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Guest Post: Dimity Kirwan, Founder of Beyond Teaching, LLC

What’s Educare? Find out this Weekend (for free)!   On Saturday, August 20th, Beyond Teaching and Mommy’s Links will be holding the first Educare Fair, sponsored by Jones New York. Beyond Teaching, which connects parents seeking qualified individuals to tutor or provide after-school/weekend care for their children, began using the term educare to describe the Read More

Plan to Play: Tell A Story

Recently,  I wrote an article for a website about preparing young children with special needs for mainstream kindergarten.  Needless to say, this had me thinking about the skills I would hope all children entering kindergarten would have.  Before entering kindergarten, most 4-5 year olds should have the ability to speak in sentences, understand the sequence of story, Read More

5 Do-It-Yourself Warm Weather Science Activities Kids Will Love

Sometimes the park can keep children busy for hours, and other days it’s just doesn’t cut it.  Be prepared!  These activities are sure to keep your children engaged and may even teach them a little about science along the way! 1-Use Water– Go to the dollar store and keep spray bottles, paint rollers and paint brushes in Read More

My Favorite Things: Kids Play Tent

In the season of beaches, parks, picnics and outdoor activities, having a safe spot for your children to play is essential.  The Sun Smarties Play Anywhere Play Tent is one of my favorites.  First and foremost, the tent has UPF 30+ which is so important when playing outside.  The tent is incredibly easy to open Read More

Princesses: Perfectly Pleasant or Potentially Perilous?

Recently, many articles have surfaced on the web concerning the visuals and message the Disney princesses and their stories present. (I’ve included links to a few below.)  Peggy Orenstein has written 4 books and numerous articles about women and girls coming of age.  Her most recent, Cinderella At My Daughter, considers what “girlie-girl” culture may Read More

Social Skills for Mainstream Kindergarten

I recently came across an incredibly supportive group for parents of children with sensory processing disorder.   On the website, The SPD Blogger Network explains its purpose: “This group blog is designed for those writting – or those who want to write – about raising a child with Sensory Processing Disorder or sensory issues (that Read More

Sippy or Straw Cup? And the Speech Therapist Says…

…Straw Cup! According to speech therapists, straw cups promote more mature oral motor development. Sippy cups encourage children to rest their tongues on the under side of the spout, which can cause what is called “tongue thrust.” Tongue thrust can lead to articulation issues. Straw cups on the other hand promote lip closure, tongue and Read More

NYC Imagination Library

Whenever I hear about a terrific opportunity for young children, I like to pass along the information.  There’s a wonderful new program in NYC that encourages a love of learning and books.  The NYC Imagination Library is an initiative of the NYC Dept. of Education. The goal is to promote the development of emergent literacy Read More

Plan to Play: The Animals on the Bus

For most children, farm animals are a standard toy chest item. Two of my favorites are Soft Touch Baby Farm Animals and Aurora My Barnyard Friends Carrier with Sounds. For a barn and animal set, the Fisher Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm is a favorite! The problem is, one can only play with animals Read More