If you have young children in preschool or daycare in Massachusetts chances are you've heard about the new state-wide mandate to have those children brush their teeth while in care. How do you feel about this? I don’t hate it. I actually really like the idea. However, I realize not everyone agrees with me.
Some time ago I promised my children, ages 5 and 7, that my husband and I would try our best to keep Friday nights free of adult plans so we could institute Friday Family Fun Night. It would be a guaranteed night of the week when we would put down the laptops, blackberries and remote control and just do something silly or fun or creative as a FAMILY. It's crazy that we even had to pick a family night, but during the week between their school work, my husband and I working full time, and extracurricular activities that creep their way into our lives, I had to make this promise to them and to myself.
What do we do on Friday Family Fun Night? It totally varies on the weather and the mood. But here's an idea of what we've done this winter and maybe you can incorporate them into your family fun night, or use them to kick off your own weekly routine.
The Friends of Ipswich Elementary Schools (FRIES) - Doyon Chapter and Boston's Chinese Folk Art Workshop are teaming up to welcome the Year 4708, the Year of the Tiger, with a performance of a variety of traditional Chinese folk arts such as Dragon Dance, Lion Dance, Taiwanese Drums, Chinese yoyo and Folk Dance at the Ipswich Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Performance starts at 3:00 p.m. Work out some of those winter blues and try out some of the dances, instruments, and folk arts with the performers at the conclusion of the event.
Tickets are $8.00 each and will not be available at the door. Tickets can be purchased online.
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Feeling outdoorsy? Snowshoeing for Families at Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester, Sunday, January 24 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm. They’ll teach you how to use snowshoes before heading out onto the trails and then teach you how to look for signs of wildlife as you enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary in winter! Registration is required.
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More of the indoor type? Visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art this weekend. Spend the day with the family and take in exhibits like “Golden Legacy: Original Art From 65 Years of Golden Books”.Our regular feature, What's Happening this Weekend, is highlighting Massachusetts events this week. Enjoy!
Central Mass:
Whether you’re a full-fledged farmer, a wanna-be hobbyist organic gardener or somewhere in between you’ll want to check out NOFA*/Mass annual winter conference “Food from Farms to Families” at Worcester Technical High School in Worcester, MA this Saturday, January 16, from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Over 40 workshops (including ones specifically for teens) on organic farming, gardening, landscaping, and sustainable living, as well as exhibits to check out, and even a children’s program (for kids 3 and up) that runs during workshops times. You won’t have to worry if there’s something for you at the NOFA/Mass annual winter conference, you’ll have to worry about narrowing down your choices! A must attend for anyone interested in healthy eating, an organic lifestyle and supporting local farms.
Western Mass:
For fans of art and fans of children's book illustrations - The 20th Annual Children's Illustration Show at R. Michelson Galleries in Northhampton, MA (ongoing until Jan. 31, 2010). Featuring the work of acclaimed artists such as Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems, Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, and Tomie DePaola. Open Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm. And the best part about it is, it's free!
Eastern Mass:
For the little ones who love to dance and sing and let's face it, the adults too - Ben Rudnick and Friends at the Center for Arts in Natick on Saturday, January 16 at 11am. Adults are $9 and kids are $6. Love to jam? You'll love iParenting and Parent's Choice award-winner Ben Rudnick. He's groovy.
[image credit - BenRudnick.com]
*Northeast Organic Farming Association
Winter can be a great time for bird watching. One way to entice them into your yard it to provide food. There is something beautiful about seeing a bright red cardinal against the snowy white ground.
The easiest way to draw birds into your yard is to provide plants that they can eat and hide in as well as fresh water to drink. Last year, I posted this craft I did with the kids.
Here are a few more that you can do.
I try to find the humor in it but trying to get your kids to eat a healthy meal when all they want is junk food is not very funny either.
If you have little ones like I do, you know that most kids don’t want to eat what you put in front of them. Even if they ate the darn meal the night before, even if you prepared a brand new meal and it wasn’t the dreaded leftovers, there’s a good chance they’ll turn their nose up at it. Frustrating? Just a little.
Continue reading "Food fight - how do you get your kids to eat?" »
Say farewell to 2009 and hello to 2010! Here's a round-up of First Night activities throughout New England. All have family-friendly activities planned for kids of all ages.
Massachusetts:
Boston - First Night Boston
North Shore - Beverly's New Year
South Shore - First Night New Bedford
Cape Cod - First Night Chatham
Worcester - First Night Worcester (See one New England Mama's take on it here)
Western MA - First Night Northampton
Connecticut: First Night Danbury; First Night Westport; First Night Hartford
Rhode Island: Bright Night Providence
Vermont: First Night Montpelier; First Night Burlington; First Night St. Johnsbury
New Hampshire: First Night Portsmouth; First Night Wolfeboro
Maine: First Night Bar Harbor; First Night Old Orchard Beach
If I've missed any, please feel free to add them in the comments. And as always, please celebrate safely and responsibly.
That’s how much I love you.
Continue reading "Harry Potter - the Exhibition at the Boston Museum of Science" »
Two years ago, we were invited to a friends' house for "A New Year's Eve Kids' Bash." This event was such a success, that this year will mark the third annual event. Our friends' graciously open their doors and their home to an average of 11 kids and 10 adults. They provide the bulk of the food and the activities. Everyone provides the fun.
In this season of elves and flying reindeer and the fat man in a red suit that magically comes down the chimney, I have to admit that I’m a little worried about her lack of wonderment.
Continue reading "Santa - A great big guy or a great big lie?" »
