Katie McKnight

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Water Attractions in Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Tue, 07/28/2015 - 9:47pm

My 7 year old recently told me she thought we should move somewhere cooler. Like Florida, she elaborated. Ahhh, a teaching moment, I thought... and proceeded to patiently explain climates, weather patterns and equatorial geographics to her. With obvious disdain for my aged intellect (or lack thereof), she patiently listened, then hopped onto the weather app of my iphone and showed me the map on which CT temperatures registered 94, and Florida’s 91.

My point? It’s hot here in CT this summer! So, when we aren't going to one of Connecticut's beaches, we will be enjoying some of Fairfield County’s water adventures in the coming weeks.

Autism Support In Fairfield County

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Thu, 07/09/2015 - 12:56pm

In second grade, my daughter often talked about her classmate Robert. Robert, who remained in our public school system through second grade, struggled with the nebulous diagnosis of being “somewhere on the autism spectrum”. He’s a great kid – with a great family – and I watched and marveled as they worked tirelessly to help Robert navigate his way through school, friendships, and growing up.

Robert’s mother, who is thoughtful, tireless, patient, strong and grateful, told me how much support they’ve had from the Connecticut community as they’ve explored the world of autism with Robert. It has made me appreciate again how lucky we are to live in an age and place of both relative social acceptance and medical phenomena. There is no doubt that my life and my daughter’s have been enriched and strengthened for knowing Robert and his family, and their struggles and victories.

If you have a child who may be grappling with autism, there are many, many resources in the Fairfield County area to explore. Here's a list to get you started:

More After School Activities in Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Sun, 06/28/2015 - 8:42am

Our schedule last weekend: a Friday night soccer party. Saturday, soccer game # 1 at 8:00, soccer game #2 at 10:00 and soccer game #3 at 10:15. And yes, the soccer games were all in different towns. Sunday: Soccer games at 9:30, 11:00, 1:30, 2:00, 3:30 and 4:00. By Sunday afternoon I’d forgotten what my husband looked like, I was faint from the stench of shin guards (who knew little girls could create such stink!?) and I’d nearly left one child in Wilton. Taken together, these seem to be signs that soccer season needs to be over. And soon. Yup, three more weeks of soccer, and then we are off to start some NON-SOCCER related after school activities! Choosing those can be overwhelming too but we can help with that. Below you'll find some great after school activities in Fairfield County. The motherload can be found in our After School Classes Guide which is filled with even more options.

Hosting a Birthday Party at Your Home in Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Wed, 06/24/2015 - 12:00am

Nothing, just nothing, is better than having your little one’s birthday party in your own home. But love them as I do, home-based birthday parties can be a real headache. Herding my own three kids is hard enough – the thought of adding ten more is nearly more than I can handle! Fortunately, there's a simple solution: host the party at home, but outsource the entertainment. The best of both worlds! Below are several outfits that will come to your Fairfield County home and put on a birthday party – money well spent! For more party ideas check out our Party Guide!

Child and Parent Indoor Swimming Classes in Fairfield County

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Fri, 03/13/2015 - 11:00am

OK. I know. The thought of getting your winter self into your summer bathing suit is…well…daunting! But if you can make it through the swimsuit trauma, there are some really fantastic Mommy and Me swim classes here in Fairfield County. And I promise; having a child who is comfortable and safe in the water is well worth any swimsuit trauma!

Foreign Language Classes for Kids in Connecticut (Fairfield County)

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Wed, 03/04/2015 - 10:51pm

With a tenuous (at best!) handle on my native English, I am perpetually jealous of people who have mastered multiple languages. And the best way to learn multiple languages…start early! Children’s brains are far more receptive to languages than adult brains. If you’re interested in having your child learn another language, consider some of these language schools and classes in Fairfield County. For more fun after school classes ideas check out our guide.

What To Do on Thanksgiving Day (Besides the Obvious) in Connecticut - Fairfield County 2014

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Fri, 11/21/2014 - 12:00pm

Sometimes, there is nothing better than having your whole family over to your home for Thanksgiving dinner. And sometimes, there is nothing better than shipping your whole family to your sister’s house across town for Thanksgiving dinner! Let’s face it; peeling, prepping and cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal can be exhausting. But should you find yourself not chained to your oven over the holidays, you may have some time on your hands. Lucky you - there are some fabulous CT Thanksgiving traditions in Fairfield County to get out and enjoy with or without your kids!

Pumpkins, and Carving, and Scarecrows- Oh My!

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Mon, 09/01/2014 - 10:44am

Because I have never been a big Halloween fan, our house has minimal Halloween decorations. By minimal, I mean that we currently have 3 small, uncarved pumpkins adorning our front porch. But this year, my kids have brought on the Halloween pressure. In fact, they’ve started a “best decorated Halloween house” contest with the kids in the neighborhood. We are losing. By a lot.

So clearly I need to step up our décor game with the basics: scarecrows and jack-o-lanters! Fairfield County offers plenty of design inspiration for those who are not skilled in the pumpkin and scarecrow arts. So roll up those sleeves, its time to get covered in pumpkin slime and scarecrow innards!