JANUARY 2022
11 Ways
TO CELEBRATE
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
Volume 37 • Number 5
What’s Inside January 2022
25 13 F E AT UR E S . .. TM
Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 617-522-1515 info@BostonParentsPaper.com Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com PUBLISHER Parenting Media, Inc ART DIRECTOR | Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Jean Abernathy ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney Boston Parents Paper is published monthly by Parenting Media Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. ©2022
10 | 11 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day with Your Kids 13 | Benefits of Healthy Snacks 18 | How do You Teach Your Children to be More Mindful?
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25 | Your Guide on How to Pick the Best Camp 28 | What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience? . .. AND TH ER E’S MO R E 6 Family FYI 20 Organizing Kids’ • Looking for a Great School Summer Camp? Papers and Artwork • Top Baby Names in 2021 Projects
Copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to locations throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Past issues are available on our website, www. BostonParentsPaper.com
Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@ bostonparent.com. Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/event
• Internet Safety
15 Book Club
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6 Books for the Eager to Learn
30 The Ultimate Guide to Teen Tours 34 Setting Intentions in the New Year
January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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Family F.Y.I.
Looking for a Great Summer Camp? Don’t miss the Boston Parents 2022 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo starting on Jan. 22. This year we are doing a virtual program for camps that can be customize so you receive the information you want. Please register to receive you customized package of camp information: https://bostonparentspaper.com/summer-camp-expo.html
TOP BABY Names in 2021
L
iam and Olivia topped the list of the most popular baby names in 2021, according to Babycenter.com. New names to appear on the top ten boy’s list are Levi and Asher, bumping off William and Benjamin. There are no new names on the girl’s top ten list but two names, Charlotte and Amelia, move up the list in popularity.
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
Here’s the top ten baby names in 2021: MALE 1. Liam 2. Noah 3. Oliver 4. Elijah 5. Lucas 6. Levi 7. Mason 8. Asher 9. James 10. Ethan
FEMALE 1. Olivia 2. Emma 3. Amelia 4. Ava 5. Sophia 6. Charlotte 7. Isabella 8. Mia 9. Luna 10. Harper
Take Five (or 20) minutes to tackle a little post-holiday toy overload and pare down clutter with these 5 steps. 1. Look for things which never get used 2. Remove toys your kids have outgrown 3. Say goodbye to toys with missing or broken parts 4. Create a temporary home for items you are not sure about removing 5. Ask kids if there are toys, books, crafts that they no longer want or need that can be donated to children in need
ONE IN 54 CHILDREN HAS AUTISM. WE CHANGE LIVES ONE CHILD AT A TIME. FOR MORE THAN 65 YEARS, MAY INSTITUTE HAS PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL CARE TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS. OUR S ERV I CE S A RE B A S E D O N A PPLIED BEH AVIOR AN ALYSIS (AB A):
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Family F.Y.I.
INTERNET SAFETY By Deirdre Farrelly Practice Administrator- Boston Children’s Hospital Trauma Center
Celebrate National Fig Newton Day on January 16th!
F
T
he internet can be a wealth of knowledge for kids. It can be used for school work, for curious minds to find answers and now, more than ever, as a way to connect with friends. While it can be fun, the internet can also be dangerous so it is important to talk to your child about safe internet habits. Your child should never, under any circumstances exchange any personal information with someone they meet online. Keeping the computer in a common area is an easy way to help monitor what your child is searching. Phones and tablets should also be used in a common area. Sit with your child and teach them about appropriate sites and behavior. Creating bookmarks of your child’s favorite sites is a great way to help them navigate to safe sites. Monitor phone and credit card bills for any unusual charges. Some common signs that your child may be targeted by an online predator is more time spent online, phone calls, withdraw from family life and your child hiding the phone or turning the computer off when you walk into a room. Talk with your child about speaking up if someone makes them feel uncomfortable and remind them that people will often lie to obtain personal information. They need to understand why it is important to never give out personal information to strangers such as addresses and passwords. There are online tools for caregivers to set up alerts, parent control options and block certain sites. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure your child uses the internet for safe fun, entertainment and to connect with family and friends.
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
ig Newtons have been a popular pastry for over a century, so it’s no surprise they have their very own day. Physicians started recommending biscuits and fruit in one’s diet as a cure for intestinal issues in the 19th century, and Fig Newtons were born. As a result, fig rolls became a common food commodity. Charles Roser, a Philadelphia baker, and fig fanatic, invented and patented the machine that injected fig paste into a dense pastry dough in 1891. Roser’s recipe was later acquired by the Kennedy Biscuit Company of Cambridgeport, Massachusetts. After buying the formula, they started mass manufacturing. The F.A. Kennedy Steam Bakery baked the first Fig Newtons in 1891. The pastries were named after the town of Newton, Massachusetts, by the corporation but some people claim the fruit roll was named after Sir Isaac Newton.
Hug It Out J
ust when you thought the warm fuzzies of the holidays were over, brace yourself (or someone else!) for National Hugging Day on January 21. The super-sweet celebration was originated in 1986. There’s a reason this simple act is so beloved. Hugs can actually boost your oxytocin levels, which help admonish feelings of loneliness and anger. They can also increase your serotonin levels, the chemical responsible for lifting your spirits. Couldn’t we all use a little more of that in our lives?
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Martin Luther King Day with Your Kids
B
oston is special place to celebrate MLK day, his life and legacy. Dr. King was in Boston when he met his wife, Coretta Scott King, and earned his Ph.D in Theology at Boston University. He viewed Boston as his second home.
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
Continued on page 12 >>>
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<<< Continued from page 10
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Watch or listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches.
This is an inspiring activity for older kids and teens. The “I Have a Dream” speech is about 17 minutes long; you can listen or watch on YouTube along with some of Dr. King’s other famous speeches. Follow up with a discussion about what Dr. King’s message means to your child and you.
2
Visit local monuments, exhibitions or attend celebrations created in honor of Dr. King.
Visit the Roxbury Love Story mural, attend the Annual MLK Memorial Breakfast, participate in MLK Day at the MFA, walk the Black Heritage Trail or take in the MLK Tribute Concert by Boston Children’s Chorus and explore the many cross-cultural events, exhibitions, sightseeing trails and more.
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Read a book or watch a movie about diversity, equity and inclusion. You can honor Dr.
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talking with children about these topics has a lasting positive impact on a child’s development.
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Read a children’s book about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Your local library
is a great resource for these.
For younger kids, make a “Peace” craft. Use art and
creativity to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of peace and love. Draw and color peace signs to hang in your window, paint a dove using your child’s hand print, or create a heart garland to drape over the front door.
your child and learn more about how you can create your own event and encourage kids in your community to volunteer and be of service––because serving others has a profound positive benefit on those who volunteer.
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Discuss your kids dreams.
Talking to your children about their hopes and dreams, both big and small, will be a meaningful catalyst for important family discussions.
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Attend the MLK Jr. day in D.C. virtually. Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. famously proclaimed, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving Plant a tree as a living tribute forward.” This year, you and your to MLK. While planting discuss family can follow along virtually King’s belief that a society with the annual Dr. Martin Luther grows great when men plant trees in King Jr. Peace Walk Parade that norwhose shade they know they shall mally takes place in Washington D.C. never sit. Progress, like a tree, needs in person. time to take root.
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Create your own day of service. Consider the day as a
“day on not a day off.” Americorps has been leading the charge for the last quarter century. Take time to visit americorps.com with
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Visit KingBoston.org.
Learn about MLK and the amazing work of King Boston through posts, blogs and community events. Follow along as The Embrace, a world-class memorial on the Boston Common, will be unveiled on MLK Day in 2023.
PHOTO BY LEEANN CLINE, UNSPLASH.COM
King’s legacy by choosing children’s books about anti-racism, social justice and more.
Talk about racial inequality and social justice with your child. Research shows that
Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
Benefits of Making Healthy Snacks Visually Appealing to Kids
By Sarah Lyons
A
healthy and well balanced diet is important for kids to maintain healthy growth and development. Snack time is a great way to incorporate fruits and vegetables into a child’s daily diet. Children have smaller sized stomachs than adults and therefore are less likely to eat enough at meals to keep them full and energized until the next mealtime which makes snack time a great way for parents to get in those extra nutrients. They also offer a variety of benefits.
Continued on page 14 >>>
January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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Snacking helps kids develop healthy habits Including three meals and two healthy snacks into your child’s daily diet helps kids learn healthy eating habits that will stick with them for a lifetime. Providing a well balanced and healthy diet helps kids learn appropriate portion control, to eat (and enjoy) a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables, and develop a healthy relationship with food. Kids who learn these valuable habits early are less likely to form unhealthy eating habits such as eating out of boredom or based on emotional factors. They also learn to eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full, a skill many adults struggle with.
Snacking gives kids the boost they need Without snacking, kids are less likely to meet the suggested nutritional intake to maintain a healthy diet because their stomachs are smaller and become full with a smaller meal. Adding two small snacks a day that provide fruit, veggies, low fat dairy, or whole grain helps kids fill in the nutritional gaps they may have been missing from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, snacks provide a boost of energy to get kids through the rest of the day.
Snacking benefits a child’s overall health The development of healthy eating habits at a young age decreases the likelihood of children developing diseases like cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Kids who eat more fruits and vegetables and less “junk food” that contain high quantities of sugar are also more likely to have better dental hygiene. Kids who maintain a healthy diet, including smart snack choices, are less likely to binge on foods high in calories and carbohydrates and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives.
Snacking helps power brain development Kids who eat healthy snacks are, generally, more prepared to listen and learn at school because their bellies are full. They have more energy and are more attentive in class. Hungry kids become irritable, tired, and less alert. A healthy snack can do a lot to help kids grow and develop properly. Now that we understand the great benefits to healthy snacking, how can we get our kids to eat the fruits and vegetables their bodies need? Preparing snacks that are fun encourages kids to try new foods and may even help them to forget they are eating healthy food at all. Here are some great snacks that kids will have fun eating.
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
The development of healthy eating habits at a young age decreases the likelihood of children developing diseases like cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Healthy and Visually Appealing Snacks for Kids FROZEN BANANA “ICE CREAM” For a tasty sweet treat that is also healthy, simply slice a banana and freeze overnight. The next day put the bananas in a blender or food processor and you will have a creamy, healthy snack that tastes similar to ice cream. APPLE SLICES Slices of apple can be more appetizing for kids and are fun to eat. Add a side of peanut butter for dipping to make them even more appealing. FRUIT KABOBS Fun fruit kabobs are visually appealing and fun to eat. Create “caterpillars” out of grapes for a snack that is cute and healthy. Another way to make fruit appealing is to use cookie cutters to cut interesting shapes. ANTS ON A LOG This cute snack is great for an afternoon snack or a fun surprise in the lunchbox. Simply fill celery with peanut butter and top with raisins to make “ants on a log”. DINOSAUR BROCCOLI TREES To a kid, broccoli resembles a tree. Why not make it fun and bring the dinosaur toys to the table to “share the trees”. Add some fun dip like ranch, blue cheese, or cottage cheese to the side to make it more appealing. ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI Kids love spaghetti. This healthier alternative is just as tasty as traditional spaghetti noodles. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six children, including 7-yearold triplets.
Book Club
F
OR THE KID WHO WANTS TO KNOW IT ALL!
Cover topics from amazing rivers to bacteria to Cleopatra. These impressively detailed books will keep the kids engaged and entertained as well as expand their minds.
LISTIFIED Ever wondered which 10 dinosaurs were the largest, and what they weighed… in cats? Or how much of your DNA you share with other animals…and bananas? Enter the listiverse and get ready to see the world in a whole new way. Listified! takes the best and most amazing parts of the universe-erupting volcanoes, medieval machines, jumping spiders, exploding stars and everything in between and organizes them into quirky list form for curious kids and their friends and family to enjoy. Age: 8-12
BRITANNICA’S FIRST BIG BOOK OF WHY Britannica’s huge, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated question and answer book will satisfy even the most curious kids, with over 100 questions verified by Britannica experts. Spanning a range of topics including animals, the body, machines, space, and more, this book provides clear and accessible explanations and even explores some of the mysteries that experts are still trying to solve! Age: 4-8
EARTH IS BIG: A BOOK OF COMPARISONS Get to know our planet in a whole new way by comparing it to a huge variety of other incredible things—from tiny particles to giant star clusters. Did you know soap bubbles are some of the roundest objects in the universe? Or that we humans are totally outnumbered by chickens? Or that the driest desert on Earth isn’t scorching but freezing? Tour some of the most extreme places on the planet and beyond it, take a look at life forms from bacteria to elephants to redwood trees, and explore what makes our planet the perfect home for us. Age: 6-11
FACTOPIA! Hop from topic to topic in unexpected and delightful ways, and discover what connects a giraffe with the Eiffel tower, or a slice of pizza with Cleopatra. On your aweinspiring journey, you will find out extraordinary facts about space, bones, dinosaurs and more. Age: 8-12 Continued on page 16 >>> January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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ALL NEW KIDS’ ENCYCLOPEDIA Telling the story of the world from the beginning of time to the present day, this book is a must-have addition to every family bookshelf and library collection! This beautifully illustrated, 424-page compendium of amazing facts you can trust provides hundreds of hours of fun learning for curious children and their families. Age: 8-12
AMAZING RIVERS Learn about incredible wildlife, from brown bears catching salmon that swim upstream to anacondas large enough to eat a pig. Explore astounding natural wonders, from a boiling river so hot you can cook an egg in it to a multicolored river that flows like a liquid rainbow. And discover awesome river traditions, from ritual baths to rubber duck racing to barefoot waterskiing! Age: 7-11
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
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How do You Teach Your Children to be More Mindful? By Carole Kramer Arsenault
W
e often hear the challenges in teaching mindfulness—how do you teach your children to be more mindful? One of the most popular questions we get asked is can mindfulness even be taught? The short answer, yes. There are many techniques parents and childcare providers can teach children how to
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
be more self-aware in the present moment. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can have a positive impact on a child’s development, mental health and wellbeing. For example, children who are taught mindfulness at a young age are more likely to be confident, patient, stress resilient, and have healthy coping mechanisms.
Mindfulness starts at home— you must be present, calm, stress savvy to help raise a mindful and self-aware child, and be willing to practice along with them! Taking part in mindfulness activities with your child will help in your own practice, as well as further advance your family’s learnings. Here are five techniques that can help raise more mindful children:
Positive affirmation, physical affection, friendly talk and sympathetic body language help to develop your children into a more self-compassionate human being. Children’s Yoga Yoga is a great way for children to calm their bodies, transition between activities, or settle down before bed. Consider leveraging children’s books to help teach your children about yoga, mindfulness, and movement. Sleepy Little Yoga, by Rebecca Whitford and Goodnight Yoga, by Mariam Gates are great books to read together. You can also find great resources on YouTube such as the Cosmic Kids Yoga stories. Responsive, Loving Care Studies show that infants and toddlers exposed to lots of nurturing touch are more likely to develop into stress-resilient adults. Positive affirmation, physical affection, friendly talk and sympathetic body language help to develop your children into
a more self-compassionate human being. This allows children to view themselves from a place of self love and acceptance, rather than a place of judgement. All of these tactics teach children to cope with their negative emotions, as well as develop secure, healthy attachment relationships. Meditation Jar A meditation jar is a great way to relax a child’s mind from stress and/or anxiety-provoking thoughts, and creates an easy-to-understand way to teach children about meditation. The visualization of glitter in the jar and what it represents teaches children to be still in these moments of “chaos”. Visualization is great for kids. Even if they cannot articulate the concept in words, their brain absorbs this information and learns that eventually their mind and body will calm and settle as well. Ready Moody Cow Meditates, by Kerry MacLean is a great book to teach meditation as well. Breathing Practices Teaching breathing is a way to practice mindfulness in children and allows them to focus their attention solely on breathing. Over time this will help them learn how to concentrate on one thing at a time. Breathing techniques can help children redirect their focus away from an upsetting situation, such as a scraped knee or lost toy. Long deep breaths supply oxygen to the brain which signals your parasympathetic nervous system to relax and calm your body.
Yoga is a great way for children to calm their bodies, transition between activities, or settle down before bed.
Emotional Mindfulness with Children Emotional regulation is enhanced through mindfulness. Being mindful allows you to be present and therefore aware of your emotions so you are able to process your feelings. Self-regulation, or the ability to intentionally manage one’s emotional resources to accomplish goals, is crucial in everyday life. Parents and caregivers should always model sharing feelings, so children can feel comfortable talking about them as well. In addition, parents and nannies should model appropriate ways to handle their emotions with coping techniques that children can use and learn from. Children’s minds are like sponges, so it’s essential to model a behavior that promotes positive influences. Carole Kramer Arsenault is an RN, author of Newborn 101. As a parent educator and founder of a childcare staffing agency, Carole has more than a decade of experience working with thousands of families to help them source childcare and match them with top-notch providers that best fits their family’s needs. January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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ORGANIZING Kids’ School Papers and Art Projects If you have school-age children, you are most likely dealing with an ever-growing stack of school papers and artwork. Some of the papers may go straight to the recycle bin but what do you do with the important papers and special artwork you would like to keep? By Sarah Lyons
Start by Sorting
B
efore you can start organizing your child’s paperwork and art projects you need to decide what to discard and what to keep. “I keep things that reveal his personality,” says Kara Thomas, mom to a ten-year-old son. Set aside papers that show your child’s writing skills and artwork that you feel is unique to your child’s personality. Discard worksheets or daily papers.
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
Make another stack of papers that have information you need such as calendars, directories, or spelling lists. Try to sort items at least once a week so the paper stack does not get out of control. “Parents may want to feature their child’s artwork by hanging it in frames on the wall. This gives them the opportunity to enjoy it, then change the pictures over time.” says Stephanie Davis, a Certified Professional Organizer.
Start a Keepsake Box
A keepsake box is a space for you to save items that mean something to you or your child. Davis, suggests using a file box. “A keepsake box causes you to constantly purge and evaluate what you really want to keep,” says Davis. Some parents may have a file for each grade level but Stephanie suggests sorting items by type, such as artwork, invitations, pictures, projects, and adventures. This will give the file box a more defined purpose and is easier for the parent to maintain. “The keepsake boxes should be stored where they are easy to get to. If it is stored on a closet shelf, it is less likely to be used than if it is stored somewhere that is easily accessed.”
Create a Family Binder
As a mom of six, our family has our fair share of paperwork. Creating a family binder for important information has helped me stay organized. Each family member has a tab and their sports calendars, school directories, and medical information are stored there. When I need something in a hurry, I know right where to look. “I encourage families to go digital. They can use one family calendar app so everyone knows what is going on and important papers can be scanned and computerized as well.” says Davis. “I try to be flexible and figure out what works for each family.”
Go Digital
Some parents may find it easier to go digital when it comes to storing their child’s artwork and school papers. Joanna Cline, mother of three, says “I use the Artkive app to store my kids’ art. At the end of the year, I will make a photobook of their artwork.” Other apps that help save artwork are DearMuse or Keepy. Many of these apps have family sharing available. The main thing to remember is the items we want to keep will develop and change over time. As you add to your keepsake box, you may find that some items don’t seem as important a few years later and it is okay to discard them to make room for the things that you value now. Parents should never feel guilty about not keeping every single paper, painting, and essay. Realistically it’s only important to keep the items that mean the most. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six children, including 7-year-old triplets. She loves reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. With six children in three schools, she is very familiar with the need to organize school papers and art projects.
January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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Visit our website at BostonParentsPaper.com to explore our comprehensive online resources for schools in the area. Discover private schools, enrichment programs, after-school programs and more!
DISCOVER A SCHOOL AS
UNIQUE
AS YOUR CHILD
the Wolf School
Private K-8 Special Education School | Financial Aid Available | thewolfschool.org Join us for our Virtual Winter Open House on February 10, 2022! January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
HOW TO PICK THE BEST CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD.
I
N NEW ENGLAND WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region. Continued on page 26 >>> January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
T
he opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.
Consider the possibilities: DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps. OVERNIGHT (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length. GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program. TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel. SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area. CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time. RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s own values and beliefs. FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
In fact, the only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent really know he or she is making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions in terms of how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.
BE PREPARED Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media and camper or parent testimonials. In fact, many camp websites are a gateway to most pieces of camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
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Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, location, schedules, amenities and price? Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child. Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
2022 Session Dates:
2020 Session Dates:
2 Week Sessions June28 26 – July July 9, 2022 June 11, 2020 July 12 10 – July – July July23, 25,2022 2020 July 26 24 –– August July August6,8,2022 2020 4 Week Sessions June 26 – July 23, 2022 July 10 – August 6, 2022 6 Week Sessions June 26 – August 6, 2022
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.) Submitted by American Camp Association, New England. January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp
Experience?
Selecting a camp for your child can be exciting. You know that camp is a wonderful way for your child to develop independence, new skills and new friends. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. Consider these questions as you go through your search: 28
Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
What is driving your camp search? Fun and learning? New experiences and skills? A need for child care? Family tradition? Encouragement from friends?
What are your leading camp search criteria? Which ones are “nonnegotiable” and which are “preferences”?
Which of your family’s values should be reflected in the camp philosophy? How religious should it be? How competitive? How diverse? How much camper choice should be given?
What activities or programs interest you and your child? What
level of intensity are you looking for? Are you looking for opportunities for your child to try new activities, to play, to advance current skills, to practice, to compete or to specialize?
What kind of facilities will your camper consider? Discuss electricity, bathrooms and dining.
What session length, from eight weeks to a few days, is comfortable for you, for your child, and for your family’s summer schedule? The most common session lengths
are: full season (seven to eight weeks), half season (three to four), two weeks and one week.
What camp clientele do you want to consider? There are camps for boys only,
girls only, coed, brother/sister, religious groups, underserved populations and children with special needs.
How far are you willing to commute you child? Is there a good local source or is it worth driving to a destination camp?
January 2022 | BostonParentsPaper.com
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TO TEEN
TOURS
By Cheryl Maguire
Can I go to California? W
hen my soon to be fourteen-year-old daughter asked me this question my initial response was, “There is no way you are going to California, especially without me.” And then I saw the cost of the trip which only solidified my sentiment. The public school she attends teamed up with a travel tour company to offer a week-long educational trip to California for students who applied. The trip is not considered a school trip since it will be during April vacation, but teachers will be participating along with the travel guides from the tour company. “Didn’t you go on a similar trip when you were her age?” My husband, the voice of reason, pointed out a fact that I did indeed travel to the west coast at the age of fourteen, expect instead of a week I traveled for three weeks. I went with a private “teen tour” company over
the summer. I loved my teen tour experience. It enabled me to see national parks and historical sites that I probably won’t have visited otherwise, which is why I changed my mind and I’m allowing her to go.
WHAT IS A TEEN TOUR? A teen tour is when a group of teens travel with adult leaders to specific locations. These tours are usually private companies but sometimes pair up with public schools. Some tours are also run through religious organizations. The trips can be domestic or international and can be community service based or educational. The length of time can vary from one week to one month or longer. The group stays at camp grounds or hotels, traveling by a coach bus.
TYPES OF TEEN TOURS PRIVATE: Most of the teen tour companies are <<< Continued on page 32
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
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<<< Continued from page 30 privately owned. Like a camp, the company hires staff counselors who will travel and be responsible for the teens during the trip. These tours can be accredited by the Camping Association. When selecting a tour, make sure to research the company through the Better Business Bureau and by asking for recommendations from friends or family. Collaborate with Public/Private School: If your school doesn’t currently offer a travel program, you could ask about partnering with a travel company. RELIGIOUS: Local religious organizations may offer a teen travel experience during the summer. Sometimes these trips are community service orientated while other times it may be educational. You could check with your local place of worship to find out if they offer a teen tour.
COST The cost of these tours isn’t cheap ranging from $3k-$10k and up. Usually the cost includes all meals, transportation during the trip (not to the first location), admission, and staff guides. You might be able to receive financial aid or a scholarship through Geography of Hope. You may also be able to travel for free if you are willing to volunteer. There is a tuition free program you can apply to for girls age 15-17 called Inspiring Girls Expeditions.
IS A TEEN TOUR RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY? Traveling requires a certain type of personality,
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
usually someone who enjoys adventure and is able to be patient when necessary. My daughter’s twin brother had zero interest in attending the California trip and didn’t even show me the paperwork. His personality is vastly different from his twin, so I can understand why he doesn’t want to go. If you can afford the high cost or qualify for a scholarship, then a teen tour can be a unique learning experience for your child. I visited various places and met people from diverse backgrounds. And even though I will miss her terribly, I’m sure my daughter will have an incredible trip. 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, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05
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reach them, when you have reached them, and when to celebrate your success.
Reward yourself
Setting Intentions in the New Year By Sarah Lyons
A
new year, a new start. Each year 62% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions hoping to make positive and healthy changes. According to Statisticbrain.com, statistics show that within the first two weeks 25% of those same Americans have given up on their goals and only 8% reach their ultimate goal by the end of the year. These numbers are not encouraging. In 2019, try focusing on setting positive intentions rather than unrealistic resolutions that may fizzle out faster than you can say Happy New Year.
Set realistic and reachable intentions If 36% of people give up on their New Year’s Resolutions by February, it is likely they are not setting goals that are realistic or reachable. When setting resolutions, choose intentions that make sense. Goals that are interesting, fun, and that you are motivated to keep are more likely to end in success. If you want to read more, set a goal of reading a certain number of books or completing a challenging but interesting book series. If weight loss is a goal, choose a fun way to reach your goal weight. If you despise running, don’t plan to shed pounds on the treadmill. Pick an activity you love and incorporate it
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Boston Parents Paper | January 2022
into your exercise routine while choosing healthy meal options. “I made a reading goal this year to read my age in books.” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “It was a fun self-care resolution which made it easier to reach. It also helped me discuss books with friends.”
Set measurable and specific intentions How will you know if you have reached your goals? Many people give up on their resolutions because they don’t know how to achieve them or when they have been completed. Examples of immeasurable goals include “Get healthy”, “Become more organized” or “Save money”. Be specific when setting intentions. How will you become healthier? Does that include changing your eating habits? Incorporating exercise? What type of exercise and how often? Your goals need to be both measurable and specific so that you know how to achieve them. Goals such as “Raise my grade in science class from a B to an A”, “Read one book a month” or “Save x amount of dollars for a family vacation” are all goals that are both specific and measurable. These types of intentions are great because you know exactly how to
Speaking of celebrating, don’t forget to set some rewards for yourself as you are choosing your New Year’s intentions. This will help motivate you to follow through when things get challenging. Some ideas could include - “If I lose 15 pounds, I will buy three new outfits.” or for your child “If you complete your reading goals, you can pick a special toy”. Pick a reward that is enough to motivate you or your child and work together towards your goal.
Don’t overdo it
Many people make the mistake of setting too many intentions or goals that are not attainable, setting themselves up for failure. When you are creating your intentions, list all the areas that you would like to work on. Once you have a list, narrow it down to the items that are realistic, measurable, and come with a reward. Prioritize and categorize your goals. Can you consolidate any? Do you see a theme? Which goals are you most excited about? Make your list again and try to be as specific as possible in order to give yourself the best chance of success. If you have several that you would like to achieve, keep your list around so that you can move onto another goal after you complete one of your resolutions. “I find that setting goals for shorter terms, say three months, is easier to stick to than a yearlong endeavor.” says Kelly Lawton of Olathe. “It allows me to reevaluate my progress and reset or restart as I need without the guilt.” While coming up with a list of intentions for the year, keep them positive. Give yourself permission to create intentions that are fun rather than a punishment or chore. When we create goals that are actually accomplishable and set rewards for our completion of them, we are much more likely to be successful. Sarah Lyons is a part time freelance writer and a full-time mom of six.
Source: (www.statisticbrain.com)
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