Mom's the Word

Take Time to Thank Volunteers

Northborough is run on volunteers. Take a look around and be sure to thank one.

Now that the school year is underway, many sports, religious education classes, scouts, clubs and organizations that have been on summer break are gearing up for the new year. Most of these organizations are run on volunteer hours and wouldn’t be as successful without the commitment of so many people. Most volunteers don’t expect to be specially recognized, but it only takes two simple words to let them know they are appreciated: Thank You. Thank you to service organizations that provide so much to the residents of Northborough. The hours incorporated into the planning of Applefest weekend are mind boggling. This year's event was another huge success. Northborough Helping Hands Association, Inc., which organizes the Thanksgiving baskets, …

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Mom's the Word

Moms, You are Not Alone

Motherhood is the greatest job of all, but also can be the hardest. Two popular Facebook pages geared to moms were created by Northborough mom, Marile Borden.

While searching for adoption blogs during the journey of adopting her own daughter, Marile Borden realized that there were some great blogs geared towards moms and some really bad ones. In May 2009, after a year of planning the website, Borden’s Momicillin was born. It would bring the best mommy bloggers out there to one accessible place. Since its start, Borden now has seven regular bloggers, has created a Facebook page for her site and has seen a surge of popularity. The Facebook page has over 21,000 followers. “Momicillin has great writers that are validating and entertaining for moms,” said Borden. One of the more recent additions to Momicillin is a monthly bookclub with a live-feed, author chat on Facebook. It has been well received …

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Mom's the Word

First Day Blues

Moms, tell the truth. Will you cry as your kids go back to school on Aug. 31?

How do you feel when sending your child off on the first day of school after a super summer break? Do you cry sentimental tears when you realize that your child is getting older so quickly or are they tears of joy that you finally get a little peace and things get back into a routine? The two sides seem to be split down the middle. I admit, I love having my kids home 99 percent of the time. I love spending time with them and getting to know them as the little people they are becoming. We’ve had a great and fun summer together. The first day of school on Aug. 31 will be quiet and I will miss them until we all get used to the schedule again. Our kids have had a lot of firsts: first smile, first rollover, first steps, first time using the …

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Mom's the Word

Kids Dip into Water Education this Summer

Learning about the water cycle, watersheds, plants, animals, and protecting our water resources is all part of the free Water Wise Workshops being held this summer.

It’s great to dip your feet into the water on a hot, summer day. On Wednesday, a group of about 11 kids ages six to ten years old from Northborough and surrounding towns, were not only dipping into the water, but participating in a Water Wise Workshop. The free workshops, offered once a week at three locations for five weeks during the summer, are organized by OARS. A nonprofit organization that relies heavily on volunteers and supporters, OARS has been dedicated to its mission to protect and enhance the natural and recreational features of the Assabet, Concord and Sudbury rivers since 1986. Lake Chauncy in Westborough is one site for the Water Wise Workshops; there is also a site in Stowe and Marlborough this year. These workshops are …

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Raising Kids with Food Allergies

Some everyday foods can cause mild to severe reactions for some kids and must be eliminated from their diets. Parents must become avid label readers and an advocate for their child.

Dairy, wheat, nuts, eggs and even some food additives. These are some of the common food allergies kids can develop, and in many instances, kids possess allergies to more than one food item.   In fact, one recent study showed that one in 13 children in the United States has food allergies; 40 percent with severe and dangerous reactions. Unless a family member has a similar allergy, and parents are on guard already as to what foods are given to their child, a food allergy is unanticipated and the actual reaction can be quite scary. Hives, restricted airways, cramping, vomiting, low blood pressure; allergic reactions can be mild to severe and life threatening. Michele Quattrin’s son Tyler was five at the time she officially found out that he…

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Mom's the Word

Make Time for Mom Time

It is important for moms to take some time for themselves to stimulate their minds, hold adult conversations, and refresh their spirits.

It is easy to lose your own identity especially when becoming a new parent. Everything revolves around this new little being requiring so much of your time. As children grow older, and become more involved in other activities, sports and school, moms often don’t make time to do those things that are important to her. Everyone and everything else seems to take priority. How often have you heard yourself say, “Well, that was before kids.” Obviously, life and priorities change once parenthood begins.That is often welcomed and expected. It is important, though, not to lose the connections, hobbies, and outings that were important to you. You may not be able to do them as often, but be sure to make the time to do them. Exercise: One of the …

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Mom's the Word

Some Safety Hints for Summer Biking

Biking is great exercise, fun, and a great family activity. It is always a good idea to keep some safety rules fresh in our minds as both bicyclists and drivers of vehicles.

Now that the weather is warmer and those huge winter snow banks are a memory of the past, it is officially bicycling season. Keeping everyone safe on the road just involves being alert and following some rules of the road before the pedals are pushed. Bike Check: Your bike is probably a little dusty from sitting in the garage all winter. Before you take it out on the road for the first time, be sure to check the brakes and fill the tires with air. Most kids have grown since last riding their bike, be sure their handlebars and bike seat are at the correct height for them. Safety Gear: The most important safety gear for a child or any bike rider is a properly fitting helmet. A helmet won’t prevent a bike accident, but if a rider falls off a …

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