GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Fall GenParenting Book Signing Events

Fall GenParenting Book Signing Events

DateLocationVenueEvent
Oct 1–9:30 AMCosta Mesa, CAOrange County Children's Book Festival - Orange County, CAThe GenParenting.com team will be selling the Yikes! twin book series and our parenting book with FREE resources.
Oct 8,—2:00 PMSan Rafael, CACopperfield's BooksMeet the author, Mary Ann Burke, at this Meet and Greet Event! FREE blog resources will be provided.
Oct 14—10:00 AMSunnyvale, CABay Area Kids' Book Festival - Silicon ValleyThe GenParenting.com blogging team will be selling their Yikes! twin book series and parenting book with FREE resources.
Oct 15—10:00 AMLafayette, CABay Area Kids' Festival - LafayetteThe GenParenting.com blogging team will be selling their Yikes! twin book series and parenting book with FREE resources.
Oct 22—11:00 AMOakland, CAGreat Good Place for BooksMeet the author, Mary Ann Burke, at this special story time event. She will be selling her newly published Yikes! Brandon Has Twin Sisters book series with FREE blog resources.

For more information about these events and to purchase books, log onto Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Burke/e/B001H6IXXW/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0.

Places to Take Your Preschool Kids

Places to Take Your Preschool Kids

As the summer days draw to a close, you probably have exhausted places to take your preschool kids. Parents have identified the following fun activities to pursue with your children this fall:

  • Inclusive Parks: Several parks have created Magical Bridge Playground areas that are inclusive for children with varying developmental needs. These areas typically include ramps with climbing structures, swings, and slides. Magical Bridge Playgrounds provide a lifetime of kindness and compassion through truly inclusive play. Details can be found at magicalbridge.org.
  • Water Activities: Many parks now provide a water play area with water tables and water channels to promote exploration when playing with water and “cooking” with sludge. Children can learn the basic science concepts of sink and float, and observe the velocity of objects floating through the channels. As an added bonus, children must learn how to take turns with the various activities. Typically, children, who bring their own toys, must share as they watch their toys gush through the channels of water. [Read more…]

My Only Son Leaves for College!

My Only Child Leaves for College!

As I prepare to move my only child into his college community, I am reflecting about all the people who have helped me guide him to become the person he is today. The values instilled in EJ throughout his childhood will now be tested as I let go and release him into a crazy college life full of potential. Hopefully, the trusted values by which our family has lived should help him make good choices. [Read more…]

A Preschool Play Date for East West Friends

A Preschool Play Date for East West Friends 

Kinji recently arrived from metropolitan Japan. He had never visited a traditional American home. One afternoon, Kinji’s Grandma Ellen met with Grandma Ann and her two grandchildren for a play date at Ann’s traditional family home. Kinji brought a beautifully wrapped watering can for the garden as a gesture of friendship. He was immediately impressed with the size of the home that included a front yard, a backyard, a garden, and lots of open space. When Kinji met Christy and David, he was impressed with how friendly and carefree they were in running through the yard. Typically, Kinji would bow and stand quietly to observe his new friends. On this play date, he was encouraged to just have fun and not worry about sitting and observing as a new guest. [Read more…]

Day Trips in the Waning Days of Summer Vacation

Day Trips in the Waning Days of Summer Vacation

Usually in August, the kids begin to get bored with summer vacation. Rather than giving in to boredom, families can take advantage of these last few weeks before school begins by using this precious time for day long trips. These trips don’t have to be costly like a vacation. Here are a few of the day trips I take with my children and grandchildren. [Read more…]