age or Grade Range: Ages <3-14 Since the 1920’s, the Dedham Community House Summer Camp has helped create lifelong childhood memories of summers filled with fun in the sun!
http://www.dedhamcommunity house.org
DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY CAMP (DEDHAM) 781-320-1832 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 At Dedham Country Day Camp, we believe that summer time should reinforce the wonders of being a child,
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WE WILL BE READY FOR SUMMER
and the enduring joy of friendship. While we offer a broad range of activities from archery to woodworking, we also allow time in each day for the simple enjoyment of catching frogs in the stream, climbing trees and building forts in the pine grove.
https://www.dedhamcountryday.org/ community/summer-camp
DELPHI ACADEMY (MILTON) 617-333-9610 Private day school and summer camp in a beautiful Milton setting.
http://delphiboston.org/
EDGE ON SCIENCE (PLYMOUTH, WESTIN) (315) 773-5673 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14 Edge on Science offers week-long, project based, day programs in applied science and engineering. A back-tobasics approach is taken where children get to work independently and in teams to problem solve, all while having fun and making new friends!
https://edgeonscience.com
EXXCEL GYMNASTICS & CLIMBING (NEWTON) 617-244-3300 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3+ Gymnastics, climbing, water slides, field trips, swimming, trapeze, bungee, zip line, skits, arts & crafts, games… what more could a kid want?
http://www.exxcel.net/
FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER SUMMER IN FRENCH (BACK BAY) 617-912-0400 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-18 Give your child a full immersion experience of summer fun and learning! With native French-speaking and bilingual teachers, varied and engaging curriculum, and a convenient location in the heart of Back Bay, our Summer in French program is the perfect way to improve your child’s skills and confidence in French, no matter their age or level. Each week focuses on a theme with a variety of special activities geared for children to increase their vocabulary and stimulate their conversation skills. Outdoor activities take place at a nearby playground and at the Boston Common.
https://frenchculturalcenter.org/ summer-in-french/
GROTONWOOD CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER (GROTON) (978) 448 5763 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18+ 40 minutes from Boston, Grotonwood has been providing life changing experiences for over 60 years. Situated in 250 acres of woodlands with a 1.5 mile waterfront & boat dock. We are an inclusive Christian sleep-away & Day camp for kids in grades K-12.
http://www.grotonwood.org
HALE DAY CAMP (WESTWOOD) 781-326-1770 Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 13 Hale offers a wide variety of summer camp experiences. From our Traditional Camp to our Specialty Camps, including Outdoor Adventures, Mountain Biking, and our Leaders in Training (LIT) program for teens, Hale has a summer of fun waiting for you! We believe in
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CHARLES RIVER CREATIVEARTS PROGRAM REGISTER ONLINE FOR SUMMER 2020!
JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP Full Scale Productions
Grades 2-8
Grades 2-12
Grades 8-12
One Week Theatre Arts Camps
4 Years - 12th Grade
Space Is Limited - Enroll Today!
continuing camping traditions such as being outdoors with your friends all day, getting plenty of exercise and swimming in our natural ponds. Here at Hale Day Camp we also provide a hands-on experience that recognizes the campers’ need for a nurturing environment where they can mature socially, emotionally and intellectually.
www.hale1918.org/bpp
HILL HOUSE (BOSTON) 617-227-5838 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-12 Hill House summer staff kicks off the organization’s 21st summer of camp for children ages 3 to 12. Weekly themes, a balance between structure and play, field trips, and age-appropriate activities promise a well-rounded experience.
http://www.hillhouseboston.org
HUNTERS HAVEN FARM HORSEBACK RIDING CAMP (GROVELAND) 978-373-1300 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18+ Full Day Weekly Horseback Riding Camp at beautiful Hunters Haven Farm in Groveland MA.
http://www.huntershavenfarm.com
ICODE OF WELLESLEY (WELLESLEY) 781-291-3131 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18 iCode of Wellesley is a STEAM summer camp and after-school program to engage children in a STEAM learning experience using AGILE teaching methodologies on a dynamic technology curriculum.
https://icodeschool.com/wellesley107/
INCARNATION CAMP (IVORYTON, CT) 860-767-0848 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15 Incarnation Camp is the oldest Coed Summer Camp in America! Located on a 700 acre wooded property with a mile-long lake, providing 130 summers of fun to campers from all over the world! Our age range is for campers 7 to 15 years old.
https://www.incarnationcamp.org/
KIDS 4 CODING | SUMMER TECH PROGRAM-AGES 7-16 (CAMBRIDGE & WALTHAM) 770-642-0004 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-16 Nationally Recognized KIDS 4 CODING Two area locations: CAMBRIDGE at Lesley University & WALTHAM at Bentley University. Quality tech programs at an affordable price.
https://www.kids4coding.com
KIDSTOCK! CREATIVE THEATER (WINCHESTER) 781-729-5543 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15 Kidstock! Creative Theater offers a performance arts summer camp opportunity for children ages 4-15.
http://www.kidstocktheater.com
KINGSLEY SUMMER IN THE CITY (VIRTUAL) 617-226-4927 Age or Grade Range: Grades Toddler - 6
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12 Highland St., Natick, MA 01760
Summer Arts Programs For creative kids ages 10 –17
SUMMER YOUTH DANCE
SUMMER THEATER INTENSIVE
NEW SUMMER INSTITUTES!
Visual art, photography, classical music, voice, creative writing, filmmaking
Join us for Summer in the City @ Home! Brought to you by Kingsley’s Auxiliary Programs, this exciting 7-week program will engage students and families in a multitude of ways. From exploring space and designing structures to writing stories and enjoying nature, the Summer in the City program is something you won’t want to miss! This year’s program is being offered exclusively to Kingsley families and will be taught by some of our exceptional Kingsley teachers. We have designed the program to have a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lessons to keep students engaged throughout each day. Each participant will receive a kit with the materials they will need for each week, so all they will need to do is log on and enjoy the fun.
https://info.kingsley.org/summer-2020
LETGO YOUR MIND STEM PROGRAMS (VIRTUAL) 603-731-8047 Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 14 LETGO Your Mind programs offer a safe, educationally enriching STEM Program experience that is fun and challenging using LEGO bricks, motors, elements in the areas of simple machines, robotics, stop motion animation and programming Minecraft. The programs focus on the vital STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and challenge the kids to think while having fun. Our programs are for students between the ages of 4 and 14.
http://www.letgoyourmind.com
LINX CAMPS (WELLESLEY) 781-235-3210 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 LINX Camps offers award-winning full and half day camps for kids 3 years - 10th grade. We provide a traditional day camp experience that builds community and character while allowing kids to explore their interests.
https://www.linxcamps.com/
MASS AUDUBON SUMMER CAMPS (MULTIPLE CITIES) 781-259-9500 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 Have fun, make friends, and experience nature this summer! Mass Audubon campers enjoy outdoor exploration, habitat hikes, wildlife observation, hands-on activities, interactive games, imaginative free play, creative crafts, and more. Small group sizes ensure camper safety and engagement with positive role models who are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of the outdoors. Sign up for hands-on, outdoor fun this summer. With 19 day camps and one overnight camp, there’s something for everyone.
https://www.massaudubon.org/
NICOLE’S ART SPOT -- ART AND CRAFTS CLASSES & SUMMER PROGRAM (VIRTUAL) (781) 343-1250 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-15 Nicole’s Art Spot Summer Program offers children a hands-on opportunity to delve into week-long intensive arts and crafts classes that interests them the most. In each class children can explore and expand their love of art and craft media.
http://www.nicolesartspot.com
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MY FIRST CAMP ULTIMATE DAY CAMP JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP The Ultimate DAY CAMP
WATER PARK LUNCH PROVIDED
™ EDGE SCIENCE on
ROPES COURSE
• Family friendly scheduling: “Choose
Special Visitors, Field Trips, Theme Days, and more! • Open 7:00am - 6:30pm daily, with full-day, early-day and mid-day options – the most family friendly summer program around! • Programs offered for children 2.9 - 4 years and children entering
K-8th grade in the Fall.
Contact us today to learn more!
Alex Maider, Senior Director • amaider@tobinbeaudet.com 781-444-5444 • www.tobinbeaudet.com
NEEDHAM
LEADERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
NATICK
• Weekly Swim Lessons & Free Swim, Special Visitors, Field Trips, Theme Days, and more! • Open 7:00am - 6:30pm daily, the most family friendly summer program around! • Summer at Tobin Jr. Program offered for children entering JrK and Kindergarten in the Fall.
Summer at Tobin program offered for children entering 1st - 5th grade.
