New York City’s interactive, educational music experience for parents and children debuts in Providence this fall!
Rock-a-Baby, founded by Pawtucket native Marc Trachtenberg in 2007 at the JCC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, is an interactive, educational music experience for infants and toddlers ages 4 months to 4 years. Marc recently relocated back to the Providence area, bringing Rock-a-Baby along with him. He and two other energetic musicians/teachers will lead infants and toddlers in an exploration of rock, pop, blues, traditional, and classical music genres by singing songs, playing games and instruments, and dancing. Each week a different theme will be explored with the help of whimsical puppets—Rhythm, Melody, and Harmony.
The Jewish Community Center of Rhode Island (JCCRI) announced that it will be offering the Rock-a-Baby infant and toddler music program as part of its fall 2010 programming. JCCRI, located on Providence’s East Side, is a diverse neighborhood center offering fitness, childcare, classes and enrichment opportunities, rooted in a deep sense of community. While some programs offer insight into Jewish tradition and heritage, the center is not exclusive to the Jewish community and prides itself onhaving “community” as its middle name.
“We are so proud to offer the first Rock-a-Baby music classes in Rhode Island,” stated Nicole Katzman, director of PJ Library & Shalom Baby of the JCCRI. “We believe the Providence community will embrace the wide variety of music and appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and playful energy. Not only will the children be educated and entertained, but the adults will be too!”
Founder Marc Trachtenberg earned his BS in music education from New York University and has over 15 years’ experience as a professional songwriter, entertainer, and educator. Marc’s Rock-a-Baby takes your average Mommy and Me music class to a whole new level. “After years of teaching by day and gigging by night,” he says, “I saw an opportunity to blend my musical background into something inspiring for young audiences, and their grown-ups too.” Marc’s diverse and extensive experience culminates with Rock-a-Baby.
“We are excited to be able to partner with JCCRI to bring Rock-a-Baby to the Providence community,” says Marc. “We want to foster a love of music at an early age. Through the repetition of rhythm and improvisation, using musical instruments made for children, melodic recognition, and hand and body movement and more, we help to stimulate infants’ and toddlers’ development.” As the Rock-a-Baby theme song claims, “With songs from Bach to hip-hop, we’ll put on a show, we’re not gonna stop!”
Visit the Rock-a-Baby website for more information. To register for classes, contact Stephanie Trachtenberg at Stephanie@rock-a-baby.net or 401.524.5120. Tell her you heard about it on Kidoinfo!
Remember when there were only three television channels (four if you counted Fox, although back then no one did), no cable, no DVD, no Internet? When I talk to kids now, they think I grew up in the Dark Ages.
But seriously, if your kids are fascinated by film, television, or animation, why not turn that into constructive action? This February, the first-ever Providence Children’s Film Festival will offer a selection of independent and international children’s films, making our city one of the few to present a film festival targeted specifically to children. This and the Rhode Island International Film Festival’s KidsEye program give families an opportunity to watch unusual films made by and for children and often provide the chance to meet and talk with directors.
For even more behind-the-scenes action, encourage your child to sign up for one of the area’s hands-on filmmaking classes, which range from a one-day workshop to a semester-long course. These educate kids on the power of images and empower them to create their own media messages. And who knows, maybe next year instead of just watching, your child will be presenting his or her film in a festival.
Apparently, rumor has it that the Newport International Film Festival, a longtime festival including programs for both kids and film students, has collapsed.
Hands-On Filmmaking Workshops
SHOOT Teen Film Program
Starts February 10, 2010, Wednesdays at 4PM (runs for 8 weeks)
Ages: 12-19
Newport, RI
Cost: Free for Boys & Girls Club Members ($25/year to become a member)
The SHOOT Teen Film Program guides teens through the collaborative process of making a film from scriptwriting, location scouting, and casting through shooting and editing. Watch some of the former students’ films on their website.
website: http://www.shootnewport.com/
Kid Filmmakers
In April, check website for details
Ages: 8-15
Providence, RI
Cost: $15 (last year’s cost)
Kid Filmmakers, a traveling year-round filmmaking academy for children, returns to Rhode Island for the SENE Film, Music, and Arts Festival in April to present a special one-day children’s film workshop.
website: http://www.senefilm.org http://www.kidfilmmakers.com/
KidsEye Camp
1 week in July
Ages: 8-16
North Kingstown, RI
Cost: $345
Presented by the Rhode Island International Film Festival, KidsEye offers an intensive five-day filmmaking camp where children ages 8 to 16 step into the roles of screenwriters, actors, directors, and crew.
website: http://www.film-festival.org/kidseye.php
Rhode Island School of Design
Ongoing
Ages: Teens, as well as programs for 12 and under
Providence, RI
Cost: $300-$465
The RISD Young Artist Prgram has a unique roster of classes for children and teens. They recently ran a VideoLab: Experimenting With the Camera for ages 12 and under where kids learn experimental video techniques. They also have a series of Movie Masterworks courses that help teens learn to analyze films as well as create them, in addition to several courses in cartooning and computer animation. A few of their upcoming courses include Lights, Camera Action (Vacation Camp) over the February break in which students ages 10 to 13 make their own short films, and Cartoon Carousel: Computer Animation Camp on April 19-23 in which students ages 9 to 13 combine traditional hand-drawing techniques with digital image processing to collaborate on an original short animated film.
website: http://www.risd.edu/kids_teens.cfm
Big Hope Films
Ongoing
Ages: under 18
Throughout Rhode Island
Cost: none
This unique organization aims to fulfill creative visions made by children and young adults under age 18 who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness.
website: http://www.bighopefilms.org
There is another great reason to head down to Warren these days as the Warren Art Spot is officially open. Right in the heart of downtown Warren, the Art Spot promises to be the place in Warren for kids to take art classes, participate in crafty workshops and have their birthday parties.
Jim and Julia Bush bought the building at the corner of Child and Main that houses the Warren Art Spot about 5 years ago. They were looking for a studio space for Jim to cartoon, draw and paint. With much TLC, Jim completed his Studio/Gallery (www.jimbushart.com) on the second floor four years ago, around the same time that the MUSE Jewelry Boutique moved into the commercial rental space on the first floor. Behind MUSE, however, there remained one very dark, vacant apartment. In January, Julia and Jim had an “AHA!” moment. With Julia’s background in non-profit management and Jim’s artistic skills and connections, they figured turning the apartment into a studio space for kids to do art would be a good move. After rezoning, gutting and finally renovating the space, they are now ready to go.
At the Warren Walkabout this past Sunday, dozens of kids and their families stopped by to see the unveiling of the new business and meet the teachers. With plenty of natural light, and a colorful checkerboard floor, the room will produce an abundance of creative fun. Many were thrilled to find out what all the construction was about and are anxious for classes to begin.
Jim and Julia are firm believers in Warren. They chose the community because it has many working artists and the Town had created a tax free “arts district.” They are excited to add one more layer to the community and feel that the Warren Art Spot will help meet the artistic and creative needs of the local kids. Starting in November, the following classes will be offered: Cartooning for Kids with Jim Bush, Crafty Kids Take on Textiles! with Hilary Treadwell, and Going Green! Paper Making and Book Making Workshop with Lauren Enjeti.
No more waiting until the holidays for glittery, handmade art and craft: Craftland is now open year-round! Craftland Shop, located at 235 Westminster Street, is the city’s premier destination for handmade goods by independent artists—from one-of-a-kind craft items to fine art pieces.
The new, year-round Craftland offers a large variety of items from more than 70 local and national artists. Shoppers will find merchandise such as jewelry, stationery, housewares, ceramics, plush toys, clothing, prints, paintings and sculptures. But customers need to be quick to snap up the items they want as Craftland features a rotating roster of work by talented artisans. Once an item is gone, it’s gone.
In addition to the shop, the space at Westminster Street houses the Craftland Gallery, with exhibitions that focus on contemporary craft, and the Craftland School of Craft, where professional artists teach craft classes (for all ages) several times a month. Class topics vary and include sessions such as printmaking, sewing, jewelry and bookbinding.
“Rhode Island artist and shoppers demanded a year-round Craftland, and after seven annual holiday shows, each bigger than the last, we listened,” says Margaret Carleton, director of Craftland. In addition to increased consumer demand, the Craftland shop is a reality thanks to the generous support of the people of Providence, Cornish Associates and the efforts of all our artists.
Upcoming Craftland events:
Opening Party Friday, September 18, 5 – 9 pm
AGES: Open to all ages
COST: FREE
Class: Crafty Kids Take on Treasure Boxes Saturday, September 19, 11:30am – 1pm
AGES: 6 to 12
COST: Find more details online at Craftland.com. Parents can register their kids by stopping by Craftland or online.
The Details: Craftland – 235 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Open Monday-Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 12-5.
For more information or to purchase goods online, visit www.craftlandshop.com.
Linda Cox Demers moved to Barrington from Chicago with her husband and her two boys, ages 12 and 7. She runs her handbag and accessories business, à la mode, from home and has recently discovered a passion for blogging. As an independent designer, Linda enjoys promoting local artists and the “buy handmade” movement.Visit Linda’s blog at http://alamodestuff.blogspot.com.
By Mary Scott Hackman, Early Childhood Program Developer, Providence Children’s Museum
It’s a typical Friday morning at Providence Children’s Museum and Preschool Friday is underway. I gather the children to read “Mouse Paint” while their parents look on, and then welcome them all to the color laboratory. The children watch with rapt attention as I dip an eyedropper into blue food coloring and – plop! – into a jar of water. The children are completely engaged as the blue liquid cascades down, creating inky swirls. Before I repeat with red coloring, I ask for their predictions: “What color will we see if we mix blue with red?” “I know…purple!,” shouts Emily. “Do you agree Jack?” Jack nods his head. I add red and it mixes and swirls with the blue until the children all gasp, “Purple! It made PURPLE!”
As the Museum’s early childhood program developer, I feel it is my responsibility to provide experiences that whet the appetite of young learners. Each week, I welcome children ages 3 to 5 and their adults to 30-minute classroom sessions as part of our Preschool Friday series. I offer a panoply of developmentally-appropriate activities that take into consideration the shorter attention span of the preschooler, including opportunities for each child to create a craft with the materials and tools of his or her choice or activity stations where children can play independently.
During a spring series, we learned about life cycles by watching as butterfly larvae grew into caterpillars. One caterpillar spun itself into a chrysalis and eventually hatched a gently moving butterfly. At each stage, children drew their observations in their own butterfly journals, which we had decorated during the first session. We also planted butterfly gardens, dressed up in butterfly wings made from paper bags, and wove beautiful butterfly bracelets.
Parents often see Preschool Friday as a springboard to preschool. It’s an environment where children can develop skills they need as they step out into the world – listening, turn taking and socialization, to name a few. While it is sometimes tempting for parents and caregivers to direct their children’s work, I often ask them to wait and watch, to allow the child to make the project his or her own. I invite them to observe the child’s process.
The beauty of having adults in the room with their children is that they have a shared learning experience, and discussions related to Preschool Friday often occur between weekly sessions. When we were exploring patterns, a child found a beautiful snakeskin in his yard and brought it in to share the next week. The child was proud, his mom was pleased that he was motivated to share his discovery with his Museum friends, and I was delighted that we had started a conversation in our classroom that was of such consequence that it continued from one week to the next.
Learning is an exchange and the power of Preschool Friday is that a learning seed is planted, the seed takes hold, and seeds of ideas and experiences are shared from week to week. Join us for the next Preschool Friday series, beginning October 2, and together we’ll embark upon an exploration of the colors and science of fall!
The five-week fall Preschool Friday series runs from October 2 – 30. Space is limited; register early! Program fee is $8 per class; 20 percent discount for pre-registering for the full series. Click here for a schedule of activities and information on registration.
News and Notes from Providence Children’s Museum: Occasional posts about things to do with our kids – from places to go, things to make, ideas to think about, and ways to explore. Providence Children’s Museum – 100 South Street, Providence, RI. 401-273-5437 (KIDS).
In September 2008, a group of seven women came together at The Bureau of Jewish Education in Providence for a singular purpose: to participate in an eight-month educational course offering an introduction to Jewish practices and ethics intended specifically for non-Jewish women raising Jewish children. Mothers Circle participant, Darryle Steinberg of Cranston, says of her experience: “I was so relieved and grateful to have found The Mothers Circle. Although my partner and I had made the decision to raise our son Jewish, I felt that there were few resources available to help me learn how to do that. Here was a group of women grappling with many of the same issues and challenges as I was. Suddenly what had initially seemed like an intimidating process became interesting and engaging. We covered so much ground together and although there is still more to learn I feel like I have a very solid foundation upon which to keep building.”
The Mothers Circle Program is an umbrella of free educational programs and resources for non-Jewish women raising Jewish children. This national program created by The Jewish Outreach Institute was made possible locally by the generous support of the Helene and Bertram Bernhardt Foundation, and this was the initial launch of a Mothers Circle chapter in Rhode Island.
Main Street Martial Arts in Providence has launched a new after school club for kids. Michael Werth, the director, believes in offering children more than just baby-sitting and has created a unique program that provides children with enrichment; mentally, academically, and physically. The program includes martial arts, healthy nutrition, homework help, book club, leadership development, mentoring, and many other structured activities for children ages 3-14.
The program runs between 2:30pm and 6:30pm Monday through Friday, 5 days per week. Families may choose 1 day up to 5 days to enroll their child. Sign up for a month or the whole school year. Registration begins August 18. Schedule and flyers may be downloaded from their website at www.budojo.org. Click on After School Clubs.
Location:Main Street Martial Arts – 1282 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904-1830
Mr. Michael L. Werth Sensei, Director
phone: (401) 274-7672
email: mwerth@budojo.org
Rhode Island is home to a number of great shops geared towards moms-to-be, new moms, and moms with young children. Most of them have opened within the last few years by moms who had grown tired of the bland Babies-R-Us choices and the non-customer-service typical of the Big Box stores. These independently owned and operated stores have spaces that reflect a unique style and community while addressing the needs of new parents across the board – everything from stylish maternity clothes, nursery decor, lead-free toys made in America, children’s clothes void of Disney motifs, personalized customer service, classes, and a place to meet other new moms.
ModMama 16 South Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906
(401) 741-9646 Nearby Bonus: Conveniently located in Providence’s Wayland Square near Books on the Square and The Edge coffee shop and two blocks from the Baby Park (corner of Humboldt & Elton).
ModMama is a modern, urban shop for kids and their parents. Rachel, the owner, is a mom of Enzo and Milo, ages 4 and 2, who are lucky to test many of the items for sale at the shop for fun and durability! ModMama was awarded Best Kid’s Clothing Store in 2007 form the editors of Rhode Island Monthly because of their hip clothes collection from newborn through 6 years old. Signature lines include Zutano, Appaman, and Daily Tea. Although the store is small, Rachel packs in a lot. Find strollers, baby carriers, slings, and diaper bags from brands such as Stokke Xplory, Quinny Buzz, and Phil and Ted’s. Shoes and accessories from See Kai Run, Pediped, MP tights, and a selection of wooden and soft toys from eco-friendly companies. Items for the nursery include cribs, rockers, high chairs, changing tables, mobiles, pillows, and lamps — everything to satisfy your modern design sensibility (right up my alley). Rachel recently designed an exclusive line of cool graphic tees, layette sets, and dresses under the Rocket 10 label. And if you can’t find it in the store –many items may be special-ordered or found online at modmama.com.
The ModMama store is more than just a place to shop; it is also a place to connect with other moms. There are floor model toys for kids to play with, space for moms to nurse or change a diaper, and the store hosts a New Mom’s group, an 8-week Pregnancy support class, regular Mom’s night out, tea parties for little ones, and other special events.
Rachel was born in NYC and she definitely brings a bit of her Manhattan vibe to the shop. She believes in great service for her customers – sling fittings, baby registry, nursery design and consultation, at-home delivery, free assembly, easy returns, and gift-wrapping—just a few of the many reasons that make ModMama special. Madre Bella 1 Waseca Avenue (corner of Rt. 114), Barrington, RI
(401) 247-0122 Nearby Bonus: Madre Bella has plenty of parking out front and is conveniently located diagonally across from Bagels Express and a short walk form the Barrington Public Library and the new fabulous Kids’ Kove Playground (behind the library and Town Hall).
This stylish store, opened in the fall of 2005, was designed and created by Barrington mom Becky Freitas, the mother of Hunter (almost 2). Awarded the 2007 Best of Rhode Island Award for Maternity Clothes because of lines like Citizens for Humanity, Michael Stars T’s, and Habitual, which will make any mom look good and feel hip while baby is on board. Becky stocks the popular must-have for all pregnant moms—a belly band for $26—that turns all your regular pants into temporary maternity pants (I wish I had this when I was pregnant!). In addition, you can find baby clothes and accessories including Robeez and Pediped shoes, Trumpette socks, nursing bras, and diaper bags by Skip Hop and Petunia.
Becky supports many local businesses including handmade diaper bags and jewelry by Linda Demers of A la Mode; stationery, invitations, birth announcements, and thank-you cards by Barrington mom Roxanne Bryant of J is for Jane; a lovely line of kid’s clothes called Tiny Bubbles, designed by Barrington mom Barbara Guglielmo; Ella Bella clips by Barrington mom Maya Birely; and barretts, clips, and headbands by Amie Cunha of Clippies for Ava. I love starting a child’s art collection at an early age, and The Alphabet Series, limited edition prints by Kira Cortese make a great gift for a new baby. Madre Bella also creates a community for local moms by providing a small play space in the store to entertain young kids while mom shops. nonchalant mom (Irregular hours – best to call first)
365D Main Street (A block away and upstairs from their old location), Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 284-4333 Nearby Bonus: Myopic Books is a fab used bookstore (other location is in Wayland Square, Providence) and the Alternative Food Cooperative has a kids day every other week (call for schedule; 789-2240).
Nonchalant Mom was started in 2004 by Corina Schott (also originally from New York), the mother of Sander, age 6, and Franny, age 2. Nonchalant Mom is another 2007 Best of Rhode Island award winner. Until February, Nonchalant Mom was located down the street, sharing space with Orange Lola. Corina moved into the upstairs location to allow her to better balance her work and family life. She recently launched her own line of children’s clothes, nonchalant kids, with simple lines and bold graphic patterns. Corina’s clean, fresh style is evident in everything she does; from her line of kid’s clothing to the Nonchalant shop in Wakefield, and online at nonchalantmom.com.
Corina created the Nonchalant Mom store online and off for parents who live and thinks differently, as she does. Nonchalant Mom carries things for kids up to age 6 to 8, including modern colorful and unisex clothing for kids that is simple and never fussy. Brands are a smattering of collections from NYC, California, Denmark, Sweden, France, and Japan. She also carries special items for moms from Virginia Johnson, Kragh Rosenberg, Lucky Fish, and jewelry by Margaret Solow. Corina believes in simple well-made toys and carries a small selection of brio and Plan wood toys. She shares her philosophy and suggestions for parenting in a more healthy way through her blog — find healing remedies with food, simple ideas for playing creatively at home, and fun things to make your life at home more enjoyable and colorful.
Peak into Corina’s house and see how she beautifully blends home, family and work in the June/July, 2008 issue of Domino magazine.
Bellani Maternity 1276 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 234-1279 Nearby Bonus: Located conveniently among all the big-box stores (e.g. Target and HomeGoods) on Rte. 2 in Warwick in case you have other shopping to do. Plenty of parking out front.
This all-inclusive education and support center was founded in 2006 by two Rhode Island moms, Shannon Giorgio (mother of a five- and three-year old) and Kelly LaChance-Guertin (mother of a six- and four-year-old and a newborn). They developed Bellani as a resource for families navigating the unexpected challenges of pregnancy and parenting and craving a place to relax and connect with other moms. Bellani offers a comprehensive curriculum of parenting workshops and classes, along with fun activities for families such as playgroups. Breastfeeding support includes lactation consults on-site, pump rentals (with free delivery), nursing bras, and accessories. The online retail boutique and on-site store features Hotslings, Beco, and Ergo Baby carriers, Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags, strollers, maternity fashion, furniture like the Svan high chair, quality toys from trusted manufacturers like Haba, Manhattan Toy, and Plan, books, gifts, and more.
The seed for Bellani was planted in a preschool parking lot while Shannon and Kelly waited for their children to finish school. The conversations continued at playgrounds, and in living rooms and coffee shops throughout Rhode Island. A doula and certified childbirth educator, Kelly saw the need for a central location for the state’s great offerings available to expecting and new parents. She and Shannon drew on their backgrounds in education, business, and motherhood to create Bellani as a one-stop pregnancy and parenting resource.
Bambini 251 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 490-6952 Nearby Bonus: Located up the street from the Cable Car Cinema and Café and a few blocks from the RISD Museum.
Bambini prides itself in helping customers design a nursery from soup to nuts. Marie Di Simone, a mom with grown children who bought the business in 2006, will gladly help you design a nursery that will complement your décor and personal taste. She will make house calls (how nice is that?) or you can visit her at the shop to plan the room, pick out the crib, the rocker, bedding, etc. Bambini’s style is a bit more traditional than ModMama and Madre Bella. Marie carries lovely bedding from Bellanotte Linens, Lulla Smith, and Serena & Lilly. Clothing for newborn to toddler includes Room Seven, Petit Bateau, and Kissy Kissy, and one of my favorite local companies, Tiny Bubbles. Toddler shoes from Petit Bet and See Kai Run and toys from Haba and Eboo. This is another shop that excels at delivering personalized customer service and hosts a mom’s night out three times a year.
Support your local mom shops and tell them you’re a Kidoinfo reader…
Dance is a great way for kids to express themselves, be active, learn to work as a team, gain self-esteem, and have fun. If you are looking for a dance class for your child, check out Centerstage Dance Academy (for preschoolers through teens). They offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and even cheerleading – plus Mommy & Me and adult stretch-and-tone classes for the parents. Each of the kids’ dance classes culminates in a themed recital in June.
Owner and director Tina Vittorioso opened Centerstage Dance in Seekonk two years ago, after moving her dance studio of ten years from Barrington. She has since opened a second location in Jonhnston.
Centerstage is offering a special deal for our Kidoinfo readers. Tell Centerstage that you are a Kidoinfo reader and you’ll receive 50 percent off the first month’s tuition!
The strength and discipline gained from practicing yoga can help create balance in life. At this stage in my life, between starting a new business and managing my family, I am always looking for ways to achieve balance and harmony. I am pretty new to yoga but so far I love how centered I feel when I am doing a sun salutation or a warrior pose.
Teaching kids at a young age about yoga and its supporting philosophy can provide a good foundation for their own balanced development. Kids can experience the Yoga & Yogi Culture at Summer Camp offered by Breathing Time Yoga. The activities include daily yoga, exercise breathing meditation, and an exploration of the senses through yoga-inspired art, cooking, aromatherapy and ayurveda projects. The camp is led by Darlene D’Arezzo, the founder and director of Santa Monica-based Kids’ Yoga Circle. D’Arezzo was voted best kids’ yoga teacher by LA Weekly.
Yoga & Yogi Culture Summer Camp (Ages 7 – 11)
Location: Breathing Time Yoga – 541 Pawtucket Ave, 2nd floor, Pawtucket, RI
Details: August 27-31, 2007, 9 am – 2 pm
5 Days: $175 before 8/10, $225 after 8/10.
3 Days (MWF): $120 before 8/10; $150 after 8/10.
Sibling discounts and partial scholarships are available.
To register: Please email or call Karen Lee, director of Breathing Time Yoga
email: breathingtime@mac.com
phone: 401-421-9876
posted by Anisa | category: 
Comments (0)
In September 2008, a group of seven women came together at The Bureau of Jewish Education in Providence for a singular purpose: to participate in an eight-month educational course offering an introduction to Jewish practices and ethics intended specifically for non-Jewish women raising Jewish children. Mothers Circle participant, Darryle Steinberg of Cranston, says of her experience: “I was so relieved and grateful to have found The Mothers Circle. Although my partner and I had made the decision to raise our son Jewish, I felt that there were few resources available to help me learn how to do that. Here was a group of women grappling with many of the same issues and challenges as I was. Suddenly what had initially seemed like an intimidating process became interesting and engaging. We covered so much ground together and although there is still more to learn I feel like I have a very solid foundation upon which to keep building.”
Main Street Martial Arts in Providence has launched a new after school club for kids. Michael Werth, the director, believes in offering children more than just baby-sitting and has created a unique program that provides children with enrichment; mentally, academically, and physically. The program includes martial arts, healthy nutrition, homework help, book club, leadership development, mentoring, and many other structured activities for children ages 3-14. 
ModMama is a modern, urban shop for kids and their parents. Rachel, the owner, is a mom of Enzo and Milo, ages 4 and 2, who are lucky to test many of the items for sale at the shop for fun and durability! ModMama was awarded Best Kid’s Clothing Store in 2007 form the editors of Rhode Island Monthly because of their hip clothes collection from newborn through 6 years old. Signature lines include Zutano, Appaman, and Daily Tea. Although the store is small, Rachel packs in a lot. Find strollers, baby carriers, slings, and diaper bags from brands such as Stokke Xplory, Quinny Buzz, and Phil and Ted’s. Shoes and accessories from See Kai Run, Pediped, MP tights, and a selection of wooden and soft toys from eco-friendly companies. Items for the nursery include cribs, rockers, high chairs, changing tables, mobiles, pillows, and lamps — everything to satisfy your modern design sensibility (right up my alley). Rachel recently designed an exclusive line of cool graphic tees, layette sets, and dresses under the 
This stylish store, opened in the fall of 2005, was designed and created by Barrington mom Becky Freitas, the mother of Hunter (almost 2). Awarded the 2007 Best of Rhode Island Award for Maternity Clothes because of lines like Citizens for Humanity, Michael Stars T’s, and Habitual, which will make any mom look good and feel hip while baby is on board. Becky stocks the popular must-have for all pregnant moms—a belly band for $26—that turns all your regular pants into temporary maternity pants (I wish I had this when I was pregnant!). In addition, you can find baby clothes and accessories including Robeez and Pediped shoes, Trumpette socks, nursing bras, and diaper bags by Skip Hop and Petunia.
Nonchalant Mom was started in 2004 by Corina Schott (also originally from New York), the mother of Sander, age 6, and Franny, age 2. Nonchalant Mom is another 2007 Best of Rhode Island award winner. Until February, Nonchalant Mom was located down the street, sharing space with Orange Lola. Corina moved into the upstairs location to allow her to better balance her work and family life. She recently launched her own line of children’s clothes, 
This all-inclusive education and support center was founded in 2006 by two Rhode Island moms, Shannon Giorgio (mother of a five- and three-year old) and Kelly LaChance-Guertin (mother of a six- and four-year-old and a newborn). They developed Bellani as a resource for families navigating the unexpected challenges of pregnancy and parenting and craving a place to relax and connect with other moms. Bellani offers a comprehensive curriculum of parenting workshops and classes, along with fun activities for families such as playgroups. Breastfeeding support includes lactation consults on-site, pump rentals (with free delivery), nursing bras, and accessories. The online retail boutique and on-site store features Hotslings, Beco, and Ergo Baby carriers, Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags, strollers, maternity fashion, furniture like the Svan high chair, quality toys from trusted manufacturers like Haba, Manhattan Toy, and Plan, books, gifts, and more.
Bambini prides itself in helping customers design a nursery from soup to nuts. Marie Di Simone, a mom with grown children who bought the business in 2006, will gladly help you design a nursery that will complement your décor and personal taste. She will make house calls (how nice is that?) or you can visit her at the shop to plan the room, pick out the crib, the rocker, bedding, etc. Bambini’s style is a bit more traditional than ModMama and Madre Bella. Marie carries lovely bedding from Bellanotte Linens, Lulla Smith, and Serena & Lilly. Clothing for newborn to toddler includes Room Seven, Petit Bateau, and Kissy Kissy, and one of my favorite local companies, Tiny Bubbles. Toddler shoes from Petit Bet and See Kai Run and toys from Haba and Eboo. This is another shop that excels at delivering personalized customer service and hosts a mom’s night out three times a year.
Dance is a great way for kids to express themselves, be active, learn to work as a team, gain self-esteem, and have fun. If you are looking for a dance class for your child, check out Centerstage Dance Academy (for preschoolers through teens). They offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and even cheerleading – plus Mommy & Me and adult stretch-and-tone classes for the parents. Each of the kids’ dance classes culminates in a themed recital in June.
The strength and discipline gained from practicing yoga can help create balance in life. At this stage in my life, between starting a new business and managing my family, I am always looking for ways to achieve balance and harmony. I am pretty new to yoga but so far I love how centered I feel when I am doing a sun salutation or a warrior pose.