Q: My teenage son sounds very hoarse when speaking. This is something that has progressed over the past year or so. At first, I thought it was temporary, but it might not be. What should I do? A: While working with a speech language pathologist may very well be an important element of care for him, […]
Bend Nest
Bend Nest is a place to discuss, consider and laugh about all that parenting brings. A quarterly magazine produced by some of the finest writers, editors and photographers in Central Oregon, Bend Nest is smart and informed.
Posted inParenting
Big Stuff
How to support your child’s gross motor skill development
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 […]
Posted inFamily Time
Love Their Hearts On Valentine’s Day
Make it a heart-healthy holiday this year!
The month that’s become synonymous with love and chocolate has also been designated as American Heart Month by the American Heart Association. While the candy bars and truffles that crowd store shelves each February are sure to make your loved ones smile, so will healthier alternatives. If you’d like to encourage better eating habits for […]
Posted inEducation
The Power of “Not Yet”
Flexing brain power through growth mindset
Is intelligence something you’re born with or something that develops? Is failure an opportunity to learn and grow or something that impedes success? How a parent answers these questions greatly impacts their children. Their outlook influences how their own kids see themselves — how they perceive their ability to improve and learn from mistakes. Over […]
Posted inHoliday
The Year of the Dragon
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Celebrated by millions of people around the world, Lunar New Year is popular in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as in many Asian American communities worldwide. The holiday marks the beginning of the new year based on a lunisolar calendar, which follows the phases of the sun and moon, and […]
Posted inBookshelf
BendNest Bookshelf: Just SNOW Already!
Reviewed by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian
Written and illustrated by Howard McWilliam What would you do if your family said it might snow today? Build a snowman? Go sledding? One boy is excited to play outside and puts on his snow clothes: “Nothing is as fun as snow!” It’s cold but it’s not snowing…yet. The boy looks out his window. Nothing. […]
Posted inBookshelf
BendNest Bookshelf: Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day
Reviewed by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian
By Dawn Quigley. Illustrated by Tara Audibert First-grader Jo Jo is seven years old and lives on the Pembina Ojibwe Nation. When she goes to school, she’s excited about journaling and embraces the health assignment. As she says, “Raisins are just very thirsty grapes.” When it starts to snow at bus time everyone is ready […]
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 inOutdoors
It’s a Snow Day!
How to build your own snow fort or igloo
Many may remember “Snowmaggedon of 2017”, as well as the winter of 2019, which also had a considerable amount of snow. In fact, February 25, 2019 ranks fifth on the all-time list of daily snowfall in Bend! We may not get quite as much snow this season, but more often than not the city transforms […]
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” […]
