Birmingham Parent - March-April 2022 by Birmingham Parent

THE

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

FOR

CENTRAL

ALABAMA

MARCH-APRIL 2022

FISHING TOURNAMENT FOR THE HEART EMPLOYER-RUN CHILDCARES HELP MOMS

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN

IEP

THE WORLD GAMES COMES TO BIRMINGHAM TRIPLETS: FROM 3 TO 6 IN 14 WEEKS HELENA POLICE'S NEW MOBILE SENSORY ROOM SPECIAL NEEDS

MEETING

BEGINS ON

Introducing The New Mom’s Gift Your friends at Brookwood Baptist Women’s Center have a special gift for your baby’s birth day. We bring the party to you with a cake and a gift to remind you that you and your little one are “Loved by Brookwood.” Thank you for choosing us for your growing family.

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Spring is in the Air Mon Ami, a children’s boutique in Crestline, offers fashionable clothes and accessories for sizes 4-16/18 in both boys and girls clothing. 40 Church St. Birmingham, AL

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BirminghamParent.com | 3

ed note

Welcome to our March/April Combined Issue!

Every March we highlight special needs, and our annual Special Needs Expo is held in March. Each April we are all about babies. This month, Birmingham Parent brings you a combination of both, with great information about babies and special needs, rolled all into one great issue!

I‘ve been thinking a lot about parents and kids with special needs lately as we got this issue ready. I experienced a freak accident New Year’s Eve and broke both my legs. One leg required extensive surgery, and I spent about three weeks in a hospital followed by rehab. Now that I’m living life temporarily in a wheelchair, I see things so differently – how people react to you, how you are treated in public, waiting for a handicapped stall in the restroom (when others are using it), being overlooked and “not seen,” and just the obstacles of getting around in a wheelchair for all your daily needs and activities. This is often a way of life for some kids with special needs and their parents. My accident was eye-opening for sure, and just a little glimpse into a tiny part of some of the things these families experience and deal with all the time. It has me seeing a lot differently, and even if you don’t have a child with special needs, hopefully some of our pieces this month will help you see things differently, too. Maybe it can give us a different level of understanding – how we are alike, and how we are different. Speaking of special needs, don’t miss Birmingham Parent’s annual Special Needs Expo 2022, this time at Vulcan Park & Museum, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 19, 2022. The event is FREE to the public. Sponsorships and vendor booths are still available, too! Visit www.birminghamparent.com, email info@birminghamparent.com or call us at 205-422-0267 for more information. One of my favorite pieces this month regarding babies is Paige Townley’s piece on taking your child to work. We highlighted a few businesses that allow employees to bring children to on-site daycares, and the reasons and benefits. We’ve also got a cool piece on the surprise of multiples – Sarah Lyons’ story about finding out she was having triplets. There’s so much more here to read and enjoy, along with our calendar of events that seems to be opening up a bit, and we hope we are moving away from Covid! We hope you have a wonderful Easter, and here’s to spring! It cannot get here quickly enough!

Happy Spring, Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghmparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA). Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children. 4 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

703 Logan Rd., Suite 150 Clanton, AL 35045 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial

PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Sarah Lyons Denise Morrison Yearian Paige Townley Dr. Saul Weinreb

sales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Kerrie Thompson

print & web production Digtial Doo-Wop DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries

Legal Counsel

Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2022 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©20212022 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

FLU & PNEUMONIA

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contents The World Games Comes to Birmingham

30 BABY & ME

SPECIAL NEEDS

OUR REGULARS

EMPLOYER-RUN CHILDCARES HELPING MOTHERS RETURN TO WORK POST-BABY....................... 20

EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to our

FROM THREE TO SIX IN 14 WEEKS .............................................. 22

SHORT STUFF: Providing Heart

ASK THE SPECIALIST: BREASTFEEDING ......................... 24 8 QUICK TIPS FOR NEW DADS ............................................................. 26

March/April combined issue .......4

Safe Programming in Schools ......8

KIDS CAMPS: SUMMER CAMP 101 ...................................................... 28 THE WORLD GAMES: .................. 30 MARCH/APRIL 2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS.............. 33

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILD’S IEP MEETING ................. 10 HELENA POLICE DEPARTMENT DEBUTS MOBILE SENSORY ROOM ................................................ 12

BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ............................................... 14 GROUP OF PARENTS START ANNUAL FISHING TOURNAMENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART CENTER OF ALABAMA ............... 18 ON THE COVER: Baby Maddie Grace, age 10 weeks, of Odenville, poses with something special that belonged to her mother, Ashley – the wedding dress symbolizing her parents’ new life together, then being made complete with a family of three. Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, 205-902-0385 - www.christypiercephotographyllc.com 6 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

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SH ORT ST U F F

Children's and The Caring Foundation Providing Heart Safe Programming in Schools Across Alabama Tens of thousands of Alabama school children now have access to heart safety resources and life-saving education thanks to recent funding provided by The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

at the school or in the community. With the addition of AEDs, AED trainer devices and AED training, the program’s goal is to have the knowledge, ability and resources in each school to respond efficiently and to help save lives.

Children’s of Alabama established Alabama LifeStart in 2008 as a statewide affiliate of the national organization, Project ADAM®, in order to promote awareness of the importance of having Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Alabama schools. Since that time, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has helped the program ensure that all public middle, junior and senior high schools in the state are equipped with AEDs in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest on campus.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama and 42 other states last year, representing more than 684,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions. With more than 3.5 million square feet, Children’s is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s of Alabama’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.

Nationwide, thousands of school-age children die from sudden cardiac arrest each year and only five to 10 percent survive without immediate treatment. An AED can increase the survival rate to 50 percent. A 2007 survey conducted with the Alabama State Department of Education identified 71 public high schools and 107 public middle schools that did not have any AEDs on campus. The Alabama LifeStart Program is educating staff, faculty and students on the proper usage of AEDs in case they ever witness a cardiac emergency 8 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

For more information, visit www.bcbsal.org/web/the-caring-foundation. html or www.childrensal.org/alabama-lifestart.

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SP ECI A L N E E D S

How to Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting By Sarah Lyons

An individualized education plan (IEP) is a key component of your child’s special education plan. By law, schools are required to provide services to kids who qualify. An IEP meeting is where goals will be set, and which services will be provided and decided on by both educators and the child’s guardians. Does your child qualify for an IEP? Often, parents will receive a medical diagnosis of a disability and assume that it automatically qualifies the child for services, but this is not the case, says Michelle Givan of Givan Special Education Services in Birmingham and a special education advocate. “When seeking special education and related services, it is imperative that parents understand this IEP process. Only certain disability categories qualify for special education, and the child’s disability must interfere with his educational performance.” The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B, or IDEA, is the law that governs evaluation and provision of special education services for students ages 3-21. It also provides procedural safeguards or parental rights. IDEA lists 13 qualifying disabilities and their criteria. Those disabilities are autism, deaf-blindness, developmental delay (ages 3-9) emotional disability, hearing impairment (including deafness), intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech-language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment (including blindness). “The educational criteria for these disabilities sometimes do not match medical criteria, and this can be a tremendous source of confusion and frustration for parents,” adds Givan, who is the parent of an adult with autism spectrum disorder. “Being a “child with a disability” does not mean that the child has to be making failing grades to receive special education and related services.”

10 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

However, for children who qualify for evaluation and an IEP is in order, it can be very intimidating for parents. But with preparation and research prior, parents will feel more informed and confident during the meeting. Here are six steps to help best prepare you for your child’s IEP meeting. TALK TO THE TEACHER. It is important to talk to your child’s teacher to determine how things are going at school. The teacher can help identify your child’s strengths and challenges and may suggest what services would be helpful to them. If possible, observe your child in the classroom to get a feel for how social interactions and classroom learning are going. Knowing this information, as well as their current math and reading levels, will help you assist in setting goals during the IEP meeting. READ UP. The school should send home a notice of meeting that states who will attend the IEP meeting, the reason for meeting, and, if applicable, goals set in the previous IEP meetings. Carefully read the information sent home so you understand what to expect. You may also consider studying special education laws that pertain to your child’s needs so you know what services you can legally ask for. There are many websites and books available to help parents prepare for IEP meetings as well. The more knowledge you have, the more confident and comfortable you will feel during the meeting. SET GOALS. Prior to the meeting, write down questions you would like to ask at the meeting. This is also a great time to consider what visions and goals you have for your child and make note of them. Bring your notes with you to the meeting so you can refer to them throughout the process. Having a list of questions and an idea of goals you would like to see your child reach will help you make sure that you cover everything you had hoped even if the emotions of the meeting make it more difficult to remember your questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional services for your child. The school may not provide everything you had in mind, but it never hurts to ask.

SPECIAL NE E D S GET ORGANIZED. Collect any paperwork you need or would like to bring to the meeting and organize it neatly for the meeting. Bring your notes from your observation, your list of questions and goals you would like to set, and any medical paperwork that pertains to the IEP meeting. If you have had any private evaluations done, bring copies of those as well. BRING AN ADVOCATE. It can be helpful to bring an advocate to the meeting with you. This could be a lawyer or, simply, a spouse or co-parent. Having a person there both for support and to be another advocate for your child can be a good boost of confidence for the parent to help ensure you meet the goals you would like for your child. Be sure to let your school know, in advance, who will be attending the meeting with you. BE CONFIDENT. You know your child best and are the best person to represent their needs, challenges, and successes. While it can be emotional and overwhelming to address issues your child is facing when it comes to learning, setting goals and ensuring the proper services are provided is the best thing you can do for your child’s success in school. Dress appropriately for the meeting, bring the documents and notes you prepared, and speak confidently and lovingly about your child. Your preparation and concern will be apparent to everyone at the meeting, and you will have the reassurance that you were prepared and did your best to help your child be successful in school. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

RESOURCES: • • • • • •

The Art of Advocacy: A Parent’s Guide to a Collaborative IEP Process by Charmaine Thaner Better IEP Meetings Everyone Wins by Cynthia M. Herr and Barbara D. Bateman Wrightslaw: All About IEPs by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide by Peter W.D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn’t Telling You by Jennifer Laviano and Julia Swanson The IEP from A to Z: How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett

We believe that all children have limitless potential! Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is part of Alabama’s Early Intervention System, providing services free of charge to children age birth to 3 years with a developmental delay or eligible diagnosis. By providing services and support to families, babies and toddlers in the Early Intervention program are getting the bright beginning they deserve. Through our statewide network of regional centers, we provide services in settings where natural learning opportunities occur-in the home, at daycare, at the park, and other appropriate settings in the community. Visit www.aidb.org/regionalcenters to ﬁnd a regional center near you.

BirminghamParent.com | 11

SP ECI A L N E E D S

Mobile on a Mission Helena Police Department Debuts Mobile Sensory Room By Paige Townley

The Helena Police Department has been working hard to find ways to best serve its community, particularly those with sensory needs. Early last year, the department trained its personnel on how to interact and engage with anyone dealing with a sensory overload, and it wrapped up 2021 with its greatest stride yet: the SAFE Station mobile sensory room. The SAFE Station – an acronym for “sensory acceptance for everyone” – mobile sensory room is modeled after a mobile sensory unit utilized by KultureCity, a leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance that was founded in Birmingham. “They take their mobile unit around the country to use as a resource for people who may be overwhelmed by noise or people or whatever sensory issue they may have, and it provides a quiet place to escape, breathe, calm down, and refocus,” says Helena Police Chief Brad Flynn. “Right now, one in six people in this country are living with some sort of sensory issue, whether that’s autism, early onset dementia, PTSD, etc. We want to be a welcoming and inclusive community here and for all to feel welcome here but know there is a place for them to get away from crowds and noise should they need it.” Flynn more than understands the needs of families with individuals with sensory issues as his son is on the autism spectrum. “There are many events that he can’t attend without either headphones or we have to leave because it’s overwhelming for him,” Flynn says. The SAFE Station mobile sensory room features a variety of lights, from soft light to bubble lamps and color changing lights, and textures, comfortable chairs for children and adults and even games mounted on the walls. It’s also heavily insulated so that exterior noise is muffled. “Everything about the room is about helping those with sensory needs relax, focus, and calm down so they can come out of sensory overload,” Flynn says. “It’s really an amazing room.” 12 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

As of now, Helena is the only government agency in the country with a mobile sensory room. The department’s plan, however, is to help those far beyond Helena and make it available to neighboring agencies and cities. “We’re really proud to be able to provide this level of service to our community,” Flynn says. “We’re in partnership with our community, and we’re here to serve our community, and I think this is a tremendous step in showing it.” Paige Townley is a Birmingham-based freelance writer.

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CHILDRENS OF ALABAMA Children’s offers inpatient and outpatient services at its Russell Campus on Birmingham’s historic Southside with additional specialty services provided at Children’s South, Children’s on 3rd and in Huntsville and Montgomery. Primary medical care is provided in more than a dozen communities across central Alabama.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children. Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. With more than 3.5 million square feet, it is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States.

Children’s is the only health system in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.

1600 7th Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 www.ChildrensAL.org

BirminghamParent.com | 13

S P ECI A L N E E D S

Benefits of Pet Ownership for Kids with Special Needs

By Sarah Lyons

Pet ownership can bring joy and happiness to any home. For children with special needs, particularly for children with sensory processing disorder, autism, ADHD, and social or behavioral issues, adopting a domesticated pet can provide wonderful benefits. Here are some great reasons to consider adding a pet to your family. HELPS GROW SOCIAL SKILLS Kids who spend time playing with a pet typically enjoy interacting with people more than kids who don’t own a pet. They also learn to develop skills such as interpreting nonverbal cues and trust. Owning a pet can also encourage empathy towards animals and humans alike. LOWER STRESS Having a furry friend to play with, pet, and cuddle can lower stress and elevate mood. Stroking a pet’s soft fur can have a calming effect on people. “When my daughter is crying, our cat will come running and snuggle up to her,” says Katlyn Purkapile, mom of three. “It has been amazing to see the change it has made with her. My daughter starts petting her and calms down quicker than any other techniques we have tried. It's a really special relationship.” Per a study done by Frontiers in Psychology, people who spend time with a pet on a regular basis have lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, and less stress. Patients that were visited by a service animal while in the hospital also reported less pain. 14 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

HELPS DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS Kids who care for a pet will also develop important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and understand the importance of schedule for feeding, walking, and cleaning their pet. STABILITY Kids who crave stability and routine will benefit from having a pet in their lives. Pets can provide a different type of stability that they may not get from peers or family members. “My 8-year-old has ADHD. We recently got him a kitten, and he sits still and is calm with her for long periods of time.” says mom Pricella Edwards. “I believe it helps him.” PROMOTES LEARNING Many parents have found that having their pet near them during virtual learning or while doing homework helps the child stay calm and focused. “My 11-year-old has anxiety and depression. For her birthday she received a guinea pig. Lilly, the guinea pig has been a game changer.” says Tiffany Nolan, mom of five. “Virtual schooling was especially difficult for her. Suggesting she snuggle Lilly will dramatically improve her mood and demeanor. For her (and for us) it has had a huge positive impact.” Pets are a great addition to any family but can be a huge help to kids with special needs. Before adopting a pet, consider what type of animal would best fit your lifestyle, space, and budget. “It’s important to do your research and get a pet that will work for your family,” says mom Becky Smith. “I was very careful about getting an older cat with a calm demeanor to best get along with my kids.” Ask your child for their input and let them help choose what type of pet they would like to join the family. Chances are your new pet will have a positive impact on everyone in your household. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

SPECIAL NE E D S Important Things to Consider

Before

Adopting a Pet • Cost. Pet ownership can be expensive. Before adopting an animal, research the cost of purchasing the animal, vet bills, food, and any other items needed. Depending on the type of animal the cost could go on for many years. • Space. It’s important to choose a pet that is a good fit for your home and yard size. If you are renting, check to make sure your property owner allows pets. • Care. Determine who will be responsible for your pet. Some special needs children may not be able to clean up after or manage some of their pet’s needs. Who will be responsible? Are you willing to commit to this for the lifespan of the pet? • Attention. What does your child’s schedule look like? Does your child have time to give the attention the pet deserves? Are you home enough to walk a dog? Do you travel often? Who would take care of the animal while you are at work, school, or on vacation? • Noise. Some kids may have sensitivity to loud noises. If this is the case, you may not want to adopt a dog that barks loudly. If your child is a light sleeper, you may not want to have a nocturnal animal’s cage in their room at night.

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S P EC I A L N E E D S

Fishing Tournament Raises

Funds for the Heart

the largest charity fishing tournament in the country – has raised and donated $800,000 for the center. “The fact that we’ve raised so much for a 250-boat tournament shows how much people care about our mission and our passion,” McNutt says. “When you think about the center, it’s not just serving Birmingham or the 67 counties in Alabama. The center serves the entire Southeast and children from multiple countries.” With the money, life-saving heart research is being done, as well as connecting young heart patients with resources to stay healthy after surgery through Camp Wired Together. Knowing that they are potentially helping so many families not only around the Southeast, but the world keeps the founding families incredibly motivated to keep the tournament going strong. “One thing we always say is that you never know when it’s going to be your child or grandchild that needs this care,” McNutt says. “Hopefully, through this fundraiser the center can help kids down the road. Not just ours right now, but other kids down the road with more research into congenital heart defects. We want to make a positive change.”

castinncatchin.org

By Paige Townley

Photos courtesy of Children’s of Alabama

earing that your child has a congenital heart defect is never expected or easy. But for four families walking through that journey in north Alabama, it became a motivating factor to start an annual fundraiser that is raising thousands every year for the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. It all began a few years ago, when Drew and Jodie McNutt sat in the waiting room at the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, waiting on a procedure for their son Andrew. They were chatting with another family, Lee and Jessica Bradford, who were also there with their son Tucker, who was having open heart surgery. “It just started as a simple conversation about how we would like to give back to this amazing place that has done so much for our children,” McNutt shares. “We saw the determination and passion that the doctors, nurses, and surgeons put into our children. It made us want to do everything we could to give back.”

The two families reached out to two other families with congenital heart defects weighing heavily on their hearts – Jason and Lacey Simpson whose son Brody has it, as well as Justin and Heather Stroud, whose son William passed away from it. All living in North Alabama near Lake Guntersville, it didn’t take very long for inspiration to hit: a fishing tournament. “There wasn’t a whole lot of experience we had with bass fishing, but we believed in the idea,” says McNutt Guntersville is one of the top lakes in the entire world.” The very first Castin’ N’ Catchin’ fishing tournament was held in May 2016. The families set a goal of $10,000 hoping that they would raise at least half of that amount. “We hit our goal with just the very first sponsorship we got,” McNutt says. “From there, it really took off. Every year we’ve raised more than $100,000, and 100 percent of it goes directly to the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama.” Thus far, the annual tournament – which has become

18 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

This year, the tournament is scheduled for April 23 at Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro. As in years’ past, there is a limit of 250 boats. “The tournament attracts so many fishermen and fisherwomen from all over,” McNutt adds. “We get entries from people all over the Southeast. So many people have opened their hearts and wallets for our mission and this tournament, and we are forever grateful. This tournament is the highlight of our year.” Also as in years past, boat number one will be dedicated to the Stroud’s son William as the children are the constant reminders of how important the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama is and that more can and should be done to further its research. “This is a fraternity that you don’t want to be a part of, but the fact that we have a network of people we can walk through it with and share experiences with certainly helps,” McNutt says. “And it also helps that we have the center doing so much to help our children. They are at an age now where they get it and understand it, and their strength and perseverance is what drives us every day.” Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.

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B ABY & M E

Family Friendly Employer-Run Childcare Helping Many Mothers Return to Work Post-Baby By Paige Townley Photos courtesy of AFLA

When Dr. Delaney Spaulding purchased her dental practice, Ross Bridge Dentistry, in 2020, she and her husband Andrew didn’t plan to immediately start a family. They soon, however, found themselves pregnant with their first child. “We were overjoyed, but I knew we had to figure out what we were going to do to make it work because I still had my practice to run,” Spaulding says. “Then I realized: there would be no reason to limit myself and choose to either stay home or send my child to daycare. It only made sense to me to bring the baby to work so that I can give my time to the office but also keep doing what I need to do as a mom.” That’s when Spaulding got the idea to begin offering childcare during work hours at her practice. With the practice located on the bottom floor of the building, she decided to use existing upstairs space to create a childcare area for anyone working at the practice. “Once I got the idea there was no reason not to extend it to anyone working at the practice,” Spaulding says. “A family-friendly working environment is beneficial to everyone.” It certainly helped Spaulding when she transitioned back to work after giving birth to her son, Riley. “I was more focused and calmer knowing that he was only a footstep away, upstairs with a caretaker watching him while I was working,” Spaulding adds. Spaulding also saw many other added benefits, such as saving time on her commute and being able to breastfeed when needed. “So many barriers are set up for working mothers when they reenter the workforce that makes the breastfeeding journey so difficult,” she says. “I was able to go breastfeed when needed. And I also appreciate getting the added time with Riley on my lunch break or between patients. I wouldn’t have that one-on-one time during the day any other way.” 20 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

Spaulding isn’t the only working mother faced with the difficult decision of going back to work or staying home after starting a family. According to a 2020 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77.5 percent of employed mothers working full time had children under the age of 6. The number was higher (81.2 percent) for mothers with older children ages six to 17. For many working mothers, it’s a difficult decision to determine what to do when that time comes, especially considering that for many mothers, there’s not even a choice. An analysis by Pew Research Center revealed that approximately 40 percent of mothers are the primary breadwinners that must work to support their families. “Every other job I’ve ever walked into, I’ve wondered, as a female, how can this job work whenever I decide I want to start a family?” Spaulding says. “It’s often taboo to even ask about things like that. So often women are told it makes more sense for them to stay at home, but not every female wants to, or can, give up their career to do that. That’s why it’s so important for me to have an onsite child-friendly working environment.” While Spaulding’s practice is making it easy for working mothers, it’s certainly not the norm. But there are other companies who agree that childcare should be an easier topic to tackle for working mothers. Alfa Insurance home office campus in Montgomery has offered an onsite daycare, known as Little Alfa, for employees since 1991. “At that time, there was a need for employee childcare, especially childcare that mimicked the hours of our home office,” explains Susie White, Alfa Insurance’s employee relations and training manager. The onsite daycare is open to all employees, and if space is available, it’s even available to grandchildren of employees. “With it being onsite, employees have the ability to go there during the day to check on their

BA BY & ME child and visit with them, which is special,” White says. “The facility being onsite also allows the children to come here. They have come here to do lemonade sales and this past year trick or treated at Halloween. It was a huge success. Involving the children with the employees here onsite when possible has been fabulous.”

With so many options, the childcare is a serious benefit to employees at the hospital, and it’s appreciated by them all, Larkin says. “It’s a big help to make sure that parents don’t have to miss work if they don’t have to,” Larkin says. “We want to make sure employees can save their vacation time for when they are actually sick

White speaks from experience as her daughter began attending Little Alfa at the age of six weeks when White went back to work. “They do a fabulous job of getting the children ready for kindergarten,” White says. “One of the staff members in human resources was a child at the daycare center at one time. That really speaks to the longevity of the program. We have children that grow up and then come back to the nest.” Children’s of Alabama is another organization that recognizes the need to help employees with childcare as well. The hospital opened Near & Dear Childcare Center in 2001. The center, which has a capacity to care for up to 45 children, has three distinct services that while aren’t meant to be daily routine childcare, do offer an option for childcare help. One is transition care, which is for newborns. Moms or dads can bring their newborn in for the first eight weeks. “It allows for mom or dad to come visit during the day, mom can breastfeed if she wants to, and it essentially eases them back into coming back to work while providing a little more time with their newborn,” explains Paige Larkin, director of Near & Dear. Another option of childcare Children’s of Alabama provides is backup childcare when other arrangements can’t be found or fall through. “This service is for when your typical childcare center is closed or if the family member who typically watches your child is sick or unable to keep the child that day,” says Larkin. “It’s designed for when your regular arrangements just aren’t available.” When that help is needed, employees simply call the center and make a reservation to bring in their child. Every employee of the hospital is given 35 days per year of the backup childcare and it can be used however they need. “It could be when the nanny is sick or the normal daycare is closed for a holiday or if your child has a doctor’s appointment,” Larkin says. The third option is sick childcare. In this scenario, a child can stay at the center and cared for by a nurse. This is often most beneficial when a child is getting over a sickness or with something simple like a cold or pink eye but not quite able to go back to daycare. “It’s often used by parents with a child that is well but hasn’t hit that 24-hour fever free rule so many daycares have in place,” Larkin says.

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While there is certainly still quite a way to go with more employers realizing that this is a need important to not only mothers but also fathers, the options that are available are helping so many mothers the transition back to work post-baby easier. “Having the option to keep my child at the office made my life so much easier, and I’m not nervous or scared of having a second child because of how easy the transition back to the office has been for me,” Spaulding says. “I think my team feels that way to knowing that they can bring their child to work. No female should have to worry that starting a family will ruin their career or that they will have to give up their career.”

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B ABY & M E

From Three to Six in

14 Weeks By Sarah Lyons

One year ago, we were an average family. We had three children, ages 8, 6, and 2, and we were busy with the average family things like dance lessons, scouts, sports, and homework. I was a busy but happy mom of three kids feeling content. Looking back, things were easy, simple even. But one year ago, something unexpected happened that affected everything about our family. Things would no longer be simple. Last February, my husband and I had just returned from a weekend trip alone. While we were out of town I felt unusually tired and nauseous. You can probably see where this is going but at the time I was clueless. We had taken precautions to prevent pregnancy and had mutually decided our family was complete. After living in denial for another week, I finally bought a pregnancy test. Fully expecting to get a negative result, I was shocked that it was positive. The first few months of the pregnancy were rough. I had horrendous morning sickness and I was having a hard time hiding my growing belly. I felt physically and mentally drained as my husband and I tried to adjust to the thought of having four children. Despite the rough start, by the time we were scheduled for our 20-week ultrasound we were excited to find out the gender and we had finally become comfortable with the idea of a fourth child. We held hands and waited as the sonographer prepared for the ultrasound. She squirted warm gel on my belly and ran the wand across my stomach. “Dad, you may want to sit down,” she said. My husband took a seat and I felt my heart jump. Was something wrong? “Do multiples run in your family?” she asked. 22 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

Photos by Sarah Lyons

“Twins?” my husband asked in a panicked voice. “Well, twins for sure but I may have seen another baby too.” Triplets? We exchanged shocked glances as the doctor confirmed there were in fact three babies. Three! One girl and two boys. Tears streamed down my face as she looked closer at each baby. Never in my life have I been so surprised, worried, happy, and stressed at the same time. We would soon be parents to six children. I was pregnant with triplets. The next week was like a strange dream. I would go from tears of panic to pure amazement at the miracle of it all. A sleepless week passed before I could really start letting it sink in. I would try to make a to-do list or research triplet pregnancy and I would get overwhelmed with panic and worry. Multiple times my husband and I looked at each other and said, “Are we really having triplets?” or “We are going to have six kids! Six!” I kept thinking I would wake up from this crazy dream and I would go back to being the average family with three kids. I worried constantly. Would I deliver early? Would there be complications? How would we manage three babies? How would we afford six children? There were so many questions that I could get lost in the panic. I decided then and there to accept that our life would no longer be average or simple and it was okay. I decided to view these babies as the miracles they are rather than a constant source of worry and disruption. As the pregnancy continued it became much more difficult and day-to-day tasks started to become nearly impossible. I started to go into labor too early and was put on bedrest for a total of six weeks. I spent two of these in the hospital. I missed out on a fun summer with my kids and

BA BY & ME the first day of school. It was difficult but I kept pushing myself forward with the goal of healthy babies in my mind. At 34 weeks pregnant I went in for a weekly ultrasound and was told there were some complications with the babies, and I would deliver them that day. Just an hour and a half later, 14 weeks after we found out we were having not one but three babies, our triplets arrived.

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I had a C-section, a totally new experience for me and as they each was born, I prayed and hoped each was healthy. The babies were whisked past me one by one on their way to the NICU. It was hours before I would get to see them and days before I was allowed to hold them. When I saw the babies in the NICU for the first time, wires and tubes were attached to their tiny bodies and they looked fragile and helpless. I was overcome with emotion. They were so small, so beautiful, so amazing. I looked into each tiny face and my heart melted. I was in love and I knew I was meant to be their mom even if it wasn’t average or simple. The NICU days were long and difficult but eventually my babies came home one by one.

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We started our adventure as a family of eight in mid-October after our last baby was released from the hospital. The day when we welcomed her home was one of the happiest days in this whole experience. My kids all took turns passing her around with big smiles on their faces and when we laid the triplets all on the floor next to each other, my older kids excitedly gathered around them, my heart swelled with pride and awe that they were really all mine. They were all home and we could now move forward as a family. So what is life like with three kids plus triplets? I won’t sugarcoat it; it is extremely challenging. There are days when everyone cries including me, when I can’t find time for a shower, when getting dinner on the table is impossible, and lack of sleep is the norm. However, there are wonderful days as well. There are days when the babies coo and hold hands, when my big kids entertain them and they belly laugh in unison, when time allows extra snuggles, when you get so many toothless grins that your cheeks hurt from smiling back, and when they look at you with that look, the one that says you are their whole world. Yes, days are long and difficult, but weeks, months, and years fly by. The key is to enjoy the great moments because they are so worth the rough ones. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer. BirminghamParent.com | 23

ASK T H E S PE CI ALI ST

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Breastfeeding

Helpful Things for Mom to Know By Dr. Saul Weinreb, OBGYN Breastfeeding not only creates a strong bond between mother and child, but also has many benefits. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your baby grow into a healthy toddler. Studies have shown that breastfed children and those who receive expressed breast milk for six months are protected against some common childhood illnesses and infections, such as diarrhea, ear infections and respiratory illnesses. Compared to infants fed formula, they also have fewer deaths during the first 12 months of life and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity. Breastfeeding is also a great way to protect your baby against COVID infection and other viral illnesses. Studies have shown that COVIDfighting antibodies are found in breast milk of women who have had COVID and in women who have been vaccinated. This could go on for up to three months and is a great way to protect your baby from infection.

Breastfeeding may not always be easy, but it is worth the effort. For a smooth start to breastfeeding, start reading about breastfeeding during pregnancy so you will have a better idea about what to do after your baby is born. Talk to friends who have breastfed or attend a breastfeeding support group meeting, such as La Leche League. Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery because your baby’s instinct to suck is very strong at this time. You will be able to bond with your baby and breastfeed more often if your baby stays with you in the hospital room. If your baby is in the nursery, ask hospital staff to bring your baby to you for feedings and not to give your baby a pacifier or infant formula. Although there may be some tenderness at first, breastfeeding should not hurt. Breastfed babies will eat more often than formula-fed babies because breast milk is more easily digested. Newborns tend to nurse every two to three hours, which stimulates the production of breast milk. Watch your baby for signs of wanting to nurse, such as sucking motions or lip movements. Let your baby nurse from one breast for about 15 minutes, burp the baby, and then nurse from the other breast. If your baby does not latch on again, begin the next feeding with the second breast. Avoid giving your baby a pacifier for about a month because it could interfere with breastfeeding. You will be able to tell if your baby is getting enough milk by keeping track of wet and dirty diapers. In the beginning, your baby will have only one or two wet diapers a day. As your milk supply increases, your baby should have five or six wet diapers and three to four dirty diapers daily. Breastfeeding is a natural process that may take some time to get accustomed to, for both you and your baby. If you have trouble breastfeeding or are concerned about how your baby is nursing, talk with your doctor or a certified lactation nurse. For more information about breastfeeding or to find a physician, please visit www.ShelbyBaptistMedicalCenter.com . Dr. Saul Weinreb, OBGYN is affiliated with Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Mothers who breastfeed tend to have increased self-esteem and could experience fewer episodes of post-delivery depression. Because breastfeeding releases certain hormones in a woman’s body, the mother’s uterus will decrease in size and the return of menstrual periods will be delayed. Mothers who have breastfed their babies also may have a reduced risk for developing breast, uterine or ovarian cancer. 24 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

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B ABY & M E

8 Quick Tips for

NEW DADS

By Denise Morrison Yearian

26 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

When a child is born, the new mother and baby get most of the attention, but dads are undergoing change too. The following are eight tips to help first-time fathers adjust to having a new baby in the house.

BABY & ME

1. Be hands on.

Get involved in all aspects of childcare – bathing, feeding, reading, changing diapers and putting your baby to sleep. If the new dad needs a little coaching, give him the basics then let him develop his own style. Remember, experience is the best teacher. Don’t criticize; offer encouragement to help him feel competent in his new role.

2. Recognize challenges.

Some babies, such as those with colic, may be harder to soothe. If your baby is crying, look for obvious signs of discomfort, such as diaper change, hunger, fatigue or gas. Spend five to ten minutes on any one strategy. If it doesn’t work, try another one. Newborns can also suffer from over stimulation due to lights, motion, sounds and people. Things that may seem normal are a drastic change from a quiet womb.

3. Communicate with outsiders.

Take on the role of communicating with family and friends, setting limits and boundaries, if needed. If others offer to help, suggest practical ideas such as dropping off meals, running errands or watching the baby so you and your partner can take a walk. Extended family can be a huge help or significant stressor. Encourage well-meaning but intruding relatives to refrain from giving unwanted input with regard to childcare.

4. Be supportive of Mom.

One of the father’s biggest roles is to support the mother. Keep a constant line of communication open with one another and discuss how the adjustment is going. Talk about things that are and are not working, and make suggestions for change. Also, keep an eye out for signs for postpartum depression, which may have a delayed onset.

5. Find personal support.

New dads may need an outlet where they can share their own concerns or stresses. Find a father support group or look for a friend who is or has gone through this stage in life. Also be aware of your emotions. If you feel anxious or depressed for an extended period of time, talk with your physician.

6. Nurture the couple relationship.

This will benefit the parents and child. If extended family members are local, schedule occasional date nights. If this isn’t an option, look for creative ways to give the relationship attention – back or foot rubs, a note in one another’s lunchbox, a quick email sent to the office. Couples’ communication should include more than just baby talk. Also make time for intimacy – be sensitive to each other’s needs and work together to find a compromise.

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7. Create space for self.

While it may be impossible to maintain the before-baby lifestyle, determine what is most critical for each parent to relieve stress – sleep, exercise, time out of the house – and work that into the week.

8. Give it time.

The more time fathers spend with their baby, the easier it will get. Right now, things aren’t normal but life will take on a new normalcy in time. Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and six grandchildren.

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KIDS CA M PS

Summer Camp 101

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

ummer camp is without a doubt something kids look forward to all year. Nevertheless, there are important issues you should address to ensure that your kids have a really great time at camp. Based on my experiences as a parent of seasoned summer campers as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve pulled together a list of some of the most common issues.

Allergies

If your kids suffer from seasonal allergies, like grass or tree pollen, tell the camp physician or nurse and pack all the medication they need. It can be a real drag for them to walk around the whole time with a runny nose or watery eyes. If they suffer from more serious allergies, like animal or food allergies, inform the camp that your kids shouldn’t come into contact with those allergens. Our son is very allergic to horses. We didn’t think anything of it before we realized that his camp has alpacas, which can induce the same allergic reaction as horses.

Email, Phone and Care Packages

Every camp has a policy about how they prefer you to communicate with your kids, whether by email or phone, and about how many care packages you may send and what you can put in them. Know those policies, and follow them. Kids don’t want to be called out for not following the rules. It’s embarrassing, and it can hurt them socially.

Making Friends

Some kids find it easy to make friends, and others have a harder time. If your kids have a difficult time, ask if they can bunk with one or more of their regular friends from home. Most camps permit that. Explain to your kids that no matter how confident the other kids may appear, chances are that they are nervous too. Use yourself as an example and tell them what you did when you were a kid – it makes the situation much more relatable and manageable.

28 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

Homesickness

Your kids can still get homesick even if they’re rooming with close friends. It can happen to any camper, no matter how well-prepared and seasoned they are. Find out how the camp handles homesickness. Can you call your kids, even if there’s a no-phone policy? Is it possible to visit them outside camp visiting days? Pack some family photographs or a favorite stuffed animal with their belongings; it can help put them at ease.

Safety

You want your kids to have fun at camp, but you also want them to be safe. One of the best things you can do to prepare them, if they don’t already know how, is to teach them how to swim. Most camps include a swimming program with access to a pool. Another popular activity is hiking. Be sure that your kids have footwear with good traction. Teach your kids how to have fun without putting themselves in danger. Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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THE WO R L D GA M E S

Going for

Gold in the

Magic City

All eyes will be on Birmingham later this year as it gears up to host By Paige Townley

The World Games

Anyone who lives in Alabama knows the state appreciates – and supports – all things sports. This summer, Alabama gets its opportunity to show that passion to the world when the Heart of Dixie rolls out the red carpet to play host for The World Games. The World Games is an 11-day international multi-sport event that is supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In fact, it’s the only major international sporting event outside of the Summer Olympic Games and Winter Olympic Games under the support of the IOC. The World Games is always held the year following the Summer Olympic Games, and this year, it’s celebrating a major milestone: the 40th anniversary of the event. “The World Games has been hosted all over the world, and this is the first time it has been back to the United States since its inception in 1981 when it was hosted in Santa Clara, California,” says Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games 2022. “This is a huge opportunity for Birmingham, and we’re really excited about it. This is the largest international sporting event held in the southeast United States since the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.” The World Games is scheduled for July 7 through 17, and over the course of those 11 days, the event will feature more than 3,600 of the world’s top athletes from 100-plus countries around the world. “Much like the Olympic Games, The World Games kicks off with traditional opening ceremonies, which is going to be amazing this year and feature some of the biggest names in music,” Sellers adds. “The last day of competition will be followed by the closing ceremonies.” The World Games’ sports program has six categories: artistic sports, ball sports, martial arts, precision sports, strength sports, and trend sports, and they are solely summer sport competitions. But what sets the event apart from other competitions is that it focuses heavily on emerging sports that continue to grow in popularity. So while there are traditional sports such 30 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

as gymnastics, softball, and archery, there is also sports like tug of war, sport climbing, and flying disc. “The World Games is such a unique opportunity for parents to introduce their kids to these international sports,” Sellers says. “There are so many fun and interesting sports and they are being played by incredible international athletes. To have an introduction to these different sports and different countries in our own backyard is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Athletes and spectators alike will also receive a tour of Birmingham with the many venues and communities that will be hosting the 34 different sports. In fact, more than 25 venues around the greater Birmingham metropolitan area will be playing a role in the event. The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Complex will open its doors for a wide variety of sporting competitions, including bowling, DanceSport, floorball, gymnastics, Korfball, and powerlifting. “This is our opportunity on a global stage to show what we already know about Birmingham: it’s a new Birmingham" Sloss Furnaces will host a number of sports as well, such as beach handball, sport climbing, and parkour. Oak Mountain State Park will serve as the destination for a variety of water sports, including water ski jumping, wakeboarding, canoe marathon, and orienteering. The Hoover Met Stadium will welcome the softball competition. Barber Motorsports Park will also get in on the action with airsports. The venues on the campus of Birmingham Crossplex will feature sports like artistic roller skating, wheelchair rugby, canoe polo, and finswimming. “It’s important to note that The World Games will be the first international sport in history with events for both athletes with and without disabilities on the same platform,” Sellers adds.

T HE WOR L D GAME S Along with the thousands of other athletes from all over the world, The World Games will include more than 400 Team USA athletes, many who competed last year in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It’s a major moment for not only Alabamians to get an opportunity to see these incredible athletes compete right here at home, but it’s incredibly important for their families as the pandemic prevented that last year. “In Tokyo, their families couldn’t watch them compete, so this will be the first major international sporting event coming out of the pandemic with fully open venues,” Sellers says. “This will be an important opportunity for athletes’ families to see them compete for gold medals in their sports.” Over the course of the 11 days of events, The World Games is expected to draw approximately half a million spectators, 20,000-plus of which are international fans. Overall, it’s also expected to generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. And just as importantly, The World Games is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Birmingham and the entire metropolitan area to showcase itself as the ultimate destination for sports and beyond. “This is our opportunity on a global stage to show what we already know about Birmingham: it’s a new Birmingham. A city that has so much to offer,” says Sellers. “This is going to be a special moment for not only Birmingham, but also the world. We’ll all look back on this as a special time for our city and a moment where we reintroduced ourselves to the world in a really special way. We have an opportunity to witness history right here in our great city, and it’s truly going to be a special moment in time.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.twg2022.com. Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.

BirminghamParent.com | 31

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APR

2-4 PM

1701 VALLEY VIEW DR. BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209

Collaborate with industry experts to flavor, mix, and brand your own carbonated kid-friendly beverages. Cost: $10 (cost includes entry to Vulcan Center Museum and Vulcan Tower)

VISITVULCAN.COM

Sponsored by Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Protective, Vulcan Materials, Regions and Vulcan Park & Museum

32 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

calendar highlights March and April in Alabama means the weather is warming up, spring is almost here, and families are wanting to get outside. This issue’s calendar includes a number of outdoor activities, including runs and hikes, festivals, walking events and even events for you and your pets! And don’t forget Easter on April 17 and all the egg hunts and other celebrations around the holiday. Sure, we’ll still have some not-so-good weather, but now’s a great time to take advantage of many of the outdoor and indoor events throughout March and April 22.

MARCH-APRIL

MARCH 19 BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S SPECIAL NEEDS EXPO

10am- 3pm, Vulcan Park & Museum. Admission is FREE! Come learn about the many services and programs for children with special needs, all under one roof, and enjoy the giveaways and fun as well!

MARCH 19 APRIL 9 RED SHOE RUN/ROCKIN’ 5K

7-11:30am, downtown Birmingham. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.

APRIL 9

APRIL 30 ANNUAL BOB SYKES BBQ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

11am-8om, Debardeleben Park, downtown Bessemer. Come eat BBQ and listen to some blues greats! Bring a chair or blanket. Benefits local Alabama charity Caring Men and Caring Women. Admission charged.

APRIL 30 BirminghamParent.com | 33

calendar Spring is on its Way! MARCH 01

TUESDAY

Game Day! 1-2pm, Pelham Senior Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov UAB Women's Tennis vs North Alabama 2-3pm, George Ward Park. www.calendar.uab.edu

WEDNESDAY

Ballet, Tap and Jazz 5:30-6:15pm, Pelham Recreation Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2022 Tour 8pm, BJCC Concert Hall. Gentle Yoga Noon-1pm, Pelham Senior Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov UAB Women's Basketball vs Southern Miss 6-7pm, Bartow Arena. www.calendar.uab.edu

THURSDAY

Crunk Fitness at The Boutwell 6-7pm, Boutwell Municipal Auditorium. Experience LIVE

classes with Jamme, the creator and founder of Crunk Fitness. A super-fun dance workout that moves your body, renews your mind and lifts your spirit. All levels. www.birmingham365.org

FREE

Tippi Pro-Ballet and Jazz 5:30-6:15pm, Pelham Recreation Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov

SATURDAY

Alabama Audubon Field Trip 8-10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens entrance gates. Bring your binoculars, water/ snacks, insect repellent, rain gear, sunblock, and seasonally appropriate attire. Registration: www.alaudubon. org/event/2022-03-05 by noon March 4; space limited. Greg Harber and Susan Barrow, 205-414-3950. https://alabamarivers.org ArtPlay Family Day: Women in the Visual Arts 1-3pm, ArtPlay Community Art Education. In celebration of Women's History Month, bring the family to the beautiful

Abroms-Engel Institute for Visual Arts (AEIVA) for lots of fun and learning! Learn from local female artists as well as immersion in the history of legendary ladies like Frida Kahlo. Tour AEIVA's incredible galleries, featuring nationally renowned female artists. www.facebook.com

FREE

The Market at Pepper Place Indoor Winter Market

Southeastern Outings Bike Ride 9:45am meet at Walmart in Sumiton. The Horse Creek Trail in Dora and Sumiton is about 7 miles round trip. Smooth, wide and level paved trail. Bring water. Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net, 205-631-4680. www.birmingham365.org Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9:45am, meet at Walmart in Sumiton. Join friendly folks on an easy 3.2-mile walk on the Horse Creek Trail in Dora and Sumiton in Walker County. Wide, smooth, level and paved trail. Bart Ehmann, 205-823-7879. www.birmingham365.org

06 7am-noon, Pepper Place. Winter market Saturdays through April 9. The goal of the Indoor Winter Market is to feature what's growing in Alabama during the winter growing season. Curbside service available. www.birmingham365.org

SUNDAY

Children's Glass Art and Show off your Glass Art 1:30-2:30pm, Pelham Recreation Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov. Kites and Bites 4-6:30pm, Pelham City Park. http://pelhamalabama.gov

PLEASE NOTE: Calendar information should be uploaded to our website at https://portal.cityspark.com/EventEntry/EventEntry/BirminghamParent and may appear in print if uploaded by deadline. You may also go to www.birminghamparent.com and simply click on the calendar icon. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. DEADLINE for the May/June 2022 issue is April 8, 2022. GUIDELINES: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 205-624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to check ahead with the actual venue. 34 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

calendar Birmingham Squadron vs. Texas Legends 7pm, Legacy Arena at The BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org

Toddler and Me Dance Class 9:30-10:10am, Pelham Recreation Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov Yoga 5:30-6:45 pm, Pelham Recreation Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov

TUESDAY

The Simon & Garfunkel Story 7:30-10pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, The internationally acclaimed hit theater show is an immersive concert-style theater show chronicling the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Tickets. www.birmingham365.org

FRIDAY

Let's Get Walking - Spring Edition 9:30-10:30am, Pelham City Park Walking Trail. http://pelhamalabama.gov

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

UAB Department of Music presents Kenny Broberg 4pm, Alys Stephens Center. Broberg, winner of the 2021 American Pianists Awards, will perform. Tickets $15; $5 for students through grade 12 and UAB employees; free to UAB students. www.uab.edu/music

21ST ANNUAL ST 21 ST ANNUAL 21 ANNUAL

SATURDAY

Winter Jam 2022 “All Together Now” 6-10pm, Legacy Arena at the BJCC. Presented by NewSong with Premier Productions, Christian music's biggest multiartist tour, is back for 2022 with headliners Skillet and Tauren Wells and including KB and Colton Dixon. Sponsored by Compassion International; $10 at door donation. www.birmingham365.org

CHAI

APRIL APRIL APRIL 22-23 22-23 22-23

FRIDAY 5pm - 10pm FRIDAY -- 10pm SATURDAY - 5pm FRIDAY 5pm 5pm10am 10pm SATURDAY 10am SATURDAY 10am -- 5pm 5pm

Dress up in your best 80’s outfit! FRIDAY Dress up in your best 80’s outfit! FRIDAY up in St. yourVincents best 80’sStage outfit! •FRIDAY UAB Medicine & Dress Ascension •• UAB & Ascension Vincents Stage Food Medicine • Carnival • NoSt. Craft Vendors • UAB Medicine & Ascension St. Vincents Stage • Food • Carnival • No Craft Vendors • Food • Carnival • No Craft Vendors

SATURDAY SATURDAY Vendors SATURDAY •• 150+ 150+ Vendors

• 2 Stages •• 2 Stages • Carnival 2 Stages •• Carnival Food • Carnival •• Food Free Art Classes • Food • Free Art Classes • Free Art Classes

•• Bama Air Dogs 150+ Vendors •• Bama Air Dogs Parade • Pooch Bama Air Dogs •• Pooch Parade Car Show • Pooch Parade • Car Show • Car Show

GARDENDALE CIVIC CENTER GARDENDALE CIVIC CENTER FREE ADMISSION & PARKING GARDENDALE CIVIC CENTER FREE ADMISSION & PARKING FREE ADMISSION & PARKING

Under the Stars Spring Gala 6-10pm, The Kress Building Rooftop. This annual event fundraiser benefits the Alabama Waldorf School. Silent auction, dinner by Daniel George, live music, dancing, artist/student collaborative art pieces and much more. Silent auction opens March 10. Information, tickets. https://www.alabamawaldorf.org

80 8080 M- M-MTheThTehe

Birmingham Squadron vs. Iowa Wolves 7pm, Legacy Arena at The BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org.

THE TOTAL FAMILYBRHLIINNAAWGGIRNAA! EXPERIENCE N! BCRLHAAWIR EXPERIENCE N! CLAWIR EXPERIENCE A CH R!

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9:45am, meet at McDonald’s Galleria. Trip to Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and over able to walk about four miles welcome. $5 per person nature center fee. Optional dinner afterward. Dexter Duren, 205-765-2293. www.birmingham365.org

Spanish Conversation Club 7-8pm, Hoover Public Library, All levels welcome to practice their Spanish. Some prior experience with the language is recommended. Adults only, ages 17-up. 205-444-7800, hvrefdesk@ hooverlibrary.org.

THE TOTAL FAMILY A THE TOTAL BRINGGNA EXPERIENCE N THE TOTAL FAMILY FAMILY W I A R BL

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MONDAY

2022 2022 2022

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MONDAY

Birmingham Squadron vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers 7pm, Legacy Arena at The BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org

BA GS M BA A AIR DO S BAMA AIR DOGS MA A DOG IR

MAGNOLIAFESTIVAL.ORG MAGNOLIAFESTIVAL.ORG MAGNOLIAFESTIVAL.ORG MAGNOLIAFESTIVAL.ORG BirminghamParent.com | 35

calendar MARCH 15

TUESDAY

Birmingham Squadron vs. Austin Spurs 7pm, Legacy Arena at The BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org

WEDNESDAY

Southeastern Outings Weekday Hike 9:45am, Veterans Park, north Shelby County. A relatively easy 3-mile weekday hike. Bring water and wear good walking shoes. Please meet in parking lot beside the building with restrooms. Optional lunch nearby after the hike at Metro Diner in Inverness. Randall Adkins, 205-317-6969.

THURSDAY

Choral Evensong for Ascension Day 5:30-6:30pm, Cathedral Church of the Advent. www.birmingham365.org

FREE 19

SATURDAY

Southeastern Outings Dayhike, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park 9:45am, meet at Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone. Watch a short film and view exhibits before beginning a 5.8-mile easy hike. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age eight and over welcome. Optional restaurant dinner after the hike. Park admission free. Randall Adkins, 205-317-6969. Birmingham Parent’s Special Needs Expo

10am-3pm, Vulcan Park. Presented by Children’s of Alabama. Fun activities, booths for parents to visit with programs and services for all types of special needs, cradle to college ages. Don’t miss it! www.birminghamparent.com

SUNDAY

All Booked Up! 2-3pm, Hoover Public Library. 205-444-7800. www.hoover.libnet.info Paws in the Park 2-5pm, Pelham City Park. http://pelhamalabama.gov

TUESDAY

Birmingham Squadron vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce 7pm, Legacy Arena, BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org

WEDNESDAY

Pelham Perennials - Gardening 1-2pm, Pelham Senior Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov

THURSDAY

Southeastern Outings, Flemming Park 9:15am, meet at McDonald's Galleria. This new park in Hoover is the first phase of a donation from Signature Homes that eventually will cover 130 acres and stretch three miles along the Cahaba River. There are five miles of hiking and biking trails, restrooms and pavilion.

FREE 26

SATURDAY

14th Annual Rumpshaker 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run 7:45-11:30am, Regions Field. 5K begins at 8am and fun run at 9am. Rumpshaker Inc. is a Birmingham-based colon cancer foundation that helps colon cancer patients and their families. www.birmingham365.org 3rd Annual Running for the Bulls 5K and Fun Run 8-11am, Oak Mountain State Park. Run or walk with or without a dog! Register online and avoid the race-day rush or register online for a t-shirt and skip the race. Proceeds benefit Bama Bully Rescue. www.birmingham365.org Southeastern Outings River Ramble 9:45am, meet at McDonald's Galleria. Barton's Beach is a sand and gravel beach on the Lower

36 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

Cahaba River in Perry County near Marion. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and older welcome. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net

MONDAY

Open Paint 1-3pm, Pelham Senior Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov UAB Department of Music PRISM Concert 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. Faculty and student solo and ensemble performances ranging from classical and gospel to jazz and computer music. Tickets $25; $15 for UAB employees; FREE for students. www.uab.edu/music

THURSDAY

Birmingham Squadron vs. Stockton Kings 7pm, Legacy Arena at The BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org Fiddler on the Roof 7:30-10pm, BJCC. Presented by American Theatre Guild, the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. Classic musical is rich with Broadway hits. www.birmingham365.org

APRIL 2

SATURDAY

Birmingham LIVE! 8pm, The Alabama Theatre. 205252-2262. www.bandsintown.com 12th Annual Grill to Build 11am-2pm, Habitat ReStore, Irondale. Habitat for Humanity hosts this barbecue competition and festival to support Habitat for Humanity's housing ministry. Sample BBQ grilled by teams competing for the best barbecue. www.birmingham365.org`

MONDAY

UAB Department of Music Percussion Ensemble 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. Gene Fambrough, director. www.uab.edu/music

FREE 5

TUESDAY

UAB Department of Music Honors Recital 7pm, Hulsey Recital Hall. Student performances and departmental honors awards. www.uab.edu/music

FREE

calendar APRIL

WEDNESDAY

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt 1-3pm, Pelham Senior Center. http://pelhamalabama.gov The SpongeBob Musical 7:30-8:30pm, Alys Stephens Center, Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation – until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage. 205-975-2787. www.birmingham365.org

THURSDAY

UAB Wind Symphony and Symphony Band 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. Sean Murray and Cara Morantz, directors. www.uab.edu/music

Motorsports Museum. Event benefits Children’s of Alabama and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. Information, tickets. https://www.childrensal.org

SATURDAY

ArtPlay Family Day: Tea Party 1-3pm, ArtPlay Community Art Education. Play games in the gardens with live music while tasting different types of teas! Colorful arts projects, story time and more. Alice's Even Bigger Tea Party characters to visit. www.birmingham365.org

FREE

11th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and BLUES Festival

FREE 6

WEDNESDAY

Jeff Dunham: Seriously 7pm, Legacy Arena BJCC. https://www.bjcc.org

American experience through coronavirus. Also includes Hill’s award-winning film, Vanderwaal’s Journey. www.birmingham365.org

UAB Department of Music Spring Brass Ensembles 7pm, Hulsey Recital Hall. Brass chamber groups in concert. www.uab.edu/music

Renew Women's Conference 9am, Gardendale First Baptist Church. www.bandsintown.com

FREE 8

FRIDAY

Runnin From The Rona! 7:30-9:30pm, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, ASFA. Awardwinning slam poet Jahman Hill brings a one-person show exploring the African American experience through coronavirus. Also includes Hill’s award-winning film, Vanderwaal’s Journey. www.birmingham365.org

SATURDAY

Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K 7-11:30am, downtown Birmingham. Participants can sign up for the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run. Snoozer option if you want to skip the run/ walk and raise money. Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Information, Stephanie.Duncan@rmhca.org, 205-638-7372, runsignup.com, www.rmhca.orgHill brings a oneperson show exploring the African

The Train Station Street Market 9am-4pm, Bessemer Hall of History Museum grounds. Outdoor event featuring a classic car show, Birmingham Underground coauthor Jeff Newman, arts, antiques, crafts, museum, train car! Family fun. Information, Joyce Quinn. https://bessemerhallofhistory.blogspot.com

FREE 10

SUNDAY

UAB Department of Music Faculty Recital “Korean Tapestry” 4pm, Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring Won Cho, bass, Kyound Cho, soprano and Eun-Hee Park, piano. www.uab.edu/music

FREE 12

TUESDAY

A Very Special Easter Egg Hunt 5:30-7pm, Pelham City Park Rectangular Field. http://pelhamalabama.gov

SUNDAY

Easter Sunday 18

MONDAY

UAB Gospel Choir 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. In concert with the Urdd National Collegiate Choir of Wales. Reginald Jackson, director. Tickets $10; free for UAB students. www.uab.edu/music

FRIDAY

Alabama Ballet Presents Don Quixote 7:30-9:30pm, Alabama Ballet. Don Quixote is a classical ballet about a nobleman obsessed with stories of ancient chivalry. 205-322-4300. www.birmingham365.org

SATURDAY

Castin’ N’ Catchin Fishing Tournament Goose Pond Colony Resort, Scottsboro. Annual tournament to raise funds for the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. Information, register. https://castinncatchin.org

11am gates open, event noon-8pm, DeBardeleben Park, downtown historic Bessemer. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy blues musicians, including Grammy winning blues legend Bobby Rush. AMG award winner for Album of the Year Robert Kimbrough Sr. Blues Connection, Tullie Brae, Hurricane Elaine Hudson, NJ Speights and Reggie Yarbrough and Company. Family activities, booths and more. General admission tickets, www.bobsykesblues.com or visit Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant. Benefits local Alabama charity Caring Men and Caring Women. Elaine Lyda, elaine.lyda@gmail. com, 205-426-1400. www.birmingham365.org 17th Annual Gumbo Gala 11am-2pm, Cahaba Brewing Company. Gumbo teams from the region compete, and visitors can taste as many samples as they wish while supplies last. Benefitting Birmingham's Episcopal Place. Family friendly and dog friendly. www.birmingham365.org

FRIDAY

Racing for Children’s Weekend 6:30pm cocktail hour, 7:30pm dinner/live auction, Barber Vintage BirminghamParent.com | 37

Area Attractions/Events

Vulcan Park - www.vulcanpark.org

n Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover. 205-682-8019. www.aldridgegardens.com

n Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com

n Alabama School of Fine Arts

n Birmingham Botanical

Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham. 205-414-3900. www.bbgardens.org

n Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665. www.ashof.org

n Alabama Wildlife Center

100 Terrace Dr., Pelham. 205663-7930. www.awrc.org

n American Village

Highway 119, Montevallo. 205-665-3535. www.americanvillage.org

n Barber Motorsports Park

6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040. www.barbermotorsports.com

2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham. 205-879-0409. www.birminghamzoo.com

Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181. www.bct123.org

n Ruffner Mountain Nature n Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435. www.hodrrm.org

n Birmingham Museum of Art

n Jefferson County Library

Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm.

Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclc.org

n McWane Science Center • IMAX Films

Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565. www.artsbma.org

Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham. 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org. n Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.shelbycounty-al.org

n Southern Museum of Flight

4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham. 205-833-8226. www.southernmuseumofflight.org

n Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711. www.tannehill.org

n Vulcan Park

1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409. www.vulcanpark.org

Due to the pandemic, many attractions may not be open or may have abbreviated times. Be sure to check ahead.

n Birmingham Public Libraries

Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org

38 | Birmingham Parent | March-April 2022

Preserve Parkway, Hoover. 205-739-7141. www.hooveral.org 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-620-2520. www.alapark.com

Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205328-9696. www.bcri.org Wall to Wall. Alaska-based artist Merritt Johnson has created four works covering the lobby and café walls, creating an immersive exhibition experience. Through May 8.

n Moss Rock Preserve

n Oak Mountain State Park

n Birmingham Children’s

n Birmingham Civil Rights

1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.. www.asfa.k12.al.us

n Birmingham Zoo

200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org

CAST YOUR VOTE in the 2022 Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorites Awards!

Visit www.birminghamparent.com/directory/family-favoritessurvey/ to vote online for your favorite party place, kids meal, toy store, radio station & more. SPONSORED BY

Vote for your favorites & be entered to win a GRAND PRIZE getaway to OWA, Coastal Alabama’s newest entertainment destination.

WIN AN OWA GETAWAY FOR 4

VOTING ENDS AT MIDNIGHT, APRIL 22, 2022.

Vote for your favoritesand be entered to win a getaway to OWA, Alabama’s newest entertainment destination. The winner will enjoy a... •

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Visit www.visitowa.com

BirminghamParent.com DEADLINE TO VOTE IS MIDNIGHT APRIL 22, 2022

| 39

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

2022

Join us at Vulcan Park & Museum on BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S SPECIAL NEEDS EXPO March 19, 2022 fromIN10am to 2022! 3pm COMING “IN-PERSON” MARCH,

Presented by Children’s of Alabama SPONSORED BY PRESENTED BY

Fun activities, booths for parents to visit with programs and services for all types of special needs, cradle to college ages. Swag bags full of goodies to the first 200 people at Birmingham Parent booth. Great giveaways! Free Admission to Special Needs Expo!

Sponsorships and vendor booths available! Contact your marketing consultant, send an email to info@birminghamparent.com, info@birminghamparent.com, visit www.birminghamparent.com or call...

205-624-2405.

Don’t miss being a part of this event!

Birmingham Parent - March-April 2022

Articles inside

CENTER OF ALABAMA

WORK POST-BABY

SHORT STUFF: Providing Heart Safe Programming in Schools

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILD’S IEP MEETING