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At ages 2 and 3, friendship is still a brand-new concept. It’s the age of "parallel play" turning into "cooperative play," and it usually involves a lot of learning how to share (and how to apologize!). Here are five gems that tackle the beauty of friendship with style and soul. 1. "Bear & Mouse: Rise and Shine" By Nicola Edwards (Little Tiger Press) This story follows two very different friends—one big, one small—as they navigate their morning. Why it works: It celebrates pa

Hi everyone! If you live in the Newport waterfront area, you know the struggle: there are a million options, but finding that one Chinese spot that hits the mark for both a family dinner and a "I'm too tired to cook" Friday night is a mission. After a lot of "research" (read: eating my way through Washington Blvd), I’ve finally crowned a winner for our family. If you’re looking for the best Chinese food in Newport, you have to head to Chef Tan. Located right on Washington Bo

It’s the most wonderful—and most stressful—time of the year. If you’ve ever tried to get a "perfect" holiday photo of a toddler, you know it’s basically a high-stakes sport. You need a tree that’s impressive enough to look good on the 'gram, but situated somewhere that a running two-year-old won't immediately cause a national security incident. After many years of trial, error, and "bribing with goldfish crackers," here are my top 5 spots to get that iconic holiday shot in Je

There is something so magical about seeing Christmas through the eyes of a toddler. They finally "get" the tree, they’re obsessed with the lights, and they are just beginning to understand the excitement of Santa. In our house, the best way to channel all that holiday energy is by snuggling up for a festive story. For the 2 to 4-year-old crowd, you want books that are sturdy, interactive, and—most importantly—short enough to read three times in a row. Here are five Christmas

(Updated 2026, List of all daycare and tuition in Downtown Jersey City and Hoboken ) Choosing a daycare is one of the first major "village" decisions you’ll make for your child. It’s more than just finding a safe place for them to stay while you’re at work; it’s about finding a partner in your child’s development. However, the shiny toys and colorful murals can often distract from the logistics that actually matter. To find the right fit, you need to go in with a plan and a s

(Updated 2026, List of all daycare and tuition in Downtown Jersey City and Hoboken ) For many families, a full day of school can be a bit much for a toddler, or perhaps you just need a few hours of focused time while your child socializes. Jersey City is home to a fantastic variety of schools offering half-day programs that prioritize everything from Montessori independence to language immersion and outdoor play. Here is a guide to the top schools in the area offering half-da

Here is a breakdown of the daycare and preschool centers in the Heights, JSQ and Communipaw & Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood The Heights Parkside Preschool | 206 Central Ave Parkside provides a balanced daily routine that includes plenty of time for both group learning and individual exploration. They offer unique scheduling options like "set time" or "short time" to help parents customize their childcare costs. Price Range: Contact for full tuition Age Group: 6 weeks – 5 yea

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, my house has officially entered "heart mode." If your 2 to 4-year-old is anything like mine, they’re starting to get excited about the pink and red decorations, but they’re also at that perfect age where a good book can really help them understand what the holiday is all about—love, friendship, and being kind to others. I’ve rounded up five of our absolute favorite Valentine’s Day books. These are short enough to keep a toddler's a

As the Lunar New Year approaches, my house starts to fill up with red paper cuttings and the smell of longevity noodles. If you’re looking to introduce your little one to the beauty of Seollal, Tết, or Chinese New Year, you’ve probably realized that "preschool attention spans" require a very specific kind of storytelling. I’ve put together a list of five books that perfectly capture the magic of the holiday—from the delicious dumplings to the legendary zodiac animals—without

As a Jersey City mom, I’m always on the hunt for fun weekend adventures with my son, Jayden. At 4, he’s curious, energetic, and always ready to climb something or jump into a sandbox. Last weekend, we planned a little “mommy and son” day across the river in Lower Manhattan, and let me just say—it did not disappoint. So if you’re wondering how to turn an ordinary day into a little urban adventure full of playgrounds, art, and maybe even a spinning fish ride, keep reading. This

As a mom, I can tell you it's such a vibrant and diverse place, and what's even better is that there are fantastic playgrounds just waiting to be discovered all over, not just downtown. From the West Side to Bergen-Lafayette, you wouldn't believe the hidden gems of play spaces we've found. These neighborhood playgrounds are so special, each one offering a unique experience that really reflects the rich culture of its community. Come along with me, and we'll take a little trip

In recent years, Jersey City Heights has blossomed into a delightful neighborhood. Nestled on a hill, it offers picturesque vistas of Hoboken. Thanks to Hoboken's guidelines on building heights, The Heights enjoys a unique skyline view of New York City and the serene Hudson River. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the beloved local playground in Jersey City Heights. Riverview-Fisk Park Nearest station: 13 minutes walk from 2nd St Lightrail Station (through 101 sta