In May I signed on as a March of Dimes mom, through which I will donate one post per month to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, newborn, or general family topics. In honor of Father’s Day, June’s suggested topic was – not surprisingly – dad issues. I know I’m a few days late in sharing my thoughts on this topic, but there’s a good reason why.

Continue reading "Lessons From My Dad" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Jul 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Family Issues
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Oh my, clear skies...let's all hope for them together for this holiday weekend shall we? And if you’re trying to find fireworks near you, Sheri passed along a handy link from Boston Central that features a date/town ordered list of Massachusetts fireworks displays. Associated Content also features a large town ordered roster of Massachusetts fireworks displays, including original source links.

Posted by Christine Koh on 2 Jul 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Although Laurel’s daycare runs year round, the summer tends to be a time for transition, and the recent departure of one of her friends reminded me of something I loved doing as a child: exchanging letters with pen pals. Laurel’s friend (or actually, her parents) left a colorful paper bag in each friend’s mail pouch with a sweet goodbye letter that included the friend's mailing address and a request to be pen pals. Also handily included: a note card and self-addressed stamped envelope to get the ball rolling.

Continue reading "Will You Be My Pen Pal?" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Jul 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Gifts & Paper; Home
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Today, Heather shares ideas for ways to work in one on one time with siblings:

“With four children, ages 2-5, giving each of my children the individual attention they want is truly one of my greatest challenges. Many days it feels as if they all need a piece of me at the same time, especially in the 10 minutes after I come home from work. But I have learned that even as little as 5 minutes of daily one on one time does wonders for all of us. Below are some simple ways that I have managed to carve out quick one on one time with my children (of course, in some of these examples my husband needs to be home to supervise the other three).

Continue reading "One on One With Four" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 1 Jul 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Family Issues
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This past weekend I took a walk down craft memory lane when my mother-in-law brought a Klutz potholder making kit for Laurel. To be perfectly frank, it’s not the most chic craft, but boy does Laurel love it. It’s a fantastic project that enables kids to experiment with colors, patterns, and the dexterity needed to weave the cotton loops onto the loom (it was fun to see Laurel figure out her own way to weave without the plastic tool). I actually need to buy extra loops ASAP because Laurel is burning through this kit (she already has gifted three potholders to me) and we haven’t even gotten to the woven chicken project yet.

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys
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Today, Kate shares a book recommendation for grownups:

“I have long been fascinated by marriages. What keeps two people together over many years? What really goes on during all of those dinners together, those long car rides, those epic changes and everyday activities? How do some couples manage to strike the right balance between independence and interconnectedness? And how is it that some couples - even after decades - still share private smiles that suggest love and excitement, while others seem like barely more than comfortable companions?

Continue reading "Love, Marriage, & Experimentation" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Family Issues; For Grownups
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Crafts and toys typically occupy separate real estate in stores and playrooms, but CALAFANT cleverly has figured out how to merge the two, offering kids a wonderful vehicle for creativity and play, and parents more bang for their buck. CALAFANT’s cool line of recyclable cardboard toy kits are available in affordable small, medium, and large sizes (plus a giant crawl-able castle). The kits are fun for grownups to pop together (no tools or adhesive required), and offer a blank canvas on which kids can paint, color, collage, and bling to their heart’s desire. Laurel loved decorating the CALAFANT palace (glitter glue was her favored medium) and the palace can serve both as a pretty display of her artistic style and a happy home for her Playmobil and Polly Pocket figures.

Continue reading "Oh So Clever CALAFANT" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Art Supplies & Toys; Eco Living
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It’s hard to believe we’re coming up on July 4th weekend and starting tomorrow locals and visitors alike may enjoy a celebratory windup to the holiday weekend via Boston Harborfest. Taking place at and around City Hall Plaza, the festivities run June 30 – July 5. Included in the itinerary is a special Children’s Day on July 1 and of course, plenty of chowder.

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Last weekend on the Cape I was reminded that a little rain doesn’t stop enthusiastic kids (i.e., grownups were huddled under umbrellas while the kids happily swam in the pool). Hopefully, these outdoor weekend picks will prevail over the weather. On Saturday: Summer Bazaar (Amesbury), Family Fun Day (Somerville), Arnold Arboretum Drop-In Family Activities (Jamaica Plain), & Kite Festival, A Family Fiesta (Lawrence). And through the weekend: St. Peter’s Fiesta (Gloucester) & the Sand & Sea Festival (Salisbury).

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Few things spell summer like the welcome return of water play, and today (2 - 3:30pm) the Boston Common Frog Pond will host a Frog Pond Wading Pool opening celebration, replete with activities, snacks, and of course, a lot of water. The pool is open June through Labor Day, 11am – 6pm.

Posted by Christine Koh on 26 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Outdoors; Local
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Today, parent educator Hetti Wohlgemuth shares tips for coping with public tantrums:

“Small children tantrum; sometimes in a big way. And sometimes in a public place. We manage tantrums just fine at home, but less well on the playground, or at the public library, market, or mall. Why? Because it's embarrassing to watch Alex collapse to the floor and go completely out of control when everyone (or so it seems) is watching/judging how we deal with this tiny tornado. Here are some tips for coping with public displays of tempestuous behavior:

Continue reading "Public Displays of Affliction" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Family Issues
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My bargain savvy sister-in-law sent me two leads that are handy for families looking for budget entertainment now that school is out (and the rain doesn’t seem interested in letting up for long). Both programs are national (simply search by state) with a good number of Massachusetts options (though listings are outside Greater Boston): Regal’s Free Family Film Festival runs now through late August with G and PG movies starting at 10am each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival, and KidsBowlFree offers kids two free games of bowling each day plus families can purchase a family pass that covers up to four adults for the entire summer.

Continue reading "Free Family Fun" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 25 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local
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In response to an invitation to submit an idea for an episode of The Juice, last week I wrote about a topic I care deeply about: nurturing relationships and the value of doing good things for people. And I’m honored to report that The Juice selected my post as the winning entry of their Trop 50 Juice Contest. As a result, I’ll head to San Francisco to film a webisode with host and BlogHer co-founder Jory Des Jardins, featuring the tips I wrote about, plus some additional useful ideas and resources on the topic.

I’ll let you know when the webisode is live; meanwhile, I’m flattered that my post was selected from what no doubt was a pool of thoughtful and insightful entries, and am happy to have the opportunity to spread the good karmic word!

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (4) | Filed in Family Issues; Mama in the Workplace; Web (Admin)
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Today, Sheri shares a review of Sage Stossel’s On the Loose in Boston: A Find-The-Animals Book. Read on for Sheri’s review, as well as to learn how to be one of three winners to receive a copy of On the Loose in Boston:

“Born and raised a Bostonian, it can be hard to find new books that capture the essence of Boston as well as Make Way for Ducklings does, but Sage Stossel’s new book On the Loose in Boston is one book for Bostonians to take a good, close look at.

Continue reading "On the Loose in Boston" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; For Babies & Kids; Travel
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Today, Kate shares her favorite means for fitness:

“I turned 35 this year, which - combined with other major changes in my life - prodded me into thinking that I should be doing more to keep myself healthy and active. In the past, I've tried gyms, pools, classes, DVDs, and different pairs of sneakers, but nothing has ever stuck for very long and nothing has really felt right: classes don't fit my schedule, gyms are too impersonal, pools are too much of a nuisance (the chlorine! the wet hair!), and I've never quite had the discipline to commit to exercise at home. However, my family has a history of heart disease and I have some very special people for whom to remain healthy, so I decided that this spring would be the season in which I would figure out a way to exercise that I could both enjoy and sustain.

Continue reading "The Joy of Walking" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 23 Jun 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Bath, Beauty & Health; Family Issues
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