Daily Post

Celebrating Black History Month

2012-02-03 08:50:44

All month long, we're celebrating Black History Month. A time to pay tribute to the amazing activists, writers, musicians, scientists and other people who struggled for generations against racism and prejudice purely because of the color of their skin.

There are a lot of fun ways to celebrate around the Triad this month, and we've pulled them all together in a special page to make it easier to find events. They start this weekend, with a special Black History Month Celebration at the Allen Jay Recreation Center in High Point on Saturday. You can also head over to Sciworks for the African-American Scientists and Inventors Exhibit, or go see "Crucibles of Courage" at the International Civil Rights Museum.

There are also some websites with lots of great resources an information.
AfricanAmericanHistory.gov is a site created by a group of governmental organizations including the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian. It has a blog of the Tuskegee Airmen, photos from the Harlem Renaissance and resources for teachers.
The Biography Channel's Biography.com has some history and resources, as well as a schedule of upcoming shows.
FactMonster.com has timelines, quizzes, games and lots of history.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Happy Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02 08:33:05

One of the great things about being a kid is that ou get to have fun and celebrate almost all the time. It seems like there's always some sort of holiday to learn about and explore, and February is full of them! Groundhog Day, the 100th Day of School, Valentine's Day and Presdent's Day.

Today is the first of this month's holidays -- Groundhog Day. It's just a passing thought to many adults, but for kids, they'll be doing cute little groundhog activities at school all day. It's a good way to learn about our country's history and culture, along with a little science and weather.

Punxsutawney Phil has already predicted 6 more weeks of winter this morning in Pennsylvania. And Woody the Groundhog will be making his own prediction this morning at the Natural Science Center.

Usually we all wish for an early spring. And with the mild winter we've had so far, that might not be a wild dream. But you never know, February and March can sometimes be pretty cold! No matter what Phil and Woody's predictions are, you can enjoy some groundhog fun today with your kids. Watch the live webcast on Groundhog.org, then check out the printables, crafts and games on DTLK-Kids.com and EducationWorld.com.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Overspending on the Baby

2012-02-01 08:25:11

When it comes to our children, we only want the best for them. Sometimes that means sacrifice on our part so that we can afford to get them what they need, or sometimes just what they want. That instinct seems to be even stronger with parents of a new baby. A recent survey found that new moms feel pressured to over-spend on baby basics. Some of the findings include:
58% admit they are consumed by thoughts about what to buy the baby every day.
37% expressed guilt over not being able to buy a specific product.
52% are willing to buy store-brand products for the household, while only 30% will buy store-brand products for the baby.

The study reports that this discrepancy in spending comes in part because of the constant promotion and bombardment in the media of specific products and brands. But I think it's also just the fact that we only want what's best for our babies, and as a new mom you are more wary of "cheaping out" on a store brand. But maybe there are some ways to save, without sacrificing quality or safety for your child.

Two of the more expensive baby items are formula and baby carriers. Do you have to spend $80 on a Baby Bjorn carrier, when you can get an Infantino at Target for about $16? And as for formula, there's quite a cost savings between Similac and a store brand, and the quality of each is practically the same.

Budgeting for the new baby is just like spending for your whole household. It's a personal preference what you want to splurge on and where you can save, in many instances. For example, I might by store-brand paper products, but when it comes to canned vegetables and jars of spaghetti sauce, I only buy the brands I like. The same was true for my baby. I tried to save by making baby food and buying store-brand wipes, but I didn't mind spending extra to have a brand name formula.

Store brands are just one way to save. It's also smart to really think about what you need to buy and refrain from jumping on the bandwagon for some of the more unnecessary baby equipment. Our writer Cristi Driver gives some insight on what you really need, and what you can do without. We also have advice from Triad moms on what's important to have for your baby.

There's a lot of fun and cute stuff out there to buy. Just keep a level head, and your checkbook will thank you.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

SAT, ACT: Either/Or, or Both?

2012-01-31 08:40:43

Having a high school junior around the house has made me realize just how long it's been since I myself went through the college application process. I'll be letting people know my age here, but I took the SAT back when the highest score you could get was a 1600, and there was no writing portion. These days, there are three parts to the SAT, and your composite score, if everything's perfect, can be 2400. Another difference, when I was in high school no one I knew took the ACT. Once I got to college, there were a few people who had taken it, but they were all from the midwest. But starting this year, all high school juniors will be taking the ACT (on March 6).

Tonight, the Guilford Parent Academy is hosting a a forum, "SAT vs. ACT: What's the Story?" at 6 p.m. at Page High School. And luckily it's not the only night you can get to this forum, they're having them at other schools in the following weeks. But if you're the parent of a high school student anywhere near ready to apply or think about applying to college, it's probably something you should go to. It will be a good opportunity to learn about both the tests, what they test, how they're administered and what colleges are looking for.

I think the reason no one around here took the ACT when I was in high school was because colleges didn't require it. I'm definitely not a college admissions expert, but it looks like more colleges are accepting either test, and maybe not putting such an emphasis on the SAT. They are a little different, as the ACT throws in science and is designed to test students on what they recall from their course work. Both tests are designed to predict how a student will perform in college. So one reason students will take the ACT is to help them be competitive in the college admissions process. Another reason the school system has decided to administer it as a way to gauge how students are learning while they're in high school.

I'm anxiously awaiting the scores of our own teenager to see how he performs on the ACT. But I'm also glad it's not the only thing college admissions counselors look at. The college admission process is almost like a minefield that parents and kids have to go through. It's definitely not easy, and it brings up a lot of interesting conversations. For more help with the whole process, check out our Parent's Guide to North Carolina Colleges.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

What's for Lunch?

2012-01-30 08:33:47

If you sent your child off to school with a packed lunch box, you know what they're eating today. That is, if they eat it. But if you didn't pack, what will they choose to eat at school? Is it healthy? Is it loaded with fat, sodium and unnecessary calories? The menu today for elementary kids in WS/FCS is "brunch for lunch," which is french toast sticks with yogurt, a ham and cheese biscuit, baked tater tots, strawberries and peaches. Sounds pretty good to me! But for the whole month, whether your child is in Guilford, Forsyth or another county, the menu is an interesting mix of nice-sounding hot meal options and fast-food knock offs kids like: chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, pizza and chicken filet sandwiches offered some days, with lasagna, baked ziti, roasted pork and turkey chef salad on other days.

Last week an overhaul of school lunches was announced, some of which will be implemented as soon as next September. The new guidelines limit the total number of calories in an individual meal and call for using brown rice instead of white, more whole grains, low-fat milk and an offering of more fruits and vegetables. Some things that haven't changed: the tomato sauce on pizza still counts as a vegetable, and there's no limit on the number of times potatoes can be offered.

It's good to see that people are paying attention to what our kids eat and trying to make it better. It's a tricky subject, because you run the risk of making healthy options full of whole grains and vegetables that kids won't even touch, as the Los Angeles system figured out. So sure, the menu might still contain chicken nuggets, pizza and taco salad. But maybe it's veggie pizza on whole-grain crust, baked nuggets and taco salad with brown rice, tomatoes and lettuce. And if you're like me, you just hope your child chooses that veggie pizza on the day she buys her lunch, and you didn't just send $1.75 for her to pick a pre-made PB&J and tater tots!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Operation Smile Concert Tonight!

2012-01-27 08:02:25

You may know Eric Chilton as the weather guy on WFMY News 2. But did you know he's also lead singer in the band Eric and the Chill Tones? Along with 6 other men, they make up a local, beach music band that plays regularly at gigs in the Triad. You can see them perform this weekend, while also having a fun night out and helping a good cause, at the benefit concert for Operation Smile, "Smiling to the Oldies."

Operation Smile is a great organization that helps kids all over the world who are born with cleft lip or cleft palate receive free surgeries. The birth defect affects 1 in 700 children, but you rarely see any older kids or adults walking around with cleft lip or cleft palate in the United States. That's because with our health care system, babies are able to receive surgery at a very young, averting some of the problems that can occur later, including hearing loss and speech problems.

So find a babysitter and head out for some beach-party fun this weekend. Find more fun things going on this weekend in our Calendar of Events.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Peanut Allergies: A Life or Death Situation

2012-01-26 07:56:14

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple of childhood. (And adulthood, for many of us!) But for about 5 percent of kids in the United States, the PB&J is as scary to them as kryptonite is to Superman. When we start introducing table foods to our toddlers, we're all a little anxious watching them eat that first bite of peanut butter. What if the reaction is like the editor of Piedmont Parent's son, which she describesin today's blog?

"Two years ago, when Jackson was 1, he had a frightening allergic reaction after taking a small bite of a peanut butter sandwich. After just a few minutes after eating, he started crying and began frantically scratching his eyes. He was inconsolable. Soon, he broke out in hives, and I knew instantly that we needed to call the pediatrician, who advised that we give him Benadryl. Fortunately, Jackson didn’t have respiratory problems, and he quickly recovered. We were lucky."

She goes on to describe the years since then, of being diligent searching through Easter baskets and Halloween candy bags, having to educate preschool employees, and keeping the epi pen available at all times.

The good news is, some kids will out grow the allergy. Children who start out with 5 or less on the IgE blood tests have a 50 percent chance of outgrowing their allergy. Myra's in the process of getting Jackson tested again, and they're very hopeful he will have good results.

But for the almost 80 percent who don't grow out of it, their entire lives they have to be on constant alert. The incident earlier this month in a Virginia school, where a little girl ate a peanut on the playground and died just a few minutes later in her school clinic from an allergic reaction, is enough to make any parent panic.

Schools do what the can to help keep kids safe. The Guilford County Schools' policy states that all personnel who will be in contact with a child who has a food allergy must be trained to administer epi pens, and peanuts have been eliminated from food preparation in cafeterias. In WS/FCS there are peanut-free cafeterias and classrooms when a child has a peanut allergy.

But is that enough? Legislators in Virginia are calling for epi pens to be a staple of first aid kits, just like band-aids and hydrogen peroxide.

My daughter takes peanut butter crackers to school for lunch every day. But when she was in preschool, her best friend had a peanut allergy. And we actually got pretty accustomed to taking turkey and cheese or bologna sandwiches. It might seem like a hassle at first, but it really isn't hard to help out when your child is in a peanut-free class. And as a parent, don't we all want to do everything can to help keep all kids safe? Hopefully this incident in Virginia, while a horrible tragedy, will be an eye-opener to people. All teachers and school personnel should feel comfortable administering an epi pen and be educated on the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. And maybe it won't be long before epi pens are in first aid kits in all North Carolina schools as well.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Talk to Your Kids About Sex

2012-01-24 22:23:04

As a parent of a teen, this is a headline that definitely caught my attention: "Sex Can Cause Pregnancy. Many Teens Unclear on the Concept." My first reaction is, how can this be true? Surely by the teen years they've at least had basic sex education in school and know how babies are made.

Turns out, they know how babies are made. They just have a typically teenage view of life, and think, "It's okay to have sex, I won't get pregnant, it couldn't happen to me." The research shows that it's because they believe myths like "you can't get pregnant the first time you have sex" or they thought they timed it right and couldn't get pregnant at the time. Nearly one third of teens who became pregnant admitted to not using condoms at the time, which not only opened up the possibility of a pregnancy but also potentially exposed them to STDs.

All of this brings home an important point for all parents -- talk to your kids about sex. Most likely it will be up to you to open up this conversation. While teens are curious and want to know all they can about the subject, it's hard to ask parents questions, especially about sex. But believe me, they do want to talk to you. Talk to them about your values and your beliefs. Talk to them about safe sex, protection, and abstinence if that's your preference. Talk to them about consequences, both physical and emotional. Be open and honest and ready to answer questions. And the conversation doesn't have to be all about sex. Starting the talk might open up a great conversation about relationships and getting along with members of the opposite sex. It isn't all just about sleeping with people, after all. Some of the trickiest mine fields a teenager can navigate are just dating, flirting and trying to figure out the realm of romantic relationships.

For a little help with these topics, check out the following websites:

The Mayo Clinic: tips on talking about tough topics and how to break the ice.

FamilyEducation.com. Information on STDs, sexting and good tips to guide the conversation.

--Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Best Family Cars

2012-01-24 07:53:30

Have you seen the new commercial for the VW Jetta, where a boy grows up buying first a bike and then cars asking "is it fast?" Then at the end, he has a baby in a carrier on his back and asks "is it safe?" As parents, we can all relate to that commercial. I recently was in the market for a new vehicle, and my list of what I want in a car have changed dramatically since I was in my early twenties. Now instead of a zippy little car that will get me back and forth to work I'm looking for a car that I can fit booster seats into easily, that kids can climb in and out of without a hitch and even buckle themselves in without having to perform body-stretching feats and that has window and door locks to keep us all in the car while on the road. My husband even asked about safety features, something I don't remember us being that concerned about in the past.

If you're in the market for a new car, or are thinking about getting something more accommodating for your growing family, there's a lot more to think about than just how many people it will seat. I saw a segment on the Today Show last week that was all about family cars. They had a representative from Parenting come show off a few of the magazine's top cars for families. You can find the entire list here. It reviews the things parents think about, like dvd screens, blind spot information systems and easy radio controls.

If you can't afford to go out and get a new car right now, maybe all your old reliable vehicle needs is a facelift. Have you ever heard anyone say that if you're thinking about selling your house, clean it like you're putting it on the market and then you won't want to sell it anymore? The same is true for cars! Take some time this weekend to really clean it out, get the leaves and fast food wrappers out of the floor, vacuum the seats and clean the dashboard. You can even freshen up the odor inside and get the staleness out by spraying some Febreeze in the air intake valve and running the air conditioner on full blast for 10 minutes.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Another Chance at a Fresh Start

2012-01-23 08:22:26

Happy New Year! Today is the Chinese New Year, the beginning of a 15-day-long celebration in China that ushers in the year of the dragon. Just like in the United States, the new year's celebration is a time of renewal and starting over with a clean slate. Traditions include cleaning the house to rid it of evil spirits and getting new clothes and shoes for the children. Cleaning is sort of a new year's tradition in my household. There's something about getting all the Christmas decorations down that inspire me to organize, de-clutter and dust. But it's been almost a month, it's time to do it all again! And how many of you made new year's resolutions that have already fallen by the wayside? Go ahead and start again. You can always use the Chinese New Year as a perfect time to start fresh. Find great ideas for paying down debt, de-cluttering your house and even starting a new exercise routine on our Living page.

You can also have some fun celebrating the Chinese New Year with your kids. Head out to your favorite Chinese restaurant for a special meal tonight. If you choose to live it up and go to P.F. Chang's, they're having a Year of the Dragon special starting tonight. You can also make special crafts, including a dragon float, a Chinese lantern or other printable activities.

There are even some pretty cool activities going on to celebrate. Head to ArtQuest this week to make a special movable, mythical dragon (starting on Tuesday, they're not open Mondays). And this Saturday at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh is a big Chinese New Year Celebration sponsored by the Triangle Area Chinese American Society.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Winter Fun Weekend!

2012-01-20 08:32:20

Are you itching for some snow? I am. I thought after all the snow we had last year I would be happy for a snow-free winter. But now it's the middle of January, no snow in sight, and I'm starting to wish for a snow day. If you're longing for snow too, this weekend might be the perfect opportunity to pack up the family and head to the North Carolina mountains. There's a lot of fun to be had up there, from tubing at Hawksnest to skiing at one of the many ski resorts. You might even see some snow on the side of the mountains while you drive up there! Check out our Winter Fun article for a round-up of what's available. Be sure to call to confirm prices.

There's also some winter fun close to home. We might not have snow on the ground, but you can put on those fun winter hats and gloves and head to an ice skating rink. Check out the outdoor rink at the Piedmont Winterfest, or go to the LJVM or the Greensboro Ice House for an afternoon of fun. You can even make your own Happy Snowman for a little indoor snow feeling.

And who knows, maybe with all the winter fun we'll be having this weekend, maybe it will help bring some snow our way before spring arrives!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

2012-01-19 08:39:39

I don't know what it's like at your house, but this weekend my daughter had a pretty bad stomach virus, and now both the kids are suffering with runny noses and sore throats. I hear other parents talking about fevers, throwing up and even strep throat, and feel their pain. Obviously, we're in the throes of the sick season! Which in my experience, can seem to last until school gets out, but that's probably an exaggerated, pushed-to-my-wit's-end mom perspective.

What I do know is, after watching Contagion this past weekend, all of a sudden I'm way more attune to the passing around of germs. I went around the house with a Clorox wipe and cleaned the door handles and remotes after the weekend's sickness. I found a blog online this morning that also recommends getting new toothbrushes, not a bad idea. If you've just made it through a fever or other sickness, be sure to clean those bathrooms and door handles good, and wash the sheets while you're at it.

If you haven't been struggling with sickness in the household, then count yourself lucky and do what you can to stave it off. It's not too late to get a flu shot, and they're giving them at local urgent care centers, Walgreens and CVS. Be sure to wash your hands often during the day, avoid touching your face and don't share food with your kids!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!

2012-01-17 08:14:13

If you're the parent of a Girl Scout, you're probably right in the middle of selling cookies. If your kids aren't old enough for scouts yet, or you have only boys, then you're probably looking for cookies! It's an annual tradition in my family to buy cookies from the girl scouts at our church. I always think I buy enough boxes to freeze some for later, but somehow we always end up eating them all!

This year, it's easier than ever to find Girl Scout cookies. You can find a place near you with two great apps, the Girl Scout Cookie Locator and the Cookie Finder App. Of course, if you know a neighbor or family friend selling them, then it's even easier for you!

You might find that cookie time is an inspiration to learn more about the Girl Scouts, and even sign up your daughter to be part of this great group of girls. There's a neat exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh that commemorates 100 years of Girl Scouts in the United States. The exhibit was created by the Girl Scouts of the North Carolina Coastal Plains, and runs through July 29.

To find out more about Girl Scouts in our area, check out their website at Peaks to Piedmont. It's a big council with a lot going on!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Make MLK Day a Day of Service

2012-01-15 07:13:07

This year marks a special milestone for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. It's the 25th year that we've celebrated this national holiday, taking time away from our busy schedules to remember a man who dedicated his life to helping others and raising awareness of injustices, all with a great heart and peaceful demeanor.

In 1994 the holiday was enhanced even more by creating the National Day of Service. Everyone is encouraged to take this opportunity when we have a day off of school and work to get out and find a way to help others.

This year, Guilford County School students are setting a great example. At Four Seasons Town Centre, high school students will gather from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to participate in a variety of service projects. They will do everything from packing military care kits to reading to children.

“The National Day of Service is a great opportunity for our students to encourage others to join them in their commitment to service,” said Yvonne Eason, coordinator of character development and service learning.

How will you honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s memory? Whether you teach your kids about the history of the movement and how we can continue to work for the ideals he set out to achieve, or whether you find a way to participate in a community service project, it will provide a special memory for your child and give them new meaning to this school holiday.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Celebrate National Pizza Week!

2012-01-13 08:22:11

Here's some fun news -- it's National Pizza Week! What better excuse to ditch the dishes and order some pizza delivery? Or better yet, have a pizza party at home.

I never made my own pizzas until I got married, and my husband introduced me to the fun. He had grown up watching his mom make her own pizza dough, and thought that's how everyone did it. Actually, it turns out it's not that hard. Here's and easy recipe to make your own dough. And the best part of making pizza at home i you can personalize the pizzas so everyone gets just what they want. Kids want just cheese? Leave half plain. Then load your side up with artichoke hearts and spinach, or maybe mushrooms, black olives, sausage and pepperoni. Let your creativity go wild!

Make it more than just celebrating pizza. Turn pizza night into family night. Pick out a movie everyone will enjoy and eat in front of the TV. Or get the board games down and have family game night with the pizza! It will turn into a weekend everyone will remember.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Guilford Parent Academy Announces Spring Schedule

2012-01-12 08:00:50

Learning isn't just for our kids, and the Guilford Parent Academy has established itself as an innovative leader in encouraging family learning. With classes, workshops and family learning events scheduled throughout the school year, the Guilford Parent Academy works to make sure parents have the resources they need to help their kids succeed, as well as information that can keep parents learning to improve their own lives.

Starting next week, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, the Guilford Parent Academy is starting a new, six-week long series, "PC Skills for Today's Workers." The classes will cover the basics of Word, Excel and Power Point, as well as how to fill out an online job application and attach a resume.

If it's been a while since you were in the workforce, or your plans got interrupted with having children, these classes might be a good way to give you the skills you need to make you more marketable when looking for a job. And what could be better for your kids than to see you taking the initiative to learn something new? It might inspire them to put more effort into their own school work. You can study together!

Check out the other classes offered as well, you'll have the opportunity to learn the differences between the SAT and ACT and advantages of both, tips for helping your high school student apply for college as well as information on developmental stages of little ones.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Are Kids Playing Enough?

2012-01-10 21:46:08

Last week, I wrote about the fact that school kids need to go outside, weather permitting, or at least run around in the gym while at school. The benefits of excercise are numerous, but one of the big ones is it could help kids do better in school.

Now a study has found that kids in daycare aren't getting outside to play enough either. And sadly, one of the reasons why was because of the academic push coming from parents. Similar to how the stress to perform on the EOGs keeps elementary kids from getting P.E.

So parents, we need to chill out. Kids are supposed to play. It's how they learn to get along with each other, share, take turns and win and lose with dignity. It's also a time when they let their creativity and imaginations run wild, making up new worlds, games and stories to go along with their play.

Do you part to make sure your kids are playing. If your kids are in elementary school, be in contact with your child's teacher and know what their P.E. schedule is. If your kids are in daycare, they should be going outside, it's part of the state regulations. Make sure they have the coats and hats they need to stay warm, and communicate with your daycare provider to let them know you want your child to go outside.

You can even do some of the work yourself. Get outside and start playing. GamesKidsPlay.net has rules and ideas for tons of games and acitivities to do outside. Take advantage of our mild winter and play outside. It's good for everyone!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Eat Out Tonight!

2012-01-10 08:06:54

Tonight, and every Tuesday through February 28 (except Valentine's Day) you can be a part of The Big Eat in downtown Winston-Salem. Participating restaurants are offering 50% off their signature dish, to help build recognition of the great things going on downtown. It's a great opportunity to try something new, and have a little fun with the family at the same time. Some of the restuarants might be more the type to hire a babysitter and go out with just your spouse, but others are definitely family friendly. Just looking at the list of tonight's signature dishes makes my mouth water.

If you don't live in Winston, Tuesdays are still a great night to take the family out to a restaurant. Many restaurants in our area have kids-eat-free deals on Tuesday nights.

Take the opportunity to go out. It give you a night off of cooking and washing dishes. And eating out at a restaurant is a great experience for kids. They learn how to wait patiently for their food, the can practice their manners and using a fork and knife and it provides some time for you to all sit and talk together without the distractions of home.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Be More Like Gordon Ramsey, Your Kids Will Appreciate It!

2012-01-09 07:47:06

Think your kids won't eat salmon? Can't get them to put broccoli past their lips? Maybe it's all in the presentation! I never heard of "plating" until I started to watch Hell's Kitchen. While I'm not a gourmet chef, it might be one of the most practical things Gordon Ramsey passed on to me as a parent. It turns out that researchers have found one way to get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables is to make them more attractive on the plate. Kids aren't little adults, and their preferences in plating vary greatly from ours. For example, most adults prefer a plate with 3 colors on it, but kids preferred 6 colors, with 7 different components.

Honestly, I don't think I could come up with 6 different colors of food for each meal. But I'll definitely try harder! And the research also proves something that parents have known for a while. When it comes to kids and eating, presentation is everything. It's one of the tips in our own article "How to Get Kids to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables," and it's something parents have been practicing for years, from cutting sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters to adding raisen faces to peanut butter toast.

This research just gives us a nudge to be a little more creative on an everyday basis, with some of the less desirable foods. Planning salmon and broccoli for supper? Maybe the broccoli could serve as hair for their little hunk of salmon. Draw a face with the tartar sauce, and voila! Appealing. Add a few carrot sticks for a little more color, a lemon wedge to squirt on the fish, and all of a sudden you're up to 5 colors.

For some out of this world inspiration, check out "45 Ways to Arrange Food to Entertain Kids," from the Curious Funny Photos blogger.

To get kids excited about eating more colors, you can check out the Sesame Street monsters' puzzle book, "Eat Your Colors."

Another helpful hint: give your kids a big plate like yours. That gives you a little more room for creativity, as well as space to make sure foods can be kept separate if needed.

So get a little creative, start thinking in colors and have fun with dinner!

--Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Magnet School Fair This Weekend

2012-01-06 08:09:17

Are you looking for some new options for your child's education? Or a parent of a 4-year-old and looking at the different opportunities for next year's school choice? Then head over to the Benton Convention Center on Saturday for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Magnet Fair. Applications for magnet schools are being accepted until January 20, and this fair gives you an opportunity to explore the different choices in magnet schools and ask all the questions you need about what the benefits of magnet programs are.

In Guilford County the application process comes a bit later, from Feb. 18-March 16. But it doesn't hurt to check out their magnet opportunities now and get a feel for what's out there.

As a parent, it's nice to know there are some choices for our kids education. I'm a big proponent of public schools, and my kids go to the school that we're in the district for. But I know that's not always the best option for everyone. Luckily there are other public school options, from magnet schools to charter schools. (If you're still wondering what exactly magnet and charter schools are, check out our "Magnet vs. Charter Schools" article for a good overview.) Then there are the many private school options in our area. Check out our recently updated Private School Directory to get an overview of the schools to choose from and the different things the offer for kids.

Whatever choice you make, be sure it's the best option for your child and your family. That will be one big step in ensuring success in school.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Facebook, You and Kids

2012-01-05 08:28:58

The new year is here, we're getting kids back to school, and it feels like time to get the house cleaned out, calendars organized and all the other stuff that goes along with a fresh start. Here's a new one to add to your new-year to-do list -- clean up your social media profile. It's something they were talking about on the news last night, and it actually makes sense. In fact, it might be something you and your kids should do together.

Pew research found in 2010 that almost 75% of teens used social networking. I'm sure that's even higher now! And even though you are supposed to be 13 to be on Facebook, research has found that 7.5 million kids ages 8 to 12 are on Facebook. A very good article in the recent Redbook takes an in-depth look at Facebook use among teens, and shows how it poses a very interesting dilemma for parents. Say yes to Facebook, and all of a sudden you're opening your child up to a whole new realm of peer pressure and potential bullying. Say no, and your child will become a social pariah.

While there are definitely many things to be aware of if your child is on Facebook, it's just one more thing to add to that list of rites of passage that pre-teens and teens have been going through for years. Adolescence is a time full of dangerous minefields, as kids learn to think for themselves and find their place in the world. The place of parents is to be here to help them maneuver through it.

So if your kids are on Facebook and you're not, get on. Forget all the stigma associated with it and quit trying to act like you're above it. It's one of the best ways to connect with your teen and learn more about their social lives. If your child is under 13, you should definitely be monitoring the entire process very carefully.

And believe me, I know from experience that a teen being on Facebook can bring up some great conversations between you and your child. Does your kid have 600 friends online? Maybe you should talk about friendship and what it means, as well as how a "friend" on Facebook is different than a true friend.

Does your teen get excited when a lot of people "like" a status update, but mope around when he posts an update and gets no reaction? Use that opportunity to talk about the ins and outs of social media and the difference between that and conversations in person or over the phone.

You can also talk about how what you say or post in pictures represents you to other people, encourage kids to think about how what they're posting may be received by their Facebook friends (which probably include everyone from their best friend at school to their Sunday School teacher) and even how to stay safe and secure from online bullying and cyber-predators.

It's a complicated world we live in. But while you're taking off some of those pictures of you from 2009 where you were still trying to lose the baby weight, encourage your kids to think about how the picture of them hanging out with their girlfriend at the latest frat party will look this spring when they start looking for a job. It's all a matter of perspective!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

More Reasons for P.E.

2012-01-04 07:33:11

Most kids are heading back to school today (thank goodness). We know they'll be reading, doing some math problems and going to lunch. But will they have P.E.? That's a good question. They should -- North Carolina Public Schools states that kids in elementary and middle school need 150 and 200 minutes of physical education per week, respectively. That consists of at least three days with a physical education instructor. But there are days when the science lesson takes too long, preparating for EOGs takes precedence, or maybe the teacher just doesn't feel like taking everyone outside to play.

A while back a group of parents came up with a petition for daily recess, because there were many classes that weren't taking the time to go outside. They cited many reasons why daily recess is important, from helping kids concentrate better to improving kids' overall health. Now there's more research that backs up the reasons for daily physical activity -- it's linked to better brain function. Dutch researchers found a significant positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance.

So while teachers might be thinking that those extra minutes in the classroom will help improve scores on EOGs, it's actually just as important to get those kids outside running around. From Kindergarten all the way up to high school.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

A Resolution to Get in Shape

2012-01-03 07:38:46

I usually don't make New Year's resolutions. But this year, for some reason I'm feeling more out of shape than usual. Too many Christmas cookies, big family dinners and candy around the house, together with a lot of sitting around, have me thinking about actually starting an exercise program for the new year. After all, wouldn't it be a great example to set for my family?

I might just join the millions of Americans who are resolving to be fit in the new year. After all, the number one New Year's resolution for 2012 is to lose weight. Unfortunately, more than 50 percent of us will have given up on this by July. But on the plus side, that means 50 percent of us will have exercised pretty good for half the year. And maybe those good intentions stay with us a little longer, even if we're not exactly following the routine we had set up at the beginning of the year.

I think the hardest part is getting started. I haven't done anything yet, because I tell myself I can't find the time. It looks like I'll just have to make the time. Maybe for parents, the resolutions have to be joint ones. If you want to go to the gym a few nights after work, make a deal with your spouse for them to handle suppertime duties on those nights, and you agree to put the kids to bed. Or if you're the parent of a teen, join the YMCA or a gym where you can all go together. They'll enjoy the chance to workout somewhere during the cold months, and having someone to go with will make you more motivated. This month is a great time to join a gym, many are having deals and the YMCAs of Northwest North Carolina are having a Pay the Day special for their joining fee.

You might even have made it a goal to run a 5K this year. Check out our article "Jogging into the New Year" for great tips on how to get started running. Running can even be something the whole family takes on.

Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you enjoy doing -- you'll be more likely to keep it up all the way through to next year!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Russell Brand, Katy Perry and Parenting Teens

2012-01-02 08:11:24

Among all the year-end updates and New Year's recaps, there was one news story this weekend that caught my attention. Russell Brand and Katy Perry are getting divorced. Honestly, I don't really care that much about either one of them. I didn't even know they were married. What caught my attention was the reason for the split. Reportedly, the divorce is happening because he wanted kids and she didn't. And I find that interesting on many levels.

First, it breaks some stereotypes. Usually you hear of couple breaking up because the woman wants to settle down and have kids and the man doesn't, rarely it's the other way around. But as the parent of a teenage boy who is starting to explore the dating world, the news hit home to me in a different way. Shouldn't the topic of whether or not you want kids be something you talk about BEFORE you get married? Marriage is a big step. And we all hope that when we enter into it, it will last a lifetime. Sometimes it doesn't, and there are often many good reasons why people get divorced. But as parents, one thing we can do for our kids is help them learn to have some of these types of conversations with their significant other before they take the plunge and get married.

Dating is very different now than it was when I was a teenager. And it was different when I was a teenager than it was when my own parents were teenagers. But even with all the texting and facebooking instead of calling on the phone, there are many things that are still the same. When my high school boyfriend broke up with me and I was completely heartbroken, it was my dad I turned to for comfort, and I still remember the words of advice he gave me. Now, I've found that I've enjoyed having the opportunity to share with my stepson some of the experiences I had as a teenager, the confusion and drama and the lessons learned. These conversations provide a good opening to talk about some of the choices you might have made, what you learned from them and how you ended up married to the person you're with.

It might not seem very romantic, but before we got married my husband and I talked about how we would handle the household finances, how many kids we wanted and even our religious backgrounds and how we would handle church with the kids.

Every couple is different, and everyone has different opinions about how things should be done. But there are definitely some dealbreakers when it comes to marriage, and as Russell Brand and Katy Perry so aptly show us, whether you want kids is one of those. If you have teenagers, or even if your kids are younger and the dating issues are further in the future, it's probably a good thing to prepare yourself for the dating years. Make sure the lines of communication are open. Share your values with your kids, and let them know you're there for them when they need to talk. And hopefully they won't end up divorced in a year, like Russell Brand and Katy Perry.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30 07:50:52

It's the big weekend, the time when our calendar changes from 2011 to 2012 in a split second! How will you be celebrating?

There are some good family-friendly options here in the Triad. You could take your kids to a Noon Year's Eve countdown to party during the day. The party at the Greensboro Children's Museum is Friday, featuring Big Bang Boom, and the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem will be partying on Saturday.

Maybe you'll break open some sparkling grape juice and celebrate at home. Find a country who has already celebrated, like Australia, and watch a New Year's countdown and fireworks on YouTube as you ring in the new year together. We've got ideas for some non-alcoholic drinks that can make it a real party!

Or maybe you've already hired a babysitter and you're getting ready for a special night out with your sweetie, sans kids.

No matter how you celebrate, have fun and be safe.

From all of us at Piedmont Parent, happy new year!

Yakity Yak, Don't Talk Back!

2011-12-29 07:15:28

New research proves something I've always had a gut feeling about: there's a fine line between disrespectful back talk and kids asserting themselves to stand up for their own opinions. It turns out maybe some of what we consider back talk isn't always bad. Studies showed that 7th and 8th grade kids who were able to stick to their guns on issues with their parents were more likely to resist peer pressure as teens.

As a parent, it can be very tricky to decide how and when to discipline. And very frustrating. When I was a child, I don't remember ever being punished for talking back. In fact, I was pretty confused on what it even meant when I saw my friends get chastised for talking back. Which doesn't mean I was a perfect child, I wasn't. But I realize now there was an open environment for everyone in our house to voice our opinion.

Now as a parent of a very headstrong and opinionated daughter, I find myself frustrated and exasperated with the arguing. There are times when it is okay to argue, because I like that she has her own opinion, but then there are times when she needs to know there's no reason to argue and respect my decisions as a parent. She's not even a teenager yet, but the attitude has been there since birth. Even when she was just two years old people would see the fight in her and say, "you'll be glad for that attitude when she's a teenager." Maybe they're right, the research proves it. But I can still foresee many arguments in our future, getting trickier as she gets older.

One thing I've learned is that there's a time and a place for arguing. Depending on what the topic is, maybe as parents we don't have to always stick to our guns and can sometimes see the child's point of view. Other advice from Parent News is to be willing to hear the child out, and when it's something you need to say no to, don't back down.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Keep Reading Over the Break!

2011-12-28 07:42:18

With school out this week, it's very easy to get out of the regular routine. Kids are sleeping in, homework's not on the list of things to do and even for preschoolers the naptimes might be less stringent. But through all the excitement of being with family and playing with new toys, it's important to keep reading. In fact, I realized just last night that although I've been reading a lot with my own first grader, enjoying all our books about Christmas, I haven't made her read to me like we do every day during school. Time to get to work!

Guilford County Schools have a special incentive to help them read over the break. Superintendent "Mo" Green has challenged students to read two million books by the middle of January. To help reach that goal, kids who log five books from the beginning of the winter break to January 13 can receive a complimentary ticket to the UNCG vs. Western game.

Of course, it's not just Guilford County kids who need to read, all of us do! The best way to encourage your kids to read is to read yourself. Pick up one of those books you got for Christmas, or use one of your gift cards to buy a new book, and start reading. And remember, no matter what age your kids are, it's always fun to read out loud together. Check out our reviews of some great books, such as "The Carpenter's GIft," to keep the holiday spirit going in your own home.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Baby Formula Safety

2011-12-27 07:28:41

A 10-day old baby in Missouri has died and stores are voluntarily pulling Enfamil formula off the shelves while the company investigates the case. Today news came out that there is no evidence of Cronobacter in the batch of Enfamil formula, the bacteria that caused the infection the baby had. And while I don't have an infant and am not buying formula right now, I breathed a sigh of relief at that information. I fed both of my children formula. We depended on it, because for a variety of reasons I wasn't able to breastfeed. I trusted the formula completely, and never thought twice about whether the bottles I was feeding my children were safe or could cause a form of deadly food poisoning. I know that many other mothers are like me and need to feed their babies formula, and news like this makes us all panic a little.

The question now is, if the Cronobacter didn't come from the formula, where did it come from? And what can parents do to keep their babies safe? Cronobacter is a bacterium that causes a very rare but often fatal infection of the bloodstream and central nervous system. It can be found in powdered infant formula, but is also in soil, water, the home environment, and foods such as cheese, fruits and grains. So this is totally speculation on my part, but if the bacteria wasn't found in the batch of formula, it's possible it could have come from the water or just something in the home.

When feeding formula to infants, it's very important to follow the recommended food safety guidelines.
* If using tap water, the FDA recommends boiling the water for one minute, and then cooling it to room temperature before mixing it. Mixing very hot water with powdered formulat could cause clumping or destroy heat-sensitive nutrients.

* If you use bottled water that's labeled sterile you don't need to boil it, otherwise use the boiling method above.

* Sterilize bottles and nipples before the first use. After that, washing in the dishwasher is fine.

* You can use the liquid form instead of powdered formula, as it's sterile, but it is more expensive for everyday use.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Happy Kwanzaa

2011-12-26 08:31:49

Today marks the first day of the seven-day Kwanzaa celebration. It’s a relatively new holiday, with this being just the 46th year of its celebration, but the holiday has some good traditions around it. Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate the family, community and cultural heritage. It was designed for the African-American community, to create a way to celebrate the African ties and come together as a community. But the value and traditions of Kwanzaa can be celebrated no matter what your heritage is. With the kids being out of school this week for winter break, it’s a great time to spend time with the family, talk about your heritage and find ways to be part of the bigger community.

You can celebrate in our community starting with a special Kwanzaa storytime at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and events all week at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA sponsored by the Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective. You can also celebrate at home with Kwanzaa crafts and printables.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23 07:12:26

The stockings are hung, the tree is trimmed, the cookies are baked, the presents are wrapped (at least some of them) and the turkey is thawing in the refrigerator. The weeks of planning, shopping, bustling from one party and activity to another are finally over, and the big weekend is here.

It's a weekend to hang out in the kitchen eating and baking, play with the kids, watch lots of movies and holiday specials and most of all, spend time with the family. Maybe you'll pack everyone in the car and head out to see some lights, we've listed displays all around the Triad. Or maybe you'll head to a movie, there are a lot coming out this weekend and we've got links to reviews below. Whatever you choose to do, have lots of fun.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Piedmont Parent!

Enjoy the Kids!

2011-12-22 06:40:26

School is officially out, but Christmas is still a few days away. And believe me, I know how interminably long a day at home with the kids can be, especially when they're steeped in excitement waiting for the big holiday, and on top of that it's cloudy and miserable outside.

Make the day go by faster by filling it up with some fun Christmas activities. You can bake cookies with Mrs. Claus this afternoon at the Greensboro Children's Museum, or bake some of your own concoctions with our family-friendly recipes. First time baking with the kids? Make sure to bring lots of patience!

Or maybe you're feeling a little crafty. We've got some easy holiday crafts to make with the kids that also make good presents if they're still looking for things to give grandparents or aunts and uncles. You can even make some wrapping paper, which not only gives busy hands something to do but also helps cut down on waste.

Whatever you do, have fun with the kids. The look in their eyes this time of year is priceless, and they won't be this age for very long. While they may try your patience today, remember they'll be in bed eventually and you can light a candle, make some hot chocolate and sit down to relax. Because the excitement starts all over again tomorrow morning!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-21 07:11:23

It seems somewhat fitting that the Festival of Lights coincides with the winter solstice this year. Last night marked the first night of the 8-day celebration, and tonight at 12:30 a.m. we get the official start of winter, the longest day of the year. It's a perfect time to light up the night with candles. For the next few days, Jews around the world will take time out from their busy lives to spend time with family and remember and honor the regaining and rededication of the Holy Temple. After being destroyed by Antiochus and his forces, the Maccabees finally regained the temple only to find almost all of the oil was gone. They lit the menorah anyway, and miraculously it lasted for eight days.

Here in the Triad, you might choose to spend the eight days celebrating with your family, eating latkes and playing the dreidel games. Or you can go to the temple and enjoy the time with others. Temple Emanual in Greensboro is having a family Hanukkah party tonight, and most synagogues around the area will have special services every night.

Enjoy this special time with your family, passing on the traditions and values that help make us who we are.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

'Tis the Season to be Baking!

2011-12-20 06:52:46

Making cookies is one of my most favorite holiday traditions. It's something my brother and I did with my mom when we were kids, and now I love doing it with my own kids. I have fond memories of choosing cookie cutters and shaking sprinkles while running back and forth from the kitchen to the TV in the living room to watch Frosty and Rudolph. (In the days before DVR, it was challenging to make the cookies and not miss any of our favorite Christmas shows.)

Unless you just happen to be an absolute saint of a parent, you'll admit that baking with kids isn't the easiest thing. So while I'm not a professional baker, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned over the years to help things go a little more smoothly.

1. Make sure you're feeling good and come armed with loads of patience. If you have a headache or happen to have had a bad day at work, maybe it's not the perfect night for baking with little ones already hyper from the excitement of the Christmas season.

2. Be prepared for things to take more time than usual, and lower your expectations o what you want the end result to look like. If you're baking to give things away as presents and want it all to look nice, maybe you should do the project without the kids, and let them bake for the family a different time.

3. In my experience, gingerbread men are the best to make with kids. They're easy to roll out and between the raisins, M&Ms, icing or whatever you choose to decorate with, they lend themselves to lots of creativity on the kids' part. I use the recipe from the Joy of Cooking, but I'm sure any recipe will work fine.

4. We've made sugar cookies that you sprinkle and ones that you ice, and both are good. The advantage to the icing ones is that the decorating is done after the baking, so you can bake everything first and then call the kids in to decorate. Just make sure you roll the dough out thick enough so the cookies are strong enough to stand up to being decorated by little hands. If you go for the sprinkles, put some sprinkles in little bowls so the kids can pick them up with their fingers instead of shaking the bottles. I like the recipe with powdered sugar for my sugar cookies, and it works well rolled out thick or thin.

Share your tips or favorite holiday cookie recipes with the Piedmont Parent community. It's one of the best parts of the holidays!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

What to Give the Teachers?

2011-12-16 08:36:20

Do you stress out a little about what to give the teachers? Just be glad we don't live in Alabama or a state with regulations on gift giving! Alabama officials have said teachers should be subject to the same regulations as lobbyists, and could be fined up to $6,000 if they accept something inappropriate from their students. Other states have less stringent regulations, but from searching the Internet I've found everything from price limits (nothing over $49) to regulations on how gifts can be given (if from the group, all students should be included regardless of participation).

If you're like me, you'll be scrambling this weekend or early next week to pull something together. And while you might not be worried about exceeding a $50 spending limit, it's still hard to figure something out. You want something nice, but nothing too big, and you're usually shopping for someone you don't really know. Bath gel and lotion have become the perfect go-to gift for teachers, and I also like the Starbucks gift card idea many parents have talked about. But maybe you're looking for something a little more personal, or meaningful. I always think it's a special gift for teachers when students make them something. A hand-made card or a poem they write can mean a lot. Teachers also like gifts that were obviously chosen by the child. In our family it's a tradition to make buckeyes (peanut butter balls covered in chocolate). So we're doing that this weekend, and my daughter will take a holiday coffee mug filled with them to her teachers on Tuesday. Find other ideas in our "Teacher Gift" article or on Triadmommies.com.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Getting Kids to Eat Vegetables

2011-12-15 07:59:25

If you're the parent of a picky eater, you may have resorted to almost everything to get your kids to eat something besides chicken nuggests and macaroni. Bribed them with dessert? Done that. Sat an interminably long time at the table with a power of wills until they take just one bite? Done that. Hid vegetables in something "fun" to eat? Done that. Did it work? Probably sometimes, but not all the time. But have you tried a reward system? New research has shown that when working with 3 and 4-year-olds, giving them a sticker every time they tasted a vegetable they didn't like gradually changed their attitude. It reminds me of the potty training sticker charts.

I have to say I'm a little skeptical. For one thing, getting a sticker for peeing in the potty didn't work for my kids, I really don't see how a sticker as a reward for eating a vegetable would work. Isn't that the same thing as bribing them with dessert? Did we make dessert the reward? My guess is that's not recommended because you're giving them something sweet and fat-laden as a reward for just trying something healthy. Also, I've heard more times than I can remember that kids will eventually like something if they taste it often enough, usually 5-10 times. So were kids liking the new foods because of the stickers, or because of the persistence? Probably the most disappointing result from the research was that while the stickers did work to help them try things they previously didn't like, kids quit eating the vegetables they weren't getting rewarded for, even if they liked them.

It's all very tricky. I'm a firm believer in the theory that kids will eat when they're hungry. And if you model a good diet, and have healthy foods around the house, that's what they'll end up eating. So maybe they don't like asparagus and kale. But if they're eating broccoli and carrot sticks, give yourself a pat on the back. Check out our own article on getting kids to eat fruits and veggies for more good ideas.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Christmas Movies

2011-12-14 08:04:09

What's your favorite Christmas movie? The one you watch every single year, and can't wait to share with your kids (or already have made it a family tradition)? There are so many holiday movies and specials made every year, from straight-to-DVD types like "Santa Paws" to holiday box-office types like "Four Christmases." But there really are only a few that stand the test of time and get watched over and over again. "It's a Wonderful Life" is one of those, and it will be showing tonight at the Carolina Theatre. For me, the must-see movie every year is Miracle on 34th Street, the original of course. For my husband, it's A Christmas Story.

So all this had me thinking, what is it that makes a movie a Christmas classic, one that we get the children baths early, all get in pajamas and watch together over hot chocolate and Christmas cookies? It could be the actors and the story, and I think those are probably pretty important. After all, Jimmy Stewart stars in "It's a Wonderful Life," and Natalie Wood and Maureen O'Hara help make "Miracle on 34th Street" shine. But I think it's more than that. I think it has something to do with how we watched the movies as kids. If our own parents made a big deal of all sitting down together to watch one of their favorite movies, especially back in the days before DVRs and streaming video on Netflix, then it only made that move all the more important. Or maybe, as with "A Christmas Story" or "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," it's a movie that we remember watching and enjoying as a child and want to pass that on to our own kids.

In our own family, that "new" classic has become "Elf." My husband and I took my stepson to see it in the theater when he was 8, and he laughed and we laughed, it was a really nice afternoon. So the next year we bought it for him for Christmas. We've watched it together every year since then. And while we all laugh when Buddy jumps up to put the star on top of the Christmas tree but brings it all down instead, the real reason why we love that movie is because of the family memories it helps evoke. So while I pass on my love of "Miracle on 34th Street" to my daughter, I hope that my stepson will pass on "Elf" to his own kids someday, and start his own family Christmas tradition.

What is your favorite Christmas movie? "White Christmas," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" are all playing at the Carolina Theatre over the next week. What better way to introduce your child to a Christmas classic than to watch it in a grand theater with plush seats and a big screen? Of course, doing it at home, in the comfort of your pajamas with a big cup of hot chocolate can be just as meaningful.

Comment below to share your own Christmas movie memories with others in the Piedmont Parent community!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Exploring the Night Sky

2011-12-13 08:23:02

Do you want to see a falling star? Tonight might be your best opportunity. It's the peak night for the Geminid meteor shower. The problem is, we're right past a really big full moon, so the sky is pretty bright. It will make it harder to see them, but with so many there's a good chance you'll see something.

If your kids have their own telescopes, or even if you just have a pair of binoculars, take them out too. It's a great opportunity to point out a few constellations and teach them a little bit about astronomy. Even if you're not an expert yourself, it's fun to look at the stars and think about the people who lived long ago, before there were city lights causing light pollution, who sat around making up stories about the people and animals they saw in the shapes of the stars.

You can go a little more in depth with the astronomy if you want, depending on your child's age, and talk about our solar system and space exploration. There are plenty of helpful resources on KidsAstronomy.com.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Talk to Your Baby: She's Listening

2011-12-12 08:06:02

I guess it didn't seem that strange to me to talk to an infant who couldn't talk back and contribute to the conversation. I've always been a dog owner, and one of "those" dog owners at that. I treat my dog like part of the family, talking to her, getting her a Christmas present, and enjoying the companionship she brings in her loving way. So when I had my first child, I did the same thing. I'd read to her, sing to her and narrate the things that were going on around our house. It was probably more my way of battling the loneliness and boredom I was feeling, being at home most of the day with a dog and a baby who looked at me with adoring eyes but couldn't talk back. Turns out, maybe I wasn't crazy! Babies are listening to everything we say. We already know music is good for a baby's brain development, but all that talk is important too. Babies are listening to the word patterns and developing the language skills they need to learn to speak words a few months down the road.

This new research complements the research from a few years ago that found the amount of words kids are exposed to from birth to age three impacts their success in school later on. It's not just quality that counts, it's quantity too, and the magic number was found to be 30,000. Yep, that's right. You should try to get in at least 30,000 words a day to your baby. That might seem hard, especially thinking about talking to someone who isn't actually participating in the conversation. But it's really not that bad if you just incorporate the new little child into your daily life. I think one of the most helpful things I heard when I was a new mom was to read out loud to your child. Whatever you're reading. So I would sit down with my orange juice in the morning and start reading the News & Record to Caroline. Of course, I also read children's books to her. And talked. Just like I always had with the dog.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Fireplace Safety

2011-12-08 08:02:35

Here in the midst of the holiday season, many of us are making fires in the fireplace. And if you don't have a fireplace at your own home, you often see gas logs lit or even live fires in restaurants, hotels and even friends' houses. Today on FairWarning.org you can read about little Stanton Smith who suffered horrible burns from accidentally touching a fireplace screen minutes after his family checked into their rooms for a vacation.

This story is enough to make every parent extra vigilent. But even in the best of situations, accidents happen. Currently the gas log industry follows voluntary standards, and next week they introduce a new proposal asking that manufacturers sell safety screens. But that doesn't address the fact that the glass can quickly reach up to 500 degrees, easily causing second and third degree burns for innocent toddlers.

If you have a fireplace in your home, be sure to protect your child with hearth guards and a safety screen. And this holiday season, be aware of the many new dangers that show up with all of the decorations. Be careful to place candles well out of reach of little hands, and extinguish them when you leave the room. Check lights before putting them on the tree and keep the tree watered to help prevent house fires. And as always, keep a close eye on your kids. You're telling them Santa or the Elf on the Shelf is watching, but in reality its those parents' eyes that keep our kids safe.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Keeping Teens Safe on the Road

2011-12-07 08:12:31

How old should kids be when they get their driver's license? It's been 16 for so long that it's hard to imagine anything different. As a parent with a teenage driver, it's somewhat nervewracking to hand over the keys and watch them go off on their own. Not to mention pretty expensive! But on the other hand, isn't it nice to finally not be a chauffeur for soccer practice, piano lessons and trips to the mall?

On Tuesday, insurance and safety advocates presented a report to Congress urging the legislators to consider enacting nationwide restrictions on teen drivers. They call for country-wide graduated licenses, with kids not getting full driving privileges until they're 18. Their argument is that the new regulations will save as many as 2,000 lives a year as well as $13 billion. Currently car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in American, and studies show states that pass at least one component of the graduated licenses show a 4 percent decrease in deaths.

North Carolina already has a graduated license program, but kids are able to drive without any restrictions except no cell phones or texting as soon as 6 months after getting their license. There are a few states that hold off full privileges until kids are 17 and DC waits until they're 18.

To be honest, I don't know where I stand on this issue. Sure, it seems obvious that we should make teenagers wait longer to drive if it will save lives. But I've experienced the convenience of having a teen driver, and in many ways he's responsible and attentive while driving. I do really like the passenger limit and ban on cell phones. The biggest thing seems to keep teens from driving while distracted, and know they know the rules. Driving contracts are a great idea to do with your teenagers. It will be interesting to see where it all goes. Maybe when my 4 year old finally reaches 16, his older brother will be saying, "When I was your age, I was driving already."

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Picking the Perfect Toy

2011-12-06 07:56:58

If your child has a Christmas list going, count yourself lucky. At least you know what she wants for Christmas (even if it might be a lot more than you were planning to get, you have some choices). But there are some kids who refuse to tell. "Santa knows what I want," they say. Or what about nieces and nephews you're buying gifts for, or kids that are really too young to verbalize what they want? Sometimes picking out the perfect toy can be a challenge. Thank goodness there's lots of help before you hit the stores and stand staring blankly at the shelves of toys.

The American Occupational Therapy Association offers a few tips for picking out the perfect toy:

* Look for a toy that can be played with in different ways.
* Find something that appeals to multiple senses.
* Does the toy encourage thinking or solving problems? Does it promote communication and interaction?
* Make sure the toy is age appropriate and safe.
* Decide whether it's worth the cost.

For some great ideas this year's best toys and games, check out these lists:

The 2011 NAPPA Guide to Toys, Games and DVDs

The 2011 NAPPA Guide to Books, Movies and Video Games

Parenting Magazine's Top Toys and Gift Guides

2011 Parent's Choice Awards

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

What's in a Name? Maybe a Lot!

2011-12-05 08:03:39

How did you decide what to name your child? Did you choose a family name? Something Biblical? Maybe the name you had for your favorite doll growing up that you said you'd always name your little girl? Apparently this year the trend leaned toward naming kids after celebrities, whether it's reality TV stars, names that celebrites chose for their own babies (think Harper, the Beckham's daughter's name) or even news personalities. Apparently Anderson and Cooper were two top names.

Babycenter.com just released their list of the top baby names of 2011, and as always the ones that come to the top are interesting and really not all that surprising. Sophia and Aiden are in the number one spots, and there are one of each in my son's preschool!

It's always interesting to see the top baby names. Partly because I think as parents, many of us want our kids to have a special name, one that they won't share with half the class (Jennifer, anyone?). So it's funny that after agonizing over what to name your child, you might be very likely to have picked on that ends up on this list!

There are so many factors that go into choosing a name. And things parents think of now might be different than a few generations ago. It used to be the norm to name your kids after yourself, but that's not happening as much anymore. We seem to be more worried about making sure we pick a name that won't get the kid made fun of on the playground, or one that can't be easily turned into a nickname. Some parents are even vetting the names on Google, to make sure they're not a stripper name, or have some bad reputation behind them. And then the choice you make follows your kid for the rest of his life, maybe affecting what type of job he will get as an adult!

It's a big choice. But not one of the biggest you'll make in your parenting career. So if you're pregnant now, have fun thinking about the decision, but try not to stress too much. And luckily there are plenty of places to go for help finding ideas! Here are just a few:

Nameberry.com

BabyNames.com

BabyNameGuide.com

Light Up the Night!

2011-12-02 06:30:45

This is a big weekend for parades and lights! Greensboro's Festival of Lights is Friday, and there's another one in Bethania on Saturday and Old Salem has its Christmas by Candlelight Tours nightly.

All of these lights bring a bright, cheery atmosphere to the very early darkness of winter. Will you be putting up lights on your own house this weekend? The weather's not too bitter cold, which makes it more appealing to do some outdoor decorating. And there's nothing that lifts your spirits more after a long day than driving into your own driveway to see shimmering candles in the windows or lighted icicles hanging from the eaves.

If you're getting out the decorations this weekend, remember to be safe. Hospitals treat more than 12,000 people for injuries from decorating-related injuries each year.
* If you're on the roof or a ladder, make sure you have a spotter and someone to hold the ladder for you.
* When you pull out those old strands of lights from past years, inspect them carefully before putting them up. (This goes for outdoors as well as on the tree inside.) Replace any burnt or broken lights and don't use the strand if there's frayed parts or bare wire.
* Use no more than 3 strands of lights per extension cord.
(Click here for more safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.)

Once you get your own lights up, take a drive around to see what creative displays your neighbors have put up. Check out our list of area light displays for some suggestions on places to take the kids to see some really big lights!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Learn the 5 Love Languages of Your Child

2011-12-01 06:59:34

How do you tell your child you love him? Do you tuck him in bed each night with a big hug? Do you spend time playing a game of UNO together? Dr. Gary Chapman, senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem and author of "The 5 Love Languages of Children," has some great resources for parents to learn how to make their children feel even more loved.

After more than 30 years in marriage counseling, Chapman found that often people expect to be shown love in different ways. For example, my mother used to buy us small things, like socks or toothbrushes, and those gifts were her way of showing her love. In my husband's family there was a lot more hugging and far fewer "gifts." So we've had to learn to find ways to make each other feel loved by accepting that we need to learn to talk in those "love languages." So many times it takes more than just saying "I love you," and the same is true for parents and kids as well.

You can learn about the 5 love languages from Dr. Chapman tonight at the WSFCS' Parent Education Series. Parent Power features Chapman talking about his book and the ways to assess your child. Held at the Ken Carlson Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club from 6-8 p.m., there will also be a light supper, activities for kids and door prizes.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Standing Up to Bullies

2011-11-30 07:44:59

There are bullies and there are the victims of bullies, but there's another factor in the bullying situation -- the bystander. Maybe not so innocent of a bystander. I would never call my little niece a bully. At just barely 6 years old, she's small for her age and looks like a little pixie face. But over the Thanksgiving holidays when all the cousins were playing together, there was an incident when she really wanted something from my 4 year old son, and told him he had to give the toy to her or she would kick him in the private parts. Of course, he gave it to her, and I found out about it and got the toy back for him. The worrisome thing was that through it all, my 7 year old sat by and let it happen, without even standing up for her brother.

Later on, she and I had a talk. The whole thing made a good conversation starter for the topic of bullying. While I made it clear that I wasn't calling her cousin a bully, I did say we don't get toys by force, we just ask for them. But more importantly, if someone is using force to get there way with another person, or making fun of them and teasing them, and she sees it, she should say something. It's so hard, especially for kids, to stand up for others. It means calling attention to yourself. But if they know that teachers and parents are safe people to talk to, maybe it will make it easier. And as parents, we need to make sure that we are a safe place for them to come.

Keep the lines of communication open with your kids, and talking about bullying and the issues surrounding it needs to start at a very young age. For some great information and help on dealing with the bullying issues, make plans to attend the Guilford Parent Academy program tomorrow night, "Anti-bullying in Cyberspace and Real Time." And if you can't make it, check out this site for tips for standing up to bullies.

Eat Healthy and Your Kids Will Too

2011-11-29 07:49:04

Are kids fat because of how we as parents feed them, or because it's just in their genes? That's a good question, and one that many of us are pondering after yesterday's news that an 8-year-old boy was taken from his mother and placed in foster care because her inability to control his weight was considered neglect. He weighs 200 pounds. The argument is that his weight puts him at risk for serious health problems, but the mother's lawyers claim he wasn't in immediate danger.

So what does this mean as parents? Honestly, I feel like it's a very complicated issue. This blogger for the Washington Post cites a twin study that showed genetics play a big part of whether a child (and later an adult) is obese, more than the environment the kid is raised in. And I totally agree with that. My two kids are as different as they can be when it comes to their growth curves and BMI. But whether you're genetically built a little stockier, or have a super metabolism and can't gain weight no matter how hard you try, it's still important to have a healthy diet.

And that's where our job as parents comes in. We're the ones who teach our kids health eating habits, and what they learn as children will follow them into their adult years. Check out the new My Plate eating guide from the USDA as a good start to a balanced diet. Make sure to have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand for easy snacks. And of course, model the behavior you want your kids to have.

One of the things we've done in my household lately was change from 2 percent to 1 percent milk. The pediatrician talked with me at my daughter's last visit about how her weight curve had overtaken her growth curve, and we discussed changes we could make. Milk was one that was hard for me. I drink a lot of milk, and have always drunk 2 percent. I couldn't quite take the leap to skim, but I knew if I was going to make my daughter switch, I would have to too. It turns out, 1 percent milk isn't that bad after all! So now my daughter and I can continue to drink milk for the calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones, without getting any extra fat added to our diet.

It's easier than you think to eat a healthy diet. Just avoid buying snack foods so they're not there tempting you in the pantry, plan some family dinners to get the kids in the routine of eating together and pack healthy lunches rather than relying on the packaged foods. What are some of the things you do to teach your kids good nutrition habits?

--Karen Alley, Web editor

Cyber Kids

2011-11-28 08:34:42

Today is Cyber Monday. It's become the day when stores (online and brick and mortar) run special deals for online shoppers. If you plan on shopping, we've found some good deals that we highlighted in our Frugal Family blog. It's a way to escape the crowds if you don't really enjoy shopping, or just get a few things on your list that you couldn't find if you were out shopping this weekend.

While I've always associated Cyber Monday shopping with electronics, it turns out it's really much more -- toys, clothes and all sorts of gadgets. But still, the "cyber" part of Cyber Monday has us all thinking electronics, and this year it seems very appropriate. Did you hear that the item topping kids' Christmas lists this year is an iPad? Yes, that's right, 6 year olds want an iPad. And many of them will probably get one, or something like it, whether it's a Kindle Fire or a LeapPad.

Before you run out and purchase that iPad for your kids, check out some of what people are writing about the cheaper options. For less than half the price you can get a Kindle Fire, which does a lot of what the iPad can do, but has some drawbacks such as a smaller screen and fewer apps.

And when you're shopping for that tablet for your kids, remember to pick up some Legos, Lincoln Logs or Play-doh too, and set some definite limits on how much your child can play with that tablet. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 2 hours, tops, on screen time for kids. But research shows that kids spend an average of 4 hours in front of some sort of screen. And while some of those apps and games are educational, it's cutting into some valuable play time. Creative play is important for kids' cognitive and physical development, and is what helps kids learn problem solving techniques and be able to think outside the box as adults.

Educational apps are great and video games are fun. But as with a lot of things in life, moderation is key!

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Let the Shopping Begin!

2011-11-25 07:13:35

Sure, I know some of you are sitting at home, glowing in the pride of the fact that you've already completed your shopping for the holidays (maybe even because you went Thanksgiving night!) But for many of us, there are still a lot of things on our list that have yet to be bought. Between Black Friday deals (we've supplied some Black Friday shopping strategies in our Frugal Family blog) and Small Business Saturday, this might be a good weekend to shop. Especially now that the big meal is over and all the dishes put away, what is there to do but shop?

Supporting Small Business Saturday is a great idea. Not only does the money you spend help support local businesses, but there are so many places to shop here in the Triad that have great gifts. You can get interesting jewelry, cute kids clothes and gifts for out-of-town guests that are unique to North Carolina! Check out our Local Shopping Guide to find some really neat places to shop, this weekend and all through the holidays.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23 06:53:13

All of us at Piedmont Parent want to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

If you're traveling over the long weekend, we've got some great ideas for car games and snacks to help make the trip easier.

Staying home? Or just a short trip to a friend or relative's house for dinner? Wow your guests and friends with a great dish that will have everyone talking. The staff of Piedmont Parent has shared some of our favorites, and all the recipes are on our food page.

Keep the little ones occupied with some fun activities and ideas to involve them in the preparation, all on our Thanksgiving page.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Reeling in Shock

2011-11-22 07:24:50

Three are dead so far and four wounded in a horrific shooting event that occurred in Greensboro on Sunday. It's shocking, to say the least, seeing the pictures that pop up on the television screen of a happy, smiling woman who looks just like any other mom at the PTA meetings, and realizing she is now dead and has caused so much pain and suffering.

It's unbelievable, and hard to understand, even for adults, but especially for our kids. Why did she do it? We might never know. But whatever happened, there were innocent victims involved. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a sad fact of life in many households in our country. Hopefully they won't all end as tragically as this incidence, but in every case people are hurt and often kids' lives are impacted. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, three women and one man are murdered as a result of domestic violence every day. Fifty percent of men who abuse their wives also assault their children, and 3.3 to 10 million kids witness some form of domestic abuse annually.

If you know of anyone, man, woman or child, who is suffering in an abusive situation, there are places to get help. The child abuse hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, is available for kids to call, as well as adults who might observe a situation they feel needs to be reported.

The Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina network is a statewide organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. It offers many resources, as well as ways to donate to help continue the organization's work.

The Family Life Council of Greensboro is another great resource. Even if child abuse isn't an issue, it has great classes for families going through all types of stres, whether it's a divorce, a death in the family or just parents struggling to find a better way to deal with their kids.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Parents Can Make a Difference

2011-11-21 07:13:09

As parents, we read to our kids, make sure we know their teacher, keep up with their homework and try to provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom. Do you ever wonder whether it really helps? Now we have some scientific reassurance. An international study by the Programme for International Assessment found that 15 year old whose parents read to them during their early school years and who were still involved in their school lives scored better on the academic assessment.

The take-away from this study is pretty simple: Read to your kids, early and often. Take an interest in their education. And take an interest in them.

It's easy enough to be involved when they're little. After all, they basically spend all of their time with you. Reading with little ones is a great opportunity to bond, as well as a learning time. Having a hard time wrangling those active toddlers to sit and read a book? Here are some tips.

Once your kids start school, make sure you get involved by knowing their teacher, staying on top of assignments and maybe even volunteering at their school.

It can be more challenging once your kids are older, in middle school and high school. This is when it's important for them to learn to be more responsible for their own homework and actions. But it's still just as important to know what's going on in their school lives. Communicating with their teachers is still very important, and organizations like the Guilford Parent Academy help parents stay active and involved all the way through the high school years.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor.

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

2011-11-18 08:38:03

I live in a family of procrastinators, but fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at things) I'm not one of them. That means that for me, since I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year, I will spend this weekend planning the menu, making a grocery list and doing the shopping. That leaves me plenty of time on Wednesday to clean the house, make pies and do whatever odds and ends come up.

Whether you're hosting the big feast this year or just have a place or two that you're going and have to take food, this whole upcoming week is one that centers around food. And the staff of Piedmont Parent has shared some great recipes you can use to make your special dinner or wow people at a potluck. Some are even easy enough to let the little ones help you cook!

Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Three Bean Salad

Super-Easy Baked Brie

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

Read, Read, Read

2011-11-17 08:02:50

Today at Lindley Elementary School, every classroom will have a special guest reader. It's part of the school's Literacy Week, which in itself is part of the Guilford County Schools "Two Million Books," all a part of helping encourage kids to read more an reinforce the importance of reading.

It's always exciting to have a guest reader in the classroom. It's something a lot of schools do occasionally anyway, especially on Read Across America day. But it doesn't have to be a special day to go to a school to volunteer, whether you're reading to a class, reading one-on-one with just one kid, or doing math flashcards to help improve multiplication skills. For so many kids, you might be the only person who cares enough to take time out of your day to spend some time alone with them, showing them just how much they matter and how much learning to read well can help you succeed in life.

There are plenty of ways to volunteer. You can always go ask about volunteer opportunities at your child's school, or sign up through the county system in Guilford County, and in Winston-Salem there's a really cool corporate volunteer program.

Then when you get home, remember to take time to read with your own kids. No matter how old, that time spent together will be something special they remember for years, but it's also something that will help them improve their own reading and comprehension skills.

For tips to make the most of your reading time, check out "Reading with Toddlers" and "Reading with Middle Schoolers."

Keep Your Family Safe with Proper Food Handling

2011-11-16 08:06:57

Last night on Fox 8 News a reporter was interviewing food detectives and a woman who had gotten sick from food poisoning after attending the NC State Fair in Raleigh this fall. The report wasn't breaking news, but with the upcoming food-centered holiday coming up, it was a very timely reminder that one of the best ways to keep your family safe and healthy is to make sure you prepare and store all foods properly.

Each year, an estimated 76 million or more people report a food related illness, and 5,000 of those die from foodborne illnesses. Just like with the flu, food poisoning can affect children and the elderly worse than other ages, so taking the proper steps will be your child's best defense against food poisoning.

The first thing to do is stay on top of recalls. The FDA works very hard to keep our food supply safe in America, and they do a good job of reporting recalls like the big ones on cantaloupes last spring and ground turkey in August, or more regional ones like the chicken livers in New York this week.

But no matter how vigilent our inspectors are, there are plenty of bacteria inherent in the foods we eat. So that means you also have to take precautions at home. It's easy if you follow these four steps:

Clean: Make sure you wash your hands and cooking surfaces often. Using Clorox Clean-Up or a similar cleaning agent used right after handling raw turkey or chicken can help keep juices potentially laden with salmonella from getting onto your other foods.

Separate: Cut chicken and turkey on a separate cutting board from fresh vegetables.

Cook: Make sure to cook everything to its recommended temperature. If it's not printed on the label, it's easy enough to look up online.

Chill: Refrigerate promptly. This is especially important with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up. If you've carved the turkey and placed some on the platter but there's plenty of leftovers, go ahead and put that right in the refrigerator. Don't wait until the pies are eaten and everyone's had their afternoon nap before putting the leftovers in the refrigerator. Other leftovers need to be refrigerated promptly too. And once they're in that refrigerator, make sure you eat them within a few days. Otherwise, put it in the freezer!

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Teenagers and Trouble

2011-11-15 08:06:38

Yesterday news reports started circulating about a new trend for teens: getting drunk quickly (and in their eyes secretively) with vodka-soaked tampons. Today there speculation that this might be more of an urban legend than the truth. Whether it's true or not, it sounds like it could be happening. Partly because teenagers are known for doing things that are pretty dangerous. Whether it's trunking, overdosing on Ritalin or getting high on K2, the man-made version of marijuana that's more potent than the organic version, teens are pretty good at figuring out ways to skirt the law. They're at an age where they feel invincible, they're experimenting with things and curious to see what it's like to be drunk or high, and they're trying to find ways to do it without getting in trouble.

Whether you have teenagers or your kids are still just babies, it's important as parents for us to stay on top of all these new ways of getting into trouble. It might seem like just yesterday that we were teens too, but while we might relate to some of the things our kids are going through, many things have changed. For one thing, we sure didn't text to flirt with the opposite sex!

While the tampon thing might be something you'd rather not even think about, turning a blind eye could have even worse consequences. Use this as an opportunity to strike up a conversation with your teen and ask if they know anyone doing any of these behaviors. Talk about some of the things you did as a kid to help them realize their thoughts and feelings are normal. And most of all, make them aware that you know what's going on and are tuned into their world.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

The Breastfeeding Battle

2011-11-14 07:56:28

You might consider me one of "those" parents. I limit the amount of screen time my kids get, letting them watch a show or two on TV but on days when it seems like they're watching more than usual I make sure the TV's off after they've logged 2 hours. I limit candy and desserts, and my daughter and I have spent many a night before bedtime counting up how many fruits and vegetables we've eaten that day.

But when it comes to breastfeeding, I didn't follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for one year at least, and exclusively for six month. But new research shows that only 3 out of 4 new moms start breastfeeding when the baby is born, and that number drops to only 43 percent that are still breastfeeding at 6 months.

I am one of those that started and didn't make it very long. Two weeks with each child. That was it. And for me, those two weeks were the longest, hardest two weeks of my life, at least with the first child. I admire all women who breastfeed and stick with it for as long as they can. But I also know from experience that it's just not the best thing for everyone. There are so many different reasons why it can be hard, from a baby who just can't seem to latch on to a mother who can't produce enough milk. When my pediatrician told me that formula is good for the baby and a sane, happy mother is even better, I could have hugged her. As a new mom, I only wanted to do what was best for my new baby. But it was just not working, for me, for the baby, for my husband ... and the doctor was astute enough to see something had to give, and soon.

One thing I learned from the whole experience is that I was not alone in the struggle. The good thing about childbirth and breastfeeding and a lot of the other things that come with being a new mom is that other moms are more than willing to talk and share their experiences. No one really told me before I had a baby, but after I did, I was surprised and reassured to find that I wasn't the only one who had a hard time. Other women did too, and some were able to make it through the hard times and end up being able to breastfeed for six months or longer, while others ended up going the formula route like me. Other moms are one of the best resources I've found, and the Triadmommies forum is a great place to find that type of support.

We have some help on our site as well, in the articles "Coping with a Nursing Strike" and "Armed and Ready: Winning the Breastfeeding Battle," which was written by a friend of mine who also struggled through the first few weeks.

There is also support in our area through classes at Women's Hospital in Greensboro and La Leche Leagues throughout the Triad.

A Weekend for Theater!

2011-11-11 07:24:51

There's just something magical about sitting in a plush seat with the lights dim, waiting for the big curtain to rise up to a magical setting. A visit to the theater isn't just to be experienced by adults. Depending on the play, your kids can get a lot out of the experience. They not only get a chance to see a wonderful story told right in front of their eyes by real people, they also get to see some of the workings of the theater as people rush to do set changes between scenes, they learn how to sit respectfully as part of an audience and sometimes they even get a chance to meet the actors after the production.

This weekend there are so many great productions going on around the Triad that it's almost hard to decide which ones to go to. There's "Annie" by Twin City Stage, "Little Shop of Horrors" put on by the Livestock Players, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" presented by the North Carolina Theatre for Young People, and the annual production of "The Wizard of Oz" presented by the Community Theatre of Greensboro.

To make things even better, we're giving away tickets to "The Wizard of Oz," there will be two ways to win on Monday, so you might just get a free night at the theater next weekend! If you're not already a fan of Piedmont Parent on Facebook, be sure to like us now, because on Monday Facebook fans will receive an opportunity to win two family four-packs of tickets to the Wizard of Oz. And that's not all. Everyone who gets our bi-weekly Piedmont Parent Update, the email that keeps you informed of the news and events of the parenting world, will have a chance to enter to win two more family four-packs of tickets. Enter your email above to get on our mailing list today!

Thinking About the Future

2011-11-10 08:35:11

As parents, we're busy all the time. So I thought it would be good to let you all know of a great opportunity for high school students next week. Make plans to attend the Guilford County Schools Career Fair, which will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 4-7 p.m., at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. The fair will have representatives from different careers onhand to talk with students about the training and education it takes to get a start in certain career tracks.

I think this is a great idea. I personally remember being a child and not having any idea what my parents did all day when they were at work. My dad was a CPA for a while, and if you asked me and my brother, we just said he sat at his desk and typed on a computer. In school, our children are busy learning how to read, write, do math, have a base knowledge of science and history and maybe learn a few languages. But what can they do with that knowledge? How do you turn a high school degree into a career as a landscape designer? What exactly does a lawyer do at work all day? (We all know it's not like "Law and Order.") What if their passion is baking? Maybe they would like to go to culinary school but don't even know it's an option.

So make plans to take your kids to the career fair. Talk to them about your own job and how you ended up working in that particular field. Maybe you could let them come to work with you for a day to see what life in the real world is like. National Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day is this spring, but there's no reason you can't do it any other time of the year. Clubs like FBLA and FTA are also good ways for kids to learn about careers, and those also sometimes provide opportunities to shadow someone for a day at work.

It's never too early to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up, and understand the many different options available. Especially these days, when the cost of college continues to rise and it's more impotant than ever for our kids to graduate in four years.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor.

Put Those Expired Coupons to Good Use!

2011-11-09 08:08:23

I'm going to admit something that I'm not proud of. Once in a while, when going through my coupons to get ready for a shopping trip, I'll notice that a coupon for something I was going to buy that day had expired. But if it's only been a few days, I'll stick it in the bunch and let the cashier run it through, and sometimes it works and they don't even look at the date.

Admittedly, I feel a twinge of guilt. And lately it seems the store employees are looking more closely at coupons, checking expiration dates and double checking the sizes of product allowed. So I've been more on top of things as well, and throw away expired coupons without worrying about the good deals I missed.

It turns out, I shouldn't have been throwing those coupons away after all! All of you couponers out there (and if you're reading this blog, you know you're one), start saving those expired coupons. It turns out people in the military can use them up to six months past the expiration date.

Send them to:

Jamie Sheehan
PO Box 261
Glen Mills, PA 19342

They will then be sorted and shipped to the groups that provide them to the bases.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

The Reason for Drills

2011-11-09 07:57:26

This is a test. This is only a test.

Today at 2 p.m., if you happen to have the radio or TV on, you will hear that ear-piercing beep and then the solemn words that we all know so well. I remember seeing the test pattern sometimes on TV when I was a kid, and I've definitely heard it as an adult. And almost always it's followed by the somewhat comforting, "this is a test of the emergency broadcast system." You might have seen news about the one today and wondered why they're letting us know. Today's will be different because it's the first time it will be done nationwide.

I have to admit, I have usually felt slightly bothered by these tests, and had never heard anything but the test version, until last spring. I was working and didn't have the radio on, but my husband was driving and heard an emergency alert that said there was a tornado that had hit in the community just five miles north of me. I immediately rounded up the kids and went to the basement, and also called the teenager next door who was watching his little brothers and sister. The tornado didn't hit here, but the storm was really bad. Luckily we were all safe and suffered no damage. The whole experience made me realize that there's a reason for those loud beeps that interrupt our listening or viewing schedules once in a while. And they really work.

It's also good for our kids to experience some of these tests and drills. It's the way they learn how to remain calm and act responsibly when all of a sudden it isn't a test. For example, have you ever wondered why they have to go through so many fire drills at school? If there's ever been a real fire you won't wonder why. It's the best way to instill in the kids the importance of remaining calm, listening to the teacher, and getting out of the building safely.

In North Carolina, our kids are supposed to have a fire drill within the first week of school, and every month after that. They also have a tornado drill during Severe Weather Awareness Week, which is scheduled for March 4-10, 2012. And some schools are even having lockdown drills, to prepare students in case of some sort of danger on campus.

-- Karen Alley, Web editor

It's a good idea to expand on that and have your own fire and tornado drills at home. Make sure your kids know where to go and what to do. It's the best way to ensure that we're all safe whenever an emergency strikes, and we can all hope that the circumstance never actually happens.

Supporting Education

2011-11-08 07:46:05

Tomorrow, the Guilford Education Alliance will be hosting its 2011 Education Summit, a time for leaders in the community, teachers and administrators to get together and brainstorm ways we can all help improve our schools and give our kids the best possible start in life. This year's keynote speaker is Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS. He will talk about how education is important to the success of individuals, businesses and our entire nation. His address follows a panel discussion Wednesday morning with Superintendent Mo Green and Dean Jim Ryan of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

The Education Summit is just one way the Guilford Education Alliance works to help improve schools in our area. They also help support the Teacher Warehouse, which provides supplies to teachers throughout the county, and advocate for high quality education through our communities.

Providing the best education possible for our kids is a team effort. We can't just expect teachers and principals to do all the work. The Guilford Education Alliance is one group that shows community members also need to help, by volunteering in schools and supporting initiatives that come to the ballots. It's also important for parents to take an active role in their own child's education. Volunteer in your child's school, make sure to attend PTA meetings and parent/teacher conferences to stay on top on what is going on and what goals the school has for each student's success. One way you can do this is by taking advantage of the resources the Guilford Parent Academy has to offer, and in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system you can join your school's PTA, or become part of the Parent Advisory Council.

And remember, communicating with your child's teacher is one of the best ways to ensure success.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Don't Eat the Lollipops! The Dangers of Pox Parties

2011-11-07 08:09:50

Did you know that you can buy a lollipop that a kid with chicken pox has licked, and give it to your child hoping they'll get a mild form of the disease and not need a vaccination? If you've actually thought about doing this, think again. Not only is it illegal (it's a felony to ship a disease across state lines), you're also exposing your child to more than you know. There's a chance they could get hepatitis, group A strep or a variety of other viruses. And they might not even get the chicken pox!

"Pox" parties aren't a new thing. There was quite a bit of discussion surrounding the topic a couple of years ago, in this instance parents were taking kids to houses of children who had the chicken pox, to expose them and get it over with before starting kindergarten.

In many cases this stems from parents trying to avoid vaccines, a trend that has arisen after there was quite a bit of discussion over whether vaccines were causing the rise in autism diagnoses. But there has been research done that shows no link between vaccines and autism.

I'm not a scientist, but I am a parent and a person who has lived through the chicken pox. I don't remember it, I had it when I was 2. And when I was a child, it was just one of those things everyone seemed to get. But you definitely hoped you had it young. A friend of mine had it in the 7th grade, and she ended up with scars from the pox bumps. Now that my kids are young, I don't even think twice about the chicken pox. It's rare that you ever hear about a case anymore, and I attribute that to the fact that the vaccine was introduced in 1995 and is now a part of the regular vaccination schedule.

As parents, all we want to do is what's best for our kids, and vaccines are just one of the things we can do to help protect them from disease.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

Have a Family Night This Weekend

2011-11-04 07:35:41

When you have kids that are pretty spaced out in age it can be hard to find something to do that the whole family enjoys. But there are some options, and after seeing the new releases for DVDs this week, I've decided that this just might be a perfect weekend for a family movie night. The kids love it when we order pizza, eat in front of the TV and all watch a movie together. And with it getting dark earlier and chilly outside, it's a perfect time for settling down on the couch under some blankets and enjoying spending time with the family.

Movies are just one way to have a great family night. You could also bring out the board games, put in Rock Band and jam out together, play some bowling on the Wii or hang out in the kitchen making brownies or banana bread.

Take advantage of this little lull between Halloween and the rush of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to spend some quality time with your family.

-- Karen Alley, Web Editor

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-11-03 07:22:26

Christmas seems to come earlier every year, at least when it comes to the retail sector. This year they didn't even seem to mind that we hadn't even made it to Halloween yet, the big blow-up jack o'lanterns were sitting right next to Santa and his reindeer. Of course, now Halloween has come and gone and we're looking towards the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and all the decorations in the stores and commercials on TV help remind us of that.

The thing is, it might seem early, but for parents, we're already thinking about Christmas as well. Time to start doing some shopping, figure out when the best weekend is to put up the tree, make sure you get to your town's holiday parade and find a way to fit in all the special family traditions you have while still keeping up with the busy schedules of school and work.

That's why it's a good idea to take advantage of things that make the holiday season easier, like the personalized Santa letters from The Mommies Network. Orders will be taken this month, up through Nov. 30, to ensure delivery by Christmas. And from filling out a simple online form, your child will receive a special letter in the mail from Santa Claus, to help add a little more magic to the holiday season. The best part is, the $6 you pay for the letter all goes to a great cause, helping The Mommies Network continue to provide a place for moms around the Triad and across the nation have a place to go to for companionship, advice and fun.