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Whether it’s an unexpected day off from school, a meeting that runs late at work or a last minute invite to an event, at some point there will be a scenario when you consider leaving your child home alone. There’s a lot to think about before you take the first step into a new level of independence with your child.    

Incorporating sensory play with your child's activities can encourage him or her to use their senses. It allows children to discover and investigate the world around them by building nerve connections, which increases their ability to understand. It also can improve language development, social skills, critical thinking skills, and fine and gross motor skills.

Camp Fair West, at Crocker Park in Westlake, and Camp Fair East, at Hawken School in Lyndhurst, are less than a month away. Register for the opportunity to meet with dozens of summer camps all under one roof. There also will be interactive crafts and hands-on activities, entertainment by Jungle Terry and his animal friends, and camp scholarships raffled off throughout both events.

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These days, we’re obsessed with success — particularly big book smarts, AP classes, higher education, and a preoccupation with straight As. But piling on the homework and study time doesn’t always yield results. New research shows that physical activity has a positive effect on school performance. Learn more about the study, as well as what you can do to help set up your kids for success.

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Does winter weather have you thinking of sunnier skies? On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner talks with Tricia Scott, owner of Visit Mickey travel agency, who gives family vacation ideas for different budgets and interests. She also shares some great family travel tips.

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