Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Newark, NJ

We're just settling back in to the craze of every day and things haven't gotten too hectic yet. It's still possible to sort out the important stuff from the little stuff, but soon enough, we'll be running around just trying to keep up and it won't be as easy to sort through to make sure we're getting to the important stuff. That's why I like to take the time, while we still can, to think through New Year's Resolutions and what I want to make sure we get accomplished what we want to do rather than just sweating the small stuff.

I like to draw on my experience with my seven year old to not repeat some of the same mistakes I made when she was a preschooler. I've compiled a list of the top five things that matter to preschoolers and the top five things that DON'T matter to them to help you sort out what's worth the sweat.

Top Five Things that Matter to Preschoolers:
1) Having plenty of downtime to play. My kids are happiest when they 
2) Having frequent long playdates with close friends. Our schedules often get so hectic that we schedule hour long playdates. By the time the kids have taken off their coats and shoes and wandered through the house getting reacquainted, they end up having only twenty to thirty minutes to play. Having longer playdates with friends who get along well is so nice for them, provided everyone is prepared to end things quickly if the tide shifts.
3) Getting enough sleep. They may not spell this out for you, and they wouldn't list this on their list of what matters, but they'll feel better and be happier with a regular bedtime and naptime.
4) Seeing you volunteer at their school. I used to spend a lot of time volunteering on committees that gave back to my kids' school: organizing fundraisers and other events. I thought I was doing something that was important to them by helping their school, but as far as they were concerned, I might as well have been painting my nails. I've since shifted my focus to volunteering in the classroom or in a capacity where they can see me. That really gets them excited - even if it's just coming in every few months and reading a book.
5) Participating in Planning their Birthday Party - To make their birthday as magical as it can be, they should be able to dictate the theme and activities of the party. It doesn't have to be elaborate, and you'll be surprised at how small their wishes are when you give them free rein.

Top Five Things that Don't Matter to Preschoolers:
1) Doing every activity they've ever expressed an interest in. Even though they once said karate sounded fun, that doesn't mean they want to do it along with tennis, French, gymnastics and swimming. Activities can change throughout the year.
2) Inviting Everyone to their Birthday Party - I've found that my kids are much happier when the party is kept small. I let them choose who they want to invite and let them pick what they'll do. It ends up being a very special intimate day.
3) Having Tons of New Toys - Kids may scream and shout for the latest toys advertised on TV, but they'll play with it for a short a while. I like to rotate our toys by taking some out of circulation, that makes them new all over again.
4) Store-bought vs. Home Made - Why kill yourself to make a homemade cake when they really prefer the Pillsbury frosting? Don't make life too hard for yourself - adding homemade decorating touches will get you more points than anything.
5) Brand Names - At this point in the game, we are the only people who know that those fuzzy boots are Uggs. The days of designer clothing requests are coming - why rush them?