c o n t e n t s Too many screens Katie Wadington, editor
This month’s features 6
Managing technology
34
Parents develop strategies to balance screen time.
8
10
13
Great expectations In the preschool years, what are little ones expected to know and when?
Winter fun No need to just sit inside this winter. We find things to do around WNC.
Drawn to the magnets
22
Lots of yelling
34
Concussions 101
We take a look at the schools in Asheville’s magnet school system.
15
Doable resolutions Start the new year by setting goals your family can actually achieve.
In every issue
Kids’ Voices .....................18
51
A recent study found almost 90 percent of parents admit to yelling.
Dr. Richard Cantu, a concussions expert, talks about the impact of impact on kids.
Super Bowl bowls Whip up a bowl of shrimp or soup or pasta for the big game.
How many screens are in your house? In mine, counting screens I have for work, there are 12. Two TVs, two iPhones, three iPod Touches, an iPad, two laptops, a desktop computer and a Nook. And managing the use of those devices takes its own set of rules. This month, we take a look at strategies families use to balance technology and life. My children would probably tell you that we are strict in how much screen time we allow. I may have them read the story on Page 6 to let them learn how lucky they are to get about 90 minutes to two hours of screen time a day. How much screen time do your children get? And how do you manage it? I’d love to hear from more parents on this. One thing that pulls kids away from screen time is a chance to get outside for some fun. Even in winter, WNC has so many outdoor opportunities. Our story on Page 10 describes some. At this time of year, parents of little ones are looking at preschools. They may wonder, what are my children expected to know in preschool? And when? Find some answers on Page 8. Parents of Asheville preschoolers are starting to look at kindergartens. We take a look at the options available to city families in our story on magnet schools on Page 13. Being January, you may have set up a few resolutions. This year, why not set some goals as a family? We take a look at how to go about this, and how to make your resolutions reasonable so they actually get done. Find these tips starting on Page 15. I can’t believe it is already 2013. And I really can’t believe that starting next month, it’s time for another Camp Guide. Look for our overnight camp listings in the February issue. Until then, stay warm and safe!
On the cover Special to WNC Parent
Artist’s Muse ...................26 Home-school Happenings .38 Divorced Families ............40 Growing Together............44 Nature Center Notes ........45 Librarian’s Picks...............42 Story Times .....................42 FEAST .............................46 Kids Page ........................54 Calendar .........................56
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P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 www.wncparent.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer WNC PARENT EDITOR Katie Wadington — 232-5829 kwadington@citizen-times.com
FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com
ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Brittany Martin — 232-5898, bymartin@gannett.com CALENDAR CONTENT Due by Jan. 10. E-mail calendar@wncparent.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE Advertising deadline for the February issue is Jan. 15.
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