Lack of Play Hurting Child Development

Take a minute to watch this short film. Look at the face of this little boy, Hennock, from Ethiopia. His joy is so contagious!

The film is produced by Plan Australia. P.A. is highlighting the need for children everywhere have time to play, even during disasters their team offers specially developed child zones that allow children to relax, play and process their trauma.

As it says at the end of the film:

“Play: is scientifically proven to help brain development. It promotes: social skills, creativity and speech. Every child has the right to play.”

 

 

Prenatal class at Seesaw SF

play LAB prenatal at Seesaw SF

mamas-to-be

play LAB prenatal

Play LAB prenatal is a 6-week support circle for Mamas-to-be designed for you to learn from and share with others about the joys, challenges, frustrations, and wonders of becoming a new parent.

• Learn simple mindfulness and relaxation practices.

• Identify hopes and intentions for yourself as you welcome your new baby.

• Explore and connect with your internal birthing and parenting resources.

Led by: Meghan Lewis, Ph.D. www.meghanlewisphd.com

$180 per 6 class series. Pre-registration is required for play LAB prenatal. The group series will start when 4 mamas are enrolled.

Wednesdays 10:30–11:30am   600 Octavia Street, SF, CA 94102

www.seesawsf.com

Baby Dance Party!

Tired of listening to baby music?  I’ve raided my children’s CD collection to bring you a list of our favorites.  Music that even the adults will want to sing along too!

Be sure to catch some of the local groups in live shows (keep an eye out on Berkeley Parents Network for upcoming shows), check out your local library to borrow CD’s or tune into Pandora for kids music.

Our Favorite Local Bay Area Artists:

Asheba  http://www.asheba.net/

The Sippy Cups  http://www.thesippycups.com

Francis England http://francesengland.com/

Banana Slug String Band (ok, santa cruz) http://www.bananaslugstringband.com/

Others We Adore At Our House:

Laurie Berkner  http://twotomatoes.com

They Might Be Giants  http://www.theymightbegiants.com/

Trout Fishing In America  http://www.troutmusic.com/

Tom Chapin  http://www.tomchapin.com/

Jose-Luis Orozco (spanish)  http://www.joseluisorozco.com/

Alain Le Lait (french)  http://www.yadeeda.com

Compilations:
For The Kids
Mother Goose Rocks
Lullaby, A Collection
The Planet Sleeps
Mother Earth Lullaby
Putumayo Kids (large selection)

Broadway shows, classical, drumming, jazz, rock, etc.

Local Bay Area Places To See Kids Music and Family Dance:  All of these offer kids concerts sometime during the year.

Ashkenaz (for music and Sunday mid day Soul Sanctuary all ages dance)  http://www.ashkenaz.com/

Ecstatic Dance Sunday mornings in Oakland is family friendly! There are ear plugs available at the venue, or bring headphones. It really depends on who is DJ-ing.

Children are under 16 are free with an adult on Sunday mornings. Ear protection is suggested on the dance floor for small children. Complimentary earplugs are available, or it might be a good idea to get some headphones. – See more at: http://ecstaticdance.com/new-to-ecstatic-dance/#sthash.EiUUnAsi.dpuf

http://ecstaticdance.com/new-to-ecstatic-dance/

Starry Plough  http://www.starryploughpub.com

La Pena  http://www.lapena.org/

Freight and Salvage  http://www.freightandsalvage.org

The Park Chalet at Ocean Beach, SF during the summer months.

Baby Boot Camp Oakland and Alameda

 

BBCLogo(1)

Come join Baby Boot Camp classes – bring your baby and get fit! Baby Boot Camp is an innovative stroller fitness program with classes in Oakland and Alameda (Lake Temescal, Joaquin Miller Park, and Crab Cove).  Not only is Baby Boot Camp a great way to get in shape post-baby, but it also provides a much-needed support network for new moms through things like fitness challenges, post-workout playdates, Mom’s Night Out, and more.  

All moms that mention Tum e Time will receive 20% off their first class package.

Here is the direct link to the website:

http://babybootcamp.com/CA-Oakland.aspx

 

Here is the direct link to the FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Boot-Camp-Oakland/186303368152158

Around the world in 15 Playgrounds

I was excited to see this article because when I travel, I seek out child friendly places and playgrounds are always high on my list. It helps that my daughter is still young and while traveling we always want to hang out and play!

I was personally a little giddy to see that 2 out of the 15 playgrounds are right here in the Bay Area!

My favorite playground by far on this list is the Takino Hillside playground in Japan. Talk about an amazing sensory experience.

If I had one wish for our local playgrounds, it would be sun shades. I mean for goodness sake, the playgrounds near my husband’s family place in England’s South Coast have them…and I know they don’t get as much sunshine as we do here in the Bay Area.