Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Seattle, WA

Schools are back in session and so are indoor playgrounds.

by Bethany Dunn

There are some days when you pull EVERY SINGLE parenting trick out of your hat. Coloring. Play-doh. Puppets. Books. Cartwheels. But nothing holds their interest for long. And you've still got HOURS to fill before naptime. AGH. Your solution? Easy - hit the indoor playground nearest to you (or nearest to whatever is on your schedule!). "Just what is an indoor playground?" you ask. In most ... Read more >

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How to avoid the first week of preschool burnout.

by Bethany Dunn

Friday is finally here and that means two things; 1) the weekend is just around the corner, and 2) you made it through the first week of skill relatively unscathed (hopefully).This first weekend of the school year is a great time for resting and reconnecting, and here's some ideas to make sure that happens.Take cues from your preschooler - are they ready for a full weekend of activities or ... Read more >

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Just when you thought it was safe to start your weekend.

by Bethany Dunn

I thought FOR SURE that the first weekend after the start of the school year would have preschool-age appropriate events few and far between.Boy, was I wrong. Very, very wrong. This weekend is teaming with fun, family events for our community to enjoy. So get out there - the weather should be gorgeous.The Puyallup Fair is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington ... Read more >

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First week of preschool easy macaroni and cheese.

by Bethany Dunn

Want an easy, yet healthy meal to get you through the first week of busy school schedules? Then this macaroni and cheese recipe is for you. Add some steamed broccoli on the side and you have a meal of champions. Or, at least you'll have happy preschoolers.Easy Macaroni and Cheese (serves 4)8-9 ounces whole wheat macaroni noodles3 cups milk (anything but fat-free, please)1 teaspoon salt1 1/2 ... Read more >

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Five ways to prepare (you and) your preschooler for their first day.

by Bethany Dunn

As of today, Tuesday, September 2nd, I am proud to say that I am the parent of a preschooler AND a kindergartner. Hold me.My son, after two great years of preschool, is making the transition to a full-fledged public school student at our local elementary school. This is a time of change for my three year old daughter as well, as after (longingly) watching her older brother ... Read more >

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History Lesson: Labor Day (plus Seattle Labor Day BONUS!).

by Bethany Dunn

The first Monday of September brings us the traditional end-of-the summer holiday, Labor Day. And while a long weekend, family barbecues and last minute school shopping (even for preschoolers!) is usually what we think about when looking forward to this holiday, do you know the history of Labor Day?The day originated in 1882 out of the New York City labor movement; the Central Labor ... Read more >

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History Lesson: Northwest Trek.

by Bethany Dunn

If you have yet to make a trek (PUN INTENDED) to Northwest Trek, then you (and your preschooler) have truly missed out on an unique Pacific Northwest experience. The 723-acre park is home to over 200 North American animals, who are free to roam the parks many lakes, meadows and woods. What might you see on your visit? You'll be able to view bighorn sheep, deer, elk, caribou, mountain goats ... Read more >

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Things you must do with your children in Seattle before they grow up: Volume 6.

by Bethany Dunn

Remember the Mt. Saint Helens eruption? Enjoy Washington grown apples? Then this volume of "Things to do with your preschooler before they grow up" is for you. Get ready for numbers 26-30. 26. Witness living history at Mt. Saint Helens. I witnessed the 1980 eruption siting on the roof of my uncle's house in Portland. The visitor's center at Mt. Saint Helens still sends shivers up my spine ... Read more >

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The littlest Picasso: the naturalist painting experience.

by Bethany Dunn

I'll be the first to admit that I am no artist; I can barely draw a straight line. That said, I want to encourage my children to enjoy creating art - whatever that means to them: painting, pencil drawing and other interests. In order to make art interesting for both me AND my preschoolers, we have to be pretty adventurous. And most of the time that means one thing: FIELD TRIP!So, what's a ... Read more >

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The five best ways to cool off in Seattle.

by Bethany Dunn

It's been pretty cool (and weird, apparently) here in Seattle the past few days, but the weather should be improving for the long holiday weekend. We may still have some hot and steamy days ahead of us before summer ends. And it's best to be prepared. Here's the five best ways to cool down in Seattle for you and your preschooler.Head to a spray park. Seattle is home to many ... Read more >

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