Boston Parent July 2017

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

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Contents

July 2017 |

Volume 32 • Number 11

24 Family Favorites 2017 Winners LINX Camps, Wellesley

18

Birthday Party Planning P’s & Q’s It’s a Slumber Party!

20

What’s Inside

7 Steps to Success

16 Naughty or Nice?

8 Family F.Y.I.

40 Advocacy

Screen Free Summer Hover Board Safety

12 11 Media Titles

Summer Reading List

14 Ask the Nurse

Newborn Questions

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Directories 21 22 44 46

Entertainment & Party Needs Party Fun Guide Camps, Classes and Enrichment Schools & Childcare Centers

Not just at Christmas

Tapley Family are Passionate Advocates

41 Family Calendar

Fireworks Spectacular Run & Ride at CambridgeSide

Summer Vacation

50 Singleminded 6

HAPPY

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Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@bostonparent. com. Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/event/

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✼ Family F.Y.I.

Screen Free Summer

I

s a screen-free summer possible? Andy Crouch, author of The Tech-Wise Family, offers some tips for reducing the amount of time kids spend with their devices this summer:

• Create a low-technology living space, whether at home or in a vacation dwelling: Fill it with things that reward creativity, skill, and active engagement: board games, books, journals, Legos and other building toys, art supplies, musical instruments, sports equipment and pool or beach toys. Push technology and cheap thrills to the edge.

• Protect the rhythms of life: If an entirely screen-free summer seems daunting, commit to regular tech-free times: one hour each day, one day each week.

• Put devices to bed before you go, and don’t reach for them first thing in the morning. Your children—and you—will have a much more restorative night’s sleep.

BOSTON CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FREE SUMMER FITNESS SERIES

T

his three-month series brings 26 free fitness classes per week to parks in 14 neighborhoods across the city, aiming to activate these spaces while increasing access to physical fitness opportunities across all of Boston’s neighborhoods produce by Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) will and sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

“We know that being active is important for overall health, but we also know how tough that can be to achieve for some people who have less access to physical fitness options,” said BPHC Executive Director Monica Valdes Lupi, JD, MPH. ”The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series is a fun way for people to stay on track to meet their health goals, by bringing free fitness opportunities to the very neighborhoods where our residents live, work, and play.”

Activities this summer For a full schedule including salsa dancing, yoga, of Boston Parks tai chi, Zumba, boot camp, line Summer Fitness Series dancing, and more. This year’s classes, visit bphc. series will include classes org/summerfitness. specifically for seniors, children For updates, follow and families. Fitness classes @HealthyBoston, @ BostonParksDept, and will be offered through #BostonMoves on Twitter. August 31.

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

• Sing. Crouch is a big advocate of learning to to sing well—not in the sense of singing in perfect tune or like a professional, but in the sense of bringing heart, mind, soul, and strength to our singing. Get some songbooks or print out lyrics for family sing-a-longs.

• Spend time outside, in nature, without phones or cameras to hand. If you need a picture, sketch it rather than shoot it.

• Allow time for boredom. Don’t attempt to keep your kids entertained every second. The fact is, the more you entertain children, the more bored they will get! Allow them time to use their imagination and creativity to explore the world around them, instead of filling all their times with screen-mediated entertainment.

Crouch, a senior strategist at the John Templeton Foundation, wrote about his philosophy on technology and kids in his new book, The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place.

Fun Free Fridays

T

he Highland Street Foundation will be providing its ninth annual Free Fun Fridays initiative, a summer program that offers visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. Eighty-five institutions, from art museums to zoos, will join the program, an increase from the 80 venues that took part in 2016. This summer, each week for 10 consecutive Fridays — beginning June 23rd and continuing through August 25th—multiple venues will welcome visitors, free-of-charge.

“Free Fun Fridays provides access to the best exhibits, programs and experiences that the city and the Commonwealth have to offer,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.

“2017 marks the most extensive Free Fun Fridays yet and we are excited to welcome a number of new venues, from the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston, to the Berkshire Theatre Group, Maritime Gloucester on the North Shore and the Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton,” said Jordan. “Reaching the 1,000,000 visitor milestone last year was a real testament to Free Fun Fridays impact. The Highland Street Foundation remains committed to enriching the lives of people of every age and background by providing easy access to the diverse cultural institutions that call Massachusetts home.”

See our Calendar for dates and participating museums. To learn more about the Free Fun Fridays and Highland Street Foundation, visit www.highlandstreet.org and connect on facebook.com/HighlandStreet and Twitter @HighlandStreet.

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✼ Family F.Y.I. Go Mass– 3rd Safest State in America!

capita to unemployment rate to total loss amounts from climate disasters per capita.

Massachusetts came in third behind Vermont and Maine. n order to help families find Even better, Massachusetts the most secure places to ranks first for fewest fatalities lay down roots, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states per 100 million vehicle mile across 37 key metrics. The data of travel and came in the top 5 for Bullying-Incidence set ranges from assaults per

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Hoverboard Safety

By Tracey Sutherland, cPNP Trauma Nurse Practitioner, Boston Children’s Hospital

S

elf-balancing scooters, commonly referred to as hoverboards, became wildly popular in 2015, when several manufacturers developed similar versions and marketed them in the United States and around the world. Right from the start of their popularity, safety issues were identified, leading to significant consumer concern and soon after, thousands of recalls. There have been several deaths directly linked to the use of hoverboards, whether related to injury while using the board or fire while recharging.

Emergency Departments, pediatric as well as adult facilities, around the world began to see an acute elevation in hoverboard injury. Falls from the boards lead to concussions and more serious head injuries, fractures, internal abdominal injuries, hand injuries, and even death.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) launched a safety investigation and linked the hoverboard’s lithium-ion battery pack to the source of the fires. They developed a voluntary safety standard and urged suppliers to only import and sell those boards that were certified by the CPSC. This helped make the newer versions of the hoverboards much safer, however, safety issues remain and not all the boards have been certified to CPSC standard. Fatalities related to uncertified hoverboard fires have occurred as recently as 2 months ago in the U.S. Due to the increase in hoverboard related traumatic injuries, the Department of Health in several countries has recommended a minimum age of use as well as restricted where the hoverboards can be used. Some cities in the U.S. have banned their use on public streets, restricted use to bike lanes or have implemented speed restrictions.

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

rate, lacking health care, loss amount from climate disasters per capita and work related deaths.

The three least safe states according to WalletHub? Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. See results at https://wallethub.com/edu/ safest-states-to-live-in/4566/

What does this all mean to the consumer? Can a hoverboard be used safely? If you’d still like to enjoy the use of a hoverboard, here are some tips to follow to keep you and your family safe: • Check online for all recalled hoverboards to be sure the device you currently have is not on the list. www. cpsc.gov/recalls • Purchase the board from a reputable source and know who to contact should you have any issues.

Only purchase a hoverboard from a manufacturer that has been certified as safe by the CPSC. A certified device will have indication that the product is UL 2272 compliant.

• Let the device cool for an hour or more prior to re-charging and store it in a cool vented area free of combustibles. Have a fire extinguisher close by.

• Re-charge the battery during the day in an open wellventilated area. Do not charge the hoverboard unattended or at night while you are asleep.

• Do NOT ride near vehicular traffic.

• Safety equipment must be donned for every ride for every user. This should include: helmet, elbow and knee protection, and wrist guards for protection from falls.

• If you choose to dispose of your hoverboard, take it to the local recycling center for safe handling of the lithium-ion battery.

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11 Book Titles

By www.TheSmartFeed.com

to Freshen Up Your Summer Reading List Little Nutbrown Hare sets about to show how much he loves Big Nutbrown Hare but he always seems to be one-upped by his parent’s unequivocal love for him in this true classic for the littlest readers.

O

nce summer rolls around and school lets out, kids find themselves indulging in several fun-filled activities, and school is quickly forgotten. Summer reading is an effective routine to help prevent kids from sliding down that slippery slope of learning loss. Reading for fun could develop into a lifelong habit that will not only help with gaining knowledge but will also aid in acquiring important life skills such as empathy, acceptance and gratitude. It is not very difficult to find the right book for even the most reluctant reader. The expert curators at SmartFeed have put together an extensive list of books encompassing different genres for kids of all ages.

Find below a few of the highly recommended book titles. The complete list of summer reading books can be found here (https://www. thesmartfeed.com/staff_ picks/summer-reading).

Guess How Much I Love You (Ages 1+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/23989

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3 (Ages 2-4) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/22139 Perfect read-aloud book for little kids with trains, counting numbers from 1 to 10 and cute animal antics.

My Heart Fills with Happiness (Ages 2-4) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/21050 A comforting book for little ones (and grown-ups) that tells about the little things in life, when shared together with loved ones, that bring us the most joy.

The Thank You Book (Ages 4-8) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/the-thank-you-book Piggie is feeling grateful and is on a mission to thank everyone, but Gerald is worried that Piggie will forget to thank someone very important...find out who that is in this last book of the wildly popular Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems.

We Found a Hat (Ages 4-8) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/we-found-a-hat Two turtles are in a pickle when they stumble upon one hat that looks good on both of them.

Young readers will enjoy the hilarious turn of events in the story, which ends with a wonderful resolution to the conflict.

Hiawatha and the Peacemaker (Ages 6+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/hiawatha-and-thepeacemaker The inspiring story of Hiawatha, a brave Mohawk warrior, and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, who are crucial in bringing about peace and unity among the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century.

Pax (Ages 8-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/pax Set against the backdrop of a war and its terrible consequences of loss, suffering and separation, this story of an unconditional and loyal friendship between a boy and his fox is heartwarming and emotional.

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer (Ages 8-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/23552 City girl Sophie Brown is learning the ropes of life on a farm, which her father inherits from a greatuncle, where she ends up learning to care for and protect a flock of chickens with superpowers!

Written in an epistolary format, this book will be a delight for middle-grade readers.

Roller Girl (Ages 9-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/roller-girl Themes of girl power, teamwork, perseverance and friendship feature heavily in this graphic novel that revolves around 12-year-old Astrid, who is gearing up to perform in her first-ever roller derby bout even as her best friend for life seems to be slowly drifting away from her. Will she able to save her friendship from imminent doom? Will she forego her dreams for roller derby?

The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Ages 10+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/the-girl-who-drank-themoon Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, this book tells the story of Luna, a young girl who is raised by the Forest Witch after she is offered up as part of an annual sacrificial ritual to protect the people of her homeland. An enchanting story interwoven with fantasy, magic, friendship and love, tween and teen readers will be thrilled by this book.

The Sun Is Also a Star (Ages 14+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/the-sun-is-also-a-star Two strangers who are brought together by fate end up falling in love with each other. As cliché as this sounds, it’s the beautifully written coming-of-age story of how they come to realize they are meant for each other that will captivate the hearts of young adult readers.

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✼ Ask The Nurse

Boston Baby Nurse Tackles New Mom’s Questions

C

arol Kramer Arsenault has spent the last two decades helping parents through pregnancy, labor and all of their new responsibilities once baby comes home-both as a longtime pediatric nurse, and as a founder of the highly regarded Boston Baby Nurse. Arsenault and her team of professional nurses have seen it all. In Newborn101, Arsenault and her team share their expert advice on preparing and caring for a newborn.

Here’s a sampling of some of the most asked questions from parents tackled in this book:

Q. I’m worried that my new baby will get sick.

Should I ask all visitors to wear a mask?

A. Unless your visitor has a known infectious condition, do not be worried abwout exposing your baby to some normal germs. Of course, visitors should wash their hands with soap and water prior to touching your baby and avoid kissing him on the face. Newborns do not usually get sick-because the have a boost of maternal immunities and breastfeed babies have even more protection. However, anyone who has a cold or a cough should not be around the baby because airborne droplets can be inhaled.

Q. I’m afraid to fall asleep because I feel like I won’t hear my baby when she needs me. What happens if she spits up while I’m asleep?

A. Many new parents I meet at the hospital feel exactly the same way, but try to relax and enjoy your sleep. Your baby will be fine! Most babies will turn their

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

heads if they do spit up, so you don’t have to worry. If your baby is sleeping, try your best to go to sleep, too, and if she needs to be fed or changed, there’s no doubt you will hear her request! I can’t emphasize enough that the best thing you can do for your baby is to take good care of yourself.

Q: Is green poop normal?

A. Yes, and so is brown and yellow. The difference in color depends on whether your baby is getting formula or breast milk. It’s fine to ignore these color changes. Remember, don’t fixate about how many bowel movements your baby has. A more significant marker is that she should have at least six wet diapers each day. This indicates that she is well hydrated and getting the food and nutrients that she needs.

Q. If I drink a glass of wine do I have to “pump and dump”?

A: Possibly. Alcohol flows into your breast milk as soon as you consume it, and a drink typically takes two to three hours to clear your system. So if you imbibe right after nursing, you should be fine for the next feeding three hours later. If your child needs to nurse sooner than that or if you consume more than one glass of vino or a high-alcohol beverage, pump and dispose of the milk to prevent engorgement, and feed your child previously pumped milk or formula.

Reprinted from Newborn 101: Secrets from Expert Nurses on Preparing and Caring for Your Baby at Home, Carol Kramer Arsenault, RN, IBCLC: 2017. Reprinted courtesy of the publisher, The Experiment, New York.

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Naughty or Nice?

NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS

By Susan Solomon Yem

M

y oldest son was an adolescent when my mother died. Although he was quiet at the funeral, he was impossible in the car ride to the cemetery. No amount of correction either his father or I attempted, worked. We finally decided keeping our distance for the remainder of the day was the only option.

It did not occur to me until much later, that my son’s behavior was not naughty; it was his reaction to the loss of his grandmother. From that experience I realized that a child’s bad behavior might not be naughtiness; it may just be a response to a circumstance.

Family coach, Susan Stone Belton (www.susanstonebelton.com), says, “Naughty behavior is a request for

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

parents to pay attention. Kids usually misbehave when they are hungry, tired, frustrated or need attention.”

Susan explains that sometimes children just do not have the energy or the words to communicate.

“Misbehaving earns our attention and the child gets what he needs.”

Chantal Dubuisson-Myllymaki, a Parent Education Instructor, encourages parents to identify a child’s positive actions more than the negative. “If parents are spending the majority of their time focusing on the negative behaviors, they might be overlooking the efforts children are making to behave.”

She adds that it is a child’s job to fit into the family — to feel significant and loved. “If a child is made to feel unimportant, insignificant, and unloved they might fall into negative

behavior to establish a role in the family.”

To help parents determine if their child is entering a negative cycle of behavior, Chantal uses a tool called the Mistaken Goals of Misbehavior.

“This helps parents and caregivers to notice how they feel when children mistakenly display negative ways of gaining attention and seeking power.”

Identifying their own emotions helps parents not only understand what their children are feeling, but find ways to deal with the behavior.

Limits and Rules Susan’s book, Real Parents, Real Kids, Real Talk (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011) teaches parents how to build healthy, loving relationships with their children. One of her

What Is He Really Saying?

recommendations is that parents set limits and create rules; “kids like knowing what is okay and what is expected. I encourage parents to set a rule, determine the consequence and follow through.”

An immediate response to bad behavior teaches the child that Mom and Dad mean what they say.

“The hope is that this kind of follow through will result in the child making better choices the next time,” says

When my youngest son was two, he had a monumental temper tantrum in the car because I would not buy him a toy at the mall. It took a lot of willpower on my part, but I kept quiet. Because I was not reacting to him, he ran through a litany of reasons why his was the saddest life, including, “You don’t love me. No one likes me. I hate myself.”

I was fascinated by this toddler’s

“Children might act in a naughty way, but the child is not naughty. When we label a child, that label can become a self-fulilling prophecy. Children are good. Their behavior might be bad.”

Susan. “Behavior management is all about teaching our kids to stop, think, and make the right choice.”

Chantal offers, “giving a child an acceptable alternative is productive.

Let them know what to do, rather than what not to do,”

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attempt at manipulation. My lack of response finally dissipated his fervor and he settled down. He never attempted that type of tantrum again.

“Actions are usually indicators of something else in the child’s life that could be tilting his or her sense

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of balance and feelings of being grounded,” says Chantal.

“Often the child who is behaving the worst is the one who needs support, comfort, and understanding the most.”

It’s the Behavior, not the Child It is important to not label a child naughty as Susan counsels; “Children might act in a naughty way, but the child is not naughty. When we label a child, that label can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Children are good. Their behavior might be bad.”Chantal advises, “pay compliments to your children often when they are well behaved. “ She also suggests that parents be positive role models. “Be courteous and gracious to your children and they will turn out to be like you.”

As the mother of five, Susan Solomon Yem has experienced all kinds of parenting. Tell her your stories at susansyem@gmail.com

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PARTY PLANNING DOS AND DON’TS

I

n my house, the countdown to the next birthday party begins almost immediately after the last one has just ended.

“Mom, you know what I want to do for next year’s party?”

Even as we are walking to the car, arms loaded with presents and left over cake, riding the high of a successful birthday bash, my kids are planning their next birthday celebration. A child’s excitement over a birthday party is almost palpable: the fun, the games, the food, the presents and the goody bags! For kids, it’s a celebration of the senses like no other.

But how do you balance the fine line between enthusiasm and utter craziness to make sure that your birthday boy or girl is cool, calm and collected before and during the big day? Etiquette experts say it’s about preparation.

Snezana Pejic, founder and program director of the Etiquette Academy of New England in Brookline Village, stresses the importance of helping kids keep on task – written checklists of chores and responsibilities are helpful – to stay focused and in control before the

The reality is that at a party, kids are going to use behavior that is a little looser.

18

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

big day. “Remind him that the whole family is like a fine-tuned clock. If one person doesn’t do his duties, the clock won’t work,” she says.

Renate Devin, founder of the Boston School of Etiquette in Cohasset, agrees. “Prompt your child ahead of time on what is expected by roleplaying courteous behavior,” she says. Practice things like shaking hands, making eye contact when speaking with adults, saying “please” and “thank you,” how to graciously accept presents from guests – no snatching or grabbing – and proper table manners. The best way to ensure good behavior is to make it part of a child’s routine, and to offer positive feedback when he or she displays good manners. “Children find pleasure in doing the right things and positive reinforcement is the most effective and enduring form of discipline,” says Devin.

At the same time, parents shouldn’t expect their kids to be perfect. “The reality is that at a party, kids are going to use behavior that is a little looser,” says Pejic,

Prompt your child who recommends giving elementary-aged children ahead of time on three special rules – the what is expected behaviors you deem most by roleplaying important – that they need courteous behavior. to follow during the party, and letting go of the rest.

This creates a less stressful atmosphere and allows both parents and children to have a positive birthday party experience. As your child gets older, you should add additional responsibilities.

Pejic also suggests tailoring the length of the party to your child’s age. They can only be good for a certain time,” she says.

Children should be reminded that a party is a group celebration, not a time retreat to the corner to check out a friends new video game. “The birthday child”, Devin says, “should spend time talking to each guest and introduce friends who might not know each other. “Your child should undersand this is a group affair and should not play exclusively with best friends,” she says. “Everyone should be included.”

To help children understand when they aren’t being polite, Pejic advises that you put encourage them them in the other person’s shoes or gently remind them of a time they to take part may have felt left out. in the party Another way to help children planning process. be accountable for their behavior is to encourage them to take part in the party planning process. Ask them how they’d like to spend the day. Let them create the goody bags or decorate the party room. Ask for their help when transitioning between party activities. “The more ownership they have over the process, the more responsible they are going to be,” says Pejic.

And when it comes to gifts, whether you open them during the party or not, experts agree written thankyou notes – from the child, not the parent – are necessary and written thank help teach children how to show you notes from gratitude. “I find it helpful to create the child, not a sample thank-you note and have the child change the details section the parent, are for each note he writes,” says Devin. necessary.

Children too young to write notes themselves can help by decorating them with stickers or simply signing their names.

Perhaps one of the biggest tips to encourage good behavior from your child in a social setting such as a birthday party is to practice what you preach. “I guess we have to remind parents to remain cool, calm and collected,” says Pejic. “We have to show them [the child] our manners. They will mimic whatever you do.”

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19

Seven Steps for

Success

S

lumber parties are a favorite for the 8-to14-year-old crowd. They can be a great way to get to know your kids’ friends better and to give your child a chance to be with friends for an extended time, staying up late — and maybe into the morning. With some simple planning, you won’t be crawling for the bedroom when the guests leave the next day.

Start with a Theme Deciding on a theme for your slumber party will help you create fun decorations and invitations, as well as plan activities for the evening and into the night. Popular themes for girls include Hawaiian luaus, Academy Awards or fashion model makeovers where guests try out new hairstyles and makeup. Guests can hit the red carpet to show off their extravagant pajama ensembles. (Have someone act as photographer during the show.)

Got boys? Try a spy theme that includes a scavenger hunt and outdoor laser tag or an indoor campout where guests tell ghost stories around a fake fire pit.

Other popular themes include silly Olympics, murder mysteries or karaoke parties. But be sure you have enough room for your activities as well as for sleeping bags.

Eight is enough Limiting the number of guests will help. Keep the party small. Most slumber parties work best with about eight guests. You can place sleeping bags in a circular pattern with heads facing the middle so no one feels left out. And invite guests who are the same age, so they’ll enjoy the same types of activities. But when should you start?

20

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Set a Timeline Unless you’re serving dinner, most parents start slumber parties at around 7 p.m., allowing guests to play a few activities and make snacks before settling down to watch a movie or two. Have parents pick up kids by 10 a.m. the next day, and include an itinerary of party activities with the invitation, noting drop off and pick up times, so guests (and parents) know exactly what to expect.

Set the Rules Although most parents wish slumber party guests would actually sleep, there are usually a few who just won’t. For those energetic hold-outs, set ground rules before starting the movie portion of the evening. For example, no pranks on sleeping guests, no loud noises after the movies are over, no video games and certainly no leaving the house. Have a box filled with quiet activities like Mad Libs or board games like Apples to Apples to keep them entertained while the other guests sleep.

Since slumber parties last into the night (or even into early morning), have a long list of quiet activities at the ready.

Plan the Highs and Lows Great items to have on hand are balloons, extra pillows, scratch paper and pens and blankets for forts.

One strategy is to start with a craft, then switch to more lively activities later so kids expend some energy. Get people moving: dance, play balloon volleyball or try the limbo, for example. Afterward, have an awards ceremony where guests take time to vote on winners from several categories. Or watch a video of the activity, if you filmed it, to calm things down. Snack time is also a great way to quietly bring kids together. Make a snack like mini

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PARTY FUN AMY WEISS DESIGN Create a picture perfect party! From the invitations to decorations, I have your party covered. I am a graphic designer, event decorator and sculptor with a knack for storytelling. I can help you explore your theme to create a custom centerpiece and decorative elements, party favors, and themed activities and craft kits. I will work within your budget and timeframe.

Contact me to start brainstorming ideas for your event today!

617-826-9743 amyweissdesign.com ARTBEAT It’s an art party! An Artbeat party is a full hour of guided art activity, where everyone takes home a handmade keepsake and lasting memories. For ages 5 through teen, with a wide range of projects that include painted canvases, sand art boxes and decorative candles, we have been Boston’s hands-on art destination for 20 years.

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BIG JOE THE STORYTELLER Amazing birthday parties and shows for all ages featuring cool stories, props, audience participation, and special features and surprises.

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Our Giant Play Maze offers loads of fun for the kiddos and our NEW party packages makes Bonkers THE place for birthday parties. We do all the work while you have all the fun. Great for groups, team celebrations and camp outings, too!

978-535-8355 bonkersfunhouse.com EXXCEL GYMNASTICS & CLIMBING Make your child’s birthday special and unforgettable with either a gymnastics or a climbing party.

We entertain the birthday child and friends with tons of fun, including an obstacle course, foam pit, trampoline, games and much more. Experience for yourself what everyone is talking about. Exxcel is the perfect place for your child’s birthday party.

617-244-3300 exxcel.net INSIDE PLAYGROUND Whether you are looking for an indoor playground or a birthday party space, Inside Playground is the right place for you! Celebrate your child’s birthday or another special day, or just join us for a great day of playtime in the indoor comfort and safety of our facility, open seven days a week.

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

FRAN FRIEDMAN Celebrate your child’s party with music and fun by Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner, Fran Friedman! Lots of participation with special toys during the songs, and musical instruments for a fun parade! Perfect for children 2-7years. Also great for schools, libraries, and other events!

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978-897-2917 jamtime.com LITTLE LOVAGE CLUB Little Lovage Club is a great place to celebrate a birthday and other special occasions! Leave the set up, decorating, food and clean up to us. Select one of our all-inclusive themes or space rental to create an unforgettable and easy party for your little one!

617-651-2620 littlelovageclub.com PUPPET SHOWPLACE THEATER Celebrate with a puppet show! We have been hosting memorable birthday parties for decades and are proud to be named one of Boston’s favorite birthday party destinations. We transform our colorful lobby into your private party space after the show for an unforgettable experience!

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STARDUST GYM Looking for a creative, energetic environment at a facility with a great reputation for parties? Then check out Stardust Gym! Our goal is to endorse fitness in a fun, party atmosphere of music and colorful lights for any special occasion. Offering a 20’ rock wall, trapeze swing with a foam pit, blow up trampoline and the choice of a structured activity such as gymnastics, obstacle courses, soccer or flag football along with cool parachute games! Call or email us today to reserve a date.

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TREETOP ADVENTURES A birthday party at TreeTop Adventures, Greater Boston’s #1 Zip-line and Aerial Challenge Park, is a birthday your child will NEVER forget! With 15 zip lines, 100+ aerial challenges and 10 trails designed to accommodate everyone from beginner to expert, there’s fun to be had for everyone. The experience is safe, fun and most importantly exciting! Birthday party packages include discounted climbing admission for a minimum of 10 climbers ages 7 through adult, all equipment and instruction, a T-shirt for the birthday guest of honor and reserved picnic tables for your group!

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Family

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2017 WINNERS

Nobles Day Camp

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• Drumlin Farm, Lincoln • New England Zoo Camp, Boston

Academic Summer Camps

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THE TOP 5 • College Academy, Multiple Locations • ID Tech Camp, Multiple Locations • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Russian School of Mathematics, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham THE WINNER Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham 75 Sgt William B Terry Dr, Hingham 781-741-5454 • suescuela.com

Animals and Nature Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Buck’s Rock, New Milford, CT • Camp Howe, Goshen • Camp Woodhaven, West Boylston 24

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Arts and Crafts Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Charles River Creative Arts, Dover • JCC Kaleidoscope Arts & Science Camp, Newton • Steve & Kate’s Camp, Cambridge and Boston • Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth NH • The hive at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Circus Arts Summer Camps

Dance and Ballet Summer Camps

THE TOP 5 • Air Craft Aerial Arts, Somerville • Buck’s Rock, New Milford, CT • Circus Smirkus, Greensboro, VT • Dedham Health, Dedham • Esh Circus Arts, Somerville

THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • Capachione School of Performing Arts, East Bridgewter • Charles River Ballet Academy, Dover • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Tony Williams Dance Center, Jamaica Plain

THE WINNER Circus Smirkus 1 Circus Road, Greensboro, VT 802-533-7443 • www.smirkus.org

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Culinary Summer Camps

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THE TOP 5 • Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge • Create a Cook, Newton • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Maker Farm, Westford • Steve and Kate’s Camp, Mulitple Locations

THE TOP 5 • Camp Gan Israel, Brighton • Camp Micah, Sebago, ME • JCC Grossman Camp, Newton • JCC Kaleidoscope Arts & Science Camp, Newton • Mount Hope Christian School, Burlington

THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

THE WINNER Mount Hope Christian School 3 McGinnis Dr, Burlington 781-272-1014 • www.mounthopeschool.org

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July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

25

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THE TOP 10 • Alpha Martial Arts, North Chelmsford • Camp Birch Hill, New Durham, NH • Camp Woodhaven, West Boylston • Dedham Health, Dedham • Everwood Day Camp, Sharon • Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Mulitple Locations • Hale Day Camp, Westwood • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Meadowbrook Day Camp, Weston • Nobles Day Camp, Dedham THE WINNER Nobles Day Camp 10 Campus Dr, Dedham 781-320-1320 • noblesdaycamp.org

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26

General and Traditional Summer Day Camps

Gymnastics Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Canton Parks and Recreation, Canton • Energy Fitness & Gymnastics, Natick & Newton • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton • Gymnastics Express, Natick • One Stop Fun, Westwood THE WINNER Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing 88 Wells Ave., Newton 617-244-3300 • exxcel.net

Health and Special Needs Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Camp Howe, Goshen • Camp Kodiak, Ontario • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Learning Solutions, Norwood • The Bridge Center, Bridgewater

The Center for PEDIATRIC Dental Care and Orthodontics Arnold I Weiss, DDS Wesley Barton, DMD Danya Mermelstein, DMD Ronen Krausz, DDS Roger Taylor, DMD

THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

Music and Singing Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Berklee College of Music, Boston • Buck’s Rock Performing Arts Camp, New Milford, CT • Capachione School of Performing Arts, East Bridgewater • Jammin’ with You!, Newton • LINX Camps, Wellesley

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Overnight Camps THE TOP 5 • Camp Birch Hill, New Durham, NH • Camp Tohkomeupog, Madison, NH • Fleur de Lis Camp, Fitzwilliam, NH • Wind-in-the-Pines, Plymouth • YMCA Camp Takodah, Richmond, NH THE WINNER Fleur de Lis Camp 120 Howeville Rd, Fitzwilliam, NH 603-585-7751 • www.fleurdeliscamp.org

Performing Arts Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Capachione School of Performing Arts, East Bridgewater • Kreative Kidz Theatre, Plymouth • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Wellesley Theatre Project, Wellesley • Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston

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www.PediatricDentalCare.com July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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More Than Just Another Day Camp June 26 - August 18 TM

2017 WINNER

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Preschool Age Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Canton Parks and Recreation, Canton • Chestnut Hill School Camp, Chestnut Hill • JCC Early Learning, Multiple Locations • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

School Vacation Camps

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Science Technology and Digital Arts Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Einstein’s Workshop, Burlington • Empow Studios, Lexington • ID Tech, Multiple Locations • Let Go Your Mind, Multiple Locations • LINX Camps, Wellesley

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Sports Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Babson Sports Camp, Babson Park • Canton Parks and Recreation, Canton • Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, Dedham • Hale, Reservtion, Westwood • LINX Camps, Wellesley THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

28

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Teen Focused Summer Camps THE TOP 5 • Canton Parks and Recreation, Canton • Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, Dedham • Everwood Day Camp, Sharon • LINX Camps, Wellesley • Meadowbrook Camp, Weston

||||||||||||||| CHILD CARE |||||||||||||||

THE WINNERS (TIE) Everwood Day Camp 125 Lakeview St, Sharon 781-694-5829 • everwooddaycamp.com LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Winter Camps THE TOP 5 • Alpha Martial Arts Academy, North Chelmsford • Empow Studios, Lexington • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton • JCC School Vacation Camp, Newton • LINX, Wellesley THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Child Care Facilities THE TOP 5 • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Imajine That University, Lawrence • KinderCare, Multiple Locations • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool 617-294-5542 • mybilingualpreschool.com

WINNER

BP201718 July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

29

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Special Needs Child Care Facilities THE TOP 5 • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Charles River Early Intervention, Waltham • Integrated Center for Child Development Services, Canton • Learning Solutions, Norwood • South Shore Therapies, East Weymouth THE WINNER Applied Behavioral Learning Services 109 Oak St., Newton 617-467-4523 • ablspartners.org

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THE TOBIN SCHOOL offers NAEYC Accredited Morning Preschool and PreK programs, our innovative Junior Kindergarten option, and full day, private Kindergarten.

508.655.5006 • www.TheTobinSchool.org

Concerned about your Child's Attention?

Art Classes THE TOP 5 • Artbeat Creativity Store, Arlington • Garro Studios, Acton • LINX, Wellesley • New Art Center, Newtonville • Studio Art for Children, Watertown THE WINNER Kidcasso Art Studio 101 Albion St., Wakefield 617-257-3010 • kidcassoart.com

Ballet Classes THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • Boston Ballet School, Multiple Locations • Charles River Ballet Academy, Needham • The Dance Academy of Siagel Productions, Newton • Paulette’s Ballet Studio, Newton & Medfield THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Dance Classes THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • Creative Steps Dance Studio, Newton • The Dance Academy at Siagel Productions, Newton • JCC of Greater Boston, Newton • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Join Our Research!

617-324-9725 beamstudies@gmail.com bit.ly/BEAMstudies

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Enrichment and After-School Programs

Gymnastics

THE TOP 5 • Alpha Martial Arts Afterschool Program, North Chelmsford • Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, Dedham • Empow Studios, Lexington • LINX, Wellesley • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham THE WINNERS (TIE) Empow Studios 1776 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington 617-395-7527 • empow.me LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

THE TOP 5 • Energy Fitness & Gymnastics, Multiple Locations • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing, Newton • LINX, Wellesley • Planet Gymnastics, Natick • The Little Gym of Littleton, Littleton THE WINNER Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing 88 Wells Ave., Newton 617-244-3300 • exxcel.net

Fresh Pond

Foreign Language Immersion Programs

Ballet

THE TOP 5 • French for Kids, Lexington • My Little Garden French Daycare, Dedham • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Yak Academy, Arlington

Now Enrolling Summer schedule starts June 26 Fall schedule starts Sept 11

Nina Alonso, Director, FPB 1798a Mass Ave • Cambridge • 617.491.5865 www.freshpondballet.com

THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool 617-294-5542 • mybilingualpreschool.com

Boston The Skating Club of EMY SKATING ACAD

LEARN TO SKATE!

Campuses throughout the Boston Area

Figure Skating & Hockey Year-Round Classes Kids & Adults Photo by Mark

Hunt

SkatingAcademy.org July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

31

Hip-Hop Classes THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • The Dance Academy at Siagel Productions, Newton • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley • Tony Williams Dance Center, Jamaica Plain • Urbanity Dance, Boston THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Ice Skating Lessons THE TOP 5 • Babson Skating School, Wellesley • Bay State Skating School, Multiple Locations • FMC Ice Sports, Multiple Locations • Sharper Edge Skating School, Concord • Skating Club of Boston, Multiple Locations THE WINNER FMC Ice Sports 888-747-5283 (888-74-SKATE) • fmcicesports.com

Irish Step Dancing Classes THE TOP 5 • The Forbes School of Irish Dance, Quincy • The Haley School of Irish Dance, Canton • The Harney Academy of Irish Dance, Walpole • Tir Na Nog Irish Dance, Cumberland, RI • Woods School of Irish Dance, South Boston THE WINNER Tir Na Nog Irish Dance 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI 401-725-9272 www.tirnanogirishdanceri.com/

Jazz Classes

THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • The Dance Academy of Siagel Productions, Newton • Harvard Academy of Dance, Harvard • JCC of Greater Boston, Multiple Locations • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Martial Arts Classes THE TOP 5 • Alpha Martial Arts, North Chelmsford • Cormier’s Self Defense Academy, Holliston • JCC of Greater Boston, Newton • LINX, Wellesley • Modern Taekwondo Center, Boston

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Math Programs THE TOP 5 • Kumon, Multiple Locations • The Math Club, Lexington • Mathnasium, Multiple Locations • Pi Math School, Northborough • Russian School of Mathematics, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Russian School of Mathematics 855-628-4855 [855-MATH855] • russianschool.com

Music Classes THE TOP 5 • All Newton Music School, Newton • Brookline Music School, Brookline • Community Music Center of Boston, Boston • Family Music Makers at Linx, Wellsley • Jammin’ With You!, Wellesley THE WINNER Community Music Center of Boston 34 Warren Ave., Boston 617-482-7494 • cmcb.org

Science & Technology Programs THE TOP 5 • Einstein’s Workshop, Burlington • Empow Studios, Lexington • Jr Code Academy, Wellesley • LINX Premier Classes, Wellesley • SMART School, Newton Center THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Sports Classes THE TOP 5 • Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing, Newton • JCC of Greater Boston, Newton • LINX Premier Classes, Wellesley • Olympia Fencing Center, Cambridge • Viking Sports, Mulitple Locations THE WINNER Olympia Fencing Center 127 Smith Pl, Cambridge 617-945-9448 • olympiafencingcenter.com

Swim Lessons THE TOP 5 • Adirondack Club, Franklin • Boston University Aquatics Center, Boston • Charles River Aquatics, Boston • Goldfish Swim School, Multiple Locations • YMCA, Multiple Locations

|||||||||||||||||||||||| FOOD ||||||||||||||||||||||

THE WINNER Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC 333 Nahanton St., Newton 617-558-6522 • bostonjcc.org

Tap Dancing Classes THE TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio, Newton • Creative Steps, Newton • Harvard Academy of Dance, Harvard • LINX Dance Studio, Wellesley • Tony Williams School of Dance, Jamaica Plain THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Theater Classes THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Theatre, Boston • Kidstock Creative Theater, Winchester • LINX Theater, Wellesley • Showstoppers Youth Theatre at JCC, Newton • Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston THE WINNER LINX 141 Linden St., Wellesley 781-235-3210 • linx-usa.com

Tutoring or Educational Support Programs THE TOP 5 • Busy Bee Academic Tutoring at Little People’s Playhouse, Roslindale • Commonwealth Learning Center, Needham • First Steps Academics, Melrose • Learning Solutions, Norwood • Prepped and Polished, Natick THE WINNER Commonwealth Learning Center 220 Reservoir St., #6, Needham 781-444-5193 • commlearn.com

Cupcake Shops THE TOP 5 • Concord Teacakes, Concord • Icing on the Cake, Newton • Konditor Meister, Braintree • J.P. Licks, Multiple Locations • Party Favors, Brookline THE WINNER Party Favors 1356 Beacon St., Brookline 617-566-3330 • partyfavorsbrookline.com

Free Kids’ Meals THE TOP 5 • Abby Park, Milton • The Halfway Café, Multiple Locations • The Kirkland Tap and Trotter, Somerville • Miller’s Ale House, Watertown • Ninety-Nine Restaurants, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Ninety-Nine Restaurants 99restaurants.com

Frozen Yogurt Outlets THE TOP 5 • Berryline, Multiple Locations • Holliston Frozen Yogurt, Holliston • Pinkberry, Multiple Locations • Sweet Frog, Multiple Locations • Truly’s,Wellesley THE WINNER Truly’s 35 Grove St, Wellesley 781-239-1356 • trulyyogurt.com

July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Ice Cream THE TOP 10 • Bubbling Brook Ice Cream, Westford • Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant, Newton • Crescent Ridge Dairy, Sharon • Erikson’s Ice Cream, Maynard & Carver • J.P. Licks, Multiple Locations • Kimball Farm, Multiple Locations • Rancatore’s Ice Cream and Yogurt, Multiple Locations • Reasons To Be Cheerful, Concord • Toscanini’s Ice Cream, Cambridge • Truly Yogurt, Wellesley

||||||||||| FUN & ATTRACTIONS |||||||||||

THE WINNER Kimball Farm kimballfarm.com

Places for Dinner with the Family THE TOP 5 • Full Moon, Cambridge • Maggiano’s Little Italy, Boston • Ninety-Nine Restaurants, Multiple Locations • Not Your Average Joes, Multiple Locations • The Local Wellesley, Wellesley THE WINNER Not Your Average Joes Multiple Locations www.notyouraveragejoes.com

Places to Buy a Birthday Cake THE TOP 5 • Concord Tea Cakes, Concord • Icing on the Cake, Newton • JP Licks, Multiple Locations • Market Basket, Multiple Locations • Party Favors, Brookline THE WINNER Party Favors 1356 Beacon St., Brookline 617-566-3330 • partyfavorsbrookline.com Party Favors

Birthday Party Venues THE TOP 5 • Jam Time, Maynard & Natick • Jump On In, Boston • Kidcasso Art Studio, Wakefield • LINX, Wellesley • The Discovery Museums, Acton THE WINNER The Discovery Museums 177 Main St, Acton 978-264-4200 • www.discoverymuseums.org

Bowling Alleys THE TOP 5 • Boston Bowl, Multiple Locations • Bowladrome, Multiple Locations • Kings, Multiple Locations • Needham Bowlaway, Needham • Sacco’s Bowl Haven, Somerville THE WINNER Kings kingsbowlamerica.com

Farms THE TOP 5 • Belkin Family Lookout Farm, Natick • Davis Farmland, Sterling • Drumlin Farm, Lincoln • East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • Great Brook Farm, Carlisle THE WINNER East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St, Troy, NH 603-242-6495 • east-hill-farm.com

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Historic Sites & Tours

Parent-Friendly Playdate Spots

THE TOP 5 • Duck Tour, Boston • Minuteman Trail, Concord • Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge • Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth • USS Constitution, Charleston

THE TOP 5 • deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum • Jam Time, Maynard & Natick • LINX, Wellesley • Loch Ness Playcenter, Chelmsford • The Discovery Museums, Acton

THE WINNER Duck Tour in Boston 4 Copley Pl #4155, Boston 617-267-3825 • www.bostonducktours.com

THE WINNER The Discovery Museums 177 Main St, Acton 978-264-4200 • www.discoverymuseums.org

Indoor Playspaces

Places for Ice Skating

THE TOP 10 • Boston Bounce, Peabody • Imajine That, Lawrence • Inside Playground, Watertown • Jam Time, Maynard & Natick • Kids’ Fun Stop, West Roxbury • Launch Trampoline Park, Watertown • Legoland Discovery Center, Somerville • Loch Ness Playcenter, Chelmsford • Sky Zone, Boston and Everett • VinKari Safari, Woburn

THE TOP 5 • Burbank Ice Arena, Reading • Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square, Cambridge • FMC Ice Sports, Multiple Locations • Larz Anderson Park, Brookline • Skating Club of Boston, Multiple Locations

THE WINNER Jam Time Maynard & Natick (Norwood Opening Soon) 978-897-2917 • www.jamtime.com

Live Theater THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Theatre, Boston • The Company Theater, Norwell • Hanover Theatre, Worcester • Puppet Showplace Theater, Brookline • Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston THE WINNER Wheelock Family Theatre 180 Riverway, Boston 617-879-2300 • wheelockfamilytheatre.org

Museums THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Museum, Boston • deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum • The Discovery Museums, Acton • Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston • Museum of Science, Boston THE WINNER Museum of Science 1 Science Park, Boston 617-723-2500 • mos.org

THE WINNER FMC Ice Sports 888-747-5283 (888-74-SKATE) • fmcicesports.com

Summer Resorts for Families THE TOP 5 • Great Wolf Lodge, Fitchburg • The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • The Naswa Resort, Laconia, NH • Red Jacket Resort, Cape Cod & North Conway, NH • Smugglers’ Notch, Smugglers’ Notch, VT THE WINNER The Inn at East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St., Troy, NH 603-242-6495 • east-hill-farm.com

Winter Resorts for Families THE TOP 5 • Great Wolf Lodge, Fitchburg • The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • Red Jacket Resort, Cape Cod & North Conway, NH • Smugglers’ Notch, Smugglers’ Notch, VT • Stowe Mountain Lodge THE WINNER The Inn at East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St., Troy, NH 603-242-6495 • east-hill-farm.com

The Discovery Museum July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Zoos, Aquariums or Nature Centers THE TOP 5 • Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln • New England Aquarium, Boston • Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, R.I. • Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon • Zoo New England, Boston & Stoneham THE WINNER New England Aquarium Central Wharf, Boston 617-973-5200 • neaq.org

|||||||||||||||||||| HEALTH ||||||||||||||||||||||

Tufts Medical Center • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Integrated Center for Child Development Services, Canton • Learning Solutions, Norwood THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

Mental Health Practices THE TOP 5 • Advanced Neurotherapy • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Franciscan Children’s • Norwood Behavioral Health • South Shore Therapies, Weymouth THE WINNER Franciscan Children’s 30 Warren St, Brighton 617-254-3800 • franciscanchildrens.org

Orthodontists

Family Dentists THE TOP 5 • Cambridge Pediatric Dental Associates, Cambridge • The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, Brookline • Chestnut Dental Associates, Bedford, Franklin & Needham • Franciscan Children’s • Greater Boston Smiles, Quincy THE WINNER Greater Boston Smiles 21 Totman St #201, Quincy 617-472-5437 • greaterbostonpediatricdentistry.com

Hospitals THE TOP 5 • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston • Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston • Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton THE WINNER Boston Children’s Hospital 300 Longwood Ave., Boston 617-355-6000 • childrenshospital.org

Learning Disabilities Specialists THE TOP 5 • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Center for Children with Special Needs, 36

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

THE TOP 5 • Beacon Orthodontics, Brookline • Boston Dental, Boston • The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, Brookline • Chestnut Dental Associates, Bedford, Franklin & Needham • Noxon Orthodontics, Wayland & Wellesley THE WINNER The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics 1560 Beacon St., Brookline 617-731-5437 • pediatricdentalcare.com

Pediatricians THE TOP 5 • Centre Pediatrics Associates P.C., Brookline • Franciscan Children’s, Brighton • Longwood Pediatrics, Boston • MVPediatrics, Quincy • Pediatric Assoc of Norwood & Franklin, Norwood & Franklin THE WINNER MVPediatrics 21 Totman St., Quincy 617-745-0050 • gotomvpeds.com

Speech-Language Therapy THE TOP 5 • Applied Behavioral Learning Services, Newton • Chatterboxes, Newton • Let’s Talk Speech & Language Therapy Services, Easton • South Shore Therapies, Weymouth • Speech-Language and Hearing Associates of Greater Boston, Medfield & Plainville

THE WINNER Applied Behavioral Learning Services 109 Oak St., Newton 617-467-4523 • ablspartners.org

Sports Medicine Practices THE TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine, Boston • Boston Sports and Shoulder Center, Dedham, Waltham • Boston Sports Medicine, Multiple Locations • New England Hand Associates, Framingham • Perfect Baby Massage, Boston THE WINNER Boston Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine 319 Longwood Ave, Boston 617-355-3501• www.childrenshospital.org

||||||||||||||||| PRESCHOOLS |||||||||||||||||

Independent Preschools THE TOP 5 • Acton Cooperative School, Acton • Bright Horizons Landmark, Boston • Cambridge Montessori, Cambridge • The Tobin School, Multiple Locations • Wellesley Cooperative Nursery School, Wellesley THE WINNER The Tobin School Multiple Locations 508-655-5006 • thetobinschool.org

Large Preschools

(Total Capacity 31 Children or More) THE TOP 5 • Acton Cooperative School, Acton • Bright Horizons Landmark, Boston • JCC Early Learning, Multiple Locations • Knowledge Beginnings, Multiple Locations • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Acton Cooperative School 592 Massachusetts Ave, Acton 978-263-4547 • actoncoop.com/

Montessori Preschools

Bilingual Preschools THE TOP 5 • German International School of Boston, Allston • International School of Boston, Cambridge • Pine Village Preschool, Multiple Locations • Su Escuela Language Academy, Hingham • Teddy Bear Club, Lincoln & Newton

THE TOP 5 • Cambridge Montessori, Cambridge • Jackson Walnut Park School, Newton • Kingsley Montessori, Boston • Norwood Montessori School, Norwood • Thacher Montessori, Milton THE WINNER Jackson Walnut Park Montessori 47 Walnut Park, Newton 617-969-9208 • www.jwpschools.org

||||||||||||||||||||| RETAIL ||||||||||||||||||||||

THE WINNER Pine Village Preschool Multiple Locations 617-294-5542 • mybilingualpreschool.com

Faith-Based Preschools THE TOP 5 • Ashmont Nursery School, Dorchester • JCC Early Learning, Multiple Locations • Noah’s Ark Preschool, Needham • Temple Beth Shalom Children’s Center, Needham • Temple Emmanuel, Newton THE WINNER JCC Early Learning Multiple Locations • 617-558-6522 www.bostonjcc.org

Baby Gifts & Gear THE TOP 5 • Buttons and Bows, Acton • GoodHearts Children’s Shop, Reading July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Consignment Stores

• Hip Baby Gear, Marblehead • Magic Beans, Multiple Locations • Tadpole, Boston

THE TOP 5 • Apple of My Eye, Melrose • Buttons and Bows, Acton • Cutie Patuties, Leominster • Itsy Bitsy Thrifty, Billerica • Two Little Monkeys, Somerville

THE WINNER Magic Beans mbeans.com

Bike Shops

THE WINNER Cutie Patuties 1021 Central St., Leominster 978-534-6604 • cutiepatuties.com

THE TOP 5 • Bikes Not Bombs, Jamaica Plain • Dedham Bike, Dedham • Ferris Wheels Bike Shop, Jamaica Plain • Landry’s Bicycles, Multiple Locations • Wheelworks, Belmont

Family Shoe Stores THE TOP 5 • The Barn Family Shoe Store, Newton • Michelson’s Shoes, Lexington & Needham • Pisini Shoes, Franklin • Red’s Shoe Barn, Plastow, N.H. • The Red Wagon, Boston

THE WINNER Landry’s Bicycles Multiple Locations www.landrys.com

Book Stores

THE WINNER Michelson’s Shoes 1780 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington 1082 Great Plain Ave., Needham 781-449-2753 • michelsonshoes.com

THE TOP 5 • Brookline Booksmith, Brookline • The Coop, Cambridge • Newtonville Books, Newton • Porter Square Books, Cambridge • Wellesley Books, Wellesley

Kids’ Casual Wear

THE WINNER The Coop 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 617-499-2000 • thecoop.com

THE TOP 5 • Cutie Patuties, Leominster • Michelson’s Shoes, Lexington & Needham • The Nutshell, Milton • The Red Wagon, Boston • Tiny Hanger, Brookline & Wellesley

Consignment Events THE TOP 5 • Chelmsford Mothers’ Club Tag Sale, Chelmsford • Fancy Pants, Chestnut Hill • Itsy Bitsy Thrifty, Billerica • LexFUN! Consignment Sale, Lexington • The Children’s Clothesline, Hanover

THE WINNER The Nutshell 10 Bassett St., Milton 617-698-7273 • thenutshellmilton.com

THE WINNER Chelmsford Mothers’ Club Tag Sale Chelmsford • kidstagsale.com

THE TOP 5 • Cutie Patuties, Leominster • GoodHearts Children’s Shop, Reading • The Nutshell, Milton • Pink Domino, Newton Centre • Tiny Hanger, Brookline & Wellesley

Cutie Patuties

Kids’ Special Occasion Wear

THE WINNER Tiny Hanger Brookline & Wellesley www.tinyhanger.com

Shopping Malls or Shopping Areas THE TOP 5 • Burlington Mall, Burlington • CambridgeSide, Cambridge • Linden Square, Wellesley • Market Street, Lynnfield • Natick Mall, Natick 38

Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

THE WINNER Natick Mall Natick www.natickmall.com

Sporting Goods THE TOP 5 • Brine Sporting Goods, Concord & Sudbury • Dick’s Sporting Goods, Multiple Locations • Modell’s Sporting Goods, Multiple Locations • Natick Outdoor Store, Natick • Play It Again Sports, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Natick Outdoor 38 North Ave, Natick 508-653-9400 • www.natickoutdoorstore.com

Toy Stores THE TOP 5 • Artbeat in Arlington • Henry Bear’s Park, Multiple Locations • Learning Express, Multiple Locations • Magic Beans, Multiple Locations • Maziply Toys & Collectibles, Kingston THE WINNER Maziply Toys & Collectibles 101 Kingston Collection Way D102, Kingston 781-582-8697 • www.maziply.com

|||||||||||| FAMILY SERVICES ||||||||||||

Family Support Network or Group THE TOP 5 • Acton-Boxborough Family Network • Allston Brighton Family Network • Autism Resource Center • March of Dimes • Project Sweet Peas - Southern New England THE WINNER Project Sweet Peas - Southern New England www.projectsweetpeas.com/southern-new-england

Kids Party Entertainment THE TOP 5 • Barn Babies, Lakeville • Big Joe, Brighton • Boston Bounce, Peabody • Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, Dedham • Sky Zone, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Sky Zone Multiple Locations www.skyzone.com

Nanny Services THE TOP 5 • Boston Baby Nurse, Multiple Locations • Boston Nanny, Newton • Cass & Company, Boston • Mother’s Helpers, Boston & Metro West • Sitter City, Multiple Locations THE WINNER Boston Baby Nurse 781-444-4063 • bostonbabynurse.com

Kids’ Haircuts THE TOP 5 • Fast Phil’s Barber Shop, Cambridge • Kids Kool Kuts, Saugus • Lulu’s Kids Cuts, Cambridge • Snip-its, Multiple Locations • Stylin’ Kids, Mansfield

Family Photographers THE TOP 5 • Bellini Portraits • Brian Phillips Photography, Boston • Eric Barry Photography, Needham • Laura Leibowitz Photography • My Little Birds Photography

THE WINNER Snip-its snipits.com

THE WINNER Laura Leibowitz Photography www.lauraleibowitzphotography.com

July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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✼ Downs Syndrome Program Tapley Family are Passionate Advocates Boston Children’s Hospital’s Down Syndrome Clinic and Heart Center

T

here is no greater anticipation for parents of a newborn child than to hear the doctor say that they have a healthy baby. For Susie and Andrew Tapley, whose daughter Mae was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth, this was not the case. Little did they know, they would be in and out of Boston Children’s Hospital for the months to follow, commuting from the D.C. area to get the best care possible for their young daughter.

Shortly after Mae was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, the doctors discovered that this brave little girl had a hole in her heart and pulmonary hypertension that needed to be addressed immediately with open heart surgery. This began her journey down the road to recovery, as well as the family’s move to Brookline to be near Boston Children’s and close to family.

The Tapley family, including a now healthy and happy two-year-old Mae, has been a passionate advocate of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Down Syndrome Clinic and Heart Center ever since. Sunday June 11th, supporters of Mae joined together to walk 6 miles in support of the hospital where she continues to receive extraordinary care and compassion.

Two years ago, the family was able to raise an impressive $23,000 just a week before the event. Support for Mae kept growing, and this year Miles for Mae raised over $72,000 for Boston Children’s.

Mae’s mother Susie proudly explains, “Boston Children’s Hospital literally saved [Mae’s] life.” She describes her experience at Boston Children’s Hospital as “such a

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

welcoming, lovely place,” that gave her endless support and resources during an otherwise daunting and overwhelming time. The Tapleys now dedicate their efforts to raising not only funds for the hospital, but also awareness of Down Syndrome and the incredible potential for children with its diagnosis. It is with this dedication and the drive to help kids like Mae that the Tapley family and friends walk year after year.

The Tapleys were joined at the 15th annual Eversource Walk by over 5,000 walkers all with the same goal: to do their part in helping to fund the exceptional care and groundbreaking research that are synonymous with Boston Children’s. Since its inception, the Eversource Walk, Boston Children’s Hospital’s largest annual fundraiser, has raised over $17.5 million to provide care for children and their families.

Mae and her family also show their support for Boston Children’s Hospital by helping to fund a patient liasion program in the Down Syndrome clinic, which employs adults with Down Syndrome to greet patients and offer support and guidance during appointments. Through this program, the Tapleys were introduced to Nate, the hospital’s first full-time employee with Down Syndrome. Nate serves as an inspiring role model for Mae and her family, as well as for countless others visiting clinic.

Mae’s touching story is one of many successes due to the care provided at Boston Children’s Hospital. For more information on Boston Children’s Down Syndrome program, please click this link: http://www.childrenshospital.org/centers-and-services/ down-syndrome-program

July 2017

Calendar

July 1, Saturday

Boston Harborfest

PHOTO BY GARRETT A. WOLLMAN

Various locations, Boston. The country’s largest Fourth of July festival includes historical reenactments, fireworks, outdoor movies, live entertainment and much more. Through July 4. 617-439-7700; bostonharborfest.com

Pop sensation Andy Grammer, American folk rock singersongwriter Melissa Etheridge and Leslie Odom, Jr., of Hamilton fame will headline alongside the Boston Pops at this year’s Fireworks Spectacular. Catch them live at the preview concert at the Hatch Shell on July 3 (full concert, no fireworks) or at the big shebang on July 4. Not interested in fighting crowds? The show is also televised live at 9pm, July 4, on CBS. | BostonParentsPaper.com July 3, 8:30-10pm;July July2017 4, 8-11pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David41 G. Mugar Way, Boston. FREE. july4th.org.

All events are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend calling first to confirm and purchasing tickets in advance whenever possible.

JULY

Moonlight Hike and Campfire for Families 7pm–9:30pm, Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. The beautiful landscapes and trails at Wachusett Meadow are magical by moonlight. Join in for a chance to listen for owls or coyotes, catch a glimpse of beavers on the pond, and walk among lightening bugs in the meadows.

After the hike they’ll enjoy s’mores around the campfire. For ages 3 and up. Registration required. Adult $18/Child $8. 978-464-2712; massaudubon.org.

1 Saturday

2 Sunday

Boston Harborfest

Wildlife Detectives

Various locations, Boston. The country’s largest Fourth of July festival includes historical reenactments, fireworks, outdoor movies, live entertainment and much more. Through July 4. 617439-7700; bostonharborfest.com

10:30 am, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. Join in for a hike through this urban oasis as we investigate forests, wetlands, and meadows that are jam-packed with wildlife. They will explore and discover a variety of animal homes and even build one! Adults, free; youth, $7. 617-983- 8500; massaudubon.org

Patriot Fife and Drum 1-3 pm, Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. Enjoy a lively concert of the music that accompanied colonists as they marched, danced and waged war. Free with admission. 617-5232338; paulreverehouse.org

Family Film Festival 6pm, The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston.

Catch an outdoor viewing of Annie at sundown. Family-friendly entertainment and activities start at 6pm. FREE. prudentialcenter. com

Fourth of July Farmyard Celebration 10am – 2pm, Weir River Farm, 227 East St., Hingham.

Celebrate the Trustees 125th birthday with farm animals, activities and treats. Family, $10. 781-740-7233; ttor.org

Independence Day Celebration 9:30am – 5pm, Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Take part in the citizens’ parade, march with the militia, participate in a pie-eating contest or play 19th century baseball. Through July 4. Free with admission. 800-7331830; osv.org

Meet Beach Creatures 10am–3pm, Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. The 110-gallon tide pool touch tank is open for fun hands-on learning, Thursdays through Sundays, 10:00am–3:00 pm, through August 20. Volunteers interpret the amazing animals you may or may not have seen on your own beach visits, answering all the questions that all ages want to know. Program themes centered on local ecology and wildlife change every day, offering crafts, games, and two daily family presentations at 11:00 and 1:00.

For all ages. FREE; suggested donation $2/child. 978-462-9998; massaudubon.org

3 Monday Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Preview Concert 8:30pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Get a preview of the Fourth of July show with a full concert, minus the fireworks. FREE. july4th.org

Run & Ride at CambridgeSide Do you love to ride your bike and run? Compete in the eighth annual, kids only FREE duathlon with biking and running around CambridgeSide! For kids ages 5-13 years old, with prizes, race T-shirts, giveaways, entertainment and more. Pre-register today!

URL for event: CambridgeSide.com Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 8:30am – 1pm | FREE

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Preschoolers in the Park 10am, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby Street Salem. Create your own woodblock boat to sail in our pool-sized model of the harbor! Then walk out onto Derby Wharf to see a real lighthouse. FREE. salem.org

4 Tuesday Independence Day Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular 8pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Andy Grammer and Melissa Etheridge are featured in the annual concert and fireworks show. FREE. july4th.org

Salem’s July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza 4pm, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby St., Salem.

Children’s activities start at 4pm, followed by live entertainment and an orchestra-accompanied fireworks display. FREE. salem.org

Salisbury Fourth of July Celebration 7pm, Salisbury Beach, Salisbury. Live music followed by fireworks over the ocean. FREE. beachfests.org

July Fourth in Plymouth Plymouth Waterfront, Plymouth. A parade kicks off festivities at 9:30am at Mayflower Business Park. Fireworks begin at 9pm on the waterfront. FREE. july4plymouth.com

July Fourth Celebration in Newton various locations, Newton. Kids celebrate from 10am to noon at Newton Centre Playground with parades, games and ice cream, the fun continues all afternoon at Albermarle Field, ending with fireworks. FREE. newtoncommunitypride.org

Fourth of July at the Concord Museum 11am – 3pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord.

Enjoy colonial games or take part in a patriotic craft. Free with admission. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

5 Wednesday Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show.

Today: Curious Creatures (animals). FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

6 Thursday Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Smyly the Juggle. FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

See, Think, and Wonder Walks: Trapping Bugs in the Riverside Yard at Joppa

7 Friday Fresh Fridays 11am – 3pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. Join Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Public Market and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for an outdoor celebration of healthy food fun! Participate in demonstrations highlighting kid-friendly recipes, visit a mobile produce stand offering locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and more.

Free with admission. 617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

Free Fun Fridays Various locations. The Highland Street Foundation opens museums and cultural venues to the public for free. Today: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Children’s Museum in Easton, Falmouth Museums on the Green, The Hall at Patriot Place, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, Pilgrim Hall Museum, & Amelia Park Children’s Museum. FREE. 617-969-8900; highlandstreet.org

Ice Cream and...Frogs 7:30pm–9pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. What’s better than ice cream on a summer night? Why not add a little fun outdoor exploration? Join the adventure as they listen for the songs of frogs and katydids. For families with children ages 6-16. Registration required. Adult $15/Child $9. 508655-2296; massaudubon.org

8 Saturday Kitchen Science 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. What do milk, salt, food coloring and straws have in common? They’re all kept in the kitchen and they’re all great for doing science experiments! Join us and mix, build, predict and experiment. 6 and up. Free with admission. 617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

Family Film Festival 6pm, The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston.

Catch an outdoor viewing of The Jungle Book at sundown.

Family-friendly entertainment and activities start at 6pm. FREE. prudentialcenter.com

Family Ponding 10:30am, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk.

Collect water samples and look for dragonflies, clams, diving beetles, water scorpions and more. Adults, $11; youth, $7. 508-5283140; massaudubon.org

Family Walk 10:30am, Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston. A guided walk for families highlighting different plants and natural phenomena in the gardens. FREE. 617-524-1718; arboretum.harvard.edu

9 Sunday

2pm–3:30pm, Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Each nature exploration will focus on the importance of a sense of place. They’ll focus on local and migrating birds, other species of wildlife, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness, and present each topic in a fun, energetic format that both adults and children will enjoy. For families with children ages 3-6. Registration required. Adult $9/ Child $8. 978-462-9998; massaudubon.org

Digging in the Garden

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts

Fun with Butterflies & Dragonflies

7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band.

Walk the grounds, visit the gardens, or relax on the lawn. $30/car.

978-810-5892; ttor.org

10:30am–12pm, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan. In this program learn about gardening techniques to make the most out of your garden, as well as dealing with insect pests and water levels. For families with children ages 4-11.

Registration required. Members: Adult FREE/Child $7. 617-9838500; massaudubon.org 1pm–2:15pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. Discover the amazing number of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies that make Broadmoor home! Come learn all

July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

43

about these beautiful winged creatures and how to help our local butterflies this summer! For families with children ages 5-16. Registration required. Adult $14/Child $8. 508-655-2296; massaudubon.org

Sunday Concerts on the Green

Helping Wildlife: Hummingbirds

11 Tuesday

1pm–3pm, Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. The small size and fast flight of hummingbirds may make them seem like beautiful visitors we never quite get to know. In fact, there are easy methods to increase our observations and improve hummingbird habitat in our own backyards and in other landscapes. Join us for a hands-on introduction to rubythroated hummingbirds-the only hummingbird species found in Massachusetts. Includes short hikes to some of our monitoring sites. For families with children ages 5 and up. Registration required. Adult $9/Child $5. 978-464-2712; massaudubon.org

6:30pm, Newton Center Green, Newton. Enjoy a festival of cultures reflecting the rich diverse heritage of Newton’s population. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org

One World 10am to noon, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. A series of free arts and cultural events, each week exploring a different corner of the globe. Today: Egypt. FREE. 617450-7000; marybakereddylibrary.org

Playhouse in the Park Elma Lewis Playhouse in Franklin Park, Boston. Stop by at 11am for a children’s show and 6pm for family entertainment and performances. FREE. 617-442-4141; franklinparkcoalition.org

12 Wednesday ParkARTS Soul City

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7pm, Blackstone Square, 1533 Washington Street. Fun and exciting concerts to neighborhoods throughout Boston. FREE. 617-6354505; boston.gov/parks

ParkARTS Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets 11am, Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury. A whimsical puppet show that will delight the child in everyone. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

Wednesday Night Concert Series 7pm, City Hall Plaza, Boston. Boston’s longest-running outdoor concert series. Tonight: Strictly Sinatra by Michael Dutra. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Beauty & the Beast. FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

13 Thursday Splash Dance Party Noon to 1pm, Doherty Playground, Charlestown. Cool off in the spray features, play games, dance and try some tasty treats. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Magic with Robert Clarke. FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts 7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band.

Walk the grounds, visit the gardens, or relax on the lawn. $30/car.

978-810-5892; ttor.org

14 Friday Fresh Fridays 11am – 3pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

Join Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Public Market and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for an outdoor celebration of healthy food fun! Participate in demonstrations highlighting kid-friendly recipes, visit a mobile produce stand offering locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and more. Free with admission.

617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

Free Fun Fridays Various locations. The Highland Street Foundation opens museums and cultural venues to the public for free. Today: Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Larz Anderson Auto Museum, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, Museum of Russian Icons, Cape Ann Museum, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Edward Gorey House.

FREE. 617-969-8900; highlandstreet.org

15 Saturday Glass Harmonica Concert 1-3pm, Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston. Vera Meyer plays early American melodies on an intriguing instrument that Ben Franklin invented. Free with admission. 617-523-2338; paulreverehouse.org

WGBH FunFest

The Green River Festival Greenfield Community College, Greenfield. A music festival with more than 40 acts (including kid fave Mister G), hot air balloon rides and kid’s activities. Through July 10. Adults, $30 and up; youth, free. 413-341-3317; greenriverfestival.com

10am – 4pm, WGBH studios, 1 Guest St., Boston. Meet some of your favorite PBS characters as you enjoy ice cream, games, music and more. $10; family of 4, $35. 617-300-2000; wgbh.org

Kid’s Night Hike

10:30am, Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston. A guided walk for families highlighting different plants and natural phenomena in the gardens.FREE. 617-524-1718; arboretum.harvard.edu

8pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Search for fireflies as you take a family hike, then meet up at the campfire for s’mores. Adults, $15; youth, $10. 978-356-4351; ttor.org

Bastille Day Party 6pm, Marlborough Street (between Berkeley and Clarendon).

Bastille Day returns to Marlborough Street for a celebration of Francophone cultures. The street party will fill the entire block with a stellar concert, dancing, festive food and drinks. Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, commemorates the birth of French democracy. $33, children under 10 free. Frenchculteralcenter.org

Family Walk

Family Film Festival 6pm, The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston.

Catch an outdoor viewing of The BFG at sundown. Family-friendly entertainment and activities start at 6pm. FREE. prudentialcenter. com.

Abbadia Mare Renaissance Festival 11am – 5pm, Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester. Live music, magic, comedy, knights, storytelling, human chess, tours of the castle and more. Adults, $15; youth, $10. abbadiamarefestival.com

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45

Fun with Butterflies & Dragonflies 1pm–2:15pm, Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. Discover the amazing number of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies that make Broadmoor home! Come learn all about these beautiful winged creatures and how to help our local butterflies this summer! For families with children ages 5-16. Registration required. Adult $14/Child $8. 508-655-2296; massaudubon.org

17 Monday MFA Playdates 10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time, art making and looking activities in the galleries. Theme: “Crazy Cool Color.” Free with admission.

617-267-9300; mfa.org

16 Sunday

18 Tuesday

MAKEmobile

ParkARTS Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets

1-3pm, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln. Activities will explore artistic and material processes through amusing prompts and challenges. Free with admission. 781-259-8355; decordova.org

Nature Story Hour 10am–11am, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan. Listen to a nature-themed story and then join the Teacher Naturalist for a short walk around the trails to learn about the resident animals and plants at the BNC. This experience is designed for toddlers and young children to experience the outdoors through sensory adventures. For families with children ages 0-3. Adult FREE/Child $5. 617-9838500; massaudubon.org

Sunday Concerts on the Green 6:30pm, Newton Center Green, Newton. Enjoy a festival of cultures reflecting the rich diverse heritage of Newton’s population. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org

SCHOOLS

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

11am, McConnell Park, Dorchester. A whimsical puppet show that will delight the child in everyone. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/ parks

One World 10am to noon, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. A series of free arts and cultural events, each week exploring a different corner of the globe. Today: Egypt. FREE. 617450-7000; marybakereddylibrary.org

Playhouse in the Park Elma Lewis Playhouse in Franklin Park, Boston. Stop by at 11am for a children’s show and 6pm for family entertainment and performances. FREE. 617-442-4141; franklinparkcoalition.org

Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band.

Walk the grounds, visit the gardens, or relax on the lawn. $30/car.

978-810-5892; ttor.org

Lowell Summer Music Series 10am, Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. Make and take art and snacks at 10am, followed by a show. Today: Mariana Iranzi!

FREE. 978-970-5200; lowellsummermusic.org

21 Friday

Peek a Blue Hike

Fresh Fridays

11am, Houghton’s Pond, 840 Hillside St., Milton. Join the Friends of the Blue Hills for their bi-weekly baby and toddler hiking series. Snacks and drinks provided. FREE. 781-828-1805; friendsofthebluehills.org/peekablue

11am – 3pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

Join Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Public Market and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for an outdoor celebration of healthy food fun! Participate in demonstrations highlighting kid-friendly recipes, visit a mobile produce stand offering locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and more. Free with admission.

617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

19 Wednesday ParkARTS Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets 11am, Sweeney Playground, South Boston. A whimsical puppet show that will delight the child in everyone. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks.

BLO’s Free Summer Concerts

Splash Dance Party Noon to 1pm, Mozart Playground, Jamaica Plain . Cool off in the spray features, play games, dance and try some tasty treats. FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

Free Fun Fridays

7pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents Music for a Summer Evening).

FREE. 617-987-2000; landmarksorchestra.org

Various locations. The Highland Street Foundation opens museums and cultural venues to the public for free. Today: Boston Athenium, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum of the NCAAA, Fruitlands Museum, The Trustees, Tanglewood, Lynn Museum, Hancock Shaker Village, Sandwich Glass Museum, and Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History. FREE. 617-969-8900; highlandstreet.org

20 Thursday Castle Hill Picnic Concerts 7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

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47

Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival Revere Beach, Revere. View the awesome creations at one of the country’s largest sand sculpting festivals, then stay for music, rides and fireworks. Through July 23. FREE. reverebeachpartnership. com PHOTO BY SARAH NICHOLS

Family Dusk Paddles: River Mammals 6pm–8pm, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. For families with children ages 6 and up. Registration required. Adults $20/Children $18. 978-887-9264; massaudubon. org

22 Saturday Family Film Festival 6pm, The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston.

Catch an outdoor viewing of Pete’s Dragon at sundown.

Family-friendly entertainment and activities start at 6pm. FREE. prudentialcenter.com

Family Camp Out 6pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon.

Bring your tent, food and family, they’ll provide s’mores, campfire and the rest. A great opportunity for novice campers. Family, $50.

781-784-5691; massaudubon.org

Boston Area Beekeepers Association Open Hives 10am–12pm, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan. Drop in at the Boston Nature Center Saturday mornings from June to August and learn all about honey bees from the Boston Area Beekeepers. Learn how they make honey, how they survive the winter, and much more! For ages 4 and up.

Registration required. FREE. 617-983-8500; massaudubon.org

FIGMENT Boston Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston. An annual celebration of participatory art and culture. Expect art and activities in every medium available. Through July 31. FREE.. boston. figmentproject.org

Each Tuesday — One World, The Mary Baker Eddy Library

One World 10am to noon, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. A series of free arts and cultural events, each week exploring a different corner of the globe. Today: China. FREE. 617-450-7000; marybakereddylibrary.org

Free Children’s Performances 1pm, Newton Center Green, Newton. A weekly series of kid’s concerts.. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org

26 Wednesday Tots @ 10 10am, Baxter Park at Assembly Row, 300 Grand Union Blvd., Somerville. A monthly program to get your child moving, thinking and creating.FREE. 617-684-1511; assemblyrow.com

BLO’s Free Summer Concerts 7pm, Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston. Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents Mercury Orchestra: Symphonic Opera FREE. 617-987-2000; landmarksorchestra.org

23 Sunday

27 Thursday

Nature Walk

Baseball Day

1pm, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. Come on over to the BNC and stretch your legs with a walk on our trails, and your mind with lots to discover in our forests, meadows, and seasonal wetlands., $7. 617-983-8500; massaudubon.org

11am – 3pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

Run the bases, dress up like a ballplayer or design your own team uniform. Free with admission. 617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

Bugs and Butterflies Free-for- All

9am–11am, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. The forest floor is teeming with life if we look closely enough. Take a walk through the forest to look at mosses, lichen, fungi, and more. For families with children ages 4-12.

Registration required. Adults $11/Children $10. 978-887-9264; massaudubon.org

10am – 3pm, Joppa Flats, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.

Watch the butterfly life cycle in action, take a guided walk and learn about the nature in your yard. FREE. 978-462-9998; massaudubon.org

Sunday Concerts on the Green 6:30pm, Newton Center Green, Newton. Enjoy a festival of cultures reflecting the rich diverse heritage of Newton’s population. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org

25 Tuesday Playhouse in the Park Elma Lewis Playhouse in Franklin Park, Boston. Stop by at 11am for a children’s show and 6pm for family entertainment and performances. FREE. 617-442-4141; franklinparkcoalition.org

Eco-Art: Life of the Forest Floor

28 Friday Fresh Fridays 11am – 3pm, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. Join Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Public Market and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for an outdoor celebration of healthy food fun! Participate in demonstrations highlighting kid-friendly recipes, visit a mobile produce stand offering locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and more. Free with admission. 617-426-6500; bostonkids.org

Free Fun Fridays Various locations. The Highland Street Foundation opens museums and cultural venues to the public for free. Today:

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

The Eric Carle Museum, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Commonwealth Museum, Arnold Arboretum, Historic Deerfield, Cape Cod Museum of Art, Berkshire Theatre Group and Wenham Museum. FREE.. 617-9698900; highlandstreet.org

Splash Dance Party noon to 1pm, East Boston Memorial Park, East Boston . Cool off in the spray features, play games, dance and try some tasty treats.

FREE. 617-635-4505; boston.gov/parks

31 Monday Preschoolers in the Park 10am, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby Street Salem Learn about the animals that live in our ocean by creating a fish print and meeting some live creatures from Salem Sound Coastwatch.

FREE. salem.org

SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS

Castle Hill Picnic Concerts 7pm, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Each week offers an exciting family-friendly and danceable band.

Walk the grounds, visit the gardens, or relax on the lawn.. $30/ car. 978-810-5892; ttor.org

Family Fun Fridays 9am – 5pm, Heritage Museum and Garden, 67 Grove St., Sandwich. Special activities themed around movies featured in the CUT! exhibit. Free with admission. 508-888-3300; heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

Star Gazing Nights 9pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Join local astronomers for a look at the stars and other night objects through big telescopes. FREE. 781-784-5691; massaudubon.org

29 Saturday Play Date: Family Imagination Fest 10am – 4pm, ICA, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Bring the whole family for art viewing and creating, as well as a participatory dance performance (2pm). FREE. 617-478-3100; icaboston.org

Family Film Festival 6pm, The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston.

Catch an outdoor viewing of Finding Dory at sundown. Familyfriendly entertainment and activities start at 6pm. FREE.. prudentialcenter.com

Houghton’s Pond Fish Festival 10am – 1pm, Houghton’s Pond, 695 Hillside St., Milton. Take lessons in casting, knot-tying and fish identification, then cast a line into the pond. FREE. 617-698-1802; friendsofthebluehills.org

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Boston Splash and Dash 3pm, Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Carson Beach. Boston’s only triathlon is inviting youth throughout Greater Boston to suit up for the annual Splash and Dash event, combining running and swimming Youth 7-15; www.bostontri. com

30 Sunday Summer on the Emerald Necklace 5pm, Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain. Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy Metropolitan Wind Symphony. Knucklebones offers a kids play space pre-concert. FREE. emeraldnecklace.org

Sunday Concerts on the Green 6 pm, Newton Center Green, Newton. Enjoy a festival of cultures reflecting the rich diverse heritage of Newton’s population. FREE. 617-796-1540; newtoncommunitypride.org What’s the Moos: Cow Talk, 10am, The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover. Join farmer Pieter Muntendam as he talks about his Belted Galloway Cows that graze in the back field. Registration suggested. $10 978-356-4351; ttor.org

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July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

49

✼ Single Minded

Summer Vacation Susan Solomon Yem

O

ur most memorable summer vacation as a family was a cross-country trip from Boston to California. We landed at LAX and visited all the Southern California landmarks — Hollywood, Universal Studios and Disneyland — before heading north to San Francisco where our oldest son had just moved. It was two weeks of family togetherness. Well, we certainly appeared to be together, but the truth is my husband and I were already living apart.

Even though his home was 30 miles from the children and me, he often visited on weekends. This was not the only time we traveled as a family during this tumultuous period. I think he was still conflicted and maybe a little guilty about leaving us. Perhaps these shared vacations were his way of saying he wasn’t ready to abandon us completely. If the children had any expectation that Mom and Dad were getting back together because we were on a vacation, they did not reveal it.

Shortly after returning home, we legalized our separation and within the year began divorce proceedings.

Since then the vacations we have taken have been separate.

Traveling on Our Own One of my proudest moments as a mother took place when I was still married. My husband, who was on a trip to Asia, had a stopover in Paris and asked me to bring the children and meet him there. Our three oldest boys were two, four and seven at the time.

I was nervous about making this trip, but I had been to France before and spoke passable French.

The boys and I spent four days on our own. In one of those “what was I thinking” moments I even let the

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Boston Parents Paper | July 2017

seven- and four-year-old walk to the patisserie for bread and chocolate by themselves. It was pre-9/11.

Several years later the children and I took another solo trip from Boston to California. The two youngest and I clocked 1,600 miles on a rental car traversing south to north again.

But I am a nervous traveler and I’m not very adventurous. I also had to work during that season when my kids were on school break, so for my children to truly enjoy summer vacations, I had to ask friends to include them in their own plans.

For two summers, my daughter went to New Hampshire with a large family who somehow managed to squeeze her into the car amidst luggage, toys and water gear. My youngest son, Jake, went to Michigan for six weeks with one of his best friends. In later years, he flew on his own from Boston to San Francisco to join his oldest brother in a celebration of their shared birthdays.

From Visitation to Vacation While I missed my children, I did not worry about them while they were away. We communicated often and I trusted the families they were with. I wish I could say the same about the trips Jake took with his dad. By the time we divorced, most of my children were independent college students.

Only Jake was still at home and still connected to his father. Unfortunately, our communication had just about completely broken down. When he took Jake on vacations, he did not tell me where they were going or when they would return. Needless to say, I was not comfortable with this and eventually the visitation agreement was changed.

Family and marriage therapist Sarah Proemsey encourages parents to respect each other and to keep those lines of communication open. “I think it is important for parents to continue to function as a team when it comes to parenting. That means making some decisions together because you are keeping in mind the needs of the child.”

Proemsey continues, “Having the stage set for healthy communication allows the child to be a part of this process, which will increase their feelings of safety.”

And I would add, confidence in the parent who is traveling with the child.

“When divorce is in the picture, it is even more important for the parents to exemplify respect and cooperation for the good of the family. Having this healthy system in place is fundamental and makes it easier to do things like vacationing with trust,” says Proemsey.

Time and Travel It took a while to choose which week to travel this summer. Jake has a summer job so probably won’t be going anywhere. He will once again celebrate his birthday with his brother, but they live in the same state now. I’m going to San Diego with my daughter.

Their father? He’s in Paris again—with his new family.

Susan Solomon Yem is singleminded about raising her five children to adulthood. She’d like to hear your stories about single parenting. Contact her at susansyem@gmail.com

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2016 The LEGO Group.

July 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

51

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