August 2013 by Atlanta Parent

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August 2013 / atlantaparent.com

Get Your

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Be as Savvy as Your Kids

A Day at the

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Ready, Set, School!

Success Strategies, Supplies, Lunches and More

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Saturday, October 12 Mercer University Atlanta Campus

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More than 50 family-friendly activities! ENTERTAINMENT • TODDLER-ONLY PLAY AREA STORYTELLING • CRAFT ACTIVITIES TRICK-OR-TREAT STREET • EXHIBITORS • FOOD BENEFICIARIES: Autism Speaks / The Center for Children and Young Adults Georgia Center for Child Advocacy / Safe Kids Georgia

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Inside 3 O August Vol. 30 / Number 8

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 14

Departments

Social Media Catch-Up

Learn what you need to know – and your kids may already know – about the newest social media sites they’re all using.

Fitness Fun

Get the family moving with these fun activities that don’t remind the kids of that dreaded word “exercise.”

Say Yes to the Mess

just kids:

Six outdoor activities that will create some messy memories this summer.

Maximize Medical Visits

8 Publisher’s Note 10 News You Can Use 12 The Frugal Family

20 More Ways to Save This Summer

40 Kids’ Activity Guide Special Advertising Section

74 Humor in the House

26 Ways to Annoy Children

Family Fun Guide

Whether your child is seeing a specialist for the first time or has multiple doctors, make sure to bring a copy of your child’s health history. Plus, how to talk with families of special needs kids.

53 54

Not-to-Miss Events

A Day at the Zoo

Free Fun:

Lanier World: A

What’s new? Check out Splash Fountain and the rock climbing wall, new “Wild Encounters” with tortoises and lemurs, a family volunteering program and some newborn animals.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner

Family Flicks

Beach in Our Own Backyard

Playground:

60 62

Kids’ Consignment Sales

Ready, Set, School!

Here’s the info you need to tame back-to-school chaos: Steps to a successful morning routine, handy new phone apps that help you organize, tips to ease the transition to middle school, ideas for healthy lunches and more!

Eating Out: Hot Dog Roundup Summer Skating

Promised Land Playground, Eastside Baptist Church

August Calendar

On the Cover: Cover Kid Trinity Simone, 10, of Kennesaw. Photo by Studio 7 Photography.

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THROUGH CRISIS

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Jennifer Fogel jfogel@atlantaparent.com

Helping put your family back together drives everything we do. When facing a life-changing injury or death caused by the negligence or fault of another, you need a skilled and compassionate advocate. Recognized as “Legal Elite” by Georgia Trend Georgia Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” Recognized as Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers

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SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com COORDINATOR ASSOCIATE Dalia Faupel EDITOR

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EDITORIAL Robin Mintz PRODUCTION rmintz@atlantaparent.com ARTIST

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

EDITORIAL Kirby Cooperman INTERNS Taniqua Russ

SPECIAL EVENTS Betza Roman INTERN

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine. Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

6 Atlanta Parent August 2013

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Publisher’s Note Life Can Be Messy – And That’s a Good Thing! “What a mess you’ve made!” Usually when we say that phrase to a child, it’s not in a complimentary tone. Moms have enough work without looking for “extras” – toys strewn around the family room, spilled milk on the counter or the floor, more food on your kid’s clothing than on the plate. Today’s parents are so busy that any mess just seems like something to be avoided. It’s true you don’t want chocolate stains on your daughter’s new dress-up clothes, or Georgia’s red clay ground into your son’s new khakis, but messiness is not all bad. The other day my grandson Elliot smiled and proudly proclaimed, “I’m a messy boy.” I had to smile and agree. Instead of saying, “Let’s get cleaned up,” sometimes it’s best to just embrace the mess. Getting messy is the most fun you can have when you’re a child. Remember splashing through mud puddles or patting out a mud pie? And when adults get messy along with their children, it’s an opportunity for bonding and memory-making. In this month’s issue, you’ll find a story on the joys of messy pursuits. Your kids are more likely to remember the whipped cream fight you organized than all the times you had to tell them “no” – you can’t slide on your belly through that puddle, you can’t roll in the wet grass with the dog, you can’t shake a carbonated drink and spray yourself or your sister. But why not, every once in awhile? I’m intrigued by one messy idea – filling balloons with Jell-O instead of the water your kids expect, doing a balloon toss and watching your kids’ amazement when the first balloon bursts. What fun! Of course, it goes without saying you’ll want to take the fun outdoors and dress the kids in old clothes, though Jell-O stains usually do come out. But if messy fun is just a little too much, how about bonding through other activities? Try running an obstacle course in the backyard or through the house, have a Friday night dance party or engage your kids in interactive word games – who can add the most interesting twist to a story you start? (Find more suggestions with “Fun That Moves You”). These kinds of activities unleash your kids’ creativity and free your kids – and you – to embrace the joys and silly fun of being a child. They’ll be adults all too soon.

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

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We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

8 Atlanta Parent August 2013

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ItFigures by Cynthia Washam

School's

Back ...

Time to Get

Back in

Back-to-School Bits 1

Average number of hours per day children ages 5-9 read or are read to

Shape

8 1/2

Average number of hours per day they’re exposed to television, video games, computers and other electronic media

Number of states in 2012 that offer tax-free days to encourage back-to-school shopping

Mommy

1994

Makeover Special

Year the Long Beach Unified School District in Calif. became the first district to require uniforms in its public schools

visit website for details

code AP

Percent drop in suspensions after Long Beach mandated uniforms

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

• Read Dr. Mark Deutsch’s Credentials • See Before and After Pictures • Mommy Makeover Details • Liposuction, Tummy Tucks • Breast Implants • Injectables • Facial Plastic Surgery

Percent drop in school vandalism Percent of their body weight children typically carry in their backpacks

Percent of parents who’ve weighed their children’s backpacks

21,600

Pounds children typically lift during the school year by carrying a 12-pound backpack to and from school

ACTUAL PATIENT

Patient - Before

Patient - After

Dog-Days Data 50

Estimated maximum number of meteors you’ll see per hour during the Perseid meteor shower, Aug. 11-13

10,000

Number of high-school athletes in the U.S. every year who suffer heat-related illness serious enough to require medical attention and missing a practice or game

Percent who are football players Sources: Holidayinsights.com, Earthsky.org, CNN. com, Authorsadvocate.net, Singleparents.About.com, Educationbug.org, New York Times

atlantaparent.com

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(770) 461-4824 Atlanta/Fayetteville

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

Big or Small Save Them All August 2013 Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

22 5

Percent of children ages 5-17 who speak a language other than English at home Percent of those children who have trouble speaking English

Source: Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics; read more at childstats.gov.

Larger Plates, More Food

by Amanda Allen and Taniqua Russ

National Night Out Millions of people will hit the streets Aug. 6 to celebrate the 30th annual National Night Out, a crime and drug prevention event designed to bring neighborhoods together. Many neighborhoods will have block parties, cookouts and special events. For instance, the Kennesaw Police Department will hand out crime prevention information and have public safety vehicles at Swift Cantrell Park, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit nationalnightout.org

Americans are using larger dishware than they did in past decades and kids are eating larger portions because of it, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Researchers found that first-grade students served themselves more food when given a large plate. However, not when it came to vegetables! Those portions stayed small no matter the plate size.

Win Care Bears New Movie for International Friendship Day Got friends? International Friendship Day is August 4, and we’re celebrating the annual day to appreciate pals with a Care Bears contest! One reader will win the new DVD release. To enter Atlanta Parent’s International Friendship Day contest, submit an email with the subject line “Care Bears Contest” to contest@atlantaparent.com telling us what makes your best friend, or your child’s best friend, so wonderful. Entries must be received by August 23, 2013, and must include entrant’s full name and daytime phone number. The winner will be notified in September.

10 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Scarecrow Challenge

For scarecrow loving families, or just families with a little bit of creativity, the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s scarecrow challenge is just for you. The theme this year is Ogretober – a tribute to the garden’s current exhibition, Imaginary Worlds, featuring a friendly ogre. Deadline for registration is September 13 and scarecrow drop-off is September 26-27. The fee is $25 but don’t fret, there are prizes in store for scarecrow winners. For more details and an application visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org. atlantaparent.com

Celebrating Breastfeeding

August is breastfeeding month! Over 75 percent of mothers in the United States choose to breastfeed but only 26 percent are still breastfeeding at one year – the minimum recommended duration, according to pediatric professionals. Medela Breastfeeding University is offering a new education program aimed at increasing those rates. The program offers a series of online modules that educate expectant mothers and breastfeeding moms on what to expect at the hospital, tools to help overcome some of the challenges, and tips for success through life transitions. The program’s $25 registration fee goes to the Ronald McDonald House charity. When you complete Medela Breastfeeding University, you will be awarded a $25 coupon for a free Medela Accessory Starter Set and a breastmilk storage guide fridge magnet. To register, go to medelabreastfeedingu.com. In celebration of breastfeeding month, thousands of women will join together at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 2 for the Big Latch On, an event that encourages simultaneous breastfeeding for one minute worldwide. To find an event near you, visit biglatchon.org.

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5 reasons to breastfeed your infant: may make 1 Breastfeeding the baby’s immune system

stronger. The practice reduces your infant’s risk of developing a food allergy.

babies have fewer 2 Breastfed respiratory and ear infections. babies may have 3 Breastfed better cognitive development and higher IQs.

may lower 4 Breastfeeding your child’s risk of developing diabetes.

for Mom: Breastfeeding 5 Bonus promotes emotional well-being

and lessens new-mother anxiety, delays fertility, aids in weight loss and lowers the risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. It also saves preparation time and money, compared to using formula.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 11

the

frugalfamily You might be surprised how much you can save with these tips, while still creating special memories with your children as summer comes to an end.

20 Ways To Save This Summer (Part 2) by Christina Katz

Make note on your calendar of free days at museum and nature center to battle summer boredom.

Go to bed early, wake up with the larks, and go for a long day hike. Pack oranges and granola bars.

Locate the closest community pool and head there on the hottest days. Don’t forget to check for free swim times.

Invest in a few inexpensive sprinkler heads. Turn on the sprinkler at set times every afternoon and encourage kids to invite friends over for a quick dash about, squirt fight, and bubble-blowing contest.

10.

11.

12.

Can’t afford camp? Create your own neighborhood day camp. Choose a theme for the day or the week. Let older kids be the counselors. Camp in the back yard. Use whatever camping gear you have or borrow what you need from friends and neighbors. Tree swings cost a lot less than swing sets, and create lifelong memories. Here’s a great selection: treeswings.org.

Keep a bag of swim towels and bathing suits, binoculars, and hand-held pruners in the car, so you will be ready to get wet, bird watch, or collect an impromptu bouquet.

Scope out free, local spray playgounds. Arrive early to beat the rush on the hottest days.

12 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Teach kids that the best things in life are not always new. Shop garage sales, flea markets, and local thrift shops for summer and back-to-school clothes and shoes. Have a family yard sale. Let kids sort, price, and sell for a couple of days in exchange for a percent of the profits. Or spend the money you make on a carnival or state fair. Visit the library each week for a steady supply of reading materials and educational media. Remember, the library is cool on extremely hot days.

15.

Give each child $5 to spend at the farmer’s market. Eat breakfast at home, and look for free samples at the market for dessert.

16.

Buy less lunchmeat and make more fresh egg, tuna, and meat salads. Try serving them on pocket bread, naan or burritos with lots of veggies.

17.

Stock snacks weekly to keep them fresh. Instead of prepackaged items, fill large jars with low-fat, crunchy snacks. Float cut veggies in a tub of water in the fridge for easy access.

18.

Make sun tea. Buy bulk quantities of black tea bags, remove the tags from 10 to 12 bags, and leave a large glass jug in the sun until the water turns amber. Create your own tasty versions with flavors such as “Raspberry Zinger.”

13.

19.

14.

20.

Use summer downtime to teach your kids about money. Encourage them to try a lemonade stand or help them make a piggy bank. Set goals for earning and saving. Kids love to contribute. Offer to pay your kids for jobs that would otherwise cost you more. Take advantage of their skills like car washing, garage cleaning, window washing, lawn mowing, gardening and digital photo sorting.

Share music as a family. Instead of buying whole albums, let each child download five or six songs to make their own summer mix. Pick up inexpensive, used CDs to download. Have a movie night with popcorn popped the oldfashioned way at pennies per serving. Check out films at the library or rent them at Red Box or through Netflix.

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Tax-Free Savings Earmark Aug. 9-10 for shopping during Georgia’s annual sales tax holiday. You can buy clothing and shoes (priced at $100 or less per item), school supplies (at $20 or less per item), books, and computers and accessories (at $1,000 or less) without paying the sales tax. Depending on which county you live in, you’ll save 6 to 8 percent on tax. Many retailers also time back-to-school sales to coincide with the holiday.

Children’s Museum Deal Save up to 65 percent on visits to The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, when you purchase an annual membership. New pricing includes $75 for the Two of Us (one adult and one child in a household, plus one free guest pass), $100 for a Family (two adults and up to four household children and two free guest passes) and $145 for a Family Plus package (two adults, all household children or grandchildren, an extra adult, 50 percent off admission to nearly 200 children’s museums, and two free guest passes). All annual memberships allow unlimited visits each year. General admission for just four visits during a year would be $110 for Two of Us, $220 for Family and $330 for Family Plus. Another change at the museum: Starting Aug. 14, the museum will be closed on Wednesdays to refresh exhibits, from mid-August to mid-June. It will be open seven days during peak weeks of spring and summer and during holiday weeks. The museum is at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta; visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org for more information.

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“Creating Smiles with Caring Hands” Hours: Mon 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tues-Thurs 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. NEW

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Most insurance plans accepted including Peachcare & Medicaid

CareCredit Patient Payment Plans

Dr. Sonya Windham

8180 Mall Parkway, Suite 810 • Lithonia • 770-484-4994 • www.ChildrensDentistryAtStonecrest.com

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 13

iDon’tKnow:

A Parent’s Guide to Social Media Instagram Instagram is a free photo-sharing app currently available for Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod. For teens, it is a place to share their team photos, pics of their friends, and hundreds of “selfies.” Users can choose from a variety of filters to edit or give their photos fun effects and post them instantly. Although all pictures posted to Instagram default as public, users have the ability to set their account to private. Instagram also allows members to comment or like the pics posted by the friends they follow. By setting their account to private, Instagrammers are prompted when someone wants to follow their posts and they must give permission before anyone can do so.

Snapchat

by Pam Molnar

The iGeneration child’s access to the Internet is no longer limited to a computer plugged into the family room wall. According to a study done by Harvard University in 2013, almost threequarters of teens have access to the Internet via a mobile device, including cellphones or tablets. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports more than 60 percent of 13-17 year olds have at least one profile on a social networking site. When my daughter turned 13, she wanted a Facebook account. My husband and I felt comfortable with the privacy settings because we used them on our own accounts. We told her that as long as she shared her passwords and friended us first, she could have an account. Within a year, she grew bored with Facebook and wanted to move on to other social media sites – some I had never heard of. Social media websites are constantly evolving and teens are more in tune with these changes than their parents. We need to know everything we can about social networking sites so we can help guide and protect them. Here’s a primer:

14 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Snapchat is a mobile app available on Androids and iPhones, iPods and iPads. This app allows users to snap a picture, add captions and send it to friends. Snapchat’s unique feature is that a message or picture can only be viewed by the receiver for 1-10 seconds, as set by the sender, before it is deleted. While this may sound like a way to keep unflattering photos from hanging out in cyberspace forever, this does not stop pics from being captured as a screen shot. Create your base friend list by accessing your cell phone contact list. You may set your preferences to receive messages from “My Friends” only and you may block an individual from your friend list.

Kik Messenger Kik is an instant messaging service similar to texting. Available on most operating systems, Kik users can send text messages, pics, voice messages, and other content to their friends with Kik accounts. Using a WiFi to send messages via Kik allows users to avoid text messaging rates. This app is perfect for teens who do not have unlimited texting on their plan or for those users with an iPod Touch. Kik users are identified with a user name and not their cell phone number as a privacy feature, which means, you don’t have to share your cell phone number to receive messages from someone. In your settings, you can choose to block unwanted senders or “Ignore New People” if your user name gets in the wrong hands.

YouTube Most of us have viewed a video on YouTube at one time or another. A YouTube member can post videos – how tos, funny animals, your child’s concert – to be viewed by the general public. With 72 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute that leaves a lot of videos open for your child to view. Thankfully, YouTube has set up safety features to protect its teenage users. When posting videos, you can restrict who views your video by making it private or unlisted. That way, the video can only be seen by those you share the link with. YouTube’s Safety Mode keeps your child from viewing potentially objectionable content. For additional information, YouTube offers a Parent Resource guide that offers tips and advice on how to keep your teen safe.

Vine Vine is a free mobile app (available on iPhone and iPods) that allows users to record and post six-second videos and share them on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Like many social media sites, you can follow your friends, “like” other videos and search hashtags like #hawkswin. While most social media sites are for users 13 and older, Vine is rated 17-plus. Currently, there are no settings to block inappropriate videos. While most teens are only posting silly videos and following their friends, it is up to the parents to monitor what their child is doing. c

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FUNTHATMOVESYOU Think Outside the Xbox for Kids’ Fitness n Overcome the Obstacle Create an obstacle course in the backyard, in one room of the house or throughout the entire house. What’s more fun than watching mom and dad crawl under the table or getting permission to, just this once, jump off the couch (the well-used one in the rec room, of course)? Gather couch pillows, chairs, balls, and any equipment or furniture that can easily be moved around and used for props in your obstacle course. Inexpensive pool noodles make great props. For inspiration, check out some video clips from the show “Wipeout” and recreate in a safe, family-friendly way. “We like to set up forts and tents and pretend that we are outside scaling pillow mountains,” said Diana Rumage, mom to two boys, ages 5 and 2. “Once the cushions are off the couches, they use them as indoor trampolines.”

n Mall Movin’ Malls can provide so much more than retail therapy. If the weather outside is not cooperating for a quick, post-dinner walk, take the family out for a power walk through the mall. If your mall is two levels, challenge the family to walk both levels, including the stairs. “Both our girls love going to the mall,” Anthony Falcone, dad to his 2½ year-old and 6 month-old daughters. “We don’t force our 2½ year-old to stay in the stroller, so she can run around and have some freedom. Her favorite activity is riding the escalator. She will take me up and down it countless times, and never get tired of it.”

n Saturday Night Fever Throw a Family Dance Party one night a week. Pick one night to get the family playlist together. It only takes 15-20 minutes to get your groove on.

n Be a Winner

by Pam Melyan-Bratton

The average child spends more than 5 hours daily on TV, DVDs, computer time and video games, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. So where does the recommended 60 minutes of vigorous activity for children age 2 and older get squeezed in, especially for school-age kids? Kids are naturally active, wanting to run, jump and skip, but sometimes they just don’t have the time for 60 consecutive minutes of it. When a solid hour of exercise isn’t possible, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommends taking that hour and breaking it into four 15-minute intervals during the day.

16 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Sports like basketball are a great way to get kids moving inside during fall and winter. Local recreation departments often offer basketball, volleyball or other team sports. Or take the kids to a skating rink, or sign them up for karate or dance classes.

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n Cleaning Challenge In addition to keeping your home tidy, cleaning has fitness benefits, too! When we clean, we bend, lift, and move around. But this activity might take some reward incentive, so make it a game. Every member of the family gets one room and a list of what to clean in each room (make sure it’s equal to be fair). Set a timer for 15 minutes and the first person to complete all of their chores wins a prize like a fun certificate that proclaims the winner the Cleaning Champion. The Cleaning Champion gets his pick of the room to clean during the next Cleaning Challenge.

Counting Calories According to the Harvard Medical School, following are some activities and calories burned in 30 minutes for a 125-pound person: n Jump rope,

n Wild Child

300 calories

Sometimes we just have to let our children release their inner beast. Run around the house, play tag, wrestle in the living room. “At night, after dinner and before baths, I make it a point to spend time playing, wrestling and generally wearing them out so they’re willing to to sleep,” said Falcone. Jon Rosenberg, dad to a first-grader agreed, “At home we will play games running around the house and wrestling.”

n Walking

(17-minute mile), 125 calories n Raking the

leaves, 120 calories n Frisbee,

90 calories

n Drop and Give Me 10!

n Dance with your

Let family members take turns being Drill Sergeant for the Day. At any time during the day, the Drill Sergeant can call out, “10 push ups!” or “20 jumping jacks!” The kids will love telling mom and dad what to do and will have just as much fun dropping and giving you 10.

family or friends, 180 calories

At the end of the day, these all add up to a healthy, happy, active kid. c

Ride to Fight Cancer. atlantaparent.com

This one–of–a–kind, family–friendly event is fully supported on a traffic–free, gently rolling loop—the Booty Loop. 24 Hours of Booty raises awareness and funds for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the LIVESTRONG ® Foundation. From one lap to 50 or more, solo or team, ride as far as your inspiration takes you!

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 17

NASHVILLE’S

BEST BETS FOR FAMILIES by Dana diLorenzo

“Music City” aka Nashville, Tennessee is full of fun, history and good eats. It’s an easy fourhour drive from metro Atlanta. Make sure not to miss these family-friendly places on your visit. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Best Nashville Music Experience: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Grab your cowboy hat and head over to the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about the rich history of country music. Check the calendar of events ahead of time, you may be able to catch an autograph session, free concert or even the popular musical petting zoo. 222 Fifth Ave. South, Nashville. 615-416-2001. countrymusichalloffame.org Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day) Admission: Adults, $22; ages 6-17, $14; ages 5 and younger, free.

Best Way to Enjoy Outdoor Nashville: Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Located on 200 acres of the historic Croft plantation, the Nashville Zoo is a great way to enjoy natural outdoor beauty and visit a historic home. The zoo features 400 species of wildlife and over 2,000 animals. It’s also home to the “Jungle Gym,” one of the country’s largest playgrounds. With a 35-foot tall tree house, super slides and swings, kids will enjoy crawling around in their own jungle habitat. Don’t miss one of the interactive animal shows, particularly the “Animal All Stars,” where you may be chosen to compete against the animals. 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville. 615-833-1534. nashvillezoo.org Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: Ages 13 and older, $15; ages 2-12, $10; younger 2, free.

Best Way to Tour the City: Music City Trolley Hop Explore historic downtown Nashville on this guided sightseeing trolley tour. You can hop on and hop off as you wish. Stops include Ryman Auditorium, Bicentennial Park, the Parthenon, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Frist Museum. Purchase your trolley tickets at the 2nd and Broadway stop (at Hard Rock Café). Tour lasts one hour (without hopping off). Trolley tickets are good for 24 hours.

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

18 Atlanta Parent August 2013

2nd and Broadway, Nashville. 615-248-4437. grayline.com Hours: Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours on the hour. Tickets: Adults, $20.00; ages 4-11, $10; younger than 4, free.

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Nashville visitor information: Online at visitmusiccity.com or call 800-657-6910 E-mail: Nashcvb@ visitmusiccity.com Check the website for special event listings and exclusive information regarding vacation packages, discounts, and deals. The Music City Total Access Discount Attraction Pass lets you build-your-own pass. Choose from a list of top Nashville spots and save up to 50 percent.

Adventure Science Center

Best Place to Get Artsy:

Best Nashville Eats:

Frist Center for the Visual Arts Let the kids discover their inner artist at this art museum. The best part: kids are free. With 30 interactive stations in the museum’s Martin ArtQuest Gallery, children will have the opportunity to paint in watercolors, create prints, make collages and more. Art exhibits change every 6-8 weeks.

Loveless Café When your stomach starts to grumble, go ahead and dial up the Loveless Café for call-ahead seating. The best ‘fromscratch’ biscuits, fried chicken or even breakfast (served all day) is sure to satisfy every appetite. While there’s no kid menu, youngsters can easily share a meal or order a la carte items. Check out your fellow diners, you just might be seated next to one of Nashville’s country music stars.

919 Broadway St., Nashville. 615-244-3340. fristcenter.org Hours: Mon.-Wed. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Martin ArtQuest closes at 5:30 p.m.); Sun., 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Café opens at noon) Admission: Adults $10; ages 18 and younger, free.

Best Hands-On Learning Spot: Adventure Science Center More than 150 exhibits offer hands-on experiments and activities for children. Learning is disguised as fun. Plan on spending at least three hours to explore the digestive system and the solar system, live shows, silly mazes, and the observation tower. Sudekum Planetarium is also at the Adventure Science Center with three different planetarium shows. (additional fee) 800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville. 615-862-5160. adventuresci.com Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Admission: Adults, $13; ages 2-12, $11; younger than 2, free.

Best Off the Beaten Path Treat: Elliston Place Soda Shop Travel back in time to1939 Nashville, belly up the counter bar and enjoy an old-fashioned milkshake or soda. Elliston Place Soda Shop is Nashville’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. No ritzy décor found here, just the simple joy of Nashville history and ice cream. 2111 Elliston Pl., Nashville. 615-327-1090. facebook.com/sodashopnashville Hours: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

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8400 Hwy. 100, Nashville. 615-646-9700. lovelesscafe.com Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Closes at 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve.

Best Place to Stay in Nashville: Gaylord Opryland Hotel Featuring the DreamWorks Experience Packages (Starting at $189) with Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and the Madagascar Friends, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel offers lots of fun for the family. Dine with the DreamWorks characters – the breakfast buffet (ogre juice anyone?) is a delicious way to mingle with characters and get some great photos (available through Sept. 1). Nine acres of lush indoor gardens with more than 8,000 tropical plants make the Gaylord Opryland worth a visit even if you’re not staying there. Waterfalls, bubbling brooks and gazebos allow for lots of photo opps. Try to see one of the fountain shows – you’ll not be disappointed. 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville. 615-889-1000. gaylordopryland.com – Kirby Cooperman also contributed to the story

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 19

Say ‘Yes’ to the Mess Six Outdoor Activities Your Kids – and You – Will Love by Sandi Haustein

oms are well-acquainted with mess. That’s not to say we like it. Often I say “no” when my three boys want to do something out-of-the-box messy, but my mom heart feels guilty because I know how much fun it would be. Moms like me avoid shaving cream fights or stomping through mud puddles because – let’s face it – kids are messy enough without giving Mom something else to clean up. Karie Fager, a mother of four, believes that giving your kids messy experiences every now and then makes it easier for the times when you say, “Not today.” Allowing kids to experiment with the gooey and the sticky gives them opportunities to explore different textures, create fun memories, and experience the thrill of doing something that’s typically off-limits. To help your kids create some messy memories, consider one of these outdoor activities that only require hosing off and changing clothes when it’s time to clean up. 20 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Outdoor Painting Wendy Kimmey created a giant painting experience for the young guests by setting up a large canvas on top of a plastic painter’s drop cloth. The kids dipped textured balls into paint and then rolled or threw the balls on the canvas to make a one-of-a-kind painting. To give your kids their own chance to paint in the great outdoors, pick up some washable, nontoxic tempera paint, hang up a dollar store shower curtain or a huge canvas, and let them unleash their inner Monet.

Water Play Getting wet is one of the easiest ways for kids (and moms) to ease their way into messy play. Fill a bucket with water, give your child some paint brushes, and let him “paint” the driveway, house, and deck. Or turn on a sprinkler and lay out a Slip n’ Slide for hours of water fun.

Mentos Experiment You might have seen the choreographed Mentos and Diet Coke YouTube video, but your kids will get a kick out of creating their own Mentos geyser. Open a 2-liter of Diet Coke, drop in three or four mint-flavored Mentos candies, and jump back as the soda spews up like fireworks.

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Jell-O Balloons

Does your child have Asthma???

Take your typical water balloon fight to a whole new level by filling the balloons with Jell-O instead. Follow the directions for making gelatin on the box but before chilling, use a funnel or a turkey baster to pour (or squirt) the Jell-O mixture into the balloons. Place them carefully in a fridge to set, then surprise your kids with a sticky, colorful fight that no one will be expecting.

Whipped Cream Pies Help your kids draw a large body on a piece of cardboard and cut out a hole for the face. Next, make a batch of whipped cream and spread it into pie pans. Give your children turns putting their heads through the cardboard hole while the others take turns smashing the whipped cream “pies” in their faces. Carolyn Brednich, a mom of four boys who borrowed this messy tradition from Mexico, says this activity is one of her family’s favorite memories. “Some of my boys were crying because they were scared to be covered in white, but the others loved smearing whipped cream all over themselves.” Don’t be surprised if your kids abandon the cardboard body and start “pieing” each other right and left.

Consider volunteering for a clinical research study conducted at Emory University. This clinical trial is for children 1- 5 years of age, who suffer from wheezing. We are trying to see which asthma medication works best for preschool children. You may be asked to participate for as long as 12 months in this study. The study will also determine the best pain reliever/fever reducer for preschool children with asthma symptoms.

Qualified participants will receive at no charge:

• Asthma medications • Pulmonary Evaluation • Physical Exam • Compensation for time and travel Contact Emory AsthmaNet Study Coordinators for more information:

Jennifer Dodds 404-727-5176 • jcdodds@emory.edu Denise Whitlock 404-712-1773 • drwhitl@emory.edu

“Snowball” Fight On a cookie sheet or in a large bowl, mix together two boxes of cornstarch and one can of shaving cream. Help your children carefully mold the soft, fluffy mixture into an arsenal of “snowballs” and watch their faces light up when you yell, “Ready, aim, fire!” By keeping the mess outside, these six activities will give your kids (and mine) the freedom to have fun while keeping the cleanup to a minimum. In 20 years, when my kids are grown, I hope they won’t remember the times I didn’t let them make a mess. Instead, I hope they say to each other, “Remember that time Mom pelted us with Jello balloons?” c

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 21

Prepare for Success

NO MORE RUSH HOUR

Have a school preparation plan, work the plan and reward the plan. Set clear expectations and follow through. Our routine looks like this:

How to Avoid Back-To-School Morning Chaos by Laura Reagan-Porras

Stop that! Be quiet! Quit playing at the table and eat breakfast! Hurry up; you’ll be late! How many times do I have to tell you, prepare your backpack before you go to bed? Parents at their wits end with the morning rush to school and work may find themselves yelling these phrases to sleepy kids. Peaceful back-to-school routines don’t happen with those phrases. These suggestions may be helpful for launching back-to-school routines that set and affirm positive behavior. Behaviorists tell us that discipline that promotes positive behavior is more effective than trying to extinguish negative behavior.

Praise and Reward Good Behavior

Redirect Negative Behavior

When you see good behavior in your children, praise it, praise it, praise it. It is so much more effective to affirm the positive behavior when you see it, such as praising kids for doing homework, treating others respectfully or being responsible for themselves. Here are a few examples. “I really like how you put your finished homework in your backpack so we don’t look for it in the morning. “Thank you for hanging up your coat so we find it easily again in the morning.” “Thanks so much for pulling your little brother’s uniform out of the dryer when you got your own.” “Wow! You’re up five minutes earlier. Thanks for setting your own alarm. I love hugging you in the morning instead of nagging you to get up.”

When bad behavior occurs, state the behavior you want and offer an alternative. Giving children choices empowers them to take responsibility for their own lives and behavior. Knowing a child’s interests and motivations helps you redirect behavior. Here are two examples: When Grace rushes through her tooth brushing and face washing routines, I ask her to go back and try again so she can be first to pick what she wants to go in her lunchbox for the day. If Juan is late to the breakfast table, because he forgot to set his alarm, you may want to tell him something like this, “You missed breakfast. So you will not make your brother and sister late, you can choose to take an apple and granola bar in the car or a pear and dry cereal box in your backpack for later.”

22 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Back to School

2 3 4 5 6

Go to Bed On Time and Set a Personal Alarm: Kids and adults can’t get up for school on time without going to bed on time. Establish positive bedtime rituals and keep them. (Reading books is ideal.) Buy your child his or her own alarm and offer praise when they use it to get up. Backpack Preparation: Backpacks should be packed the night before school. When they are, reward that positive behavior with special praise or colored pencils or stickers. School Clothes Preparation: Setting clothes out the night before with all the accessories (including socks) helps avoid the morning rush. Reward children when they do so by allowing a special privilege when they get home that afternoon. Practice What you Preach: Modeling the behavior you want is foundational to morning routine success. “See, I got my laptop bag ready for work ahead of time; I am so proud of myself!” Mom says. Allow the Natural Consequences to Occur: If a child forgets their homework, don’t bring it to him at school. Let him take the bad grade and ask him what might help to remember to put the homework in the backpack the night before. Keep a Behavior Chart and Reward System: Behavior Charts help kids take responsibility for their own behavior. Instead of parents reminding or nagging, did you brush your teeth? Or did you remember to give the dog fresh water? Put the behaviors needed to be accomplished before leaving for school on a poster board in list form. Put a check or gold star on the behaviors when kids do them without being reminded. When the checks, stars or points add up, reward the kids every Friday. It is truly amazing what kids will do for a sticker book or what tweens will do for movie tickets.

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“

Do you mark the beginning of each school year in a special way?

”

Here are some of the responses Atlanta Parent received when we asked this question on Facebook.

We take pictures of our kids by the front door with chalkboard signs noting grade and year. We also take photos on the last day of school against the door to see how much they grew! – Mariah Badura

I take each of my girls on a back-to-school “date” separately, where we have lunch or a treat, pick out their school supplies, maybe a new pair of shoes, get nails done, whatever they want to do. We get the errands done and have a special time together to say goodbye to summer break and hello to the new school experiences ahead. – Holly Garrett Chitwood

n I start the school bed times and wake up times a week early. It makes it easier. – Shawn Daniel

As a teacher who goes back before the kids start, we all begin the early-morningwake up and early-to-bed routine when I start back. This year it’s July 29. My three girls love getting to pick out their new lunch box each year and we get their name monogrammed on it! It’s fun to see them get so excited about lunch. – Moriah Bader Derakhshan atlantaparent.com

n We pretend it’s the first day of school a week before school actually starts. I’m her pretend school teacher and we’ll review what she learned last year. – Electria Turner I frantically clean the house to look for their Six Flags tickets from school – and we make it to the roller coasters just before the expiration date! – Kathleen McElroy n We start morning and nighttime routines (get up and go to bed) at least a week early. I surprise them with a book (school year...kindergarten, 1st grader, 2nd grader, etc) and they read those to my husband and me each night so they’re excited about actually going back. I have always done a photo book (Shutterfly) of their class the previous year. We go through those as well as the school’s yearbook to remember their friends they haven’t seen all summer. – Krissy Cook Williams

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 23

BANISH CLUTTER With a Three-Zone Approach by Heidi Smith Luedtke

Parents’ best intentions when school resumes may be buried under kids’ backpacks, homework assignments and missives from administrators. The best offense against back-to-school overwhelm is a strong zone defense. With this three-zone approach to organization, your family can keep everything under control. The Launch Pad If your mornings often include a search for shoes or sports equipment, you need a family staging spot. Former teacher turned professional organizer Debby Lea recommends designating a place near the door for hanging coats and backpacks. Install hooks on the wall and use bins or cubbies to corral kids’ shoes. Label hooks and bins to clarify whose items belong where. Make the launch area part of your family routine. Encourage kids to hang their coats and backpacks as Zone soon as they enter the house after school, and to leave their shoes in the entry area. Items may be taken out for sports’ practice or homework time, but they should be returned after each use. Give kids responsibility for making sure they have what they need for by adding a preflight check to their bedtime routine. Post a checklist of must-have items for each child to make it easy. Laminate the list so your child can check off items with a dry erase pen. “If you have very busy children, multiple checklists may save you a lot of headaches,” Lea says. Label them clearly with “What I need for school,” “What I need for piano,” and “What I need for soccer.” Putting everything in the launch pad at bedtime ensures your family can blast off fast after breakfast.

The Homework Station

Zone

“Not all children enjoy working at a desk,” professional organizer Seana Turner says. Work with your student to design a desirable homework space. Some kids prefer to do homework at the kitchen table where they can see what else is going on. Others might prefer a stand-up work station or a quiet corner in the bedroom. “If your child has trouble concentrating for long periods of time, consider doing different kinds of homework in different spaces,” Turner says. A change of scenery can renew kids’ energy. Gather homework supplies into a portable caddy. This might be a rolling cart or a lidded plastic bin. Stow scissors, tape, pencils, markers, glue sticks, erasers, rulers, a stapler and a calculator in the homework station. This keeps your child from wasting time searching for supplies in kitchen drawers and minimizes the chance that the stapler off your desk will be missing when you need it. “Many children and teens are afraid to throw anything away during the school year,” says Mary Ann Lowry, an educator and certified coach. Invest in a file system your child can use to store old notes and assignments. On a monthly basis, encourage kids to excavate their backpacks, sort through binders and move materials from completed units into the home archive. This keeps materials handy for final exam study sessions and prevents backpacks from growing too heavy. 24 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Back to School

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Online Organizers

Zone

n Cozi Calendar: Allows you to color code each member of the family and syncs with other calendars automatically to ensure you’re all on the same page. An online grocery list ensures you always know what you need from the store. And it’s accessible on your smart phone. Cozi.com

Information Central Keep tabs on what’s happening with a centralized information station. “This should be the single location for all the details family members need to know at any given time,” professional organizer Katherine Trezise says. A commonly used, easily-accessible part of your home, such as the kitchen or family room, is ideal. Your information center should include a master calendar everyone can see at all times. It can be either paper or electronic. The format is less important than the calendar’s comprehensiveness. “Transfer all scheduled activities, both school and recreational, onto the master calendar, then toss the paper reminders,” Trezise says. This decreases paper clutter and puts everything in one place, so you avoid scheduling conflicts. Create a simple inbox/outbox system for each child in the information station. Teach your children to put any papers they bring home in the “in” tray after school. Sort through the inboxes each evening. Write events on the master calendar, and sign papers as needed. Place items that need to go back to school in the child’s “out” tray. Before bedtime, each

child should check his outbox and put papers into his backpack to return to school. At the end of the day, all the trays should be empty. File kids’ art projects, essays and grade reports in expandable folders – one for each child each year. At year’s end, sort through papers with your child and toss unwanted items. Store the rest for safe keeping. “When your child graduates, you’ll have 12 or more neatly labeled folders containing his or her school memorabilia,” Trezise says. Grown up kids love to look back at old school work when they’re feeling nostalgic. c

n Soshiku: Provides a color-coded to-do list of homework tasks and assignments, organized by due date. Allows kids to link up with classmates for collaborative projects, and sends text message reminders about tests and deadlines. Soshiku.com n Grade Fix: Allows kids to enter the details of a class project and schedule steps to get it done on time. It’s a great tool for breaking big assignments into manageable chunks. GradeFix.com n Evernote: An electronic system for collecting links, images, notes and quotes and keeping them all in one place. Overachievers can use the Peek app to turn class notes into self-quiz questions. EverNote.com

imagine Your Child? What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

• By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning An Authentic • To Think Outside the Box AMI Accredited • Independence Montessori School • Respect for Others • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

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404-634-5777

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770-205-6773

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770-667-1277

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years • www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com atlantaparent.com

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 25

Backpacks we love… The beginning of a new school year means it’s backpack time! These picks have substance and style to hold it all while making packing and unpacking the school day’s gear anything but boring. n MadPax

n SuperME

Backpack

Being super is no longer reserved just for the Marvel heroes. Equipped with a hidden cape and mask, every child can transform their identity as quickly as the pros. This backpack isn’t just super in looks, but it’s super functional and super comfortable. $39.90, supermehero.com.

Backpack These ultra cool backpacks are truly one of a kind. The four unique 3-dimensional designs are anything but ordinary. Whether your kids choose to rock Bubble, Spiketus Rex, Lator Gator, or Bloks, the durable and vibrant backpacks will have them bouncing off the walls for back-to-school this year. Full Packs, $60; Half packs, $44-$48, Madpax.com.

26 Atlanta Parent August 2013

n FourPeas

Backpacks FourPeas designer backpacks are a great choice for little stylelovers in your family. Parents can trust these PVC-free bags to last all year and kids love that backpacks can be personalized with an embroidered name. Toddler sizes fit preschoolers and school packs fit children through 8th grade. $25-$35, fourpeasonline.com.

Back to School

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and some Products we really like!

PRESCHOOL Infants – Pre-Kindergarten ELEMENTARY and MIDDLE GRADES K – 8th grades

Private Non-Parochial Education • GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited • Challenging Curriculum • Low Student/Teacher Ratios • Advanced Technology • Foreign Language, Music, Band, Chorus, Physical Education

• Outdoor Classroom and Gardens • RN on Staff/Health Education • Uniforms • Involved Parent Association • Afterschool Clubs • Competitive Sports and Robotics Teams

Tours welcome by appointment: 5368 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel n ZipIt

3-Ring Monster Pouch

770-664-7764

www.mcginniswoods.org

Make a monster hold your kids’ writing gear! These pencil pouches fit into binders easily and fully unzip wide mouths to keep pencils and pens in place. Four bright colors– pink, green, blue and pumpkin – appeal to both boys and girls, and the monsters’ personalities show in their eyes! $6-$8, zipitstore.com and Staples stores.

n Fashionit

Notebook Accessories This year your tween’s notebooks can be just as cool as her outfits. Fashionit allows girls to not only protect, but style their school supplies with cute covers and add-on charms. Each cover is washable and contains inside pockets and pen holders. Now that is a back-to-school makeover. $5-$14.99, justfashionit.com. n Staples

Twist Calculator

A new twist on the compact calculator is easy to stash and take along. When closed, only the display screen is visible, but the secret key pad opens with a twist! Red and pink versions are available. $4, Staples.com and Staples stores. c

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GAC ACCREDITED 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2002-2012

G FR A P EE re K

• Year-round open enrollment Infants - 12 Years • M-F 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM • Certiﬁed and Experienced Montessori Teachers • Fully Equipped Montessori Classrooms

• Full Service Childcare • Summer Camp, Field Trips, ASP • Ballet, Karate, Music, Piano, Spanish, Chinese • Full & Part Time, Mother’s Morning Out ARSHIPS Franchising Opportunity Available • SCHOL YEARS OLD /5 4 FOR tails!

www.CrescoMontessori.com

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Call for D

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 27

Team Up With the Teacher Developing a Strong Relationship Will Help Your Child Succeed in School by Sara Kendall

Get the new school year off to a successful start by creating a positive connection with your child’s teacher. Studies show a child of an involved parent has a higher level of academic achievement, improved behavior, and a more positive attitude about school and homework. Follow these eight steps to get connected and stay involved: 28 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Get Acquainted During Open House or Back-to-School Night, take advantage of the opportunity to introduce your child and yourself. Showing the initiative to break the ice is a great first step. Because there will be other parents competing for the teacher’s attention, this isn’t the time for a long involved discussion about your child. Make it a brief introduction, gain a comfort level, and then follow up with an email.

Reach Out Make the first email positive, using it to establish and open the lines of communication. Use this email as an opportunity to express the excitement your child has for the school year and your willingness to being a team player in your child’s education. It will provide the teacher valuable insight and show you are an engaged parent who is Pitch in when you willing to work with the teacher. can. Reading to If you missed a face-to-face meeting with the teacher, an introductory email is the class, tutoring, a great opportunity to introduce yourself or organizing a and your child. Every child is different, classroom event making effective communication are all good ways between you and the teacher very important. Give a brief summary of your to help. child, especially if there are health or learning issues. Right from the start, you will be making it clear you are an involved parent.

Volunteer Teachers rely heavily on volunteers. Pitch in when you can. Reading to the class, tutoring, or organizing a classroom event are all good ways to help. The teacher will appreciate your efforts and it will give you a chance to see how the teacher runs her classroom and how she interacts with her students.

Back to School

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Maximize Conference Times Consider these opportunities to gather as much information as you can about how your child is viewed by his teacher. Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This is a good time to hear about your child’s academics, but also how they interact socially, how they behave and how they participate in the classroom. So you won’t feel pressured to remember all the questions you want to ask, write them down prior to the conference.

Periodic Check-Ins Emailing is a bridge between home and school. Share important information with the teacher. If a significant home front event occurs like a family member’s illness, loss of a pet, or a parent being stationed overseas, don’t keep it a secret. One of these situations could have a great impact on your child’s behavior and school performance. If all is going well, a brief monthly email to check in on your child’s progress should be sufficient. If there are school issues, a weekly check-in might be needed for a while to get your child back on track. Confront problems early instead of letting them linger on. Word every email carefully. Sometimes digital communication can cause more problems than it solves. A neutral or positive email usually translates well to the teacher, but when an issue occurs, words and tone could get misinterpreted. A one-on-one meeting would provide a clearer setting for a conversation with the teacher instead of trading emails.

The multi-award winning online reading program! Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and ebooks that teach kids aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. The reason why over 90% of parents using Reading Eggs report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills is because the program makes learning phonics and basic reading skills fun. Your child can progress through the one-on-one lessons at their own pace and you can track their learning with regular progress reports and assessments. Take advantage of our special 5 week FREE trial today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs.

FREE 5 WEEK TRIAL *

Hurry, offer ends October 31, 2013. Register today at

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Face-to-Face Choose your words wisely. Don’t accuse, ask. Don’t disagree, discuss. Avoid saying “you need to” or “you have to.” Use more inclusive phrases “how can we” or “could you please.” Take a positive, team approach, carefully listen and find a solution to help your child solve the issue.

Stay Involved Show up for school events: Attend class performances, chaperone field trips and join the Parent-Teacher Association. A high level of participation shows the teacher you value all the school does for its students. Your attendance will give you more interactions with teachers, administrators and other parents.

Say Thanks Don’t miss any opportunity to let the teacher know you appreciate how much he or she does for your child. Recognize the teacher during Staff Appreciation Week, on their birthday and on holidays. The teacher will be grateful. c atlantaparent.com

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 29

Back-to-School Apps

Get Help with Homework, Organization and More by Tamekia Reece n School A to Z (free)

Has your child ever asked for homework help and you were just as confused? Yeah, sixth-grade math can be difficult all these years later! For those times when you don’t remember what an integer is or the difference between a transitive or intransitive verb, School A to Z, has tutorials and fun games to help teach you and your child. n Cozi Family Organizer

(free)

This app puts the whole family on the same schedule. A shared calendar, color-coded for each member of the family, allows you to see who needs to be where at what time. Add an appointment and share it with the entire family or members of your choosing. Because everyone’s calendar is synced, your husband can no longer say he forgot to pick up the dry cleaning, and your teenage son can’t use the “you didn’t remind me” excuse next time he doesn’t mow the lawn. Cozi can even send out email and text notifications about upcoming events. n The Snack App (free)

If you struggle to come up with snack ideas, this one is for you. No longer will your child be stuck with orange or apple slices for lunch every day. The Snack App lets you choose a craving category – sweet, salty, cheesy, crunchy, and more – and then gives you a list of snack ideas. The snacks are sorted by calorie count, so it’s easy to choose a snack that’s both tasty and healthy! 30 Atlanta Parent August 2013

I make the same promise at the beginning of every school year: I will keep all of my son’s paperwork from school organized; I’ll remember who has to be where, when; and our meals will be planned a week in advance. This will be the year things run smoothly. Easy, right? Not always. Try these cool phone apps to help make life easier this school year.

colorful characters, virtual rewards and real-world rewards, this app entices kids to do chores by catering to their competitive sides. You assign the chores and then the kids complete them to earn virtual coins that they may use to toward rewards like family movie night, a trip to the park, or whatever you decide. n Food on the

Table (free)

To avoid the afterschool meal madness, use this app to plan weekly menus, try out new recipes, and find out where to grocery shop in your neighborhood to save money. n KinderTown (free)

This is a must-have educational app for kids ages 3-8. Instead of searching through hundreds of thousands of apps, KinderTown saves you time and aggravation by providing a huge variety of age-appropriate apps and games that are reviewed and approved by educators and parents. n Mom Maps ($2.99)

n Wunderlist (free)

Your to-do list can quickly become a “didn’t do” list if you misplace it. Rather than jotting your list on scraps of paper, put your smartphone to use. Wunderlist can remind you of everything you need to do – whether it’s sending a note to your child’s science teacher, picking up a snack for the next PTA meeting, or taking the car in for a service. And you never have to worry about leaving your to-do list at work or at home. The app instantly syncs to your phone, desktop and on the web. n You Rule ($3.99)

If kids have a problem tackling their to-do list, the You Rule chores app will give them a nudge. Using

Back to School

When your kids are going on and on about being bored after school or on the weekend, this nifty little app uses your phone’s location to identify nearby kidfriendly spots. You can quickly find the name, address, phone number, website and reviews of a variety of places, including playgrounds, parks, restaurants, museums and indoor play centers. n MyHomework

(free)

This app will allow your child (and you) to keep track of his classes, tests, homework assignments, and projects. No more missed or late assignments! c atlantaparent.com

HEALTHY LUNCHES New school year, same goal: Pack a school lunch that’s healthy – and fun. For lunches that won’t get traded away, Atlanta Parent asked advice from Wendy Palmer, manager of Child Wellness Solutions at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Dr. Angela Evans of Atlanta Medical Center, and moms across metro Atlanta. What the Experts Said n Pack a Balanced Meal: It is extremely important that kids see a balanced meal everyday, Palmer says. This means the lunch contains some sort of protein, whole grain, fruit and a vegetable. Parents cannot forget to add both a fruit and vegetable to their child’s lunch. A dessert every once in a while is okay, but parents should not add a dessert to the lunchbox everyday because that sets the expectation that a dessert is included in a balanced meal, she says. 32 Atlanta Parent August 2013

n Pack Lunchbox Ice: Packed school lunches are often kept at room temperature from 7 a.m. until 11-12, which is 5-6 hours. As such, foods kept in a lunchbox need to be selected and packed carefully to prevent food poisoning, Evans says. The danger zone for many commonly packed foods including lunch meat and mayonnaise is 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore, packing a lunchbox ice with lunch is extremely important. Also, if you pack juice or water in the lunchbox, freeze it the night before so that the child has a nice cold drink at lunch, but it will also help keep the lunch out of the danger zone temperatures.

Back to School

n Be Careful About the Beverage: Have your child purchase milk at school or have them drink water or 100 percent fruit juice, Palmer says. Do not put soda or sugary drinks in the lunchbox that can actually derail a nutritious meal. Make sure if you pack milk, it is self-stable milk that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Also according to school meal guidelines, every cafeteria must have a water fountain, so simply pack a fun water bottle and have your kid fill it up! n Pack Snacks: Many children, especially those that are very active, need snacks to round out their nutritional requirements. While you want their snacks to be tasty, you want to make sure that the snack is not loaded with extra sugar and fat that can be very unhealthy for your child, Evans says. Pretzels, baked chips, plain popcorn or graham crackers are all tasty and healthier options than snacks commonly placed in the lunchbox such as cookies, chips, etc. n Stay Away from Packaged Lunches, False Healthy Snacks: Yes, they may be easy kid-sized portions, but there is actually more fat and sodium in a Lunchable than the child should have in an entire day, Palmer says. If you just make a homemade version, you’re going to save money and keep your child eating healthy. Also, parents should be cautioned about atlantaparent.com

snacks that may seem healthy but are not actually healthy at all. Fruit snacks, for instance, have no fruit in them at all; they are made from sugar, food coloring and other ingredients. n Look at the Nutrition Labels: The more processed the food is, the more unhealthy the food is, Evans says. Pack foods with natural ingredients, low sodium, low calories, etc. The best way to make sure it is a healthy option is to simply read the label. n Look at the School Lunch Menu: Talk with the school nutritionist and learn about the school lunch regulations, Palmer suggests. New laws require schools to serve a balanced plate. For example, if pizza is on the menu, that pizza is made with whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, and enough tomato sauce to be considered a veggie. School lunch regulations ensure a healthy lunch for your child. It is important that parents are aware of this when they are struggling to find time to pack lunch boxes everyday.

EASY AND BETTER Instead of this:

Try this:

Lunchables, Smuckers’ Uncrustables, or other packaged lunches

Homemade lunchables or sandwiches with fresh turkey or ham slices

Sandwich with white bread or Ritz crackers

Sandwich with whole-wheat bread or whole-grain crackers

Potato chips, Fritos, Cheetos, Doritos, etc.

Baked chips, pretzels, plain air-popped popcorn

Cheese and peanut butter cracker packs

Whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheddar cheese slices, or with a small spread of creamy peanut butter

Capri-suns, soda, and sugary drinks

Water, milk (self-stable so it does not go bad in the lunchbox), 100 percent fruit juices

Regular ranch dressing dip

Low-fat ranch dip or Italian dressing dip

Cookies, snack cakes, muffins, etc.

Graham crackers or vanilla wafers

Fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, pudding, Jell-o cups

Sugar free apple sauce, mandarin oranges (in water, not syrup), sliced melon, grapes, strawberries, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrot and celery sticks, edamame (green soybeans still in the pod), etc.

Gogurt, Trix yogurt

Light Yoplait fruit yogurt, Greek yogurt

Cereal and granola bars

Dried fruit (without added sugar), lightly salted nuts, baggie of Cheerios

Cont’d on page 34

♥ Full day Christian based educational program

♥ Loving qualified teachers ♥ Weekly Chapel ♥ Infant through PreK ♥ Enrichment Programs in: Ballet ▲ Gymnastics ▲ Music Monday – Friday 7AM – 6PM

DULE A TOUR TODA Y SCHE 404-843-8375 550 Mt. Paran Rd., Sandy Springs LeslieRose@StJohnChildren.org www.stjohnchildren.org atlantaparent.com

Back to School

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 33

HEALTHY LUNCHES Strategies for Success Moms know what the doctors say about eating right, but kids don’t always care. Getting children to eat healthy, especially when they are away from home, can be a battle. Our panel of metro-Atlanta moms can help you win the fight.

Now Accepting Applications!

St. Joseph

Catholic School Celebrating 60 years of Catholic Education National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Strong Religious Formation Dually Accredited SACS and SAIS Challenging Curriculum Fine Arts and Spanish Grades K through 8

Call 770-428-3328 for information

n Make It Fun: Though adults make food choices based on the countless benefits, children tend to operate much differently. They do what is attractive. They like to have fun, so make their food fun. Incorporating imaginative ideas into lunchtime can decrease the chances of lunch getting traded away and increase the chances of your child coming home with a full healthy belly. “A couple ways I have found making eating fruits and vegetables even more fun is using a cookie cutter and making shapes,” says mom Jamil Pearson. “Sometimes I will put the veggies or fruits in colorful or themed little snack bags that I find at a Dollar Store and sometimes seal them with ribbon.” When food is packaged pleasantly, kids feel like they are getting a little present, says Pearson. Kids love themes and simply integrating them into a lunch will make kids love a healthy lunchtime. “Once I sliced bananas and strawberries and put them on cake pop sticks for little kebobs – they [the kids] loved them! It was a Dr. Seuss Theme day!,” Pearson says. n Make It Convenient: “Lunch periods are not very long, perhaps 20, maybe 25 minutes,” says Keya Cateau, registered dietician and mom of three. Children typically do not have much time to eat lunch. When factoring in walking to the lunchroom, social times and bathroom time, little ones hardly have a moment to get the nutrients they need for a productive day. “There really isn’t much time to eat. You have to make a lunch that is convenient, can be eaten quickly, and most important, nutritious,” Cateau says. Many parents worry that their children will starve and usually over-pack their lunchbox. “Less is more,” says Adina Neufeld, mom of two and food blogger at My Kitchen Chaos. Offering children fewer options and small but “powerful” foods will give them energy and bring them home with an empty lunchbox. When packing meals, include small foods and snacks to keep your child full until it is time to eat again. “Try finger foods – cut up, bite-size

34 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Back to School

foods that are full of color, easy to chew and swallow. You want to be satiated but not full and sluggish,” Cateau says. Foods like soy chicken nuggets, dried fruit or turkey rolls or a cheese stick are great finger food options, Neufeld says. n Get Kids Involved: Kids are likely to eat their lunch when they are involved in the planning and preparation. They are never surprised or disappointed by what they are eating for lunch, Cateau says. “Take them to the grocery store with you. Let them identify the foods, touch and smell the produce and read food labels. Give them the grocery list to check off the items. In fact, let them help make the list. At home, let them help wash, chop, and stir the food.” When prep becomes fun, lunch becomes fun and exciting. Allowing kids to help come up with lunchtime themes and shapes to make nutritious foods appear more interesting. “They love picking out the shape and actually cutting their sandwich, then they are more enthused to eat the whole thing,” says mom Krissy Williams about preparing food for her daughters. Turning cooking and preparation time into teachable moments also can increase the likelihood that children will eat their lunch. A better understanding can lead to better food choices in the future. “When they get a sense of pride and they really know where the food is coming from, they understand it more, it makes them want to eat healthier because they are more informed,” Neufeld says. “Sometimes, I let them research different foods and recipes,” Cateau says. “While preparing the meal, we talk about the importance of each food group. We also check out books and DVDs from the library about eating healthy.” c – Kirby Cooperman and Taniqua Russ atlantaparent.com

THREE FOR LUNCH

Help the environment, help your child keep up with his lunch or just help him feel special:

Bumkins Reusable SnackBags These eco-friendly bags, an alternative to singleuse plastic baggies, are both machine washable and dishwasher-safe. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes – perfect for kid’s lunches this fall. Purchase online at bumkins.com or at retail stores including BuyBuy Baby and Babies R Us. Large single, $4.95; small 2-pack, $6.95.

Name Bubbles Labels For moms that are tired of kids losing their lunch bags and water bottles, try these new durable labels. They are waterproof, dishwasher, laundry, and microwave safe. Stick them on anything – bottles, bags, sweatshirts, iPods, tennis rackets, flip-flops, etc., and they stay. Choose your design and order online at namebubbles.com. Prices vary by design and size.

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Back to School

LunchBox Love Busy parents can stay connected with their children throughout the school day with these notes. Positive words on the front inspire, while fun trivia and jokes on the back entertain. Each volume contains 12 cards – 10 with different phrases and fun facts or jokes and 2 blanks so you can add a personal message. Every card is different. Receive 15 percent off if you purchase online at sayplease.com using coupon code ATLANTA. Also available at Walgreens, Hobby Lobby, Office Max, and Office Depot. One volume, $2.99; 8 volumes, $23.92; 16 volumes, $47.84.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 35

Get Ready for Middle School Ease Your Tween’s Fears for a Smoother Transition by Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

oving from elementary M to middle school can be a huge transition. Even

if tweens aren’t talking about their worries, they are probably nervous. These kids are about to leave a familiar environment and enter a much larger, sometimes chaotic setting. “A lot of kids feel like they are the only one who is nervous about middle school,” says Liz Brown, a middleschool counselor. “But the truth is that all sixth-graders are in the same boat.” Add hormones and social fears to the mix, and you have an anxiety-producing scenario, for both parent and child. Try these tips to help smooth the transition.

n Locker: Get your tween excited about

school with a shopping trip to pick out accessories for his or her locker. Decorate with movie posters or pictures of a favorite band. Adding a mirror or photos of friends can give the new student a familiar home base. n Combination Locks: Few

elementary schools have lockers, so this may be your tween’s first experience with using a combination lock. Plus, they will need to get the locker opened quickly between classes. You can help by purchasing a lock before school starts so that your student can get used to using one. 36 Atlanta Parent August 2013

n Changing Classes: It is hard

to go from sitting in the same room all day to moving between different classrooms and even buildings. Many students fear getting lost or being late to class. “For the first week or so, teachers are lenient about tardiness because they understand,” Brown says. Visit the school with your tween ahead of the first day and walk the route your student will take. Most schools offer an orientation for this purpose. Use this time together to answer any questions and point out other important sites such as the bathroom, office and cafeteria.

Back to School

n Gym: Changing clothes in the gym locker

room in front of peers can be a significant source of anxiety for tweens. Wearing an undershirt can be helpful, because it can be worn under both the school clothes and the gym uniform. The undershirt stays on while changing, making kids feel less exposed.

n Organization: Middle school is often

the first time kids are asked to juggle multiple classes and assignments from different teachers. The homework load also increases in the upper grade levels. To be successful, your student will need to learn both organizational and time management skills. Teach your tween how to Cont’d on page 38

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Locker✽Pizzazz by Kirby Cooperman

Making the transition into middle school means a lot of changes: new school, new teachers, new friends – and a new locker. It’s the first time kids have a space that they can truly call their own, so why not keep it organized and secure while showing off that funky sense of style? With these cool new locker accessories, staying organized and trendy has never been so fun.

✽ Mead Five Star

✽ Academic

Magnetic Locker Calendars Stare into the eyes of Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, or One Direction every time you open your locker. These magnetic calendars have tear-off monthly pages with plenty of space for writing notes and reminders. Purchase online at calendars.com. $7.99-$9.99

Photo Notepad

Personalize your locker with photos of family and friends while staying organized. The 50 tear-off note pages outlining the photo frame allow you to write down those quick reminders on paper instead of your hand. The magnetic back keeps the notepad in place. Available at Office Depot stores. $3.99

✽ LockerLookz This company has all the accessories you need to make that plain metal locker go from drab to fab. Wallpapers, lamps, chandeliers, organizational bins, shag rugs, flower magnets, mirrors and white message boards with dry-erase markers are available for purchase online at lockerlookz.com or at Learning Express stores locally. $6.99-$24.99

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Back to School

✽ MasterLocks This company wants to make sure you keep that fancy locker décor safe and secure. The MasterLock 1500iD Speed Dial ($9.99) relies on up, down, left, right movements – no number combination necessary! The DialSpeed Electronic Combination Lock ($24.99) is impressive with its 22 million combo possibilities and an automatic online password saver. Available at Office Max, The Home Depot and Wal-Mart, or masterlock.com.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 37

Get Ready for Middle School use a planner and a calendar. An accordion with tabs can be helpful as well. Make a tab for each class, plus a section for “homework” and “turn in.” The student can quickly slip the papers into the correct slot at the end of each period. A dry-erase calendar can be filled out weekly, so that the student can check it every morning to see which classes are on the agenda for the day. Get your student in the habit of packing his or her backpack the night before. Laying out clothes and other items needed for the following day can make the mornings smoother as well. Middle schools often have an earlier start time than elementary, and running around searching for a misplaced homework assignment is a terrible way to start the morning. n Extracurricular Activities: One

advantage of middle school is that there are more clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities. Encourage your tween to sign up for at least one new activity. Middle school a great time for tweens to figure out what they like (or don’t), and new activities afford opportunities to meet people and make friends. n Care Package: Create a care package

to store in your tween’s backpack. Include items such as a comb or hairbrush, breath

Encourage an open discussion about middle school. Remind your student that everyone is nervous. Ask your child if he has specific worries or concerns. mints, hand sanitizer, an index card with emergency phone numbers, a couple of BandAids, an extra pencil and pen, and a travelsized deodorant. For girls, tuck in a tampon or sanitary napkin. n Talk To Your Tween: Encourage an

open discussion about middle school. Remind your student that everyone is nervous. Ask your child if he has specific worries or concerns. Talk about bullying and how to handle this issue if it occurs. Also, go over what to do in case of a specific problem, like losing a schedule, or getting lost. Remember that your tween is growing in independence and may

not be forthcoming with information. Just continue asking (without nagging) and keep the doors of communication open. “Tell your student to identify one adult staff member at the school who they can talk to. This person may not be able to answer the student’s question, but they can point the kid in the right direction,” educator Melanie Strey says. n Don’t Forget Social Media:

Middle school is a good time to establish guidelines about social media. “Have a conversation about social media,” Strey says. “Even if kids don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account, they may use it at a friend’s house.” Bring up cyber bullying, and appropriate posting of pictures and messages. n Attitude Is Everything: “Kids feed

on our attitudes,” Brown says. “If parents are anxious about middle school, kids take on that stress. But if the parent has an attitude of empowerment, the kid will too.” Middle school can be a great time to build the skills tweens will need to carry them on to high school. With some preparation and conversation, middle school can be a fun and rewarding experience, for both parent and tween. c

Yes! There is a Choice in Independent Education. Grades 6-12 Accredited by SACS, SAIS, GAC

OPEN HOUSE: Thursdays 9:30 A.M RSVP 770-641-8688

www.ChooseCottage.com 700 Grimes Bridge Rd. • Roswell 30075 TCS is a 501 ( c ) 3 organization that maintains a nondiscriminatory policy in all school programs.

Providing Excellence in Education Tailored to the Needs of Individual Students since 1985 38 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Back to School

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Spotlight on

Back to School

The Atlanta Public Schools

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

he Atlanta Public Schools Department of Special Education offers comprehensive special education services children from birth through age 21 years through Child Find. Child Find is a component of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires all states to identify, locate, evaluate and refer all children with disabilities. Children from birth to age three with disabilities will be referred to the appropriate agencies for services. All referrals are considered confidential, and services are provided at no cost to the family. Atlanta Public Schools Child Find services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for infants and toddlers who are at risk of developmental delay. A free, appropriate, public education with a full continuum of services is available to all eligible children. If you know a child who may have a problem with learning, speech, vision, hearing, or who has physical, cognitive or health impairments, please encourage his or her parents and/or guardians to contact the Education Specialist at 404.802.1695. For more information visit our web site www.atlantapublicschools.us.

cGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle Grades Education. The school is located in Alpharetta on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties. The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS and NAEYC. It is also a member of the Georgia Independent School Association. The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the Passion to excel. This goal is accomplished by providing superior hands-on academics fostering self-confidence, self-esteem, and inspiring a love of learning. Classes with low student-teacher ratios, provide for frequent one-on-one learning. Superior educational resources are implemented to maximize the classroom experience of our diverse student population. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips and community service round out the curriculum. Integrated use of Interactive Whiteboards, a school wide broadcast system, computer labs, laptops and tablets support the rigorous curriculum. Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and clubs are also available. Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to learn more. Tours are available upon request.

Mount Pisgah Christian School

Wellspring Academy

rom preschool to graduation, Pisgah provides an experience that develops students who are truly prepared for college and ready for life. Graduates are well-prepared for the country’s most challenging colleges. Recent graduates were accepted to the nation’s top universities including Princeton, Cornell, Davidson, Dartmouth, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and more. More than 90% of Pisgah graduates were accepted to their college of first choice. Exceptional extracurricular programs are a Pisgah trademark. Students participate in highly successful, championship athletic programs, with coaches who develop the complete student-athlete: mind, body and spirit. Superb Fine Arts are offered for all students preschool through twelfth grade, providing unique opportunities for exploration and creative self-expression. Students are given the opportunity to explore their faith through spiritual retreats, Chapel, Bible courses, leadership/mentor opportunities, and mission trips. The Pisgah Experience - a clear vision and purpose with a strong sense of community built around families. Pisgah’s Admissions team invites you to visit. Mount Pisgah Christian School, 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022. 678-336-3443. experiencepisgah.org

ellspring Academy is a residential weight loss school for overweight teens and young adults and is among the world’s most effective programs for weight loss. Wellspring Academy offers middle school, high school, and college programs through virtual classrooms. The Wellspring Plan is a clinically-proven treatment program that trains participants to transform their bodies and change the way they think about diet and activity. The fundamentals of the Wellspring Plan include: eating a low-fat diet, take at least 10,000 steps per day, self-monitor food and activity, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Wellspring students’ success is a result of a number of factors: the simplicity and sustainability of Wellspring’s program, the level of professional care and support they receive during their time with Wellspring, the focus on family involvement, as well as the ongoing support students receive when they are back home from Wellspring’s Continuing Care program. At Wellspring, real change happens. Students lose weight, gain confidence, receive personalized academic support, and learn to take on life’s challenges through the behavioral change component of the Wellspring program. For more information, call 1.866.277.0221 or visit www. wellspringacademies.com

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Special Advertising Section

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 39

kids

Dance & Arts Showcase

activity guide

Ages Two-Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Movement • Karate Piano • Voice • Guitar • Ballroom • Hip Hop

OPEN HOUSE

AUGUST 3-4: 10am-4pm

770-934-5010 www.danceandarts.com

Chamblee/Tucker - 2861 Henderson Mill Rd.

10 OFF

REGISTRATION FEE Must mention this ad. Expires 10/1/13

Kid Chess “Chess makes you smart... we make it fun” • Classes • Tournaments • Summer Camps • Pre-K and up

770-575-5802 www.KidChess.com

Academy of Ballet

0 years of DANCE ating 2 r b e el

New Studio

COMING FALL 2013

All ages

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and more!

www.academy-ballet.com

Corner of Spalding Dr. & Holcomb Bridge Rd. Peachtree Corners/Norcross Call 770-242-6379

40 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Enrich your child’s mind and life with extracurricular activities. Art, dance, foreign language or swimming classes can be the creative outlets your child needs for after-school enrichment. In our Kids Activity Guide, you’ll find listings for a variety of programs including art, dance, music and sports activities. Before you make your final decision, be sure to get some input from your child. You can ensure a better experience when you find a program that meets your child’s needs and interests.

Special Advertising Section

Dance Academy of Ballet www.academy-ballet.com Celebrating 20 years. NEW STUDIO coming FALL 2013. Ages 2 1/2 to adult. Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Tumble, Hip Hop. For more information, visit website or call 770-242-6379.

Moving in the Spirit www.movinginthespirit.org www.movinginthespirit.org Dynamic classes focused on Modern Dance, Creative Movement, Choreography and Leadership Training. Ages 3-18. Open House August 24, 11am-1pm at 750 Glenwood Ave Atlanta. 404-624-5295.

Dance and Arts Showcase www.danceandarts.com 47 years in Dance Excellence, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Piano & Guitar. Ages 2 to Adult. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd. Open House. Aug. 3 & 4, 10 to 4 P.M. Call 770934-5010 to sign up for Fall classes.

Studio 23 www.studio23dance.com Dance classes from preschool to high school offered in all levels for jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop for both boys and girls, lyrical, and contemporary. 770-442-0023.

Dance Theatre www.DanceTheatre.net Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics and Cheer. Beautiful Sandy Springs studio conveniently located on Roswell Road and off I-285. Ages 3 - Teen. New for Fall, Boys Hipp-Hopp and Break Dance, Competition Team and Company now available. Actively enrolling for Fall 2013 season. Fall Studio hours: Mon.-Fri. 3-9 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.12 p.m. 678-705-8421. Lee Harper Studios www.leeharperanddancers.com Excellent dance instruction. Ages 3 and up. Creative movement, Pre-Ballet, Modern, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Tap. Over 34 years experience. “Lexus Leader of the Arts.” 3080 East Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta. 404-364-9555.

Drama Drama Kids International - NE Atlanta www.dramakids.com/ga3 Drama Kids infuses developmental skills into high-energy, one-hour-a-week sessions. The Drama Kids difference helps build creative thinking, literacy, confidence, verbal expression, leadership and team building skills. 770-776-7742. atlantaparent.com

Educational Enrichment European School of Music and Chess Euroschoolmusic.org

Program “Beyond Tutoring…Improving Academics!” Our method of teaching piano, violin, voice , language, math, chess etc. significantly develops musical and intellectual abilities, focus, attention – all of which help students to reach their full academic potential. Buckhead/Sandy Springs. 404-255-8382. Eye Level Learning Center www.myeyelevel.com

Eye Level Math and English programs are individualized, designed to nurture a lifelong passion for learning, critical thinking and empowered problem solving. Eye Level can support achievement in school and beyond. “Enopi is now Eye Level” Kid Chess

www.kidchess.com

Kid Chess is the most popular after-school program in metro Atlanta where children improve skills such as focus, critical thinking, decision-making, concentration, memory and planning. Chess makes kids smart and Kid Chess makes it fun. Kidfriendly coaches provide engaging and fun lessons, and utilize professionally-produced cartoons contain entertaining additional instruction. 770-575-5802.

LEE HARPER STUDIOS Home of

Lee Harper & Dancers and Lee Harper & Dancers II, a children’s dance company

34 Years of Teaching and Performing in Atlanta

Now Registering for the 2013 School Year

Ages 3 - Adult Creative Movement • Modern Ballet •Pointe • Tap Call for class schedule & registration package

404-364-9555

3080 E. Shadowlawn • Buckhead between Peachtree & E. Paces Ferry

leeharperanddancers.com atlantaparent.com

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 41

kids activity guide

770-442-0023 Your child is a star at Studio 23! Dance classes for boys and girls. Preschool to High School. All levels for: Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop and Contemporary. For a complete class schedule visit:

www.studio23dance.com 1050 Northfield Court, Suite 400. Roswell, GA 30076 Conveniently located near North Point Mall and GA 400

RY Robotics Explorers www.ryre.org Students ages 5 to 18 get hands on experience with robotics, programming, architecture, technology and team building. We encourage young minds to explore the world of science with forward thinking and constructive problem solving. Located across from North Fulton Hospital at 715 Hembree Place in Roswell. Call 770-7726622.

Ecole Du Samedi www.frenchschoolatlanta.org French classes for children 18 months - 12 years every Saturday, on the campus of the Atlanta International School in Buckhead. For information visit the web site or call Marc Mallet 770-634-6228.

The Tutoring Center www.tutoringcenter.com The Tutoring Center has been providing individualized, one-toone instruction in reading, writing, & math, and improving students’ concentration and focus since 1994. Free Diagnostic Assessment! Visit www.tutoringcenter.com.

Language Alliance Française d’Atlanta www.afatl.com French classes for all ages: toddlers 12-24 months, Bébé Alliance, and Petite Alliance for ages 3-5. After school program from kindergarten up to 4th grade. Saturday youth program for children aged 9-16. Midtown & Roswell. 404-875-1221.

42 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Music Atlanta Boy Choir atlantaboychoir.org

The Atlanta Boy Choir now in its 56th season, under the direction of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe, is now auditioning for its 2013-2014 season. Wanted: Boys ages 6-13 who love to sing. 404-378-0064.

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight: Activity Guide DANCE THEATRE At Sandy Springs

ance Theatre at Sandy Springs is proud to kick off its second year, building a tradition of excellence in dance education. They have already become an integral part of the Sandy Springs community. Dance Theatre is known for building beautiful, safe, clean facilities, hiring the best teachers in the business and treating each child as if they were their very own. Dance Theatre offers a truly comprehensive program where dancers ages 3-Teen, beginner through advanced, can take classes in every discipline including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, acrobatics and cheer, as well as specialty classes like Boys Hip Hop & Breakdancing. In addition, dancers who excel and aspire to become dance professionals may join either their elite competitive group, Team DTX, or their performance dance company DTC. For those interested in joining the Dance Theatre family, call 678-705-8421 for more information, or just stop by the studio Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m (Summer hours) 3-9 p.m. (Fall hours). It’s located in the Fountain Oaks Kroger shopping center at 4920 Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs. Students may also register for Fall classes at any time by visiting their website www.dancetheatre.net viewing the Fall Schedule, and filling out the simple registration form. Better hurry though, classes fill quickly.

Drama Kids International - NE Atlanta

CADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH DRAMA. It has been scientifically proven that a child’s brain can be significantly wired for literacy by early exposure to developmental drama activities. Parents who read and talk to their children early and often, encouraging diversity of words, are setting them up for academic success. Creative arts participation increases test scores and promotes academic achievement. Drama Kids International is a world-renowned developmental program replete with these opportunities. Their unique developmental kids’ acting program has been internationally recognized for its creative, evidence-based drama curriculum and teaching methods that are great fun and highly developmental for all children. Kids will: • Gain confidence, poise and self-esteem while expressing themselves clearly, creatively and confidently • Develop critical-thinking skills to apply to academic challenges • Learn to work in teams while gaining social skills • Learn to enunciate and speak out clearly. But most of all it’s fun. Children learn best when it’s fun! To enroll or bring this program to your schools’ afterschool program in the Northeast Atlanta area, call 770-776-7742 or go to www.dramakids.com/ga3. atlantaparent.com

Dance and Arts Showcase

ance and Arts Showcase offers an exciting array of classes including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Middle Eastern, Karate, Hip Hop and Ballroom. Classes are offered for ages 2-adult. They offer an outstanding Broadway Dance Recital at the Gwinnett Civic Center. Jean Shapiro, director and owner, is a native Atlantan and has been teaching dance and gym classes for 44 years. She was the principal dancer of The Atlanta Playhouse Theatre, and produceddirected her own original T.V. show called “Exercise And Health” which won a cable award. Winner of The Golden Peach Award for Best Teacher-Director of The Georgia Tech Ballet Club and listed in the World Of Who’s Who Of Women, she has dedicated her life to helping children and adults learn beauty through the art of dance. Dance and Arts Showcase teachers are experienced, wellqualified and share a wonderful teacher-student relationship. Dance and Arts Showcase can come to your daycare center and teach there.To sign up for fall classes, register online at www.danceandarts.com or call 770-934-5010. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd., near Northlake Mall.Open Houses: August 3 & 4, Chamblee; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ecole du Samedi

t Ecole du Samedi, children and adults benefit from a French-speaking environment and an enriching French immersion program. Literally a ‘School on Saturday’, classes are held Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for children ages 18 months - 12 years. The new Bébé at Moi class is for ages 18-36 months. All classes are taught by experienced teachers, and the school year lasts 30 Saturdays. Ecole du Samedi offers a native and a non- native track. The following classes are offered for non-native speakers: Preschool, Kindergarten, Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. The native track follows the curriculum of the French “Education Nationale.” French language is taught through games, rhymes, arts and crafts, songs and stories. Children also acquire foundations in vocabulary and grammar. Creative writing skills are developed at the advanced levels. Ecole du Samedi also offers classes for adults. You are invited to an Open House on August 24, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You can also register for classes on the web site www. frenchschoolatlanta.org. Pricing for classes varies by program, and discounts are available for enrolling multiple children. Ecole du Samedi is located in Buckhead on the campus of the Atlanta International School, 2890 North Fulton Dr., Atlanta, GA 30305. For more information, call 770-634-6228 or e-mail claire@ecoledusamedi.org.

[Special Education Guide ] Advertising Section

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 43

kids activity

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The Music Class www.themusicclass.com/atlanta Rob Sayer’s fun filled classes of singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Parents learn how to enrich their child’s music environment, increase music potential and understand music development. Ages birth - six years. Over 150 classes offered metro-wide. Buckhead, Crabapple, Dunwoody, East Cobb, Intown Atlanta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Suwanee, Toco Hills, Woodstock. 770-645-5578.

The Dojo American Karate Centers www.teamdojo.com Offering Kids Karate, After School Care and Summer Camps too. Let us help you teach your kids respect, focus and discipline while they get in better shape and have fun! Youth Capoeira with Passo A Frente

www.DanceFightPlay.com

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www.frenchschoolatlanta.org or call

770-634-6228 Youth Capoeira...

the Brazilian martial art disguised as dance

Want your child to exercise more? Play an instrument? Speak another language? How about All three in one class? Our Youth Capoeira classes offer just that. Classes available 6 days a week at three Metro locations for children aged 5-18. 404-849-5643.

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta www.gsgatl.org

Turn boring days into days you’ll remember all your life with Girl Scouts – now with more choices – and more reasons than ever to join. Call 770-702-9100.

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Spotlight: Activity Guide Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

hat did your daughter do today? Did she have an amazing experience, an endless adventure, or enjoy nonstop fun? If you want more for your daughter – check out Girl Scouts! Girl Scouting offers endless ways to turn boring days into days she’ll remember all her life. And these days, Girl Scouts offers even more choices- and more reasons than ever to join or volunteer. Locally, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is the largest, all-female serving organization in Georgia - and the premier leadership development program for girls in grades K-12. Through Girl Scout programs, girls develop courage, confidence and character – then take action to make the world a better place. All experiences in Girl Scouting incorporate the Discover, Connect, and Take Action keys to leadership – with events and activities that are girl-led, experiential and all promote cooperative learning. Girl Scouts opens the doors to truly enriching experiences: Great adventures, community service and through hundreds of activities where she can develop values and skills to help her discover her own potential. Choose from camp, events, series, travel, troop, even virtual – your daughter’s experience can be as individual as she is. Learn more about Girl Scouting in Greater Atlanta at www.gsgatl.org or call 770.702.9100.

Kid Chess

winnett County Teacher of the Year says “To engage minds, empower decision makers, and embrace uniqueness is a motto that guides my teaching. Kid Chess encompasses all those principles. I personally observed added enthusiasm for learning, an increase of concentration and focus, and strategy lead decision making as a result of participating in Kid Chess. This program also creates an atmosphere of success where all children feel self-assured and powerful in their own ‘kingdom.’’’ The popular afterschool enrichment company serves the metro-Atlanta area providing chess instruction to elementary kids with over 3,500 students in over 50 schools enrolled in Kid Chess classes each semester. Classes and camps are conducted by teams of coaches, who supplement their extensive chess knowledge with funny instructional cartoons and a website filled with lessons, puzzles and games. Kid Chess’ techniques are effective. Every year their students compete in and perform exceptionally well in a variety of tournaments, including the Georgia Chess Association’s annual Georgia K-8 Team State Championship. For more information about the Kid Chess programs in your area or to get a Kid Chess program into your school please visit www.kidchess.com or call 770.575.5802.

Moving in the Spirit

Atlanta Boy Choir

oving in the Spirit is an awardwinning youth development program that uses dance to transform the lives of children and teens. Through dynamic classes that combine Modern Dance, Ballet, Choreography and Leadership Training, Moving in the Spirit inspires young people to become creative artists and compassionate leaders. Moving in the Spirit Teaching Artists are carefully selected for their outstanding credentials and dedication to the well-being and success of their students. Dancers can meet their teacher, tour the dance facility and enroll in classes during Open House on August 24, 2013 from 11am-1pm. Experienced students are encouraged to audition for Moving in the Spirit’s intermediate and advanced performance programs. Auditions for the Apprentice Corporation (ages 13-18) will be held on August 24 at 2pm, while auditions for the Junior Company (girls ages 9-12) and Men in Motion (boys ages 10-12) will be held at 2:30pm. Need-based scholarships are available. Open House and Auditions take place at Moving in the Spirit’s home theater at 750 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information, call 404-624-5295, or visit www.movinginthespirit.org.

rammy Award Winning Choir Now Auditioning. Atlanta’s world famous singing boys have just returned from Nova Scotia where they thrilled sold out audiences with their beautiful musical renditions. The Atlanta Boy Choir now in its 56th season under the direction of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe boasts some 8000 metro boys who have gone through their ranks over the years. Many of these boys, now men, are on the world’s musical scene in Broadway performances, television and movie productions. Some of these include Broadway Tony winner Schuler Hensley, multiple Grammy Award winner Richard Clement, Metropolitan Opera star Morris Robinson, and Emmy Award winning “Mad Men” TV producer Dwayne Shattuck. Parents interested in their son becoming a part of Atlanta’s most prestigious musical group should call the choir at 404.378.0064 or email info@atlantaboychoir.org. Boys 6-13 are now being accepted for the 2013-14 season. Each year the choir concertizes in various countries around the world. “They Sing and the World Listens.”

atlantaparent.com

[Special Education Guide ] Advertising Section

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 45

just kids

NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN IN TUCKER!!!

Pediatric Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy Ages birth-21 years old Other locations: Woodstock and McDonough

678-462-1342 heartsandhandstherapy.com

A quarterly focus on Special Needs

Maximize Medical Visits Partner with Specialists to Make Sure Your Child Gets the Best Care

by Sue LeBreton

aking your child to see a medical specialist dredges up a complex mixture of emotions. You’re worried about the condition that caused you to seek the assistance of a specialist and you hope that this expert can provide answers. You may feel intimidated if you are not a medical professional. You can ease your anxiety about this meeting through preparation. If you spend some time before the appointment detailing your child’s health history in writing you will demonstrate that you respect the busy schedule of the specialist and you will maximize the benefit of the interaction. Think of yourself as a fellow detective providing evidence to help the specialist 46 Atlanta Parent August 2013

solve your child’s case. Even things that seem unrelated to you can be significant to the medical expert, so err on the side of too much information. Keeping a good medical history is especially important if your child sees multiple specialists. “It’s the parent’s role to make sure you’re looking at your child’s whole treatment,” says Atlanta mom Rhonda O’Gorman, whose 10-year-old daughter was born with agenesis of the corpus callosum, a birth defect in which part of the brain is missing. Her daughter sees 18 specialists, and the one who is checking her ear infection, for instance, may not be focused on her digestive problems, though the two problems might be related. O’Gorman has what she calls a “oneatlantaparent.com

page cheat sheet” that helps her keep up with each specialist’s phone and fax numbers and her child’s current and past appointments with them. She’s able to give an updated sheet to each specialist so they will have current contact information if they need to confer with another specialist about a medical condition or therapy issue. During appointments, she jots down information that might spur an idea or a question, so she’s able to ask about it before the appointment ends. And she’s found a lot of information that’s proved helpful has come from asking questions and talking to other parents – busy specialists aren’t necessarily going to think about all the information you might want to know during the office visit. The Basics Your primary tool is a detailed document that includes your child’s name, date of birth, medical number if applicable and a notation that this was prepared by you on this date. If your document has multiple pages, number the pages and ensure these identifiers are on each page.

Think of yourself as a fellow detective providing evidence to help the specialist solve your child’s case. Even things that seem unrelated to you can be significant to the medical expert, so err on the side of too much information.

What else should you include in your child’s health history? Start at the beginning, no matter the age of your child. Was your pregnancy normal? Was your child born full term? Were there any complications during pregnancy? Were there any complications during delivery? Was the baby delivered naturally? Did your baby require any medical interventions at birth? Did you breastfeed and if so, for how long? How would you describe your baby? Fussy? Easy? Do you have other children? What is the status of their health?

Developmental Milestones Note developmental milestones such as when your child first sat, waved goodbye, walked, was toilet trained and talked. If your child is in school, how do they perform academically? Does your child require any modifications or accommodations at school? Has the teacher noticed any changes or behaviors of concern? Has your child’s eye sight and hearing been tested? Note the results and timing of any such tests. Cont’d on page 48

Children’s Special Services, LLC

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 47

just kids

Maximize Medical Visits Medical Interventions Has your child ever been hospitalized? If so, when, for what reason and for how long? Is your child on any medication? Bring medications with you so that the specialist can confirm dosages. Detail any previous use of medications and why they were discontinued. Remember to document any supplements or alternative therapies. Has your child seen other specialists? Include their names, dates and any follow up that has resulted. Family History The specialist may be interested in either parent’s medical conditions. Include conditions that you experienced even if you have grown out of them. Do grandparents have any medical or psychological issues? Even if you think these conditions are unrelated, try to give the specialist as much information as possible. This is no time to guard family secrets. Current Concern When did you first become concerned about this issue and why? How often do you see symptoms or behaviors that concern you? Have you tracked symptoms on a calendar? You may notice symptoms only on certain days of the week or seasonally and that pattern can give the specialist important clues. The Appointment Take a deep breath and reassure yourself that despite the expertise of whomever you are seeing, you are the expert concerning your child. Give one copy of your prepared heath history to the specialist and keep one for your personal reference. This will help you stay focused and remember important information. It is easy to forget pertinent details when you are experiencing stress. Also, you can be distracted trying to placate a child who may not want to be there. Bring a pen and notebook to jot any instructions or questions you cannot answer in the moment.

College prep and vocational programs designed for grades 4-12 and postgraduate students with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and other learning differences. ptional An Exceol for o h c S onal Excepti nts e d Stu

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48 Atlanta Parent August 2013

The mission of The Bedford School is to maximize the potential of students with learning differences and develop foundations for success. 770-774-8001

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn www.thebedfordschool.org

Post Appointment Add the details of your visit including the doctor’s name and any recommendations made to your health history document. Note any follow up. Try to do this as soon as possible after the visit when your memory is fresh. As you add to your document, are there any questions you forgot to ask? Add them to your document to remind you to address these questions in other visits with this specialist or other appropriate professionals. c atlantaparent.com

just kids f.y.i Disabilities Affect Us All

New Test for ADHD The Food and Drug Administration just approved a brain wave test that can diagnose ADHD in children ages 6-17. Finally, there is a device that can provide physical evidence for the behavioral disorder. The device, from NEBA Health based out of Augusta, is the first to use brain wave patterns to help diagnose ADHD. The 15-20 minute medical scan looks at two standard brain waves – theta and beta waves. Children with ADHD tend to have a higher ratio of these waves. Doctors will use the NEBA health system to confirm an ADHD diagnosis or to decide if further testing is necessary. The cost of the NEBA system and the proposed charge for the test has not been made public.

More than 41 million Americans, or almost 15 percent of people age 5 and older, have some type of disability, according to the U.S. Census. Almost 3 million kids have disabilities. According to some estimates, the cost of lifetime care for a child with serious disabilities can equal the cost of 44 years of college.

AllerMates Wristbands Thanks to AllerMates, concerns about your child’s medical issues are now a fleeting thought. These wristbands are a fun way to inform school teachers, chaperones and others of your child’s asthma, diabetes or allergies. And they don’t just stop at wristbands. AllerMates offers other products and resources to help keep kids safe and healthy. 2 for $12 or $6.99 each, CVS, Kmart, or allermates.com

http://slpai.com

The Adaptive Learning Center Building Communities Through The Inclusion of Children With Special Needs & Their Families

Inclusive Preschool

CHILDREN USE THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY TO EXPRESS AND RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS. Trudy Post Sprunk

www.gapt.org 770.491.7423 atlantaparent.com

ALC offers an inclusive preschool program in partnership with Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, The Preschool at Peachtree Road, United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian of Atlanta Preschool, and the 2 preschools of the Marcus Jewish Community Centers of Atlanta (MJCCA).

Atlanta • Buckhead • Dunwoody • Marietta

www.adaptivelearningcenter.org

770.509.3909

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 49

just kids

A quarterly focus on Special Needs

Tips for Interacting with Special Needs Families by Sue LeBreton

A variety of diagnoses can lead a family to being called a special needs family, but what we all share are the challenges of parenting a child with serious medical, developmental or learning issues, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some of our children’s issues are obvious to outsiders, some are invisible. When I joined the ranks of special needs families, I gained a wider appreciation for the many issues that confront us. I also experienced awkward encounters with friends and strangers. These simple tips will help your interactions with special needs families be more comfortable, for you and for us. n Please do not judge us by our child’s actions; we

are doing the best we can.

n Please do not offer us unsolicited advice because

we know what works for our child.

n Please do not share horror stories of complications or

negative outcomes as a way to connect with us, especially in front of our children. n We, too, have hopes and dreams for our children and

we celebrate success on our terms.

n Please do not assume that we are sad or our lives

are tragic. Just like you, some of our days are better than others.

n Remember that we still have a sense of humor and

a love of life.

n Remember the adage, “If you cannot say anything good,

say nothing at all.”

n Please do not ask questions about our child’s situation

in front of them. If you genuinely want to know, we can discuss this privately, but if you do not know us, why would you ask? n Please do not stare but smile at us instead. n Try to see the person, not the label.

LeBreton’s son has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. 50 Atlanta Parent August 2013

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on Special Needs Resources Circus Arts Therapy®

Porter Academy

arrie Heller, MSW, LCSW, invites you to the Circus Arts Institute where she conducts Circus Arts Therapy (CAT) sessions for individuals, families and groups. CAT is a unique experiential therapy utilizing Low Trapeze, soft rope climbing with tricks, Low tight wire walking, Balance Boards, Juggling and other ground and aerial equipment in a safe, enthusiastic environment. This therapy is designed for children and teens with learning differences, attention difficulties, sensory challenges, behavioral and emotional issues, physical challenges and more. This includes children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome and PDD. Each summer, Carrie offers the CIRCUS ARTS SOCIAL SUMMER (CASS) for three weeks in July. Circus Arts Therapy® as well as the Circus Arts Social Summer program include specific activities to encourage and enhance: Bilateral coordination skills; Muscle strength, including core muscles; Crossing the midline abilities; Brain and body balancing; Self esteem; Ability to overcome fears; Communication with peers; Balance, flexibility & coordination; Focus and attention; Teamwork and Social Skill development (CAT group) Please go to www.circusartsinstitute.com or call 404-5493000 for more information and registration.

orter Academy is dedicated to educating children Pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g, processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem. To accomplish the above goals, Porter Academy utilizes 1)small homerooms grouped by social-developmental level, 2)assessments to determine academic and developmental level, 3)individualized academic programs, 4)small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension, 5) use of physical movement and multi-sensory techniques to enhance learning efficiency, 6)social guidance and intentional character development, and 7)therapeutic support (speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy within a group setting). Porter Academy fosters lifelong success through the development of cognitive, academic, social, and psychological abilities that provide a strong foundation upon which the child can build. Visit www.porteracademy.org or call 770-594-1313.

Special Advertising Section

Wanted: justkids Cover Models Atlanta Parent Magazine is looking for children with disabilities for the cover of our next justkids magazine. Send us your photos and a brief description of your child including their name, age and phone number to:

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 51

52 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; August 2013

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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

n Free

Fun

n Exhibits

n Playground

Not-to-miss events for August

n Calendar

Kids’ng Clothlei s Sa

60 Page

Night at the Museum

African Children’s Choir

Tellus Science Museum Aug. 10, 6-10 p.m.

Peachtree Presbyterian Church / Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Acworth United Methodist Church / Aug. 25, 11 a.m. Cannon United Methodist Church / Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. Oak Grove United Methodist Church / Aug. 28, 7 p.m. Wieuca Road Baptist Church / Sept. 1, 11 a.m.

More than 30 science and science fiction characters will come alive and wander around the museum for one special night. The Tellus Mad Scientists will entertain children and adults with their infamous experiments. Children 12 and younger are encouraged to dress up as their favorite scientist or science fiction character and will receive a special autograph book to fill with the signatures of their favorite characters. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. tellusmuseum.org. $20 per person.

atlantaparent.com

Enjoy the angelic voices and smiling faces of the African Children’s Choir as they perform traditional spirituals, gospels and children’s songs to raise awareness. africanchildrenschoir.com. Free; offering encouraged.

Family Fun Guide

African Children’s Choir

Dinosaur Birthday Bash Fernbank Museum of Natural History Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come celebrate the 12th anniversary of “Giants of the Mesozoic,” the exhibit in the museum’s great hall. Enjoy dinosaur and birthday themed activities, games, crafts and more. Dinosaur costumes encouraged. Free, with museum admission. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-9296300. fernbankmuseum.org. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 53

Family Fun Guide EATING OUT

Hot Dog Roundup Atlanta Parent provides you with a list of some of the best places to enjoy a hot dog during the hazy, lazy dog days of summer!

n Barker’s Red Hots 3000 Windy Hill Rd., #128, Marietta 770-272-0407; barkersredhots.com If the scent of a charcoal grill beckons your taste buds, Barker’s Red Hots is sure to satisfy. These dogs are scored, placed on a hot charcoal grill and turned continuously to create a slightly crunchy char. The “original” hotdog is served with hot sauce, onions and pickles. Kid meals are available (age 10 and younger) for a mere $2.99 and include a side (fries, carrots & ranch, mandarin oranges), juice and a cookie. The Crystal Beach Crinkle Cut French Fries (washed in vinegar) and sweet onion rings are addictive. Don’t say you’ll share; you’ll want these all to yourself!

Summer Skating Skate your way through summer at these rinks around town. Admission prices range from $4-$10; skate rentals are free-$3.50. Call locations for open skate hours and current prices, and check kidsskatefree. com for information on centers that offer free passes to children.

n HD1 664 N. Highland Ave., NE Atlanta 404-815-1127; hd1restaurant.com If you’re into locally sourced food, check out the hot dogs at HD1. PonceyHighland locals rave about Top Chef All Star Winner Richard Blais’ signature Haute Dog, served on a big Texas Toastlike bun with beef chili, pimento cheese and sweet onion for $5.50. Kid meal selections include grilled cheese, corn dog or chicken fingers served with waffle fries for about $4. Vegetarian hot dog lovers can indulge in a field roast veggie frank dressed with veggie chili, walnut mayo and fried shallot rings for $6.

n Skip’s Hot Dogs 48 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates 404-292-6703; skipshotdogs.com No need to book a flight to the Windy City to get a good, Chicago-style hot dog. Head over to Skip’s in Avondale Estates for a Vienna Beef hot dog with requisite tomato, peppers, relish, pickles and mustard served on a poppy seed bun. Not a Chicago-style dog enthusiast? No worries, other toppings include sauerkraut, cheese, chili or cole slaw. n The Varsity North Avenue Downtown 404-881-1706 Other locations: Hartsfield-Jackson Airport; Town Center; Kennesaw; Athens; Dawsonville; Alpharetta; Gwinnett thevarsity.com With over two miles of hot dogs, a ton of onions and 300 gallons of chili made from scratch daily, The Varsity is the premier place to bliss out on a Hot Dog (chili and mustard), Heavy Weight (extra chili), or Yankee Dog (mustard only). Washed down with an ice-cold CocaCola, FO (Frosted Orange) or PC (chocolate milk), you simply can’t go wrong here! – Dana diLorenzo

All American Skating Center: 5400 Bermuda Rd., Stone Mountain; 770-469-9775

Romp N Roll: 3174 Salem Rd., Conyers; 770-787-4386

Alpharetta Family Skate Center, The Cooler: 10800 Davis Dr., Alpharetta; 770-649-6600

Skate Country: Buford: 2700 Buford Hwy.; 678-546-1547. Gainesville: 2276 Thompson Bridge Rd.; 770-532-3248

Atlanta Family Fun Centers: Cascade: 3335 Martin Luther King Jr. Rd., Atlanta; 404-699-9558 Golden Glide: 2750 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur; 404-288-7773

Skate-A-Long USA: 744 Beaver Ruin Rd., Lilburn; 770-921-0800

Dazzles Roller Sports: Douglasville: 3844 Longview Dr.; 770-942-7655 Fayetteville: 193 N. 85 Pkwy.; 770-460-8788

Skate Zone: 6766 Mt. Zion Blvd., Morrow; 770-960-1400

Hot Wheels Skate Center: 228 Farm Ridge Dr. NE, Woodstock; 770-592-4688 Let’s Roll Skate ‘N Fun Center: 5065 Piney Grove Rd., Cumming; 770-888-5000

54 Atlanta Parent August 2013

n Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs 1377 Church St. Ext. NW, Marietta 770-422-3681 Thirty years ago, it was known as Betty’s World Famous Hot Dogs. About 10 years ago it became Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs and the locals breathed a sigh of relief that nothing but the name changed. There’s often a line of folks with cash in hand (no plastic accepted here!) as the door opens at 10 a.m. and it can be a challenge to navigate the tiny gravel parking lot, but the food and old-time diner ambience is worth it. At $1.25 each, Brandi’s offers simple, old-fashioned hot dogs. The house favorite is a chili dog, and this dog can bite with chili that packs a powerful punch. Afraid you’re not up to the challenge? Ask to have the chili drained and add cool, crisp cole slaw to top off your dog.

Family Fun Guide

Skate Towne Roller Rink: 5570 Old National Hwy., College Park; 404-768-0095

Sparkles Roller Rinks: Four locations: Hiram, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Lawrenceville; sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com Starlite Family Fun Center: Stockbridge: 3710 N. Henry Blvd.; 770-474-7655 Sharpsburg: 55 Thomas Grace Annex; 770-252-9500

atlantaparent.com

FREE FUN atlantaparent.com

Family Flicks A movie screened outdoors just feels special, and pre-film activities like face painting add excitement. You can’t beat the price (free!), so bring the whole family. Remember blankets or lawn chairs. Screenings start at dusk, but check with venues before heading out since weather may change movie schedules. The Avenue Peachtree City Aug 9: The Croods (PG) peachtreecity.shoptheavenue.com

Riverside Park, Roswell Aug 10: The Croods (PG) brought to you by B 98.5 b985.com

Atlantic Station Aug 15: The Goonies (PG) atlanticstation.com

The Croods The Goonies

Stone Mountain Village Aug 17: The Karate Kid (PG) stonemountainvillage.com

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Aug 31: Epic (PG), brought to you by Northside Hospital gamoviesinthepark.com

Epic

For more outdoor movie dates, please check our calendar in this issue or atlantaparent.com/event.

Family Fun Guide

Karate Kid

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 55

A DAY at the ZOO Zoo Atlanta is making a splash in many new ways this summer: Just opened Splash Fountain, expanded Wild Encounters adventures, a new family volunteer program, and plenty of new animals, including some newborns: A Western lowland gorilla, a Sumatra orangutan, a Golden Lion tamarin, a Lesser kudu and an Eastern bongo. And the most recent additions, twin panda cubs, expected to be seen by zoo visitors this fall. Family Volunteer Program Are your kids zooaholics? They now have a new reason to spend even more time with the animals! A new volunteer program lets children age 8 and older volunteer with their families. The program requires an annual family membership; attendance at a volunteer orientation; purchase of a volunteer T-shirt ($10) and name badge ($5), and a commitment of at least two hours of service on scheduled volunteer days. Details at zooatlanta.org/home/volunteer/ family_volunteer.

If You Go Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta zooatlanta.org; 404-624-5600 n Open: Mon.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. Open Sat. and Sun. until 6:30 p.m. through Labor Day. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta

Splash Fountain When the 18 water jets soared toward the sky on July 2, Sidney Hawkins, age 3½, said it all in one word: “WOW!” Sidney and his mom, Ayanna, were among the lucky ones to give the fountain a trial run on opening day, and the spray pad was an instant hit. The free fountain will be open daily into October, weather permitting. It’s in the zoo’s KidZone. Kids also can climb a 25-foot wall, ride a carousel, or climb aboard a train for a tour of the zoo’s perimeter (Additional fees apply).

56 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Family Fun Guide

n Admission: $21.99 adults (age 12 and older); $16.99 children ages 3-11; free for children age 2 and younger. Annual Family Membership $109; Companion Membership $89. Parking is free.

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Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter participants are led inside the gate of the largest living tortoise exhibit, where our guide shared the history of these 100-plus year-old creatures and demonstrated how zookeepers train the ancient giants. Children could pet and feed the two giant tortoises, placing food at the end of a stick, a safe distance from the tortoises’ sharp teeth. While feeding, the zookeeper instructed us to stand to the left or right of the tortoises because their eyes are located on the sides of their head. From the Seychelles Islands to Zoo Atlanta, these creatures have quite Photo by Charlotte D. Cruce a history, which we enjoyed learning. Weighing between 300 and 600 pounds, they move rather slowly but were friendly and curious as the children entered their home. But be sure to watch your feet! You wouldn’t want these giants stepping on tiny toes. Photo by Kirby Cooperman

Lemur Wild Encounter

Photo by Charlotte D. Cruce

atlantaparent.com

My 7-year-old son has been fascinated with King Julian of the Madagascar movies, so we were thrilled to “move it, move it” to the new lemur encounter. We began with an introduction to the lemur habitat. While our group watched the lemurs play, hang, scurry and screech, we learned the zoo is home to two varieties of lemurs, the Black and White Ruffed and the Ring-Tailed. Because lemurs are mammals like us, they’re in danger of getting the same kinds of illnesses we can, so we put on face masks and gloves before heading to the opposite side of the lemur habitat, where we could get up close to the animals and speak with the zookeeper. The lemurs were not shy, coming close to show off their climbing skills. They seemed to know that visitors = food! While the zookeeper pointed out parts of the lemur’s anatomy, including their secret weapon scent glands, we got to see their hierarchy in action. Girls rule and boys drool in lemur land, with the most dominant one, a grandma named Luna, keeping everyone in line. When it was time for feeding, we used our gloved hands to give the lemurs French fry-shaped fruit slices. They took them gently with their mouths, or transferred them to their hands. It was interesting to see how human-like their fingers and nails are! – Dalia Faupel

Family Fun Guide

About Wild Encounters The zoo has expanded its program that lets kids and adults get up close with animals. In addition to close encounters with a Giant Panda, Komodo dragon and African Elephant, visitors now can go behindthe-scenes with lemurs and Aldabra tortoises. Reservations are recommended. Walkups may be available. Encounters are limited to 6-10 people. Cost per person, in addition to zoo admission: $35 for the tortoise and Komodo dragon adventures; $50 for the lemurs; $75 for the African elephant, and $150 to see Lun Lun the panda (currently on maternity leave). Book at zooatlanta.org.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 57

LanierWorld:

A Beach in Our Own Backyard

he feeling of sand between your toes and the rush of cool water is synonymous with summer fun. Who doesn’t want to relax on a beach or cool off at a water park on a hot summer day? LanierWorld at Lake Lanier Island Resorts offers the sensation of both a beach and a water park, fun for adults and kids alike. As soon we entered the gate, What to Know Before my three nieces spotted the Kiddie You Go Lagoon and Wiggle Waves area, as LanierWorld at Lake Lanier well as the one of the many water Island Resorts slides. We were at the Big Beach 700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, (LanierWorld is separated into Buford. 770-945-8787; sections), and I relaxed in one of lakelanierislands.com the many beach chairs while the n Hours: Mon.-Fri.,10 a.m.girls explored the water area to 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; their hearts content. Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Open Kiddie Lagoon and Wiggle weekends only starting Aug. Waves is popular among the infant 10, Sat.- Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and toddler crowd and provided n Cost: Adult and child 42 endless fun for the 3-year-old. inches or taller, $35; under With mini water slides and fish 42 inches, $20; ages 2 and sprayers, and with life jackets younger, free. Parking, $10. available, she was able to float around and cool off. The 6- and 7-year-olds, however, were ready for “big-kids” fun. Enticed by a large Ferris wheel, my girls dragged me along to explore the other sections, including Landlubber’s Lagoon Carnival (our wristbands allowed us access into every section of LanierWorld). During the 10-minute Ferris wheel ride, basketball games and performances by the Fun Time Players (which the girls participated in), I heard the soothing sounds of jazz music coming from the floating stage. We headed back to 58 Atlanta Parent August 2013

the main beach, to enjoy some live music. Then, the girls discovered five water slides and Lakeside Links Mini Golf. Children 42 inches or taller can ride the Intimidator, the Typhoon, the Twister and the Triple Threat. Two of my girls were tall enough, and not being able to swim was not a problem – the slides emptied into 3 feet of water. The FunDunker Playhouse, proclaimed the most challenging slide by LanierWorld’s website, requires riders to be 48 inches or taller. Though they may be tall enough, younger children might find this ride a little scarey. The ride involves many twists and being dunked into an 8-foot-deep tank. We ended the day at Kiddie Lagoon and Wiggle Waves so that all three girls could have fun together. On our way out, the girls spotted rides and a large wave pool in the Family Fun Park. A six-hour visit was not long enough to enjoy it all! Could we visit the Fun Park the next day?, they asked. LanierWorld is certainly a day, or two, well spent. Tip: Arrive early on a sunny day, when it might be crowded. We got there at 1 p.m. because it was raining earlier, but plenty of families were already there. Many restaurants and food stands along the boardwalk offer a variety of food, but you also can pack a picnic lunch. Though no coolers are allowed in the park, we were able to move in and out, as long as we had our wristbands. Picnic tables are set up under the shade adjacent to the parking lot where visitors can enjoy any outside food or beverages. – Taniqua Russ

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Playground: Promised Land Playground, Eastside Baptist Church This all-wood play structure is often referred to as the “castle playground.” While the castle-like architecture does make the kids feel like royalty, the playground is actually built to model “Noah’s Ark.”

Family Fundays at Jaemor Farms Families can tour a centuryold fruit and vegetable farm just an hour north of metro Atlanta. Jaemor Farms grows about 300 acres of fruits and vegetables, including berries, apples and more than 20 varieties of peaches. One-hour tours include a tractor-pulled covered wagon ride with the farm’s educational specialist to learn about farming and crops grown on site and a sampling of ripe fruit. Tours are offered each Saturday through Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 a person, with kids 3 and younger touring for free. 5340 Cornelia Hwy, Alto. 770-869-3999. jaemorfarms. com.

Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.

n Features: Entirely fenced in and lined with wooden benches for mom and dad to relax, it is the perfect spot to let the kids run wild. Swings, slides, zip lines, sand, monkey bars, wobbly bridges and lots of climbing opportunities put this playground at the top of the fun list. The ladder made out of rubber tires was an especially big hit with my 4-year-old. But, it’s not only the play features that make this playground stand out. The detailed and kid-friendly design features large animal art on the walls; detailed carvings cover the poles. When it came time to go, the kids were reluctant – they could have easily stayed and played for hours. n Amenities: Shady tables make a great spot for a picnic lunch. A soccer field with a walking track lies just beyond the playground; when not in use by the church and its school, the field is open for families to enjoy. No running water or restroom facilities are available, so plan accordingly and bring your own water and refreshments (food and drink can’t be taken inside the play structure). n Location: 2450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. Open Mon.-Fri. (except Wed.), 3 p.m.-sundown; Wed., 5 p.m.-sundown; Sat., during daylight hours; Sun., 1 p.m.-sundown. – Kirby Cooperman

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Family Fun Guide

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 59

Fall 2013

KiDS’

Consignment Sales

It’s back-to-school time! Get ready to check out this season’s consignment sales. These sales have a large selection of gently used clothing, shoes, books, toys and more at bargain prices. Call or check the website of the sale before you go. Some sales do have restrictions. Visit atlantaparent.com for the most updated list of sales. Good luck! Divine Children’s Show

Carroll My Kidz Closet Children’s Consignment Sale. Happy Valley Baptist Church. Oct. 3-5. Thur. and Friday 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 605 Main Street, Villa Rica.www.mykidzclosetgeorgia.com

Cherokee All 4 Kids – Woodstock. Corner of Main Street & Hwy 92 in the old Walmart Bldg. Aug. 1-3. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (No strollers before 11 a.m.), Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 10029 Hwy. 92, Woodstock. www.all4kids.com. The Glen at Kingsgate Kids Sale. The Glen Subdivsion. Aug. 10-11. Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cash only. 158 Nocatee Trail, Woodstock. 770-367-3532. First Baptist Canton Kids Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church of Canton. Aug. 16-17. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1 Mission Point, Canton. www.fbckidssale.com. The Blessing Line Kids’ Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church Woodstock. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 11905 Hwy. 92. 770-591-2509. www.blessingline.com.

Cobb Clothing Kids for the Kingdom Spring/Summer Consignment Sale. Summit Baptist Church. July 26-27. Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 4310 Moon Station Ln., Acworth. 678-409-2197. www.clothingkids.org. Born Again Blessings Children’s Consignment Sale. Cobb County Civic Center. Aug. 2-3. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 548 Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. www.bornagainblessings.com. All 4 Kids - Marietta. Cobb County Fairgrounds. Aug. 8-10. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (No strollers before 11 a.m.), Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. www.all4kids.com. Divine Children’s Show. The Mansour Center. Aug. 21-22. Wed. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 995 Roswell St., Marietta. 678-9845654 or 770-367-3152. www.dcskids.com.

60 Atlanta Parent August 2013

All 4 Kids - Marietta. Mt. Paran North Church of God. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (No strollers before 11 a.m.), Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1700 Allgood Rd., Marietta. www.all4kids.com. Pass It On Children’s Consignment Sale. Acworth United Methodist Church. August 2324. Fri. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m.-noon. 4340 Collins Circle, Acworth, 770-974-3312. www.acworthumc.org/passiton Everything for Kids Fall Consignment Sale. St. Andrew UMC. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 3455 Canton Rd., Marietta. 770-926-3488. http://www.thepumpkinchurch.org/AllChildrensConsignmentSale1181113. Lil Blessings Consignment Sale. Kennesaw First Baptist Church. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1p.m. 2958 North Main St., Kennesaw. 770-427-3109. www.kfbc.org. Mt. Bethel UMC Fall/Winter Consignment Sale. Mt. Bethel UMC Fellowship Hall. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-9712880. www.mtbethelccs.com. Tots to Tweens Consignment Sale. Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 7-9 p.m. (Must bring this ad for admittance), Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Bring this ad for early admittance at 8:30 a.m.). 2825 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 678-235-8468. www.NOWAMOM.org. Lil’ Lambs Closet. First United Methodist Church of Marietta. Sept. 6-7. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No strollers. 56 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-429-7850, ext. 7858. www.lil-lambs.org. Due West Treasure Chest. Due West United Methodist Church. Sept. 12-14. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.noon. 3956 Due West Rd., Marietta. http:// www.duewest.org/pages/Community/Consignment_Sale/. Kids Kingdom Consignment Ministry. Orange Hill Baptist Church. Sept. 12-14. Thurs. 6-9 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 4293 Austell Rd., Austell. 770-9489388 ext.53. www.orangehill.org.

Family Fun Guide

Twice Blessed Children’s Consignment Sale. McEachern United Methodist Church. Sept. 12-14. Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4075 Macland Rd., Powder Springs. 770-943-3008, ext. 1212. www.twice-blessed.org. KinderMart Children’s Consignment Sale. Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Sept.13-14. Fri. 9:30 a.m.8 p.m. (No strollers from 9:30-11 a.m.), Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 1315 Concord Rd., Smyrna. www.kindermartsale.com. CCC MOPS Fall Consignment Sale. Cumberland Community Church. Sept. 27-28. Fri. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 3110 Sports Ave., Smyrna.678-941-9197. www.cccmopssale.com.

Coweta Consigning Closets Consignment Sale. SonRise Baptist Church. Aug. 23-24. Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 6 Shenandoah Blvd., Newnan. 678-485-8708. www.ConsigningClosets.com.

DeKalb Dunwoody United Methodist Church Kids Consignment Sale. Dunwoody UMC. Aug. 22-24. Thurs. 5-8 p.m. (No children), Fri. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-394-0675, ext. 248. www.dunwoodyumc.org. Kid ReSales Consignment Sale. Cross and Crown Lutheran Church. Aug. 22-24. Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (No children until noon), Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 4276 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee. 404-661-4949. www.kidresales.com. Five and Dime Kids Consignment Sale. Epworth UMC. Sept. 6-7. Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1561 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta. www.fiveanddimekids.com. KidStuff Consignment Sale. Kingswood United Methodist Church. Sept. 19-21. Thurs. 5-9 p.m. (No children under age 10), Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m-1 p.m. 5015 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 770-986-0421, Ext. 27. www. kingswoodumc.org/missions/kidstuff.htm. Kids’ Used Clothes n’ Stuff. Decatur First United Methodist Church Gym. Sept. 20- 21. Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-372-7478. www.kidsusedclothesnstuff.com.

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Oak Grove Young Children’s School Consignment Sale. Oak Grove Methodist Church. Sept. 27-28. Fri. 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1722 Oak Grove Rd., Decatur. www.ogycsconsign.org.

Fayette Peachtree Kids Market Sale. Saville Studios. Sept. 5-7. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1p.m. 401 Dividend Dr., Peachtree City, 404-931-4243. www.peachtreekidsmarket.com.

Forsyth North Fulton Mothers of Multiples Babies & Kids’ Consignment Sale. Forsyth Conference Center/Lanier Technical College. Aug. 3. Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No strollers or bags. 7745 Majors Rd., Cumming. http://www.nfmomc.org/main. php?loc=sale. Creekside MOPS Fall Consignment Sale. Creekside UMC. Aug. 22-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 673 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming. 770-888-8449. www.creekside.net. Green With Envy Kids Boutique Sample and Consignment Event. Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1321 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming. 678938-2680. www.greenwithenvykids.com. CFUMC Kids Consignment Sale. Cumming First United Methodist Church. Sept. 12-14. Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (No strollers allowed) and 5-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 770 Canton Hwy., Cumming. 770-887-2900. www. cfumcga.com.

Fulton All 4 Kids - Roswell. Front side of Hobby Lobby shopping center. Aug. 15-17. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (No strollers before 11 a.m.), Fri. 9 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 608 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell. www.all4kids.com. RCOG Kids’s Consignment Sale. Restoration Church of God. Aug. 15-18. Fri. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. 410 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta. 404-277-6650. www. restorationchurchna.org. Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event. Former Barnes & Noble. Aug. 18-24. Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. . Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m.-noon. 2205 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 404539-0937. www.johnscreek.rhealana.com.

Pirates and Pixies Consignment Sale. Mulberry Village Publix. Aug. 8-10. Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 831 Auburn Rd., Ste. 110, Dacula. 770-318-0663. www.piratesandpixiesconsignment.com.

Babies, Kids and Teens Consignment Sale. Christ the King Lutheran Church. Sept. 25-28. Wed.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 5575 Peachtree Pkwy., Norcross. www.IConsignMine.com.

Kidsignments. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Aug. 13-17. Tues. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (No children, infants, strollers, carriers, etc. until after 2 p.m.), Wed.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 770-3815938. www.kidsignments.com.

St. Matthew’s Preschool & Kindergarten Consignment Sale. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Sept. 27- 28. Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 1520 Oak Rd., Snellville. 770-978-1323. www. stmatthewspreschool.org.

The Northside Consignment Sale. Shakerag Shopping Center. Aug 14-16. Wed. 6:30-9 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 7780 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee. 404-543-1663. www.northsideconsignmentsale. com.

Hall

Fancy Finds Kids Upscale Consignment Sale. Dacula Family Village. Aug. 15-17. Thurs. 6-9 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1152 Auburn Rd., Ste. 105, Dacula. 678-227-8471. www.FancyFindsKids.com. Cannon Kids Fall & Winter Consignment Sale. Cannon UMC. Aug. 16-17. Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 2424 Webb Gin House Rd., Snellville. 678-501-6442. www.cannonchurch.org. MOPS Consignment Sale. North Metro First Baptist Church. Aug. 16-17. Fri. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 1026 Old Peachtree Rd. NE, Lawrenceville. 770-561-1307. www.northmetro.net/mops. Mountain Park UMC MOPS Consignment Sale. Mountain Park UMC. Sept. 6-7. Fri. 9 a.m.7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1405 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain. 404-642-8337. www.mtnparkmops.bravesites.com. Second Childhood Consignment. Pleasant Hill Square. Sept. 12-15. Thurs. 5-9 p.m. (No strollers before 8 p.m.). Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. 2205 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-713-6628. http://www.secondchildhoodconsignment.com/. Jack & Jill Kids Sale. Village Shoppes at Creekside. Sept. 12-14. Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 pm., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 860 Duluth Hwy., Ste. 120, Lawrenceville. 770-312-7528. www.jackandjillkidssale.com. McKendree Kids Clothes Closet. McKendree UMC. Sept. 14. Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Lawrenceville. 770339-9801. www.mckendreeumc.org.

Lil’ Angels Consignment Sale. Alpharetta United Methodist Church in Trinity Hall. Sept. 6-7. Fri. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (No strollers before11:30 a.m.) and 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta. 770-475-5576.

Second Time Around Kids Consignment Sale. McDonough First United Methodist Church Gym. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m-noon. 151 Macon St., McDonough. 770-312-8962 or 770-312-1086. www.secondtimearoundkids.com. Twice is Nice Consignment Sale. Hampton First Baptist Church. Aug. 23-24. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 85 McDonough St., Hampton. 770946-4804. www.HamptonFirstBaptist.org.

Houston Tykes, Tots & Teens Consignment Sale. GA National Fairgrounds. Aug. 9-11. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed from 1-2 p.m.). 401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry. 678-984-2909. www.TTTsale.com.

Jackson Lollipop Kids Consignment Sale. Jefferson Civic Center. Aug. 15-17. Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8-11 a.m. 65 Kissam St., Jefferson. 706-387-0055. www.lpkidssale.com.

Paulding My Kidz Closet Children’s Consignment Sale. Community Fellowship Church. Sept 12-14. Thurs.-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wed. night Sept. 11 preview sale 7-9 p.m. $5 or 5 non-perishable food items. (Childcare for ages 2-8 on Wed. night for $3 per child.) 612 Cohran Store Rd., Douglasville. www.mykidzclosetgeorgia.com

Tykes, Tots & Teens Consignment Sale. GA International Horse Park. Sept. 14-21. Sat. Sept. 14. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m (closed from 6-7 p.m). 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy. Conyers. 678-984-2909. www. TTTsale.com.

Walton

Gwinnett

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Henry

Rockdale

Roswell United Methodist Church Preschool and Kindergarten Consignment Sale. Roswell United Methodist Church. Sept. 13-14. Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (No strollers before noon), Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-9936218. www.rumc.com/rumck.

3 Savvy Sisters Kids Consignment Sale. Aug. 7-10. Wed. 4-8 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 4300 Buford Dr., Ste. 3, Buford. www.3savvysisters.com.

Kidz Consignment Sale. The River Community Church Gym. Aug. 16-17. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30-2 p.m. 5043 Thompson Bridge Rd., Murrayville. 706-865-7389. www.consignmentkidz.com.

Lil’ Angels Consignment Sale

Family Fun Guide

Bright Beginnings Preschool Kids Fall Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church of Loganville Gym. Sept. 12-14. Thurs. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4-8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 680 Tom Brewer Rd., Loganville. 770-466-2770. http://www.brightbeginningsatfbcl.org/.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 61

Calendar

August S M T W TH F S

Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

Submit your Family-Friendly Calendar Event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FAMILY, FUN, FLICKS & FLURRIES

classes

Friendship Community Park AUG. 10, 11 A.M.-3 P.M.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Ages 3-5. Free with museum admission. Adults, $7.50; children 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Frolic through the snow in the summer! Snow tube while sledding down a man-made snow slope in the middle of the park. Jump around in a bounce house, enjoy face painting, crafts and more. 12785 Birmingham Hwy., Milton. 678-242-2530. Free.

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-sized orange apron. First Saturday of each month. Aug. 3. 9 a.m.noon. Visit homedepot.com for locations. Ages 5-12. Free. Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Aug. 8. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy, Duluth. 770-495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8. Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for times and locations. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free. INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Back to School craft, Aug. 5-9; Aviation craft, Aug. 12-16; Tooth Fairy craft, Aug. 19-23; INK birthday craft, Aug. 26-30. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. Adults, $8; children, $6. Drop-In Family Class: Flower Fairies. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Learn where fairies like to hide and fashion your very own fairy wand and crown. Aug. 10, 17. 11 a.m.noon. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $6 plus admission; Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Lil’ Bean Heads Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project twice a month. All ages welcome, but smaller children may need assistance. First and third Wednesday of every month. 3-4 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404851-2980. Free. Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Thursdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Crafts for Kids. Lakeshore Learning Store. Make a different craft each week. Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. 3 and older. Free.

exhibits

Bodies: The Exhibition. Atlantic Station. An intimate and informative view into the human body. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing. 265 18th St., Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adult, $24; ages 4-12, $16. Extreme Mammals. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Examine some of the biggest, smallest and most amazing animals of all time. Through Aug. 18. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free. Dolphin Tales. Georgia Aquarium. The live show incorporates dolphins, live human actors, dramatic costuming, and special effects. Multiple shows per day, times vary. Reservations recommended. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. until Aug. 17. After Aug. 17, Sun.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $28.95$34.95; ages 3-12, $23.95-$28.95.

Learning Enrichment Extravaganza. European School of Music. Demo teams from music, dance, martial arts, and other enrichment programs will be performing. Various art and intellectual activities, including language, chess, and math, will be available for children to explore. Aug. 18, 2-5:30 p.m. 5187 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-255-8382. Free.

Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger than Life. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Tour the garden and view giant sculptures made of living plants. Through Oct. 31. Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95. 3 and younger, free.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit. Atlantic Station. Travel back in time and experience the wonder and tragedy of this ill-fated ship. Through Aug. 31. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing. 265 18th St. (second floor), Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adults, $24; ages 4-12, $16.

Weekends in the Naturalist Center. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Activities included with price of admission. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; younger than 3, free.

Playing Together: Games. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Learn about the history of games and use recycled objects to create your own game. Through Sept. 2. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-9043500. Adults, $10.50; ages 3-12, $6.50; 2 and younger, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the secret annex in Amsterdam; includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-2061558. Free.

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Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts, museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce the youngest visitors to history. Second Saturday of each month. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Donations encouraged. Weebles Coast to Coast. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Prepare to be whisked away on a 50-state adventure on this educational traveling exhibit. Through Sept. 8. Museum closed Wednesdays beginning Aug. 14. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404659-5437. Adults and ages 1 and older, $12.75; younger than 1, free. Free admission starting at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month brought to you by Target Free Second Tuesday. Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. Georgia Aquarium. Features 15 species of frogs in more than 3,000 square feet of habitats, with hands-on and interactive activities. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. until Aug. 17. After Aug. 17, Sun.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $28.95-$34.95; ages 3-12, $23.95-$28.95. LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Phipps Plaza. Come play, build and look at a variety of spectacular LEGO exhibits that will have all LEGO lovers amazed. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.,10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Last admission 2 hrs. before closing.) 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Adult, $19; ages 3-12, $15, 2 and younger, free.

Weebles Coast to Coast at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Jim Henson Special Exhibitions. Center for Puppetry Arts. This long term exhibit profiles the life of Jim Henson and his most famous puppet, Kermit the Frog. Through Sept. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-8733391. Museum admission, $8.25. Free admission Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Quarry Exhibit at Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain Park. This outdoor display was developed to tell the story of an industry that played a significant part in the history of Stone Mountain. Mon.-Sun., dawn to dusk. 770-498-5690. U.S. Hwy 78 E., Stone Mountain. Free. Parking, $10.

Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the exciting 1996 Olympic Games that were held in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.5:30 p.m., Sun, noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free. Dairies in DeKalb. DeKalb History Center. This exhibit focuses on the history of dairy farming in DeKalb County in the 20th century. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 101 East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-1088. Free. Covering America. Booth Western Art Museum. An exhibit displaying the Saturday Evening Post covers in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Through Sept. 29. Tues.Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 1-5 p.m. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-3871300. Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, free.

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 63

Calendar Wit in Wood. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. See the whittle work of Moses Robinson, from animals to dancing couples. Through April 2014. Open Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; ages 6-12, $1; 5 and younger, free.

movies Titans of the Ice Age. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Take a journey back in time to encounter some of the Earth’s most aweinspiring mammals that lived thousands of years before modern civilization. Through Aug. 15. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

TRAINS, TRUCKS AND TRACTORS Southeastern Railway Museum AUG. 3-4, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Trains, trucks, and tractor exhibits takeover. There will be hayrides, food, crafts, temporary tattoos, and tons of giant vehicles for the little ones to explore. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Adults, $8; ages 2-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Under the Sea. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore some of the ocean’s most exotic and isolated undersea locations and experience face-to-face encounters with unusual creatures. Showing now through Sept. 5. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-9296300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

Johns Creek: Movies at Newton Park. Watch family-friendly movies on a huge inflatable screen. Pre-show activities include an inflatable moonwalk, face painting and other children’s activities. Movies TBA. Aug. 24. 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free.

Atlantic Station: Movies in Central Park. Movies begin at dusk every Thursday. Aug. 1, “Uncle Buck;” Aug. 8, “Ghostbusters;” Aug. 15, “The Goonies.” 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-7331221. Free.

Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center: Movies Under the Stars. During the summer each movie is at a different park. Aug. 10, “Jack the Giant Slayer” at International Park. See claytonparks.com. 770-477-3766. Free.

64 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Family Fun Guide

Stone Mountain: Movies on Main. A free outdoor movie series shown on a giant screen. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Aug. 17. Movies start at sundown. 922 Main St., Stone Mountain. 770-879-4971. Free. Fox Theatre: Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Celebrate a few of the big hits. Aug. 16, “Iron Man 3” at 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 17, Saturday Morning Cartoons at 10 a.m.; Aug. 18, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” at 4 p.m.; Aug. 29, “Zombieland” at 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855285-8499. Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, $5.

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Calendar music Pickin’ on the Square. Newnan. Acoustic musicians of all genres and skill levels are welcome to join in on the first and third Saturday of every month. 11 a.m. on Aug. 3 and 17. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square at LaGrange St. and E. Broad St. 770-253-8283. Free. Riverside Sounds. Riverside Park. Outdoor concert series in the park. The Joe Gransden Big Band, Aug.3. Concerts from 7-9 p.m. Free shuttle available from Azalea Park and Don White Park. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770641-3705. Free. Concerts by the Springs. Heritage Green. The Mustangs, Aug. 4; Gwen Huges and the Retro Jazz Kats, Aug. 18. Bring picnic baskets, coolers and blankets. Smoking and pets prohibited. Lawn opens at 5 p.m., concerts from 7-8:30 p.m. 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Free. Music at Noon. Centennial Olympic Park. Enjoy lunch and live music performed by local artists. Tues. and Thurs. through Oct. Concerts from noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. 404223-4412. Free. Wednesday Wind Down. Centennial Olympic Park. Concert series includes jazz, R&B and blues performed by local and national touring acts. Wednesdays through Sept. Concerts from 5:30-8 p.m., 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free. Friday Night Live. Atlantic Station. Up-andcoming artists perform on the stage in Central Park; genres range from country to rock, jazz to blues. Last Friday of the month. Aug. 30. Concerts begin around 7 p.m. 18th St. NW., Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free. Brown Bag Concert Series. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Various artists perform free music on the lawn. First Friday of each month. Aug. 2. Includes crafts and face painting. Pack a lunch and bring a picnic blanket. Concerts 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 185 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Free. Glover Park Concert Series. Glover Park, Marietta. Jimmy Buffett Tribute, Aug. 23. Concert begin at 8 p.m. Blankets and lawn chairs may be set up after 4 p.m. Picnics permitted. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free. Moonlight and Music Concert Series. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Lawn. Yacht Rock Schooner, Aug. 30. Concert begin at 8 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets and food. Alcohol is prohibited. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678226-2639. Free. Norcross Concerts in the Park. Thrasher Park. A-Town A-List, Aug. 2; Bobby and the Aristocats, Aug. 16; A1A, Aug. 30. Concerts every other Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.. Playground adjacent to concert area. Picnic dinners permitted. Thrasher Park is at the corner of Buchanan St. and Park Dr., Norcross. 678-421-2000. Free. Summer Concert Series. Village Green in Smyrna. Open-air summer concert series features a wide array of talent under the stars from R&B, rock and soul. Aug. 7. Various artists, call for band details. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. Bring friends, chairs and blankets. 200 Village Green Circle. Smyrna. 770-434-6600. Free.

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Calendar special events nature Family Fun Camping Night. Panola Mountain State Park. Join a park ranger for a night of camping. Wilderness education programs offered throughout the night. Water provided along with a campfire to roast s’mores. Aug. 9. 6 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $15/family. Parking, $5.

Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda. Aug. 2. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $5. Cool Dads Rock Soap Box Derby. Historic Fourth Ward Park. An all-day family event filled with food trucks, music, activities, prizes, cars, and of course, the soap box derby. Aug. 3, 10 a.m. 695 North Ave., Atlanta. 404-659-0919. Free.

Trail Hikes. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Journey through the CNC trails using biofacts and activities to spark your curiosity. Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Fulton County Free Saturday. High Museum of Art. Admission is free for Fulton County residents with I.D. on the first Saturday of each month until 1 p.m. Aug. 3. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Free.

Native Ectotherm Exhibit. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Visit local reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 678-3663511. Donations encouraged.

Trains, Trucks and Tractors. Southeastern Railway Museum. The museum hosts vehicles that kids can explore. Event also includes a craft corner and wagon rides. Aug. 3-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Adults, $8; children 2-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Geology Hike. Sweetwater Creek State Park. A geologist leads a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Also visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Aug. 17. 9-11 a.m. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $5/ person; parking, $5.

Family, Fun, Flicks & Flurries. Friendship Community Park. Enjoy snow tubing as you sled down a man-made snow slope in the middle of the park. Also features a bounce house, face painting and crafts. Aug. 10. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 12785 Birmingham Hwy., Milton. 678-242-2530. Free.

Green Corn Moon Night Hike. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Watch the forest come alive during this easy hike that is perfect for families with kids ages 8 and older. Aug. 24. 8-9:30 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Preregister. Adults, $11; children, $8.

Night at the Museum. Tellus Science Museum. See your favorite science and science fiction characters such as Amelia Earhart, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who come to life for one special night of fun. All children will receive a special autograph book to fill with signatures. Aug. 10. 6-10 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $20/person.

Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Dept. feeds them. Tuesdays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-9922055. Ages 5 and older, $10/person plus admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Butterfly Festival. Dunwoody Nature Center. Features hundreds of live butterflies with two enormous tents. Activities include a Birds of Prey show, live animal encounters, games, educational booths, crafts, music, food and drinks. Aug. 17. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5342 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Adults, $10; ages 4-12, $5; 3 and younger, free.

BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

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Dunwoody Nature Center AUG. 17. 10 A.M.-4 P.M. Hundreds of live butterflies make this festival so much fun. Live animal encounters are sure to entertain guests of all ages. Other activities include a Birds of Prey show, games, music and more. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770394-3322. Adults, $10; ages 4-12, $5; 3 and younger, free.

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Calendar

BIG HAYNES CREEK WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

Summer Arts and Crafts Festival. Piedmont Park. See painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters. Also features artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a Street Market, children’s play area plus festival foods and beverages. Aug.17-18. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-845-0793. Free.

Georgia International Horse Park AUG. 24-25. 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. Grab the whole family and celebrate the outdoors with children’s activities, stage performances, an artist market and more. Enjoy the Birds of Prey show or make new furry and feathery friends at one of the animal exhibits. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770602-2606. Ages 5 and older, $5; ages 4 and younger, free.

Third Sundaes. Barrington Hall. Tour Roswell’s historic museum and receive a free ice cream sundae afterward. Aug. 18. 45 minute tours at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Adults, $8; children 6-12, $6; younger than 6, free. Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival. Adams Park. A barbecue cook-off with a cash prize, plus a peach dessert contest. Entertainment includes a Kids’ Zone, live music, and concludes with a firework spectacular show. Aug. 23-24. Fri., 6-11 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free admission. Dinosaur Birthday Bash. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Celebrate the 12th anniversary of “Giants of the Mesozoic.” Enjoy a day filled with dinosaur and birthday themed activities including games, crafts and more. Dinosaur costumes encouraged. Aug. 24. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular hours are Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

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Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival. Georgia International Horse Park. Festival includes animal exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, arts, crafts, stage performances and more. Aug. 24-25. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770-602-2606. Adults, $5; children ages 4 and younger, free. Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’. Historic Roswell Square. Taste more than 100 flavors of ice cream and enjoy live music all for a

Family Fun Guide

good cause. Don’t miss out on the Kid’s Korner activity zone. Aug. 25. 2-4 p.m. 600 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-587-4712. $6/ person; $20/family up to 6. Marietta ChalkFest. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. This chalk art festival occurs in conjunction with Art in the Park. Features 20 professional chalk artists from around the country. Aug. 31Sept. 2. Sat.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 30 Atlanta St. SE, Marietta. 770-528-1444. Free.

August 2013 Atlanta Parent 67

Calendar storytelling Story Time by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join the librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature. Aug. 7. 10:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free. Children’s Story Time. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Ageappropriate stories followed by dance and song. Mondays and Saturdays. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., #138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free. Next Chapter JV Book Club. FoxTale Book Shoppe. This book club is for ages 6-12 and includes a snack, discussion and an activity. Second Friday of every month. 4:30 p.m. 105 East Main St., #138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free. Tales for Tots by Once and Again Books. Marietta Whole Foods. Enjoy a storytelling session every Tuesday at 10 a.m. 1311 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta. 770-726-9170. Free.

PLAYING TOGETHER: GAMES Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center UNTIL SEPT. 2; MON.-SAT., 9 A.M.- 4 P.M.; SUN., 9:30 A.M.- 5 P.M. Explore the world of games, past present and future, at this interactive exhibit. Compete in a game of chess using the oversized board and giant game pieces. The exhibit also features other games from around the world, including the ancient Egyptian game of Senet. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Ages 13 and older, $7.50; ages 3-12, $3.50; ages 2 and younger, free.

Storytime with Miss Cynthia. Perimeter Barnes & Noble. Join Miss Cynthia every Wednesday for some wacky fun and crafts with a new story each week. 10 a.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta. 770-396-1200. Free.

Tales for Toddlers. Bean Head Toys. Stories read in the indoor tree house, then kids make a craft to take home. Every Thursday. 10:30 a.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Storytelling three times a week; Thursday nights, milk and cookies provided and kids can come in pajamas. Sundays, 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 7 p.m. 133A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Wren’s Nest Ramblers host storytelling sessions every Saturday. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404753-7735. Adults, $8; children $5, 4 and younger, free.

theater Rumpelstiltskin. Center for Puppetry Arts. Based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this marionette musical will spin grins onto the faces of kids and adults alike. Through Sept. 8. See puppet.org for show times. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $16.50; younger than 2, free.

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Calendar The Little Mermaid. Act 3 Productions. This junior version of the Disney musical tells the story of the beautiful mermaid who yearns to leave her life “under the sea.” Aug. 2-4. Fri., 7:30 p.m., Sat., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. 6285-R Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-241-1905. Adults, $15; Ages 1 year to college students, $10.

beyond atlanta Nature Hut. Tugaloo State Park. Stop by and visit with Harvey the live corn snake and Garfield the baby Gar. Learn about Georgia’s birds of prey and mammals through many displays. Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. 1-4 p.m. 1763 Tugaloo State Park Rd., Lavonia. 706-356-4362. Free. Parking, $5. First Friday Night Concert Series. Hancock Park, Dahlonega. Bring friends, family lawn chairs and listen to entertaining bands. Aug. 2, 23. 6:30 p.m. North Park and Warwick Streets, Dahlonega. 706-864-6133. Free. Behind the Scenes Tours. North Georgia Zoo. Guided tours allow time for pictures while interacting with nursery animals, touching, feeding and participating in training amazing exotic animals and more. All ages. Aug. 18. 4 p.m. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Pre-register. Adults, $45; ages 2-12, $42. Saturday Market on the River. Augusta Riverwalk. Browse local produce, baked goods, art and more on the banks of the Savannah River. Saturdays through November. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 8th St. Plaza, Augusta. 800-726-0243. Free. Historic Trolley Tour. Downtown Augusta. Take the Lady Libby Trolley for a kidfriendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum. Saturdays. 1:30 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-724-4067. Preregister. $12 per person, includes admission to the museum. Riders in the Sky. Tweetsie Railroad. Come hear America’s Favorite Cowboys as they sing and entertain audiences, “the cowboy way.” Seating is first come first served. Aug. 10-11 at noon and 3 p.m. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., Blowing Rock, NC. 800-5265740. Show included with park admission. Adults, $37; ages 3-12, $23; 2 and younger, free.

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River Giants Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium. A collection of freshwater fish at legendary sizes, the “goliaths” of freshwater. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $24.95; ages 3-12 $14.95. Dinosaur Train. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This prehistoric ride is filled with music, stories and activities to satisfy any child’s sense of adventure. Aug. 2-4; Fri. and Sat., departures 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Sun., departures 2:30 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 828-586-8811. Ages 13 and older, $39; ages 2-12, $30; younger than 2, free. c

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August 2013 Atlanta Parent 69

Labor Day Weekend Events Decatur Book Festival Decatur Square Aug. 30- Sept.1. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Stories galore at this weekend festival. Be on the lookout for Waldo, the famous book character, for a chance to win cool prizes. Children’s parades happening both Saturday and Sunday invite kids to dress up as their favorite storybook characters. And don’t miss Tomie Depaola. He will be presenting his newest book, Strega Nona Does it Again. 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-471-5769. Free.

■ Art in the Park. Glover Park. Come celebrate fine arts from all over the country. Kids can enjoy the children’s art alley or see chalk artists in action as they create their masterpieces along Atlanta Street. Aug. 31- Sept. 2. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Marietta Square. 404-966-8497. Free.

Beyond Atlanta

■ Powers’ Festival. Power’s Pavilion. For over 40 years, this charity event has been raising money through its wide selection of entertainment. Enjoy arts, crafts, food vendors, entertainment and much more. Aug. 31- Sept. 2. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 4766 W. Hwy 34, Newnan. 770-253-2011. Adults, $7; children 12 and younger, free. Powerspavilion.com.

■ Callaway’s Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival. Callaway Gardens. Watch the skies light up with a balloon glow on Friday evening and stick around for balloon launches Sat. and Sun. in the mornings and evenings. Between balloon launchewws, experience a classic car show or a skydiving demonstration. Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Visit callawaygardens.com for scheduled events and times. Hwy 27, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281. Adults, $25; ages 6-12, $12.50; children 5 and younger, free.

■ Pioneer Day Festival. Sam Smith Park. Celebrate Labor Day with carnival rides and games, arts and crafts shows, live entertainment and fireworks. Aug. 30 -Sept. 2. Fri., 4-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun., noon-11 p.m., Mon., noon-10 p.m. 1155 Douthit Ferry Rd., Cartersville. 770-974-9033. Adults, $5; ages 12 and younger, free. Unlimited rides each day, $20 wristbands.

■ Labor Day Beach Bash. Tybee Island. Enjoy free live entertainment and fireworks at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. There will be an oceanfront beach party with music by the Swingin’ Medallions and fireworks will be set off a 9:15 p.m.. Sept. 1, 7-10 p.m. Stand Ave., Tybee Island. 912-652-6780. Free.

Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival

70 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Family Fun Guide

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Humor

by Lela Davidson

26 Ways to Annoy Children

y son’s class was assigned to write an ABC book. They could choose any topic they wanted as long as they came up with 26 things. My dear son decided to write 26 Ways to Annoy Your Mom. I had to get him back. There are many, many more, but here are my favorite ways to bug your kids.

A B

Beat them with a stick. Not hard, just enough to get their attention.

Cuddle them in public. Singing a favorite lullaby also works well.

Drone on about how totally rad the 80s were. Like, they, like, totally were. Eat the last cupcake. Also, lick the frosting off their cupcakes. They hate that.

Fail to wash their soccer socks three times a week.

Gush over their dimples when their friends come by. Hug your spouse and call him or her Babe.

Invite the boy or girl who they like over, and cue up Barry White.

Just say no to Pop-Tarts®.

Kiss hello at soccer practice.

Limit Nintendo DS use to times when it is convenient for you.

M N

O P

Q R

Move the chips to the top shelf. Never give extra chocolate sauce. Order broccoli as a replacement for fries. Punish them with chores. Start with poop-scooping. Quit buying bread that is softer than your pillow. Remind them to pick up their rooms. Again. Sing along to the radio during carpool.

Talk about puberty in front of the opposite sex.

Underestimate how long it’ll take if they come grocery shopping with you.

Voice your concern for their safety. Over, and over, and over, and over…

Withhold allowance.

Xerox their baby pictures and decoupage them on their lunch boxes.

Y Z 74 Atlanta Parent August 2013

Always serve spinach, occasionally with a side of mushrooms.

Yodel. Zing them with retaliatory comments in a public forum. atlantaparent.com