One of the positive aspects of having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is that there is so much support out there for you!  You just have to find it and navigating the internet through tons of websites and even more pages, tabs & links can be quite stressful.  However, the information and services you receive can actually help alleviate some of your stress, so if you’re not computer-savvy, or just can’t seem to bring yourself to spend hours looking for all these services, go to a support group.  One of your best resources is other parents who are going through the same thing, and contact with other adults is so much more beneficial than sitting in front of a computer.  Sometimes I yearn for adult conversation after being with my boys all day.  (Don’t get me wrong, I love my boys to death but sometimes it gets to the point that if I talk about Transformers one more time I’m going to completely lose it.)  There are other things I want to talk about, other people I want to talk to, and other places I want to be at times.  A support group is a really great way to do all these things, and get some inner peace and great information while you’re there! 

Looking for 4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut? There are many ways to celebrate our nation's independence but nothing does the job like good old fashioned fireworks. Most towns throw their own celebration, some bigger than others. On the following list you'll find firework celebrations that are being held over the 4th of July weekend. If your town isn't listed they may be doing shows the following weekend. Some towns require you to get a pass prior to attending the show. Details are provided where possible. Tips: Getting there early ensures that you will get a parking spot and a comfortable seat with a good view. Having something for the kids to do before the show can be a real life saver. Remember to bring bug spray, snacks and patience (for those who will have to wait in the parking lot afterwards.) Enjoy the magic!

When my kids were little, they treated their strollers like rolling food carts. So now that they're big, I'm not surprised they're gaga for gourmet food trucks. No stale pretzels or hot dogs for them; they want high-end on-the-go eats, be it dumplings or desserts.

Getting grub from a food truck has many advantages. There's a huge selection of cuisines to choose from, often there's no wait (or a reasonably short one), and your kids don't have to worry about their table manners or using indoor voices.

The downside, of course, is that there aren't tables or bathrooms. But in the summer, many of them strategically park near green spaces, so you've got an instant picnic.

Here are my family's picks for the top twelve food trucks in New York City.

It's been a whirlwind of hellos (what's up, summer?) and goodbyes (see ya, school). Tuesday marks the last day of classes for public school students, and since most camps don't begin until after the Fourth of July, we know you'll be looking for things to do next week—and beyond. That's why we rounded up 100 free things to do this summer, with ideas for every single day through the end of August.

Next week's picks include cool concerts, no-cost admission to the Staten Island Children's Museum and the Children's Museum of Manhattan, and SummerStage's Bronx Family Day. Click here for the complete list, and start planning your summer staycation.

We also wanted to highlight two new additions to our site. We're now posting slide shows. That way when we do something extra-cool, like rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders, you can actually see how much fun we had. Also, if you've been wondering who the mommies of Mommy Poppins are, check out our revamped About page. There you'll find links to bios for our current contributors, and other great info about the site.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut.

It has begun! Summer officially started this week and for many children this was the last week of school. We want to kick your summer off right with a great weekend lined up with some amazing events and activities! Whether it’s a puppet show, a fun summer carnival or building sand castles we want this weekend to set the tone for your entire summer... fun!

And don't miss our first Long Long Island Perk, more than 50% off at Le Play Cafe, an oasis for parents and children. Haven't been yet? This is the perfect opportunity to check it out.

This weekend is the breather between school ending, and camp and other summer activities beginning. It’s that time when we collect our children in our arms in disbelief that they are a year bigger and smarter. A lovely time for a family weekend enjoying some art, nature, Dora, and the racing pigs and fried food that is State Fair Meadowlands.

By Julie Ross, M.A.

Each year in Connecticut, parents pay lots of money to send their children to camp. Most children go willingly and happily. Others experience anxiety and distress. Some refuse to go, some exhibit physical symptoms like stomach pain or headaches, others become morose and withdrawn. With thousands of dollars at stake, or with no place else to put your child during the summer when you work, what should you do? Fortunately there are solutions.

Say hello to the first weekend of summer! If you're planning an all-season staycation, there's plenty to do in NYC. We've got lots of options in our Summer Fun Guide, which features roundups of free concerts, free outdoor movies and free storytimes, as well as a list of 100 free things to do this summer, with ideas for every single day through the end of August, plus anytime activities.

This weekend's no-cost amusements include Morris-Jumel Mansion’s Family Day, a pair of fishing festivals, the colorful Hunts Point Fish Parade and Festival, an outdoor concert by Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band and the South Street Seaport's annual Children’s Day celebration, starring Gordon and Elmo from Sesame Street.

Read on for this weekend's best bets and remember, the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar contains many more options.