Archive for 'Parenting'

Apr201204

PDXrover

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We’ve Got a New Look!

If you’ve had a chance to pick up our April issue -– or to read it online -– you might have noticed we’ve updated our look. We’ve got a new logo, a new layout for our Table of Contents, Ages & Stages and regular departments, and a cleaner, fresher design throughout the magazine. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to bringing you interesting and informative parenting-related features, information on local parenting resources and our remarkably comprehensive daily Family Fun Calendar. We’re very proud of the work we do creating the region’s most useful and entertaining parenting magazine, but we’re always looking for ways to be even more useful and informative to our readers. Help us out by letting us know what you think of our recent redesign (it’s a work in progress!) and of the resources we bring you in print and online every month. What do you like (or not like) about the magazine’s new look? What do you like best about our magazine? (What’s most useful and/or most entertaining to you? What sections do you always read?) What would you like to see more of in our print magazine? If you follow us on Twitter , like us on Facebook , receive our enewsletter and/or read our blogs, what do you find most useful about our online postings? What would you like to see more of from us online? And if you’d like to give us any other feedback, feel free to post it below! We appreciate any and all comments. After all, we’re here to make your job as a parent easier, more effective and more fun!

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We’ve Got a New Look!

Jan201218

PDXrover

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Need a Night Out?

Parenting is the most rewarding job you’ll ever have, but let’s face it, we all need a night off every now and then. If you’re not one of the fortunate few with a steady, reliable babysitter ready to pop over at a moment’s notice, don’t despair. There are other options. In fact, this Saturday there’s a Parents’ Survival Night scheduled at the Little Gym of Lake Oswego , just one of the many Parents’ Night Out events held regularly throughout the area. These events offer kids an evening of active fun with other kids their age -– plus snacks! –- while parents get some much deserved “adults only” time. Here’s a handy list of local organizations that regularly schedule Parents’ Nights Out. (We lifted it from our own, newly updated Family Resource Guide !) In addition to those listed below, some local health clubs, preschools and daycare centers also host Parents’ Nights Out. Clark County YMCA : 11324 NE 51st Cir., Vancouver, Wash.; 360-885-9622; ymca-clarkcounty.org . The Little Gym of Lake Oswego : 17890 SW McEwan Rd.; 503-595-9702; tlglakeoswegoor.com . Oregon Gymnastics Academy : 16305 NW Bethany Ct. Suite 109, Beaverton; 503-531-3409; ogagym.org . The Play Boutique : 464 1st St., Lake Oswego; 503.675-7529; playboutique.com . The Playground Gym : 505 NE Grand Ave.; 503-235-7529; theplaygroundgym.com . Portland Parks and Recreation : 503-823-PLAY; portlandonline.com/parks . Call your local community center for occasional events. Precision Elite Gymnastics : 15507 SE For Mor Ct., Clackamas; 503-659-0095; sunburstgymnastics.com . Rose City Gymnastics Academy : 7056 NE Glisan St.; 503-281-1314; rosecitygym.com . Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy : 840 NW 10th Ave., Camas, Wash., 360-834-7424; 117th Ave., Vancouver, Wash., 360-254-7958; vegagym.com . We Village : 424 NW 11th Ave.; 503-935-5590; wevillage.com . Drop-in child care, open late on Fridays, Saturdays, First Thursdays and special events. Westside Dance and Gymnastics Academy : 11632 SW Pacific Hwy., Tigard; 503-639-5388; westsideacademy.com .

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Need a Night Out?

Jan201209

Samantha

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What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet?

When most of us contemplate how to educate our children about the dangers of drugs, we think about illicit and controlled substances. We rarely think about over-the-counter pain killers, prescription medications stashed in the back of our medicine cabinets, or even our daily vitamins. But how and when we use these types of medications can play a major role in our children’s lifelong attitudes about and habits related to drugs, and proper storage of medications is essential to keeping our children safe. In this month’s online article , Oregon Partnership’s director of parenting programs, Emily Moser, explores these topics and offers simple tips for parents to keep children safe and encourage healthy habits for life.

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What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet?

Jan201202

PDXrover

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January Coupons & Deals

With every new issue comes a new set of coupons and deals. Here’s what you’ll find in our current issue : EcoMaids: Your initial house cleaning is only $149. (Page 5) Dancing Brooms: Schedule two cleanings, receive $50 off your third. (Page 6) The Little Gym of Lake Oswego: Free introductory class. (Page 2) Music Together: Free demonstration class. (Page 2) Raising Our Sons/Raising Our Daughters Parenting Guides: Receive 20 percent off with code “Metro Parent.” (Page 17) Sylvan Learning: Get a free assessment for your child. (Page 18) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Complimentary dental exam for children under 2. (Page 5) Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Free initial exam for children under 3. (Page 15) Learning Palace: Take 15 percent off all regular priced items. (Page 19) Tidee Didee: Get one free week of diaper service with four prepaid weeks. (Page 37) (We even have a PDF version of the magazine , for easy coupon clipping.)

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January Coupons & Deals

Oct201124

Samantha

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Our Online Parents’ Calendar

We’re constantly amazed at the vast array of activities and resources for families in the Portland metro area, and we’re proud to provide our readers with information they can use to take advantage of all the area has to offer. From our Family Calendar and Family Fun Reviews to information about local parenting resources, we do our best to keep you up to date on local activities and events of interest. We’re especially proud of our online Parents Calendar , listing workshops, conferences, fundraisers and events of interest to local parents. What makes this resource particularly appealing -– we think –- is the fact that our readers can submit their own parenting-related events and fundraisers (school auction anyone?) to be included in our online listings. Our November Parents’ Calendar will go up Nov. 1, with a number of intriguing classes and events. You’ll find listings for a “Child Senses & Behavior” workshop at IKEA on Nov. 30, with tips on helping your child regulate sensory input during the holidays and new tools for sensory-based activities; a “Connect by Coaching Your Kid Weekend Workshop” with Dr. Kathy Masarie Nov. 4 and 5; workshops for parents of children with special needs, including “Entering Kindergarten from ECSE: What Parents Need to Know” on Nov. 16 and “IFSP, EI, ECSE, What Does It Mean? Infants and Preschoolers with Developmental Delays or Disabilities” on Nov. 29. You’ll also find listings for the Healthy Living & Gluten Free Expo in Salem Nov. 26; a National Adoption Day Celebration Nov. 19 and an Adoption Fair Nov. 6; Milagros Boutique’s annual Holiday Bazaar , a fundraiser for Mercy Corps, also on Nov. 6; and Thinker Toys’ Shop for Schools holiday fundraising event Nov. 14-16. Plus, every month we include listings for recurring classes and groups , from pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding and other parenting support groups for moms and dads to grief and cancer support groups for kids to cloth diapering and diaper-free workshops and groups and much, much more. Do you have an event to submit to our online Parents Calendar? Fill out our online form (you can also access the form by clicking “Submit an Event” on the Parents’ Calendar page), or email the information to calendar@metro-parent.com . And for even more parent education, support group and other parenting resources, check out our Parent Support and Education listings.

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Our Online Parents’ Calendar

Aug201108

Samantha

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August Coupons & Deals

A new issue means new coupons and deals (along with a few regular favorites!). Here’s the scoop for August : We Speak Baby: Healthy Pregnancy & Parenting: Attend this informative symposium and get breakfast, all for FREE! (Back Cover) Young Athletes Heart Screening: Have your teen checked for potential heart problems for $10. (Page 11) Portland Youth Ballet: Free dance class for first-time clients. (Page 42) Sunriver Resort: Rates starting at $219. Upgrade to a suite for as little as $16! (Page 7) Dollhouse Tea Room: Take $25 off your next party package. (Page 36) ClubSport: Join for only $59, or try them out with a free guest pass. (Page 33) Oregon Gymnastics Academy: Take $15 off your first month’s tuition. (Page 35) The Old Spaghetti Factory: Free kid’s meal with paid adult entrée. (Page 34) Bob’s Red Mill: Get $2 off any breakfast over $5 at the Mill Store Café. (Page 36) North Clackamas Aquatic Park: Buy one rock climb, get one free. (Page 37) EcoMaids: Take 10 percent off any service. (Page 39) Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Free initial exam for children under 3. (Page 9) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Complimentary dental exam for kids under 2. (Page 10) Learning Palace: Take 15 percent off all regular priced items. (Page 22) Tidee Didee: Get 1 free week of diaper service with 4 paid weeks. (Page 49) Happy Saving!

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August Coupons & Deals

Aug201103

Jeremy

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Free Pregnancy Symposium Aug. 13

Expecting a baby? Then you won’t want to miss Kaiser Permanente’s upcoming FREE symposium on healthy pregnancy and parenting on August 13! The half-day event features information sessions on prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding, infant care and more. (And did we mention it’s FREE?!) Kaiser perinatologist Suzanne Lubarsky, MD, is the keynote speaker, and lactation specialists and dietitians will be on hand to answer your questions. There also will be information available about online programs, classes, and hospital tours (some programs available to Kaiser Permanente members only). Plus, you’ll get a free breakfast! We Speak Baby: Healthy Pregnancy and Parenting August 13, 8:30 to noon Portland Community College Willow Creek Center 241 SW Edgeway Dr., Beaverton The symposium is free and open to the public. To register, visit KPHealthSymposium.org . (Registration is encouraged but is not necessary to attend.)

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Free Pregnancy Symposium Aug. 13

Apr201122

PDXrover

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PDX Date Night Hot Spots

Family-friendly is NOT all about the kids, folks. Parents are people too (I’m designing a shirt with that phrase. Want one?). My husband and I both work full-time (and then some) and we both do the tag-team, co-parenting thing with…

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PDX Date Night Hot Spots

Feb201116

Jeremy

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Get Smart(er) With Our Parents’ Calendar

You know we have a great online Family Fun calendar where you can find activities and events to share with your kids every day, but did you know we also have a fabulous online Parents’ Calendar ? We do! It’s filled each month with everything from lectures, classes and workshops to fundraisers, conferences, and the all-encompassing “miscellaneous” parent-focused events. This month, you could learn how to deal with the “Big Emotions of Young Children” at Providence Portland Medical Center on Feb. 26, or find out how to “Connect by Coaching Your Kid” with Dr. Kathy Masarie, beginning Feb. 17. There’s a class on “The Drug Free Approach: Prevention And Treatment For Learning And Behavioral Problems” at People’s Coop on Feb. 23; a series of Parent-Child Bullying workshops for families with elementary age kids at Barnes and Noble Tanasbourne every Thursday in Feb.; and a class on “Raising Financially Responsible Children” offered several times this month at local boutiques Milagros and Segal’s. We’ve also got details on a Cooperative Preschool Fair on Feb. 5, an introduction to Cross-Cultural Volunteering on Feb. 28, and much more. The March calendar will be posted Mar. 1 with more great parenting-related events, from an “ Adoption Reunion Panel “ with adult adoptees who have reconnected with their birth families to an “ Expecting Multiples Parents Coffee Hour “ to a workshop on surviving “Life with Teens!” March fundraisers include a Crafty Mamas Bazaar at Milagros Boutique to benefit Mercy Corp, Sleep Country USA’s Pajama Bowl , Girls Inc.’s fabulous Power of the Purse event, and Woodstock Elementary School’s Rummage Sale . You’ll also find a comprehensive listing of recurring classes and groups for parents every month, from babywearing, infant massage, cloth diapering, and diaper-free families to monthly blood lead screenings, child safety seat clinics, dads’ groups, breastfeeding support, and groups for kids dealing with cancer and grief. Have an event to submit to our online Parents Calendar? Fill out our online form (click “Submit an Event” on the Parents’ Calendar page), or email the information to calendar@metro-parent.com . Oh, and even more parent education, support group and other parenting resources can be found on our Parent Support and Emergency Services page.

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Get Smart(er) With Our Parents’ Calendar

Jan201110

Jeremy

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If You “Like” Us, You Could Win!

We want all of our fabulous readers to join our community on Facebook so we can all share our insights, tips and opinions about parenting, local events and activities, and anything else we feel like “talking” about — and we’re offering some fun prizes to entice new people to join in. Just visit our Facebook page and “Like” us, then send an email to emily@metro-parent.com letting us know you’ve joined. All qualifying entries will be included in a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to The Old Spaghetti Factory (gratuity not included) . Already a Metro Parent Facebook fan? Encourage a friend or two to join us and you can both be entered! Just have your friend include your name and email address when they write to let us know they’ve joined. We’ll put your name in the hat as well. The more friends you encourage to join us, the more entries! CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011. Thanks for joining us! And if you have ideas for the types of discussions and information you’d like us to share on Facebook , Twitter , or on the blog, please let us know! PLEASE NOTE: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to Metro Parent and not to Facebook. The information you provide will be used only to notify the winners of this contest.

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If You “Like” Us, You Could Win!

Nov201010

PDXrover

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Free Parenting Workshops at IKEA

If the holidays are stressful and overwhelming for you, just imagine how a child — especially one with sensory integration challenges — must feel. There’s the excitement of opening presents, the hubbub of visiting relatives, chaotic schedules and deviations from the familiar routine. It’s no wonder so many children become overstimulated and act out. But help is on the way, and it’s coming from an unexpected source. IKEA is hosting a free Sensory Integration workshop for parents on Nov. 17 from 10 am to noon, in conjunction with the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Early Childhood Program. During the workshop, an occupational therapist will share tips, tools and activities to help children process the often overwhelming sensory stimulation that comes with the hectic holiday season so everyone can enjoy the celebratory time together. This workshop is just one in a series presented by the Portland IKEA store — along with their MESD partners — to support local families. The series grew out of the IKEA staff’s desire to offer training related to autism, Asperger’s and general early childhood development for employees working in their free childcare area, Småland. After their first staff workshop, says Marketing and PR Specialist April Minister, “We said, ‘Hey, this is all great information. It’s wonderful that our co-workers have this training but wouldn’t parents really want this as well?’” They held their first free workshop for parents in May, focusing on Positive Parenting, and have since expanded the program to offer an ongoing series of workshops for local parents. It all fits IKEA’s mission to be “The Life Improvement Store,” says Minister, adding, “What’s more fundamental to improving life at home than improving the relationship between parents and children? That’s really how the positive parenting series of classes came about.” Upcoming IKEA Positive Parenting Workshops: Nov. 17, 10 am to Noon: Sensory Integration. Jan. 12, 10 am to Noon: New Year’s Resolution – Being a Better Parent in 2011. Mar. 14, 10 am to Noon: An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Apr. 9, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm: Free Developmental Screenings. MESD developmental specialists will offer free assessments; no appointment necessary. May 2, 10 am to Noon: Back to School – Get Ready, Get Set, Get Organized. Learn some tools you can implement over the summer to make sure your kids are ready in the fall! Jun. 11, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm: Free Developmental Screenings. MESD developmental specialists will offer free assessments; no appointment necessary. Jul. 11: It Takes Two – Strategies for Communicating with Your Child. All workshops are held at the IKEA store, 10280 NE Cascades Parkway, and are free. Space is limited, so sign up early by visiting Småland, the in-store free childcare play area, or by sending an email to lifeimprovement.portland.us@ikea.com . Free childcare is available at Småland with pre-registration for children who are between 37 and 54 inches tall and are potty trained. More cool kid-friendly happenings at IKEA: Every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm kids can enjoy special activities in Småland . Free Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops will be offered from 4 to 5 pm on Nov. 16 and 18 and Dec. 14 and 15. (Space is limited. First come, first served. Limit one gingerbread house per family.) Can’t make it? Pick up an Anna’s Gingerbread House Kit at IKEA’s Swedish Food Market to create at home ($4.99). For more information, visit ikea.com/us/en/store/portland/activities .

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Free Parenting Workshops at IKEA

Nov201008

Samantha

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Is There an App for Naps?

In our November issue , we asked the question: Is technology a helpful tool or an obstacle to good parenting? Turns out, it can be both. (Read Plugged In … or Tuned Out? beginning on page 30 to find out how local parents are balancing the good and the bad to stay truly connected to their kids and each other.) On the helpful side, our writer found eight apps that can double as parents’ little helpers. Unfortunately, we didn’t have space in the magazine for the list, so we’re running it online – how appropriate is that? Why not make your smart phone work for you and your kids with these family-friendly apps? A Family Matters: This app promotes lively conversations – and critical thinking – with open-ended questions and activity suggestions for families on topics of all kinds for all ages. (iP) iHomeopathy: A health and first-aid resource. (iP) DadLabs: Hip parenting help from dads for dads. (iP) Baby Pack ‘n Go: Lists what to pack for local and longer outings, organized by age. Lets you add your own items. Great for the babysitter! (iP) EverNote: A great way to record, store, access and search everything you want to keep organized. (iP, BB, D) Shortcovers: Thousands of stories at your fingertips (some free) for times when you haven’t packed a book. (BB) Life360: Kid tracking, emergency notification and more. (iP, D; BB soon) GoodFoodNearYou: Find nearby restaurants and reasonably healthful menu suggestions sorted by distance, calories, amount of protein, etc. (This app typically returns only chain restaurants because nutritional info is readily available.) (iP, BB) And, for recommendations on iPhone apps for kids , we like giggleapps.com . KEY: iP = iPhone; BB = Blackberry; D = Droid What’s your favorite parenting-related app? Thanks to writer Sarah Pagliasotti for compiling this information.

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Is There an App for Naps?

Nov201003

PDXrover

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Do You Know What Your Children’s Goals Are?

How would you react if your child started hanging out with a youngster who wouldn’t be your first choice in a friend for him? What if your teen, after years of banking on a four-year university in her future, told you she wanted to attend a technical school or earn a two-year degree instead? In this month’s Viewpoint, available online only , Emily Moser, director of parenting programs at Oregon Partnership , discusses the important issue of goals – our goals for our children, and our children’s goals for themselves. Find out how you can set the stage for your children to make their own well-reasoned, values-based decisions, and how you can rein in the natural instinct to jump to conclusions or judgment, focusing instead on meaningful conversations that will help you discover what your children’s goals are for themselves and their lives – and stay connected to them throughout their lives. After all, isn’t it our most important job as parents to encourage our children to be confident, to know what the right thing is – and do it – and to always be their own wonderful unique selves? Read the full article today.

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Do You Know What Your Children’s Goals Are?