As my eldest started middle school last week (gulp), one thing became immediately apparent – my husband I are in way over our heads.   The principal at our school was throwing out words like sex-ed, internet safety, locker combinations, and body piercings.  As we looked around at the panic stricken faces of our fellow 5th grade parents, we knew that we needed to learn. A lot.  And fast. Someone has to know how to parent a middle-schooler, right?  I was pleased to find that there are several organizations in Fairfield County that offer classes or workshops designed to help parents navigate these crazy times.

When our children were born, my husband and I diligently opened college savings accounts on their behalf (if you haven’t done, so I recommend checking out the CHET college savings plans).  We realized that we would one day be faced with whopping education bills.  We did not realize, however, that those whopping bills would start coming in PRE-SCHOOL!!!!  Yes, as many of you know, pre-school these days ain’t cheap.  There are, however, options to consider as you debate the merits and expenses of pre-schools in Fairfield County.

I am a terrible, terrible shopper.  By which I mean I can’t pass a mall without breaking into a cold sweat.  Department stores give me the shakes (do they REALLY have to be that big?), and malls at Christmastime?  My worst nightmare.

But sadly, after trying to squeeze my 8 year old into 5T jeans (for the 3rd year in a row), I realize that I can no longer avoid back to school shopping this year.  Nope…it’s got to be done, and as right now is tax-free week, it has to be done now.  Right now.  I can do this!!!!  (This is me giving myself a pep talk). 

As a horrible shopper, I can’t be unleashed without both a very specific list of items and stores.  And as a horrible spender, I also like to have a list of current sales.  Here’s my list for local back to school shopping in Fairfield County:

Wow…I had forgotten how summer eats into our savings.  Literally, eats into it.  My kids are so active all summer that their appetites are enormous…just like my grocery bills!  Our solution?  Well, we’re eating in a lot, planning our meals in advance, and, when we do go out, frequenting restaurants where kids eat free.  Yup, you read that right…there are a few area restaurants that offer free meals to kids with the purchase of adult meals. We've also made a list for Central CT. Bon appetit!

In our book, FREE is good. It's not always easy finding free stuff to do with the kids! Low and behold, I’ve found several low cost – and even FREE! – family friendly opportunities here in southern CT that include submarines, bowling, movies, story times, free museum days and free passes to state beaches and state parks like Gillette Castle. If you are in Hartford County, we've got a great list of free things to do there too.

Now that I’m looking out the window and seeing…sunshine, I want to capitalize on it.  I’m not sure how long this sunshine is planning on sticking around, so we are heading out the door immediately to cram in as many outdoor activities as we possibly can.  Happily, the Fairfield County area offers no end of possibilities for those interested in biking, beaching, or hiking.

First on our list…a hike.  Water bottles are filled, snacks are packed, and One Direction is queued on my playlist (why, yes, I do have pre-teen girls…).  We are headed for an afternoon of hiking at one of our favorite spots: Ward Reservation. Ward Reservation is just over the New York border in Pound Ridge, about a 30 minute drive from lower Fairfield County.  Or, according to my eldest, 9 Taylor Swift songs away from our house.

I grew up in Jersey.  And before you start with the jokes, let me clarify.  Not the Sopranos Jersey, the Jersey Turnpike Jersey or the Snooki Jersey.  Nope, I grew up in beautiful, rural Western Jersey, right on the Delaware Water Gap.  If you haven’t been there, go. It’s lovely, historic, and nearby.  

Growing up on the Delaware Water Gap meant lots of Sunday family canoe trips.  (Canoeing rules to live by: don’t share a canoe with your younger brother, don’t share a canoe with your older brother, and wear sunscreen).  In hopes of replicating the canoe experience for my own kids, I’ve been researching canoeing options here in CT.  Turns out there are lots of options around here, ranging from waterways on tame lakes and slow rivers to more arduous river rapids and open ocean/sound trailways.  We've written about a few and you can find that info in our CT Beach and Water Fun Guide.