Birmingham Parent Magazine - May-June 2022

THE

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

FOR

CENTRAL

ALABAMA

MAY-JUNE 2022

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE & CAREER

SUMMER

FUN

CELEBRATING MOMS & DADS

YOUR TEEN GIRL AND BODY IMAGE GREAT MONEY-SAVING APPS FOR YOUR SUMMER VACATION

more exploration

more thrills

Make the most of every moment together as you zip down six towering water slides or dive into luxurious pools at SoundWaves and explore acres of stunning garden atriums.

It’s the summer of more at Gaylord Opryland.

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BirminghamParent.com | 3

ed note Making Memories with Summer Fun It’s almost summer, and parents everywhere are planning special outings, trips to visit family and even summer vacations. We hope our stories this month, along with our Calendar of Events, can help you do just that!

My best memories of my childhood are from summer outings and trips with my family. As an older child with a difficult father, it was one time when he was happy, relaxed and enjoyed family and life. My most treasured memories of him, especially now that he is no longer with us, is of these trips together.

When you have an outing with your child, a trip to visit family or the coveted family vacation, you are not just treating your family, but you are building memories, and even planting seeds. Life can be hard sometimes. Like mine, not every family is perfect – far from it. I hope this summer your family seizes the opportunity to build those memories together, and we hope some of our tips for summer fun can help you just a little bit.

May is also a time for graduations, and our Planning for College & Career section, beginning on page 16, may give your teen some additional tools to get off on the right footing as they head off for college or technical school. Be sure to check out our tips for getting scholarships on page 18.

There’s another aspect of summer than can be hard for children who may struggle with body image, and summertime clothing often reveals the bodies they may have a love/hate relationship with. Be sure to read Paige Townley’s “Battling Body Image” on page 14 for tips to help your child navigate this challenging issue.

As we see more and more live events in our calendar, we are crossing our fingers that the pandemic might be nearing an end or at least a lull. We wish you a wonderful, fun and healthy summer!

Be sure to save the date for our back-to-school event, the Happy Healthy Kids Fair on Saturday, August 13, at the McWane Science Center. See our back cover for details!

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

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 Dr. Daniel Avery Kimberly Blaker Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Aimee Heller Paige Townley

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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 Clanton. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southern Regional Magazine Association (SRMA).

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 | May-June 2022

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.

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contents

SUMMER OF MORE at Gaylord Opryland Resort

26 COLLEGE & CAREERS NINE TIPS TO GET COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS ............................ 18 ROAD MAP TO COLLEGE ........ 20

SUMMER FUN

24

OUR REGULARS EDITOR’S NOTE: Making Memories with Summer Fun .......4 SHORT STUFF ..................................8 CELEBRATING MOMS AND DADS .................................................. 10 YOUR TEEN: BATTLING BODY

18

IMAGE: .............................................. 14

14 SUMMER RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.............................................. 24 MONEY-SAVING APPS FOR SUMMER VACATION ................... 28 ASK THE SPECIALIST: PREVENT SPORTS INJURY ........................... 32 MAY/JUNE 2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS.............. 33

ON THE COVER: Happy Healthy Kids Fair 2021 Cover Kids Winners and brother and sister, Caleb, age 12, and Raijah Tinsley, age 10, of Pinson. Photographed at McCalla’s new Scoopy Shop on Eastern Valley Road, owned by Ashley and Jordan Culliver. Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, 205-902-0385 - www.christypiercephotographyllc.com 6 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

BirminghamParent.com | 7

SH ORT ST U F F

Local Author Adds Coloring Book and New Titles this May Photos courtesy of R.A. Atherton.

Local author R.A. Atherton has had great success with her first four books. These titles are widely available across the U.S. and Canada, and coming soon, a coloring book and a new series of children’s books with an adaptation for film.

Atherton, who has worked in early childhood education for over a decade, says she believes early literacy is a critical part of a child’s development and strives to make her books more than just a story. “I want them to be an opportunity for readers to learn and grow,” Atherton adds.

In addition, each book includes a short, educational section to promote memory retention.

The author’s first three titles came out around the same time: Ostriches Can’t Fly, Hip Hip Hooray! A Hippo Parade, and Momma Meerkat. A fourth book was released Christmas 2021 called Very Merry Penguin, all of which are published by Taylor and Seale Publishing.

For more information, contact 615-473-4961 or visit www.rabookclub. com. Information also can be found on social media.

Watch Out for Poison Look-Alikes

Courtesy of Children’s of Alabama Your home should be a place of safety and protection for your family.

But lots of products around the house can be poisonous if discovered by a child. Becky DeVore, an educator with the Alabama Poison Information Center, shares about “look-alikes,” cleaners or medicines that can be mistaken as edible.

These look-alikes can be found in any color of the rainbow. Cleaning products, dental rinse, body spray, and cold medicine can all look like juice or a sports drink to a child. Even common medicine or vitamins can be mistaken as candy. That’s why DeVore says it’s crucial for anyone who has children in the home to store these products and medication up and away from a child’s reach or even in a locked container. DeVore cautions it’s not enough to just put medicine in a pill box. It should be stored up and away or in a lockbox to prevent a child from ingesting it. And DeVore also recommends adults never take medicine in front of a child, since children like to mimic what adults do.

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SHORT ST UF F Another danger is in the laundry room. We’ve all heard the reports of children who have mistaken laundry pods as candy because of the bright colors.

Laundry detergent and bleach should be stored up and away from a child’s reach.

DeVore also advises to only store cleaning products in their original containers. Never put cleaning products in old soda or water bottles, or any container that was used to store food.

If your child frequently stays at a relative’s house, assess the situation and ask that anything poisonous be kept out of reach of children.

Center (APIC) offers a free, confidential hotline available 24/7. This line is staffed by registered nurses and pharmacists to answer any poison related questions. Save the number 1-800-222-1222 in your contact list on your phone so you can act quickly in case of an emergency.

For more on the Alabama Poison Information Center, visit http://www.childrensal.org/apic. For a video about poison look-alikes, visit https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=u1FFdDs4IUE.

Even with these precautions in place, accidents can happen. Fortunately, the Alabama Poison Information

Springtime & Early Summer ALLERGY HELP

Visit bundlesdiaperbank.org and signup for a recurring monthly donation to BLESS A LOCAL FAMILY Businesses, local organizations & individuals all welcome!

205-607-2112 www.bundlesdiaperbank.org info@bundlesdiaperbank.org

Courtesy of Children’s of Alabama

Springtime brings warmer temperatures and flowers in bloom, but also brings dreaded allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, runny noses and sneezing.

Dr. Amy CaJacob, an allergist at Children's of Alabama, says spring allergies are due to tree pollen.

Tree pollen is carried by the wind, so the allergens are in the air we breathe. In the South especially, you can see tree pollen as a blanket of yellow dust covering everything outside.

CaJacob says spring allergies usually begin around Valentine's Day. She advises parents whose children suffer from allergy symptoms in the spring to begin treatment at that time. However, CaJacob says it's not necessary for everyone to seek treatment.

“If it's just here and there, drippy nose, itchy eyes and it's not bothering the child, then it's probably not anything to worry about,” she says. “But when you get concerned is when it is impacting their quality of life, if they're not paying attention in school, if they're stuffy and snotty all the time, scratching or rubbing their eyes, eyes that are bloodshot and tearing, then you probably want to seek treatment.”

Did you know you can sponsor a baby's diaper need for as low as $10/month?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER For children who suffer from asthma, springtime allergies can be especially concerning. “Typically, children with asthma are already using a rescue inhaler a couple of times a week. If they're doing it more than that then they really need to see their pediatrician or an asthma specialist to step up their regimen during pollen season,” CaJacob advises.

It can be tough to avoid pollen exposure in the springtime other than staying indoors. wwwCaJacob usually advises patients to minimize exposure and limit opening windows and doors during this time of year. Parents can also be aware of the daily pollen report given by the local weather forecast.

If you think your child suffers from seasonal allergies, keep a diary of symptoms and possible triggers and discuss it with their pediatrician. They may recommend allergy testing.

Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ywf3m5D4uLo.

Start the week off right with... » Featured Articles » Video Movie Reviews from KIDS FIRST! » Current Promotions » And more Visit www.birminghamparent.com to subscribe!

BirminghamParent.com | 9

MOT H E R S & FATH E R S DAY

Celebrating Moms and Dads

A Q&A with mothers and fathers around Birmingham about what it means to be a parent

There’s no job quite like being a parent. It’s stressful and tiresome, sometimes (seemingly) thankless, and it never provides a day off. Most parents would say there is certainly no job harder, but most would also quickly say there’s no job as rewarding. For all the tough days and sleepless nights, there’s always lots of laughs, joy, and love. To celebrate this most rewarding job, we talked with mothers and fathers across the Magic City about their parenting journey, how they balance work/family life, and what it means to them to be a parent.

By Paige Townley Susan Sellers CEO, United Ability Mother of two sons: Eli, 21; and Ethan, 18 What are the challenges you faced juggling work/ family life?

The challenge of figuring out what to do in the summers was hard because our family lived in another state, and my job and my husband’s job had us commuting an hour away from home every day.

What does it mean to you to be a parent?

It’s the hardest job you’ll ever have, but it’s also the most rewarding.

No matter how successful you are in your career, your greatest accomplishment is the children you raise. In hindsight, I think I would have been a more relaxed mother if I had known they were going to grow up and be ok. You are so worried when they are younger. You feel like you are responsible for shaping and molding the future of society, so we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do it, but that’s what being a parent means.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

I loved every age and stage, it was all fun, and you miss the younger days. But now that I am at the point I am now, the most rewarding part is that I love spending time with them as adults. They are still your kids; you still try to give them advice and guide them – that part of being a parent never changes.

Any advice you were given on being a parent that has stuck with you?

One thing I learned, and it took me a while to learn, is that just because someone doesn’t parent the same way I do, that is ok.

It doesn’t make it wrong. It doesn’t make them a bad parent; it’s just different. And that includes your spouse. Everyone does it differently, and everyone doesn’t have to do it the way you do it for it to be right.

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Stephanie Rodda Writer and inspirational speaker Mother to seven adopted children Tell me about your journey of becoming a mother.

After 15 years of fostering for the state of Alabama, my husband Henry and I were blessed to be able to adopt seven of the dozens of beautiful children placed in our home. After more than a decade of infertility, we thought we were destined to never become parents. After the miracle of adoption, we have never taken that privilege lightly.

How did your life change after becoming a mother?

I often say that God sent Jesus to save me from my sins, but then He sent me my children to save me from myself. Becoming a parent changes everything, absolutely everything. Your priorities, your attitude, your viewpoints and even when you sleep, are altered when you are a mother.

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

Balancing the needs of my family that is ever growing as grandchildren arrive is challenging, but it isn’t impossible. Learning to prioritize, admit my limitations of time, energy, and resources, and not trying to be everything to everyone is a challenge to every momma, no matter her stage in life.

Any advice you have on being a parent?

As children grow, their needs change and there is no guarantee that your best efforts will result in the futures for your children that you hoped and planned for. I believe it is vitally important to understand that while we do our very best, we must eventually trust God to do the rest.

MOT HERS & FAT HER S DAY Regan Liggins Senior VP/Head of Third Party Risk, Regions Bank Mother to one daughter: Grace, 8

Dr. LaRhonda Magras CEO, YWCA Central Alabama Three adult sons: Quintin, 30; Lance, 26; Khadir, 22

Harmony Mendoza Meteorologist, NBC-13 WVTM News Mother of one son: Angelo, 9

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

Overcommitting and juggling time. As a family, we must determine what activities/ sports are important in the moment and only commit to those and revisit often. Even though we only commit to a few activities, at times it still feels super busy and we just go with the flow.

What are the challenges you faced juggling work/family life?

When the children were younger it was childcare. Another challenge was coming home after a long day of work and still having to give so much of yourself. You have to keep your head up and smile because they feed off your energy.

What does it mean to you to be a parent?

It’s such a privilege to wake up every day and take care of a child. It’s an honor to be a mother, and it’s a responsibility I do not take lightly. I try to be involved in every aspect I can – whether it be serving as soccer coach or baseball coach, I’m here for it all.

What does it mean to you to be a parent?

I’ve learned that being a parent includes many different roles. It gets tricky to figure out what is needed in each moment, but I am learning as I go.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

As my daughter grows, I get to rediscover life through her experiences. Whether it’s her first steps, first words, learning to play a sport, or developing her reading skills, it’s fun to experience life through her development.

Any advice you were given on being a parent that has stuck with you?

To slow down and enjoy each season. This is hard to do, but I can feel time moving quickly and I always remind myself to be in the moment, don’t rush, and enjoy the experience.

What does it mean to you to be a parent?

At this stage in my life, it’s being an advisor, coach, and someone who can be a truth teller. Sometimes my kids will call me to bounce ideas off me. So now it’s more of being the one my kids can lean on to learn from my life experiences. It’s also important to be there for them through good times and tough times.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

The unconditional love. Seeing yourself in their faces is another thing – in their mannerisms, sometimes their laughter, or their smile. And seeing them grow and do great things for themselves and their lives.

What’s the hardest part of being a parent?

Seeing them do things I have no control over. It’s like sitting in the backseat of a car that someone else is driving and being able to see the hazards ahead and just hope that the driver sees it, knowing you have no real control over it.

Any advice you were given on being a parent that has stuck with you?

One thing that stuck out to me my aunt once said is that it’s ultimately their life. You are here as a parent to help guide and protect and provide as many tools as possible so that they can grow into responsible adults, but ultimately, it’s their choices and decisions.

Just like I had my choices and decisions, they have theirs.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

I have always wanted to be a mother, and I enjoy providing him with opportunities, especially those I never got as a young kid.

I enjoy seeing him succeed in those opportunities and learn and grow.

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

As a single mom, I’m so dependent on childcare, so it definitely takes a village.

Not having just one babysitter, but several options. Over the past couple of years with the pandemic, that problem has only been amplified. And then of course it’s all on you as a single mother. There is no one there to pick up the slack.

How has your focus shifted as a single mother?

I make a point in my son’s life to surround him with really strong male role models, whether it be an uncle or a coach or whoever.

I can choose who is in his life, and that’s important to me. I want to make sure I surround him with strong people who can help provide him with the best guidance.

Again, it takes a village.

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M OT H E R S & FATH E R S DAY

Celebrating Moms and Dads Jonathan Schniper Manager of Retention and Energy Efficiency, Spire Father of two sons

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

Life happens during work, and work does not just stop at five o’clock, so it is difficult to keep all things separate. I’m not perfect at keeping that balance, but I do my best to make the time for and be present when I’m with my family. I think that’s a common bond for most working parents.

What does it mean to you to be a parent?

It means being present and engaged in my kids’ lives, while giving them space to be themselves. It’s also important for me to make sure that my wife and I are on the same page and share the responsibilities as parents as much as possible.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

It’s really rewarding to watch my kids learn and grow and become more and more their own person. We participate in several activities outside of school and watching them treat each one as opportunities to grow and develop is really rewarding.

Any advice you were given on being a parent that has stuck with you?

There’s a parenting quote from a book, Freakonomics, which is not a book about parenting, but I’ve taken it to heart. Paraphrasing it, it says, “So you should only use advice if you can live with the rules you make.”

12 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

Ricardo Cameron Corporate Recruiter, Restore Therapy Father of two girls: Jayanna, 19; Jordana, 10

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

Finding the proper balance with our children. Covid changed a lot regarding the work environment and time you need to manage with your kids. The main thing for us is to stay focused on the kids first and understand they are the primary responsibility but balancing that with the responsibilities I have as a professional.

What’s it like being a girl dad?

I want my girls to experience a dad that is present, that shows love so they can see an example of an individual that would be a great husband or great friend, whatever the case may be, and showing the characteristics and traits that individuals they are going to surround themselves with should have. Being that for my girls is special to me. It means the world to me.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

The unconditional love you receive from your kids is the most rewarding part of being a parent to me. Seeing a smile on their face when I come home.

Any advice you have for other parents?

I come from a huge family. My parents were married for 46 years before my dad passed away, and I saw the love they shared and showed to us every day. My parents led by example, and that stayed with me. Model to your children what you want them to represent and be, and they will receive it.

M OT HERS & FAT H E R S DAY

Justin Ragland Promotions/Marketing/Event Director, SummitMedia Birmingham Father of two: son, Bentley, 10; daughter, Parker, 5

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

The biggest challenge is being able to leave work at the door and focus on family without interruption or the stress of working influencing the way I act toward my kids and wife. Another challenge is finding a good balance between spending enough time with children while working 50-70 hours a week and still getting house chores completed.

What does it mean to you to be a parent?

Being a parent to me means that I always have the honor of loving two children unconditionally. It means having a responsibility to provide direction and guidance so that our children may make the right and moral decisions in life. It also means that God had enough faith in me and my wife, Rebecca, to provide protection, support, and care for two children so that their lives may be pleasing to Him. What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

Watching my children make good decisions that honor God and seeing them grow in their own personalities.

Any advice you were given on being a parent that has stuck with you?

I learned from my mother to always love, forgive, and not let the sun go down on any unresolved issues before sending kids to bed.

Doug Marshall President/CEO, Presbyterian Home for Children Father of three: twins Deanna and Adrienne, 34; Eric, 32

What are the challenges you face juggling work/family life?

I have always had a demanding schedule with long hours and weekends. First, I have an amazing wife, Christy, who I give the most credit for raising these exceptional children. During their childhoods I always had tremendous supervisors who allowed me to attend their games, as long as I continued to deliver on my responsibilities at work, even if that meant late at night.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a parent?

Seeing our children love Christ while raising their own children and serving others in this world.

Any advice you were given on being a parent that has stuck with you?

As my brothers and I were growing up, my own dad and mom provided unconditional love, continuous prayer, and solid encouragement, but they held us to high expectations with accountability.

Any advice you have for other parents?

Make time for special time separately with each of your children, especially when they are young, but continue it over your lifetime.

Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.

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Battling

Body Image How parents can help their teens navigate body image in a social media-driven world

By Paige Townley

Social media has changed practically everything in today’s world, and as its usage has continued to explode, so has many serious issues with adolescents.

For example, social media usage has significantly impacted body image issues, and the statistics on the impact are quite shocking. More than 80 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. Approximately 53 percent of 13-year-olds are unhappy with their bodies, and this number increases to nearly 80 percent by the time girls turn 17.

“There’s so much body comparison across the board,” says Dr. Rebekah Savage, who works in Children’s of Alabama’s Adolescent Medicine Clinic. “All of us struggle to not compare ourselves to others as we’re constantly looking through Instagram. Think about how youth are so much more easily influenced by friend groups and social media.”

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While the issue may predominantly affect females, males aren’t left out of the dysfunctional equation, and parents of all adolescents are often left unsure of how to help their children battle these body image issues.

Thankfully, there are many considerations and tips that parents can apply to everyday life that can help prevent body image issues from arising.

Different is Normal. An important part of the puberty process for parents to talk to their kids about is that preteens go through changes at different times. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to puberty. “It doesn’t all happen at the same time for everybody,” stresses Dr. Erin HallMinnie, an OB/GYN at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. “Every person has a different time frame and rate of development from their friends or what they see on social media. Different is normal, and kids should be taught to understand that.”

Get Physically Active Early. Physical activity is positive for kids for many reasons, from learning teamwork and responsibility to simply developing healthy habits. Participating in sports or other physical activities helps increase their self-esteem, and parents should consider getting their kids involved in activities from an early age. “Activities are a great way for kids to express themselves and their interests, not to mention helping develop so many skills,” adds Dr. Heather Deisher of Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. “When they have an activity they enjoy, it helps them develop good self-esteem and body image as they develop.”

YOUR T E E N

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Watch Your Mouth. Parents are the first and biggest role models for their children, so it should come as no surprise that what they say about their bodies – and the bodies of others – matters. “It’s important for parents to try to not use negative words to describe their own bodies and avoiding criticizing the physical appearance of others, or even comparing the physical appearance of others, in front of their children,” Hall-Minnie says. “Teens will model their own body image after the people around them, so parents have a big role to play there in setting the right example.”

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Savage echoes the importance of parents watching their language about weight and body issues because it can be so easily to overlook. “It’s not uncommon to hear parents tease themselves about their own bodies or make little comments about what they have eaten or how they don’t like how they look,” she says. “You can make comments like that thinking it’s no big deal, but kids pay attention and then it becomes the way they look at and talk about body issues.”

Reframe the Thought Process. Instead of keeping the focus on weight and numbers on a scale, Savage says, change the verbal framework altogether and make the focus about nutrition and being healthy. “Maybe someone is overweight or obese but frame the conversation in a context of health and nutrition and not weight,” Savage adds. “Talking about ways to create healthier habits and what nutrition should look like is much more helpful.

Don’t frame conversation in the context of diets and weight.”

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Reinforce Important Traits. It’s normal for anyone to put too much thought into what they look like – especially teen or preteen females – but parents can help them refocus to other more important traits by focusing more on it themselves. “We need to normalize other types of compliments we give children from an early age that have nothing to do with their appearance,” Deisher says. “That can have a really big impact on a child as they grow up.”

Instead of focusing on “how cute” or “pretty” the girl is or “how strong” the boy is, for example, other areas, such as their skills with an activity they participate in or how great they are with a particular subject at school. “Body concerns and body images are a normal part of adolescent development, but parents have to listen and be ready to give positive feedback about their child that isn’t aesthetic-related encouragement,” Savage adds.

Eat Together. Believe it or not, simply sitting down together to eat is a positive step parents can take to encourage positive food and body image issues. Plan at least one mealtime a day to sit down together as a family.

“Studies have shown that young people who had regular family meals have helped improve diet qualities and eating disorder behaviors,” Savage explains.

Explain the Reality. It may sound overly simple, but having the conversation with an adolescent about social media and the many negatives that come along with it is important. “It can’t be assumed that a teen or preteen understands that photos are often doctored or that the photo they are looking at is of an adult model, not another teen,” Hall-Minnie says.

Parents should also check in and monitor who their child is following on social media consistently to ensure that unrealistic expectations aren’t being encouraged to their child. “There should be clear expectations from the very beginning when a parent allows their child to start using social BirminghamParent.com | 15

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media,” explains Savage. “From the very beginning when you hand them the cell phone, make sure they know you are in charge of the phone and will regularly monitor the content and who they are following. Then if you do see concerning images or groups or that they are following people they shouldn’t, you can pick up on warning signs earlier rather than later.”

Know the Warning Signs. Though prevention is certainly the goal, for many teens body image issues are a reality, so it’s important for parents to know the warning signs of potentially serious problems. There are quite a few warning signs to look for. Some of those signs are in how they talk – specifically if they are using negative words to describe their body. It should also be noticed if an adolescent becomes obsessed with his or her appearance – whether it’s never being satisfied, always trying to improve how they look, or weighing themselves a lot. Parents should also take note if their child drastically changes their eating habits, start binge eating, or skipping meals. Like with eating habits changing, parents should also pay attention for physical activity levels changing. “Whether it be the child not being active enough or starting to exercise excessively or compulsively, it’s concerning,” adds Hall-Minnie. “Mood changes, social isolation and even feelings of guilt can be signs as well.”

Part of tackling the potential problem head on is not ignoring the gut feeling that something is wrong. Oftentimes the parent’s intuition is right, and the sooner action is taken, the better. “Teens certainly have to come to a peace and understanding with their looks, but if a parent sees something taking up more of their time and thoughts and it’s affecting what they are eating or leading to weight loss, it’s a sign you need to get some help,” adds Savage. “Talk to the pediatrician or a counselor. Getting ahead of it as much as possible is important.”

Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.

Sponsored by

Good Vibes Only. Parents should always make sure to keep the lines of communication open with their child, ask questions as much as possible, and even more importantly, always listen to what the child is saying. It’s important that parents acknowledge their feelings and make sure they know it’s OK to ask for help or guidance. “Be as open and non-judgmental as you can,” Savage says. “Try not to overreact to what they say. Ask openended questions and then just listen. See if they will open up. Make sure they know you are there to walk with them through it and encourage them that what’s important is that they are healthy and happy.”

Don’t Avoid It. Body image problems can be an incredibly difficult conversation for parents, but it’s one that must be had, especially if the parent recognizes potential warning signs. “We are in a battle of social media versus truth, and parents must stay in touch with their kids about it,” Savage says. “Don’t let the topic come up and then drop it and never go back to it.”

16 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

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C OL L E GE & CA R EE R PLA N N I N G GU I DE

Nine Tips to Get College Scholarships

By Aimee Heller

Do you have a passion for science, community service, pets, or social media? Are you a leader or a golf caddy? Can you make a short movie on the dangers of distracted driving? Write an essay on Ayn Rand? Make prom attire out of duct tape?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a scholarship for you. If you answered no, there are scholarships for you, too – even if your grades are average.

Scholarship money is available for all kinds of students. Qualifications include unique hobbies, special interests, diverse background, ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+ identification, choice of majors, family history, service projects, organizations, skills, ability to answer essay questions, and more. Earning a scholarship is equivalent to free money, meaning you never need to pay it back.

If you are in grades 9-11, start by applying to the scholarship offered by International College Counselors: https://iccscholarship.com/.

Here are some more tips for finding other scholarship opportunities and maximizing the power of your application.

Sign up with a free online scholarship search. Answer some questions on a specialized website and they will match you with potential sources for free money for college. To make scholarship searches easier, these sites allow you to save, organize, and update your search activity. Websites for free online scholarship searches include: • • • • •

www.fastweb.com www.collegeboard.org www.scholarships.com www.cappex.com ScholarshipOwl.com

Look for niche scholarships that you qualify for. These may include local scholarships (for example, check out your local Rotary Club, Women’s Club, chamber of commerce, and university alumni groups). Your high school may have scholarships only for its students as well. A good starting place to find local scholarships is to Google “scholarships” and the name of your city or state.

Apply for scholarships with smaller awards. The awards with bigger prizes are the ones that draw the most applicants. An additional strategy is to apply for multiple small awards, which can add up fast.

Make the search fun. Apply for scholarships that fit your talents and 18 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

interests. For example, if you like making films, apply for scholarships that ask for a video. The same goes if you enjoy writing, drawing, competing in math, creating a business plan, or even duck calling.

Be original with your essays. Strive to set yourself apart from the others. Grab the reader’s attention while making sure to answer the prompt.

In addition, writing scholarship essays provides great practice for writing future college admissions essays.

Don’t waste your time. If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, don’t apply for the scholarship. Make sure you follow the rules; if an application video should be less than five minutes, make sure it’s under five minutes. If an essay should be 200 words, don’t write 250. Also, meet the deadlines.

Don’t wait until the last minute. You can never be certain the website, internet, or computer will be working. And start looking before you apply to college, not after you get in. By the time you hear about your admission, many deadlines have already passed.

Never pay a fee. There are many free scholarship search services available. There is also no organization that can guarantee you’ll win a scholarship if you pay them. If you have to pay, it’s a scam.

Apply for as many scholarships as possible. The more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you have to win one – or a dozen! There’s no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for. Approach the scholarship search in the same way you’d look for a job: make it a priority to apply. Even when you’re in college, keep looking for scholarships.

It requires time and effort to find and apply for scholarships, but they’re worth it!

Need help with a scholarship essay or want help applying to colleges?

Contact International College Counselors at 1-954-414-9986 or www. internationalcollegecounselors.com.

About International College Counselors International College Counselors works with students from all over the world to help them reach their college and graduate school goals. Through a personal, one-on-one approach, the expert college advisors create an individualized plan for each student based on the student’s strengths, areas for improvement, and passions. The holistic process helps families of middle school, high school, and college-aged students alleviate stress, avoid confusion, and get results.

That’s not just our slogan. That’s our way of life. It’s in our DNA. Take a look around and you’ll see, every Blazer is different. Inside and out.

You’re different, too. And that’s exactly why you belong at UAB. Come see for yourself.

Schedule a campus tour at uab.edu/visit.

BirminghamParent.com | 19

C OL L E GE & CA R E E R PLA N N I N G GU I DE

High School and College Planning Timeline

Information provided by Collegewise Applying for colleges can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if you start early and stay organized. Here is a timeline that will help you keep control of the whole process.

Spring: •

Complete second and third (if necessary) testing sessions before calling it quits. Taking the test more than three times is rarely helpful, and your time is probably better spent on other things that you find more enjoyable.

•

Schedule official visits to campuses during winter and/or spring breaks. Make sure you don’t just visit ultra-selective colleges!

•

Start to narrow down your college list. Most Collegewise students finalize their college list by the end of June, giving them time in the summer before senior year to work on applications and essays.

Make sure that you have a reasonable mix in terms of selectivity.

We recommend that our students have at least two safety schools, two to five target schools, and one to three reach schools.

•

Determine if you need to take any SAT Subject Tests. The June test date is great for this, since the subjects will frequently align with the classroom finals you are already taking.

•

Summer: Get as much college application writing out of the way as possible.

Sophomore Year •

Take the PSAT or Aspire exams if available at your high school.

•

Fall: Maintaining grades is important, as performance in the first semester can have an impact on whether you will be allowed to pursue international baccalaureate, advanced placement or honors options when you sign up for courses in the spring. Consider broadening the scope of your extracurricular activities or diving deeper into the things you already enjoy.

•

•

Spring: Plan out junior and senior year courses in a way that challenges you but also feels manageable. A good rule of thumb is that students should be taking the hardest classes they can while still maintaining A’s and B’s, participating in the extracurricular activities they love, and getting enough sleep. This is also a good time of year to begin the college search process and visit some campuses to get a sense of the options that are available to you.

Summer: All colleges in the US accept either the SAT or the ACT. Take a practice test to determine which exam suits you best.

Develop a testing calendar and prep schedule.

Senior Year •

Junior Year •

Grades and performance in coursework is crucial. In many cases, your junior year grades will be the most recent marks that colleges will see when making their admissions decisions.

•

Finish any test prep and take the SAT or the ACT. There is no reason to prep for both.

•

Fall: Visit some college campuses if possible and continue to expand your college search. Consider possible majors that might be of interest but remember that you don’t necessarily have to choose a major before you go to college.

20 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

•

Fall: Finalize supplements and submit applications EARLY! There’s never a benefit to waiting until deadlines are looming, and many colleges with rolling admissions will read applications in the order that they arrive on campus, so those who apply early get an advantage. It also allows time for you to verify that colleges have received all your materials (test scores, transcripts, etc.) well before the deadline. Schedule interviews for colleges that offer or request them.

Spring: Let the good news roll in and make your final decision about where to spend the next four years. Pay attention to deposit and fees deadlines.

COLLEG E & CAREER PLANNING GUID E

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAMSOUTHERN COLLEGE

UAB offers a wide range of programs in

What would you do in a world of

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opportunities? At Birmingham-Southern

business, and engineering. And because UAB is a R-1 research institution, undergraduates have the opportunity to

College, we focus on your future by offering you hands-on experiences now. A BSC education prepares you to pursue your passion and reach your full potential – no

conduct research as early as their freshman

matter what field you choose. Our January

year. While research is a big deal here at

term gives you four weeks to take a deep-

UAB, there’s much more to life as a Blazer:

dive into one topic – in a campus classroom

Academic Opportunities UAB offers more than 140 undergraduate

or on the other side of the globe – our accelerated data science program gives you marketable skills in just 12 weeks, and

degree programs, including six prestigious

our top-notch academic programs prepare

biomedical majors that the College of Arts

you for success on the Hilltop and beyond.

and Sciences and School of Engineering

At BSC, you’ll engage with the world and

share with the Heersink School of Medicine.

discover your purpose. You’ll find your own

One of them—cancer biology—is the first of

path, while developing the tools employers

its kind in the U.S.

want, such as teamwork, critical thinking, data

Commitment to Diversity UAB is proud to have been recognized as a Diversity Champion for three years by INSIGHT Into Diversity® magazine.

Outside the Classroom

analysis, and the ability to connect ideas.

You’ll take what you learn beyond the classroom – by participating in internships, conducting research with a professor, engaging in one-on-one mentorship, performing service projects, or traveling

There are plenty of opportunities for fun in

abroad for an academic adventure.

and around UAB. Student organizations,

You’ll experience learning in a new way with

loads of green space and Blazer Athletics bring energy to our campus, while local restaurants, museums, entertainment, parks, professional sports and history abound in our Magic City.

Location is Everything Speaking of our Magic City, Birmingham’s employers are a perfect mix of large corporations, nonprofits, and thriving startups. After all, UAB is the largest employer in Alabama. Students can find internships and career opportunities around every corner.

a great return on investment. Small class sizes – our student-faculty ratio is 12:1 – and teaching-focused faculty ensure you’ll be challenged to do your very best. For a price that aligns with public universities, you’ll receive a personalized education, leadership opportunities, experiences that show you the world, and a fast track to graduate in four years.

With more than 50 areas of study, and by making the most of your time on the Hilltop, you will find countless routes to your future. Come see why BSC is among just 40 schools featured in “Colleges That Change Lives,” calling it “what college ought to be.”

Learn more about BSC at www.bsc.edu or call the Office of Admission at (205) 226-4696

Learn more at uab.edu/chooseuab

BirminghamParent.com | 21

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SUMMER FUN

Family Fun in the Sun:

Summer Recreation and Activities for the Whole Family

By Kimberly Blaker

It's the season your kids have been waiting for, so how will you maximize the long lazy days of summer with your family? Celebrate the carefree season to its fullest with these outdoor activities and adventures your whole family will enjoy.

Give handicaps to each family member based on their most recent scores for a game, so it's fair to everyone.

BACK TO NATURE

Green thumbs – Make summer gardening a family affair. If you're getting a late start, look for starter plants that have already sprouted. Work together to get the garden ready and plant it. Then give each person his or her own responsibility for keeping it up.

Swiss family, who? – Younger kids will thrill at building a treehouse or fort. Older kids will look forward to a covered hangout, such as a gazebo, for visiting with friends.

Trailblazing – Head to a local, state, or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Before you go, make a list of things for your family to find and identify. Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors or sunglasses, and plenty of water and snacks.

Ride ‘em, cowboy – You don’t have to be a horse owner to enjoy the pleasure of riding one of these majestic beings. Visit your nearby horse rental stables and catch the sunset on horseback. For a stable near you, visit http://www. horserentals.com/index.html.

Z is for zoo – Check out animals at one of the many zoos that have created natural, spacious settings.

Check the schedule for animal presentations, and don't miss the petting zoo.

The strawberry patch – Head to the strawberry patch for a day of fruitfilled fun.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Wet your whistle….and more – Cool off at a water park. Before you go, ask about age and height requirements and what activities are available for the younger set.

A trip downstream – Look for canoe rentals on a clear river. Carry belongings such as your wallet, keys, and snacks in a waterproof bag that floats. Give kids plenty of opportunities to paddle and steer.

Backyard water blast – Fill water balloons and play a game of catch. Or hook up the sprinklers for a refreshing game of tag. Fill up the squirt guns and super soakers, and then take a break in a wading pool.

Putt around the lake – You don't have to live on a lake or own a boat.

Contact nearby marinas, lakeside stores, and resorts to find out where you can rent a pontoon or motorboat for a cruise.

YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Under the stars – Camp out in your backyard. Build a bonfire (if it's permitted in your area), roast marshmallows and gaze at the stars.

Croquet champs – Set up this outdoor game and hold a croquet match.

24 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

Up, up and away – Make the most of the breeze and fly a kite.

OUT AND ABOUT

Dancin’ in the street – Summer abounds with fairs and festivals. Enjoy live music, new foods, magic acts, kid game zones, arts and crafts and more.

Batter up – Family fun centers offer a variety of recreation. Get ready to practice your batting swing, speed around the racetrack, bump another boat, or have some wacky golfing fun.

Recycled treasures – Spend the day rummaging for treasures. This is an excellent way for kids to get the most out of their limited earnings, teach them the importance of recycling and how to get the best value for their money.

Summer sights – Places and things to see during the summer are abundant, from checking out the big city with its tall skyscrapers, old architecture, and murals and art displays.

Performing arts in the park – Unwind listening to a summer concert in the park or taking in a movie under the stars.

Big wheels and small – Paved trails are popping up everywhere: in parks, along riverbanks, and through many towns.

Coasters, cars, and Ferris wheels – A trip to a theme park can be the highlight of the season.

Park play – Take your kids for a picnic and an afternoon at the park. Scout your area for an updated park with a large, enclosed playground. Bring along a playmate for your child, and they’ll be content for some time.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

SUM ME R F UN We’ve gone tropical—and that means over-the-top fun! Enjoy all your favorite rides at Tropic Falls theme park. And, coming this summer, our all-new Tropic Falls indoor water park!

Plus there’s more tropical fun to come in phase 2 later this summer—including a surf simulator and wave pool.

Purchase Tropic Falls theme park tickets in-person or online at VisitOWA.com!

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

Discover Alabama's Water Resources There's an adventure for every age at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Camps, Excursions, Classes, and more are offered year-round.

What will you discover on your next visit?

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BirminghamParent.com | 25

SUMMER FUN

SPONSORED BY GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

Discover Your SUMMER OF MORE at Gaylord Opryland Resort

All images courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort

Have you made plans yet for an unforgettable vacation? At Gaylord Opryland, the possibilities are endless! We believe summer is a time for fun and adventure and, most of all, spending time together. This summer the whole family can join a whimsical pirate crew, conquer thrilling new waterslides, explore a truly unique resort and experience the best of Nashville, Tennessee – all without ever leaving the resort. Read on to discover what excitement awaits you this summer.

• Visit the Pirates & Princess Academy, a live and interactive show where you will meet these whimsical characters and even join their ranks by taking a special, secret oath!

• Set off on a journey with your new friends as you find adventure on the high seas in a treasure-seeking voyage along the indoor Delta Atrium River or climb into a magical, horse-drawn carriage.

• Put your problem-solving skills to the test in your mission to get out of the Captain’s Hidden Treasure Escape Room or hunt down all the princess’s missing jewels in a resort-wide scavenger hunt.

• Bust out your best moves at the Buccaneer Bash Pool Party where the whole family can dance, play games, and have a swashbuckling good time.

• Let your inner artist take center stage at a pirate and princessthemed art studio or during a delicious cookie decorating activity!

Slide into summer fun at SoundWaves!

Summer is much more fun when spent in the sun – and there’s no better place to do that than SoundWaves. This upscale indoor and outdoor aquatic experience covers four acres across three levels and unites the thrills of a water park with immersive music to create the ultimate, modern oasis the whole family will love.

Embark on an epic adventure with fantastical friends!

The pirates have moored their ship, the princess has arrived in her carriage, and they’re all ready to spend the summer with you at Gaylord Opryland.

What kind of fun do they have in store? The kind that leads to new adventures, pushing the bounds of imagination, testing your puzzle-solving skills and more! In this unique series of activities, you will: 26 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

• Play together all day long! Slide down the Rapid Remix™ in a mega raft with up to five people, jump on Nashville’s only double FlowRider® with your best friend to see who can hang ten the longest, or race with three other people down the Rock’N Racer – don’t worry, the leaderboard will keep track of who won.

• Take on any (or all!) of the six waterslides, including the ultrathrilling Bass Drop, a high-speed, six-story free fall.

• Wind through the lazy river to relax or experience the currents in the rapid river, complete with waterfalls and sprinklers.

SUM ME R F UN • Grab a bite to eat with the whole family at Decibels or slip off while the kids are in the pool to grab a drink at Status Cymbal Adult Pool & Bar. • Upgrade your day at SoundWaves with an indoor or outdoor poolside cabana, the perfect home base for the family during breaks from the water.

No matter what your family is looking for, be it joining in pirate adventures, making a splash, trying all the new foods, or exploring a new city, you can do it all at Gaylord Opryland Resort. After all, summer is a time of adventure and excitement, but most importantly, bonding and growing together. Make the most of your summer of more and book your trip today at www.gaylordopryland.com.

Discover a one-of-a-kind resort

Beyond seasonal events and activities and SoundWaves, Gaylord Opryland offers an unparalleled resort experience so you can curate the perfect summer vacation for your family. No matter how young or old your family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Stop by the award-winning Relâche Spa for an invigorating, deeptissue massage, a brightening facial, or a mani-pedi to keep your nails in tip-top shape. The little ones can join in too with the Royal Kids Spa Treatments like pedicures or hair up-dos worthy of a tiara.

• Discover new culinary options during your stay. Order the famous barbeque from the world’s only Jack Daniel’s restaurant, try searedto-perfection beef at Old Hickory Steakhouse, concoct your own creation at Stax’s burger bar, or try one of more than a dozen other dining experiences.

• Stroll through nine acres of stunning garden atriums enclosed in glass. Find seasonal décor, a fountain and light show choreographed to a beautiful musical score, and even a quarter-mile-long river, perfect for boat rides.

• Get out and explore Music City! Stop into Wildhorse Saloon for some world-famous fried pickles and hours of line dancing. Take a General Jackson Showboat lunch or dinner cruise down the beautiful, meandering Cumberland River for spectacular skyline views, delicious Southern food, and a live show from top talent. Or visit the Grand Ole Opry, right next door to the resort, to see country music stars perform at the show that made country music famous.

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SUMMER FUN

Money-Saving Apps for Summer Vacation

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Traveling in the summer can be very expensive, especially if you have a large family. Thankfully, there are many apps that can save you tons of money, whether you’re planning a fancy vacation abroad or a more modest road trip.

you’re driving. The app has a gas estimator, which calculates how much gas you need based on the car you’re driving and the distance you’re traveling.

Most people know about apps for Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and Uber. But there are many other great travel apps. Here’s a list of some of the very best ones, all available free on Apple Appstore and Google Play. Download them before your next trip.

Whether you’re planning a domestic trip or a vacation abroad, there will be times when you can get to your destination in different ways. Rome2rio lets you compare different modes of transportation (bus, car, ferry, flight, train) and find the fastest and most inexpensive solution. All you have to do is to enter your location and ultimate destination, and the app will generate and compare all travel options. This app is available worldwide.

Airhelp

When traveling by plane, we all hope that the flight will depart and arrive on time, and with all our luggage onboard and intact. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. AirHelp will alert you if you’re eligible for compensation when your flight is delayed, overbooked or cancelled, and if your luggage is damaged, lost or stolen. All you have to do is to scan your boarding pass. You can expect to receive up to $450 in compensation per person.

BestParking

Road trips can be great fun but not when you can’t find a convenient and inexpensive place to park the car. BestParking helps you find the right spot wherever you travel throughout North America. Indicate where you’d like to park and for how long, and the app generates a list of available spots and rates for the nearest lots and garages. You can search by address, landmarks or sites, or by neighborhood.

Dayuse

Sometimes, after a long flight or trip in the car, you need a place to rest or regroup for a few hours. When that happens, Dayuse comes in handy.

This app lets you search, book and pay for hotel rooms for short stays.

The cost can be up to 75% less than if you’d reserved a regular hotel room for the night. The app is available in Asia, Europe and North America.

GasBuddy

On a road trip, you don’t just need convenient and inexpensive places to park the car: you also need lots of gas. GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest gas at the nearest gas station. You can search in advance or as 28 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

Rome2rio

Transit

If you want to save even more money on transportation costs, consider using public transportation whenever possible. For that, download Transit.

This app saves you both money and time by letting you pull together departure times for all nearby buses and trains so you don’t have to look through individual schedules one at a time. Enter your desired destination, and the app displays all public transportation options as well as fares.

Turo

If you need a car but don’t feel like renting one from one of the many, well-known car rental companies, consider getting one from Turo. Much like Airbnb for accommodation, this is a peer-to-peer car rental app, which lets you rent cars directly from other car owners. You can expect to pay about 35% less than if you rented a car from a commercial rental company.

The app is available in Europe and North America.

WiFi Finder

Whether you’re traveling at home or abroad, using your cell phone when WiFi isn’t available can be very expensive, with high roaming charges. Wifi Finder helps you find free Wifi all across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Even if you’re not being charged extra for roaming on your phone, this app comes in handy – it helps you find places where you can use your tablet or laptop computer free of charge.

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.

SUMME R F UN

YARD SALES & More!

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Summer Fun

CHILDREN'S HANDS-ON MUSEUM OF TUSCALOOSA Summer is a great time to

experience the Children's

Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa! Voted Best Museum for the past 7 years, CHOM encourages children to Explore, Create and Discover throughout our three floors of fun. Museum exhibits, STEAM theme Saturdays, CHOM at Home, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and the BEST field trips are all waiting for newborns through age 13.

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ACADEMY OF THE ARTS AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY Samford’s Academy of the Arts offers art and music classes for all ages. Visit our website to register and start learning something new in 2022.

• Fused Glass

Academy of the Arts offers: • Art for Children and Teens • Drawing • English as a Second Language Classes • Foreign Language Classes

• Pottery

• Music Lessons • Painting • Photography • Private Music Lessons • Stained Glass • Summer Camps

(205) 726-2739

academyofthearts@samford.edu www.samford.edu/go/aota

BirminghamParent.com | 31

AS K T H E S PE CI ALI ST

sponsored by

Prevent Sports Injuries with These Seven Tips

By Daniel M. Avery, III, M.D.

"Often, people become injured by doing too much too soon, not being informed on proper techniques and not being physically prepared..."

Whether you’ve joined a softball league or are signing up for your next race, the possibility of injury from the sport is not often top of mind – though it probably should be. According to the National Safety Council, more than 7 million sports and recreational injuries resulted in emergency room visits in 2017, the latest year on record. Often, people become injured by doing too much too soon, not being informed on proper techniques and not being physically prepared for the level of intensity of a sport. Keep your body in check and learn how to prevent sports injuries with these seven tips.

1.

2.

Take breaks. Yes, it’s ok to take five. Taking short breaks during playtime can reduce your chance of injury, allow your muscles to rest and prevent heat-related illnesses.

Wear the right shoes and appropriate gear. Beyond ensuring that your shoes are right for the activity, how they fit is dually important. Since feet swell during exercise, try shoes that are a little larger than the size you normally wear. Having about a half centimeter of space between your big toe and the end of the shoe is a good indicator of proper fit.

3.

Stretch and condition. Preparation is key in so many aspects of life, including physical activity. Be good to your body by stretching and conditioning. It increases flexibility and strengthens muscles.

Plus, developing your balance and coordination can help mitigate the risk of ankle sprains.

4.

Follow proper techniques. Learning how to play correctly is so important. Whether it’s the correct stance, the right gait or even a specialized way of breathing, your body will thank you for being smart about the game.

32 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

5.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration results from the loss of fluid and electrolytes from sweat, causing fatigue, soreness, cramps and spasms. To support nerve and muscle function, always remember to keep water on hand.

6.

Warm up and cool down. Wake up your muscles and tissues with a warm up. It dilates your blood vessels, supplying muchneeded oxygen to your muscles. A cool down is just as important, as it allows your heart rate to slowly come down to normal and decreases the risk of cramping and stiffness.

7.

Don’t push it. If you already have an injury or are feeling pain while playing, stop. By not letting your body to heal properly, you’re risking a more serious injury and longer recovery.

Get out there and have fun, but always remember to check with your doctor before you begin a new sports routine.

Daniel M. Avery, III, M.D., is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic, endoscopic and open procedures of the elbow, wrist, hand, and shoulder. Double fellowship trained in both Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hand and Upper Extremity, Avery brings with him a unique skill set to the Birmingham area. He is affiliated with Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

calendar highlights MAY-JUNE 2022

This spring we are seeing more and more in-person events again. Don’t miss checking out our online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com/directory/events/#!/ for the most up-to-date listing of events, some that may not have made this calendar, as the summer progresses. As always, double check dates and times for all events, as any are subject to change.

Here are a few of the great highlights for May and June, and don’t forget there are ideas here for great Mother’s Day and Father’s Day outings, as well.

Happy Spring and Summer!

MAY 2 MONDAY 2022 RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GOLF CLASSIC Noon-7pm www.rmhca.org

MAY 7 SATURDAY SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE FOR TURKEY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE 10am-4pm www.alabamarivers.org

JUNE 4 SATURDAY KIDS’ DAY ON THE RIVER

King’s Bend, Locust For River 8:30am-3pm www.flfr.org

JUNE 23 THURSDAY I LOVE AMERICA NIGHT Starting at 6pm www.vhal.org

MAY 2 MAY 7 JUNE 4 JUNE 23

Presented by: Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the City of Vestavia Hills

BirminghamParent.com | 33

calendar

MAY 01

SUNDAY

Birmingham Stallions vs. New Orleans Breakers 2:30pm, Protective Stadium. www.theusfl.com An Officer and a Gentleman 6:30pm, BJCC Concert Hall.

Presented by American Theatre Guild, this musical is based on the Oscar-winning film. www.birmingham365.org Brickology Noon-5pm, McWane Science Center. Brickology uses construction block play to spark creativity and ingenuity. Fun for all ages! Entry to exhibit is included with purchase of general admission.

205-714-8300. www.birmingham365.org IMAX Film: Asteroid Hunters 10:30am, McWane Science Center. Venture into deep space for a fascinating look at asteroids, their cosmic origins and the potential threat they pose to our world. Tickets, 205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org

49th Annual Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival 2-8pm, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Featuring Joe Collins and New Harmony Dulcimers. Information: https://www.birmingham365.org

UAB Baseball vs Southern Miss 1-2pm, Jerry D. Young Memorial Baseball Field. www.calendar. www.calendar.uab.edu

02

MONDAY

2022 Ronald McDonald House Golf Classic Noon-7pm, Greystone Golf & Country Club. This tournament raises more than $70,000 each year. There will be a shotgun start at lunch hour and a dinner/reception afterward.

Information, sponsor, register, contact Stephanie Duncan, 205-638-7372, Stephanie.

Duncan@rmhca.org

03

TUESDAY

22nd Annual Lavona Rushton Concert 7:30-pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. This cherished BMA event features a performance by an internationally acclaimed pianist. Past performers include Daniel Hsu, Vadym Kholodenko, and Van Cliburn Competition silver medalist Beatrice Rana. Information, registration, 205-254-2565Center. http://pelwww.artsbma.org Turtle Tuesday 11am, 2pm, Oak Mountain State Park. Educators will walk some turtles around the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center and would love for you to join in the fun!

Meet in the OMIC Exhibit Hall. www.birminghamal.org

04

WEDNESDAY

2nd Annual YW Allies 6-8pm, Avondale Brewing Company. Join YWCA Central Alabama to honor men in central Alabama who have advocated for gender and/or racial equality in their company or community

or who advocate alongside YWCA. Information, https:// allies.swell.gives. To attend, a $10 minimum donation to a YW Ally's campaign is requested. www.birmingham365.org Birmingham Legion FC vs Miami FC 7pm, Protective Stadium. https://bhmlegion.com Black Belt Community Development Corporation Golf Tournament 8:30am, RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley. All proceeds benefit and support the Black Belt Community Development Corporation's programs and initiatives. Scramble format; 19th hole day party at the conclusion of the event. Individual golfer participation, $120. Hole and corporate sponsorships available. Information, info@ blackbeltcommunitycorp.org www.birmingham365.org The Black Jacket Symphony 8pm, BJCC Concert Hall.

Performing The Police's "Synchronicity.” www.bandsintown.com

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 July/August 2022 issue is June 6, 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 | May-June 2022

the Advent. The Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St. George’s, Nashville, perform this challenging work. www.birmingham365.org The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremony 8-10pm, Protective Stadium.

Tickets, information, schedule, https://twg2022.com

07

08

SUNDAY

11

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

5th Annual Woodstock Music Festival 3-10pm, Holiday Raceway.

Family-friendly festival features the Marshall Tucker Band, Lorrie Morgan and Alabama’s 2019 Country Artist of the Year, Tabitha Cooley. Bring a chair – no coolers or pets. Vendors/food trucks on site. Parking donation of $10 per vehicle at the gate benefits Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resources Coalition. https://birmingham365.org Mother’s Day Special & Vendor Festival 9am-4pm, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. Treat mom to a fun-filled day out with a train ride and shopping! Tickets, 205-668-3435. tickets@hodrrm.org A Nature Scavenger Hunt!

9:30-10:30am, Pelham Rec Center, outdoor pavilion. http://pelhamalabama.gov

Regions Tradition Golf Tournament Greystone Golf & Country Club.

May 11-15. https://regionstradition.com

12

THURSDAY

British Invasion 7-10pm, Alabama Theatre.

The multimedia show visits more than 30 cities and includes music from the era when the world saw a cultural seismic shift following the Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. For tickets and tour dates visit www.TheBritishInvasionLive.com

Spring Native Plant Sale benefitting Turkey Creek Nature Preserve 9:30-10:30am, Pelham Rec 10am-4pm, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Nearly 100 varieties of native trees, shrubs, grasses, ferns, flowers. www.alabamarivers.org Peppa Pig's Adventure 2pm, Alabama Theatre. Come join Peppa Pig on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends! Little ones will love this 60-minute live musical experience! Tickets, 205-2522262. www.alabamatheatre.com Tallis's 40-Part Motet: Spem in alium 3-4pm, Cathedral Church of

13

FRIDAY

Central Alabama Nordic Walking Retreat 8am-4pm, Aldridge Gardens.

Coached fun walk to introduce the Nordic walking technique.

Poles provided. Admission, information: www.birmingham365.org

BirminghamParent.com | 35

calendar MAY

UAB Baseball vs FIU 6-7pm, Jerry D. Young Memorial Baseball Field. www.calendar.uab.edu

24

SEC Baseball Tournament & Fan Fest Noon, Hoover Met Complex. http://www.hooveral.org

26

14

SATURDAY

Purl on the Plaza 1-5pm, Hoover Public Library.

Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts! 205-444-7800. www.hoover.libnet.info

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

30

MONDAY

JUNE 4

Children's Production: Snow White Noon, BJCC. www.alabamaballet.org

23

MONDAY

The Arc of Central Alabama’s Golfing for Good 10:30am-5pm, Greystone Golf & Country Club Founders Course.

All proceeds of this tournament support the mission of independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lifetime. www.birmingham365.org

WEDNESDAY

11

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 FREE Southern Holler Band 7-10pm, Trussville Entertainment District. A solid band consisting of very seasoned artists with a huge musical repertoire that cover songs from many different genres. https://www.birmingham365.org

FREE

36 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

SUNDAY

22

WEDNESDAY

Riverdance 7:30pm, BJCC Concert Hall. An unforgettable show! www.bjcc.org

23

Annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival 11am-8pm, DeBardeleben Park, downtown historic Bessemer. A joyous, family-friendly celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Enjoy music, face painting, dancing, food and an authentic Caribbean parade. www.birmingham365.org FREE Hydrangeas Under the Stars 5-8pm, Aldridge Gardens. www.hooveral.org

14

TUESDAY

17

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Kids' Day on the River 8:30am-3pm, King’s Bend, Locust Fork River. A family fun event.

Learn to kayak, find critters in the river, reptile show, bone yard and field games. Enjoy a play by the Covered Bridge Players and a ukulele show. Lunch included.

Register at www.flfr.org

19

SATURDAY

Choral Evensong for Ascension Day 5:30-6:30pm, Cathedral Church of the Advent. The Cathedral Choir sings the traditional Anglican service of evening prayer in celebration of the Feast of the Ascension. https://www. birmingham365.org. FREE

Corey Smith in Concert Greystone Golf and Country Club. Corey Smith performs live immediately following Regions Tradition Golf play. Grab your tournament ticket and join us! www.bandsintown.com

21

8

Birmingham Legion FC vs Memphis 901 FC 7pm, Protective Stadium. https://bhmlegion.com

Euphonious Festival 2022 5:30pm, Birmingham Zoo. 205-879-0409. www.bandsintown.com.

Birmingham Steel City Jazz Festival 7:30-8:30pm, Alys Stephens 7pm, Linn Park. Special EFX Allstars featuring Chieli Minucci Lao Tizer, Elliott Yamin, Karen Briggs, Eric Marienthal, Joel Rosenblatt, Dave Livolsi. www.bandsintown.com

THURSDAY

I Love America Night 6pm, Wald Park, Vestavia Hills.

Celebrate the independence of our country at this fun, familyfriendly event for the entire city!

No pets allowed. Rain date: June 26. www.vhal.org Riverdance 7:30pm, BJCC Concert Hall. An unforgettable show! www.bjcc.org

Visit Our Online Directories • Expecting/Newborn/ Toddler • Celebrations and Family Fun • Education & Enrichment Guide • Health & Wellness • Kids’ Camps • Retail & Services • Special Needs Resources www.birminghamparent.com

Save the Date 40th Annual

I LOVE America NIGHT

June 23, 2022

6:00 pm

Wald Park

Featuring kids' activities, sponsor booths, free swimming, live music and FIREWORKS! Presented by:

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce & the City of Vestavia Hills

www.vestaviahills.org

Rain Date: June 30

Where all the dental needs of your child can be met under one roof!

Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez is dual trained and board certified as a pediatric dentist and orthodontist.

4814 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-8004 like us on facebook Follow us on

Instagram @mopdsmiles

WE FILE ALL INSURANCE AS A COURTESY. WE ARE PROVIDERS FOR MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES. BirminghamParent.com | 37

Area Attractions/Events

Birmingham Zoo Plaza - www.birminghamzoo.com

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.

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

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

n McWane Science Center • IMAX Films

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

Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7.

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565. www.artsbma.org

n Vulcan Park

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

n Birmingham Public Libraries

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

38 | Birmingham Parent | May-June 2022

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org

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

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.

BrookwoodWomens.com

PRESENTED BY

Booths and Sponsorships Available, Space is limited!

Register online at: birminghamparent.com/directory/2022-happy-healthy-kids-fair/ Email info@birminghamparent.com or call 205-624-2405

SATURDAY AUGUST 13, 2022 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. Join us at McWane Science Center in the lobby.

FREE ADMISSION to event.

(HHKF does not include admission to Adventure Halls or IMAX.)

SPONSORED BY