Boston Parent August 2023

GYMNASTICS

ice cream shops martial arts HOSPITAL family NEW ENGLAND DENTISTS PARTY SUPPLY STORES RESORTS TUTORS theater Math & AUGUST 2023

ENCOUNTERS

ballet

ANIMAL

photographers

Science HEALTH OVERNIGHT CAMPS

arts& crafts BOOK STORES

language immersion programs

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ICE

swimming

special needs winter sports TOY STORES

skating

SLEEP AWAY

eye

2023 CLASSES doctors

NANNY

WINNER

SERVICES

CHILD CARE

MUSIC

& s • Arts • S RETAIL ports

mom-friendly

Schools • H ealth... ...and lots m ore!

PARTY LOCATION

10KIDS’ 0+ CSALONS ATEGORCONSIGNMENT IES Ovsports er 600camps SUMMERSTART Tbest Winners!

HE O T S Y A DAY CAMPS 7W Cam RIGHT ARfamily p peditricians

swimming ACADEMIC

E SCHOOL Y TO KNOW 10 SKILLS E TEN G BEFORE A LTHY ARE HOW HEA D’S EYES? YOUR CHIL

DANCE deals orthodontists

kids clothing

B O STO N

N E W TON

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF DANCE

Photos by Brooke Trisolini

Classes for all ages and abilities, enroll today!

bostonballet.org/school

2 Boston Parents Paper | February 2023

Financial Aid Available

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2022 WINNER

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2023 WINNER

“We LOVE Tender Loving Care. The teachers are like family. They care for each child like their own family.

They are knowledgeable in early childhood education as well as the gentle care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers!!”

Woburn - 781-281-2983 | Weston - 781-703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 3

Fall Math Classes

Now Enrolling The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning after-school math enrichment program. We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.

RSM is “among the top 10 schools in the world.”

– Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Schedule a FREE Math Evaluation!

MathSchool.com 4 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

Fall Classes Now Enrolling!

CONTENTS

Volume 38 • Number 12

AUGUST 2023

TM

2023 WINNER

100+ categories

and over 600 winners!

10

6 Family F.Y.I.

8

• Best States for Families • Vaping is Not Healthy • When to Bring Your Child to the ER

27 TM

Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 • 617-522-1515 info@BostonParentsPaper.com Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com

27 How Healthy Are Your Child’s Eyes?

29 10 Skills to Know Before Age Ten 32 7 Ways to Start the School Year Right 34 Teenagers Are Like Cats

PUBLISHER Parenting Media, Inc ART DIRECTOR | Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Jean Abernathy ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney Boston Parents Paper is published monthly

by Parenting Media Inc. Please note that the

29 34

advertisements in this magazine are paid for, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer.

Copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to locations throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Past issues are available on our website, www.BostonParentsPaper.com Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@bostonparent. com. Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/event

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 5

Family F.Y.I.

FAMILY FAVORITE Results Now Available!

W

e asked and you told us who your New England favorites are, in droves! Boston Parents received over 200,000 votes from you guys! Awesome!

We have your places to vacation, museums to visit, restaurants, schools,

medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Family Favorites Winners are listed, starting on page 10 of this issue.

Plus, you can find even more categories online at BostonParentsPaper.com.

Mark your calendars! The voting for 2024 Family Favorites starts March 1, 2024.

Be an Angel

Best States for Families

W

e all know living in our great state is pretty awesome! A recent study by WalletHub confirmed it.

WalletHub compared the 50 states across 51 key indicators of family-friendliness measuring data set ranges from medium family salary to housing affordability to unemployment rates. It is no surprise that Massachusetts

came in at the top as the best state for families, again. Rounding off the top 5 are New York, Vermont,

Minnesota and Nebraska. To see all the results, go to www. wallethub.com.

A

ugust is full of offbeat holidays that put the emphasis on kindness (National Friendship Day on August 6 and Just Because Day on the 27th), but we’re particularly digging BE AN ANGEL DAY, which is celebrated on August 22. What a simple, sweet and fun way to remind your children about the importance of doing something nice for others, like looking out for a younger sibling or lending a helping hand.

6 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

ONE IN 36

CHILDREN HAS AUTISM.

WE CHANGE LIVES ONE CHILD AT A TIME. FOR MORE THAN 65 YEARS, MAY INSTITUTE HAS PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL CARE TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS. O U R S E RV I C E S ARE B AS E D O N APPLIED B EH AV IOR A N A LYSIS (A B A ):

Special education schools for autism and developmental disabilities Center-based services for toddlers and young children Early intervention services Home-based services

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2023 TOP 5

800.778.7601 | mayinstitute.org August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 7

Family F.Y.I. 10 SIGNS You Should Bring Your Child to the Emergency Department

By Victoria DaSilva Boston Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Intern

W

itnessing a child in a state of physical or mental distress can be confusing and stressful for parents and caretakers. Understanding and educating oneself of the signs and symptoms of serious illness or injury are key in equipping any parent to make the best decision for their children in an emergency. This is especially key when a serious incident has occurred, and the child needs to travel to an emergency room.

Vaping Is Not a Healthy Alternative to Smoking

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hen it comes to use of substances, it is important that parents stay up to date with reliable sources and share this information with their children.

Many kids get their information from friends and social media sites, which can be unreliable and a negative influence.

Vaping in particular has become popular among youth and young adults. Vaping is the use of a handheld electronic device to breathe a mist, or “vapor”, into the lungs. It is similar to smokThe mist from all “vapes” contain some ing, but instead of smoke, it heats particles of nicotine tiny particles out of a liquid in the device to create an aerosol. Howand metals, which ever, contrary to what many believe inhaled through the mouthpiece, go down this is not a water vapor. The mist from all “vapes” contain some parthe throat and into ticles of nicotine and metals, which the lungs. inhaled through the mouthpiece, go down the throat and into the lungs. While thought by many to be “better” or “safer” than smoking, vaping has related health issues, with long-term damage still unknown given how new it is. The particles inhaled can cause swelling and irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring and narrowing.

Other potential consequences include, asthma, organ damage to the heart and brain, and addiction.

8 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

Incidents that would warrant an ER visit include: • profuse bleeding that does not stop after 15 seconds of pressure; • open or gaping wounds with edges that don’t touch; • head traumas; • falls from a significant height; or • vomiting/diarrhea, especically if blood is present.

Some indications of mental injury or illness include: • if the child is acting confused, disoriented, unusually sleepy, or has difficulty walking; or • any weakness, dizziness, vision changes, fainting, sunken/bulging fontanel, or loss of consciousness.

During respiratory season, usually coinciding with flu season, there are higher instances of viral respiratory infections, including COVID, flu, and RSV. Any symptoms such as: • shortness of breath; • difficulty breathing; or • strenuous use of chest muscles. Y

Family F.Y.I. Pedestrian Safety Stop! Look left, right, and left again Elise Hooper

Boston Children’s Hospital, Injury Prevention Program Intern

W

ith back-to-school approaching, New England children and teenagers will be making their daily commute to get educated. Whether walking to a friend’s house after school, going to the local park, or taking the family dog for a stroll—it is likely your child will need to utilize pedestrian safety tips. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. It is important not to overestimate your child’s understanding of safe pedestrian habits, especially teenagers. Teenagers account for more than half of all child pedestrian deaths. Shared pedestrian standards can help reduce injuries and deaths; therefore, it is important to educate your children on the rules of the road: both as a pedestrian and as a driver. No matter their age, it is never too late to ensure your children are safe. Here are some fundamental tips to get started on you and your child’s repertoire of pedestrian safety knowledge.

T

ip 1Use sidewalks when available. Sidewalks are the safest place to be on foot, as it is an expected area for drivers to see pedestrians walking. If no sidewalks are available, walk facing traffic and stay as far away from the road as possible. Be especially careful and alert when walking around blind corners.

T

ip 2Remain visible always. At night, it is difficult for drivers to see pedestrians on or near the road from a distance. Wear light clothing colors, carry a flashlight, and wear reflective fabrics if possible. If you know you will be walking in the dark, be prepared by bringing a flashlight.

Approximately 75% of teenage pedestrian deaths occur between 7 pm – 7 am.

T

ip 3 Cross the street using signals and crosswalks. It is important to build the habit of constantly crossing the street at spots with traffic signals and/or at a crosswalk.

Before crossing, make eye contact with the driver to ensure they see you. Always look left, right, and left again before crossing to ensure both cars on either side of the crosswalk acknowledge you. Do this as well despite the “walk” traffic signal, as drivers can run a red light or take a right turn on red. Practice safe crossing with your children, as kids can often underestimate the speed and distance of a traveling car. ✷

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 9

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2023 WINNER

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

100+ categories and over 600 winners!

ABOUT BOSTON PARENTS’ FAMILY FAVORITES

B

oston Parents’ Family Favorites was born with the idea to give readers in Greater Boston and throughout the Northeast a chance to voice their opinions on their personal “Family Favorite” choices for everything kids and family and to support and promote local businesses. The program has evolved over the years, and hopefully, with a lot of input from our readers, we’ve been able to make it better and better.

The voting for Boston’s Family Favorites is conducted in a two-round process. The first round occurs in the month of March and early April with open write-in nominations taking place. Write-in nominations continue to be open until the end of the month.

As the nomination period in the first round comes to a close in mid April, shortly afterwards, the second round opens with the top nominees in each category being selectable in this final round of voting during the latter part of April and May. Write-in nominations are no longer available, and voters are open to select their favorite from among those that are listed.

THE FINAL WINNERS ARE POSTED IN AUGUST.

We hope you enjoy! And we hope you cast your nomination in March/April and your final vote in April/May! This year we had a record number of readers vote, up 50%, and a record number votes cast, over 200,000!

Competition was fierce! See who came out on top on the following pages.

CATEGORY INDEX CAMPS...............................................................12

HEALTH & WELLNESS.......................................22

CLASSES & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS..........15

SPECIAL SERVICES NEED & RESOURCES.......23

FOOD & DINING...............................................18

EARLY EDUCATION...........................................24

FUN & ATTRACTIONS......................................18

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS..................................25

RETAIL................................................................21

MIDDLE SCHOOLS...........................................25

FAMILY SERVICES..............................................21

HIGH SCHOOLS................................................25

10 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

The Center for Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics

Pediatric Dentistry Wesley Barton, DMD Ronen Krausz, DDS Bahar Houshmand, DDS Ava Ghassemi, DMD Mahdieh Beheshti DMD

Orthodontics Roger Taylor, DMD Oral Surgery Brett Parades, DMD

Caring for Children in Brookline, Newton, and Greater Boston for over 40 Years!

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2023 WINNER

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2023

2023

WINNER

Dentist Orthodontist • Quality care in a professional, friendly and • Exceptionally trained, warm and friendly fun environment. staff.

• We will create a legacy of positive dental • Braces and Invisalign for teens and adults. experiences.

• In office oral surgery with sedation.

“Each child is treated as an individual and as a member of our family.”

“Our team’s attention to detail is uncompromising…”

Call for your first Dental, Orthodontic or Oral Surgery appointment!

209 Harvard Street, 2nd Floor, Brookline, MA 617-731-KIDS (5437)

www.PediatricDentalCare.com

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 11

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES • SELA: The International Private School • The Tobin School • RSM

• LINX Camps • Minni

WINNER • LINX Camps DANCE CAMPS

WINNER • RSM

WINNER • LINX Camps BALLET CAMPS

ANIMAL & NATURE CAMPS

CAMPS

ACADEMIC CAMPS

TOP 10 • Acera School • Empow Studios • Fleur de Lis Camp • Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures • iCode of Wellesley • LINX Camps • Penguin Coding School

TOP 5 • Boston Outdoor Preschool Network • Camp Howe • Natick Community Organic Farm • YMCA of Greater Boston • Camp Howe WINNER • Camp Howe ARTS & CRAFT CAMPS TOP 5 • Chestnut Hill School Summer Camp • Danforth Art School

12 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

TOP 5 • All That Jazz Dance Studio • Boston Ballet School • DanceFIT Studio • Hopkinton Center for the Arts • Joanne Langione Dance Center WINNER • Boston Ballet School CULINARY CAMPS

TOP 5 • Cambridge School of Culinary Arts • Create A Cook • LINX Camps • Maker Farm • Steve & Kates

TOP 5 • A Fine Dance Studio • Capachione School Of Performing Arts • Hyde Park Dance Academy • LINX Camps • Wellesley Theatre Project WINNER • Wellesley Theatre Project FAITH BASED CAMPS

TOP 5 • Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center • Mount Hope Christian School • Mt Alvernia Academy • Nobles Day Camp WINNER • Mount Hope Christian School

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES FAMILY CAMPS

TOP 5 • Camp Grossman • Camp Howe • Empow Studios STEM Enrichment Center Lexington • Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center • Hale Education WINNER • Hale Education FOREIGN LANGUAGE & CULTURAL IMMERSION SUMMER CAMPS

TOP 5 • French Library / Alliance Francaise of Boston • German International School Boston • International School of Boston • Pine Village Preschool • SELA: The International Private School WINNER • SELA: The International Private School GENERAL & TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS

TOP 10 (TIE) • Camp Howe • Dedham Country Day Camp • Everwood Day Camp • Fleur de Lis Camp • Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts • Hale Day Camp • LINX Camps • Maplewood Country Day Camp & Enrichment Center • Nobles Day Camp • Passport at Cambridge Montessori School • The Chestnut Hill Summer Camp WINNER • Everwood Day Camp GYMNASTICS CAMPS TOP 5 • Boston Rhythmic • Energy Fitness and Gymnastics

• Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing • Massachusetts Gymnastics Center • Planet Gymnastics WINNER • Energy Fitness and Gymnastics HEALTH & SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

TOP 5 • Barton Center • Camp Howe • JCC Camp Grossman • Oceanwood Christian Camp and Conference Center • Y3K Tutor In Your Home WINNER • Camp Howe HORSEBACK RIDING CAMPS

TOP 5 • Hidden Hollow Farm • Horse SenseAbility • Hunters Haven Farm • Oceanwood Christian Camp and Conference Center • Sweet Meadow Farm WINNER • Sweet Meadow Farm LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

TOP 5 • Empow Studios STEM Enrichment Center • Everwood Day Camp • Hale Youth Leadership Development Programs • iCode of Wellesley • Wellesley Theatre Project WINNER • iCode of Wellesley LEGO CAMPS

TOP 5 • Einstein’s Workshop • Empow Studios • iCode of Wellesley • LetGo Your Mind • Penguin Coding School WINNER • iCode of Wellesley August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 13

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES

40 years of play!

MUSIC & SINGING CAMPS

TOP 5 • Artbarn Community Theater • Community Music Center of Boston • New School of Music • Wellesley Theatre Project • Wheelock Family Theatre WINNER • Wellesley Theatre Project PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS

TOP 5 • Kidstock! Creative Theater • LINX Camps • The Summer School for the Performing Arts • Wellesley Theatre Project • Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University WINNER • The Summer School for the Performing Arts PRESCHOOL AGE CAMPS

DOMESTIC PLACEMENTS Live In or Out Nannies • Housekeepers House Managers • Estate Managers Couples • Mother’s Helpers Special Needs • Chefs/Cooks Eldercare • Drivers Personal Assistants TM

2023 ER

WINN

1-888-453-2277

www.casscompany.com placement@casscompany.com

Personal & Professional Service 14 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

TOP 10 • Boston Outdoor Preschool Network • Cambridge Montessori School • Dedham Country Day Camp • Everwood Day Camp • Hale Day Camp • LINX Camps • SELA: The International Private School • The Chestnut Hill School • Wellesley Theatre Project WINNER • Wellesley Theatre Project ROBOTICS CAMPS

TOP 5 • Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park • Code Ninjas • Empow Studios • iCode Of Wellesley • Penguin Coding School WINNER • Penguin Coding School

SCHOOL VACATION CAMPS

TOP 10 • Cambridge Montessori School • Code Ninjas • Empow Studios • Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center • iCode of Wellesley • Penguin Coding School • SELA: The International Private School • Viking Sports • Wellesley Theatre Project • Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University WINNER • iCode of Wellesley SLEEPAWAY CAMPS

TOP 5 • Camp Birch Hill • Camp Howe • Camps Kenwood and Evergreen • Christian Youth Conference Ocean Park, ME • Fleur de Lis Camp WINNER • Camp Birch Hill SPORTS CAMPS

TOP 5 • Boston University Camp Terrier • Camp Howe • Charles River Aquatics • Hale Mountain Biking Camp • LINX Camps WINNER • Boston University Camp Terrier STEAM CAMPS

TOP 5 • Edge on Science • Empow Studios • iCode of Wellesley • Penguin Coding School • RSM WINNER • Empow Studios

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES TEEN FOCUSED CAMPS

TOP 5 • RSM • Everwood Day Camp • iCode of Wellesley • LINX Camps • Wellesley Theatre Project WINNER • Wellesley Theatre Project WINTER CAMPS

TOP 5 • Empow Studios • Hale Vacation Days • iCode of Wellesley • SELA The International Private School • Wellesley Theatre Project WINNER • iCode of Wellesley

CLASSES & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS ART CLASSES

TOP 5 • Creation Station • Danforth Art School • Hill House Inc • Kidcasso Art Studio • Minni WINNER • Creation Station BALLET CLASSES

TOP 5 • Boston Ballet • Creative Steps Dance Studio • DanceFIT Studio • Do Dance Ballet & Fitness • Mass Motion Dance WINNER • Creative Steps Dance Studio

CIRCUS ARTS CLASSES

TOP 5 • Commonwealth Circus Center • Esh Circus Arts • Hyde Park Dance Academy • Swet Studios • Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University WINNER • Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University CLASSES FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION

TOP 5 • Boston Music Project • Community Music Center of Boston • Groovy Baby Music • Little Groove Music • New England Conservatory of Music

WINNER • Little Groove Music COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CODING CLASSES • Code Ninjas • Empow Studios • iCode of Wellesley • KTBYTE Computer Science Camps and Academy • Penguin Coding School WINNER • Penguin Coding School

New England’s Premier Ice Skating School Year-Round Programs for Toddlers, Children and Adults

Top-Quality Coaches Group Classes Private Lessons

Boston | Fenway | Frog Pond | North End Norwood | Somerville | West Roxbury

Summer Camps Hockey Skills August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 15

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES

TOP 5 • Community Music Center of Boston • Groovy Baby Music • Jammin With You • Little Groove Music • Music At The Blissful WINNER • Little Groove Music ENRICHMENT & AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

TOP 10 • Commonwealth Learning TOP 5 Center - Needham • Boston Ballet School • Community Music Center of Boston • Creative Steps Dance Studio • Empow Studios • Do Dance Ballet & Fitness • Hale Vacation Days • The Dance Academy of • iCode of Wellesley Siagel Productions • SELA: The International • Wellesley Theatre Project Private School • The Skating Academy WINNER • Wellesley Theatre Project • Creative Steps Dance Studio DANCE CLASSES

®

COMMONWEALTH LEARNING CENTER FALL ENT * OLLM ENR AUG. 21 , NS IRST COME E P O ,F VED LING L

*RO

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T SE

Learning Differently Teaching Differently Succeeding

T U T O R I N G & A S S E S S M E N T S E RV I C E S F O R AC A D E M I C S U C C E S S 1 to 1 l Virtual & In-Person l K-Adult

Research-Based, Multisensory Instruction in Reading, Writing, & Math | Executive Function Strategies | College Application Support

• Y3K Tutor In Your Home • RSM

• Energy Fitness and Gymnastics • Exxcel Gymnastics & Climbing • Planet Gymnastics • Yellow Jackets Gymnastics

WINNER • RSM FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES

TOP 5 • French Library/ Alliance Française of Boston & Cambridge • Fun World Language Academy • International School of Boston • Pine Village Preschool • SELA: The International Private School

WINNER • Boston University Children’s Tumbling Program ICE SKATING LESSONS

TOP 5 • Bay State Skating School • Boston University LearnTo-Skate Program • Colonial Figure Skating Club • FMC Ice Sports • The Skating Academy

WINNER • French Library/ Alliance Française of Boston & Cambridge

WINNER • The Skating Academy

GYMNASTICS CLASSES TOP 5 • Boston University Children’s Tumbling Program

C ENTRE P EDIATRIC

ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Caring for patients and their families for over 36 years!

Specializing in a collaborative approach utilizing physicians and nurse practitioners including electronic medical records to provide better continuity of care to our patients.

Efficient care while maintaining our high quality standards.

Personal attention and extra time spent with patients and their families is one of the factors that makes us stand out.

NCQA Recognized.

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All pediatricians at Centre Pediatric Associates have staff privileges at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children’s Hospital.

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2019 2020 WINNER

WINNER

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2021 2022 WINNER

WINNER TM

2023 WINNER

A perennial family favorite!

Centre Pediatrics trics

commlearn.com 16 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

One Brookline Place, Suite 327 27 Brookline 617-735-8585 Most insurances accepted.

www.centrepediatrics.org

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES IRISH STEP DANCING CLASSES

TOP 5 • Haley School of Irish Dance • Harney Academy of Irish Dance • McHale School of Irish Dance • Smith Houlihan Irish Dance Academy • Sullivan School of Irish Dance WINNER • Harney Academy of Irish Dance MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES

TOP 5 • Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy • Field Martial Arts Academy • Metro West Academy of Jiu-Jitsu • Rising Storm Training Academy • Satori Ryu Karate WINNER • Field Martial Arts Academy MATH PROGRAMS AFTER SCHOOL

TOP 5 • CS Recitations • First School of Math • Mathnasium • RSM • Y3K Tutor In Your Home WINNER • RSM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS TOP 5 • Code Ninjas • Empow Studios • iCode of Wellesley • K2 Enrichment Programs • RSM WINNER • RSM

SPORTS PROGRAMS

TOP 5 • Action Athletics • Dynamo Fencing Center • Olympia Fencing Center • On the Mark Archery, LLC • Viking Sports WINNER • Olympia Fencing Center SWIM LESSONS

TOP 5 • Boston University FitRec Swim School • Charles River Aquatics • Goldfish Swim School • Hale Family & Community Program • Little Flippers Swim School • Boston University FitRec Swim School WINNER • Boston University FitRec Swim School THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES TOP 5 • Artbarn Community Theater • Kidstock! Creative Theater • Walnut Hill Community Theater Academy • Wellesley Theatre Project • Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University

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2023 WINNER

A hands-on museum for families that blends science, nature, and play.

177 Main Street Acton MA 978-264-4200 discoveryacton.org

EDUCATION CONSULTING, ADVOCACY & LEGAL SERVICES, LLC A Private Law Practice

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2023 TOP 5

WINNER • Wellesley Theatre Project TUTORING OR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS

TOP 5 • Commonwealth Learning Center - Needham • Empow Studios • Kumon Math and Reading Center • RSM • Y3K Tutor In Your Home WINNER • RSM

Pamela S. Milman, Esq. Daniel Mikolajewski, Esq. Nicole Metsisto Mazer, Esq. Ashley R. Waxman, Esq. 999 Broadway, Suite 301 Saugus, MA 01906 Phone: 781.231.IDEA (4332) Fax: 781.231.FAPE (3273) Email: office@ecalsllc.com

www.educationandjuvenilelaw.com August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 17

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES WINNER • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

PLACE FOR DINNER WITH THE FAMILY

FAMILY FRIENDLY COFFEE SHOP

TOP 5 • Big Bear Cafe • Coffee Break Cafe • Lucky Finn Cafe • Saxonville Mills Cafe & Roastery • Tatte Bakery & Café WINNER • Tatte Bakery & Café

FOOD & DINING

ICE CREAM PARLORS

BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA TOP 5 • Cape Cod Cafe Pizza • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana • Rail Trail Flatbread Co. • Regina Pizzeria • Town Spa Pizza

TOP 5 • Cabot’s • J.P. Licks • Kennedy’s Ice Cream Bar • Rancatore’s • Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream WINNER • J.P. Licks

TOP 5 • 110 Grill • Barrett’s Alehouse West Bridgewater • JP Seafood Cafe • Lookout Farm • Not Your Average Joe’s WINNER • Lookout Farm PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE / CUPCAKES

TOP 5 • Confectionately Yours Bakery • Cupcake Charlie’s • Donna’s Cakes • Party Favors • White’s Bakery & Cafe WINNER • Confectionately Yours Bakery

FUN & ATTRACTIONS AMUSEMENT PARKS

TOP 5 • Canobie Lake Park • Kimball Farm Westford • Maziply Mirror Maze • Santa’s Village • Story Land WINNER • Maziply Mirror Maze ATHLETIC CLUBS

TOP 5 • Bay State Skating School • Dedham Health & Athletic Complex • Goldfish Swim School • The Skating Club of Boston • Westboro Tennis & Swim Club WINNER • The Skating Club of Boston

NAEYC ACCrEditEd ProgrAms

Ages 15 months - 5 years Brookline • Newton Highlands Brighton • Porter Sq. • Kendall Sq. South End • Needham • West Newton Jamaica Plain (two locations) School Year, Summer School Year and Summer Programs and Kindergarten Programs

Give your child the gift of bilingual education!

Thank you for voting us a Boston Parents Paper Family Favorite since 2014!

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2023 2021 WINNER WINNER

enrollment@pinevillagepreschool.com

617-416-7763

www.PineVillagePreschool.com 18 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

LEADERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THE TOBIN SCHOOL Preschool – Jr Kindergarten 73 Cottage Street • Natick, MA 01760 508-655-5006 • www.thetobinschool.org TOBIN CHILDREN’S SCHOOL Infants – PreK 71 Cottage Street • Natick, MA 01760 508-653-6300 • www.tobinchildrensschool.org TOBIN SCHOOL WESTWOOD PreK & Junior K 1054 High Street • Westwood, MA 02090 781-329-7775 • www.tobinschoolwestwood.org WESTWOOD CHILDREN’S SCHOOL Infants – Preschool 808 High Street • Westwood, MA 02090 781-329-7766 • www.westwoodchildrensschool.org www.thEtobiNFAmilYoFsChools.org

• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire • Discovery Museum • Jam Time • Maziply Toys • VinKari Safari WINNER • Discovery Museum KID’S PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

BIRTHDAY PARTY HISTORIC SITES & TOURS

TOP 5 • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum • Old Sturbridge Village • Plimoth Patuxet Museums • Plymouth Rock • USS Constitution Museum

TOP 5 • Barn Babies • Jeff Jam • Little Groove Music • Maziply Toys • Music At The Blissful WINNER • Little Groove Music LIVE THEATER & FAMILY PERFORMANCES

TOP 5 • DrumatiX WINNER • USS Constitution Museum • Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys INDOOR PLAY SPACES TOP 5

Thank You for Voting Kiddie Academy of Cambridge

2023 Family Favorite Large Preschool & Childcare

CLASSES, ART CAMPS, SCHOOL VACATION PROGRAMS, & FREE EVENTS

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FOR FAMILIES, CHILDREN & TEENS!

JO

S! U IN

Now Enrolling! kiddieacademy.com/cambridge (617) 945-0021 Contact Academy to tour or for more information.

Now Enrolling for Fall Term Tuition Assistance is Available!

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST TO LEARN MORE

NEW ART CENTER

61 Washington Park & 245 Walnut Street Newton, MA 02460 newartcenter.org | 617.964.3424

Kiddie Academy of Cambridge 299 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 19

2023 FAMILY FAVORITES • The Farm at Raven Brook • Wards Berry Farm • The Inn at East Hill Farm WINNER • The Inn at East Hill Farm MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

• Wang Theatre • Wellesley Theatre Project • Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University WINNER • DrumatiX LOCAL FARMS

TOP 5 • Kimball Farm Westford • Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm

TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Museum • Children’s Museum of New Hampshire • Discovery Museum • Museum of Science • USS Constitution Museum

• Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm • Maziply Toys WINNER • Maziply Toys PLACES FOR ICE SKATING TOP 5 • Bay State Skating School • Daly Ice Rink • FMC Ice Sports • The Skating Club of Boston • Warrior Ice Arena WINNER • FMC Ice Sports

WINNER SUMMER RESORTS FOR • USS Constitution Museum FAMILIES PARENT-FRIENDLY TOP 5 PLAYDATE SPOTS • Chatham Bars Inn TOP 5 • Boston Children’s Museum • Discovery Museum • Jam Time

• Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | New England • Red Jacket Mountain View Resort

Acera School

K-12 Education for Gifted Kids Learn more at aceraschool.org 20 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

• The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH • Winnetu Oceanside Resort WINNER • The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH WINTER RESORTS FOR FAMILIES

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August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 21

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24 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

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August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 25

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AUGUST IS CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH AND SAFETY MONTH

How Healthy Are Your Child’s Eyes?

By Cheryl Maguire

“You need glasses,” the Ophthalmologist said to me. I was twelve years old. My mom was shocked since I never complained of unclear vision and no one else in our family had poor eyesight.

The reason I went to the doctor is that I failed the school eye screening exam. My vision became gradually worse so I didn’t realize it wasn’t normal.

I remember when I first wore glasses thinking to myself, “Everything seems so clear and crisp. I can see the tips of leaves on a tree and easily read street signs.” I thought it was normal to see the world a little bit blurry.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. This issue is important to me since my vision has significantly declined from the time of my initial diagnosis over thirty years ago. Even though I am nearsighted (which means I can only see close up and need glasses for far away), without my glasses or contact lens, I wouldn’t be able to read anything on a computer screen word document (it’s just a white blur with black lines) since my vision is so poor. I asked my eye doctor if I am considered legally blind. It turns out I’m not since my vision can still be corrected with glasses.

According to the CDC, 6.8% of children younger than 18 years in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition.

They also state that Amblyopia, or lazy eye is the most common cause of vision loss in children which can be treated if caught early between the ages of 3 to 5 years old. The website Prevent Blindness found the most common vision disorders in children are myopia (nearsightedness trouble seeing far away), hyperopia (farsightedness trouble seeing close up), and astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances).

The Urban Child Institute states that correcting poor vision can foster a child’s cognitive and social development. The American Optometric Association estimates 80% of a child’s learning Continued next page >>>

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 27

<<< Continued from page 27 happens through observation. In the classroom, most of the teaching is done by displaying the information. Children learn social skills from seeing facial expressions and body language.

Similar to my experience, children may be unaware of the fact their vision is not normal. This may lead to feeling frustrated about being unable to see the words in a book or on the board in the classroom causing a child to act out. The American Optometric Association states, “Some children with learning difficulties exhibit specific behaviors of hyperactivity and distractibility. These children are often labeled as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms commonly attributed to ADHD. Due to these similarities, some children may be mislabeled as having ADHD when, in fact, they have an undetected vision problem.” ...undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms commonly attributed to ADHD.

Pediatric Optometry lists the following as signs that may indicate your child could have a vision problem:

HEAD TILT

If your child has a problem with their ocular muscles or nerves they will attempt to compensate by tilting their head.

SITTING TOO CLOSE TO THE T.V.

If your child is nearsighted, they will attempt to compensate for this by moving closer to the T.V or other reading materials.

AVOIDANCE OF READING

If your child has poor visual skills and eye teaming skills they will compensate for this by avoiding reading. Reading uses many complex eye movements and poor visual skills may cause your child to become frustrated easily.

FREQUENT HEADACHES

Your child may have headaches because he/she is overstrained using all of their energy to align, focus, and use their eyes.

LATERALITY PROBLEM

If your child has poor directional skills and often confuses left and right it could be due to poor vision. Proper oculocentric location is dependent on vision and laterality depends, in part, upon oculocentric location.

28 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

FINGER POINTING

If your child has poor vision tracking skills they may use their finger to compensate for their poor tracking ability.

CAN’T COPY FROM THE BOARD

Your child may have difficulty with accommodation, the ability to change focus between far and near. This is essential for success in school.

SQUINTING

Your child may squint because this narrows a bundle of light entering the eye which allows for sharper vision.

Your child may be squinting because this act compensates for blurry vision.

POOR HAND/EYE COORDINATION

This skill is required for everything from writing notes in class to playing ball with friends. Clear vision and adequate visual skills are required to create an accurate link between vision and other body movements.

EYE RUBBING / SQUINTING RUBBING

This is a basic response to ocular discomfort. It typically occurs when one’s eyes are strained or have been working much too hard to complete a task. Squinting is used to narrow a bundle of light entering the eye which allows for sharper vision. Your child may be squinting because this act compensates for blurry vision.

If your child is experiencing one of these symptoms then schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor.

If your child is experiencing one of these symptoms then schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor. There are two different types of eye doctors who are called ophthalmologists and optometrists. An ophthalmologist went to medical school and a 1 year internship followed by a 3 year residency.

These types of doctors can provide total eye care services.

An optometrist did not attend medical school. Instead, these types of doctors went to a 4-year professional program and received a doctor of optometry degree. Optometrists mostly prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Due to my poor vision and the fact I have had other vision issues, I go to an ophthalmologist every two years for a checkup and to receive updated prescriptions for my glasses and contacts.

Even though my mother didn’t think I would need glasses when I was twelve years old, she took me to see the eye doctor.

I’m grateful she did. Y Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree.

She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications.

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children.

10 Skills to Know Before Age Ten

By Sarah Lyons

B

y the time your child turns ten, you may have started teaching them responsibilities, assigned weekly chores, and started discussing whether they are old enough to stay home alone for a few minutes at a time. In the middle of their tween years, ten year olds are ready to begin taking on more responsibilities. Krystal Laws, mother of seven, says “Parents can think about where they would like their kids to be at age 18 then go back every few years making goals to work up to independence as an adult. Having a vision for where you’re headed really helps in knowing what to work on at various ages.” What are some basic skills kids can learn before ten?

Continued next page >>>

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 29

<<< Continued from page 29

To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy,

Here are some ideas: BASIC HOUSEHOLD TASKS

Teach your child some basic household tasks. If you are busy, out of the house, or under the weather your child should be able to make himself a sandwich, pack a sack lunch for school, and be able to prepare a small meal in the microwave. It is also good to teach your kids how to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and how to clean up a spill.

“Kids are more capable than you think they are.” says Allison Edwards, author of Why Smart Kids Worry (And What Parents Can Do to Help). “When kids make an effort they can tackle almost anything.”

SAFETY

Keeping our kids safe is a huge priority for parents. At a young age, we begin to teach our kids how to safely cross the street, bike and road safety, and to be aware of strangers. By ten, parents should take it one step further by teaching kids about internet safety and what to do in case of an emergency. “I want them to be safe mentally and physically.” says Lisa Parrish, mother of three. “They should know how to use the phone, procedures for being home alone or in emergencies, safe touch, and that no means no.”

Kids approaching ten should also know basic first aid and when to call 911.

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety... how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy.

30 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

PROPER HYGIENE AND SELF-GROOMING

Ten year olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair. Frequent showers, proper face and hand washing, and wearing deodorant are good habits to get into as the changing hormones of the teen years approach.”Tell your tween how different bacteria can harm their bodies. Encourage them to feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns about their changing bodies.” (Scholastic.com)

BUDGETING AND SAVING

Ten years old is a great time to introduce basic budgeting skills. Kids can learn to pick something out that they would like to purchase, research the cost, and begin saving for it.

This helps teach them delayed gratification, the value of the dollar, the reward for hard work, and also how to budget and save for things that they want. This skill will be necessary as they plan for larger purchases in adulthood.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

When presented with a problem, children often look to the adults in their lives to solve the problem. Rather than giving your child the answer to the problem, why not let them try to work it out themselves? The problem-solving skills learned early will benefit them as they grow older. You can also present your child with different scenarios and ask them what they would do. Ask your child—If you get lost, what should you do? What if you forget your lunch at home? What if you see another child getting teased? If there is a fire in the house, what should you do? Working through different scenarios and practicing problem solving skills will help your child build confidence for when they are faced with a problem.

VALUE OF HARD WORK

Kids need to know the value of hard work, especially as they head off to college or into the workplace. Even middle and high school require a higher level of study habits. Developing good study habits also helps kids learn that their dedication pays off when they receive good grades because of it. To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy, or saving up allowance to work towards something they would like to purchase will show them the long-term payoff of hard work.

“Kids are more capable than you think they are. When kids make an effort they can tackle almost anything.”

—Allison Edwards, author of Why Smart Kids Worry (And What Parents Can Do to Help).

Fenner, mother of four. Ten year olds can build confidence in this area by practicing public speaking and participating in sports or recitals.

CARING FOR OTHERS

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children.

This helps teach them responsibility and selflessness.

OUTDOOR SKILLS

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety. Fire safety, how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy. Again, as we face competition with the screen, teaching kids how to be safe when pursuing outdoor activities, may open a love of the outdoors that they have not yet experienced.

Ten year olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair.

PROPER ETIQUETTE AND SPEAKING SKILLS

Ten year olds should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone etiquette, know how to shake hands, and express gratitude when someone gives them a gift or does something for them. With so much electronic communication, we must teach our children that when having face to face conversations, it is polite to use proper language rather than text speak. “Kids this age should know the Golden Rule and treat others the way they’d like to be treated.” says Laura

HEALTHY HABITS

The importance of a healthy diet and routine exercise is never too early to learn. While they may not be preparing entire meals at age ten, they do need to know that potato chips are not a well balanced lunch. Kids should also be able to listen to their bodies so they can tell you if they are unwell and what is wrong. Healthy sleep habits and a good diet can help them perform better in school and improve their moods. Kids should also be able to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed.

These skills are a guideline as every child and every family is unique. You may find that in your family you value certain skills over others or that some of these were learned some time ago. “Be flexible with your plan to teach life skills” says Laws, “Everyone learns at a different pace.” Y Sarah Lyons is a mother of 6 and is published in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, KC Parent, Austin Family, Creative Child and over 160 other parenting publications.

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 31

7 Ways

1

It’s easy to get off schedule during the summer when longer days beckon kids outside late and sleeping in is easy to do. Introduce routines for going to bed and waking up before school starts because it may take children a few days to adjust. Read a book together as a family to simulate academic routine before daily homework starts. If you have tweens or teens that have been staying up late, take their bed time back 15 minutes every night until you get to the desired bedtime so it isn’t too much of a shock to kids’ sleep cycles.

to Start the School Year Right 2

By Janeen Lewis

S

chool bells will soon be ringing, and while that means no more sleeping in or lazy days at the pool, welcoming structure and routine back into family life helps get kids who are reluctant to return to school more motivated to go. With a positive attitude and a few back-to-school motivators, even reluctant school goers can start the school year off right. And getting off on the right foot paves the way for school success for the entire year.

32 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

Reintroduce routines

Get organized

Organize those areas that you will use for school preparations. Make a place for lunch and breakfast items in the refrigerator and pantry so they will be ready to go when making lunches or breakfast. Restock home desk supplies and prep study areas. Organize your laundry room with baskets for school uniforms, sports uniforms, and individual kid’s clothes. Don’t overlook your vehicle. Keep a basket with all the things you might need for those busy hectic drives between school, work and after-school activities.

3

Purge last year’s items

Go through backpacks and closets and get rid of anything that is outgrown or worn out. Sell the nicest items at consignment stores or a yard sale, and save what you make to put toward new items this school year.

If your child has a hard time letting go of items even though they are worn out or don›t fit, try putting them in storage for a month or two, then bring them back out. I›ve done this with

Students can meet their teacher, check out their classroom and see friends they haven’t seen all summer. This can make students previously hesitant to return to school eager to get started.

6

Set goals

7

Celebrate with back-to-school traditions

Help your child set a goal for the school year, or set a family goal together. Maybe your child wants to ace pre-algebra, start a kid blog or read more books than they read last year. Or maybe he or she wants to kick more goals in soccer this year or nail that back handspring they have been working on in gymnastics.

As a family, maybe you want to volunteer together at school or raise money for a worthy cause in the community. Setting goals can motivate kids and families to have an amazing school year.

my own kids, and usually they are willing to give up the items when they realize they haven›t missed them.

4

Devise a shopping strategy

After you have purged your home of old items, it is fun to replace them. Sometimes kids get excited about returning to school because they get new clothes and supplies.

Check out all the sales flyers and compare prices for the things your child needs. Make a shopping list of needed school supplies, clothing items and any organizing tools you might need for closets.

If your school has already sent a supply list, you can shop early and avoid the crowds and out-of-stock items. Sometimes I even shop late in the evening for school supplies when the aisles are less crowded so I can look carefully for what my kids need. The more you plan, the more you can do in one trip. You might even make it a special day out with kids.

5

It can be simple, like snapping a morning photo shoot before the first day of school, or elaborate, like hosting a neighborhood back-to-school bash at your house. Have a family meal at your favorite restaurant after the first day or plan a special weekend getaway before homework and sporting events kick in. Whatever you choose, model an upbeat attitude about the start of a new school year, and chances are your child will too. Y Janeen Lewis is a writer, elementary teacher and mom. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales.

Attend school orientations

Sneak-a-peek. Back-to-School Night. Readyfest.

They are called a variety of names, but back-toschool orientations are another way to create a desire to go back to school. Students can meet their teacher, check out their classroom and see friends they haven’t seen all summer. This can make students previously hesitant to return to school eager to get started.

August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 33

Teenagers Are Like Cats: COUNTING THE SIMILARITIES

I

By Katy M. Clark t was 11 a.m. on a beautiful Saturday morning. Humming a little ditty about Jack and Diane, I opened the blinds in my teenage son’s room. As the sunlight streamed in, I changed both my volume and my tune, belting out Livin’ on a Prayer

by Bon Jovi in hopes of waking my sleeping son.

Neither the sunlight nor my singing roused him. He slumbered deeply, his head cockamamie, pretty much at a 90 degree angle to his neck. His limbs splayed under the bed covers in all directions.

I glanced at the chair in his room to find our cat snoozing, her belly exposed, legs jutting every which way. Her head was cocked to the side. She was equally as dead to the world.

That’s when it hit me. Teens and cats are the same creatures.

It’s not just sleeping at all hours of the day, in the craziest positions. No, there are a lot of ways my teen and kitty are alike.

For instance, both will swat you away when they don’t want to be touched. Yup, there was that moment the other day when my son’s face looked just like it did when he was a toddler. Lovingly, I reached out to touch his cheek. Swat, swat. Just like, oh, pretty much every time I think it would be nice to pet my cat and she disagrees. Swat, swat.

Then there are all the times I come home from work or the store. I’ve heard dogs welcome you with love and affection. But cats and teens? Nothing. In fact, usually I call out to both, hoping to see them as I walk through the house. Just when I think my teen must be lying on the floor choking on a pretzel, because why else wouldn’t he answer, he replies with a subdued, “Hi.” Sort of how the cat barely opens her eyes from her nap when I find her.

Of course, that indifference melts away when it is dinnertime.

Suddenly, both teen and cat are extremely affectionate and interested in what I’m doing. “This lady gives me food!” you can see

34 Boston Parents Paper | August 2023

them both thinking, the teen hovering around the kitchen as I get out ingredients, the cat winding her way through my legs, purring.

Until they realize it’s meatloaf for the teen and Savory Seafood Guts for the cat. Suddenly, I’m persona non grata with such unfathomable mealtime choices. They both sulk away with nary a backward glance.

(I can’t serve pizza and Tantalizing Turkey pate every night, can I?) Teens and cats are night owls, too. While I’m struggling to keep my eyes open after 10pm, these two kindred souls are just getting going. Run through the house jumping on the furniture and playing with a dust bunny at 1 am? Check for the cat.

Play video games hooting and hollering at friends through a headpiece at 11pm? Check for the teen. Maybe if the cat and teen just played quietly with each other in the midnight hours I could get some sleep.

I could go on and on about how teens and cats are similar.

Both still surprise me with the mess they make after eating.

They are easily distracted by text messages or bugs, especially if these appear while I am expressing affection to them. Neither one can make a doctor’s appointment and go without me.

Yet, just one look at my teen and my cat and I am filled with love for these amazing creatures. I am proud to be their mom and have them in my life. And those sweet times they tell me they love me, whether through actual words or purring? There is nothing better. Y Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.

T

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BTU.ORG/BACKTOSCHOOL August 2023 | BostonParentsPaper.com 35

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