Cover Story
Editor’s Note: BendNest Fall
As families wrap up their summers—squeezing in last-minute camping trips and back-to-school shopping—there’s a special buzz in the Central Oregon air. The change in seasons brings cooler temperatures, a return to routine and a fresh start for the whole family. In this issue, you’ll find helpful tips to guide you into fall: from supporting mental…
Freshen & Detoxify
As we move into the crisp fall weather, inevitably, we’ll be spending more time indoors with the windows closed. The tail end of fire season can also bring smoky days that force us to hunker down at home. With less fresh air circulating inside and with the smoke potentially lingering outside, it’s more important than…
Building Mental Resiliency to Beat the Back-to-School Blues
Summer can be a tough time for parents—dealing with the lack of routine, sleep disruptions, family vacations and even just the increase in grocery bills with hungry kids hanging around the pantry all day. But for kids, summer is not only a welcome break from strict routines—it can also be much a needed respite from…
BendNest Fall Calendar
Mondays Preschool Story Time READ – Join in for stories, songs and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development, social emotional awareness and family engagement. Hear great stories while also becoming more familiar with letter sounds, rhyming, vocabulary and print. Mondays, beginning September 8. 9:30-10am. Downtown Bend Library | Free dpl.libnet.info/events Tuesdays Bilingual Stories…
Let’s Get Rolling!
Few skills stir up a sense of childhood adventure and accomplishment like learning to ride a bicycle. Practicing wheelies, feeling the wide-open road, cruising downhill at high speeds all scream the word “freedom!” Though the initial learning process is usually filled with anticipation and anxiety, after a few wobbles or mishaps, the personal triumph of…
BendNest Fall Bookshelf
The Tour at School By Katie Clapham, Illustrated by Nadia Shireen Are you ready to introduce a new student to elementary school? “Imagine that you are in the New Person’s shoes.” Where would you start the tour? Clapham shares everything about school from lunchtime to the playground. Make sure to stop at the library; it is…
Finding the Stoke
At the north end of Bend, in a nondescript neighborhood tucked between junipers and new houses, sits Northpointe Park. It’s home to a small skate spot with a few simple features—a quarter pipe, flat rail, volcano and ledges—just enough for locals to gather and push their limits. It’s midmorning, quiet and the perfect time to…
Back-to-School Updates
Time to dust off those notebooks—there’s plenty to catch up on before the new school year kicks off. The great phone ban of 2025 The biggest bombshell this summer? Governor Tina Kotek dropped Executive Order 25-09, effectively banning cell phones for K-12 students during school hours. If you’re a parent who’s tired of competing with…
High Five
It’s always exciting when fall rolls around and the new season’s flavors emerge. Now’s the time to head to the kitchen to prepare a few savory, kid-approved snacks. After school, before practice or in the lunch boxes, these budget-friendly treats are a sure hit. Don’t forget kids love to get in on the action, so…
Saying Goodbye
For families everywhere, September means one thing: school. The long, lazy days of summer are over and it’s time to either start or return to the classroom. Yet, leaving the comfort and safety of home can be tough for some kids, especially little ones who are new to the experience. Separation anxiety in preschoolers is…
Expert Q & A
Q: My three-year-old has frequent tantrums where he throws himself on the floor if he doesn’t get his way. Is this normal behavior or should I have him assessed? A: This is a very common experience for parents of toddlers! At this age, children are learning how to express big feelings, and they often don’t…
Garlands and Lanterns
Is there anything more delightful than decorating one’s home with autumn’s rich colors? With these easy DIY crafts, kids can enjoy bringing a touch of festive fun to the household! AUTUMN FELT GARLAND These easy garlands add a cozy touch when strung across the mantle or around a sunny window. STEP 1: Purchase a set…
Show Some Puppy Love
Looking for something fun and rewarding to do with the kids this fall? You might want to consider volunteering at the Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend. There are many ways to get involved, with just about any level of commitment that works for you. One of the HSCO’s most popular programs for kids…
