Author: Tami Scott

Whether your baby is a newborn, a few months old, or approaching his 1-year milestone birthday, you’re probably exhausted. Those full nights of restful sleep you had before your baby was born have vanished. And while being a new parent is exciting, it can also be draining. Sleep is vital for both your infant—and for you. “Parents who are not in control of their own sleep choices are putting their health and their ability to care for their family at risk,” says Chris Herrera, a birth and postpartum doula, and owner of Birth Beautifully. “Make sleep a priority.” Learn here…

Cicero native Lauren Calcagnino recently found a way to blend her two life passions—dance and working with children with disabilities—by offering a new type of class at Rae’s Institute of Dance and Movement in Brewerton. The program, called Adaptive Dance, and created specifically for children with disabilities, is less than two months old and open to children ages 5 to 18 of all ability levels. Calcagnino is a local speech-language pathologist who has been dancing since age 2. When she began to explore adaptive dance options in the Syracuse area, she found there were not many available, which surprised her.…

There’s a lot to think about when considering adoption, and even more paperwork. One mom shares her experience adopting two siblings from Columbia.

The first couple months of a new school year can be exciting, draining, full of hope, and full of fear. This is particularly true when students are leaving behind the familiarity of a K-6 classroom and heading to middle school. Parents and students alike may feel anxiety about the change, from getting to know multiple teachers, to juggling after-school activities, to confronting complex social situations. For suggestions, we consulted two teachers, a guidance counselor and a pediatrician—all well-versed in early teen wellbeing. These experts offer ideas to help alleviate concerns, clarify expectations, and ensure a healthy transition back to school.…

If you’re pregnant and considering breastfeeding, it’s useful to gather information before you’ve actually got a hungry baby on your hands. For some women, breastfeeding is a resolute yes. Others, however, may not be as certain: They know the benefits of breastfeeding, but the idea seems overwhelming or intimidating. Experts can offer advice, and the experiences of other mothers can also illuminate scenarios you might not have considered. What’s more, putting together a list of resources now can give you someone to turn to once you’re at home with your newborn and your baby is having trouble latching on or…

One cat. That’s how KittyCorner, a no-kill, volunteer-run cat rescue located in the village of Liverpool started out. Linda Young, along with her sister, Deb Young, co-founded the nonprofit in 1992. Since then, the siblings have seen thousands of felines come through their doors to eventually find their forever homes. The two keep up to date on shelter and rescue information by researching the latest in literature and attending conferences. They are also involved with the Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse, a nonprofit animal welfare agency, which is currently working on establishing a high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Family…

Every child’s first birthday is memorable, no matter how you spend it. Be it a big party or a small gathering, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate. But every type of party needs some level of planning. As you figure out the details, such as how many people to invite, consider as well that this is an occasion that will be special for the adults present but not so much for the 1-year-old. So how do you make it fun for the birthday boy or girl but also for the adult guests? I interviewed some parents to…

Everyone needs a break from the stressors of daily life. Sometimes, however, that time off requires help from someone else. For parents of children with developmental disabilities, the idea of taking a pause can be particularly daunting. But it can be done, with the help of publicly funded family support programs. Camillus resident Leanne Morphet’s son, Zachary, 11, was diagnosed at age 2 with autism, by which he is profoundly affected. In addition to being nonverbal, he wrestles with other medical conditions, such as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Leanne and her husband also have a 13-year-old daughter in…

On one recent late-summer Saturday, the heat and humidity from outside the Syracuse City Ballet studio had seeped into the entrance and corridors already crammed with mothers, kids and strollers. The air was thick with nervous but hopeful energy. It was audition day. More than 150 boys and girls showed up, eager to land a part in the eighth annual local production of The Nutcracker. That number was up from last year’s 90 dancers and the company’s biggest turnout to date. Total cast in this year’s production: 125. “It’s a big cast, and they’re not easy decisions,” said Kathleen Rathbun,…