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 […]
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.
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It’s Gardening Time!
Tips for facing the challenge of high desert growing
At the first sign of spring, with warmer days ahead, many of us are excited to get outside and play. We are ready to start tinkering in the garden and dreaming of the season’s abundance. Wait a minute, not so fast! This isn’t the Willamette Valley, where rain is plentiful and vegetation grows easily. No, […]
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Things I’ve Learned
Meet Ranae Staley, Executive Director, The Giving Plate Recently, The Giving Plate, a local non-profit that runs a food pantry in Bend for those in need, earned a $15,000 award reserved for the organization that raised the most funds as part of the 2021 Central Oregon Gives campaign. The organization raised more than $259,000! At […]
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Generation Resilient
How to help pandemic babies thrive
As we approach the second anniversary of the pandemic, parents of children born during this unique time may have questions about their child’s social and emotional development. Questions like: How has social distancing affected my infant? Has my baby received enough human contact to recognize facial emotions? Will my toddler’s speech and language development be […]
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Street Dog Hero
Helps local Central Oregon families through rescue, adoption, spay/neuter, wellness and the Junior Heroes program
It was just before dawn when Street Dog Hero’s partners and volunteers set out on a snowy drive from Bend to Warm Springs. This December day was weeks in the making, with coordination amongst Street Dog Hero, Fences for Fido, Humane Society of Central Oregon, volunteer veterinarians and medical staff, as well as the families […]
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Editor’s Note
Spring is just around the corner and it’s hard not to feel excited as we say goodbye to winter and hello to longer days and budding natural surroundings. Alongside spring’s entrance, the statewide lifting of the mask mandate by March 31 brings hope and promise of a long hibernation finally ending. We’re excited for […]
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Rescue Mission
Substitute teachers provide much-needed stopgap to keep schools open
In the wake of the pandemic, there is now a serious shortage of licensed substitute teachers in Bend-La Pine Schools district. Schools are feeling the crunch, and some classes are even closing temporarily due to severe staffing shortages. Parents may wonder: What’s going on? Why is it so hard to keep schools open right now? […]
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If the Shoe Fits
Choice Option schools provide alternatives to traditional education
Looking ahead to the 2022-23 school year, families may want to consider the Choice Option schools available within the Bend -La Pine district. These schools all feature learning opportunities that are significantly different from the traditional programs and offer families a variety of learning styles to fit every student’s needs and interests. The Choice Option […]
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Nothing says “Spring Green” like Saint Patrick’s Day
Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt for kidsEnjoy a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt for kids
Held every March 17, this feast day in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is beloved across the country among descendents of the Irish diaspora. From festive parades to greenlit landmarks, revelers celebrate Irish culture and heritage with traditional food, drinks and games – and, of course, by wearing green to keep […]
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Health Expert Q&A
Aglow Sleep Coaching – aglowsleep.com
Q My parenting books say to put my baby down in their crib when they are “drowsy but still awake,” but whenever I try, he just cries. What am I doing wrong? A A baby’s comfort being laid down for sleep (or anytime!) depends on many factors—their temperament, developmental readiness and how relaxed they are when […]