At home
Activities and routines for young children.
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Toddler outings near Boston and the North Shore this fall and winter
Museums, zoos and nature spots for kids 0–5 near Boston and the North Shore, with hours, prices, library passes and EBT Card to Culture deals.
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Picture books teachers recommend: first days, Spanish-English and every kind of kid
Books that calm drop-off nerves, bring Spanish into story time and show every child they belong, chosen by preschool teachers.
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Friendship fights and first solo playdates: What to say, what to ask
How to coach kids 4–7 through friend fights, decide if they’re ready for drop-off playdates, and the AAP’s safety questions to ask the other family.
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15 things preschool teachers keep reordering (and you can use at home)
We pulled two years of our own classroom purchase records. These are the art, science and fine-motor supplies teachers buy again and again.
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Toddler tantrums: What actually works (and what backfires)
Tantrums peak between ages 1 and 3. Here’s what to do before, during and after a meltdown, what backfires, and when to call your child’s pediatrician.
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Daycare drop-off tears? The goodbye routine that actually helps
Separation anxiety peaks between 12 and 24 months. Here’s the short goodbye routine that helps, what to expect in the first weeks and what teachers can…
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Screen time for toddlers: Why the AAP stopped counting minutes
The AAP dropped its 1-hour daily screen limit for toddlers and preschoolers. What changed in 2026, what still applies, and how to make screens count.
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Kid always sick at daycare? When to keep them home, and when not to
Eight to 10 colds in two years is normal. Here’s when to keep your child home from daycare, when they can go back, and the Massachusetts…
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Best tablet for kids in 2026: Fire Kids vs. iPad vs. Galaxy Tab
Fire Kids, iPad or Galaxy Tab? Compare kid tablets on ages, screens and parental controls, plus AAC tips for kids with autism or speech delays.
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What age should a child get a phone? What the experts really say
There’s no magic age, but most parents say 12 for a smartphone. Use our 10-point readiness checklist, safer first phones and a family phone contract.
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How to potty train a toddler: The 7-step plan (and when to wait)
Readiness signs, a 7-step potty training plan, fixes for regression, daycare and nighttime, plus extra help for autistic and speech-delayed kids.
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Picky eater toddler won’t eat? What’s normal and what actually works
Toddler won’t eat? Why appetite drops after age 1, the division of responsibility, 9 tactics that work, red flags and when feeding therapy can help.
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The week’s child care news for Massachusetts families, plus one new guide, every Tuesday. A 5-minute read.
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El boletín semanal
Una lectura de 5 minutos con lo que las familias necesitan saber esta semana.