Winter guide 2015

Winter

Winter 2015

Kidding Around Greenville

January 2015 | kiddingaroundgreenville.com

Kidding Around Greenville

Š2015 Kidding Around Greenville

By Bethany Winston | bethany.winston@gmail.com Marketing and Sales by Elizabeth Faulkner | elizabethgfaulkner@yahoo.com Layout and Design by Sarah Forsythe | purplegoatstudio@gmail.com Photography by Julie Wingreen | J. Wingreen Photography Cover photo courtesy of www.freeimages.com

Winter 2015

In This Issue

Click the headings to go directly to the article.

30 Indoor Activities for Kids in Greenville Skin Therapy Play Dough Recipe 4 Tips for Choosing Quality Day Care by Greenville First Steps 50+ Greenville Preschools Event Highlights for January - April 8 Tips for the Perfect Date with Your Kid Great Winter Books Selected by the Greenville Librarians

Kidding Around Greenville

The Little Gym

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Parent / Child Classes · Pre-K & Grade School Gymnastics · Dance · Karate Sports Skills · Awesome Birthday Bashes · Parents’ Survival Night · Camp

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Winter 2015

30 Indoor activities for Kids in Greenville

By Elizabeth Faulkner Are you looking for a place for the kids to burn off energy while staying warm? Here’s our list of what venues offer indoor activities for kids. Use the following symbols to find the perfect place: M - Music S - STEM A - Art L - Literacy P - Play Bricks 4 Kidz P S www.bricks4kidz.com 100 Batesville Road, Simpsonville 864.286.8061 Bricks 4 Kidz classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where we learn, we build, we play… with LEGO® Bricks. Programs are built around our proprietary model plans, designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes such as space, construction, and amusement parks. Our specially designed project kits and theme-based models provide the building blocks for the Bricks 4 Kidz approach to educational play. At Bricks 4 Kidz, we believe that kids learn best through activities that engage their curiosity and creativity.

Charleston Cooks! A www.charlestoncooks.com 200 N. Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.335.2000 Charleston Cooks! is a bustling kitchen retail shop where you’ll find the artistry, equipment and gadgets that help you make culinary magic happen, with a teaching kitchen featuring enjoy-it-now, fun-filled cooking classes led by our talented instructors.

Located in the middle of dynamic downtown Greenville, Charleston Cooks! provides the space, tools and instruction with which food and wine enthusiasts can happily gather, taste and learn. With both demonstration and participation classes, beginners and experts alike delve into an array of deliciousness, from savory sauces to wonderful wines. Our hope is that our exuberance is so contagious you’ll take it home and share it Gymboree Play & Music M S A L P www.gymboreeclasses.com 980 Batesville Road, Greer 864.288.1774 At Gymboree Play & Music, you and your child will build creativity, confidence and lifelong friendships.

Gymboree programs are specially designed to help young children learn and develop as they play. Our classes also help you learn about your child -- how to participate in and encourage his or her development -- while enjoying the simple pleasure of playing together.

Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios M L P www.pianocentralstudios.com 1622 Woodruff Road, Greenville 757 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville 864.232.5010 MORE than just piano lessons. We offer music instruction for all ages, from Kindermusik and Group Piano classes to Introductory Classes for Beginners to Private Lessons in piano, voice, strings, flute, and guitar.

Kidding Around Greenville Indoor Activities, Cont’d Soccer Shots P www.soccershots.org buddy@soccershots.org 864.621.1796 It’s more than soccer! Soccer Shots is the national leader in youth soccer development for children ages 2 through 8. Our program has been created under the guidance of childhood education specialists, MLS® and USL® professional soccer players, and experienced and licensed soccer coaches. Our innovative lesson plans are developmentally appropriate and tailored specifically to the three distinct age groups we teach. Using these creative and age-appropriate curricula and infusing each lesson plan with enthusiasm and structured activity, Soccer Shots aims to leave a lasting, positive impact on every child we serve.

South Carolina Children’s Theatre M L P www.scchildrenstheatre.org 153 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.235.2885 The mission of South Carolina Children’s Theatre is to educate and stimulate the minds and imaginations of young people and their families through participation in high-quality theatre, year-round education, and accessible outreach. Due to its popularity Teddy Bear Picnic has been extended into February! Fancy Nancy, Dr. Seuss’ Cat In The Hat, Sleeping Beauty, and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley are all coming this spring and summer! See ad or website for more details!

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Winter 2015 The Little Gym M P www.thelittlegym.com 1451 Woodruff Road, Greenville 864.254.0318 For every stage of your child’s development—from four months to 12 years—The Little Gym of Greenville offers a diverse line-up of Core Season and Summer Session programs filled with movement, music, learning and laughter.

Upcountry History Museum S A L P www.upcountryhistory.org 864.467.3100 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University connects people, history, and culture. The current exhibit Treasure! explores the history of treasures and treasure hunting, the technology employed in hunting treasure, as well as the people and personalities that hunt for treasure.

Acrosmith Gymnastics P www.acrosmithgymnastics.com information@acrosmithgymnastics.com 126-C Corporate Drive Simpsonville, SC 29681 864.593.4066 Acrosmith offers a wide range of recreational classes for kids of all ages!

Alchemy Comedy Theatre L www.alchemycomedy.com 1 East Coffee Street, Greenville Offers classes, workshops, and shows.

Cakes By U A www.cakesbyu.com 864.322.3356 We bake, you decorate! Cakes By U offers drop-in and decorate hours, Girls Night Out events and birthday parties. See website for details.

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Winter 2015 Color Clay Café A www.colorclaycafe.com 2518-A East North Street, Greenville 864.244.3445

Greenville County Libraries M S A L P www.greenvillelibrary.org 11 Greenville County Locations See calendar on website for story time details!

Couture Cakes of Greenville A www.couturecakesofgreenville.com 1325 Miller Road, Suite H, Greenville 864.288.6610

Greenville County Museum of Art A L www.gcma.org 420 College Street, Greenville 864.271.7570 The Greenville County Museum of Art offers children’s field trips, art classes, and family events. Admission is free.

Dave & Buster’s P www.daveandbusters.com 1025 Woodruff Road, Greenville 864.603.6500 Eden Farms P www.edenfarms.net 4700 Dacusville Highway Marietta, SC 29661 864.898.0043 Eden Farms offers indoor arena rides for 2 years and older, birthday parties, and riding lessons.

Greenville Road Warriors P www.greenvilleroadwarriors.com 864.674.PUCK Proud ECHL Affiliate of the New York Rangers

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Creating Artists for Tomorrow A www.creatingartistsfortomorrow.com 1711 Old Spartanburg Road, Greer 864.901.7465 or 864.561.7873

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Indoor Activities, Cont’d

Frankie’s Fun Park P www.frankiesfunpark.com 45 Park Woodruff Drive Greenville, SC 29607 864.627.9888 Gravitopia P www.gravitopia.us 864.485.9202 48 Brookfield Oaks Drive, Greenville Kid Jump, Mon – Fri, 9 – 10 am, 6 and under, $8 Greenville Gymnastics P www.greenvillegymnastics.com 1311-C Miller Road Greenville, SC 29607 864.297.5589

They’ll think it’s COOL COOL.

You know it’s EDUCATIONAL. Tap into your child’s potential by encouraging their curiosity and creativity with Bricks 4 Kidz® and Challenge Island® Whether your children are cruising over shark-infested waters on Challenge Island or building the latest Comic Creation at Bricks 4 Kidz, they will be enhancing self esteem and improving fine-motor skills with the STEM education based curriculum.

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Kidding Around Greenville Greer Children’s Theatre P www.greerculturalarts.com 301 E. Poinsett Street Greer, SC 29651 Dance classes begin January 6th. Aladdin Jr opens February 27th. Tickets go on sale January 15th.

Music Adventure for Kids M www.facebook.com/musicadventureforkids Tuesday morning music classes for 4 year olds and under at 10:00 and 4 – 8 year olds at 11:00. Must RSVP, see facebook page for details.

Kindermusik of Greenville M L P www.kindermusik.com 153 Augusta Street, Greenville 864.834.1623

M&G A www.bjumg.org At Bob Jones University 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd. Greenville, SC 29614 800.252.6363 At Heritage Green 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601 864.770.1331 The M&G holds the largest collection of religious art in the Western Hemisphere. On Heritage Green,, the museum includes a children’s interactive floor. The museum also offers art camps and classes.

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LeMans Karting P www.lemanskarting.com 1524 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville 864.412.3323 LeMans Karting offers indoor go-kart racing. Drivers under 18 without a valid Driver’s License are required to complete training.

NoteAbility M www.noteabilitymusic.com 4800 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Taylors 864.630.6455 Nutty Scientists S www.nuttyscientists.com Greenville, SC 864.993.6080 Our mission is to awaken the curiosity and imagination of children through interactive, hands-on scientific activities.

Pavilion P www.greenvillerec.com 400 Scottswood Rd Greenville, SC 864.288.6470 The Pavilion Recreation Complex offers public ice skating, bounce houses, sports lessons, and family events.

Winter 2015 Pro Martial Arts P www.promartialarts.com 8 McPherson Lane Greenville, SC 864.569.0382 Pump It Up P www.pumpitupparty.com 75 Brookfield Oaks Drive Greenville, SC 29607 864.987.9022 Roper Mountain Science Center S L P www.ropermountain.org 402 Roper Mountain Road Greenville, SC 29615 864.355.8900 Family Day every second Saturday from 9 – 1 and Starry Nights Planetarium show on Fridays at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

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Sky Zone P www.skyzone.com 2465 Laurens Road, Greenville 864.558.2400

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate M S A L P www.tcmupstate.org 300 College Street, Greenville 864.233.7755 Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 11am – 5pm Wine & Design A www.wineanddesign.com wineanddesigngreenvillesc@gmail.com 864.288.1260 Yum Yum Snack Shop L www.yumyumsnackshop.com 1107 McKelvey Road Pelzer, SC 29669 864.243.2111 Story Time with Mrs. B & Leigh.

For more indoor activity ideas, see our Kidding Around Greenville Rainy Day Guide.

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Winter 2015

Skin Therapy Play Dough Recipe

By Bethany Winston

My kids love play dough but they also have sensitive skin. The salt in traditional play dough sometimes irritates their skin, especially when it’s cold outside and their skin is already dry. With a little bit of experimentation though, I discovered this recipe for a salt-free play dough that conditions skin rather than irritating it. This play dough also requires no cooking, smells great, doesn’t leave a ton of residue, and only takes 5 minutes to make. No really it does! Try it yourself and see.

Ingredients • 1 cup (plus a couple Tbsp) All Purpose Flour • 1 cup Water (If you want to color the play dough, add the food coloring to the water.)

• 2 cups Quick Oats • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil • 1 tsp Vanilla (opt.)

• 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder (opt.)

Directions • Mix one cup of the flour, quick oats, and vanilla.

• Add water and stir until the play dough forms a ball.

• Knead in the coconut oil one tablespoon at a time.

• Knead in the cocoa powder.

• If the play dough is too sticky add flour a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.

• Knead the play dough for around three minutes to make the dough elastic.

Store in the refrigerator and keep wrapped in an air tight container. Since this play dough does not have salt, it will not last as long as other play dough recipes. I usually toss mine after a couple of days. If the play dough becomes sticky, add a little oil.

Because of the smell, my kids love pretending that they are making cookies with this play dough. For an added element of fun, try punching mini “chocolate chips” out of brown foam sheets with a heavy duty hole-puncher and mixing them in.

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Winter 2015

4 Tips for Choosing Quality Day Care

By Derek Lewis, executive director of Greenville County First Steps Picking a good childcare is such an important decision, but how do you choose the right one. Derek Lewis, the executive director of Greenville County First Steps shares from his experience what steps families should take in the search for the perfect, safe place for their kids.

Who would you trust to watch your child? This is one of the greatest questions for working families.

When my wife and I found out we were going to be parents, we immediately began the process of finding the “right fit” for our unborn son. We were on waiting lists months before we needed care- and 3 years later, are STILL on some waiting lists.

and even keeled—or is this someone who panics when things get rough. Every day something unexpected happens in a center. Flexible directors handle stress well, and don’t pass that stress onto the staff or students.

Introduce your child to the teachers: Do they talk to your child? Do they seem comfortable with children and adults? Do they seem nurturing or controlling?

Do they talk to you about what you should NOT do, or do they talk to you about what you child WILL do?

Ask some tough questions. Come prepared to ask some hard questions, and expect them to be answered:

Choosing quality childcare is confusing. There isn’t a guidebook, and there is no clear mandatory rating system like there is in the food service industry. And, a voluntary system means some providers submit to rigorous assessments while others float by on their reputation- even if that reputation is over-inflated.

1. Does your center have any current DSS violations? What was the last violation your center had? There are very few centers with NO history of violations. It isn’t the violations that concern me; it’s how long it takes for them to resolve them.

We often are asked to describe what we look for in a quality childcare environment. Here is a brief list of best practices:

2. Does your center have staff certified in First Aid and CPR? Describe the last time an emergency medical service was called? Again, accidents happen, the bigger question is how did they deal with the accident?\

Take a tour: Nothing is more important than taking a tour of the facility. Visit when kids are in class.

Walk around the classroom. Talk with the teachers.

Ask if you can bring your child back and let him get a feel for it. Just like test-driving a car, you really need to get a good feeling for what a typical day is like.

Talk with the director/owner: Who is in charge? Do they strike you as someone who is calm, rational,

3. What professional development opportunities are provided for you and your staff? Typically, staff receive 15-20 hours/year of professional development. Who provides it, what does it look like?

4. Does your center have an ABC rating? (This is the voluntary rating system that DSS uses to assess and improve centers) If so, what is your rating? And if not, why not?

Kidding Around Greenville 5. How long has your director/classroom teacher been in place? Turnover is high in this industry, that’s normal, but if everyone has turned over in the past 16 months then it could lead to instability for you or our child.

6. Is it secure? Are there cameras? Can people walk in off the street, or is there a locked door? Some centers have 24/7 video surveillance that parents can monitor from home/work. This helps ensure the teachers know someone is watching them at all times.

Choosing to leave your child with a non-family member for care is a gut wrenching decision. You shouldn’t worry every day whether your child is safe, happy, well treated. Ask your friends: find people you trust, and ask them where their children stay.

For additional information, check out these resources for more information: Visit www.greenvillefirststeps. org and take a virtual tour of child development centers, with popups that show you what you should look

for. Or, visit www.sc-ccrr.org for more tips from the SC Child Care Resource and Referral network.

Derek joined Greenville County First Steps in 2008 as executive director after serving as director of youth and teen services with the YMCA of Greenville. He serves on a variety of community boards and committees, including the United Way School Readiness Committee, Community Impact Cabinet and Greenville Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. He also serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the South Carolina Joint Citizens and Legislator Committee on Children. He was part of Leadership Greenville Class 36 and serves on the Leadership Greenville Education Committee. He is also a member of the South Carolina Education Policy Fellowship program (2011) and was named one of Greenville’s Best and Brightest 35 and Under (2009). Derek is married to Hedrick Lewis, a 4K public school teacher, and they live in Greenville with their son, William.

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Winter 2015

50+ Preschools In Greenville Compiled By Elizabeth Faulkner Greenville Abiding Peace Academy (Simpsonville, Five Forks) www.apacademysc.org 864.509.6408 A Lutheran Preschool and Elementary School Now Enrolling for Fall – see ad for more details!

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church (Greenville, downtown) www.bsumc.info 864.233.5050 Carolina International Prep (Greenville, eastside) www.carolinaprepschool.com 864.385.6020 Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville) www.cces.org 864.299.1522 Disciples Methodist Church (Greenville, eastside) www.disciplescdc.org 864.297.6951 Earle Street Baptist Church (Greenville, downtown) www.esbcgreenville.org 864.331.0926 Eastside Christian Academy (Greenville) www.ecapreschool.com 864.292.9909

Edwards Road Baptist (Greenville) www.edwardsroadpreschool.org 864.292.0194 First Baptist Five Forks (Greenville, Five Forks) www.fiveforksbc.org 864.288.9455 First Presbyterian Academy (Greenville, downtown) www.firstpresbyterianacademy.org 864.235.0122 Fourth Presbyterian Church (Greenville) www.4thpres-grvl.com 864.232.8123 Furman CDC (Greenville, north side) www.furman.edu 864.294.2448 Gateway Academy (Greenville) www.gatewayacademy.com 864.214.6890 Goddard (Greenville, Five Forks) www.goddardschool.com 864.254.0708 Greenville ARP Day School (Greenville, downtown) www.Greenvillearpdayschool.com 864.233.6309

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Winter 2015 Directory, Cont’d.

Greenville Montessori (Greenville, eastside) www.montessorigreenville.com 864.232.3447 Greenville Tech CDC (Greenville) www.gvltec.edu 864.250.8080 Haynsworth Private School (Greenville, downtown) www.haynsworthprivate.com 864.235.3010 Immanuel Lutheran (Greenville, Five Forks) www.immanuellutheranschool.net 864.501.8622 John Knox Kindergarten & Parents Day out (Greenville, eastside) www.jkkindergarten.org 864.322.0045 Kiddie Academy (Greenville, Five Forks) www.kiddieacademy.com 864.627.1985 Kids R Kids (Greenville) www.krkgreenville.com 864.288.5455 Legacy Academy (Greenville) www.lagreenville.com 864.288.4403 Mitchell Road Christian Academy (Greenville, eastside) www.mitchellroadchristian.org 864.268.2610

Our Savior Lutheran (Greenville) www.osldayschool.com 864.268.4714 Join us for an Open House including an Usborne Book Fair - Tuesday, March 24th from 6 PM to 8 PM. Now enrolling for Fall - see ad for details.

Park Place Children’s Center (Greenville, Five Forks) www.parkplacechild.com 864.270.5910 Primrose School of Greenville (Greenville, downtown) www.primroseschools.com 864.370.8118 Now enrolling infants through Pre-K. Enrollment begins January 24th. See ad for details.

Rocky Creek Baptist Church (Greenville) www.rockycreekonline.org 864.331.1986 St. Giles Preschool (Greenville, eastside) www.stgilespres.org 864.244.9403 Please come visit - our doors are always open.

Now enrolling for Fall - See ad for details.

St James Episcopal Day School (Greenville, downtown) www.stjamesgreenville.org 864.244.6358 St Mary Magdalene Catholic Preschool (Greenville) www.smmcp.org 864.288.4884

Kidding Around Greenville Preschools, Cont’d.

St Matthews United Methodist Church (Greenville, downtown) www.stmatthewumc.net 864.242.2880

Gilmore Prep Academy (Greer) www.gilmoreprep.com 864.608.3745

The Edge Preschool (Greenville, eastside) www.theedgepreschool.com 864.449.9938

Greer First Baptist (Greer) www.greerfbc.org 864.879.3746

Westminster Weekday School (Greenville, Augusta Road) www.westminsterweekdayschool.com 864.232.5766

Kids R Kids (Greer) www.krkpelham.com 864.877.7746

Woodruff Road Christian Preschool (Greenville) www.Lifechangingchurch.com/preschool 864.288.6248

Kinder Cottage (Greer) www.kindercottage.net 864.855.5242

Greer/Taylors Bushy Creek Baptist Church (Taylors) www.brushycreekweekday.org 864.244.5075 Covenant Christian Academy (Greer) www.ccovumc.org/ministries/cca-preschool/ 864.244.1818 Fairview Baptist Church (Greer) www.fairviewgreer.org 864.877.7959 Four Winds Child Development Center & Academy (Greer) www.fourwindscdc.com 864.234.1534

Lee Road United Methodist Church (Taylors) www.leeroadumc.org 864.268.3821 Memorial United Methodist Church (Greer) www.greerchurch.com/cep/ 864.801.1110 Rainbow Childcare (Greer) www.rainbowccc.com 864.655.7152 Taylors First Baptist Church (Taylors) www.taylorsfbc.org 864.678.8803

Winter 2015 Simpsonville/Mauldin Calvary Baptist Simpsonville www.calvarysimpsonville.org 864.688.3043 Eastside Christian Academy (Mauldin) www.ecapreschool.com 864.292.9909 Five Oaks Academy (Simpsonville) www.fiveoaksacademy.com 864.228.1881 Gateway Academy (Mauldin) www.gatewayacademy.com 864.214.6891 Greenville Classical Academy (Simpsonville, Five Forks) www.greenvilleclassical.com 864.324.9884 Mauldin Montessori www.mauldinmontessori.com 864.288.8613 Messiah Lutheran Church (mauldin) www.messiahmauldin.org 864.963.4549 Simpsonville United Methodist Church www.simpsonvilleumc.org 864.967.3071

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Winter 2015

Event Highlights for January – April 2015

By Bethany Winston While our Kidding Around Greenville calendar is the best place to get up-to-date local information on events, I’ve put together a list for you of what upcoming events I’m keeping my eye on over the next season!

January 17 – Kids’ Maker Fest at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate January 17 – Little Princess Makeover Event with Once Upon a Dream Parties January 23-24 – Monster Jam at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena January 28-February 1 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME at Bon Secours Wellness Arena January 30-February 8 – Fancy Nancy: The Musical at the Peace Center Gunter Theatre and performed by the South Carolina Children’s Theatre February 6-8 – Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consignment Sale at the TD Convention Center February 8 – Family Fun Day at the Upcountry History Museum

March 8 – Family Fun Day at the Upcountry History Museum March 10, 16 – Adventures in History: Carnival at Greenville Library System March 12-15 – SouthEast Homeschool Convention at TD Convention Center March 13-15 – Weecycled Wear at TD Convention Center March 13 – Let’s Pretend: Ms. Lisa’s Laboratory at Greenville Main Library March 14 – Nanotechnology & Pi Day at Roper Mountain Science Center March 14 – South Carolina Children’s Theatre Annual Character Breakfast Celebration & Raffle March 21 – Lollipops Concert at Greenville Library System March 22 – Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena March 27 – Harlem Globetrotters at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

March 27 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Gateway February 12 – Valentine’s Day Tea at the Augusta Road Park with Greenville Rec Library April 4 – iMAGINE Upstate Festival in Downtown February 13 – Family Fun Day at the Greenville Road Greenville Warriors Game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena April 11 – Chemistry Fun Day at Roper Mountain SciFebruary 14 – STEMFest 2015 at Roper Mountain Sci- ence Center ence Center April 24-May 3- Dr. Seuss’ The Cat In the Hat at the February 20 – Super Hero Training at Anderson Road Peace Center Gunter Theatre and performed by the Library South Carolina Children’s Theatre February 20-March 1-Willy Wonka at Younts Center for Performing Arts March 7 – Family Fun Day at the Greenville Road Warriors Game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

April 25 – Upstate Family Expo and Festival at the TD Convention Center

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Winter 2015

8 Tips for the Perfect Date with your Kid

By Bethany Winston

A date night is a fun and sweet way to schedule quality time in where the conversation isn’t limited to keeping order. And, it might be easier than you think.

Tip #1 – Plan an hour or two to spend quality time with your child one-on-one.

We recently split forces with my husband taking our youngest to MacDonalds and me taking our oldest to Chik-Fil-A, to allow each kid a chance to enjoy the undivided attention of one of us alone. My daughter was thrilled to get a Happy Meal and my son and I were lucky enough to snag Home Depot’s family night at Chik-Fil-A. It was a really special evening even though our activities were simple.

Tip #2 – Don’t make the date a reward for good behavior.

I know that I’m tempted to maximize everything to the fullest parenting advantage. If I’m not careful, all of our activities and surprises can quickly be reduced into prizes for good behavior. My children are remarkable gifted at then losing these privileges.

Don’t let that happen with this treat. Make it a treat that they get just because you love them and not because they were good. The kid that constantly presses your buttons is likely the kid that also really needs your attention.

Tip #3 – Put your cell phone on “Do Not Disturb”

If you have more children or are a single parent trying to carve out one-on-one time might take some creativity. I won’t pretend to be an expert on how that works, but here are ideas I’ve heard from others.

Most kids get quickly tired of photos and interruptions from cell phones. Go ahead and turn off your phone for a couple hours. If nothing else, it will send a clear message to your child that they are more important than your business.

Some ideas for carving out one-on-one time are:

Tip #4 – Do something inexpensive and simple.

One parent taking one child out for breakfast or for a special treat once a week while the other parents watches the other kids on a rotational basis.

The temptation is to try to impress your kids with something big when you are treating them to one-onone time.

Taking turns letting one child stay up later than the other children for a special game time or movie night.

Remember this outing is about taking time to just enjoy your child. Big, glitzy programs can distract you from being able to really talk and get to know each The biggest thing is just spending time engaged with other. When the outing is inexpensive and simple, it’s your kids without other distractions. If you have a large also easier to repeat frequently. family or are a single parent, don’t feel guilty if you need to spend time with the kids all together. Schedule If you have a tight budget, don’t worry if you have to a “family date night” instead. pick a free activity or even stay home. The best memories are often the simplest moments. See our Free Things to Do in Greenville Pinterest board for a wealth of suggestions.

Kidding Around Greenville Tip #5 – Don’t force your kids to talk.

Tip #7 – Cater to your kid’s preferences.

I know I’m not the only one who thinks, “I can’t wait for this time with my kid. They will finally tell me all about ______ when we are alone together.” Guess what? They probably won’t, and that’s okay.

Try to let your child do something that they enjoy rather than having to cater to your tastes. This might mean eating at a place that wouldn’t be your top choice or spending a half hour watching your kid climb a playground.

Tip #6 – Stay off the soap box.

It’s likely that you have a list of things that you wish your child would fix or finally get. Like, that being potty trained really is cool. But, this time together isn’t the place for fixing your kid. It’s a time to show them that you love them no matter what (even if they are still wearing diapers in college.)

Tip #8 – Try to incorporate moments like these into everyday life.

Have a great time and then bring the ideas that created that great time home. Maybe you can’t take the kids on a date each week, but you can take a couple minutes to turn off your phone and TV, sit down, and give them your undivided attention each day.

That’s the sort of thing that really says “I love you”.

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Sometimes it’s good just to take a break from trying to find out information from your child, and instead give them space to talk about what they want to talk about.

You never know where that might lead. They might even answer your unspoken questions.

Winter 2015

Winter—It’s the Perfect Time to Curl Up with a Picture Book!

By Greenville County Library

Check out these fun winter reads recommended by our Greenville librarians next time you visit the Greenville Library. Remember you can reserve books easily online!

Fox’s Garden

by Princesse Camcam

This wordless picture book tells the story of what happens when a fox that loses its way on a snowy night takes shelter in a village.

The Lion and the Bird

by Marianne Dubuc A lion finds a wounded bird in his garden and decides to care for it through the winter.

Mimi and Bear in the Snow

by Janee Trasler

Bear is Mimi’s constant companion until one busy day when Bear is not there.

Sleepover with Beatrice & Bear

by Mônica Carnesi

Beatrice the bunny wants to share winter with her best friend Bear, but he will be busy hibernating.

Sugar White Snow and Evergreens: A Winter Wonderland of Color

by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Verses follow a family as they visit a maple-sugaring farm and notice a variety of colors in their surroundings.