EDITOR'SNOTE
Across the country 4, and sometimes even 3, is becoming the new age 5. Preschool has become the new kindergarten, an educational requirement for all. Increasingly, states are requiring communities to provide publicly-funded preschool for all. Massachusetts, considered a leader in education, is not one of those states. Full Story
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Bay State Parent, Thank you for running the fine story about Circus Smirkus in the July issue of Bay State Parent. Michelle Xiarhos Curran did a fine job of reflecting the spirit of Smirkus, the meaning for our troupers, and the excitement of this year's show. Your selection of so many of the best photos from our web site added a nice touch. Full Story
What Does it Feel Like to be Asian in America?
Katherine Naftzger, an adult adoptee from Korea and now a mother and clinical social worker, can still recall the sting she felt several years ago, when, as a high school student getting lunch at McDonald's, one of the restaurant workers looked at her and called her a "China doll. Full Story
Circle of Friends
FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF ADOPTION-RELATED EVENTS
Adoption Associates 1163 Walnut Street, Suite 2, Newton Highlands 02461. 617-965-9369, www.adoptionassociates.org Pre-register for all programs. Mid-Feb: Managing the Stress of Waiting for your child. Six sessions to help families who have completed their Home Studies and are feeling like the call/ match will never come. Full Story
SPECIAL NEEDS PARENTING
WHEN CHILDREN HAVE TROUBLE MAKING FRIENDS
With her two older children, Paula Davis could always say, "go ahead and play," when hosting a playmate in their Westford home. But, because her youngest daughter Emma has social difficulties associated with a chromosomal disorder, Davis is more cognizant of her own role in helping Emma establish friendships. Full Story
FAMILYPETGUIDE
IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR A PET ?
Ideally, a pet can be a guide to learning empathy and gentleness, a dependent that inspires responsibility, a nonjudgmental companion, and maybe even a source of unconditional love. Full Story
FAMILYPETGUIDE
Okay, You Said Yes to a Pet. Now, Which One?
Fish: For some parents, a fish is the starter pet for a child - the first step on the way to a larger, furry pet. But for others, fish can become an avocation. "It's always a good place to start if you want to see how much interest children have in maintaining and caring for a pet," said veterinarian Wayne Rocheleau of Abbott Animal Hospital in Worcester. Full Story
CHILDREN'SDENTALHEALTHMONTH • FAMILYDENTAL
10 Ways to Get Your Child to Brush Twice a Day
1. Let your child pick out a fun, new colorful soft-bristled toothbrush. If your child is ready for noises and vibrations, buy him a battery-powered brush. 2. When picking out a new toothbrush, help your child choose different flavors of toothpaste. "This week's flavor is ____! Full Story
CHILDREN'SDENTALHEALTHMONTH • BABYBASICS
When to Schedule Baby's First Visit to the Dentist
Dental health problems can begin at a very early age. That's why the Massachusetts Dental Society recommends scheduling a baby's first visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than your child's first birthday. Full Story
CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH • FAMILY HEALTH
Medications Leaving More Than a Bad Taste in Children's Mouths
As another cold and flu season arrives, and despite reports about the effectiveness of children's cold medicines, many parents are still anticipating the number of spoonfuls of over-the-counter and prescription medications they'll soon-be-giving to their children. Full Story
PICKING A PRESCHOOL
8 Tips To Help You Select The Right One For Your Child
It is time to send your child to preschool. But which one do you choose? Do you look for a family preschool, run out of a home, or a corporate center? The answer, said Joanne Gravell, program director of the Child Care Connection, of Worcester, lies within your family. Parents must decide what is right for themselves, their schedule, and their child. Full Story
GOING GREEN!
recycling 101
Editor's Note: This is the second of a three-part series on recycling & Massachusetts schools efforts to be Green. Full Story
three's a CROWD
7 Ways to Teach Your Preschooler How To Make Three Feel Like Company
"You're not my friend anymore!" And so went the chorus of Olivia, Laura, and Maddie, three feuding preschool friends, who had affectionately declared themselves "The Three Princesses of Woobie-Woobie" only 15 short minutes before. Full Story
saving for COLLEGE
Planning When Your Child is Born, Entering Preschool, Off To Middle School, and Yes, Even When in High School
This past fall, Jodie and Bryan Hollister gave birth to a baby boy named Brody. As the new parents worked to get their son on a sleeping and feeding schedule, they began to think about another schedule demanding their attention: college planning. Full Story
Teaching Kids About Dollars & Sense
Chances are you have been in a similar situation: While shopping with your child, out of nowhere comes the haunting little words, "Mom, can I get a Full Story
Cross-Country Skiing 101
This Winter Activity Provides A Great Introduction to Skis for Children & Families
"Dignity is overrated!" Matt yelled up to his son, Cole, from the bottom of a snow-covered hill on a warmish January afternoon. Cole was considering a molehill-sized slope that seemed to him, from its peak, more like a steep and craggy mountain. Full Story
How Sweet It Is
Send Cupid's arrow this Valentine's Day! Gather in the kitchen for some quality time and make treats the whole family can share. Homemade chocolate treats from your kitchen are sure to warm anyone's heart. Full Story
time stressed? less sex?
TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE TIME TO CONNECT WITH YOUR PARTNER
Cookies for the Valentine's Day party at school: . Early morning conference call: . Late night laundry: . Sex: Huh?! Is sex on your daily to-do list? What about even 10 minutes alone with your partner? If not, it should be. Full Story
PICTURE PERFECT
announcing the winners of our 5th Annual Amateur Photo Contest
Thanks to all our readers who entered! Rules for our 6th Annual Amateur Photo Contest will be announced this fall. Full Story
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