ML Interest Tag: mandarin

Become a Global Citizen with This International Program

by Tinybeans Team
Partner Content

The French American International School (FAIS) is a preschool through 8th grade independent school with an internationally focused curriculum, offering French immersion through 5th grade, and French, German, Spanish and Mandarin language study in the Middle School.  FAIS has two academic divisions: the Lower School for students in preschool through 5th grade, and the Gilkey International Middle School for, 6th through 8th grades. Learn more at an upcoming open house!

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10 Things To Do At My Single Parent Weekend (s)

By Lottie Tsou

Nowadays, professional parents are continuously facing physical and mind challenges raising their kids. By the end of the week, when the nanny is gone, we are trying to embrace our kids, and also to handle the never-ending house chores. So, the weekend is not a break, it is actually more demanding than any weekday. And what happens if your partner is not here to help, due to work or other personal commitments. Then it becomes a double whammy situation, which quickly escalates to a weekend I am not looking forward to.

Unfortunately, since I have returned to work from my maternity leave, on top of the mental stressful & odd job hours during the weekdays, I have to be a single parent for many weekends. I am taking care of a 2.5 years old who wants to do everything her own way, plus a 5 month old who can’t do much herself. To combat this challenging situation, here are 10 things I keep under my belt, to save my sanity. Some weekends I do some of them, other weekends I have to tick all the boxes…I am looking forward to hear other parents’ best practices…simply, to make the single parent weekends less tougher & more fun, hopefully…

New toy: My recent acquisitions are hoopla hoop, balance board and spelling puzzle. Although engagement time on each toy is probably only 10-15 minutes, I have come to realize that as long as I have a master plan and I break down my daily activities into bitable sizes, time flies by. Otherwise, even a minute drags.

New book: My recent acquisition is an app called “Epic!”. I have it on my phone and ipad, it has thousands of educational and fun books in cloud. So I never run out of books to read to my kids. The challenge is that my opinionated 2.5 years old would want to control the device.

New show: My favorite is the educational Chinese Mandarin program that my parents mail to me every quarter from Taiwan. It is a monthly subscription, a little tiger called “Ciao Hu” teaches kids manner and speaks Mandarin, much more effective than me J I saved some special shows my kids have never seen before, novelty keeps them engaged.

Dine out together: Don’t get worried…there is a parameter I follow though, I either go to the restaurant that everyone knows me and have proven they are willing to put up with me (after my kid breaks one glass and splashes water from sippy cup twice), OR I would go to the restaurant that I will never return again, but just tip big (I learn over time that issues could be resolved by money is NOT a big issue)

Hire 4 hours sitter: So my girlfriend and I could take a lap dance class at Flirty Girl on Friday night, following a gourmet sushi meal… just to be completely de-stress before a long weekend alone with two monkeys. I have to stop before staring again.

Invite single friends over for potluck & co-babysit: It is not fair to get your single friends to engage you and your kids during their golden weekend, however, when my single friends are so kind to offer help, I take it.

Invite friends with similar age kids over to make a house party: Although my place may get compromised, it is nice for kids to learn sharing and it is fun for parents to get a bit booze. Clean up becomes more fun afterwards.

Visit friends with similar age kids for activity based play: I don’t like to drive around the city with kids for two reasons A) I am not a good driver (not just a Hollywood stigma about Asian women driver) B) Complicated Logistics to track two kids with all the necessaries, it is like if one thing is missing, the entire experience is ruined. However, kids love to visit other friends’ house and others’ toys are always more desirable. Even better, when your kids have blowouts accidents, your friends have everything ready to support you and not to judge you. Imagine the same thing happens at a gallery like home…I have done that, and will not repeat the same mistake.

Send older kid to half-day enrichment program: We are very happy with Language Star at Lincoln Park location. Maia loves to spend 3 hours language emerging time between Mandarin Chinese & Spanish on Saturday morning, when I could recollect myself and stroll the younger one peacefully at a local farmer’s market. 

Visit a physical demanding playground: When you are a single parent, you couldn’t afford to let your kids be free-range chicken. Figure out where the kids-friendly parks are, and which route leads to emergency restroom break, is critical. When weather is nice, there are a few beautiful walking distance parks, during bad weather; we dodge into “Pump It Up”, so everyone has a good nap afterwards.

What is on your to-do list? I am keen to grow my list for future weekends to come.

Lottie is my nickname, I am a wife + banking executive + mother of two toddler girls + yoga teather + real estate enthusiast. Lived in 5 countries for work & school, and travelled to 50+ countries for fun & work. Love Thai & Romanain food!

 

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12 Signs You’re a Chelsea Parent

by Michelle McIvor Cohen

Once run down and desolate, Chelsea is now one of the most “kidcentric” hoods in Manhattan. Filled with indoor play hubs, newly renovated parks and charming tree-lined streets, traffic jams on 8th Avenue have been replaced by stroller jams on the sidewalks. Whether you’re new to the area or were lucky enough to buy before real estate prices soared, it’s the place to be if you’ve got little ones. The Highline and Chelsea Market are world-famous attractions for kids of all ages. But read on to see if you’re really in the know about what it means to be a Chelsea parent.

                                                                                                                           photo: via Chelsea Piers Field House on Yelp

1. Chelsea Piers is #1 on your speed dial. Every member of your family is enrolled in an athletics program – even your 12-month-old.

photo: Michelle Cohen

2. You order your kiddo’s birthday cake from Billy’s every year.

                                                                                                     photo: Dan Griffith

3. You jam with Dan Griffith (a.k.a. Ramblin’ Dan & The Freewheelin’ Band) at least once a week.

                                                                                                     photo: Salim Fadhley via Flickr

4. Your loft apartment doubles as an indoor playground. There is a swing and an ergonomic bouncer hanging from your 12-foot ceiling.

                                                                                                             photo: Kelko S. via Yelp

5. You shop at Buy Buy Baby so often the sales associates know you by name.

                                                                                                photo: Tribeca Pediatrics via Yelp

6. You spotted Chelsea Clinton at your pediatricians office and your neighbor’s kids studied Mandarin with Suri Cruise at Avenues.

                                                                                                                           photo: NYC Parks

7. You practically live at “Seal Park” during the warmer months – so what if “some people” say it’s infested with mosquitos?

                                                                                      photo: Books of Wonder via Instagram

8. You’ve met some of the most celebrated children’s authors in New York at Books of Wonder.

                                                                                                                 photo: Michelle Cohen

9. Families come from every borough to trick or treat on your block. Last Halloween, you and your neighbors decorated the facade of your brownstone with cobwebs and handed out enough candy to make any suburban kid jealous.

                                                                                                   photo: Umair Mohsin via Flickr

10. You’re raising emerging artists. Your six-year-old spends Tuesday nights drawing Manga characters at HiArt! and your two-year-old just celebrated her first gallery opening at Appleseeds.

                                                                                                                       photo: Vi N. via Yelp

11. Your family eats breakfast at Grey Dog every Saturday. You treat your young foodies to fine delicacies on the kids menu, especially the dog-bone shaped pancakes.

                                                                                                                   photo: Paul L. via Yelp

12. You can get anywhere in Manhattan in 20 minutes, but you can’t think of a reason to leave. All you have to do is walk outside to experience some of the best restaurants, parks, art galleries and shopping in the city. Life is good in Chelsea.

What did we miss? Tell us in the comments below!

–Michelle McIvor Cohen

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There’s the Rub: 5 Amazing Atlanta Prenatal Massages

by Phebe Wahl

Being pregnant is labor of love, especially if you’ve already got a mini-herd of miniatures racing around the place. Luckily, there’s no reason to play the Mommy Martyr. Go get yourself a good old-fashioned rub down at one of the following hot spots around town, and take a load off before D-day arrives.

The Pregnancy Massage Center
With five certified pregnancy massage therapists on staff, you can count on an incredible experience at the hands of someone who understands the physical strain of pregnancy, and even postpartum. As if the idea of someone rubbing your aching body wasn’t enough to make up your mind, consider this: The Pregnancy Massage Center’s nifty ergonomic cushions prop you up in a way that takes the pressure off your spine and surrounding muscles, and there is no pressure on your abdomen at all. The bottom line? These folks know what they’re doing.

Details: The Pregnancy Massage Center, 1164 N. Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, 678-462-2173, Click here for pricing and scheduling information

Natural Body Spa
Another option that offers the services of certified pregnancy massage therapists, NBS has both male and female therapists on hand to address the aches and pains of pregnancy. During a massage, the mama-to-be will alternate positions from an incline wedge to being on her side, and ultimately gets to call the shots on what is comfortable versus what just doesn’t work. And since we all know that being pregnant represents losing major control over things, isn’t it appealing to get a little bit of that control back, even for an hour?

Details: Natural Body Spa, Multiple locations, Click here for appointments, $85 per 60 minutes, $125 per 90 minutes

Garden View Massage
Located in Decatur, this ensemble of talented massage therapists might be able to tell you what you’re going to be feeling throughout your pregnancy before you even experience it. Lower back pain? Loose ligaments that change your posture? Stress on you neck? Back? Carrying extra weight? Been there, done that. They know all about it. They’ll take care of you.

Details: Garden View Massage, 215 Church Street, Suite 108, Decatur, GA 30030, 404-377-2909, $75 per 60 minutes, $100 per 90 minutes, Packages available

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta
Some days, Mama needs to live a little. If you’re up for a little splurge that doesn’t involve a trip to Baskin Robbins, head over to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental for either a 50 or 80 minute prenatal massage. As with all their spa treatments, you’ll be invited to hang out (or hide out, as the case may be) and enjoy the rest of the spa amenities while you’re there.

Details: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta, 3376 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-995-7500, $135 for 50 minutes, $185 for 80 minutes

The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation
For the baby-mooners, or for the girls trip planners out there, pack your bags and head out of the city for an easy drive to Lake Oconee, where the Spa awaits. Did we mention they have a S’mores concierge every night? But we digress. The prenatal massage is performed by a certified prenatal therapist, and while you’re there, you should indulge in one of their signature Safe for Baby facials. You’ll return home feeling and looking human again.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation Resort and Spa, 1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA 30642, 706-467-0600, $145 per 50 minute massage, $215 per 80 minutes with body scrub massage, $145 per 50 minute facial, $215 per 80 minute facial

Do you have a secret spot for massages in Atlanta? Give up the goods below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of valentinapowers on Flickr creative commons, Tips TimesAdmin on Flickr creative commons, and tommo4074 on Flickr creative commons

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Say “Bonjour” to Five Foreign Language Classes for Kids

by rtroxanneholmes

While thoughts of high school foreign language classes may send shivers down your spine, the opportunity to learn a new language in a fun environment will have your little ones jumping for joy. Kids actually learn new languages much faster than adults. In fact, the younger, the better! Check out these classes that will open up a whole new world of words to your young linguist.

 Photo Credit: Yak Academy

Yak Academy
Using play-based immersion techniques, Yak Academy creates a fun environment where kids naturally absorb language through song, movement and activities such as arts and crafts. Students are able to learn at their own pace, in a non-traditional environment. Options include a preschool program, enrichment and “Toddler and Me” classes. Languages Offered: Spanish and Mandarin

Word of the Day: Libre! Yak Academy offers “libre” (meaning free in Spanish) trial classes, as well as sibling and military discounts.

Cost: $118/month for ages 3 and above; $100/month for “Toddler & Me” class; $50 Registration Fee (ages: 1-10)

9939 Hibert St., Suite 105
San Diego, Ca 92131
(858) 679 7760
Online: yakacademy.com

 Photo Credit: Language Door Facebook Page

Language Door
From Arabic to Vietnamese — and many languages in between — Language Door provides a wide variety of choices for your kiddo to explore. Native speaking teachers engage students during small group sessions of three to four students. Kids’ classes meet once per week for an hour for eight weeks in order to allow time for the understanding of each lesson and to complete homework. Languages Offered: 20+ languages

Word of the Day: Eenvoudig. Language Door always offers the next level of your language at the same date and time, keeping your scheduling “eenvoudig” (meaning simple in Dutch).

Cost: $199 - $239/session 

7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite 202A
San Diego, Ca 92111
(858) 888-3509
Online: languagedoor.com

Photo Credit: BFLE Facebook Page

Brilliant Foreign Language Education
In the heart of the Otay Ranch neighborhood of Chula Vista, you will find the Brilliant Foreign Language Education (BFLE) center. While primarily offering classes in Mandarin, BFLE has expanded its language options since recently opening its doors. Flexible hours, qualified teachers and small group sessions for grades pre-K, K-6, and 6-12 make finding a perfect class for your family easy. Even better, classes start right away so there is no need to wait for a new session to begin, simply call to schedule. Languages Offered: Spanish, Mandarin, French and Japanese

Word of the Day: 社區 – BFLE loves giving back to its 社區 (Chinese for community) by offering free classes once a month at neighboring Heritage Park Recreation Center.

Cost: $10/class, $30 registration fee per family (ages: 4+)

1392 E. Palomar St. Suite 408
Chula Vista, Ca 91913
(619) 721-6552
Online: BFLElanguage.com

 Photo Credit: Lingua Natal Facebook Page

Lingua Natal
Lingua Natal Center’s Origin™ curriculum provides a learning experience based upon a child’s natural curiosity. Lena Sisson, founder of Lingua Natal, has learned that for kids, language learning is the result of a dynamic blend of continual language stimulation, joyous interaction with native people, culture, new sounds and loving encouragement. The center offers programs for six age groups, including Year Round (Beginner to Proficiency), Camps (Summer, Winter and Spring), Home Groups and Enrichment. Languages Offered: French, Spanish and Mandarin

Word of the Day: Thème – Each 8-week session is based upon a thème (French for theme), such as The Solar System and Rain Forests, to keep kids engaged throughout the year.

Cost: Varies by Program (ages: 1-12)

1104 Garden View Rd.
Encinitas, Ca 92024
(619) 585-5269
Online: linguanatal.com

 

Photo Credit: Italian American Academy Facebook Page

Italian Cultural Center
The Italian Cultural Center in Little Italy offers a fun and relaxing environment to learn Italian, whether you are 2 or 102. Their Parent and Me classes, provided by the Italian American Academy, allows you and your toddler to learn in a fun-filled class of movement, songs and games. Introducing children early to the sounds of the Italian language allows them to develop pronunciation and conversion skills right along with their parent. Language Offered: Italian

Word of the Day: Cucina – The kitchen becomes a classroom for linguists and little chefs, ages 5-8, during cucina (Italian for cooking) classes that are offered each quarter.  

Cost: $150/session; $180/Parents & Me or Italian Cooking (ages: 2 – 14)

1669 Columbia St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
(619) 237-0601
Online: icc-sd.org

Have you tried foreign language classes with your kids? Which ones do you recommend? Tell us in the comments!

— Roxanne Holmes

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16 Signs You’re a D.C. Parent

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Being a mommy or daddy is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially in D.C. where families from across the globe come to set up roots. But there are some overarching—often hilarious—truths about parenting in The District (i.e. the year-long waitlists for preschool, the cupcake wars—one kid wants Georgetown and the other wants Sprinkles, and how your little one learned some of their colors by studying the metro map). Read on for the 15 signs you’re a DC parent, and then let us know in the comments section below which signs ring true for you.

#1 A trip to the Mall involves museums, not stores or a food court.

Photo courtesy of thisisbossi via Flickr

#2 While running errands you’ve stopped in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia…on the same day.


Photo courtesy of Kethaneni1 via Flickr

#3 Your kids try to guess if the helicopter they just spotted was carrying President Obama.

Photo courtesy of John M. Dollan via Flickr.

#4 Your kids know to stand to the right.

Photo courtesy of Joe Architect via Flickr

#5 Your three-year old can count to 10 in English, French, Spanish and Mandarin.

Photo courtesy of Jackie Popp via Flickr

#6 “August recess” is something Congress does, and has nothing to do with your kid’s school.

Photo courtesy of Bethany Christian via Flickr

#7 You know how to say and spell Clemyjontri Park without hesitation.

Photo courtesy of drewsaunders via Flickr

#8 You have pictures of your kids with George,  Teddy,  Abe and Jefferson, and they’re all playing baseball.

Photo courtesy of wallyg via Flickr

#9 Your child is a regular watcher of “Meet the Press.”

Photo courtesy of DWSforCongress via Flickr

#10 Your kid is a cupcake connoisseur.

Photo courtesy of amanda_face via Flickr

#11a You’ve looked at every preschool in a five mile radius and they all have waitlists.
#11b Your friend is on the same school waitlist and she isn’t even pregnant yet!

Photo courtesy of Horseaholic via Flickr

#12 “I got stuck behind a motorcade” is an excuse you use often when dropping off or picking up your kid late. Except it’s not an excuse.

Photo courtesy of Allen Stephens via Flickr

#13 Your kid wants to take up rowing.

Photo courtesy of esti- via Flickr

#14 Your kids have friends who don’t know what their parents do because it’s top secret government work.

Photo courtesy of willowbendic via Flickr

#15 You listen to go-go music while cleaning the house.

Photo courtesy of The Chuck Brown Band

#16 Fast food comes from a truck, not a drive-thru.

Photo courtesy of majunznk via Flickr

Did we miss anything? Tell us in the comments below what makes you a bonafide D.C. parent. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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Connect Your Kids to Their Communities at Multilingual Connections

by Tina Ly
Partner Content

Connect your kids with their communities and world! Multilingual Kids’ week-long language camps are designed to immerse children in language and culture through fun, hands-on activities and are offered in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese for kids 5-9.

Camps are held in their bright and sunny West Bucktown center, and each day will include a trip to one of our partners (Penguin Foot Pottery, Easel Art Studio, Bucktown Music) and play time at nearby Lucy Flowers Park (weather permitting).

Half-day options are available, and they will also be offering a separate half-day camp for kids 3-5 during select weeks this summer.

Multilingual Connections
2518 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, Il 60647
Phone: 773-292-7676
Online: getmultilingual.com

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