Parenting Advice – Community Voices for Health

Fires, Flowers, Food, Oh My! Incorporate Your Favorite Scents into Your Life

March 29, 2022

By: Sandy Churchill Smoky hearth fires, pine-scented freshly-fallen snow, newly-cut pink roses, sea-salt breezes, sautéed peppers and onions, or steaming garlicky pizza… All of these pleasures share a pronounced quality that stirs a response in each of us immediately: the gift of scent. One of the most special gifts of the human experience is the … More Fires, Flowers, Food, Oh My! Incorporate Your Favorite Scents into Your Life

Why I’m Glad I Hired a Babysitter

October 7, 2020

By: Cheryl Maguire “Do you think she would want to babysit?” I asked my husband. “We don’t know anything about her. I don’t think we should even ask.” “But the kids seem to really like her and she must have passed a background check to work here, right?” We debated if we should hire a … More Why I’m Glad I Hired a Babysitter

Back to School: Communication

September 11, 2020

By: Jennifer Lonergan Back to school. Never has this phrase elicited so many feelings from parents and children. As a child, I loved back to school. New supplies, my beloved trapper keeper and seeing my friends again. As a parent, I also loved back to school. Being a stay-at-home mom of four and keeping the … More Back to School: Communication

Expert Advice on How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus

March 17, 2020

By: Cheryl Maguire Will I get sick? Why are they closing the schools? I’m scared. I’m upset that I can’t go to ballet class. These are some of the questions and comments I’ve heard from my three kids over the past week. Given the recent school closures, lack of toilet paper and bombarding messages … More Expert Advice on How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus

Parenting Holds Your Heart Forever

March 4, 2020

By: Sandy Churchill “Making the decision to have a child—it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ” ― Elizabeth Stone This tender quote is as fitting for a mom of teens, twenty-somethings or mid-lifers as it is for a newly-minted parent of infants, toddlers, or … More Parenting Holds Your Heart Forever

Yes, Mom, You Can Clock Out

January 31, 2020

By: Jennifer Lonergan Clocking out. When you’re in the workforce it’s a phrase that makes you smile. It’s the end of the work day and it’s the beginning of your own time. When you are a stay at home parent, this does not exist. There is always something to be done. A load of laundry … More Yes, Mom, You Can Clock Out

The New Happy

November 11, 2019

By: Deirdre Littlefield Happiness seems to be at the center of our collective parenting goals in most recent years. I suppose that parents have always wanted happy children, but maybe it’s the definition of happiness that is changing with our times. My children definitely appear happy when I buy them what they want immediately or … More The New Happy

The Tooth Fairy Tragedies

October 9, 2019

By: Cheryl Maguire Before you become a parent, I recommend enrolling in an acting improv class. If your children are still young, it’s not too late. Trust me, it will be a lifesaver, especially when you are under intense interrogations regarding important issues such as Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, and my personal favorite, The … More The Tooth Fairy Tragedies

8 Mistakes I Made When Flying With Toddlers

June 11, 2019

By: Cheryl Maguire “Don’t you want to watch a movie?” The person across from me on the airplane, had a toddler squirming on her lap. She was desperately trying to get him to watch the onboard movie screen. The boy eyed the long empty aisle in front of him. Clearly, he was more interested in … More 8 Mistakes I Made When Flying With Toddlers

A Former Lifeguard Reveals 5 Secrets You Should Know

May 14, 2019

Pools and beaches will soon be opening in Massachusetts. While your kids are having fun splashing in the water it is important to keep in mind water safety. … More A Former Lifeguard Reveals 5 Secrets You Should Know