Boston Parent August 2023

Photos by Brooke Trisolini

Fall Math Classes Now Enrolling

The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning after-school math enrichment program. We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.

RSM is “among the top 10 schools in the world.” – Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Family F.Y.I. FAMILY FAVORITE Results Now Available!

We asked and you told us who your New England favorites are, in droves! Boston Parents received over 200,000 votes from you guys! Awesome! We have your places to vacation, museums to visit, restaurants, schools,

Be an Angel

medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Family Favorites Winners are listed, starting on page 10 of this issue. Plus, you can find even more categories online at BostonParentsPaper.com. Mark your calendars! The voting for 2024 Family Favorites starts March 1, 2024.

Best States for Families

We all know living in our great state is pretty awesome! A recent study by WalletHub confirmed it. WalletHub compared the 50 states across 51 key indicators of family-friendliness measuring data set ranges from medium family salary to housing affordability to unemployment rates. It is no surprise that Massachusetts came in at the top as the best state for families, again. Rounding off the top 5 are New York, Vermont, Minnesota and Nebraska. To see all the results, go to www. wallethub.com.

August is full of offbeat holidays that put the emphasis on kindness (National Friendship Day on August 6 and Just Because Day on the 27th), but we’re particularly digging BE AN ANGEL DAY, which is celebrated on August 22. What a simple, sweet and fun way to remind your children about the importance of doing something nice for others, like looking out for a younger sibling or lending a helping hand.

Family F.Y.I.

10 SIGNS You Should Bring Your Child to the Emergency Department

By Victoria DaSilva Boston Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Intern

Witnessing a child in a state of physical or mental distress can be confusing and stressful for parents and caretakers. Understanding and educating oneself of the signs and symptoms of serious illness or injury are key in equipping any parent to make the best decision for their children in an emergency. This is especially key when a serious incident has occurred, and the child needs to travel to an emergency room. Incidents that would warrant an ER visit include:

• profuse bleeding that does not stop after 15 seconds of pressure;

• open or gaping wounds with edges that don’t touch;

Vaping Is Not a Healthy Alternative to Smoking

• head traumas;

• falls from a significant height; or

• vomiting/diarrhea, especically if blood is present.

Some indications of mental injury or illness include:

• if the child is acting confused, disoriented, unusually sleepy, or has difficulty walking; or

• any weakness, dizziness, vision changes, fainting, sunken/bulging fontanel, or loss of consciousness. During respiratory season, usually coinciding with flu season, there are higher instances of viral respiratory infections, including COVID, flu, and RSV.

The mist from all “vapes” contain some particles of nicotine and metals, which inhaled through the mouthpiece, go down the throat and into the lungs.

When it comes to use of substances, it is important that parents stay up to date with reliable sources and share this information with their children. Many kids get their information from friends and social media sites, which can be unreliable and a negative influence. Vaping in particular has become popular among youth and young adults. Vaping is the use of a handheld electronic device to breathe a mist, or “vapor”, into the lungs. It is similar to smoking, but instead of smoke, it heats tiny particles out of a liquid in the device to create an aerosol. However, contrary to what many believe this is not a water vapor. The mist from all “vapes” contain some particles of nicotine and metals, which inhaled through the mouthpiece, go down the throat and into the lungs. While thought by many to be “better” or “safer” than smoking, vaping has related health issues, with long-term damage still unknown given how new it is. The particles inhaled can cause swelling and irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring and narrowing. Other potential consequences include, asthma, organ damage to the heart and brain, and addiction.

Any symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath;

• difficulty breathing; or

• strenuous use of chest muscles. Y

Pedestrian Safety

Stop! Look left, right, and left again

Elise Hooper

Boston Children’s Hospital, Injury Prevention Program Intern

With back-to-school approaching, New England children and teenagers will be making their daily commute to get educated. Whether walking to a friend’s house after school, going to the local park, or taking the family dog for a stroll—it is likely your child will need to utilize pedestrian safety tips. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. It is important not to overestimate your child’s understanding of safe pedestrian habits, especially teenagers. Teenagers account for more than half of all child pedestrian deaths. Shared pedestrian standards can help reduce injuries and deaths; therefore, it is important to educate your children on the rules of the road: both as a pedestrian and as a driver. No matter their age, it is never too late to ensure your children are safe. Here are some fundamental tips to get started on you and your child’s repertoire of pedestrian safety knowledge.

Tip 1Use sidewalks when available. Sidewalks are the safest place to be on foot, as it is an expected area for drivers to see pedestrians walking. If no sidewalks are available, walk facing traffic and stay as far away from the road as possible. Be especially careful and alert when walking around blind corners.

Tip 2Remain visible always. At night, it is difficult for drivers to see pedestrians on or near the road from a distance. Wear light clothing colors, carry a flashlight, and wear reflective fabrics if possible. If you know you will be walking in the dark, be prepared by bringing a flashlight. Approximately 75% of teenage pedestrian deaths occur between 7 pm – 7 am.

Tip 3 Cross the street using signals and crosswalks. It is important to build the habit of constantly crossing the street at spots with traffic signals and/or at a crosswalk. Before crossing, make eye contact with the driver to ensure they see you. Always look left, right, and left again before crossing to ensure both cars on either side of the crosswalk acknowledge you. Do this as well despite the “walk” traffic signal, as drivers can run a red light or take a right turn on red. Practice safe crossing with your children, as kids can often underestimate the speed and distance of a traveling car.

ABOUT BOSTON PARENTS’ FAMILY FAVORITES

Boston Parents’ Family Favorites was born with the idea to give readers in Greater Boston and throughout the Northeast a chance to voice their opinions on their personal “Family Favorite” choices for everything kids and family and to support and promote local businesses. The program has evolved over the years, and hopefully, with a lot of input from our readers, we’ve been able to make it better and better.

The voting for Boston’s Family Favorites is conducted in a two-round process. The first round occurs in the month of March and early April with open write-in nominations taking place. Write-in nominations continue to be open until the end of the month.

As the nomination period in the first round comes to a close in mid April, shortly afterwards, the second round opens with the top nominees in each category being selectable in this final round of voting during the latter part of April and May. Write-in nominations are no longer available, and voters are open to select their favorite from among those that are listed.

THE FINAL WINNERS ARE POSTED IN AUGUST.

We hope you enjoy! And we hope you cast your nomination in March/April and your final vote in April/May!

This year we had a record number of readers vote, up 50%, and a record number votes cast, over 200,000! Competition was fierce! See who came out on top on the following pages.

CAMPS

ACADEMIC CAMPS

TOP 10

• Acera School

• Empow Studios

• Fleur de Lis Camp

• Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures

• iCode of Wellesley

• LINX Camps

• Penguin Coding School

• SELA: The International Private School

• The Tobin School

• RSM

WINNER

• RSM

ANIMAL & NATURE

CAMPS

TOP 5

• Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

• Camp Howe

• Natick Community Organic Farm

• YMCA of Greater Boston

• Camp Howe

WINNER

• Camp Howe

ARTS & CRAFT CAMPS

TOP 5

• Chestnut Hill School

Summer Camp

• Danforth Art School

• LINX Camps

• Minni

WINNER

• LINX Camps

BALLET CAMPS

TOP 5

• All That Jazz Dance Studio

• Boston Ballet School

• DanceFIT Studio

• Hopkinton Center for the Arts

• Joanne Langione Dance Center

WINNER

• Boston Ballet School

CULINARY CAMPS

TOP 5

• Cambridge School of Culinary Arts

• Create A Cook

• LINX Camps

• Maker Farm

• Steve & Kates

WINNER

• LINX Camps

DANCE CAMPS

TOP 5

• A Fine Dance Studio

• Capachione School Of Performing Arts

• Hyde Park Dance Academy

• LINX Camps

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINNER

• Wellesley Theatre Project

FAITH BASED CAMPS

TOP 5

• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center

• Mount Hope Christian School

• Mt Alvernia Academy

• Nobles Day Camp

WINNER

• Mount Hope Christian School

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES

FAMILY CAMPS

TOP 5

• Camp Grossman

• Camp Howe

• Empow Studios STEM Enrichment CenterLexington

• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center

• Hale Education

WINNER

• Hale Education

FOREIGN LANGUAGE & CULTURAL IMMERSION SUMMER CAMPS

TOP 5

• French Library / Alliance Francaise of Boston

• German International School Boston

• International School of Boston

• Pine Village Preschool

• SELA: The International Private School

WINNER

• SELA: The International Private School

GENERAL & TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS

TOP 10 (TIE)

• Camp Howe

• Dedham Country Day Camp

• Everwood Day Camp

• Fleur de Lis Camp

• Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts

• Hale Day Camp

• LINX Camps

• Maplewood Country Day Camp & Enrichment Center

• Nobles Day Camp

• Passport at Cambridge Montessori School

• The Chestnut Hill Summer Camp

WINNER

• Everwood Day Camp

GYMNASTICS CAMPS

TOP 5

• Boston Rhythmic

• Energy Fitness and Gymnastics

• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing

• Massachusetts Gymnastics Center

• Planet Gymnastics

WINNER

• Energy Fitness and Gymnastics

HEALTH & SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

TOP 5

• Barton Center

• Camp Howe

• JCC Camp Grossman

• Oceanwood Christian Camp and Conference Center

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

WINNER

• Camp Howe

HORSEBACK RIDING CAMPS

TOP 5

• Hidden Hollow Farm

• Horse SenseAbility

• Hunters Haven Farm

• Oceanwood Christian Camp and Conference Center

• Sweet Meadow Farm

WINNER

• Sweet Meadow Farm

LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

TOP 5

• Empow Studios STEM Enrichment Center

• Everwood Day Camp

• Hale Youth Leadership Development Programs

• iCode of Wellesley

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINNER

• iCode of Wellesley

LEGO CAMPS

TOP 5

• Einstein’s Workshop

• Empow Studios

• iCode of Wellesley

• LetGo Your Mind

• Penguin Coding School

WINNER

• iCode of Wellesley

40

years of play!

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES

MUSIC & SINGING CAMPS

TOP 5

• Artbarn Community Theater

• Community Music Center of Boston

• New School of Music

• Wellesley Theatre Project

• Wheelock Family Theatre

WINNER

• Wellesley Theatre Project

PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS

TOP 5

• Kidstock! Creative Theater

• LINX Camps

• The Summer School for the Performing Arts

• Wellesley Theatre Project

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

WINNER

• The Summer School for the Performing Arts

PRESCHOOL AGE CAMPS

TOP 10

• Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Dedham Country Day Camp

• Everwood Day Camp

• Hale Day Camp

• LINX Camps

• SELA: The International Private School

• The Chestnut Hill School

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINNER

• Wellesley Theatre Project

ROBOTICS CAMPS

TOP 5

• Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park

• Code Ninjas

• Empow Studios

• iCode Of Wellesley

• Penguin Coding School

WINNER

• Penguin Coding School

SCHOOL VACATION

CAMPS

TOP 10

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Code Ninjas

• Empow Studios

• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center

• iCode of Wellesley

• Penguin Coding School

• SELA: The International Private School

• Viking Sports

• Wellesley Theatre Project

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

WINNER

• iCode of Wellesley

SLEEPAWAY CAMPS

TOP 5

• Camp Birch Hill

• Camp Howe

• Camps Kenwood and Evergreen

• Christian Youth Conference Ocean Park, ME

• Fleur de Lis Camp

WINNER

• Camp Birch Hill

SPORTS CAMPS

TOP 5

• Boston University Camp Terrier

• Camp Howe

• Charles River Aquatics

• Hale Mountain Biking Camp

• LINX Camps

WINNER

• Boston University Camp Terrier

STEAM CAMPS

TOP 5

• Edge on Science

• Empow Studios

• iCode of Wellesley

• Penguin Coding School

• RSM

WINNER

• Empow Studios

TEEN FOCUSED CAMPS

TOP 5

• RSM

• Everwood Day Camp

• iCode of Wellesley

• LINX Camps

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINNER

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINTER CAMPS

TOP 5

• Empow Studios

• Hale Vacation Days

• iCode of Wellesley

• SELA The International Private School

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINNER

• iCode of Wellesley

CLASSES & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

ART CLASSES

TOP 5

• Creation Station

• Danforth Art School

• Hill House Inc

• Kidcasso Art Studio

• Minni

WINNER

• Creation Station

BALLET CLASSES

TOP 5

• Boston Ballet

• Creative Steps Dance Studio

• DanceFIT Studio

• Do Dance Ballet & Fitness

• Mass Motion Dance

WINNER

• Creative Steps Dance Studio

CIRCUS ARTS CLASSES

TOP 5

• Commonwealth Circus Center

• Esh Circus Arts

• Hyde Park Dance Academy

• Swet Studios

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

WINNER

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

CLASSES FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION

TOP 5

• Boston Music Project

• Community Music Center of Boston

• Groovy Baby Music

• Little Groove Music

• New England Conservatory of Music

WINNER

• Little Groove Music

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CODING CLASSES

• Code Ninjas

• Empow Studios

• iCode of Wellesley

• KTBYTE Computer Science Camps and Academy

• Penguin Coding School

WINNER

• Penguin Coding School

DANCE CLASSES

TOP 5

• Boston Ballet School

• Creative Steps Dance Studio

• Do Dance Ballet & Fitness

• The Dance Academy of Siagel Productions

• Wellesley Theatre Project

WINNER

• Creative Steps Dance Studio

EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES

TOP 5

• Community Music Center of Boston

• Groovy Baby Music

• Jammin With You

• Little Groove Music

• Music At The Blissful

WINNER

• Little Groove Music

ENRICHMENT & AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

TOP 10

• Commonwealth Learning Center - Needham

• Community Music Center of Boston

• Empow Studios

• Hale Vacation Days

• iCode of Wellesley

• SELA: The International Private School

• The Skating Academy

• Wellesley Theatre Project

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

• RSM

WINNER

• RSM

FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES

TOP 5

• French Library/ Alliance Française of Boston & Cambridge

• Fun World Language Academy

• International School of Boston

• Pine Village Preschool

• SELA: The International Private School

WINNER

• French Library/ Alliance Française of Boston & Cambridge

GYMNASTICS CLASSES

TOP 5

• Boston University

Children’s Tumbling Program

C

• Energy Fitness and Gymnastics

• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing

• Planet Gymnastics

• Yellow Jackets

Gymnastics

WINNER

• Boston University

Children’s Tumbling Program

ICE SKATING LESSONS

TOP 5

• Bay State Skating School

• Boston University LearnTo-Skate Program

• Colonial Figure Skating Club

• FMC Ice Sports

• The Skating Academy

WINNER

• The Skating Academy

P EDIATRIC

Car

Specializing in a collaborative approach utilizing physicians and nurse practitioners including electronic medical records to provide better continuity of care to our patients

E cient care while maintaining our high quality standards. Personal attention and extra time spent with patients and their families is one of the fac tors that makes us stand out.

NCQA Recognized

All pediatricians at Centre Pediatric Associates have sta privileges at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston

IRISH STEP DANCING CLASSES

TOP 5

• Haley School of Irish

Dance

• Harney Academy of Irish

Dance

• McHale School of Irish

Dance

• Smith Houlihan Irish Dance Academy

• Sullivan School of Irish

Dance

WINNER

• Harney Academy of Irish Dance

MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES

TOP 5

• Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy

• Field Martial Arts Academy

• Metro West Academy of Jiu-Jitsu

• Rising Storm Training Academy

• Satori Ryu Karate

WINNER

• Field Martial Arts Academy

MATH PROGRAMSAFTER SCHOOL

TOP 5

• CS Recitations

• First School of Math

• Mathnasium

• RSM

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

WINNER

• RSM

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

TOP 5

• Code Ninjas

• Empow Studios

• iCode of Wellesley

• K2 Enrichment Programs

• RSM

WINNER

• RSM

SPORTS PROGRAMS

TOP 5

• Action Athletics

• Dynamo Fencing Center

• Olympia Fencing Center

• On the Mark Archery, LLC

• Viking Sports

WINNER

• Olympia Fencing Center

SWIM LESSONS

TOP 5

• Boston University FitRec Swim School

• Charles River Aquatics

• Goldfish Swim School

• Hale Family & Community Program

• Little Flippers Swim School

• Boston University FitRec Swim School

WINNER

• Boston University FitRec Swim School

THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES

TOP 5

• Artbarn Community Theater

• Kidstock! Creative Theater

• Walnut Hill Community Theater Academy

• Wellesley Theatre Project

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

WINNER

• Wellesley Theatre Project

TUTORING OR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS

TOP 5

• Commonwealth Learning Center - Needham

• Empow Studios

• Kumon Math and Reading Center

• RSM

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

WINNER

• RSM

EDUCATION

Pamela S. Milman, Esq.

Daniel Mikolajewski, Esq.

Nicole Metsisto Mazer, Esq.

Ashley R. Waxman, Esq.

999 Broadway, Suite 301

Saugus, MA 01906

Phone: 781.231.IDEA (4332)

Fax: 781.231.FAPE (3273)

Email: office@ecalsllc.com

www.educationandjuvenilelaw.com

FOOD & DINING

BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA

TOP 5

• Cape Cod Cafe Pizza

• Frank Pepe Pizzeria

Napoletana

• Rail Trail Flatbread Co.

• Regina Pizzeria

• Town Spa Pizza

WINNER

• Frank Pepe Pizzeria

Napoletana

FAMILY FRIENDLY COFFEE SHOP

TOP 5

• Big Bear Cafe

• Coffee Break Cafe

• Lucky Finn Cafe

• Saxonville Mills Cafe & Roastery

• Tatte Bakery & Café

WINNER

• Tatte Bakery & Café

ICE CREAM PARLORS

TOP 5

• Cabot’s

• J.P. Licks

• Kennedy’s Ice Cream Bar

• Rancatore’s

• Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream

WINNER

• J.P. Licks

PLACE FOR DINNER WITH THE FAMILY

TOP 5

• 110 Grill

• Barrett’s Alehouse West Bridgewater

• JP Seafood Cafe

• Lookout Farm

• Not Your Average Joe’s WINNER

• Lookout Farm

PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE / CUPCAKES

TOP 5

• Confectionately Yours Bakery

• Cupcake Charlie’s

• Donna’s Cakes

• Party Favors

• White’s Bakery & Cafe

WINNER

• Confectionately Yours Bakery

FUN & ATTRACTIONS

AMUSEMENT PARKS

TOP 5

• Canobie Lake Park

• Kimball Farm Westford

• Maziply Mirror Maze

• Santa’s Village

• Story Land

WINNER

• Maziply Mirror Maze

ATHLETIC CLUBS

TOP 5

• Bay State Skating School

• Dedham Health & Athletic Complex

• Goldfish Swim School

• The Skating Club of Boston

• Westboro Tennis & Swim Club

WINNER

• The Skating Club of Boston

NAEYC ACCrEditEd ProgrAms

LEADERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

THE TOBIN SCHOOL

Preschool – Jr Kindergarten 73 Cottage Street • Natick, MA 01760 508-655-5006 • www.thetobinschool.org

TOBIN CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

Infants – PreK 71 Cottage Street • Natick, MA 01760 508-653-6300 • www.tobinchildrensschool.org

TOBIN SCHOOL WESTWOOD

PreK & Junior K 1054 High Street • Westwood, MA 02090 781-329-7775 • www.tobinschoolwestwood.org

WESTWOOD CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

Infants – Preschool 808 High Street • Westwood, MA 02090 781-329-7766 • www.westwoodchildrensschool.org

www.thEtobiNFAmilYoFsChools.org

BIRTHDAY PARTY

HISTORIC SITES & TOURS

TOP 5

• Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

• Old Sturbridge Village

• Plimoth Patuxet Museums

• Plymouth Rock

• USS Constitution Museum

WINNER

• USS Constitution Museum

INDOOR PLAY SPACES

TOP 5

• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

• Discovery Museum

• Jam Time

• Maziply Toys

• VinKari Safari

WINNER

• Discovery Museum

KID’S PARTY

ENTERTAINMENT

TOP 5

• Barn Babies

• Jeff Jam

• Little Groove Music

• Maziply Toys

• Music At The Blissful

WINNER

• Little Groove Music

LIVE THEATER & FAMILY PERFORMANCES

TOP 5

• DrumatiX

• Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys

• Wang Theatre

• Wellesley Theatre Project

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

WINNER

• DrumatiX

LOCAL FARMS

TOP 5

• Kimball Farm Westford

• Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm

• The Farm at Raven Brook

• Wards Berry Farm

• The Inn at East Hill Farm

WINNER

• The Inn at East Hill Farm

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

TOP 5

• Boston Children’s Museum

• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

• Discovery Museum

• Museum of Science

• USS Constitution Museum

WINNER

• USS Constitution Museum

PARENT-FRIENDLY PLAYDATE SPOTS

TOP 5

• Boston Children’s Museum

• Discovery Museum

• Jam Time

• Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm

• Maziply Toys

WINNER

• Maziply Toys

PLACES FOR ICE SKATING

TOP 5

• Bay State Skating School

• Daly Ice Rink

• FMC Ice Sports

• The Skating Club of Boston

• Warrior Ice Arena

WINNER

• FMC Ice Sports

SUMMER RESORTS FOR FAMILIES

TOP 5

• Chatham Bars Inn

• Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | New England

• Red Jacket Mountain View Resort

Acera School

• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH

• Winnetu Oceanside Resort

WINNER

• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH

WINTER RESORTS FOR FAMILIES

TOP 5

• Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | New England

• Smugglers’ Notch Resort

• Stowe Mountain Resort

• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH

• Waterville Valley Resort

WINNER

• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH

ZOOS, AQUARIUMS OR NATURE CENTERS

TOP 5

• Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

• Franklin Park Zoo

• New England Aquarium

• Southwick’s Zoo

• Stone Zoo

WINNER

• Southwick’s Zoo

RETAIL

BABY GIFTS & GEAR

TOP 5

• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment

• Henry Bear’s Park

• Keeping Pace With Multiple Miracles

• Magic Beans - Wellesley

• Maziply Toys

WINNER

• Keeping Pace With Multiple Miracles

BOOK STORES

TOP 5

• Blue Bunny Books & Toys

• Brookline Booksmith

• Maziply Toys

• Newtonville Books

• Park Street Books & Toys

WINNER

• Maziply Toys

CONSIGNMENT STORES

TOP 5

• Buttons and Bows

• Children’s Orchard

Westborough

• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment

• Merry Go Rounds

• TowneCrafters

WINNER

• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment

FAMILY SHOE STORES

TOP 5

• Keeping Pace With Multiple Miracles

• kodomo bostonchildren’s clothing

• Michelson’s Shoes

• The Barn Family Shoe Store

• Tiny Hanger

WINNER

• Michelson’s Shoes

KIDS’ CASUAL WEAR STORES

TOP 5

• CouCou

• kodomo bostonchildren’s clothing

• Magpie kids

• Michelson’s Shoes

• Tiny Hanger

WINNERS (TIE)

• kodomo bostonchildren’s clothing

• Tiny Hanger

KIDS’ SPECIAL OCCASION WEAR STORES

TOP 5

• Cutie Patuties

• kodomo bostonchildren’s clothing

• Mockingbird Baby & Kids

• Tadpole

• Tiny Hanger

WINNER

• Cutie Patuties TOY STORES

TOP 5

• Henry Bear’s Park

• Learning Express Toys & Gifts

• Magic Beans - Wellesley

• Maziply Toys

• Minni

WINNER

• Maziply Toys

FAMILY SERVICES

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS

TOP 5

• Bellini Portraits

• Boston Baby Photos

• Bump 2 Baby Photography

• CP Photography

• Lucozzi Portraits

WINNER

• Boston Baby Photos

KIDS HAIRCUTS

TOP 5

• Blondie Salon and SpaWaltham, MA Hair Salon

• Lulu’s Family Cuts

• Nancy’s Family Salon Medford

• Snip-its Haircuts for Kids

• The Cutting Studio

WINNER

• The Cutting Studio

NANNY SERVICES

TOP 5

• Blissful Sleep Newborn Care, LLC

• Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny

• Boston Nanny Centre

• Cass and Company, LLC

• Sarah’s Sweet Slumber

• The Nanny Hub

WINNER

• Cass and Company, LLC

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BIRTH CENTERS & MATERNITY CARE

TOP 5

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital

• CHA Cambridge Hospital

• NAPS + Nurture by NAPS

• New England Doula Support

• Newton-Wellesley Hospital - Main Campus

WINNER

• CHA Cambridge Hospita

FAMILY DENTISTS

TOP 5

• Cambridge Children’s Dentistry

• Hanover Pediatric Dentistry

• Pediatric Dental Specialists of Needham

• South Shore Children’s Dentistry

• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics

WINNER

• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics

HOSPITALS OR MEDICAL CENTERS

TOP 5

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

• Boston Children’s Hospital

WINNER

• Be Inspired Counseling

OPTOMETRIST

TOP 5

• Family Eyecare Solutions

• NECO Center for Eye Care Commonwealth

• New England Eye Institute

• Newton-Wellesley Eye Associates

• The Optical House

WINNER

• Family Eyecare Solutions

ORTHODONTISTS

TOP 5

• Hingham & Duxbury Orthodontics

• Newbury Dental Associates

• Starr & Glick Orthodontics

• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics

private lessons vocal and instrumental ensembles music theory early childhood classes (ages 0-3) beginning instrument classes (ages 4-7) elementary group classes (ages 7-12) ...and more!

REGISTER AT CMCB.ORG

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital

• CHA Cambridge Hospital

• Mass General Hospital

WINNER

• CHA Cambridge Hospital

LEARNING DISABILITIES SPECIALISTS

TOP 5

• Boston Ability Center

• Lurie Center for Autism

• Riverside Early Intervention

• South Shore Therapies

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

WINNER

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES

TOP 5

• Be Inspired Counseling

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital

• Katherine Schwab LMHC, PLLC

• KidLink Therapy

• McLean Hospital

• The Medford Center for Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

WINNER

• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics

PEDIATRICIANS

TOP 5

• Centre Pediatric Associates, PC

• Charles River Medical Associates: Paige Meisheid, M.D.

• Child & Adolescent Health

• Longwood Pediatrics | Boston Children’s Primary Care Alliance

• MV Pediatrics

WINNER

• Centre Pediatric Associates, PC

SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY

TOP 5

• Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy

• Learning Solutions LLC

• North Shore Children’s Therapies

• South Shore Therapies

• Wellesley Pediatric Speech Therapy

WINNER

• Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy

SPORTS MEDICINE PRACTICES

TOP 5

• Boston Children’s Hospital

• Boston Sports Medicine

• Excel Orthopaedic Specialists

• Orthopedics New England

• South Shore Orthopedics

WINNER

• Boston Children’s Hospital

SPECIAL NEED SERVICES & RESOURCES

SPECIAL NEEDS

GENERAL RESOURCES

TOP 5

• ABA Helps, LLC

• Applied Behavioral Learning Services

• KidLink Therapy

• Lex Communicate

• Riverside Early Intervention

• The Common Room

WINNER

• Lex Communicate

SPECIAL NEEDS LEGAL ASSISTANCE

TOP 5

• Fletcher Tilton PC

• Kotin Crabtree & Strong, LLP

• MAAPS

• Ramos Law Education and Disability Advocates

• Special Needs Law of MA

WINNER

• MAAPS

SPECIAL NEEDS

PRESCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Campus School at Boston College

• Cotting School

• Kennedy Day School

• May Institute

• New England Center for Children

WINNER

• Kennedy Day School

SPECIAL NEEDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Campus School at Boston College

• Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction

• League School of Greater Boston

• May Institute

• The Wolf School

WINNER

• The Wolf School

SPECIAL NEEDS MIDDLE SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Campus School at Boston College

• Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction

• Cotting School

• League School of Greater Boston

• The Wolf School

WINNER

• League School of Greater Boston

SPECIAL NEEDS HIGH SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• ACCEPT Education Collaborative

• Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction

• League School of Greater Boston

• Learning Prep School

• Nashoba Learning Group Inc

WINNER

• Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction

SPECIAL NEEDS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

TOP 5

• ABA Helps, LLC

• Applied Behavioral Learning Services

• Commonwealth Learning Center - Needham

• The Common Room

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home

WINNER

• Applied Behavioral Learning Services

SPECIAL NEEDS RECREATION PROGRAMS

TOP 5

• Best Buddies Massachusetts

• Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.

• Little Beats Adaptive Dance

• SMILE Mass

• The Common Room

WINNER

• Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.

EARLY EDUCATION

BILINGUAL PRESCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Bowen Cooperative Nursery School

• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts

• Pine Village Preschool

• SELA: The International Private School

• SolBe Learning

WINNER

• Pine Village Preschool

CHILD CARE FACILITIES

TOP 10

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts

• Delphi Academy

• Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel, Boston

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School

• Pine Village Preschool

• SELA: The International Private School

• SolBe Learning

• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers

• The Tobin Children’s School

WINNER

• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts

CHILD CARE REFERRAL & SUPPORT AGENCIES

TOP 5 (TIE)

• Blissful Sleep Newborn Care, LLC

• Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny

• Boston Nanny Centre

• Cass & Company

• Sarah’s Sweet Slumber

• The Washburn Agency

WINNERS (TIE)

• Cass & Company

• Sarah’s Sweet Slumber

FAITH-BASED PRESCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts

• Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel, Boston

• Mount Hope Christian School

• Mt Alvernia Academy

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School

WINNER

• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts

INDEPENDENT PRESCHOOLS

TOP 10

• Bowen Cooperative Nursery School

• Delphi Academy

• Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel, Boston

• Jackson Walnut Park School

• Pine Village Preschool

• SELA: The International Private School

• SolBe Learning

• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers

• The Chestnut Hill School

• The Tobin Children’s School

• Wellan Montessori School

WINNER

• Wellan Montessori School

LARGE PRESCHOOLS

TOP 10

• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts

• Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel, Boston

• Kiddie Academy of Cambridge

• Pine Village Preschool

• SELA: The International Private School

• SolBe Learning

• The Tobin Children’s School

• Torit Montessori School

• Wellan Montessori School

• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers

WINNER

• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers

MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Jackson Walnut Park School

• Sunrise Montessori School Inc

• Torit Montessori School

• Wellan Montessori School

WINNER

• Wellan Montessori School

SMALL PRESCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Bright Beginnings Children’s Center

• Delphi Academy

• International School of Boston

• Little Hands Big Hearts Preschool

• Rock and Roll Daycare

WINNER

• Rock and Roll Daycare

SCHOOLS — ELEMENTARY

BILINGUAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TOP 5

• Amigos Elementary School

• International School of Boston

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School

• Saint John School, Wellesley

• SELA: The International Private School

WINNER

• Saint John School, Wellesley

FAITH-BASED ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Jackson Walnut Park School

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School

• Park Street School

• Saint John School, Wellesley

• St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School

WINNER

• Saint John School, Wellesley

MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Lexington Montessori School

• Riverbend School

• Torit Montessori School

• Wellan Montessori School

WINNER

• Wellan Montessori School

PRIVATE INDEPENDENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

TOP 10

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Dedham Country Day School

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES

• Delphi Academy

• Jackson Walnut Park School

• Kingsley Montessori School

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School

• SELA: The International Private School

• The Chestnut Hill School

• Torit Montessori School

• Wellan Montessori School

WINNER

• Delphi Academy

PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Carver Elementary School

• Pierce Elementary School

• Sprague Elementary School

• Tucker Elementary School

• West Somerville Neighborhood School

WINNER

• West Somerville Neighborhood School

SCHOOLS — MIDDLE

FAITH-BASED MIDDLE SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Montrose School

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School

• Saint Paul’s Choir School

• St. Sebastian’s Country Day

• St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School

WINNER

• Saint Paul’s Choir School

MONTESSORI MIDDLE SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Inly School

• Lexington Montessori School

• Riverbend School

• Wellan Montessori School

WINNERS (TIE)

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Wellan Montessori School

PRIVATE INDEPENDENT MIDDLE SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Cambridge Montessori School

• Dedham Country Day School

• Delphi Academy

• The Waldorf School of Lexington

• Wellan Montessori School

WINNER

• Cambridge Montessori School

PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Charles E. Brown Middle School

• Daniel L. Joyce Middle School

• Day Middle School

• Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School

• Wellesley Middle School

WINNER

• Wellesley Middle School

SCHOOLS — HIGH

BOARDING HIGH SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Concord Academy

• Dana Hall School

• Lexington Christian Academy

• Milton Academy

• Phillips Academy Andover

WINNER

• Lexington Christian Academy

FAITH-BASED HIGH SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Boston Trinity Academy

• Montrose School

• Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

• Ursuline Academy

• Xaverian

WINNER

• Ursuline Academy

PRIVATE INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• Concord Academy

• International School of Boston

• Lawrence Academy

• The Rivers School

• The Roxbury Latin School

WINNER

• The Roxbury Latin School

PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

TOP 5

• John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science

• Needham High School

• Newton South High School

• South Shore Vocational Technical High School

• Wellesley High School

WINNER

• South Shore Vocational Technical High School Y

Bay State Skating

How Healthy Are Your Child’s Eyes?

By Cheryl Maguire

“You need glasses,” the Ophthalmologist said to me. I was twelve years old. My mom was shocked since I never complained of unclear vision and no one else in our family had poor eyesight. The reason I went to the doctor is that I failed the school eye screening exam. My vision became gradually worse so I didn’t realize it wasn’t normal.

I remember when I first wore glasses thinking to myself, “Everything seems so clear and crisp. I can see the tips of leaves on a tree and easily read street signs.” I thought it was normal to see the world a little bit blurry.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. This issue is important to me since my vision has significantly declined from the time of my initial diagnosis over thirty years ago. Even though I am nearsighted (which means I can only see close up and need glasses for far away), without my glasses or contact lens, I wouldn’t be able to read anything on a computer screen word document (it’s just a white blur with black lines) since my vision is so poor. I asked my eye doctor if I am considered legally blind. It turns out I’m not since my vision can still be corrected with glasses.

According to the CDC, 6.8% of children younger than 18 years in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. They also state that Amblyopia, or lazy eye is the most common cause of vision loss in children which can be treated if caught early between the ages of 3 to 5 years old. The website Prevent Blindness found the most common vision disorders in children are myopia (nearsightedness trouble seeing far away), hyperopia (farsightedness trouble seeing close up), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances).

The Urban Child Institute states that correcting poor vision can foster a child’s cognitive and social development. The American Optometric Association estimates 80% of a child’s learning

AUGUST IS CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH AND SAFETY MONTH

happens through observation. In the classroom, most of the teaching is done by displaying the information. Children learn social skills from seeing facial expressions and body language. Similar to my experience, children may be unaware of the fact their vision is not normal. This may lead to feeling frustrated about being unable to see the words in a book or on the board in the classroom causing a child to act out. The American Optometric Association states, “Some children with learning difficulties exhibit specific behaviors of hyperactivity and distractibility. These children are often labeled as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms commonly attributed to ADHD. Due to these similarities, some children may be mislabeled as having ADHD when, in fact, they have an undetected vision problem.”

...undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms commonly attributed to ADHD.

Pediatric Optometry lists the following as signs that may indicate your child could have a vision problem:

HEAD TILT

If your child has a problem with their ocular muscles or nerves they will attempt to compensate by tilting their head.

SITTING TOO CLOSE TO THE T.V.

If your child is nearsighted, they will attempt to compensate for this by moving closer to the T.V or other reading materials.

AVOIDANCE OF READING

If your child has poor visual skills and eye teaming skills they will compensate for this by avoiding reading. Reading uses many complex eye movements and poor visual skills may cause your child to become frustrated easily.

FREQUENT HEADACHES

Your child may have headaches because he/she is overstrained using all of their energy to align, focus, and use their eyes.

LATERALITY PROBLEM

If your child has poor directional skills and often confuses left and right it could be due to poor vision. Proper oculocentric location is dependent on vision and laterality depends, in part, upon oculocentric location.

FINGER POINTING

If your child has poor vision tracking skills they may use their finger to compensate for their poor tracking ability.

CAN’T COPY FROM THE BOARD

Your child may have difficulty with accommodation, the ability to change focus between far and near. This is essential for success in school.

SQUINTING

Your child may squint because this narrows a bundle of light entering the eye which allows for sharper vision. Your child may be squinting because this act compensates for blurry vision.

POOR HAND/EYE COORDINATION

This skill is required for everything from writing notes in class to playing ball with friends. Clear vision and adequate visual skills are required to create an accurate link between vision and other body movements.

EYE RUBBING / SQUINTING RUBBING

This is a basic response to ocular discomfort. It typically occurs when one’s eyes are strained or have been working much too hard to complete a task. Squinting is used to narrow a bundle of light entering the eye which allows for sharper vision. Your child may be squinting because this act compensates for blurry vision.

If your child is experiencing one of these symptoms then schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor.

If your child is experiencing one of these symptoms then schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor. There are two different types of eye doctors who are called ophthalmologists and optometrists An ophthalmologist went to medical school and a 1 year internship followed by a 3 year residency. These types of doctors can provide total eye care services. An optometrist did not attend medical school. Instead, these types of doctors went to a 4-year professional program and received a doctor of optometry degree. Optometrists mostly prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Due to my poor vision and the fact I have had other vision issues, I go to an ophthalmologist every two years for a checkup and to receive updated prescriptions for my glasses and contacts.

Even though my mother didn’t think I would need glasses when I was twelve years old, she took me to see the eye doctor. I’m grateful she did. Y

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications.

10 Skills to Know Before Age Ten

By Sarah Lyons

By the time your child turns ten, you may have started teaching them responsibilities, assigned weekly chores, and started discussing whether they are old enough to stay home alone for a few minutes at a time. In the middle of their tween years, ten year olds are ready to begin taking on more responsibilities. Krystal Laws, mother of seven, says “Parents can think about where they would like their kids to be at age 18 then go back every few years making goals to work up to independence as an adult. Having a vision for where you’re headed really helps in knowing what to work on at various ages.” What are some basic skills kids can learn before ten?

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children.

To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy,

Here are some ideas:

BASIC HOUSEHOLD TASKS

Teach your child some basic household tasks. If you are busy, out of the house, or under the weather your child should be able to make himself a sandwich, pack a sack lunch for school, and be able to prepare a small meal in the microwave. It is also good to teach your kids how to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and how to clean up a spill. “Kids are more capable than you think they are.” says Allison Edwards, author of Why Smart Kids Worry (And What Parents Can Do to Help). “When kids make an effort they can tackle almost anything.”

SAFETY

Keeping our kids safe is a huge priority for parents. At a young age, we begin to teach our kids how to safely cross the street, bike and road safety, and to be aware of strangers. By ten, parents should take it one step further by teaching kids about internet safety and what to do in case of an emergency. “I want them to be safe mentally and physically.” says Lisa Parrish, mother of three. “They should know how to use the phone, procedures for being home alone or in emergencies, safe touch, and that no means no.” Kids approaching ten should also know basic first aid and when to call 911.

PROPER HYGIENE AND SELF-GROOMING

Ten year olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair. Frequent showers, proper face and hand washing, and wearing deodorant are good habits to get into as the changing hormones of the teen years approach.”Tell your tween how different bacteria can harm their bodies. Encourage them to feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns about their changing bodies.” (Scholastic.com)

BUDGETING AND SAVING

Ten years old is a great time to introduce basic budgeting skills. Kids can learn to pick something out that they would like to purchase, research the cost, and begin saving for it. This helps teach them delayed gratification, the value of the dollar, the reward for hard work, and also how to budget and save for things that they want. This skill will be necessary as they plan for larger purchases in adulthood.

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety... how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

When presented with a problem, children often look to the adults in their lives to solve the problem. Rather than giving your child the answer to the problem, why not let them try to work it out themselves? The problem-solving skills learned early will benefit them as they grow older. You can also present your child with different scenarios and ask them what they would do. Ask your child—If you get lost, what should you do? What if you forget your lunch at home? What if you see another child getting teased? If there is a fire in the house, what should you do? Working through different scenarios and practicing problem solving skills will help your child build confidence for when they are faced with a problem.

VALUE OF HARD WORK

Kids need to know the value of hard work, especially as they head off to college or into the workplace. Even middle and high school require a higher level of study habits. Developing good study habits also helps kids learn that their dedication pays off when they receive good grades because of it. To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy, or saving up allowance to work towards something they would like to purchase will show them the long-term payoff of hard work.

PROPER ETIQUETTE AND SPEAKING SKILLS

Ten year olds should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone etiquette, know how to shake hands, and express gratitude when someone gives them a gift or does something for them. With so much electronic communication, we must teach our children that when having face to face conversations, it is polite to use proper language rather than text speak. “Kids this age should know the Golden Rule and treat others the way they’d like to be treated.” says Laura

Fenner, mother of four. Ten year olds can build confidence in this area by practicing public speaking and participating in sports or recitals.

CARING FOR OTHERS

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children. This helps teach them responsibility and selflessness.

OUTDOOR SKILLS

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety. Fire safety, how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy. Again, as we face competition with the screen, teaching kids how to be safe when pursuing outdoor activities, may open a love of the outdoors that they have not yet experienced.

HEALTHY HABITS

The importance of a healthy diet and routine exercise is never too early to learn. While they may not be preparing entire meals at age ten, they do need to know that potato chips are not a well balanced lunch. Kids should also be able to listen to their bodies so they can tell you if they are unwell and what is wrong. Healthy sleep habits and a good diet can help them perform better in school and improve their moods. Kids should also be able to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed.

These skills are a guideline as every child and every family is unique. You may find that in your family you value certain skills over others or that some of these were learned some time ago. “Be flexible with your plan to teach life skills” says Laws, “Everyone learns at a different pace.” Y

Sarah Lyons is a mother of 6 and is published in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, KC Parent, Austin Family, Creative Child and over 160 other parenting publications.

“Kids are more capable than you think they are. When kids make an effort they can tackle almost anything.”

—Allison Edwards, author of Why Smart Kids Worry (And What Parents Can Do to Help).

Ten year olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair.

By Janeen Lewis

7 Ways to Start the School Year Right

School bells will soon be ringing, and while that means no more sleeping in or lazy days at the pool, welcoming structure and routine back into family life helps get kids who are reluctant to return to school more motivated to go. With a positive attitude and a few back-to-school motivators, even reluctant school goers can start the school year off right. And getting off on the right foot paves the way for school success for the entire year.

Reintroduce routines

It’s easy to get off schedule during the summer when longer days beckon kids outside late and sleeping in is easy to do. Introduce routines for going to bed and waking up before school starts because it may take children a few days to adjust. Read a book together as a family to simulate academic routine before daily homework starts. If you have tweens or teens that have been staying up late, take their bed time back 15 minutes every night until you get to the desired bedtime so it isn’t too much of a shock to kids’ sleep cycles.

Get organized

Organize those areas that you will use for school preparations. Make a place for lunch and breakfast items in the refrigerator and pantry so they will be ready to go when making lunches or breakfast. Restock home desk supplies and prep study areas. Organize your laundry room with baskets for school uniforms, sports uniforms, and individual kid’s clothes. Don’t overlook your vehicle. Keep a basket with all the things you might need for those busy hectic drives between school, work and after-school activities.

1 2 3

Purge last year’s items

Go through backpacks and closets and get rid of anything that is outgrown or worn out. Sell the nicest items at consignment stores or a yard sale, and save what you make to put toward new items this school year.

If your child has a hard time letting go of items even though they are worn out or don›t fit, try putting them in storage for a month or two, then bring them back out. I›ve done this with

6

Set goals

Help your child set a goal for the school year, or set a family goal together. Maybe your child wants to ace pre-algebra, start a kid blog or read more books than they read last year. Or maybe he or she wants to kick more goals in soccer this year or nail that back handspring they have been working on in gymnastics. As a family, maybe you want to volunteer together at school or raise money for a worthy cause in the community. Setting goals can motivate kids and families to have an amazing school year.

7

my own kids, and usually they are willing to give up the items when they realize they haven›t missed them.

Celebrate with back-to-school traditions

It can be simple, like snapping a morning photo shoot before the first day of school, or elaborate, like hosting a neighborhood back-to-school bash at your house. Have a family meal at your favorite restaurant after the first day or plan a special weekend getaway before homework and sporting events kick in. Whatever you choose, model an upbeat attitude about the start of a new school year, and chances are your child will too. Y

Devise a shopping strategy

After you have purged your home of old items, it is fun to replace them. Sometimes kids get excited about returning to school because they get new clothes and supplies.

Check out all the sales flyers and compare prices for the things your child needs. Make a shopping list of needed school supplies, clothing items and any organizing tools you might need for closets.

If your school has already sent a supply list, you can shop early and avoid the crowds and out-of-stock items. Sometimes I even shop late in the evening for school supplies when the aisles are less crowded so I can look carefully for what my kids need. The more you plan, the more you can do in one trip. You might even make it a special day out with kids.

4 5

Attend school orientations

Sneak-a-peek. Back-to-School Night. Readyfest. They are called a variety of names, but back-toschool orientations are another way to create a desire to go back to school. Students can meet their teacher, check out their classroom and see friends they haven’t seen all summer. This can make students previously hesitant to return to school eager to get started.

Students can meet their teacher, check out their classroom and see friends they haven’t seen all summer. This can make students previously hesitant to return to school eager to get started.

Teenagers Are Like Cats: COUNTING THE SIMILARITIES

By Katy M. Clark

It was 11 a.m. on a beautiful Saturday morning. Humming a little ditty about Jack and Diane, I opened the blinds in my teenage son’s room. As the sunlight streamed in, I changed both my volume and my tune, belting out Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi in hopes of waking my sleeping son.

Neither the sunlight nor my singing roused him. He slumbered deeply, his head cockamamie, pretty much at a 90 degree angle to his neck. His limbs splayed under the bed covers in all directions.

I glanced at the chair in his room to find our cat snoozing, her belly exposed, legs jutting every which way. Her head was cocked to the side. She was equally as dead to the world.

That’s when it hit me. Teens and cats are the same creatures.

It’s not just sleeping at all hours of the day, in the craziest positions. No, there are a lot of ways my teen and kitty are alike.

For instance, both will swat you away when they don’t want to be touched. Yup, there was that moment the other day when my son’s face looked just like it did when he was a toddler. Lovingly, I reached out to touch his cheek. Swat, swat. Just like, oh, pretty much every time I think it would be nice to pet my cat and she disagrees. Swat, swat.

Then there are all the times I come home from work or the store. I’ve heard dogs welcome you with love and affection. But cats and teens? Nothing. In fact, usually I call out to both, hoping to see them as I walk through the house. Just when I think my teen must be lying on the floor choking on a pretzel, because why else wouldn’t he answer, he replies with a subdued, “Hi.” Sort of how the cat barely opens her eyes from her nap when I find her.

Of course, that indifference melts away when it is dinnertime. Suddenly, both teen and cat are extremely affectionate and interested in what I’m doing. “This lady gives me food!” you can see

them both thinking, the teen hovering around the kitchen as I get out ingredients, the cat winding her way through my legs, purring.

Until they realize it’s meatloaf for the teen and Savory Seafood Guts for the cat. Suddenly, I’m persona non grata with such unfathomable mealtime choices. They both sulk away with nary a backward glance.

(I can’t serve pizza and Tantalizing Turkey pate every night, can I?)

Teens and cats are night owls, too. While I’m struggling to keep my eyes open after 10pm, these two kindred souls are just getting going. Run through the house jumping on the furniture and playing with a dust bunny at 1 am? Check for the cat. Play video games hooting and hollering at friends through a headpiece at 11pm? Check for the teen. Maybe if the cat and teen just played quietly with each other in the midnight hours I could get some sleep.

I could go on and on about how teens and cats are similar. Both still surprise me with the mess they make after eating. They are easily distracted by text messages or bugs, especially if these appear while I am expressing affection to them. Neither one can make a doctor’s appointment and go without me.

Yet, just one look at my teen and my cat and I am filled with love for these amazing creatures. I am proud to be their mom and have them in my life. And those sweet times they tell me they love me, whether through actual words or purring? There is nothing better. Y

Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom

10th annual

40,000 FREE BOOKS AND ACTIVITIES FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES!

Stop by between 1:00 and 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

Boston Teachers Union & Carson Beach

180 Mt. Vernon St., Boston, MA 02125

(Entrance is off of Day Boulevard, before Carson Beach)

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US SORT BOOKS ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 FROM 3-7 PM, TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 & 20, 9 AM-7 PM. CANYOU HELP OUT?

Sign up to volunteer at btu.org/backtoschool

ALL ARE WELCOME TO PITCH IN, INCLUDING STUDENTS FULFILLING COMMUNITY SERVICE. Please contact Katina at kmcclain@btu.org or Brenda at bchaney@btu.org with any questions!

BRING YOUR OWN SHOPPING BAG!

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