Top 21 "Best Bet" Booster Seats

By Ashley H

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released their top "Best Bet" ratings for booster seats providing a correct fit across a range of vehicles. There were 21 boosters total in the top rated category. Since being Smarty about choices for our families is goal #1 here at CSP, we wanted to recap their tips and findings to keep our Smarty families as safe as possible while on the road.

The Smarty Facts (as issued by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety):
When deciding on the best booster for your child, fit is first. This is a case when you need to completely ignore pretty. Something that matches your style won't save your child from injury (or worse yet, life) in an accident if the fit is not correct.

Booster seats are getting better and safer. Last year only 9 boosters made the "Best Bet" list, this year it's 21. Bravo to those companies for the commitment to excellence! Another 36 models received marginal marks because while they may fit some children in some vehicles, they didn't measure up with an optimal fit across enough vehicles.

When you shop for the best booster for your child, pay close attention to each booster seat diagram outlining how the seat belt should lie across your child's shoulders and lap. While a poorly positioned belt could safe lives, it could also result in risk of internal injuries in a crash.

A secure seat belt fit= shoulder belt should fit across middle of the joint, not too close to neck nor too far. When the belt is too close to neck children often get uncomfortable and wriggle out, when too far over it allows for too much movement and puts them at grave risk in event of accident. The lap belt should be positioned across the thighs (when it falls across the abdomen it puts child at risk for damage to intestine and spine in a crash).

A common misconception is that high backed boosters are safer than backless, however both options made the top 21 list.

As always, the safest option is to have your booster seat checked in your area with a car seat fitting station, most of the time these are free though some may require an appointment. Quickest way to find one of these is to type your community and "car seat fitting" in to your search engine.

21 top-rated booster seats (*good mix of all price points)
*Britax Frontier 85 (combination highback); about $210
*Chicco Keyfit Strada (dual highback); about $170
*Clek Oobr (dual highback); about $275
*Cosco Juvenile Pronto (dual highback); about $30
*Cybex Solution X-Fix (highback); about $200
*Eddie Bauer Auto Booster (dual highback); about $80
*Evenflo Big Kid Amp (backless); about $25
*Evenflo Maestro (combination highback); about $60
*Graco TurboBooster Crawford (dual highback); about $45
*Harmony Baby Armor (dual highback); about $115
*Harmony Dreamtime (dual backless); about $50
*Harmony Dreamtime (dual highback); about $50
*Harmony Secure Comfort Deluxe (backless); about $20
*Harmony Youth Booster Seat (backless); about $30
*Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR (dual highback); about $120
*Recaro ProBOOSTER (highback); about $130
*Recaro ProSPORT (combination highback); about $280
*Recaro Vivo (highback); about $90
*Recaro Young Sport (combination highback); about $250
*Safety 1st Boost Air Protect (dual highback); about $240
*The First Years Pathway B570 (highback); about $75

For the Institute's full report of "Best", "Good" and "Not Recommended" click here.

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Bye, Bye Dora!

By Susan B, Charlotte Smarty Pants

Dora the Explorer has been an unofficial part of our family for the past 3 years. All of this came to a grinding halt last week when I had a little “run in” with Dora. I strive to deal with conflict by addressing it instead of sweeping it under the rug. So, here goes…

Dear Dora the Explorer,
You need to remove the Dora cupcakes recipe and video from the Nick Jr. (see Noggin) website and also stop talking about them on TV.

After seeing a promo for your cupcakes on Nick Jr., my daughter bugged me for weeks. Everyday, it was: "Mommy, are we going to make the Dora cupcakes today?" I thought she would forget if I simply ignored her. She did not. I finally cracked.

Let me put it bluntly, Dora: these cupcakes were a total P.I.T.A. Your recipe says 70 minutes and that is a total crock. Admittedly, I'm a bit slower than your average professional cupcake decorator. But, c'mon, Dora. It took me more than 70 minutes to get everything prepped and mixed. Plus, this doesn't even count the time it takes to mix, bake and cool the cupcakes.

The entire process from buying the ingredients to piping out the hair to baking the cupcakes to dying the icing the correct color to decorating the cupcakes was very stressful!

I need you to know that before this unfortunate event, you were a she-ro in our house. We were all big fans of yours.

I'm concerned that you are being misrepresented. I recommend that you contact your people at Nick Jr so that you preserve your good name and save some other poor mom from falling victim to this scam.

I hope we've all learned from this and can move forward.

Dora, saying goodbye is always hard and I'm sorry it had to end this way. It pains me to tell you this but my daughter has moved on to the Disney Princesses.

Goodbye, Dora.

Susan Bowman, scarred for life

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Move over sillybandz, Squinkies are in the house!

By Jen P, Charlotte Smarty Pants

silly bandz are still a hip trend for kids of all ages. But there is a new collectible that I think will overpower the silly bandz frenzy by Christmas. Squinkies are squishy and adorable mini animals/figures inside of a plastic bubble that are pencil toppers or just fun little things to play with and collect. Squinkies remind me of when your child BEGS for a toy out of those vending machines that have cheap toys in plastic bubbles just as you're running out of the grocery store - only Squinkies are way cuter and cooler!

Squinkies come in packs of 16 or you can purchase the playsets and bracelet sets. The 16-packs retail for $9.99 and the playsets generally cost around $20-ish. Retailers and online sites can't seem to keep these little surprises in stock so the online prices seem to jump around alot. I found this gumball playset for $33.12 - I have a hard time believing that is a true price in stores. Squinkies are for kids ages 4 and up and personally I think they are geared more towards girls, but boys can like them too. My girls are 9 and 7 and they L-O-V-E Squinkies. This is their new go-to for a hip birthday present.

Word has it Squinkies can be found at Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us. They sell out just as soon as they hit the shelves, so you just need to check every time you shop. Good luck finding them, but know that your kids will love you when you do!

Have you heard of Squinkies? What do you think?

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Kids' Snacks: Don’t Ban - Plan!

By Guest Blogger Laura Buxenbaum

Before you know it, school will be back in full swing! Which means hungry kids will be running through the front door, frantically searching for an after school snack. In fact, they may also want to pack a snack for school and ask for another snack before bed. After all, statistics show that snacks between meals are the source of nearly 600 calories each day for children - that is 25 percent of kids' daily energy needs!

With rising childhood obesity rates, it is tempting to consider a ban on extra munching. But don’t put a lock on the pantry yet. Healthy snacking can help children fill the gap between meals with nutrients their growing bodies need, such as protein, calcium, and fiber. So before banning snacks, consider what your child is munching on between meals. Most of us don’t serve our children cookies, chips or toaster pastries for dinner, but this is what they are chomping on during snack time, which adds a lot of extra calories, fat and sodium to their diets, and little to no nutrition.

As a registered dietitian and mom of two hungry boys, I know how challenging it can be to get children to choose healthy snacks. Here are some tips that work (most of the time) in my home:

•First, think of snacks as mini-meals. These mini-meals should include nutrient rich foods such as 100% whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat and fat-free dairy foods. When snacking, children often reach for the closest food at hand. Therefore, we try to avoid bringing a lot of cookies, chips and other junk food into our house. Not only does this help with snack time arguments, but it makes it easy to make a healthy choice. The healthiest and simplest choices include vitamin packed fruits and raw vegetables, which require little if any preparation and calcium rich foods such as string cheese and portable yogurts.

•Make Snacking Fun. One of my son’s favorite ways to eat his veggies is by turning them into fishing poles. I cut up celery sticks, carrots and pepper strips, serve them with a low fat dip (try a yogurt based dip for extra protein and calcium), add wholegrain Goldfish on top of the dip and let my son “go fish” by hooking a fish cracker with his veggie fishing rod. Salad on a stick is also a big hit at my house during snack and mealtime. I layer green peppers, cherry tomatoes, squash, zucchini and cheese cubes on a kabob stick and my son dips it in low fat dressing. If your child is old enough they can make the salad kabob themselves.

•Let kids in the kitchen. Encourage your children to help in choosing and preparing their snack. If they are involved in selection and preparation, children will be more likely to eat it. Some of my favorite snacks to make with my son include yogurt parfaits and fruit smoothies. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, and children love it dressed up. Let your child choose and layer their favorite yogurt, fruit and cereal for a fun and healthy treat. Additionally, fruit smoothies are packed with nutrition and good taste. Kids go crazy over these delicious sippable treats. Let them create their own by choosing the fruit and adding milk or yogurt and other ingredients like pudding or peanut butter. My oldest son loves a peanut butter smoothie made with milk, frozen banana, banana flavored yogurt and peanut butter.

•And finally, set a good example. In order for kids to eat well, it is important for parents to make a commitment to good nutrition. Model healthy eating habits by enjoying healthy snacking with your kids. Both my children want to eat or drink whatever my husband is eating or drinking, whether its broccoli or brownies, Mountain Dew or milk. This has actually caused my husband to improve his eating habits in an attempt to be a better role model.

So moms, as you begin back to school preparations, don’t forget to stock up on healthy snacks. Remember, healthy eating will improve the way your child thinks, feels and moves. You’ll see that providing nutrient rich snacks such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat and fat-free dairy now will help your children learn to make healthy choices in the future.

Laura is a Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Public Health and Nutrition from UNC. Laura currently serves as the nutrition communications program manager for the Southeast Dairy Association. She develops and conducts nutrition education programs for health professionals in North Carolina and Virginia. She is also the regional media communicator and has appeared in a number of television, radio and print interviews throughout North Carolina. Laura is pictured above with her husband, Pete, and two boys, Harris(2 1/2) and Platt(1).

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How My Child Stopped Using Night Time Pull Ups

By Guest Blogger Kathleen Thorell

I knew my daughter had a small bladder when we potty trained her at age three. All my friends were telling stories of their children, the “camels” who were going hours and hours without ever having to go on the potty. This was so foreign to me. My daughter easily went every 30 minutes. Gradually, her bladder matured and she can now make it several hours without going.

At her four year old visit with our pediatrician, I asked about her wearing pull ups at night. She had mastered the daytime, but night time was another story. She often leaked through a pull up, in fact (until I found a good fit for her- Kroger’s Nite Time Pull ups, the cheapest ones!) The doctor had no worries. He explained that eventually her bladder would mature and grow, and she would be able to make it through the night or become aware of when she had to go. Throughout her 4th year, my daughter noticed that friends and relatives didn’t wear pull ups at night…some even younger than her! It started to bother her, but she didn’t like the idea of leaking either.

A few weeks before her 5 year old check up, my daughter admitted to me that sometimes, in the wee hours of the morning, she was aware of peeing in her pull up. She chose to pee in her pull up rather than go out into the scary, albeit well-lit, hallway (Ok, maybe we need to stop watching Scooby Doo). I tried to react with understanding and encouraged her to get up and go to the bathroom. I even gave her a small flashlight to put under her pillow.

At her 5 year check up her doctor was again not concerned that she was still in pull ups. That changed when I told him about her confession. He then stated that this may be one of the rare times that a small reward system may work for bed wetting. He explained that rewards do not work with all kids because they simply sleep too soundly to know when they have to go. He also informed me that bedwetting can be hereditary. My husband remembers having accidents until he was 7 or 8.

My daughter was actually excited to sleep in panties, but I had to get some supplies before we could start. I found some waterproof mats at Babies R Us for $8.99. They were meant for a crib and about the size of one, but they did not have the elastic sides. I wanted to be able to put the mat directly under her so that when leaks occurred, I could just change the mat instead of the whole sheet set. I bought two and hoped for the best. I also bought a pack of silly bandz and told my daughter she would earn one silly band for every dry night she had.

Night #1
I prepped my daughter by explaining that I would wake her up before I went to bed to take her to the bathroom (she goes to bed around 7:30). I encouraged her to go by herself if she felt the urge.
Results: took her to the bathroom 2 ½ hours after her bedtime (she “sleepwalks” through it); leaked at 3am; leaked at 5am
Morning thoughts: My daughter was sad to not earn a silly band, but not too discouraged. I am a bit tired.

Night #2
Results: woke her up to go bathroom 3 hours after bedtime…she was already soaked and sleeping right through it! Leaked 3am; leaked 5am
Morning thoughts: Again, she is mildly sad but not too discouraged. I want so badly to give her a silly band for being such a trooper through the potty trips and mat, underwear, nightgown changes. I feel like I have a newborn again, getting up every 3 hours! What have I gotten myself into?

Night #3
I tell her that if she gets up to go to the bathroom, I will give her a silly band. Risky, but I am sleep deprived and desperate.
Results: took her to the bathroom 2 hours after bedtime (dry!); leaked 12am; leaked 4am. No self-initiated trips to the bathroom.
Morning thoughts: My daughter is exhausted! The interrupted sleep is catching up with her. I am feeling discouraged and suggest that maybe it is too soon and we go back to pull ups. She adamantly refuses and states she wants to keep trying.

Night #4
Results: took her to the bathroom 2 hours after bedtime; leaked 5am.
Morning thoughts: We are both excited that she stayed dry up until 5am (she usually is awake by 6 or 6:30).

Night #5
Results: took her to the bathroom 3 hours after bedtime (trying to stretch out the morning hours); leaked 5 am.
Morning thoughts: She is a tired puppy, but stubborn! I enlist my husband to have a heart to heart with her about HIS bedwetting so she won’t feel like a failure. He never gets to that because…

Night #6
Results: took her to the bathroom 2 ½ hours after bedtime; NO LEAKING!!! She didn’t get up to go to the bathroom, she just didn’t leak.
Morning thoughts: My daughter was ecstatic! I was incredulous and happy, but skeptical. Surely this was a fluke. Oh well, she loved getting her silly band.

Night #7, #8, #9, #10, and #11
Results: 6 straight nights of no leaking!
I still don’t quite believe it. I assumed she would have to start going to the bathroom at night. Somehow, she retrained her bladder. I should have known my stubborn little girl would find a way to do it her way.

I am sure we will have accidents in the future, but for now we are all getting some much-needed sleep and she got a boost of self-confidence. I’d love to hear how others have tackled this issue or if you experiment with our little system. Summer is the time to do it!

Don't forget to register for our August Giveaway! You could be one of five lucky readers who will win a $20 gift card to Boutique of Couture in Winston-Salem. Think new fall clothes!!! Just click here to take a short survey. You must be a TSP newsletter subscriber to win. This giveaway promotion will run through Noon on Friday, August 13. Winners will be immediately notified and announced on TSP a few days later. Good luck, Smarties!

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Developmental "Red Flags"

By Dr. Kurt Klinepeter, Brenner Children’s Hospital
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician

Many parents worry at some point whether their child is developing normally and when they should be concerned about sitting up, walking, talking and interacting with others. It is commonly stated that children, and particularly siblings, should not be compared to each other. However, because children’s developmental skills develop in an orderly and predictable manner, it is quite possible and appropriate to compare children to the skill set they should have at any age and to be aware of developmental “red flags”.

Gross or large motor skills are the primary developmental skills in the first 12-18 months of life. Even newborn infants should demonstrate some head control. The 5-6 month old is holding his or her head up, popping up on his or her arms in prone position, and starting to sit with support. By 8-10 months of age, infants should be sitting independently and developing mobility (scooting, crawling). They are usually pulling up by at least 12 months of age and walking with, and then without, support a few months afterwards. Muscle tightness, weakness, or any unusual movements are a developmental red flag. The rate of motor progress can vary, but the key is steady progress over time.

Infants develop reaching, grasping, and transferring skills by 8-10 months of age. Most are able to self feed by 12 months of age with further refinement of self-help skills thereafter. Most 2 years-olds help with dressing and bathing. The range of toilet training is 2 to 4 years of age. Toddlers know what to do with a crayon -- making a stroke by 2.5 years-old and a circle by 3 years-old. True handedness is not usually apparent until 3 years of age. Early handedness (right or left), particularly in the first year of life is a developmental red flag.

Babies are social and demonstrate responsiveness to others by 6-8 weeks of age. Their eyes track together by 3 months of age and they are able to localize to voice or environmental sounds by 8-10 months of age. Any failure to respond to visual stimuli by 3-6 months of age or auditory stimuli by 8-12 months of age is a developmental red flag.

Young babies produce vowel sounds and then babble (consonant-vowel sounds) beginning at 6-8 months of age. Failure to babble by 12 months of age is a concern. Single words occur at least by 12-18 months of age. Thereafter, speech/language development literally explodes. Typical two year-olds have a multiword vocabulary and are putting words together. No expressive language by 2 years of age is a developmental red flag. Even limited language should be noted by 2 years of age and closely tracked since speech/language delays are the most common developmental disorder in young children. Children should be talking in complete and lengthy sentences by 3 years of age and in paragraphs with the ability to relate a story by 4 years of age. Speech sound development is not complete until 6-7 years of age. This means that young children predictably mispronounce certain speech sounds. By 3 years of age, approximately 75% of speech production should be understood in a typically developing child. If you find that you are still “interpreting” for your child after that point, a speech/language evaluation may be needed.

Children will look at something that is pointed out to them by 15-18 months of age. Failure to seek, share, and be motivated by social interaction (wanting mom and dad’s attention) after 18 months of age is a developmental red flag.

The bottom line is that children grow and progress in a steady fashion within age appropriate ranges. Any loss of developmental skills at any age is a developmental red flag. Trust your instincts. As a parent you can best serve your child by fostering a good relationship with your child’s pediatrician or health care professional and discuss any questions or concerns that you have at your child’s well-check visits. Development is easily screened in the primary care office and, if necessary, you and the provider can discuss whether a referral for assessment is indicated. Developmental disorders occur frequently and it is well known that the key to the best possible outcome is to identify and treat as early as possible.

Brenner Children’s Hospital houses the only medical and developmental evaluation clinic in the region for developmental delays and disabilities. For more information, call 336-716-2255.

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When Children “Cry Wolf”

By Guest Blogger Lisa Witherspoon

“Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!” We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf, but what do we do when our own children “cry wolf?” Here are some suggestions:

First of all, it is important to understand why children lie. There are several reasons that children may not tell the truth:

•Fantasy: Children, especially younger ones, may tell made up things or things they have imagined and present them as truth. This kind of lying really does no harm as long as children can separate reality from make believe.

•Fear: This one is classic. Two children are playing; a lamp crashes to the floor; they both point at the other and say “He did it!!” This kind of lie happens because children are afraid of the consequences they will face for their actions, so they blame it on someone or something else.

•Avoiding a task: Pretending to be sick so he/she doesn’t have to go to school; faking an injury to sit out of P.E. – these are classic examples of lying in order to avoid an unpleasant task.

•For love and approval: Let’s face it – we all like to be praised and told how wonderful we are. Sometimes, kids will stretch the truth in an effort to get this praise. Some children my claim to like a particular sport because they think their father will be proud of them. Others may lie to classmates about having a fancy home or expensive toys in order to impress them. These are typical examples of lying in order to get approval.

Now that we know why children lie, what do we do about it??

•Always model being truthful. Try to avoid telling others “white lies” and don’t lie to your children.

•Talk about values and explain why lying is wrong and that it leads to mistrust. (i.e. Tell them the story of the “Boy Who Cried Wolf!”)

•Enforce logical and consistent consequences for lying such as loss of a privilege.

•Don’t forget to punish the original misbehavior as well. When children lie, parents get angry, but don’t lose sight of the misbehavior that started the cycle to begin with.

•Get to the underlying problem. What are the kids afraid of when they pretend to be sick so they don’t have to go to school? Do they think Daddy won’t love them if they don’t play soccer?? If you can address and fix the underlying problem, the lying is likely to go away.

•Praise them when they tell the truth. Telling the truth can be a scary and difficult thing to do. When your child does the right thing, give them the credit they deserve and praise them for taking the high road!

**Information for this article gathered from:
www.childparenting.about.com & www.life.familyeducation.com/parenting

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Sleep-Overs: How Do You Ensure Success?

By Katie M

This summer we entered into a new era of big kid play-dates. Forget playing for just a few hours, now those dates all end with, "Mommy Can She Sleep Over?" I'm not surprised, though. My daughter Emily, who is now six, actually started having sleep-overs at the ripe age of four. I know, gasp! However we come from a large family (my children have over 20 cousins) so sleeping in the same room with other kids at a very young age has been impossibly unavoidable.

Emily’s first sleep-over (one that did not include cousins or family friends visiting from out of town) was with her best bud who lived a few houses down from us. We had known the family for years so we felt comfortable letting her go and we were pretty confident we wouldn’t get the middle-of-the night-call to come pick her up. So now, having seen how much fun Emily has on these sleep-overs, my three-year-old son and his best bud (also a neighbor) are asking to do the same. Trust me, it’s not happening anytime soon. But it begs the question: What age is a good age to start sleep-overs, and what do you do to ensure a successful night?

Like all parents, my husband and I set a few basic ground rules – and make sure we have a couple of staples on-hand – before the event begins. Of course we communicate a “lights out” time right off the bat, and we have a “wind-down” time established to ensure peace and quiet at some point. We don’t set rules on when they can get up in the morning, but that’s only because we let the girls either sleep in our basement playroom or in the guest room on the first floor. So, if they rise before us (which is pretty unlikely with a three-year-old in the house) they know enough to play quietly before we come down.

And while sleep-overs can be a lot of work in itself, I have to admit I’m not one to plan a special activity or craft. I’m all about letting the kids play together independently. But we always make sure to have plenty of popcorn and a couple of Red Box movies on-hand for the late night wind-down. And I also like to cook a special breakfast the next morning – one that usually involves chocolate chips and whipped cream (because we moms deserve a treat too, right?).

While writing this blog, I came across some great tips on Parenting.com on how to determine whether your child is ready for a sleep-over and things to consider before hosting the big event.

According to the web site, age alone doesn’t determine sleep-over readiness. And sometimes your child may say he is ready, but he's not. Here are some signs to help you determine if the time has come:

READY
• Expresses unqualified enthusiasm (but be aware of zeal accompanied by trepidation).
• Has successfully "practiced" at a relative's or a family friend's.
• Sleeps at home without repeatedly asking for water or using other sleep-stalling tactics.
• Handles separation easily, whether parting for school or being left with a babysitter.
• Voices mild doubt that's easily resolved -- say, an issue of not knowing where the bathroom is.

NOT
• Needs elaborate bedtime rituals, such as three stories, a bedside lamp on, a door open, or a certain tape playing.
• Depends on middle-of-the-night comfort in your bed.
• Regularly wets the bed.
• Only wants to host a sleepover, not be a guest.
• Clings when you leave him, and seems averse to new experiences.
• Displays anxiety that the friend is a bully (or some other concrete sign of discomfort).

And when that big day does come, here are seven signs Parenting.com offers to ensure success:

1. Talk it over with your child. Discuss who -- and how many -- to invite, along with ideas for activities and food. For 5- and 6-year-olds, one guest is best; for older kids, more can be better, but keep the group small enough to easily supervise -- six to eight kids, max.

2. Nail down the details. Invite the guest(s) well in advance, specifying the starting and ending times, and tell the parents what to bring (a sleeping bag, a stuffed animal, etc.). Offer younger kids the option of staying overnight or only for the evening.

3. Tell the parents what's planned, including any videos and outside activities. Get a contact number if they'll be out that night, and ask about their child's food allergies or other important information.

4. Set limits. Tell children your house rules (no running, jumping, or screaming; where snacking is allowed; what's off-limits) as you give a rundown of the fun that's to come. Hint at a surprise or two. Let them know when lights-out will be (and give a ten-minute warning before it comes).

5. Keep 'em busy from the get-go. Have a simple crafts project ready, or get everyone dancing in the family room.

6. Feed them early and often. Serve a finger-food meal soon after guests arrive. Get them involved in the preparation: Do-it-yourself pizzas (using prebaked crusts and prepared toppings), subs, a taco bar, and fruit smoothies are all great options.

7. End with a flourish. Have an easy breakfast, such as juice and muffins. If everything clicks, try one last activity. Bring it to an early finish, at around 10 a.m.

I think we’ve been doing a pretty good job. How about you? How did you know your child was ready, and what special tricks do you have to share?

And don't forget to register to win a family four-pack of tickets to see Peter & the Wolf, compliments of Eastern Music Festival. Two TSP newsletter subscribers will win four tickets each! To register for these tickets, click here. This giveaway ends Friday, July 9. Good luck, Smarties!

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Keep Your Children Reading This Summer

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Lockert, Assistant Director and Teacher, Reynolda Preschool and Kindergarten

As a teacher of young children a common question I get is, "How do I get my child reading over the summer?" All children desire and need a break from the routine and demands of the school year, but teachers will tell you that children who participate in reading activities over the break have an easier transition in the fall. So how can families balance their summer activities and schedules with reading? Easy! Just make a game plan that suits your child's interests and your family's agenda.

For preschool-aged children it all begins with play. Continuing to provide independent and group play, structured and unstructured play times, taking excursions in your neighborhood, and participating in meaningful conversations with your youngster will heighten vocabulary and thinking skills, which enhance reading development. Isn’t is reassuring to know that simply sitting in the grass with your child and talking about clouds is helping her prepare to read?

Read with your child daily, maybe a specific time each day, using a variety of books. Grab a large basket, fill it with picture books, rhyming book, non-fiction books, predictable books, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and how-to books, and park yourself under a tree to read. Even if your child wants to read the same story over and over or seems to want to look at the pictures in one book for hours on end, this is reading. Rejoice! Keep a book basket in the car and add some audio books or books with CDs. Match book choices to experiences. For example, if you are going to the beach, peruse books about the beach to help your child make connections. Visit the local library or book store and enjoy story time or just relax in the air conditioning and read. Refresh your choices every week or two and keep the favorites on hand.

Homemade and store bought games like alphabet bingo, puzzles with letters or words, searching for letters on license plates or words on road signs while on a drive, or playing Go Fish with alphabet cards are fun summer activities that keep the learning going.

For elementary-aged children, this is a wonderful time to get children to delve into personal interests and passions. Do you live with a nine-year-old who is crazy about dolphins? Indulge in books and websites that foster this interest and encourage him to join a group that protects dolphins and their habitats. Accessing the public library, new and used book stores, or trading books with friends is a great way to build a repertoire of reading experiences. Passionate readers can start a book club with friends or family, complete an author study, or challenge themselves to complete a set number of hours of reading over the summer.

For the reluctant reader, find materials that will motivate her to read, even if it may not appear as challenging as you may wish. Comic aficionados or pre-teen drama enthusiasts may be more likely to read books they choose over prescribed “classics,” and above all we want them to read, read, read! (Of course, parents should monitor material for age-appropriateness.) Parents should also continue to read with their older children when possible. Elementary-aged children still love the intimacy that comes with hearing their parents read to them. And this is a great chance to read a novel that you choose or may be a little too hard for them to get through independently.

Don’t hesitate to participate in school, library, or bookstore summer reading incentive programs that offer rewards for participation. Keeping track of reading activities at any age is tangible and motivating. You can even set this up at home; create a chart in which your child can keep track of time spent doing reading activities and decide how these accomplishments can be awarded. Perhaps your child will earn new books, an ice cream party, stickers, a movie night, or computer time.

Speaking of computers… parents are often wonder about how much time is appropriate for children to spend on games and websites. When allowing computers, consider how your child balances this activity with others and how they are using the computer. Help your child select websites and games that enhance reading development and then monitor their time. When used appropriately, the computer can be an asset to reading growth.

Finally, reading is spurred by experience and modeling. Taking your children to interesting locations – a park, a science museum, or the pool – can all inspire knowledge, questioning, and language development, the foundation of reading progression at all ages. Modeling your interest and commitment to literacy is deeply connected to your child’s participation. Let them see you peruse a magazine, check out books from the library, scan newspaper articles, and discuss good books with others. Your actions and enthusiasm set the tone for a season rich with reading.

What other smarty tips can you provide?

Our June Giveaway ends TOMORROW! Register to win a free birthday party for your child at Funigan's! Please be sure you are first a newsletter subscriber (enter email address in the box in the upper right corner). Then you can click here to read about the giveaway and register!

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When do you give the boot to thumb-sucking & paci-addictions?

By Guest Blogger, Dr. Grant Coleman, DMD, MS

My 3-year old son loves his pacifier. It's pretty much a requirement for him to have a successful nap or bedtime, and given that my wife and I like sleep, we gladly give it to him. The paci has also given him what we in orthodontics call an "anterior open bite," which in means that even when he's biting down on his back teeth, his top and bottom front teeth don't overlap at all. In fact there's now a hole in the front that you could probably fit a McNugget in without him even opening his mouth if you tried....

Some of the most common questions that we get in our orthodontic practice from parents of younger children relate to oral habits. Parents are often scared that their child is doomed to a decade in braces because of a thumb-sucking habit, but a little bit of information may put those fears to rest.

First of all, sucking habits in young children are completely normal. It's a comfort thing, and if it helps your kids sleep better or calm down, then you usually let it continue. When a child has a persistent habit with a thumb or pacifier, you'll likely see some effects on their teeth from the habit. Orthodontics is nothing more than the process of putting pressure on the teeth to move them-it doesn't matter where that pressure comes from. So, a persistent habit tends to push the upper teeth up and the lower teeth down, which leaves a hole or "open bite" in the front where the thumb or pacifier fits.

So when should you try to get your child to stop the sucking habit? Ideally before the first adult teeth erupt, which is typically around age 5 or 6. The side effects of sucking habits that are seen in the baby teeth are typically temporary, but once the adult teeth begin to erupt the orthodontic effects of habits can create more involved problems. Difficulty eating or biting through certain foods and speech problems are a couple of things you might encounter if the habit continues.

Getting your child to stop this kind of habit isn't necessarily hard to do, and I usually recommend starting with the most conservative/least expensive method possible:
1) Begin with a simple, positive reward system at home. Create a "reward jar" that gets $1 put in it for each day your child doesn't suck his thumb or pacifier; each time he falters and does the habit, you take out 50 cents. At the end of the week, he gets a fun trip to Target where he gets to spend the money he earned in the jar from stopping his habit. This is usually really effective but takes some time to work. It's also relatively cheap!
2) Use a removable orthodontic thumbguard. You can get this from your dentist or orthodontist, and it is really designed for finger/thumb habits. It is a plastic sleeve that fits over the thumb or finger, held by a wrist strap that the parent snaps on. This can be quite effective because the child can't take it off by himself-the parent has to actually cut the disposable strap to get it off.
3) Have your orthodontist make a custom "thumb guard" or "thumb crib." This is a lab-fabricated, metal appliance that is cemented to the upper teeth, and it has a metal mesh just behind the front teeth. It doesn't hurt, and basically all it does is block the finger/thumb/pacifier from fitting in the mouth like it normally does, taking away the pleasure from the habit. Although more expensive, these appliances almost always work because they are cemented in the mouth and aren't removable.

Above all, the most important thing is to keep the experience of stopping the habit a positive one! It doesn't help to call your child a baby or to embarrass him for what he's doing. You have to create in your child the desire to stop, and positive reinforcement is the best way to do that. Even trips to the dentist or orthodontist can be framed in a positive light to help your child see how he's growing up.

So, here are the take-home points: if you have a younger child (below age 6) with an oral sucking habit, don't worry! It's normal and can provide a lot of comfort, and the dental side effects are typically temporary in the baby teeth. Once the adult teeth start to come in, try the above methods to help your child stop. Stay positive and make it a rewarding experience, not a punishment. And if you're not having any luck with your at-home methods, talk with an orthodontist about taking the next steps to help your child quit. You and your child will be glad you did.

Our June Giveaway started this week! Register to win a free birthday party for your child at Funigan's! Please be sure you are first a newsletter subscriber (enter email address in the box in the upper right corner). Then you can click here to read about the giveaway and register!

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Do I Play With My Kids Enough?

By Katie M

I will never forget the words one mom said to me when my first born was just six months old. She told me she was “too busy to play with her kids.” At the time she was a stay-at-home mom and her children were in elementary school full-time. She did not have any work or volunteer obligations. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure she also had a hired maid, a husband who helped with dinner preparations and a laundry list of babysitters she used non-stop. All that, but she was still too busy, she said.

As a new mom, those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember being so angry and thinking (and later wished I had said), “Why did you even bother to have children?” Who knows – maybe she was exaggerating or didn’t realize what she was saying. Regardless, those words from her still haunt me. And after six years of being a mom, I am still trying to put those words into perspective.

So now my children are ages six and three. I have one in elementary school full-time, and one in preschool several days a week. I think I’m pretty busy. Besides this little thing called Triad Smarty Pants, I also work on occasional freelance jobs. I clean my house, do the laundry, prepare dinner most nights of the week, manage the grocery runs, care for my kids, blah, blah, blah.

I know, I know. You all do this too – plus a lot more! I’m not saying my situation is unique at all. We are all busy moms – whether we work or not. I get that. But despite the 8 to 13 waking hours I have with my children every day, I still worry I am not playing with them enough.

Being a mom and a wife is my first job (everything else comes second). And so lots of times that means I need to empty the dishwasher instead of color or paint. Or, vacuum the house instead of play in the yard. Or, change the laundry or start dinner – instead of play another round of I Spy.

I know it’s important to stay on top of all those things around the house, but I also know it’s equally important to live in the moment and not sweat the other stuff. The house will get clean, we’ll find something to eat for dinner (even if it’s just grilled cheese sandwiches), and chances are good we have a few clean outfits left at the back of our closets.

Added to this mommy guilt is the constant plea from my kids, “Play with me, play with me, play with me.” It makes me feel as if I never do, even though I know that’s not true.

Yet as much as I want to spend more hours playing, I also get easily burnt out. So, on the opposite spectrum, I have a confession to make. In the words of Rachel's four-year-old daughter, “I would rather stick pins in my eyeballs” then dress up Barbie for hours on end or search for earthworms and spiders. I’m all about getting down and dirty with the kids, but I’m also all for fostering independent play. I mean, really - there is a reason we bought this house with a dedicated playroom and fenced-in backyard, right? :)

So when I’ve had enough of play and pretend, I go back to the same daily chores of cleaning, laundry and cooking while they continue to play (or not)…and then the predictable pleas of “play with me” continue...along with the unending cycle of mommy guilt..and it goes on, and on, and on...

As I go back and forth on this topic – and strive every day to NOT be the mom who says “I’m too busy to play with my kids” – I wonder if you all share this same struggle? Do you worry you aren’t playing with your kids enough? And as much as you want to play more, do you admit you get easily burnt out too? Where is the happy balance for you?

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I'd Rather Stick Pins in my Eyeballs

By Rachel H
One day when I asked my daughter to do something that she wasn’t too crazy about doing, she looked at me and replied with a bit of sass, “I’d Rather Stick Pins in My Eyeballs.” You might be thinking. “Oh, she is going through the teenager attitude phase right?” No, the girl is FOUR! I couldn’t believe when that came out of her mouth! Initially, it struck me as funny and I could not help but laugh. Then I asked her where she had heard that and she replied, “High School Musical.” I know what you are thinking – “It is HIGH SCHOOL musical, Rachel, not PRESCHOOL musical, of course she is going to hear things like that and mimic what they do.”

I guess I have just always tried to be laid back and consider that I ran around the house singing, “Push It” and “Like a Virgin” when I was a kid having no idea what they meant and I think I turned out OK! (Enter zinger comments from my friends here!) I watched Three’s Company, Grease, and other things that had “suggestive” plots , but never really caught on.

But then other times I wonder if I am totally warping their minds when I let my kids watch shows or movies like this. My son’s new response when I ask him to clean his room or pick up his things is, “Got it, girl!” Far cry from the “Yes, ma’am” that many parents would expect, huh?

Personally, I think most of these sayings and actions are harmless and more than likely they are catching on to my own personality and common sayings more than anything from TV! As long as my children are respectful to others and to themselves, I think that is the number one priority, but it still brings me to the topic that I wanted to discuss today – which TV shows and movies do you think are inappropriate for your kids?

I personally love Noggin – good, clean, fun, but needless to say, my son who is almost seven is absolutely over that channel, which means my daughter only watches it when he is not around. I also like Boomerang because it brings back memories of my childhood when we watched the Flintstones and the Jetsons. I am not crazy about Cartoon Network, and even Disney sometimes has shows that I am not too happy about letting my kids watch. Don’t even get me started on Nickelodeon.

I may need to throw in here that we do not have DVR, so there is no advance planning for shows. If we are home on a weekday, my children get about an hour of TV, so it totally depends on what time homework is done, if we have any other activities, etc. What they watch just depends on what happens to be on television at the time that we have a free hour.

And what is up with the dark and dreary movies for kids lately? Have you seen Corraline? What about the remakes of Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol, and Where the Wild Things Are? Why do they have to be so creepy, dark, and dismal?

Realistically, most parents do not have the time to sit with their children and monitor every TV show, or prescreen every movie before we allow them to watch it, so let’s help each other out here – what shows and movies are appropriate for what ages?

Again, my top recommendations for children ages 4-7 are the Noggin shows and Boomerang Channel. I also think the PBS shows are great for younger kids. For movies, we recently saw How to Train Your Dragon. It was so cute. A great DVD ... I thought Kung Fu Panda was so cute for adults and kids without being too scary or sad. And the classics ... I love The Parent Trap (old and new versions).

You can also check out our past blog on TV ratings for kids here. Tell us what you think!

Got a kid who loves soccer? Register here to win a $100 gift certificate to Triad Elite Soccer Club or Camp! Giveaway ends on Friday, May 21st.

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Smarty Alert: Get Your Tickets Now for Day Out With Thomas!

By Katie M

We just found out that tickets for Day Out With Thomas at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock are on sale now, and they go fast so get your tickets now! The special event takes place from June 4 to June 13. Jenny D with Charlotte Smarty Pants blogged on her experience last year, and it sounded like so much fun we wanted to be sure you all knew about it ...

Advance tickets for specific days and train rides are encouraged due to the popularity of this event. Many rides sell out in advance and tickets are not always available at the gate. Here is what your ticket will include:

- One train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
- Thomas & Friends themed entertainment
- Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, and an Imagination Station with train tables, coloring sheets & Thomas and Friends stamps.
- All the amusement rides, live shows and attractions at Tweetsie Railroad including the chair lift ride to Miner's Mountain where guests can visit the Deer Park and pan for gold.
- Meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Chairman of the Railway on the Island of Sodor
- Enjoy plenty of opportunites to find great Thomas & Friends merchandise at the Thomas & Friends Gift Shop located in Tweetsie Junction.

Directions, details and ticket prices are available on Tweetsie's web site. If you go, let us know how it went!!

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Smarty Summer Treats

By Dana D, Charlotte Smarty Pants

It’s never too early to find a new way to beat the summer heat, right? Last year, I bought BPA free popsicle molds and we have used them all summer! If you haven’t purchased some yet, I highly recommend it! We have made so many different kinds of popsicles and the kids love them. They love the handles and shapes of the molds. You can make natural popsicles free of food colorings, high fructose corn syrup, etc… We freeze smoothies, orange juice and just about anything the boys like to drink.

Here’s an easy suggestion, add orange juice to the mold and then drizzle vanilla yogurt into it. Freeze and viola! There you have our version of the beloved orange creamsicle. See below for a few suggestions on where to buy the BPA free molds. We bought ours from Crate and Barrel last year and it is the Tovolo brand. Unfortunately, they are no longer selling these molds. I did find them on Amazon but they don’t specifically state they are BPA free. They appear to be the same exact molds we have so I would consider it to be a safe option. There are a couple of other BPA free popsicle molds listed below as well.

Tovola molds

Norpro molds

Soft landing molds

On a side note, we have been trying to eliminate all disposable items and one annoying thing was plastic straws. I have found a couple options that have worked really well for us. Again, one of my favorite sites, The Soft Landing, has the perfect solution. By the way, all their products are PVC, BPA and phthalate free. The sip-a-bowls and cups are fantastic! They have a built in straw and this totally eliminates the need for a straw. They are going to be carrying stainless steel reusable straws soon as well. Love these! If you can’t wait then you can buy them on Amazon. They are the Bendy stainless steel straws by RSVP.

Perfect, since they are reusable and BPA free. There are bamboo, paper and glass options as well but I think this is the best choice. I just don’t trust my little ones with a glass straw in their mouths. It makes me cringe to think about it. So you can use the reusable straws for your smoothies at home or a cocktail in the evening. Either way, feel good about beating the heat and limiting what ends up in the landfills. With these two changes in your household you will save money and provide healthy nutritious snacks for your family. You must check out The Soft Landing for an easy, easy site to safely feed your loved ones.
Please share any recipes you have for homemade popsicles that your family can’t do without!

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A Tale of a Tantrum

By Guest Blogger Kelly Gunzenhauser


So I thought I was getting off easy when my younger son came along and we were blessed with a child who had the sunniest disposition I have ever seen. He was a content, easy baby. Now, as a two-year-old, he kisses his preschool teachers after they change his diapers and tells everyone who will listen that he loves them. He can get a little feisty with his friends, but he’s usually a piece of cake at home.

By now you are all laughing at me and waiting for the other shoe to drop, and of course it has. My son has hit the tantrum stage. He is not a small kid and he’s strong as an ox, so tantrums are not minor events. Here is a list of some of the things that have set him off: socks too “waggy,” socks at all, shoes at all, getting dressed, wearing a coat, not getting his fingers in the right glove holes, wearing mittens instead, changing his diaper, going to the grocery store, going home from anywhere, getting strapped into his car seat, going to preschool, going to bed, reading only one book at bedtime, getting a bath, getting lotion on his eczema, brushing his teeth, having his fingernails cut, leaving a friend’s house, waking up from a nap, getting too many kisses, being asked what he wants for breakfast, getting the wrong color of cup, and when his brother looks at him.

The “best” tantrum by far was at the grocery store. He wasn’t in the mood for the store. I was of two minds. His tantrum was more whining than anything else—should I risk it? Maybe a cookie once we got inside would help. And, I don’t really like giving in to tantrums. And, I REALLY needed to go to the store! So off we went.

While we were there, he screamed at the absolute top of his lungs the whole time, “Put your stuff back!” He ran from one side of the store to the other and hid. He kicked and screamed every time I picked him up to move him to a new part of the store. He ran away from me and tried to escape out of the door into the parking lot; I only stopped him by grabbing the hood of his jacket. So many people offered help: “Can I get him a balloon? Can I get him a cookie? Can I hold him while you tie him to the cart?” (OK, just kidding about that last one.)

And just as many people came up to me and said, “I have 2 (3, 5, 10) kids and I have been there. It gets better.” (Yes, I know it does. The five-year-old evidence of that is calmly riding in the spaceship grocery cart.) And a few people looked at me like I was the world’s worst mother, you know, shaking their heads in that, “Wow, why can’t you control your child?” sort of way.

As I look back over the list of things that have set him off, I see that many of them are transitions and “have-to-dos.” Kids don’t like to change course until they are ready. The reality is, though, that sometimes we have to do what needs to be done, and I can’t accommodate his timetable. Like right now, while I am trying to finish this up quickly, and he is hanging on me and whining and lying in the floor and kicking. Now he’s telling me, “I don’t like you Mama,” even though the reason he’s mad is because he wants to play a game - with me. He must like me a little bit. Sometimes. But I know that soon, this stage will be over. And with it will go some of the “I love you’s!” and the constant smooching and the crawling in bed with me in the morning when he wakes up at 5:00am. He’ll be more reasonable, but a little more grown up, too.

So what are your favorite tantrum stories? And what are your tips for dealing with them?

* We thought you would enjoy a "post-tantrum" picture of the star of this post, shown at the top of the blog!

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The Importance of Playtime for Kids

By Rachel H and Guest Blogger, Dr. William Satterwhite,Twin City Pediatrics

Spring has sprung! The weather has been beautiful lately and nothing made me happier than the fact that my children played outside for literally seven hours on Saturday! They have usually been the type to beg for TV or Wii after just 20 minutes of being outside, but they are slowly starting to realize that a day with nothing to do can be terrific! Neighbors came over and they played on the swingset, made up obstacle courses, played "dragon slayer," zoo keeper, and many other made-up games. My hope is that this will continue throughout the spring and summer months!

Last year Dr. Satterwhite wrote a blog for us on the importance of unstructured playtime for children and it has really stuck with me. He updated his article for us and added some new statistics that we wanted to share with you today.

We hope you enjoy these great words of wisdom from one of our favorite local Pediatricians, Dr. William Satterwhite...


"Built by Play"

One of my deepest sorrows has been the gradual erosion of true “play” for children in the 21st century. People who grew up in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s spent large chunks of their childhoods playing make-believe games with their friends. Whether it was playing ‘house’ or pick-up baseball in the yard, the children set the rules, made the teams, and worked out their disagreements. By law in North Carolina, children didn’t have to start school until first grade, and many did not. For those who went, five year old kindergarten was a half-day, and its primary purpose was play. Reading and writing and sitting still were (and still are) six to seven year old skills. It was widely and accurately recognized that children learned by and through play.

By the mid-1990s and 2000s, things had dramatically shifted. Our society decided that unstructured play for children was a waste of time and that real learning only occurred in structured settings. Rote memorization of facts became more highly valued than learning through play and guided activities. Adding to the intensity of structured learning was the myth that parents are largely responsible for “sculpting” their children’s brains. Thus if you want to be a really good parent, you will engage your children in multiple structured activities in order to teach them as much as possible as early as possible.

Unfortunately, this new shift is both erroneous and harmful. Studies indicate that free play, such as make-believe, actually helps children develop a critical cognitive skill known as ‘executive function.’ Executive function includes the ability to plan things out, to self-regulate emotions and behaviors, and to resist impulses. Not only is poor self-regulation and executive function associated with high drop-out rates, drug use and crime, but these qualities are also better predictors of success in school than a child’s IQ. Furthermore, studies also show that children who spend more time in unstructured play are more creative, show more initiative, and have longer attention spans. (The more a child plays, the smarter she gets!)

Regrettably, research also supports that children cannot ‘attend’ to something or self-regulate like they used to be able to do. This should come as no surprise, given the dramatic increase in early, rote learning in schools and formal, planned activities that have supplanted playtime. In today’s world, everything is adult-planned and adult-monitored. Rarely do kids play pick-up games in the back yard, changing the rules to make the teams fair and working out their own conflicts (“Was the ball really out?” “Did she really get tagged?” “Should we change the teams to make it more even?”) Instead, we pay money and sign them up for sports and leagues where we push adult rules – complete with paid officials -- down upon them, and then we WATCH their every play and even yell ‘advice’ at them from the sidelines. Even long care trips, when imagination (or reading or singing) was all one had to occupy a child, now are filled with watching DVDs. When do our children learn to think? When do they learn to work things out? Imagine? Invent? Pretend?

Fortunately, there is good news! The remedy is within reach! And it is easy, effective, and inexpensive: let your children play! Relax! Observe and enjoy the wonderful, creative, imaginative nature of your children! Notice that learning activities are everywhere: blocks, Lego, pots and pans, dolls, reading, making up games, and playing outside. Instead of scheduling all their free time, go to the park, or let them invite a friend over, and make them go outside for at least one hour straight. Take away their electronics for awhile; unplug the TV. Ignore the “competitive parent trap!” Don’t sign them up for competitive sports until they are eight years old. Stop any activity that isn’t completely FUN for your child to participate in. If she cries on the way to choir, gracefully stop. Remember that play equals learning, that it is not all up to you, and that parenting really can be fun when you relax and enjoy the wonder of a child. (Your kids will be smarter and happier as well!)

For more articles and advice from Dr. Satterwhite, visit www.pedsinapodcast.com.

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Smarty Sponsor: Summit School

By Guest Blogger Katie L. Grubbs

“Can I go to school tomorrow?” was the question from my son. I responded that school wasn’t open on Saturdays and the doors would be locked. “Can’t we break in? I know my teacher wouldn’t mind!”

Junior Kindergarten at Summit School was a magical year for my son. It started with his one hour visit to determine his readiness and fit for the program. I didn’t know if he would separate well or pitch a fit. When my husband and I walked out of the room and he quietly stayed where he was, engaged in play with a teacher, I was amazed...

My son will tell you his favorite things about Junior Kindergarten were baking gingerbread men and making dinosaur pillows. (He also wanted me to note that he enjoyed playing in the block area and in the balcony but not as much as making gingerbread men.) My list is a bit different, though. I was impressed with how he learned to make friends. Many of his new friends weren’t even in his class…they were fellow Junior Kindergartners he’d met on the playground!
I still do not know if that was a culture the teachers created intentionally or not, but I was and remain grateful for it. He also created countless art treasures, dressed up and boarded the Mayflower, learned to write his letters and taught me about recycling and going green!

When we graduated to Kindergarten this year, I was as nervous as my son. However, I immediately
felt better when I realized that at Summit, Kindergarten is still Kindergarten! It is a developmentally appropriate environment where the academics are geared to each child’s ability. If a child is reading, they will be supported and encouraged. If they are not yet reading, that’s fine, too. No one panics. It’s very refreshing to know the teachers support and teach children on many levels of the academic spectrum and everyone is considered developmentally normal.

Also, the Dining Room for Young Children, where children in grades K – 2 eat lunch, rivals something you would see on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution! Chef Susan Pfaff serves nutritionally balanced meals that satisfy all palates, while serving a few things every day that ensure everyone can find something to enjoy. To Chef Pfaff, courage is tasting the vegetable before making the face. The children do not have to love each dish they are served, but they are asked to try a “kindergarten bite” of it. To my surprise, my son now enjoys veggie dogs and Chinese dumplings!

Thus far, my son’s favorite things about Kindergarten are playing on the balcony and hanging out with his Big Friend, a fifth grader who is his mentor and buddy for the year. But don’t take his word for it. If your child is a rising Junior Kindergartner or a rising Kindergartner, please join us for our “Come Take A Peek” experience on Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to experience a condensed version of a typical day, including classroom activities, music, P.E., and storytelling time in the library. As a parent, you will have a chance to observe your child participating in the magic of Summit School! (Contact kmemory@summitmail.org to register for Come Take A Peek.)

Smarties, don't forget TODAY is the last day to register for this month's give-away with Whitebox Photography. Just be sure you are a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber, then click here to enter your name in the giveaway! We will choose a winner through Random.org on April 9, 2010 and will contact you that day!

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Smarty Party Idea – The Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem

By Guest Blogger, Catherine Koufman

When my friend and I discussed celebrating our daughters' birthdays together, we had a hard time thinking of a good place to have their party. Since they have January birthdays, that knocked out the idea of a park or anything outside. In addition, since most of the kids were two year olds, we felt pretty limited as far as places that would be suitable for their age group. So, when I heard that the Children's Museum was available for birthday parties, I knew it would be the perfect place.

If you have ever been to the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, then you know how much there is to do and see. The museum has many hands on displays and interactive exhibits for children of all ages. A few of the exhibits are rotating, so there is always something new and different for children to explore. It's a great place to escape to when you are having one of those "cabin fever" kind of days that we all know about all too well lately.

As the kids arrived to the party, they were taken upstairs to the party room where we could greet everyone. For the first 30-45 minutes all the kids had free time to explore the museum. When we were ready to have everyone gather together, the museum had a staff member make an announcement so that our guests knew to head back to the party room.

The room was perfect. It had a sink, counter space and a refrigerator/ freezer for you to use. They will have tables for you to accommodate the number of children that are in your party and a staff member will be there to assist you in any way that you may need them. You have the choice of bringing your own food, supplies, and decorations, or they will provide a cake, juice and paper products for you.

I also thought it was great that the museum gives you the option of having a themed birthday party of pirates, princesses, Mrs. Cottontail, or penguins. They will provide a cake, juice, and paper products that go with your theme if this is the route you decide to go.

After the children enjoy cake and snacks, it is up to you how you would like to spend the remainder of your time. Since most of our kids were pretty young, we chose to keep it simple and let everyone enjoy the rest of the time playing in the museum on their own after having our snack. However, they do offer a 30 minute story time and craft session that one of their staff members will do with the children.

We were very happy with everything that the museum had to offer. It's a wonderful place for you to have your child's next birthday party.

Great news for all our Triad Smarty Pants readers – the museum is offering 10% off your party when you mention that you read this blog or saw them in our Birthday Party Directory. Call 336-723-9111 or visit their website at www.childrensmuseumofws.org for more details or to book your child’s next party!

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Toddler Beds: I Just Don’t Get It!

By Katie M

We just crossed a major milestone in our house this past month and that’s getting rid of our crib. It makes me so sad. We’ve had it as a regular piece of furniture for six years and parting with it makes for a big reality check that I no longer have babies – I have kids! But, it was a necessary step as my son just turned three (yes, we held onto it as long as possible), and he was more than ready for a “big boy bed.” The transition was great, albeit we had many talks (a.k.a. threats) that big boys don’t get out of their bed in the middle of the night. And keeping the crib in the room the past few weeks has proved good leverage in case he did decide to slink out. He was psyched for the big move and has been very good about it, and we’re excited to switch his room from a nursery to a boy’s room.

So, when we were ready to cross this step off our parental “To Do” list, we immediately started to plan for what kind of bed would make the most sense. And I have to say, I am still curious as to why parents purchase toddler beds.

If you did purchase a toddler bed for your child and you love it, then that is great. But the question I am posing in this blog is why would purchase a toddler bed (which can be a pretty big investment) for something you use for such a short time? I know, I know…to each their own…but I’d still love to know how you came to your decision.

Here’s why. For us, the main reason for not purchasing a toddler bed was our budget. Jen P of Charlotte Smarty Pants wrote a great blog on toddler beds vs. crib tents (a whole ‘nother topic in itself) and offered a website for good deals on decent toddler beds. But the average price for these beds starts at $100 – and most are much, much more.

With that price in mind, we decided to move our children directly into twin beds (beds they will, hopefully, stay in until they are 18!) with a bedrail until they are old enough to ensure they won’t roll out of bed. We also held off on using the box spring for both our children so they are sleeping pretty low to the floor; we just added the box spring to my daughter's bed a few months ago and she's almost six.

So essentially we spent more than the cost of a typical toddler bed, but our thinking is that we won’t have to purchase another bed in a few years. We’re thinking this is it until they move out for college! Seriously!

Are we crazy and cheap? I hope not! I spent 15+ years in the same twin bed in my parents’ home growing up. Was I ok? I think so! And I also think I was on the same mattress and box spring all those years. Is that crazy? That makes for another blog because I’ve been told by someone that you need to purchase new mattresses and box springs for your beds every FIVE years. Ok, to me, that’s a little crazy!

The other reason we opted to go directly to a twin bed is décor. I am the kind of person who likes to finish the look of the room (at least get close) when I buy furniture. When we purchased both of our children’s beds, that meant we immediately had to buy super cute comforters, coordinating sheets and pillows, and curtains (although the house we purchased came with super cute curtains that we matched the bedding to). If we bought a toddler bed (and in our case, but not our choice, they would most likely be replicas of Lighting McQueen or Barbie Fairytopia), the décor would also need to be updated in a few short years.

Another option I wished I had the opportunity to explore – one that I think is fabulous – is the convertible crib! You know – the kind of crib that can turn into a toddler bed? I wish we had one of those, but – again our budget won over desire with that argument. We bought our crib hoping we’d have more than one baby sleep in it – and we weren’t sure what the timing would be. So, to turn it into a toddler bed would only make sense for our last baby.

So when it comes to toddler beds, for us it wasn’t a viable option. Perhaps our children would be upset if they knew there were other options out there versus their boring twin beds. But we did our research, and I still question the necessity of – or desire of – a toddler bed.

For those of you out there who defend your toddler bed purchase, please prove me wrong! Add your comments below!

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Discover Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool

By Guest Blogger Sue Ellen Bennett

Are you or someone you know looking for just the right preschool? Come check out Burkhead Preschool on Feb. 1 from 6:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. My youngest son’s preschool is hosting an Open House for families looking to find the perfect fit for their child. There will be childcare and a light supper provided during this open house event.

I am a mother of three boys, ages 3, 6 and 12. My youngest son has been attending Burkhead since he was a toddler, and is currently in the three year old class. My Kindergartner attended Burkhead from age 3-Readiness. I can’t say enough wonderful words about Burkhead Preschool. If I were limited to just a few words to describe our school and our experience they would be joyful, happy, fun, warm, lots of learning, creative, nurturing and loving...

There are many things that drew me to Burkhead Preschool. Top on my list was the fact that there is virtually no teacher turnover and the families that enroll their children stay. My children have, and are still, creating amazing relationships with other children that will last a lifetime. As a mom and a former educator of young children, I was able to evaluate the school from two different angles. What I see as a mom is the loving and nurturing piece that I find so important. As an educator I am very impressed with the quality and experience of the teachers at the school, as well as the developmental, hands on approach to learning in a safe and loving Christian environment.

Another fantastic feature is the small number of children in each class. The smaller numbers allow each teacher to genuinely nurture, teach and love each child. My kindergartner was in a class of 7 for his Readiness experience! As a former kindergarten teacher I do not believe you can get much better than that! I say to myself often,“What’s the point of Readiness if there are 15-20 children in the class?” With smaller numbers, it is truly a readiness program with substance and focus. By the way, our readiness teacher has 17 years of experience!! In fact, the 12 staff members have a combined 109 years of teaching experience.

Due to an overwhelming demand for another preschool in the Sherwood Forest area, several preschool teachers and a preschool director pulled together, enlisting the help of Burkhead United Methodist Church to build this extraordinary and very special program. Burkhead United Methodist Church, www.burkhead.org, has been so welcoming to our children and their families. The church has been very generous in providing a safe, clean, loving and Christian environment to house our preschool. Burkhead United Methodist Church has made a commitment to serve young children and their families in our community. Their commitment to our preschool is evidenced in their continual financial and personnel support.

Burkhead preschool opened its doors in the fall of 2006 with classes starting at age 12 months through readiness. It is open 5 days a week from 8:50-12:00 with early care and lunch bunch offered. There are various class options for each age. The great thing about their offerings is that if the printed schedule does not fit your needs the director will work with the families to make a better fit. The willingness and desire to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of each family is absolutely terrific.

In addition to the outstanding staff, the preschool offers Stretch-n-Grow, Fabulously Fun Fitness for Kids!, Creature Teacher, Inc and a weekly music program. The four and five year olds have chapel once a month with the minister of the church, Kathie Sherrill. You can go to their website to get more specifics about the schedule, class offerings, tuition and more.

Burkhead has an excellent, safe, fenced in playground. If it is raining the children are able to use the large fellowship hall to run, play and ride indoor riding toys. It is definitely a plus to have both an indoor and outdoor active play area that is safe and that provides toys and materials for free play. All toys and materials in the school are age-appropriate, and you will always find that children are actively engaged in work or play.

I just love the location! The school is located at 5250 Silas Creek Parkway on the northwest corner of Silas Creek Parkway and Pensby Road, in old Sherwood Forest, between Robinhood and Yorkshire. The entrance is on Pensby Road. It is easy to access the school from all areas of town. After drop off, I can get right on Silas Creek and easily access I40 to get to the Y on time for that most important exercise class. Or, I can stop at the grocery, bank or pharmacy on Robinhood Rd. without feeling like I am back-tracking. Even better I can get to preschool for pick up quickly via Silas Creek if I am at the mall, Target or a doctor’s appointment. What is really nice for the families that have older siblings at Sherwood Forest Elementary is the close proximity to the Preschool. Parents can drop off their child and head to the Elementary school to volunteer or have lunch with their child and know they are not too far away to be on time for pick up.

When starting preschool each year there is always angst on both the parent’s and child’s part. I love the fact that Burkhead provides an opportunity each fall to meet and greet the teacher prior to the first day of school. The children and their families come to school at an appointed time to meet one-on-one with their child’s teacher, see the classroom and the school. The children are able to explore the classroom and be introduced to their teacher. This is a magnificent opportunity for the parents to give information about their child that would not normally be on a registration form. It also provides superb insight for the teacher as she begins the beautiful journey of teaching that particular child. The teachers take this opportunity to listen, answer questions and provide information about the program and expectations. The meet and greet truly makes the first day and the transition easier for both parent and child.

Later in the year there is also an opportunity to meet with the teacher again to conference, one-on-one, about your child’s progress. However, the teachers are always available, easily accessible and eager to meet with you at any point during the school year at your request.

Here are just a few testimonials from former and existing families at Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool.

“My son had a wonderful preschool experience at Burkhead. The small class sizes allowed him to receive a lot of attention from the teachers. Linda, the preschool director, was always at the front door greeting the children as they arrived at school each day. It was very obvious how much the staff cared for the students. “ Becky DeBruhl

“When our son was diagnosed with Autism, the staff, families, and students at Burkhead were so wonderful! We have had their support every step of the way. We send both of our children there, and they love it!” Wendy Milner

“The class sizes were a selling point for me. The one-on-one personal attention that was given to my children was immeasurable.” Michelle McAdams

“Burkhead Preschool is a wonderful place for children to attend preschool! From the excellent teachers and staff, to the facilities and warm friendly environment, my children could not have been happier and more loved!” Debbie Burns

“I feel blessed to have found Burkhead Methodist Preschool. The dedicated teachers always go the extra mile to ensure a nurturing, creative, and positive learning environment. My son loves the unique crafts, outdoor playtime, storytime, music classes, visits from the Creature Teacher, and participating in the Stretch and Grow fitness program. I am truly grateful for the love and caring they have shown my children.” Gabby Greenwood

“I cannot say enough about Burkhead UMC preschool. As a two-time parent at the school, I sing its praises every chance I get. The students get such great individual attention. The teachers are more than qualified, bringing creativity and experience to their classrooms. My children have enjoyed every minute they have spent at Burkhead. Burkhead UMC Preschool is a happy place.” Leigh Munley

I encourage anyone interested in finding just the right preschool to come to our Open House on Feb. 1. Burkhead will be providing a light supper and childcare. For more information about our preschool and our open house visit our website at www.burkheadpreschool.net Click on the “application” button to find the information about the Open House. The preschool asks that you help in planning by calling or emailing ahead to let them know you are coming. 765-6590 director@burkheadpreschool.net.

Preschool registration is just around the corner, beginning Feb. 22, so come take a peak on February 1!

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