November 2012

Parent Atlanta’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine

November 2012

atlanta

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Read On! Our Favorite Books of the Year

Kids in the Kitchen

Just Kids:

Making Wishes Come True Like Us on FACEBOOK

THE RIGHT DOCTOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS

A GOOD HELMET.

If your child has a head injury and your pediatrician isn’t available, come to Children’s. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating pediatric concussions. Learn about head injuries at choa.org/concussion.

Dedicated to All Better

©2012 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

4 Atlanta Parent    November 2012

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Inside November Vol. 29 / Number 11

Features

14

Cooking With Kids

8 Publisher’s Note

Letting children help in the kitchen is a fun family activity that can promote a life-long love of cooking.

20

Raise Kids Who Are Thankful All Year

12 Dollars & Sense

82 Humor in the House

Things That Could Go Wrong While Baking

Encourage youngsters to always show gratitude.

34

10 News You Can Use Tips for Frugal Families

26

Departments

No More Bullying: Part 2 Torment doesn’t just happen face to face.

Online, or cyber-bullying has its own set of problems and strategies.

Family Fun Guide 57

Not-to-Miss Events

58

Eating Out: Pollo Tropical Family Reading Festival:

and More Bookish Fun

Read On!

59 Free Fun: Take a Family Walk

We present our favorite 2012 books for kids. How to start a parent-child book club.

Also: Anniversaries of children’s classics.

60 Review: The Magic

School Bus weather exhibit

62 Daytripping:

Three Trips Worth the Drive

On the Cover: Cover Kid Asia Beckham, 5, of Decatur. Photo by Studio 7 Photography.

Clothes by The Children’s Place.

65 Playground:

Promised Land at Eastside Baptist Church

48 Just Kids Special Section Meet some kids whose dreams have come true thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Plus: How to cope with guilt when your child is diagnosed with a disability.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2012 Award Winner

66

November Calendar

73 Holiday Calendar Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

EDITOR Julie Bookman editor@atlantaparent.com

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT asmith@atlantaparent.com MANAGER

ACCOUNT Julia Sparks EXECUTIVES jsparks@atlantaparent.com

Jennifer Fogel jfogel@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Natalie Thavenot MANAGER apads@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Robin Mintz PRODUCTION rmintz@atlantaparent.com ARTIST

CALENDAR EDITOR Kate Wallace

calendar@atlantaparent.com COPY EDITOR Glenn Emery

HELPING FAMILIES

THROUGH CRISIS

SHIVER HAMILTON – SERIOUS INJURY ATTORNEYS, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON PEDIATRIC INJURIES.

OFFICE Caroline Ward COORDINATOR cward@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Kaitlyn Morris COORDINATOR kmorris@atlantaparent.com

ADMINISTRATIVE Kirsten Gromatzky ASSISTANT kgromatzky@atlantaparent.com

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

INTERNS Sarah Egan Jordan Lisvosky

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Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.

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All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2012

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Publisher’s Note

IT’S BACK!

Clay Walker

Adapted and Directed by Jon Ludwig Based on the classic television special

Nov 8 - Jan 6 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all elements from the 1964 television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer © and ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC.

Supported in part by:

404.873.3391 www.puppet.org 1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible Advance purchase is highly recommended as many show sell out quickly.

Season supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Georgia Council for the Arts.

8 Atlanta Parent November 2012

What’s for Dinner? Try This Recipe Food is front and center for most families at Thanksgiving. I couldn’t help thinking about that when I cruised through Costco the other day, sampling all kinds of pre-made treats to cut a busy mom’s time in the kitchen during the holiday – and every other day, for that matter.

More people used to cook special meals and everyday meals from scratch.

My mother would never have considered buying a ready-to-eat pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and neither would I. We made the crust, mixed the ingredients and baked it. We took some shortcuts – canned pumpkin, not fresh off the vine – but the finished dessert was free of preservatives, lighter on sodium and sugar, and tasted fresher. (Confession: Now I use Pillsbury’s crust, for convenience, but also because it tastes just as good as my own.)

I also made cooking dinner for my family a priority, though I worked full time.

Dinner wasn’t a Martha Stewart affair – often it was meatloaf, or spaghetti, or Crock-Pot chicken, something simple and quick to prepare. I used easy recipes and put meals on the table night after night. It was usually relaxing, a nice transition between work and home.

That happens less and less in today’s families. Don’t misunderstand me – there’s nothing wrong with occasional fast-food or restaurant meals, prepared food from a deli, or a pizza pulled from the freezer. Sometimes that’s all you can manage after a stressful work day.

But I worry that today’s children aren’t getting an appreciation for cooking, for the creativity of assembling a meal. They’re more likely to think cooking means popping a frozen dinner in the microwave.

That’s why some of the articles in this month’s issue make me smile. You’ll read about an Atlanta chef and his daughter who won the Top Chef Kids competition at Taste of Atlanta, and two girls who delved into cooking for the first time with their mom by testing recipes from a new kids’ cookbook. (They had a great time, by the way.) You’ll also find ideas for getting your kids in the kitchen.

Cooking healthy meals at home with your kids has benefits on so many levels – learning to measure and combine ingredients, creating healthier, less-processed food with fewer calories, less sodium and less fat, and bonding as you work together as a team.

If making time for cooking has never been your thing, give it a try. You might even find it’s fun to be in the kitchen, when you’re laughing and experimenting with your kids.

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

E-Mail lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

The Old Fashioned Way 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

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ItFigures

by Cynthia Washam

The Gift of Beauty

Holiday Highlights 1994

Year National Family Literacy Day, Nov. 1, was established

30 million

Difference in the number of words heard by children of professional parents before age four and those heard by children of parents on welfare

15% off

25

Difference in IQ scores at age 3 between both groups, with offspring of talkative professionals scoring higher

Breast Augmentation

38

scheduled in November

Percent of Americans who say their favorite aspect of Thanksgiving is having the day off work

visit website for details code AP

14

Percent who say it’s spending time with their family

260

Tons of turkey Swanson had left in 1953, after the company overestimated the amount Americans would buy for Thanksgiving

5,000

Number of trays Swanson salesman Gerry Thomas ordered to fill with surplus turkey, along with stuffing, sweet potatoes and peas, to create the first TV dinners

99

Percent of turkeys sold in the U.S. that come from factory farms, where they’re bred to be so meaty they can’t walk

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Percent of Americans whose favorite Thanksgiving side dish is potatoes

16

Percent who favor cranberry sauce

69

Percent of holiday shoppers who expect to compare prices and buy gifts online

Jan. 1, 2012

Last day U.S. savings bonds, a favorite holiday gift from grandparents to grandchildren, will be sold in paper form and not electronically

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(770) 461-4824

Atlanta/Fayetteville

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Big or Small Save Them All

Sources: Readwritethink.org, DAV Magazine, Curve, Time, Newsweek, Pollsb.com, WWD, Daily Record

atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

by Kate Wallace

Business Idea Can Win Kids Money BIZ KID$ IS ON THE HUNT for creative young entrepreneurs to compete for $3,000 in the “Build Your Social Biz” contest sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP Financial Service Office. This contest encourages kids of all ages to create a business plan that could help their community. The contest is open to kids who have existing businesses or ideas for creating one. To enter, a youngster should submit a oneminute video explaining his social, cultural or environmental idea. Deadline: Dec. 31. Judges will select the top five entries by Jan. 21, 2013, and public voting will run on bizkids.com until Feb. 22. A grand-prize winner will be announced on Feb. 26. In addition to the $3,000 prize, the winner will be matched with a professional financial mentor to help develop the business plan. Visit bizkids.com/contest.

Finances Tight for Single-Parent Households

$235,500

SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES are struggling to pay bills and prepare for retirement, according to a study by the MetLife Mature Market Institute and the Society of Actuaries. The study found that more than 53 percent of single-parent families have concerns about paying current living expenses, and 40 percent feel they are behind on plans to save for retirement.

Average amount spent to raise a child to age 17 in 2011. In 1960 the figure was $192,000.

– U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Bike Drive for Kids

Johns Creek: A Top Suburb

THE RICK CASE BIKES FOR KIDS program is under way, with a goal to collect 10,000 bicycles for kids in need. The program, now in its 31st year, runs through Dec. 20. Rick Case Automotive’s area locations are now accepting new and used bicycles in good condition. In time for the holidays, bikes will be distributed through Atlanta-area Boys and Girls Clubs. For information on bike drop locations, visit rickcase.com, or call 954-377-7410.

JOHNS CREEK TOPS THE LOCAL list for the “Best Places to Live for Suburbanites,” according to a survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. More than 11,000 suburbs nationwide were considered. Taken into account: low crime rates, high numbers of homeowners, short commutes, more meals eaten at home, etc. The local runners-up to Johns Creek: Lookout Mountain, Peachtree City and Berkeley Lake. Nationally, the overall best place for suburbanites is Cherry Hills Village, Colo., just outside of Denver.

Websites Worth Visiting n Pbs.org/parents From the trusted resource PBS, this site is filled with information on early learning and child development. Pbs.org/parents also serves as a window into the world of pbskids.org, a wildly popular kids’ site filled with educational games and activities.

10 Atlanta Parent November 2012

n Education.com This growing site acts as a community for involved parents. Education.com hosts diverse content, from games and activities for kids to resourceful articles and videos for adults. Parents looking for topics, ideas and information, from kindergarten readiness to college prep, can find it here.

atlantaparent.com

Amendment 1 Debate Heats Up ON NOV. 6, GEORGIANS WILL VOTE on the Georgia charter school Amendment 1, which would give a state-appointed commission the right to create statechartered public schools. Intensity around the issue grows as Election Day nears, and this proposed change to Georgia’s Constitution could have significant implications for Georgia’s public schools.

Charter schools are independent public schools to which parents can choose to send their kids. The schools receive public money, but under the current law, charter schools may only be established within their immediate communities by their elected public school boards. As long as charter schools meet certain performance standards, they have more freedom to be innovative and don’t need to adhere to the same state regulations as traditional public schools.

Supporters of Amendment 1 argue that local school boards are historically against creating charter schools and that state intervention is necessary. Others want parents to have more choices when it comes to their children’s education; they contend that charter schools offer an alternative learning experience when a traditional public school model may not work for certain kids.

Gov. Nathan Deal backs the proposed

amendment. “Too many school districts in Georgia offer nothing but mediocre or even failing schools,” Deal says. “In those situations, parents deserve the chance to demand something new, but they often hit a brick wall with their local school boards.”

Opponents point out that school boards have established more than 200 charter schools already and that locally elected school boards are better than a state-appointed commission. Opponents also say that approving more charter schools will take money away from the already financially stretched public schools.

“This is about who chooses: locally elected school boards or unelected political appointees,” according to Vote Smart Georgia, which is against the amendment.

State School Superintendent John Barge also opposes the measure. He reportedly says: “Until all of our public school students are in school for a full 180-day school year, until essential services like student transportation and student support can return to effective levels, and until teachers regain jobs with full pay for a full school year, we should not redirect one more dollar away from Georgia’s local school districts.”

Donate Books to Project GIVE GIVE THE GIFT OF READING to kids through Project GIVE’S “Passport to Literacy” program, a community action effort of the Marcus Jewish Community Center Book Festival. The mission: to collect new and gently used children’s books (ages infant-13) to support shelters, hospitals, and schools throughout Atlanta. Bring book donations to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Deadline: Nov. 30. For more information: projectgive@ atlantajcc.org, or 678-812-3978. c

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atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 11

Dollars&Sense TIPS FOR FRUGAL FAMILIES

by Kate Wallace

Quick Look at Warehouse Stores Atlanta is lucky to have three major warehouse chains in the area: Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club. From diapers, wipes and formula to juice boxes and laundry detergent, these sprawling stores sell popular brands and many products in bulk at 20 percent off retail prices. Members enjoy discounts at the gas pumps.

The stores are a great resource for holiday needs such as toys, jewelry, photo services and gift baskets. For a glimpse at these three chains, see below; don’t miss out on the trial membership deal BJ’s is offering.

Costco

Website: costco.com Household membership: $55 per year

Locations: Alpharetta, Atlanta - Brookhaven, Atlanta - Cumberland Mall, Atlanta - Perimeter, Buford, Duluth, Kennesaw, Morrow and more.

What we especially like: Great selection of Carter’s clothes for baby and the “bulk books kits” for kids. Fruits and vegetables are always fresh and well priced. Great wine selection and wine prices. Delicious croissants and cilantro lime shrimp. Pharmacy and food court open to non-members.

BJ’s Household membership: $50 per year Locations: Conyers, Cumming, East Point, Newnan, Woodstock Website: bjs.com

What we especially like: Now through Dec. 31, visit BJ’s Facebook page to print a coupon for a free 60day trial membership; bring coupon to store. Produce, meats and cheeses here are delicious and a super bargain.

Always a great selection of coupons on the BJ’s site.

Sam’s Household membership: $40 per year

Website: samsclub.com

Locations: Atlanta (Clairmont Road and I-85), Duluth, Tucker, Alpharetta, Marietta, Snellville, Buford

What we especially like: Great deals on everything from photo and travel services to gift wrap and major appliances. Yummy specialorder cakes and party trays.

Pharmacy is open to nonmembers.

– Kirsten Gromatzky

Atlanta Parent STAFF TIP: Because my husband and I have a 1-year-old, it’s really made a difference buying diapers in bulk, like 200-300 at a time. Also, we’ve started to circulate clothing among our friends and family. Borrowing baby toys has been a huge help, too, and is starting to become more popular with some of our other friends who have young children.

I think it’s easy for new parents to forget that a lot of baby items have a short shelf life, so borrowing and buying used really makes sense.

Hot Spots where Kids EAT FREE! Mestizo Southwest Grill. Kids will have plenty to choose from at this neighborhood taqueria that prides itself on fresh, homemade food. On Mondays, kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal and beverage. 3050 Keith Bridge Rd., Cumming. 770-886-3449.

Atlanta Bread. This quick meal spot is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is admired for its signature sandwiches. On Tuesdays, kids 12 and younger eat free after 4 p.m. with each adult meal purchase. Call your neighborhood location to be sure they offer this deal. Visit atlantabread.com for more information.

Steak ’n’ Shake. Most Atlanta-area locations offer a free kid’s meal all day Saturday and Sunday for every $8 spent. Call the location nearest you or visit steaknshake.com for more details.

Need a new phone?

The minute a new model arrives (such as the iPhone 5), the price of the previous model falls drastically.

You’ll find that major carriers are selling the iPhone 4 and 4s models for as low as $50.

– Laura Powell, Associate Publisher

12 Atlanta Parent November 2012

atlantaparent.com

Frugal Read Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4:00

by Mark Di Vincenzo (William Morrow, $13.99) After the success of his 2009 book, Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon, journalist and bestselling author Di Vincenzo brings us Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4:00. This handy volume offers useful tips on how to save time and money, live healthier and make savvier life choices. The book offers answers to questions like, “When is the best time of the month to check for new coupons?” and “Which is the best day of the week to go to the post office?” (Answers, respectively: the first of the month, and Wednesday.) The information here is both fun to read and useful to our everyday lives. Through thoughtful research and expert opinions, Di Vincenzo shows it is possible to accomplish many life tasks both efficiently and inexpensively.

MORE CHOICES

FROM KID’S ACTIVITIES TO HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES.

free goodies* | fun activities | coupons and giveaways

NORTHLAKE MALL Santa’s Arrival

Get a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree.

Text KIDS to 74666.

Saturday, November 17, 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Follow us on Facebook for all the details. This event will be hosted by Radio Disney!

Milk & Cookies with Santa Saturday, December 1 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Follow us on Facebook for all the details for this Kidgits Club holiday event!

Visit Simon Guest Services for program details. *While supplies last

NORTHLAKE MALL 4800 Briarcliff Road N.E. Atlanta, GA I-285 at Exit 37 LaVista Road Shopping Line ® 770-938-3564 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends 11/31/12. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, visit Mall Management Office. Void where prohibited. Message and data rates may apply.

Find us on:

Websites We Love n Airbnb.com: Traveling on a budget for the holidays? Looking to rent out your home while you’re away? This site lists and books accommodations around the world. From an oceanfront house in Hawaii for $295 per night to an artist’s studio apartment in Austin for $75 per night, Airbnb offers a wealth of one-of-akind lodging options that won’t break the bank. n Thredup.com: f you’re tired of spending money on clothes that your kids outgrow all too soon, this site is worth a gander. Thredup offers like-new kids clothing at low prices. When the clothing get too small for your child, return the items and Thredup will pay you for the ones it can resell. c

atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 13

KidsintheKitchen

by Kate Wallace

“Let me do it!” is a familiar cry from children when you are stirring ingredients or tending to a recipe. Atlanta Parent says let ’em. Cooking with kids creates lasting memories and helps teach valuable life skills. And while those lemon bars might not be super healthy, at least the family activity is.

Cookbooks for Kids n SpongeBob’s Kitchen Mission Cookbook

by Stephen Hillenburg (John Wiley and Sons, $16.99) Nickelodeon fans will delight in these recipes approved by both SpongeBob SquarePants and Squidward Quincy Tentacles. n The Mayo Clinic Kid’s Cookbook

by Donald Hensrud (Good Books, $19.95) A cookbook to jumpstart healthy cooking habits. Kids might even like the “ABC Salad” with apples, broccoli and craisins. n B is for Baking

by Susan McQuillan (John Wiley and Sons, Inc., $16.99) From desserts to dinners, Big Bird and Elmo aim to teach kids baking basics. Be sure to try “Cookie Monster’s Pumpkin Pudding.”

14 Atlanta Parent November 2012

atlantaparent.com

Never Too Many Cooks in this Family’s Kitchen

I

t’s not often that a 4-year-old is encouraged to play with knives. In Maddy Schroeder’s case, her parents were quite pleased when their budding chef took an interest. Ten years later, the kitchen is a familiar place to both Maddy, now 14, and brother Jackson, 12.

Both kids can say they caught the cooking bug from their dad Keith, who holds a culinary degree and is a former executive chef for several fine-dining restaurants in the area. Keith and wife Nicki live in East Cobb and are the owners of Atlanta-based High Road Craft Ice Cream and Sorbet. And yes, their kids are the official taste testers.

Cooking dinner together is a nightly family affair for the Schroeders – ever since the kids were little.

“The kids were always hanging around the kitchen, so I started passing out jobs,” says Keith. He taught them how to properly use a knife by standing behind them and placing his hands over theirs on the knife.

“For us, cooking together is huge,” he says. “It’s such an important part of the kids’ cultural education.

Food helps people understand so much, especially when it comes to other cultures.”

On some nights, Maddy and Jackson can sense that the strains of business ownership are taking a toll on their parents, so they’ll fully handle the dinner.

“It’s pretty cool when the kids will say, ‘We’ll cook tonight, you guys go sit down,’” Keith says.

“Just the other night we made steak and salad,” says Maddy. “My brother pan-seared the steaks and I made a salad.” Maddy is thankful that she was taught to cook at a young age. “The first meal I remember cooking was chicken noodle soup,” she says. “I think I was 5, and I had a cold, so my dad helped me add red peppers to the soup. It definitely cleared up my sinuses.” These days, her favorite dish to make is baked salmon with asparagus. “I’m home after school a lot and I love being able to cook for my brother and I,” she says.

Maddy and Keith Schroeder

The family has a particularly special bond because of their mutual time in the kitchen. “Our relationship is strong,” Maddy says. “Cooking together helps us get connected because it’s where we talk about school and our day.”

The father-daughter duo recently took part in a Top Chef Kids competition at Midtown’s Taste of Atlanta event. They “winged it,” yet managed to win Best Presentation for their Thai coconut soup with crab, shrimp and shredded sweet potato.

To get children more interested in cooking, Keith recommends allowing the kids to come up with their own ideas. Parents, he contends, should encourage any dish a kid wants to make – no matter how simple or complicated. “Let the kids do the driving. They’re so resourceful,” he adds.

Cont’d on page 16

When are kids ready for certain activities in the kitchen?

3-6 years 10 and older n Stirring n Cracking an egg n Washing fruits and veggies n Scooping and pouring n Making shapes with cookie cutters n Using a rolling pin

n Learning to use a knife n Operating a mixer n Using the stove and oven n Grating, slicing and chopping

6-9 years n Reading recipes n Measuring wet and dry ingredients n Creating the shopping list n Prepping and peeling vegetables like green beans, corn and potatoes

atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 15

KidsintheKitchen

Tips for Getting Kids Interested in Cooking Engaging your kids in the kitchen could spark a lifelong interest and keep them wanting to learn more. Even the pickiest of eaters are more likely to try something they helped to make. Jennifer Fox, owner of Young Chefs Academy in Sandy Springs, shares these tips: n Bring kids into the kitchen with you,

even if just to watch.

n Start them off by teaching them to crack an egg or measure a cup of flour. n Teach them the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon; and a cup and half a cup. n Have the kids help create a grocery list; this helps promote organization. n Kids are much more likely to taste, and even like, a “weird” dish if they helped make it. n Microwave an egg or a marshmallow and ask your child to watch what happens.

This could inspire them to experiment with other foods (in your presence, or course). n For middle school kids, suggest a “pizza-making party” as an activity at a sleepover. Older kids like to do things in groups, and making pizza is a great learning opportunity. It will feed them, too! n Desserts such as cookies, brownies and cupcakes are great dishes for budding chefs because they involve a lot of mixing and measuring – the parts kids love to do.

Young Chefs Academy offers cooking classes to children that encourage discovery and creativity. Georgia locations are Sandy Springs, 404-255-9263; North Druid Hills, 404-633-2633; and Marietta, 770-427-2665.

For a list of more kids cooking classes and camps throughout the area, visit atlantaparent.com.

16 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Colette Whitney (left) and Isabella Whitney (right).

Book Review: Everyday Kitchen for Kids: 100 Amazing Savory and Sweet Recipes Your Children Can Really Make by Jennifer Low (Whitecap Books, $29.95) For parents who sometimes beg (and even trick) their children into trying new foods, Everyday Kitchen for Kids may help. This new collection of cutely named recipes is not just “kid food”; there are plenty of dishes adults will enjoy, too, that kids can enjoy making themselves.

Author Jennifer Low includes recipes that don’t require sharp knives, motorized appliances or stovetop cooking. From “Fin-tastic Fish Fillets” to “Rainy-Day Banana Bread,” you’ll find 100 recipes paired with enticing photographs and step-by-step directions.

Atlanta Parent asked sisters Colette, 8, and Isabella, 12, to test out some Everyday Kitchen recipes. After careful (and mouthwatering) consideration, choices were made and the girls went to work in their East Atlanta kitchen. Mom Carrie, while admittedly not the most enthusiastic household cook, says she was happy just to supervise rather than do half of the work; she especially enjoyed the “togetherness” of the activity.

The girls created four dishes: “Sugared Doughnut Puffs,” “Real Mac ’n’ Cheddar Cheese,” “Spinach and Mushroom Frittata” and “Cocoa-Kissed Banana Oatmeal.”

“Isabella was able to make the frittata all by herself,” Carrie says. “She ate it and loved it, although she typically would say that she does not like mushrooms.” The macand-cheese earned a unanimous “yummy” rating. Next, the doughnut recipe proved to be more of a challenge; the sisters say the taste seemed a bit “off,” and their “puffs” didn’t quite look like the photo in the book. As for the cocoa-dusted oatmeal with banana, the sisters added a bit more brown sugar than was called for to make the dish a tad sweeter; then they ate oatmeal for supper! Predicts Carrie: “I think we’ll have fun with these recipes for a long time.”

Mom says:

Sisters say:

“The layout of each recipe is helpful and includes not just ingredients, but supplies too. I like that the recipes have cute names but are real meals that you’re happy to feed the whole family with.”

– Carrie Whitney

“It was really fun, but also challenging. Everything looked so good when I looked through the book. I want to make one of the cakes next.”

– Colette Whitney, 8 “The instructions were easy for me to follow and the food was really yummy. I’m looking forward to making other things, especially desserts. It was great!”

– Isabella Whitney, 12 atlantaparent.com

Recipe: Real Mac ’n’ Cheddar Cheese (from Jennifer Low’s Everyday Kitchen for Kids) Makes 3 cups

Supplies 2 ½-quart glass or ceramic baking dish, baking spatula, measuring cups, measuring spoons, foil (or lid of baking dish), bowls, whisk, wooden spoon Ingredients Macaroni 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 tsp. vegetable oil 2 ¹⁄³ cups warm tap water Cheese Sauce ¼ cup unsalted butter 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. dry mustard ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. white sugar ¼ tsp. onion powder ¹⁄8 tsp. chili powder 1 cup milk 1 ½ cups pre-grated cheddar cheese

SCHOOL SUPPL SCHOOL Stadium Childcare Providers for the Atlanta Braves

FRUITS

Vary your fruit choices.

Fruits differ in nutrient content.

SCHOOL SCHOOL SU SUPPLIES SCHOOL SUPPLIES

F

Breadcrumb Topping 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter ½ cup dry breadcrumbs pinch of salt

WHOLE GRAINS

Snack on ready-to-eat, whole grain cereals or whole grain crackers.

WHOLE GRAINS Fruits Snack on differ

ready-to-eat, whole grain nutrient Vary your fruit choices. cereals or whole grain crackers.

FRUITS

SCHOOL

atlantaparent.com

FRUITS

Vary your fr

Preheat the oven to 375.

In the baking dish and using a baking spatula, mix the macaroni with the vegetable oil until the macaroni is well coated.

Pour the warm water onto the macaroni.

Cover tightly with a lid or foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Get help taking it out of the oven. Keep covered for at least another 15 minutes. The macaroni softens some more and the baking dish cools off a bit.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave at 50 percent power (about 1 minute). Use a whisk to mix in the flour until smooth. Then mix in the dry mustard, salt, sugar, onion powder, and chili powder.

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.

Heat the sauce in the microwave on high for 1 minute (or longer, but only 1 minute at a time so it doesn’t foam over), until the sauce is bubbly and thickened. Get help removing

V F n

SUPPLIES

con

Fruits differ in nutrient content.

WHOLE GRAINS Snack on the bowl from the microwave. Cool slightly so FRUITS ready-to-eat, whole grain Vary your fruit choices. cereals or whole grain crackers.

Fruits differ in the bowl isn’t too hot to touch. nutrient content.

WHOLE GRAINS Snack on Stir the cheddar into the sauce. The VEGETABLES Try crunchy ready-to-eat, whole grain vegetables as a school snack. cheese does not need to be fully melted in cereals or whole grain crackers.

WHOLE GRAINS Snack on ready-to-eat, whole grain right now. Set aside. cereals or whole grain crackers.

MEAT Try AND BEANS MILK VEGETABLES crunchy Next make the breadcrumb topping.

Include fat-freevegetables or Choose leansnack. turkey, chicken as a school low-fat milk with roast beef or ham for sandwic In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 VEGETABLES Try crunchy vegetables as a school snack. meals or snacks.

Tbsp. unsalted butter in the microwave at MILK MEAT AND BEANS MILK Include fat-free or 50 percent power until melted. Mix in the Include fat-free or Choose lean turkey, chicken, low-fat milk with roast beef or ham for sandwiches. low-fat milk with breadcrumbs and salt. Use the back of a meals or snacks. meals or snacks.

VEGETABLES Try crunchy wooden spoon to mash the breadcrumbs vegetables as a school snack. into the butter to break up lumps.

MEAT AND BEANS MILK fat-free or Choose lean turkey, chicken, Get help uncovering the dish of Include low-fat milk with roast beef or ham for sandwiches. meals or snacks. macaroni (there should be some water left Success in school lotrightmore than the right Success in school dependsdepends on a lot moreon thanathe in the bottom of the dish). Using a baking pencils, books VEGETABLES and erasers. Studies show that a diet rich Try crunchy pencils, books and erasers. Studies show that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, along with a healthy spatula, scrape the cheese sauce onto the vegetables aswhole a school snack. lifestyle, help your child succeed. in vegetables, fruits can and grains, along with a healthy Find out how good Success nutrition can lead in toschool depends on a lot more th macaroni. Stir well. Spread the macaroni lifestyle, can help your child succeed. great things at MyPyramid.gov. pencils, books and erasers.

Studies show tha Find out how good nutrition can lead to evenly in the dish. Sprinkle thein school breadcrumbs Success depends on a lot more than the right in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, w MEATalong AND MILK books and erasers. Studies show that a diet rich great things at MyPyramid.gov. on top. Bake, uncovered,pencils, for about 20 in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, along with a healthy canChoose help yourlea ch Include fat-freelifestyle, or lifestyle, can help your child succeed. minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly Find out howroast goodbeef nutritio Find out how good nutrition can lead to low-fat milk with o great things at MyPyramid.gov. golden. c great things at MyPyramid meals or snacks.

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 17

RAISE KIDS WHO VOTE!

Activity: Mock Ballots Message: Every vote is equal.

How to play: Choose a ballot topic. n Family night: board game, movie, read aloud? n Next vacation: beach, theme park, mountains?

Create ballots with more – or fewer – options than family members to avoid a tie.

Discuss the pros and cons of each idea.

Lobbying is encouraged.

Allow everyone to fill out his or her ballot privately and drop it into the ballot box (any box with a slot cut in the top).

Count the votes!

Parents should teach their kids to vote their conscience. “The value is in teaching them that you’ll vote the way they’d like if they can convince you it’s the better choice,” Gagne says.

Activity: Dictator for a Day Message: In some countries, one leader makes the rules for everyone.

How to play: Explain the concept of a dictatorship to your kids.

Choose one person in the family to be Dictator for a Day. The Dictator gets to make all of the important decisions that day. If she wants ice cream, she gets it. If she wants others to get none, it’s her call. Bedtime, dinner, snacks, books – the Dictator decides.

by Kirsetin Morello

If you ask any group of kids whether they’d like to play soccer or tug-of-war, one thing’s for sure: Every child will want his vote to be counted. But between our kids’ elementary school years and the time they reach the voting age of 18, they often lose interest. Four years ago, only 41 percent of registered 18-to20-year-olds showed up to vote in the U.S. presidential election. n When my kids ask me why I vote, I provide a full rundown of reasons, including the fact that my great-grandmother wasn’t allowed to vote because she was a woman. “No one who possesses this right should take it for granted,” says Tammy Gagne, author of the book series, A Kid’s Guide to the Voting Process (Mitchell Lane, 2012). n We can encourage our kids to become voters and help them learn through play with these five voting activities.

18 Atlanta Parent November 2012

It’s especially effective to play Dictator for a Day after you’ve already done the Mock Ballot game. When your kids have experienced both sides – having their say and having no say at all – it’s not hard for them to figure out that they’re lucky to have a vote and to want to exercise it.

Activity: Create a Family Constitution Message: It’s important to have rules that govern a country or a family.

How to play: Brainstorm lots of ideas for potential Family Constitution rules.

Get specific. For example, if one of your rules is Respect Our Home, you could

include “clear your place after meals” or “put your clothes in the hamper” as bullet points to make sure everyone understands how to respect your home.

Have everyone sign a copy of your Family Constitution with a fancy pen. Display your Family Constitution prominently in your home.

Activity: Family Fun Poster Board Message: Your vote matters.

How to play: Create a list of ideas for family fun this weekend.

Write everyone’s ideas on a poster board.

Allow each family member to cast three votes by placing tally marks by the activities they support. They can divide their tallies however they’d like.

Count ’em up.

This activity is great for visual learners, because they can see the tallies accumulating as each person votes. When you do the winning activities with your kids, it helps them feel the power of their vote.

Activity: Take Them to the Polls Message: Mom and Dad vote.

Things to consider: Take your kids to the polls with you. “If you tell your kids that voting is important, but don’t make the time to vote when your schedule is busy, they’ll quickly realize your heart isn’t in it,” says Gagne.

Get “I Voted” stickers for you and your kids.

Bring your camera, suggests Gagne.

“Take pictures of your kids beside the sign that says ‘Vote Here’ so they see the event as one worthy of recording in the memory books.”

As you endeavor to raise kids who vote, make current events and political issues a regular topic of conversation in your family. We want our kids to be less intimidated by the word “politics,” says

Gagne, and to be engaged in the process. “A child who understands the importance of the issues won’t see a ballot as just another piece of paper,” she says. c atlantaparent.com

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DON’T

Tell Your Kids to Say ‘Thank You’

This Thanksgiving… and other do’s and don’ts for showing gratitude

by Mary O’Donahue

D

uring the holiday season, and especially Thanksgiving, the focus is on giving thanks. Surrounded by family and loved ones amid a huge feast, the tradition is all about realizing we should be grateful. Every Thanksgiving, parents teach their children the importance of acknowledging such thankfulness, encouraging them to voice the things for which they are grateful.

But gratitude should be encouraged and practiced throughout the year – not just on Thanksgiving. Here are some tips for making the most out of your Thanksgiving for everyone at your table, from your children to your guests.

DON’T…

ask each guest at the table to say what they’re thankful for while the food gets cold in front of them! Take a moment to pray together as a family, or have one person say a few words of gratitude, and then invite everyone to enjoy the delicious feast while it’s still hot.

DO… purchase a small poster board (such as 14-by-22 inches).

Have your kids turn it into a “Thanksgiving Gratitude Board” and display it where everyone can see. Put out colorful markers and ask each guest to write down what they’re grateful for. (Make sure they sign and date their comments.) Bring it out every year. Or buy an inexpensive journal and make it your family’s “Gratitude Book.”

Have guests add to it every Thanksgiving; you’ll have a beautiful record of your family’s and loved ones’ gratitude.

DON’T… prompt your children to say thank you, whether they mean it or not – especially at Thanksgiving!

DO… help your kids make the connection between being grateful

and saying thank you by focusing on the importance of making a “match” between what they’re feeling and how to express it. Let them know that each part is important – both the feeling and the words, and one without the other simply isn’t as powerful.

DON’T… talk about politics, religion or Aunt Bertha’s gallbladder surgery at the dinner table this year.

DO…

start a new tradition. Create a “Gratitude Circle,” where everyone at the table says something positive about the person sitting to their left. For example, “I’m thankful for Aunt Katie because of her cheerful personality. She always has a way of lifting me up when I’m down.” This way of expressing gratitude can be especially powerful for children, who might not always notice the intangible gifts they receive from their family – gifts such as compassion, humor, companionship, and love.

DON’T… let Thanksgiving be the only day of the year your family focuses on gratitude.

DO… practice gratitude each and every day with your family. Put up

a dry erase board in a hallway in your home and encourage everyone to write down what they’re grateful for every night before bedtime.

Or display a decorative box in your kitchen and label it a “Thanks for Nothing Box.” Fill it with small pieces of paper and a few pens, so everyone in the family can write mini thank you notes for those intangible things you give each other on a daily basis. Once a week around dinnertime, open the box and read the notes aloud. This will help ensure that the blessings of Thanksgiving stay with your family throughout the year.

Mary O’Donahue is the author of When You Say Thank You, Mean It. For more tips on expressing gratitude, visit maryodonohue.com.

20 Atlanta Parent November 2012

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T hank You! for another successful Atlanta Parent Family Block Party!

see you next year!

October 12, 2013 Atlanta Parent Magazine would like to thank our special friends: Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Chick-fil-A, DeKalb County Fire Department, DeKalb County Sanitation, Domino’s Pizza, Fun-Fare, Fuze Beverage, Goldberg’s Deli, Home Depot, Kroger, Milanos Pizza & Subs, Mimi’s Cafe, Sam’s Path Petting Zoo, School Box, Two Men & A Truck-Tucker, WellStar, Yule Forest and all our volunteers, entertainers and exhibitors.

Thanks for supporting our beneficiaries:

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Contact Kaitlyn Morris 678-222-1911 Kmorris@atlantaparent.com

How to Host Overnight

Guests

(Without Going Bonkers)

by Ashley Grimaldo

H

ere come the relatives!

Including Aunt Jean and her poodles. You’ve had it on the calendar for months, but now you’re just days away from her camping out in your guest room with her many doggie accessories.

Aunt Jean knows just how to cook your turkey, and she’s going to give it to you loud and straight – and you will grin and bear it.

OK: It’s time to get a game plan so that you can survive all your loving relatives.

Sharing your home can be a wonderful experience for the whole family, but the house is going to be as stuffed as that turkey. Here are some tips to help things go smoothly – and to preserve your sanity.

22 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Make a meal-sharing spreadsheet.

After a decade of gathering for Thanksgiving with my mother’s extended relatives, we finally wised up and started assigning cooking and cleaning duties to each specific family. We made sure each group knew its responsibilities. Consider using Facebook to send out small group messages.

Stock your guest areas with necessities.

evicted youngsters are toddlers, let them share a room with their older siblings a couple nights ahead, so they will sleep well when company arrives.

Plan family walks.

Two big ideas here: You will eat far more than you should (despite your steely resolve), and cabin fever leads to badness. Plan a walk on a nearby trail or through the neighborhood.

Everyone goes, rain or shine.

Include towels, an extra blanket and enough toiletries to get them through their holiday stay. Don’t forget to leave a few bestsellers and magazines on the nightstand for late-night reading. Having a couple of reading lights available is wise, especially when folks need to double-up in rooms.

Practice sharing a room before guests arrive.

Most of us don’t have spare rooms in our homes; your guests will most likely need to encroach on current inhabitants. If those atlantaparent.com

Make a list of things to do around town.

Buy several plastic-lidded cups.

If taking a brisk post-turkey walk outside isn’t an option, have a list of fun activities to present to your guests. Ideas include: movies, bowling, museums and shopping. The goal is to get everyone out of the house for a while.

Unless you’d like a mass of unidentified cups sprouting around your house, get a batch of souvenir cups with lids. Let each guest autograph his own cup with a permanent marker; the cups can become “party favors” for your relatives to take home.

Ask about food allergies.

Many folks are allergic to at least one food (or food group), but as the host, you have the responsibility of accommodating for preference and allergy. Check out eatingwithfoodallergies.com.

Text or email directions ahead of time (with a map included).

While plenty of us have good access to immediate maps with our smart phones, older folks will be grateful to have clear, printed directions to your house before they hit the road. Send an email with a map and directions. Include other needto-know travel tips, such as detours, and nearby stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies.

Invest in a good air mattress.

Make plans for visiting pets.

If you aren’t a fan of air mattresses, you haven’t slept on a good one. But you’ll have to pay more for a bed that doesn’t leak. They can run from $60-$100, depending on size.

Use discount cards when possible.

If your cat-crazy relatives can’t make it through the weekend without toting Whiskers along, address it ahead of time.

Consult aspca.org (search “pet care” and “Thanksgiving safety tips”). Make sure the visiting pet is a quiet one before it gets to your house. A yapping dog can swiftly spoil your holiday cheer.

Ask big groups to bring their own pillows, blankets and towels.

Yes, this is normally understood, but everyone needs a reminder. It’s generally easy for guests to help with your linens if they are traveling by car. Put a hamper in a central location near the bedroom so guests who strip the sheets don’t have to wonder where to put them.

Enjoy the moment and don’t stress!

These holiday memories won’t roll around forever – keep some perspective and be a gracious host. Be thankful you have a generous space to share and let your eccentric relatives enjoy it, too! c

LD I H C R U YO ?

G N I Z E WHETAKE PART IN A

TIRED OF

Like us on facebook to

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Facebook.com/ atlantaparentmagazine STAY CURRENT WITH • Upcoming Events • Win Weekly Prizes • Enter Contests And More!

Parent atlanta

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If YES then 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 if giving an antibiotic (azithromycin) for upper respiratory infections will help improve asthma symptoms and lower the incidence of more serious lower respiratory infections in preschoolers. You may be asked to participate for as long as 18 months (82 weeks) in this study.

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Study Includes: • Pulmonary evaluation • Physical exam (by a MD) • Study drug • Compensation for time and travel November 2012 Atlanta Parent 23

*

Etsy(

Crafty Mom Likes the Income

by Kate Wallace

)

An Online Mecca for Handmade Goods – and Extra Cash!

“I

’m so happy that I’m able to provide for my family,” says Beckie Clark of Athens.

“I love being a wife and mother, but I still needed a little something extra – just for me.” Clark designs and sews throw pillows, which she sells in her Etsy shop, Bexcaliber (etsy. com/shop/bexcaliber).

From vintage children’s clothing to oneof-a-kind jewelry, from custom tablecloths to personalized hairclips, Etsy.com has caught on in a big way as an online marketplace for both buying and selling handmade and vintage goods. For Clark, her shop on Etsy (pronounced “ETT-see”) allows her to stay home with 2-year-old son Henry and make money for the household.

Since starting up Bexcaliber in 2007, Clark has had more than 1,700 transactions and shipped thousands of pillows ($10 - $30) all over the world.

She spends 25 to 30 hours a week as a “pillow peddler,” she says, and considers herself “blessed” to be able to love what she does.

When Clark first visited Etsy.com, it was love at first sight. She quickly decided to open her own Etsy shop, which meant following the step-by-step directions on the site; she found the process easy.

During her first three years as a virtual shopkeeper, orders trickled in sporadically. Clark began marketing her shop via Facebook and

24 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Pinterest and also focused on posting professional photographs of her merchandise. Orders have picked up. Her income goal: to cover one major bill for the family each month. “Without this help, our budget would definitely be tighter,” she says.

She earns $1,000 per month, on average.

There are currently about 800,000 active shops on Etsy, and the site boasts more than 18 million users. Just one popular bead shop on the site (CLBEADS) has 11,245 admirers and some 143,000 sales to date.

Etsy charges 20 cents for every item a shopkeeper posts, and takes 3.5 percent of the price when an item sells. There are no membership or annual fees for Etsy sellers. According to Etsy, the company’s mission is to empower people to change the way the global economy works.

Etsy has helped its shopkeepers gain business skills. Clark, for example, quickly realized the importance of setting a schedule. She often works during Henry’s naptime and after his bedtime. She sets limits on her pillow-making and Etsy work.

“I try to balance spending time with my husband and son,” Clark says. “It all comes down to being realistic. I always think, how do I get my business to grow? But then I wonder if I have the time anyway.

Family is a priority, so I have to accept that I won’t be able to sell 100 pillows every day.”

atlantaparent.com

A Tiny Taste of Etsy

Browsing Etsy.com, you’ll fine a wealth of creative homemade items. Here are just a few that recently caught our eye, including products from several Atlanta-area Etsy shops. (The name of the shop is the last part of each link.)

3

1

6 5

4 1. Original bow ties, $45-$55. etsy.com/shop/barrybeaux 2. Play table with chairs, $140. etsy.com/shop/fiftyshadesofpaint 3. Mustache pacifier (set of two), $15. etsy.com/shop/ babysweettreats (Atlanta) 4. Personalized baby spoon set, $16.80. etsy.com/shop/ jewelmint (Atlanta) 5. Alphabet animals print, $22. etsy.com/shop/gusandlula (Atlanta) 6. T-Rex tee, $16, etsy.com/shop/happyfamily (Atlanta)

2

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November 2012 Atlanta Parent 25

by Lela Davidson

ullying is not new, but so-called cyber-bullying is forcing parents to address this age-old problem in a new way. In Bentonville, Ark., three high school students were arrested earlier this year on a charge of sending harassing communications, a Class A misdemeanor.

Their crime: publishing vulgar and derogatory rumors via the Twitter account @Burnbook10. Theirs is not an isolated case, and bullying that happens online can be especially vicious.

Dawn Spragg, a licensed counselor working with teens and their families, sees a lot of teens dealing with online bullying.

She believes there are several things that make social media such a potent force for bullies, including the speed that information is shared, the scale of communicating with so many people at once, and the ability to share photos and video – even if they’re not real. Not only have the methods of bullying changed, but also the bullies themselves, and their targets. “No one is safe from this new approach to bullying,” Spragg says. “Popular or cool kids were not subjected to bullying in the past, but now anyone can pick on anyone from behind a computer screen. You don’t have to be able to back it up.”

While social media can contribute to bullying, limiting access to electronics is not the answer, says Spragg. “Kids have access to computers and phones 24/7 in other places,” she says. “If you take it away, they will go somewhere else.” Sharon Cindrich, author of Smart Girls Guide to the Internet and syndicated column Plugged In Parent, agrees: “Limiting screen time? That’s like asking whether keeping kids from playing on the playground will stop them from being a bully.”

According to Brad Reed, director of student services for Bentonville school district, where the students were arrested for harassing other students, virtual bullying is more destructive because of the immense damage it does to a person’s self-concept, ego, and self-worth. “Today, cyber-bullying can be broadcast not just down the hall but across an entire school, community, and even around the world in just seconds,” he says. “What used to be an isolated act of humiliation, now intensifies that humiliation exponentially. Cyber-bullying goes far beyond the physical damage of the past; it destroys the heart and mind of the victim, sometimes in ways that are irrevocable.”

While social media may be driving the number of bullying acts upwards, Reed says response is more aggressive today. She offers parents these bully-prevention strategies.

B

Cyber-Bullying:

Strategies for Prevention and Damage Control No More Bullying: Part 2 Hateful behavior among youngsters is a serious issue that leads to tormented lives – and worse. But parents, teachers and peers hold the keys to turning things around. Today we cover online bullying – and what to do to prevent it.

If you missed Part 1 of this series, go to atlantaparent.com (Oct. 2012 issue).

26 Atlanta Parent November 2012

atlantaparent.com

A Web-based survey of about 1,500 students ages 12-17 found that 90 percent reported they do not tell adults about cyber-bullying incidents. Why? Some 50 percent of respondents believed they “need to learn to deal with it” themselves.

Prevention Strategies n Know

Your Child

Protecting your kids is an inside job. Do whatever it takes to understand your child and the world they live in – whether that means eavesdropping, reading their texts, or lurking on their social media pages. Make it your job to be the first to know if your child is a bully, or a target. Knowing your child deeply will also help you identify when something has changed, because there is not really a way to get ahead of the technology.

n Keep

Tabs

Adolescence is a difficult time, and it’s very easy for middle school and high school kids to get caught up in bullying without even knowing what they are doing. Cindrich says the best way to prevent kids from becoming bullies is monitoring and guidance. “It has to start early, with supervision of emails and instant messages and online gaming,” she says, “and then continue as parents monitor online Internet surfing, check kids’ texts and talk regularly to [their] kids about friends and school.”

n Set

the Example

“Parents have to model good neighbor behavior and be aware of the way they talk about friends, relatives, teachers, neighbors, politicians – everyone,” says Cindrich. “A parent’s habits and social behavior have a strong impact on their child’s social learning, especially in the tween and teen years.”

n Keep

Records

Cindrich says bullies often leave an online trail that law enforcement and public safety officials can easily track. Make sure you keep records and print out any messages for future reference. According to Reed, the trend nationwide is to take a more aggressive stance against bullying: “The days of ignoring bullying or downplaying it as something that is not that serious or just what everyone [except the bully] must endure are long gone.

Keep Tech Kids Safe Not comfortable that your kids 12 and younger are just dying to be on Facebook?

Everloop.com is a safe, free alternative social networking site for ages 8-13. It offers parental monitoring and claims “the most comprehensive privacy protection” to guard against bullying, bad language and other worries. Launched in 2011, the site is projected to have 1 million users by 2013.

Hilary DeCesare, chief executive officer and co-founder of Everloop, gave Atlanta Parent these tips for keeping your child safe in cyberspace.

1 2

Set Rules: Establish your own basic guidelines for what

3

Use Safety Controls: Programs are available that let

4 5

Prevent Sharing of Private Information: Be clear about

6

Treat All Devices Like Computers: Rules about online

7 8 9

Limit the Time Your Child Uses Social Media:

your kids should and shouldn’t be doing online.

Keep It Open: No matter what rules you set for your kids,

make sure to emphasize that they can talk to you about anything.

Opening the lines of communication at a young age leads to regular, ongoing conversations.

you customize your family’s cyber experience, from blocking inappropriate content to setting time limits, providing activity logs and live streams.

what information is potentially dangerous, such as sharing home addresses or announcing being home alone.

Get Familiar with Social Media: Start using social

media tools and become familiar and engaged yourself. Once you understand sites such as Twitter, Google and Facebook, you can better discuss them with your kids.

safety should be applied to all tech devices kids use, from tablets to cell phones. Let your kids know that information and photos they wouldn’t want posted on the school bulletin board shouldn’t be shared on the Internet or by text.

Set time limits for social media use just as you would for television or video games.

Set Rules and Guidelines Early: The earlier you start with digital guidelines, the easier they are to manage.

Sign a Contract: Signing a contract is a great way to help kids commit to what is acceptable. Stick to that contract.

Cont’d on page 28

atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 27

Cyber-Bullying: Strategies for Prevention and Damage Control We more fully understand the destructive nature of bullying now and the long-term damage that results from it.”

n Report

It

Books That Teach Tolerance and Acceptance Picture books often help teach children important life lessons. Here are two new titles that provide an important nudge toward being kind to others. Jacqueline Woodson, a prominent author for young adults, was inspired to write Each Kindness after witnessing “simple acts of unkindness” in her daughter’s third-grade classroom.

Spragg warns parents against trivializing what people say about their kids. Something that parents think is not a big deal can be devastating to a teen. “It’s important to validate the pain and embarrassment,” she says. New laws and policies support prosecution of bullies, but only when it is reported. Reed agrees: “Bullying thrives on fear and secrecy, so parents should try to help children overcome the fear and bring these acts to everyone’s attention.”

n Get

n Bad Apple – A Tale of Friendship

by Edward Hemingway (Penguin, ages 4-8, $16.99) A sweet and relevant book about friends and bullying, Bad Apple shares the story of two unlikely friends, Mac the apple and Will the worm. When Mac takes Will to meet his apple friends, they tease him for being friends with a worm. The next day Mac tries again, but the bullies continue to tease him. Will disappears to make things easier for Mac, but Mac decides that one true friend is better than several who won’t tolerate someone different. – Kirsten Gromatzky n Each Kindness

by Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books, ages 5-8, $16.99) This is a heartbreaking tale of a missed opportunity for friendship as Chloe and her friends act like “mean girls” by shunning Maya, the new girl at school. A class lesson on kindness weighs heavy on Chloe’s heart, but unfortunately, it’s too late to make Maya feel welcome. The dramatic watercolor images along with the author’s ability to create a teachable moment from the bully’s point of view, help convey an important message without being preachy. – Felicia Barman

Help

Spragg encourages counseling to help teens deal with the pain of being bullied and to validate their feelings. “[They need] to talk to someone about what happened to them or what is being said about them,” she says. Spragg also suggests mediation with the bully. “If this is done well, it can move victims to a place of healing.” c

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Our primary purpose is to show how much “We Care”in a pleasant surrounding with courtesy and understanding.

The Positive Approach to Bullying Anthony Recenello, a life coach for kids, promotes the idea that kids not see themselves as a victim. “The victim sees the world from outside-in,” he says, which means he sees others as affecting his well being. While “the confident, charismatic individual will view the world from inside-out. He feels that he affects the inner state of others.”

Bullies, he says, “are just looking for other insecure people. When you raise a charismatic kid, that child will have the social skills and mindset necessary to deal with a potential bully.”

Parents need to help their child find a purpose and passion. “When you get your child to do something big, it builds their confidence. They are more likely to become a leader who wants to make things happen.”

Recenello, whose site is charismatickid.com, issues these five “positive approach” tips:

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n Bully About-Face: Take a bully’s negative remark and spin it into something positive about the bully. When you find a way to compliment a person after they just insulted you, that person gets instantly stunned, and then feels guilty for being so mean.

Example: Bully says “I don’t like you,” and the kid replies: “I love that raw honesty! No one’s honest anymore.”

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n Extreme Friendliness: Assertive, positive kids don’t get bullied. Bullies like to find the notso-confident ones. Nothing is more effective than projecting a cool, positive, and assertive vibe.

Confident people make eye contact and are smile a lot.

n Reroute situations: Cut off a bully’s act before he begins. If you see him about to dig his claws into you or another kid, teach him to quickly interject the situation.

Example: Bully says “Hey, Artie, what you got there in your lunch bag? Got anything for me?” John sees the bully is about to hit upon his pal Artie, so he takes it upon himself to reroute this potentially sticky situation; he puts himself between the two and invites the bully to join them both for pizza after school.

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• Compensation in ad will match compensation listed in IRB approved consent form. n The Question Train: There’s nothing like in its entirety for website posting or e-mail communication.

• Ad may be used forcing a bully to think logically. When you see a –When all internet website postings will fall under the “Research Opportunities” heading should t bully about to strike, teach your child topossible, ask him questions: “When’s your birthday?”

“What’s mayoralso fall under the “Employment Opportunities” heading should there not be Dr. a Sonya relevant research opti Windham your middle name?” If done with the extreme 8180 Mall Parkway, Suite 810 • Lithonia • 770-484-4994 • www.ChildrensDentistryAtStonecrest.com website. friendliness, this can work like magic. c If there is not a relevant “Research” heading, the following disclaimer will be used before the stu “Please note that the following is not an employment opportunity but an opportunity to participate in a c November 2012 Atlanta Parent 29 atlantaparent.com research trial.”

Ten Keys to Raising Readers

by Valerie Allen

Ahh…the joy of reading. Books are more than educational and entertaining. They can bring us solitude, happiness and adventure.

Books offer the thrill of a brief escape into a fantasy life as we learn new things, travel to different places, and experience emotions.

We can do all this while sitting in our favorite chair, on a porch swing, or cuddled up in bed.

How do we guide children into this wonderland of reading? Here are tried-andtrue things parents can do to encourage children to read and enjoy finding their muse.

1 2

Start Reading Early.

Books are written and illustrated specifically for each age group: picture books for babies and toddlers, readto-me-books for preschoolers, easy readers for kindergarten, chapter books for beginning readers, chapter books for independent readers, and young adult (YA) books for high school students.

Build a Library.

Have shelf space for children to collect, organize and store their books. This will make it easy to re-read and share with siblings and friends.

Take the time to purge the books each year and donate them to a worthy cause.

30 Atlanta Parent November 2012

3 4

Give Books as Gifts.

Books are long-lasting and one size fits all. They are inexpensive and easy to mail. Books make great gifts, not just for birthdays and holidays, but for events in a child’s life such as the first day of school, moving to a new neighborhood, a new baby in the family, death of a pet, a trip to the hospital, etc. To help with an appropriate selection, most children’s books will indicate age or grade level.

Take Field Trips.

Each week visit the local bookstore or library. Typically, there is a separate section for children’s books, often with attractive furnishings, posters and activities in a comfortable area for kids and parents to enjoy. You can make this a special low-cost outing together.

5 6 7

Show and Tell.

Let your child see you reading. Let him hear you talk to others about a book, newspaper or magazine article you found interesting. Set the example by taking time to enjoy reading and sharing.

Help and Enhance.

Follow up on reading schoolwork with your child. Discuss his books and reading assignments. Offer to help with vocabulary, spelling and writing. Try to enrich reading with related ideas, activities and illustrations related to the story.

Encourage Artwork.

Reading is painting a picture with words.

Have your youngster draw a picture of a character or scene in the story. Your child could also draw a picture of himself as a character in the story. atlantaparent.com

8 9 10

Use the Library.

Have your child obtain a library card in his own name. Have him use it to select and check out books. Be sure he marks the due date on a calendar and have him keep track of returns. Participate in library activities such as book fairs, arts and crafts, book signings, etc.

Read to Others.

Encourage your child to read to you, friends and family members. He may be able to read to younger children at a childcare program or visit a senior center and read to them. Reading aloud adds another dimension to basic reading skills.

Keep a Book Log. Make a journal for your youngster to list each book he has read. Include entries for the date, book title, author, illustrator, number of pages, etc. You can add an evaluation system, such as one to five stars, with five being the most favorable.

Start a new log once a year. This can be on January 1, or the first day of the school year, or on his birthday. These logs can be compared, discussed and enjoyed over and over as your child matures.

Many resources are available for parents to find appropriate books based on their child’s age, grade, reading level and interests. A large selection of books can be found at the public library, school media center and local bookstores. There are also the Caldecott and Newbery awards, which list the best in children’s literature.

Each state also has a listing within its Department of Education of selected books voted on by media specialists and English teachers. Online, Amazon. com has Listmania, which offers current and popular books for children.

Taking the time now to encourage your child’s interest in books will set the pace for a lifetime of reading for both fun and information. c

Dr. Valerie Allen, child psychologist, has raised six children and written two children’s books: Summer School for Smarties and Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends. Visit her at ValerieAllenWriter.com.

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November 2012 Atlanta Parent 31

Books have Birthdays, too!

Who knew that Amelia Bedelia has been around for 50 years? Or that Peter Rabbit has been hopping about for 110 years? We’ve dug up a number of favorite children’s books and characters that are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year or in early 2013. “Time flies when you’re having fun reading,” says Michelle Bennett, youth services manager for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

Thanks to Bennett for assisting Atlanta Parent with this project.

l Junie

20

B. Jones by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus.

With over 53 million copies in print, audio and electronic books, Junie B. Jones has made reading fun for millions of children. l Goosebumps by R.L. Stine. Known as “the Stephen King of children’s literature,” Stine has written more than 60 books in the “lightly scary” series, introducing the horror genre to kids all over the world. Goosebumps titles have been published in 35 different languages. l Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Osborne transports young readers through time and across the globe with her fun, educational stories.

25 l Where’s

Waldo? by Martin Handford. Originally published in the 1980’s in the UK as Where’s Wally?

Waldo has been challenging the eagle-eyed reader for a quarter of a century. l No Jumping on the Bed by Ted Arnold. With fresh illustrations, Arnold has updated his classic story about what could happen when you jump on the bed.

32 Atlanta Parent November 2012

45

l Brown

Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

by Bill Martin, Jr. A classic book for teaching colors to toddlers, this one’s a staple on many children’s bookshelves.

The first children’s story illustrated by the muchloved Eric Carle.

50

l Where

the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. This beloved storybook initially received horrible reviews and was banned by some outlets. It went on to win the Caldecott Medal and the hearts of millions of children. l Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish. Based on a maid the author had as a child living in Cameroon, Amelia Bedelia’s antics have led to many laughs and fun story times. l A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Winner of the Newbery Medal and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, this science fiction classic still has the power to woe readers. l Dr.

Seuss’s Sleep Book. The yawns are spreading from one creature to another and from town to town, Have you heard? It’s time for bed! l Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell. With over 126 million books in print and translated into 13 languages, Clifford has been teaching readers about the value of sharing, helping others and being a good friend for almost 50 years. (This anniversary is in early 2013).

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70

60

110 l Peter

Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Actress Emma Thompson has written The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit (Frederick Warner, $19.99) to celebrate this anniversary of the beloved Beatrix Potter stories. With charming illustrations by Eleanor Taylor, it’s a fine tribute.

l Charlotte’s

Web

by E. B. White/Garth Williams. Listed as the best-selling children’s book of all time as of the year 2000, Charlotte’s Web has tugged on the heartstrings of listeners and readers all over the world.

65

l Goodnight

Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. The treasured bedtime classic continues to lull countless children to sleep. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon.”

l Curious

George by H.A. and Margaret Rey. First published in French (with the frisky monkey originally named Fifi!) the adventures of George never go out of style. l The Boxcar Children by Patricia MacLachlan. Spanning more than 100 titles and with over 50 million copies in print, the antics of the Alden children became one of the most beloved book series ever. l Little Golden Books. The Poky Little Puppy was one of the 12 original titles in the here-to-stay series that launched in 1942; for many years, these books cost just 25 cents. Today’s price: $3-$4. l The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. To celebrate the book’s anniversary, Houghton Mifflin has released a new edition of this dear book ($16.99) that seems fresh as a daisy.

200 l Grimms’

Fairy Tales. In 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm of Germany published their first book of folk tales, originally titled Children’s and Household Tales.

This was the birthplace of dozens of stories featuring the likes of Cinderella, Snow White and Rumpelstiltskin.

– Kirsten Gromatzky and Julie Bookman

Listeners make the best students “Audiobooks are a powerful literacy tool. I’ve used them in my classroom for over 10 years and watched audiobooks change students’ lives.”

–Phyllis J., Head of the Reading Dept., Miami, FL Whether your children are gifted, ESL learners, or reluctant readers, audiobooks sharpen listening skills (essential in today’s multi-media world), increase attention spans, and foster an appreciation for literary language.

“Audiobooks turn long car trips into magical journeys and family storytimes.

They engage a listener’s brain in a way that television and movies can never hope to do. They are part radio drama and part book and wholly enjoyable for all ages.”

–Snow W., Teen Librarian, Mooresville, NC

LISTEN TO AN AUDIOBOOK TODAY. Find Listening Library audiobooks online or at your local bookstore or library.

To learn more about how audiobooks can help your children visit: www.discoveraudiobooks.com

atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 33

2012 Children’s Books:

BEST of the BATCH

’Tis the season to give the gift of reading. We’ve combed through the picture books published this year and selected our favorites – never an easy task. Our 2012 picks appear in order of age appropriateness suggested by the publisher, but many can be enjoyed by the entire family for years to come. Our reviewers all have a love of children’s literature and ample experience reading to little ones: Felicia Barman, Julie Bookman, Sherry Crawley, Kirsten Gromatzky, Anne Nettles and Kate Wallace.

Board Books n Now I Am Big! I Can Do It Myself! by Stephen Krensky (Abrams Appleseed, ages 1-3, $6.95) These board books celebrate various milestones of children growing older and exerting their independence. For example, children and parents alike rejoice when kids can pick out their own clothes and even blow their own noses! The simple illustrations have an old-school look and feel, and the short sentences should nicely suit beginning readers.

The easygoing rhymes help tie these relevant achievements together in a clever manner. - FB n Chomp! by Heather Brown (Accord, age 2 and older, $8.99) The “crocodile smiles,” the “leopard growls,” the “polar bear yawns.” Young kids are sure to squeal and roar with delight. With the turn of each page, the tot in a reader’s lap gets to pull a super-sturdy tab to enact the growl, the yawn, and so on. An especially fun and enjoyable effort. – JB

Preschool to Early Elementary n Blue Sky by Audrey Wood (Blue Sky/Scholastic, all ages, $16.99) From the much-loved author-illustrator of Weird Parents and Silly Sally (among many others) comes another gem. Find a new sky splashed across each double-page spread: from a “sun sky” or “rainbow sky” to a “storm sky” or “wish sky.” Filled with joy and wonder, Wood’s mood-perfect pastel skies make for a dreamy choice at bedtime. – JB n Moonlight by Helen V. Griffith; illustrations by Laura Dronzek (Greenwillow Books, ages 2-5, $16.99) This sweet, soothing story will be a great addition to the bedtime routine. As the rabbit settles into his burrow and prepares to sleep, “moonlight slides like butter” and covers the streams, animals and trees while melting into rabbit’s dreams. With gorgeous illustrations throughout, this lyrical, magical tale will help your child wind down for the night. – AN

34 Atlanta Parent November 2012

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n ABCers by Carole Lexa Schaefer (Viking, ages 2-5, $16.99) This is no ordinary ABC book where “A is for apple.” Instead, readers are in for a treat as a diverse group of friends, otherwise known as the “ABCers,” take us on an adventure-filled day in the life of their neighborhood. The author goes outside of the box by using fun activities to name the alphabet – like “D is for dog walkers,” “M is for monkey climbers,” or “W is for water splashers,” among other exciting neighborhood happenings. – FB n Good News, Bad News by Jeff Mack (Chronicle Books, ages 2-6, $16.99) This adorable, funny (and adorably funny) book tells the story of an optimistic rabbit and his pessimistic mouse friend as they spend the day together on a picnic. For every bad thing that happens, rabbit finds a positive spin. Using only four words and with such hilarious illustrations, this is truly a one-of-akind find. – KG n No Ghost Under My Bed by Guido Van Genechten (Clavis, ages 2-6, $17.99) Preciously illustrated and warmly told, this is the loving story of a daddy penguin trying to convince his little boy that there are no ghosts in his room. Most parents can relate to this bedtime routine in one form or another.

For children listening and fixating upon the charming illustrations, they’ll be reassured that they’re not alone in their fears. – KG n One Two That’s My Shoe! by Alison Murray (Disney Hyperion, ages 2-6, $16.99) This twist on the “one, two, buckle my shoe” ditty is a counting book that bounces along as a frisky pup heads out with his owner’s shoe: “three, four, out the door.” Will pup come back with that shoe? Oh, boy, what do you think will happen? In a lovely palette of sea blues and reds, Murray’s masterful artwork has a strong nostalgic flavor – the look and feel of a classic. – JB n Cock-a-Doodle Who? by Martine Perrin (Albert Whitman and Co., ages 3 and older, $12.99) Filled with vibrant illustrations throughout, this clever book will likely become a family favorite.

The cutouts and intricate patterns will have you and your child guessing about what lies ahead in this game of hide-and-seek on the farm. – AN

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n You Are My Wonders by Maryann Cusimano Love; illustrations by Satomi Ichikawa (Philomel Books, ages 3 and older, $16.99) “I am your teacher; you are my school child.

I am your welcome; you are my running wild.”

So begins this sweet book from the pair behind You Are My I Love You. Brimming with stunning illustrations, this charming rhyming story honors one of the most significant relationships for a child – that with his or her teacher. – AN

n How To Be Friends with a Dragon

by Valeri Gorbachev (Albert Whitman, ages 3-6, $16.99) “It’s not a good idea to play tricks on a dragon. Dragons don’t just breathe fire, they sneeze fire,” learns curious Simon, the young boy who yearns to be friends with a dragon. The adventurous story centers on the do’s and don’ts of befriending a dragon. – KW

n Pugs in a Bug by Carolyn Crimi; illustrations

by Stephanie Buscema (Dial, ages 3 and older, $16.99) Counting? Check. Rhyming? Check.

Colorful illustrations, silly situations and loads of fun? Check! This book has it all. Six adorable dogs (pugs) go on a road trip in a green car (bug). There’s even a doggie parade! Spoiler alert: A squirrel causes some mayhem. A bright, entertaining book for kids just learning to count and read. – SC

n Toot and Pop by Sebastien Braun (HarperCollins, ages 3-6, $12.99) This sweet book tells the story of Pop, a cheerful tugboat, and Toot, an enormous new boat that arrives at the harbor one day. Toot declares he does not need help from a little boat, but when he tries to go to sea on his own, he realizes he needs Pop after all. Just right for youngsters who are eager to assert their independence. – SC

n Dog In Charge by K.L. Going; illustrations by Dan Santat (Dial, ages 3 and older, $12.99) Are you a cat person or a dog person? You might just say both after reading this adorable book. Dog’s family goes out and leaves him in charge of the house, including five pet cats.

What could possibly go wrong? Let’s just say it all ends well. Little ones will have fun looking for the mischievous kitties and rooting for Dog to save the day. – SC

n The Insomniacs by Karina Wolf; illustrated by the Brothers Hilts (Putnam, all ages, $16.99) The Insomniacs move 12 time zones away and cannot adjust their body clocks. They eventually decide to embrace the mystery and beauty of nighttime and slumber during daylight hours. Alive with whimsy, the dark-toned illustrations – achieved with charcoal, pencil and computer technology by brothers who work collaboratively – are among the most original and delightful we’ve seen this year. – JB

n When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker (Dial, ages 3-5, $16.99) Goofy dads of the world will rejoice in this celebration of eternal youth. The amusing artwork plays an important role in conveying just how silly dads can be. Little ones will giggle as they see dads drinking milk through a straw, racing with shopping carts, getting stuck on playground equipment – and other such shenanigans. – FB n There Was a Tree by Rachel Isadora (Nancy Paulsen Books, ages 3-5, $16.99) The gorgeous landscape of Africa is the setting for this entertaining and picturesque book that invites us to sing a familiar tune about “the prettiest tree that you ever did see…” The scenes are vibrant, and the lyrics are catchy enough to inspire readers to want to chime in. A note to musicians: Sheet music is included at the back of the book (so the fun can continue). – FB

n Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins and G. Brian Karas (Schwartz & Wade, ages 3-7, $16.99) Children may discover their entrepreneurial spirit with this cute story about a brother and sister who are determined to sell lemonade – in the middle of winter. Their experience becomes an impromptu business lesson as they learn about advertising, pricing and counting money. The children eventually see how sweet it is to share the fruits of labor after a hard day’s work.

There’s also a handy cheat-sheet at the back of the book where kids can learn neat ways to remember each coin. – FB Cont’d on page 36

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 35

BEST of the BATCH n Buglette the Messy Sleeper by Bethanie Deeney Murguia (Tricycle Press, ages 3-6, $15.99) This whimsical story follows Buglette, the tidiest of bugs with one big exception: She is the messiest sleeper. In her dreams, she rides tractors, swings on a trapeze through the air, and kicks a ball over the moon, all of which leads to one big mess of blankets and pillows in the morning. When the scary Crow pays Buglette’s family a visit, she proves that her bravery and courage extend from her dreams into her waking life. The charming illustrations and sweet story will appeal to all ages. – AN n Mossy by Jan Brett (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, ages 3 and older, $17.99) You can’t help but appreciate all that nature has to offer in this touching tale by the topdrawer Brett (The Mitten and many more) about a beloved Eastern box turtle named Mossy who grows an intricate, colorful garden on her shell. No sooner does she befriend another turtle named Scoot when she is suddenly captured and put on display in a nearby museum. As Mossy becomes homesick and lonely at the museum, readers will root for her return to her natural habitat where she can enjoy life as she once knew it. – FB n Oh, No! by Candace Fleming & Eric Rohmann (Schwartz & Wade, ages 3-5, $17.99) Caldecott Medal-winning author-illustrator Rohmann and Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Candace Fleming have created a fun, suspenseful jungle tale that is a lot of fun to read aloud. First, frog falls into a hole, then mouse tries to help and tumbles in, too. More kind-hearted critters follow until they are all trapped together, with a hungry tiger staring down upon them. Eyecatching illustrations make this an especially fine experience to share with your child. – KG n If All the Animals Came Inside by Eric Pinder (Little Brown & Co., ages 3-6, $16.99) Illustrated by Marc Brown, creator of the hit PBS Kids’ cartoon Arthur, this fun book takes the reader on the adventure of what happens when wild animals invade your house! Elephants are in the living room, octopus is in the bath, and panda is raiding the fridge. What starts out as fun quickly becomes mayhem and the children realize that maybe the pets they already have are quite enough. – KG n Neville by Norton Juster (Schwartz & Wade, ages 3-6, $17.99) By the author of The Phantom Tollbooth, here’s the story of a little boy forced to move to a new neighborhood. Neville is miserable and worried about starting at a new school and making new friends. His mom tells him to take a walk around the new neighborhood and see what there is to see. He begins walking and calling out his name – and good things start to happen. – KG

36 Atlanta Parent November 2012

n Apple by Nikki McClure (Abrams Appleseed, ages 3-6, $12.95) One season turns gently to the next as we consider the life course of an apple. A single word appears every two pages – words such as “sneak,” “forget,” “plant.” McClure today is a prominent paper-cut artist with a focus on environmental stewardship.

Her masterful black-and-white scenes (only the apple is bright red) convey a depth of feeling. This is a long-awaited hardbound edition of a handmade book the artist self-produced (just 200 copies) when just embarking on this amazing craft in 1996. Starting with the sly and subtle expressions on the faces of the children, there’s plenty for lap listeners to ponder in each scene. – JB n Rat and Roach: Friends to the End

by David Covell (Viking, ages 3-6, $12.99) Why might folks want or need to stick together even when they drive each other crazy? So it is with Rat and Roach, who live together under Avenue A. They bug each other constantly. Example: “Rat makes a mess and Roach makes things too pretty.” Still, they can’t imagine not being best buds. The playful text is witty and refreshingly gutsy at times.

The illustrations are quirky, whimsical, terrifically original – oh, and hysterical. A standout of the season. – JB

Pre-K to Elementary School n Red & Yellow’s Noisy Night by Josh Selig (Sterling Children’s Books, ages 4-7, $14.95) The Red and Yellow characters are family favorites among those who’ve seen their animated shorts on the Nick Jr. channel. These beloved creatures who share their home with Olive Tree always have a problem to solve. In this story, they struggle to come to an agreement over Red’s loud musical instrument while Yellow is trying to sleep. See how they work together in harmony to come up with a solution. – FB

n Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

by Mo Willems (Balzer & Bray, ages 4-8, $17.99) Fans of Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny) won’t be disappointed with his latest kooky foray into classic fairy tales as we follow precocious Goldilocks on her latest adventure. Of course, he puts his own comical spin on the girl’s fate as she encounters the home of three dinosaurs, who seem to anticipate her arrival. The detailed illustrations give parents plenty to wink about, and the text is open to unexpected interpretation. – FB n My Brave Year of Firsts by Jamie Lee Curtis; illustrated by Laura Cornell (HarperCollins, ages 4-8, $16.99) There’s a first time for everything indeed as we’re given a delightful peek into a year in the life of adorable Frankie. The detailed, comical illustrations go hand in hand with the witty rhyme scheme as Frankie experiences many “firsts” – some good, some not so good – throughout her life. Young readers and parents will enjoy the full spectrum of events, from riding a bike to telling a lie for the first time. Also appreciated are the central messages in this lighthearted tale: Don’t be afraid to try new things, and remember that everything has a consequence. – FB n I’m Not Tired Yet! by Marianne Richmond (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, ages 4 and older, $16.99) Six-year-old Ralphie knows all the tricks in the book in his attempts to stay up later and later past his bedtime. Little does Ralphie’s mom know that these delay tactics are just an excuse for him to spend more quality time with her. He uses his imagination to sneak in one last hug, tickle, cuddle and good-night kiss from his goodnatured mom. – FB n C.R. Mudgeon by Leslie Muir; pictures by Julian Hector (Simon & Schuster, ages 4-8, $15.99) Variety is not the spice of life for C.R. Mudgeon, a prickly hedgehog who prefers his no-nonsense routine over change. How in the world can he tolerate the energetic squirrel who moves in next door? Paprika plays loud music, likes to dance and eats spicy foods. Unexpectedly, C.R. Mudgeon grows to appreciate his new neighbor and finds that a little change may be OK after all. – AS

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n Wild About You! by Judi Sierra; illustrated by Marc Brown (Knopf, ages 4 and older, $17) From the team behind Wild About Books comes a tribute to new life and motherhood. Most (though not all) of the zoo animals have just given birth: “Some hatched from their mamas. Some hatched out of eggs. Some walked right away on their long, wobbly legs.” When an endangered egg is delivered to the zoo, who will be its mother? Brown created the richly detailed illustrations on wooden panels with watercolor, gouache and extraordinary colored pencil work. The scenes are big, bold, bright – and bursting with love. – JB n Return of the Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy; illustrated by Michael P. White (Peachtree Publishers, ages 4-8, $16.95) Book lovers will relish this latest tale from beloved Atlanta-based performance storyteller Deedy. Longtime librarian (and dragon) Miss Lotty is set to retire until she discovers that Mr. Mike Krochip has removed all the books to make room for a cyber-library filled with high-tech gadgets and gizmos. Miss Lotty’s library dragon erupts, spewing fire and gobbling up smartboards and other devices that cross her path. The dragon is tamed when she realizes that her replacement, none other than her former pupil, will return the books and create a library that balances traditional books with the latest technology. – AS

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n Everything Goes on Land and Everything Goes in the Air Written and illustrated by Brian Biggs (Balzer & Bray, ages 4 and older, $14.99 each) My son, 3, excitedly read one of these books on his own for almost an hour. Enough said.

These large books are jampacked with bright-as-can-be illustrations, informative graphics and short, funny text. Everything Goes On Land chronicles a trip into the city to pick mom up from the train station. In the Air is about going to the airport to ride on a plane. There’s even a big foldout section in the back of each book – magic! – SC

n Jangles, A Big Fish Story Written and illustrated by David Shannon (Scholastic/Blue Sky, ages 4 and older, $17.99) From the author of No, David! and several other awardwinning children’s books comes this captivating yarn. When a boy snags a giant fish that was only rumored to exist, he learns that doing the right thing is more important than bragging rights. His good choice is rewarded in the end, and young readers will learn respect for nature and the allure of magic in this fishy fantasy. – SC n The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson (Penguin Young Readers, ages 4 and older, $20) Peter Rabbit is 110 years old (see page 33). Here, Peter Rabbit sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden, finds a yummy-smelling picnic basket, and hops in to investigate.

Full and cozy, he falls asleep and later awakens to find himself bumping along a country road in a wagon and on his way to Scotland! – KG

Cont’d on page 38

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 37

BEST of the BATCH n The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool (Random House, ages 4-8, $16.99) This is a beautiful book with an important message about greed, our planet’s resources, and the impact that human choices have on the environment. A little village boy weaves a scarf from the clouds using just what he needs and no more. The greedy king admires the boy’s scarf and demands he make the longest ever for him, the king. The boy explains that the king doesn’t need such a long scarf, that it would be wasteful, but the king won’t hear of it and also demands a cloak and dresses for the queen and princess. Pretty soon all of the clouds are gone and the village suffers a drought; with no clouds, there can be no rain. – KG n Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty? And Other Notorious Nursery Tale Mysteries

by David Levinthal and John Nickle (Schwartz & Wade, ages 4-8, $17.99) This humorous take on traditional fairy tales boasts incredibly detailed illustrations.

Follow Officer Binky on his investigations to learn what really happened in some favorite fairy tales. Did Humpty Dumpty really fall – or was he pushed? What happens when Hansel and Gretel are questioned about the disappearance of the witch in the deep, dark woods? And plenty more to ponder. – KG

38 Atlanta Parent November 2012

n The Word Collector by Sonja Wimmer (Cuento de Luz, ages 5 and older, $14.95) Celebrating the power of words, this beautifully illustrated and cleverly penned story will enchant young and old alike. An exceptional girl who lives in the sky, Luna loves words and collects them like stamps. When she realizes that words are beginning to disappear and lose their significance, she sets off on a journey across the world to share her words with the people who need them most. This unique tale will have readers linger as they piece together the story and ponder the author’s meaningful message. – AN

n Puss In Boots by Jeff Pinkney (Dial Books, ages 5 and older, $17.99) Caldecott Medal winning writer/illustrator Jerry Pinkney has beautifully retold and illustrated this classic story of ingenuity and trickery. The vivid watercolor illustrations on each page are a joy to look at with your child. Pinkney’s version is the first literary retelling of Puss In Boots since Fred Marcellino’s version published in 1991. – KG n Cold Snap by Eileen Spinelli; illustrated by Marjorie Priceman (Knopf, ages 5 and older, $17.99) The newspaper headline shouts “Cold Snap!” and the folks in Toby Mills are chilled to their bones.

As temperatures plunge lower, the pastor takes his afternoon nap with hot water bottles taped to his feet.

Priceman’s gouache-on-watercolor paper illustrations burst with personality and swirling energy. – JB

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n Welcome to Cuckooville by Susan Chandler; illustrations by Delphine Durand (Sky Pony Press, ages 5 and older, $16.95) Do you speak Gobbledygook? Well, here’s your chance to learn. This wonderfully silly book with funny illustrations can help children see that it is our differences that make us stronger. When a misunderstood citizen, Mrs. Gobbledygook, saves the day – with the help of an observant little boy – the people of Cuckooville learn to love her for her uniqueness, and you will, too. – SC n Molly, by Golly! by Dianne Ochiltree (Calkins Creek, ages 6 and older, $16.95) History buffs will be enlightened by this action-packed story about Molly Williams, the first known female firefighter in America.

We are transported back to the 1800s, when Molly, a talented cook for New York City Fire Company No. 11, must answer the call of duty and help put out a massive fire. Molly’s heroism is admirable, especially during a time when there were no sophisticated ways to fight fires and no women firefighters to follow. – FB n Nasty Bugs Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins; illustrations by Will Terry (Dial, ages 6 and older, $17.99) Who knew you could teach iambic pentameter and fun facts about termites at the same time? This book of just-grossenough poems is a great way to learn about creepy crawlies among vibrant illustrations.

Did you know that lice have been found on Egyptian mummies? Or that bedbugs are nocturnal? Eww! Look forward to more fun facts like these after your kids read this icky but fascinating book. – SC n Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed; illustrations by Barbara McClintock (Houghton Mifflin, ages 6 and older, $16.99) In a series of 20 thoughtful vignettes, we learn there are many kinds of ice, from the first ice (so thin it breaks in your hand), to frozen-garden ice, to the last ice. We can’t wait for the perfect ice that’s thick enough to skate upon: “no holes, no bumps, no ruts, no scratches.” Even though it’s about something quite chilly, this sweet little book warms hearts in a wonderful way, as do McClintock’s charming pen-and-ink illustrations. – JB n Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole (Scholastic, ages 7-10, $16.99) In this wordless, moving and suspenseful story, a young girl helps the runaway slave hiding in her family’s barn. There’s much going on and even more to imagine and contemplate in the nicely detailed pencil-oncharcoal paper scenes. – JB

Choose a

Montessori Education

for Your Child

Find a school near you from the largest Montessori community in the U.S. Cobb/Paulding Casa Montessori ....................................770-973-2731 ............... www.casamontessori.com Riverstone Montessori Academy ..........770-422-9194 ............... www.riverstonemontessori.com Noble World Montessori .......................770-509-1775 ............... www.nobleworldmontessori.com DeKalb Arbor Montessori School ......................404-321-9304 ............... www.arbormontessori.org Atlanta Montessori ...............................404-325-6777 ............... www.amischool.com International School Decatur Montessori School ...................404-370-0620 ............... www.decaturmontessori.com Montessori School at Emory .................404-634-5777 ............... www.montessorischoolatemory.com Montessori School of Dunwoody .........770-804-1444 ............... www.montessorischoolofdunwoody.com Northwoods Montessori School ............770-457-7261 ............... www.northwoodsmontessori.org Fayette Fayette Montessori School ....................770-460-6790 ............... www.fayettemontessori.com Forsyth Ivy League Montessori ..........................770-731-5586 ............... www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy ............................770-205-6277 ............... www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com at Sharon Springs Montessori School of Cumming ...........770-205-6773 ............... www.montessorischoolofcumming.com Fulton Carlisle Montessori School ...................404-949-0053 ............... www.carlislemontessori.com Children Today Montessori ...................770-817-8201 ............... www.childrentodaymontessori.com Crabapple Montessori School ...............770-569-5200 ............... www.crabapplemontessori.com Cross of Life Christian Montessori .......770-475-3812 ............... www.colmontessori.com Discovery Montessori Academy ...........404-767-5005 ............... www.discoverymontessoriacademy.com First Montessori School of Atlanta .......404 252 3910 ................ www.firstmontessori.org Montessori In Town ...............................404-784-1038 ............... www.montessoriintown.com Montessori School of Alpharetta...........770-667-1277 ............... www.montessorischoolofalpharetta.com Renaissance Montessori School ............404-755-1915 ............... www.renmont.com The Children’s House at Serenbe ..........770-317-4310 ............... www.thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com Village Montessori School ....................770-552-0834 ............... www.vmschool.com Gwinnett The Duluth Montessori School .............770-476-9307 ............... www.duluthmontessori.com Four Seasons Montessori School ..........404-444-1995 ............... www.4seasonsmontessori.com Oak Meadow Montessori School ..........770-963-8303 ............... www.oakmeadowmontessori.com Old Peachtree Montessori School .........770-963-3052 ............... www.opmontessori.com

Education for children infant through middle school.

Visit www.montessori-mag.org for more information.

Cont’d on page 40

atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 39

BEST of the BATCH For Older Kids Big thanks to Laura Kamenitsa, Atlanta’s Inman Middle School media specialist, and Terri Kaplan, librarian at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta.

They coordinated the 2012 book reviews by students at their respective schools. More than 25 students came through for Atlanta Parent. Kaplan and fellow Westminster librarian Tara Quilitzsch also pitched in with the writing. A select number of reviews appear here, and the full roundup can be found on atlantaparent.com.

All of these titles are appropriate for middle school readers, but many (both below and online) are also suitable for upper-elementary students. The suggested age recommendation is noted with each title.

From The Westminster Schools:

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n About Average by Andrew Clements (Atheneum, ages 8-12, $16.99) Jordan. Yep. Just Jordan. That about sums it up. Well, at least that’s what sixth-grader Jordon Johnson thinks. She feels alone in a sea of talented kids. Nothing special about her; she’s hardly a movie star or a kid genius or the next Picasso. But things are about to change.

One hot summer day could change how others see her – and how she sees herself. The author of Frindle brings us another uplifting book.

As the story began to unfold, I was instantly hooked. I definitely recommend this! – Emily Henegar, 7th grade n Mr. and Mrs. Bunny – Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath (Schwartz & Wade Books, ages 8-12, $16.99) Madeleine, 11, lives a good life on the small island of Hornby, but her life is dramatically changed when her parents are discovered missing and only a mysterious note is left behind. The perpetrator leaves one clue – finger food! She meets the quirky Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, detectives whom she hopes can help find her parents. I enjoyed Madeleine’s unusual take on life. I loved her imagination and relished her bravery and courage. The book was funny, with just enough seriousness and mystery. Two years ago I read Horvath’s Everything On a Waffle, and this book is just as awesome, creative and engrossing. – Isabella Pu, 6th grade

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n The False Prince by Jennifer Nielson (Scholastic, ages 10 and older, $17.99) Four orphans, strikingly similar in age and appearance, are rescued from their orphanages

by Connor, a member of the King’s Court. They soon find themselves in a deadly competition to see which one can secretly double as the long lost Prince of Carthyia, believed killed by pirates years ago. The winner will rule Carthyia, but the others will almost certainty die – unless they can work together to outfox Connor and his henchmen.

A fast-paced story with entertaining characters and a plot that twists and turns throughout, The False Prince will have you reading well past your bedtime! – Terri Kaplan, librarian, The Westminster Schools

n Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (Bloomsbury, ages 12 and older, $16.99) Welcome to the world of Emily March, a modern-day teen who reads Little Women for a school assignment and gets stuck in the book. As in, she is literally in the book as one of the March sisters. Emily slowly adjusts to life as a member of the March family when one of the sisters tells her that she knows Emily doesn’t belong and can help Emily get out of the book – if Emily will take her with her! But Emily March is no fool. She knows she is in Little Women for a reason.

This is a very interesting and clever tale spun by a good author. One thing, though; read the original Little Women first! There may be a couple of spoilers if you don’t. – Emma Bussey, 6th grade n Safekeeping by Karen Hesse (Feiwel & Friends, ages 12 and older, $17.99) The American People’s Party (the APP) has overthrown America, and all protesters have been apprehended and killed. Seventeen-yearold Radley Parker-Hughes was volunteering at an orphanage in Haiti but flies home after hearing about America’s troubles. Radley believes her biggest problem will be the fact that she left her phone charger in Haiti,

From Inman Middle School:

but she is wrong. She soon comes to realize that the easy life she once knew in America no longer exists. This is a story of survival in a land of deathly circumstances. Homelessness, a journey filled with starvation, and a friendship forged out of desperation create a tale that is introspective, humbling and exciting. – Tara Quilitzsch, librarian, The Westminster Schools

Over 35 years of nurturing your children as they naturally develop.

Accredited by AMI, the most prestigious Montessori organization. Leadership, respect and academic excellence are cultivated in a peaceful environment.

n Chomp by Carl Hiaasen (Alfred A. Knopf, ages 10 and older, $16.99) A boy named Wahoo lives on an animal ranch in the Florida Everglades with his father, an animal wrangler. The star of a fake reality show that uses tame animals decides to film an episode using real wild animals. Imagine the crazy complications.

Chomp is a great book and makes you feel like you are really there. It is very funny and gives you a different perspective of Florida. Animal lovers will love this, and even if you’re not into animals, you’ll probably like it a lot, too. – Ruth Payne, 6th grade Cont’d on page 42

Open House

“Give them Roots and Wings!”

Friday, December 7, 2012

AGES 14 MONTHS - 12 YEARS

Campus Tour and Orientation Meeting 9:00 am to 11:00 am or 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (Program begins Promptly at 9:00 a.m.)

2997 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096 1768 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth, GA 30097

www.duluthmontessori.com

770-476-9307

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Atlanta’s Premier Christian School Since 1949 Two Years through 8th Grade 3260 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

404-262-2233

www.heiskell.net November 2012 Atlanta Parent 41

BEST of the BATCH n True Legend by Mike Lupica (Philomel Books, ages 10 and older, $17.99) Drew Robinson sees a ghost. A basketball ghost.

This ghost can dunk, pass and shoot in a way Drew has never seen before. Drew isn’t your average teenager. He plays basketball so well that ESPN talks about him. Drew is so good that people call him True – and he knows only the stars get nicknames. The colleges want to sign him, but his mother disagrees. She thinks he needs to work on school more than basketball. One midnight he goes out to learn more about basketball from the ghost. Drew is smart, but he doesn’t use his head for school, just basketball. Drew taught me some things while I was reading this book, such as maybe I need to keep my mind on sports, but also on life. I think readers will enjoy True Legend and learn from it. – Max Palickar, 6th grade n The Wednesdays by Julie Bourbeau (Alfred A. Knopf, ages 8 and older, $16.99) This is a book about a village that is normal six days of the week. On Wednesdays, however, peculiar things happen, like a cat getting stuck in a vacuum cleaner. Max investigates and finds mischievous characters who are actually called The Wednesdays.

There’s so much detail to this plot, you have no choice but to keep reading. I have never read anything quite like this. I’m a sucker for fun books like this one. I felt like this story helped me connect to my 7-year-old self again! – Zoe Bach, 7th grade

n The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis (Wendy Lamb, ages 9 and older, $15.99) The Malone family is very talented.

Deza Malone is a very bright student and an excellent author. Her brother Jimmie sings like an angel, and when he does, people stop to listen. The family lives in Gary, Indiana, which is hit hard by the Great Depression.

After Mr. Malone leaves home in search of work, Deza, Jimmie and their mother set out to find him. This story by the award-winning author of Bud, Not Buddy has many twists and turns. I liked this book because it relates to real-world crisis. Many families today can identify with similar financial struggles. I recommend this book for older kids because of its mature perspective on real world events. – Gracie Dunn, 7th grade

n The Yawning Rabbit River Chronicle by Janine Layton Kimmel (Spring Tree Press, ages 10-14, $17.99) The animals living in the forest call for an emergency meeting because of a water shortage. Sean the jackrabbit has a plan to race Violet the river goddess so that when he wins, the river will come to the forest. This book is truly amazing. The author described the characters and creatures so well and made it easy for readers to follow the story every step of the way.

There’s always something exiting going on. I recommend this book for older kids, for there is some mild violence. – Jacob Salomon, 7th grade n A Diamond in the Desert by Kathryn Fitzmaurice (Viking, ages 10 and older, $16.99) This is a great book about a JapaneseAmerican family after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Tetsu and his family go to a concentration camp because his pop was arrested for turning on and off their storage light during the night, which might have looked like he was sending Morse code signals to the Japanese. Tetsu loses his dog, and his sister gets very sick. He and some friends create a baseball field where they play. He has a Mel Otis baseball glove, which is great for catching. This book is a heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and living up to your heritage. I really like this intriguing story and hope Fitzmaurice will write another one. – Nicholas Simon-Brecke, 7th grade c

Open House Thursday, November 8 at 10a.m.

4385 Lower Roswell Rd • Marietta, GA www.mtbethelchristian.org (770) 971-0245 TouRs ARe offeRed eveRy WednesdAy AT 10A.M.

42 Atlanta Parent November 2012

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Come See What Other Families Have Discovered

INSPIRING STUDENTS WITH THE PASSION TO EXCEL

OPEN HOUSE: Wed. November 7, 9:30am-10:30am Wed. December 12, 9:30am-10:30am Sat. January 12, 11:00am-1:00pm

We strive to help children reach their highest potential, while developing a life-long love of learning in a warm and nurturing environment where students matter most.

• Private non-parochial Preschool, Elementary & Middle Grades • Challenging Hands On Academics • SACS, GAC and NAEYC accredited

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9626 Hickory Flat Hwy Woodstock GA 30188

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November 2012 Atlanta Parent 43

How to Start a Parent-Child Book Club

by Cindy Hudson

P

icture yourself snuggling up with your child to read a good book. Now imagine getting together with friends later to talk about what you read, maybe play a game or make a bookmark, and have something good to eat. That’s what a parentchild book club is all about.

Such reading groups can be formed in all sorts of combinations: mother-daughter, father-son, mother-son, father-daughter, and parents with both sons and daughters. But any way you mix them, fun is sure to be had.

Parent-child book groups can help you stay “tuned in” with your child as he grows and matures, will help you form friendships and stay connected to other parents, and help instill a love of reading among everyone in your family.

With a little bit of thought and planning, you could have a book club ready to go in no time. Here are six steps to get you started.

44 Atlanta Parent November 2012

n

What sort of book group?

Make sure your son or daughter is ready for a book club. The ideal age is about 8 or 9. That’s when kids still enjoy spending time with their moms and dads while also being among their friends. Start earlier if your child shows an interest. Think about giving your club a name. n

Group size?

Think about how big you would like your group to be. Are you more comfortable in a crowd, or do you prefer more intimate gatherings? Larger groups can be more open, with new people invited to come aboard at any time. Smaller groups provide more time for each person to have input during discussion, and fewer people means fewer schedules to consult when you’re choosing your next meeting date. n

Who to invite?

You can start by asking one friend and her child, and then asking them to invite others to join. You could also tap members of a school class, scout troop or church group. You’ll probably want to define a few expectations. For instance, everyone in the group should know that it’s a parent-child book club, which means both parents and kids should plan to attend meetings and read the books. n

Where and when to gather?

Will you meet once a month, or once every other month on a regular, ongoing basis? Will you trade off going to each other’s homes? Will you meet at a library or in a room at someone’s church? Consider, too, whether you want to serve a meal or snacks at a meeting. It generally works best when meetings are at a fixed time (such as 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month). atlantaparent.com

n

How to Choose books?

You can let the kids decide what to read, or let the parents select titles with their children, but it’s not a good idea for parents to choose reading material without input from the youngsters. It’s important for kids to know they have a voice in the process, and they’re not just reading what their mom or dad thinks they should read. Consider picking a theme, focusing on a genre, consulting recommended book lists, and getting recommendations from librarians.

What happens at club meetings? n

The last step is to discuss how the group will operate at its gatherings.

You definitely want to include time for socializing before settling down for your book chat. You may also want to consider playing games or making book-related crafts. Also, consider having the different parent-child teams trade off with hosting and planning duties. It all depends on how much creativity and energy your book club members want to put into the endeavor. c

atlantaparent.com

Can’t-Miss Titles to Get Your Book Club Started n Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. Dahl’s childhood inspired

many of the tales he later wove into his books for children. n Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. Skye and Hiroshi are

cousins who have never met until Hiroshi’s family moves from Japan to Washington, D.C. They are family, but can they be friends, too? n Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle can treat

any ailment a child has, and her cures are sure to tickle funny bones. n A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck. This laugh-out-loud story is set

during the Depression near Chicago. n Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen by Donna Gephart. Olivia is obsessed with

being chosen for kid’s week on Jeopardy! because it will let her travel to California to see her dad, who recently moved away. n The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White. Louis sets out to prove

that he can make beautiful music and be a good friend, even though he doesn’t have a voice like the rest of his family. n Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. Readers get to see two

perspectives of the same events as the story flips between Bryce and Juli. The movie of the same name is a good companion. n Masterpiece by Elise Broach. A great friendship between a boy

named James and a beetle named Marvin develops when the two bond over artwork and solve a mystery of stolen art.

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 45

Find out who you are, and become that person.

–Elliott Galloway

At Galloway, we believe the best teaching gives students room to be creative and the opportunities to apply their particular talents. By building on students’ individual strengths, a Galloway education lays the foundation for the rest of their lives. Come and see for yourself just what a Galloway education can do.

Ask a Teacher

Q: A:

How do I teach my child responsibility?

As a third-grade teacher, this is one of the more frequent questions that I get from parents. In general, they want to know how much responsibility should be placed on a child who is a third-grader – or about 8 years old. The answer depends upon the specific youngster in question. Here are some Frederick Metzger basic ideas that are good for parents to keep in mind. n Allow mistakes: Some parents want and

215 W. Wieuca Road, Atlanta 404.252.8389

Schedule a tour now at

gallowayschool.org

Open House

Sunday, Dec. 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

expect their child to get 100s on everything; to them, the grade of C is unacceptable because if a child gets a C, it must mean he messed up in some way. My advice is to let that C be a sign that there is room for improvement.

Let your child learn from his mistakes. As a teacher, I look for areas in which a child has weaknesses and failures so that I can set tangible learning goals for that student. n Monitor your child’s duties: Keep track

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46 Atlanta Parent November 2012

of the responsibilities your child already has and assess how he is handling them. Don’t pile on too many new responsibilities at once.

Set a goal to grow the list gradually, based on how your child is handling what’s already on his plate. Be generous in issuing praise for the responsibilities your child handles well. Be careful not to compare one child to another.

By the third grade, your child should know his bedtime and get ready for it on his own, be able to lay out his own clothes for the next school day, know where and when to do his homework, and have some home chores, such as feeding a pet or matching up socks. n Routines should be routine: Teach

your child how to create a routine that promotes success. If something in the routine is not working well, work together to change it. Make sure your child has clear knowledge and understanding of his duties and responsibilities – such as where and when homework is done. Give your child a specific location to put personal belongings. My mom used to hang her car keys by the door. I did not, and I could never find mine. My mom would get so mad when I would block her car in – and she had no idea where my keys were.

– Frederick Metzger teaches third grade at Morris Brandon Elementary in the Buckhead community. atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

November 2012    Atlanta Parent 47

A quarterly focus on Special Needs Photo by Jessica Horwitz

just kids

When Wishes Come True

for Children Who Deserve It Photo by Nicole W. Photography

by Julie Bookman

48 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Darien’s dream to be a police officer came true when he was 8. He has the badge and uniform to prove it. The Lawrenceville lad is not likely to forget his exciting episode working patrol with the Smyrna Police Department. Darien (above), even got to arrest a “big thug.” (It didn’t matter that it was all staged.) Darien’s chance to be a “police officer for a day” marked the 4,000th wish granted by Atlanta’s Make-A-Wish chapter.

Caroline’s top wish in the whole wide world was for a Yorkie puppy. She was 6 when a puppy parade was arranged in her honor. The Dacula girl was presented with a sweet puppy she named Boo. When Caroline (left), hugged her Boo for the first time in March 2011, it marked the 5,000th wish granted by the Make-A-Wish chapter that serves Georgia and Alabama.

In 2005, a wand was waved and another wish came true: Danielle (right), was princess for a day – complete with gown, cape, scepter, crown and castle. Midtown’s Rhodes Hall became her castle, and a proclamation was

read declaring the little girl ruler of the Land of Elleinad (Danielle spelled backward).

Atlanta’s Make-A-Wish chapter now has its sights set on fulfilling wish No. 6,000, which should happen sometime next year.

Founded in 1980, the national organization grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions; it’s generally a medical professional who refers a child to Make-A-Wish. The goal is to bring hope, strength and joy to children who have endured great pain and suffering. According to a 2011 national study on “wish impact,” a majority of health professionals surveyed said they believe the group’s efforts have had a positive impact on these children. The kids themselves reported that fulfillment of their wishes gave them renewed strength to fight their illnesses and diseases, which range from cancer and sickle cell disease to fatal heart conditions. Their parents – so many of them financially and emotionally drained from long and overwhelming medical ordeals – say Make-A-Wish experiences helped rejuvenate and strengthen their families.

Jennifer DeShetler of Atlanta still has atlantaparent.com

Make-A-Wish is one of the

Three ‘Wish’ Kids: Here are just three metro kids who recently

world’s leading children’s charities.

With the help of donors and more than 25,000 volunteers (450 in Atlanta), MAW grants a wish somewhere in the nation every 38 minutes. Visit wish.org; in Atlanta, ga-al.wish.org.

had their wishes granted. Their parents all told us that their family’s “wish” experiences were important turning points after tremendous medical ordeals.

Photo by Alecia Lauren Photography

Cont’d on page 50

atlantaparent.com

7, Atlanta Wish Came True: Hawaii, July 2012

T

wo years ago, Benjamin and Jennifer DeShetler of Atlanta thought their 5-year-old daughter Audrey had gobbled up too much Halloween candy. They were just back from trick-or-treating and Audrey was complaining about leg and stomach pain. Then came a fever, and worse stomach pain. In less than two weeks, Audrey was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a tumor impacting her nervous system.

Taking care of Audrey turned into a full-time job for Jennifer. Audrey’s long medical fight has included six rounds of chemo, hospitalization in Philadelphia, countless blood transfusions, and two touch-and-go stem cell transplants “when her skin melted,” recalls her mother, quietly.

Audrey loves the water, but could not play in any water for almost two years because of a transfusion line inserted into her chest.

The prospect of her whole family going to Hawaii, thanks to Make-A-Wish, is something that motivated this little girl with a bubbly personality to fight for her life. Audrey’s parents believe that her will to fight was

empowered by Hawaii on the horizon.

The DeShetlers went to Hawaii this past summer. They waited until Audrey, now in remission, could play in the water. Audrey did just that, from sunup until sundown, both in the crystal-blue ocean and in the spectacular Disney Resort pool. The DeShetlers say MakeA-Wish covered every detail. Audrey even had a private lesson with biologists and got to feed and play with stingrays. “In some ways, [MakeA-Wish] saved all of our lives,” says Jennifer. “I believe that.”

Audrey, now 7 and a happy first-grader with lots of friends, is currently “doing great,” says her mom. “Her hair grew back. It’s funny because her hair used to be straight, but when it grew back, it came in curly.”

Shuron Yelder, 16, Stone Mountain

Photo courtesy of the Yelder family

nightmares about what her little girl Audrey went through when she was 5 and 6. With a solid cancerous tumor growing throughout her body, Audrey, now 7, went through a long medical battle. Treatment included hospital stays in Atlanta, and also in Philadelphia for surgeries to remove chunks of tumor. At one point, Audrey was in isolation for three months. There were two agonizing days when her temperature shot up to 109. Doctors told Audrey’s parents “there was nothing else they could do,” recalls Jennifer, weeping at the memory.

The prospect of going to Hawaii with her family to romp in the beautiful water played no small role in the little girl pulling through, her mother believes. “We kept showing her pictures of Hawaii and talking about the plans,” Jennifer says. “I think that got her better, I really believe that. She had tremendous desire to leave the hospital and for all of us to go to Hawaii together.”

Which the family did this past summer. To say a good time was had by all would be like saying sugar is only a little bit sweet.

“The impact goes well beyond just ‘nice,’ ” says John J. Brennan, chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Georgia-Alabama chapter. “A wish come true often helps kids feel stronger, more energetic and positive, and better both emotionally and physically.”

Brennan tosses out statistics: 89 percent of healthcare professionals report a child’s Make-A-Wish experience to be “the positive turning point in that child’s fight for his life,” while 98 percent of wish kids’ parents say that their Make-A-Wish experience “helped them as a family feel normal again.”

Photo courtesy of the DeShetler family

Audrey DeShetler,

Wish Came True: Hawaii, Sept. 2011

S

huron Yelder’s rare condition – abnormal absorption in the intestinal tract that robs her body of key nutrients – was not diagnosed until she was 12. For years, her parents thought signs such as puffy eyelids and cramping hands meant strange allergies.

Shuron’s mom LaVerne feels like “it took 9 million doctors” before a proper diagnosis.

Shuron has endured countless tests and treatments over four years. She gets nightly infusions to replenish calcium, potassium and other nutrients that her body discards rather than absorbs. In a “heart to heart” talk, a doctor asked Shuron what might make her happy.

The Tucker High junior said she just wanted to get “far, far away” from bone scans, MRIs, CAT scans, needles, lab work and hospitals. Her doctor replied: “I’ll see what I can do.”

Fiji was out – too far from medical attention.

Shuron then pitched Hawaii as her wish, and her doctors said OK. Along with big sister LaTasha and parents, Shuron was whisked away to the big island of Kona last year.

“No way could we have afforded to do the trip,” LaVerne says. “It was Shuron’s wish trip and we followed her every step – we were just along for the ride.”

Because of the infusion line in her arm, Shuron couldn’t swim with the dolphins – but they swam all around her. The family visited a volcano and enjoyed lots of beach time and fresh seafood.

“It was time together with my family, just the four of us far away, which is just what I wanted,” Shuron recalls. She still looks at pictures every day. She hopes to one day qualify for a transplant of the intestines. “I like to stay positive because being negative is not going to make anything better.”

Adds her mom: “As many words as we can say are not enough to give back to Make-A-Wish. We are truly grateful.”

Cont’d on page 50

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 49

just kids

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

Matthew Schneider, 6, Marietta Wish Came True: Disney World, March 2012

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rom age 2 to 5 ½, Matthew Schneider had regular chemotherapy treatments to fight acute lymphatic leukemia. “It’s not a normal childhood,” says Matthew’s mom, Holly Schneider. “We couldn’t travel much because you don’t want to go far away from your home-base hospital.”

Holly had to quit her job as a high school teacher. Tending to Matthew’s medical needs and another son two years older (who has ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome and dyslexia) became round-theclock concerns. For three-and-a-half years, every morning and night, she administered drugs to Matthew.

“God has been developing patience and love in our hearts,” she says. “I’ve done my fair share of complaining, but we were the parents God chose for these boys – who are lovely children with big hearts. We will do all we can to give them the fair share in life they so deserve.”

One day, amid Matthew’s final chemotherapy treatments, a nurse announced: “Wait a minute, you never made a wish!” Next thing they knew, Matthew was wishing to ride a steamengine train, and big brother Michael was shouting: “At Disney!” Make-A-Wish made it happen.

The Schneiders were treated like royalty on a spring-break week in Orlando this year.

They had “amazing” days at SeaWorld, Disney Hollywood, Epcot, Legoland and more. They stayed in Give Kids the World

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50 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Photo courtesy of the Schneider family

Says Brennan: “So many of the families we serve have spent months and years dealing with needle sticks, nausea, the loss of hair, treatments, surgeries. Many haven’t been able to just enjoy being a family together for a long time.”

With a $5 million annual budget that allows it to grant about 400 wishes each year, the Georgia-Alabama chapter is one of 63 Make-A-Wish chapters in the U.S.; there are also dozens of chapters around the world.

Children’s wishes typically fall into one of four categories: to be (a police officer, for example); to meet (often a celebrity); to have (a puppy, a room re-do, etc.); or to go (Disney World and Hawaii are the top “destination” wishes). The average wish granted involves five family members and costs $8,000. In Atlanta, 83 percent of all money raised goes directly to wish granting.

Jon and Susan Been of Buckhead have chosen Make-A-Wish as a charity they enjoy supporting. In the past seven years, the Beens have sponsored 20 specific wishes – and now they involve their own children – Katherine, 12, and Wilson, 10. This year, Katherine chose for her family to help a local child get a treehouse built, while Wilson (a wrestling enthusiast), played a role in his parents sponsoring the wish of a local boy to go to WrestleMania and meet John Cera, a star in the sport.

Susan Been also formed a walk team for the Atlanta Make-A-Wish chapter’s annual “Walk for Wishes.” Katherine and Wilson both helped raise money for the team and participated, as did some of their friends.

“As parents, we feel it’s important to teach them philanthropy and the idea of giving back to their community,” says Susan Been. “Any

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Village, a 70-acre “storybook resort” exclusively for kids with life-threatening conditions and their families.

Make-A-Wish strives to tend to every detail.

When the Schneiders were about to board the steam engine ride in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Matthew and Michael were escorted to the conductor’s car so they could be the ones to announce “All aboard!” It’s not a moment this family will forget.

“You would not believe the kindness, the generosity and the wonderful volunteers at Give Kids the World [gktw.org] and everywhere we went,” Holly says. “It was all so heartwarming.

And it made a strong impression on our kids because now they want to give back. What they have been through has shown them how nice it is to give.”

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Make Wishes Come True There are many ways families can help Make-A-Wish dreams come true for Atlanta-area kids. You can contribute with travel needs, as well as items for gift baskets that MAW offers to children during the “wish presentation.” Here are some things you can donate: n Airline miles n Rewards points for hotel rooms n Disposable cameras n Gifts for boys and girls (especially

Disney-related toys for ages 12 and younger) n Duffle bags, travel bags and suitcases n Gift cards of $10 or more (stores such

as Target, Walmart, Publix) n Travel games n Autograph books n Kid-friendly photo albums n Beach towels

To assist in any way, contact Kristin Kyle: 770-916-9474, ext. 10, or kkyle@georgia.wish.org

time our children can be involved in helping other children, I think they better realize how lucky they are to be healthy.”

Families don’t need to sponsor a full wish.

The organization gets no government support and relies fully on donations, support from foundations, and a small army of volunteers.

“Wish Volunteers” make home visits to meet eligible children and their families. They report back to “wish coordinators” who get the wheels in motion. The volunteers continue to serve as a link between their wish families and the organization. Every wish is tailored to suit each individual wish child’s dreams, goals and personality – there’s no “cookie cutter” wish in the book.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers who can work directly with our wish families,” says Shavette Turner, vice president of program services for Atlanta’s Make-A-Wish chapter. She started out as a volunteer 14 years ago, when the Atlanta chapter was granting its 149th wish. And now, here they are, coming up on 6,000 wishes.

“We are able to bring a lot of joy and happiness to children and families who haven’t had much of that,” says Turner, who enjoys the process of brainstorming with staff and volunteers to help devise wishes that unfold in creative and unexpected ways. “To be able to get inside a child’s imagination and run with it – there’s no greater thing. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with myself.” c atlantaparent.com

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 51

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52 Atlanta Parent November 2012

ithin hours of our son’s birth, a doctor diagnosed him with a life-threatening birth defect. While our baby fought to survive emergency surgery, I wrestled with guilt.

What did I do wrong? Did the two drinks I had before I knew I was pregnant cause this?

Is this punishment for something else?

The questions wouldn’t stop. Even though I never smoked or did drugs, always ate right, exercised, and followed my doctor’s advice, the guilty whispers were incessant. My baby wasn’t perfect – and it had to be my fault.

Years later, I learned many parents, confronted with a diagnosis of their child’s disability or serious illness, felt as I did.

While researching a book for families of kids with special needs, moms and dads described similar emotions. One father admitted, “I thought my partying at college had ruined my gene pool. I felt a lot of guilt.” Another man said, “I was the dad. It was my fault.”

The mom of a 10-year-old fighting cancer

said, “Even now it drives me nuts. Did I breathe in something and the fumes were too much? Did I get bad chicken?” And the mother of two children with a condition that weakens joints and muscles said she had frequent self-blaming, internal conversations.

“I must have caused this,” she thought.

“Something I did caused this.”

“I think it’s important for parents to realize that guilt is a normal response to a difficult situation,” says Debra Foster McElhaney, a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor and certified Imago relationship therapist practicing in North Atlanta. She works extensively with special needs families, conducts seminars for couples and individuals, and leads support groups for fathers and grandparents of special needs children.

“When a child is born or diagnosed with a special need, parents go through a traumatic event and very often grieve the loss of that vision or dream for their child and themselves. Guilt is part of the grief process, as is shock, denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance,” she says. atlantaparent.com

“When something is unexpected, parents often look for answers. They may blame themselves, their spouse, doctors, etc.,” she says. “Many parents take wonderful care of themselves during pregnancy and still deliver a child with special challenges. Other women engage in various abusive behaviors and deliver a healthy infant without a disability. Unless there is a specific genetic cause or birth injury, most everything else is speculation.”

Harmful Effects Unrelenting guilt does more than make people feel bad. It can lead to less effective parenting.

Guilt drains parents of the energy required to raise kids with special needs.

It erodes the confidence needed for wise decision-making and planning. It locks parents in a prison of the past. Their children need them actively engaged in the present, able to advocate on their kids’ behalf in the here and now.

Helpful Insights But how can parents escape the prison of guilt and avoid its harmful effects?

“I encourage parents to allow themselves to experience all the emotions and move through them, recognizing that healing comes from gaining perspective and having compassion for themselves,” McElhaney says. “Hopeless, guilty feelings often give way to optimism, reassurance, and renewed hope. It gives parents a platform to release what they have no control over and move forward. Talking about your feelings and recognizing that you are not alone is critical. The family has experienced a trauma, and finding others who have faced the same situation and experienced the same feelings can be tremendously validating and reassuring.”

atlantaparent.com

Six Ways to Cope If you’re the parent of a child with a serious illness or special needs, don’t allow guilt to rob you of the focus and energy you need to care for your child.

Follow this action plan:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Gain perspective. What would you tell a friend?

Adjust expectations. You are not perfect.

Forgive yourself, if you feel you’ve done wrong.

Ask for help from family, friends and organizations.

Be practical about guilt and come up with an action plan.

Tell someone how you feel. They will help you put your “guilt” in perspective. And connect with others whose kids have special needs.

McElhaney knows this from personal experience: She serves on the board of advisors for Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS), and she has two young adult children, including a daughter she describes as “uniquely challenged.”

Barb Dittrich, founder of Snappin’ Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides support for parents of kids with special needs, offers these additional ideas for parents. This mom, whose son has chronic medical needs, has five suggestions.

First, she says, take a step backward to gain perspective. Ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend in this position?” Often, you’ll find that you would be easier on your friend than you’re being on yourself.

Second, Dittrich advises parents to adjust their expectations. “Stop expecting perfection from yourself. The future of the world does not hang on your every action, even where your child is concerned.”

Third, parents need to forgive themselves.

If you forgive others, or if your faith system says God forgives you, shouldn’t you cut yourselves some slack?

Fourth, ask for help. “You may live under the delusion that you can handle everything on your own,” Dittrich says, “but that’s simply foolhardy. Besides, we rob others of blessings they receive when they serve us out of the kindness of their hearts.”

Finally, Dittrich advises parents to be practical about guilt. “Did you make a

mistake? What do you plan on doing about the mistake now? Simply stewing in guilt is not going to solve the problem. Come up with an action plan for addressing any serious errors you have made. This will liberate you and help you move on.”

Tell Someone These insights would have helped me a great deal after the birth of our son in 1982, but they weren’t available. Still, when the weight of guilt became unbearable, I stumbled onto another solution, akin to what McElhaney recommends.

One day, I gathered the courage to tell someone. That someone was my husband.

His face became grave when I confided in him. “Those are lies, Jolene,” he said.

“Don’t listen to them. You’re a good mother.”

When he spoke, the weight of guilt lifted. Over the next weeks, my confidence grew, my energy returned, and I was able to focus on my child’s needs rather than feel guilty. c Jolene Philo writes about parenting kids with special needs at her website, DifferentDream.com, and in her books, Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs and A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for Parents of Critically or Chronically Ill Children.

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 53

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just kids f.y.i FOCUS on Two Events FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress) hosts two events the first weekend in November: n The Extreme Home Modification Tour on Nov. 3 is a chance for families to tour homes in the Atlanta area that showcase various ways residential spaces have been adapted for children with physical disabilities. To learn more or register, call 770-234-9111. n The 13th annual FOCUS on Fashion event features special needs kids in a fashion show, along with some of their favorite doctors, nurses, therapists and teachers. The show is on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. at the Conant Performing Arts Theater at Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Rd. NE. Look forward to the latest styles from Belk, a dessert reception, entertainment

by Fleetwood Dance Theater and Foster-Schmidt Dance Academy for Down Syndrome, and a special appearance

by Leighton Jordan, Miss Georgia 2012. For ticket information, visit focus-ga.org or call 770-234-9111.

Special Santas Santa Claus invites kids with special needs and their families to visit with him and snap a picture.

“Caring Santa,” for kids with physical, sensory and developmental needs, appears Dec. 2 at the Mall of Georgia, 8-10 a.m.; Northlake Mall, 9-11 a.m.; and Town Center at Cobb, 8-10 a.m.

The Autism Society has its own Santa who serves autistic kids; this year’s event is Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Summit Learning Center, 1000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell. For more on the Dec. 8 event: 770-9044474, or asaga.com.

Both events feature extra holiday fun and are sensitive to children with disabilities (no flash photography, for example).

Did You Know: One in 110 children is affected by autism.

– Marcus Autism Center

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Rock out to “Waffle House: Jukebox Favorites Vol. 2” to help fight autism. All proceeds from the sale of this CD go to the Marcus Autism Center, a leader in research, diagnosis and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders. The CD is available for $10 on iTunes and Amazon MP3, or via mail at wafflehouse.com/shop.

Sensory Friendly Films Families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy popular films in a comfortable and accepting environment. This month’s film is “Wreck-It Ralph,” on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. Participating movie theaters: Discover Mills, Lawrenceville; Parkway Pointe, Atlanta; Southlake, Morrow. For more information, call the Autism Society of America-Greater Georgia Chapter, 770-904-4474. Tickets are $4-$6 and can be purchased at the theater.

– Kate Wallace

The Georgia Department of Education and local school systems have a mission to locate, identify and evaluate each child--birth through 21 years of age--with a suspected disability, and to provide appropriate educational services to these children throughout Georgia.

Metro East GLRS: 1-678-676-2400 DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale Counties; Buford and Decatur Cities.

770-234-9111 • www.focus-ga.org 54 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Metro West GLRS: 1-770-432-2404 Clayton, Cobb, Douglas and Forsyth Counties; Atlanta and Marietta Cities.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Atlanta Cities: 404-802-1695; Buford City: 770-945-5035; City of Decatur: 404-370-4400 ext.940; Clayton County: 678-610-1268; Cobb County: 770-426-3320; DeKalb County: 678-676-1800; Douglas County: 770-651-2000; Forsyth County: 770-887-2461; Fulton County: 404-763-5600; Gwinnett County: 678-301-7110; Marietta City: 770-427-4631; Rockdale County: 770-860-4331

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on B

Special Needs Resources

Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Atlanta Help Children Overcome ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and Autism

rain Balance is an after school program that utilizes the latest brain research to help children with neurobehavioral problems such as ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, OCD, ODD, NVLD, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, RAD, and even Autism to function better academically, socially and behaviorally. Brain Balance founder, Dr. Robert Melillo is the author of the groundbreaking book Disconnected Kids.

When you look at what is actually happening in the brains of children with ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, OCD, Autism, Social Issues, Language Issues or Learning Disabilities, you see a similar problem: Namely, that there are areas in the brain, especially between the two hemispheres, that are not connected the way they should be. As a result, one of the two hemispheres of the brain becomes STRONGER AND FASTER and the other becomes WEAKER AND SLOWER. When this happens the two hemispheres become functionally disconnected and are unable to communicate effectively. It’s as if one hemisphere is using a high speed DSL connection and the other is using an old dial-up modem. The characteristics of the stronger, faster hemisphere naturally

become amplified while the characteristics of the weaker, slower hemisphere are muted. This lack of balance translates into the noticeable academic, social and behavioral issues that these children exhibit.

Generally, the Right Hemisphere sees the Big Picture, the whole but not the parts.

It controls and moves the big muscles of the body, posture and gait. It is also the spatial hemisphere. The Right Hemisphere houses the centers for non verbal communication and is therefore the social side of the brain; it also likes novelty and becomes bored very easily, it is the creative brain. The Left Hemisphere ignores the whole and concentrates on the details. It is good at pattern recognition and likes routine and repetition. The Left Hemisphere controls the small muscles, likes to systematize things and is linear and logical.

Brain Balance can help you child succeed academically, behaviorally and socially.

Brain Balance of Atlanta centers offer free educational seminars for parents on Tuesdays. Visit their web site at www.brainbalancecenters.com.

For more information call 770-631-3033 in Peachtree City, 770-614-4790 in Suwanee or 770-650-8010 in Roswell.

Porter Academy

WellMed

orter Academy is dedicated to educating children by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. They serve students PreK through 8th grade and administer regular assessments in order to determine the most effective interventions for each child.

Porter Academy believes that children can reach untapped potential when provided with appropriate small group instruction, social guidance, and therapeutic support.

They also believe that children are best able to succeed both academically and socially when the school utilizes a wholechild approach that simultaneously develops academics and foundational abilities (e.g., processing skills, attention, motor skills), while also promoting selfesteem and intrinsic motivation. Students take on their own learning and become active participants rather than passive recipients in the learning process.

Porter Academy fosters lifelong success through the development of cognitive, academic, social, and psychological skills and abilities. The 2012-2013 school year started on August 9th. To take a tour of the school, call: 770-5941313. Check their website: www.porteracademy.org for more information and see how “Your Child Can Succeed in the Right Environment.”

ellMed Atlanta is a coalition of Psychiatric Medical and Psychology Professionals founded by Keisha Brown M.D. and Jenelle Martin M.D. We specialize in serving the Mental Wellness needs of individuals, families and groups and collectively possess a 100 years of experience.

Our Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrists are Board Certified and were trained at such institutions as Emory and Yale. What makes us unique is that all of our providers are Mothers whose desire to practice medicine was shaped by their families.

For example, we have experienced taking your child to a doctor to receive only minutes of the providers’ actual time.

An individual or family would never have that experience at WellMed, because we believe that longer session times lead to sustained improvement with our patients.

Insofar as our Business clients, you will find that our Psychiatrists work well with your teams, show up on time and do excellent work. We can effectively balance the Mental Health needs of your organization, because most of our Psychiatrists have worked as Medical Directors.

Thank you for the time. Additional information about WellMed, can be found at www.wellmedatlanta.com or on page 28 of this magazine. Be blessed.

P

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Special Advertising Section

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 55

BRIDGIT MENDLER

©Disney

HELLO MY NAME IS… THE DEBUT ALBUM FEATURING “READY OR NOT” AVAILABLE NOW

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

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Free Fun

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Review

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Playground

Not-to-miss events for November

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Beauty and the Beast

‘Beauty and the Beast’

Indian Festival & Pow-Wow

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Totem’

Stone Mountain Park November 1-4 Thurs.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Inspired by many founding myths, the Cirque du Soleil touring show “Totem” illustrates, through visual and acrobatic language, the evolution of our species. The performance explores the dreams and infinite potential of man. Kids will be captivated by the exciting visual arts and challenging acrobatics performed live. 20th St. NW, Atlanta.

800-450-1480. Tickets, $36.50 and up.

Kids can soak up living history during this four-day festival celebrating Native American culture. Look forward to storytelling, dance and drum competitions, technical skill demonstrations such as bow making and fire starting, as well as native arts and crafts. This festival was named a “Top 20” event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. U.S. Hwy 78 E., Stone Mountain 770-498-5690. Admission included in Stone Mountain’s Adventure pass; adults, $28; children 3-11, $22; younger than 3, free. Pow-Wow only tickets, $12; parking, $10.

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Grand Chapiteau at Atlantic Station / Now through Dec. 16

Family Fun Guide

The Fox Theatre Nov. 27- Dec. 2 Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.

Sat., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sun., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Bring the kids to the Fox Theatre to see the beloved “tale as old as time.” This is the touring production of the Broadway musical based on the 1991 animated Disney film.

Kids will likely want to hum along to some of their favorite musical numbers, such as Belle’s song “Little Town” and the crowd-pleasing “Be Our Guest.” 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. Tickets, $33 and up.

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 57

Family Fun Guide Pollo Tropical

EATING OUT

pollotropical.com Two locations: 2955 Cobb Pkwy., No. 910, Marietta; Mon.-Sun., 10:30 a.m.-midnight 825 Duluth Hwy., Lawrenceville; Mon.-Thurs. and Sun., 10:30 a.m-11 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10:30 a.m.-midnight Pollo Tropical is a bright, colorful and friendly Caribbean restaurant with two locations in the metro area: Lawrenceville and Marietta. My friend Bev Mielke of Tucker and her son Caleb, 3, joined me in visiting the Lawrenceville location and had a great time with the delicious food and extremely attentive service. n What’s on the menu: Plantains! Their plantains are incredible; I quickly declared them my favorite thing on the menu.

Pollo Tropical is famous for its citrus- marinated

hormone-free chicken and the “Tropichop,” a menu item that lets you build a bowl mixing up a meat with rice or beans, corn, peppers, salsas and more. Pollo Tropical offers a huge variety of choices, including salads, soups, wraps, platters of chicken, roast pork, wings, salmon, fajitas and riblets. Kids have “Little Pollito” meals, with options such as mac and cheese, rice bowls, or a piece of chicken with a side item. The kids’ meals include beverage plus frozen yogurt for dessert. The prices were a nice surprise. The “Tropichop” starts at $4.69 for a small size, and kids’ meals cost $4.99. The large platter options are also reasonable; you’ll pay just $4.89 for a quarter chicken meal with one side. n Why parents will like it: I really enjoyed the variety at Pollo Tropical, and though some might think of it as a fast-food eatery, we found the food to be very high quality and fresh, and the choices

Family Reading Festival

! n u F h is k o o B re o M d n a The 21st Edition of the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta includes a Family Reading Festival on Nov. 11. The whole family can meet authors such as Eric Litwin (Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons), who will kick things off with a 10 a.m. concert. During the three-hour festival, families move from room to room to meet the different authors; there will be crafts and other hands-on activities relating to each. For example, look forward to sampling Hanukkah recipes when you meet up with Jill Bloomfield.

When: Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody Cost: $13 first child, $3 each additional child in the family, free to parents and children 6 months and younger.

More information: 678-698-2055; atlantajcc.org/bookfestival

relatively healthy. Though you order at a counter, the food is brought to your table, so you’re not precariously balancing a tray while trying to steer the kids to the table. Bev liked that her son was trying something new and enjoying the tasty Caribbean flavors. She also liked that french fries were not automatically piled on as part of her child’s meal. n Why kids will like it: Pollo Tropical is family friendly and the service is quick. There are plenty of bright photos of the food so kids can see what they’ll be ordering. The frozen yogurt at the end of the meal is a great bonus!

– Kirsten Gromatzky

But wait – there’s more! n International Games Day, Nov. 3, 1-5 p.m.

An effort of the American Library Association, the mission is to “reconnect communities through their libraries” by playing games: social games, board games, video games, etc. Library branches everywhere are participating. 770-528-2345. ngd.ala.org n Mobile Dairy Classroom, Nov. 5, 9:30 and 10 a.m.

Real live “Molly” the cow visits the Atlanta Fulton Library’s central downtown branch. The goal is to provide kids with an understanding of where milk comes from and how it’s processed. One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. Free, but reservations requested for either session. 404-730-1845. n “Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.

Drummond pops into Decatur to tout her new children’s book, Charlie and the Christmas Kitty. She will also sign her “foodie” books. Limited tickets to her reading will be given out at 4 p.m. Little Shop of Stories, 133 A East Court Square, Decatur.

Free. 404-373-6300. n Turkey Tales, Nov. 20, 1-2 p.m.

This is just one of hundreds of free events at library branches this month. Kids will hear tales about turkeys, then make one to take home. Salem-Panola branch of the DeKalb library system, 5137 Salem Rd., Lithonia. 770-987-6900.

Here are the authors lined up to be there: n Eric Litwin, Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons n Jaqueline Dembar Green, Speak Up, Tommy! n Ben Halpert, Savvy Cyber Kids at Home n Sarene Shulimson, Lights Out Shabbat n Ann Redish Stampler, The Wooden Sword n Jill Bloomfield, Maccabee Meals: Food and Fun for Hanukkah

58 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Family Fun Guide

To find events at your library:

Cherokee: sequoyahregionallibrary.org Clayton: claytonpl.org Cobb: cobbcat.org DeKalb: dekalblibrary.org Fayette: fayettecountyga.gov/public_library Fulton: afpls.org Gwinnett: gwinnettpl.org

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FREE FUN

Take A Family Walk Grab sneakers and jacket – November is perfect for a family stroll or hike. Not to mention, it’s inevitable to consume extra calories this time of year. To help keep your family healthy and fit, head to these easy paved paths.

Silver Comet Trail Hours: Daylight only. 770-528-8825 Trail Access: Powder Springs, 3453 Florence Rd. Mableton, 4342 Floyd Rd., Heritage Park; 60 Fontaine Rd.; Smyrna, 4573 Mavell Rd. SE; 140 Concord Rd.; 4160 Atlanta Rd. Enjoy autumn in Georgia on this scenic paved route open to walkers, bicyclists, roller-bladers, dogs and even horses. Stretching over 60 miles – from Smyrna to the Alabama border – this flat trail is built over an old railroad line, making it easy to negotiate for all ages.

Chastain Park Hours: It’s never too late for a walk. Path Foundation, 404-875-7284 Trail Access: Red Lot on Powers Ferry Road near the Chastain Amphitheater Feel the closeness of the community at one of the most popular paths in the Atlanta area. This trail follows the edge of the Chastain golf course and includes a few hills and dips along the way. Newly installed lights allow this path to be open to the public even after dusk.

Silver Comet Trail

Kennesaw National Battlefield Hours: Dawn to dusk; parking available 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. at the visitors center.

Trail Access: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw The beautiful shades of fall are vibrant throughout the 16 miles of trails featured within the historic Civil War site.

Challenge your family to try the one-mile scenic trail to the top of the mountain. The view will be worth every step.

McIntosh Trail Recreation Complex Hours: Dawn to dusk Trail Access: 151 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City There is no better cure for stress than a relaxing stroll to enjoy the crisp, cool air of autumn. This popular Peachtree City trail has a dog park, too.

– Sarah Egan

Back by popular demand!

Visit fernbankmuseum.org for tickets and details.

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Family Fun Guide

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 59

Holiday concerts

December 9 & 16 Sun: 1:30 & 3:30pm Jere Flint, conductor | Lee Harper and Dancers North Cobb Singers | Kennesaw Mountain High Chamber Singers Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

ASO Kid’S chriStmAS

Second Chance Christmas by Ric Reitz Waylaid on their way to Carnegie Hall, the superheroes of our Youth Orchestra return music, dancing, and Christmas to a somber village in this Broadway-style mini-musical! Tickets: $15 – $22

404.733.5000 | aso.org All concerts take place in Atlanta Symphony Hall, Woodruff Arts Center Memorial Arts Building

60 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Family Fun Guide

Presented by:

Holiday concerts are made possible through an endowment from the Livingston Foundation in memory of Leslie Livingston Kellar

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November 2012    Atlanta Parent 61

Daytripping THREE WORTH THE DRIVE

Close Encounters at Wild Animal Safari Wild Animal Safari

1300 Oak Grove Rd., Pine Mountain 800-367-2751; animalsafari.com About 70 miles south of metro Atlanta When: Open daily except Dec. 25, 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.; hours vary with the seasons, so always check online before you go.

Cost: Adults $19.95, children and seniors $16.95, ages 2 and younger free. December Special: $50 for up to five people in one vehicle. Van rental $15 for seven-passenger, $18 for 15-passenger.

“O

h, my gosh, it’s in the car!” exclaims Sarah, 9, shrinking away from a zebra poking its head inside the van window. I recently joined Sarah, her brother Alexander, 6, and their mom Pam to experience the Wild Animal Safari’s “drivethrough” zoo in Pine Mountain, near Callaway Gardens.

Most of the 650 animals roam freely within this park’s 300 acres, with two different creature-encounter sections: the drivethrough (about an hour) and another “walk-about” area (about the same). The drive-through is the greater “in-the-wild” adventure, where visitors get up close (even face to face at times!) with the likes of giraffes, water buffalo and other beasts from every continent except Antarctica. The walk-about is the tamer area. Visitors to this 21-year-old attraction have three drive-through options: take your own vehicle, ride the complimentary “zebra bus” (seasonal), or rent a “zebra van” on the premises.

“It’s worth every penny to rent the van!” says Pam, who took the wheel of our “zebra-design” safari van. The vans are nothing to brag about, but they help make you feel like you’re on a real safari.

We especially liked that we wouldn’t have to deep-clean one of our own cars after all the up-close critter encounters.

Three zebras and an elk were the first to greet us as we drove through the gates; they trotted over to our van expecting to be fed

62 Atlanta Parent November 2012

– they weren’t shy about it at all! So we were glad we bought enough food ($2.95 for a bag of pellet grains for grazing animals).

As you drive through the dirtdusted roads, you are transported to another continent. Slow down, look around, and you just might see a pot-bellied pig waddling from afar to tell you he wants some grub. We saw our fair share of zebras, buffalos, pigs and Texas Longhorns (cattle).

Believe me, when you initially see the Texas Longhorn coming your way, your first instinct might be to hit reverse. However, these large-horned guys were awesome! They had crazy-long tongues that slurped the food right from your hand. Be sure to bring a towel; it will become your “slobber towel” when such beasts approach you.

We saw tons of creatures, but the graceful giraffes were among our favorites. Alexander most enjoyed viewing the rhino from afar.

Sarah especially loved the deer and ponies more than the zebras, who chomped a little too closely at her fingers.

We wrapped up our time here in the walk-about section, especially enjoying bears, monkeys and a variety of birds and reptiles. The winding path puts you close enough for hand-feeding animals such as sheep and alpaca. A very boisterous baboon put on a show for anyone walking by. Alexander gave the walk-about a “thumbs-up.”

Instead of the on-site cafeteria at the safari park, we opted for some great country cooking at Chambers Café in nearby Pine Mountain. Sarah declared our adventure in Wildlife Animal Safari her “best day ever!”

– Jordan Lisvosky

Family Fun Guide

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Old-Fashioned Family Fun at The Rock Ranch The Rock Ranch 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock 706-647-6374; therockranch.com About 58 miles south of Atlanta When: Fall Family Fun Days: Nov. 3 & 10; 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Cost: $15; free for ages 3 and younger. Free parking

P

hew! You made it through October! You have 11 months until the search for the perfect costume begins again! Looking for a great way to enjoy early November before the holiday craze kicks up? Look no farther than The Rock Ranch, a one-hour drive (58 miles) south of Atlanta in Upson County. There are just two more opportunities to visit before the 1,330-acre property closes to the public until the 2013 season.

If you visit on Nov. 3, it’s “Pumpkin Destruction Day.” You can bring your leftover pumpkins (or not) and enjoy fun in the country with familyoriented activities that include pumpkin bombing airplanes, a pumpkin cannon, a lift crane pumpkin drop, pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin hammer smash, and the ever-popular professional Monster Trucks demolishing pumpkins. Live bluegrass music will provide the soundtrack.

“The Great Outdoor Adventure” happens on Nov. 10. Enjoy a chainsaw-carving competition (it will amaze!), canoe races, birds of prey programs, reptile shows with a live expert from Animal Planet, Dept. of Natural Resources laser shooting/hunting range and archery. Some activities at Rock Ranch may even help your Boy Scout or Girl Scout fulfill requirements for certain merit badges.

The Rock Ranch, dedicated to “growing healthy families,” opened in 1994 and is owned by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. Families can enjoy old-fashioned fun such as cane pole fishing, pony rides, dodge

ball, pedal carts, corn cannons and a pumpkin cannon, train rides, giant jumping pillows and a slide hill. This is also where you’ll find “Tiny Town,” a pint-sized street where kids can venture into such establishments as a mini theater, bank and jail (adults will need to duck their heads to fit inside). The Cow-A-Bunga Zip Lines are also available; it costs $7 to ride the 800-foot line and $12 for the 1,300-foot line; minimum weight is 60 pounds.

The Rock Ranch also boasts a produce stand with locally grown fruits and vegetables; we indulged in the strawberry ice cream – yum! You will also find premium hormone/antibiotic-free homegrown beef. Walletfriendly and tasty concessions are available, as are plenty of shaded resting areas and picnic tables. Be sure to pack your camera!

– Dana diLorenzo

Live On Stage!

NETworks presents

© Disney

NOVEMBER 27- DECEMBER 2 • THE FOX THEATRE FoxAtlTix.com/Beauty • 855-ATL-TIXX Groups Save! Call (404) 881-2000

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Family Fun Guide

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 63

Daytripping Get Away From It All at Historic Banning Mills Historic Banning Mills 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd., Whitesburg 770-834-9149; historicbanningmills.com About 43 miles west of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport When: Activities open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Dec. 22-Jan. 2 Cost: See website for various adventure prices

I

f work has worn you out and your kids are stressed out at school, Historic Banning Mills is a great place where your family can recharge and enjoy the outdoors – and it’s just an hour or less from the Atlanta metro area. Situated along the beautiful Snake Creek, Banning Mills offers incomparable beauty, Southern charm and outdoor adventures galore. We visited last spring, and when my daughter’s birthday rolled around recently, that’s where she wanted to go – so back we went.

Does your family crave an adrenaline rush? Banning Mills is home to one of the longest and highest canopy tours in the world, Screaming Eagle Eco Zip Line, which is led by experienced guides who emphasize safety every step of the way. There are five zip line options ranging in difficulty level, length and price. Check out the add-on tour options: a series of high and extreme challenge elements up to 80 feet in height. A new tour – the Amazing Flight of the Falcon – lets you zip Superman style.

And for the truly daring, the Power Free Fall simulates a fall from a 10-story building.

Other activities at Banning Mills include horseback riding, skeet shooting, golf at Oak Mountain, kayaking on the Chattahoochee River, and hiking. Try the nature trails along Snake Creek, where you can even spot the original mill, rumored to be haunted. For history buffs, the lodge offers historical records from the area spanning the

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404-322-7500 64 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Creek Indian era through the Civil War and early industrial period.

Birds of prey programs are scheduled on some Saturdays. There’s even a day spa, offering a variety of soothing treatments.

Make reservations for meals if you plan to eat at the lodge, where a topnotch chef prepares breakfast and dinner. For lunch, you’re on your own. Should you decide to stay overnight, there are hotel rooms in the lodge, as well as rustic cottages and full-size cabins for rent. Families can also camp in tents or RVs. Free amenities for overnight guests include a swimming pool (MaySeptember), an 18-hole putt-putt course, sand volleyball, billiards and a lake with paddle boats.

Be sure to call ahead so you can best plan activities to suit your family; some activities, such as zip lining, should be booked in advance. There are also various age and weight requirements for some activities.

Friendly and helpful staff members are ready to advise you before you leave home.

Tip: Don’t rely on your car’s GPS to locate Banning Mills.

Follow the directions on the website. Spanning more than 300 heavily wooded acres, it’s a bit off the path. Expect spotty cellphone coverage, though free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. c – Beth Balga

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* Look for our new holiday prints Great for gifts!

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Playground: Promised Land Playground at Eastside Baptist Church The Promised Land Playground at Eastside Baptist Church has for years been a favorite for many East Cobb families. The playground was constructed in 1996 by more than 1,000 church volunteers. n Features: Built of wood and entirely fenced in, this playground is a haven for parents who need to keep up with on-the-move kiddies. With plenty of seating for parents throughout the park and near the entrance/exit, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the many perks of this playground. Its features include toddler swings, tire swings, slides, a short zip line, a sand pit, bridges and lots of climbing opportunities. Of special note is the castle-like architecture and the large animals on the outside of an ark. Be sure to look for the large, white teeth on the whale. As a safety feature, the playground surface is covered in wood chips. n Amenities: Plenty of shading and picnic tables make a perfect place to enjoy lunch or refreshments. A soccer field was recently added and is bordered by a walking track. When not in use by the church and its school, the field is open for families to enjoy. n Info: 2450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. No running water or restroom facilities are available, so plan accordingly and bring your own refreshments.

Open weekdays, 3 p.m. to sundown; Saturday, sunup until sundown; Sunday, noon to sundown.

– Dana diLorenzo

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November 2012 Atlanta Parent 65

Calendar n Visit

November

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

n Events

may be canceled or changed after our deadline. n Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

classes

Saturday Arts Classes. Youth Ensemble of Atlanta.

Enjoy a performing arts class every Saturday through Dec. 8. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-15. 9 Gammon Ave., Atlanta. 404-652-0515. $10/class.

Kid’s Yoga. Cross Life Christian Montessori School. A free “parent and me” yoga class open to the public.

The first Wednesday of the month. Nov. 7. 9:30-10 a.m. 1000 Hembree Rd., Roswell. Pre-register, 770475-3812. Free.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to complement the museum’s current exhibits. Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4550. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Art Workshops. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class. Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Saturdays, 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278. Pre-register. $15 for one-hour workshop.

Crafts for Kids. Lakeshore Learning Store. Make a different craft each week. Saturday, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770578-3100. 3 and older. Free.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids.

Penguin Craft, Nov. 5-9; Monster Craft, Nov. 12-16; Thanksgiving Craft, Nov. 19-23; (Closed Thanksgiving Day) X-Ray Craft, Nov. 26-30; $1 with paid admission to museum. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770536-1900. Adults, $8; children, $6.

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Watch piles of pumpkins get smashed to pieces at this kid-favorite annual event. Try the pumpkin cannon, pumpkin bowling or the hammer smash.

Test your appetite by entering the pie-eating contest. Catch a glimpse of some impressive monster trucks. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374.

Admission, $15; ages 3 and younger, free.

Children’s Workshop. Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Kids can visualize Greek and Roman figurative sculpture. For ages 8-12. Nov. 4. 2-4 p.m. 571 South Kilgo Cir., Atlanta. 404-727-0519. Pre-register. $15/ person.

Magic Monday. Atlanta History Center. Storytime, sing-a-longs and crafts. Nov. 12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50.

T

The Rock Ranch NOV. 3. 10 A.M.-8 P.M.

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. 404-851-2980. Free.

Home School Thursdays. Panola Mountain State Park. Join other home schoolers to learn about science and nature. Nov. 8. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801.

Pre-register. $3/person; parking, $5.

M

PUMPKIN DESTRUCTION DAY

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. Nov. 3.

9 a.m.-noon. homedepot.com. Ages 5-12. Free.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Nov. 1, The First American; Nov. 8, Salute to Soldiers; Nov. 15, Thanksgiving Time; Nov. 29, A Child’s Day. 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.

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4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28

Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Every other Sat. Nov. 10 and 24, 10 a.m. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations.

800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free.

EnviroVentures Saturday Drop-By. Piedmont Park. Projects, hula-hooping and crafts while parents shop at the Green Market. First and third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1320 Monroe Dr., Atlanta. 404-875-7275. Free.

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Nov. 8. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

3595 Buford Hwy, Duluth. 770-495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8.

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; children 3-12, $15.50; younger than 3, free.

American Girl Crafts. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Have fun making crafts inspired by the stories of American Girl.

Nov. 6, Bitty Twins’ Ballerina Paper Doll Craft, 10:30 a.m.; Nov. 13, 16, 27, Historical Character Scavenger Hunt, 4-6 p.m.

Nov. 13, Caroline’s Bonnet Craft, 4 p.m.; Nov. 16 and 27, Caroline’s Card Craft, 4 p.m. Ages 8 and older. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Free.

Family Fun Guide

exhibits Bodies. Atlantic Station. This exhibition provides 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. 2685 18th St., Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adult, $24; children 4-12, $16.

National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West. View more than 125 rare photographs that capture the pictorial history of Western expansion. Through March 3. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. Adults, $10; Kids 12 and younger, free.

Hubble Exhibit. Tellus Science Museum. See huge images from space thanks to the Hubble space telescope. Includes images of galaxies, exploding stars, stars being born, even some planets. Through Dec. 2. Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $12; ages 3-17, $8.

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. Sun.-Mon., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-5814000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $34.95; ages 3-12, $28.95.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit. Atlantic Station.

Travel back in time and experience the wonder and tragedy of this ill-fated ship. 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. 866-866-8265. Adults, $24; ages 4-12, $16.

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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. Through Dec. Second Saturday of each month. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111.

Donations encouraged.

Ghengis Kahn. Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Experience the amazing true world of Ghengis Kahn, one of the world’s greatest and most misunderstood conquerors. 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.

The Magic School Bus Kicks up a Storm. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Kids can learn about the weather and how it happen. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Adults and ages 2 and older, $12.75; younger than 2, 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. Through Jan. 2013. Sun.-Mon., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta.

404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $34.95; ages 3-12, $28.95.

atlantaparent.com

PARENTS PALOOZA Cobb Galleria Centre NOV. 10-11. SAT., 11 A.M.-5 P.M.; SUN., 11 A.M.-4 P.M. The whole family can enjoy an educational and fun-filled weekend at Parents Palooza. Parents can hobnob at the parenting mini-conference, a great place to pick up ideas and advice. Young children can romp in Baby Land and Toddler Town, while older kids will love the inflatables and live entertainment.

Take in a performance by the popular family band, Laughing Pizza. Come say hello to Atlanta Parent while you’re there!

Two Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-9558000. Visit parentspalooza.com for info and tickets. Adults, $10 in advance ($12 day of); children 12 and younger, free.

Laughing Pizza Concert: Adults, $5; ages 3-12, $10; younger than 2, free.

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. (Last admission is at 5 p.m.) Sat.,10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Last admission is at 7 p.m.) 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Adult, $20.52; ages 3-12, $16.20, 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Photo by Philip Shone

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. 10 and older. Free.

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. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. 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.

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Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the exciting 1996 Olympic Games that were held in Atlanta. Permanent exhibit.

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.

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Rescue. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Get an inside look at what it is like to be a first responder and understand what it takes to provide aid in times of need. Through Nov. 15. See fernabankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia | December 4, 2012 | 7:00 PM

Africa’s Elephant Kingdom. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Journey into Kenya for a glimpse of an elephant’s wild world through waterfalls, desert and vast plains. Through Nov. 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.

Come hear from Camp Thunderbird directors about our award winning water programs and amazing land activities! The first 50 to arrive will receive a prize and every attending camper will be entered to win a FREE week of camp! Returning camper?

First time camper? Bring a friend and receive an extra camp incentive!

The Princess Bride. Earl Smith Strand Theatre. This fan favorite for the ages is playing for its 25th anniversary. Dress as a princess or pirate and get $2 off. Nov. 24. 8 p.m. 117 North Park Sq., Marietta.

770-293-0080. $8.

Come learn about YMCA Camp Thunderbird and you could win a FREE week of camp!

Co-Ed Ages 7 to 16 | 1 & 2 week sessions

www.campthunderbird.org

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

music Pickin’ on the Square. Newnan Courthouse Square.

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 Nov. 3 and 17. LaGrange St. and E. Broad St., Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free.

Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.. OnStage Atlanta. The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series makes a comeback in this production through clever, tuneful songs, instructing a whole new generation to “Unpack Your Adjectives” and “Do The Circulations.” Nov. 3, 11 a.m. and Nov. 4, 1 p.m. 2597 North Decatur Rd. Atlanta. 404-897-1802. $10.

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower. Red Clay Theatre. Children can enjoy a performance of music and dance. Nov. 10. 1 p.m. 3116 Main St., Duluth.

404-478-2749. $10-17.

Laughing Pizza Concert at Parents Palooza. Cobb Galleria Centre. Kids can sing and dance to popmusic with this popular family band. Nov. 11. 5 p.m.

Two Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta. 770-331-5935. Adults, $5; ages 3-12, $10; younger than 2, free.

nature Nighttime Hayrides and Native American Storytelling. Etowah Indian Mounds. Hayrides at 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m. Refreshments provided. Nov. 2. 7-9 p.m. 813 Indian Mounds Rd., Cartersville. 770-3873747. $5/person; Children 4 and younger, 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. and 3 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-9922055. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

68 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Calendar Friday Night Hike. Dunwoody Nature Center.

Visitors have the chance to connect with nature after sundown. Hikes are followed by cocoa, stargazing and a fire. Nov. 2 and 9. 7-8 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free.

Saturday Afternoon Fly Fishing. Panola Mountain State Park. This clinic focuses on casting and safety. Bring snacks, sunscreen, and water.

A Georgia fishing license is required for children 16 and older. Nov. 10. 9-11 a.m. 2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $15 or $12 with own gear, parking, $5.

Basic Archery. Panola Mountain State Park. Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. All equipment provided. Ages 9 and up. Nov. 17. 3 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-3897801. Pre-register. $10/person; parking, $5.

Candlelight Hike to the Mill. Sweetwater Creek State Park. A mile-long night hike leads to the five-story ruins of the Civil-War era New Manchester textile mill. Nov. 17. 7-9 p.m. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5817. $5/person; parking, $5.

Craft Week. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Get in touch with your crafty side, reuse and recycle items to make fun take-home crafts. Nov. 1921. 11 a.m.-noon. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

The Sky Tonight. Fernbank Science Center. An astronomer leads the tour through the constellations, planets and events of the evening sky.

Saturdays, 11 a.m. 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta.

678-874-7102. Adults, $4; ages 3-18, $3; 2 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

EARTH SKILLS DAY Chattahoochee Nature Center NOV. 18. NOON-4 P.M. Spend a day learning how the Native Americans and early pioneers lived off the land. Enjoy family outdoor activities, workshops, skill demonstrations, and get face to face with a live bison. Kids can learn how to make instruments out of items in nature, such as gourds, twigs and grass.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10 per person plus admission. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Full Moon Night Hike. Panola Mountain State Park.

Take a hike as the sun sets and the moon begins to rise, wildlife is seen often. Bring a flashlight and hiking boots. Nov. 24. 4:30 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $7/ person; parking, $5.

special events Family Science Night. Tellus Museum. Enjoy interactive laser exhibits, mad scientists and a planetarium laser show. Nov. 2. 5-10 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Indian Festival and Pow-Wow. Stone Mountain Park. Kids can see history lessons come to life and enjoy storytelling, dance, drum competitions and skill demonstrations. Nov. 1-4.

Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hwy 78 E., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. $12/ person; parking, $10.

Girlapalooza. Six Flags Over Georgia. Enjoy a Girl Scout centennial celebration at Six Flags featuring live music, entertainment, table displays and more. Nov. 4.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. 275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell. 770-702-9411. Current registered Girl Scouts pay $22.20, family friends and guests, $34.92.

November 2012    Atlanta Parent 69

Calendar

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents

THE NUTCRACKER At the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center • Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA

This traditionally told production is one of Atlanta’s favorite holiday family events!

December 1 at 2:30 and 7:30 December 2 at 2:30

Election Day in the Barnyard. The Art Barn.

Enjoy a barnyard meet and greet, art projects and hayrides. Vote for your favorite barnyard buddy. Nov. 6. 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. 208 Roper Rd., Canton. 678-319-0286. RSVP requested. $10/ person.

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Totem.’ Grand Chapiteau at Atlantic Station. Catch this touring show full of visual arts and acrobatics. Through Dec. 2.

20th St. NW, Atlanta. 800-450-1480. Tickets $36.50 and up.

Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda.

Nov. 2. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock.

678-494-4251. $5.

(The above shows are performed to recorded music)

Live orchestra shows:

December 7 at 7:30 December 8 at 2:30 and 7:30 December 9 at 2:30 December 14 at 7:30 December 15 at 2:30 and 7:30 December 16 at 2:30

Civil War Living History. Barrington Hall. Enjoy a family oriented Civil War living history event.

Activities for all age levels, period dancing, music, food and fun. Nov. 3. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Free.

Tickets range from $13.50 - $29.50.

Doggie Day. Commerce Plaza Parking Lot, Decatur. Enjoy a day full of learning, fun and prizes to benefit service animals. Nov. 3. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 755 Commerce Dr., Decatur. 404-6878890. Dog contests, $5; Everything else, free.

Use the promo code PARENT to get the buy 3 get one free for the first weekend December 1 and 2 at any Ticketmaster outlet

S’mores for All. Oakhurst Garden at the Wylde Center. Roast s’mores, jump in the giant leaf pile and listen to live music. Nov. 10. 6-8 p.m.

435 Oakview Rd., Decatur. 404-371-1920. Free.

Discounts for groups, seniors and students.

Available at all Ticketmaster locations and at the Gwinnett Center Box Office.

GwinnettBallet.org or call 770-237-0046.

Visit us on Facebook.com/gwinnettballet

Overture Concert. Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center. Enjoy a concert by the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Jere Flint. Nov. 11. 3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4900. $10/ person.

Reptile Day. Panola Mountain State Park. Learn about and meet fascinating reptiles and amphibians from our own backyards and even around the world. Nov. 10. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Suggested donation of $3/person; parking, $5.

Family Reading Festival. Marcus Jewish Community Center. Enjoy kid’s author talks, readings, and overall celebration of reading at this annual book festival. Nov. 11. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-8124005. Parents, free; first child $13, additional children, $3.

Southeastern Indians Heritage Program. Atlanta History Center. Discover Southeastern Native American heritage and culture through fun craft demonstrations, engaging performances, interactive experiences and discussions. Nov. 17. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free.

History Tours. Piedmont Park. Learn about Piedmont Park’s history and the city of Atlanta.

Tuesdays and Saturdays through Dec. 11 a.m.

Reservations for Tuesdays required. Meet at the Green Market Info booth near 12th St. entrance. Piedmont Park. 404-875-7275. 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. Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Free.

Second Sunday Funday. High Museum of Art. Enjoy art demonstrations, art-making workshops and live performances. Nov. 11.

1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334550. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

70 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Calendar storytelling 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.

Family Storytelling. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Enjoy a night of “Tellabration” that showcases the outstanding youth of Atlanta. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404872-5338. $3, adults; $1 children, 12 and younger.

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.

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.

Storytime. Yawn’s Books. Enjoy a story for all ages. Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. 210 East Main St., Canton.

678-880-1922. 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.

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. 404-7537735. Adults, $8; children $5, 4 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Listen to storytellers read about the night sky as they use books and crafts. First Wed. of the month. 10:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Free with admission.

Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

theater The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow. Center for Puppetry Arts. Ichabod Crane helps the Headless Horseman find a new head and a spookier image. Through Nov. 4. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $16.50.

The Real Tweenagers of Atlanta. Alliance Theatre. Musical explores what it is to be a “Real Tween,” based on interviews with hundreds of middle school kids. Nov. 3. Sat. 1 and 3:30 p.m.; 1280 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404733-5000. Adults, $20; ages 18 and younger, $15.

Narnia the Musical. Buford Community Center.

Enjoy a unique performance of this enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable. Nov. 30-Dec. 9. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. 2200 Buford Hwy, Buford. 770-945-6762. $12-25.

beyond atlanta Savannah Children’s Book Festival. Forsyth Park. Celebrate the joy of reading and the magic of storytelling at this eighth annual festival that includes more than 60 authors and illustrators. Nov. 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dayton St., Savannah. 912-652-3605. Free.

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.

Celtic Thunder: VOYAGE. Fox Theatre. Enjoy a family-friendly show about the musical culture of Ireland. Nov. 4. 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $47-72.

The Great Outdoor Adventure. The Rock Ranch. Learn about the outdoors and farming activities. Kids can enjoy the corn maze one last time. Sat., Nov. 10. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374.

Admission, $15; ages 3 and younger, free.

Beauty and the Beast. Fox Theatre. The classic musical tale of a young woman named Belle, and the Beast, who is really a prince trapped in a spell. Nov. 27-Dec. 2. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m., 8 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $42-90.

Mom’s Morning Out. North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm. Bring the kids for a morning out and enjoy special rates. Nov. 13. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 706-348-7279. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. Petting zoo and hayride, $6 or add in a wildlife walk for $15.

Family Fun Guide

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 71

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Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

H LIDAY CALENDAR The Holidays are upon us.

Make time to see a Christmas production, strap on a pair of ice skates, have a chat with Santa and gaze at twinkling lights.

Holiday Events Make-A-Wreath for Make-A-Wish. Barrington Hall. The historic home will be dressed for the holidays with traditions unique to the south. Wreaths decorating the house will be for sale with profits going to the Make-AWish Foundation. Nov.7-Dec. 30. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Free.

Stone Mountain Christmas. Stone Mountain Park. Gaze at more than two million lights and enjoy live holiday shows including Toyrific! and Holly Jolly Cabaret. Stroll through Wonderland Walkway, see the Snow Angel at Snow Palace, listen to a story with Mrs. Claus and visit with Santa, who arrives at 6 p.m. Nov. 12. Nov. 10-Jan. 1. 5-10 p.m. U.S. Hwy 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690.

Adults, $28; ages 3-11, $22; parking, $10.

Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Dozens of cultural displays decorated in celebration of holidays and traditions observed around the world. Kids can get a photo taken with Santa-saurus and ride the Santa-saurus Express train. Nov. 16-Jan. 6, 2013. Weekend celebration on Nov.17-18.

Enjoy activities, performances, crafts, games and more. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Outdoor Ice Skating. Centennial Olympic Park.

Take a spin around Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Sessions run 90 minutes. Nov. 19-Jan. 27. Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-10 p.m., Fri. 4:30-11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-2234412. $10/person; includes skate rental for 90 minutes.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Photo by Clay Walker

Center for Puppetry Arts Nov. 8-18, 20-25; Nov. 27-Dec. 16; Dec. 18-30. Jan. 2-6. See puppet.org for show times.

T

he heartwarming tale of Rudolph is back for another season. Kids will love seeing the beloved Christmas story come to life in this puppet production directed by Jon Ludwig. Based on the television clay animation feature, Rudolph saves Christmas with – his bright and shiny nose, of course! 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391.

Tickets, $16.50; 2 and younger, free. Select performances are an additional $4. See website for details. atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Christmas in the White House. Bulloch Hall.

A self-guided presidential look at the holiday season. Nov. 17-Dec. 30. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Adults, $8; ages 12 and younger, $6.

Nativity Tour. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. An exhibition of more than 250 Nativity scenes from around the world, made of everything from wood to volcanic ash. Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 2, 2-4 p.m.; Dec. 5-7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dec. 7, 7-9 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2-4 p.m. 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-3738338. Adults, $5; 12 and younger, free.

Breakfast with Santa. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Continental breakfast with Santa! Includes holiday craft and souvenir photo. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15. 8:30-10:30 a.m. 185 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

770-822-5450. Pre-register. $18/person; Discount for Gwinnett residents.

Simon Kidgits Club Breakfast with Santa.

Mall of Georgia. Enjoy holiday crafts and breakfast in the food court with Santa.

Dec.1. 8:30-10 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-2365. Pre-register by Nov. 28. $5/person.

Simon Kidgits PJ Party with Santa. Town Center at Cobb. Santa’s coming to read stories. Special holiday games and activities included. Dec. 1. 1-3 p.m. 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. $5/ person.

Pet Night with Santa. Northlake Mall. Bring your pet to get a photo taken with Santa.

Please use a leash or carrier while walking through the mall. Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. 6-8 p.m. 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 770938-3565. Photos for purchase.

Cont’d on page 74

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 73

Santa Arrives!

l Southeastern

Railway Museum. Santa arrives by train on Nov. 10! Take your own photos or have the professional photographer snap a few for purchase.

1 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013.

Free with admission to the museum. Adults, $8; ages 2-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Read on for the dates and times of the favorite man in red’s grand entrances. l Town

Center at Cobb. Nov. 2, 6-8 p.m. Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. Free.

l Discover

Mills. Nov. 8, 11 a.m.

Lawrenceville. 678-847-5000. Free.

l Mall

of Georgia. Santabration Nov. 10 from 5-9 p.m. Includes a holiday parade and lighting of the tree.

Buford. 678-482-8788. Free

l Lenox

Square Mall. Nov. 9, 11 a.m. Atlanta. 404-233-6767. Free.

l Arbor

Place Mall. Nov. 10, 10 a.m. Douglasville. 770-947-4244. Free.

l Perimeter l North

Mall. Nov. 10, 10 a.m. Atlanta. 770-394-4270. Free.

Point Mall. Nov. 11, 2-5 p.m. Alpharetta. 770-740-9273.

l Cumberland l Mall

Atlantic Station

Mall. Nov. 17, 10 a.m. Atlanta. 770-435-2206.

at Stonecrest. Nov 17, 10 a.m. Lithonia. 678-526-8955. Free.

l Gwinnett

Place Mall. Nov. 23, Noon. Duluth. 770-813-6840.

l Northlake l Gallery

Mall. Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Atlanta. 770-938-3564. Free.

at South Dekalb. Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Decatur. 404-241-2431. Free.

l Atlantic

Station. Nov. 17, Santa arrives along with the tree lighting event. 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free.

74 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Family Fun Guide

And Last But Not Least ... l Zoo

Atlanta. Nov. 24, Santa arrives at the Zoo. Get a professional photo with Santa while you sip on hot chocolate and munch on cookies. 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta.

404-624-2809. $15 plus Zoo Admission; adults, $20.99; ages 3-11, $15.99; 2 and younger, free.

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Macy’s Pink Pig Train. Lenox Square Mall. Atlanta’s most “pink-tacular” ride is in its 59th season. The train takes families through a life-sized storybook with a view of downtown Atlanta. Through Jan. 1. Nov. hours: Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Nov. 25, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-2312861. $3/ride.

Holiday in Lights. Centennial Olympic Park.

Thousands of lights adorn Centennial Park.

Nov. 19-Jan. 27. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

The Children’s Christmas Parade. Downtown Atlanta. Families can enjoy festive floats and holiday cheer as downtown is taken over for the annual parade, a benefit for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dec. 1. 10:30 a.m.-noon, rain or shine. Route begins at Peachtree St. and Baker, continuing right onto Marietta St and ending on Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta.

Bleacher seats can be purchased for $15.

404-785-7310. Free.

Lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree. Lenox Square Mall. Lighting of Atlanta’s largest tree on Thanksgiving night. Enjoy a performance by country star Trace Adkins, Chris Mann from “The Voice” and more. Nov. 22. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., lighting at 7 p.m.

3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-2336767. Free.

Cont’d on page 76

The Lighting of Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station. More than 250,000 lights illuminate Atlantic Station, Santa visits, plus kids’ activities, crafts, performances and live reindeer!

Nov. 17. Noon-9 p.m. Children’s activities from noon-6 p.m. 17th St., Atlanta. Free.

Magical Nights in Lights. Lake Lanier Islands.

Drive through seven miles of twinkling holiday lights. At the end, visit the Holiday Village featuring carnival rides, pony rides and holiday treats. Nov. 16-Dec. 31. Nightly, 5-10 p.m., including holidays. 7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands. 770-932-7200. $60/car.

atlantaparent.com

Tickets Start at $15!

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Family Fun Guide

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Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Features nearly one million energy-efficient bulbs, including giant snowflakes, a bejeweled dragonfly and a “Starry Night Walk” inspired by Van Gogh’s famous painting. Sit by the fire and roast marshmallows. Nov. 17-Jan. 5. Daily, 5-10 p.m.1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404876-5859. Thurs.-Sun. Adults, $20; ages 3-12, $14. Mon.-Wed. Adults, $17; ages 3-12, $11.

©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar

Stone Mountain Park

November 2012 Atlanta Parent 75

H LIDAY CALENDAR

Ride the Pink Pig

Lighting of the Great Tree. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Santa, live music, face painting, and holiday festivities. Nov. 22.

5-8:30 p.m.; Tree lighting, 6 p.m.; Jolly Ole Elf, 6:45 p.m. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Free.

Holiday Crafts and Markets Holiday Bazaar. Medlock Bridge Elementary School. Great items at every price level gifts and decorations. Nov. 7. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. 10150 Groomsbridge Rd., Johns Creek. Free.

Holiday Market, Bake Sale and Auction.

Due West United Methodist Church. More than 45 vendors selling holiday creations, children’s gifts, jewelry, gift baskets and more. Nov. 3. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3956 Due West Rd., Marietta. 770-590-0982. Free.

Elegant Elf Marketplace. Hitson Activity Center. This one-stop shop features over 43 vendors, including artisan jewelry, fine art and personalized gifts. Nov. 9-10. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 85 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs. 404-444-6188. Adults, $6; ages 10 and under, free.

Macy’s at Lenox Square Through Jan. 1.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

A

n Atlanta holiday tradition since 1953, Priscilla the Pink Pig is back! The hot-pink piggie train takes all ages through a “storybook” holiday adventure.

A portion of the proceeds goes to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

3393 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-231-2861. $3/person.

Holiday Fair. Waldorf School of Atlanta.

Enjoy shopping in the market and children’s activities, like candle dipping, jump rope making and face painting. Nov. 10, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 827 Kirk Road. Decatur. 404-377-1315.

Free admission; activities extra.

Holiday Festival. Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Find unique holiday gifts from more than 120 artisans, enjoy the kids zone. Parents can leave their kids at a craft station for $10/90 minutes while they shop. Nov. 10. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-394-0675. Free.

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Kaitlyn Morris 678-222-1911 • Kmorris@atlantaparent.com • atlantaparent.com 76 Atlanta Parent November 2012

Family Fun Guide

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Holiday Craft Market. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec Center. An assortment of décor, pottery and gifts at your fingertips. Enjoy kids activities and raffle prizes. Nov. 17. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2200. Free.

Holiday Marketplace. St. Pius X High School.

More than 100 artisans will display their works.

Nov. 17. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. 404-636-3023. $3/person.

Theater Sanders Family Christmas. Theatre in the Square. Family-friendly holiday show full of music and dancing. Ages 10 and older. Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and 27-30. See theatreinthesquare. com for show times. 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 404-377-9948. Tickets, $20-$35.

A Christmas Carol. Alliance Theatre. A musical performance of the classic story. Nov. 23-Dec. 23. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. For additional weekly show times, see alliancetheatre.org. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Tickets, $21-$50.

The Nutcracker. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. The tale of a magical Nutcracker, a Rat Prince, dancing sugarplums and one lucky little girl. Weekends from Nov. 23-Dec. 16. For showtimes visit gwinnettcenter.com.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 800-224-6422.

Tickets, $10-15.

Madeline’s Christmas. Horizon Theater Company. A musical holiday adventure with Madeline and friends. Dec. 8-30. For weekly show times, see horizontheatre.com. 1083 Austin Avenue NE, Atlanta. 404-584-7450. Adults, $15; children, $12.

Beyond Atlanta The Polar Express. Great Smoky Mountains.

This 75 minute round-trip train ride takes a journey through the wilderness for a special visit with Santa Claus at the North Pole.

Visitors enjoy warm cocoa, carols and a treat while listening and reading along to the classic story. Nov. 9-Dec. 29. Departure times at gsmr.com. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. $39-68.

Cont’d on page 78

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November 2012 Atlanta Parent 77

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Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Nov. 16-Dec. 30. Opens at 6 p.m. Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292. Adults, $16-$25; ages 6-12, $8-$12.50.

A Country Christmas. Gaylord Opryland Resort. Enjoy lavish holiday displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, incredible ice sculptures and performances by the Radio City Rockettes. Nov. 16-Jan 1. 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 888-672-0091.

Activity times and prices vary, see christmasatgaylordopryland.com.

North Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad.

A 75-minute round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Nov. 17, 23-25 and 30. 5:45 and 7 p.m. Additional ride, Sat., 9:15 p.m. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN. 423-894-8028. $24/person; Ride in Santa’s private car, $48/person.

Santa Arrives. North Georgia Zoo. Get your photo taken with the jolly man in red. Kids can get up close to miniature reindeer. Nov. 17-18, 2-4 p.m. 2912 Paradise valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Admission prices start at $7 for adults; ages 12 and younger, $5; infants, free.

Festival of Tress. Unicoi Lodge. See beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. Nov. 21-Dec.8. 6 a.m.-midnight.

1788 Hwy. 356, Helen. 800-573-9659. Free; parking, $5.

Holiday Celebration Under the Stars with the Animals. North Georgia Zoo. Enjoy a fun evening at the zoo’s animal-filled holiday celebration. Live nativity scene, starlight tours, a marshmallow roast, hayrides and a bonfire! Nov. 23-25. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 2912 Paradise valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-3487279. Admission: Adults, $30; children 12 and younger, $28; Infants, free. Reservations recommended. c

January 26

Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm North Point Mall Alpharetta

February 23

Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm Town Center Mall Kennesaw

March 16

Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm Perimeter Mall Atlanta

Gift of Lights Atlanta Motor Speedway Nov. 18-Jan. 6. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6-10 p.m.

To exhibit or for info call Kaitlyn Morris at 678-222-1911 or Kmorris@atlantaparent.com atlantaparent.com 78 Atlanta Parent November 2012

E

xperience the Atlanta Motor Speedway illuminated with more than 1 million LED lights. Weaving through both the grandstands and a brilliantly lit tunnel, patrons can drive their own vehicles through more than a mile of sparkling holiday splendor. The drive-through light displays are an annual holiday favorite for kids and families. Look forward to festive holiday characters sure to fill your car with glee. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211. Mon.-Thurs., $15/car.; Fri.-Sun. and holidays, $20/car.

Family Fun Guide

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November 2012 Atlanta Parent 79

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80 Atlanta Parent November 2012

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Humor

by Lela Davidson

Top 10 Things That Could Go Wrong While Baking – A Cautionary Tale

I

jot down comments in my cookbooks when I try recipes – things like “Excellent,” “Needs more salt,” and “Kids loved it.”

What I wrote after a recent traumatic cake-baking experience is not suitable for a family publication. If my cookbooks survive me, it will be a testament to my descendants of their grandmother’s battle with baked goods, and her potty mouth.

I don’t know why I torture myself with baking from scratch. I ought to stick with recipes printed on the back of a box with a red spoon in the corner. If you dislike baking – as I do – the baking knows it, and it messes with you. Still, me with my optimism, and the deceptively simply recipe with its butter and eggs…

It was a pound cake. What could possibly go wrong?

3. You could neglect to ask – before

For the record:

5. You could skim over the part

1. You could be out of flour. Turns out, this is a baking deal breaker. Who knew?

2. You could decide to get some bang for your bake by doubling the recipe. However, now that you have flour, all those ingredients don’t neatly fit into your fancy mixer – the one that still matches your kitchen even though you haven’t used it since the last time you were delusional enough to bake something, which was a couple Christmases ago.

82 Atlanta Parent November 2012

getting started: What exactly is a tube pan?

4. You could assume said tube

pan is pretty similar to a loaf pan because the name of the recipe has “pound cake” in it, and you’ve seen pound cakes – plenty of them. They are rectangular, as if they came out of a loaf pan. of the recipe that says sift and whip egg whites until they’re stiff (whatever that means), and therefore underestimate the time effort and skill involved in what you thought would be your basic dump-stirpour operation.

6. You could decide that instead of the handy mixer to whip the egg whites, you’ll do it by hand, which could result in a nasty cramp in your right bicep.

7. You could ignore the visual

evidence that the cake batter does not fit into the aforementioned loaf pan. In fact, you could fill it all the way up so that it’s almost spilling out before it even goes into the oven. Then you could be so grateful that the whole drama is in the oven that you don’t even mind cleaning up the unholy mess in your kitchen. You might even smile as you’re wiping down the last puff of flour.

8. You could smell something familiar: smoke.

9. You could then spend 30

minutes cleaning the scorched batter overflow from the bottom of the oven and transferring partially cooked cakelike material into other pans of various shapes and sizes – none of which are tube pans.

10. You could serve the cake, which despite your monumental incompetence is actually delicious, resulting in rave reviews and requests that you “make this more often.”

By the way, in case you’re wondering, a tube pan is the same as a Bundt pan and has a far greater capacity than your average loaf pan. Again, who knew?

atlantaparent.com

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