Happy Friday everyone, I hope you had a great week! I spent most of the week in Seattle for work with Microsoft (you can see some images here). The experience was rather mindblowing and I can't wait to share some of the crazy awesome things I learned to amp up my nerd ninja skills to help you ninja up as well! Meanwhile, I hope you're gearing up for a lovely holiday weekend -- enjoy this roundup of 15 events, and tune in later for a great Friday Find!

1. Celebration national scavenger hunt day. (Acton)

2. Berkshire Theatre Group presents Atlantis, Lost! And Other Legends of the Strange Waves (Amherst)

3. The Redcoats are coming! The Redcoats are coming! (Boston)

4. The Boston International Children’s Film Festival wraps up. (Boston)

5. The Boston Calling concert in City Hall Plaza is back. (Boston)

6. It’s Arthur’s 8th birthday! (Boston)

7. The beautiful sounds of the Marywood University Chamber Singers. (Boston)

8. Trash or tackle? Making beautiful sculptures from discarded materials that might otherwise pollute the sea. (Boston)

9. Develop positive social-emotional skills and coping skills through movement, music, arts. (Boston)

10. Hilarious puppet performance featuring elaborate medieval costumes, and creative ways to hide a pet dragon. (Brookline)

11. Lexington’s greatest street fair is on. (Lexington)

12. Enjoy great live music, art, fine crafts, and food. (Newburyport)

13. Ropes Mansion reopens. (Salem)

14. Time for the sheep to get their annual haircut. (Sturbridge)

15. Spreading wings over Wellfleet. (Wellfleet)

Image credit: Boston Children’s Museum

Over Mother's Day weekend I had the delightful opportunity to visit Newport, Rhode Island thanks to a kind media invite from The Hotel Viking. I haven’t been to Newport in 20 years (!) and after our visit, I was left wondering why on earth it's taken me so long to return! Today I'm sharing 10 things about our experience with The Hotel Viking as our launch point. I highly recommend you book a trip soon – it’s a truly wonderful family-friendly destination!

1. The benefit of big (but not crazy big). Over the years, we've stayed in a variety of accommodations with our kids, and one thing that struck us on this journey was how well suited The Hotel Viking's size is for families. Offering 208 well-appointed rooms + the space to accommodate events, the hotel has all the amenities (pool, restaurant, etc.) that make for an easy stay + plenty of corridors and spaces to explore while not being too massive and overwhelming. For example, one of Laurel and Violet’s games was figuring out the spatial map from the hotel entrance to our room. And we sent Laurel on a few short missions around the hotel, which she found very, very exciting!

2. The power of a good pool. The pool at The Hotel Viking is clean, well-stocked with towels, and bathrooms are in close proximity and you can even order food poolside. It was the perfect size for Laurel to do some laps and for Violet to splash around (the stair entry into the pool is good for small people). There’s also a hot tub if you want to get in a soak.

3. Everyone say ahhhh for spa. Though Jon made a generous offer for me to go get a spa treatment while we were there, I decided to opt for a run for my Mother’s Day self-care, mostly because I’m training for a half marathon this coming weekend and needed to stick to my plan! But next time, trust me, I will be heading in for a facial or massage. They have a full suite of services.

4. Excellent service. Service at The Hotel Viking is excellent from top to bottom. The hotel's central location means that you either need to find a nearby street spot or opt for valet (we used valet and only needed to access our car once during the weekend). At any rate, the valet/bell hop service team is who you likely will interact with most given that they are right at the entry and they were friendly and cheerful to our family at every turn.

5. The simple beauty of beverages. In the words of my beloved brother-in-law, I am very, very beverage oriented! So imagine my delight when I discovered that the hotel has a round the clock beverage station in their lobby. In the morning you can get coffee and tea (not sure what coffee brand they use but it was delicious!) and during the rest of the day they offer pretty infused waters. (Getting water was one of Laurel’s aforementioned solo hotel missions!)

6. Package deals. We enjoyed the We Are Family Package during our stay and the girls loved the complimentary treats and game (Connect 4 = nostalgia!), and the coloring book/crayons were perfect to stash in my bag since I forgot to bring activity books (for restaurant waits). The package also includes a disposable camera, 10% spa discount, and breakfast for kids.

7. Tasty food options. The Hotel Viking has a full service restaurant; we enjoyed breakfast there on our last morning (lobster omelette FTW!) and it was delicious and the pricing was reasonable. Otherwise, some of our favorite independent finds included Le Petit Gourmet (right across the street), Megs’ Aussie Milk Bar (a 5 or so minute walk down the street), and Perro Salado, which was a crazy accidental find right after I said, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant?”

8. Walkable adventures. I prefer to drive as little as possible when we’re on vacation, so the hotel’s central location was HUGE for us. We walked all over the downtown area, which offers a wide array of independent and national brand shops. 

9. Access to water. The water is my happy place so it's no wonder Newport was a great fit! At the Newport Harbor waterfront, Violet really wanted to ride the ferry; it was the perfect bite-sized adventure (about 20 minutes roundtrip) since we were sure if the kids would actually like it! Added bonus = it was awesome to see the Volvo Ocean Race boats docked at Fort Adams. We also did the Scenic Ocean Drive, which was gorgeous, and the farm landscapes were surprising and breathtaking. It was fun to hop out and scrabble around the rocks along this drive, and also play out at beach near the end of the Cliff Walk.

10. A learning adventure. Over 375 years old, Newport is positively steeped in history. From the historical properties around the downtown area to the Newport mansions to the oldest lending library in the U.S., there is no shortage of history to take in. It was especially fun for us to read plaques and put things into context given that Laurel recently finished a school unit on colonial times.

In a nutshell, it was a wonderful trip! I know there's so much more for us to see so I can’t wait to return -- and at 1.5 hours from Boston, it makes for a totally doable destination. Comically and fittingly, after all of our adventures, when I asked Violet what her favorite thing about the vacation weekend was, she said, “the pool and elevator in our hotel!” So there you have it, according to my 4-year-old, The Hotel Viking’s pool and elevator is THE BUSINESS.

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Disclosure: The Hotel Viking provided me with accommodations for two nights per my media visit; all opinions on the awesomeness of the property are, of course, my own!

Image credits: Christine Koh

Today, Amy Lage shares wisdom on how to handle Jack-in-the-Box syndrome:

The kids are in bed and you have just settled on the couch to relax when you hear the pitter patter of little feet. No! What is your little one doing out of bed? You give him a glass of water and tuck him back in. Phew. Oh wait, he’s back. Let’s try this again. Or perhaps your child goes to bed just fine, but then you wake up to warm breath on your cheek or her tiny feet jabbing into your back. Your child just won’t stay in his bed.

Does this sound familiar? If so, your child has “Jack-in-the-Box syndrome” -- defined as a child who repeatedly comes out of bed at bedtime or during the middle of the night. Sounds serious right? But fear not, there is a cure! Today I'm going to share a little context, then give you 3 steps to get past this common sleep issue.

A Big Kid Bed is a Big Kid Responsibility

Your child's ability to stay in bed is hinged to the reality of whether they're actually ready to be in a big kid bed. Being in a big kid bed is a big kid responsibility and it's important not to transition from crib to bed before they're truly ready for this new independence. For most kids, this transition is around age 3 because they need to be at a developmental point where they can understand rules and follow them, and also handle having the security and safety of their crib removed. So, to avoid frustration all sides, wait until your child is ready for this new milestone before making the big move.

Step #1: Call a Family Meeting

Little kids are egocentric (this is developmentally appropriate!) and love to be the star of the show. This is part of why they come out of their bed in the first place – for your attention! Use this trait to your advantage. At a non-sleep time, call a family meeting where your child and his/her sleep is the agenda item. Explain why sleep is important and that when he does not stay in his bed, no one is the family is getting the sleep they need. Also explain that there will be some new “Sleep Rules” to help everyone, and that if he does not follow the rules, then you will walk him back to his bed each time he comes out without any talking.

Step #2: Set the Sleep Rules

Toddlers and preschoolers often fight against rules, but actually crave them as a sign of safety. Many parents share that their kids always follow the rules about naptime at school or daycare; this is because their teachers enforce the rules consistently. Create "Sleep Rules" together on a piece of poster board, detailing bedtime routine and overnight behavior. For example: “I will brush my teeth, read one book, have two sips of water, go to the potty, get into bed, and stay there until mom or dad (or My Tot Clock if you choose to use one) tells me it is OK to be awake and out of bed. If I get out of my bed before it is time to be awake, mom or dad will quietly walk me back to my bed with no talking.” Be realistic with your rules and only include rules that you will 100% enforce. Also be specific and quantify things so there is no question about your expectations. Let your child decorate the posterboard if they wish.

Step #3: Putting it All Into Play

Every night before bed, read the "Sleep Rules" together to remind your child of your expectations for both bedtime and overnight.  If/when he comes of his bed take him by the hand with absolutely no talking or eye contact (remember he is coming out of his bed for attention and if you give any at all negative or positive – it will give him a reason to come out again) and walk him back to bed. You can assist him into his bed and replace the covers if needed, but no snuggles, hugs, kisses, etc. Once he is in bed, leave the room right away. This trip should be all business. Do this each and every time he comes out of his bed. The first night, you may have to bring him back to his room 30 times but if you stay 100% consistent and do this without giving any attention at all during the returns, after just a few days your child will be a Jack-in-the-bed!

Amy Lage is a contributing writer at Boston Mamas, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, and founder of Well Rested Baby. If you have questions you'd like to have Amy address in a future column, e-mail editor@bostonmamas.com with your question!

Here are three seemingly unrelated personal things that are bizarrely converging on the blog today! 1) After a 4-year hiatus, Laurel returned to soccer this spring and is loving it. 2) Through the soccer program, a Boston Breakers player joins Laurel's practice each week. 3) Laurel adores mangos (like, gobbles them with abandon!). Bizarre convergence = thanks to the National Mango Board, I’ve got Boston Breakers tickets to give away to one lucky reader!

OK, what gives with the mangos you ask? Mangos apparently are the official fruit of the National Women’s Soccer League. They're loaded with over 20 vitamins and minerals and I particularly love that their sweetness deems them dessert-worthy but without all the junk. We load up on fresh mangos in season, and in the winter, buy them frozen, which Laurel often eats straight out of the freezer or in smoothies.

So this brings me back to the Breakers! I think it’s especially important for girls to see female athletes in action (especially since broadcast sports focus so heavily on male athletes) so how awesome is it that the Breakers are right here in our backyard? If you’d like to win this 4-pack of tickets (~$100 value) to the Friday, May 22, 2015 match between the Boston Breakers and Sky Blue FC, simply post a comment below by noon Wednesday May 20, 2015 to enter to win! Good luck!

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a great weekend! Ours was a complete whirlwind, what with helping to host a 5K, soccer, open studios, cheering a friend on at a ballet performance, and my last long training run (12 miles!) before the half marathon. These were all good things, but whoo boy, I am slightly amazed we made it through and I'm ready for things to calm down a bit! Anyway, on to a new week -- enjoy this roundup of events via the Weekly Blueprint:

May 18: Do you know where sea turtles spend their summer vacation? (Boston)

May 18: FREE admission to Harvard Arts Museums! (Cambridge)

May 18: Share how you’re celebrating International Museum Day. (Lincoln)

May 18 - 24: The Boston International Children’s Film Festival. (Boston)

May 19: The New England Conservatory’s Youth Jazz Orchestra performs. (Boston)

May 19 - 22: Child-friendly tours of the Manse Mansion. (Concord)

May 19 + 21: Dear June performs for your lunchtime enjoyment. (Boston)

May 20: Back to the 80’s prom night at Legoland Discovery Center. (Somerville)

May 20 + 22: The Redcoats are coming! The Redcoats are coming! (Boston)

May 21: Get out there and run and play. (Salem)

Image credit: New England Aquarium

Happy weekend everyone, I hope you're having an excellent one! We're in the middle of a bizarrely busy day (seriously, what is it with everything being scheduled for this weekend?) but I wanted to pop in quickly to share a roundup of reads and visuals that caught my eye via Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome. So much interesting stuff out there! Enjoy the rest of the weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday! 

- It's time to Climb Out of the Darkness.

- Congrats to Nick Fradiani (of my beloved alma mater)!

- Ha! Please stop saying these 25 ridiculous phrases at work.

- The definition of hell for each Myers-Briggs personality type.

- Stand with girls around the world - post a #Strengthie!

- The Muppets are returning!

- Where the "elite" kids shouldn't meet.

- Do we talk funny? 51 American colloquialisms.

- Generation X's parenting problem.

- The real reason college tuition costs so much.

Image credit: s'mores brownies via Pinterest

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you're having a great week! It's been a lovely and also full one here, ramping up for a busy weekend including soccer, a 5K I'm helping to organize, and seeing Laurel rock out at open studios. Sometimes I still can't believe how much Laurel has evolved over the last few years! Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend on tap; enjoy this roundup of 21 weekend events, lovingly curated for your consideration!

1. Especially for Me evening at the museum for children with visual impairment. (Acton)

2. Magic show with Rupayan Neogy. (Acton)

3. Spend the day with the goats at Habitat. (Belmont)

4. The Lawn on D is open for the season. (Boston)

5. Safety 1st is popping up all over town. (Boston)

6. Help clean up Bumpkin Island. (Boston)

7. Boston International Children’s Film Festival. (Boston)

8. Learn about endangered species and how we can help them. (Boston, Stoneham)

9. Ben Rudnick is hosting a teddy bear picnic. (Chelmsford)

10. The Great New England Air Show. (Chicopee)

11. Guided trail walks, a puppet theater, paper airplane folding, nature crafts & more all inspired by The Great Paper Caper. (Harvard)

12. Huge children’s consignment sale.(Lexington)

13. Group explorations of Sculpture Park installations, Museum galleries, and inspiration by the themes and artists of the day. (Lincoln)

14. Calling all fairies, elves and gnomes. (Lincoln)

15. Get inspired, educated, and entertained with LEGO bricks! (Marlborough)

16. The beautiful and delicious Nantucket Wine Festival. (Nantucket)

17. Emergency boats, cars and the jaws of life! (Rockport)

18. Motif No.1 Day Festival celebrates the Arts in Rockport (one of our Local Gems!). (Rockport)

19. Learn how to seek and find geocaches. (Waltham)

20. West Medford art studios are opening up. (West Medford)

21. The Ecotarium comes to life just for adults. (Worcester)

Image credit: Lawn on D 

Today I'm presenting the second in a series of posts, following reader queries about educating kids about sex. As I mentioned in the first post on how to talk to kids about pornography, I'm thrilled that former regular contributor Amy Cody (Parent Education Manager at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts) is generously returning to answer these important questions. Today she shares 10 great tips, as well as specific resources for boys.

The original question I received asked specifically about educating boys, and Amy provides specific resources for boys below. However, the general responses are applicable to both boys and girls. 

QUESTION: How do I thoroughly educate my son about sex, sexuality, consent, sexual health, reproduction, and relationships?

ANSWER: When it comes to educating our kids about the complexities and depths of comprehensive sexuality education, it’s good to think of the process as an ongoing conversation, rather than the single “Big Talk.” Starting early and talking often is great, however, remember, it is never too late to begin the dialog!

1. Keep in mind that sexuality is not just about sex. While sexuality is about gender, reproduction, and sexual activity, it includes so much more. Sexuality is also about feelings, attitudes, values, intimacy, caring, sexual orientation, messages about being male and female, body image, trust, communication, self-esteem, and respect for others. In other words, sexuality is what it means to be human.

2. Embrace your role as the primary educator. As parents, it is our right and responsibility to be the primary sexuality educators of our sons and our daughters. Respect your kids' right to have accurate and honest information about sexuality. Providing them with factual information, as well as sharing your values, will enable them to make healthier, safer, and better-informed decisions related to sexuality.

3. Know that kids want to hear from their parents. Research supports it! How to talk to them depends on your family and your personalities. There is no “one” way to do it. Both parents can get involved. Be patient and realize that even if your son or daughter doesn’t want to talk, they are listening.

4. Be connected with their world. Be curious about their interests (music, TV, sports, etc.) and know their friends. Ask them where they are learning about things and how it makes them feel. Stay on top of the media; use external topics for conversation. Most adolescents say they are compelled into thinking about relationships, sex, and pregnancy when they are portrayed on in the media by some celebrity.

5. Affirm them. Complimenting and affirming kids helps foster positive self-esteem and will help them to open up to you. Kids who feel good about themselves engage in less risky behavior.

6. Talk less, listen more. Ask questions that open the door for discussion (e.g., When do you think a person is ready to be a parent?). Validate their questions and really listen without judging when they answer. Be an “askable” parent.

7. Choose the right times. Use teachable moments. Talk to your kids while you are both in the car, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, watching TV together, etc., not when they are on the run or engaged in an activity like homework. Often times, it's easier for kids to open up to you while you're doing something together in parallel, vs. face to face in a "serious talk" situation.

8. Be prepared. Learn about the sexuality education being taught in your school system and faith communities. Identify and share resources such as websites, books, and professionals. Confirm accurate information. Correct inaccuracies. Most teens say they know all about protection and not getting pregnant, yet they don’t. Many believe misinformation such as that two condoms are better than one, or that someone can’t get pregnant during menstruation.

9. Be honest. Communicate your feelings and values honestly. If you feel your child should wait to become sexually active, tell him/her in a positive, compassionate way. Don’t expect to have all the answers. Admit when you don’t know and be willing to seek answers together.  It is OK to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Choose what to say about your own past but it’s better not to lie.

10. Take advantage of existing resources. In my post on how to talk to kids about pornography, I shared these excellent general resources: The Joy of Sex, Our Bodies Ourselves, It's Perfectly Normal. And here are some wonderful books for parents of boys related to different facets of sexuality: Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men, It’s All for the Kids: Gender, Families, and Youth Sports, Men to Boys: The Make of Modern Immaturity, Raising Cain, Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, The What’s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A Growing Up Guide for Parents and Sons.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and expertise, Amy! If you want further quick and easy ideas for talking with your child about sexuality topics, sign up for The Parent Buzz, an e-newsletter that features current, age-appropriate, helpful strategies and resources for talking with kids about sex and sexuality topics.