ONE IN 36 CHILDREN HAS AUTISM. WE CHANGE LIVES ONE CHILD AT A TIME.
FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS, MAY INSTITUTE HAS PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL CARE TO AUTISTIC CHILDREN AND THOSE WITH OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS.
OUR SER VICES ARE B ASED ON APPLIED BEH AVIOR AN A L YSIS (AB A):
Special edu cation schools for autism and developmental disabilities
Center-based services for to ddlers and you ng children
Early intervention servi ce s
Home-based services
Supportive Technology services
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, medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Plus, you can find all of the categories online at BostonParentsPaper.com. Mark your calendars! The voting for 2025 Family Favorites starts March 1, 2025.
How to make the transition easier.
Feelings of anxiety are expected for children going through transitions such as going back to school. Over the summer, routines have changed and worries of the unknown may begin to stir as the school year approaches. There are ways to recognize anxiety in your child, as well as interventions that can help relieve those feelings. Some behaviors that may indicate your child is having anxiety surrounding the return to school are irritability, change in sleep patterns, continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated questions, and in some cases complaints of headache, fatigue and stomach ache. It is important for your child to attend school to learn that their fears can be overcome, as prolonged absence can worsen your child’s fears.
One of the best ways to make the school transition easier on your child is to acknowledge their anxiety. This can be done by listening to your child’s feelings and encouraging them to speak to you about how they feel. It is important to validate their feelings and not dismiss them. Demonstrate confidence that your child can handle the situation.
Practicing school routines is another way to prepare your child for school. This can include practice walks to the bus stop, evening routines of packing the backpack and picking out
their clothes, or routines that begin when they wake up such as breakfast, getting dressed and traveling to school. Having a school tour prior to the first day can be a great way to introduce the new environment, as well as finding a new friend or neighbor who will be at the school prior to the first day. During the practice runs, it’s helpful to support your child as they think through difficult points of their day such as changing classrooms.
Another way to provide relief for your child is modeling the calm behavior you would like to see. This can feel difficult in situations where you feel stressed, rushed, or anxious yourself. To work through your own feelings, think of taking deep breaths and remind yourself that your child’s behavior is being driven by anxiety.
Another method to set your child up for success for the new school year is ensuring enough sleep based on their age. The new wake-up schedule for school may need to be slowly implemented 1-2 weeks ahead of the first day. Feelings of fatigue can enhance your child’s anxiety.
After the school year begins, if your child continues to display signs of anxiety such as tantrums, problems sleeping, and/or refusal to attend school or activities, speak with your primary care provider about further interventions.
We all know living in our great state is pretty awesome! A recent study by WalletHub confirmed it. WalletHub compared the 50 states across 52 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 10 are Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nebraska, Iowa and Connecticut. 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 4 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 to a person in need.
Playgrounds are a fun and stimulating environment for kids to play and burn off energy. Although playgrounds can be fun, each year more than 220,000 children under age 14 are brought to the emergency room for playground injuries. Most injuries are a result of falling from equipment. This can include broken bones, cuts, bruises, sprains, concussions, and internal injuries. The most common injured body part is the arm. Depending on how high the child is and the way they fall will determine what injuries they may face. This can also happen on monkey bars or swings. Children may lose their grip on monkey bars and fall as a result. Moreover, on swings, children may try to jump off of them midair. This could result in them trying to break their fall incorrectly and cause numerous injuries.
Children can also get injured if the playground area and equipment are not maintained. This can include if a slide, seesaw, swing, etc. has an exposed sharp edge. Children may not see it at first and then be playing and cut themselves. Children may also come into contact with trash or other unsafe objects that were not cleaned up in the playground, causing injury or illness.
The playground is a great place for social interaction for children and a great place for exercise. Parents can keep their child safe and allow for them to have a great time by following these simple precautions!
By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
Mei Mei loves school, but sometimes she feels a bit out of place. She speaks with an accent that makes her stand out from everyone else. When she tells Mommy her worries, Mei Mei finds that she’s more than just her voice. $14.99, ages 2-8 years, www.amazon.com
Create moments of connection through answering playful conversation prompts. With six question categories, you can explore all kinds of memories, favorites, dreams for the future and more. $22.99, ages 4+, www.pennycake.com
SHEEN METALLIC COLORED GEL PENS –SET OF 12
Make note taking or journaling a radiant and colorful affair. These metallic ink pens can write on both white and black paper and glide along the page. Made from acid-free ink. $12.95, ages 6+, www.ooly.com
YOU ARE A SOCIAL DETECTIVE!: CURRICULUM GUIDE STORYBOOK
Introduce social and emotional learning through this storybook and its accompanying easy-to-use K-5 curriculum. Provides 10 fun, structured lesson plans. $59.99, ages 5-10, www.socialthinking.com
Made with natural detangling herbs such as slippery elm, flaxseed, marshmallow root, and native Australian Tea Tree oil, this conditioner will leave your kids’ hair feeling soft and manageable. $28.00 AUD, ages 3+, www.eekoloks.com
Offers nine soothing and enchanting songs to help kids unwind, plus a special guided relaxation exercise. Perfect for bedtime or quiet moments, this album makes it easy for kids and adults alike to breathe deeply, smile, imagine and dream. $15, www.jenncleary.com
Provide kids with guardrails for the digital world. Features flexible safety controls that allow parents to customize their children’s phone based on individual needs. Give them everything they need (like apps for school), and nothing they don’t (like social media). $199.95, ages 6-16, www.troomi.com
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.
Voting for Boston’s Family Favorites is conducted in a tworound process. The first round occurs in the month of March and early April with open writein nominations taking place. Write-in nominations continue to be open during round one of voting. 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. Voters are open to select their favorites from the listed finalists. The Winners, Top 5 and Top 10 are determined in this round. The final winners are posted in August. Mark your calendar and cast your nominations in March/April and your final vote in April/May!
This year we had a record number of readers vote, up 30%, and a record number votes cast, over 200,000! Competition was fierce! See who came out on top on the following pages. >>>
Pediatric Dentistry
Wesley Barton, DMD
Ronen Krausz, DDS
Bahar Houshmand, DDS
Ava Ghassemi, DMD
Mahdieh Beheshti, DMD
Dentist
Orthodontics
Shaima Tabari, DMD
Roger Taylor, DMD
Oral Surgery
Joseph Krajekian, DMD, MD
Karan Ganjawalla, DMD, MD
• Quality care in a professional, friendly and fun environment.
• We will create a legacy of positive dental experiences.
Orthodontist
• Exceptionally trained, warm and friendly staff.
• Braces and Invisalign for teens and adults.
• In office oral surgery with sedation.
“Each child is treated as an individual and as a member of our family.”
“Our
Call for your first Dental, Orthodontic or Oral Surgery appointment! 209 Harvard Street, 2nd Floor, Brookline, MA 617-731-KIDS (5437) www.PediatricDentalCare.com
ACADEMIC CAMPS
TOP 10
• Acera School
• Camp Howe
• Cotting School
• Einstein’s Workshop
• French Library / Alliance Française
• Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures
• iCode of Wellesley
• Norwood Montessori School
• Penguin Coding School
• RSM
WINNER
• iCode of Wellesley
ANIMAL & NATURE CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Howe
• Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm
• Natick Community Organic Farm
• NEOC (New England Outdoor Camp)
• The Inn at East Hill Farm
WINNER
• Camp Howe
ARTS & CRAFT CAMPS
TOP 5
• Creation Station
• Danforth Art School
• iCode Of Wellesley
• LINX Camps
• Just Claying Around
WINNER
• LINX Camps
BALLET CAMPS
TOP 5
• Arlington Dance Place
• Boston Ballet School Summer Dance Program
• Creative Steps Dance Studio
• Joanne Langione Dance Center
• Mass Ballet
WINNER
• Creative Steps Dance Studio
CULINARY CAMPS
TOP 5
• Boston Bakeology
• Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
• Cooking Up Culture - BU
• LINX Camps
• The Maker Farm
WINNER
• LINX Camps
DANCE CAMPS
TOP 5
• All That Jazz Dance Studio
• Danbee Arts & Dance Camps
• DanceFIT Studio
• Joanne Langione Dance Center
• Wellesley Theatre Project
WINNER
• Wellesley Theatre Project
FAITH BASED CAMPS
TOP 5
• Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park
• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center
• JCC Camp
• Mount Hope Christian School
• Nobles Day Camp
WINNER
• Mount Hope Christian School
FAMILY CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Howe
• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center
• Hale Education
• Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp
• The Inn at East Hill Farm
WINNER
• The Inn at East Hill Farm
FOREIGN LANGUAGE & CULTURAL IMMERSION SUMMER CAMPS
TOP 5
• Fleur de Lis Camp
• French Library / Alliance Francaise
• German International School Boston
• Pine Village Preschool
• SELA: The International Private School
WINNER
• SELA: The International Private School
GENERAL & TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS
TOP 10
• Branches at Meadowbrook
• Camp Howe
• CRS Summer
• Everwood Day Camp
• Hale Day Camp
• LINX Camps
• Maplewood Country Day Camp & Enrichment Center
• Norwood Montessori School
• Summer’s Edge at Camp Thoreau
• YMCA Camp Takodah
WINNER
• Everwood Day Camp
GYMNASTICS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Broderick Gymnastics Academy
• Energy Fitness and Gymnastics
• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing
• Gymnastics Academy of Boston
• Planet Gymnastics
WINNER
• Energy Fitness and Gymnastics
HEALTH & SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Applied Behavioral Learning Services
• Camp Howe
• MGH Aspire
• Riverbend School
• Y3K Tutor In Your Home
WINNER
• Camp Howe
HORSEBACK RIDING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Marshall Equestrian Center
• Dana Hall School - Karen Stives Equestrian Center
• Orchard Hill Equestrian Center
• Willow Brook Farms
• Sweet Meadow Farm
WINNER
• Sweet Meadow Farm
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CAMPS
TOP 5
• Acera School
• Boston Leadership Institute
• Everwood Day Camp
• iCode of Wellesley
• Wellesley Theatre Project
WINNER
• iCode of Wellesley
LEGO CAMPS
TOP 5
• Einstein’s Workshop
• iCode of Wellesley
• LetGo Your Mind
• Penguin Coding School
• RSM Camps
WINNER
• iCode of Wellesley
MUSIC & SINGING CAMPS
TOP 5
• Artbarn Community Theater
• Camp Howe
• Community Music Center of Boston
• Powers Music School
• Wellesley Theatre Project
WINNER
• Wellesley Theatre Project
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Kidstock! Creative Theater
• LINX Camps
• The Summer School for the Performing Arts
• Wellesley Theatre Project
Pamela
Daniel Mikolajewski, Esq.
Nicole Metsisto Mazer, Esq.
Ashley R. Waxman, Esq.
Phone:
• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University
WINNER
• Wellesley Theatre Project
PRESCHOOL AGE CAMPS
TOP 10
• Everwood Day Camp
• Hale Day Camp
• Lesley Ellis Summer
• LINX Camps
• SELA: The International Private School
• Summer at Tobin
• The Chestnut Hill School
• Waldorf School of Lexington
• Wellan Montessori Summer
• Wellesley Theatre Project
WINNER
• SELA: The International Private School
ROBOTICS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Code Wiz
• Edge on Science
• Einstein’s Workshop
• iCode Of Wellesley
• Penguin Coding School
WINNER
• iCode Of Wellesley
SCHOOL VACATION CAMPS
TOP 10
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Everwood Day Camp
• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass
• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center
• Hale’s School Vacation Days
• iCode of Wellesley
• LINX Camps
• Penguin Coding School
• SELA: The International Private School
WINNER
• iCode of Wellesley
SLEEPAWAY CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Birch Hill
• Camp Howe
• Christian Youth Conference Ocean Park, ME
• Fleur de Lis Camp
• YMCA Camp Takodah
WINNER
• Camp Birch Hill
SPORTS CAMPS
TOP 5
• Camp Howe
• Charles River Aquatics
• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing
• HGR Lacrosse Summer Camp
• Olympia Fencing Center
WINNER
• Camp Howe
STEAM SUMMER CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Boston Leadership Institute
• Einstein’s Workshop
• iCode of Wellesley
• Penguin Coding School
• SELA: The International Private School
WINNER
• SELA: The International Private School
TEEN FOCUSED CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• French Library Boston
• iCode of Wellesley
• LINX Camps
• Penguin Coding School
• Wellesley Theatre Project
WINNER
• Wellesley Theatre Project
WINTER CAMPS
TOP 5
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center
• iCode of Wellesley
• Penguin Coding School
• SELA The International Private School
WINNER
• iCode of Wellesley
ART CLASSES
TOP 5
• Creation Station
• Danforth Art School
• Kidcasso Art Studio
• Minni
• New Art Center
WINNER
• Creation Station
BALLET CLASSES
TOP 5
• Boston Ballet School
• Creative Steps Dance Studio
• Live Love Dance
• Mini Movers Dance Studio
• West Concord Dance Academy
WINNER
• Creative Steps Dance Studio
CIRCUS ARTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Boston Children’s Circus
• Circus Complex Co.
• Commonwealth Circus Center
• Esh Circus Arts
• Moody Street Circus
WINNER
• Commonwealth Circus Center
CLASSES FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION
TOP 5
• Community Music Center of Boston
• Groovy Baby Music
• Little Groove Music
• Music at the Blissful
• Note-worthy Music Studio
WINNER
• Note-worthy Music Studio
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CODING CLASSES
• CS Recitations
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Empow Studios
• iCode of Wellesley
• Penguin Coding School
WINNER
• Penguin Coding School
DANCE CLASSES
TOP 5
• All That Jazz Dance Studio
• Live Love Dance
• Mini Movers Studio
• Wellesley Theatre Project
• West Concord Dance Academy
WINNER
• Mini Movers Studio
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES
TOP 5
• Boston Music Project
• Community Music Center of Boston
• Groovy Baby Music
• Little Groove Music
• Music At The Blissful WINNER
• Little Groove Music
ENRICHMENT & AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
TOP 10
• Commonwealth Learning Center
• Community Music Center of Boston
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Hill House Inc
• iCode of Wellesley
• Kidstock Creative Theater
• Natick Community Organic Farm
• Penguin Coding School
• RSM
• Skating Club of Boston
• Wellesley Theatre Project WINNER
• RSM FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
TOP 5 (TIE)
• ABC Spanish in Motion
• Alma Mater Studio
• Ecole Française Greater Boston
• French Library/ Alliance Française of Boston
• German International School Boston
• SELA: The International Private School
WINNER
• SELA: The International Private School
GYMNASTICS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Broderick Gymnastics Academy
• Energy Fitness & Gymnastics
• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing
• Massachusetts Gymnastics Center
• Planet Gymnastics
WINNER
• Energy Fitness & Gymnastics
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.
ICE SKATING LESSONS
TOP 5
• Bay State Skating School
• Edge Sports Center, The
• North Shore Skating Club
• Sharper Edge Skating School
• Skating Club of Boston Skating Academy
WINNER
• Skating Club of Boston Skating Academy
IRISH STEP DANCING CLASSES
TOP 5
• Goulding School of Irish Dance
• Harney Academy of Irish Dance
• Heavey Quinn Irish Dance
• McHale School of Irish Dance
• Sullivan School of Irish Dance
WINNER
• McHale School of Irish Dance
MARTIAL ARTS
CLASSES
TOP 5
• Atlas Jiu Jitsu Waltham
• Excel Martial Arts
• Giroux Brothers
• Metrowest Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
• Satori Ryu Karate
WINNER
• Satori Ryu Karate
MATH PROGRAMSAFTER SCHOOL
TOP 5
• Commonwealth Learning Center
• CS Recitations
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Mathnasium
• RSM
WINNER
• RSM
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Einstein’s Workshop
• iCode of Wellesley
• Penguin Coding School
• RSM
• Y3K Tutor In Your Home
WINNER
• RSM
SPORTS PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Babson Skating School
• Boston Fencing Club
• Kids in Sports
• Olympia Fencing Center
• Teamworks
WINNER
• Olympia Fencing Center
SWIM LESSONS
TOP 5
• Burbank YMCA
• Charles River Aquatics
• Goldfish Swim School
• Powers Aquatics Hanover
• Tiburon Swim Academy
WINNER
• Tiburon Swim Academy
THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES
TOP 5
• Concord Youth Theatre
• Kidstock! Creative Theater
• Puppet Showplace Theater
• Wellesley Theatre Project
• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University
WINNER
• Wellesley Theatre Project
TUTORING OR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Boston Tutoring Services
• Commonwealth Learning Center
• Prepped and Polished
• RSM
• Y3K Tutor In Your Home
WINNER
• Commonwealth Learning Center
BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA
TOP 5
• Max & Leo’s Artisan Pizza
• Regina Pizzeria
• Sorrento’s
• Stone L’oven
• Town Spa Pizza
WINNER
• Regina Pizzeria
FAMILY FRIENDLY COFFEE SHOP
TOP 5
• Coffee Break Cafe
• Flour Bakery + Cafe
• J&M Diner
• SPoT!
• The Tot Cafe by Little Cocoa Bean Co.
WINNER
• Flour Bakery + Cafe
ICE CREAM PARLORS
TOP 5
• Bedford Farms Ice Cream
• Bubbling Brook Ice Cream
• Crescent Ridge Dairy
• J.P. Licks
• Pizzi Farm Ice Cream
WINNER
• Crescent Ridge Dairy
PLACE FOR DINNER WITH THE FAMILY
TOP 5
• 110 Grill
• Antonio’s Bacaro
• Koshari Mama
• Mida
• The Peddler’s Daughter Irish Restaurant & Pub
WINNER
• 110 Grill
PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE / CUPCAKES
TOP 5
• Amazing Cakes
• Cakes For Occasions
• Cupcake Charlie’s
• Icing On The Cake,The
• Lyndell’s Bakery WINNER
• Cupcake Charlie’s
AMUSEMENT PARKS
TOP 5
• Canobie Lake Park
• Maziply Mirror Maze
• Puppet Showplace Theater
• Santa’s Village
• Story Land
WINNER
• Story Land
ATHLETIC CLUBS
TOP 5
• A Mom’s Club
• Bayshore Athletic Club
• Life Time Athletic
• Manchester Athletic Club
• YMCA of Greater Boston
WINNER
• YMCA of Greater Boston
BIRTHDAY PARTY RESOURCES
TOP 5
• Barn Babies Traveling Pet Zoo
• Big Joe the Storyteller
• Jam Time
• Mad Science of Southern MA & RI
• Music at the Blissful WINNER
• Music at the Blissful
BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES
TOP 5
• Discovery Museum Acton
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Jam Time
• Maziply Toys
• Puppet Showplace Theater
WINNER
• Discovery Museum Acton
COOLEST PLACE TO TAKE A TOUR
TOP 5
• Boston Duck Tours
• Fenway Park
• Plimoth Patuxet Museums
• Harvard Museum of Natural Museum
• USS Constitution Museum
WINNER
• USS Constitution Museum
FAMILY FUN FAIRS/ FESTIVALS
TOP 5
• Baby Animals at Strawbery Banke Museum
• Duckling Day on Boston Common
• Inn at East Hill Farm
• Johnny Appleseed Festival
• The Farm at Raven Brook WINNER
• Inn at East Hill Farm
HISTORIC SITES & TOURS
TOP 5
• Boston Public Garden
• Freedom Trail
• Plimoth Patuxet Museums
• Salem
• USS Constitution Museum WINNER
• USS Constitution Museum
INDOOR PLAY SPACES
TOP 5
• Boston Children’s Museum
• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
• Einstein’s Workshop
• Jam Time
• We Rock the SpectrumWellesley WINNER
• We Rock the SpectrumWellesley KID’S PARTY ENTERTAINMENT
TOP 5
• Barn Babies
• Jam Time
• Music at the Blissful
• Puppet Showplace Theater
• Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys
WINNER (TIE)
• Music at the Blissful
• Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys
LIVE THEATER & FAMILY PERFORMANCES
TOP 5
• DrumatiX
• Music at the Blissful
Whether your loved one with special needs is an adult or a child, we can help with:
• Special Needs Planning
• Transition Planning & Adult Servi
• Advocacy
• Guardianship & Alternativ
• Reducing Estate Taxes & Avoiding Probate
Frederick M. Misilo, Jr., Esq fmisilo@fletchertilton.com
Anne E. Grenier, Esq. agrenier@fletchertilton.co
Dani N. Ruran , Esq. druran@fletchertilton com
• North Shore Music Theatre
• Wellesley Theatre Project
• Wheelock Family Theatre
WINNER
• DrumatiX
LOCAL FARMS
TOP 5
• Connors Farm
• Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm
• Natick Community Organic Farm
• The Farm at Raven Brook
• Parlee Farms
WINNER
• Parlee Farms
MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
TOP 5
• Danforth Art Museum
• Discovery Museum
• Museum of Science
• New England Aquarium
• USS Constitution Museum
WINNER
• Discovery Museum
PARENT-FRIENDLY PLAYDATE SPOTS
TOP 5
• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
• Discovery Museum
• Jam Time
• Maziply Toys
• Puppet Showplace Theater
WINNER
• Discovery Museum PLACES FOR ICE SKATING
TOP 5
• Bay State Skating School
• Duck Pond Boston Common
• Jack Kirrane Ice Rink at Larz Anderson Park
• The Skating Academy
• The Skating Club of Boston
WINNER
• The Skating Club of Boston
SUMMER RESORTS FOR FAMILIES
TOP 5
• Bayside Resort Hotel
• Oceans Edge
• Pine Acres Family Camping Resort
• Smugglers’ Notch Resort
• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH
WINNER
• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH
WINTER RESORTS FOR FAMILIES
TOP 5
• Bayside Resort Hotel
• Mount Washington inn
• Smugglers’ Notch Resort
• Stowe Mountain Resort
• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH
WINNER
• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH
ZOOS, AQUARIUMS OR NATURE CENTERS
TOP 5
• Center for Wildlife, Cape Neddick, Maine
• Franklin Park Zoo
• Mass Audobon, Ipswich River Sanctuary
• New England Aquarium
• Southwick’s Zoo
WINNER
• New England Aquarium
BABY GIFTS & GEAR
TOP 5
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
• kodomo boston
• Magpie Kids
• Maziply Toys
• Tiny Hanger
WINNER
• Magpie Kids
BOOK STORES
TOP 5
• Blue Bunny Books & Toys
• Brookline Booksmith
• Magpie Kids
• Porter Square Books
• The Silver Unicorn Bookstore
WINNER
• Porter Square Books
CONSIGNMENT STORES
TOP 5
• Boomerangs
• Closet to Closet Kids Resale Boutique
• CMC Kids Tag Sale
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
• Raspberry Beret
WINNER
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
FAMILY SHOE STORES
TOP 5
• Active Soles
• Michelson’s Shoes
• Red’s Shoe Barn
• Shoe Market Kids
• The Barn Family Shoe Store WINNER
• Michelson’s Shoes
KIDS’ CASUAL WEAR STORES
TOP 5
• CouCou
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
• Hatched - Eco-Friendly Goods For Babies And Big Kids
• Magpie Kids
• Tiny Hanger WINNER
• Magpie Kids
KIDS’ SPECIAL OCCASION WEAR STORES
TOP 5
• BeeCee’s Kids
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
• kodomo bostonchildren’s clothing
• Magpie Kids
• Tadpole WINNER
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
TOY STORES
TOP 5
• Blue Bunny Books & Toys
• Cutie Patutie’s Consignment
• Henry Bear’s Park
• Magpie Kids
• Maziply Toys WINNER
• Henry Bear’s Park
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS
TOP 5
• Boston Baby Photos
• Bump 2 Baby Photography
• Janelle Carmela Photography
• Lucozzi Portraits
• Paula Swift Photography, Inc.
WINNER
• Janelle Carmela Photography KIDS HAIRCUTS
TOP 5
• Lulu’s Family Cuts
• Max and Mia’s Children’s Salon Hanover
• Snip-its Haircuts for Kids
• The Cutting Studio
• The Village Barber 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 Washburn Agency WINNER
• Cass and Company, LLC
BIRTH CENTERS & MATERNITY CARE
TOP 5
• Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Mother’s Helpers
• New England Doula Support
WINNER
• Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny
FAMILY DENTISTS
TOP 5
• Lexington Family Dental
• Natick Dental Partners
• Pediatric Dental Specialists of Needham
• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics
• Village Pediatric DentalActon
WINNER
• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics
HOSPITALS OR MEDICAL CENTERS
TOP 5
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Mass General Hospital
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Open House
Sunday, November 3
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Accepting applications for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
• Tufts Medical Center
WINNER
• Boston Children’s Hospital
LEARNING DISABILITIES SPECIALISTS
TOP 5
• Boston Ability Center
• Federation for Children with Special Needs
• South Shore Autism Center
• South Shore Therapies
• Y3K Tutor In Your Home
WINNER
• Y3K Tutor In Your Home
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES
TOP 5
• Be Inspired Counseling
• Behavioral Health and Medicine
• McLean Hospital
• Norwood Behavioral Health
• Sanative Counseling and Wellness Center
WINNER
• Be Inspired Counseling OPTOMETRIST
TOP 5
• Anna Kirillova OD
• Boston Vision Associates
• Lawrence A. Phillips, OD
• Massachusetts Eye Associates
Orthodontics
WINNER
• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics
PEDIATRICIANS
TOP 5
• Centre Pediatric Associates, PC
• Dedham Medical Associates Norwood
• Framingham Pediatrics
• Needham Pediatrics
• Pediatrics at Newton Wellesley
WINNERS (TIE)
• Centre Pediatric Associates, PC
• Pediatrics at Newton Wellesley
SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY
TOP 5
• Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy
• Boston Ability Center
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Buttonloop Children’s Therapies
• OTA The Koomar Center
WINNER
• Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy
SPORTS MEDICINE PRACTICES
TOP 5
• Boston Sports Medicine
• Medfield Eye Associates
WINNER
• Massachusetts Eye Associates
ORTHODONTISTS
TOP 5
• Chestnut Dental
• Dr Eric Gheewalla
• Dr Mark Halvorsen
• Starr & Glick Orthodontics
• The Center for Pediatric Dental Care &
• Mass General Hospital
• Orthopedics New England
• Ryan Center for Sports Medicine
• Sports Medicine Wellesley WINNER
• Orthopedics New England
SPECIAL NEED SERVICES & RESOURCES
SPECIAL NEEDS GENERAL RESOURCES
TOP 5
• ABLS - Applied Behavioral Learning Services.
• Campus School at Boston College
• Commonwealth Learning Center
• Cotting School
• Milestones Day School and Transition Program
WINNERS (TIE)
• ABLS - Applied Behavioral Learning Services
• Milestones Day School and Transition Program
SPECIAL NEEDS LEGAL ASSISTANCE
TOP 5
• Fletcher Tilton PC
• Gillis Law LLC
• Mariscal Special Needs Law
• Ramos Law Education and Disability Advocates
• Special Needs Law of MA
WINNER
• Fletcher Tilton PC
SPECIAL NEEDS PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• ABLS - Applied Behavioral Learning Services.
• Campus School at Boston College
• Cotting School
• Kennedy Day School
• Partners in Child Development WINNER
• Campus School at Boston College
SPECIAL NEEDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Campus School at Boston College
• Cotting School
• May Institute
• Milestones Day School and Transition Program
• The Wolf School
WINNER
• Cotting School
SPECIAL NEEDS MIDDLE SCHOOLSMIDDLE SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Campus School at Boston College
• Cotting School
• May Institute
• Milestones Day School and Transition Program
• The Wolf School
WINNER
• The Wolf School
SPECIAL NEEDS HIGH SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Campus School at Boston College
• Cotting School
• League School of Greater Boston
• Learning Prep School
• Milestones Day School and Transition Program
WINNER
• League School of Greater Boson
SPECIAL NEEDS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• ABA Helps, LLC
• Bridging Independent Living Together Inc.
• Campus School at Boston College
• Commonwealth Learning Center
• Riverside Early Intervention
• Cotting School
WINNER
• ABA Helps, LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS
RECREATION PROGRAMS
TOP 5
• Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE)
• Bridging Independent
Living Together, Inc.
• Cotting School
• Open Door Theater
• The Common Room Inc
WINNER
• The Common Room Inc.
BILINGUAL PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
• Norwood Montessori School
• Pine Village Preschool
• SELA: The International Private School
• SolBe Learning WINNER
• SELA: The International Private School
CHILD CARE FACILITIES
TOP 10
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
• Kiddie Academy of Cambridge
• Kids & Company
• Pine Village Preschool
• SELA: The International Private School
• SolBe Learning
• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers LLC
• Tobin Children’s School
• Torit Montessori School
• Wellan Montessori School WINNER
• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers LLC
CHILD CARE REFERRAL & SUPPORT AGENCIES
TOP 5
• Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny
• Cass and Company, LLC
• New England Doula Support
• Nightingale Night Nurses
• Sarah’s Sweet Slumber WINNER
• Cass and Company, LLC
FAITH-BASED PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Abundant Life Christian School & Learning Center
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
• Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel, Boston
• Mount Hope Christian School
• Quincy Catholic Academy WINNER
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
INDEPENDENT PRESCHOOLS
TOP 10
• Advent School
• Bowen Cooperative Nursery School
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
• Jackson Walnut Park School
• SELA: The International Private School
• SolBe Learning
• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers LLC
• Tobin Children’s School
• Torit Montessori School
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Wellan Montessori School
LARGE PRESCHOOLS
TOP 10
• Bowen Cooperative Nursery School
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
• Kiddie Academy of Cambridge
• Kids & Company
• Pine Village Preschool
• SELA: The International Private School
• SolBe Learning
• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers LLC
• Torit Montessori School
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers LLC
MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
• Jackson Walnut Park School
• Norwood Montessori School
• Torit Montessori School
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Wellan Montessori School
SMALL PRESCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Clinton Path Preschool
• Delphi Academy
• Natick Community Organic Farm
• Norwood Montessori School
• Two Little Owls Schoolhouse
WINNER
• Norwood Montessori School
BILINGUAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TOP 5
• EFGB Ecole Francaise Greater Boston
• German International School
• Quincy Catholic Academy
• SELA: The International Private School
WINNER
• SELA: The International Private School
FAITH-BASED ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Abundant Life Christian School & Learning Center
• Mount Hope Christian School
• Jackson Walnut Park School
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School
• St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School
WINNER
• Jackson Walnut Park School
MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Cambridge Montessori School
• Norwood Montessori School
• Oak Meadow Montessori School
• Torit Montessori School
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Wellan Montessori School
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Advent School
• Jackson Walnut Park School
• SELA: The International Private School
• The Chestnut Hill School
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Advent School
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Countryside Elementary
• Eliot Elementary
• Hunnewell Elementary
School
• John D. Hardy Elementary School
• Schofield Elementary School
WINNER
• Eliot Elementary
FAITH-BASED MIDDLE SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Abundant Life Christian School & Learning Center
• Lexington Christian Academy
• Quincy Catholic Academy
• Saint Paul’s Choir School
• Ursuline Academy
WINNER
• Saint Paul’s Choir School
MONTESSORI MIDDLE SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Andover School of Montessori
• Cambridge Montessori School
• Norwood Montessori School
• Riverbend School
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Wellan Montessori School
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT MIDDLE SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Delphi Academy
• SELA: The International Private School
• Tremont School
• Ursuline Academy
• Wellan Montessori School
WINNER
• Wellan Montessori School
PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Boston Latin
• Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
• Medway Middle School
• Wellesley Middle Schoo
• West Somerville Neighborhood School l WINNER
• Boston Latin
BOARDING HIGH SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Groton School
• Lexington Christian Academy
• Phillips Academy Andover
• St. Paul’s School
• Tremont School
WINNER
• Tremont School
FAITH-BASED HIGH SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Boston College High School
• Boston Trinity Academy
• Cardinal Spellman High School
• Lexington Christian Academy
• Ursuline Academy WINNER
• Ursuline Academy
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• Austin Preparatory School
• German international School
• Norwood Montessori School
• Tremont School
• Ursuline Academy
WINNER
• Ursuline Academy
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
TOP 5
• BLS (Boston Latin School)
• Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
• Hopkinton High school
• Newton South High School
• Wellesley High School
WINNER
• BLS (Boston Latin School)
By Jill Plantedosi
In speaking with numerous teachers and parents I have worked with over the past 25 years, a consistent question that I am asked is, “how do I know if my child or student is dyslexic?”
According to Drs. Shaywitz from the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, dyslexia effects 20 percent of the population and represents 80-90 percent of all those with learning disabilities.
Teachers have become increasingly concerned about diagnosing dyslexia as early as possible in order to put together a roadmap for success. Educators need to identify children who are at risk for dyslexia and catch them before they fall. So many children are not getting a definitive diagnosis of dyslexia, but are given a checklist of strengths and weaknesses, stating only the word “learning disability” on their evaluation. Success begins with identifying this complex problem and knowing the best interventions to put into place. The dyslexia guidelines posted on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website, provides a set of screening recommendations for all students, as well as a framework for intervention. These guidelines can be quite helpful in providing information needed to support students with dyslexia.
Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, (www.interdys.org), “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” (Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002)
The basic deficit in dyslexia, is the result of persistent difficulties with phonological processing.
If your child has a phonological impairment, and struggles with the individual sounds of spoken words, he/she may have problems with:
• Spoken language linked to a child’s phonological skills, (Either delayed early on and/or word retrieval later on).
• Phonemic awareness (understanding by the child that spoken words are made up of smaller units of speech)
• Difficulties with pronunciation of words
• Rapid automatized object naming
• Identifying letters of connecting letters to sounds
• Ability to use expressive language
• Decoding difficulties that impact accuracy
• Hearing and repeating rhyming sounds
• Encoding sounds into letters and spelling
• Learning the sound system of a foreign language
• More boys than girls are dyslexic-Dyslexia affects comparable numbers.
• Dyslexia will be outgrown-Dyslexics will be able to learn to read accurately, but will continue to struggle with fluency and automaticity.
• Intelligence is related to dyslexia- Dyslexics often have a high IQ.
• Dyslexia is a vision problem-Dyslexic children are no more likely to have vision problems than non-dyslexic children.
• Mirror writing is a symptom of dyslexia-This is very common in all children at the early stages, as young children commonly reverse letters.
• Dyslexia doesn’t show up until elementary school-Dyslexia can show up in preschool. Often these preschoolers were late talkers and had difficulty with rhyming words.
• Dyslexic children need to try harder-Effort has nothing to do with reading success, as the brain functions differently in a dyslexic child.
• There is no way to accurately diagnose dyslexia-We can now accurately identify those at risk as early as preschool and children who are dyslexic by first grade.
• Dyslexia only happens in the English language- Dyslexia is prevalent in all languages.
• Trouble with learning nursery rhymes
• Struggles to learn and remember the names of the letters in the alphabet
• Difficulties recognizing letters in his/her name
• Mispronouncing and confusing familiar words
• Difficulty producing individual speech sounds
• Struggles to blend the sounds in words
• Not recognizing rhyming words and patterns
• Having a family history of reading difficulties
• Does not associate letters with sounds
• Reading errors and miscues that show no connection to the sounds of the letters
• Difficulty reading one-syllable words
• Difficulty separating sounds in words and does not understand that words come apart
• Struggles to blend sounds in words
• Difficulty getting to the individual sounds of spoken words
• Difficulty with word retrieval
• Slow progress in acquiring reading skills
• Rarely reads for pleasure
• Complains about how hard reading is and how tired they get
• Slow reading, often pausing during reading
• Trouble reading unfamiliar words
• Difficulty getting to the individual sounds of spoken words
• Stumbling when reading multisyllable words
• Difficulty with word retrieval
• Poor fluency and prosody
• Oral reading is full of substitutions, omissions, and mispronunciations
• Avoids reading aloud
• Confuses words that sound alike
• Struggles to finish assignments
• Difficulty learning a foreign language
• Poor spelling
• Reading comprehension often superior to accuracy and speed
• Slow progress in reading skills
• Rarely reads for pleasure
The Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines provides for all students from kindergarten through at least third grade, to be screened for reading. They use a valid, developmentally appropriate DESE approved early literacy screening instrument. If your child’s screening results are below benchmark, the student’s parents or guardians will be notified within 30 days. There will be a discussion about what actions will take place within your child’s education program. Remember that a screener is not a reading assessment, but a way to help identify those students who may be at risk for dyslexia.
parents can take if they feel their child is at risk for dyslexia
• Review the screening assessment with your child’s teacher and discuss what plan of action will be put in place.
• Listen to your child read aloud at home, and make a list of your observations and concerns. Bring your list to the meeting.
• Have your child placed in an intense early intervention reading program taught by a reading specialist, and have his/her progress monitored.
• Set up regular meetings with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress.
• If your child is not making progress and you still have concerns, ask to have a full diagnostic reading assessment done.
• Have your child taught with a scientifically—based reading program that supports his/her strengths and weaknesses.
• Your child’s reading program should include the following components: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Set aside a designated reading time in your home to read together. Let your child select books of his/her choice and practice with repeated readings.
• Be cautious about computer-assisted instruction.
• Use every opportunity to expose your child to literacy activities
Remember that dyslexia is a reading impairment, not a thinking impairment, and that the essential of a successful reading intervention is:
• Early screening
• Early diagnosis
• Early intervention
October 2 has been designated in Massachusetts as Learning Disability Screening Day in order to raise awareness of the necessity of screening for reading disabilities and promoting an understanding around dyslexia and other reading disabilities.
Jill Piantedosi is an adjunct professor for American International College, where she teaches graduate students who are pursuing an advanced degree in reading. She has worked as a reading specialist at both the elementary and middle school level for over 30 years. She holds an M Ed. in education and an advanced CAGS degree in reading. Jill is nationally board certified in English Language Arts 6-8 and holds a Massachusetts reading certification K-12.
References
Shaywitz, J. P. & Shaywitz, S., (2020). Overcoming Dyslexia.
New York: Vintage Books
Sousa, David, (2014). How the Brain Learns to Read.
California: Corwin Book Company
Websites
Florida Center for Reading Research – www.fcrr.org
International Dyslexia Association – https://dyslexiaida.org
International Literacy Association – https://www.literacyworldwide.org
KidsHealth - Understanding Dyslexia – www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/dyslexia.html
Mass Department of Elementary and Secondary Education –https:www.doe.mass.edu/instruction/screening-assessments.html
National Center for Learning Disabilities – https://www.ncld.org
Parents as Teachers – www.parentsasteachers.org
Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity – http://dyslexia.yale.edu
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By Ju’Riese Colón CEO, U.S. Center for SafeSport
Private pitching lessons. Post-practice sports massage. A text message between a coach and an athlete.
What do all of these potentially have in common?
They’re one-on-one interactions between a child and an adult.
Sport should be a fun, positive experience. Yet, as a parent or guardian, you only have so much control over your child’s sport environment. By asking the right questions, you can find out if a sport program is following best practices to create a safe and supportive environment for your child.
At the U.S. Center for SafeSport, we believe athlete safety and well-being come first. We put policies in place to help parents, coaches, and the wider sport community safeguard these settings so athletes can thrive in sport and life.
Let’s explore five policies that help protect youth athletes, and which sport organizations are required to follow them.
From lacrosse practice to afternoon swim, kids are constantly interacting and engaging with adults—coaches, assistant coaches, league administrators, and parent volunteers. But what policies are in place to make sure these adult-athlete interactions are positive, respectful, and safe?
Known as the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), these guidelines outline training requirements and limit one-on-one interactions between adults and athletes. And if your child’s sport organization is affiliated with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, it’s required to follow them.
You might be wondering if your child’s organization falls under the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Sport organizations are considered part of the Movement if they’re affiliated with one of the 52 National Governing Bodies that fall under the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, such as USA Swimming, USA Volleyball, USA Gymnastics, or USA Hockey. If your child’s club, league, or organization is affiliated, their coach—and the organization—should be following specific policies to protect athletes from abuse and misconduct.
Safer athletics starts with these five best practices.
Whether they’re shooting the hockey puck out on the ice or visiting the athletic trainer to get their ankle wrapped, MAAPP policies are in place to keep your child safe at every step. And these policies extend beyond the ice rink—they should be followed in any activity related to participation in sport, such as award ceremonies, team-building activities, travel, and competition.
Here are five key policies to know about:
1
One-on-one interactions. When a coach interacts with your child one-on-one, the interaction must always be observable and interruptible.
2
Parental consent. You must give consent for your child to take part in individual training sessions, receive medical care, meet with health professionals, or participate in transportation or lodging arrangements.
3 Individual training sessions. You must be allowed to watch your child’s one-on-one training sessions.
4
Athletic training and massage. When your child is being treated, a second adult must always be present in the room, and your child must be fully or partially clothed, with private body parts covered.
5 Electronic communications. If a coach is electronically communicating with your child, you (as the parent or guardian), another adult family member, or another adult (such as an assistant coach) must be included on all communication— including texts, emails, and social media.
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Whether they’re shooting the hockey puck out on the ice or visiting the athletic trainer to get their ankle wrapped, MAAPP policies are in place to keep your child safe at every step.
From text-message check-ins with their coach to overnight team trips away from home, understanding these policies can help you set your child up for safer sport encounters. But what if your child plays a sport that isn’t affiliated with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement? Asking informed questions can help you determine whether a program is proactive in its efforts to prevent and respond to abuse.
Approach your child’s coach or the league administrator with the following questions to understand what policies are in place:
• What are the criteria for volunteer and staff screening and background checks?
• What policies are in place to prevent abuse?
• Do the policies limit opportunities for coaches or other staff to be alone with children?
• Do your coaches, and other staff, receive training and education about child sexual abuse and other misconduct in sport?
Above all else, sport should be a positive place where kids learn new skills and grow as athletes and children. The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers resources and tools to help parents, guardians, and coaches create safe and supportive sport environments. Explore our MAAPP At-A-Glance document for additional resources to help you recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse in sport.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or misconduct involving a participant of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, you can make a report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/reporta-concern/
Ju’Riese Colón is the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the nation’s only nonprofit organization committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport. As CEO, Ju’Riese leads the strategic vision and direction of the organization to ensure every athlete is safe, supported, and strengthened through support. An experienced child advocate who serves as an expert on issues related to child safety, Ju’Riese has led prevention and outreach initiatives with youth-serving organizations serving families, educators, law enforcement, and diverse communities. She earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and Spanish from Virginia Commonweath University.
By Katy M. Clark
“How many have you had?” I asked my sixteen-year-old son as he popped another buttered roll into his mouth. We were dining at a restaurant that serves rolls before the meal.
“Nnnnh,” he replied, his mouth full of doughy goodness.
I believe he meant nine. Nine rolls.
By the time our entrees came, my teen had inhaled an even dozen. All of them were slathered in butter, too. With his super-fast metabolism, he gained nary an ounce.
Meanwhile, I ate one roll with a hint of butter and instantaneously put on five pounds around my midsection.
That’s when it hit me. I might be just a little bit jealous of my teen.
It’s not just because he can eat whatever he wants, either. It’s hard to ignore the pang of envy I feel every time my teen experiences one of the many advantages of being young.
While I could see my son consume all those rolls, I couldn’t see the words on the menu right in front of my face. That’s because my eyesight had gone caput one day in my mid-40s.
I was afflicted with presbyopia, which is not about church, it’s about being old.
Now when I need to read a medicine bottle or look at a menu in a dimly lit restaurant, I must pass it to my teen with his bright, shiny eyes that can see everything.
The bright, shiny eyes that he usually rolls when I ask him to read aloud to me.
I went to college. I took computer classes in the last millennium. I should be able to handle technology.
Nonetheless, I’m usually in a dither as I reset passwords, confirm my identity, sign up for portals I do not want, and wonder why the Wi-Fi isn’t working.
Meanwhile, my teen is captain of technology, blissfully downloading the latest app, completing all his homework online, and solving software glitches without breaking a sweat. He moves like a stealthy panther through a jungle of apps, portals, clouds, and platforms.
I want what he’s got.
Oh my word, I’m jealous of the way my teen sleeps.
Deep and long.
I’m awake multiple times each night due to stress—Did I buy a yearbook yet? Do we have enough toilet paper to make it to the end of the week?—or hormones. Thanks a lot, perimenopause.
And sleeping in? Once my teen started sleeping in I thought I could, too. Yet while my teen can slumber until noon, I’m lucky if I make it an hour past my usual wake-up time. It must be my age or a combination of the whining cats that want to be fed, my bladder, and the countless chores that won’t get done by themselves.
When my teen gets a group text to meet at the bowling alley on Friday night, I’m jealous.
First, I’m jealous that he has the energy to pick up and leave the house after 9pm. Second, I’m envious that his night holds endless possibilities. I miss those evenings of utter freedom where I’d go out with friends and end up in a booth giggling over nothing while eating french fries at midnight.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my Friday night pajama parties in front of the TV, but there is something so amazing about a teenager’s wide-open Friday nights, boundless energy, and no responsibilities other than to stay safe.
This last one’s easy. I’m jealous of my teen and the beautiful, natural highlights in his hair, the same hair that has zero gray hairs. I’m most envious every 8-10 weeks as I truck myself--and my wallet--to the salon. There I spend several hours and lots of money to get the beautiful, natural-looking highlights he grows for free.
Of course, there are lots of reasons why I am not jealous of my teen. There are SATs, break ups, and breakouts. There are insane schedules jam-packed with homework, practices, clubs, and sports. Don’t forget the dangers of social media.
I realize teens are facing so many pressures and have it much harder than we did at their age.
I wouldn’t trade places with my teen for the world. But that doesn’t mean I won’t feel a stab of jealousy the next time I watch him blissfully eat twelve buttered rolls without gaining an ounce!
Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who celebrates her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.
Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s provides fully collaborative
