Jessica Laird

Latest posts by Jessica Laird

Léman Manhattan Launches a New "Grown-Up and Me" Toddler Program

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 11:00am

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School has been serving preschoolers in downtown Manhattan for the past twelve years, but parents of even littler learners will be happy to hear there's a brand new toddler program in town. Developed by the school's experienced early childhood educators, Léman Explorers is a “grown-up and me” class that aims to give children ages 16 months to 3 years old the skills and confidence they need for preschool and beyond.

Music Together Sing Shalom, New Jewish Music Program For Long Island Families

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 08/31/2017 - 10:00am

For many moms and dads, Music Together® might as well be the official soundtrack to early parenthood. Even those who haven't taught their toddlers to shake a tambourine at one of the many classes available across Long Island are probably familiar with the much-loved program that brings kids and caregivers together through music and movement. And while Music Together has been a family favorite since it first launched in the eighties, its latest collaboration with The Jewish Education Project is a really exciting new addition to the already-popular offerings.

Car Seats Are Now Available for Lyft Rides Across NYC

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Wed, 08/30/2017 - 11:00am

When you just can't face rush hour on the F train with your stroller, or you're already running 15 minutes late for morning drop off (again), a cab can be a lifesaver for an NYC parent. But if you've got a little one who needs a car seat, the ultimate hack quickly becomes a major hassle, since you need to lug a seat with you or find a car service that actually has them on hand. Luckily, it looks like someone over at Lyft has heard the cries of commuting parents everywhere, because the popular and affordable app just rolled out a new car seat option that makes it really easy to call a car for you and your kiddo.

Dying to know the details before your next missed-the-bus Monday morning or too-wiped-out-to-walk Wednesday? Well, we've got answers to your biggest Lyft car seat questions, and a sweet discount on your next ride.

Sylvan EDGE STEM Classes (Almost) Too Cool for After-School

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 08/24/2017 - 12:00pm

We're forever amazed by the things kids are learning to do these days. From coding to building robots, today's kiddos are mastering critical 21st century skills that will help them excel in school and, ultimately, their careers. And the best part of all is that places like Sylvan Learning have figured out how to make engineering, coding, and even math, fun. Sylvan Learning believes that engaging and interactive experiences during this pivotal time help nurture an early love of STEM, which can literally serve kids for a lifetime.

We recently took a bunch of kids to try out a Sylvan EDGE STEM program for an afternoon, and we couldn't believe what they created. Check out the video to see what your little learners could be doing at Sylvan.

This Elite Bronx Tennis Program Helps Kids Become Pros

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 10:30am

According to Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers, "ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness," and when it comes to tennis, Centre Court Logistics agrees. The philosophy behind the elite training program is that sufficient practice in a particular skill can take anyone to top-tier proficiency, and students who start clocking those crucial hours on the court at an early age are best equipped to succeed. That's exactly why during their next round of tryouts, which take place this summer, the coaches will be looking for tennis-loving kids ages five to ten who hope to one day play with the pros.

5 Reasons These Giant Blue Blocks Are a Birthday Party Must

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 10:30am

Before you call in the clowns or hire another Elsa impersonator, there's a new way to keep kids entertained at your next birthday bash! Real Good Play brings a safe, structured, mobile play system and a trained play associate to your home or venue, encouraging hours of endless exploration for partygoers. The system features Imagination Playground's™ Big Blue Blocks, which come in seriously abstract shapes that can be creatively lined up, stacked, and connected, inspiring children to design their own inventions, environments, and activities. Conceived and designed by award-winning architect David Rockwell, the blocks are already a big hit at many of the finest Children's Museums worldwide, but Real Good Play is first to bring the fun to your own backyard (literally).

The Affordable Kids' Health Insurance Option That Every Parent Needs to Know About

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 06/19/2017 - 10:00am

Every child deserves access to quality health care. But in New York State alone, there are over 100,000 uninsured children. Scary, right? Meanwhile, there's actually an affordable, quality insurance plan that's been available to kids under the age of 19 for over a decade—but many parents don't even realize it's an option.

How to Deal with the Trickiest, Stickiest, Messiest New Parent Problems

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Fri, 05/19/2017 - 10:00am

Protecting your little one is probably at the top of every parent's to do list, but between the sleep deprivation and the fact that you seem to be missing the instruction manual to your new bundle of joy, a little guidance goes a really long way. After all, parenthood hurls a lot of tough stuff at you in the first year—sometimes literally—and you don't have the time to desperately search for solutions. You barely even have time to shower.