This just in!  I would like to extend an invitation from Mariann Benda at The Brokaw Early Learning Center in Oswego, IL for a Family Support Play Group.  Little Kelly (3.5yrs) and I used to attend this when Kate was a student at Brokaw–I highly recommend it!  Here’s the scoop: (From Mariann Benda) The Family Support Program will offer playgroups for families with children ages 0-3 at the Brokaw Early Learning Center beginning Monday, September 13th. The group will meet from 9:30-10:30 and 12:15-1:15. The playgroups are designed to give parents a chance to play, read and have fun with their little ones. The playgroup format provides parents time to meet other parents, discuss concerns and take advantage of the resources that the Family Support Program can offer. We would love to see you and your little ones at our playgroups, please call Mariann Benda 630-551-9643 for more information. Anyone is welcome–you don’t have to be associated with Brokaw.  It’s FREE, too! 

  I recently read a Facebook post from an “old” Mommy Friend…she and I were in the same Baby Talk and New Moms Network back when we lived in Minnesota (we’ve since moved to Chicgao).  Her post went something like, “Can’t believe we’re sending our babies off to Kindergarten and to think we met each other 5 years ago!”  In Minnesota, kids don’t start school until after Labor Day.  It is sort of an old-fashioned rule from way back when most families were farmers.  They needed the kids home as long as possible to help with the fall harvest.  Our “babies” are no longer babies,  but  they are now playing with letters, words, and circle time.  Here are some tips you can use to help extend those activities at home: Talk to your Child:  Encourage him to explain something about his day.  Asking, “Tell me what you did at school” is not specific enough.  Better:  “Who did you sit next to at lunch/snack?”  “Who did you play with at recess?”  “What’s one cool/dumb thing that happened …