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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Best Booster Seats

By Jenny D, Charlotte Smarty Pants

As most of us moms know, children car seat safety can be so confusing. When do you turn them around? When do they graduate to regular sized car seat? When are they big enough for the booster seat? What is a convertible car seat? Our previous article covered most of these questions, but new booster seat crash tests just came out from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. They broke down the list to Best Bets, Good Bets, and Not Recommended.

For a proper fit, boosters elevate a child so that a regular safety belt will fit them better. The lap belt is supposed to fit across the upper thigh, not across the abdomen which is more likely to be injured in a crash than bony structures like the pelvis. The shoulder belt should cross snugly over the middle of a child’s shoulder and this makes it more comfortable to use. The better the fit, the less likely it is to move behind the back or under an arm. Also you can buy boosters as highbacks or as backless – and both types ranked within the best bets and good bets.

The Best Bets are most likely to position lap and shoulder belts in the right place:

Britax Frontier
Clek Oobr
Combi Dakota, backless with clip
Cosco Junvenile Pronto
Eddie Bauer Auto Booster
Evenflo Big Kid Amp, backless with clip
Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR
Recaro Vivo
Recaro Young Sport

Good Bets have acceptable lap and shoulder fit:

Britax Parkway SG
Combi Kobuk, backless with clip
Evenflo Symphony 65
Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat 3, Sachi
Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat Step 3, Wander
Maxi-Cosi Rodi

Parents should avoid buying the seats on the Not Recommended list because they do not provide good belt fit. The institute suggests that you do not throw it away if you have one of these because any booster seat is better than not one at all – so just replace it when you can.

Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega Elite
Alpha Omega Luxe Echelon
Combi Kobuk
Eddie Buer Deluxe
Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1
Evenflow Express
Evenflow Sightseer
Harmony Secure Comfort Deluxe, backless with clip
Safety 1st All-in-One
Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite

Do any of you smarties have any experience with the seats mentioned above?

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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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Smarty Sponsor: YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses

By Guest Blogger, Andrew Plyler, Director of Adventure Guides

YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses is all about “fostering the father/child relationship.” No gift you give your son or daughter will mean as much as the time you spend with them. And you will find that you will treasure those moments as well.

YMCA Adventure Guides (formerly known as Y-Indian Guides and Princesses) is a father/child program opened to dads and their kids beginning in Kindergarten. Started in 1926, Adventure Guides is the oldest parent/child program the YMCA has offered. Dads and their kids form tribes that meet once a month in a member’s home where they sing songs, do crafts, and tell stories. In addition to the monthly meetings, participants go to Camp Hanes in the fall and spring for a weekend of archery, canoeing, Zip Lines, and more!

Each winter, the Guides (boys) come to the William G. White Jr. Family YMCA for a Lock-In and Princesses attend our Daddy/Daughter Valentines Dance, the largest Daddy/Daughter Dance in the Triad. By focusing on the formative, younger elementary ages, Adventure Guides seeks to foster and strengthen the bond between a father and child.

“To this very day, over 30 years later, I still have such fond memories from my time spent as an Indian Princess. From the meetings at my teepee, to the weekend outings at Camp Sea Gull, time that I spent with my dad was one of the most precious gifts that I would ever receive. I believe that the bond we formed between us during those years is the foundation for the friendship that we share today. And now that I am a mother myself, nothing makes me happier than to see my daughter and her dad experiencing the magic of the Adventure Guides Program together. I know that they are making memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.”
~Amy “Little Butterfly” Rabold, Former Y-Indian Princess, Current Adventure Princess mother


“I love Adventure Guides on many levels - the kids love it, we are making memories together, mom gets a break, I hang out with other dads, etc. Each tribe can really shape the experience based on the personalities of the kids and the dads. The forums and the venues are great - meetings and games in family homes, camping in some great places like Camp Hanes and Camp Cheerio ... there are few other great ways to get started with the outdoor activities and other small group activities that really build the self-confidence of the child. I have a daughter and a son that both love the program - and I admit that I wouldn't "naturally" do some of the great stuff we do together if it weren't for Adventure Guides. The gender differences are interesting and the kids get different things out of it - but both are quick to ask "When is our next Adventure Guides meeting?" and "Dad, when do we go camping again?" They tell me that they enjoy spending time with me and that we don't get to do it enough. Dig it hard before they get to be surly teenagers. This is the good stuff.”
~Steven "Blue Fish" White, CIO, Optcapital - member of Piedmont Prancing Ponies and Hilltop Newts

If you are interested in joining Adventure Guides, it is simple to start your own tribe. Click here to find out how! We hope your experience will be truly rewarding for your family.

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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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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 Party Idea: Monkey Hooper

By Katie M

If you’re looking for something different for your child’s next birthday party, then look no further than Monkey Hooper. These parties are not only unique, but also stress-free for the parents – and they offer a great way for kids to exercise while having fun!

“We recently hosted our first Monkey Hooper birthday party for my daughter’s 9th birthday. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon the idea for a Monkey Hooper party through the Triad Smarty Pants birthday party directory. This was the easiest party that I have ever hosted at home. Monkey Hooper supplied the supplies for the hoops and the fun. Each girl created their own custom hoop which they took pride in selecting colors and making. (The kids) continued to have fun with their hoops long after the party. I couldn’t have been more pleased with Monica at Monkey Hooper – we had the best celebration for my daughter’s 9th birthday,” writes loyal TSP reader Julie D.

So let’s see what all the hoopla is about!


Monkey Hooper was started by Monica Casey, a former radio DJ, who gave hula hooping a try 13 years ago and fell in love with it. After leaving radio, she started her business making custom-made hula hoops and offering fitness classes – and the idea for hosting birthday parties came full circle. As quoted in skirt! Magazine, Monica said, “I think it's perfect for me because hula hoops are fun and silly, and that's just who I am!”

Monkey Hooper parties can held at your location of choice (large basements, church halls, rec centers, club houses, or outside), and are recommended for parties with at least five attendees (with no maximum limit), and for children over the age of four.


The typical party for children between the ages of four and eight runs between 30 and 45 minutes and includes hoop contests, musical hoops, relays and more games – all set to fun, party music. Additionally, party guests get to select hoops in their favorite colors – or you can have the hoops designed to match the colors or theme of your party.

For older children (recommended for ages 8 and up), Monica works with the party guests to create one-of-a-kind hoops in whatever color or pattern they choose. The children can then try out their new hoops to learn new tricks and skills, or Monica can lead them through team building games, relays, contests and more. These parties typically last between 60 – 90 minutes.


The colorful photo opportunities at Monkey Hooper parties can’t be beat, and the hula hoops make great party favors for children of any age!

Here’s what some of her other customers have said:

“The Monkey Hooper Birthday party was wonderful. It was fun for the children to exercise their creativity to make a colorful, durable hoop and then exercise their bodies with something they made themselves. You could see the kids had a sense of ownership about their special hoops that contributed to the fun they had playing games and being silly together.

I was really impressed that a seven-year-old could make a hoop and keep up with all the 12-year-olds. Even the grownups wanted to participate and had a blast. Everything was so smoothly run that I actually relaxed and had fun while hosting at the same time. That never happens! Thanks so much for all the fun!” - Kristin L

“I think Monica has a special talent to entertain all ages, and Monkey Hooper is such a unique experience, no one at the party will ever forget! I know I won't. Thank you Monica!” -Doug B

It’s a perfect time of year to host a colorful Monkey Hooper party (then again any time is a good time). Visit the Monkey Hooper web site for more details, prices and photos. And if you mention you saw this blog on Triad Smarty Pants, Monica will give you a $10 discount on your next party! Hoop it up, Smarties, and let us know what you think!

Don't forget to register for our fabulous Mother's Day giveaway! Simply click here to read about our fabulous 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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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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All About Scouts

By Guest Blogger, James Green

Sports like baseball or soccer are great. They teach kids teamwork and physical skills and can give them a sense of accomplishment. However, to help your child become truly well-rounded you should consider Scouting as well. Whether it’s Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, scouting provides many benefits that are different from sports.

Scouting builds self-confidence, provides a strong sense of achievement, encourages your child to learn new skills, helps them learn citizenship and community involvement, provides opportunities for them to learn from older boys and girls who are good role models and is above all –fun! However, with all of the demands of school and other activities many parents ask, do we have time for scouting? How much “at home” work is required? Our family is new to scouting this year. Our 7 year old joined the Cub Scouts this year and I volunteered to be the Den Leader for his Tiger den. As a new scouting family and a Den Leader I can help shed some light on what is required for scouting.

Our Cub Scout pack typically meets a few times per month. We have at least one den (in Cub Scouts, dens are organized by grades) meeting per month, which lasts approximately one hour, and one pack meeting per month. Cub Scout pack meetings, which include all dens, are often field trips or other group outings. The meeting structure varies somewhat between Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, but the time commitment is about the same.

There are numerous other pack or troop events like camping trips, community service days, overnight trips to SciWorks or the zoo and trips to ride the Virginia Creeper trail or visit the Yorktown battleship. These are a lot of fun, but not required. They are usually scheduled for the weekend. Often these outings welcome the entire family to join in on the fun. While it is definitely important to have time in your schedule for your child to attend meetings and outings, none of the meetings or outings are required. If you miss a meeting you can usually make up anything you missed or fulfill a missed requirement on your own.

Because of the monthly meetings, one way to choose a pack or troop is to find one that meets at a convenient time for your schedule. The pack my son and I are in, Pack 910, meets at 4:00 on Sunday afternoons at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Other troops and packs meet at other times during the week or on the weekend.

Today’s scouting programs are designed to be flexible allowing requirements to be fulfilled at organized meetings or on your own. This allows you to miss a few meetings if necessary, yet still keep up. While many packs and troops meet at and are sponsored by churches you do not have to attend that church to join the pack or troop.

Home activities are not overly burdensome. Many rank requirements or awards involve parents, and, unlike homework, are a fun way to bond with your child. A typical scout spends a few hours a month outside of meetings completing “at home” requirements. Many of the rank requirements, awards or merit badges correspond with activities your son or daughter is probably already doing. There are awards for everything including: art, baseball, soccer, science, foreign languages, caring for children, the environment, archery and even computers and video games. At home activities can include practicing a fire drill with your family or learning about personal financial management. One of the best things about scouting is that there is something for everyone and room for varying levels of commitment. Whether you want to work with your child to earn every merit badge available, or take a more relaxed approach to advancement, there’s room for both.

Joining Scouts is easy. You can join at any time although sign up is typically in the fall and corresponds with the start of the new school year. There are usually some inexpensive fees associated with joining and registering that help cover the costs of outings, handbooks and other expenses. These are different for each pack or troop.

For those facing financial challenges, troops or packs often can provide financial assistance to those who need it. Most packs and troops also hold fundraising campaigns to help offset the cost of activities. Everyone is familiar with the Girl Scouts’ fundraising efforts – selling cookies. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts sell popcorn. Some packs and troops are very dependent on these sales and others put less emphasis on fundraising campaigns.

Your child will probably get information about scouting from their school. For more information, visit the Old Hickory Council website for the Winston-Salem area or the Old North State Council website for the Greensboro area. This is a great place to learn about Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. For Girl Scouts, the Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Council is the best place to start. You can also visit the Pack 910 website, http://www.cubpack910.com/, to learn more about my pack. Feel free to send me an email (jgreen100@yahoo.com) and I’ll be happy to answer any additional questions if I can or at least try to steer you in the right direction.

As a new scouting family, we have really enjoyed being a part of Cub Scouts this year. Our son, Jackson, has made a lot of new friends and we have done more fun things in one year than I could have imagined. However, as a parent perhaps the most rewarding thing about scouting is watching your child grow and learn before your eyes.

Smarties, don't forget to register for our Bonus Giveaway with "Send Out Cards". Everyone wins, so why not sign up? You could save more than $50 in greeting cards. This free offer ends Friday, April 30. Click here for all the details.

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Family Game Night

By Tracy S, CSP

Last week, my husband had to work through dinner one evening. As the kids and I were just finishing up our own fancy dinner of Mama Fu’s take out, my son Jake asked me “Mommy, can we play UNO tonight after Ryanne goes to bed?”

“I don’t think you can play with just two people, sweetie.”

“Sure you can! I play with my friend at afterschool all the time. When you play a skip, you just get to go again … and same with a reverse because it comes back to you. And when you play a ‘plus 2’, the other person picks two and you go again!”

“Alright, we’ll give it a try” I say skeptically. After all, he only just learned to play UNO 2 short months ago and can barely even hold all the cards in his little hands. This should be a quick game, I thought to myself.

It was quick all right - two hands into it: Jake - 0, Mom - 180!!! Apparently the kid not only learned how to play UNO, but some strategy as well!

We played for about an hour and he ended up beating my little smarty pants right off me! I appeared to be upset for his benefit, but deep down inside, I was thrilled!

We are finally turning the corner of FUN family game nights! No more Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders (or just Ladders in my husband’s case). We have finally arrived at some REAL games. I remember so often growing up, clearing the dinner table and immediately launching into a heated game of Aggravation … or the marathon Monopoly games on a rainy Saturday afternoon. What a fun family bonding experience. And a great alternative to TV watching!!!

We’ve slowing been expanding our game library - here are a few of our favorites thus far:

Blokus
UNO
Go Fish
Sorry
Sorry Sliders (kind of like curling for any of you fellow olympic junkies)
Connect Four (I actually can hear the sweet sounds of Matt and Jake playing as I type)
Rush Hour (this is actually a one-person game, but is GREAT for developing thinking skills and its fun to pass back and forth, challenging one another with various set ups)
Othello
Bulls-eye Ball (similar to a miniature Skee Ball game)
Zingo (this is a game for smaller kids, but wanted to include it because its such a great one)

Help us build out our game cabinet. What are some of your family faves? Share some of your fun family game night stories too. Happy game night!

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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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