Summer and After-School Enrichment Activities

By Cassie Johnson

If you’re looking for things to do with your kids this summer or after school this fall, Purchase Area Family Magazine has you covered! Our advertisers are family-oriented and always looking for ways to enrich you and your children’s lives. Unique art, dance camp, and family movies in the park, are just a few fun activities you can find. Our handy guide will help you find just the right activity.

They say that music soothes the soul and also improves students' math scores! Thinking of signing your child up for lessons? This summer may be a perfect time and several local music schools are accepting new students.

Many places have activities for every age group. Whether you’re looking for a reading program for a younger child or an art workshop for a high schooler, there’s something for everyone. Visit the social media pages or websites of our wonderful advertisers for information on classes, clubs, activities, and special events. Whatever you’re doing this summer, we hope it’s a safe, happy, and healthy one!

Blewett Music Studio

Music makes you smart! Find YOUR musical talent, no matter what your experience level is. Our smaller classes provide more personal attention to each student and familiar faces for both parents and peers. Enjoy stage and community performances under the wisdom of over 20 years of violin teaching experience. Visit blewettmusicstudio.com for more information.

Discovery Park of America

With exhibits and interactive, hands-on experiences focused on science, transportation, technology, history, art, and more, you can discover something new around every corner! Visit discoveryparkofamerica.com for special events and exhibits. Check out the new Greenhouses and Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion spotlighting growing cycles, garden design, soil health, and more!

Funky Monkey Pottery & Glass Fusion

For summer fun visit this one-of-a-kind pottery and glass fusion studio! Choose from hundreds of figurines, banks, mugs, and more to create your masterpiece. Find everything you need to complete your project including paints, brushes, stamps, and stencils. No experience is needed, glass fusion classes are by appointment only. Call 270.252.0001 for more information.

Graves County Public Library

It’s time to Saddle Up and Read! Participate using the Reader Zone App or grab a paper copy at GCPL. Earn prizes for how many books you read. Check social media for our events on June 6, 13, 20, and 27, Teen June Saloon on June 16, and Saddle Up Stampede on July 29 and register at gravescountypubliclibrary.org

Marshall County Public Library

Prevent the summer slide and fill your summer with fun at the MCPL. All three branches provide reading challenges, programs, and events for every age group all summer long. For more information or to see our calendar of events, visit marshallcolibrary.org.

Miss Kailey’s Dance Studio

We bring quality classical dance instruction to Murray in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hip-hop, improv, and acrobatics. Our instructors are trained and certified through the Southern Association of Dance Masters and Acrobatic Arts. Learn more at dancewithmisskailey.com

Paducah Headstart/Preschool

We provide a quality child development program including individualized education, health, and family services in one center for children living in the Paducah City School District area. Our learning environment helps children develop socially, intellectually, and physically in an appropriate manner for their age and stages of development. To see if your child qualifies, call 270. 444.5780 for an enrollment application.

Paducah Parks

Check out the variety of programs to keep kids active such as Summer Camp, Swimming Lessons, Tiny Tot Open Gym, Homeschool Open Gym, Tennis Carnival, and Movies in the Park. Don’t forget the playgrounds and spray grounds in city parks. Follow us on social media or visit paducahky.gov/ departments/parks-recreation/parks-recreation-department

Precious Pottery Preschool

Our loving teachers will introduce your child to a traditional preschool curriculum including phonics, math, science, and computer lab time. Their creativity will thrive with music from Harmony Road and monthly Market House Theater drama lessons. Watch as their motor skills improve and they learn necessary Pre-K concepts. Learn more at broadwaycoc.com

Splat Art Studio

If you can see it, you can make art with it! No mess is too big, no hands are too small to have fun and create one-of-a-kind works of art. Our free-range art includes paint, crayons, glitter, glue, and anything else you can imagine. No stress and leave the mess! See our calendar at dancewithmisskailey.com/splat

Symphony Supply

Whether you’re learning an instrument for the first time, experimenting with a new one, or a seasoned musician staying sharp on your notes, Symphony Supply is ready for you. Enrollment for summer sessions and regular classes is open both in-person and online for all ages. Visit us online at symphonysupply.com 

By Cassie Johnson with Emerald Therapy Center

Kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness are all characteristics to live by and implement in our children. One that might be overlooked or hard to explain is empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a statement of the past. Words can be hurtful and cause serious emotional damage. If someone already struggles with a behavioral condition such as anxiety or depression, feeling singled out or hurt can cause their condition to worsen.

Sometimes we may say something to a family member or coworker that unintentionally hurts their feelings. How can you live empathetically? Imagine yourself in someone else’s situation and consider the emotions they carry.

“It’s challenging to put yourself in another person’s shoes when we already live in a world full of stress,” Dr. Laurie Ballew, Medical Director of Emerald Therapy Center and founder of Holistic Psychiatry and Healthcare told me. “Living empathetically takes time, energy, and hard work. Make it a goal to become more aware of the feelings of those around you.”

Empathy for Others

Becoming more empathetic is equally as important for children as it is for adults. Before they head back to school, talk with your kids about being considerate of others’ feelings. Help them understand it’s okay that not everyone feels the same way they do.

“A simple way to explain empathy to little children is by having them think about how they feel when they cut their finger,” Dr. Ballew said. “It hurt, but it feels better when Mom puts a Band-Aid on the cut. Empathy can be like a healing Band-Aid.”

Like other skills, empathy takes practice. Once established, children and adults will be able to build social skills with others and maintain kind relationships. Consistently practicing empathy will improve your ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences. We are all guilty of saying something to a co-worker or family member and unintentionally hurting their feelings.

At some point in our lives, we have all encountered someone who lacks empathy. Co-workers, family members, and friends can unintentionally say something hurtful. Those situations may leave individuals feeling sad, angry, frustrated, and disappointed.

If you struggle or find it difficult to express or control your emotions, help is just a phone call away. If you feel overwhelmed, contact Emerald Therapy Center. Their trained providers will work with you to find the right coping skills and emotional help you need to heal. 