table of contents
FROM THE PUBLISHER: As I walk through the aisles of H-E-B, I can’t help but notice the colorful red, pink, and purple hearts hanging all over the store. When I get near the Valentine’s Day aisle, it is very difficult to control both Alyssa and David, because of their excitement. Picking Valentine’s Day cards for their classmates is always a challenge. Sponge Bob or Hannah Montana? I always find that all stores are marketing the holidays so far ahead of time, and thought to myself, this year I want to start planning things early instead of rushing and getting caught in last minute details. So, I am planning my Spring Break festivities and taking advice from PJ Burton making it a “Routine Spring Break”. Don’t miss this great article to get some ideas on what to do with your kids during Spring Break or any day in the RGV! I hope you enjoy our new layout! We are incorporating sections to offer you a more organized way to find what services you are looking for be it recreational, educational or health and wellness. Thank you so much for supporting Rio Kids as we enter the New Year with new hopes and endeavors.
-Nancy Garza
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REACHING FOR THE STARS
20 BATTER UP! Calendar of Events Childcare .
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FOCUS IN ON YOUR CHILD’S EYE CARE
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A ROUTINE SPRING BREAK
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Cultural & Educational Activities . Health & Wellness
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Recreational Activities
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Professional Services .
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february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
calendar of events
FEBRUARY 1
Art in Nature Series This year features instruction in three different art forms: photography, drawing/painting, and woodcarving. (This year’s project bird is the male Vermilion Flycatcher) Where: World Birding Center Phone: 956-565-3919
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 55
Art of Digital Exhibit For more information, please call. Where: Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum Phone: 956-216-4903
World Affair Come explore paintings of the interesting World Affair. Where: International Museum of Art & Science Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Phone: 956-682-0123
Science Sunday Discover the fascinating world of science by participating in science experiments or activities. Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Time: 2:00 p.m. Phone: 956-548-9300
Performance Come out to the Southern Comfort Resort Park and watch Nikki Rowe High School Perform the Chorus “Razz Ma Tazz”. Where: 1501 South Airport Drive Time: 6:30 p.m. Phone: 956-968-3140
Bird Walk Let our knowledgeable park naturalist guide you on a birding adventure to identify some of the 240 plus birds. Where: Estero Llano Grande State Park Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY66
Youth Symphony Concert The South Texas Youth Symphony performs three times each season, January, February and an annual Mother’s Day concert in May. Where: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone: 956-661-1615 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 33
Recipe for the Birds Want to know how to attract more birds to your yard? Join us as we learn about different types of feeders and which birds they’ll attract. Where: World Birding Center Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Phone: 956-565-3919
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Toddler Tuesday This is a special time for our little visitors 3 years and under. Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Phone: 956-548-9300
R/C Airshow 2009 Come see radio controlled aircraft take to the sky! Bring your lawn chairs, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. Where: Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport Time: 9:30 a.m. Phone: 956-969-0291 Periphery of War Come see the detailed photographs from the Periphery of War with Alyssa Banta. Where: International Museum of Art & Science Phone: 956-682-0123 Music After Hours Outdoor Concert Series Bring the entire family to this wonderful community event. Everyone is welcome to bring their blankets and picnic baskets to relax and enjoy some great music. Where: Archer Park Time: 7:00 p.m. Phone: 956-682-2871
february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY77 Jump for Joy Stop by the museum and jump for a healthy heart. Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Time: 2:00 p.m. Phone: 956-548-9300 2008-2009 Kids Nature Club This is a fun and educational opportunity for kids to explore nature! This event is hosted in partnership by Estero Llando Grande State Park and the Valley Nature Center. Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Phone: 956-969-2475 Jackson Street Market Days Enjoy an old fashioned open-air street fair with antiques, crafts, sidewalk sales, and food vendors. Part of Jackson Street in Harlingen is blocked off for this event. Where: Harlingen Jackson street Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone: 956-423-4041 FEBRUARY 10 FEBRUARY 10
“Cats” The Harlingen Arts & Entertainment Spotlight Series presents “Cats”. For ticket information & show time, please contact the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium. Where: Harlingen Municipal Auditorium Phone: 956-216-5990 FEBRUARY 13 FEBRUARY 13 Breakfast with the Birds Come have breakfast on our magnificent covered deck situated right on one of our lakes. The breakfast will be light so you will be comfortable walking afterwards. Where: World Birding Center Time: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Phone: 956-565-3919 FEBRUARY 14 FEBRUARY 14
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Woodland Walkabout Enjoy a guided tour on the trails surrounding the historic mansion at Quinta Mazatlan. Discover the immense variety of birds, plants, and other wildlife in the brush country, “El Monte!! Where: World Birding Center Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Phone: 956-681-3370 FEBRUARY 15 FEBRUARY 15
Art Sunday “Heart Art” Children can create “masterpieces” while exploring artistic styles and techniques. Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Time: 2:00 p.m. Phone: 956-548-9300 FEBRUARY 19 FEBRUARY 19
Grossology Come explore the impolite science of the human body. Where: International Museum of Art & Science Phone: 956-682-0123 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 21 San Benito Market Days Festivities include live entertainment and performances by local student choirs, bands, as well as other musical groups. Come enjoy taste-tempting treats! Where: Kennedy Pavilion, San Benito Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 956-399-5321 Family Adventures Families will enjoy a hands-on program involving a nature themed art project and guided trail walk through the woods at Quinta Mazatlan, the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center. Where: World Birding Center Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Phone: 956-681-3370 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2222
Rio Grande Valley Music Festival Five stages of traditional music, Country, Blue Grass, Folk, Gospel and Mariachi, plus Folkloric dancers. Arts & crafts, raffles, food concessions and Livestock show grounds. Where: Mercedes Time: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Phone: 956-373-0130
February 24 24 FEBRUARY RGV Killer Bees Visit the museum and support your local hockey team. Autographs available! Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Phone: 956-548-9300 FEBRUARY 26 FEBRUARY 26
Fiesta Edinburg This event is a week-long celebration that includes a parade, live music, carnival, food, fun and more! The event kicks off on Thursday with a $5 all you can ride Heart of America Carnival. Where: Edinburg Municipal Park Community Night Fiesta Come visit and explore the museum for free! Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Time: 5:00 p.m. Phone: 956-548-9300 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 28
Junior League of McAllen Have a great time and bring the whole family to The Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival provided by The Junior League of McAllen. Where: International Museum of Art & Science Phone: 956-682-0123 Fiesta de La Feria Come enjoy a community event with live music. There are over 50 booths with various types of food, arts & crafts and merchandise. There is a raffle with several prizes, contests, an art show, and a children’s area. Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Phone: 956-797-2261 MARCH 55 MARCH
BorderFest 2009 Come experience the 33rd year with four days filled with over 100 entertainers, lively music, 20 stages of entertainment, dazzling color, tempting food, adrenaline pumping excitement, and thrilling parades. You will hear and see all the music, costumes, color, fun and the flavor that the Jamaicans bring to mind. Where: Dodge Arena Phone: 956-843-2286 MARCH MARCH 66
Music After Hours Outdoor Concert Series Bring the entire family to this wonderful community event. Everyone is welcome to bring blankets and picnic baskets to relax and enjoy some great music.
Where: Archer Park Time: 7:00 p.m. Phone: 956-682-2871
calendar of events
Secrets of the Sea Judy Berry will reveal the exciting “Secrets of the Sea”. Where: Children’s Museum of Brownsville Time: 1:00 p.m. Phone: 956-548-9300
MARCH 77 MARCH 2009 Miss Weslaco Pageant Miss Weslaco represents the community and serves as a dignitary for the city. Come support these young ladies. Time: 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Phone: 956-968-2102 3rd Annual Regional Science Olympiad This organization was developed to improve the quality of science education and provide recognition of outstanding achievement in science education. Where: South Texas College Phone: 956-872-3511 MARCH 13 MARCH 13
Rio Grande Valley LiveStock Show & Rodeo Carnival, Entertainment, Fireworks, Ranch Rodeos, PRCA Rodeos, FFA, Market Animals, Breeding Animals, Exhibit Hall, Horse Show, Pet Show, Youth Team Roping, Horticulture, All Valley Cotton Style Show, Lil’ Miss Cowgirl Contest, Antique Farm Machinery, Farm Shop Projects, and Petting Zoo. Where: Mercedes Phone: 956-565-2456 MARCH 17 MARCH 17
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! MARCH 20 20 MARCH
Easter Bazaar Bring the whole family to a fun filled day of Easter excitement. Where: Gladys Porter Zoo Phone: 956-546-7187 MARCH 21 MARCH 21
Family Adventures Families will enjoy a hands-on program involving a nature themed art project and guided trail walk through the woods at Quinta Mazatlan, the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center. Where: World Birding Center Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Phone: 956-681-3370 MARCH22 MARCH 22
Bunny Corral Come enjoy Egg-cellent Easter activities for the whole family! Where: Gladys Porter Zoo 956-546-7187
www.riokidsmag.com | february/march 2009
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childcare Candy City Party Place & Learning Center
childcare
Candy City is a great facility, from Monday - Friday. We have a learning center where your child can be cared for and learn in a great environment. On Saturday and Sunday it’s the perfect place to celebrate your child’s birthday! 956-971-9600
Cutie Pies
Cutie Pies Learning Center is located in North McAllen/East Edinburg. A place where children are nurtured and encouraged to learn at their developmental level through the learning centers curriculum. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 956-393-2222
Mommy Janie’s Daycare
Looking for the right daycare center for your child can be a challenge. Finding the best environment is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. We offer “The lowest rates with the highest quality care.” 956-316-1739
LEARNING CENTER (Corner of 10th & Freddy Gonzalez) 1702 S State Hwy 336 Edinburg, Texas Educational Curriculum Hot Meals CCS Healthy Snacks Caring Enviorment
free Registration with this coupon ($75.00 value)
MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Full / Part Time Enrollment
RHONDA R. ALANIZ Master of Education • Director / Owner
956.393.2222
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february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
childcare
www.riokidsmag.com | february/march 2009
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cultural & educational activities
International Museum of Art & Science
World-class exhibits, cultural events and educational programs. Come explore the arts and sciences with great family fun destination. For more information, visit www.imasonline.org 956-682-1564
Gymboree
Parent/Child Classes 0mos-5yrs: Play, Art, & Music. Drop off classes 3-5 years: School skills, Art, & Sports. Sign up for a FREE class! Come see why we’re the #1 leader in parent/child classes! Creativity. Confidence. Friendship. It all starts at Gymboree!! 956-971-0114
for
reaching the stars
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by:Vanessa Villarreal each for the stars! And reach for your calendars! Mark the day, February 28, 2009 for a free and fun filled festival! The Children’s Arts & Literary Festival (CALF) is in its 6th year and is proudly hosted by the Junior League of McAllen, Inc. This festival is held at the International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS) in McAllen, Texas. CALF is an exciting festival open to children of all ages which provides music, storytelling, face-painting, local artists, and hands-on activities. The CALF Committee comes up with new and exciting themes every year to entertain the community. In the past, many local middle school orchestras, bands, and choirs helped provide the entertainment, while businesses such as Gymboree, Sylvan Learning Center and Children’s Orchard assisted in providing arts and crafts.
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This year’s theme “REACH FOR THE STARS”, goes hand in hand with the museums newest exhibit “Science on a Sphere”, which is a giant global display system. The Exhibit shows animated images of atmospheric storms and complex environmental processes, in a way that is both intuitive and captivating! The educational goals are intended to increase public understanding of the environment and learn ways to conserve the coastal and marine resources. Aside from the fun and excitement this festival offers you and your family, it also provides a one of a kind educational opportunity! On top of various activities, prizes, local storytellers, live music, and arts and crafts, admission is free! So remember, the festival is Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen.
february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
cultural & educational activities
know the real story
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by: Celeste Garza ovies have become so sensational in the past few years that it is almost unbelievable to think that a great majority of them were based on novels. My fifth grade students finished reading The Tale of Despereaux last semester and were not too surprised to find that this story about honor, love, hope, perfidy, and soup would end up on the big screen. It is always fun to see the characters developed in books and left for your imagination, come to life. However, only the words on paper that were manifested by the fingertips of the author can truly tell the whole story. Below you will find a list of novels you may have caught in the film version at the theatre and I would suggest it be worth the trip to the book store:
1. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
2. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
3. Holes
by Louis Sachar
4. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
5. Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine
6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
7. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
8. Stuart Little by E.B. White
9. Eragon
by Christopher Paolini
10. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
11. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
12. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
There are also short stories that have been magically turned into full length movies such as The Polar Express, Jumanji, and Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg Shrek by William Steig How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Cat in the Hat, and Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss.
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healthcare & wellness Bella Mamma
Hidalgo County Health Department
Bella Vista Eye Care
Melissa Rivera, D.D.S.
With compassionate expertise as our foundation, our specially trained staff renders the most efficient eye care you can trust. For more information, visit www.visionsource-drmvillalobos.com 956-782-9444
Our goal at Family Dental Care is to provide high quality dental care in a friendly, comfortable, caring environment for your entire family. With our caring and professional staff, you will recieve execeptional patient care. 956-787-9866
Dr. Juan Aguilera & Associates
Supra
Bella Mamma Maternity Spa & Imaging Studio provides the finest 3D/4D ultrasound services in South Texas as well as relaxing maternity massage services. For more information, visit www. bellamamma4Dspa.com 956-686-1006
Dr. Juan Aguilera & Associates is open 7 days a week because your children’s illness doesn’t keep a 9 to 5 schedule. We offer flu shots, immunizations, laboratory services, and much more. 956-928-1143 or 956-782-7993
Emergence Urgent Care
At Emergence Urgent Care, we deliver costeffective and timely health care for children, adults, and seniors. No appointment necessary. 956-412-3131
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Public Health Services include providing immunizations, family planning, prenatal care, and improving nutrition to the community in the Hidalgo County. 956-383-6221
Supra Sensory Training Center provides an innovative Drug-Free approach to developmental learning across a wide spectrum of populations including: Learning and Behavior problems, ADD/ ADHD, and Developmental Delays. For more information, visit www.suprasensory.com 956-581-3557
Rio Grande Regional Hospital
At the Pediatric Palvillion, nothing matters most than the health of our children. We get kids well on their way. 956-632-6000
february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
healthcare & wellness
The AOA offers 10 signs of vision problems that can be identified in your child. If any of these signs are present, schedule an appointment for an eye exam. 1. Squinting. Peeking through a small opening reduces the size of the blurred image on the back of the retina. This temporarily improves vision and can be a sign of poor eyesight in your child. 2. Tilting the head. This could be a sign of double-vision, which is minimized by head tilting. 3. Sitting too close to the television. This is often a sign of near-sightedness, as it brings the object to a clear focal point and makes it appear larger. 4. Losing place while reading. Often, astigmatism is to blame for losing place or skipping lines while reading, as the ability to focus is reduced. 5. Covering one eye to read or watch television. This act of closing the eye with poorer vision to help see clearly can be a sign of several serious medical problems such as cataracts. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
a
by:Vanessa Villarreal
s parents, we must recognize the importance of vision health in our child’s development. It’s important to learn how vision develops, and how undetected vision problems can affect learning and cause delays in everyday activities. Performing well at school can be difficult if your child has undiagnosed vision problems. Children typically receive vision screenings at school, but according to the American Optometric Association, these exams are not intended to replace a thorough, professional eye exam. School screenings fail to detect certain conditions and eye diseases that can significantly delay your child’s development. The AOA recommends having your child’s eyes examined professionally at 6 months of age, 3 years, 5 years, and then every other year while your child is in school. An infant eye exam is similar to that of an adult exam. Several tests are performed to help assess your baby’s vision. During an eye exam, the doctor may temporarily dilate the pupils with dilating eye drops, and use an instrument to test the eyes for errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism. These quick and painless procedures are like any other pediatric exams your children need in order to promote wellness and detect early signs of trouble.
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healthcare & wellness
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 6. Excessive tearing. Certain conditions cause the eye to dry out at night because the eyelids can’t completely close while sleeping. This causes excessive tearing during the day and interferes with good vision. 7. Rubbing eyes. This is a sign of eye fatigue and can be associated with all types of vision problems. 8. Finger pointing while reading. While this can simply be your child’s way of learning to read independently, it can also be a sign of vision problems like amblyopia, which causes a crowding phenomenon where letters appear very close to one another, making them difficult to recognize and follow.
9. Light sensitivity. Children with certain eye conditions tend to squint one eye or both when exposed to bright sunlight. 10. Frequent headaches. Children with uncorrected far-sightedness often have frontal headaches or brow aches. This is a result of the child attempting to compensate by exerting extra effort to clear their blurry vision. Remember that your child’s eyesight is important in their overall health and well-being. Consistent eye exams can help preserve their health and ensure proper development. Most problems, when detected early, can be easily fixed with corrective lenses or minor adjustments.
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recreational activities
recreational
activities Ballettíssimo Recitals every year with 30 years of experience. Master teacher studied in Argentina and has a degree in Physical Therapy and Neuro-Muscular. Ages 4 and up welcome! Private lessons are offered for competition. 956-683-5393
Bob Davis Karate 26 years in business with many locations. Ages 3 and up. Separate classes for all age groups. Tae Kwondo, Aikido, Brazilian Jujitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Tai chi, and Fitness. 956-686-8630
Danzar Danzar de Rey Duran offers dance classes in Ballet, Flamenco, Belly Dancing, Hip Hop, Zumba, and Salsa for all ages. Come and join us today! 956-661-1288 or 956-581-3177
Gymboree Parent/Child Classes 0mos-5yrs: Play, Art, & Music. Drop off classes 3-5 years: School skills, Art, & Sports. Sign up for a FREE class! Come see why we’re the #1 leader in parent/child classes! Creativity. Confidence. Friendship. It all starts at Gymboree!! 956-971-0114
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show
“A 70th Birthday Extravaganza” is the theme for the March 13-22, 2009 Show. Parade, Carnival, Exhibits, Concert, Entertainment, Livestock, Extreme Bull Riding, PRCA Rodeos and Food! 956-565-2456
Rock-It Cheer & Dance Rock-It Cheer & Dance is committed to the growth and development of today’s youth. Come try a class on us! Competitive Cheer & Dance, Hip-Hop, Lyrical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Tumbling, and many more. 956-627-3681
Valley Baseball Academy Valley Baseball Academy offers many types of youth baseball/softball training programs for athletes ages 5 and up. Join us and train like a pro! For more information, visit www.valleybaseballacedemy.com 956-467-5917
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a
by:Vanessa Villarreal h, the sweet signs of spring: The weather gets warm, the flowers bloom, and of course, baseball pre-season begins! Getting your kids involved in baseball, softball, or t-ball can be the easiest and most benefiting approach to helping them stay active this spring, and for many years to come. Valley Baseball Academy of McAllen is a new facility under the direction of Eddie Wilson, who has years of professional experience under his belt. Eddie and his staff of professional trainers, who have all played with the Edinburg Coyotes, are devoted to mentoring their skills along to children and young adults. “We try to pass on the knowledge of the game. It’s about stopping that old cliché of ‘had I known this back then…’ We try to teach them the fundamentals so they can go further than we ever did,” says Eddie. This facility not only provides youth with the best physical training, but it has a curriculum along with testing which allows them to move on to the next level. The coaches here cover both
february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
www.riokidsmag.com | february/march 2009
recreational activities
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the technical and personal aspects of training, while examining the importance of consistency in training professional players. They have the education and real-world experience necessary to provide your little ones with the most comprehensive and thorough training available. Your kids will not only benefit from the professional skills learned through this academy, but also from the physical pay-off, and camaraderie that comes with group training. The facility offers mostly individual personal training for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. While the most obvious goal at Valley Baseball Academy is to master technical skills, the coaches long with a winning player. The coaches know that aside from just technical abilities, players need passion, drive, determination and knowledge to succeed. After all, those are the same factors that got them where they are today! So bring your child into the academy for some free information from their friendly staff, or call and visit the website today!
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recreational activities
a routine
spring break
by: PJ Burton
t
he time of year has rolled around again when students will enjoy a week off from their daily schedule to have some fun and when parents will have to think of something fun for them to do. This, quite often, is a problem. Year after year, vacation after vacation, parents are forced to stretch their minds and think of what their children could possibly do to have a fun, unique spring break! This year, have a Routine Spring Break. Just because a vacation time is here, doesn’t mean you have to kick your daily schedule to the curb. You can have “scheduled” fun, and maintain your sanity. Consider the following ideas: Begin your day at the same time…The time doesn’t have to be the same as your early morning wake up for school and work. After all, everyone enjoys sleeping late. Set your daily wake-up time and go from there, but agree to wake up at that same time everyday that week. Thus, begins your day. Have breakfast then a morning activity. Spend the morning doing a craft or project with your children. Take ideas from www.familyfun. com. This site is full of free arts and crafts. The first day of the break, you may spend making decisions with your children about your activities for the week with some ideas that you have preselected. This will allow your children to feel that they planned their own Spring Break activities which will keep them very excited about the daily plans. Remember that the key here is to plan ahead. You can’t expect to keep a routine if you don’t have one already in the works. You must also have craft materials on hand, so go ahead and pick up a few basics while you are at the store the next time: paper, glue, scissors, pipe cleaners, wiggly eyes, tape, and markers. After the morning activity, have lunch and plan
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exciting meals like backyard picnics or lawn lunches. Compile a variety of kid friendly lunches from various cookbooks or websites. You could serve up teddy bear pizzas or bagel snakes from www.annabelkarmel.com. Even if you have virtually the same meal for lunch everyday, you can still add variety by making it a daily theme. For example, if you are planning a beachy activity, you can make a Sunny Beach Blanket Brunch Piggy. For this and other hot-dog recipes, check out www.hot-dog.org. After lunch, head outdoors for the afternoon. You may choose to go to a local playground for a few hours or to one of the many Valley attractions such as The World Birding Center, www.worldbirdingcenter.org. Be sure to pack a snack so you don’t have to spend lots of money on sugar-laden convenient store goodies. If you plan well, you can tie your snack in with your theme for the afternoon--such as goldfish crackers and blue Gatorade for an afternoon at the beach. When evening rolls around, have an easy dinner planned that the children can help prepare. Sit down for a meal together and a special evening such as a “movie night” or nighttime parade. Get neighborhood friends together to bang on instruments and dress up in costumes. Parade the neighborhood streets just before dark, but not before you have posted signs about the day and time of your event. With little effort, it can become an event for all to enjoy. Another fun evening event is a nighttime scavenger or treasure hunt. Clues can be hidden around the house prior to the event, and at a certain time after dinner, the kids can work as a team following them until they get to a special treasure. You can find free printables at www.treasurehuntfan.com ; then click on Tresure Hunt Ideas.
february/march 2009 | www.riokidsmag.com
recreational activities
Keep in mind, a successful Routine Spring Break takes preparation. It isn’t too timeconsuming, but the key is to plan ahead. Kids can often take the hassle off your clock and plan for you. By giving them a sample schedule and having them fill in the blocks of time, you can just do the easy part—purchase the necessary supplies. Every schedule must allow for unforeseen bumps in the road. On these occasions, don’t throw out your routine entirely, just adjust it. Just remember, a vacation warrants a plan. Whether you are preparing a journey to DisneyWorld or enjoying the world from the comforts of your home, you should fully chart each trip. Just make this year’s vacation a Routine Spring Break.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE 9 a.m.
-
Wake & breakfast
10 a.m.
-
Morning activity
12:30 p.m. -
Lunch
1 p.m.
-
Afternoon activity
5-6 p.m.
-
Heading home
7 p.m.
-
Dinner
8 p.m.
-
Nighttime activity
9:30 p.m. -
Bedtime
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professional services Impresión Media
When it comes to marketing your business, there is no room for second chances. At Impresión Media your first impression makes a lasting impression. For marketing consultation or simply advertise your business, call us at 956-688-8263
Divine Jumps
Divine Jumps Party Rentals is family owned. We deliver clean, inflatable rental units and equipment for all types of occasions. Our low prices are for All-Day rentals with no hidden fees. 956-393-8320
Learning Express
At Learning Express, we are a locally-owned and operated neighborhood toy store where you will find the perfect toy for your child. Free wrapping. 956-928-1440
Rio Kids Magazine
As the Valley’s premire parenting resource magazine, we strive to provide you with the utmost and latest parenting editorals. To advertise your business with Rio Kids call, 956-688-8263 advertise your business ToTo advertise your business withwith Rio RIO KidsKIDS:
Laurie Mire Photography
You know the saying two wrongs don’t make it right, well two photographers make it perfect. Relax, enjoy, and let us get the shot! For more information, visit http://photographybylaurie. blogspot.com 956-975-4884
Signature Photography
Signature Collections photography is a lifestyle photography studio specializing in outdoor urban photography for kids and teens. Our photojournalistic style is complemented with vivid colors, unique locations and eclectic style choices for one of a kind images. For more information, visit www.signature-collections.com 956-793-2943
BABS’Deli
BABS’ Deli offers fresh and delicious bagels combined with your favorite stuffer. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches, crispy salads, gourmet muffins and Brewster’s coffee. 956-682-3365
La Placita Del Taco
A selection of tacos, hamburgers, panchos, hot dogs, sinzcronizadas and more. Perfect for your late night cravings. Call us Today! 956-213-8256 956-655-3762
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(956) 688-8263 www.riokidsmag.com
professional services
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