Moms Q & A: Keeping Kids Under Five Busy

The hardest thing for new moms to do is meet other new moms. Patch talked to new moms who are learning the ropes and shared the activities they have found to keep life with baby running smoothly.

Most moms agree that keeping busy seems to be the key to maintaining sanity, even though staying home with baby is the one of the greatest luxuries of motherhood.

“I try to do something everyday. It's nice to plan something with other moms. I want my baby to be able to have a group of kids he can socialize with,” said Shannon Cavallo, whose baby is six weeks old.

Margaret Riordan, from Bronxville, is visiting a friend in Danbury. She talked about staying home versus being out and working. “It's a very different pace, it's good. You have to slow down. It's enjoyable, but you do have to stay busy.”

Riordan's Danbury connection is her friend, Lori Forshaw, who complained that her neighborhood is sorely lacking in small fry. “Where I live, there aren't any kids. I don't know any other moms locally. I live on a cul-de-sac with all older people. I am from New York, and my friends come out, but I know once my four year old starts pre-school, I'll meet other moms.”

There are lots of places to bring the babies, and many moms drive from town to town in order to keep their life interesting. Kristen Ciccone runs the Southbury Mommy and Me, which is attended by moms in Newtown, Danbury and Woodbridge. “We organize playdates for kids and give moms support. It's great for moms who are looking to connect with other moms.”

Shannon Cavallo, whose baby was only six weeks old, joined Mommy and Me only a week ago, and was already out with the moms at the Danbury Fair Mall. “This is my first activity,” said Cavallo. “All of my friends live in Hartford area so it's nice to have a group locally. It's nice to get out of the house.”

“We become like family, we are all there for each other,” said Ciccone. “The mall is the most common meeting place for Mommy and Me in the summer, especially when it's been so hot. But we also go to parks and other places.”

Katie Mahoney was at the mall with her two daughters. “This is our third year coming to this and they wouldn't miss it for the world. It's also nice to get out of the heat,” she said.

The mothers all gave their favorite places in the greater Danbury area but most felt that more activities like the Danbury Fair Mall Kidz Camp provides are needed.

The Kidz Camp runs every Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until noon through August 23 and provides award winning children's performers, craft and clown activities every week. Some of the mall's restaurants and shops offer discounts to moms, but it is the performers that bring moms and kids back. Many of the moms interviewed were bringing their children back for their second, third and fourth years.

“I have two other daughters and if they weren't at camp, they'd be here,” said Tatiana Preston.

Her friend Katie Mahoney agreed. “There isn't much around that is like this,” she said.

The moms all provided their favorite activities for children birth to five, but if you know of more, be sure to post the names and addresses below in our comments section.

Stepping Stones Museum, Norwalk 

Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport 

Brer Rabbit Park, Newtown (Behind the Police Station)

The Discovery Museum, Bridgeport 

My Place, Newtown: Features a character breakfast every Tuesday. Last week Elmo was there.

Roger's Park Playground Sprinkler Park, Danbury

Fun Factor, Brookfield 

Top Flight Planet Play, New Milford

Home Depot and Lowes  have workshops for children on Saturday mornings

The Children's Museum, New Haven

 The Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven 

Maritime Center, Norwalk

 SCR Enterprises, Bobbi Elkhof, organizer of children's events: Contact for special event locations, such as the entertainment at the mall 845-786-5300