Parenting is full of things you say are for your kids but are actually all about you. (“Her hair was in her eyes, so I had to cut bangs.”)

Add Apple Park’s beanies and booties to the list. You’ll buy the cuter-than-a-button toppers and slippers in the name of encouraging imaginative play, but secretly it’s just to make you smile.

Representing all the Picnic Pals — bunny, monkey, cubby, lamby, and ducky — the coordinating combos are crafted from organic cotton and natural silk-blended hemp. Cozy booties in the shape of animal feet slip on without a struggle. And the soft beanies have a Velcro-like closure that fastens under the chin without inducing a case of the itchy-scratchies.

In fact, our usually antihat 1-year-old completely forgot she was sporting a lamb up top as she played around the house.

Much to our delight.

Available online at applepark.com, $24-$28.

PLIE
Pure Barre
What: There’s no need to miss another workout since the neighboring Northcut Drop-In now offers child care (ages 1 and up) while you’re at class.
Why: With crafts, singing, and story time she won’t even know you’re gone.
When: Mon.-Fri. & Sun., 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: 5001 25th Ave. NE, ste. 102 (206-935-7873); Northcut Drop-In, 4915 25th Ave. NE, ste. 101 (206-518-2205). Classes, $23; child care, $5/hour.

SQUAWK
Dr. Dolittle
What: The doc with a talent for communicating with creatures big and small sets out to find the great pink snail.
Why: Broadway-bound babes from BPA Theatre School do the acting.
When: Tues., 5 p.m.
Where: Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island. Admission is free.

LEARN
ParentMap Lecture Series
What: Experts give the scoop on raising healthy kids.
Why: Topics like Bieber and Barbie are sure to hit home.
When: Thru May 10.
Where: Locations and tickets online at parentmap.com. Cost is $20 per lecture.

Photo: Courtesy of Apple Park