I’ve found Yahoo groups to be extremely helpful and informative in terms of meeting other parents, asking questions, finding used items, and getting doctor recomendations to name just a few things. When in Brooklyn I was an active member of both the Fort Greene Babies and Fort Greene Kids Yahoo groups. Through them I met most of my awesome mom friends, learned about great free activities in the neighborhood, and sold (and bought) lots of used baby related equipment.
Now since I’ve moved to Washington DC I’ve joined the AU Park (American University Park) Parents Group, DC Metro Mommies, and the Friends of Forest Hills Playground Yahoo Groups. These have been so helpful in terms of finding a new OB, or Pediatrician, scoping out the toddler friendly playgrounds, classes, and story times, and meeting new moms for playgroups. So, I can’t ephasize enough how fantastic Yahoo Parenting groups are.
Find a Yahoo Parenting Group Near You!
Wondering if there is one near you that you can join? Well, it’s easy to find out. Click this link to find Yahoo Mom Groups by Location (U.S. State). You can then narrow down by city. Want to look at a more broad selection? Check this link to see the choices for Yahoo Parenting Groups. Here you can choose to check out all kinds of things (groups for Grandparents, Dads, Babies and Toddlers, Blended families, Parents of twins etc – and in some cases narrow down by location). Check out what kind of support you can find for your needs in your area. I don’t think you will regret it! Our parents didn’t have the internet to help them out when we were growing up. Take advantage!!
I asked the Fort Greene Babies and Fort Greene Kids Yahoo Groups for some more advice on entertaining Cameron on the plane, and I wanted to share with all of you the suggestions that other moms gave me.
Pop up books – one mom claimed that she entertained her toddler for 4 hours with this pop up book! Sounds pretty good to me.
Magna Doodle – I often forget about those “old school” toys, but I thought this was a great idea. It’s all the fun of crayons, without the potential mess and wasted paper.
Mr. Potato Head – another “old school” toy that sounds like it would be lots of fun for a plane ride.
A Toy Airplane – The only time I took Cam on a flight before he was deathly ill and much younger. I think this time will be much more exciting – and having a little plane there for him to play with might be the cherry on the sundae!
A puppet – Cameron has a book called “Mouse in the House” that has a little mouse puppet which he is obsessed with. So I think a puppet for a plane ride is a fantastic idea.
Those crappy toys you get with your happy meal (etc). – One mom says she saves all these little toys and breaks them out on the plane. If parts of them get lost – who cares! Sounds like smart thinking to me!
Many moms echoed the suggestion of playing movies and videos, the necessity for lots of snacks, and also how important it was to have a change of clothes for the child (and yourself, if you can fit it) in case of disaster!
And, with that – I’m off for the week! I’ll come back and report on how the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort was……… But for now, some much needed vacation. 
Have a great week!!
Brooklyn Junior Opening Party
You might recognize this old storefront on Clinton near Myrtle
New details were posted on Parents Around the Hill (via Fort Greene Kids) about the Kids store that is comming to Clinton Hill / Fort Greene. Check out the website and Blog for the clothing line / store named Brooklyn Junior where you can read more about the clothes and see what they look like. Super cute! Of course the store will also have some toys and accessories. I am hoping once it opens I won’t have to trek over to Area Kids for Birthday Presents…. with this place and Greenlight Bookstore, we are set!
The opening party is Halloween Night, 6-9pm. After that, regular business hours will be Tuesday – Sunday 12-6pm (closed Mondays). CLICK HERE TO GET A COUPON FOR 10% OFF!! Valid until 12/31/09. I will visit once the store is open and post some pics!
