Blog Archives

Lego Brick Fest Event Discount Code

4/30/2015

Royal Plaza Trade Center, May 15 - 17, 2015 Get inspired, educated, and entertained with LEGO bricks! Play with huge attractions built to set your imagination free and witness mind-blowing creations made entirely of this timeless toy at Brick Fest Live.

Save $2 - LEGO Brick Fest Event Code: FAMGUIDE
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11967&dealid=1914 @usfg #brickfest

Connecting with Your Child's Thoughts and Feelings

4/27/2015

Get creative with your connection!

Connecting with Your Child's Thoughts and Feelings
By Tracy Lamperti, LMHC, BCETS
Lamperti Counseling & Consultation

Life happens. Moments turn into hours, days into years. While parents are mired down in matters as seemingly small as what’s for dinner, or large, as where is this month’s rent coming from, or glued to our social media, a whole world is being lived out in our children’s mind.

Our children may pass through one stage of development to the next, with something significant on their mind and we don’t even know about it. In my office, often a child will be talking about something like when they first started checking light switches, or feeling sad, and upon further questioning, they will say, “It started when I had so-and-so for a teacher. I was in Kindergarten.” Well they are in 3rd grade now! What happened? What was going on inside that young mind.

How many adults can remember back to something really significant in their childhood and now recall, “I didn’t tell anyone!”

Sometimes children do something “bad” such as break something or lie about something. They know it was wrong but they feel too afraid to tell, leading them to have to try to forget about it or carry around the burden of guilt.

Then there is the devastating experience of a child being mistreated or used sexually, either by another child or by an adult. When is the “opportune” moment for THE CHILD to tell someone???

It is the parents’ job to show the child trust and to teach the child how to share their inner joys as well as burdens.

1.    Timing is really important. Trying to compete with your child’s electronic devise is not going to be helpful and neither will a lot of chaos or distraction. Choose a time, unless there is a special reason to have siblings present, when you are alone with your child. What makes your child happy? Any bad mood can be turned around in my 9 year old by going for a walk on the beach or bike path. Just “BE” together. It might also be a good time when your child is doing something quite in their room. Pop in for a visit. A lot of children will think you are coming in to tell them to do something. Just relax and show them they are who you want to spend the next 15 minutes with.

2.    Your mood is really important. Particularly for those who didn't have a parent or other adult who was good at talking with them, it might not feel natural at all. For some parents, certain stages are easier than others. Lots of parents are good at kissing boo boos and giving hugs and sad face looks to our toddlers. It might feel much trickier to respond to your 4th grader who has just come off the bus and looks angry or sad. Whatever the case, approach from a place of feeling centered. Take a few deep breaths, get a bit of fresh air, intentionally put your child on your mind and try to clear away any other distractions and just prepare yourself to feel relaxed and open.

Now for the Secret Tips!

Parents’ Oath….”I will not tell my child about these tips until they are a parent themselves and their child might benefit from them.”

3.    For young Star Wars fans, a father, sitting casually with their child says, in a low tone, “I feel a disruption in the force.” Your young SW fan is going to have an immediate reference. They aren’t going to be sure if you are joking or not. You have just opened a door to your child’s inner thoughts. Wait for it. Your child might say, “What do you mean?” A loving and attentive father knows that children have thoughts inside that need to come out, even if the child isn't aware of it. You can continue along with the Star Wars theme, “Ah, a master knows things…” “I can sense there is something that needs to come out…” I’m not the Star Wars expert, but you get the idea. At this point, you may get nothing. You may get something later, because you have just planted the seed the door is open. You may get something kind of typical that children experience. You MAY get something that takes you by total surprise.

4.    Favorite food! For example, Swedish Fish! While sitting down to some delicious fish, start talking…”I love these fish! They are so chewy! The more I chew, the more I feel like talking about things. In fact, I've had this thing on my mind for awhile (child appropriate…real life or based in a movie you have both seen, and yes, you could trade the Swedish Fish idea for celery). In fact, let’s start calling these things ‘talking fish.’ Yeah, talking fish…I like that.” Just get those jaws moving and get that child talking. What comes out might have needed to come out for a long time.

5.    For an older child, such as 8th grade, maybe after a school dance, or any time really, you may say something like, “I understand there are some things happening in the 8th grade. I’m interested in how you are feeling about it.” If you are worried about not being completely honest, take it from me, right now, you are being honest. “Some things” ARE happening in EVERY 8th grade and it may be talking about “making out,” smoking pot, drinking and even worse. When you make that statement, you are telling the truth. By 8th grade, kids know they are experiencing things that they “shouldn't” be experiencing. They know they have at least one secret from their parents. At this point they will most likely be on edge. However, they should sense that you have not asked the question in an accusatory tone, but a tone that says, “I know things are going on in 8th grade. I know that’s not your fault. I want to be there for you as you experience things that will be challenging for you to figure out.” Again, you might get nothing or you might get something that kicks you right back! Take a breath and be present with your child.

6.    Your child may have been given a punishment/consequence for something recently. OR they may have simply done something that upset the parents or required a talking to. In one of these quiet times of connection, even if it is a week or a month later (depending on the issue), it can be raised again. You may gently remind the child about what happened and say that you would like to talk about it again now. Any new thoughts? Now that time has gone by, how do you feel about it? What was the most important thing you learned from it?

7.    You may start telling your child a story about yourself from childhood. Choose something that is similar to something you know your child is going through, as if the two are not related and then ask, “I’m wondering if you have ever felt that way?”

Unless your child is glued to electronics (games, tv, handheld devices, etc.) there is always a world of thoughts swirling about inside their mind (another reason to limit electronics!). Let it be your secret mission to be part of your child’s inner world. The more you practice this and come up with your own methods of engaging, the better you will maintain your closeness with your child and the more they will feel that you've got their back, no matter what, whether they need to be supported with loves or limits, you've got them and you aren't going to let them fall harder than they have to. The more distant you are from your child, the harder they will fall, always!

One word of caution; be very careful to NOT bond with your child at the expense of their relationship with their other parent. If there are issues between the parents and one or both parent notices it is taking a toll on the child, agree to work together to help the child or to engage a professional to help the child or help both of you together to help the child.

Tracy Lamperti, LMHC, BCETS
Lamperti Counseling & Consultation

Cape Kids' Treasures Children’s Consignment Spring Sale Event

4/21/2015

Cape Kids' Treasures Children’s Consignment Spring Sale Event:
Saturday and Sunday, May 2 & 3, 2015
Saturday, 8am - 4 pm
Sunday, 10 am - 1pm
Half-price Sale, Saturday from 2-4 pm and Sunday from 10am -1 pm (select items)
311 Cotuit Road, Sandwich, MA (next to Aubuchon Hardware)

It is a unique, highly-organized event that brings together buyers/sellers in one place for greater exposure of your items and a large selection for shoppers. Make money on your children's outgrown items, while shopping for needed items at a fraction of the retail cost.

THOUSANDS of items will be available! You will find:

*New and gently used baby & kid's clothing (sizes newborn-children's 16)
*Maternity clothing
*Shoes and accessories
*Toys, games, puzzles, books, etc.
*Sporting equipment/accessories
*Baby gear
*Nursery decor, furniture and so much more!

CONSIGNORS WANTED- Start cleaning out your closets and Earn up to 75% of your sales! For information and to Register, visit our website at http://www.capekidstreasures.com/.

FIRST TIME, NEW MOMS- Register to attend a special pre-sale event! See our website for details: http://www.capekidstreasures.com/shop-newmoms.html

We accept CREDIT CARDS (Mastercard and Visa) in addition to cash and checks!!

For more information and to sign up for our mailing list, please visit our website at http://www.capekidstreasures.com/.

Visit our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/Cape Kids' Treasures and "Like" us for info and to win prizes to our Sale.

You won't want to miss this SALE!!

Red Jacket Beach Resort Kicks Off Season with a Special April School Vacation Offer for Cape Residents, Updated Décor and New Managers

4/17/2015

The oceanfront Red Jacket Beach Resort in South Yarmouth has started the season with a new management team, updated décor and a special April School Vacation offer just for residents of the Cape & Islands. Navigating the busy season and leading a team providing exceptional guest service are General Manager Paul Ronty, Assistant General Manager Hollie Handrahan and Food and Beverage Manager Linda Boyer. All are especially proud of the newly updated, bright “beachy” décor in the cottages and townhomes which feature new carpeting, drapes, furniture, bedding and kitchen appliances. The décor has also been updated in the main lobby and guest rooms.

Residents of Cape Cod and the Islands are invited to enjoy a “staycation” during April School Vacation with a special discounted rate of $99 plus tax/resort fee per room from April 17 – 25, 2015. Guests will enjoy the private oceanfront beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa and dining room. There is also a full schedule of complimentary family activities throughout the week including magic shows, juggling workshops, Xbox tournaments, kite making and flying, dive-in movies at the indoor pool, painting and wine or martini-making (“coke-tails” for the kids), storytime and s’mores at the beach bonfire, culinary demonstrations and more.

For details and reservations, call 1-800-CAPE COD (1-800-227-3263) and ask for rate code “LOCAL”. Proof of Cape Cod or Islands residency will be required upon check-in.

Red Jacket Resorts are a group of seven resorts in New England owned and operated by The Davenport Companies of South Yarmouth, MA. For more information, please contact Beth Patkoske at (508) 394-8800 ext. 142.

Camp Wingate*Kirkland Presents Family Fun Day

4/17/2015

Join the fun and festivities at the 2nd Annual Camp W*K Family Festival on Sunday, May 3rd from 12 to 2:30pm at Camp Wingate*Kirkland in Yarmouth Port!

Hosted in partnership with CCYP, families are invited to enjoy a light lunch and activities including: Face Painting, Balloon Animals and Bounce House inflatables from Fun’N'Clowns, concert with Toe Jam Puppet Band, Arts & Crafts with Dot to Dot Art Workshop, a Photo Booth from Cape Capture Photo Booth as well as tours of Camp.

Rain or Shine!

The Real Water Bucket Challenge

4/13/2015

The Falmouth Rotary Club is joining with the 6th Grade Students of Morse Pond School Falmouth for:

A WALK FOR WATER IN SUPPORT OF THEIR “SISTER SCHOOL” IN MOMBASA, KENYA

PROJECT GOAL: $ 5,000.00

THE 311 STUDENTS OF THE 6TH GRADE HAVE ISSUED A CHALLENGE TO THE FALMOUTH AND CAPE COD COMMUNITY TO JOIN WITH THEM IN RAISING FUNDS TO INSTALL NEW WELLS AND IMPROVED SANITATION FACILITIES AT A 1300 STUDENT PRIMARY SCHOOL. THE STUDENTS WILL WALK 6 KL CARRYING 6 LITERS OF WATER IN A BACKPACK ON APRIL 17th, 2015 AT THE MORSE POND SCHOOL. THEIR STUDIES THIS SCHOOL YEAR HAVE CENTERED ON THE SERIOUS LACK OF CLEAN WATER IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER CONSERVATION. MORE INFO AND BACKGROUND ON THE SCHOOL BELOW!

YOUR HELP IS ASKED IN MEETING THEIR GOAL - PLEASE SEND ANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO:

FALMOUTH ROTARY CLUB
C/O MR. JIM LANCASTER, CHAIR
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE
P O BOX 749
EAST FALMOUTH, MA. 02536

or send donations via PayPal:

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Water Sponsors:

Cumberland Farms in East Falmouth, Kenyon's Market, Coke-Cola Distributing of Sandwich, Pepsi Bottling - in Sagamore Beach

2 cases of oranges was donated for the students participating by Stop&Shop in Teaticket.

All the water (over 900 bottles) will be collected at the end of the event and donated to the Falmouth Service Center!

BACK GROUND INFORMATIOM ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Kengeleni primary school and nursery school is situated in the North coast of Mombasa town
(Kenya) off new Nyali Bridge adjacent to Kongowea Wholesale/retail market
The school’s catchment area is extensive and densely populated due to it’s nearness to the market
and also slum dwellings around it.
Kengeleni Primary school was started in January 1994 to ease congestion at kongowea and
maweni primary schools respectively that are about 4kms apart.
Initially the pupils were learning under poor structures until Elimu foundation under the
patronage of Shakila constructed a modern one story building with a classroom.
Most of the parents do small scale business like hawking in and around the market. A small
population is on full time employment. Some parents do not have anything to do thus depend on
relatives and well-wishers. This has made the school to have a high number of children who are
poor. Some children are infected by HIV/AIDS from their parents and are always sickly. A good
number are orphans some with mother or father dead. Others do not have both mother and father
thus complete orphans.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The school was initially constructed to accommodate 320 children that is 40 per class but due to
its location in a densely populated area with slums and the introduction of free primary education
and education for all, a policy from the government, the school population has risen
tremendously.
• SCHOOL POPULATION
Currently the school population stands at 1,300 children from nursery to primary (Boys:
615 Girl’s: 685) total 1,300
• CHALLENGES
• Sanitation facilities (toilets)
The toilets are 10 in number out of the whole population of 1,300 pupils due to
the high number of children almost all the toilets are broken down.
The water sinks are all broken down. The drainage system is overstretched because of the huge
waste disposal from the children. They overflow and smell.
All the taps are broken due to the number of children accessing very few taps at one water point.
Being around banana wholesale market, the market disposes waste from the banana at the gate of
school making it very hard for pupils to enter the school because the gate is always chocked with waste.
We need to employ a person to remove the waste after burning it.
The dirt has made the children to contract diseases such as diarrhea and vomiting
WATER SHORTAGE
The school has been experiencing acute water shortage that can persist for 3 months forcing the
school to buy water from the vendors.
A 20 litre jerrican goes for Ksh 20.for the school to run smoothly we are forced to purchase 100
twenty litre jerricans that costs the school Ksh 2000 daily.
This makes life unbearable to both children and teachers since the school needs water for
cooking lunch.
The school is under the feeding programme from the World Food Organization and we feed all
the children.
The nursery children also drink porridge prepared at the school. The porridge is a donation from
an organization called A.C.T.S (Assist a Child to School).
The school uses flash toilets which stink due to water shortage. The toilets are also in dire need
of repair.
After taking lunch within the school compound children and plenty of water for drinking and
washing their plates and hands.
Since water is not available the children sneak out of the compound to the slums looking for
water which is very dangerous since the slums carry all sorts of people: drunkards, thugs,
burglars and even rapists.
The kitchen which is used to prepare food for the children is in poor state? We need to repair it
so it can look attractive.
Once we get a well the school shall be sure of getting daily water supply for cooking and
cleaning the toilets and the drainage system.
The community around will also benefit from the water.
PROJECTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN
1. Replacing all the sanitation facilities:
• Toilets
• Taps
• Drainage system
• Repair of the perimeter wall
• Building more water points
• Daily cleaning of the dump site
• Drilling and construction of a borehole (well)

Tips for Helping Your Infant Become a Great Sleeper: Part Four

4/10/2015

By: Rebekah Thomson, Pediatric Sleep Coach

Happy spring to all! My apologies for being slow to post more infant sleep tips. My household has been busier than usual this month, partly due to my son’s recent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis and subsequent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Much more on that very soon. Suffice it to say, I am now on a crusade to tackle pediatric OSA.

But for now, here are another tip for your infant’s sleep. If you missed the first few, please click here.

Infant Sleep Tip #5: Create a quiet, sleep-friendly environment.

Your baby’s environment strongly affects her sleep. Whether she sleeps in your room or her own, the space should be peaceful, safe and generally free of stimulation. This means room darkening shades and calm soothing colors in the bedroom and on her sheets. In short, the sleep environment should be B-O-R-I-N-G! Comfortable, cozy, but boring! Avoid mobiles, lights, crib toys, and busy patterns. When I walk through the bedding department at stores, the incredible number of boldly patterned crib and bedding accessories always surprises me. At bedtime, we want the message to the brain to be “Slow down,” not “Stay up and focus on the fuchsia colored giraffes lining your crib!” This is particularly true if your child has an alert temperament.

We also want the crib to be a place for sleep and maybe a few minutes of quiet play after waking. It’s not a place to park the baby while you wash the dishes or a pen for the baby to play in when she begins to crawl. Those associations make a difference. Again, we want the message to be clear: this is the place where you sleep.

As Dr. Harvey Karp recommends in Happiest Baby on the Block, white noise can be very calming, particularly for alert babies because it helps them shut the world out. If you have a busy, noisy household with older children, barking dogs, ringing phones, or street noise, white noise can be a game changer. I recommend white or gray noise because they are constant and buffer noise best. Sounds like crashing waves, chirping birds, etc., which may sound nice to us, do not work well in this regard. Be mindful of the volume – which should be relatively low – the sound is meant to buffer noise, not block it out completely.

Motion sleep can trip up parents. Babies are very portable. They can sleep wherever you put them – car seats, strollers, swings, carriers, and noisy cafes. But even though they can do this, it doesn’t mean they should. It’s ok some of the time, especially in the late afternoons when their naps are shorter and less restorative anyhow. But try to have them nap in a quiet crib or bassinet most of the time – especially after the first few months. Motion sleep keeps the brain in a light sleep and as babies mature, they need deeper sleep as well. Think about it, when you doze off in a car, do you feel as refreshed as if you had slept in a bed?

Getting her out of the car and into the crib may mean that you will be more housebound, until your baby develops more predictable nap patterns. If you go stir crazy, invite a friend to visit, make a deal with your partner so you can get some time off. You don’t have to be super rigid; an occasional stroller or car nap is fine. But respecting your baby’s need for quality sleep is important and will pay off in spades.

Enjoy this time with your little ones. More tips coming soon!

Rebekah
Contact Rebekah Thomson for your Sleep Needs! Rebekah Thomson Counting Sheep Pediatric Sleep Coaching rebekahjthomson@gmail.com (917) 455-3054

Cape Cod Moms Yoga & Wellness Event

4/10/2015

Date: April 25, 2015
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Location: InnerGlow Yoga
30 Steeple Street
Mashpee, MA 02649
Sponsor: MK Yoga & Health & InnerGlow Yoga
Cost: ShopLocal Members Free, Non Members $10
Description: This workshop will focus on taking care of self and focusing on the outdoors as we come out of hibernation for the rebirth of spring. We hope to promote a sense of community while doing activity with purpose. Our space will be a place where women/moms can come together to support one another in challenges, family, health and self. You will be welcome to voice concerns and challenges in a community safe space while creating friendships. We will do yoga, some guided mediation as well as some holistic health and focus on helping mom feel good which in turn helps the whole family feel good.

Registration to ShopLocal Members Will Open April 10, 2015. Open registration will begin April 14, 2015. ShopLocal Members can register now by clicking here. Non members can visit this link to register on April 14.

A Wicked Magical Evening With Cape Cod Moms

4/10/2015

At the end of March Cape Cod Moms in conjunction with Jessica Hayes of Pixie Vacations and the staff of Wicked Restaurant in Mashpee held a Moms Night Out.

We had a great group in attendance with new faces as well as a few repeats from our prior night out on the Lower Cape. It was so great to see everyone and get a chance to unwind while enjoying some food and drinks.

Michael Catania represented Wicked Restaurant by offering some sampling of their famous gourmet pizzas. Wicked shops for fresh ingredients for their pizzas from many of the local farmers including an organic farm in Falmouth! He also explained the process of the gluten free pizza's, which made quite a few moms in attendance very happy. Our server was outstanding and attentive. Thank you to the whole Wicked Team for such a great time!

Vacation and Disney Expert extraordinaire Jessica Hayes was up next. She gave us some great information on planning your Disney vacations. She is our resident Cape Cod Mom Disney expert and can provide amazing feedback and tips based on your family, children's ages and your needs. Her services are 100% free to utilize and she is always available to help our local moms! We strongly suggest using Jessica for any Disney booking needs. The moms in attendance found her informative and she answered a lot of questions! Jessica was also kind enough to provide some fabulous door prizes as well as information for everyone in attendance!

The evening was definitely an informative and relaxing time. It gave us a chance to get out on a cold, dreary night in the middle of March and mingle with friends old and new. Cape Cod Moms made some great connections and also has some leads for future events! We hope as the weather becomes warmer, more of you will join us at these events. As many of you have heard us say before, we may all come from different paths of life but we all have a common thread, and that is raising our children in the best way we can with support from our community because YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

If you know of any local businesses or owners who would like to become involved with us, let us know and we will reach out to them!

Our next Upper Cape Event will be on Saturday, March 25, 2015 at 1:30pm with Michelle Kelly at InnerGlow Yoga in Mashpee. Registration has already begun for our ShopLocal Members! Our next Lower Cape event will be at the Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans with more information to come soon!

Happiness

4/6/2015

Happiness
By Tracy Lamperti, LMHC, BCETS
Lamperti Counseling & Consultation

Last night I watched Hector & The Search For Happiness.

From Amazon- “Hector is a quirky psychiatrist who has become tired of his humdrum life, yet he's offering advice to patients who are just not getting happier. So he embarks on a global quest in hopes of uncovering the elusive secret formula for true happiness.”

Aren’t you curious? Why is there so much drug abuse, alcohol abuse, food abuse, credit card abuse, digital abuse, broken relationships….? It’s just not so simple as to say that these are diseases. It’s not so simple as to look to doctors, therapist, medications…for the fix.

When we are full/satiated/satisfied, we usually don’t go snacking. Why can’t we attain satisfaction? Why can’t we be happy?

Ordinarily, this is the place I would add a template or a format for you to print for the next assignment.

Not this time.

Just roll with it!

Here’s what I challenge you to…

1.    Watch the movie! (This is an adult movie, rated R. Not appropriate for children. For adults who try to stay away from R rated movies, I do also. My opinion is that there is nothing outrageous. A bit of emotional swearing and a small scene of nudity, not frontal. Use your own discretion.)

2.    Buy yourself a journal.

3.    Make your own notes about what you learn on a daily basis about what makes people…what makes YOU happy. Do like Hector did.

Just do it for yourself, but if you think your movie buddy would do it also, challenge them and then get a good conversation going. If your children are writing age, give them a journal and challenge them to the assignment as well!

1 Week (you can always continue if you want to!)

No need to go to faraway places like Hector. We’ve got a lot going on here. Strike it up with someone you don’t usually talk to.

I hope you’ll return to Cape Cod Moms and offer some of your lessons! Or, drop by at Lamperti Counseling & Consultation Facebook page and leave some comments there!

~Tracy

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.