Consign or Donate Your Used Kids' Items at the Parent Talk Sale!

WHY CONSIGN AT THE SALE?

We all see the posts on For Sale and parent groups on Facebook, and it often occurs to me that I could get rid of the piles of outgrown kid stuff in my house that way, but I rarely do. The few times I've tried did not result in the easy success I anticipated. After volunteering at the Sale and seeing how it works, I realized that consigning was actually a much better way to clear out my used stuff than by attempting to sell items one at a time online.

1. I can get everything out of my house at once.
2. Everyone who sees my items will be specifically looking to buy these types of items, and there's a ton of people at the Sale. That's much better exposure than to people who may or may not be seriously looking to buy anything, may just see the post by accident, scrolling through a thousand other posts on their phones on the couch at night. Check out all the ready to go shoppers in the background:

3. If somebody buys my items, they take them right there. We don't have to schedule a pick up that may or may not go down. I've waited for someone to pick up free stuff and been stood up before, I imagine that happens more frequently when it isn't free.
4. If somebody buys it, I get some $$, while also supporting this fantastic organization - both financially and by contributing my really cool items to make the Sale the awesome event that it is.
5. No negotiation. Nobody is going to show up, dig in their pockets and say "Oh, I've only got a 5 - is that ok?"
6. If nobody wants my stuff, it's still out of my house. And it goes to charity.

HOW TO CONSIGN ITEMS AT THE SALE

This is the first time I'm consigning things at the Sale, and probably like many people who've never done it before I kind of assumed it would be a big project. One I might never actually get around to. I decided the best way to test this theory would be to actually do it, and for motivation, try to write a blog post about it. Which is working.
SO . . . I'll break it down and make it EVEN easier for you than it has been so far for me :

1. Click on this link CONSIGN AT THE SALE. It will take you to a page with all the info you need about consigning.
2. Download your SELLER'S KIT. This document is yet another testament to the mind blowing efficiency and organization that is the legacy of 25 years of ParentTalk planning. Don't be overwhelmed by the sheer size of it - it's not because this is complicated. It's because this pdf is an easy-to-navigate compilation of the answers to every question posed by sellers over the last 20 years. It practically consigns your stuff FOR you.
3. Get yourself a Seller's ID by emailing the following information to ptsellerkits@gmail.com :

Full Name

Address including zip code

Phone Number

Preferred Email Address

4. Decide what's going. The Seller's Kit has guidelines as to what will and will not be accepted. For the Fall Sale, I'm consigning fall and winter clothing, a shelving unit for organizing toys, and a baby carrier, among other thing. Here's my pile so far:

You don't see any toys, because I'm hiding them.

5. Print out your tags from the template, also found in the Seller's Kit.
6. Label them clearly with price and Seller ID - pricing suggestions are included in the Seller's Kit. To make it easier and make sure your labels are readable, we'd suggest typing in your Seller ID before printing the tags. Some people type in all or a few prices before printing (for example, "$4 shirt" if you're consigning a bunch of shirts) to save time and avoid having to write the same price over and over for similarly priced items.
7. Attach the tags to your items. You might want to purchase a tagging gun like I did. If you are volunteering as well as consigning, this gun will come in quite handy later on - veterans know what I'm talking about. If you don't have a tagging gun, make sure the tags are fastened securely with strong tape so they don't fall off, as items do get moved around quite a bit as people are shopping.

8. Bring your tagged, priced items to the Christ Episcopal Church at 1132 Highland Ave on Friday October 13th between 9am and 8pm. Place them in the areas where they belong, ie. clothing downstairs on racks with the appropriate size, toys upstairs - the Seller's Kit also includes a sizing guide for clothes, and explains where everything goes.
9. Wait for your check. You will receive 50% of all proceeds collected before 11:45a.m. on Sale day, which is Saturday October 14th this year. All items not sold prior to 11:45 a.m. will become a tax deductible donation to Parent Talk.

If you're looking for an even faster way to clear out your gently used items, you can donate them to the Sale and we'll do all the work for you! Donations are currently being accepted at our two drop off locations (6 Birds Hill Ave and 10 Noyes St), or you can bring items directly to the church on Friday October 13th.

If this sounds good to you, check out this other blog post about consigning your used kids' items :
How To Consign and Donate to PT's Sale

Once you've gotten your consigned goods cleared out, it's time to buy more! Consider volunteering 2 hours at the Sale for preferred shopping hours. Check out this post about how much fun it is :
Do Good, Have Fun, and SHOP

See you at the Sale!

About the Author:

Laura Perras is a mom and Realtor who grew up in Needham, where she now works as part of the Perras Group at the William Raveis Needham office. In addition to mom-ing and selling houses, Laura enjoys djing, yoga, and arts and crafts. She’s involved in Parent Talk as Board CoChair of Marketing and Communications, Blog Coordinator, and Sale Committee Member.  Please reach out if you would like to submit a post to the blog or have feedback or ideas regarding what you’d like to see here : Laura.Perras.Realtor@gmail.com

Why I Take My Kids to the PT Sale or Why I Own a Purple Fur Armchair

The Parent Talk Used Clothing, Equipment, and Toy Sale is coming this Saturday, October 17, 2015!  If you have ever seen me at the Sale, you know that I am often accompanied by my daughters, aged six-and-a-half and four-and-a-half.  I have brought them to the Sale for the last few years.  Why do I give them each five dollars, brave the Sale crowds, and try to maneuver the three of us around the full, fun, and frantic basement of Christ Episcopal Church in Needham?  Here's why:

Christ Episcopal Church basement full of Parent Talk Sale clothing.

• I believe that it's freeing for my daughters to hear, "It's your choice," rather than "No" and "Put that back," which is typically what they hear from me at a toy store.  At the Sale, their eyes light up when they realize that they have so many options and independence to choose and buy (staying within their budget, of course).  Baby doll stroller (even if we already have five)?  Balance board with monkey face on it?  Tinkerbell costume that is probably too small?  It's up to you, kiddo.

• They can bring home stuff that they love.  It is pretty much a rule that I am not allowed to say "no" to a Sale item that they choose to buy, unless it is unsafe or broken.  Trust me -- I have been tested -- particularly by the furry, purple armchair with Disney fairies all over it that my daughter had to have.  While it is my least favorite thing in her room, it is a treasure that she has adored for years.  The hours of reading that she has logged in it has more than made up for my initial distaste.  (So, thanks to whomever donated it to the Sale).

Toy Room at a Parent Talk Sale

• It's a treat.  I don't make my girls use their allowances for their Sale purchases, but I do talk with them about the good behavior that I will need to see in the week or so before our shopping trip.  I tell them how busy it will be while we are there.  That advance preparation and the promise of a dip into the candy bowl at the end of Sale shopping has been an effective deterrent to bad behavior about two-thirds of the time.

• The girls can buy back a toy that I sneakily donated to the Sale.  (Seriously, this has happened).

• Sale shopping is a chance to do some basic math.  I ask them, "If this book is two dollars and this toy is four dollars, how much is that together?" 

"Let's play shop!" by Sarah Joy

• I want my daughters to know that when we are done with using something, someone else can still use it.  Also, just because someone else has used an item does not make it any less useful to us.

• Lastly, I want my daughters to understand, at the level that they can, what the Sale is about.  Our family has benefited in huge ways from what Parent Talk provides.  I want my girls to see that the reducing, reusing, and recycling at the Sale funds Parent Talk, and Parent Talk in turn organizes the Barn Babies event that they enjoy each spring, subsidizes the Needham playground monkey bars that they swing from, and provides connections to our village of friends. 

Happy shopping!  I'll see you there . . .

About the author
Katie Alwart is a former Board member of Parent Talk and a Needham mom.  She works outside of the home three days a week and tries unsuccessfully to declutter her house during the other four days.

If you have questions about shopping at, consigning or donating to Parent Talk's upcoming Sale, ask them in the Comments section below!

What's on Your PT Sale Shopping List?

In the weeks leading up to the Parent Talk Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale, my living room and dining room become staging areas.  Donations and consignments go out the door to Sale in order to make room for purchases coming in the door from the Sale.

Once the donations have been made and the consignments have been tagged, it's time to pull together my shopping list for the day of the Sale.  I make a mental list of what each child needs in several categories, including seasonal items, toys, equipment and my favorite -- what I call "back-up" items.  I also keep my eyes open for what I call "jack-pot" items.

Seasonal Items

 At the Fall Sale, my list always includes the following items: 

• Halloween Costumes --  Last year, I was able to buy three or four costumes for each for my twins.  Even though the twins did not end up wearing any of them for Halloween, they now have a very full dress-up closet with which they play all of the time.  This year, I am on the lookout for the makings of a pirate princess costume.

"Who dressed YOU?" by Juhan Sonin

• Winter Gear  -- I almost always end up picking up a few winter gear items, whether they be back-up items for daycare (more on that later) or "new" gear for the slopes.  I always look for tried and true name brands like L.L.Bean and Lands' End.  I know that items from these brands will stand up to being used by several kids, and the companies' return policies are extremely generous in case a zipper breaks or a seam pulls after years of use. This year, I am on the hunt for snow pants for my older son.

•  Holiday Outfits -- If you think about it, it never makes sense to buy holiday outfits new when you can buy them worn once or twice for a fraction of the cost!  This fall, I am looking for a dress for my daughter and coordinating sweaters for my boys.

"Had a little Christmas session." by Tanner Smith

Toys 

This year, my family has been really focused on getting the toys out of the house and reducing our clutter, so I don't need as many toys this year.  When my kids were younger, however, I got some amazing toys from the Sale, especially toys for the newborn through toddler age range.  These toys don't get quite as much wear and tear as toys for older children. I have picked up many nearly new items, including walkers, musical toys and Tonka trucks!  This year, my list is short, but it does include some key items:

• Board Games - My kids are starting to play games cooperatively, with little support from Mom and Dad.  At the Sale, I am hoping to pick up a few new games to add to the rotation.  The Sale is always well stocked with everyone's favorite games, so if you see Apples to Apples, save it for me!

• Coloring/Activity Books - My daughter is a coloring fiend right now. If she could, she would color for hours every day.  My boys love activity books with mazes and "spot the difference" pages. I am hoping to pick up a few of these to stash in our family car so that when we go out to eat, travel, or go on car trips there will always be something for me to grab that is new entertainment.

"coloring book" by Julie Rybarczyk

• Music - Similarly, I am planning to keep an eye out for a few CDs.  We mostly listen to streaming music at home, but we do have a CD player in the playroom and in our minivan.  I love to pull out something that  we have not listened to when we are into the fifth hour of a road trip to see the in-laws!

Back-Up Items

Okay, here's the deal.  This is where you can really make out at the Sale.  Even if you prefer to buy new for your kids, you can always use a back-up of something, right?  Whether it's an extra Pack 'n Play for your mom's house, a second jogging stroller for the beach or an extra set of winter gear for daycare, why pay full price?  Your kids will use these items only a fraction of the time, and with all the great brands and quality items at the Sale, you can't go wrong!  This year my list includes:

• Winter Gear --  My kids all go to daycare and instead of schlepping boots, hats, mittens, coats and snow pants back and forth each day, I just get them a second set of everything.  This year,   I am on the lookout for a second set of winter gear for my younger son. 

• Rain Gear -- How many times have you left for school when it has been sunny and then the day takes a turn for the worse?  Again, it's easier just to have back-up rain gear that you can leave at school for the season.  My daughter needs rain boots (size 11, if you see them)!

"running in wellies and raincoats" by Sarah Offley Photography Wirral

• Baby Gear -- Just kidding! Nothing is on my list for baby gear this year. I am purging baby gear these days, but in the past when I was expecting twins, I got great deals on strollers, a second swing, and a second high-chair.  Last year, I got a great deal on not one, but two Razor scooters.  Look for Pack 'n Plays, extra sheets, a second baby carrier (adjust one for mom and one for dad, and no need to readjust ever again) and second (or third) strollers.

• Jack-Pot Items --  Last but not least are what I call the jack-pot items. This is the brand new Mini Boden shirt in your son's size for $8, or the pink Pottery Barn kitchen for a fraction of the cost, new.  While I don't put anything specific from this category on my shopping list, there is always something that catches my eye at every Sale.  At this year's Spring Sale, I picked up several brand new crew-neck tee shirts for my daughter for under fifteen dollars.  Last fall, I got a nearly new pair of pink Kamik boots for her, which she wore nearly every day from January to May!   

What's on your shopping list?

About the Author
Wendy Todd lives in Needham with her husband, Aaron, and three kids aged eight, four and four. She started volunteering for the Parent Talk Sale in 2008 and has been on the Sale Committee for the last four Sales. She plans to stay on the Committee until her very last bargain is found! She previously served on the Board of Directors of Parent Talk as both Playspace Chair and President.

Editor's note:  One of the best ways to score an item on your PT Sale shopping list (especially those jack-pot items!) is to volunteer for the Sale. Volunteers can shop early, before the start of the Sale.  Help is especially needed on Sale Day, Saturday, October 17, 2015. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up at SignUpGenius.  

How to Consign and Donate to PT's Sale

Twice a year, Parent Talk hosts its  Used Clothing, Toy, and Equipment Sale.  I have been shopping, volunteering, donating, and consigning for (gulp!) the past eleven Sales, and I’m preparing for my twelfth Sale on Saturday, October 17th, 2015.  A month or so before each Sale, I initiate my beautifully crafted, tested, and wonderfully organized system.  I’m quite proud of it, and I’m going to share some of my secrets with you.  My system works for me, and it may work for you.  Here is my process.

     

I always keep empty bins in my attic, designated as “consign” or “donate.”  Whenever one of my children complains of an item not fitting properly or not liking it anymore, it goes straight to one of these bins -- no questions asked.  (Okay, to be honest, it sits on the bureau in our guest room for a few weeks first).  Once in the bin, it cannot be taken out.  That is a house rule that we honor.

"Box O' Happy!" by davidd

When I am ready, I bring the items from my donation and consignment bins to my staging area.  I do this on a daily basis until Sale day.  My staging area consists of three chairs (one for me to sit on and two to use as staging areas), a box of hangers (yes, I collect children's hangers throughout the year), a folding table with my computer on top, a tagging device, fasteners, safety pins, a pad of paper and pen. 

First, the process for donations is easy.  There are two ways you can donate, and I highly recommend either choice: (1) drop off your items at the PODS (which is located conveniently in Needham) or (2) drop off your donations to Christ Episcopal Church beginning at 9 o'clock on Friday, October 16th, 2015, the day before the Sale.  Once your donations are dropped off, Parent Talk's team of amazing volunteers will work diligently to price, tag, hang, and display the items for sale.

A group of volunteers tags clothing.

Although I donate many items, there is an alternative - consignments.  People often ask me how to price consignment items.  I try to think about what I would want to pay for the item, and then I add a few dollars.  I base the price on each item's brand, quality, and supply and demand.  I thoughtfully price my items so that they will sell quickly.  Shoppers want a bargain, but I always remind myself that this is a fundraiser for Parent Talk, so I want to raise money.

Once I price six items, I print the corresponding tags.  I bring the printed sheet directly from the printer and put it on top of the six items it matches. There are small six-item piles all over the staging area.  Once I accumulate a few piles, I start cutting the tags and then tag each item.  The tagged items go into new piles that I sort by gender, size, and type.  This helps to keep things organized so that I can quickly put them on hangers and pack with a method.  If I have carefully categorized my items, it will be much easier to unpack and display them for the Sale.

A member of Parent Talk's Sale Committee puts clothing on display.

Parent Talk's bi-annual Used Clothing, Toys and Equipment Sale has become a part of my life.  Twice a year, I clean out my closets, search for items that are no longer used, and talk with my children regarding the importance of being a part of a community that cares for, commits to, and serves others.  They understand my process and often help me gather items to be donated or consigned.  We have made it into a game. In order to bring more things into the house, we have to make room.  My children who are six (almost seven) and four-and-a half years old, playfully search the house for donations.  I love how they say, "donate-consign-trash" with confidence.   

Sometimes they make very thoughtful, mature choices.  Other times they grab whatever they can fit in their arms and dump it on the floor in front of me.  I always ask them twice whether the item is really one that they no longer want.  I follow their lead, but sometimes it drives me crazy when they want to "donate-consign-trash" a barely worn item, each other's clothing, a favorite book or beloved toy.  Sometimes I learn why this tiny-itty-bitty-thing that I step on every day needs to remain a part of our playroom.  Their tears, frustration, and explanation help me to recognize that some things are meant to be kept.  This chance to watch my children's reactions and talk with them helps me to understand what is important to them and why.  Without this exercise or such a conversation, I would miss this opportunity to learn and grow with my children.

I love Parent Talk, I love the Sale, and I am honored to be part of this community.  Not only does Parent Talk help with making connections, playgroups and activities, but it fills my closet, my bookshelves, my playroom and my heart. 

Nikki Amara Myers is a Needham resident, a parent of two children, an independent educational consultant specializing in the college admissions process, and owner of Nikki Myers Photography. She has lived in Needham since January 2011. 

If you have questions about consigning or donating to Parent Talk's upcoming Sale, ask them in the Comments section below!

More Reasons to Buy "Used," Not "New" - Parent Talk's Used Clothing, Toy & Equipment Sale this Fall

Now is the time of year that I start counting down days to the event that first introduced me to Parent Talk -- the biannual Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale.  A few years ago, I walked into Parent Talk's fall sale at Christ Episcopal Church for the first time, not knowing what to expect.  After the bundle of new expenses brought on with becoming a first-time mommy, I had eyes and ears ever open for great baby items at great prices.  I immediately was floored by the massive selection of useful items in good condition that were housed in multiple rooms and floors of the church, plus the outdoors.  From large, outdoor play structures to small, handheld toys, from children's clothes to maternity items, from books to games, this Sale had it all.

Toys and Strollers lined up for sale outside Christ Episcopal Church.

In contrast to the yard sales I had been to, everything was clearly priced and laid out in a logical way. This made shopping a breeze.  I walked out with 2 large plastic bags full of items.  I also left greatly impressed with the organization sponsoring the Sale.  Parent Talk somehow knew exactly what I needed in producing this well-oiled, large and successful volunteer-run event. 

People like me already know that Parent Talk's upcoming October Sale is worth supporting with donated goods and attending as a shopper and volunteer.  But some folks just like buying new.  They squirm at the idea of owning anything second hand, or prefer to toss their own, worn items into the trash rather than pass them along to someone else.  To these folks, I offer a few reasons to consider supporting the marketplace of used goods.

Book Room at the Parent Talk Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale.

Buying Used Allows Room for Creativity and Flexibility

Used items routinely cost 50% or less of an item's price when new, so a consumer can afford to experiment with purchases.  Not sure how an expensive baby carrier will feel on your back?  Buy them used, and you can afford to try out multiple options.  If you routinely purchase pink, brown or blue clothing for your child, why not try bright green or bright orange for a change and see how it works?  Create a wardrobe for your child's dolls and stuffed animals with used infant or preemie clothes.  Used items can be disassembled for fun and crafts.  Has your child ever wanted to operate on the insides of a wind-up clock or toy car?  Let him or her experiment with opening a cheap, used one.

"Three wheels on my wagon!" by Les Chapfield

Buying Used is Good for the Environment

New paper products require tree clearing.  New plastic items require oil extraction.  New metal items mean extracting metal from the earth in ground-razing activities.  In contrast, used items do not require any new extraction, refining, or processing which would result in consuming additional natural resources, some of which are limited.  No new energy is needed to "make" a used item because the electricity associated with farming, manufacturing and shipping operations has already been spent in the initial production of the item.   There is no new pollution (such as chemicals or carbon emissions) associated with "making" a used item.  For example, a new cotton tee-shirt represents the harvesting and processing of cotton, which likely includes farming operations that use pesticides.   According to one used clothing recycling company, the production of one cotton shirt requires one-third of a pound of pesticides.  However, no new resources or pesticides are expended in purchasing a used tee-shirt.  Also, there is savings in packaging such as plastic wrap, Styrofoam and cardboard boxes, which though accompanying an item when it is new, need not be produced for a used item.

"Open-pit Copper Mine Mission Complex" by docentjoyce

Buying or Donating Used Items Translates to Supporting to the Local Community

In the case of Parent Talk's Sale, community support happens in several ways.  First of all, as a non-profit organization, Parent Talk's revenues go not to shareholders, but to its mission of "helping families with young children connect, learn, play, and grow together."  Proceeds from donated items will directly fund Parent Talk activities and member benefits.  Proceeds from the used clothing, toys and equipment that are sold on consignment go to local consignors and Parent Talk.  In contrast, proceeds from new, store-bought items can be expected to go to a corporate retailer or manufacturer.  Often, that entity is not local.  Buying items "new" in such cases fails to provide direct support to our local community.

Additionally, items that remain after the Parent Talk Sale go to local charities, so any donations to the Sale that remain unsold should eventually find their way into someone's grateful hands.  Many items will have far reaching impact.  Charities from the Greater Boston area are invited to participate at the end of the Sale by sweeping through and choosing items that will benefit the needs of the communities they serve.  Local charity Circle of Hope states, "The clothing we collect from Parent Talk sales is vital to our mission.  Without the Parent Talk items, we would struggle to provide enough clothing for all of the children we serve."

Quality at Less Expense

Top brand names for toys or equipment can be purchased for much less when used, compared to their prices when new.  Purchasing used designer or boutique clothes can mean obtaining superior quality clothing at more affordable prices.  At the Parent Talk Sale, items tend to be in good to great condition, and sometimes even have original tags still attached.

Racks of children's clothing at an October Sale.

Need I say more?  Mark your calendars!  This year, Parent Talk's fall Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale will again be held at Christ Episcopal Church (across from the Needham Public Library) on October 17, 2015.  Volunteers and donations are welcome and still needed.  The general sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the clearance bag sale from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Sale items are generally targeted for ages 0-8.

About the Author

Darlene W. Cancell is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom, and most recently blog coordinator for Parent Talk.

Do you have thoughts related to this post? Please share them in the Comments section below.  

Sources:

1. Waseem Trading Company, Top 10 Reasons to Buy Used Clothing & Used Shoes, available at http://www.wtc-textile.com/top-10-reasons-to-buy-used-clothing-used-shoes/.

2. MAC Recycling, Why Recycle Clothes?, available at: http://mac-recycling.com/why.html.

Parent Talk's 2014-15 President Wendy Todd and VP Emily Roach Thank Volunteers, Board

  2014-15 President Wendy Todd (left) and
  2014-15 Vice-President Emily Roach (right)

Summer always brings lazier days and a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the school year.  Summer also means the transition from old to new at Parent Talk when the official changing of the guard comes and a new set of amazing volunteers takes over and begins planning the many events and activities that will keep our families busy for months to come. This past June was no different as the outgoing leadership team passed the torch to a wonderful group of incoming board members. But before we say our final goodbye, we want to take a moment to thank the many wonderful volunteers that have contributed their talents and time this year.

From left: Wendy Todd and Emily Roach with PT's new President Megan
Bourque and outgoing Board Members Deb Dorman, Lauren Baum, and
Kristen Capodilupo

First, we want to give a big thank you to our 2014-15 Board Members: Lauren Baum, Shalini Broderick, Kristen Capodilupo, Colleen Doran, Deborah Dorman, Riley Hastings, Susan Koslow and Maggie Shapiro.  For the past few years, their time and endless energy has gone towards making Parent Talk the wonderful organization it is today.

2014-15 Sale Chairs Diane Solomon (left) and Seema Layne (right)

From left: 2014-15 Go Green Chairs Cristina Santamaria, Kate Hassan, and Joanna Noon

 Second, we want to thank our 2014-15 event chairs and committee members.  They each made significant contributions to the success of Parent Talk’s programming and fundraising efforts this year.  There are too many of you to name here, but we would like to give a special shout out to Sale Chairs Seema Layne and Diane Solomon; Go Green Chairs Kate Hassan, Joanna Noon and Cristina Santamaria; and Volunteer of the Year Liza d'Hemecourt.

Center: Liza d'Hemecourt, Volunteer of the Year

Finally, a huge thank you to each and every one of the member volunteers who contributed to Parent Talk’s success this year.  Whether it was as a 2-hour volunteer at the sale, helping to move tables at Flicks, or writing a post for the blog, this organization does not succeed without the support of every individual member. Thank You!

During our tenure on Parent Talk’s leadership team, we had an amazing ride and met wonderful people who will be in our lives for years and years to come.  Thank you to everyone for your support and friendship over the past few years.  We feel very lucky to be part of a community as wonderful as Parent Talk and we are thrilled to be leaving the organization in the capable hands of the 2015-16 board, led by President Megan Bourque and Vice-President Ellie Beasley.

All our best, 

Wendy Todd and Emily Roach

Treating Local Senior Citizens on Halloween

Like most other families with young children, we LOVE Halloween in our house! But every year by the time October 31st rolls around, my kids have already been to nearly a dozen Halloween celebrations. Between parties at school, playgroup gatherings, town fairs where they wear their costumes to trick-or-treating around Needham at the Spooky Walk, we are on candy and costume overdrive for all of October! Every year I tell myself it is a little excessive, but then the next year I do the same thing----sign up for as many Halloween festivities as possible.

However, one event we went to this year was different from the others---the Parent Talk Halloween Party at Avery Crossings Assisted Living Center. Parent Talk members and their costumed kids spent the afternoon with the senior residents doing Halloween-themed crafts, listening (and occasionally dancing!) to Kidz Bop Halloween tunes, and showing off their adorable costumes to the admiring audience. Costumes included a few princesses, a pirate, a lobster, two monkeys, two spiders, a car, an airplane, and many more. A highlight was trick-or-treating to candy baskets held by each senior!

It was such a feel-good afternoon for both the kids and the seniors---such a nice pause to do something with my kids to brighten someone else’s day especially during this season of excess! If you didn't get to go this year, keep an eye out for the sign-up next year. Better yet, consider visiting a senior center this holiday season with your little one. Watching others get so much joy from your child is as uplifting as it gets!

About the author:

Ellie is originally from Buffalo, NY and moved to Needham in 2011 with her husband Andrew. Their two children Grant (4) and Colette (2) have enjoyed the many activities and playgroups provided by Parent Talk, and Ellie is thrilled to be joining the Board and getting more involved in the community and with Parent Talk. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, Ellie worked in Fundraising/Development for the American Museum of Natural History in NYC and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. She also volunteers her time for her alma mater Williams College. In her (limited!) kid-free time, Ellie enjoys golfing, running, doing needlepoint, and cooking yummy meals for her family.

LINX Classes at Parent Talk Playspace!

Last Spring, Parent Talk had trial classes for children at our playspace, sponsored by LINX. According to our membership survey this summer, (more on that in a later post) those classes were very popular, so we are very happy to offer a full schedule of classes again starting in September! LINX provides their enthusiastic, well trained teachers and receives the benefit of new enrollment from the Parent Talk community. Our members get conveniently located classes at a discount and Parent Talk receives 10% of the fees paid!  

Beginning September 5^th classes in the Playspace will include Monday and Friday mornings.  Mondays, Miss Carry starts off at 9:25am with Family Music Makers, a "mixed age family jam session" for ages 0-4. This is followed by Sports Safari at 10:35, where 18-23 month olds  will “run like jaguars, swing like monkeys and cheer like lions."

Friday is yoga day with Miss Ingrid which uses, Kidding Around Yoga™ (KAY), teaching yoga to children in a creative and playful way. During Family Yoga, at 9:45am parents and children ages 12 months to 4 years will explore yoga poses, breathing, meditation, respect and kindness while we “moo like cows, meow like cats, sail in boats, and so much more." Then at 10:45, 3 to 5 year olds will learn yoga while singing, dancing, laughing and storytelling. 

Classes can be tried on a monthly basis, or larger blocks with benefits.

Want to know more? Visit the Parent Talk page on the LINX site to learn more about the classes, schedules, program goals and prices.  It’s where you can register for classes as well.