Weekly Blueprint

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a great weekend! Ours was a good mix of social time (including a loooong overdue date night...hooyay!), domestic errands, and relaxing at home. So nice! And now it's time to kick off the week. Enjoy this roundup of weekday events via the Weekly Blueprint -- and on that, I would love to meet you in Somerville on Thursday evening if you're looking for a fun evening out with other mamas!

March 24: Toddler Tuesday at Legoland Discovery Center. (Somerville)

March 25: Fill your day with art and play. (Lincoln)

March 25: Tots @ 10 celebrate spring with Stacey Peasley. (Somerville)

March 25 + 27: Exciting activities featuring science, art, creativity, exploration and sharing of ideas. (Easton)

March 26: Cosmic Loops: music beneath the stars. (Boston)

March 26: Join me for the ultimate mom’s night out! (Somerville)

March 26 - 28: Learn the ancient art of Pysanky, just in time for Easter. (Arlington)

March 26 - 29: The tale of a wise old rabbit and a no-so-smart tiger. (Brookline)

March 27: Godspell! (Arlington)

March 27: KidsJam dance party. (Boston)

March 27: Meet bestselling author Graeme Simsion. (Wellesley)

Image credit: Puppet Showplace Theater

Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome

Happy Saturday everyone, I hope you’re having a great weekend. Today we’re finishing up celebrating Violet’s fourth birthday with a playdate with a couple of her friends from school. Man, I wish I had realized earlier on with Laurel how awesome small friend birthday gatherings are! Anyway, better late than never! Meanwhile, lots of interesting content around the web...enjoy this week’s edition of Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome:

- Why I’m a public-school teacher but a private-school parent.

- The ghost children in the wake of China’s one-child law.

- Why are white people expats when the rest of us are immigrants?

- Gender equality bake sale causes stir at Utah high school.

- A doctor discovers an important question patients should be asked.

- Why children need chores.

- And also, the four-part chore solution.

- My talented friend Gabrielle is coming to Boston as part of her book tour!

- Why the 9 to 5 life is hard for creative people.

- I couldn’t afford to lean in.

- Social media’s small, positive role in human relationships.

- How much (or little) the middle class makes in 30 U.S. cities.

Image credit: triple layer hot chocolate cake via Pinterest

Friday Find: Happiness for Beginners

Every now and then I get into a horrible book rut. I’ll start several books and none of them grab me. I’ve now learned that all I need to do to get out of said book rut is pick up a title by Katherine Center. I was delighted to receive an advanced reading copy of Happiness for Beginners, and like Center’s other titles, I was immediately sucked in, admittedly to the point of shooing away my kids and reading by flashlight as I devoured the closing chapters.

Releasing March 24 (but available for pre-order now, which is really, really good for authors, so go pre-order!), Happiness for Beginners shares the story of Helen Carpenter, a divorced woman who hopes to find her mojo in the wilderness and faces challenges beyond those of the nature variety. Katherine Center has a true gift for creating a story arc that includes personal evolution, romance, challenges, disappointments, and joy in a way that avoids cliche and creates enough ebbing tension and resolution that the reader is left hungering for more. That certainly was the case for me as I finished the final page and snapped off my flashlight. I desperately want to know what happens in Helen's next chapter!

Image credits: Amazon

Weekend Roundup

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you're having a great week, despite this crazy return to winter temperatures (cue sad tromobone)! I'll be doing a warm weather spring equinox dance today and to kick off the weekend, here's a roundup of 27 weekend events, lovingly curated for your consideration. Enjoy perusing the options, think warm thoughts, and check in later today for a delightful Friday Find!

1. Spend Saturday morning with Debbie and Friends. (Arlington)

2. Art discovery classes for children. (Boston)

3. The Golden Dragon Acrobats will entertain, delight, and keep you on the edge of your seat. (Boston)

4. Discover animals large and small; ASL interpreted. (Boston)

5. Set sail and look for signs of spring. (Boston)

6. A special Persian story time. (Boston)

7. A day to focus on water conservation. (Boston, Stoneham)

8. FREE My Gym open house events. (Boston, Newton)

9. Travel the world with shadows, stories and songs. (Brookline)

10. An adults only puppet show. (Brookline)

11. Rock and roll with Josh and the Jamtones. (Brookline)

12. Observe and draw the shapes, colors, and patterns of insects. (Cambridge)

13. Seed sowing and making compost. (Cohasset)

14. Bedtime stories in the morning. (Concord)

15. Tea for two. (Concord)

16. Think with your hands and make some jewelry. (Easton)

17. Kids learn to letterbox. (Framingham)

18. Creature Features live amphibian presentation. (Gloucester)

19. A day of fun and learning all about sustainable sealife. (Newburyport)

20. Wellness and fitness activities for the whole family. (Newton)

21. Curious George the musical. (Newton)

22. Grab a box, create a vehicle and hit the slopes. (Princeton)

23. Design, construct and explore at the intersection of art and architecture. (Salem)

24. Maple sugaring festival at Moose Hill. (Sharon)

25. Maple days the old fashioned way. (Sturbridge)

26. Flapjack fling and sugaring tours. (Topsfield)

27. Celebrate the start of spring with The Revels. (Watertown)

Image credit: World Music

Let's Meet in Somerville!

Is it just me or does it totally feel like coming-out-of-hibernation time? And on that note, I’d love to meet you in Somerville next week (March 26, 6:30pm) at Mommybites Boston’s Ultimate Moms’ Night Out at Arts at the Armory in Somerville. I’m delighted and honored to be delivering a short keynote at the event (I'll also be signing copies of Minimalist Parenting) and then it will be time to relax and mingle and enjoy some hang out time with other rad mamas!

Are you in? Register now and use discount code BOSTONMAMAS to receive 50% off your ticket price! Sweet!

Lessons Learned: 10 Things I’ve Learned From Getting A Second Shot at Parenting

Today is Violet’s 4th birthday and I’m finding myself rather emotional. Her pregnancy was unexpected, the 58 hour labor remains vivid in my mind, the ride over the last 4 years has been crazy, and each exasperating moment with Vivy inevitably is counterbalanced by a sweet or hilarious one. I’ve also learned some things the second time around, and I’m grateful for the lessons, which I want to share with you today as part of the Lessons Learned series.

1. Don’t let pride get in the way of accepting (or asking for) help. Why was it so hard for us to accept or ask for help? While I’m certainly mindful not to take advantage, I’ve let go of any deferential pride issues in this department!

2. Individual differences are just as they should be. Parenting Violet has been a completely different ballgame than parenting Laurel. At first, it freaked me out, but I now know that their differences are just as they should be.

3. Having another kid helps your older kid(s) spread their wings. By necessity, we have needed to encourage Laurel towards more independence. It was a tough shift; after all, she was the focus of our attention for 6.5 years, but I know it has helped her grow immensely. She is so confident and capable now; it’s a joy to watch her tackle new challenges and help around the house.

4. Every decision impacts the family system. Whether it’s decisions about my travel, Jon’s client load, Laurel’s extracurriculars, or Vi’s playdates, every decision impacts the family system and we need to make choices accordingly. It’s really helped me evaluate my choices in a less (admittedly) self-centered way.

5. No is more important than ever. If you’ve read Minimalist Parenting you know I’m a big fan of people learning to say no. And it’s more important than ever as your family grows. There will always be more opportunities; don’t fear no!

6. Store-bought is totally fine. I do love baking from scratch, but, well, TIME. I’ve realized store-bought is totally fine, and in fact, when Vi asked for munchkins for her school birthday treat, I was relieved, given my workload this week. Best $7.99 I ever spent.

7. Letting your kids work it out is a gift. I have a low patience threshold when it comes to sibling squabbling. I quickly realized that whenever I tell Laurel and Violet to go work it out, I’m gifting them with practice in conflict resolution.

8. Reading together is still really, really important. Both of my girls love books and come to think of it, it’s really one of the few quiet, totally focused things we do together. I read a lot with Vi (she’s very forthright and will dump a pile of books in my lap) and I’ve also started reading with Laurel again. It does wonders for both of their moods.

9. Relationships matter more than ever. Whether it’s your spouse, immediate family, or friends, nurture your relationships. Go on a date. Go out for a meal (you do, after all, need to eat). Call someone on the phone. Nurturing your relationships will make you a happier parent. Trust me.

10. Your kids want you to do less. Ultimately, your kids want you and your undivided attention, not all the fancy trappings you’re trying to create for them (well intentioned as they are). It’s a win-win for everyone. JUST DO LESS. Vi and Laurel both are happier when we’re just hanging out together, and my phone has been stored accordingly.

Image credits: Christine Koh

This Is What You Have to Look Forward to, Kid

The little angel is on spring break this week. Yesterday, we packed up our laptops and headed over to the library for a change of scenery. She had to make an ABC book, which is a document with a fact about the American Revolution for every letter of the alphabet and an accompanying picture.

There was a lot of typing and formatting and then I crashed her buzz by explaining image copyright as she pulled willy-nilly from Google Images. This led to some frustration and a discussion of Wikimedia Commons and then she started down the tedious path of formatting everything again.

After about two hours, she looked over at me. "This is boring," she said. "I think I'm getting a taste of what it's like to have a job."

WELCOME TO THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, GRASSHOPPER.

 

I've been writing a bit on BlogHer when I haven't been here:

6 Things You Need to Know About Survival-Based Swim Programs

I have a bit of an emotional narrative around water, both from my teen years and also as a parent. And these experiences have reinforced my belief that swimming is a life skill (not an optional extracurricular). Through an editorial partnership with the JCC’s Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy, I was intrigued to learn more about survival-based swim programs. Read on for my Q & A with director Korrinn Lubarsky (who can be seen in the photo below, teaching her 3-month-old daughter Harper to float on her back).

1. How do survival-based swim programs differ from regular swim classes?

With traditional swim lessons, the approach is an introduction to water (e.g., singing songs, getting your child comfortable in a larger body of water than their infant tub at home). With survival-based swimming programs, the approach focuses on water safety and not only teaches children how to swim, but what to do if they fall into the water.  

2. What do kids learn in survival-based swim classes?

Survival tests are used where children are gently tossed into the water fully clothed. The theory behind keeping children’s clothing on is because statistics show that children who fall in the water are typically clothed. They are taught to respond appropriately based on their experience level to show they can save themselves. Swimmers are taught to roll over onto their back, called a survival float. This is essential because if you fall into the water, the first instinct of rolling onto your back and floating so you can breathe is critical to survival.  Survival tests provide parents and children with the confidence of knowing their child knows how to save themselves in the water.

3. Does this approach scare kids?

Children can be a bit nervous when they first start their lessons. This is a new environment for most kids and they are learning to be comfortable in the water and with their instructor. We build upon the survival float from the start of the first lesson. Some children are still frightened, yes. However, each week we build confidence and slowly reduce a child’s apprehension. Some children do not pass their survival tests when it comes time to take it, and that is OK! Whenever you start a new skill, it takes time, practice and consistency to excel at it.

4. How early can you start teaching survival-based swimming?

Kids can start survival-based swimming programs as early as three months old. Some parents think they should hold off on swimming until their child is a little older because they don’t think they will learn much at that young age. They say, “How much can babies really learn when they are three months old?” You would be surprised! Little ones will start by getting used to being in the water and learning to float.

5. Why is it important to consider a survival-based swimming program?

Being a certified instructor for over 15 years, I have been exposed to and taught many different approaches to swimming. I grew up learning the traditional method and there is nothing wrong with that! However, back then, drowning statistics were not as alarming as they are today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for young children ages 1 to 4, and one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 13.  Since drowning statistics have been on the rise, it makes it more imperative for children to learn what to do in the water.

6. If my child already knows the basics of swimming (crawl, treading water), should they take a survival-based swimming program or focus on stroke improvement?

Most survival-based swimming programs have stroke improvement and development wrapped into the curriculum. The curriculum is usually a structured and detailed sequence of building upon each skill. Even though you will be mastering all four swimming strokes, the water safety component is still evident with different drills and skills being tested. The goal is to create water-safe children and proficiently sound swimmers.

For more information about survival swimming programs in your area, contact director Korrinn Lubarsky at the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center in Newton at lksainfo@jccgb.org. Also, on Sunday, March 22, enjoy a free wellness expo including interactive exhibits and demonstrations for kids and adults at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton!

Disclosure: This post reflects a sponsored editorial partnership with the JCC  Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. Image credits: 1) LKSA at the JCC; 2) Korrinn Lubarsky

Weekly Blueprint

Happy Monday, I hope you had a great weekend! We enjoyed a short day trip to see family, and also saw the new Cinderella movie. Aside from my (expected!) feminist objections, the movie was visually stunning, I liked the messages about courage and kindness, and it made for a perfect rainy day outing with the girls. Now, let's get the week rolling! Enjoy this roundup of fun events via the Weekly Blueprint!

March 16 + 17: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. (Boston)

March 17: Chemistry gets green for St. Patrick’s Day. (Acton)

March 17: Arts, crafts and a little leprechaun magic. (Easton)

March 17: Pitch in on afternoon chores on the farm. (Lincoln)

March 18: Celebrate Brain Awareness week. (Acton)

March 18: Food for Thought Film Series: Cave of Forgotten Dreams. (Harvard)

March 18: Even grown ups like the play with Legos. (Somerville)

March 19 - 22: Travel the world with shadows, stories and songs. (Brookline)

March 20: Live interactive performance with musicians from the radio show From the Top. (Boston)

March 20: A teddy bear tea. (Concord)

March 20: Spring brings bread and bunnies. (Lincoln)

Image credit: Just a Taste via Pinterest