Fun With Kids in the Oakland and Berkeley
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, and we thought we’d give you enough notice to make some plans. In other words, don’t panic: it’s not this weekend. (Unless you are reading this after May 6…) Last year for Mother’s Day, I indulged myself with a workshop at Teahouse Studio in Berkeley. If you’re envious of [...]
On April 27, 2013 get ready for a simulated 6.9 earthquake on the Hayward Fault to hit Berkeley. Are you prepared? Reminding me of the Parks + Recreation disaster drill on television, the Berkeley CERT Citywide Exercise provides participants an opportunity to practice disaster response in their own neighborhoods. All individuals or community groups are [...]
This post is part of a series sponsored by UrbanSitter. When I wrote on our other blog, RookieMoms.com, that I have high expectations of a babysitter, it was met with mixed reactions. I shared that my (adult) babysitter bathes my kids, and some readers felt that was above and beyond the call of duty. I’d [...]
Whitney asked me to write up all the great kid-friendly attractions in Hayward and I need your help. This is what we know about already: Kennedy Park: Whitney’s family loves this destination for their favorite pygmy goat plus a carousel, train ride, and playground all in one stop. With Target across the street, you can [...]
When my son’s best friend at school was “diagnosed” with lice, an itchy feeling on my head told me we were next.
We live in Berkeley and I am firmly in support of their healthy school lunch program. As such, I kinda force my kids to buy, rather than pack, a lunch. So, for better or worse, when summer camps roll around, it’s back-to-lunchbox time for me and my family. But, I’m never really off the hook. [...]
On our other blog for new moms, Rookie Moms, we have been running a series about technology we’re enjoying as parents. Here are five you might enjoy: New iPhone app for expectant parents: Cinemama lets you produce a time-lapse video of a growing belly. Read more about this app from the March of Dimes > [...]
Please join one or both of these weekly breastfeeding support groups, facilitated by a board certified lactation consultant. No RSVP required. All sessions are $10. The first half hour is for arrivals and informal chatting, then we’ll begin group introductions on the hour. Weigh your baby on our scale to track growth and meet other [...]
About a year ago, I reported that my baby was a proud user of compostable diapers. We have now been satisfied customers of EarthBaby diaper service for 17 months now so I’m going to answer a few questions that I hear all the time. {More about the special offer at the bottom} What do you [...]
The Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is offering grants up to $4,000 and project management services for pre-1978 owner-occupied and rental properties in Berkeley with low-income families with a pregnant woman and/or children under 6 living or regularly visiting the home. This is a fantastic program that assesses and remediates lead hazards to make [...]
Chris lives with his wife and two sons (age 2.5 and 5) on the island of Alameda; he thinks Alameda is crazy kid-friendly and we should all be lucky enough to live there. Feel free to ask him anything about his beloved island city in the comments. In the meantime, here is Christopher’s must-list for [...]
Family visiting? Why there’s no better motivation to get everyone out of the house.
We appreciate this guest post by Berkeley mom, Jennifer Pesetsky. She founded KinderCycle (which is now under new ownership)! Jennifer blogs at www.berkeleymommy.blogspot.com. For Hanukkah this year, my toddler agreed that for every present she gets, she’s going to give something that she already has to other children. She was so enthusiastic about this idea, [...]
Cool gift for a limited time! Turn your children’s book into a personalized keepsake by adding the author’s autograph. Together with Jim Averbeck, Gianna Marino, Maria van Lieshout, and Melissa Guion, Dashka Slater is offering signed bookplates for the holidays. Here’s how you do it: Buy one of the adorable children’s books above from your [...]
I was delighted to be an usher at the Berkeleyside event called Three Michaels last night at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. East Bay writers (and fathers) Michael Pollan, Michael Lewis, and Michael Chabon answered questions from West Coast Live host and Berkeley native Sedge Thomson. During the open question time, I asked each Michael to share [...]
Anchored by a library, a playground and a Saturday farmer’s market, Oakland’s Lakeshore district is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It’s also a great place for kids and families. I lived near here for over 12 years and my 7-year-old has been enjoying Lakeshore since he was a tot. Our favorite spot on [...]
There are so many wonderful places to shop, play, and eat in the Berkeley-Oakland area that creating a specific gift guide for East Bay families was tricky. To avoid sending you back to my favorite places each year, I’ve included picks from our new contributors. Gifts to keep: Local tee shirts Be proud of your [...]
