ML Interest Tag: afternoon

Welcome, Winter! 8 Outdoor Adventures to Take with Kids Now

by Allison Sutcliffe

Winter is a great time of year to plan outdoor activities around Boston with your family. Get your hat, gloves and warmest winter boots ready and find a new sledding hill, book a day on the ice or makes some s’mores by the fire. These are a slew of our favorite things to do in Boston in the winter. All you have to do is check off the activities one by one!

Editor’s note: As things continue to evolve due to the omicron variant, please remember to double check information for the most up-to-date changes before packing the kids in the car for an adventure.

See the Winterlights

iStock

It's not too late to catch the Winterlights at the Bradley Estate or at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. This weekend is the last chance you'll have until next year!

Head to Your Nearest Sledding Hill

sledding
iStock

Boston has tons of sledding hills to choose from. Whether you're after trills on long hills or easy slopes that are perfect for toddlers, you don't have to look to far to find them. So, grab your favorite sled and get ready for a day in the snow! 

Read Stories in the Red Barn

iStock

Cows, crafts and a story are all part of this weekly time for toddlers at the Red Barn at Weir River Farm. Better get moo-ving!

Visit Chestnut Hill Farm

iStock

Chestnut Hill Farm is a great destination for the winter months as there's so much to do there. You can go on a Reindeer Quest or enjoy fire pits on Saturday afternoons. It's a bring your own camp chair situation, but they'll provide everything you need to roast s'mores and find adventures between bites.

Take a Night Hike

stock

World's End is where you'll find the start of this guided night hike that happens when the moon in out. Hikes are scheduled in January, February and March of this year.

Go Ice Skating

ice skating
iStock

Get ready to practice your triple axel...or maybe just skate a few wobbly laps with your tot (we won't tell). However you skate, enjoy this activity with the kids at one of our favorite ice skating rinks. It doesn't get any better (or quintessentially Boston) than skating at the Frog Pond. Enjoy it while you can! The Kelly Outdoor ice rink in Jamaica Plain is another of our favorites, and you've got through March to enjoy it. Make your way to Winter Skate at Patriot Place for a great big ice rink and amenities too.

Make a New Farmyard Friend

Appleton Farms is where kids can make a barnyard animal friend this winter. They'll soon be calling Angora rabbits, Nubain goats and the resident flock of heritage chickens their buds.

Explore Outdoor Art

boston deCordova sculpture park outdoor activitiy
Christina R. via yelp

The sculptures at deCordova Sculpture Park are just as stunning when they're surrounded by snow or cold hard ground as they are in the heat of summer. Learn about each one during a docent-led tour this winter.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

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Let the Good Times Roll: Bay Area Roller Rinks

by Julie Honan Johnston

Lace up and let your little ones loose for some classic fun (and fitness!). Roller skating is as popular as ever at these seven rockin’ Bay Area roller rinks. Never tried it? No worries—most locations offer lessons, skate rentals and snacks. Throw in some lights, music, games and even a little mini golf and you’ve got the perfect way to spend a day.

San Francisco

Bea B. via Yelp

Skatin’ Place

If you’re not ready to roll with indoor crowds yet, this outdoor skating area in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is where you'll want to get your groove on. Skaters have been frequenting this outdoor funscape since the disco days of the late 70s. Bring your own skates if you have them or rent some in the small shop across from the park entrance on Fulton Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue). The area to the north of the “glide lane” is reserved for inexperienced skaters and small children. 

6th Avenue and Kennedy Drive
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Online: skatingplace.htm

Ivonnie S. via Yelp

Church of 8 Wheels

Only in San Francisco can you spread “rolligion” by skating in a church. Kids of all ages can join the Tuesday Night Roller Disco (4:00 to 5:30 p.m.) and the Friday Night Roll Out (5:00 to 6:30 p.m.). 60-minute group lessons are available on Saturdays and prearranged private lessons are also available upon contact (see website for details). 

554 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: churchof8wheels.com

East Bay

best roller skating rinks
Podobne Obrazy via istock

Paradise Skate 

With pre-registration, kids can skate for free at Paradise Skate (see website for details). For those looking to advance their skills, there’s a four-week Super Skater Program where skaters will learn things like backwards skating, crossovers, jumps and spins. Educators will love the STEM field trip which involves an hour of STEM-related education and two hours of physical fitness on the rink.  

1210 West 10th St.
Antioch, CA
Online: paradiseskate.com

NEW!! Aloha Roller Rink in Emeryville
Offering roller skating, rentals, an arcade, snack bar and eventually birthday parties, it will be a rollin' good time at Aloha's newest East Bay location

5625 Bay St.
Emeryville
Online: aloharollerrink.com

The Golden Skate

At The Golden Skate, you’ll find public skate times throughout the week as well as plenty of time slots for private birthday parties. Lessons are offered on Saturday afternoons and the rink has a variety of games as well as Old Western-themed seating areas. On your marks, get set, skate!

2701 Hooper Drive
San Ramon, CA
Online: thegoldenskate.com

South Bay

kids, siblings, roller skating,
Red Tricycle

Aloha Roller Rink 

Located next to the Eastridge Mall, Aloha is now open for public skating everyday except Mondays. Lessons are available for ages 6 and up on Saturdays and indoor mini golf, an arcade and snack bar add to the fun. Want the party to come to you? Aloha has a mobile skate rental trailer with 250 pairs of skates ready to be delivered to the smooth surface of your choice.

2190 Eastridge Loop, Suite 1402
San Jose, CA 
Online: aloharollerrink.com

Gin K. via Yelp

Santa Cruz Roller Palladium

Open since the 1950s, the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium is a mellow change of pace from the busy boardwalk. The summer schedule features a Tiny Tots session every Wednesday from 11:15 to 12:30 p.m. for kids 8 and younger. A $3.50 admission fee includes a warm-up, instruction, games and quad skate rental. 

1606 Seabright Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 
Online: santacruzrollerpalladium.com

North Bay

Tanya W. via Yelp

Cal Skate of Rohnert Park

Open daily for public skating, Cal Skate features an arcade, snack bar, disco lights and more. Private and group lessons are available as well as bookings for birthday parties. During lessons on Monday and Thursday mornings, parents and guardians are allowed to walk on the floor to assist with younger beginners. Do you have a child who is more racer than casual roller? Try the inline speed skating classes on Wednesday afternoons.

6100 Commerce Blvd
Rohnert Park, CA
Online: calskate.com

—Julie Honan Johnston

featured photo: iStock

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A Letter to My Middle Child

By Caitlyn Viviano

Photo: Caitlyn Viviano

Sometimes it’s hard to be sandwiched in between two siblings who both require a significant amount of time and attention in completely different ways.

The oldest, needing to be out the door at the crack of dawn in order to get to school on time. Then after school, it’s spelling words, reading intervention, and dance. Her sweet and sassy self is always keeping us on our toes. While the baby requires so much of me, from pumping around the clock, scrubbing bottles, physical therapy appointments, and endless laundry. He is happiest when being held and generally hates to be put down even if just for a few short minutes.

But you, my sweet middle child, enjoy the simple things in life and require so little to be truly happy.

Thank you for running into my room with a big smile, hands full of dinosaurs, asking me to play with you, because the chores can wait.

Thank you for eating anything and everything I put on your plate even if it’s green and looks like a tree.

Thank you for loving our outings to the grocery store just as much as our outings to the toy store.

Thank you for picking me beautiful flowers and weeds on every walk we take.

Thank you for telling me I’m “the best cooker ever” when I make you boxed mac n cheese.

Thank you for never throwing a tantrum when your sister gets to go somewhere and you have to stay home with me.

Thank you for accompanying me to every doctor’s appointment for your siblings and never complaining about all the waiting.

Thank you for drawing me unique works of art and presenting them to me with such pride, even if you do call them “scribble scrabble.”

Thank you for entertaining yourself with toy cars and action figures while I pump and feed your brother.

Thank you for loving me as you do, even on the hard days, and telling me I’m beautiful, even if I haven’t showered in a few days.

Thank you for giving the best hugs at the perfect time, and for making me feel whole again.

One day, in the not so distant future, you will be in school all day and the house will be eerily quiet. No loud games of Ninja Turtles where we run around the house together with cardboard swords pretending to fight off “bad guys.”

No more afternoons playing in the dirt in the backyard and looking for bugs that you will convince me to let you bring inside. No more lazy days snuggled on the couch watching your favorite cartoons and eating way too many cookies. No more late afternoons reading truck books followed by long naps. You will have an exciting life outside the house and won’t need me as much. So for now I will soak up every minute, every day with you, my loving and perfect middle child. You, my son, are something special and our family is better off because of you! 

Caitlyn is a military spouse and mom to three children and one fur baby. She was an elementary school counselor before becoming a stay at home who enjoys coffee, hiking, and playing in the dirt with her kids. 

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The Perfect Baby Girl Nursery

by #MomLife

 

Ashley Haase

We are design-loving cousins from San Francisco and Atlanta who teamed up to change the current approach to virtual interior design.

Follow Me

Who loves you, sweet baby girl?

After going through IVF three times, Jess and her husband welcomed their precious daughter, Penelope in 2018. Her nursery has all the function and frills this young princess deserved, with the fun modern farmhouse feel of the home. Our favorite feature is this beautiful shiplap wall, painted to match the blush color scheme throughout.

Whether you need to freshen up a somewhat finished space or design out a blank room, Cousins Ash and Jess at City & Shiplap can guide you through your design journey with a fast, fun and simple virtual interior design approach. Their goal is to bring high design to all budgets through the US with an easy and approachable process.

1

Ruffle Bedding

Ruffle Baby Bedding

$129

Light pink ruffle baby bedding. This bedding is so sweet for a little girls nursery. I fell in love with this bedding and had to have it.

BUY NOW

2

Glider

Mommy’s Nap Chair

898.99

This swivel glider saved my life. It is so comfortable and was my nap spot for late night feedings!

BUY NOW

3

Chandelier

$299

I wanted something different for my daughter bedroom that could transition once she got older. I love the look and feel of this chandelier with the light wood tones.

BUY NOW

4

Area Rug

Tummy time area

$149

I knew I would want a rug that was soft but still kept my color scheme. This rug has so many options in colors and sizes. We spent a number of afternoons playing on this rug!

BUY NOW

5

Wall mirror

Mirror, mirror on the wall

273.99

The gold detail and unique shape of this mirror brings all the pink and white together.

BUY NOW

6

Window Panel

Who says bows have to be in your hair?

$109

The bows on these panels give them that girly touch. They take this girly room to the next level.

BUY NOW

7

Lamp

Let them be light.

$49.99 BUY NOW

The lattice of this lamp brings detail to places details are forgotten. I love this little lamp by my glider to help with late nights and night time story time.

Spring Has Arrived at Starbucks with New Tumbler Line

by Karly Wood

If you’ve been dreaming of warmer weather and spring blooms, you’re not alone. To get us all excited for the end of winter, Starbucks has released a new line all about spring.

The pastel-themed collection not only boasts plenty of bunnies and flowers, but also a new take on the popular matte studded tumbler from last fall.

The lineup comes with a variety of tumblers, coffee mugs as well as reusable hot cups.

Many of the products also feature iridescent designs which have us dreaming of sun-dappled afternoons!

The spring lineup is slowly rolling out to Starbucks locations as well as cafes in Target.

––Karly Wood

 

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Swiss Miss Just Added a Touch of Magic to Hot Cocoa with Unicorn Marshmallows

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Those cold winter days just got a whole lot more magical thanks to the new Swiss Miss Unicorn Marshmallow Hot Cocoa.

Marshmallows always bring an extra layer of excitement to a steaming cup of hot cocoa, but when those marshmallows are a rainbow of colors you can bet it will be the best day ever. Each box comes with six hot cocoa packets featuring tiny unicorn-inspired marshmallows, which include colors like red, orange, green, blue and purple.

photo: Swiss Miss

The best part is, this magical hot cocoa is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives so you can serve it up guilt-free.

The Swiss Miss Unicorn Marshmallow Hot Cocoa is so new it’s not available online anywhere yet, but check the shelves at any stores that carry Swiss Miss products and you’ll be stocked and ready for those crisp fall afternoons.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Read to a Dog & More Awesome Kids Activities at Your Local LA Library

by Jennifer O'Brien

As cruise director of your kiddos’ summer fun ship, you may be on a desperate hunt for new ways to keep the dreaded “I’m bored’s” at bay. LA’s local libraries are an invaluable resource for parents, offering a wide variety of fab (and totally free) activities for littles throughout the year – everything from magic shows and drag queen story hours to movie screenings and a chance to read to pups. Here’s our round-up of creative library offerings that go way beyond the norm.

Dodgers Storytime

photo: Los Angeles Public Library

Take me out to the library, take me out to the books! Pint-sized baseball fans will go peanuts over Dodgers Storytime. The LA Dodgers have partnered with the LA Dodgers Foundation to do “LA Reads” – a literacy campaign designed to motivate local youth and help them develop a lifelong love of reading. Beloved Dodgers players visit local libraries around town to read to kiddos and challenge them to grow into “Dodgers Reading Champions.” After storytime, kids are invited to snag autographs and take pics. For the next event happening near you, be sure to check out the calendars and wear your Dodger blue!

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Budding Builders

photo: Los Angeles Public Library

LA libraries offer crazy cool activities to inspire the future Frank Lloyd Wrights and Richard Meiers in your abode. Library employees supply everything from Legos and cardboard to building blocks, depending on the day’s activity and encourage kids to create structures beyond their wildest imaginations.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

Magic Shows

photo: Jennifer O'Brien

Tots will magically stop whining when you take them to the library for a little hocus pocus fun. Many of LA’s top magicians perform shows at local libraries year-round – entertaining families with amazing sleight of hand, illusions, and comedy that will make you wonder, “How’d they do that? And where’s my wallet?” We kid. We kid. But they really are great shows, so skip the Magic Castle for now and catch some tricks for free.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

Arts, Crafts & Origami, Oh My!

photo: Los Angeles Public Library

Local libraries feature a wide variety of arts and crafts activities so everyone in your group is bound to find something they dig. Maybe you have a kiddo who’s dying to learn the art of origami – they have that! Maybe you have a little one who wants to make space aliens out of recycled materials – yep, they have that too! All materials are supplied by the library, saving you a run to Tar-jay.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

Big Bubbles

photo: Bubblemania via Yelp

If gigantic bubbles are your jam, then you should definitely hit up the LA libraries for their outstanding bubble artist performances. The city’s top bubble masters teach kids the science behind bubbles in a visual show filled with color, light and wonder in motion. Additional events include bubble painting parties and opportunities to stand inside your very own bubble.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

Movie Screenings

photo: Pexels

If you want to pry the kids out of the house to catch a movie, but don’t feel like battling the Arclight crowds, why not treat your brood to a flick at the library? On select afternoons, myriad LA libraries host free matinees of kid-friendly faves like Wonder Park, Lego Movie 2, The Goonies, Ralph Breaks the Internet and so on.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Jam Sessions

photo: Los Angeles Public Library

On any given day, one of your fabulous local libraries is likely hosting some of the most outstanding musical talent in town (hello, no cover charge). From guitar soloists and college a cappella groups to jazz trios, and Beatles tribute bands, their pitch-perfect performances will thrill music lovers young and old. Most shows are mid-afternoon or early evening, so be sure to check the calendars for one that suits your family’s schedule.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

Read to Dogs

photo: BARK Reading to Dogs

Libraries around LA offer kids amazing opportunities to boost their reading confidence by reading to pups. Wonderful organizations like BARK, Paws 4 Healing, and Paws for Life bring trained therapy dogs to the library on selected afternoons and give kids a chance to snuggle up and read a favorite tale or two out loud. May we suggest Go, Dog, Go? 

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

Drag Queen Story Hour

photo: Drag Queen Story Hour

You better werk that book, honey. Drag Queen Story Hour is a fantastic program that’s been happening in LA for quite a while now. If you haven’t brought the kids yet, we highly recommend it. Fantastical drag queens (are there any other kind?) read progressive stories to tikes, infusing them with humor, glamour and straight-up sass. The sessions provide a fun opportunity to teach children about empathy, acceptance and fabulous individuality. Crafts are often provided afterward and post storytime photos with the queen herself are more than welcome. Check these participating library calendars for dates and times.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

LA County Library
Online: lacountylibrary.org

Santa Monica Public Library
Online: smpl.org

LAPD Read Along

photo: LAPD Community Relationship Division

The LAPD Read Along program was created by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Community Relationship Division to help promote child literacy and build positive and inspiring interactions between police officers and young people. Uniformed LAPD officers pay weekly visits to the Eagle Rock, Arroyo Seco, Cypress Park and (coming soon) Los Feliz library branches to read to kids and tackle any questions they may have. It’s a wonderful way for kiddos to form lasting bonds with the police and get psyched about reading at the same time.

Los Angeles Public Library
Online: lapl.org

To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this month, follow us on Instagram!

–Jennifer O’Brien

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9 Stylish Sun Hats to Pack in Your Beach Bag

by rtemilywarman

Nothing ruins a good beach day like a pesky, preventable sunburn. After all, you’ve got sandcastles to build and little sea creatures to find! From the latest styles to total SPF coverage, keep those precious noggins out of the sun with our picks for the best functional and stylish sun hats. Scroll down to see our favorites.

Noggins Sun Hats

Noggins

These hats are not only made of UPF 50+ fabric, they offer lightweight and effective coverage for the face and necks of your little sun-soakers. Billed as "the sun hat that will stay on" they have an adjustable chin strap with a safety release buckle as well as an adjustable feature to make it fit just right. There's a mesh lining, too, to help kiddos stay cool. 

$19.95. Available in blue camo and pink butterfly, at veyokids.com 

Wallaroo Bucket Hat in Maui

Wallaroo Hats

Who says sun hats have to be monochrome? The Wallaroo Hat Company makes an array of hats that fit kids as young as 3 mos., up to 5 years. They are UPF 50+ and made to block 97% of UV rays, and have the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Approval. Add to that some serious style and variety and you've got a great choice for the under six crowd. We love this Hawaiian inspired print! 

Get one at wallaroohats.com,  $20

 

Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat in Reptile

Sunday Afternoons

Sunday Afternoons are meant to be spent at the beach, right? We love all their styles, but this reptile print hat might be our fave. With a wide brim keep rays at bay, a comfy sweat wicking liner that will withstand any type of excitement and an adjustable strap to keep everything in place, plus UPF 50+ material! They come in a ton of other patterns, too! 

Available at Sunday Afternoons, $26.

Kids Ribbon Fedora from the Gap

GAP

Get your dapper dude (or dudette) ready for a sunny day out with this stylish fedora from Gap. It's lightweight (100% paper) and will keep their heads cool while deflecting the glare. There's no UPF in this hat so it's better for being out-and-about than a day at the beach. 

Find it at gap.com, $19.95

Handmade Bucket Hat

Designed by a mom for a friend whose son just can’t keep his hat on, this reversible, denim topper is kid-tested and mother approved. We love the measurements of this sunshade---the brim lands right above eye-sight---so kiddos can be protected and still see all!

Available at Etsy, $30.

Floppy Sun Hat by Flap Happy in Red Dot

Flap Happy

Pair this cheerful topper with a picnic in the sun. It’s UPF 50+, and the generous brim provides protection for her sensitive ears and neck.

Available at Flap Happy, $16.95.

Reversible Baby Bucket Hat from Patagonia

Patagonia

This reversible sun bucket hat from Patagonia is UPF 50+ and made to stay right on that little sweet head to prevent sunburn and overexposure. The fabric is wind and water resistant and dries quickly, plus it packs small so you can aways keep it on hand. The chin-strap is adjustable and the brim protects head, face and neck. 

Get it patagonia.com, $29

Coolibar Kid's Surfs Up All Sport Hat

For serious sun coverage, keep them shielded in these All Sport toppers that are rated UPF 50+ and come with an attached drape to protect the neck. It’s travel friendly, meaning you can crush it up in your beach bag when it’s time to go.

Available at Coolibar, $22.

UV SKinz Girls Ribbon Hat

VSkinz

For the little ladies up to age 5, this hat shades eyes, ears and necks. The ruffled ribbon design will make your girlie-girl happy while the SPF 50+ coverage gives Mom and Dad confidence that  their sun-loving kiddo has complete coverage. We love the added bonus of a bendable brim, making for easy on-the-go storage.

Available at UV Skinz, 23.95.

— Amber Guetebier & Emily Warman

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Here’s Why This School Keeps Its Bus Stocked with Buckets—of Books

by Erica Loop

Getting kids to read isn’t always easy. But when one special education teacher decided to stock the school bus with a bucket of books something pretty magical happened.

A recent Facebook post from the Arkansas Department of Education showed how a little creativity and some serious ingenuity can change the face of learning. Drew Central School District teacher Julie Callison devised a plan to get students reading—without having to assign homework or force the kiddos into it.’ Instead, Callison stocked the school bus with a bucket of books.

So here’s how the bucket of books works. Each child can choose up to three books to read on their bus ride. When they’re done reading their books, the students can share their picks with nearby classmates or bus-mates. But it gets even cooler.

According to Callison, on the Department of Education’s Facebook page, “On Friday afternoons we have a ‘Special Guest Reader’ usually from the back of the bus (high school or middle school student). They pick out a book, sit on the front seat and read it over the speaker to the whole bus. They love this!”

It’s clear that the students are enjoying their bus ride literacy adventures. And they’re not the only ones who think Callison’s idea is pure genius. One Facebook commenter wrote, “Ok this may be the coolest thing I have heard of! So much better than kids bullying on the bus or playing on their phones!”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: macdeedle via Pixabay

 

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How We Innovated Our Way into School Routines That Work

By Ari Yares

Since school started, I’ve been getting a text each morning from my wife after she drops the kids off at school and daycare and before she heads off to work. The messages run the gambit from “The kids were a mess and I’m going to be late again,” to “Everyone was really helpful and I got them dropped off early” and all points in between.

Getting our kids into a morning (and for that matter, an afternoon) routine each school year is a challenge. There are multiple factors to juggle from school start times changing, new preferences in breakfast foods, growing desires for independence, and, of course, the chance that any of our kids will decide to imitate a brooding teenager (yes, even the three-year old).

Disruption in the morning bleeds into our afternoons. Arriving late to work means staying later at work. Poor mornings often yield grumpy afternoons when our kids try to imitate Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. And, of course, we come home from work lugging our own baggage of challenging meetings, complicated projects, and looming deadlines. The key to staying sane has been a willingness to innovate and adapt our parenting strategies as we strive for a routine that meets everyone’s needs.

As we looked at the challenge of our mornings and afternoons, we thought about what was important. My wife needed to get to work on time. The kids needed to do things for themselves. They needed to eat a healthy breakfast and so on.

Wit these values in place, we started playing with the supports for each child, recognizing that they needed an individualized approach because of their personalities and ages. One child got a checklist to mark off while another helped us develop a schedule for herself so she could have time to read in the morning. We made it easier for the kids to put away their bags after school by assigning them each a bin in the front of the house and then shuffled them around when one child couldn’t pick the bin up to put it away.

And when these changes didn’t work as plan, we developed new iterations based upon observation and feedback from our kids, even when we sure that we had picked the right strategy. We’ve experimented with timers and clocks, discussed consequences, and even tried coordinating keeping siblings from eating at the same time.

Most people would think we were grasping at straws, but we’re not.

As self-proclaimed innovative parents, we recognize that we need to see each aspect of our parenting as a work in progress. Innovation in the business world means trying new things and so does innovation in parenting. We need to be willing to change and mold our tactics if we want to be successful.

Good innovation means being in tune with your audience and observing what’s happening. Innovative parenting pushes you to be more in tune with your child’s needs. Thinking about our mornings and afternoons through this lens allows us to adapt and let go of our rigidity as parents. When pay attention to what our kids are telling us, verbally and nonverbally, and then use that information to create the routine and structure for our before and after school home life, we get closer and closer to seeing our values in place.

And my wife gets to work on time.

Featured Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Trained as a school psychologist at Temple University, Ari supervises special education evaluations for preschool age children in the District of Columbia. He has previously worked as an independent school principal. Ari serves as an in-personal and virtual parent coach. 

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