Music To Your Ears: Music Classes Around Town

When my son was about 8 months old, I took him to his first music class at the Blue Bear School of Music at Fort Mason.What I learned was this: music classes are a fantastic way for you to see a whole new world opened up to your child. It becomes another way for you to communicate together and it's a great way to kill an hour or two that isn't the playground! Blue Bear is first rate and I recommend them not only because they are a longstanding nonprofit that has been making music since 1971, they do so at a rate that is much lower than many other programs out there. Whether your tyke falls under the Bouncy Bear category ( 1-3 years), or the Boogie Bears (3-5 years), the classes are fun and informal and just the right introduction to the world of music.
All around the Bay Area, Moms can enroll their little ones in the popular and highly praised, Music Together classes. The teachers are accessible and experienced. The program is a Best of the Bay winner as well as Bay Area Parent Magazine top choice for a music program. I've linked to the East Bay offerings but you can find them in your area as well. See their site for ongoing class schedules.
The JCC in San Francisco is one of my favorite one stop enrichment spots for me & my son. We have already graduated from the Mommy & Me classes and are keen on the drop in playtimes-but they have a long running music program as well, geared to kids, 3-5 years, the class is an introduction to instruments from around the world, songs and movement as well as finger play for the wee ones.
I mentioned Enzo Garcia in an earlier post on cool kids music and failed to mention that he also offers music classes for his smallest fans as well. Under the business name, LMNO Music, Garcia shifts his fun, engaging role of performer to teacher-his classes are geared for infants with Moms or caretakers to kids as old as 5. Check his site for class times and testimonials.

Birthdays That Don't Break The Bank

When I was a kid, birthday parties were simple affairs. Now, I'm not going to start waxing nostalgic about how the 70's were better because we all got to do... whatever...No, what I am seeing between then and now is the new standard in Birthdays with gift bags for all, exorbitant costs on birthday cakes and entertainment and the need for a bouncy house in your backyard (should you have the space). Perhaps I'm naive and have simply got to get with the program, accept the terms of big, expensive, overwrought, over planned birthdays-but I feel ultimately, the birthday day should be fun for everyone and can reflect what you & your boo want for the big day. The key I feel is to get out and have someone else clean up-but that's just me. Here are a few nifty ideas to get the party planning in motion:

Bowling. Yes, I was bad at it, but what a rush for a four year old!! The tried and true Bay Area triad of bowling: Bel Mateo Bowl, Palo Alto Bowl and of course, Serra Bowl have your party needs covered. For about 12 bucks and change per guest, you get an hour of bowling, use of groovy bowling shoes and balloons. Bring in a tray of cupcakes and you are golden.

Golden Gate Park can't be overlooked for its vast offerings of picnic spots and BBQ pits for a casual, open-air birthday party. Given San Francisco's weather pattern, your better off having a kid born in March for warm weather than July-but that's the beauty of the Bay.

And while we are on the subject of parks I can't stress enough the beauty and expanse that is Tilden Park in the East Bay. I just attended a baby girl's first birthday there and we all had a fantastic time. Rent a BBQ pit, set up on the picnic tables and let the kids go wild at the playground, carousel, or bring lettuce for the animals at the Little Farm.

For parents looking to avoid the obligatory goody bag, consider a party where each guest walks away with something they made. For the artistically inclined, there is the Children's Art Center of San Francisco, located in beautiful Fort Mason. the prices are a bit more than an outdoor BBQ but parents can drop off their wonderful kids, have lunch at Greens- and each child that attends gets a gift certificate for a free art class! Can't beat that for the slightly older set.


And for those who are struggling with the insistence by their children that they too must have a lavish, invite- the- whole -school kind of party, lest they be somehow viewed as ..different, may I bring to mind the words of my favorite Mom/Homemaker/Humorist, Peg Bracken of I Hate to Cook fame:

"It is a lucky thing that little children can't just decide, bang, they're going to have a party, the way grownups do, and then have it. This is one area where what Mama says still goes."


photo credit:Flickr Luckyfish

Spring Cleaning: Where to Donate What You No Longer Need

One thing I noticed upon becoming a Mom was the sudden, massive accumulation of stuff in my life. All stuff for the young lad-and pretty much all essential items (lots of non-essential gifts too), and then somewhere around 16 months, I began to see that the stuff was piling up faster than I could pawn it off on friends with new babies. One great way to clear a swath of space in your place is to donate outgrown clothing, gently used toys and yes, even those maternity clothes that your pretty sure you'll never wear again. There are the old stalwarts of charity, Goodwill and Salvation Army- but there are smaller places that do good things as well-here are a few:

Thrift Town is one of my favorite places to shop for kid's clothes and it seems many Moms are tipped onto what a good place it is to donate to. Their selection of clothing is always first rate, the kids clothes are organized (and color coded!). This for-profit, family owned, chain of stores has been in business since the 70's, and you can donate knowing a portion of their profits goes to non-profits that serve children and families, particularly those with developmental disabilities.

Community Thrift is another scroungers paradise-treasures like books, fab clothing and even furniture can be found here. They serve over 200 non- profit organizations in the Bay Area-so when you drop off your outgrown tot clothes or toys that are taking over the house, you can choose who gets a share of the sales profit when your stuff sells.

One other cool option for new parents is the idea of giving your stuff directly to others through the free, members nationwide network and organization, Freecycle. Using a Craig's List-esque premise, members post what they need and/or have and then contact each other directly to simply swap goodies or make someones day directly.

Cafe Culture: Cafes That Kids Like

If you are like me, well before you became a Mom, you enjoyed the unequaled pleasure of lolling about in a coffee house with friends, sipping a frothy cappuccino and reading a paper or good book. Those restful moments don't have to end simply because you have little constant companions now. There are several Bay Area cafes that are more than kid-friendly, they actually are set up to accommodate kids! Whether it's a handy back room reserved for the short set or cafes that cater to the whole family-there are plenty of ways to marry your love of a double mocha with being a Mom.

Tumble & Tea Cafe in Oakland tops the list of kid friendly cafes. They have a designated play area with climbing structured, a play castle and train area. Parents can sit and watch their little ones, blissfully sipping a hot tea and munching on an organic salad. Good kids menu as well. Check out their site for Mom's Groups and Parenting Classes.

Zocalo Coffeehouse in San Leandro is an independently run, one of a kind find. Not only do they have a special Toddler Area in the back of the cafe ( for restless little legs), they also offer a fun family pajama party night; complete with movie and popcorn. See their calendar for special events.

Momi Tobys Revolution Cafe & Art Bar okay, full disclosure is needed here. I co-own this cafe with my lovely husband and my son spends many afternoons parked on the big bench inside, savoring a snickerdoodle cookie and taking in the scene. Before I became a Mom, I noticed that we were fast becoming a destination for parents and their kids. Maybe it's the mac and cheese that draws them in or the tables out front that catch the late afternoon sun-but whatever the case, we are always glad to meet other parents in the Bay Area.

Progressive Grounds in "Maternal Heights" or Bernal Heights- has been a go- to cafe for families for some time. Cozy, cluttered and most importantly, featuring a cute backyard area-this is the place to grab a cuppa joe before you do the Saturday afternoon stroll with all the other parents. For older kids, the cafe has fun board games and an old dentist chair to swirl in.

Catching Some Rays: Break Out The Sunblock, Spring Is Here!

Spring is upon us and with the longer days, comes more time in the sun-which can feel great after a long winter of rains, pent up with the kiddies. But because Moms and kids often find themselves outdoors, parkin' and playgrounding it, we need to take extra care with the sunblock and floppy hats. When my son hit six months I started to slather his soft, little cheeks with sunblock, but I often felt it contributed to his already rashy complexion. With a little research and a visit to a nearby health food store, I found products with a short list of ingredients and devoid of weird parabens and other mystery components that don't need to be on my babe's body. I have also learned that a sunhat that my son cannot tear off his head, has not been made to my knowledge. I find the looser the fit of the hat, the less aware he is that he is wearing one at all...the search continues.

Weleda products
I have used Weleda over the years and have come to trust their products. They make a whole line of products for little faces. Check out their kids toothpaste too!

Aubrey Organics
Is another brand I coveted in my younger days as a Macrobiotic freewheeler. While I haven't used their sunblock, I always stockpiled their luxurious shampoos and bath products. Check out their sunblock for those with sensitive skin and kids.

Burts Bees
Yes, I do know that Burt's has been bought out by Big, Bad Clorox-But, I want to remain optimistic that big companies like Clorox are seeing the benefits of carrying natural products and sensing the consumer drift that is happening towards organic, green, home and beauty care.Plus, you can most likely find Burt's products at your Unbelievably Large Supermarket or local Gigantic Pharmacy-so a little easier for Moms, Yes?


photo credit: Flickr, Jerroen

Story Times & Lapsits For Little Learners

The library has always been a place of quiet refuge for me. A place where I can indulge my inner geek and pore over books too heavy to haul home. When I need a chick magazine fix, I borrow them from the library rather than adding to the paper clutter at home. Since I became a Mom, my perception of the public library has shifted to become a meetup spot for other parents with their kids-all of us new to the rituals of circle time, unsure of the words to songs that will soon become part of our parental repertoire and looking for a break in our own routines. Check the websites of your local library for special events like puppet shows, the Bubble Lady or a number of other nifty ways to pass a few hours before nap time.

SFPL has storytimes and lapsits at all of their locations-I often like to sample all the different flavors of the city's neighborhoods by making a library trip my destination.

Berkeley Public Library offers storytimes like Baby Bounce and Toddler Time at many of their branches. Incorporating songs and fingerplay with their stories. You''ll master the Eensy-weensy spider in no time.

San Mateo Main Library offers Books, Babies and Rhymes and also offers a bilingual storytime in Spanish and English.

Museum Days Around the Bay

Despite what you may think, museums can be and are, kid friendly places to visit. With time the initial shock of New Momness wears off and the slightest whimper from your child doesn't send you guiltily scampering out of every venue you visit. They can fuss -but once they lay eyes on the looming framed masterpieces in the Legion, or take in the sculpture gardens at both the de Young and Oakland Museum of California,your kids will learn that museums are actually a pretty cool feast for the eyes. Check local listings for Family Days and special exhibits geared towards kids with hands on activities. Here's a short list of my favorite times to go introduce my son and myself, to some new ideas.

The de Young
Offers Friday Family night programs where new parents can often be seen strolling their new babes through galleries or enjoying a live music performance. Bigger kids can engage with volunteers who create art projects for budding Picassos. Be sure to check out the vast, lovely sculpture garden right outside their cafe. Parents can sip a glass of wine, while their kids play hide and seek behind fantastical works of art.

Oakland Museum of California
Has plenty of art programming for the small set. For kids 5 through 12 and their parent or caretaker, there are special exhibits that encourage critical thinking and hands on exploration. They also feature a Family centered First Friday each month- Live music and performances make these nights extra special. Check out their site for special listings.

SF Moma
Offers Family Tours on various Sundays of each month. With a new rooftop sculpture garden kids and parents can really take in the sweeping views-and for more hands on fun, The Family Studio offers programs like Art with Andy (as in Warhol) where kids can be inspired by and create their own Warholian art objects.

The Museum of Children's Art
takes the special scheduling out of the equation as it's art by and for kids. All the time.

Free Museum Days in San Francisco:
First Tuesday of the month is free for the YBCA, de Young, SF Moma and the Asian Art Museum.
First Wednesday is free for the Exploratorium.




(photo credit by Flickr Creative Commons Fabio)

Just the Two of Us: Keeping Date Night Alive

Date Night. Just the sound of it can make tired, new parents roll their eyes. "As if there's time! What about a sitter? Do we have to? Let's stay home and stare at the baby some more". All are valid concerns and who doesn't want to look at your new baby all day? But babies grow and so must we. It's vitally important for our relationships to our significant others that we begin the tradition of Date Night anew. Here are some suggestions for ways to get out of the house, or better still, get the kids out of the house so if you choose, Date Night can be a night at home. Alone. Ahhhhh...

Tree Frog Treks is one big adventure for the little set. Based in San Francisco, this organization features drop off nights where harried parents of older kids 4 and up can drop off their brood for a night of "enriching childcare" where encounters with wonderful creepy crawlies like frogs, lizards and toads are part of the program. Pizza and healthy snacks are provided and books and movies are part of the evening's lineup. These nights happen the 2nd Saturday of every month and require pre-registration-so plan accordingly.

In need of a babysitter but don't know where to begin? Bananas Inc, located in Oakland, is a great resource and referral service that connects parents not only with babysitters and nannys, but preschool and daycare options as well. They have an extensive website for Moms too with downloadable information on child development, activities and health concerns.

Junior Gym in San Mateo offers a guilt free Parents Night Out program. On select Fridays, parents of kids 3 -7 years can drop off their little ones with a fun staff. Activities, games, gymnastics and snacks are provided.

Dress Up Time: Local Designers Go Beyond the Onesie

I'm, not big on buying new clothes for my scrappy, often sand covered little guy. Usually I shop for basics at second hand shops around the Bay, knowing full well he's going to outgrow, stain, smear on most of his duds. But on occasion (okay often) I like to get unique pieces of quality clothing that have some personality and pizazz to them. I want to go beyond cute baby clothes in shades of pink and blue! Luckily the Bay Area is home to many local designers, many moms themselves who have created their own lines of clothes for our kids. Sturdy little numbers that will stand up in the sandbox, take the occasional juice spill and still look great. Funky little designs that reflect our funky little monkey's evolving personalities.

Abe Jones Designs
Can be found online and at retail locations around the Bay. This Oakland based design house has the corner on cute--mixing humor and color in hip little clothes for kids. I especially like their Robot or Tree Lounge Sets for kick back days. For a more dressed up affair look at their lotus bubble skirt or Cowboy Patch tee. Lovely, local stuff!

Tea Design has a reputation for creating clothing with culture in mind-created for "little citizens of the world", they look to other parts of the globe for inspiration. The result is clothes with subtle, warm colors and vivid patterns that are cut for comfort. The San Francisco based line was created by co-founders Emily Meyer and Leigh Rawdon. The Tea philosophy believes in being mindful of the work they do and connecting to other cultures around the world. In keeping with that idea, they have created a partnership with the Global Fund for Children.

Bunny and Bee and their Boys line Little Thieves are geared towards parents with a "hip, urban sensibility". So if you're looking for the perfect hoodie for your little honey, this is the site to visit. The clothing lines (now available at select stores), will be available at retail stores nationwide by the summer-but for now, we can shop online to our hearts content getting our girls the must have Dew Drop tee or the Flora II hoodie. For Our "Little Thieves" there are designs aplenty that go beyond the standard boat/truck/airplane imagery. Stock up on tees embellished with Astro Bear or a Hang Ten hoodie. Another local line inspired by the act of becoming a parent and wanting to see kids in something as unique as they are.

Watch Them Grow: Toddler Exploration Classes!

I've just returned from another fantastic Monday morning Toddler class facilitated by CCSF ( City College of San Francisco). The classes are run by teachers and their students in the Early Childhood Education department. For nothing at all, Moms can bring their little ones 16 months to 5 years to this engaging, semi-structured playgroup. Moms or caregivers are encouraged to sit and explore with their kids-painting on easels, making play -do pies or stacking building blocks. it's definitely not a tot drop- the possibility for both you and your babe making new friends is there. Held at venues around the city, the classes are a fun way to introduce your child to larger group settings and talk to skilled, approachable teachers about their development.

photo credit:Flickr Paul Schulz

Everybody Can Swim: Little Dips Into The Big Blue

I'll admit, I'm not a very good swimmer-somehow I always got out of swimming in gym class and as a result, I tend to flail about and laugh alot when trying to do a simple breast stroke. And while the lovely Pacific is really too chilly for anything more than a quick dunk, there are lakes, swimming holes and the occasional hotel pool that I want my son to enjoy when weather permits. I love the idea of introducing babies to the water early on-it seems so natural and possibly eliminates a fear of the water. There are swim classes all over the Bay Area for tots as young as 6 months and up-here are a few I've either researched or heard good things about:

The YMCA is the place to turn to for reasonable health club memberships, especially if you have a growing family. Several of their locations have pools and swimming lessons for all ages. Word on the street is the Embarcadero pool is warm and inviting, key factors for little ones first time swims.

JCC San Francisco has a state of the art pool and classes that are broken into age groups so your little swimmer can fall under the Baby Belugas class or for the older set, Beluga Buddies.

Le Petit Baleen what started out as a small backyard business in Half Moon Bay has blossomed into a nearly 30 year old swimming school; with locations in San Bruno, San Francisco and Half Moon bay.

Tiny Dancers: Get into the Groove With Your Kids

Before I became a parent, back in my tanglewood days, I would often while away hours at a time on dance floors around the Bay Area. Either shaking it up at 80's night or a late night house party. Alternatively, I also always found myself returning to dance classes-anything to move my body to the music. Since my son came along the nightclubbing is a mere memory and yoga has replaced dance classes (for now). But I do love to dance around the house with my little guy and I do believe that introducing your kids to movement early on is key. So I'm thrilled that there are so many options around the Bay Area for both introducing your kids to the power of dance and movement and connecting with other parents who haven't forgotten how to shake it on the dance floor.

Baby Loves Disco is perhaps the best known dance party for parents and their kids. Started in Philadelphia by business partners and parents, Heather and Andy, the craze has swept nationwide to over 21 cities-including parts of the Bay Area. The events feature cool DJ's that pump out good music-no schlock jocks here. And in case you're wondering, "Barney is banned" according to their website.

Hopdogs Dance is a smaller dance party but no less fun. Held the last Saturday of every month in the beautiful ODC Dance Commons, this is a perfect way for the whole family to get out and groove to their favorite music from the 20's to today. Hopdog's DJs play music from every decade and the instructors teach dance moves as varied as the Charleston, Hustle or Salsa. Snacks are provided too!

Baby Dance Jam held regularly at The Yoga Loft in San Francisco, really encourages New Moms and their babes to connect and move to diverse styles of dance and music. Led by teacher and mother Dena Paez, the class is a free form jam that allows Moms time to connect to their babies and themselves through movement.

Luna Kids Dance located in Berkeley have been at the forefront of bringing dance and movement not only to families with children, but kids in schools as well. The classes geared towards parents of kids 3-4 offer structured movement activities that deepen trust and communication between parent and child. For kids 4-5, there are classes they can take independently that focus on creative dance improv.