With all the getting that goes on this time of year, you have to be intentional to get your kids to understand the importance of giving as well.  If you'd like to go beyond the family gift exchange to teach your kids about the needs in their community, there are several ways to do it here in Fairfield County -- even if they're quite young.

(We've listed some options for volunteering with kids as well in Litchfield County and Hartford County.)

Food is one of the fraught topics of parenting. From day one it’s us against them when it comes to eating. Having spent weeks with a lactation expert for baby number one, I thought I had it down, but baby number two had other ideas. Moving on to solid food, our kids really show us who is boss. They like what they like and will eat what they will eat - even if that means pizza as vegetable and ice cream as protein. Meanwhile, mom and dad are craving something ethnic. You know, a little spice, more than one ingredient, maybe even a variety of vegetables. It may sound more daunting than another round of nuggets at Kids Eat Free night, but with a little planning your family could have a tastier, more exotic dinner out.

As amazing as this city is, living in NYC is not for the faint of heart. Raising kids here? Even more so. If you’ve gotten through preschool, elementary school, and even middle school admissions, you may be thinking, “I’ve got this.” Even spreadsheet-making, type-A parents who mastered the earlier grades may be shocked at how overwhelming and chaotic the high school application process is. I should know; I'm going through it with my second kid now and I'm still dizzy from the whirlwind.

Even if your kid is still a tyke, it's worth knowing what you are in for. I didn't want to just rely on my own experiences though. After addressing our mutual PTSD, I got the inside scoop on what you need to know about applying to high school in NYC from a bunch of been-there-done-that local parents.

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to visit the North Pole? This year Boston's City Hall Plaza is being transformed into a winter wonderland with New England’s first custom designed outdoor skating path and a holiday shopping market. Open seven days a week, "Boston Winter Presented by Berkshire Bank" is a one-stop-shop of holiday attractions for kids and parents alike.

 Horse-drawn sleigh rides, nostalgic model trains, roasting marshmallows on an open fire--yup, it's  finally that time again. Christmas in Connecticut. From winter wonderlands to festivals of light, we have rounded up some wonderful holiday happenings this holiday season in Fairfield County, CT. For more holiday fun check out our Holiday Guide.

In some ways parents on the Eastside and in the Valley have it made. Birthday party options would be one of those ways. Take Glendale, for instance: without even leaving Glendale, families have an incredible assortment of options for hosting kids’ parties, from indoor to outdoor, retro to techno, large to intimate. We've pulled together 10 great Glendale party ideas, ranging from free parks to private affaires—options to make any child’s birthday wishes come true.   

It's difficult to imagine a holiday season without the magic of The Nutcracker, but it's hardly the only show in town during the month of December. We've rounded up our top picks of other holiday shows and concerts, featuring everything from a musical spectacular (pictured) to a special stuffed rabbit to good old Ebenezer Scrooge. There's most definitely something for everyone!

Currently updating for 2018.

For many, the end of Thanksgiving Dinner marks the official start of the Christmas season. It seems as soon as those plates are cleared the holiday shopping begins. And for others, Christmas began even before the table was set.  But, lucky for us, some Fairfield County communities have managed to slow us down a bit, make us savor the season and shop, not on Cyber Monday, but at their Holiday Strolls. You know, in a shop? There is something so very special when our quaint New England downtowns are all gussied up in holiday sparkle and the night air is filled with carolers, peppermint and hot cocoa. If you ask me, these are some very good reasons to take a stroll down the slower lane. Take a holiday stroll. Here is our roundup of the holiday strolls coming up in Fairfield County this Christmas season. And, for even more holiday happenings, visit our Holiday Guide.