Around Town
Backpack Wearing – Do’s and Don’t
With back to school around the corner, backpacks are all the rage! Backpacks are customizable, come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are the ultimate in self-expression. But—when not worn properly, they can cause short- or long-term problems in kids’ muscles, joints and—well—back. So what’s the right way to wear and carry a backpack? What else should you know so we can keep our learners in good physical health? Dr. Phil Mack, orthopedic surgeon with Connecticut Children’s, has answers.
4 Tips for a Smooth Transition Home from Sleepaway Camp
Like college students heading home from school, children returning home from sleepaway camp have a big adjustment ahead. Sometimes, re-entry can become…rocky. It’s not just kids getting used to living back under our roof; we parents likely miss our break from driving and dinner duty.
TLMN contributor Dr. Reon Baird-Feldman says this bumpy return to the routine is both normal and expected: “Kids are returning home from an environment full of routine and structure from the moment they wake up until it’s time to go to sleep.” That’s a lot of stimulation that’s gone overnight. Dr. Baird-Feldman says the huge shift back at home can create boredom, a penchant for pushing boundaries, and even anxiety.
31 Screen-Free Ideas for August
To be clear, we have nothing against screens; there is a time and a place for them. As parents, they are a tool in our summer parenting survival kit. But come August, it can feel like the only tool we have left, now that camp is over, maybe friends are away on vacation, and our patience is long gone. If this is where you’re at, here are 31 screen-free ideas for this month – one for every day until September.
Meet Lindsay, Owner of Bricks and Minifigs, new LEGO store in Fairfield!
Meet Lindsay, local mom of two! Lindsay and her husband David recently opened Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield, a LEGO® store specializing in both new and used LEGO products. A California native and former professional dancer, Lindsay has loved becoming a part of the Fairfield community and opened @bamfairfield not only to offer a place for LEGO-lovers to shop, but to create a welcoming space for individuals and families to gather and connect.
When not at the store, Lindsay is also a personal trainer and dance instructor. She and her family love the beach, shopping the farmers market, and cooking delicious vegan recipes (Lindsay is the baker of the family!). She is excited to be a Fairfield mom and intends Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield to add to the amazing community Fairfield has to offer to families!
Meet Lindsay, Owner of Bricks and Minifigs, new LEGO store in Fairfield!!
Meet Lindsay, local mom of two! Lindsay and her husband David recently opened Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield, a LEGO® store specializing in both new and used LEGO products. A California native and former professional dancer, Lindsay has loved becoming a part of the Fairfield community and opened @bamfairfield not only to offer a place for LEGO-lovers to shop, but to create a welcoming space for individuals and families to gather and connect.
When not at the store, Lindsay is also a personal trainer and dance instructor. She and her family love the beach, shopping the farmers market, and cooking delicious vegan recipes (Lindsay is the baker of the family!). She is excited to be a Fairfield mom and intends Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield to add to the amazing community Fairfield has to offer to families!
Meet Christina – Greens Farm Nursery School Director and NEW Published Children’s Book Author
Director of Greens Farms Nursery School and mom of four, Christina is a lifelong educator, who just this summer published her first children’s book “The Barely There Bear” with her cousin, a fun way to share the true story of an adventurous evening on a family trip in the Adirondacks. The book is a perfect story to share with young readers who love a little mystery, and a fun family story! Christina has her Masters in Music Education and in addition to her primary focus on education, she is a singer/songwriter, and spent many years performing solo and in a band with her brother. She indulges on fresh flowers for her house, sleeping in, and can not survive without coffee! If you love children’s books and an awesome local story, Christina’s is the one to read!
Meet a Mom: Pediatric Audiologist Dr. Heather Haversat of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
Dr. Heather Haversat, AuD is a pediatric audiologist who has been treating kids with hearing conditions at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital since 2014.
Meet a Mom: Us Women’s Soccer Star Crystal Dunn on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris!
Crystal Dunn is a 32-year-old mom of a toddler…in Paris with Team USA! 🇺🇸 This is the soccer star’s *3rd* Olympic Games. 🏅⚽️ In this Meet a Mom interview, Crystal discusses her Paris Gail’s, introducing her son to soccer, the importance of women being able to achieve in their careers and as moms, and more. ❤️🤍💙
6 Lunchbox and Backpack Sets your Kids will Love
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. We’ve rounded up 6 stylish lunchbox and backpack sets that’ll have your kids racing to the bus stop!
Check out our full list of fun and practical picks. Who knows? The right gear might just make the end of summer a little easier to swallow.
Summer Reading for Moms from Zibby Owens
Looking for a beach read? Check out the shortlist from Zibby Owens – author, publisher, bookstore owner and host of Moms Don’t Have Time to read Books at the link in our bio ☝️
Great Family Event this Sunday – Soundview Summer Stroll!
This Sunday (July 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) marks the first-ever Soundview Sidewalk Stroll. The family-friendly street festival is a gift to Westport, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. We’ve got help from the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Police.
Should You Treat Your Baby’s Tongue-Tie_ What To Ask Your Doctor First
If you had trouble breastfeeding, your baby may have had a tongue-tie. But the controversial surgery that some pediatricians or lactation consultants recommend, called a tongue-tie release, may not be right for your baby.We spoke with a pediatric dentist about the pros and cons of the procedure and exactly what to ask your doctor when deciding.
Olympic Gymnast, Shannon Miller, on Motherhood, Her Cancer Battle & Simone Biles
Gymnast Shannon Miller is this week’s Meet a Mom interview! 🤸♀️🥇As we head towards the Paris Games this month, we asked the 7 time medalist (including 2 gold!) about Simone Biles, her ovarian cancer battle, the importance of moms taking care of themselves and so much more!
Meet Joanna Teplin & Clea Shearer, Founders of The Home Edit!
In 2015, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin joined forces to create The Home Edit. From the outset, the goal was to revolutionize organizing, making the practice stylish and design-forward as well as merely functional. Soon after, Clea, who came to the partnership with a...
Meet Matt!
Local dad of three little boys (6,4, and 22 months), Matt is currently the Chief Marketing Office for Tend, a reimagined dental experience, with 25+ studios nationwide, including one in Westport (right next to Ulta!) Early in Matt’s career he fell in love with consumer brands, and wanted to build brands that provide a moment of happiness in people’s day. At Tend they faced the unique challenge of trying to build the first modern, tech-enabled hospitality brand in the dental industry, aimed at getting consumers to look forward to the dentist! In his free time, Matt loves hiking at Devil’s Den, a good martini, running, baseball, and spending time with his 3 boys and wife! Matt has loved sharing the brand he helped build with his own community, and our community is thrilled to have Tend here!
Meet Nora of Crafty Kids!
If you have little kids in Westport, you have absolutely heard about Crafty Kids, the new hot spot for all things art, birthday parties, and little kid fun! Mom to three girls (5, 6, and 8), Nora says Crafty Kids was motivated and inspired by her children, and after deciding not to return to a corporate job, wanted to jump into something she loved and enjoyed doing the most – crafting and party planning! In addition to crafting, Nora loves cheese and white chocolate, is terrified of snakes, rarely sleeps, and occasionally slips into a Brooklyn accent, reminding those around her of her roots growing up there! Westport is a better place now that Crafty Kids is here, and we are all grateful to Nora and her family for the gift they have given us by opening such a special place run by such a special family!
Fireworks this July!
4th of July is almost here! Check out the local fireworks in the area! If we missed any, let us know!!
Meet a Dad – Craig Melvin!
Journalist (and Westport dad!) Craig Melvin is familiar to viewers of NBC’s TODAY show as co-anchor of the must-watch morning program. But to his son Delano (10), and daughter Sybil (7), who he shares with broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, he’s Dad. Craig is also the author of a newly released children’s book, I’m Proud of You, a celebration of the small, but important milestones in a child’s life. He shares how he hopes his children view it as a testament to him noticing each special moment: “This book is a living document that I’ll hold up to them when they’re teenagers to show that I was paying attention and that I’m so proud of them for all of the ways that they’re growing.” In his Meet a Dad interview, Craig Melvin gives us his take on gentle parenting, putting his phone away around the kids, and the advice that has carried him through fatherhood.
Mosquito Squad’s Pest Control Services
Already using Mosquito Squad for tick and mosquito protection? Try their new pest control services and consolidate your home care!
Summer Cocktail Roundup
This summer, make the most of all the in-season produce—from juicy peaches and mango to sweet corn and blackberries. One refreshing way to enjoy summer’s harvest? Cocktails infused with these flavors. Check out six popular sips to savor the season!