Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, September 1, 8

World Arts Dance Festival – San Francisco, September 1

Labor Day Weekend at Roaring Camp - Felton, September 1-2

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – San Jose, September 6-8

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Palo Alto Players – Palo Alto, September 6-22

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

Kristi Yamaguchi’s Family Literacy Festival – San Jose, September 7

Fiesta en la Playa – Santa Cruz, September 7

 Home Depot Kids Workshop - Varies locations, September 7

 Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, September 7, 14, 21, 28

 Brick Fest Live – San Jose, September 7, 8

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, September 8

Viva CalleSJ – San Jose, September 8

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, September 11

Santa Cruz County Fair – Watsonville, September 11-15

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – Palo Alto, September 11-29

 Flower Piano - San Francisco, September 12-22

Oakland’s Magic Kitchen – Oakland, September 13

Millbrae Goes to the Movies: Wonka – Millbrae, September 13

Roundtable Reading: The Wild Robot Escapes – Berkeley, September 14

The Amazing World of Butterflies, Insects and Helpful Pollinators – Oakland, September 14

Oktoberfest – Benicia, September 14

Tinkers & Thinkers – Pleasant Hill, September 14

Engineering Encounters – Livermore, September 14

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, September 14

Cars in the Park – San Jose, September 14

Silicon Valley Fall Fest – Cupertino, September 14

Chitactac Family Day – Gilroy, September 14

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, September 14

Chuseok Korean Festival – San Francisco, September 14

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, September 14

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, September 14, 15

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, September 14, 15, 21, 22

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, September 14, 28

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, September 15

Kinderfest – Mill Valley, September 15

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, September 15, 18

Big Truck Day – Antioch, September 19

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, September 19

Starlight Movies in the Park: Barbie – Alameda, September 20

Movie in the Park: Charlotte’s Web – Piedmont, September 20

Saint Veronica Parish Fall Fest – San Francisco, September 20-21

Disney Jr Live on Tour – San Francisco, September 21

Concert in the Park – South San Francisco, September 21

Children’s Book Festival – Oakland, September 21

Habitot Mobile Museum – Berkeley, September 

 Colibrí Rojo – Redwood City, September 21

Harvest History Festival – Mountain View, September 21

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – San Jose, September 21

San Jose Reid Hillview Airport Community Day – San Jose, September 21

Aloha Outrigger Races  – Santa Cruz, September 21

Bubble Bonanza at Roaring Camp – Felton, September 21

Boardwalk Pride – Santa Cruz, September 21

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, September 22

Soulful Stitches Youth Sewing Classes – Oakland, September 22

Harvest Festival – Piedmont, September 22

SF Jazz Family Matinees – San Francisco, September 23

Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play 2024 – Santa Rosa, September 23

Fall Campout at the Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, September 27-28

Fall Festivities at Happy Hollow – San Jose, September 28

Quicksilver History Hike – San Jose, September 29

Palo Alto Airport Day – Palo Alto, September 29

August and September marks National Breastfeeding Month and Workplace Lactation Week, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of chest/breastfeeding. This year's Breastfeeding Month theme, "Nourish, Sustain, Thrive” emphasizes the ongoing need for education, support, and advocacy for parents.

Why Chest/Breastfeeding Matters

Lactation offers countless benefits for both infants and mothers, including:

●      Optimal Nutrition: Human milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for babies' growth and development.

●      Immune System Boost: Antibodies in breast milk protect infants from infections and diseases.

●      Bonding: Breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional connection between mothers and their babies.

●      Health Benefits for Moms: Nursing can reduce the risk of certain cancers, postpartum depression, and other health conditions.

Resources for Breastfeeding Families

Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro, accessing the right resources can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey. Here are a few valuable resources available:

●      La Leche League: Offers support groups, information, and counseling for breastfeeding mothers.

●      The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Provides evidence-based information and resources for healthcare professionals and families.

●      Reputable Lactation Blogs: Look for comprehensive online resources with articles and FAQs on chest/breastfeeding.

●      Local Support Groups: Connect with other nursing parents in your community for advice and camaraderie, check out the in-person support group every Thursday at 10am in Burlingame!

●      Lactation Consultants: Seek professional guidance from certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) to address specific challenges or concerns.

Healthy Horizons 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest

In honor of World Breastfeeding Month and Workplace Lactation Week, Healthy Horizons is excited to announce our 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest! We believe that all working parents deserve access to comfortable, private, and well-equipped lactation spaces. This year’s contest will give away $20,000 in prizes to workplaces and parents, and is Healthy Horizons’ largest giveaway yet!

How to Nominate:

Do you know a workplace that could use a lactation room upgrade? Nominate them bySeptember 7, 2024 for a chance to win lactation equipment, furniture, services, and supplies.

This year, we're offering three prizes for workplaces and lactating parents, with a combined value of $20,000! Visit https://www.healthyhorizons.com/blogs/blog/lactation-room-contest-2024 to learn more and nominate a deserving organization.

Additional Events and Initiatives

Throughout August and September, many communities host special events and initiatives to celebrate Breastfeeding Month. Check your local listings for breastfeeding workshops, support group meetings, and other educational opportunities. Some events in our local community include:

●      Free Back to Work Lactation & Pumping Class on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10am PST.

●      Walk for Breastfeeding Awareness in Burlingame, CA on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 9:45am (1-mile stroller and pet friendly walk on Burlingame Ave with free pastries)

Let's Celebrate Breastfeeding Together

Join us in celebrating Breastfeeding Month! By raising awareness, supporting nursing families, and advocating for workplace lactation accommodations, we can create a more breastfeeding-friendly world.

Remember: Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Celebrate your successes, seek help when needed, and embrace the special bond that breastfeeding creates.

Thank you to Healthy Horizons for this blog piece!  Check out www.HealthyHorizons.com

Back to School for Our Little Ones: A Smooth Transition

The first day of school is a big step for both children and parents. Let’s ensure a smooth transition for your little one as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

Preparing Your Under-5 for School

Create a Positive School Atmosphere at Home:

• • Talk positively about school, sharing your own fond memories or reading age-appropriate books about starting school.

  • Incorporate learning into playtime through activities like counting, shapes, and songs.

  • Establish a consistent daily routine to prepare your child for school’s structure.

Develop Essential Life Skills:

• • Ensure your child is potty trained.

  • Encourage independence with self-help skills like dressing and handwashing.

  • Practice sharing, taking turns, and cooperating.

Build a Strong Bond with Your Child's Teacher:

• • Open communication about your child’s development and behavior is key.

  • Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay involved.

Preparing for the First Day

• Familiarize Your Child: Visit the school beforehand to reduce anxiety.

• Label Belongings: Clearly label all your child’s items.

• Pack a Comfort Item: A favorite toy or blanket can provide reassurance.

Managing Separation Anxiety

• Gradual Separations: Practice short separations to build confidence.

• Create a Goodbye Routine: Establish a consistent goodbye ritual.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reassure your child of your love and return.

The San Mateo Parents Club is Here for You!

The San Mateo Parents Club is a wonderful resource for connecting with other parents in the community. We offer:

• Playgroups and Social Events: Meet other parents and build friendships.

• Support and Advice: Share experiences and gain valuable insights.

• Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging among parents.

• Local Resources: Discover local activities and events.

Join our Facebook group to connect with other parents, ask questions, and find playdate partners.

Remember, every child is unique. Focus on creating a loving and supportive environment as your child begins this new adventure.

It’s a Bug’s World – Walnut Creek, August 14

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza (Free) – San Jose, August 15

Movies on the Square: Trolls Band Together (Free) – Redwood City, August 15

Foster City Summer Days (Free) - Foster City, August 16-18

Muni Discovery Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 16

Movie in the Park: Super Mario Brothers (Free) – Piedmont, August 16

Family Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda 4 (Free) – Palo Alto, August 16

Movies in the Park: A Million Miles Away (Free) – Cupertino, August 16

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Concert – San Francisco, August 16, 17

Blankets & Blockbusters: Trolls Band Together – San Francisco, August 17

Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, August 17

Family Art Day – Walnut Creek, August 17

In the Park Movie Night: Coco (Free) – San Jose, August 17

Lighthouse Day at Pidgeon Point – Pescadero, August 17

Brick Fest Live – Pleasanton, August 17, 18

Pet Adoption Day at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, August 18

Kids Rock (Free) – Redwood City, August 18

Victorian Days at the Old Courthouse – Redwood City, August 18

Family Fun Fest – Mill Valley, August 19

Climate Adaptation Science Fair – San Francisco, August 21

Frozen by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, August 21-September 1

Movies on the Square: Wonka (Free) – Redwood City, August 22

Starlight Movies in the Park: Kung Fu Panda 4 (Free) – Alameda, August 23

Movies in the Park: Monsters Inc (Free) – Orinda, August 23

End of Summer Stargazing – Pescadero, August 23

Movies in the Park: The Incredibles (Free) – Cupertino, August 23

Habitot Mobile Museum (Free) – Berkeley, August 24

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts (Free) - Palo Alto, August 24-25

Puppet Fair at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, August 24, 25

Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, August 25

Soulful Stitches Youth Sewing Classes – Oakland, August 25

Family Collage Workshop – Walnut Creek, August 25

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, August 25

Quicksilver History Hike – San Jose, August 25

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, August 26

Wicked by Broadway SF – San Francisco, August 28-October 13

Movies on the Square: The Little Mermaid – Redwood City, August 29

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – Oakland, August 30-September 1

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, August 31

BonPOP Obon Festival – San Francisco, August 31

In the Park Movie Night: Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – San Jose, August 31

Scottish Highlands Gathering and Games – Pleasanton, August 31-September 1

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, July 25 – August 4

Freaky Friday – Berkeley, July 25-August 3

Sonoma County Fair – Santa Rosa, August 1-11

Muni Discovery Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Sundown Cinema: Barbie (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Moves in the Park: Elemental (Free) – Mill Valley, August 2

Picnic Flix: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Free) – Dublin, August 2

Family Movie Night: Teenage Kraken (Free) – Palo Alto, August 2

Theater in the Park (Free) – Mountain View & Saratoga, August 2

Outdoor Movie Night: Wonka (Free) – Mountain View, August 2

Movies in the Park: Little Mermaid (Free) – Cupertino, August 2

Movies on the Beach: Trolls (Free) – Santa Cruz, August 2

The Little Mermaid by Poison Apple Productions – Walnut Creek, August 2-11

Telescope Viewing (Free) – Oakland, August 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Bay Area, August 3

Shakespeare in the Park 2024 (Free) - Cupertino, August 3-4

Danville Music in the Park (Free) - Danville, August 3

Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour – San Francisco, August 3

August Night on the Rails – Sunol, August 3

Mr. Elephant (Free) – Redwood City, August 3

In the Park Movie Night: King Fu Panda 4  (Free)– San Jose, August 3

Starlight Cinema: The Goonies  (Free) – San Jose, August 3

Night Hike at Grant Park – San Jose, August 3

Nihomachi Street Fair – San Francisco, August 3, 4

Italian Family Festa – San Jose, August 3, 4

Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, August 3, 10, 17, 24

Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, August 4

Sunday Streets (Free) – San Francisco, August 4, 25

National Night Out (Free) – Martinez, August 6

National Night Out (Free) – Castro Valley, August 6

Movies on the Square: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Free)– Redwood City, August 8

Building Community through Fun (Free) – San Jose, August 8

Napa County Fair – Napa, August 8-11

Millbrae Goes to the Movies: Elemental  (Free) – Millbrae, August 9

Movies in the Park: Migration (Free) – Cupertino, August 9

Movies on the Beach: The Goonies (Free) – Santa Cruz, August 9

Kids Art Class at Magical Bridge Playground (Free) – Redwood City, August 10

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, August 10

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, August 10

International Deaf Dance Festival – San Francisco, August 10

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, August 10

Multicultural Festival – Antioch, August 10

Pop-up Chemistry – Redwood City, August 10

In the Park Movie Night: King Fu Panda 4 (Free)– San Jose, August 10

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, August 10

Second Saturday on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, August 10

Bay Area Aloha Festival – San Mateo, August 10, 11

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, August 10, 11, 17, 18

Neon Scorpion Hike – Clayton, August 10, 24, 25

Fiesta in the Presidio – San Francisco, August 11

Marin MOCA Family Day – Novato, August 11

Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, August 11

End-of-Summer Jamboree (Free) – Palo Alto, August 11

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, August 11, 14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, August 11, 25

• Reading to children is crucial to their development for so many reasons.  It promotes a lifelong love of reading for one.  It helps your child build a robust vocabulary for another.  In fact, your child may start school at a disadvantage if they are not read to at home.  What you read is also important.  Choosing age-appropriate books that challenge your child based on their developmental stage will help them with pre-literacy skills, as well as develop other skills like fine-motor, communication, and thinking skills.  These latter skills are cultivated by your child learning to turn a page, repeating sounds, pointing to objects on a page, and following a narrative. 

  Here are some age-based tips for selecting books, along with specific titles to consider for growing your child’s library.

  0-3 months

  Aim for books with simple illustrations and patterns.  Black and while illustrations or big, high-contrast pictures do a great job of capturing newborns’ attentions, which makes sense given that their vision is still developing.

• Look! Look! by Peter Linenthal

• 3-6 months

  Babies this age are seeing more colors and starting to develop motor skills.  Now is the perfect time to introduce books with more interactive features, such as different textures or lift-able flaps, so that your child remains engaged and can work on fine-motor skills.

•    Usborne That’s not my … series (e.g., That’s not my unicorn)
•   Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell

• 6-12 months

  Babies at this stage are starting to learn words, especially words for everyday objects that they encounter.  Try reading books that feature only one or a few items.  This allows your child to hear you name something frequently.  Point to the pictures to reinforce vocabulary.

•   First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
•  Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz

• 12-18 months
  

• Silly stories are great at this stage: if you are reading a book about animals, pick one that involves making animal noises so that the two of you can make them together, while having lots of fun in the process!  Don’t forget to encourage your child to actively participate by asking them to point to or name objects.

• Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss
• Moo, Baa, La La La! By Sandra Boynton

     18-24 months

Now is a good time to introduce books that teach your toddler numbers, ABCs, colors, and shapes.  Of course, make sure the books are enjoyable to you, too.  At this stage, your toddler may start asking for the same book over and over again!

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Need to find an activity for the kids on July 4?  Here are some ideas!

Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party - HMB, July 4

4th of July All-City Picnic - Santa Clara, July 4

Woodside Junior Rodeo - Woodside, July 4

Chalk Full of Fun - Redwood City, July 3-4

ExtraOrdinary! at the Exploratorium - SF, July 2-31

Kinetic Creations at CuriOdyssey - San Mateo, July 1-31

Marin County Fair – San Rafael, July 3-7

Chelle and Friends Concert – San Francisco, July 5

First Friday at San Mateo County History Museum – Redwood City, July 5

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, July 5, 16, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Boardwalk Movies on the Beach - Santa Cruz, July 5,12, 19, 26

San Carlos Music in the Park - San Carlos, July 5,12, 19, 26

Happy Birds - San Carlos, July 6

Library Day at the New Farm – San Francisco, July 6

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – Santa Rosa, July 6

SJMade Summer Fair - Santa Clara, Jlu 6,7

California Classic Fan Fest – San Francisco, July 6, 7

Starlight Cinema - San Jose, July 6, 20

Summer Sleepovers at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, July 6,27

Silly Sunday Funday Show with Bay Area Improv – San Francisco, July 7, 14, 21, 29

Prescott Circus – Oakland, July 9, 10

Bubble Wonder – San Carlos, July 10, 21

Insect Discovery Lab – Oakland, July 10, 15, 17, 20, 24, 25

A Peter Rabbit Tale – Palo Alto, July 10-28

Circus Bella in Lincoln Square Park – Oakland, July 11

Finding Nemo Jr. – Mountain View, July 11-14

Ka-Hon Kids Show – San Francisco, July 12

Dinosaurs Before Dark – Pleasanton, July 12

Summer Movie in the Park - Orinda, July 12

Millbrae Goes to the Movies - Millbrae, July 12

Circus Center Youth Circus Performance – San Francisco, July 12-14

Storytime with Anna – Palo Alto, July 12, 15

Family Movie Night at Mitchell Park - Palo Alto, July 12, 19

Foster City Summer Concerts - Foster City, July 12,19,26

Movies in the Park - Berkeley, July 12,26

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, July 13

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, July 13

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, July 13

Pop-Up Chemistry – Redwood City, July 13

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, July 13

Prescott Circus – Oakland, July 13

Mean Girls – Berkeley, July 13-21

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, July 13, 20, 27

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, July 13, 14, 20, 21

Circus Bella at Salesforce Park – San Francisco, July 14

Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, July 14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, July 14, 28

Kids Air Faire – San Carlos, July 17

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – Walnut Creek, July 18

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, July 18

Finding Nemo Jr by PYT – Mountain View, July 18-21

Family Campout – Redwood City, July 19

Circus Bella in Hayes Valley – San Francisco, July 20

The Movie Music of John Williams with the SF Symphony - Palo Alto, July 20

Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, July 20

Apollo 11 Splashdown Anniversary – Alameda, July 20

Kidstock Concert – Mountain View, July 20

Family Campout – Cupertino, July 20

Wildmind Animal Discoveries – Redwood City, July 20

Wet and Wild Day – Palo Alto, July 20

Beauty and The Beast – Santa Rosa, July 20-21

Fiesta Alameda – Alameda, July 21

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, July 21

Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, July 21

Kids Rock – Redwood City, July 21

High School Musical – Pleasanton, July 25

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, July 25 – August 4

SpongeBob the Musical – San Carlo, July 26-28

Summer Stride – San Francisco, July 27

Coventry & Kaluza Performance – Redwood City, July 27

Play Your Way – San Jose, July 27

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, July 28

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, July 29

Freaky Friday – Berkeley, July 25-August 3

On Sunday, June 23^rd from 10 am to 12 pm, the San Mateo Parents Club is hosting a Sip + Shop event at Byrd’s Filling Station.  Thank you to Bryd’s for supporting the SMPC’s efforts to learn about how we can start minimizing plastic waste in a practical way, and for providing these helpful tips below.  Be sure to drop by the store on June 23 if you have questions or want to check out their products!

Ever wondered what legacy you’re leaving for your children? If a plastic-free world is part of that answer, then you’ve come to the right place. 

We are Byrd’s Filling Station, a pioneering zero waste shop and refill station located in the heart of San Mateo that was founded by a fellow San Mateo parent, Laura Porter! 

Laura started the store after realizing that “our whole world is packed in plastic and that’s causing a huge problem that won’t go away any time soon.” As she learned of the harmful effects of plastic waste in the environment, she decided to change her family’s consumption habits through the inspiration of the Plastic Free July movement. Throughout her journey, she realized how difficult it was to transition to a plastic-free and zero waste lifestyle. This gave her the inspiration to identify resources to support her goal of reducing plastics in her life.  When she found how difficult those resources were to find locally, she created the store. 

So we at Byrd’s Filling Station want to share tips for a more sustainable way of life.  It isn’t crucial that you clean up every piece of plastic immediately, and we can all make big changes through lots of little steps.  Here's how to start your plastic-free journey: 

Step 1: Use Up Existing Products

Don’t throw away your current plastics. Use them up first, then dispose of them responsibly. It can be tempting to immediately throw away any plastics you have in your home when you start your journey, but you don’t necessarily have to! 

Throwing everything away would not only be wasteful, but it would cost you money you’ve already spent. So use up what you already have, remember to switch to plastic-free alternatives when you run out, refill what containers you can reuse, and properly dispose of your plastics in the recycling. 

Step 2: Recon Mission

We understand the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis and recognize the pivotal role that businesses play in driving meaningful change. That's why we are dedicated to providing a convenient and accessible way for consumers and businesses, alike, to ditch plastics and embrace a healthier lifestyle. With our carefully curated selection of plastic-free alternatives and refillable options, we aim to empower individuals to make impactful choices for the planet without sacrificing convenience. 

We highly recommend taking a first trip to our store just to browse our selection and determine what items you want to invest in and what products you’d like to start refilling. Before you dive right into the world of zero waste, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your options. A great place to start is by reviewing our website filled with eco-friendly products, tips, and guides!

Step 3: Start Small

Replace one product at a time instead of replacing everything all at once. Making changes to your lifestyle will take time and if you start all at once you might feel overwhelmed. We have lots of recommendations in our store, so if you don’t know where you want to start, come give us a visit and we are more than happy to give you some advice! Our friendly staff can answer just about any question you throw our way.

Step 4: Refill Existing Containers

If you already have a spice container, why buy a totally new one instead of refilling into the existing one? There are so many things you can refill if you choose to shop with us ranging from soaps, grains, nuts, pastas, face care, dairy, and oils.

Our shopping model is a revitalization in how consumers approach grocery shopping. Going back to the way “it used to be” of buying what you need when you need it in your own containers. By offering a wide range of bulk goods and encouraging the use of reusable containers, we have effectively provided a sustainable alternative to the traditional, packaging-heavy shopping experience.

Step 5: Have Patience With Yourself! 

It may seem impossible to completely avoid plastic, but taking the time and effort to start is what is truly admirable. Even the people who live zero waste now started somewhere, so start today! We will be here to support you through your zero waste journey :)

Customers like Jennifer Dirking have already experienced the benefits of this innovative shopping model: "Grocery shopping simplified! We are so lucky to live near a deluxe bulk store, Byrd’s Filling Station in San Mateo, California. We can get groceries without paying for plastic packaging—much better for our health and the planet’s. I can break up with plastic overnight!”

Step 6: Spread The Word! 

Habits are hard to change, but we feel more motivated to change when we are doing it together. Encourage your family and friends to join in on your sustainable journey and bring them to the Byrd’s Filling Station store to learn more! You can also involve your kids in the process by having them come and refill their favorite snacks. If you teach your kids sustainable habits now, it’ll make it easier for them in the future!

Customer excitement and positive reactions to the store have been overwhelming since our opening. Many shoppers have expressed delight at the store's welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and extensive selection of eco-friendly products. Community members have found themselves inspired by the store's commitment to sustainability and feel empowered to make positive changes in their own lives. Whether it's the joy of discovering a new plastic-free alternative or the satisfaction of knowing they're supporting a local, woman-owned business, patrons consistently rave about their experiences at Byrd's Filling Station.

We at Byrd's Filling Station are poised to expand the stores influence and continue to serve as a beacon for sustainable living. We invite YOU, the parental community, to join in our mission to eliminate waste and make sustainable shopping accessible to all. Whether you're a seasoned environmental advocate or someone exploring eco-conscious living for the first time, we invite you to join our community and discover the joy of shopping with purpose. 

For more information about Byrd's Filling Station and its initiatives, please visit https://byrdsfillingstation.com/. 

Thank you to Byrd's Filling Station for preparing this blog post!

Contact Information:

Byrd's Filling Station at 219 South San Mateo Dr., San Mateo CA 94401

Email: info@byrdsfillingstation.com 

Phone: (650) 242-1976

Website: https://byrdsfillingstation.com/

FB/IG/TT: byrdsfillingstation

Like so many families in the Bay Area today, my husband and I are not from here. I joined the San Mateo Parents Club when my first son was born in 2017, and my first play date with him was holding his wee body in my arms at Fiero Coffee the day my mom flew home after her time here for postpartum support. I ended up volunteering as his playgroup coordinator, joining the Board, and as some of you know, served as President for a couple years. The parents and kids from my son’s and daughters’ play groups are still a huge part of our lives today.

This same desire to build community is what helped our family choose a parent-participation preschool, otherwise known as a co-op. I’m not going to lie, when I first heard the enthusiasm parents had for their co-op preschools, I was a bit skeptical. It sounded like a lot of work, and with a plan to have at least two or three children in quick succession, I didn’t know if a school that required my presence one morning a week would be the right fit. 

Then I went to an Open House at San Mateo Parents Nursery School and another parent from the SMPC was there, an Occupational Therapist whose perspectives on play-based, early childhood experiences and freedom of movement and choice mirrored my own as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Hearing her gush about the evidence-base behind the preschool was a good start, but it was the sincere joy and friendships I saw between the teachers, parents, and kids that moved my husband and I the most. 

As we left the event, I asked my husband what he thought, and he told me that community building through our preschool felt like the right choice. Both moms AND dads were involved in the Board and co-oping, and the teachers had all been parents whose children had attended as well. It seemed like SMPNS was more than just a preschool; it felt like an institution that we would be lucky to be a part of.

In 2023 I became President of the Board of SMPNS. The 2023-2024 school year also marked SMPNS’s 75th anniversary, and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support alumni families have for the school. I was fortunate to meet former directors, teachers, and parents whose children are now parents of children who attend with my children, and the legacy of love, equality, and inclusion they all describe is part of the DNA of the program. 

In case you missed the SMPC Play Date SMPNS had the pleasure of hosting at the beginning of May, I’d love to take a moment to share a few of the key principles that guide SMPNS and have made it such a truly special program for the past 75 years. 

• Children are Free to Be – Children explore their autonomy through play at SMPNS. They are able to move from activity to activity as they choose. This is a foundational tenant of the program because it allows a child to deep-dive when they are curious or engaged in an activity and also navigate entering and exiting activities with peers. Developing independence in the preschool years includes learning to self-soothe, learning to separate, learning to serve themselves food, learning to take care of their bowel and bladder needs, and SMPNS has structured its program around meeting children where they are with the goal of supporting them as they develop these skills.

• Minimal structure: There are three core activities during a preschool morning: snack, story time, and show and tell. The rest of the morning is devoted to curated activities set up by teachers and facilitated by parents who co-op. The large group activities are when children develop their classroom expectations for kindergarten and participate in question and answer moments that also support cognitive-communication. Not all children thrive in an unstructured program, and that’s why children are also welcome to tour the school to see if they find the environment joyful or overwhelming. 

• Child-centered themes: Some children come to SMPNS already passionate about topics and activities, whether it be in the realm of non-fiction (rockets, fire trucks, trains, dinosaurs, bugs, languages, gemstones) or fiction (princesses, storytelling, art, playing house), and teachers have many of these topics and play schemas available daily.

  

• Holistic learning: Early literacy and spatial awareness activities, (e.g. magnetic tiles, puzzles), are available every day, but you’ll never find a worksheet. Children conduct experiments with objects and practice reading and writing through open-ended activities, in the form of a love note home or with an activity that appeals to their creative expression, without an emphasis on accuracy. There are also ample opportunities for fine-motor and gross-motor development, music & movement, and sensory exploration every day, which allow children to develop self-regulation skills and seek out activities that fill their own unique buckets. 

• Social-emotional development: SMPNS focuses on conflict resolution and helping children learn to navigate problem solving with the goals of independence and empathy. Children are guided to respect each other and collaborate with peers. Parents often say this is not only one of the best things they learn that supports their children at home, but many parents receive feedback from their child’s elementary school teachers about how self-aware of their feelings and needs their children are, and they are impressed by their independent ability to advocate for themselves and be kind to others. 

• Learning from others: Children learn from each other during show and tell and during unstructured play. Parents learn from teachers as they watch the teachers support a child whether he is struggling or excited and during several Parent Ed events during the year. Teachers learn from teachers as they attend conferences, are inspired by recent publications and activities, or share their unique gifts – whether it is making up songs, leaning into thirty years of stories to tell, or facilitating silkworms every year. Parents learn from children when they put aside their own desire to direct play and learn how to watch children engage with each other and discover the unique needs of their own little ones in the context of a broader community.

• Fresh eyes of a child: Children are respected for their curiosity about the world around them. Teachers understand that they are often showing them something they may have never known existed. One of our afternoon teachers is an arachnid hobbyist, and she takes every opportunity she can at storytime and through hands-on activities to pique their curiosity, amazement, and wonder about nature. 

These same curriculum choices are not unique to SMPNS; in fact, most parent-participation co-op nursery schools are play-based and follow these general philosophies. There are several such preschools in our area with varying levels of participation requirements and scheduling options. If you are interested in partnering in your child’s early education and would love to learn more, I highly encourage you to explore this unique model by visiting as many programs as you can to find the one that fits your family’s needs. Several co-op schools attend the SMPC preschool fair in the fall, which is a great opportunity to feel out a school’s vibe and meet the leadership team. 

I appreciate you taking the time to allow me to share the magic of SMPNS. We look forward to many more decades of playing, growing, learning, and loving together in San Mateo. 

Rachel Kammeyer - San Mateo Parents Nursery School President

SMPNS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-run organization. We provide flexible scheduling options (a.m. only/all-day programs) and accept children who are 2.5-5 years old in a mixed-age setting. Plan to skip TK? We’d love to support your child’s journey as a 4-5 year old!