Birmingham Parent's THE GUIDE 2020 by Birmingham Parent

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2020

CENTRAL ALABAMA’S RESOURCE FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

odysseyearlyschool.com

205-726-2739 www.samford.edu/go/aota

www.disl.org

Camp Juliette Low

www.CJL.org

See inside for a SPECIAL OFFER from Kumon Math and Reading of Hoover

AlabamaTKD.com

Your child’s Reading & Math skills will improve one full grade level in 40 hours of instruction!

HIGHLANDS SCHOOL

WE GUARANTEE IT! Dancewear &

Accessories K-12 H READING H WRITING MATH H STUDY SKILLS www.applausedancewear.net ALGEBRA I/II H TRIG AP MATH H ACT/SAT PREP

205-477-8004

mccallasmiles.com

S U M M E R

FREE

www.RMHCA.org www.RMHCA.org

DIAGNOSTIC ASSESMENT Call for your FREE testing appointment PLUS 2 FREE Your year-roundSESSIONS guide for 205-987-9577 www.tutoringcenter.com 2804 John Hawkins Pkwy, Suite 100, Hoover, AL 35244

C A M P

205-987-9577

2804 John Hawkins Pkwy Suite 100, Hoover, AL

www.highlandsschool.org

community information, family activities, educational resources and special events.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR KIDS WANT

TO DO NEXT

SUMMER?

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22,23, 2020 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2019 10-3 MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER 10AM-2PM • RIVERCHASE GALLERIA!

2020 PRESENTED BY of Greater Birmingham

SPONSORSHIPS AND BOOTHS AVAILABLE. 205-624-2405

SPONSORED BY

Odyssey Early Schools

• INFO@BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM

•

WWW.BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM

Help families with sick children... wherever you are! With diligence, integrity and compassion, Ronald McDonald House Charities of AlabamaÂ joins and aids families in their efforts to find hope, support, happiness, and growth, regardless of obstacles placed before them. Your family can help ensure that RMHCA's services remain free of charge for families with sick or injured children.

Make an impact, wherever you are: Host a community fundraiser at school or work Participate in Red Shoe Run (1 Mile & 5K) Start a Facebook Fundraiser. Set a goal and ask your friends to give! Host a Wish List Drive Volunteer Make a donation Explore these ideas and more at RMHCA.org

Connect with us! @rmhcalabama

RMHCA.org 1700 4th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

birminghamparent.com | 3

ed note The Guide 2020 Kicks Off a Great Year with Birmingham Parent This is our 8th edition of The Guide, Birmingham Parent’s Resource directory for Birmingham-area families for 2020. We hope it is helpful to the reader as a “parent handbook” to have all year long. And we’ve sprinkled in a few great stories as well. Be sure to check out our listing of places that “kids eat free” on page 22! You can pick up The Guide most of the year at regular Birmingham Parent distribution locations, as it is distributed all year as a companion to our other six great issues throughout the year. You can also access it at www.birminghamparent.com all year long. Speaking of our other six issues, please note that in fall 2019 we moved to seven issues a year, rather than 12. We hope you will enjoy our issues being out a bit longer and us giving our advertisers a longer shelf life. If you enjoy this issue, please thank the cover sponsors and advertisers in this issue who make it possible. As a free publication, we rely on great sponsors and advertisers to bring this information to you, along with Birmingham Parent, all year long. And if you have suggestions or ideas for the 2021 Guide, please let us know at info@birminghamparent.com. We love suggestions! Don’t miss our upcoming events! Birmingham Parent’s annual Camp Expo is Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, back at Riverchase Galleria from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Admission is free! We’ll have a bunch of great coupons, giveaways and local entertainment in the food court! This year we are again offering TWO Special Needs Expos! The first on is Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at the at the Jaycee Community Building in Huntsville from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The second one is Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Brookwood Village in Birmingham from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. And of course, our Happy Healthy Kids Fair, which launches the back-to-school season is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Riverchase Galleria. Sponsorships and vendor booths for all these events are available online at www.birminghamparent.com, by contacting your marketing representative, e-mailing us at info@birminghamparent.com or calling 205-624-2405. Thanks for reading and have a terrific 2020! Keep Birmingham Parent nearby for great stories, calendar of events and so much more. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CALENDAR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Mason, Jennifer Lynch, Anne Abernathy, Jan Pierce, Lynn Grisard Fullman, Sarah Lyons

sales BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANTS Natalie Julian Stacey Spence

art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries

Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com www.birminghamparent.com www.twitter.com/bhamparent www.facebook.com/BirminghamParent www.instagram.com/birminghamparentmagazine www.pinterest.com/birminghamparentmagazine/

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, where she is responsible for the calendar and editorial editing. 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 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

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 © 2019 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2019/2020 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.

One of the nation’s premier college preparatory schools for students grades 5-12

Join us for an Open House January 12, 2020 2-3:30 p.m. Learn more: altamontschool.org RSVP: ddodson@altamontschool.org

BIRMINGHAM’S PREMIER DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL

FAVORITE DAY CAMP Preschool Teachers with Degrees in Early Childhood Education Exceeds All StateStudent Ratio Standards

Our goal is to be the best educational daycare and preschool program in the country.

Free Internet Video Monitoring

Since 1995, Odyssey has offered incredible childto-teacher ratios, certified teachers and a curriculum that prepares our children for elementary school, all in safe, clean, beautiful facilities.

Music, Spanish, Computers and Youth Fitness/Sports programs

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE NOW

Professionally Developed Age-Appropriate Curriculum

Best Playgrounds in Birmingham

FAVORITE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

INVERNESS CAMPUS 205-991-0039 TRACE CROSSINGS CAMPUS 205-988-8829

FOR CHILDREN 6 WEEKS THROUGH 3rd GRADE

WWW.ODYSSEYEARLYSCHOOL.COM birminghamparent.com | 5

2020

BY BIRMINGHAM PARENT 20

04 28

EDITOR’S NOTE The Guide 2020 Kicks off a Great Year with Birmingham Parent

12 How Parents Can

Show the Love Equally to Each Very Different Child

24 42

16 Chatting with

Child’sPlay: The Benefits of Outdoor Play

20 Identifying the Gifted Child

21 Identifying the Gifted Child

Kids Eat Free: Dine & Shine

26 Toy Rotation:

Local Emergency Authorities

Meet our Cover Sponsors

Area Hospitals

Health Departments

Area Libraries

Driver’s License Offices/License Plates

Area Attractions

Area Public School Systems

An Overview of Area Municipalities

Our 2019 Resource Guide

Reduce Toy Clutter in Six Easy Steps

33 Understanding the Specifics of Recycling

42 PET PAGE:

How to Mix Toddlers and Puppies

14 6 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

American Association of Poison Control Centers www.aapcc.org 800-222-1222 Alabama Emergency Management Agency Disaster, bad weather, etc. www.ema.alabama.gov 205-280-2312 Parenting Assistance Line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAL Stressed out parents, child abuse, etc. www.pal.ua.edu 866-962-3030 Crisis Center 24 hours /7 days www.crisiscenterbham.org Crisis Line: 205-323-7777 or 800-273-8255 Senior Talk Line 205-328-8255 Rape Response 205-323-7273 UTalk 205-328-5465

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

LOCAL EMERGENCY AUTHORITIES IN ANY AREA

911 UTalk for Teens Call or text about anything 3-10 pm during the school year 10am-10pm in the summer www.crisiscenterbham.org/ crisis-intervention-prevention/ utalk.htm/ 205-328-5465 Highway Emergencies Using Cellular Phones *HP (*47) The program is operational in most areas of the state, and other providers are expected to participate in the future. Veterans Crisis Line Free, confidential support. Services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals offered. Available 24/7 800-273-8255 (then press 1) or text 838255 www.activeheroes.org Recovery Resource Center The program provides information about drug and alcohol abuse, as well as details on how to obtain help for yourself or a loved one. https://recoveryresourcejeffco.com/ 205-458-3377

birminghamparent.com birminghamparent.com | | 7 7

COVER SPONSORS CAMP JULIETTE LOW Camp Juliette Low (CJL) is a private, residential summer camp for girls, located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Georgia. CJL celebrates outdoor living and recreation through fun and challenging programs like archery, horseback riding, canoeing, sailing, ropes course, climbing wall, camp-outs, fire-building, outdoor cooking, hiking and backpacking. CJL campers live in 4-person platform tents, where they can enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, grow in confidence and independence,

and form life-long friendships. The counselors are alumnae of CJL and provide a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment for girls to grow and thrive. CJL has been preparing girls for confident living and leadership since it was founded in 1922 by Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. Today, CJL operates independently from the Girl Scouts, while proudly preserving its rustic setting, time-honored traditions, and original mission: to provide girls with exciting, outdoor experi-

ences that foster self-confidence, promote teamwork, encourage independence, and develop leadership skills. The camp is located about two hours northeast of Birmingham, and encompasses more than 330 acres of beautiful mountaintop forestland, a lake, and a natural rock swimming hole. One-week and two-week sessions are offered throughout the summer for girls ages 7-15. Register soon—sessions fill quickly!

Camp Juliette Low

... preparing girls for confident living and leadership since 1922.

www.CJL.org

ANGELICA ROHNER PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Angelica Rohner is a specialist in the field of Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry. What’s so special? Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, dedicated to the oral health of children, ranging from infants to teens. Dr.Rohner andher highly trained staff work hard to make each child’s dental visit fun and exciting, resulting in a great attitude toward dentistry and, ul-

timately, oral health. On a daily basis we hear our patients say, “I love the dentist!” We take pride in great clinical and conversational experiences with our patients. We realize that taking care of our patient’s guardian is equally important. Our office works with you to schedule appointments that work best for your child and their schedule. Our convenient location makes a

trip to the dentist easy. We also supply text, email and/or phone confirmations and communication pathways. It is an honor for our patient’s parents to trust us with the well being of their children. This is never taken lightly and is evident in the time that the doctor takes to speak with each parent at every dental visit. Let Dr. Rohner and her dental team take care of youand your child.

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 starting learning something new in 2020. Academy of the Arts offers: • Antiques • Art for Children and Teens • Creative Writing • Drawing

• English as a Second Language Classes • Foreign Language Classes • Music Lessons • Painting • Photography • Piano Classes: Children & Adult • Pottery • Summer Camps

205-726-2739 academyofthearts@samford.edu www.samford.edu/go/aota

THE DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is Alabama’s marine research and educational institute. The DISL covers education and outreach for all ages through its University Programs, Discovery Hall Programs, and the Estuarium, a public aquarium. Discovery Hall Programs includes academic year classes for K-12 students, summer overnight and day camps, professional development

workshops, and public outreach. The BayMobile, DISL’s traveling science classroom, visits underserved schools throughout the state of Alabama which do not have the opportunity or the means to visit the DISL on a field trip. The Estuarium, the DISL’s public aquarium, highlights the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern

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Gulf of Mexico. University programs at DISL consists of two parts: summer undergraduate programs and year-round graduate programs. The summer undergraduate program consists of three summer sessions with 24 courses offered. The graduate program offers a variety of disciplines for PhD and master students to choose from as they continue their studies.

www.disl.org, 251-861-2141 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

COVER SPONSORS ODYSSEY EARLY SCHOOLS Odyssey was created by educators who dreamed of opening an early learning center where children could be nurtured and taught by a highly trained and loving staff. That dream was realized when our Inverness school opened in 1995, and then again in 2001, with the opening of our second school in Trace Crossings. Odyssey’s goal is to create a life-long love of learning. We have developed our own age-appropriate curriculum, specifically designed

to introduce each age grouping to language, reading, math, science and more, so that your child will possess a strong foundation for Kindergarten and beyond. Additionally, we guarantee teachers with four-year education degrees in all preschool classrooms and offer exceptional child-to-teacher ratios. At our schools, you can watch your child’s entire day in live, streaming, HD video over the Internet, through an individual, secure connection linked directly to your child’s class-

room. We want our parents to know what happens during their child’s day, and Odyssey is the only Overthe-Mountain daycare to offer this service. Our team works tirelessly to earn its reputation as the best childcare option for Birmingham parents,and we invite you to visit today to witness for yourself what so many other families have known since 1995! Visit www.odysseyearlyschool.com for more info.

www.odysseyearlyschool.com INVERNESS CAMPUS 205-991-0039 TRACE CROSSINGS CAMPUS 205-988-8829

THE DANCE FOUNDATION The Dance Foundation’s unique approach to teaching the art of dance inspires imaginative learning in young dancers and cultivates technique and artistry as they mature. They offer classes with live music for ages one to adult, including Ballet, Modern Dance, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre. There is also a class just for boys, and classes especially for children with special needs. The Dance Foundation has an extensive

outreach program that brings dance to children at dozens of social service agencies, child care centers and schools throughout Birmingham. Additionally, The Dance Foundation’s studios & 100-seat theatre are home to artists and organizations who need space to rehearse, perform, and hold classes. Visit thedancefoundation.org to register for classes and summer camps.

your child’s learning – from as young as three years old all the way through high school. Kumon goes beyond tutoring, by actively developing critical thinking skills as children progress independently through a carefully crafted math and reading curriculum. Kumon’s time-tested self-learning program uses engaging worksheets and guidance from an onsite instructor to present new concepts and materials, giving children an academic advantage

in the classroom – and throughout life. As a result, many Kumon students study above grade level. Parents are encouraged to attend a free orientation at the Kumon Math & Reading Center of Hoover to find out more about enrolling their children in the Kumon Program. For a limited time, enjoy 50% OFF REGISTRATION! Call for details: 205-444-9485, visit our website, www.kumon.com/hooveral or email hoover_al@ikumon. com.

Honors. While serving as Chief Resident, Dr. Gatrey also completed her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. During residency Dr. Gatrey completed training with special needs persons and medically compromised children at the Sparks Dental Clinic. Visiting the

dentist at Pediatric Smiles is a fun adventure. We like dental visits to be a positive experience for future visits that last through adulthood. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

www.thedancefoundation.org

KUMON OF HOOVER Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 centers in 50 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. As the world’s largest after- school math and reading program, Kumon accelerates

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER! Kumon Math and Reading of Hoover 205-444-9485 205.444.9485 • kumon.com/hoover-al www.kumon.com/hoover-al

PEDIATRIC SMILES Dr. Tabitha J. Gatrey, a native of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She is a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry with Research

823 Promenade Pkwy. 4 Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 205-230-9000

205-230-9000 info@psmilesal.com www.psmiles.com birminghamparent.com | 9

COVER SPONSORS CHILD’SPLAY THERAPY CENTER Child’sPlay Therapy Center provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy services, along with counseling, and nutritional therapy. Our experienced staff uses play and “kid approved” activities to help children reach their goals. We can help your child succeed in the areas of speech/ language development, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention/ concentration, feeding

concerns and academic delays. Focal Point is our highly successful intensive treatment program for ADD/ADHD. Other special programming includes Orton Gillingham reading therapy, the “SOS” approach to feeding therapy, Handwriting Without Tears, Interactive Metronome, and Integrated Listening. We are excited to now offer counseling services to help children who have experienced trauma, or

are currently struggling with depression, anxiety, behavior problems, bullying, and other social challenges. Choose from either of our two state of the art, conveniently located facilities in Hoover and Chelsea! Make sure to “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay informed! www.childsplaytherapycenter.com Hoover: 205-978-9939 Chelsea: 205-618-8095

WORLD CLASS TAE KWON DO “Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do’s mission isn’t just to teach tae kwon do kicks and punches but to empower our students of all ages to reach their personal potential. We don’t want students just to be great at breaking boards and kicking higher. Instead we want students to become more focused and have the ability to overcome any challenge they may face in their life, if it is a tough assignment at

school, a bully, job interview or developing relationships. The magic of our program is in our classes, curriculum, special events and most importantly, instructors. Our classes are incredibly positive high-energy that makes it easy for students to want to work hard. When students work hard and are guided with great instruction, they are going to enjoy the training!

We invite you to see for yourself how our program can be the place where you or your child can consistently achieve personal growth. This is the place where working hard is cool and you become part of a family - A World Class Family. Visit us at AlabamaTKD.com or stop by one of our 2 locations in Inverness or Hoover.”

AlabamaTKD.com

HIGHLANDS SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

Highlands School’s Higher Degree of Learning does not end when the school year is over. We

offer a quality summer program as well. Highlands summer camp offers challenging activities, talented teachers and the great variety that you have come to expect from Highlands School. * Online registration starting in early February * Half days or full days available (Enrichment and Traditional) * Come for one week or all seven * Early drop-off and late pick-up available

Our Enrichment camps include active, artistic, academic and just plain fun choices. Be sure to note that we offer morning sessions, some afternoon sessions and some full day camps! We also offer full day Traditional Day Camp which includes weekly themes and trips to the pool. Open to Kindergarten through 8th grade from June 1st through July 24th.

HIGHLANDS SCHOOL S U M M E R

C A M P

4901 Old Leeds Road Birmingham, AL 35213 Summer Director: Gabe McCool, gmccool@highlandsschool.org (205) 956-9731 ext. 105 www.highlandsschool.org

MCCALLA ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY At McCalla Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez and staff, provide dental care for patients from the ages of 1 to 18 years of age, and handicapped patients. Our services include preventive, restorative, and emergency treatment. Dr. Sanchez Hernandez also provides orthodontic treatment for children and adults. We combine pediatric dentist-

ry and orthodontics to allow for all the dental needs of our patients to be met under one roof. The dental services needed are provided, while at the same time the development of an adequate occlusion is monitored closely. This allows for orthodontic treatment to be provided in a timely manner increasing the quality of service. Our staff operates as a team and is committed to high quality service with emphasis on

10 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

individual needs in a comfortable environment. Our hygienists are especially qualified to deal with children and adolescent specific needs. All of our personnel are kept abreast of the latest developments through continuing education courses. Come visit our website at www.mccallasmiles.com and take a virtual tour of our office.

Dr Olga Sanchez Hernandez 205-477-8004 www.mccallasmiles.com

COVER SPONSORS APPLAUSE ADVERTISER DANCEWEAR Applause Dancewear, a retail dancewear store has just celebrated its 39th year in business, located in the same place it opened in 1981, and still family owned and operated since the first day. They carry everything a dancer could possibly want for any kind of dancing. Applause also carries liturgical wear for church groups, amazing gymnastics leotards for every age, and batons, boots and rhinestones for

dancelines and majorettes. The store was originally opened by Buddy and Cindy Wade when Cindy was the choreographer of The Star Spangled Girls at Homewood High School. After managing the store while receiving her marketing degree at UAB, their daughter Katie set her sights on owning Applause and building the business. With her parents’ permission, Katie took over the store in 1992. She has continued to staff

the store with dancers, knowing that having employees who have practical application in the items they are selling and the experience to back the products will always make a customer more comfortable and secure when purchasing specialty items. She knows as a mom, how overwhelming it can be to purchase items for your children that you may not have had your own experience with.

205-871-STEP www.applausedancewear.net 1629 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF ALABAMA Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA) serves 73 families every night, providing them with a “home-away-fromhome” while their children receive medical care in Birmingham. In addition to providing a comfortable bedroom with a private bathroom, we surround families with love and support from volunteers, staff and other guest families who share the same hopes and fears. We provide volunteer-provided meals, family

program and activities, indoor and outdoor play areas, laundry facilities, WiFi and much more so that our guest families can concentrate on what is most important – their child’s health. Our two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, located at UAB Women & Infants Center and DCH Regional Medical Center (Tuscaloosa), provide an inviting oasis of calm for families, while increasing their ability to advocate for their child.

They can find comfort, care and support without leaving their child’s side. We may not be able to make the medicine taste better or take away painful treatments. But by keeping families together and close to their child’s medical team, RMHCA and its supporters can help lessen the burden and ensure families have the stability and resources to get and keep their child healthy and happy. Learn more at RMHCA.org

RMHCA.org

www.RMHCA.org

THE TUTORING CENTER At The Tutoring Center, an individualized, direct, one-to-one instruction combined with the Rotational Approach To Learning (RATL) is used very successfully. Children move through differentstations during their tutoring sessions working on different tasks at each station. Children withADD or ADHD benefit greatly from this system, which is what Dr. Thalheimer, a child psychologist and founder of the Tutoring Center, had intend-

ed to do when he developed the system. We offer Free Diagnostic Assessments and a variety of programs that fit all students’ needs. We help struggling children as well as advanced children in math, reading, writing, Algebra I and II, Geometry, AP math, enrichment and study skills, and SAT/ACT prep courses. The Tutoring Center offers tutoring sessions Monday-Friday 3:30 PM- 7:30 PM. We also offer ACT/SAT tutoring on weekends

and conduct Free Diagnostic Assessments all week. Our prices are surprisingly very low and our results are guaranteed or we tutor at no charge (call for details). You can visit our national website www.tutorincenter.com to know more about us. You can also find us on Google search to read customers’ reviews. Located in Hoover on Hwy 150 near Academy Sports. Call us at (205) 987-9577 to schedule a Free Diagnostic Assessment today.

2804 John Hawkins Pkwy, Suite 100 Hoover, Alabama, 35244 (near Academy Sports) (205) 987-9577

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX® Dome Theater. This state-of-the-art museum is located in the heart of Birmingham’s downtown revitalization district. McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors— from ages 1 to 100 — year-round to see, to hear, to touch, and to experience the wonder of science in one of the South’s most unique venues.

Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder —you can play tunes with your feet on the Giant Piano, learn about gravity with a daring ride on the High Cycle or pet the sharks and stingrays in the Shark & Ray Touch Tank – there is a new discovery around every corner. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX® Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on

a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers. For over 20 years, McWane Science Center has stayed true to its mission – to spark wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science. As a cornerstone of the downtown community, McWane opens its doors to young and old alike for laughter, learning and an experience like no other.

205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org birminghamparent.com | 11

How Parents Can Show The Love Equally To Each Very Different Child By Jennifer Lynch Children need love and attention from their parents, but having two or more children can pose a challenge for moms and dads to spread the warmth evenly. Sometimes this imbalance occurs when siblings are sharply different in terms of talents and personality. Jennifer Lynch, an educator, child advocate and author of the children’s book Livi and Grace (www.jenniferlynchbooks.com), says giving children equal attentiveness is important to their happiness and starts with parents appreciating their uniqueness. “Children are unique, unknown little people waiting to be revealed,” Lynch says. “Parents need to ask themselves, how can I embrace these differences and make each child feel and recognize their beautiful uniqueness? “Let the mystery of who they are and who they are meant to be unfold in their own authentic way, however awesome or peculiar it is. Everyone is different and it’s important to make every child feel special, important and loved.” Lynch offers these tips to help parents balance their attention on multiple children who have different interests, personalities, and talents: • Give them quality one-on-one time. Consistently taking time to give your children one-on-one time, Lynch says, shows them you care and that they are important. “This means no phones, no distractions, and being 100 percent present with your child,” Lynch says. “Make eye contact, ask questions, and just listen and let them lead at whatever activity or interaction is taking place. This makes them feel safe, in control and loved.” • Celebrate their uniqueness. An imbalance in parental attention can lead to siblings comparing themselves — never a good idea because that can create jealousy and low selfesteem, thus accentuating a sibling rivalry. At the same time, children may think the parent is showing favoritism. “Susie may be faster than Johnny, but Johnny may be a brilliant chess player,” Lynch says. “So when they begin to compare themselves with their siblings, take that

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conversation and turn it into how great it is that they each have a place that shines. And bring in more examples of how their differences are beautiful and important. Set up scenarios showing examples of how those differences are good.” • Show your love for them. “You obviously love your children, so don’t be afraid to show it,” Lynch says. “Give them that authentic shout-out, or the gentle, grace- filled redirection and encouragement when they need to try again at something, whether it’s poor behavior or just losing a game. Leave the shame out of it.” • Validate them but be authentic. When it comes to praise, Lynch says quality is much more important than quantity. “Children can recognize a fake compliment a mile away,” Lynch says. “They know if you’ve really seen them or not. They know if it’s from the heart or just surface praise.” “In these ways, showing appreciation for who each of them are will help your children develop confidence in themselves,” Lynch says. “They will take your lead and begin to find other amazing things about themselves and their friends. Making each of your very different children feel truly loved and valued will help them grow up to be happy and responsible adults.” Jennifer Lynch, author of the children’s book Livi and Grace (www. jenniferlynchbooks.com), is an educator and child advocate who serves as a guardian ad litem, a person appointed to represent a child’s interests in a court case. She has worked as a special education teacher for an elementary school and as a preschool teacher. In addition, Lynch created the “You Are Good” brand T-shirts and other products for sale and for donations. Thousands of the shirts have been donated to children and teenagers in the system. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University.

WHERE DOING NOTHING...IS REALLY SOMETHING.

Here at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, you can reunite with nature. Enjoy relaxing views of the sugar white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or walk or bike our 28 miles of trails through 6,150 acres covering nine ecosystems. The Lodge is a resilient, environmentally-friendly coastal development where sustainability and connectivity to the outdoors are a central focus. Come experience the reasons why your visit is really something.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT LODGEATGULFSTATEPARK.COM 21196 EAST BEACH BLVD. GULF SHORES, ALABAMA 36542 | 251.540.4000 HILTON RESERVATIONS: 1.800.774.1500

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AREA HOSPITALS

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-877-1000 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 19th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-933-8101 www.birmingham.va.gov Cooper Green Mercy Health Services 1515 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-930-3200 www.coopergreen.org Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-971-1000 www.grandviewhealth.com Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 First St. N. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-620-8100 www.shelbybaptistmedicalcenter.com Children’s of Alabama 1600 Seventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 www.childrensal.org Children’s South Pediatric Outpatient Center 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-638-4800 www.childrensal.org/childrens-south UAB Hospital 1802 Sixth Ave S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-934-3411 www.uabmedicine.org UAB Women & Infants Center 500 22nd St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-934-9999 800-UAB-8816 www.uabmedicine.org/women UAB Medical West 995 Ninth Ave. SW Bessemer, AL 35022 205-880-9558 www.medicalwesthospital.org UAB Highlands 1201 11th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-934-3411 www.uabmedicine.org/locations/ uab-hospital-highlands UAB Callahan Eye Hospital 1720 University Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-325-8100 www.uabmedicine.org/locations/ callahan-eye-hospital

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St. Vincent’s Birmingham 810 St. Vincent’s Dr. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-939-7000 https://healthcare.ascension.org/ locations/Alabama St. Vincent’s St. Clair 7063 Veterans Pkwy. Pell City, AL 35125 205-338-3301 https://healthcare.ascension.org/ locations/Alabama St. Vincent’s East Hospital 50 Medical Park E. Dr. Birmingham, AL 35235 205-838-3000 https://healthcare.ascension.org St. Vincent’s Blount 150 Gilbreath Dr. Oneonta, AL 35121 205-274-3000 https://healthcare.ascension.org St. Vincent’s Chilton 2030 Lay Dam Road Clanton, AL 35045 205-258-4400 Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital 3800 Ridgeway Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-868-2000 www.encompasshealth.com/ lakeshorerehab Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County 900 Oak Mountain Commons Lane Pelham, AL 35124 205-216-7600 www.encompasshealth.com/ shelbycountyrehab

Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 205-783-3000 www.princetonbaptistmedicalcenter.com Walker Baptist Medical Center 3400 Hwy. 78 E. Jasper, AL 35501 205-387-4000 www.walkerbaptistsmedicalcenter.com Citizens Baptist Medical Center 604 Stone Ave. Talladega, AL 35160 256-362-8111 www.citizensbaptistmedicalcenter.com Cullman Regional Medical Center 1912 AL Hwy. 157 Cullman, AL 35058 256-737-2000 www.cullmanregional.com Northport Medical Center 2700 Hospital Dr. Northport, AL 35476 205-333-4500 www.dchsystem.com DCH Regional Medical Center 809 University Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-759-7111 www.dchsystem.com Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center 3701 Loop Rd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 205-554-2000 www.tuscaloosa.va.gov

I wish I could see the board instead of trying to read through your vape cloud. - Sarah, 8th Grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com

CHAT T ING WIT H CHILD' SPLAY

Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services

…we’re just for kids!

Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services

...we’re just for kids!

THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR PLAY • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Focal Point for ADD/ADHD • Feeding/Nutrition Therapy • Counseling Services • Reading Therapy • Integrated Listening • Interactive Metronome “Like” us on facebook!

www.ChildsPlayTherapyCenter.com Chelsea: 205-618-8095 | Hoover: 205-978-9939 16 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

Did you know that playing and spending time outdoors has many benefits for children? Outdoor play is a multi-sensory experience. Playing in the backyard, at the park or on the playground provides input to all of the senses in our body such as aromas from plants, the sight of nature and feeling unique textures, just to name a few. Outdoor play also encourages body awareness, balance and strength as kids navigate climbing ladders, running through the yard, sliding or swinging. Time spent away from screens and in a natural environment supports improvement in physical health since it is the perfect place for kids to be active to their heart’s content. Outdoor play lets kids explore the natural environment and participate in safe risk-taking, which gives them to chance to be inventive and imaginative with their play. During these times, they are allowed the chance to create games, problem solve in different ways, to interact with equipment or toys and experience social development with their peers. Furthermore, playing outside can also help increase attention spans as kids become more self-directed in their choices and are more likely to stay with a task they are curious about for a longer period of time! -Courtesy of Child’sPlay Therapy Center, Anne Abernathy, MS, OTR/L

ADMISSIONS

“Alabama’s High School ”

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Alabama 9th & 10th Graders Can Apply Free at www.asms.net

FREE

TUITION, ROOM, AND BOARD

ASMS is a public residential high school for academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in mathematics, science, and humanities.

• Early College Experience • Dedicated Instructors • Diverse Community • Leadership Opportunities • Experiential Learning

Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Apply online at www.asms.net. ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.2100.

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH

1255 DAUPHIN STREET | MOBILE, AL 36604 | 251.441.2100 | ADMISSIONS@ASMS.NET | WWW.ASMS.NET

ACCREDITED

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HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Alabama Department of Public Health The RSA Tower 201 Monroe St. Montgomery, AL 36104 334-206-5300 or 800-252-1818 www.alabamapublichealth.gov Chilton County Health Department 301 Health Center Dr. Clanton, AL 35046 205-755-1287 www.alabamapublichealth. gov/chilton Cullman County Health Department 601 Logan Ave. S.W. Cullman, AL 35055 www.alabamapublichealth. gov/cullman 256-734-1030 Jefferson County Department of Health Locations: https://jcdh.org/ Central Health Center 1400 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-933-9110 Eastern Health Center 601 West Blvd. Roebuck Birmingham, AL 35206 205-591-5180 Western Health Center 631 Bessemer Super Hwy. Midfield, AL 35228 205-715-6121

Shelby County Health Department 2000 County Services Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-664-2470 www.alabamapublichealth. gov/shelby St. Clair County Health Department 1175 23rd St. N. Pell City, ALÂ 35125 205-338-3357 www.alabamapublichealth. gov/stclair Satellite Clinic: 31675 U.S. Highway 411 Box 249 Ashville, AL 35953 205-594-4919 Tuscaloosa County Health Department 2350 Hargrove Road E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205-562-6900 www.alabamapublichealth. gov/tuscaloosa

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HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Comprehensive womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health services. Unlimited caring included. A COMMUNITY BUILT ON SUPPORT We never forget that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to care than medicine. Things like compassion, attentiveness and kindness are important too. So, rest assured that when it comes to your health, all of us are here to treat you well. Find a physician at BrookwoodWomensMedicalCenter.com birminghamparent.com | 19

RECYCLING GUIDE

When it comes to recycling the right way, most people may not understand the specific logistics behind the process. There is a recycling crisis in the United States, says Tim Sullivan, manager of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Facilities Support Services, which oversees UAB Recycling. China’s recycling businesses stopped purchasing millions of tons of America’s plastic waste in early 2018, and the U.S. does not have the systems to collect and capacity to recycle such large amounts of plastic trash. Consequently, much of it is disposed of in landfills and incinerators, which creates pollution and wastes resources. Birmingham has only one plant for processing recyclable materials, Birmingham Recycle and Recovery in Avondale, and UAB Recycling is a collection point for that plant. Because both the campus recycling bins and the drop-off center collect a large volume of recyclables, Sullivan says, it is important to recycle only those items BRR accepts. “When nonrecyclable items are thrown into UAB’s recycling bins, it dirties up what we refer to as ‘the stream,’” Sullivan explains. “It keeps waste from being sorted and recycled properly, which can lead to perfectly recyclable materials’ inadvertently being sent to landfills or to be burnt. That means more wasted plastic on land and in our oceans.” UAB recycles: • No. 1 plastic, which includes water and soft drink bottles • Office paper of any color • Newspapers • Non-food-contaminated flattened cardboard boxes • Magazines • Non-food-contaminated paper items such as paper bags, mail, envelopes and folders • Aluminum cans Take these items to the UAB Recycling Center only: • Rinsed steel food cans • Used cooking oil and grease The UAB Recycling Center accepts these items and is open 7-9 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Courtesy of UAB

20 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

You’ve probably wondered if your child is gifted.

Identifying the Gifted Child: What Parents Need to Know By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

At one time or another you’ve probably wondered if your child is gifted. Maybe he can identify all the birds in your neighborhood. Or maybe your daughter is only four years old and already reading. How can you know for sure if your child is an exceptional learner? The truth is that in any classroom setting there are probably one or two children who are gifted, at least in one subject area. Additionally, there’s another handful of children who are eager, bright learners, but not gifted by academic definitions. Just what is a gifted child? Educators have wrestled with the definition for decades, but there is agreement on general traits that help us recognize talented learners. The National Association of Gifted Children says: “Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of competence in one or more domains.” Gifted children have high intelligence as measured by standardized testing. They learn information easily and remember it well. They have large vocabularies and are able to grasp abstract ideas. They are often creative and may be seen as leaders. They may excel in the visual or performing arts. They’re often ahead of others in hands-on physical skills. If you’ve noticed advanced learning patterns in your child’s early years, you may want to do a little systematic information-gathering to identify aptitudes. Here are some ways to begin putting the pieces of the identification puzzle together. You may find out that your son or daughter is a high-performing, engaged learner, but not gifted. Or you may find that he or she truly is gifted and would benefit from an enhanced learning environment. Behavior at Home Children are usually most comfortable in their home environment. Here they will “be themselves.” Does your child have endless questions? Does he actually search out answers through books or hands-on experiments? Is he learning to read easily and quickly? Does she use words above and beyond her peers? Is she very aware of information presented by adults and can she engage in a conversation at their level? Does he have a vivid imagination and a keen sense of humor? Does he make an

effort to record information, chart or graph it? Map it? Does she create new worlds filled with characters? Can she lose herself in books? Many children do some of these things. The gifted child will actually live in a world of heightened awareness and consider questions the average learner does not. Advanced learners enjoy working independently and can often sustain their work for a long time. They enjoy freedom to explore, make new connections and add to their knowledge base. They’re excited by intellectual challenges. Successes at School Many gifted children excel in their school setting. They get the highest grades, do the best work and “stand out” in the crowd. Sadly, some gifted students don’t function well at all in the rigid structure of a classroom schedule. They may seem disinterested or uncooperative because they need freedom to learn in their own unique ways and on their own timeline. Teachers will quickly pick up on advanced reading and writing ability and on logic and reasoning above the norm. It’s important to distinguish between the bright learner and the truly gifted learner. This chart, created by Diane Heacox and widely quoted in literature about gifted learners, compares the learning styles and abilities of these two distinct groups. Bright Gifted Knows the answers Asks the questions Has good ideas May have wild, silly ideas Learns with ease Already knows Copies accurately Creates new designs Absorbs information Manipulates informatio Pleased with perfection Can be self-critical Enjoys sequential learning Thrives on complexity Enjoys peers Prefers adult company Answers accurately Discusses in detail, elaborates From the classroom teacher’s perspective, the gifted child can present quite a challenge. Even extending lessons may not be enough to meet needs. The gifted learner is beyond the group, probably isn’t motivated by grades and learns information in one or two hearings. He will be frustrated by moving one step at a time with slower learners. Testing If you find your child on the gifted child side of the above chart, you may want to pursue testing and other means of evaluating potential. Schools generally have set schedules for administering standardized tests to identify their gifted population. Their screening may begin with an intelligence test, but will often include surveys completed by teachers and parents, anecdotal information and portfolios of completed work. In some cases the surveys used will include items from a broader understanding of learning which gives a child gifted in specific areas such as music and art the chance to shine. Placement in Gifted Programs Don’t be disappointed if your child goes through a testing process and is determined not to need a gifted learning environment. In truth, bright children experience the most success in their traditional classroom setting. They enjoy learning and don’t deal with the challenges of the gifted population. Your goal is to know your child and to support his or her learning journey. You can find more helpful information on identifying the gifted child from the following resources. www.gifted-children.com www.gtworld.org www.hoagiesgifted.org Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and writes about education and family life. She and her husband travel to India where they support schools and orphanages. Resources

• National Association for Gifted Children: www.nagc.org. • Who Are the Gifted? by James R. Parker, Gifted Education International 1997, Vol. 12, pp 85-90. A B Academic Publishers • Bright Child vs. Gifted Child by Lynn Elizabeth Marlowe, lynnelizabethmarlowe.com, June 7, 2012. • The Bright Child vs the Gifted Learner: What’s the Difference? By Christopher Taibbi, Psychology Today.com January 29, 2012. • Is Your Child Gifted? www.education.com July 29, 2009. • Giftedness and the Gifted: What’s It All About? Davidson Institute, ERIC Digest #E476, l990. birminghamparent.com | 21

KIDS EAT FREE

Dine & Shine:

No need to take a bite from your budget By Lynn Grisard Fullman

Dining out can be expensive. Happily, you can shave off some dollars by ferreting out restaurants that offer free or discounted meals for children. The cash you stash can be used for an ice-cream outing or, perhaps, a trip to a movie. Several area restaurants offer moneystretching options. Several of those are detailed below. Just remember to call before going, as offers can change or be eliminated. Remember, too, to be on the lookout for other offers as the below is merely a sampling. • Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. All Birmingham locations: All day on Tuesday with each adult entrée, kids ages 12 and younger may order a children’s menu option, with drink included, for $1.99. (Regular price for kids’ choices is $5.49). The special is valid for dine-in only. • Baumhower’s Victory Grille. Montgomery Highway/ Vestavia Hills. (205) 403-7474: All day on Tuesday, with each $10 spent by an adult, one child (age 10 and younger) may choose a free kids’ menu option. (On the childs’ menu, prices 22 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

typically are $5.99 and do not include a drink.) Dine-in only. • Beef 'O' Brady's. Helena. (205) 624-2333: All day on Tuesday, with each adult meal, one child may order for $1.99 from the children’s menu whose options normally are $5.99. The offer is available for both dine-in and to-go. • Beef O'Brady's. Hoover. (205) 987-9464: Thursday evenings, from 4 to 8, with each adult entrée from the regular menu (which does not include the nightly special), one child (12 and younger) may eat for free from the kids’ menu. The Kids’ Night Special is valid only when dining in. • Bruster’s. Vestavia Hills. (205) 978-2347: Every day children shorter than 42 inches get a free baby cone or cup of ice cream. No adult purchase is required. • Buffalo Wild Wings. Alabaster. (205) 664-0040: Wednesday evenings, from 5 to 9, kids (ages 12 and younger) may order a kids’ menu item for $1.99, with each paying adult. (The usual price for a kid’s meal is $6.59.) Valid for both dine-in and carry-out. • Captain D’s. Various locations: All day on Thursday up to two children per paying adult may order for 99 cents from the kids’ menu. (The regular price of kids’ menu choices ranges from $3.99 to $4.29 with a drink included.) • Chick-fil-A. Hoover Commons/Montgomery Hwy., (205) 979-9990: On Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7, with each adult meal, one child may eat free from the kids’ menu. In addition to the four-piece chicken pieces, one side, a drink and a toy are included with a kid’s meal. Dine-in only. • Cicis. Homewood. (205) 582-8098: All day on Tuesday, one child (age 4 to 10) eats free with each adult buffet and large drink ($9.44 with tax).

KIDS EAT FREE • Cicis. Montgomery Highway/Hoover. (205) 379-0100: On Tuesday evenings from 4 to 10, one child (age 4 to 10 years) may eat free with the purchase of each adult entrée and drink. Daily children age three and younger eat for free from the buffet. (For ages 4 to 10 the cost is $3.49 for the buffet that includes a salad bar, pasta, an assortment of pizzas and several desserts.) Dine in only. • Dale’s Southern Grill. The Plaza at Riverchase. (205) 987-4757: On Monday evenings from 4 to 9, one child (age 12 and younger) with each adult entrée may order a kid’s meal (normally $4.50) for 99 cents. The offer is valid for both dine-in and carry-out. • Denny's. 224 Daniel Payne Dr., North. (205) 214-3987: On Tuesday and Saturday evenings from 4 to 9, two children ages 10 and younger get free kids’ meals (typically less than $5 each) with each adult entrée. The special is valid for dine-in only. • El ZunZun. Cahaba Heights. (205) 791-7711: On Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9, with two adult entrees, one child, age 10 and younger, may order for free from the kids’ menu. Known for its Latin-American cuisine, the restaurant offers the special for dine-in only. • Firehouse Subs. Alabaster. (205)664-4664: All day on Monday and Wednesday, a child (age 12 and younger) gets a free kid’s meals with the purchase of an adult meal. The offer is valid for both dine-in and carry-out. • Golden Corral. Lorna Road/Hoover. (205) 822-1314: Every day children ages 3 and younger eat free. The all-day buffet cost is $5.99 for ages 4 to 8; $6.99 for ages 9 to 12. Drink is included for children. • IHOP. 5242 U.S. 280 South. (205) 991-4871 and 7748 Crestwood Blvd. (205) 956- 5502: With each adult entrée, one child age 12 and younger eats free every day after 4 p.m. Dine in only. • IHOP. Wildwood/Homewood. (205) 290-0995: With the purchase of an adult entrée, one child (age12 and younger) eats free from the children’s menu Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. Dine in only. • Jason’s Deli. John Hawkins Parkway/Hoover. (205) 987-8740: After 4 p.m., on Thursday, kids eat free from the children’s menu. Dine-in and carry-out. • Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que. Hoover (205) 985-8841, Trussville (205) 508-5100 and Vestavia Hills/Rocky Ridge (205 822-2773) locations allow one child per adult entrée to eat free Tuesday after 5 p.m., from the children’s menu. (Served

with one side and a drink, children’s menu options typically are $7.) Dine-in only. • Moe's Southwest Grill. Vestavia Hills. (205) 824-7663: On Tuesday beginning at 5 p.m., with each adult entrée, one child (age 12 and younger) may order free from the kids’ menu whose regular prices range from $4.09 to $4.89. The special is for dine-in only. • O'Charley's. Alabaster (205) 621-7453); Fultondale (205) 849-6401: Every day one child (age 10 and younger) with each paying adult may order free from the kids’ menu whose regular prices typically are $3.99. Dine in only. • Ruby Tuesday. Alabaster. (205) 621-5416: On Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., with each adult meal, a child (age 10 and younger) may eat free with the kids’ menu. Dine in only. • Ruby Tuesday. Bessemer. (205) 425-3152: On Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., with each adult meal, a child (age 10 and younger) may eat free with the kids’ menu. The special is valid for both dine-in and carry out. • Steak ‘n Shake. Hoover. (205) 982-5789: All day on Saturday and Sunday, a child 12 and younger gets a free kid’s plate with each $9 spent. Drinks and shakes are excluded. The usual price for kids’ menu options ranges from $2.29 to $2.79 with drinks priced additionally. Dine in only. • Texas Roadhouse. Pelham. (205) 985-7427: On Tuesday evenings from 4 to 8, one child (12 and younger) with each adult entrée may choose a kid’s meal option for 99 cents. (Ranger meals are not included.) The usual kids’ menu options range from $3.99 to $5.49. • Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato. Preserve Parkway/Hoover. (205) 637-3036: All day on Tuesday, with each adult entrée, one child (age 12 and younger) may eat free from the children’s menu. Dine-in only. • Zaxby’s. U.S. 280. (205) 437-9701: On Monday evenings from 5 to 9, up to two kids may eat for 99 cents each with an adult meal and drink. (The usual price, with tax, for a child’s meal is $4.89, including drink.) The Monday special is valid for dine-in and carry-out. A Birmingham-based, award-winning writer, Lynn Grisard Fullman has contributed to newspapers, magazines and blogs and has written several books, including Alabama Miracles and Haints, Ghosts and Boogers: Chillbump Stories from Alabama after Dark.

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LIBRARIES LIBRARIES JEFFERSON COUNTY LIBRARIES Libraries abound in Jefferson County and are easily accessible both online at www.jclc. org and in person. Be sure to check time changes due to seasons and holidays at the website in advance of your visit. The “BPL” in the listings below designates Birmingham Public Libraries. Adamsville 4825 Main St. Adamsville, AL 35005 205-674-3399

East Lake (BPL) #5 Oporto-Madrid Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35206 205-836-3341

Hueytown 1372 Hueytown Rd. Hueytown, AL, 35023 205-491-1443

Pratt City (BPL) 509 Dugan Ave. Birmingham, AL 3521 205-791-4997

Eastwood (BPL) 4500 Montevallo Rd. Birmingham, AL 35210 205-591-4944

Inglenook (BPL) 4100 40th Terrace N. Birmingham, AL 35217 205-849-8739

Smithfield (BPL) #1 Eighth Ave. W. Birmingham, AL 35204 205-324-8428

Emmet O'Neal 50 Oak St Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-445-1101

Irondale 105 20th St. S,. Irondale, AL 35210 205-951-1415

Southside (BPL) 1814 11th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-933-7776

Ensley (BPL) 1201 25th St., Ensley Birmingham, AL, 35218 205-785-2625

Leeds 8104 Pkwy. Dr. S.E. Leeds, AL 35094 205-699-5962

Springville Road (BPL) 1224 Springville Rd., Birmingham, AL 35215 205-226-4081

Five Points West (BPL) 4812 Ave. W. Birmingham, AL 35208 205-226-4013

Midfield 400 Breland Dr. Midfield, AL 35228 205-923-1027

Tarrant 1143 Ford Ave. Tarrant, AL 35217 205-841-0575

Fultondale 500 Byrd Ln. Fultondale, AL 35068 205-849-6335

North Avondale (BPL) 501 43rd St. N. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-592-2082

Titusville (BPL) #2 Sixth Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 205-322-1140

Gardendale 995 Mount Olive Rd. Gardendale, AL 35071 205-631-6639

North Birmingham (BPL) 2501 31st Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35207 205-226-4025

Trussville 201 Parkway Dr. Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2022

Central (BPL) 2100 Park Pl. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-226-3600

Graysville 315 S Main St. Graysville, AL 35073 205-674-3040

Pinson 4509 Pinson Blvd. Pinson, AL 35126 205-680-9298

Vestavia Hills 1221 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-978-0155

Clay 7257 Old Springville Rd. Clay, AL 35126 205-680-3812

Homewood 1721 Oxmoor Rd Homewood, AL, 35209 205-332-6600

Pleasant Grove 501 Park Rd. Pleasant Grove, AL 35127 205-744-1731

Walter J. Hanna 4615 Gary Ave. Fairfield, AL 35064 205-783-6007

East Ensley (BPL) 900 14th St., Ensley Birmingham, AL, 35218 205-787-1928

Hoover 200 Municipal Dr. Hoover, AL 35216 205-444-7800

Powderly (BPL) 3301 Jefferson Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35221 205-925-6178

Warrior 10 First St. E. Warrior, AL 35180 205-647-3006

Avondale (BPL) 509 S 40th St. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-226-4000 Bessemer 400 N 19th St. Bessemer, AL 35020 205-428-7882 Botanical Gardens 2612 Lane Park Rd. Birmingham, AL 35223 205-414-3950

24 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

Chelsea Public Library 16623 Hwy. 280 Chelsea, AL 35043 205-847-5750

Woodlawn (BPL) 5709 First Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35212 205-595-2001

Columbiana Public Library 50 Lester St. Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-5812

Wylam (BPL) 4300 Seventh Ave. Wylam, AL 35224 205-785-0349

Harpersville Public Library 39414 Hwy. 25 Harpersville, AL 35078 205-672-8336

SHELBY COUNTY LIBRARIES There are many great libraries in Shelby County. Sometimes hours change based on seasons and holidays, so check out the hours in advance of your visit at www.shelbycounty-al.org.

Jane B. Holmes Library 230 Tucker Rd., Helena, AL 35080 205-664-8308

Mildred B. Harrison Library 50 Lester St. Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-3910 Albert L. Scott Library 100 Ninth St. N, Alabaster, AL 35007 205-664-6822 Roy Downs Memorial Library 9700 Hwy. 25 Calera, AL 35040 205-668-3514

Mt Laurel Library 111 Olmsted St. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-1660 North Shelby Library 5521 Cahaba Valley Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-439-5500 Parnell Memorial Library 277 Park Dr. Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-9207 Pelham Public Library 2000 Pelham Park Blvd. Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-6418

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FOR 39 YEARS!! Over 2700 square feet of unique dancewear, shoes, tights, liturgical and tutus from the top industry brands. @applause_ dancewear

Vincent McGraw Public Library 42850 Hwy. 25 Vincent, AL 35178 205-672-2749

also branches in Garden City, Hanceville, Colony and Holly Pond. See www.ccpls.com/ cullman.html for all locations and open times.

Westover Public Library 3312 Westover Rd. Westover, AL 35147 205-678-3375

Cullman County Library 200 Clark St., N.E. Cullman, AL 35055 256-734-2720

Vernice Stoudenmire Public Library 9905 N. Main St. Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6180

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY LIBRARIES Tuscaloosa County is home to the Tuscaloosa Public Library and to branches in Brown, Weaver, Bolder and the bookmobile. Check out details at www.tuscaloosa-library.org.

CHILTON COUNTY LIBRARIES The Chilton County/Clanton Public Library is the main library for the county, but there are also branches in Maplesville and Jemison. Check out the website for more information, www.chiltonclantonlibrary.org.

Tuscaloosa Public Library 1801 Jack Warner Pkwy. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-345-5820 www.tuscaloosa-library.org

Chilton County/Clanton Public Library 100 First Ave. Clanton, AL 35045 205-755-1768 CULLMAN COUNTY LIBRARIES Cullman County has a number of small libraries, and the Cullman County Library is the main branch. There are

Specializing in Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

Starting First Visits at age 1 Dental Insurance providers for: BCBS of AL, Southland, MetLife, Delta Dental, Guardian, and Cigna.

www.drrohner.com (205)870-0892

Toddler to Adult sizes. Professional Shoe Fitting.

www.applausedancewear.net

1629 Oxmoor Rd | Birmingham, AL 35209 | 205-871-STEP birminghamparent.com | 25

LIBRARIES

West End (BPL) 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 205-226-4089

Toy Rotation: Reduce Toy Clutter in Six Easy Steps

Reduce Toy Clutter

By Sarah Lyons

The holidays are over, and likely you have a lot of extra toys in your home about now. “Toy clutter” is a problem many will face in 2020. From the toddler years when blocks, push toys, and board books seem to be scattered down the hallway to the school age years where kids collect tiny Legos, matchbox cars, and Barbie dolls, clutter remains an ongoing issue. A toy rotation may be one way to fight this problem. Step 1: Gather In the main play area, gather all the toys to the center of the room. You are making a bigger mess at first, but this will help you get organized in the long run. “It may be best to start this process when the kids are in bed or out of the house.” says mom, Kara Thomas. The process may go quicker and smoother sans children. However, if that isn’t an option, get the kids involved and have them help bring toys to the center of the room. Step 2: Reduce Go through the pile you have gathered and throw away broken toys and items that have missing pieces. Take out any toys that are no longer age appropriate. Lastly, pick out toys that the children don’t play with. Jill Miller, mom of two, says “We purge things every year for the annual neighborhood garage sale. It also gives us a little cash boost.” If your family is not up for the work that goes into selling items, consider donating them to a local charity or passing them along to a friend. Step 3: Sort Once you have reduced the number of toys, you should be left with age-appropriate toys that your children enjoy. Now divide toys into three categories: thinking toys (puzzles, board games, shape sorters), pretend play (play food, dolls, blocks), and toys that encourage gross motor play (balls, push toys, cars). When you have the items sorted, there should be three piles, one for each category.

26 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

• Participate in garage sales or consignment sales “We sell toys they are done playing with.” says mom of five Deanna Brown. • Pass them along to a friend or a family in need. • Donate to a local charity. • Give them to the church nursery or a preschool - many times an area church or preschool may be in need of used toys in good condition for their classrooms. • Take them to grandma’s house - now the kids will have something to play with when they visit. • Try the Konmari Method using the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. “I’m using Konmari Method on the toys and asking ‘Does this bring my kids joy or me joy?’ If not then I’m getting rid of it,” says Kassie, mom of three. • Throw out the “junk.” Get rid of cheap toys from fast food kid’s meals and carnivals. These toys rarely offer many hours of play time and often break easily. Continued to page 33.

AIDB invites you to experience

Deaf.Blind.Limitless.

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multi-disabled and their families.

Now offering pediatric counseling services!

Get the help and support you need for children with • Behavior problems • Depression • Anxiety • Anger management • Trauma • ADD/ADHD • Bullying • Social challenges

Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services

…we’re just for kids!

www.ChildsPlayTherapyCenter.com Chelsea: 205-618-8095 • Hoover: 205-978-9939 birminghamparent.com | 27

DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICES/LICENSE PLATES

Every county in the state has its own office that issues tags for vehicles, boats, trailers and other vehicles that are required to be registered. Go to the office in the county where you live to buy tags, or renew tags online through your county’s website. For more information, go to http://revenue. alabama.gov/motorvehicle/index.html. For driver’s licenses, the following is a list of locations in Birmingham Parent’s circulation area that give the written and road test for a driver’s license. Many courthouses throughout the state also have driver license division offices, but they are for license renewals or replacements only. Some are only open certain days of the week. We have NOT listed times and hours as many are subject to change. Contact the office you wish to visit or visit the website to confirm hours. Contact your county’s driver license office for further information. Information can be obtained at www.alea. gov/dps/driver-license.

Jefferson County Bessemer Courthouse 1801 Third Ave. Bessemer, AL 35020 205-426-7958

Chilton County Chilton County Courthouse 500 2nd Ave. N. Clanton, AL 35045 205-280-7207

Birmingham Trooper Post 908 Bankhead Hwy. W. Birmingham, AL 35201

Cullman County Cullman County Courthouse 500 Second Ave. S.W. Cullman, AL 35055 256-775-4822

Shelby County Shelby County Courthouse Annex 1018 County Services Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-5891 Columbiana Office 104 Depot St. Columbiana, AL 35186 205-669-2614

St. Clair County St. Clair County Courthouse 1815 Cogswell Ave. Pell City, AL 35125 205-338-0526 Ashville 48 Court St. Ashville, AL 35953 205-594-2442

Inverness Corners Shopping Center Suite 310 Hoover, AL 35242 205-670-6826

Tuscaloosa County Trooper Post 2645 Skyland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205-553-0729

SICK CHILD CARE & EMERGENCY CARE

When schools close or other issues arise! Kids with chronic medical conditions & illnesses, premature newborns, and special needs children. * nurse-assisted, medically trained staff

www.missionhugs.org

Huggs & Kisses Sick Child Care/Mission Hugs Foundation 1716 Fifth Ave. N, Birmingham, AL 35203 . 205-324-8447 28 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

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AREA ATTRACTIONS

Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham 205-254-2731 www.jazzhall.com Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. www.asfa.k12.al.us Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665 www.ashof.org

Sloss Furnace

Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham 205-663-7930, www.awrc.org

Barber Motorsports Park

American Village Highway 119, Montevallo 205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds, 205-298-9040 www.barbermotorsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham 205-414-3900 www.bbgardens.org Birmingham Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203 205-458-8181 www.bct123.org

Railroad Park Birmingham

American Village

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

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Birmingham Zoo Train

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham 205-328-9696 www.bcri.org

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

Birmingham Museum of Art Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565 www.artsbma.org Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham 205-879-0409 www.birminghamzoo.com Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera 205-668-3435 www.hodrrm.org

Vulcan Park

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

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

Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover 205-739-7141 www.hooveral.org Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham www.alapark.com

DENTISTRY FOR

Railroad Park Birmingham 1600 1st Ave. S., Birmingham 205-521-9933 www.railroadpark.org

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS McWane Center

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

4823 Promenade Pkwy., Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188

www.psmilesal.com Oak Mountain State Park

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AREA ATTRACTIONS

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham 205-833-8264 www.ruffnermountain.org Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham, 205-833-8226 www.southernmuseumofflight.org Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409 ww.vulcanpark.org Birmingham Museum of Artt

Heart of Dixie Railroad

Birmingham Botanical Gardensardens

Birmingham Zoo

32 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

Southern Museum of Flight

Continued from Page 33

Toy Rotation

Step 4: Divide Divide toys into three to four groups. Each group should have equal amounts of toys from the categories of thinking toys, pretend play and gross motor toys. Place each group of toys into a large box and label it. Plastic tubs work well and can double as a toy box. Step 5: Store Once the toys are sorted and separated into three to four boxes, keep one out and put the remaining boxes in storage. Make sure you have easy access to the stored boxes so you can rotate them frequently. Step 6: Rotate Decide how long to keep a box out for play. Some families switch weekly, while some switch every two to three weeks, and some may switch every month or longer. Choose a time that works for your family. When each box is out, take note of what toys are most popular and which items get ignored. As you are packing up the box, remove the items that didn’t get played with and donate or sell them. By implementing a toy rotation system, you will be able to cut down on toy clutter in your living space because three-fourths of the toys will be in storage at any given time. In addition to a tidier home, there will also be less mess for kids to clean up and a better chance for all toys to be utilized.

www.purohitpeds.com 3686 Grandview Pkwy., Ste. 710 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-723-0395 | Mon-Fri

2468 Moody Pkwy. Moody, AL 35004 205-640-1200 | Mon-Fri

516 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 256-741-9799 | Mon-Sun

4441 Hwy. 431, Ste. 1 Roanoke, AL 36274 334-863-2553 | Mon-Fri

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children and knows a lot about toy clutter. She writes from her home in suburban Kansas City.

Growing Independence Independence Growing Independence Growing Growing Independence Behavioral Services Behavioral Services Behavioral Services Behavioral Services CLINIC LOCATIONS CLINIC LOCATIONS Birmingham • Anniston • Montgomery • Mobile

CLINIC LOCATIONS

LOCATIONS BirminghamCLINIC Anniston •• Montgomery Birmingham •• Anniston Montgomery••Mobile Mobile Birmingham • Anniston • Montgomery • Mobile

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) assessment and treatment for preschool and school-aged childrenBehavior with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Applied Analysis (ABA) assessment and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) assessment treatment for preschool and school-aged children with • Licensed Behavior Analysts Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) assessment and treatment preschool and(ASD). school-aged Autismfor Spectrum Disorder Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) assessment •with Private pay patients accepted and (ASD). and treatment for preschool and school-aged children Autism Spectrum Disorder • Licensed Behavior Analysts and treatment for preschool and school-aged many health insurance plans. children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). • Private pay patients accepted & many health insurance plans. • Licensed Behavior Analysts children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). growingindependence@learning-tree.org •• Licensed Behavior Analysts growingindependence@learning-tree.org . 334-425-6418 Private pay patients accepted and • Licensed Behavior Analysts

many health insurance plans. and • Private pay patients accepted • Private pay patients accepted and many health insurance plans. many health insurance plans. growingindependence@learning-tree.org

growingindependence@learning-tree.org growingindependence@learning-tree.org , Inc.

www.learning-tree.org

, Inc.

birminghamparent.com | 33

AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS

JEFFERSON COUNTY Jefferson County Board of Education 2100 18th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-379-2000 www.jefcoed.com Bessemer City Schools 1621 Fifth Ave. N. Bessemer, AL 35021 205-432-3000 www.bessk12.org Birmingham City Schools 2015 Park Place N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-231-4600 www.bhamcityschools.org Fairfield City Schools 6405 Ave. D Fairfield, AL 35064 205-783-6850 www.fairfield.cyberschool.com Homewood City Schools 450 Dale Ave. Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-4203 www.homewood.k12.al.us Hoover City Schools 2810 Metropolitan Way Hoover, AL 35243 205-439-1000 www.hoovercityschools.net Leeds City Schools 1404 Eighth St. P.O. Box 1083 Leeds, AL 35095 205-699-5437 www.leedsk12.org Midfield City Schools 417 Parkwood St. Midfield, AL 35228 205-923-2262 www.midfield.k12.al.us 34 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

Mountain Brook City Schools 32 Vine St. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-871-4608 www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us Tarrant City Schools 1318 Alabama St. Tarrant, AL 35217 205-849-3700 www.tarrant.k12.al.us Trussville City Schools 113 N. Chalkville Rd. Trussville, AL 35173 205-228-3000 www.trussvillecityschools.com Vestavia Hills City Schools 1204 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-402-5100 www.vestavia.k12.al.us SHELBY COUNTY Shelby County Board of Education 410 E. College St. P.O. Box 1910 Columbiana, AL 35051 205-682-7000 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us Schools in this system include Calera, Chelsea, Columbiana, Helena, Inverness, Montevallo, Oak Mountain, Shelby, Vincent and Wilsonville. Alabaster City Schools 10111 Highway 110 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-663-8400 www.acsboe.org Pelham City Schools 3113 Cummings St. Pelham, AL 35124 205-624-3700 www.pelhamcityschools.org

Chilton County Chilton County Schools 1705 Lay Dam Rd. Clanton, AL 35045 205-280-3000 www.chilton.k12.al.us Cullman County Cullman County Schools 402 Arnold St. NE P.O. Box 1590 Cullman, AL 35056 256-734-2933 www.ccboe.org Cullman City Schools 301 First St. NE Cullman, AL 35055 256-734-2933 www.cullmancats.net St. Clair County St. Clair County Schools 410 Roy Dr. Ashville, AL 35953 205-594-7131/205-594-4441 Fax www.sccboe.org Pell City School System 3105 15th Ave. N. Pell City, AL 35128 www.pell-city.com TUSCALOOSA COUNTY Tuscaloosa County Schools 1118 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-758-0411 www.tcss.net Tuscaloosa City Board of Education 1210 21st Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-759-3700 www.tuscaloosacityschools.com

SUMMER FUN

Camp Juliette Low On Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA

“Fresh air is your great friend.” —Juliette Gordon Low

CJL.org CJL is a private, residential summer camp for girls 7-17. 1 & 2 week sessions: June 7—August 1, 2020 Sessions fill quickly— register soon!

Preparing Girls for Confident Living and Leadership Since 1922

Get Your Hands on Marine Science at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

JULY 1-JULY 24 No camp the week of July 4th.

ENTERING 4K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Check out our CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Program Contact Gabe McCool at gmccool@highlandsschool.org or (205) 956-9731 ext 105 Located on Old Leeds Rd. (I-459 exit at Grants Mill Rd)

2020. 9

Kumon

Dates to Remember: Feb. 3 - Summer Camp Registration Opens April 4 - Discovery Day June 8 - World Oceans Day September 19 - National Estuaries Day www.disl.edu 251-861-2141

101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

birminghamparent.com | 35

AREA MUNICIPALITIES

AN OVERVIEW OF AREA MUNICIPALITIES The following is a listing of most of the cities in the Birmingham Parent circulation area of Jefferson, Shelby and Chilton counties. The information below is a resource for anyone needing to get in touch with city services and information where they live. JEFFERSON COUNTY City of Adamsville 4828 Main St. Adamsville, AL 35005 205-674-5671 www.cityofadamsville.org City of Bessemer 1700 Third Ave. N. Bessemer, AL 35020 205-424-4060 www.bessemeral.org City of Birmingham (county seat) 710 20th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-2000 www.birminghamal.gov City of Brighton 3700 Main St. Brighton, AL 35020 205-425-8934 City of Center Point 2209 Center Point Pkwy. Center Point, AL 35215 205-854-4460 www.thecityofcenterpoint.org City of Clay 2441 Old Springville Rd. Birmingham, AL 35215 205-680-1223 www.clayalabama.org City of Fairfield 4701 Gary Ave. Fairfield, AL 35064 205-788-2493 https://fairfieldal.org City of Fultondale 1210 Old Walker Chapel Rd. Fultondale, AL 35068 205-841-4481 www.fultondale.com

City of Gardendale 925 Main St. Gardendale, AL 35071 205-631-8789 www.cityofgardendale.com

City of Pleasant Grove 501 Park Rd. Pleasant Grove, AL 35127 205-744-1720 www.cityofpg.com

Town of Indian Springs Village 2635 Cahaba Valley Rd. Indian Springs, AL 35124 205-982-1755 www.indianspringsvillage.org

City of Graysville 246 South Main St. Graysville, AL 35073 205-674-5643 www.graysvillecity.com

City of Vestavia Hills 1032 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-978-0100 https://vhal.org

City of Montevallo 541 Main St. Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-2555 www.cityofmontevallo.com

City of Homewood 2850 19th St. S. Homewood, AL 35209 205-332-6100 www.cityofhomewood.com

City of Tarrant 1604 Pinson Valley Pkwy. Tarrant, AL 35217 205-849-2800 www.cityoftarrant.com

Town of Vincent 25 Florey St. Vincent, AL 35178 205-672-2261 www.townofvincent.com

City of Hoover 100 Municipal Drive Hoover, AL 35216 205-444-7500 www.hooveral.org

City of Trussville 131 Main St. Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-7478 www.trussville.org

Town of Westover 3312 Westover Rd. Westover, AL 35147 205-678-3375 westoveralabama.org

City of Hueytown 1318 Hueytown Road Hueytown, AL 35023 205-491-7010 www.hueytownal.gov

SHELBY COUNTY City of Alabaster 1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 205-664-6800 www.cityofalabaster.com

Town of Wilsonville 9905 N. Main St. Wilsonville, AL 35186 205-669-6180 www.wilsonvilleal.com

City of Irondale 101 20th St. S. Irondale, AL 35210 205-951-1413 https://cityofirondaleal.gov/ City of Leeds 1400 Ninth St. Leeds, AL 35094 205-699-2585 www.leedsalabama.org City of Moody 670 Park Ave. Moody, AL 35004 205-640-5121 www.moodyalabama.gov City of Mountain Brook 56 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-802-2400 www.mtnbrook.org City of Pinson 4410 Main St. Pinson, AL 35126 205-680-5556 www.thecityofpinson.com

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City of Calera 7901 Highway 31 Calera, AL 35040 205-668-3500 www.cityofcalera.org City of Chelsea 11611 Chelsea Rd. Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-8455 www.cityofchelsea.com City of Columbiana (county seat) 107 Mildred St. Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-5800 www.cityofcolumbiana.com

Town of Wilton 100 Depot St. Wilton, AL 35187 205-665-2021 www.wiltonalabama.net CHILTON COUNTY City of Clanton 505 Second Ave. N. Clanton, AL 35045 205-755-4051 www.clanton.al.us City of Jemison 14 Padgett Lane Jemison, AL 35085 205-688-4492 www.jemisonalabama.org

Town of Harpersville 83 Town Hall Lane Harpersville, AL 35078 205-672-9961 https://townofharpersville.com

Town of Maplesville 9400 AL Hwy. 22 Maplesville, AL 36750 334-366-4211 www.townofmaplesville.com

City of Helena 816 Hwy. 52 W. Helena, AL 35080 205-663-2161 www.cityofhelena.org

Town of Thorsby P.O Box 608 Thorsby, AL 35171 205-646-3575 www.thorsbyal.com

Brayden (BB) Butler is right. His healthcare team is among the best in the nation! While practicing a motocross jump, BB fell and suffered a brain bleed. It would take half a year and surgeons, physicians, nurses and therapists to help him recover. Fortunately, for BB and thousands of other children, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Alabama is ranked among the top hospitals for children by U.S. News & World Report.

DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

205.638.9100 CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOUTH OUTPATIENT CENTER Outpatient surgery, Pediatric Imaging, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243

205.638.4800

www.ChildrensAL.org

find out why our student-families love us!

Growing our children in knowledge and faith... Experience the Difference!

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School

olsschool.com | (205) 879-3237 | 1720 Oxmoor Road | Homewood, Alabama

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RESOURCE GUIDE n cover sponsor

Following is a great list of resources in Birmingham and beyond. Keep this list all year to access information about entertainment, health care, schools, pet care and more! SCHOOLSPUBLIC & PRIVATE Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604 251-441-2152 www.asms.net ASMS is a public, residential high school accepting applications from highly motivated 9th and 10th graders seeking advanced studies in math, science and the humanities. Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 www.jbma.org JBMA provides children & families with an education according to the Montessori philosophy. At JBMA, we treat each child as individuals, building on their strengths to become lifelong global learners. Enrolling toddlers 8th grade. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School 1720 Oxmoor Rd. Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3237 www.olsschool.com Fostering a Christ-centered environment that includes strong academics, technology, and enrichment opportunities. Educating young minds in K3-8th grades. AdvancED accredited.

The Altamont School 4801 Altamont Rd. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-445-1232 www.altamontschool.org The Mission of the Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated students capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. PRESCHOOLS & DAYCARE Odyssey Early Schools *Inverness Campus 104 Heatherbrooke Park Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-0039 *Trace Crossings Campus 401 Emery Dr. Hoover, AL 35244 205-988-8829 www.odysseyearlyschool.com Created by educators featuring state-of-the-art facilities, nurturing teachers with Education degrees, and comprehensive curriculum that provides your child with age appropriate exploration into the world of learning. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Kumon of Hoover River Oaks Village 3744 Lorna Rd. Birmingham, AL 35216 205-444-9485 www.kumon.com/hoover-al Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children in preschool through high school. Students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills that last a lifetime. The Tutoring Center

2804 John Hawkins Pkwy. Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 (near Academy Sports) 205-987-9577 www.hoover.tutorcenter.com One-to-one tutoring designed to help your child develop stronger academic skills, earn better grades, score higher on standardized tests, while gaining

38 | birminghamparent | THE GUIDE 2020

confidence, motivation and focus. DENTISTS, ORTHODONTISTS & ORAL SURGEONS Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Suite 21 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-0892 www.drrohner.com Dr. Rohner is a mother of four and has been a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist for almost two decades. With a background in education, she understands that each child needs individualized care. McCalla Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 4814 Bell Hill Rd. Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-8004 www.mccallasmiles.com Dentistry for children, adolescents and patients with disabilities. Orthodontics for children and adults. We offer traditional metal brackets as well as clear invisalign option.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Brookwood Baptist Health Four locations in Central Alabama BBHob.com *Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 *Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 *Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 1st St. N. Alabaster, AL 35007 *Walker Baptist Medical Center 3400 Hwy. 78 E. Jasper, AL 35501 With four hospitals delivering throughout central Alabama, access to an entire network of specialists, and countless ways to customize your experience, Brookwood Baptist Health is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.

Children’s of Alabama 1600 Seventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 Pediatric Smiles, LLC www.childrensal.org Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey Children’s of Alabama 4823 Promenade Pkwy. has provided specialized Suite 101 medical care for ill and Bessemer, AL 35022 injured children since 1911, 205-230-9000 offering inpatient, outpatient, www.psmilesal.com and primary care services Our top priority is helping throughout Alabama. your child achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy Grandview Medical Group smile! Providing dental OB/GYN care for children of all ages, 3686 Grandview Pkwy. including those with special Suite 320 needs. Now accepting new Birmingham, AL 35243 patients and most insurance 205-971-5499 accepted. grandviewobgyn.com Our board certified OB/ Thomas Pediatric Dentistry GYNs are passionate about 721 Montclair Rd. helping women achieve Birmingham, AL 35213 their goals and offer care 205-879-6150 that is compassionate and www.thomaspediatricdenpersonal. tistry.com As one of Birmingham’s most Grandview Medical Center trusted children’s dentists, Women’s and Dr. Thomas offers a safe, Children’s Center nurturing environment in a 3690 Grandview Pkwy. state of the art oral health Birmingham, AL 35243 facility for infants, children, 205-971-1000 teenagers and those with www.grandviewhealth.com special needs. Whether becoming a new parent or adding to your

family - our dedicated team at Grandview Medical Center will make your experience memorable. Purohit Pediatric Clinic 4 locations: Anniston 516 Quintard Ave. 256-741-9799 Roanoke 4441 Hwy 431 Suite 1 334-863-2553 Moody 2468 Moody Parkway Moody, AL 35004 205-640-1200 Birmingham 3686 Grandview Pkwy. Suite #710 205-379-7190 www.purohitpeds.com Our caring physicians and staff are committed to providing patients with the very best quality care and service. We welcome new patients from surrounding communities to any of our four Alabama locations. Small Steps Pediatrics Dr. Shameza Boyd St. Vincent’s East Professional Bldg. 52 Medical Park Dr. E., Suite 201 Birmingham, AL 35235 205-868-3486 www.smallstepspediatrics.com Providing exceptional health care and compassionate service to the families we serve. We offer a full range of pediatric care including well–child check–ups, immunizations and sick appointments. Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham 3686 Grandview Pkwy. Suite 300 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-536-7676 www.whsbham.com Our physicians have created an environment for women that is calm, respectful and supportive. Visit whsbham. com for more information. Special Needs SPECIAL NEEDS Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind 205 South St. E.

Talladega, AL 35160 256-761-3284 www.aidb.org AIDB is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program for individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deaf-blind and multi-disabled. Serving over 26,000 infants, toddlers, children, and adults in Alabama each year. Child’s Play Therapy Center 3057 Lorna Rd. Birmingham, AL 35216 Hoover: 205-978-9939 48 Chesser Crane Rd. Suite I Chelsea, AL 35043 Chelsea: 205-618-8095 www.childsplaytherapy.com Occupational, physical, and speech therapy, along with a variety of special programs. Two beautiful, fully equipped facilities. Our experienced, loving staff will exceed your expectations. Huggs & Kisses Sick Child Care / Mission Hugs Foundation 1716 Fifth Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-324-8447 www.missionhugs.org Providing sick child care & emergency care when schools close or other issues arise. We work with children with reverse isolation, premature newborns, and provide help for children with chronic medical conditions and childhood illnesses. The Learning Tree Inc. 251-533-6044 www.learning-tree.org The Learning Tree Inc. provides early intervention, residential, educational, behavioral analysis and consultation services for more than 600 children with intellectual disabilities and autism annually. Pediatric Therapy Associates, Inc. 700 Century Park S., Suite 128 Birmingham, AL 35226 205-823-1215 www.pediatricptot.com Providing outpatient

pediatric physical and occupational therapy to children and teenagers with special needs, sports related injuries, medical/pain issues, early intervention and school therapy. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama 1700 Fourth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-7263 RMHCA.org RMHCA keeps families close to each other and the care they need at area hospitals by providing them with the comforts of home and resources for the entire family.

Master Scarsella's World Class Tae Kwon Do 268 Inverness Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-9636 Worldclass@ AlabamaTKD.com and 3417 Old Columbiana Rd. Hoover, AL 35226 205-438-6244 Hoover@AlabamaTKD.com Master Scarsella's is more than kicking and punching - It is an educational goaloriented program designed to help students reach their individual potential physically, mentally, emotionally & socially through fun instruction of martial arts!

ART, DRAMA & MUSIC RETAIL The Academy of the Arts at Samford University 1939 South Lakeshore Dr. Birmingham, AL 35229 205-726-2739 Samford.edu/go/aota Samford’s Academy of the Arts offers classes for all ages in art, music, antiques, languages, photography and more. Start 2020 with a new hobby! Register today for classes and summer camps at Samford.edu/go/aota.

Applause Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Rd. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-STEP www.appausedancewear.net Applause has the largest selection of dancewear in the Southeast. Clothing, shoes and accessories for all types of dance that fit toddler to plus size, teams and individuals. SUMMER CAMPS

DANCE, SPORTS & FITNESS Alabama Ballet 2726 First Ave. S Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-4300 www.alabamaballet.org Providing the highest quality training to aspiring artists of all ages that is developmentally appropriate both physically and artistically. The school’s instruction is based on the syllabus provided by the Royal Academy of Dance. The Dance Foundation 1715 27th Court S. Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-0073 www.thedancefoundation.org Our non-competitive dance education nurtures creativity, engages the imagination, and promotes social and developmental skills in a safe and enriching environment for self-expression and collaboration.

Camp Juliette Low 321 Camp Juliette Low Rd. Cloudland, GA 30731 770-428-1062 www.cjl.org Dates: 1 & 2 wk. sessions June 7- August 1 Ages: girls 7-17 Platform tents, outdoor adventure, traditional camping, fun and friendship since 1922! CJL is a private, residential camp for girls that fosters self-confidence, independence, teamwork, and leadership. On Lookout Mountain, just 2 hours north of Birmingham. Highlands School Summer Camp 4901 Old Leeds Rd. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-956-9731 www.highlandsschool.org June 1–July 24 (except July 4th week) Ages: 4K-8th Arts, sports, science and more for elementary-8th birminghamparent.com | 39

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grade. Campers continue to learn while having a great time! Traditional day camps. Morning and afternoon extended care. Check out our Counselor-in-Training program! ATTRACTIONS & TRAVEL Alabama Shakespeare Festival 1 Festival Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-5300 www.asf.net The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is among the 10 largest Shakespeare festivals in the world. The festival is permanently housed in the Carolyn Blount Theatre in Montgomery, Alabama. ASF puts on 6-9 productions annually, typically including three works of William Shakespeare Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 251-861-2141 www.disl.org The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s (DISL) mission encompasses the pursuit of excellence in marine

science education, marine research, coastal zone management policy and educating the general public through the Estuarium, our public aquarium. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center 2800 Opryland Dr. Nashville, TN 37214 615- 889-1000 www.marriott. com/hotels/travel/ bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/ Gravitate toward your next great adventure at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Situated in the heart of Nashville, our luxury hotel allows you to hit all the high notes of Music City both in the area and under our roof. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel 21196 E Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-540-4000 lodgeatgulfstatepark.com Overlooking the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, this relaxing hotel is located in beautiful

Gulf State Park. Amenities include an outdoor infinity pool, two beachfront restaurants and a poolside bar and grill. McWane Science Center 200 19th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum with aquarium and IMAX® Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder. Vulcan Park and Museum 1701 Valley View Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-933-1409 www.visitvulcan.com Birmingham's beloved icon, Vulcan, is the world's largest cast iron statue. Featuring breathtaking views of the city, an interactive history museum and a beautiful public park.

PETS Love Them, Train Them Positive pet training and family instruction With Rebecca Mason, CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner & head trainer rebecca@lovethemtrainthem.com www.lovethemtrainthem.com/ Rebecca believes to have a well-behaved dog, the owner must be taught first. She thrives on interaction with people and lets and brings passion and determination to her work. Training is about a bond of trust and love between dog and handler. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and has a Master’s Degree in Education. Shaggy Chic Grooming & Daycare 104 Market Center Dr. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-610-8818 www.facebook.com/pg/ shaggychicalabaster/ Upscale grooming salon in Alabaster, by Tonya Lammons offers a self-wash area, pet photos, and drive through, among many other features! **NEW....Now

View Our Online Directories For More Community Resources Health & Wellness - Baby & Me -Special Needs Education & Enrichment - Kids Camps Our monthly calendar, great web stories, contests and The Guide 2020 online all year at

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PET PAGE

HOW TO MIX TODDLERS AND PUPPIES

(This is part 1 of a two part article. Look for the follow up piece in the February 2020 issue of Birmingham Parent.) I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – if your child is younger than eight or nine years old and you get a dog, you’re in for a challenge! This is even more the case when that dog is a puppy. Many pet owners want their children to grow up with a dog – as the mom of a 10-year-old boy, I totally get this, but when your child is a toddler, you may find yourself in a world of hurt and wishing you hadn’t gotten this teething, jumping, mouthy bundle of fluff. What’s a mom/dog mom to do? First, supervision is your best friend. It’s your job to protect your child from your dog and your dog from your child. Most pups would never purposefully try to hurt anyone, but in a split second, your puppy can steal food from your toddler’s hand and injure him by accident, nip him in the face if he goes in for a hug (dogs don’t typically like hugs), or knock him down out of exuberance. Given that young puppies don’t really know commands – and don’t yet have the maturity and training experience to perform commands with the high-level distraction of a toddler whose face is covered in spaghetti sauce – tremendous patience is going to be required of you, the owner. Here are some things that need to be prevented for everyone’s safety and sanity: • Knocking the child down • Nipping the child’s hands or face

Photo by Rebecca Mason

By Rebecca Mason, CPDT-KA, CTDI, M.Ed.

• Licking food off of the child’s hands or face • Playing with or chewing on the child’s toys • Picking up dropped pacifiers or blankets • Nosing around in the diaper pail • Running out doors if the child opens them • Being injured by (or becoming afraid of) the child This is just the beginning! This is asking a LOT of a puppy – even of an adult dog. You’ll need to keep in mind what might be reasonable expectations. Training is very helpful and should be started as early as possible, with an emphasis on come, leave it, drop it, off, wait at doorways or baby gates and stay. However, a dog who can come or stay in a quiet room is not going to be able to do these things with 100 percent accuracy when there’s a child toddling around! I recommend finding a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement and can show you how to teach your pup these important skills. Please note the emphasis on “positive.” Many owners become

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frustrated and want a quick fix, and in their desperation they resort to using aversive tools such as shock collars in order to correct a pup for jumping on their child or trying to steal his snack. This can go very badly as dogs are quick to form mental associations between something uncomfortable or painful (the shock) with something or someone they are interacting with (the child). This is likely to cause the dog to fear the child or become aggressive toward him. Then you will have a much bigger problem. This is why it’s important to teach dogs what you DO want them to do, then reward them for making those good choices. Be sure to check out next month’s article on specific management strategies for dogs and toddlers, including parallel play. Rebecca Mason is a certified dog trainer and owner of Love Them Train Them LLC in Birmingham. She is a former elementary school teacher and is passionate about working with families to channel their dogs’ energy positively. • NEW! Doggie daycare, rates for half and full days, great for socialization, separation anxiety, manners and exercise • Pet grooming & self wash options • Drive thru & pick up at door • Coming in September: Training classes with Love Them, Train Them

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Birmingham Parent's THE GUIDE 2020

Articles inside

How to Mix Toddlers and Puppies

Toy Rotation: Reduce Toy Clutter In Six Easy Steps

Toy Rotation: Reduce Toy Clutter in Six Easy Steps

Identifying the Gifted Child: What Parents Need to Know

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

How Parents Can Show The Love Equally To Each Very Different Child