Children are perpetually on the move! From their first wobbly steps as toddlers, kids are always growing and developing in exciting new ways. Parents can support this healthy gross motor development by being intentional about which toys they bring into the home based on age and developmental stage. Child development experts agree that strong and […]
Nicole Blume
Posted inHealth
A Heart Warming Escape
The perks of a family home sauna
As the winter season arrives, bringing cold gusts of wind and snow, there’s nothing like finding creative ways to keep warm. One of the best ways to seek the heat and beat the winter blues is to enjoy a sizzling hot sauna! The word “sauna” comes from the Finnish language, meaning “bathhouse.” (Fun fact: “sauna” […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Traditional Craft
Learn the Art of Corn Husk Dolls
Long before store-bought toys, parents around the world made creative, homemade playthings for children. Here in the Americas, many indigenous peoples used natural materials sourced from the land to craft lovely toys treasured among generations. One such iconic toy is known as the “corn husk doll.” When properly dried, corn husks could be weaved into […]
Posted inTrending
Let’s Take it Outside this Year
Winter Wonderland Birthday Party Ideas
If your child was born in a winter month, you’ve probably already thrown a birthday bash or two at the many indoor places in Bend, from Tula Movement Arts and the Big Indoor Play Thing, to Mountain Air and Trampoline Zone. While these businesses offer wonderful cost-effective birthday packages, sometimes it’s nice to mix it […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Edible Creations
Beautiful DIY arrangements from nature’s bounty
There’s nothing quite like cool, delicious fruit on a warm autumn day! Let’s take it to the next level and create a piece of art. Like a flower arrangement but made with cutouts of fruit, this DIY project showcases the colorful, plump bounty of the season. These edible bouquets make great eco-friendly centerpieces for back-to-school […]
Posted inBend Nest
A Little Heads Up
September is baby safety month
Did you know that September is officially Baby Safety Month? This little-known but important celebration seeks to educate parents and caregivers about the latest guidelines in baby safety standards, tackling new topics every year, from car rides to safe sleep to playtime and baby proofing. Working together, our community can help take important strides to keep […]
Posted inBend Nest
Sleepovers and Sleep Unders
A parent’s guide
Autumn brings renewed excitement as children head to school and connect with friends new and old. Social opportunities abound and inevitably, parents are called upon to gate-keep and review their child’s readiness for independence. One of the biggest questions on parents’ minds these days are sleepovers – when is a child ready to sleep away […]
Posted inBend Nest
Food and Farm Trail for the Whole Family
Experience Central Oregon’s robust agricultural community
Here in Central Oregon, we are blessed to live in a thriving agricultural community where farm-fresh produce grows right around the corner. From juicy purple plums to crisp green kale, and grass-fed beef to local honey, so many nourishing options abound! Children love picking out food and are more likely to eat their vegetables if […]
Posted inBend Nest
The Mythology of Love
Many ways to celebrate
Did you know that the origin of the word “psyche” stems from the Greek word psukh, meaning “soul”? Legend has it that Psyche was once a beautiful princess who fell madly in love with Eros, the god of love, and yet had to endure many terrible trials before finally marrying him. This story shows us […]
Posted inBend Nest
Where to Begin?
Questions for parents when touring schools
As parents, we value our children’s education and know that getting involved in their school life is important. Perhaps the most crucial first step is finding the school that is the right fit, whether it’s a larger public, smaller private, charter school or other. With so many different options, how is a parent to decide? […]