I can hardly believe it, but my oldest child is starting middle school this fall.  How has this happened?  Now, my daughter is super excited, but I’m a little nervous – middle schoolers, as we all know, can be a tough crowd. Especially to those of us who were lucky enough to be sporting Coke bottle glasses, braces, and orthopedic shoes (thanks, Mom…)

The good news is that, while middle school is undoubtedly full of the same angst ridden pre-teens and bullies as it was 20 years ago, parents and teachers are much more aware of the social dynamic amongst the students.  In fact, Fairfield County has mandated a great deal of anti-bullying initiatives within the public schools.

Like many other parents, I want to make sure that my child is neither being bullied, nor bullying anyone else.  To that end, I’ve been looking into local Fairfield County classes, workshops, and programs that might provide some positive messaging and friendship navigation assistance to pre teens and teenagers.  Check out the ones I've found, or take a look at our complete guide to classes in Connecticut.

Jumping and somersaulting through the air is serious fun. Whether your kid is three or thirteen, there's no better way to keep them from bouncing off the walls than letting them bounce off the walls at a trampoline park or indoor playscape. Planning a birthday party? Looking for a rainy day activity? Or just hoping to burn off some of that energy? Check out some of our favorite Fairfield County indoor play spaces. For even more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

New Canaan. Quintessentially New England. Classically Connecticut. Known for it's famed Harvard Five architecture, postcard perfect New England landscape and quaint downtown in Fairfield County, New Canaan offers plenty to see and do year round. With a Norman Rockwell inspired Holiday Stroll not to be missed, family-friendly outdoor summer theater performances and no shortage of green space, this small city nestled in the Southwest corner of the state is teeming with kid stuff. Here are our picks for kid friendly destinations and activities in New Canaan:

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It’s here…camp sign up time.  Personally, I love having the kids outdoors all summer, so I tend towards athletic camps and nature camps.  Here are a few nature camps, some of which we’ve tried before, and some of which we’re looking forward to trying in the future.

In our house the kids’ birthdays fall in April, May and June. So right around March 1st, I start my annual birthday party panic. While I love having kids’ parties at home, I often decide to have one of my three parties at another venue in the hopes that, when the birthdays are through, I will have some semblance of sanity remaining. Happily, Fairfield County offers numerous places where one can hold a great kid’s party. For even more party ideas check out our Party Guide!

If you’re like me, the thought of taking your small fry skiing is, well…daunting.  There’s the expense, the crowds, and don’t even get me started on the hassle of hauling all that gear…

But now as I watch my 5, 7, and 9 year old whiz past me on the slopes (admittedly, not a major feat – I’m no Lindsey Vonn!), I’m so glad we started them skiing at a young age.  If you’re just starting to contemplate taking your little guys skiing, I’ve put together a list of ingredients essential for a successful day ski trip in Connecticut (read into this: everything-I-didn’t-do-but-wish-I-had the first few times we went on family ski trips).

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.)