Tag Archives: children

Boulder Family Events: March 29 to April 4, 2013

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Friday, March 29

Saturday, March 30

Sunday, March 31

Monday, April 1

Tuesday, April 2

Wednesday, April 3

Thursday, April 4

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March #April

Movies for Kids: How Does a Parent Decide?

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hollywood signRecently I have had a lot of discussions with other parents about movies what movies are appropriate for our kids. This is but a mere portion of the larger discussion on media and technology that we must address as parents. What is a parent to do? How do we make good decisions? We have to use Common Sense!

I will never forget the moment when I let my child who was WAY TOO YOUNG watch The Green Hornet. I let myself get swept away by another parent’s enthusiasm–and my son’s too. I did go with him and not a minute went by that I didn’t want to scoop him up and leave the theater. Maybe I should have. But I didn’t, and it did lead to some good discussions. But I vowed never [this word needs a loose interpretation] to go into another media situation without a better compass.

What I always find most confusing about movies is that the ratings don’t always make csm-logo-apr12sense. They especially don’t make sense if you are comparing a current movie rating with that of an older film. We have a general rule to not let our 3rd and 5th graders watch rated R movies, but some older ones are exempt and make it in the mix. We came to this rule because without a rule we were floating out there in media-land without any compass. Our kids fight it. But it just makes sense to us.

How do we make decisions about what movies our kids can watch? We use discussion with other parents we know we share values. We also lean heavily on Common Sense Media. This is a nonprofit organization that rates movies in a way that I can understand the content and underlying tone. They break things down so that I can ensure my kids aren’t getting the stuff we don’t want and get to watch shows with themes we can live with or are looking for. The break down includes rating by parents and kids in terms of how old kids should be to watch the film, the quality of the film, the overall message, positive role models, sex, violence, language, consumerism, & finally, drinking/drugs/smoking.

Here is an example from the movie, Chasing Mavericks, that we watched on our last family movie night:

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Common Sense Media gives us an opportunity to preview the movie and think about how we will talk about themes in the show that come up. Sometimes we do. Sometimes we just let the message speak for itself.

Where do you get the scoop on what to let your kids watch?

Baby Wearing: Get Into It! [Free Class and Boba G3 Carrier Give Away]

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I know we are in Boulder so for many of us baby wearing is an integral part of our lives. It has not always been like that and it certainly is not like that in other parts of the country. Of course as soon as you cross the border [especially South of the border] you find baby wearing is simply a part of life. Baby wearing is not simply a fad. There are amazing benefits to baby wearing for both parent and child. Don’t worry, Boba G3 give away details are below.

  • Baby wearing benefits for the baby: babies cry less, get better sleep, learn more, are happier.
  • Baby wearing benefits for the parents: enhanced communication between parent and baby, is convenient, encourages weight bearing exercise, allows you to move around on all different terrain

I want to introduce Boba. They are a local Boulder, mom-owned, company that has been helping parents connect to their babies and young children. I knew they were a great company when I met their well traveled founder in a mutual friend’s studio, where she was creating pottery on a wheel when she was approximately 10 months pregnant. She told us stories of traveling with her young children and clearly baby wearing was a passion! The Boba Family lives the life and promote baby wearing for all the great benefits it bring to families. You can find more detail on the benefits of baby wearing from Boba’s founder here.

In April, Boba is offering a FREE Healthy Baby Wearing Class through the YMCA. If you are interested you can learn more and sign up here.

Boba.BabywearingClass.OnlineImageBoba G3 Give Away: Want to win a Boba G3 Baby Carrier like the one on the top photo? You get to pick the color. Learn more about the Boba G3 here. To win here is what you need to do:

1. Leave a comment here about your experience with baby wearing or your question about baby wearing AND…

2. Go to our Facebook page and “like” the page. Click here to find BoulderFamilies on Facebook.

3. Voila! You are entered to win a Boba G3, a $120 value.

4. All “entries” must complete steps 1 & 2 to be entered. Entries must be complete by March 31, 2013. Check back April 1 to see if you won! Enter now!

Boulder Family Events: March 22 to March 28, 2013

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Love is a kitty!

Love is a sweet kitty!

Friday, March 22

Saturday, March 23

Sunday, March 24

  • Reading the Language of the Landscape. The roll of the hills, the texture in the fields, the patterns of the snow – these are the voices of the landscape, patiently waiting for an ear to hear and an eye to see the stories they have to tell. Join naturalist Lynne Sullivan to learn to read the language of the landscape for the subtle and significant stories of our beloved wildlands. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and bring water, snacks and plenty of layers as this hike will take us into colder, shadier trails. 10:00am to 1:00pm.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, March 25

Tuesday, March 26

Wednesday, March 27

Thursday, March 28

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Cleaning Our Lives Of Chemicals: Some easy steps for families

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LemonJuiceChemicals are everywhere. The more we learn, the scarier it is, and the more we try to keep our families away from the majority of chemicals that can harm us. Remember we cannot do all of these things, but we can each do a few to reduce the exposure of our families to harmful chemicals. Here are some areas to consider as you try to reduce the chemical exposure in your home.

Get rid of the cans

This is a shocker to many people! Most food and beverage cans are lined with Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical linked to breast cancer and other health concerns. The number one thing you can do is avoid canned foods. This means getting rid of canned soup, beans and especially any tomato products [because of acidity]. This can be a tough one for families. I’ve started to make my own beans in a crockpot to avoid BPA. It’s not that tough to do, but you do have to plan ahead and have some freezer space.

Put the ‘clean’ back in cleaning supplies

Choose green cleaning products to drastically reduce indoor air pollution. Because cleaning product formulas are government protected trade secrets, consumers can’t read ingredient lists in an effort to avoid harmful chemicals. Try to buy products where companies have voluntarily provided their product list.

Some DIY cleaning supplies out there are very effective, safe and made out of non-toxic household staples like baking soda, plant-based dish soap, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. A great article here: 5 Common Household Items You Can Use for Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Reduce plastic

Many chemicals of concern are found in plastic, so try to reduce the amount of it in your home. Including in our kids’ toy bin. Vinyl, aka PVC, is especially important to avoid. You can identify it by the #3 in a product’s recycling arrows and by its strong smell (like a shower curtain). That smell is actually hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates off-gassing into your air. Yuck! I always think of LEGO’s. My son plays with them daily. You just cannot get rid of it all!

Be naturally beautiful

Personal care products like makeup, lotions, baby shampoo, and sunscreens may contain chemicals that have been linked to everything from reproductive complications to cancer. Choose natural, clean versions from companies that don’t use things like parabens (preservatives) and a whole host of other ingredients. Amazing what they can hide.

Learn about the safety of the ingredients in your beauty products, sunscreens, etc. at Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. This is such a great resource.

Just say no to pesticides

Say goodbye to your exterminator and rely on natural pest solutions combined with preventative measures instead. Pesticides have been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, hyperactivity and behavior problems, cancer, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, and compromised brain development. Removing your shoes at the door will decrease the amount of pesticides you track into your home.

Eat organic

Pesticides are linked to cancers and health problems, so buy organic when possible. There are different levels of pesticides and residues on veggies and fruits due to the growing process, so if you have to choose, be picky about what you buy.

Here is the Dirty Dozen list of fruits and veggies to avoid buying unless they are organic.

Other Resources
  • Healthy Child Healthy World has a lot to teach us all about non-toxic solutions for families. Try hosting a Healthy Child party. Sign up here and they’ll send you a kit with all of the materials. See their complete article on 8 ways to remove toxins from your house here.
  • I’ve also enjoyed following Mind, Body, Green. They offer some great daily articles on clean living.
  • Pharmaca right here in Boulder seems to always have good information about products and health professionals to answer questions without making you feel really silly.
What have you tried to reduce your family’s exposure to chemicals? Please comment here to share!

Boulder Family Events: March 15 to March 21, 2013

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Photo courtesy of BPL

Friday, March 15

Saturday, March 16

  • McGuckins Apprenticeship Program: Annual Make & Take. Kids come to McGuckins Hardward and make a model onsite and then you can take it home. Free. 10:00am to 2:00pm. East side of the store.
  • CU Museum of Natural History: Family Day brought to you by the letter B. Learn about bees during the day. Bees, beetles, birds, bison, blossoms, brontotheres, and butterflies are just a few of the bountiful, beautiful beasts and botanicals we’ll explore.  Bring your bodies and your brains to the museum for a day of big fun with the best “B’s” from our collections. Free. 10:00am to 4:00pm.
  • CU Wizards: Fibonacci numbers and the golden ration–Why can’t we all just get along! This fun event is presented by CU professor “wizards” in a creative way. Free. 9:30am.
  • The Prairie Saga. Join the City of Boulder’s Open Space & Mtn. Parks to learn about how we live on the short grass prairie and yet it is still one of the most endangered and least understood ecosystems. Come meet Petey, the Prairie Dog, as he learns about the amazing animals that live on the prairie. Snakes, Black Footed Ferrets, Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks all tell us their stories in an entertaining and educational puppet show. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Ages 6 and up. Free. 1:00 to 2:00pm.
  • French Storytime. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • Puppets and Things on Strings. Willy Worm takes kids on an Adventure in Reading where they not only explore how reading opens up a world of learning, but also why reading is important. They also learn about classics and how to use their imagination. A highlight is when Willy tells them a hilarious fractured version of a story he has just read. Kids are amazed when a drawing of a classic book comes to life before their eyes. Free. George Reynolds Branch @ 11:00am and Meadows Branch at 3:00pm. 
  • BMoCA [Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts] FREE Day. This is a surprisingly kid friendly space! We loved the one where you threw cups against the wall. See what’s happening at this local Boulder museum.
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie performed by Rocky Mtn Theater for Kids. Buy tickets right away because they sell out! This is a performance by kids for kids. Super fun. Through March 17.

Sunday, March 17

  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie performed by Rocky Mtn Theater for Kids. Buy tickets right away because they sell out! This is a performance by kids for kids. Super fun. Through March 17.
  • St. Patrick’s Day Festivities. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all! Come celebrate Irish heritage on March 17th at 10:00 am at the Pine Street Church in Boulder. We’ll have bagpipes, fiddle music, food, and activities for your little leprechauns. Bring a friend or two. All are welcome. No exceptions! See you there!

Monday, March 18

Tuesday, March 19

Wednesday, March 20

Thursday, March 21

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: March 8 to March 14, 2013

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Friday, March 8

Saturday, March 9

Sunday, March 10

Monday, March 11

Tuesday, March 12

Wednesday, March 13

Thursday, March 14

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: March 1 to March 7, 2013

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Friday, March 1

Saturday, March 2

Sunday, March 3

  • FREE Day at the Boulder History Museum. They offer hands on rotating exhibits that are great for kids.
  • Nature for Kids & Parents: Lions, Bobcats, Lynx, Oh My! Fascinated by cats? Join Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist on an adventure into the mystery of our Colorado cats!  Long tail, short tail, spots, bearded, tufted ears, ghost cats?  With a little understanding of these great cats and their habitats, we can coexist with these magnificent animals!  Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for an easy hike filled with fun activities at 1:00 pm. Ages 6 and up.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, March 4

Tuesday, March 5

Wednesday, March 6

Thursday, March 7

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: February 22 to February 28, 2013

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Friday, February 22

Saturday, February 23

  • CU Wizards: The Chemistry of Cooking. A great way to introduce kids to the science in every day. Aimed at children in grades 5 to 9, but all are welcome! Cristol Chem 140.
  • Boulder Folders: Learn Origami. Learn to fold beautiful origami. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am to Noon.
  • Saturday Storytime. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • Library Concert Series: Colorado Chamber Players. The Colorado Chamber Player’s “Revolutionary Times: Haydn and Washington” – World Premier. The CCP performs with actors, in a zany theatrical program all about Haydn’s quartet, the Revolutionary War against the British and European royalty. 11:00am.
  • Family Day at the CU Museum of Natural History. Explore the animals, cultures, and environment of the Arctic. Try on the blubber mitt; look up close at furred and feathered creatures. Build a totem pole, design an inukshuk to show the way, make finger masks to enliven the long, dark winter and make snow goggles to protect from the bright arctic sun. Free. 10:00am.
  • Junior Ranger Adventures. A winter adventure day which will include ice safety, building a snow shelter, learning how to safely start a fire and even making ice cream. For a special treat, watch the Boulder Emergency Squad perform an ice rescue demonstration! After completing all your outdoor challenges, kids will receive the title of Junior Ranger! Perfect for kids aged 6-12. 11:00am start at Mud Lake. A parent or guardian must be present. Registration is required. Contact Ranger Erin O’Leary, 720-352-7041 or eoleary@bouldercounty.org
  • BMoCA [Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts] FREE Day. This is a surprisingly kid friendly space!
  • McGuckin’s Apprentice Series: Make a dog collar and leash. This is a great ongoing series. If you have a child who has a special pet they want to make a collar and leash for this would be a great opportunity. The only cost is materials. 1:00 to 4:00pm.

Sunday, February 24

  • The Prairie Saga. We live on the short grass prairie and yet it is one of the most endangered and least understood ecosystems. Come meet Petey, the Prairie Dog, as he learns about the amazing animals that live on the prairie. Snakes, Black Footed Ferrets, Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks all tell us their stories in an entertaining and educational puppet show. The show is performed by Maureen Lawry and sponsored by the Boulder County Audubon Society. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Ages 6 and up. This program is wheelchair accessible. 1:00pm.
  • Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave FREE Day. Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Celebration! Free admission all day (9 am – 4 pm), free cake and ice cream starting at noon (while supplies last). Buffalo Chip tossing competition [if you’re into that sort of thing!] http://www.buffalobill.org
  • Trickster Tales. Coyotes live throughout most of North America and coyote tales are found in many native cultures. Sometimes coyote has the power of creation, other times he battles supernatural enemies, and sometimes he’s a trickster, outsmarting people and animals alike. Take a moderate 2-mile hike at Hall Ranch Open Space to learn more about this clever, adaptable character. Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots or shoes, and bring drinking water and your sense of humor. All ages are welcome. Free. 10:00 to Noon.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, February 25

  • Nature, Nature, Everywhere!  Story Time and Children’s Hike. Celebrate the natural world both near and far as naturalist Ellen Orleans reads picture books about animals, plants and weather around the world and right in our own back yard. Children can join in the fun with sound effects, the color of the week, and their own observations. Afterwards, if weather allows, we’ll take off for a kid-friendly hike.  If it’s too cold to hike, we’ll offer indoor nature activities for young children. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Geared toward 3 to 6-year-olds. Wear warm clothes and bring a snack if you like. The story portion of this program is wheelchair accessible. 10:00am.
  • Monday Storytime at the Library. Join librarians at the Main Boulder Library for an interactive storytime. 10:15am.
  • Rise and Shine Storytime @ Barnes & Noble. 9:30am. Don’t forget the fun train table

Tuesday, February 26

Wednesday, February 27

Thursday, February 28

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #February

Boulder Family Events: February 15 to February 21, 2013

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Friday, February 15

Saturday, February 16

Sunday, February 17

  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, February 18

Tuesday, February 19

Wednesday, February 20

  • Wednesday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Cruisers and Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. On the first three Wednesdays of the month, crawlers and beginning toddlers (9-24 months) explore language and books with their caregivers in a fun and intimate setting. Programs include rhymes, songs and books as well as time for free play and informal discussion of early childhood development. 10:15 to 11:30am.

Thursday, February 21

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #February