To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 1
2 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 3
4 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 5
6 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 7
8 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 9
10 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 11
12 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
The Fun-Time Calendar
May 2012
Parents: Some programs require tickets and/or reservations, always contact event locations to confirm times and requirements. May 1, 2 & 4 • Toddlertime • 10:10am • 0-3 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135
May 4 • Mother’s Day Bouquets • 4:30pm • 11-18 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135
May 1, 2 & 4 • Preschool Storytime • 10:45am • 3-6 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135
May 4 • SummerFest - Free Concert • 7:00pm- 9:00pm • Grupo Vida - Tejano, Music, Food and Games. • Southdown Park, 2150 Country Place Pkwy. • Pearlandparks.com
May 3 - 9 • Fiction, Fantasy and Fun • Join the Children’s Museum of Houston as we celebrate the adventures of summer reading and children’s literature. Each year, the Children’s Book Council asks children from around the country to vote on their favorite books. So stop by and indulge in the fantastical stories of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and many more! • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 May 3 • Rock the Dock Concert Series - The Slags • 6:30pm- 10:15pm • Great food, fun on the splash pad and on the rides, and live entertainment. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 4 - 6 • Kids Backporch Productions presents “Jack and the Beanstalk” • $12/person for adults; $6/person for kids, students, and seniors (65+) • CA Nelson Auditorium • 2337 N Galveston Ave • Pearland • kidsbackporchproductions.org
May 5,6,12 & 13 • 38th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour • 10:00am- 6:00pm • Galveston Historical Foundation will present the 38th annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. As visitors tour the homes they will hear about Galveston’s unique and eclectic architecture styles and the influential and everyday citizens that built the houses that still stand today. • $20 • Homes throughout the City • Galveston • galvestonhistory.org May 5 • Camero Show • Benefiting Kidz Harbor. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 5 • 12th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival - • 8:30am4:30pm • Buffalo Bayou will be overflowing with people and boats at the 12th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival in downtown Houston – the official year of the WATER DRAGON • Free • Allen’s landing,
along the Buffalo Bayou waterfront • 1001 Commerce Street and Main • Houston • texasdragonboat.com • 832-248-3655
Dance Theatre presents “Enchanted Evening” presented by their PreProfessional Company Ballet Jete’ and KDT’s Vaganova Ballet Department, with special guest “Inertia” Hip Hop May 5 • Build a Planter Box Company. Call 281-480-8441 • 9:00am- 12:00pm • Kids or visit our website for more will learn to build their information • $15 • All very own planter box ages • University of while learning tool Houston Clear Lake, safety. • At your Find even more Bayou Theatre • local Home Depot • 2700 Bay Area family friendly homedepot.com Blvd. • Houston • kennedydance.com events at May 5 • Free Crafts for Kids May 6 • Concert Thank-You in the Park Bouquet Card • Series • 7:00pm11:00am- 3:00pm • 9:00pm • Clear Brook Lakeshore Learning • & Friendswood High lakeshorelearning.com • School bands perform. • 281-461-6263 Stevenson Park • Friendswood • ci.friendswood.tx.us May 6 • Blessing of the Fleet • Decorated shrimp boats & pleasure craft May 7 & 21 • Rattle and Rhyme cruise down Galveston Bay. • Kemah Storytime • 10:10am • 0-18 Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • months. • Friendswood Public Library • 281-334-9880 friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135
KatyParent.com
May 6 • Target’s Free First Sunday • 12:00pm- 6:00pm • You’re invited to visit the Children’s Museum of Houston for free every first Sunday of the month, courtesy of Target! • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 May 6 • Enchanted Evening • 6:00pm- 9:00pm • Kennedy
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
May 8 • Craft Time • 4:30pm • Pearland Westside Library, 2150 Country Place Pkwy, Pearland • bcls.lib.tx.us • 713-436-8600 May 8 • Pajama Night • 7:00pm • Manvel Library, 205 14B Hwy 6, Manvel • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-489-7596
Pearland Parent / 13
The Fun-Time Calendar May 9 • Para Los Ninos • 4:00pm • Storytime, games, and activities for young children which emphasize the development of motor skills and prepares them for reading. • 6 mths.-4yrs. • Bracewell Neighborhood Library • hpl.lib.tx.us • 832-393-2580 May 10 - 16 • Wild About Wildflowers • Children’s Museum of Houston celebrates the sights and sounds of springtime. Now here’s your chance to get a little taste of that Texas spring time beauty. Stop by and indulge in some of nature’s most beautiful inventions in CMH’s EcoStation exhibit. Let your creativity garden grow while you learn about Texas native flowers, plants and more! • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 May 10 • 2012 Live Well Women’s Conference • 8:00am- 4:30pm • Recognizing the importance of women’s health and understanding that women make the majority of the household healthcare decisions, CHRISTUS St. John Hospital is bringing healthy-living and educational workshops to women in the Bay Area community. The conference will feature guest speakers, a luncheon, various breakout sessions led by local professionals and physicians, and that alltoo-important retail therapy. While this event caters to women ages 20 plus, it is open to anyone interested in attending. This years keynote speakers are Kathryn Stockett, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller The Help and Tate Taylor, director/producer of The Help, Oscar-nominated for Best Picture. Bring your mother, your sister and/or your friend and save $5 off each registration. Registration begins at 7:00am • $50 - Early Registration, until April 30, $65 - Later Registration, May 1 - May 10 • South Shore Harbour Resort • 2500 South Shore Blvd • League City • christusstjohn.org/livewell • 281- 333-8837
14 / Pearland Parent
Cont’d
May 10 • Rock the Dock Concert Series - Big Boom • 6:30pm- 10:15pm • Come to Kemah and enjoy great food, fun on the splash pad and on the rides, and live entertainment. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 11 - 13 • 58th Annual Texas Music Festival, Village Fair & BBQ Cook-Off • Annual fundraiser for the charities of the League City Lions Club. Along with great bands, BBQ, and carnival attractions, we’ve added an obstacle course race, cross fit challenge, volleyball tournament, karaoke contest and much more. Plus, Sunday is still FREE for everyone! The Texas Music Festival is family-friendly with a special Kids Zone featuring more than 30 Carnival rides and attractions to fulfill your entertainment needs. Favorites like the old-fashioned Merry-Go-Round and Ferris Wheel share the limelight with new, fast and exciting rides such as the Zipper and Force 10. • Walter Hall Park • Hwy 3 • League City • lcvillagefair.com May 11 - 12 • Mother and Daughter Sleep Over • 5:30pm- 9:00am • Food, endless girl talk and fun! Tickets must be purchased by May 10th. • $20 • Alvin Senior Center • 309 W. Sealy May 11 • Preschool Playdate • 10:00am • Fun time playing with your friends, making a craft, storytime and snack. • Second Baptist Church - South Campus • second.org • 713-365-6001 May 11 • Opera to Go - The Clever Wife • 4:00pm • A 45-minute high-energy opera performance. Sung in English and are designed especially for today’s audiences. Based on a popular Chinese folktale, explores the difference between wisdom and knowledge when a young wife must rescue
May 2012
her foolish husband from a magistrate’s impossible tasks. • Parker Williams Public Library • hcpl.net • 281-484-2036 May 11 • Movie Pt. 1 • 4:30pm • 11-18 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135 May 11 • Parent’s Night Out • 6:30pm10:30pm • Price includes: Jump time, pizza, drinks, fun activities & childcare! • $20/1st child & $18/siblings • JumpNJungle Webster/Pearland • jumpnjungle.com • 281-557-0700/713-413-0700 May 11 • SummerFest - Free Concert • 7:00pm- 9:00pm • Level One Band - Motown, Soul, Disco & Classic Rock, Music, Food and Games. • Southdown Park, 2150 Country Place Pkwy • Pearland • pearlandparks.com May 12 • 8th Annual Pear Run 10K Run/5K Run/Walk • 7:00am • Check website for fees. • Pearland Town Center • Pavilion • ci.pearland.tx.us May 12 • 8th Annual Corvette Show • Benefiting Kidz Harbor. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 12 • Build & Grow Clinic - Picture Frame Planter • 10:00am- 11:00am • Free • At your local Lowes Store • buildandgrow.com May 12 • Free Crafts for Kids Handprint Keepsake • 11:00am- 3:00pm • Lakeshore Learning • lakeshorelearning.com • 281-461-6263
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 15
The Fun-Time Calendar May 12 • Family Movie • 2:00pm • Popcorn & drinks provided. • Alvin Library, 105 South Gordon • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-388-4300 May 12 • Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea • 3:00pm- 4:00pm • Experience a true Victorian event this year. Learn about 1890s Victorian tea etiquette while snacking on delicious period finger foods. Weather permitting, this special historical event will be held in the beautiful Davis yard. While historical dress is not required, participants are encouraged to wear their Saturday best. Cost is $20 for adults ages 16 and older and $15 for children ages 6-15. Reservations are required. • George Ranch Historical Park • 10215 FM 762 • Richmond • georgeranch.org • 281-343-0218 May 12 • Paralympic Experience • 4:00pm- 7:00pm • Paralympic Experience at Ice Skate USA. Try out sled hockey, practice skills and drills and watch a competitive sled hockey game. They will also have opportunity to meet US Gold Medalist Andy Yohe and former Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini. A great opportunity for disabled members of the community to discover a fun, recreational activity to participate in to stay active. This is sure to be a fun and informative event! • Memorial City Mall Ice Rink • Katy Freeway & Gessner • Houston
16 / Pearland Parent
Cont’d
May 13 • Mother’s Day • Bring Mom & the entire family for lunch or dinner, rides & live music. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 13 • Concert in the Park Series • 7:00pm- 9:00pm • Green Onions perform. • Stevenson Park • Friendswood • ci.friendswood.tx.us May 14 & 28 • Preschool Story Time • 10:30am • 3-5 yrs. • Pearland Westside Library, 2150 Country Place Pkwy, Pearland • bcls.lib.tx.us • 713-436-8600 May 15 • Kid’s Craft Time • 4:00pm • Manvel Library, 205 14B Hwy 6, Manvel • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-489-7596 May 16 • Tween Program: Bookworm Caterpillar • 4:30pm • Make a quiet friend to keep you company while you prepare for Summer Reading! • 8-10 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135 May 17 • Teen Activity • 4:30pm • Manvel Library, 205 14B Hwy 6, Manvel • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-489-7596 May 17 • Craft Time • 6:00pm • Alvin Library, 105 South Gordon, Alvin • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-388-4300
May 17 • Rock the Dock Concert Series - Fal Skye • 6:30pm10:15pm • Enjoy great food, fun on the splash pad and on the rides, and live entertainment. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 18 - 20 • Boats on the Boardwalk • Nautical vendors, boating displays & marine activities for the kids. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 18 • Movie Pt. 2 • 4:30pm • 11-18 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135 May 18 • SummerFest - Free Concert • 7:00pm- 9:00pm • Grateful Geezers - Blues, Soul, 70’s Funk & Classic Rock, Music, Food and Games. • Southdown Park, 2150 Country Place Pkwy • Pearland • pearlandparks.com May 19 • 24th Annual Young Inventors’ Showcase • 8:30am • Children’s Museum of Houston hosts annual invention competition. Come out for a fun-filled day celebrating the 24th Annual Young Inventors’ Showcase of Houston. Children from Kindergarten through 8th Grade will take imagination to the next level by showing off their inventions. There will be winners in each age category and the Grand Prize winner will receive a free patent
May 2012
application! Spend the day learning about kids like you and participate in exhilarating activities. • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 May 19 • Free Crafts for Kids - Rainbow-Colored Creatures • 11:00am- 3:00pm • Lakeshore Learning • lakeshorelearning.com • 281-461-6263 May 19 • Girl Scout Daisy / Brownie Rockstar Party! • 9:30am- 12:00pm • Join Karaoke 4 Kids at a huge end of the year Girl Scout Rockstar Party! Dress in your best Rockstar attire as the Best-Dressed Troop will receive a special prize. We’ll literally roll out the red carpet, turn on the laser lights and disco balls, and rock out for a huge dance and karaoke party. In addition to earning a karaoke participation patch and working towards badges, girls will sing, dance, do a Rockstar craft, and get a ride in a Hummer limo! Each troop will get an e-mail photo of their troop in front of the Hummer limo and, for an additional $40 per troop, each group can make their own special effects DVD in front of our green screen! This will be the ultimate party! • $40 per girl • 5-9 • Leavesley Park Hangar (aka Jones Hangar) • 901 Buckingham • Friendswood • karaoke4kids.com • 281-543-8272
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 17
The Fun-Time Calendar May 19 • 3rd annual Art in the Park • 10:00am- 5:00pm • Come join us for a full day of live entertainment, view works by talented artists and crafters, great food, live demonstrations, activities for the kids, and so much more! Free and open to the public and raises money to help support and encourage the arts in our community. • All Ages • Stevenson Park • 1100 Friendswood Drive/518 • Friendswood • ffaionline.com • 2819967700 May 19 • Girl Scout Junior / Cadette Rockstar Party • 1:00pm- 3:30pm • Join Karaoke 4 Kids at a huge end of the year Girl Scout Rockstar Party! Dress in your best Rockstar attire as the Best-Dressed Troop will receive a special prize. We’ll literally roll out the red carpet, turn on the laser lights and disco balls, and rock out for a huge dance and karaoke party. In addition to earning a karaoke participation patch and working towards badges, girls will sing, dance, do a Rockstar craft, and get a ride in a Hummer limo! Each troop will get an e-mail photo of their troop in front of the Hummer limo and, for an additional $40 per troop, each group can make their own special effects DVD in front of our green screen! • $40 per girl • 9 - 14 • Leavesley Park Hangar (aka Jones Hangar) • 901 Buckingham • Friendswood • karaoke4kids.com • 281-543-8272 May 20 • Family Festival • 11:00am4:00pm • BBQ, raffle, auction, games and more! • St. John the Baptist Catholic Church • Pearland • alvinmanvelchamber.org May 20 • Concert in the Park Series • 7:00pm9:00pm • Park Avenue performs. • Stevenson Park • Friendswood • ci.friendswood.tx.us May 24 - 30 • Gear Up for Summer Bash • Children’s Museum of Houston invites you to kick off
18 / Pearland Parent
Cont’d
summer in high gear. Kick off summer in style at your ultimate vacation destination, the Children’s Museum of Houston. • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 May 24 • DIY Bookmark • 6:00pm • 10+ yrs. • Alvin Library, 105 South Gordon, Alvin • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-388-4300 May 24 • Rock the Dock Concert Series - Rat Ranch • 6:30pm- 10:15pm • Come to Kemah and enjoy great food, fun on the splash pad and on the rides, and live entertainment. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 25 - 28 • Memorial Day Weekend • Dive into Summer, Food & Fun! • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880 May 25 • Snack Making • 4:30pm • 11-18 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135 May 25 • SummerFest - Free Concert • 7:00pm- 9:00pm • Kelly McGuire - Caribbean & Tropical, Music, Food and Games. • Southdown Park, 2150 Country Place Pkwy • Pearland • pearlandparks.com May 25 • Parent’s Night Out • 6:30pm10:30pm • Price includes: Jump time, pizza, drinks, fun activities & childcare! • $20/1st child & $18/siblings • JumpNJungle Webster/Pearland • jumpnjungle.com • 281-557-0700/713-413-0700 May 26 • FutureVet Clinic • Children’s Museum of Houston shows you the truths, tricks and “tails” of pet ownership and pet care. Sponsored by Banfield
May 2012
Pet Hospital. Get a head start on becoming a vet and have a tail wagging good time! Come out for an interactive demo which will show you the responsibilities which come with owning a pet • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 May 26 • Free Crafts for Kids - Patriotic Wand • 11:00am- 3:00pm • Lakeshore Learning • 281-461-6263 • lakeshorelearning.com May 26 • Build & Grow Clinic - Ice Cream Truck • 10:00am- 11:00am • Free • At your local Lowes Store • buildandgrow.com May 27 • Concert in the Park Series • 7:00pm- 9:00pm • Fab 5 performs a tribute to the Beatles & 60’s music. • Stevenson Park • Friendswood • ci.friendswood.tx.us May 29 - 30 • Early Dismissal Doctor Who Marathon! • 12:00pm- 6:00pm • 11-18 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135 May 31 • Swing, Jive & Pop Into Dance • 11:00am- 12:00pm • The company dances through the eras of the 1930’s Lindy Hop, bops into the 1950’s, grooves into the 1970’s and ends into the Hip Hop music of today. • Miller Outdoor Theatre • milleroutdoortheatre.com May 31 • Rock the Dock Concert Series - Velcro Pygmies • 6:30pm- 10:15pm • Come to Kemah and enjoy great food, fun on the splash pad and on the rides, and live entertainment. • Kemah Boardwalk • kemahboardwalk.com • 281-334-9880
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 19
The Fun-Time Calendar
Ongoing Open Play • 10am-2pm • Every Tuesday thru Friday Jump N Jungle is the place to take the kids. Don’t forget socks, you have to wear them to play • Webster • jumpnjungle.com • 281-557-0700 and Pearland • 713-413-0700 Instructables: Made In Your Mind • Children’s Museum of Houston encourages innovation with its new DIY exhibit inspired by Instructables website. You can do it! Anyone can build and create; all you need is a little initiative, teamwork and a DIY attitude. Strap on your thinking cap and put your problemsolving skills to the test in Instructables: Made in Your Mind, a new hands-on, do-it-yourself exhibit. From a duct tape wallet to an indoor kite, creating your own projects is fun as long as you have a can-do attitude! • Childrens Museum of Houston • cmhouston.org • 713-522-1138 Tornado Alley 3D opens • Go on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado’s destructive power at point blank range. Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins
Cont’d
and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Ride along with a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds, torrential rains and unrelenting hail, and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created. • Moody Gardens Galveston • moodygardens.com • 800-582-4673 4D Special FX Theater • See one of your childhood favorites, The Wizard of Oz, with entirely new dimensions at the Special FX 4D Theater. As she winds her way down the yellow brick road with her loveable friends, special sounds, sensations and smells bring Dorothy’s adventure to life like never before. • Moody Gardens Galveston • moodygardens.com • 800-582-4673
TUESDAY Toddler Tuesdays • 10:30am • Enjoy story time and activities with your favorite look-a-like characters! • Discovery Green in Downtown Houston • discoverygreen.com • 713-400-7336
Preschool Story Time • 10:30am • 3-5 yrs. • Alvin Library • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-388-4300 Preschool Story Time • 10:30am • 3-5 yrs. • Manvel Library • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-489-7596 Preschool Storytime • 10:30am • Stories, songs, fingerplays, and occasional crafts. • 3-6 yrs. • Parker Williams Public Library • hcpl.net • 281-484-2036 Preschool Storytime • 10:45am • 3-6 yrs. • Friendswood Public Library • friendswood.lib.tx.us • 281-482-7135
THURSDAY Preschool Story Time • 10:30am • 3-5 yrs. • Pearland Library • bcls.lib.tx.us • 281-652-1677 Toddler Time • 10:30am • Books, fingerplays, songs, and movement. • 1-3 yrs. • Parker Williams Public Library • hcpl.net • 281-484-2036
Family Storytime • 11:00am • Stories, songs, fingerplays, and craft activities. • All • Bracewell Neighborhood Library • houstonlibrary.org • 832-393-2580
Craft for Kids • 4:00pm • Limited supplies. Please call and make reservations for large groups. • All • Bracewell Neighborhood Library • hpl. lib.tx.us • 832-393-2580
WEDNESDAY
Family Night • 5:00pm- 8:00pm •
May 2012
Let us do the cooking and cleaning for you while your family has a jumping good time. • $7/child 2 and up; $3.50/ child under 2 • JumpNJungle Webster • jumpnjungle.com • 281-557-0700
SATURDAY Breakfast on the Bayou • 8:00am- 9:30am • Enjoy pastries, juice and coffee while underway. The boat will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch (NOT at the nature center). Reservations required • 5+ yrs. • Armand Bayou Nature Center • abnc.org • 281-474-2551 Train Rides • 11:00am- 2:00pm • Every Saturday head down to the island and take a train ride on the GE Tonner Locomotive and MoPac Caboose. Take a tour of the museum and learn all about the trains that used to carry everyone from the mainland to the island and back • Galveston Railroad Museum • 2602 Santa Fe Place • Galveston • galvestonrrmuseum.com • 409-765-5700 Sunset Pontoon Cruise • 4:30pm6:00pm • Relaxing and educational trip as you observe the wildlife. Departs from Bay Area Park. Advance reservations REQUIRED. • 5+ yrs. • Armand Bayou Nature Center • abnc.org • 281-474-2551
Log on to www.pearlandparent.com to submit your event or club information. Print Deadline 10th of month prior.
20 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 21
did...that’s neat...yes, I’m so proud “Really?” I said, wondering what to of you - what? (Pause) Wow! - You do next. Should I give him a high-five? Share the news with the guy standing even hit the Cheerio? ” behind me? ‘Hey, this kid up here I glanced over at my wife, perplexed. went potty - pass it on.’ I wasn’t sure so I gave him a nickel. “Cheerio?”
Have you noticed that potty training My kids have been out of diapers for awhile, but I never went for a child is like a spectator sport? publicizing the process. I’ve always When moms and dads start the belonged to the school of thought that momentous task of transitioning toilet discussions belonged in the their kids from diapers to alhome, or between a plumber and me. fresco, parents like to make a really big deal about it — they Not so in the case of my sister. Last clap loudly, call the relatives, m o n t h m y m o m w a s i n t h e c a r with m y w i f e a n d I . Her cell make posters. phone rang. It’s a huge event — carried out with the enthusiasm of pro football “Hello?” she answered. cheerleaders. “Yes..REALLY...okay, put him on the I h a l f ex p e c t o n e o f t h e s e phone. (Pause). days to see dads holding up Hi sweetie, mommy says you went ballpark foam fingers that read: potty on the BIG BOY CHAIR...you “My Son Went #1!”
22 / Pearland Parent
She nodded. “Parents now put them Of course I’m glad this kind of stuff in the toilet so their kids can try to doesn’t happen in the adult world. hit them with their...their...” Frank: Ken, I went potty in the Executive Bathroom for the very first “Oh,” I said. “With their...their...” time!” “Exactly.” Me: Wow, Frank. I’d like to recognize I’m glad neither of us had to say it. you during the staff meeting. “Thanks for calling me,” my mom said Can I tell them you hit the Cheerio?” finishing up her call. But, I shouldn’t really complain, I “Here, tell your Uncle Ken what you did.” suppose. Even if it’s not the way I did it, there’s nothing wrong with “Mom!” encouraging young people to set I suppose you can’t really blame goals and accomplish them. most moms and dads, or grandmas, for being excited. After two to four So, I’ve tried to be supportive of my years of changing diapers, a little sister by doing my part to get excited about my nephew going to the encouragement is WELL in order. bathroom. Just yesterday, the family But some parents go over the deep was gathered at my mom’s house end, I think. Like Monday. when my sister and her son came “Jimmy, tell the nice man what you bursting in the room, smiling from dimple to dimple. did this morning.” I looked at the woman with her son “Well, tell them,” my sister prodded. standing ahead of me in the 10 items “I just went potty in the potty chair,” or less line at the grocery store and my nephew announced. raised my eyebrows. “I went potty on the potty chair, mister.” I led ‘The Wave.’
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!
To Advertise in Pearland Parent, Call 281-480-3600
Pearland Parent / 23
24 / Pearland Parent
Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Pearland Parent!