Parenthood IQ - Smart Parenting in the Lowcountry - Winter 2019-20

HOLIDAY EVENTS | WINTER GETAWAYS | DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS

Smart Parenting in the Lowcountry WINTER 2019-20

FAMILY HOMES TOUR USCB ART 4 EVERYONE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 18 07 | PARENTING: ASK THE EXPERT:

Health advice from a local chiropractor.

08 | EXPECTING: HIGH RISK PREGNANCIES

How to handle this diagnosis.

12 | LITTLE: MUSIC AND MOVEMENT – ONE STEP AT A TIME

Tips for introducing music at a young age.

20 15 | MIDDLE: RAISING KIDS – MILESTONES YOU MIGHT NOT THINK OF

Milestones not checked by the doctor, but just as important.

ON THE COVER

18 | PARENTING: DEVELOPING POSITIVE SOCIAL SKILLS

Learning to handle bullying behavior.

20 | TWEEN: UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL BEHAVIORS – IS THIS NORMAL?

Healthy and risky socialization in tweens.

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Cover photo by Amber Faust – Mom of 3, photographer, blogger, and social media influencer. Follow along @faustisland

- WINTER 2019 -

42 24 | GET OUTSIDE: ULTIMATE DAY

Outside Hilton Head keeps kids entertained and learning.

30 | TEEN: SO YOUR KID WANTS TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE?

Tips for the recruitment process.

32 | EDUCATION: ISLAND HOSPITALITY

Look inside USCB’s newest campus.

36 | PARENTING: BUILDING OR BUYING A HOME WITH KIDS

Tips on creating a home perfect for your family.

40 | WINTER TRAVEL: TENNESSEE

Explore Gatlinburg and Chattanooga.

42 | WINTER TRAVEL: COLORADO

Explore Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, and Snowmass.

46 | ART IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Tips for little ones to enjoy the theatre.

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60 58 | STELLAR KIDS

Local kids who are going places.

49 | MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Winter events throughout the Lowcountry!

60 | DO YOU BELIEVE?

Stories about the jolly old man in red.

62 | LET’S GET SOCIAL #lowcountryfamilyfun

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A

Smart Parenting in the Lowcountry

WELCOME TO PIQ! KIDS ARE MESSY...PARENTING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE.

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an you believe it's time to start making holiday plans? Are you planning to travel? Stay at home?

Are you visiting multiple sets of parents and grandparents or hosting in your own home? In this frenetic season, we feel like we must balance all the things and priorities. Feeling a bit overwhelmed just thinking about it? No worries. PIQ has got your back.

As always, we have a comprehensive list of holidaythemed events taking place from Savannah to Charleston and all over the Lowcountry. Take the in-laws to the Festival of Trees or one of our many Christmas tree lighting festivals.

And if you are looking for a real winter wonderland, the holidays make a great time to get away and travel with the family. We highlight tips for escaping to the mountains in Tennessee and Colorado.

We often hear a lot about the term “bullying.” But what would you do if it were your child doing the bullying?

Julie Markle has shared some insight from an elementary school counselor’s perspective and how to develop positive social skills. We also take a look at those puzzling “tween” social behaviors and get answers to our biggest question: “Is this normal?”

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare shares with us some great information regarding high-risk pregnancies. While just hearing that term might make the hair on your arms stand on end, staying calm is key!

USCB’s new hospitality campus on Hilton Head provides solid options for local education. While the education piece is not new, the campus is, and it’s beyond extraordinary. Catch up with Keri Olivetti and the Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training for an exclusive look inside.

Bundle up, y’all! Trade those flip flops for snuggly boots! As we are putting this issue to bed, it’s 45 degrees!

Enjoy your holidays and we’ll see you in 2020!

From the PIQ Team!

FOUNDER

Marc Frey marc@mediamarketingteam.com PUBLISHER Meredith DiMuzio meredith@mediamarketingteam.com CONTENT CURATOR Kate Vermilyea kate@parenthoodiq.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christine Cannon christine@hiltonheadmonthly.com BRAND AMBASSADORS Karrie Comeau Karrie@mediamarketingteam.com Heather Edge heather@mediamarketingteam.com CONTRIBUTORS: Stefanie Ardoin Geneva Baxley Jessica Bender Karrie Comeau Jessica Farthing Amber Faust Joseph Floyd Jenna Gow Carrie Hirsch Justin Jarrett Jennifer McEwen Kate Vermilyea Carol Weir EMAIL US AT:

parenting@parenthoodiq.com address 14 Westbury Park Way, Suite 200, Bluffton 29910 offices 843.384.4488 web parenthoodiq.com ParenthoodIQ.com @parenthood_iq @parenthoodiq

Karrie Comeau

Meredith DiMuzio

Kate Vermilyea

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Heather Edge

Ask the Experts Is Chiropractic Good For Children?

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e sat down with Dr. Lindsay Senalik, a chiropractor and owner of Atlantic Chiropractic, to answer your questions about chiropractic work for kids of different ages.

Q: What are the top benefits of kids (2-10) and chiropractic?

A: Children from 2-10 are commonly prone to having spinal misalignments because of their daily activities. They are constantly jumping, bouncing off of things, and running into things- this coupled with the increased usage of technology (tablets, cell phones, etc.) causes undue stress on a child’s neck and shoulders from their forward head flexion. These activities will often cause misalignments in young children’s spines, which can lead to other more serious ailments and disorders. It would be in the best interest of parents of young children to get their spines checked three to four times a year to ensure correct spinal alignment.

Q: What are the benefits for tweens/ teens?

A: Tweens/teens are another very important age to keep aligned. Just

like with younger children they often spend even more time on technology.

They often carry backpacks that are overweight and they wear them too low on their bodies. Spinal alignment of the vertebrae takes undue pressure off of the spinal cord and nerves that innervate all of the organs in the body, including the organs of reproduction which cause the surging hormones. Regular chiropractic adjustments have been known to help, especially girls going through puberty with diminishing cramping and having regularity in their cycles. PIQ

Please send parenting questions to editor@parenthoodiq.com Dr. Lindsay Senalik is a chiropractor and owner of Atlantic Chiropractic, LLC. She loves the Lowcountry because she can be active nearly year-round, and is mama to two fur-humans, Thelma and Brutus.

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– EXPECTING –

HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES

By Dr. Claude Tolbert, Jr.

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f you just found out that you’re pregnant, you probably have a thousand questions about how to have a healthy pregnancy.

Your pregnancy may be considered highrisk if you are diagnosed with complications like preterm labor, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gestational diabetes is first seen in a pregnant woman who did not have diabetes before she was pregnant. It typically shows up in the middle of pregnancy and doctors most often test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Oftentimes, gestational diabetes can be controlled through regular exercise and by eating healthy foods.

If you’ve been told your pregnancy is high risk, first, take a deep breath. While “highrisk” may sound scary, there is no reason to panic; many high-risk pregnancies go just as planned. But having all the information will go a long way toward helping you feel more in control and help you minimize risks however you can. A good way to start is by asking your doctor some important questions.

Here are four questions about highrisk pregnancy to talk about with your healthcare provider:

WHY AM I A HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY?

Ask what factors caused your doctor to designate your pregnancy as high-risk and if you should consider seeing any specialists. For example, if you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may want an endocrinologist on board. You may also consider finding an OB who specializes in high-risk pregnancy.

DO I NEED ADDITIONAL TESTING?

There may be additional testing and treatment to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. You may have more sonograms than a lower-risk pregnancy.

You may need to go in more frequently for blood work or your doctor may suggest genetic testing. Knowing your doctor’s plan of action can help set your expectations.

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DO I NEED TO WATCH FOR CERTAIN SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Ask your doctor which signs and symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention and which ones can wait. For example, signs of problems include any bleeding or fluid leaking from your vagina, blurred vision, sudden or severe swelling in your hands, fingers or face, or if you suspect that your baby is moving less than normal.

HOW DO I HANDLE ANXIETY?

Though being told your pregnancy is high risk can make you feel anxious, talk with your healthcare provider about what you can do to manage your anxiety, as this stress can affect the health of both you and your baby. If your doctor OKs it, you may consider taking a prenatal yoga class to help reduce your stress level – and to meet other moms-to-be!

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If you already know that you will be considered a high-risk pregnancy due to factors such as age or medical conditions, you might want to get a jump-start by scheduling a preconception appointment with your doctor. He or she may want you to start taking prenatal vitamins, adjust treatment for any existing problems, or work on achieving a healthy weight.

If you’ve already been told your pregnancy is high-risk, write down your questions and ask your doctor. Having the information that you need will go a long way toward easing your mind. And know that you’ve got this! PIQ Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/ diabetes-gestational.html Dr. Claude Tolbert, Jr. is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has been caring for women in the Beaufort community for more than 16 years. Dr. Tolbert is extensively trained in the management of high-risk pregnancies, diabetes in pregnancy as well as minimally invasive, advanced robotic surgical techniques using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.

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– LITTLE –

MUSIC & MOVEMENT: ONE STEP AT A TIME An interview with Judy & Sanford Jones, Co-Directors of Youth Opera International

By Carrie Hirsch | Photos submitted

PARENTHOOD IQ: How can parents introduce children to listening to music and singing?

SANFORD: Repeating nursery rhymes

is effective, because singing starts with spoken language. "Hickory Dickory Dock, the mouse ran up the clock" - when you rest the child on your knee, bouncing in time with the music - that begins part of the physical understanding of rhythm. Singing is sustained speech - when you extend the spoken sound, it becomes singing. A child who is becoming fluent with rhythmic activity and speech will be better able to sing in rhythm and on pitch. Folk songs such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" have

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a predictable rhythm and a limited pitch range. In "Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow," the form is very clear and the rhythmic and melodic patterns are easily remembered.

PARENTHOOD IQ: Why is movement important and how can parents provide movement experiences?

JUDY: Research over the decades has

shown that purposeful movement is a direct catalyst for clear thinking and emotional well-being. Rudolf Laban, a theorist and artist of note in European modern dance, wrote, “Gross and fine motor skills are

what keep us stable. Humans must move. If movement is inhibited, then aberrations of the personality present themselves.” Daily experience with freedom of movement, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for the child’s well-being.

PARENTHOOD IQ: When can parents

introduce movement and dance lessons?

JUDY: Creative dance can begin at

age two with “Mommy and Me” classes.

Three- and four-year-olds are exploring basic locomotor movements, levels and directions in space. By age five, the children need to know their eight locomotor movements – walk, run, jump, leap, hop, gallop, skip, and slide.

Judy and Sanford Jones relax in their home garden.

PARENTHOOD IQ: What are some future plans for Youth Opera International?

SANFORD: My latest children’s opera, "The Singing Tree," is based on a tale from The 1001 Arabian Nights and will premiere this spring at a school where we have performed over 30 operas over three decades. We enjoy seeing performances to both entertain and inspire us – everything from "A Chorus Line" at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina to "Hamilton" on Broadway to the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. PIQ For further information about Youth Opera International, visit youthoperaintl.com.

Judy and Sanford Jones met and were married in New York City in 1986. Judy received a BA degree in ballet and theatre, pursued a career as a Broadway dancer, owned two dance studios and became a Certified Movement Analyst in the Laban Theory of Movement. Sanford, a music major at Westminster Choir College, became a Montessori teacher and teacher trainer. He founded and directed Montessori schools, while composing and performing children’s operas. The Joneses continue to greatly influence music and dance for children nationally and internationally through their operas, workshops and line of materials for home and classroom use.

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– MIDDLE –

RAISING KIDS: MILESTONES YOU MIGHT NOT THINK ABOUT

By Jessica Farthing

W

hen our children are babies, we are so in tune with their milestones.

When are they supposed to sit up? When should they walk? After they finish becoming mobile, potty-training and learning to talk, the milestones seem fewer and farther between. Somehow, we lose track of when they should learn independent living skills as they get older.

However, to move your child forward toward being a capable adult, the work never ends. Here are some skills that might not get checked at the doctor's office, but are just as important.

LEARNING TO VOLUNTEER

Children are naturally empathetic and love to help others. As a parent, it’s almost never too early to foster this skill. Of course, it’s important to pay attention to age and skill level to pick activities that are right for them. It’s also great to follow their interests to make a volunteer project more compelling for your child. One of the best ways to teach a child that it’s valuable to

volunteer is to model that behavior. Making this a family effort shows that you practice what you preach and it will be more likely that your child will take this lesson into adulthood. Another way to teach a child about the gift of giving is to read books that deal with the theme, like the beautiful story of a generous tree, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.

MANAGING MONEY

Julia Taylor had debt from her master’s degree and vowed that her daughters would learn to live free of borrowed money. She knew she had to make spending realistic for her oldest daughter, “Kate and I had a lot of conversations on how to handle money. I gave her a little notebook to keep track of her allowance.

She wrote down what she spent and what she planned to spend it on. I required her to have charitable giving and savings.

She still does it at 21 years old. She keeps track of every penny and checks her bank account everyday.”

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Julia was so successful in teaching this lesson that Kate managed to budget out scholarship money in a year abroad in China with very little input. She says, “She has a two-year plan at all times.”

Professionals like Dave Ramsey agree with Julia starting so early to teach fiscal responsibility. His suggestions usually involve showing rather than telling kids how much things cost. A visual representation can show a child realistically what spending means.

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS TO AN ADDRESS

Kids are usually more competent with their phones than their parents are, but every now and then there is somewhere that might not be on a GPS. Does your child know how to read a map? It seems silly, but map-reading helps children develop spatial reasoning. These skills include shape, size, and trajectory of objects, using information to make a decision and manipulate. Maps are cool, too! They’re chock full of symbols and the possibility of different environments and worlds. Make a treasure hunt with map clues or play with a compass. Your child’s math skills will benefit.

Even though you might have made it through the early milestones of childrearing, parenting is a never-ending joy.

Exploring adult skills make your children happy and independent, leading to welladjusted adulthood. PIQ Jessica Farthing is a Savannah-based freelance writer and mom of three. She often looks at her children who are almost grown and wonders how it happened so fast!

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Beaufort County School District

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Registration

Pre-Kindergarten students must be 4 on or before September 1st Kindergarten students must be 5 on or before September 1st

Registration Begins February 2020 CHILD FIND

Pre-Kindergarten Developmental Screenings March 2 - 6, 2020 Register at the school in your attendance area For more information please call the Office of Early Childhood, Parenting and Family Literacy 843-521-2399 or Ashley.Hutchison@beaufort.k12.sc.us

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– PARENTING –

DEVELOPING POSITIVE SOCIAL SKILLS

By Julie Markle

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s parents, we can all identify with the pride that our children’s accomplishment brings. Whether their team just won the championship game, or they are walking across a stage to gain recognition for a positive impact they are making, we feel honored too. We do not, however, often discuss the feelings we experience when the recognition they are gaining is for a negative impact. The phone call we receive from the school principal, or parent, when our child is not making good decisions.

of your team, someone who cares deeply about helping your child develop and grow into a responsible, accountable individual.

Resist the urge to become defensive or angry.

What if you are faced with the realization that your child is bullying others?

At that moment, the best decision you could possibly make is to stop and breathe. As you listen to the information that is being shared, consider the source as a member

Remember, depending on your child’s age, they may not yet possess the verbal skills to express feelings of anger, depression, or frustration but may instead act out those emotions with their behaviors.

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Try not to allow this information to feel like an attack on your parenting skills or as a defining moment for how your child is viewed by others. Resist the urge to ignore this information and instead begin the dialogue with your child to better understand what is causing this behavior.

As you talk with your child, they may offer you clues that express feelings of low self-esteem, a desire to fit in with a specific peer group (and a need to have power), they may be imitating aggressive behaviors they are observing, or they may be striving to gain attention.

Help your child to understand the impact their behaviors are having on others.

Often, they have not even considered that they are “hurting” someone with their words or actions. Role-playing various situations with them will help them to identify how their behavior is making others feel while exploring new strategies for coping with situations.

Be very clear on your expectations and that hurting others (whether it is physical, verbal or cyber-bullying) is not acceptable, helping to extinguish this behavior with clearly defined consequences if the behavior continues.

Your conversation should help your child develop accountability for their actions while creating a safe place for open communication.

Remember that you don’t have to maneuver this journey alone. Consider the valuable resources that you could also include on your team, such as your child’s school counselor, teacher, or trusted coach.

Above all, recognize that you now have an opportunity to work with your child to develop healthier social skills that will result in more positive outcomes for everyone involved. PIQ Julie Markle is a school guidance counselor at Pritchardville Elementary with 17 years of experience. She is married to Jeff, and is Mom to Alex. Originally from Indiana, she moved to South Carolina three years ago and loves the beach, boating, and sunshine!

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– TWEEN –

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL BEHAVIORS: IS THIS NORMAL?

By Amanda Baskin

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s a parent of a tween, you may be struggling to decide what’s normal and what’s concerning as your child is entering their teenage years. In this “between” stage, your child is facing new challenges and discovering what their new role means. They are no longer a child who will be content with only playing outside and pretending with friends. But, they’re not quite as independent as a teenager. It’s a stage in which hormones are introduced at different times for everyone, meaning that each tween feels they are the one out of place and can’t stop comparing themselves to their peers. And thanks to social media, they can compare themselves at all times of the day.

Before you become overwhelmed and take your child’s electronic devices and limit friend time, there are a few things to remind yourself. During this life stage,

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your child is beginning to explore who they are. You have already taught them right and wrong and they have learned the school basics. They are now beginning to form their own opinions while also having the cognitive awareness to compare and research these opinions. They may have always liked playing with Legos before, but now are analyzing “What do I really like?

What do my friends like?” They need to be given the space to have these thoughts of exploration, while also still receiving guidance and encouragement- something they will continue to need throughout their teenage years. You may have already been tiptoeing the line to keep the perfect balance of allowing them to explore and holding the reins of parenting. You’re not alone in this struggle. And don’t worry, you have plenty of years ahead with your child to work on this balance.

So now that we understand the cognitive needs of our tweens, let’s talk about healthy and unhealthy socialization.

THEY SEEM GLUED TO THEIR SCREENS.

Maybe you are feeling that you haven’t even seen your child’s face in days, at least not without some part of it being blocked by their phone, tablet, etc. This can limit some of your child’s social development, such as promoting low levels of eye contact or limiting the depth of their social interactions. While this can be concerning, it doesn’t mean it’s not a normal want for tweens to be on their phones. By validating their interest (“I want to give you time on your phone because I know it’s important to you…”) while also setting limits (“..but you need put down your phone when having conversations”), you can show your child a balance of using technology while remaining involved in the actual world around them.

THEY KEEP POSTING PICTURES WITH THEIR FRIENDS. Maybe every time you take your tween and their friends out for ice cream, you notice they are constantly trying to pose for pictures to post. This in itself isn’t a bad thing. But you need to be aware of the “why” behind it. Do they have fun taking pictures and like posting with

friends? Yes? Great! Or are they posting because they have to get 75 likes to feel validated as a successful person?

If that’s the case, their self-esteem may be too heavily tied to social media.

If you’re worried, talk to your tween in a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment. Also, always promote internet safety with your child. If they are going to be posting on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc., you need to encourage having private profiles and periodically check in about their internet safety.

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S A HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP?

You may not know what to think about some of your tween’s friendships. Are they falling in with a good crowd?

Should they have more friends? Closer friendships? Less close friendships?

Socialization at this age is important.

As I mentioned earlier, they are in a stage of self-exploration and their peer relationships play into this a lot. So it is important that the people they’re spending time with do care about them. If your child has a strong support network, whether two friends or ten, they’re going to be better able to handle any stressor they may face. Presenting a non-judgmental space for your tween to talk about their friendships will allow you peace of mind for who they’re hanging out with as well as plenty of time for conversations on their growing values and beliefs. PIQ Amanda Baskin, LMSW is a therapist at Water’s Edge Counseling, where she works primarily with children, adolescents, and college-age clients. She applies a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as CBT, DBT, Play therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy, to work with clients of all ages to help them reach their goals.

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– GET OUTSIDE –

THE ULTIMATE DAY

Outside Hilton Head keeps kids entertained and learning Story and Photos By Carol Weir

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welve-year-old Finn Sweeney and thirteen-year-old Shea Sweeney knew that their day would be far from ordinary when Outside Hilton Head guide John Martin told them about the ghost in the Haig Point lighthouse.

Anyone passing in a boat or kayak will see a quaint white house with a picturesque, red-topped tower and shiny black shutters, but the little lighthouse is more than a cozy coastal hideaway.

“People who spend the night in the lighthouse say things happen,” Martin said, adding a bit of mystery to his lesson about Daufuskie Island history.

Legend states a young woman named Maggie Comer, the daughter of the first lighthouse keeper, fell in love with a naval engineer who came to work on the lighthouse, a rare visitor for the secluded family. But their romance abruptly ended and he left the island, never to return, leaving Maggie with a broken heart that would keep her spirit at the lighthouse to this day.

Most tweens and teens can get behind ghosts, dating drama and boating, and Martin spent the rest of the day similarly, looking for ways to interpret and expound on the area’s history and nature in a way that would appeal to his young passengers.

This came naturally for Martin, who has worked for Outside Hilton Head for more than a decade and is the father of two boys and two girls.

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“My oldest is in the seventh grade, and I really like working with families,” he said.

Martin gets a lot of clients with children on Outside’s fully-customizable adventure called “The Ultimate Lowcountry Day.” One of the company’s most popular offerings, it’s the ultimate way to experience the authentic Lowcountry. The five- and seven-hour excursions are largely boatingbased with options for a variety of activities and destinations – all put together into a program that will be engaging and enjoyable for everyone in the family.

And the best part? Once the parents get the group to the departure point, the captain or guide takes over leadership of the trip and most of the kid-wrangling.

For example, Martin was no-nonsense when it came to driving the golf cart Daufuskie Island: you need a driver’s license to do this, and Shea and Finn didn’t have one. But he does let kids drive the boat for a bit, with parent permission.

Once on the island, Martin drove Shea, Finn, Marco Chacon, 15, and his mom to Mary Fields School, where famous author Pat Conroy taught Gullah students.

Today, the old schoolhouse is the home of “Daufuskie Blues,” where Leanne Coulter and Rhonda Davis use a traditional Lowcountry method to dye dark blueand-white scarves, t-shirts, napkins and small towels imprinted with sand dollars, starfish and other designs. The women use wooden sticks to stir dyed pieces of cotton in plastic tubs. When they lift them out,

each item is a bright green piece, not the expected blue. As indigo hits the air, it soon oxidizes into deep indigo.

The process holds kids’ attention while Martin tells the story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney and other 18th-century planters who grew indigo along the South Carolina coast. But the American Revolution would disrupt trade, making Great Britain turn to India for its blue fix and bankrupting the Lowcountry’s indigo trade.

Martin doesn’t soft-pedal his descriptions of the living and working conditions of enslaved people in the Lowcountry before the Civil War.

Above: John Martin of Outside Hilton Head takes families on the Ultimate Day experience.

Below: A little basketball can be part of the customized tour for kids of all ages.

After this, the boys were ready to be outside. They kicked off their flip flops and played a friendly game of basketball on the historic but still functional concrete court outside Mary Fields School. Then the family’s Ultimate

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From left to right: Marco Chacon, Finn and Shea Sweeney take a break outside Mary Fields School.

Day moved on to Daufuskie’s white sand beach, where they were the only ones there.

Strolling at low tide felt like going back in time, and the adults smiled as the boys kept their phones in their pockets and combed the beach for shells.

On the boat on the way back to Shelter Cove Harbor, the group saw a pod of bottlenose dolphins and a loggerhead sea turtle as the setting sun lit up the sky with red, orange, blue and purple. It was the perfect end to what the boys agreed had been an ultimate day.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD’S BOATING-BASED ULTIMATE DAY INCLUDE: • Visiting Outside Hilton Head’s private island, Page Island, where kids and adults can kayak or paddleboard, fish, crab and throw a cast net, have a picnic, relax in a hammock, jump off a dock and hike extensive boardwalks.

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• Anchoring by remote sandbars, only exposed at low tide, where kids can search for shells and other wildlife.

•E xploring Old Town Bluffton starting at the town dock. Children will enjoy seeing the last working oyster house on the East Coast.

•T ouring Savannah, Georgia, including seeing the bustling Port of Savannah from the water and docking at the historic riverfront.

Programs include captains, guides, destinations, all equipment and gear required for your chosen activities, and light snacks and refreshments. Participants are welcome to bring their favorite snacks and drinks along in the icy-cold coolers the guide keeps on the boats. PIQ For more information call 843-686-6996 or go to: outsidehiltonhead.com

Outside Hilton Head guide John Martin explains the history of Daufuskie Island.

Boating and beach time can be part of the Ultimate Day.

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– TEEN –

SO YOUR KID WANTS TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE?

By Deena Paradiso, M.S. Ed.

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ccording to the NCAA(NCAA.org) only 7% of high school athletes go on to play their sport at the varsity level in college and even less get offered scholarships to play. These statistics can be overwhelming, but if your child has the desire to play sports in college, the following information can help.

The first way to help a student achieve their goal of playing sports in college is to emphasize the importance of academics.

Students and parents should familiarize themselves with these requirements, which include GPA and standardized test score minimums. They can do so by visiting www.

NCAA.org and registering for an account and also by speaking to the school counselor

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about these requirements. Meeting these academics requirements may fulfill the NCAA requirements, but it may not be sufficient enough to gain entrance to certain colleges.

Parents and coaches can help the student by speaking to them open and honestly about their athletic ability. Have your child look up their stats and compare them to current players on rosters for teams they may be interested in playing for. Coaches can help by suggesting camps and college showcases for your child to attend. If your child wants to be a college athlete, work closely with their high school and travel coaches to help your child find the right type of college program to pursue.

You can also visit the following website for more information: www.NCAA.org www.princetonreview. com/college-advice/ student-athletes

Once a list of colleges that your child could possibly compete at has been made by them and their coaches, share it with their school counselor to find out what the academic requirements are and to see if it is a good fit all around. Students can then start to make contact with coaches and recruiting staff.

They can begin by writing emails to the staff and fill out the college athletic recruitment forms. Students can also prepare an athletic resume and a highlight video to send off to college coaches. Emails and forms should include athletic and academic highlights, GPA, standardized test scores and extracurricular activities and most importantly, why your child wants to play and attend that particular college or university.

If you plan on visiting colleges, have your child reach out to the coaching staff to see if they can schedule an appointment to meet with the coaching staff. The NCAA does have strict regulations for each sport on the timing

of coach contact with potential athletes and official visits so check those out beforehand.

Hopefully in the end, your child will have some very important decisions to make and will have more than one offer from colleges.

This decision, like any college decision, is a family one. Parents need to speak to their child about all aspects of this decision, including money. After 20 plus years of counseling I always ask my recruited athlete if the school they are looking at fits the “busted knee” test? Meaning, if they get hurt, or decide that they don’t want to play their sport anymore, would they still want to attend that college?

The most important thing to remember is you and your child are not alone in this process.

Contact your child’s school counselor and coaches to find out more information about this process. PIQ Deena Paradiso, M.S. Ed. is a Certified School Counselor for Grades K-12 WINTER 2019-20 • ParenthoodIQ.com 31

– EDUCATION –

ISLAND HOSPITALITY: A LOOK INTO USCB'S NEWEST CAMPUS By the Parenthood IQ Team

32 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

high-tech classrooms, a beverage lab and a demonstration kitchen.

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in hospitality management take clases here. Dr. Charles Calvert is dean of the Hilton Head Island campus.

Bruce Oliver is the security guard at USCB's Center for Event Management and one of the many friendly faces you will see when visiting the campus.

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Local teens and adults may not be familiar with all USCB has to offer, but it’s hard to imagine any other location providing both an outstanding campus and the types of firsthand experiences in the hotel, restaurant and tourism industries that are available in the Lowcountry. The Hilton Head Island campus allows students the opportunity to study, work, and hold internships in the areas of hotel, restaurant, tourism, and event management in an international destination that attracts more than two million visitors a year.

While the university’s new hospitality campus — which opened in 2018 — is focused on training those interested in hospitality careers, the school also offers shorter programs for those who have been manning the industry’s front lines for years. The Island Ambassador Program is dedicated to educating hospitality workers on island knowledge, ecology and culture so that they can quickly and confidently answer questions from visitors.

Even those who have spent years on the island might be surprised about what they can learn about its past and its wildlife, school officials said — and they might be surprised by the impact they can have on the island’s tourism industry, its leading economic drivers. Researchers at Clemson University found that the Island Ambassador program “helps employees exceed customer expectations” and “supports the workers themselves and increases their pride.”

Local businesses and organizations can inquire about the Island Ambassador Program and the program will come to them to train staff and volunteers. For more information or to enroll, call Keri Olivetti at 843-208-8320 or email olivetti@ uscb.edu. PIQ Meet Keri Olivetti Keri Olivetti is the director of the Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort.

She's also an attorney amd a busy mom who tends to her little ones’ needs and activities.

She and her husband own Hilton Head Running Company on Hilton Head Island.

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– PARENTING –

BUILDING OR BUYING A HOME WITH KIDS IN MIND

By Leah England

B

uilding or buying a home is an exciting time in the life of a family. A home will likely be your family’s biggest and most important investment, so it is crucial to think carefully about your needs now, and the needs of your family in the future.

When you build a custom home with Coastal Signature Homes, we help our clients design each detail according to their family’s needs and specifications, but the essential tips we give our custom clients apply to home buyers as well. kids as they are playing, doing homework, or watching television while you attend to other tasks.

With that said, it is important to also have your individual zones, because as much as you love your family, there is such a thing as too much togetherness. I always encourage our clients to consider space for a dedicated playroom (rooms over garages are great for this), a study, or an enlarged master suite with sitting area. Often called flex spaces, these rooms can transform and serve different functions as your children grow.

Here is one of my favorite plans that Coastal Signature builds. The combined kitchen, dining and living area is fantastic for families and opens directly onto the

OPEN CONCEPT FLOOR PLANS

Open concept floor plans continue to be a desired home layout because they optimize sight lines to maximize views, provide great traffic flow for entertaining, and create a bright, relaxed atmosphere. For families, the additional advantage of open concepts is that you can keep an eye on your 36 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

screen porch. The study off the master suite could easily be a nursery for a newborn, and then transition into an adults-only study or TV room. The stairs lead to a bonus room and bath over the garage which can be a playroom now and an overflow entertaining space or bedroom when the children leave for a nest of their own.

KITCHEN SIZE AND LAYOUT

When designing or looking for the ideal kitchen space you must consider your family. While the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a minimum of 36 inches between a kitchen island and a perimeter counter, we encourage our family clients (or even our two-cook household clients) to increase that minimum to 48 inches in order to have room for multiple people to work in the kitchen. You’ll need ample space for help in the kitchen, for chores to be completed, (raise ‘em up right!) and for memories to be made while you bake holiday cookies together. Make sure the island has ample seating for your family, too. It will serve as a great spot for homework, casual, quick meals, and maybe even an unexpected deep conversation or two with your teenager. (Take them when and where you can get them!)

Plates and cups in drawers versus wall cabinets make for easy access setting the table, and drawers are also useful for storing healthy snacks kids can grab on the go. One of my secret weapons for families with small children is a cabinet stack of three or four drawers. The shallower drawers include clear plastic bins inside that hold sippy cup valves and straws, and their coordinating lids. The deeper drawers hold the cups. Lastly, I highly recommend quartz material for countertops because the manmade material is highly durable for hardworking family kitchens. It can be costly, but is well worth the peace of mind.

BUNKS AND BONUS ROOMS

Rooms over the garage are inexpensive square footage and ideal for growing families. They are the rumpus rooms of the Lowcountry. Ideal for playrooms, video gaming, sleepovers, and family movie nights these spaces can easily be overflow bedrooms, office spaces, entertainment or even, (gulp), apartments if you have a late bloomer that needs a little bit more time at home. It’s always fun to tuck bunks into the low rooflines of these rooms or add in a dormer, taking advantage of every space you can carve out for your family’s use.

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MUDROOMS AND LAUNDRY ROOMS These spaces just might be the key to parental sanity. I always recommend a mudroom cubby system near the garage-side back door to contain the childhood clutter that breeds overnight if left uncontained. These systems, often a 38 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

combination of seating, and opened and closed storage, can be made on site by trim carpenters or purchased from retailers like Pottery Barn.

If you have an opportunity to design an oversized laundry, or combine spaces to create one in a home you purchase, you will not regret it. A well-designed laundry

room can be also utilized as a craft area, a hobby space, or a secondary study area. I also like to incorporate rolling canvas laundry carts which enable parents and kids alike to easily wheel their laundry into the room for cleaning, or into their rooms to be put away, fingers crossed, neatly folded. (Teach those life skills!)

BONUS POINTS

We don’t forget about the furry children either. Cutting cat doors into laundry cabinet doors for litter box access, or creating a dog cubby under stairs is a great way to give the family pet a space of their own too.

To learn more about what Coastal Signature Homes can design and build for you, visit: www.coastalsignaturehomes.com PIQ Leah England is the Chief relationship officer for Coastal signature homes WINTER 2019-20 • ParenthoodIQ.com 39

– TRAVEL –

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES: TRAVELING TO TENNESSEE

By Kate Vermilyea | Photos by Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

F

rom the Smoky Mountains to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee offers the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland. Filled with holiday events or winter adventures, Tennessee makes the perfect destination to create family memories. (Special note: Beginning June 2020 you can fly direct from Savannah to Nashville!)

TCHATTANOOGA

By car: Approximately 6 hours.

NORTH POLE LIMITED TRAIN RIDES You’ll be treated to refreshments, storytelling, and occasional sing-a-longs.

Enjoy a lighted display, and a special guest!

Evening trains depart at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Earlier trips have been added on select dates with departure times 11:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. During the return ride, Santa makes his way through the train cars to greet every child and presents a keepsake item to all the children. This event takes 75 minutes.

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CHATTANOOGA ZOO Voted one of the top 45 places to go by the New York Times, the Chattanooga Zoo provides two awesome holiday events: Holiday Lights and Zoo Year’s Eve. Holiday Lights: December 13, 14, 20, 21 (5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.): Visit the animals and watch them open their gifts, get your picture taken with Santa Claus, play holiday games and make crafts, and enjoy the beauty of the Zoo covered in lights.

Zoo Year’s Eve: December 31 (10 a.m. 3 p.m.): Not much of a night owl? Join the Chattanooga Zoo for the wildest New Year’s Eve party around as they ring in the New Year with a countdown to noon! Celebrate the New Year through games, activities,

counting down the clock in different time zones around the world, and more! Guests will have the time of the year while learning how the zoo is working to stop the clock to extinction!

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN There are many options for family-friendly hikes in Chattanooga. Civil War history buffs will enjoy a trip to Cravens House, a structure on the mountain used by both Union and Confederate armies. Enjoy Point Park and Sunset Rock to experience the local landscape where one will be able to see views of Georgia and North Carolina mountains, Watts Bar’s cooling towers, Chickamauga Dam, the city of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River as well as other cities and locations.

ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS Rock City is a location atop Lookout Mountain, made of natural rock formations.

Nightly in November, December, and January one can enjoy Rock City Garden’s winter wonderland. Treats, Christmas lights, and attractions are sure to delight at this most wonderful time of the year.

TGATLINBURG/ PIGEON FORGE

By car: Approximately 6 hours.

If we are staying on the eastern border of Tennessee, one might enjoy going beyond Asheville, NC, and hitting up Gatlinburg, TN, home of the entry to the Great Smoky Mountains.

OBER GATLINBURG Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski resort in all of Tennessee. You can board the Aerial Tramway in downtown Gatlinburg and arrive to the mountain without driving.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, there is a 9-lane tubing park, an indoor ice area for ice-skating, and ice bumper cars (new this year).

GATLINBURG TROLLEY OF LIGHTS Through January 25, 2020 visitors can

soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley when they take the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. The specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic.

PENGUIN PLAYHOUSE Located inside Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies, this opportunity allows you to crawl through clear underwater tunnels in this huge indoor and outdoor habitat.

DOLLYWOOD PARKS AND RESORTS Who could forget the amusement park designed by the legend Dolly Parton? Enjoy the holidays here and enjoy music, food, and fun. Bonus: Kids born in 2015 and/or 2016 can get an annual pass for free!

Families from around the world make Dollywood their Christmas tradition year after year. Experience millions of lights, award-winning shows and a winter wonderland featuring the 50-foot Christmas tree. Catch a show (Appalachian Christmas, Kingdom Heirs: Heart of Christmas, Songbook, O’Holy Night, and Parade of Many Colors) playing from through January 4, 2020. PIQ WINTER 2019-20 • ParenthoodIQ.com 41

– TRAVEL –

WINTER WONDERLAND: TRAVELING TO COLORADO

By Karrie Comeau | Photos submitted by Snowmass Tourism Office

A

re you dreaming of a white winter? With its snow capped mountains and family friendly skiing opportunities, Colorado makes the perfect winter wonderland getaway!

TSTEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Getting here from Denver: Car: About 157 miles northwest, approximately a 3 hour drive Airplane: The Steamboat/ Hayden Airport is about 22 miles west of Steamboat Springs.

Shuttle service is available.

Around town: Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) offers a comprehensive system of free transportation between the ski area, downtown and most hotel, condominium, restaurant, grocery and entertainment locations. Runs daily.

SKIING – Steamboat Ski Area has discounted tickets for kids and kid-first 42 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

programs. Howelsen Hill is owned by the City of Steamboat Springs and has some great beginner terrain. Better yet, it is free to ski on Sundays throughout the winter!

Ice skating- Howelsen Ice Arena offers open skating sessions and bumper cars on ice (very fun). Snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking and snow tubing are also all great choices. Start at Ski Haus for rentals and trail info. For Nordic skiing info, try Steamboat Ski Touring Center or Haymaker.

THEATER/MUSIC PERFORMANCESStrings in the Mountains is a world-class facility and offers many discounted or free programs for kids. Also, the Chief

Theater downtown has a wide variety of live performances year-round. Check out Music Fest (January 5-10) and the WinterWonderGrass (February 21-23, 2020).

RESTAURANTS – Very few restaurants in Steamboat are not family-friendly, so you won’t have a hard time choosing a good one for the kids. Some ideas include Mazzola’s, Johnnie B. Good’s and Freshies.

Frontier Airlines offers direct flights from Savannah to Denver on select days through the week.

The Steamboat Winter Carnival runs from February 5-9, 2020. Celebrating its 107th year, the celebration embraces winter traditions and its western heritage.

For more information, please visit www.steamboatchamber.com

TWINTER PARK

Getting here from Denver: Car: About 67 miles west, about a 2 hour drive Train: Winter Park Express heads right from Union Station in downtown Denver to the platform at Winter Park. Take the A-line right from the Denver Airport to the train station.

Train only runs Friday-Sunday starting in January and will sell out, book your tickets in advance.

COCA-COLA TUBE PARK- Colorado's newest tube park, it features four individual lanes, exciting banked curves, and a covered conveyor lift ride back to the top.

KIDS NIGHT OUT AT CAMP IDLEWILDKids ages 6-12 will play and explore the snow woods around Hill House before moving inside for crafts, movies and pizza, while parents stroll down to the village for dining and shopping.

OUTDOOR VILLAGE ICE RINK- Starting December 8, visit the pond for free ice skating lessons every Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.

FAMILY- FEST- Gather around the bonfire at the base for a front row seat of the

firework display! Satisfy your sweet tooth at the S'mores bar, or enter to win great giveaways, & dance away to the DJ. Only on select dates: December 14, at 5:30 p.m., January 18, at 6 p.m., February 15, at 6:30 p.m., and March 14 at 8 p.m.

DOG-SLED RIDES- Be pulled across the trails of Winter Park by a team of dogs and a professional guide! Children under 3 ride free based on availability.

Hill House- Don’t forget to stop for a cup of gourmet hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies! Located on the top of the tubing hill. For more information, please visit www. visitgrandcounty.com. >> WINTER 2019-20 • ParenthoodIQ.com 43

TSNOWMASS

Getting there from Denver: Car: About 220 miles west of Denver, about a 4 hour drive Airplane: The Aspen/Snowmass Pitkin County Airport is about 6.5 miles away from Snowmass.

Bus: The Town of Snowmass Village provides its own free Village Shuttle service to almost any location in the Village.

Take advantage of the apres-ski! The kids get S’mores and hot chocolate and the adults get beer.

ICE AGE DISCOVERY CENTER- Located in the Snowmass Village Mall, this mini museum dedicated to 2010 Ice Age found at nearby Ziegler Reservoir allows 44 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

children to get up close and personal with replicas of a mastodon skull and femur bone, touch mastodon and mammoth teeth, and read ice- age books in the children’s library.

SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE- This is the hub for kid friendly activities, including ice skating on the new ice rink in the Events Plaza and rock climbing on Colorado’s tallest rock-realistic indoor climbing wall at new Limelight Snowmass. Stay warm by the fire pits that are sprinkled around, also perfect for S’mores! Snowmass S’mores is back, offering free s’mores daily from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. through the winter season.

TREEHOUSE KIDS ADVENTURE CENTER- Designed for kids of all ages, this amazing 25,000-square-foot Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Schools facility is sure to create a lifetime of memories! The Treehouse experience includes Snowmass Kids’ Ski & Snowboard School check-in, equipment rental, retail, and family après entertainment, all under one roof.

The unique design shares the wonder of the mountain environment in tactile,

fun and educational ways. The Treehouse includes six interactive, nature-themed rooms designed for specific ages, bringing the outdoors inside. Scale the Aspen Leaf Climber in the Alpine Climbing Room, explore the Bear Den with your preschooler, or spend some down time with your infants and toddlers in the Butterfly room.

MOONLIT TREK SERIES- Families can spend an evening under the stars with a 1.2-mile snowshoe, walk, or cross-country ski around the Snowmass Club golf course, with a mid-way stop for cookies and hot chocolate at Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

ULLR NIGHTS AT ELK CAMP- Friends and family take an evening gondola ride up to Elk Camp for outdoor winter activities such as tubing, riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, snowbiking, S'mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire. Dance to live music and enjoy an a la carte culinary celebration sure to please any palate. After playing in the snow, kids can warm up inside with fun activities and entertainment available downstairs in The Tent. Only offered on December: 27 and 30, January 1, 3, 10, 17, and 31, and February 14, 21,and 28. For more information visit www.gosnowmass.com. PIQ WINTER 2019-20 • ParenthoodIQ.com 45

- ART IN THE LOWCOUNTRY -

ATTENDING THE THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG

By Jenn McEwen

E

ducators will tell you that a child's attention span is 1 minute for every year of their age. So no way my daughter at 3 years old should have sat peacefully through an hour at the symphony. But she did. Here are a couple of my pro tips:

1. Pick content that is interesting to

them. Age appropriate kid content is a no-brainer, but you can introduce more family friendly multi-generational programming, like holiday performances or familiar stories like classic fairy tales that have been adapted to stage, dance or opera.

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2. Make sure that they can see what is going on. My daughter likes to attend the Nutcracker each holiday season, but at 5 years old she still does not weigh enough to not get snapped up in the seats at the Seahawk Cultural Center, so I arrive prepared for her to sit in my lap so that she can comfortably see. Good sight lines help maintain engagement.

3. Don't be a hero. Be comfortable to leave at intermission if you've had a successful first act and don't want to press your luck. The lasting effects of a positive shorter experience will translate to longer experiences faster than staying too long and devolving into a meltdown. As my husband says, it's always better to leave the party too early than too late.

4. Pack quiet snacks. Keeping blood sugar level for little ones is key to attitude. But don't bring anything noisy that will deter from the experience of other audience members like crinkly bags of chips or Goldfish.

Hopefully some of these tips will work for you and your little arts enthusiast will enjoy their first theatre-going experience. PIQ Jennifer McEwen comes to Hilton Head Island to fill the role of Director of Cultural Affairs following a successful track record in arts leadership and marketing strategy in Atlanta, Georgia.

WINTER 2019-20 • ParenthoodIQ.com 47

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WINTER - CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

THROUGH DEC. 21 SANTA VISITS SHELTER COVE: Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Shelter Cove Towne Centre to greet children and take photos.

Free. 5-7 p.m., Shelter Cove Towne Centre, 40 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843686-3090 or sheltercovetownecentre.com.

THROUGH DEC. 31 HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT SHELTER COVE: Enjoy holiday lights all season long at this spectacular display in Shelter

Cove. Free. Shelter Cove Towne Centre, 40 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. sheltercovetownecentre.com.

THROUGH JAN. 1 DOWNTOWN DAZZLE: The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus presents its annual downtown holiday celebration with illuminating lights synchronized to recorded songs of the season. Free. 5:30-9:30 p.m., First Methodist Church, 225 East Duval Street, Jacksonville. 904-353-1636 or jaxchildrenschorus.org.

HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTS: Stroll along the harbor and enjoy illuminated seasonal figures and a towering Christmas tree. Featuring live entertainment and activities throughout the month. Free. Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.org.

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WINTER - CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

DEC. 3-24 A CHRISTMAS TRADITION AT SAVANNAH THEATRE: The theatre is decorated to the hilt as a backdrop to favorite Christmas songs, a little comedy and audience participation. Tickets are $39 for adults, $19.50 for children. Times vary. Historic Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull Street, Savannah.

912-233-7764 or savannahtheatre.com.

PERFORMANCE: Experience the spirit of the holiday season with a celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture, live music, original art, drama and storytelling. Featuring performances by Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk. Cost is $35 in advance, $40 at the door. 7 p.m., USCB Performing Arts Center, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. beaufortchamber.org.

WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL: This community holiday festival features carnival games, a children’s parade, a visit from Santa, golden candy cane hunt and more.

Concessions, trampoline bungee and rock wall sold separately. Free. 4-8 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. islandreccenter.org.

DEC. 4-22 ELF THE MUSICAL AT DOCK STREET THEATRE: The hilarious tale of Buddy the elf, who is raised in the North Pole and travels to New York City to meet his family. Tickets are $34-$71 for adults, $32-$71 for seniors, and $29-$71 for students ages 3-25 and active military. Times vary. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston. 843-577-7183.

DEC. 6 BLUFFTON TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: The public is invited to this festive tree lighting in DuBois Park. Mayor Lisa Sulka will announce the grand marshal of the Bluffton Christmas Parade and town leaders will light the Bluffton Christmas tree.

Refreshments will be served at the pavilion, where Santa will greet children. Free. 5:307:30 p.m., DuBois Park, 67 Lawrence Street, Bluffton. townofbluffton.sc.gov.

GULLAH KINFOLK CHRISTMAS 50 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

DEC. 6-8 BEAUFORT HOLIDAY WEEKEND: A weekend of fun, family-friendly events, including a lighted boat parade and Christmas parade. Free. Times and locations vary.

For more information “like” the event on Facebook.

CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER: Celebrate the holiday season on River Street. Featuring fun events including visits from Santa, a Waterfront Kidz Zone, live bands and dance groups. Free. Savannah Waterfront, Savannah.

For schedule call 912-234-0295 or go to riverstreetsavannah.com.

DEC. 7 A CHRISTMAS STORY: Watch this classic Christmas movie under the Liberty Oak. Benches and a roaring fire in the fire pit will be provided. Please bring a canned food item for donation. 7-9 p.m., Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-8421979 or seapines.com.

BLUFFTON CHRISTMAS PARADE: Watch holiday floats roll through Old Town during the annual Bluffton Christmas Parade.

Rain or shine. Free. 10 a.m.. Check website for parade route through historic Bluffton. townofbluffton.sc.gov.

CITY MARKET CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS: Make ornaments, decorate cookies, get “Grinched” and more during this fun event for the whole family. Free. 11 a.m.2 p.m., Savannah City Market, 219 West Bryan Street, Savannah. 912-234-2344 or savannahcitymarket.com.

JINGLE BELL BLOCK HOP: A holiday block party celebrating the song “Jingle Bells,” which was penned in Savannah. Featuring live performances, singing and dancing activities.

Free. 2-4 p.m., Ellis Square, Bernard Street, Savannah. For more information “like” the event on Facebook.

REINDEER RUN: A family-oriented, petfriendly 5K run and walk through the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston. Proceeds help the campaign to build the new MUSC Children’s Hospital. Strollers permitted. Cost is $40 for adults, $30 for children ages 5-16, free for children under 4. 9 a.m., Corner of East Bay and Queen Street, Charleston. reindeerrun.org.

COOKIES AND COCOA WITH SANTA: Stop by the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce after the Bluffton Christmas Parade for a visit with Santa plus complimentary cookies and hot cocoa will be provided.

Please bring a toy for donation. 12-2 p.m., Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, 217 Goethe Road, Bluffton. 843-757-1010 or blufftonchamberofcommerce.org.

CHRISTMAS TASTE OF GULLAH AND RICE COOK-OFF: The event will feature live entertainment and vendors selling a variety of Gullah foods. “Just fo’ da’ Chillun” school shows will give children a chance to enjoy live theater while learning about the GullahGeechee heritage and history. Free. 12-5 p.m., Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay Street, Beaufort. beaufortchamber.org.

SAVANNAH SANTA TRAIN: Enjoy visits from Santa, caroling, a holiday winter wonderland, Gullah-Geechee cultural celebrations and more during this fun and festive day at the Georgia State Railroad Museum. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Georgia State Railroad Museum, 655 Louisville Road, Savannah. 912651-6823 or chsgeorgia.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: The Dance Conservatory of Charleston presents the classic tale of The Nutcracker with over 140 student dancers. Tickets are $15-$25.

1 p.m., or 7 p.m., Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street, Charleston. 843-853-2252 or charlestonmusichall.com.

DEC. 7, 14, 21 PHOTOS AND STORY TIME WITH SANTA: Join Santa at the Village at Wexford for a complimentary holiday photo and story time. Free. 2:45-5 p.m., Village at Wexford, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. villageatwexford.com.

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WINTER - CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

DEC. 8 FALL FESTIVITIES AT PROVIDENCE CHURCH: An oyster roast, advent walk and tree lighting will follow the regular Sunday worship services. Also includes crafts for children, a bonfire and caroling. Cost is $15 for adults, $4 for children under 12. 3-6 p.m., Providence Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 832-842-5673.

DEC. 13-23 THE CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: An evening of holiday music performances and comedy sketches to get you into the holiday spirit. Tickets are $40 for adults, $21 for students, $18 for children 12 and under. Times vary. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street, Charleston. 843-853-2252 or charlestonmusichall.com.

DEC. 13 HILTON HEAD CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Celebrate the Christmas season at the Hilton Head Choral Society’s annual holiday concert. The Sounds of Christmas, featuring the 85-voice chorus with orchestra. Cost is $25-$40 for adults, $10-$15 for children. 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3818 or hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

DEC. 14 COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE FEST: Sample and savor some of the best of the Lowcountry’s mouth-watering chocolates and distinctive coffee roasts, featuring local chocolatiers and coffee roasters. Free. 12-4 p.m., Calhoun Street, Bluffton. 843-757-0508 or thecottagebluffton.com.

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GINGERBREAD DECORATING CONTEST: Join the biggest cookie decorating

contest in the area with all proceeds benefiting The Sandbox. Featuring full breakfast, photos in the gingerbread cottage, prize giveaways and holiday gifts. Tickets are $5. 9-11 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 2 Tanglewood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6662.

LIGHTS ON THE HARBOR: Watch the Charleston Holiday Boat Parade aboard the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.

Admission includes a flight deck holiday party, live music, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa. Tickets are $20. 6-8:30 p.m., Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant. 843-884-2727 or patriotspoint.org.

LITTLE ELF WORKSHOP: Bring your little ones to Harbour Town for reindeer games, crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and a surprise visit by Sea Pines mascot Albert the Alligator.

Participants will receive elf ears and write a letter to Santa Claus. Cost is $10 for children 15 and under, adults must bring canned food donation. 1-3 p.m., Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.

SAVANNAH FAIRYTALE BALL: Experience magical moments and meet fairytale princesses while enjoying candy buffets, crafts, stories, songs, games and free professional princess portraits. Tickets $20-$55. Times vary. Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Drive, Savannah. prettyprincesspartiesmn.com.

ST. FRANCIS REINDEER RUN 5K: This new 5K races is sponsored by St. Francis Catholic School. Breakfast will be provided by The Salty Dog and the first 125 runners to register will receive a custom t-shirt. Cost is $30 per person, $100 per family. 7-10 a.m., St. Francis Catholic School, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island.

843-681-6501 or sfcshhi.com.

SAVANNAH HOLIDAY MARKET: A unique festival featuring local vendors of specialty foods and handcrafted items that would make wonderful holiday gifts. 12-7 p.m., The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Resort

Drive, Savannah. 912-201-2048.

SANTA AND THE GINGERBREAD TRAIL: Join Santa for photos and a gingerbread trail map of treats for kids. Free. 3-5 p.m., Village at Wexford, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. villageatwexford.com.

TENTH ANNUAL SAVANNAH REINDEER RUN: Join in this 8K or kiddie race. After the race there will be games and activities for all ages. Proceeds benefit the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire. Cost is $35 for the 8K, free for the kiddie race. 8:45 a.m., Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Drive, Savannah. rccsav.org.

DEC. 15 CHRISTMAS AT PROVIDENCE CHURCH: A single service featuring Dr.JooSoo Sun and the Providence choirs with instruments.

Brunch to follow. Free. 10 a.m., Providence Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 832-842-5673.

SIXTH ANNUAL BUFFALO RUN: Explore the unspoiled natural beauty of the Lowcountry during Palmetto Bluff’s sixth annual 10K, 30K or 50K trail race that traverses the 20,000-acre property. 6:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Palmetto Bluff, 19 Village Park Square, Bluffton. palmettobluff.com.

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WINTER - CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

DEC. 20 MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER: Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets and towering puppets. Ticket prices range $33.50$179.50. 3-5:20 p.m., Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah. For tickets, savannahboxoffice.com or nutcracker.com.

DEC. 21 POLAR PINES EXPRESS HOLIDAY WAGON RIDE: Hop aboard the festive wagon and arrive at the North Pole. Children will be invited to hear the classic story 'The Polar Express,' create a paper conductor's hat, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

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Reservations required. $16 for adults, $13 for children under 12. 1-2:30 p.m., Heritage Farm, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines. com.

DEC. 22 JEA OY VEY 5K: Join the Jewish Educational Alliance for this 5K and kids fun run. Includes entrance to the post-dash Chanukah Bash with meal and drink tickets, a t-shirt and participation medal for every age group. Cost is $30. 3-7 p.m., Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn Street, Savannah. 912355-8111 or savannahjea.org.

DEC. 23 GREGG RUSSEL CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The holidays on Hilton Head Island wouldn’t be complete without Gregg Russell playing his guitar and singing songs of the season for children and adults. Before and after the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus. Free. 5:30-9 p.m., Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-8421979 or seapines.com DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE AT MORELAND VILLAGE: Enjoy fresh oysters, Lowcountry boil, plus other sides and fixins prepared by the chefs at Palmetto Bluff. Reservations required. Cost is $85 for adults, $39 for children ages 5-12, free for children under 4. 6-9 p.m., Montage Palmetto Bluff, 477 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton. 833-232-0854 or palmettobluff.com.

CHRISTMAS EVE AT PROVIDENCE CHURCH: Children are invited to arrive 15 minutes early to become a part of the annual “live manger” during the service. 4 p.m., Providence Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 832-842-5673.

DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS BRUNCH: Gather the whole family to celebrate Christmas in true Lowcountry style, including a lavish and festive brunch with traditional favorites.

Reservations required. Cost is $125 for adults, $45 for children ages 5-12, free for children under 4. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Montage Palmetto Bluff, 477 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton. 833-2320854 or palmettobluff.com.

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DEC. 27-29 HOLIDAY FUN IN HARBOUR TOWN: Gather around the Liberty Oak to watch classic holiday movies, roast marshmallows and enjoy train rides, games and activities.

Please bring a canned food item for donation. $5 per passenger for train ride. 6 p.m., Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.

DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY FUN RUN: Break a sweat during this family-friendly 5K fun run and walk on the beach. Prizes will be awarded for the top male and female finisher.

Cost is $25. 8-10 a.m., Wild Dunes Resort, 1 Sundial Circle, Isle of Palms. 877-230-9224 or destinationhotels.com.

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POLAR BEAR SWIM: Show your adventurous side with the other "polar bears" by taking an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town Pool on a chilly winter day. Warm up after your plunge with hot chocolate and refreshments. Free. 10 a.m., Harbour Town Pool, 1 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island.

843-842-1979 or seapines.com.

JAN. 2 NEW YEAR, NEW BOOKS: Teens and tweens are invited to kick off a new year of reading with a “book talk,” featuring some of the latest books. Snacks will be served.

Registration required. Free. 5-6 p.m., Hilton Head Library, 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-255-6529.

JAN. 3 OHANA POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: Ring in the New Year with an icy plunge to benefit the World Wildlife Foundation. The event will also feature open water scuba certifications, snorkel workshops, a silent auction, bon fire and night dive. Please bring $10 donation to WWF. 12-3 p.m., The Ohana Dive Company, Cregor Street, Savannah. 912-856-1328 or theohanadivecompany.com.

JAN. 17 SAVANNAH HOCKEY CLASSIC: The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will defend their Thrasher Cup championship against Florida State during this annual hockey event. Cost is $9-$16. 6-9 p.m., Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah. savannahhockeyclassic.com.

JAN. 21 WRECK THIS JOURNAL: Tweens and teens are invited to draw, paint or destroy the pages of their very own “wrecked” journal.

Ages 9-17. Registration required. Free. 5 p.m., Hilton Head Library, 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-255-6529.

JAN. 25 COMMUNITY WINTER THRIFT SALE: A well-rounded selection of local treasures for shoppers of all ages. Over 18 unique local sellers will be set up to offer great bargains. Free. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Frank G Murray Community Center, 125 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah. 912-898-3320.

TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS HEAD OVER TO PARENTHOODIQ.COM

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STELLAR KIDS We had the chance to sit down with some Stellar Kids here in the Lowcountry. These are children, tweens, and teens who truly stand out among their peers.

Think you have a stellar kid?

Let us know by emailing editor@parenthoodiq.com

AVONLEA HALE 7th grade, homeschooled in the Classical Conversations Challenge A class WHY: Avonlea has achieved Memory Master and has since age 8, having achieved 3 x Memory Master at age 12 (she has basically memorized all of the cycles of information learned).

She’s been playing basketball for three seasons and is currently on the River Ridge Academy basketball team.

ADVICE: “If you want to get better at what you do, work hard toward your goal and put your heart into it.”

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FUN FACTS: Avonlea always goes for the 3-pointers in basketball. She has performed in a few shows for the Bluffton Youth Theatre and she played soccer from age 7 until 10.

ANNIKA DOGGER Senior at Heritage Academy

WHY : Annika Dogger is stellar both on and off the field. She is a full time student at Heritage Academy graduating this spring with an acceptance to Furman, joining their soccer team. She plays on two travel soccer clubs, one in Savannah and the other out of Florida, and volunteers her time with many local organizations.

Annika is leading the charge at her school by helping Palmetto Ocean Conservancy collect bottle caps for

the community mural they have planned for next spring; to date they have collected 5,000 caps. She spent her summer as a lifeguard with Shore Services combing her love of the beach and athletics ADVICE: “Follow your passion and get involved. I have met so many friends that I have kept throughout the years from the various volunteer projects and sports I have joined.”

FUN FACTS: Annika loves to travel, she takes time on each trip to volunteer and get involved with a project while abroad.

CAMERON WYNN Senior at Heritage Academy WHY: Cameron has completed more than 600 hours in community service with various theatre groups in the local area.

He has a passion for theatre and works as a Stage Management Intern at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. He spends one and a half blocks (about 90 minutes) at Heritage Academy in the classroom, and then spends the rest of his day focusing on his craft, something he hopes to pursue in college.

ADVICE: “Get involved with your community--getting involved has led me

to so many contacts and connections.

Whatever your passion: Get involved!”

FUN FACTS: Cameron loves kale salad!

He enjoys “chill music” he can study and unwind to, and has goals to go to Broadway!

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DO YOU BELIEVE?

By Karrie Comeau

W

e reached out to the community to share their experiences with the jolly old man in the red suit this holiday season. While kids will come up with their own questions at their own time, the family traditions, the power of giving, and the spirit of the holiday will always live on.

“When my boys would ask, I’d tell them Santa stops coming when you stop believing.

They’re 18 now and they’ll tell you and everyone they believe. Smart kids.” - Heidi T. “My kids are 35 and 28. I’ve never said a word. In our home, we believe in the magic.” - Ginette E.

“My kid figured it out when package delivery notices popped up in my old iPad he was using. He kept the lie alive for several years to make sure he got presents” - Josh G.

“Thinking of telling my son Santa is an idea of giving to someone else without expecting anything even gratitude in return. He may not be a jolly red suit man but the spirit is real.” - Mandy G.

“When my oldest was about the age when kids stop believing, she asked me if he was real. I replied “It’s a tradition. The magic of Christmas. Santa is in your that I believe the magic of heart. I never thought my parents were lying to me and Christmas is very real with my children didn’t take it as lying either. Now my children the joy and love. And while are carrying on the magic to my grand angels. I still have I wasn’t sure if there was that feeling of Christmas morning now. To each their own a jolly fat man with flying but for me and my family we BELIEVE !” - Sharon W. reindeer (she laughed), that it was fun to pretend to “My daughter said that some kids at school told her that her believe for the sake of her dad and I put the presents under the tree, there’s no Santa. I little sisters. As far as I know asked her what she believed and she said, “I believe there is she didn’t tell them, they a Santa because you and dad would never spend that much figured it out like she did.” money on us” she’s 12 now and still believes.” - Kaileigh R. Allison M “We decided to tell my son, in first grade, the truth: that Santa was based on Saint Nicholas, who was a real person many years ago, who helped give to orphans. So my son went to school and told all his friends "my parents said Santa is dead." - Owen S. 60 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

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LET’S GET SOCIAL

HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY HAVE FUN IN THE LOWCOUNTRY? 62 ParenthoodIQ.com • WINTER 2019-20

#LOWCOUNTRYFAMILYFUN

Be sure to use the hashtag, #lowcountryfamilyfun for a chance to be featured on ParenthoodIQ’s Instagram!

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