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How Musical Intelligence Guides Children to Excel at STEM Subjects

2/6/2024

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How Musical Intelligence Guides Children to Excel at STEM Subjects
Guest post provided by Laura Williams
Kids who demonstrate early proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math—also known as the STEM subjects—can reap significant advantages in their future academic journeys. Children who are able to grasp the concepts taught in these four disciplines, and who can demonstrate the skills associated with them, often get good grades in STEM subjects and excel in other areas of their primary and secondary school curriculum.

One thing parents can do to make their children’s learning experiences smoother, richer, and more enjoyable, especially for STEM subjects, is align the latter’s learning preferences and the type of intelligence that resonates with them. If your little one has the ability to appreciate pitch, rhythm, and timbre, then they may be showing signs of musical intelligence—an inclination that will serve them quite well for subjects related to the hard sciences.


What Is Musical Intelligence?

Musical intelligence pertains to one’s ability to not only understand, create, and appreciate music, but also have a heightened sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones, and musical patterns. Musically intelligent individuals often excel in the various aspects of music, including musical perception, aural memory, and music theory. When nurtured, musical intelligence can help people thrive in the music industry, and serious musicians often find fulfillment in careers like music education, composition, and music therapy.

Several educational institutions recognize the value of musical intelligence in children and, in fact, deliver educational programs that have a strong focus on developing it. Kinderland, for instance, has the Children’s Music Programme, which provides preschoolers with an environment where they can build a solid foundation for music appreciation. The program is taught by professionally-qualified music teachers who introduce weekly keyboard lessons to their students to further develop their hearing, singing, keyboard playing, and notation reading skills. As a result, what parents say about Kinderland’s music program, as well as Kinderland’s upcoming musical activities, is largely positive.


How Musical Intelligence and STEM Disciplines Connect

As a parent who’s new to the notion of musical intelligence, you might be wondering about how your child’s ability to notate music or play an instrument has anything to do with STEM. If STEM deals with the hard sciences, where does music—an art form—fit into the equation?

In truth, children with musical intelligence often learn certain music-related skills that, when nurtured, fit perfectly into their STEM education. Here’s a briefer on some of those skills:

1) Mathematical Skills

One might not immediately connect the dots between playing a musical instrument and solving complex mathematical equations. However, the synergy between a child’s musical skills and mathematical abilities is a powerful force that can significantly benefit their learning for STEM subjects. This is because musical pieces are built on intricate rhythms and patterns, and this rhythmic precision can actually strengthen mathematical skills such as counting, pattern recognition, and understanding mathematical sequences.

Moreover, the division of musical notes into fractions of a whole is a fundamental aspect of music theory. As children learn to read and play music, they’ll intuitively grasp concepts related to fractions and timing. This understanding will translate seamlessly into the world of mathematics, where fractions play a crucial role in various mathematical operations.

2) Problem-Solving Skills

Learning a new song and learning how to play with an ensemble involve overcoming myriad challenges, like mastering complex compositions, navigating unfamiliar musical passages, and learning one’s role in relation to the role of others. Each challenge thus becomes a cognitive exercise that trains children to approach problems with resilience, creativity, and a determination to find workable solutions with other people’s help.

This ability to tackle musical challenges with a problem-solving mindset forms the basis for addressing complex problems in STEM subjects. The ability to approach a variety of obstacles, paired with a willingness to experiment, adapt, and think collaboratively, will help future STEM students navigate the complexities of mathematics, science, and technology with finesse.

3) Memory and Attention

Music often involves memorizing a repertoire of pieces, each with its own set of notes, rhythms, and dynamics. This constant exercise in memorization enhances a musically intelligent child's ability to retain information. The same skill, of course, can be exercised in academic settings, where the memorization of formulas, concepts, and scientific principles will help them get a better handle on STEM subjects.

Musically intelligent children also develop a heightened attention to detail—a skill that proves invaluable in STEM subjects where precision and accuracy are of utmost importance. Lastly, musical practice requires focused attention and concentration, and when children get to dedicate time to perfecting their musical skills, they’ll be able to cultivate the ability to sustain their concentration for difficult subjects like science and maths over extended periods.

4) Critical Listening and Analysis

The process of learning to play different musical notes and tones sharpens auditory discrimination. Musically intelligent children can distinguish subtle differences in pitch, tone quality, and rhythm. This heightened auditory discrimination can prove foundational for the critical observation and analysis skills required in STEM subjects, where the ability to discern minute variations is essential for accurate experimentation and analysis.

In addition, the skills developed through critical listening and analysis in musical activities align quite closely with the steps of the scientific method. Thus, musically intelligent children who are naturally inclined towards systematic observation and the application of analytical thinking should be encouraged and have their talents nurtured. In the near future, this can evolve into an inclination for scientific inquiry.

5) Language Development

Lastly, children who learn to develop their musical intelligence can eventually become fluent in a unique set of terms—from notes and scales to dynamics and articulations. This exposure to musical terminology is sure to enhance language development, expanding a child's vocabulary and introducing them to the language of music.

This linguistic diversity seamlessly complements the language skills also required in STEM subjects, where mastery of subject-specific terms is essential. If you want your child to become proficient at any subject that involves mastering languages—whether those are foreign languages or languages specific to a discipline, like coding in computer science—let them practice their language skills in a school with a music-oriented curriculum.


Every child gravitates towards a particular type of intelligence, and no matter what it is, it’s in your best interest as a parent to nurture it. If you see both a budding musician and scientist in your child, remember that you don’t need to pit both potentialities against each other—you can help them discover the best of both worlds through an education that honors both the sciences and the arts.
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How to Raise a Child Who Cares for Their Community

8/2/2023

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How to Raise a Child Who Cares for Their Community - US Japan Fam
Guest post provided by Stamford American International School
As the world grows increasingly globalized and interconnected, it’s becoming more crucial than ever to foster a sense of community in children. Community-mindedness can act as a moral compass, guiding them to become more empathetic and respectful individuals. It helps them develop a sense of belonging and instills values that nurture positive relationships. Interacting at length with their society paves the way for children to learn valuable lessons that they’ll likely use throughout their lifetime.

When it comes to developing community-mindedness and social consciousness in children, the parent’s role extends far beyond the confines of the home. Parents are the primary architects in developing children's understanding and care for the world outside their personal sphere. If you’re only just beginning this journey with your child, know that it requires effort, consistency, and dedication. However, rest assured that the rewards are immeasurable as you watch your child grow into an engaged and responsible citizen.
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Here are four concrete things you can do to raise a community-minded child:
1. Send Them to a Community-Oriented School

A child’s school life involves much more than their academic performance. It's also about fostering an environment that encourages children to care about the world around them, especially considering that the school is likely to be the child’s first brush with larger society outside of the home. A community-oriented school that incorporates service-learning programs can thus be instrumental in nurturing these values.

Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. It provides students with concrete opportunities to help address community needs, thereby developing their sense of social responsibility. Service-learning activities give children the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world problems, transforming these lessons from mere abstract concepts to highly relevant parts of their lived experiences.
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When choosing a school for your child, consider its approach to community engagement. Look for schools that have strong relationships with community organizations and promote participation in local events. The best international schools in Singapore, for instance, will likely have robust service-learning programs to help keep your child active and socially involved throughout their formative years.
How to Raise a Child Who Cares for Their Community - usjapanfam - singapore
2. Talk with and Show Appreciation for Community Members

As social beings, people understand and connect with the world through interaction, and children are no different. Encourage your child to converse with various community members, from the friendly postman who brings daily letters to the diligent street sweeper who keeps the surroundings clean. These interactions can enhance their understanding of the different roles people play in keeping a community thriving.

Teaching your child to express gratitude towards the people who help them every day is a simple yet powerful way of fostering respect for other people. Urge them to say 'thank you' to staff members at their school or service workers in shops and restaurants. Also show your appreciation and respect for the people around you openly because children learn best by observing the actions of those around them.
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​Moreover, consider setting up opportunities for deeper engagement. Maybe your elderly neighbor has stories to share about the community's history, or the local baker can teach your child about the baking process. If your child is older, you could help them organize a larger project to support the community. For instance, if you know a family friend who is having work done on their home, or perhaps an elderly person who is less mobile, you could hire a dumpster for major renovations and assist your child in helping clean debris and clutter for them. This can teach them about taking a more proactive role in the community. These experiences can enrich your child's understanding of their community and the diverse individuals who contribute to its fabric.
3. Teach Them about Politics and Social Issues

It’s never too early for children to start learning about the political and social structures that influence community life. Teaching them about these issues early on promotes active citizenship and helps them realize that their actions can make a difference in their society, even in small ways.

Start with the basics of politics, such as what a government is, the importance of voting, and how laws are made. Use child-friendly resources such as books or educational TV shows to illustrate these concepts. Over time, you can ease your child into deeper discussions about more complex political and sociological concepts such as human rights and social justice.
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When discussing social issues, find ways to relate them to your child's experiences. For instance, don’t shun or shield your child from homeless people and instead use encounters with them as opportunities to talk about poverty and social services. Discuss news stories that highlight issues like pollution, racism, or gender inequality. Remember to keep these discussions age-appropriate, focusing on fostering empathy and understanding rather than overwhelming them with complex issues and technical jargon.
4. Find Age-Appropriate Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering offers a hands-on approach to community engagement and allows your child to contribute to their community in tangible ways. In the process, they’ll also develop a range of useful skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. Look for volunteering opportunities that are appropriate for your child's age and interests. If your child finds they care deeply about environmental issues, for example, consider signing them up for a local tree-planting project. If they’re good with people, meanwhile, they could help out at a food bank or spend time with elderly residents at a nursing home.

Volunteering not only teaches your child about the value of service, but it can also expose them to diverse experiences and perspectives. They’ll have the opportunity to interact and even form relationships with people from a wide array of social and cultural backgrounds, many of whom they likely would have been unable to meet otherwise.
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Raising a child who cares for their community is a rewarding journey that pays abundant dividends for their character development. Empower your child with the right tools and experiences, and they'll undoubtedly find ways to contribute positively to their society both as they grow up and well into adulthood.
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List of NJ Towns with Free Pre-K, Late Birthday Cutoffs & Half Day Kindergarten

4/15/2020

31 Comments

 
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So, you're thinking of moving to New Jersey from NYC. But you have a young child and aren't sure if passing up on NYC's free Pre-K 4 All (UPK) program is worth it. After all, in most cases it'll mean having to pay for Pre-K 3 & 4, which is upward of $7k - 10K per year in most districts. And if that child has a late birthday between October 1 - December 31, they will enter Pre-K a year later in NJ than they would in NYC, so that's up to THREE YEARS extra of either fee-based preschool (or staying home). And let's say you have twins with late birthdays. You're looking at an extra $60k in schooling / child care for those 3 years. I know. It's a lot to take in. We've been hashing over it for years now. And I'm here to give you the info I've gleamed!! **There may be mistakes in here - please let me know if you find any errors or outdated info!!

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UPK in NYC:

​My twins are currently enrolled in an amazing free Pre-K program here in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Getting in is a bit stressful as it's a lottery, but in NYC you are guaranteed a seat, though the location could end up being far from your home. We got lucky for all 3 of our kids getting seats at programs less than a mile (walkable) from our home. And nearly everyone does get into a school not too far away, though many avoid the stress by paying for their child to go to the 3's preschool program at that school, so they'll have first priority to get the free UPK seat. The rest of us simply list our top 12 schools in February and cross our fingers! The good news is you're waitlisted at the schools you ranked below the one you were offered. In our case this past year with the twins, we were offered our 11th school. But by September we'd been called by every single school we listed to be offered a seat! The program is amazing, even includes free lunch and snack. Unfortunately, due to Coronavirus, the school year got cut short by over 3 months early and we're pretty devastated. The teachers are still providing regular materials and activities for us to work on at home, and even calling to chat with my girls once a week.

Redshirting in NJ vs. NYC

​NYC does not allow redshirting, i.e. delaying entrance into elementary school. Simply put, if you live in NYC, your child enters kindergarten in September of the year they turn 5 (i.e. birthday cutoff of December 31). So if they were born December 31, they will be 4 when they enter Kindergarten and the baby of their grade. My son was born on December 25 so he started Pre-K at 3 years old, which was amazing as far as free child-care goes, but emotionally, he struggled big time in Pre-K and K. If you don't want to send them to Kindergarten, no problem, but they'll start 1st grade with that same cohort that they would have started Kindergarten with. You can't simply enter them into Kindergarten a year later. It appears New Jersey is more flexible here and many choose to send their child a year later.

​Most New Jersey districts set a minimum age of 5 years old by October 1 to start Kindergarten (list of later cutoffs coming below!). But let's say your child was born in September - you can discuss with that school to have your child wait to start Kindergarten the next year, when they're 6 years old. This minimum age continues through 1st grade, so if you're transferring your late birthday child from NYC, they would get held back for Pre-K, K, and 1st grade. After completing 1st grade (or is it 2nd? sorry I'm not 100% sure), it becomes a discussion with school administration as to whether you want to hold your child back or continue at their current grade level, knowing your child is likely 1-2 years younger than their classmates. It's not a huge deal in the younger grades, but once you get to middle and high school, emotionally and physically, I've heard across the board it's kind of a big deal and worth considering holding them back when they're younger.

RELATED GUIDE:  Family Friendly Hudson Valley Guide

NJ Towns with Late Birthday Cutoffs:

​The state has recommended a universal birthday cutoff of October 1, and nearly every school district in New Jersey has put this into effect. However... there are a handful of towns that have slightly later cutoffs, which is worth considering if you're desperate to get your kid into Kindergarten instead of having to pay for Pre-K. This may not be all-inclusive because I could not find a list, anywhere!!! This is a list I've personally compiled after researching, alot (please do comment below if you know of a town to add, or remove):​

5 years old by October 31:
  • Monroe Township School District
  • South Amboy Elementary School

5 years old by October 15:
  • North Plainfield School District
  • Perth Amboy Public Schools
  • Tenafly Public Schools
  • Township of Ocean Schools
  • Wayne Township Public Schools (half day K)

RELATED GUIDE: Your go to guide to mulitgenerational family vacations, momcations, & more!

NJ Towns with Universal Free Pre-K:
This 2019 list is compiled from Pre-K Our Way, where the towns are listed by county; ALL 3 and 4 year olds in these former Abbott and Expansion Districts can attend free preschool. From NJ Monthly: "Abbott districts—now referred to as “former Abbott districts” because the rules have been updated—are typically urban districts where poverty is commonplace and the education system found to be constitutionally inadequate. Extra state funding is pumped into the districts, from preschool through grade 12. The communities that have universal, free preschool include the 31 former Abbott districts, whose schools the state is required to fund under the Abbott rulings, and four additional districts—Red Bank, Little Egg Harbor, Fairfield and Woodbine—approved in 2003."
  • Asbury Park Public Schools
  • Bridgeton Public Schools
  • Camden City Public Schools
  • City of Burlington Public School District
  • Elizabeth Public Schools
  • Fairfield Township School District 
  • Garfield Public Schools
  • Gloucester City School District
  • Harrison Public Schools 
  • Hoboken Public Schools
  • Irvington Public Schools
  • Jersey City Public Schools
  • Keansburg School District
  • Little Egg Harbor Township School District
  • Long Branch Public Schools
  • Millville Public Schools
  • Neptune Township Schools
  • New Brunswick Public Schools
  • Newark Public Schools
  • Orange Board of Education
  • Passaic City School District
  • Paterson Public Schools
  • Perth Amboy Public Schools
  • Plainfield Public School District
  • Pleasantville School District
  • Pemberton Township School District 
  • Phillipsburg School District
  • Red Bank Borough Public Schools
  • Salem City School District
  • Trenton Public Schools
  • Union City School District 
  • Vineland Public Schools
  • West New York School District
  • Woodbine School District

NJ Towns with Free Pre-K for Some (via lottery):
** this 2019 list is compiled from Pre-K Our Way, where they're listed by county **
  • Absecon Public School District
  • Atlantic City School District
  • Barnegat Township School District 
  • Bayonne City School District
  • Belleville Public Schools
  • Bellmawr Public School District
  • Belmar School District
  • Belvidere School District
  • Bergenfield Public School District 
  • Berkeley Township School District
  • Beverly City School District
  • Bogota Public Schools
  • Boonton Public Schools
  • Bound Brook School District
  • Bradley Beach Boro School District 
  • Brick Township Public Schools
  • Brigantine Public Schools
  • Buena Regional School District
  • Burlington Township School District
  • Carteret Boro School District
  • Clayton Public School District
  • Clifton Public Schools 
  • Collingswood Public Schools
  • Dennis Township School District
  • Dover School District (Victory Gardens)
  • Eatontown Public Schools
  • Edgewater Park Township School District
  • Egg Harbor City School District
  • Englewood City School District 
  • Farmingdale Public School District
  • Franklin Borough School District
  • Franklin Township School District
  • Freehold Borough School District
  • Galloway Township Public Schools
  • Glassboro Public Schools
  • Gloucester Township Public Schools
  • Greenwich Township School District
  • Hackensack City School District 
  • Haledon Boro School District
  • Hamilton Township School District
  • High Bridge School District
  • Highlands Boro School District
  • Hillside Township School District
  • Hopewell Township School District 
  • Jamesburg Boro School District
  • Kearny School District
  • Keyport Boro School District
  • Lake Como School District 
  • Lakehurst Boro School District
  • Lakewood School District
  • Lawrence Township Public Schools 
  • Lindenwold Public Schools
  • Logan Township School District
  • Lower Township Elementary School District 
  • Mannington Township School D istrict
  • Mantua Township School District
  • Maple Shade School District
  • Maurice River Township School District 
  • Middle Township Public School District
  • Moonachie School District
  • Montague Township School District
  • Mount Ephraim Public Schools
  • Mount Holly Township Public School District
  • Morris School District
  • National Park Elementary School District
  • Neptune City School District
  • Netcong School District
  • Newton Public School District
  • North Brunswick Township Schools
  • Northfield City Community School District
  • North Hanover Township School District
  • North Plainfield Boro School District
  • North Wildwood School District
  • Oaklyn Public School District 
  • Ocean City School District
  • Ocean Township School District
  • Ogdensburg Borough School District
  • Paulsboro School District
  • Pennsville School District
  • Piscataway School District
  • Pittsgrove Township School District
  • Princeton Public Schools
  • Rahway City School District
  • Roselle Park School District
  • Runnemede School District
  • Sayreville Public Schools
  • Somers Point School District
  • Somerville Boro School District
  • South Amboy City School District 
  • South Orange-Maplewood School District
  • South River Public Schools 
  • Stafford Township School District
  • Stillwater Township School District
  • Stow Creek Township School District 
  • Teaneck Public Schools
  • Tuckerton Borough School District
  • Township of Union Public Schools
  • Union Beach School District
  • Upper Deerfield Township Schools
  • Ventnor City School District
  • Washington Borough School District
  • Waterford Township School District 
  • West Deptford School District
  • Weymouth Township School District
  • Wharton Boro School District
  • Wildwood City School District
  • Wildwood Crest Boro School District
  • Willingboro School District
  • Winfield Township School District
  • Woodland Park School District
  • Woodlynne School District

NJ Towns with Half Day Kindergarten:
But wait, there's one more thing to take into consideration... some New Jersey towns don't have free full day kindergarten yet!!! Over 90% of NJ districts offer free full day kindergarten, but about 40 districts hadn't converted yet and only offer half day for free!!! Some people may see this as a plus, but most don't. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to tell from their websites alone, so we've researched and asked around and put together this very unofficial and incomplete list of some of the school districts that haven't converted to (free) full day programs yet (each year, more are converting to full day - 76% of schools had it in 2012 and 94% had it in 2019, so be sure to double check with the district):
  • Berkeley Heights
  • Cherry Hill
  • Cranford (full day is a lottery and tuition is $720/month!)
  • Chatham
  • Edison
  • Egg Harbor Township (set to switch to full day in 2020-2021 school year)
  • Evesham Township (lottery for full day program, tuition $5500)
  • Hillsborough
  • Linwood
  • Lopatcong (set to switch to full day in 2020-2021 school year)
  • Monroe (set to switch to full day in 2020-2021 school year)
  • Wayne (lottery for full day wraparound program; fee is $250/month)
  • West Windsor-Plainsboro
  • Westfield (has lottery fee-based full day WRAP program)

Other Things to Consider:
  • All districts in New York State have universal free pre-kindergarten for children turning 4 by December 1 or December 31 of that school year. NYC is also gradually introducing free UPK-3, opening up in more zones each year for children turning 3 by December 31 of that school year.
  • Other New York State school districts (outside of NYC) have an age cutoff of December 1 (aka 4 by December 1 to start Pre-K and 5 by December 1 to start Kindergarten)
  • Children in Connecticut must be 5 on or before January 1 to enter Kindergarten.
  • Each town has a different minimum distance from school for busing. I've seen some requiring you to walk or provide your own transportation if living as far as 1.5 miles from the school, but most have a limit of around .5 - 1 mile.
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Back to School Haul: The Best Kids Shoes, Bento Box, & Washable Labels

9/16/2018

7 Comments

 
My crew went back to school a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to take a minute to let you guys know about some of my favorite items we're using this year - from great kids shoes to bento box to washable labels, all from brands included in my $600 value jackpot Fall Favorites for the Family Giveaway running through September 19, 2018 - enter to win here!!
Click below to watch the haul on our YouTube channel, or read on for the blog version!
Stuck On You has the best personalized items for kids and families. I previously reviewed the Stuck On You Bento Box and Backpack my son is using, and we've just gotten their washable labels and fabric stamp to try out - must haves for school, day care, and camp! The labels come in all sizes to choose from, and as with all of the Stuck On You items, you can personalize the text, font, color, and even add a cute little logo or character! (Do take a moment to read my PSA on child safety at the bottom of this post regarding labeling items with your child's name). We haven't had these labels long enough to see how they do long term, but I'll check back in and update this post in a few weeks to let you know how our items have been doing with heavy use and being thrown in the dishwasher. My DIY sharpie labeling didn't survive a day at school on my twins' water bottles, not to mention the dishwasher! So, fingers crossed these labels live up to their promise (I'm pretty sure they will!!).
US Japan Fam reviews Stuck On You's personalized washable labels
Another must-have to make sure your kids' items are all labeled before heading off to school is the Clothing Name Stamp Pack by Stuck On You. It comes with a personalized stamp, fabric ink, and blank iron-on labels. So you can choose to stamp directly onto the clothes or clothing label, or onto the iron-on label. SUPER easy, waterproof, and permanent!!
US Japan Fam reviews Stuck On You's personalized washable clothing stamp

We've been a huge fan of pediped for years now, check out my past reviews of shoes here (2017), here (2016) and here (2015)! They are an award-winning children's shoe company known for supporting the healthy growth of children's feet, and their fabulous selection of adorable and stylish shoes for babies through big kids!
US Japan Fam reviews pediped's Grip 'n Go Nikki Sandals
My girls were sent pediped's Grip 'n Go Nikki Pink/Orange Sandals, featuring a genuine leather upper, breathable leather lining, all natural rubber sole, and super comfy memory foam insole. Approved by American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development and available in sizes 19 - 23 (4.5 - 7), they're currently on sale for $30!! The velcro strap is easy for kids to do themselves, it's not a loop through (which mine frequently struggle with if they pull it too far out of the loop by accident), and they were my girls were literally flipping over the fun colors! The memory foam insole is very squishy and the sole is super flexible - check out the image above and get a better feel for it in my demo video here!
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My son was sent these super cool Flex Logan boots in Chestnut, which are, get this - VEGAN!! They're also machine washable, have a natural rubber sole, breathable canvas lining, are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development, and feature the "Flex Fit System" - they come with an extra insert per foot so you can make sure they fit your child perfectly. I love that they LOOK like a laced up shoe but they are in fact, not. The laces are non-tie elastic and stretch to allow your child to get his or her foot in there easily, with a velcro strap up top. Under pants or on show with shorts, these boots are fabulous for the Fall through winter and spring!

Don't forget you can win a pair of pediped children's shoes and a $50 store credit to Stuck On You in my $600 value jackpot giveaway on the blog now!!! Enter to win here!!
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Stuck On You Personalized Bento Box & Book Bag

8/25/2018

7 Comments

 
We are T minus 2 weeks til back to school here in NYC, so I wanted to take a moment to share with you a couple of our favorite school items we got last year - they survived to live another year - SCORE!!!
US Japan Fam reviews Stuck On You Personalized Bento Box & Book Bag
Stuck On You is an Australian brand that sells personalized, well, everything for kids and families! We're talking book bags, bento boxes, lunch bags, clothing labels, clothing stamps, pencil cases, hats, planners, you name it! Last year, we worked with them as part of our 2017 Back to School Giveaway, and were provided a personalized Book Bag, Bento Box and Cooler Bag for my son who was off to Kindergarten. (Stay tuned for our 2018 Back To School / Family Fall Favorites Giveaway going live in September!!!)

What's great is that each Stuck On You item you choose can be personalized - you choose the color, the image, text, and font! (Please see my Safety PSA at the bottom of this post!!!). It's fun for kids, and the parents!
US Japan Fam reviews Stuck On You Personalized Bento Box & Book Bag
His backpack has gotten TONS of mileage over the past year, carrying his gear to school in Brooklyn every day and even journeying to Japan and Maine with us! I love the gender neutral light mint he chose, though it did get pretty dirty thanks to a water bottle that quite often leaked. But, with a quick scrub in the bath tub it was looking good as new each time (see photos - these are after 1 year of use), so no worries there!! We got the "large" size ($44.95 on sale currently for $35.96) which fits full sized folders and holds his lunch box and everything, but they do have a mini sized too ($24.95 on sale now for $19.96) for the preschool/day care set.
US Japan Fam reviews Stuck On You Personalized Bento Box & Book Bag
We also got Bento Value Pack ($59.95) including the leak-proof bento box and bento box cooler. The cooler comes with an attached bag that zips closed to hold the included reusable ice pack, and this bag fits the bento box perfectly! The bento box has a removable partitioned insert, and SEALS SHUT when closed, meaning you could put a dip in one of the compartments and it won't leak into another compartment or into your bag when shut!! How amazing is that!!!
US Japan Fam reviews Stuck On You Personalized Bento Box & Book Bag
So, if back to school shopping, or just looking to replace some old items, definitely check out Stuck On You! And now on to an important message...

***CHILD SAFETY PSA***
Many warn not to put your child's name on any items that will be viewable out in the public, which usually means their backpack and jacket. The concern is the risk of a stranger seeing it and calling your child by name, making them think that it is a safe person. This is obviously a HUGE safety concern, however simply keeping their name off of their backpack won't cut it. I urge you to talk to your children regularly about the dangers of not just strangers, but "Tricky People" (read more here). In this day and age of social media and oversharenting (guilty!!), it's quite possible for your child's name and/or face to be quite well known. Not just that, but a stranger could be lurking and overhear you calling your child's name. Just because someone knows their name, or their parent's name, doesn't mean they're safe. Just because they're a stranger, doesn't mean they're dangerous. Unfortunately, even a teacher, a friend's parent, an uncle, a friend, anyone could have bad intentions. Without scaring them too much, we have to teach them to always be cautious, know to tell their caregiver immediately if ANYONE says or does ANYTHING that makes them uncomfortable. Know how to react in an emergency (scream, kick / scratch / gauge out eyes) etc. So, keep your child's name off of his or backpack if it makes you feel better (you could still personalize it perhaps with a nickname or initials or simply a logo or character they identify with), but know you need to be more proactive than that.

​My kids don't take a bus or have after school care yet, so I'm not too concerned with their names on backpacks that simply go from home to under the stroller to school cubbies, and they're always with me anyway. But once they're traveling too and from school/camp/activities on their own, I certainly plan to leave names and identifying objects off of their backpacks. However, my kids are quite familiar with "strangers" knowing them and their names on a regular basis (because of our presence on social media), so we have the talk regularly about why people know them, what a "tricky person" is, why it's dangerous to run off or linger behind me on the sidewalk, etc. At 2 and 5 years old, I'm not sure how much they really "get it", but it's a conversation that must happen, often, and it evolves as they get older.

So, what do you think!? Do you personalize your kids' stuff? How do educate your kids about "stranger danger" and "tricky people"? Leave a comment below, and be sure to follow us across social on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YOUTUBE, and stay tuned for our HUGE Fall Faves Group Giveaway!!!!!! 

Check out Kenzo sporting his Stuck on Me backpack at the airport in Japan:
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Back to School Goodies Giveaway

7/11/2017

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I know, I know. Summer has just kicked off so the last thing we want to think about is school, right!? But, sorry guys, we gotta do it. And what better way than with another one of my awesome group giveaways!?? From a personalized bento lunch box to a travel booster seat to immune-boosting probiotics and fun dance music, we've gotcha covered at school, at home, and on vacation!! Read on for more info about our prizes (a $300 value jackpot going to one very lucky winner!!), and enter to win in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom!!
US Japan Fam's $300 value jackpot Back to School Goodies Giveaway
THE PRIZES!!!

Win LoveBug Probiotics in US Japan Fam's $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway!
Stuck on You Bento Box & School Pack
Whether your kids are headed to camp, daycare, or back to school, Stuck On You is a brand you have GOT to know!! From backpacks and lunch boxes to stationary and clothing, all of their products come personalized! Our grand prize winner will receive a personalized Bento Value Pack (consisting of a bento style lunchbox, cooler bag, and ice pack) and a 5+ School Pack (consisting of 18 Large Name Labels, 50 Mini Name Labels, 18 Square Name Labels, 26 Medium Iron On Labels, and 1 personalized keychain style Bag Tag) - a $115 value!! I'll be doing a review of their Large Book Bag and Bento Box shortly (my son designed them and will be proudly toting them to Kindergarten in the fall!), so stay tuned for that!!


Win LoveBug Probiotics in US Japan Fam's $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway!
LoveBug Probiotics
Did you know that a healthy gut is a key to overall health of pretty much every system of your body!? The idea is that you need to make sure your gut is filled with enough of the good bacteria to outnumber the bad bacteria, and probiotics are a great way to go about doing this. Formulated with billions of live cultures and several strains in each serving, LoveBug Probiotics offers a number of powerful and effective products, including Tiny Tummies (powder for newborn to 4 years), Little Ones (easy to swallow spheres for children ages 4+), Colds Suck (enhanced with immune-boosting zinc, echinacea, and vitamin C), Yeast is Best (for women's urinary tract health), Labor of Love (for expectant mothers), and Here's the Skinny (for general gut health). Our grand prize winner will receive a bottle of Colds Suck and Little Ones, a $60 value!! You can find all of their products available on a subscription basis their website, and get your first month free with code "FREETRIAL"! They're also by the bottle on Amazon (affiliate link).

Win a 3-pack of Squeasy Gear Food Pouches in US Japan Fam's $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway!
Squeasy Gear Pouches (3-pack)
Made of 100% food-grade silicone and featuring a removable no-spill insert that really works, Squeasy Gear is my all-time favorite reusable food pouch. Hands down. They're self-standing with a large opening, so filling them up is super easy. They're top-rack dishwasher safe, can be turned inside out for cleaning, and can be rolled up for tight storage or travel. They come in 16oz, 6oz, and 3.5oz, and the no-spill insert works so well, you can even use Squeasy Snackers for liquids (as well as pureed baby food, yogurt, applesauce, etc)! Our grand prize winner will receive 3 Squeasy Gear products - size and color of his or her choice, a $50 value. You can find them available on Squeasy Gear's website and Amazon (affiliate link), and you can check out my personal review here!

Win a mifold Grab-and-Go Booster Seat in US Japan Fam's $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway!
mifold Grab-and-Go Booster Seat
Bulky booster seats raise your child up so that the seatbelt fits them correctly. Flat, compact, and portable mifold Grab-and-Go booster seat does the opposite - it brings the seatbelt down to your child to fit them correctly: on the shoulder (off the face and neck) and on the hip bones (off the stomach). Ah-may-zing!! 10 times smaller and just as safe (for ages 4 - 12 years). It folds to a mere 10" by 5", meaning you can easily throw it in your glove compartment or even in your child's a backpack so they always have it with them when traveling, carpooling, or catching a ride with grandparents. Our grand prize winner will get a mifold Grab-and-Go booster seat (a $45 value), in their choice of color! You can read more about them and buy one on their website and Amazon (affiliate link), and don't miss my review and demo of our mifold here!


Win a great pack from Sneakz Organic Milkshakes in US Japan Fam's $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway!
Sneakz Organic Milkshakes
​With a half serving of veggies in each 8oz box of flavored milk, Sneakz helps us sneak some extra nutrition into our kids! Coming in 3 delicious flavors (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry) and certified USDA organic, Sneakz is the perfect drink to throw in the lunch box, bring on a picnic, or suck down in the car on the way to school! Also, Sneakz is coming out with a dairy-free powder, with added protein and probiotics, that can be mixed with any plant or animal milk and even cooked or baked with!! It should hit the market in September! Our grand prize winner will receive a great prize pack from Sneakz including a six-pack of each flavor (that's 18 milk boxes!!), a Sneakz tote bag, and a Sneakz reusable shopping bag (a $40 value)! You can shop for Sneakz on their website (and even sign up for a discounted subscription service), at a store near you (click here to find one) and Amazon (affiliate link). You can read my personal review here and check out my recipe for Sneakz Neapolitan Chia Pudding!

Win a 6-pack of Wubba Water electrolyte replacement drinks in US Japan Fam's $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway!
Wubba Water (6-pack)
Did you know electrolyte replacement drinks tend to be full of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners? Big Bang Beverages wasn't too thrilled with that, so they created an organic and healthier alternative to Pedialyte: Wubba Water, a children's hydration drink free of synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and GMO's! Colored only with fruit and vegetable extracts and having only 1 gram of organic sugar per serving, Wubba Water is a healthier way for your little one to replenish water and electrolytes when sick or playing sports (and they'll get a Vitamin C boost to boot)! You can find Wubba Water at Whole Foods (in the TriState area) and on Amazon (affiliate link), and our grand prize winner will receive 2 bottles of each flavor - blue raspberry, fruit punch, and orange - a $20 value!

Win Laurie Berkner's
Laurie Berkner: The Dance Remixes
Everyone from toddlers to tweens to parents will be rocking out to beloved children's recording artist Laurie Berkener's brand new album, "Dance Remixes", which features 14 of her classics, remixed into Electronic Dance Music (EDM) style! I'm psyched to see my favorite LB tunes, "We Are the Dinosaurs" and "Victor Vito", made the cut - did yours? The album is set to release on September 22 and our grand prize winner will receive one - either "old school" CD or digital download, a $10 value. Check out my review of the awesome new album here, and purchase any of her older albums on her website and Amazon (affiliate link).

Coordinated by US Japan Fam, this giveaway is sponsored by participating brands and open to US residents ages 18 and over. No purchase required to enter. Giveaway ends Wednesday, July 26 at 11:59 PM EDT - one winner will be randomly chosen and contacted through e-mail, and their name displayed on the giveaway page. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US Japan Fam and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Grow With Me Tee for the Perfect Gift

9/6/2016

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I'm a sucker for sentimental gifts and photo props, and I have to say, with total honestly, one of my all-time favorites is Grow With Me Tee! Whether you have an infant, toddler, or school-aged child, they've got a tee for you!!
US Japan Fam loves Grow With Me Tee
We got our first Grow With Me Tee, the "age ruler" toddler years one, for review over 2 years ago. You color off another section on the ruler and take a photo of your child in it every 6 months from 1 year through 5 years. You literally see your child growing into the shirt as you go along, getting ever so shorter on the legs and arms. It's fun to do, and makes for adorable and memorable photos! Below is a collage of my son in his shirt from 1.5 years through 3.5 years (just 2 months ago). The marker that came with it dried out unfortunately, so we switched to another darker green one, whoops. I recommend stocking up on 2 markers of the same color so you don't run into this problem!
US Japan Fam loves Grow With Me Tee - the preschool years!
My son is starting Pre-K soon, well, TOMORROW actually!!! So, we were thrilled to work with Grow With Me Tee again to promote their "Class Of" School Years tee. It's a huge shirt (size Large), with the year your child will graduate high school printed on the front (if you can't calculate the year, I sure as heck couldn't, don't worry, they know these things!). So, you can take a photo of them on the first and last day of each grade to watch them grow into the tee! It won't really work out if your child gets held back or skips ahead... maybe the company will send you a complimentary replacement shirt with the new correct graduating year? Ha! What's cool about this shirt is that you can buy or gift it to a child at any point, you don't necessarily have to get it for their very first day of school, you could start in 3rd grade or whatever! Of course, the sooner you start, the more dramatic the growth will be in the photos! I can't believe that my little dude, swimming in his shirt, will one day fill it out!!!
US Japan Fam loves Grow With Me Tee - School Years Tee
Grow With Me Tee also has a "baby's first year- clock" onesie for infants - you mark off each box for the current month and watch the baby grow into the onesie. Personally, I think it makes for an amazing baby shower gift!!!
These tees run for $20 a piece (they do have bulk discounts available), but you want to know something super awesome?? You can win one in my $400 value 12-product jackpot Back To School Giveaway!!! It's running through September 15, so what are you waiting for???
Enter to win now!!!!
Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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Giveaway Review:  PlanetBox Eco Lunch Boxes

9/4/2014

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We're all doing our part to reduce, reuse, and recycle... right? So when it comes to your kid's lunches (or even yours at work), you know you should be using a reusable lunch box or bag. But it's not that simple. Plastic lunch boxes bring concern of BPA, phthalates, and all those baddies that can leach into your lunch. No thanks! So, I have a pretty cool eco-friendly option for you: PlanetBox!
US-Japan Fam Review & Giveaway of PlanetBox Eco Lunch Box
PlanetBox containers are made of stainless steel, which is dishwasher safe, non-toxic, non-leaching, recyclable, and doesn't pick up odors or stains like plastics do. They are also segmented (like the Japanese bento box!!), allowing you to separate foods and keep the meal more organized. They come in 3 different size options (each having several color options for the carrying case):
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Credit: PlanetBox
Launch ($50-$75)
* Holds about 6.5 cups of food
* 3 compartments, 1 dipper, and an extra glass dish for reheating food
Rover ($40-$60)
* Holds 4.5 cups of food
* 5 compartments, 2 dippers
Shuttle ($35-$40)
* Holds 3 cups of food
* 2 compartments, 1 dipper
We got our hands on the PlanetBox Shuttle, their smallest box, which I thought would be a good size for my little toddler. The first thing I noticed was that it's pretty heavy - one pound according to their website. I guess that's just one of the drawbacks of metal as opposed to plastic, but it's certainly not as heavy as a glass container would be, so it's kind of the middle ground in that respect. The metal container, and the way it snaps shut (which is easy for kids to open and close) made me feel like a boy scout from the 1950's! Ha! Definitely a unique style, in a good way! 
US-Japan Fam Review & Giveaway of PlanetBox Eco Lunch Box
You'll have an option of the carrying case you get (my son is in love with the blue alien one we got), and they come with matching magnets that you can use to decorate your lunch box with! Very cool, and easy to keep clean - just remove before you throw the box in the dishwasher, and rinse off the magnets by hand!! Here are a couple of examples:
Picture
Unfortunately PlanetBox does not seal water-tight, so you have to be careful not to include anything loose in there that is too liquidy. If you have a sauce, put it in the dipper container. If you have ripe sliced peaches or something, you might consider putting them in a water-tight baggy such as wet bag. And if you need to keep it cool you'll need to purchase their cold kit ($8), an ice pack made with purified water (yay!), which will do the job for up to 8 hours.

You can buy a PlanetBox on their website or you can enter to win one in my huge $300 value jackpot 8-product Back To School Giveaway running through September 8! 

Enter to win here!!

Disclaimer: Although I did receive this product free of charge, I was not compensated in any other way to do this product review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
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NYC's First Japanese-English Bilingual Public School

3/20/2014

13 Comments

 
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No, a public Japanese-English bilingual school doesn't exist in New York City... yet... but could be in the works!! Just saw this posted in one of my Facebook groups:

We are in the process of gathering a list of families that are interested in being a part of the first ever Japanese dual-language program in a New York City public school. If the idea of your child learning and speaking both Japanese and English from K-5 is appealing to you, please fill out the information below for our list. This list will help us in getting support from the Dept. of Education and other organizations that we are looking to partner with in making the program a reality.

We have been very lucky to have found two possible partnership schools in District 14. At this point, it is paramount that we show them in person just how much interest there is in starting a new dual-language program in Brooklyn! This vision is not just to benefit families interested in studying Japanese; dual-language programs have been known to transform school communities. Our efforts to bring more dual-language programs is part of a larger effort to improve and provide for more high quality choices in our very own public schools. Our decision to move forward with Japanese in D14 is because 1) Williamsburg and Greenpoint has the 2nd largest Japanese population in Brooklyn and 2) how is it possible that Japanese dual-language programs do not exist in all of DOE?

If you have time to come (with or without your wee ones) either tomorrow / Friday of this week to PS 147, we urge you to please come! We would love to have your support in droves! If you can also come next Wednesday to PS 196, they have invited Councilman Antonio Reynoso to address our wishes for schools in our district. What an opportunity to let decision-making folks know now what we want for our kids in the near future!


OPEN HOUSES (General, not just for the J-E Program):

Thursday and Friday, 3/20 & 3/21 at 9am PS 147 325 BUSHWICK AVENUE
BROOKLYN NY 11206 Map
Phone: (718) 497-0326

Wednesday, 3/26 at 9am PS 196 207 BUSHWICK AVENUE
BROOKLYN NY 11206 Map Phone: (718) 497-0139

Finally, fill out this Google Docs form if you'd like to be kept in the loop by the movement's organizer, Lanny Cheuk!
If you're like me and have no idea what school district you're in, you can find out here!

I can't say I'm not terribly bummed they're pushing for District 14. I mean, Williamsburg/Greenpoint is like another state when you're way down in Bay Ridge!!


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    I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above!

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