When my family first heard I planned on homeschooling my two children they were baffled; why would I want to take on such a task, when I could “get rid” of them for six hours a day. Luckily my “crazy plan” isn't sounding too crazy, as more and more parents are ditching the school system and teaching their kids at home. New Jersey is an amazing state to homeschool in – no regulations, dozens of homeschool co-ops and groups and plenty to do. During the hours of 9-3 September through June my kids participate in nature studies, sports classes, and learning opportunities designed for homeschoolers that are either free, or extremely affordable. It's been such an amazing journey for us, and I'm excited to share some of my favorite homeschoolin' haunts.

It has been a while since our most recent post in the Poppins Parents series, but when we heard about musician Alastair Moock's latest project, we were inspired to share his family's extraordinary story. 

Last summer, one of Alastair's twin daughters, Clio, was diagnosed with leukemia. ​While summoning the strength to get through their own daily battles with cancer, Alastair and his family found a way to help other families who are facing similar challenges. He and his daughter Clio wrote a collection of songs that became the album Singing Our Way Through: Songs for the World’s Bravest Kids, which they have shared with hundreds of other patient families.

Read our interview with Alastair Moock to find out more about his project and how it started, along with what's at the top of his and his daughters’ lists of things to do in Boston. Then head to Medford on Tuesday for a free Alastair Moock Family Band Show, where Alastair will lead kids in a sing-and-move-along. Even if you can’t make the show, be sure to check out the album, Singing Our Way Through. It's a delightful collection of songs that kids with and without cancer will connect with – songs that have the power to help us all through the difficult times in our lives.

Getting away before the hectic routines of the school year start is an excellent way to end summer.  If a Labor Day or late summer vacation is in your plans, there are deals to be had.  Orlando and its theme parks are relatively quiet this time of year and visitors benefit with lower prices.  Consider a trip that will immerse your family with small town charm in Cooperstown or Vermont.  If you prefer the action of a big city, there are discount hotel deals in New York City and Washington, D.C.  If you are craving a beach getaway, consider Hilton Head, Turks and Caicos and Fort Lauderdale.

I've written posts about many special needs organizations that have provided wonderful assistance to my tween with special needs and our family, like Advocates for Children of New York, AHRC New York City and YAI NYC. But the Child Mind Institute has a special place in my heart because it has helped me with all four of my children.

Founded by Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz and Brooke Garber Neidich, the Child Mind Institute is a national organization headquartered in NYC dedicated to connecting children and families with mental health care information and quality care. Even though I only have one “official” special needs child, my other kids have occasionally struggled with issues like anxiety and tantrums. So the Child Mind Institute has been an invaluable resource for all of my children. Best of all, often I can get the information I need just by visiting the nonprofit's free website—no need to pile on the subway!

Greenport is a quiet harbor town near the end of the North Fork of Long Island. There are a variety of dining options that are perfect for families. The views are beautiful and the atmosphere is relaxed. Take some time to stroll through town and browse through the shops before or after grabbing a bite to eat. There are plenty of places with outdoor seating and the breeze from the water makes it pleasant, even on a hot day. When heading out to Greenport, make a day out of it and stop by one of the family friendly vineyards along the way. Here are a few restaurants that are standouts when it comes to kid-friendly food and atmosphere.

School doesn't start for weeks, and yet I'm compelled to shop for all things back to school RIGHT NOW!  I blame it on the cool August weather streak we're in and those last few weeks of summer where I see the light at the end of the vacation tunnel!  Both factors have put me into list making overdrive and revisiting our favorite spots in Eastern Connecticut for stocking up on all our back to school supplies, clothes, and finishing those imperative back to school errands to ensure we start off this school year right!

Summer Sounds concerts offer younger kids an introduction to music at the Hollywood Bowl in a lively and engaging format without the logistical challenges of evening shows. The concerts have an international flare, introducing little ears to sounds from around the world.

The Hollywood Bowl has always been one of my favorite venues in LA: the finest music offered in an open air, festive environment.  But as a parent, I began to see the scope of the Bowl in a different way. The size of the crowds could be overwhelming, the hour past little ones’ bedtimes, the length of the show beyond little ones’ attention spans. How then to instill in my child the same excitement I feel for this most beloved institution?

Summer is the season when most people are on the prowl for fresh seafood, so enjoy these last few weeks donning a plastic lobster bib with your shell cracker in hand. The Jersey Shore offers everything from upscale seafood dining (places you may not want to bring an unruly toddler) to place with newspaper on the table. There are a lot of family-friendly places to get a great seafood feast. So, avoid Red Lobster and check out my picks for the best places for the whole family to enjoy a fresh seafood meal.