In a world that often feels hate-filled and adversarial, there is now a greater need than ever for infectious kindness and compassion. The best place to start growing kindness is with our kids. Every parent wants to raise a thoughtful child, but outside of talking to them about kindness and modeling behaviors in their presence, […]
Annette Benedetti
Posted inBend Nest
A Little Something for Everyone
Experience the holidays Central Oregon style
This year, holiday magic abounds with a plethora of fantastical events. Grab your calendar and get ready to fill it with shows and activities, as the Central Oregon community has simply outdone itself with next-level opportunities for celebration—your crew won’t want to be left out! The following are the top picks for must-see activities and […]
Posted inBend Nest
Thrive Central Oregon
A Gift for Families in Need
Winter. For many Bend families, it’s the most magical time of the year, filled with the exhilaration of hitting the slopes and holiday shopping, family gatherings and warm, extravagant meals together. However, for some families, it means something very different. It means searching for a place to escape the extreme cold, scavenging for food and […]
Posted inBend Nest
Thifty Threads
Heading back to school without breaking the bank
Getting ready to send the kids back to school is no small job. There’s the mental preparation as well as the hunter/gatherer work to be done for school supplies and new clothes to fit tiny tykes who shot up over the summer months. Unfortunately, students aren’t the only things that have grown. Inflation is at […]
Posted inCulture
World’s Biggest Marble Hunt
Local artist joins record-breaking treasure hunt
On July 23, Central Oregon-based glass artist Hezakiah Mecham takes part in a world-record-breaking adventure that brings artists and marble hunters together from around the world. The World’s Biggest Marble Hunt sends participants on a quest to find the ultimate prize: a chest filled with $45,000 worth of treasure. The World’s Biggest Marble Hunt takes […]
Posted inBend Nest
Summer Safety
Parenting tips for summer fun, in and around the water
Summer in Central Oregon means soaring temperatures, water play and of course, loads of festivals and events. Parents are right to experience some level of worry as they head out into the High Desert heat with the kids in tow. With a little education and preparation, though, parents can keep the summer carefree and focus […]
Posted inBend Nest
The Next Phase
Important moments for parents of teens
From, “What to Expect When You are Expecting,” to an arsenal of books claiming to have the answers when it comes to raising young children, parents may be overwhelmed with parenting information the moment they find out baby is on the way. But what happens when that child sheds their babyface for stubble or budding […]
Posted inBend Nest
Traditions & Festivals
Bring Home Holiday Traditions & Festivals from Around World
As soon as the season shifts, families across Central Oregon turn their attention to the upcoming holidays—Thanksgiving and Christmas in particular. While both holidays are beloved by many, there is a multitude of lesser-known vibrant celebrations that take place around the world during the colder months. Many of these festivals share a common theme of […]
Posted inBend Nest
Taking A Toll
Parental Compassion Fatigue: Coping with kids and COVID
Parenting through over a year of COVID shutdowns, quarantines and ever-changing restrictions was challenging for most parents. It meant extended stretches of time in intense parenting mode broken only by switching into teacher mode and sometimes counselor mode to help soothe children’s fears and anxieties. Even with school back in session, parents have a heavy […]
Posted inBend Nest
Fall Family Events Are Back!
Here’s What Not to Miss
There is no better way to welcome fall with your crew than by attending Central Oregon’s family-friendly happenings. With COVID restrictions finally lifted, we are seeing some of our favorite annual (and new) events show up on the region’s calendar again. With the tourist crowds thinning a bit, this is the time for venturing out […]