Smarty Sponsor: The Club at Oak Branch

By Guest Blogger, Karen H

It's that time of the year again...Schools out and Summer is in!!!! What will your family be doing to cool off? Hit the WATER! Kids love it at any age, whether it’s the sprinkler in your yard, your neighborhood swimming pool, or a trip to the lake or beach. As a parent, you want to be sure that in addition to your kids having a great time, they have the skills to be safe around water. Why not help give your child the life long skills for water safety with swim lessons? They don’t have to become the next Michael Phelps, but at a minimum you want to teach your child how to be safe when in or around water.

The best swim lessons for kids focus on giving your child positive learning experiences in the water. The Club at Oak Branch offers nurturing, positive and encouraging swim lessons for infants as young as three months through the teenage years! Whether you’re interested in learning proper form and technique or you’re looking for that extra edge for competitive swimming, This is the place for swim instruction! Plus, if you mention Triad Smarty Pants when you call, you'll get 10% off any Summer Camp or Swim Session!!!!


Swim lessons at The Club emphasize your child’s individual needs and skill level. They offer small class sizes and qualified experienced staff who encourage a whole life approach to swim lessons. Not only will your child learn proper form, your child will gain confidence, self-esteem and an inner sense of accomplishment as they learn new skills and progress through their lessons. They also encourage their swimmers to participate in new challenges beyond their lessons with events like our “Fun Swim Meet" and “Youth Triathlon”. These events emphasize personal best and the thrill of accomplishment in an enjoyable non-threatening environment. Kids love to learn that, yes - they can do it!

This is a great testimonial from a parent whose child took lessons at The Club:
"My son has taken swimming classes at The Club at Oak Branch for more than seven years. He started as a baby and now swims all four strokes very well at the swim team level. The Aquatics Director, Maria Gonzalez, is very approachable and always accommodating. She strives to be certain every student is completely satisfied with their swimming education and experience. The Club at Oak Branch has the nicest pool in Greensboro! My son loves the slides, basketball goal, underwater music, and Jacuzzi. I enjoy being able to watch him swim while I exercise upstairs. Most importantly, my son has always enjoyed his swimming classes at here. As a result, he has developed a love for swimming and genuinely looks forward to each class. Swimming is a wonderful life skill and The Club at Oak Branch is a great place for kids to learn to swim."

For parents who are looking for suggestions on helping their children enjoy water and become swimmers, the easiest way is to start from the beginning! As infants, make bath time a relaxed and fun time for your baby. Gently sprinkle water on your little one’s face, play games and sing songs to make bath time a pleasant experience. Get in the tub or shower with baby! Your infant will pick up on your cues that this is a safe, fun and welcoming environment, a warm and nurturing time to enjoy. Repetition of making bath time, and later on swim time, a fun positive place to be, encourages your child to enjoy the water.

As your child grows into toddlerhood, they realize that separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage for your child to go through. One of life’s great lessons for kids (and adults!) to learn, is that yes, it’s okay to be un-certain of new things, but if you just TRY, you learn you CAN do it, and WOW! The boost to self esteem and sense of independence your child achieves from that is huge! You can help them with this stage by maintaining a positive and encouraging attitude that they are going to have a great time and learn amazing things in their swim class, and they can show you all about it! Make bath and swim time a place for special toys (squirt toys, floating toys, balls, etc), give Spiderman or that special baby doll water time too! If your child is fearful, try to pinpoint what is their specific worry. Sometimes it’s as simple as a pair of goggles to protect eyes or a warm coverup for when class is over. You are your child’s best role model. Be patient, be encouraging, be positive. Remember it can be hard to learn new things, but what an adventure when you do!

In addition to The Club’s swim sessions, we also offer several Summer Camp options:

-Full Day Camp (for kids 5-12 yrs old) or a Half-Day Camp
option for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds.
-Weekly themed camps—pick your favorites-Pirates, Legos, Mad Scientists and more!
-We also offer Sports Specific Camps and Swim Camps!

All camp options include daily swim lessons!!! Your child is sure to love the summer time while at The Club at Oak Branch!

*Remember, mention Triad Smarty Pants when you call and get 10% off any Summer Camp or Swim Session!!!!

For more information please contact Maria Gonzalez or Karen Heist.
(336)851-1890 ext 1102
The Club at Oak Branch
Greensboro,NC kidsprograms@pyramids.org
www.pyramids.org

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Bonus Giveaway: Triad Elite Soccer Club

By Allison T, Triad Smarty Pants

I am so excited to announce our new Smarty Sponsor, Triad Elite Soccer Club. My son, Lance, just finished his first soccer season with Triad Elite, the Academy Program for ages 8-12 (based in Clemmons). After watching him on the field for the last three months, I can honestly say I have never seen him this excited and motivated to go to a sports practice/game. In other words, no complaining, smile on his face, only telling him once to get his shin guards, socks and cleats on because it is time for soccer practice….you get the picture.

Now it’s your turn. Triad Elite wants to offer the same experience to you and your child, and they are giving away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky TSP mom! To learn more about Triad Elite and how to register for this giveaway, keep reading!


Lance has played in three different soccer leagues, but it wasn’t until this past season with Triad Elite that we were finally impressed with a soccer organization. It was the first time we had experienced a league with certified, experienced coaches that really spent time with him. In the past, Lance’s practices and games were coached by parents (my husband even coached Lance’s team one season on a different league). I am all for parent volunteering and appreciate the time they put in, but my thought is, “If I am going to spend two to three nights a week and hard earned money on a sport, I would prefer that my child is taught the proper skills and techniques by certified coaches.” That is what Triad Elite Soccer Club has to offer.

Children who have birthdays on or before 7/31/03 are eligible to begin playing in the Academy program.

The practices start with all of the kids in a one, big group setting. They stretch, play fun games, and all the while work on foot skills, tactical and technical game skills, shooting, passing and dribbling. Mid-way through practice, the coaches divide up all of the players into smaller groups and let them scrimmage each other. The skills that are taught in the Academy Program are needed once the players move on to Classic and Challenge Programs (ages 10-18).

If you have a son or daughter between ages 8 and 12 who has shown interest in playing soccer, my recommendation is that you consider Triad Elite Soccer Club. And now is the best time! One lucky TSP mom can win a $100 gift certificate to be used towards the annual fee, Triad Elite apparel, or even its summer camp programs! Soccer camps take place June 11, 12, and 13 from 8:30 – 4p. Box lunches will be served all three days and on June 12 the campers will be watching the World Cup match (USA v England). The camp is open to campers ages 8 – 18. Fields will be announced.

To register to win the $100 gift certificate with Triad Elite Soccer Club, click here. PLEASE NOTE SKILLS ASSESSMENT "TRYOUTS" BEGIN THE WEEK OF MAY 24 AND ONLY CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 8 AND 12 ARE ELIGIBILE. You must first be a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber to win. We will contact a winner on Friday, May 21 so you’ll have plenty of time to get ready for skills assessment "tryouts" which start the following week. Good luck, smarties!

And anyone can register for the season – whether you win this giveaway or not! Skills assessment “tryouts” for the Fall 2010 season start Monday, May 24 and run through May 26. There is no charge to register for these skills assessment “tryouts.” To register, click here. For the appropriate age group, tryout schedule and field #, please click here. If you have any questions about registering for tryouts or need help understanding the different soccer programs (Academy, Classic, and Challenge) within Triad Elite please contact Jason Brenner, President at jason@elitefootballclub.net.

You still have until TOMORROW to register for our fabulous Mother's Day giveaway too! Simply click here to read all about the mompreneur businesses participating and to register! This giveaway will continue until noon on Friday, May 14th. We will then choose our four lucky winners at random and will contact them to claim their prize. Good luck!

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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 Alert: Don't Miss These Great Dash Events

By Katie M

In case you missed this information about upcoming Dash events in today’s Winston-Salem Journal…

Monday, April 12
Community Reading at the Children's Museum
Join us for a reading of Casey at the Bat at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem with Dash players and Bolt at 11:30 am. All week – get half off admission to the Children’s Museum with your Dash ticket stub. Also, all schools are encouraged to read Casey at the Bat or another baseball book today.

Tuesday, April 13
Welcome the Dash to Downtown Winston-Salem
Pep Rally Noon to 1 pm
Hosted by Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership at Fourth and Trade streets on the Civic Plaza park area. Free hot dogs for the first 1,000 people with drinks provided by Pepsi and Primo. Bring canned food items to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. Entertainment to include WSSU pep band, appearances by Bolt, Dash players and coaches. Giveaways include T-shirts and pompoms.

Wednesday, April 14
Downtown Restaurant Giveaway
Select downtown restaurants will give away special Dash BB&T Ballpark grand opening Champion T-shirts to the first 25 customers at lunch or dinner that mention “I Dash.” While supplies last. Visit http://www.dwsp.org/ for locations.

Thursday, April 15
Winston-Salem Turns Purple Day!
Show your support for the team by wearing the team color: purple! Also, many of the Dash’s sponsors and partners will be planning special activities and promotions with their customers. Check out http://www.wsdash.com/ for a complete list of promotions.

Friday, April 16
Coaches Luncheon
Noon
Hosted by Chamber and Dash at BB&T Ballpark. Enjoy a ballpark lunch and hear from Winston-Salem Dash Manager Joe McEwing and President Geoff Lassiter. Special announcement will be made regarding the Dash’s charity Brick Program and a special presentation of the 2010 Dash “Honorary Coach” award will take place. To order tickets call 714-2287; tickets go on sale at noon on April 8. Seating is limited. $15 per person.

Saturday, April 17
Community Day at BB&T Ballpark
10 am to 1 pm
The ballpark will be open to the public for free activities and tours. Take a tour with the architects; get autographs from select Dash players; and enjoy activities for kids, a performance of UNCSA jugglers, and free giveaways. Also, concessions will be open for purchasing lunch!

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Scandals, Sports, Scores & Schedules

By Katie M

In my house growing up, if you weren’t playing a sport full-time then you were watching and cheering one either on TV or on the side-lines. We were a pretty athletic family – and I guess a little competitive too – but it was the basis of my upbringing. I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Sure we tried our hand at being well-rounded in other ways, such as learning an instrument or running for student office. But it was playing sports that ultimately taught me a lot of life lessons that I still fall back on today.

And with the all the recent talk about Tiger Woods– and all the playground chatter about who’s child is playing what sport – I thought I’d dedicate today’s post to some random ponderings related to scandals, sports, scores and scheduling. But I’m just tossing out some thoughts and am hoping you’ll catch on and play the comment game at the end of this blog!

So with the Masters coming up this weekend, there's no time than now to lead off with scandal! First let me say that as much as I love to watch golf, I’ve never been a Tiger fan. As much as he seemed a great guy (and of course a great player) I always thought he seemed a bit arrogant and sometimes downright spoiled. So when the scandal broke I may have been initially surprised but I’m not shocked. I am, however, addicted to all the stories that have come out about this scandal. Yet despite all the articles I’ve read and interviews I’ve watched, I can’t help but think about all the kids (especially those who idolized Tiger) who are exposed to these same stories.

Talk about a life lesson learned early. Fortunately my kids are too young to have any interest in this story, but I’d love to know how other parents have dealt with this situation with their children. What kind of messages did you communicate? Did you bring up the conversation first or did your children ask you about it? How did you help them make a distinction between a role model and a hero?

Speaking of Tiger, he started golf at the ripe age of two! According to Answers.com (because yes I “Googled” his career), Woods made an appearance on The Michael Douglas show at age two where he hit a drive and had a putting contest with comedian Bob Hope. At age three, Woods shot a 48 over nine holes at the Navy Golf Club in Cypress, California, and at age five, he appeared on ABC's That's Incredible. In 1984 at the age of eight he won the 9-10 year old boys' event, the youngest age group available, at the Junior World Golf Championships.

Ok, my son is three and he can barely catch a basketball let alone hit a tiny ball on the ground. So that leads to my next question: How young is too young for sports? And does it really make sense to sign your toddler up for an organized sport or is that a waste of money? I’ve heard an argument that any sport before the age of eight is too early because a child’s coordination has not fully developed. But I am definitely guilty of breaking that rule. So what are your thoughts on this subject?

Switching gears, another topic I have mulled over is the whole concept of not keeping score in children’s sports. I get that it’s to protect the feelings of the players and preserve their interest in the sport. And to keep parents from getting too competitive too. But what about teaching the lesson that it’s ok to lose? Or that it’s ok to work hard to be the best you can be? I have only had limited exposure to youth sports since being a mom, and the programs we’ve been involved with have kept score. Are there “scoreless” sports programs in the Triad? Have you been involved in that? What do you think about this concept?

And finally, the last thing I want to bat around is the topic of scheduling – or to be more specific: over scheduling with sports. This whole subject intrigues me because it’s one of those things where I say now, “I’ll never have my child play more than one sport at a time.” Yet I know I’ll be eating those words in a few years.

So why do we do this to ourselves? My brother and his wife have four children between the ages of 13 and seven and they spend their ENIRE weekends tirelessly driving the kids from one sports event to the next (and sometimes taking two cars when events overlap). I know they are not the exception; this is a common weekend occurrence for lots of families. So how does it get this way? Is this usually the request of the child or do you think parents push this kind of schedule? Do you think a child could ever play too many sports in one season? And is this even something to debate since it seems inevitable and just part of our parental life?

Ok, now it’s your turn. Please step up to the plate and lob a few comments, questions, concerns or conversations my way! If you are unsure how to leave a comment below, click here to find out the simple steps!

Smarties, don't forget 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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First of TWO March Give-Aways: One Free Slot at Salem Sports Camp for Kids!

By Allison T, Triad Smarty Pants

It is time for our March Giveaway, and the TSP team is thrilled to announce that we are giving away TWO camp spots to two lucky Smarty readers! We know your children will love the camps we have in store. Today will begin the giveaway for the incredible Salem Sports Camp For Kids, and tomorrow we will introduce the Eastern Music Festival and give details on the camp spot that they are giving away. Read below to learn more about Salem Sports Camp for Kids and to register. Then tune back in tomorrow for a second giveaway! - TSP team

I cannot believe it is Summer Camp registration time as I sit writing this watching snow fall out my window! I am excited to tell you today about my kids’ favorite summer camp that they attended last year. It is Salem Sports Camp for Kids, put on by Salem Academy. And guess what? They are giving one lucky Lil’ Smarty a spot at their week-long sports camp (valued at $145)! Details on registering for this give-away are at the bottom of this blog.

AND, on top of all of this (plus other discounts mentioned below), Salem Sports Camp for Kids is offering ALL Triad Smarty Pants’ readers an additional $5 OFF if you mention TSP when you register.


When I first heard about Salem Sports Camp for Kids, I was really excited for my kids to go to camp on the beautiful grounds of Salem Academy and College. It turns out that the Academy grounds were just a bonus. It was the exposure to all of the different activities, quality of the staff and counselors and social aspect that made this a top-notch camp.

I remember the day I called Lorie Howard, the Athletic Director at Salem Academy and founder of Salem Sports Camp for Kids, to get the scoop on these new sports camps that I had been hearing about. Within minutes of discussing all of the camp details, I knew this was the camp that my 4-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son needed to experience.


One of the many things I loved about Salem Sports Camp was the secure and structured environment it provided for my children. I dropped them off every morning knowing that they were going to be taken care of. The camper to counselor ratio is no more than seven campers to one instructor. I also loved the fact that my children were exposed to new activities. They talked my ear off every afternoon about what they experienced that day…golf, archery, T-ball, tennis, swimming, soccer. You name it, they tried it.

Salem Sports Camp for Kids is a half-day program for ages 4-11. They divide up the campers by their age and gender, so everyone is comfortable in their setting. The camp day is from 8:30am – 1pm, includes a morning snack, a well-balanced, nutritional lunch provided by Salem Academy, drinks and a T-shirt – all of these were huge pluses for me! I didn’t have to worry about packing two lunches every morning or fight with anyone on what they were wearing.


Also, this is one of the most reasonably priced camps my children have attended. If you have more than one child to register, there is a 25% discount for each sibling. There is also a discount for each additional week you enroll your child.

I am highly recommending you consider Salem Sports Camp for Kids this summer. You will not be disappointed! I also recommend that you email or call Lorie Howard with any questions. She is an amazing person and Camp Director. She answered all of my questions and more. Her information is lorie.howard@salem.edu or sportscamp@salem.edu , 336-721-2732.

To register to win a slot at Salem Sports Camp for Kids, be sure you are signed up to receive Triad Smarty Pants' weekly newsletter, then click here to take a short survey. We will choose a winner on Friday, March 12 and announce the winner on our site on Sunday, March 14. Good luck, Smarties!

Happy camping!

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TSP/New Balance Kids Club

By Rachel H

I am thrilled to introduce our newest Smarty Sponsor today and tell you about the coolest way to save 15%, 20% or 30% on quality ADULT and KIDS shoes!!! New Balance Winston-Salem has teamed up with Triad Smarty Pants to bring you the Kids Club card, shown above. After reading today's post, hop on over to New Balance at Thruway Center and simply ask for this card.

When you make your first purchase, you will receive a punch on your card and get 20% off your purchase. You will also receive a free three-pack of socks! (Socks available in kids' sizes 10 and up.) Then each time you return to make a purchase, whether it be children's shoes or adult, you can use this Kids Club card to earn more punches and save even more cash!

So now let me tell you why you should shop at New Balance Winston-Salem from a mom's point of view. My first reaction was that the shoes in this store were a little higher priced than I saw at other "chain" shoe stores in town. Well, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. While the New Balance brand of shoe is found at most retailers, the shoes at the New Balance store at Thruway are the cream of the crop. The shoes you find in the actual New Balance store are of a greater quality, and they are all hand-stitched. Secondly, every shoe in the NB store is made in America! Always a reason why I am willing to shop somewhere. And third, the staff at New Balance is trained to fit your child perfectly each time.

Plus, did you know that you can get an entire team fitted for sports shoes here? Our Kids Club card can be used on these special orders as well. Whether you need cleats, or tennis shoes, New Balance can fit your child and order the product you need.


I also wanted to share some of the other products you will find in the New Balance Winston Salem store. Last year I purchased a fantastic pair of sandals and flip-flops that I just loved. (Yes, you can use your Kids Club card on these!) I also love their Susan G. Komen line of athletic wear. It is not only great fitting, but supports a fabulous cause.

New Balance has clothing for men and women to match the sport of your choice, whether it be tennis, running, or a class at the gym. Of course you can also find plenty of accessories from laces to hats and bags.

We are proud to have a business with quality products as a sponsor on Triad Smarty Pants. Be sure to stop by soon to pick up your Triad Smarty Pants/New Balance Kids Club card to start saving today! Located at 202 A South Stratford Road Winston Salem at Thruway Center. 336.722.9559 Store hours are M-F 10am-7pm, Sat 10am -8pm, and Sun 12pm-6pm.

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Smarty Alert: Crazy Running!

Smarties, you need to know about Crazy Running , a Winston-Salem-based 8-week program designed to increase the young athlete's endurance, speed, core strength, and flexibility. This is awesome conditioning for kids to prepare - and get ahead of the game - for any sport.

For 8 weeks, the Crazy Running group will be led in fast-paced, fun hour-long workouts designed by USA Track and Field certified coach, Robyn Holland. The focus of our time will be to keep the athletes MOVING! They will get stronger, faster, and have a great time! To conclude our season, the athletes will compete in either the 1-mile or 5k (3.1) Mistletoe Run, starting at the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA (in Winston-Salem).

WHO: Athletes ages 7 - 14

WHERE: Hanes Park Track

WHEN: Mondays and Wednesdays, October 12 - December 2 - 3:30 - 4:30pm

WHY: To train for and compete in either the 1-mile or 5k Mistletoe Run on December 5th.

COST: $100

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, call or email Coach Holland at 336-287-1639 or coachholland@earthlink.net.

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The Benefits of Sports for Children

By Guest Blogger Heather Bjork

September – school starting back and the start of soccer and football season. Fans of both sports are passionate in their love of these games. One does not have to look very far to spot people wearing football or soccer apparel around the Triad. Sports are an important part of most people’s lives, and they are commonly discussed at home, with friends, in the workplace, in cyber space and through any form of media that we come in contact with on a daily basis. As such, it seems we would be doing our children a disservice to not expose them to different sports and give them an opportunity to experience playing different sports. If you have not yet provided your child with the chance to get involved in a sport, think again. Even if you are not a “sports” person yourself, there are multiple benefits to allowing your child to play sports.

•Physical activity - With the rising rate of childhood obesity in today’s generation of children, this takes on additional significance. Research shows that children that consistently participate in sports are less likely to be overweight. Children that receive regular exercise are more likely to continue this practice in adulthood. Additionally physical activity improves mood and releases “endorphins” which make us feel good.

•Enhanced social skills -Your child will practice sharing, supporting, befriending, and helping others. All of these are important skills needed to establish and build healthy relationships with other people.

•Increased self confidence -Research also shows that children that play sports, especially girls, are more likely to have higher self-esteem and a better body image.

•Improved self-discipline skills -Children need to commit to attending practice, being a “good team player” which means sometimes having to put their needs and interests at a lower priority than their teammates and it requires hard work to achieve one’s goals.

•More effective time management skills -Children learn how to manage their schedules so that they can complete their homework, attend practices and games and still have discretionary time to spend as they would like.

•Better teamwork skills -Children begin to understand the part that each person plays in the team’s success/failure while learning how to effectively communicate with a wide variety of other children with styles different from their own.

•“Life skills” -It’s never too early to learn that sometimes things work out the way you want in life. How you play the game is even more important than winning or losing. Character and behavior count and matter, especially when it comes to relationships.

•Academic success -Research shows that children involved in sports tend to perform better in school than children not involved in sports, possibly because of self-discipline and time management skills.

•Refined problem solving skills -Sports frequently require strategy and there are obstacles to one’s goals given the nature of competition. Thus, children need to figure out how to deal with challenges that arise within the framework that exists.

•Better flexibility -The changing nature of most sports requires children to learn how to adapt and respond quickly to new situations. As a result, children become better able to anticipate change and quickly determine the best course of action.

•FUN -With the high importance placed on achievement, particularly academic accomplishments, it’s important for children to have the chance to just be in the moment and enjoy themselves. As long as there is not overriding pressure and an emphasis on winning, children will enjoy the experience they have playing sports and being part of a team.

Don’t miss out on the chance to get your child involved today. There are lots of great options out there – martial arts, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, swimming, tennis, and many, many more. Ask your child what he/she enjoys and help your child match his/her interest to a sport. If your child loves to be in the water, swimming or diving would be an excellent choice. Does your have good eye-hand coordination or even need to develop it more? Then baseball, tennis, golf, or tennis might be a great starting point. Does your child love to catch? Consider lacrosse. It is not too late to sign up for these activites. If you missed the blog on SoccerTots, this is a great option for young children and they you can enroll at any time. There may also be spots left in your school's Girls On the Run Program. The options are plentiful and the Internet is a great resource to identify different options available to your child.

By helping your child experience sports in a “safe and non-judgmental” environment, you will be providing many great benefits to your child. Who knows, your child could end up becoming the next Tiger Woods!

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Smarty Sponsor: SoccerTots

By Rachel H

If you have never heard of Soccer Tots, you are in for a treat! This is such a wonderful program. SoccerTots is a child development program for kids ages 18 months to 6 years old. It is a child physical development program that uses a variety of fun games to delight and engage kids in physical activity. Classes are professionally designed to develop motor skills, promote physical fitness and create self confidence. Soccer Tots stresses a non-competitive environment and promotes fun above all else. The kids have no idea that they are actually developing skills during this time when they are having so much fun! Instructor to student ration is kept small to maximize individual development.

The best part is that no matter where you may live in the Triad, they have a location that will be convenient for you! Classes are held at Proehlific Park, The Winston Salem Soccerplex and The Greensboro Sportsplex. Even better, they offer free trial classes. So instead of signing up your child and then having him cry on the sideline all season after you already paid the bill, you can test things out and see if he really likes it!

SoccerTots has pro-rated fees, sibling discounts, and your child can start anytime. Classes are based on availability and are offered at various times; mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. Classes are starting after Labor Day, but there is no deadline to register. If you sign up late, they will just pro-rate the cost. You can also inquire about setting up your own class for groups. What more could a busy family ask for?

For your 5 and 6 year-olds, there will be a Soccertots league for the 5 and 6 year-olds this winter at all three locations on Saturday mornings. It will include 20 minutes of fun games and then 20 minutes of a soccer game. It is a little different from the Soccertots classes.

The SoccerTots Curriculum is designed to first introduce the fun, which gives kid the motivation, then add challenges. For example, teaching kids to dribble a ball from one hoop to the other as fast as they can is a great exercise to learn ball control. Simply instructing them to do it results in an unmotivated, distracted effort. However, this curriculum, first introduces a game with a fun objective and then the ball is incorporated after the kids know the game and understand the fun. SoccerTots has found that to optimize skill-building, the indirect approach works much faster and better than the traditional direct approach for older kids and adults.

Here are some things that are taught in classes:
• Leadership and self-esteem
• Aerobic and non-aerobic activity
• Agility
• Foot eye coordination
• Soccer concepts and technique
• Motor skills
• Strength building
• Proper stretching
• Educational themes
• Non-competitive atmosphere
• Fun, Fun, Fun

Nothing proves the success of a program more than a mother’s approval. This quote sums it all up, “We can see the progression of skills by doing various exercises – not just kicking the ball around. It is great to see how the children advance a little bit but not too much too fast. The class is well organized and keeps it fun. We have been very impressed with how the classes are taught and really enjoy coming every week."

If you like what you have read, be sure to check out www.soccertots.net for class schedules and to register. You can also call 336-375-7728. Classes are starting after Labor Day, but there is no deadline to register. If you sign up late, they will just pro-rate the cost. Bryn Heinicke is the new director, who is always available to answer questions that parents have and wants to make the child’s experience the best possible. You can reach Bryn at 336-375-7728 or by email at bryn.heinicke@gmail.com . One mother told her that of all the different activities her 3 year old son has done, Soccertots is what he asked his mom to do again. Kids know what they like!

SoccerTots also offers birthday parties and you can read more about these on our TSP Birthday Party Directory, which will be up next week. Soccer parties are held at all locations. You can call Bryn for the different packages offered and to set those up.

SoccerTots Camps are also offered in the summertime, so keep this in mind next year!

TSP is thrilled to introduce the SoccerTots program to our readers and we hope that you will call for a free trial class and sign your little one up this season. Soccer is the perfect game for developing young bodies for any athletic endeavor!

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Smarty Alert: Get Ready for The 6th Annual Tri for Kids' Sake

By Rachel H

Mark your calendars for next Saturday, September 5th! Whether you have a child who can participate in this Youth Triathlon, or you just want to cheer on others, this will be a fantastic event for all ages.

Tri for Kids' Sake Youth Triathlon will take place at the Sheraton Hills Swim Club in High Point. Races begin at 8am and run through 11am. Participants can register online at www.youthtriseries.com. You can also get more specific information about the event through this website.

There will be a post race party by Your Personal DJ, as well as consessions. The triathlon will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and United Cerebral Palsy.

We hope to see you there!

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Smarty Alert: Don't Forget to Register for Girls on the Run!

You may remember our blog on Girls on the Run. Well, registration for the fall season is happening now. If you did not get information at your school's Open Houses, you can click on the links below for the two separate GOTR organizations in the Triad.

Forsyth County
www.gotrforsythnc.org

Guilford Country
www.girlsontherun.com
Note: This is the main national site. The GSO chapter does not appear to have its own web site.

Or contact Kara Loggins (in regards to Guilford, Davidson, Rockingham and Randolph counties) at 336.869.0151, or by email: kloggins@hpymca.org.

Happy running!

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Smarty Alert: Great Deal for Soccer Gear

By Rachel H

If you have a little one registered for soccer this fall, check out this deal going on now at Dick's Sporting Goods. It is a promo package by Umbro where you can purchase a soccer ball, shin guards, and cleats all for $35. Pretty good deal for new gear! This is for Youth sizes only. The pink gear for little girls is too cute!!

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Kids For Kids Triathlon

By Allison T, Triad Smarty Pants

This is one family event you will not want to miss! The 7th Annual Kids For Kids Triathlon is a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your entire family. While my kids are too young to race, we go every year to cheer on hundreds of children swimming, biking and running their way to a healthy lifestyle. The energy and excitement the kids display while participating in the race is contagious.

The triathlon takes place Saturday, July 25, beginning at 8 am in Reynolds Gym at Wake Forest University. The distances for age groups are as follows:

Ages 7 – 10
Swim 100 yd pool
Bike 3.1 mile
Run 0.6 mile

Ages 11 – 14
Swim 200 yd pool
Bike 6.2 mile
Run 1.2 mile

Many of my close friends have children that have participated in the Kids For Kids Triathlon the past several years and can’t say enough wonderful things about the race. Kim and Jeff Ickes have two daughters, (two girls pictured above), Ashley (age 11) and Lindsey (age 9) who have taken part the past 3 years.

Here’s what Kim has to say about her past experience, “The kids' race is a blast for the whole family! In fact, my sister and brother-in-law travel with their three girls (three girls pictured above) from Florida every year to compete. There is something for everyone to enjoy from the fun run to the race itself. Let’s not forget all the extras like the bounce house, crafts, ice cream and more! What a great way to encourage the kids to get out and do something active! It builds their confidence and gets them moving. They love the idea that it was designed just for them, but has the same feel as a race that “we”, the adults, would do. Even better is that all the proceeds go to help kids, hence the “Kids 4 Kids” title!”

The best part is that the Kids For Kids Triathlon is run by parents just like you. Over $50,000 has been given to local Kids’ charities the past six years! The goal is to create a positive and fun experience for the entire family. There will be a “Kids’ Corner” set up adjacent to the finish line that has many kid friendly activities including: inflatable bounce slide, face painting, clown, free ice cream, and arts & crafts, and a table for Triad Smarty Pants! There will be two DJ’s keeping the atmosphere lively and fun, and sometimes you might see a spontaneous group dancing (think “Macarena”).

There is also a ¼ mile “Fun Run” around the track for the participants’ siblings. These runners get to finish under the same finish line as their older siblings, and get the same finisher’s medal as big brother or big sister!

Registration and more information can be found at www.kidsforkidstriathlon.com.

We hope to see you – and your kids - out there!

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Why I Love Swim Team

By Rachel H

Summer swim team season officially started for most swim clubs last week. I know it seems a little cold and I am sure many kids will have purple toes when they climb out of the water, but they will eventually have a wonderful time! If your child is participating in swim team this year – BRAVO! If you are still contemplating, I say do it! Here’s why…

When we first moved to Charlotte, our neighborhood did not have a pool, so we spent our first two summers running through the sprinkler and playing “Nestea Plunge” by pouring buckets of water on ourselves in the driveway. Ahhh, the memories! By the time I turned eight, our neighborhood pool opened, and my mom was one of the women who got an official swim team up and running. (Kind of ironic as I look back now, considering she never knew how to swim until I taught her a few years ago!) We only had about 60 kids on our team at good old Sardis Forest, and we looked pretty pitiful because we had no swim caps or goggles. Our diving blocks were hand-made by my dad, and no one had any clue what they were doing, but we were pumped up! We lost every single swim meet that year and I think the next year as well, but none of that mattered.

Over the first few years I learned all four strokes and soon decided breaststroke was my favorite. I was halfway decent at it, and made good enough times to swim in the first heat with the really good swimmers! After each meet we’d gather at practice the next morning as Coach Prince handed out ribbons. Every season I sat patiently as my sister, three years younger than me, received ribbon after ribbon. Blue, red, blue, red. She was awesome. I think she even swam in the older relay team because she was so good. No ribbons for me, but I didn’t give up.

I can’t remember when it finally happened, but there finally came a morning when I was handed a ribbon – a yellow fourth place ribbon in breaststroke! You would have thought I won an Olympic medal. I was thrilled. As you can imagine, my sister had an entire wall of her room filled with red and blue ribbons and I had my one yellow ribbon hanging proudly on my bedroom door. I worked so hard for that, and no one gave it to me because they felt sorry for me, or handed me a ribbon just for participating. I earned it, and it meant so much.

As the years went on, Sardis Forest swim team improved, and we finally won the league championship. I remember jumping up and down, crying, and hugging my teammates because we were so excited to have finally won. It was a team effort, and we were so proud. A few years later, guess who won the gold medal in the league championship for 13-14 girls’ breaststoke? You got it – me! I remember those final moments of swimming and getting closer and closer to the wall with the awesome Jill Dyer right on my tail. I touched that wall and could hardly believe I had done it. My teammates were cheering and Coach Prince pulled me out of the water with a huge hug. Even Jill Dyer, who I never in a thousand years thought I would beat, gave me a hug. What a moment!

I think the things that I most like about swim team are these: everyone has a personal goal to improve their strokes, cut their times, or beat a certain competitor, but we also have a team goal where we work together to gain points and swim relays. It is the best of both worlds. A swimmer can have a great night individually, but the team may lose, or vice versa. It teaches kids to not give up. Swimmers who are terrible at backstroke may be great at butterfly, so there is usually a strong point for everyone. I may have won a medal in breaststroke, but my other strokes were majorly lacking in skill, and that was OK! I also think it is wonderful that swim practice gives kids time to be alone with nothing but their own thoughts. Lap after lap, I would just swim and think. How often do kids really get the chance to just think, with no other distractions?

I also loved those cool summer nights as we sat on our towels in the team section and ate our jello powder right out of the box. We played Spiked Malice and Crazy Eights. We made friendship bracelets and spied on the boys. We played our boomboxes and listened to our walkmans. We cried to our teammates when we did poorly and they supported us until our next event when we would jump back in the water and try again.

I coached swim team myself for more years than I can imagine and I can honestly say that summer didn’t feel exactly like summer when my children were babies and there was no connection to swim team. Now that they are getting older, I am ready for them to jump in the water and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did. I hope I’ve inspired a few of you to give swim team a shot with your children this summer and I am sure it will give your family many of the same fond memories that it gives mine.

By the way, yes, that is me on the right in the photo, sometime in the early 80’s. I am sure I will receive much harassment from friends about it. Note the medal around my sister’s neck. I am positive that my trophy was for “Most Improved”!!!!

Let us know if you share similar memories from your childhood, and how you're helping create experiences for your children to cherish.

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