With more and more COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and masks becoming optional inside most Connecticut schools, parents and children are navigating big changes for what feels like the millionth time in the last two years. Understandably, for some kids, this new chapter may bring on what’s known as “re-entry anxiety”—a sense of fear or uneasiness that can accompany the return to our pre-pandemic normal.

To get a handle on the best way for parents to approach these reopenings while minimizing anxiety, we connected with the only health system in the state that’s 100% dedicated to kids, Connecticut Children’s. Their pediatric psychologists provided helpful tips for navigating the difficult emotions that can come with this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and offered up some handy resources you’ll definitely want to bookmark.

If space, privacy, and access to recreation and amenities are at the top of your dream home wishlist, it’s hard to do better than Upper East Side luxury condominium, 180 East 88th Street. Boasting spacious two- to five-bedroom half- and full-floor or duplex condos, the beautiful towering building has eight entire floors of meticulously designed amenities. A whimsical kids’ play space, a party-perfect residents’ lounge, a teen-targeted game room, plus a double-height basketball court and a soccer pitch are just some of the amenities offered for all ages.

Paired with the perks of the coveted Carnegie Hill neighborhood, like Museum Mile, Central Park, and some of the city’s top public and private schools, 180 East 88th Street is a great pick for New York City parents. Read on for a peek inside the tallest high-rise above 72nd Street and take a look at the units with immediate availability.

As the saying goes, everyone loves a parade. And during the warmer months, there are parades in NYC practically every week celebrating a wide variety of cultures and causes, and all of them are FREE.

While it's always cool to watch the colorful costumes, floats, and performers pass by, there are certain annual parades in New York City that are particularly great for families. These processions are either exceptionally vibrant, like Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade or the Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem, or invite costumed kids to get in on the action, like the small, community-based Halloween Parades that are much less intense than the big one in Greenwich Village.

Included in our list are popular NYC parades we've attended—some many times—or those that come highly recommended. So, get out your calendar, and save these dates to see if you can catch them all!

Joshua Tree National Park’s annual visitor count has grown by a million in the last decade. It’s no wonder: the place has a very special charm, attracting globetrotters and locals alike who come to stargaze and spend time in the wilderness. Exploring huge rock formations in a Dr. Seuss-kind of landscape has never been more fun for city kids itching for time outdoors. After a few trips to Joshua Tree National Park with my family, I’ve come to love not only the desert, but the quirky towns that surround the park and the Old West history now being reinvented by the hipster culture. 

In the past, we’ve camped or stayed at fun hotels for families in and around Joshua Tree. Recently, though, we opted to try the new place in town: AutoCamp Joshua Tree. Read on for the scoop on this new Airstream glamping experience. 

Looking for more ideas for Joshua Tree camping, glamping, and even hotels? Check out our Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families. We've got loads of suggestions for family camping trips and other Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from Los Angeles.

Juggling work, school, and family has never been easy, but these days—as we're still working from home and have almost zero alone time to decompress—parenting feels like running a marathon on a hamster wheel. Which can make you want to scream, or at least yell, especially when your kids seem incapable of listening. But yelling always makes you feel worse, and it doesn't even seem to work. So, we scoured the web and chatted with other parents to get some easy-to-follow, actually actionable tips that will help you stop yelling at your kids, even when sorely provoked.

These tips will help you relax, take a beat, and see things from a different perspective. And remember, you're not alone! Every parent we've ever met has yelled at their kids at some point; if you want to commiserate, meet us on our Facebook page to chat about all the challenges of parenting. Sometimes it's just nice to commiserate and feel seen.

A place for children to play and parents to connect with other moms and dads—that’s exactly what Long Island cafes with kids’ play spaces offer. Enjoy these fun, safe venues for your child’s next playdate: They'll have fun and explore, and you'll relax with a latte, catch up with your peers, or just relish some me time. Of course, parents are required to keep an eye on their children at all times.

For more seasonal fun ideas, check out our guide to indoor play spaces and our roundup of sensory play spaces on Long Island. And don’t forget our Winter Fun Guide for a host of ideas sure to keep your kids happily occupied during the winter months.