Parent Q&A: Current Questions Open for Responses

Click on a question below to post a response. If you'd like to receive the weekly Parent Q&A newsletter, which contains all new questions and responses from the past week, click 'my account' and edit your account to adjust which newsletters you receive.

Activities & Events & Places To Go

No birthday party invites from supposed friends – Aug 9, 2022 – (3 responses, 3 pending)

Travel agent for Egypt & France trip – Aug 6, 2022 – (0 responses, 2 pending)

Pretty park near Oakland? – Jul 27, 2022 – (18 responses)

HS level robotics clubs (not BHS)? – Jul 26, 2022 – (0 responses)

Chess playing teens for hangout – Jul 18, 2022 – (0 responses)

Do you need a permit to set up a bounce house in a public park? – Jul 12, 2022 – (4 responses)

Outdoor baby shower venues – Jun 5, 2022 – (4 responses)

Restaurant with private room for 12 – May 30, 2022 – (8 responses)

Childcare & Preschool Advice

At what age did you send your toddler to preschool? – Jul 21, 2022 – (13 responses)

Academia de Mi Abuela recent experience? – Jul 20, 2022 – (0 responses)

Berkeley ECE Harold Jones and Aquatic Park School – Jul 20, 2022 – (2 responses)

Current/Recent Wildwood Feedback – Jul 17, 2022 – (0 responses)

Moving from Canada and looking for advice on daycares and nannies – Jul 11, 2022 – (1 response)

Preschool Recommendation - North Berkeley – Jul 7, 2022 – (6 responses)

Nanny vs Daycare for hyperactive 18-months toddler? – Jun 22, 2022 – (9 responses)

Nanny share when one family is away for 2 months – Jun 21, 2022 – (6 responses)

What is the going rate for occasional babysitting these days? – Jun 16, 2022 – (3 responses)

New mom looking for preschool recommendations – Jun 11, 2022 – (7 responses)

Classes & Camps & Groups & Tutors

2022 Berkeley Family Camp reviews? – Aug 9, 2022 – (1 response)

Virtual Mandarin tutor – Aug 7, 2022 – (2 responses)

Music teacher for a music-loving 4.5 year old? – Aug 2, 2022 – (0 responses)

Drum lessons for 4 year old – Aug 1, 2022 – (1 response)

Karate class for a 5.5 year old girl? – Jul 17, 2022 – (0 responses)

Piano for 3yo and Violin for 4yo – Jul 16, 2022 – (2 responses)

CCCT classes for 5 yo – Jul 14, 2022 – (0 responses)

Dance class options for 5yo – Jul 13, 2022 – (0 responses)

ISO French Afterschool for Middle Schooler – Jul 9, 2022 – (2 responses)

English tutor for private high school entrance exam – Jul 9, 2022 – (3 responses)

Experience w/ ASL programs for high school language credit? – Jul 6, 2022 – (4 responses)

Science or tech after school activities for 5th grader – Jul 4, 2022 – (1 response)

swimming lessons for 6-month-old? – Jun 29, 2022 – (1 response)

Personal trainer for teen – Jun 29, 2022 – (1 response)

Berkeley Tuolomne Camp 2022 – Jun 25, 2022 – (2 responses, 1 pending)

At home personal trainer – Jun 25, 2022 – (6 responses)

Math and/or Mandarin Tutor for Rising 6th Grader in Albany – Jun 14, 2022 – (2 responses)

Acting classes for shy/reticent kids? 8-10? – Jun 12, 2022 – (4 responses)

Looking For Swimming Coach to help my teen become proficient – Jun 7, 2022 – (2 responses)

Coach needed for private swim lessons for 3 year olds – Jun 3, 2022 – (0 responses)

Social skills therapy recs. for an 18 year old high schooler? – May 25, 2022 – (3 responses)

Info on the LOTE (language other than English exam)? – May 19, 2022 – (0 responses)

Parks for a Crawly 9 month old? – May 16, 2022 – (13 responses)

Community & Housing & Work

Seeking a Reform Synagogue: Beth El vs Temple Sinai – Aug 12, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

Transport service to get Berkeley kid to school in Orinda – Aug 10, 2022 – (0 responses)

How to find an affordable neighborhood with good schools?? – Aug 10, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

Need Maskless private school recommendations for 5 year old – Aug 2, 2022 – (2 responses)

Shoe covers for housekeepers – Aug 1, 2022 – (3 responses)

What neighborhoods in the South Bay are like Berkeley? – Jul 28, 2022 – (3 responses)

Seeking Notary Recommendation (US docs for foreign citizenship) – Jul 21, 2022 – (9 responses)

Big Law Lawyer that wants a Stay-at-Home Mom Alternative – Jul 20, 2022 – (36 responses)

Any preschools not requiring masks? – Jul 20, 2022 – (14 responses)

Transportation help for seniors? – Jul 17, 2022 – (5 responses)

Best school culture East Bay & beyond? – Jul 12, 2022 – (3 responses)

Foundation replacement that will affect driveway easement – Jul 8, 2022 – (1 response)

Prison consultants in addition to defense attorney – Jun 29, 2022 – (3 responses)

Fence Dispute with Developer – Jun 28, 2022 – (9 responses)

Surviving federal prison – Jun 14, 2022 – (12 responses)

Condo or apartment complex for active, single senior? – Jun 12, 2022 – (3 responses)

Family & Relationships

Female midlife crisis buddy or support group – Aug 9, 2022 – (2 responses)

Inheritance issue: my mother-in-law has not set up a trust – Aug 8, 2022 – (4 responses, 1 pending)

Foster adoption going through an agency vs. the county – Aug 8, 2022 – (1 response, 2 pending)

Family Therapist – Jul 26, 2022 – (0 responses)

Divorce attorney recs for NPD spouse – Jul 18, 2022 – (0 responses)

Lawyer for a narcissistic coparent - recommend someone? – Jun 22, 2022 – (2 responses)

resources after friend's suicide – Jun 16, 2022 – (6 responses)

Health & Wellness

Does anyone not hate their pharmacy? – Aug 12, 2022 – (5 responses, 5 pending)

Music teacher for 10y neurodiverse child – Aug 10, 2022 – (0 responses)

Homeopathic referral for pediatric alopecia – Aug 9, 2022 – (0 responses)

UCSF Benioff Pediatric Primary Care – Aug 7, 2022 – (1 response, 1 pending)

Therapist that takes Beacon insurance (Kaiser referral) – Aug 7, 2022 – (1 response)

Seeking ADHD assessment, have Anthem Blue Cross PPO – Aug 3, 2022 – (1 response)

Psychiatrist for Bipolar Recommendation? – Aug 2, 2022 – (0 responses)

Seeking Hands-On Help for Skeletal Misalignment & Pain – Jul 31, 2022 – (2 responses)

Alameda pediatrician for newborn? – Jul 26, 2022 – (2 responses)

looking for an ACT therapist for my teen – Jul 20, 2022 – (0 responses)

Naturopathic doctor for baby eczema – Jul 17, 2022 – (1 response)

Psychedelic guided therapy – Jul 16, 2022 – (1 response)

Good eye doctor in East Bay? – Jul 14, 2022 – (10 responses)

Planned c-section/ECV experience at Kaiser Walnut Creek – Jul 14, 2022 – (6 responses)

Pediatric blood draw - rec for a good facility? – Jul 14, 2022 – (2 responses)

Doctor w/ expertise in new weight loss medications – Jul 14, 2022 – (1 response)

Seeking feedback on John Muir/UCSF vs. Sutter Health – Jul 14, 2022 – (1 response)

Where are the speech therapists hiding? – Jul 13, 2022 – (3 responses)

Combination T4 + T3 therapy for hypothyroidism – Jul 13, 2022 – (0 responses)

Couples therapist who specializes in ADHD – Jul 10, 2022 – (2 responses)

Looking for therapist while considering separation – Jul 6, 2022 – (7 responses)

Support Group for People with Poorly Aging Parents – Jul 6, 2022 – (4 responses)

ISO ASD therapy for newly-diagnosed teen – Jul 5, 2022 – (3 responses)

Problems with progressive glasses – Jul 4, 2022 – (8 responses)

Help for sensory sensitivity (in myself, not a child) – Jul 3, 2022 – (13 responses)

Kaiser Pediatrician – Jun 30, 2022 – (5 responses)

Sleep specialist -- seeking a new one – Jun 29, 2022 – (3 responses)

Dentist's dentist wanted – Jun 24, 2022 – (12 responses)

Pediatrician near West Berkeley – Jun 20, 2022 – (3 responses)

Doctor attrition at Kaiser vs. private practices/Summit – Jun 16, 2022 – (5 responses)

Seeking therapist f/parenting anxiety (esp dads) – Jun 15, 2022 – (3 responses)

Seeking Kaiser ObGyn experienced in twin pregnancies – Jun 13, 2022 – (2 responses)

Physical Therapy for Young Athlete with Herniated Disk – Jun 3, 2022 – (1 response)

Therapist or psychologist for self-esteem issues in ten year old – May 29, 2022 – (4 responses)

House & Garden

Group dog walking & boarding for small dogs? – Aug 12, 2022 – (0 responses)

Looking for eco/green builder – Aug 10, 2022 – (0 responses)

Plasterer for a Victorian – Aug 6, 2022 – (2 responses, 1 pending)

wedding dress donation – Aug 5, 2022 – (1 response)

Fire Repair Recommendations/advice – Aug 2, 2022 – (0 responses)

Gardening tutor? – Aug 2, 2022 – (4 responses)

Home/Pest Inspection Recommendations – Aug 1, 2022 – (1 response)

boxing moving help – Jul 31, 2022 – (2 responses)

Recommendations for a builder who can make a driveway – Jul 27, 2022 – (1 response)

Induction ranges – Jul 24, 2022 – (5 responses)

contactors to build an Oakland pre-approved ADU – Jul 21, 2022 – (0 responses)

Recommendations for gardener for maintenance? – Jul 20, 2022 – (6 responses)

Seeking new veterinarian for my cats – Jul 20, 2022 – (3 responses)

Basic Gardening Work - Distribute Mulch, for example – Jul 19, 2022 – (3 responses)

Seeking house cleaner – Jul 15, 2022 – (4 responses)

LOUD brand-new fridge – Jul 9, 2022 – (4 responses)

Need drip irrigation help – Jul 9, 2022 – (2 responses)

Looking for Housekeeper Recommendation – Jul 9, 2022 – (2 responses)

Heat treatment (thermal remediation) for pests/bedbugs? – Jul 8, 2022 – (1 response)

gardener? – Jul 4, 2022 – (2 responses)

Teen dog walker? – Jul 3, 2022 – (2 responses)

Recommendations for painter to refinish/repaint furniture – Jun 29, 2022 – (0 responses)

sump pump recommendations for storm water/sewer connection – Jun 16, 2022 – (2 responses)

3-ft gas-electric spacing requirement for solar – Jun 15, 2022 – (4 responses)

Garage or basement conversion? – May 31, 2022 – (3 responses)

Parenting Topics

Myofunctional and Speech Therapist – Aug 9, 2022 – (0 responses)

Expecting Moms Group – Aug 1, 2022 – (10 responses)

11 year old serially street harassed by adult- Willard Park area – Jul 29, 2022 – (10 responses)

Night tantrums from pacifier withdrawal – Jul 24, 2022 – (8 responses)

Community playgroups? – Jul 23, 2022 – (3 responses)

Screen time "timer" for laptop? – Jul 21, 2022 – (2 responses)

How to teach child not to "waste"? – Jul 21, 2022 – (8 responses)

Activity for high energy sensory 9 yo with dyspraxia – Jul 2, 2022 – (8 responses)

~2.5 year old's seemingly perpetual crankiness – Jun 17, 2022 – (5 responses)

Pregnancy, Childbirth & Breastfeeding

Seeking Night Nanny/Postpartum Doula in Oct. 2022 – Aug 12, 2022 – (0 responses)

Seeking lactation consultant with oral motor function training – Aug 9, 2022 – (0 responses)

Nursing bra SOS! – Jul 28, 2022 – (23 responses)

VBAC or Csection after broken tailbone – Jul 20, 2022 – (2 responses)

Does Alta Bates have a hospital photographer? – Jul 13, 2022 – (3 responses)

Birth at Alta Bates Summit or CPMC? – Jun 15, 2022 – (9 responses)

Home birth midwife in the East Bay? – Jun 3, 2022 – (7 responses)

Maternal Fetal Med Specialist/Autoimmune Conditions & Pregnancy – May 30, 2022 – (5 responses)

Products & Services

hairdresser for short hair (woman) – Aug 11, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

ISO Car Buying Advice and Car Broker Recommendation – Aug 10, 2022 – (1 response, 3 pending)

Photographer for family photoshoot in Oakland / Berkeley – Aug 9, 2022 – (0 responses, 3 pending)

Haircuts for older kids – Aug 8, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

Advice on Life Insurance – Aug 8, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

Farmer's Insurance agent rec. – Aug 5, 2022 – (2 responses)

Please help us fix our Oakland sidewalk! – Aug 4, 2022 – (3 responses)

Self-employed consultant insurance? – Aug 1, 2022 – (1 response)

Seeking caregiver in home for elderly parent – Jul 29, 2022 – (0 responses)

Double stroller that fits in small car trunk? – Jul 20, 2022 – (3 responses)

Employment Law Attorney recommendations? – Jul 19, 2022 – (1 response)

Out of state travel and medical insurance – Jul 15, 2022 – (7 responses)

Seeking advice on Medicare Advantage and Medicap plans – Jul 14, 2022 – (4 responses)

Looking for Financial Planner – Jul 7, 2022 – (1 response)

Real Estate Attorney for selling directly to a buyer we found – Jul 6, 2022 – (8 responses)

Really stubborn sun damage dark spots – Jul 3, 2022 – (6 responses)

Construction loan / mortgage refi – Jun 26, 2022 – (2 responses)

Real Estate Agent for buying an East Bay fixer upper – Jun 13, 2022 – (9 responses)

Real estate lawyer for off market home purchase and TIC set up – Jun 12, 2022 – (0 responses)

Recommend Medigap G plan for East Bay? – May 23, 2022 – (3 responses)

School Advice

Parent with student/s at Hillcrest Middle School? – Aug 13, 2022 – (0 responses)

Washington Elementary with Live Oaks After School - Experience?? – Aug 12, 2022 – (0 responses, 2 pending)

Home school collectives? – Aug 8, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

Before and after care at Michelle Obama Elementary – Aug 8, 2022 – (0 responses, 1 pending)

How well should a 10yo be able to read and write? – Aug 6, 2022 – (10 responses)

Envisioneers Program (at Claremont) Feedback – Aug 5, 2022 – (0 responses)

Bella Vista Elementary School/Urban Montessorri Charter School – Aug 4, 2022 – (0 responses)

Malcolm X TK Starting 8/15 – Aug 3, 2022 – (2 responses)

Obtaining an IEP for Elementary School Age Child – Aug 2, 2022 – (3 responses)

Starting transitional kindergarten (TK) - what should we know? – Jul 31, 2022 – (3 responses)

NO AP classes anymore! – Jul 27, 2022 – (5 responses)

Educational Consultant? – Jul 26, 2022 – (0 responses)

Any families in BUSD Special Education for disabilities? – Jul 20, 2022 – (0 responses)

Seeking advice and recommendations on schools for LGBTQ family – Jul 18, 2022 – (6 responses)

Stay in Oakland high school if we move to Berkeley? – Jul 17, 2022 – (4 responses)

Town After School at FM Smith? – Jul 12, 2022 – (1 response)

Kindergarten - Connections Academy? – Jul 12, 2022 – (1 response)

How are the schools in El Cerrito? – Jul 8, 2022 – (3 responses)

Afterschool at Malcolm X for 22-23 school year? – Jun 23, 2022 – (2 responses)

School Choice OUSD – Jun 15, 2022 – (4 responses)

TK after school programs – Jun 13, 2022 – (2 responses)

Counselor to help with transfer from a private university – Jun 8, 2022 – (1 response)

Educational Therapist/ Organizational Coach for young adult – Jun 8, 2022 – (1 response)

Independent School Teacher Turnover? – Jun 7, 2022 – (4 responses)

Searching for an Assessor for IEE for 14 year old – Jun 1, 2022 – (5 responses)

coping with feelings after dad financially abandoned 18 year old – May 29, 2022 – (12 responses)

College Finance Planning and Compare Software – May 17, 2022 – (2 responses)

Neuropsych/ Psycho-ed evaluator for 2E 13/14 year old? – May 11, 2022 – (8 responses)

Teens & Preteens & Young Adults

UC parents of UC students: Waive out of UC SHIP? – Aug 10, 2022 – (0 responses)

14U travel softball team options? – Aug 8, 2022 – (0 responses)

screen free social life for 15 y.o. boy – Aug 7, 2022 – (5 responses)

Social skills class – Aug 1, 2022 – (2 responses)

How to find entry-level jobs? (Are temp agencies still a thing?) – Jul 31, 2022 – (3 responses)

Babysitting Class for Teen IN PERSON – Jul 26, 2022 – (0 responses)

Phone addiction – Jul 24, 2022 – (0 responses)

How do teenagers find jobs? – Jul 19, 2022 – (2 responses)

How can I help unmotivated 19 year old son? – Jul 17, 2022 – (8 responses)

Primary Care for Young Adult Male – Jul 14, 2022 – (0 responses)

ISO Young Adult Group ASD and/or Anxiety – Jul 7, 2022 – (2 responses)

My teen needs rehab but we have terrible insurance – Jul 6, 2022 – (13 responses)

Summer Job for Teen – Jun 21, 2022 – (6 responses)

All ages punk shows in the city – May 29, 2022 – (7 responses)

Where does your middle school kid buy clothes? – May 20, 2022 – (13 responses)

My daughter has started cutting herself. – May 20, 2022 – (5 responses)

Resources needed - School Refusal / School Avoidance / Anxiety – Apr 19, 2022 – (9 responses)