Atlanta Parent_February 2021

AtlantaParent February 2021 / atlantaparent.com

Mommy Burnout

COVID made it worse

Local Kid Makes Black History Fun Guide to Overnight Camps Checkup Time:

See our List of Mom-Approved Dentists

SUMMER CAMP Planning Starts Here!

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TrinityATL.org 404-231-8117

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DAY CAMPS l OVERNIGHT CAMPS l SUMMER PROGRAMS

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CAMPTEKOA.ORG 828-692-6516

TheSpanishAcademy.com 770-751-3646

InTheCityCamps.com multiple locations

RiverviewCamp.org 800-882-0722

KinderCare.com

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Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Mark Moncino and learn more about how we can help your family thrive.

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gcadp.com

4 Atlanta Parent    February 2021

Bring the joy of music into your home.

The Music Class now offers fun, developmental music classes right at home.

Online, interactive classes led by inspiring music teachers will sweep you and your child into playful singing and dancing, together with other participating classmates, in a virtual studio. Unleash the music potential of your young child while keeping them engaged at home.

Call for class times or visit our website.

770-645-5578

themusicclass.com/atl-at-home-info

atlantaparent.com

Inside 37 Febuary

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Publisher’s Note / 8

Good Stuff / 9

For the Fridge / 50 Looking for a great dentist?

Our mom-approved list will help. Page 33

12

Coping with Mommy Burnout

16

Valentine’s Day Date Night

20

It’s Black History Month

22

Time for Overnight Camp

Moms are under more pressure than ever – read our advice on coping. Plus, one mom shares her own burnout experience.

Whether it’s an evening in or a night on the town, plan something special.

Young entrepreneur Dakota Adeyemi is helping kids learn about Black History.

Plus, our list of good reads for all ages.

PAGE

What will camp look like this summer?

Atlanta Parent asked some camp owners and directors about their plans.

Family Fun Guide: Top February events, commemorate Black History Month, outdoor places to play, Chinese New Year and more! Page 41 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Great Day Camps / Page 10 Top Charter Schools / Page 18 Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 5

TIRED OF ASTHMA? Consider joining a clinical research study to prevent future asthma attacks.

Eligible children age 1-17 years will receive, at no cost:  Allergy testing

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com

 Health exams

 Asthma medications

PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

 Breathing tests Participants will receive compensation for time and travel.

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Melinda McGuire

EXECUTIVE mmcguire@atlantaparent.com

Morgan Nicholls 404.785.2958 morgan.nicholls@choa.org

ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Christy Craig EXECUTIVE ccraig@atlantaparent.com STAFF Emily Webb

WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com

COPY Mary Williams

EDITOR

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz MARKETING Felicia Barman

MOM

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Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by

Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge throughout the metro area and as a digital issue at atlataparent.com Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials.

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© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2021

6 Atlanta Parent February 2021

atlantaparent.com

Make a Charcuterie Board Technically a charcuterie board means a board of prepared meats, but these days anything goes! Cut cheese or salami into heart shapes to make a beautiful food presentation.

Send Valentines in Many Ways l By email – Sites such

as Blue Mountain Cards, American Greetings, or Punchbowl allow you to email fun cards for free.

14

Sweet Ideas for a Fantastic Valentine’s Day

Play Tic-Tac-Toe Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like the x’s and o’s in this game that kids already love. Winner gets the number of kisses and hugs on the board!

Here are some ways to make this the best Valentine’s Day ever despite the pandemic.

Surprise Your Kids with Love Notes Leave stickie notes of love or encouragement for your kids on the fridge or other places around the house.

For extra fun, use pink ones for Valentine’s Day or put them together into the shape of a heart.

l Postcards – For a small

charge the Touchnote app lets you send postcards and add a picture. They do the printing and mailing for you and your valentine receives a special postcard.

Make Heart-Shaped Food Kids will love having their own personal-sized heart shaped pizza, whether you make the dough yourself or buy prepared dough.

Sandwiches can be cut into hearts with a knife or cookie cutter.

l Go the old fashioned

route – Some post offices will have more selection than others, but children love picking out their own stamps and mailing out valentines.

Read a Valentine’s Day Themed Picture Book

Decorate in Hearts Heart-shaped balloons or simple pink and red balloons for Valentine’s Day will make your child’s day!

Have a Valentine’s Day Photoshoot Cut hearts and other props from construction paper.

Dress the kids in red and snap a pic!

Make a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt Put clues around the house and let your kids search high and low for a box of candy hearts or treat.

There are many great picture books that complement Valentine’s Day. Try “Mama Do You Love Me” by Barbara M. Joose or “Henry In Love”

by Peter McCarty.

Make Pink Smoothies or Milkshakes Recipes for strawberry smoothies or milkshakes are plentiful online.

Get Baking

Put Up a Valentine’s Day Tree

Break a HeartShaped Piñata

Of course, there’s the old standby. Pink frosted cupcakes or sugar cookies are sure to be a big hit.

Haven’t taken down that Christmas tree yet? Don’t despair! Just switch the decor from ornaments to hearts!

Kids love a piñata! Heartshaped piñatas are available on Amazon if you can’t find one locally.

atlantaparent.com

Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries Dip strawberries in melted chocolate chips and then place on wax paper. They’re beautiful, delectable and very easy!

– Jill Morgenstern

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 7

The

Atlanta Parent Family of Publications

Publisher’s Note

F

ebruary is the month of hearts. This year, I’m finding hearts and signs of love in a lot of unexpected places. One silver lining in our frustrating world of social distancing and staying home is that it’s giving us opportunities to make heartfelt gestures in different ways.

There probably won’t be as many Valentine parties at school this year. Why not have your kids show some love by making Valentine decorations for your doors and windows? Make cards for a neighbor who needs a smile, your postal carrier, or the nurses at a nearby hospital. These essential workers need to know that we appreciate their dedication, the heart they must have to keep doing their jobs every day.

Moms and dads need heart, too. The pressure to take care of kids, work, help with schoolwork and manage the household has increased with the pandemic. Showing love to your kids is difficult when parents feel burned out. Finding ways to recharge is so important, whether it’s getting out for a walk, doing a few breathing exercises or just spending an hour doing something you love.

February is also Black History Month, and I’m inspired by a 10-year-old whose excitement is contagious. Dakota Adeyemi is so passionate about sharing Black history that she used her time at home to build her own website filled with games, videos and stories to educate and inform other kids. It takes a big heart for a young person to put so much thought into sharing what she loves in a creative way.

We all love reading or hearing about people who do good things for others, especially now when we could use a little brightness in our lives. Maybe it’s not so hard for all of us to show some heart, even if it’s just telling your spouse, your friend or the grocery store checkout person that you appreciate them.

How to Reach us:

Call 770-454-7599 for advertising information www.atlantaparent.com 8 Atlanta Parent February 2021

Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

atlantaparent.com

by Emily Webb

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE

Customizable Jewelry

Your creative child will enjoy playing with the Learn to Build Jewelry from Plus-Plus, where they can gift their creations to family and friends. The set includes 400 pieces, along with four of the new 2020 colors: pink glitter, purple glitter, lime green and turquoise. The guidebook gives step-by-step instructions to build unique, wearable jewelry, or explore your own creativity by constructing your own designs. For ages 5-12. Available at plusplususa.com for $24.99.

Stuck Together

Customize magnetic tiles to create beautiful photo sets you can give to loved ones with myMagnatiles from CreateOn. Choose from your family photos to create a magnetic picture frame you can organize in new ways with different sized tiles. Available at createon.com for $40$50. Your kids will enjoy playing with the limitededition LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar for an interactive, Valentine’s Day-themed play set, which is available until March 1 on createon.com for $44.99.

On-Screen Stories

Share the love of reading with your kids and loved ones around the world with BookChat by Readeo, with new books added monthly. This video chat service features interactive, digitized books for a creative storytime to connect your family. The Readeo family plan allows you to invite four additional members. Start a 14-day free trial at readeo.com; a monthly subscription is $9.99 or get the annual membership for $99.99.

Hearts for the Holiday

Write It Out

Help your kids express themselves with the Sonder Kids 3-Month Gift Set from Silk + Sonder. Designed for ages 6-12, these curated monthly wellness journals focus on a different theme to help your child process feelings, develop writing skills and build their confidence. Each set includes a Friendship, Empathy and Perseverance journal with space for gratitude journaling, coloring pages, interactive activities, recipes and more. Available at silkandsonder.com for $45.

atlantaparent.com

Get your family in the Valentine’s Day spirit with Bumkins’ cute collection, including bibs, reusable snack bags, wet bags, travel bags and a sun hat. Decorated with hearts and XOs, these sweet products are perfect for the February holiday, but they’ll also look classy all year long. Available at bumkins.com/collections/ bumkins-designs-hearts from $6.95-$18.95.

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 9

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sign Up for These Day Camps Now! Register for one of these standout camps before spaces fill up!

High Museum of Art Summer Camps

n High Museum of Art Summer Camps At High Museum of Art’s summer art camp sessions, campers will explore the museum collections, experiment with artistic media, create art projects and make new friends. Professional teaching artists inspire kids to look more closely, experiment with art-making materials, and practice new techniques.

Each week, campers are introduced to a new aspect of visual art including sculpture, storytelling, capturing nature and creatively using color. Young artists will explore, create, and showcase their artwork in a special weekly exhibition. Registration is now open for summer art camp sessions and space is limited. Don’t miss the opportunity to save a spot in this creative art camp.

Members receive 25% off camp registration in addition to other benefits such as discounts in the Museum Shop, admission tickets to the High and more.

The discounted member rate will automatically apply when you register for camp. Weeklong sessions from June 7-July 30. For details and to register, visit high.org/camp.

n Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education In the City Camps

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education Summer Programs offer a variety of dance classes for dancers at beginner and intermediate levels. Creative Movement, for dancers ages 2 through 6, will introduce your child to dance in a fun and safe setting, while developing body awareness, rhythm, flexibility, coordination and confidence. Intermediate students will enjoy ballet technique classes with opportunities to explore other dance styles and genres including pre-pointe/pointe, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, musical theatre and international dance styles. Weekly class sessions run from June 9 through July 24. Cost is $185 to $1,425 per session. For details and to register, visit centre.atlantaballet. com/summer-programs/summer-day-camps

n Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Summer Camps

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Summer Camps

10 Atlanta Parent February 2021

At Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta summer camp, the adventure is high and the fun is big – like, really big. Spend your summer trying new activities like horseback riding, sailboarding, or conducting scientific experiments in the great outdoors. Make incredible memories with awesome new friends, and much more. Check out all three ACA accredited camps across Greater Atlanta, from camping in the mountains to an urban oasis close to home. Warning: this is not your everyday summer experience. Come ready to play, explore, discover, and have the time of your life. All girls are welcome to register. To learn more, visit GirlScoutSummer.com. atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education

Camp Kingfisher at Chattahoochee Nature Center

n Camp Kingfisher at Chattahoochee Nature Center Get outside, connect with nature, build lasting friendships and have all the fun of a traditional summer camp. Nestled just north of Atlanta, campers can explore 127 acres of woodlands, ponds and the Chattahoochee River for a unique summer experience. Activities and themes encourage personal growth, teamwork and environmental stewardship. Certified counselors, specialists and staff lead hikes, animal encounters, science explorations, canoeing, swimming, arts and more. One- and two-week sessions for rising kindergartners to seventh grade. Halfday sessions for 4 year-olds. June 1-July 30. Join Chattahoochee Nature Center for their 28th summer of discovery, adventure and fun. For details and to register, visit chattnaturecenter.org.

n In the City Camps Sports, water slides, art, ropes course, music, dance, cooking, bike riding and more – In the City Camps’ progressive programming allows campers to choose their own daily activities. Campers form strong connections to each other, role-model counselors, the Jewish community, and Israel. In June, ITC will offer camp Intown on the BeltLine for 3 weeks. Starting July 6, camp opens in Sandy Springs for 4 weeks. Specialty Tween Academies will also be offered in Sandy Springs for middle school campers, including Innovation, Sports, Arts, and Performing Arts options. Tweens will learn from experts in each field. Learn more and register at inthecitycamps.org.

Marist School Summer Camps

n Marist School Summer Camps Spend the summer growing, learning new skills, and playing at Marist School summer camps! Camp offerings include sports camps (baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, football, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, volleyball); sports medicine camp; fun camp; music technology & production camp; ceramics camp; personal essay start-up; and SAT/ACT boot camp. Full-and half-day weekly camp sessions will be offered from June 7 to August 6 for children ages 5 to 17. After camp care is available until 5 p.m. daily. For details and to register, visit marist.com/summercamps.

n Woodward Academy Summer Camps

The exciting journey at Woodward Academy doesn’t stop when school ends in May! With more than 150 camp offerings, Woodward Academy Summer Camps offer young scholars, athletes, explorers, and artists an array of enrichment, athletic, academic, and activity camps on two campuses in College Park and Johns Creek. Woodward Academy Summer Camps are open to the public and are accessible through an exceptional bus system so students from all over the community can experience Woodward in May, June, and July. Register today at woodward. edu/summer-programs and your child will be immersed in a one-of-a-kind summer adventure. atlantaparent.com

Woodward Academy Summer Camps

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 11

MOMMY BURNOUT: IT’S HERE. IT’S REAL. AND COVID-19 ONLY MADE IT WORSE.

by Emily Webb

Moms have always had a lot on their plate: childcare, working, cooking and keeping the house in the order, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, responsibilities have multiplied. If you’re struggling with burnout, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Atlanta Parent reached out to local therapists for help, and a mom is sharing her story dealing with burnout to share techniques and help you cope during this difficult time.

12 Atlanta Parent February 2021

71%

of mothers report modifying their work routine to adapt to caregiving responsibilities.

61%

of mothers report working outside of core hours to balance family responsibilities.

$1,177

current average monthly cost of center-based childcare in Georgia. Pre-pandemic, the average cost was $548.

66%

of parents of K-12 students say they are providing additional instruction or resources to their children beyond what’s provided by the school.

Sources: Catalyst; Center for American Progress; Pew Research Center

atlantaparent.com

RUNNING OUT OF ENERGY: ONE MOM’S STORY

by Julie Hilton

I

t is almost a year since our lives were impacted by the pandemic. Eleven months since our families and kids adjusted to school and workplace closures, wearing masks and being home together…a lot. As a mom to four kids, I often feel responsible for keeping it together, always having a smile, giving a positive affirmation and being the glue that holds our world in place. However, I see headlines on my news app that make me fearful, confused, disgusted, or, I will admit, even make me cry. And I expect myself, because I am always counted on, to make sure all will be well. I apply the Band-Aids and kiss the places that hurt. I “hold down the fort,” as they say. But staying strong for 11 months? My energy can feel like it is running out.

My kids are ages 7, 8, 10 and 12. They are old enough to realize the world right now is not as it should be, old enough to ask questions that many times I do not have an answer. Our routines, our holidays, our birthdays, our work and school, and our activities – all different.

As summer 2020 ended, my husband, a corporate attorney, was still working remotely in an extra room upstairs. The kids were loud and bored and ready to see their friends. I dreamed of 15 minutes of quiet. We were forced to make critical decisions about schooling with still many unknowns, ultimately deciding to send our older kids to in-person school but homeschool our younger ones entering first and second grades. I purchased a white board, ordered credible curriculum and

turned my dining room into a classroom. My older two kids go to school with plexiglass partitions at their desks, daily temperature checks and wear a mask seven hours a day.

Talk about different for all of us.

Then my fears shifted from worrying about the virus to worrying about long-term social and academic repercussions in this new world of not touching, not hugging, keeping our distance and washing our hands constantly. I experienced different emotions during these months: grief, fear, fatigue, feeling overwhelmed.

I hit many walls, emotionally, physically, even creatively, as my writing takes a backseat. I make mistakes, I pivot, I find things that work for short periods of time and then go in other directions. I’ve learned what is harmful to my mental health: comparison, judgement, gossip and negativity. Social media is sometimes best to ignore.

What does help when I feel burnout creeping in is moving my body, staying connected to trusted friends and family, breath work (there are many helpful apps!), but most importantly, deciding what matters each day.

Having a clean house may not matter today but going on a family hike does matter. Or mommy-daddy together time matters. Or fill in the blank matters. It changes, but naming those things out loud to myself, in my journal or in a prayer keeps me grounded, keeps me thankful, keeps me hopeful. I do see the light at the end of this long and winding tunnel. I feel it and believe it.

MY FEARS SHIFTED FROM WORRYING ABOUT THE VIRUS to worrying about long-term social and academic repercussions in this new world of not touching, not hugging, keeping our distance and washing our hands constantly.

atlantaparent.com

WAYS MOMS CAN REFRESH

It can be hard to remember that you’re a person, not just a list of responsibilities. Start incorporating time for yourself by making these small changes.

1

“Prioritize recharging moments for yourself, like 10 minutes of meditation, a short walk around the block, listening to your favorite songs or calling a close friend,” DiCristina says.

2

Make sleep a priority. Create a bedtime routine, and as much as possible, stick to it.

3

Get active. Take a walk, watch a yoga or exercise video, have a dance party with your kids. Try to get some movement in every day.

4

Clean up your social media.

Unfollow negative friends or accounts that make you feel worse. Try to limit your time online.

5

Do mindfulness exercises, either alone or as a family. To help you start, download an app, like Smiling Mind, that offers daily meditation programs.

6

“Pause on daily tasks for a few minutes to do absolutely nothing!” Battle says. “Put the baby in a safe and secure place, close the door to your office, indulge in your favorite snack, or even take a few quiet minutes in the bathroom to take some deep breaths. Take some time throughout the day to decompress.”

7

Make a list of things you’re proud of to give yourself credit for all the amazing things you do.

8

Help the family become less reliant on you. Have the kids fix their own lunch one day a week.

Cont’d on next page

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 13

GETTING ANSWERS:

Q&A on Burnout

Atlanta Parent spoke to Monica DiCristina, a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, about how moms can handle burnout during this time.

Q: As a therapist, what issues are you seeing in parents?

Parents, who already struggle with time to care for themselves and meet their own needs, are struggling even more with that. I am also seeing the weight of decision fatigue. Decisions as a parent already feel big, because you are trying to make the best path forward for the people you love the most in the world. Now, you are trying to balance different opinions and boundaries about the pandemic, the ripple effects of potential exposure to loved ones and not knowing how long you will be making each decision for.

Q: What are your tips for dealing with anxiety

Q: How can moms handle the extra responsibilities

We often function like machines, rather than human beings. We are not wired to, nor capable of, giving out constantly. Exhaustion is cumulative, and so is burnout. Consider medication if that’s needed. Wholeheartedly accept your limitations. As parents, we live and breathe as if we can control everything because we want the best for our kids, but we are limited as humans. There’s a peace that comes with embracing your limitations: the ramifications of what other people decide are out of my hands, so I need to decide what feels comfortable to me and let the rest go. With decision fatigue, why is it so hard for you to say no? Instead of getting critical, get curious. Are you afraid of not pleasing someone, rejection, being judged by what people will think?

Moms tend to carry the “mental load” for the family – meaning they are thinking of everything and what is next, even when not executing on it. This mental load can be exhausting. Let your partner in on the mental load from the teacher emails to the volunteer requests, and delegate decisions to your partner to help.

A lot of moms have the tendency to over-function, leaving the people in their life with the easy load of under-functioning. Reevaluate where you might be over-functioning in your roles. Set realistic expectations for yourself. This could look like saying no more, serving frozen pizza for dinner more, delegating more and not volunteering yourself for things.

Q: As a parent, when can you be honest

Single parents are the heroes of the parenting world, and even more so now. Remember your context. Comparing what you are alone to a two-parent or two-caregiver household is just unfair and not helpful. Ask for support. As humans, and women especially, we feel pressured to present as though we are needless, and this is not true for any of us. Ask for the help that you need from a colleague or boss for more flexibility in your schedule. Ask a friend to give you time to recharge your batteries for a couple of hours. Evaluate and reevaluate your boundaries as needed.

or decision fatigue?

with your kids about what you’re feeling?

It is really positive for your kids to see you model vulnerability and taking care of yourself. For example: “I am feeling really stressed today, which is normal when things are hard. So, I am going to do what I know really helps me and go for a run.” We don’t ever want to lean on our kids for emotional support. Being honest and human with your kids is one thing, but relying on them for emotional support is not part of parenting.

Q: “Staying positive” is advice that’s often

given during difficult times. Are there actionable ways to stay positive with yourself and your family?

I don’t think kids need a positive mom. The pressure for moms to be “positive” can have a negative impact on their mental health and confidence as a parent. I would encourage moms to focus more on connecting with and being present to their kids. Paying attention to your kids, listening to them, staying curious about what they are telling you, being involved in their everyday lives – these are much more impactful than positivity.

14 Atlanta Parent February 2021

this pandemic has created?

Q: What’s your advice for single parents?

Q: What’s your advice for couples? (Disclaimer:

This advice is not relevant in an abusive marriage.)

The context of what you are living through will put a strain on relationships. Relationships need to have extra support added when there is more weight put on it. We make the relationship strong through increased connection time, which doesn’t have to be an elaborate date night or weekend away. Connection is actually built on small moments.

Prioritize these small moments to remember who you are as individuals and as a couple. Building in small moments of daily connection – coffee in the morning before the kids are up, a walk around the block holding hands while the kids ride ahead on their bikes, takeout dinner date after the kids are in bed – can be small wins for maintaining this connection during a stressful time.

atlantaparent.com

After a fight, separate to get emotionally regulated. Create a calm space together, where you can talk about the different buttons that got pushed for each of you during the fight and to connect to yourself and your spouse in a vulnerable way.

Throw out the traditional division of labor you had as a couple. Give each other a break on what you need a break from, which can create compassion and break up the monotony of your daily routines.

Q: What is your advice for essential workers, who are having to deal with the added stress of being out and about?

Don’t forget your context. You are on the frontlines of a global trauma, which has ramifications for compassion fatigue and mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. We’re all relying on essential workers, and they’re likely not getting the support they deserve or need.

Reach out wherever you can get any support: from a family member or spouse, find discounted therapy or therapy funds, find therapists with flexible hours. Prioritize your self-care.

Q: What are your tips for dealing with the guilt of juggling childcare and working from home?

The Eight Signs of Burnout: n Exhaustion n Fatigue n Cynicism n Loss of energy n Loss of hope n Anxiety n Depression n Guilt

Throw the guilt out the window.

The last thing a working mother needs during this pandemic is a false sense of guilt for not being able to fulfill an unrealistic version of herself. The myth of balancing it all is just that—a myth. What works more realistically is prioritization. Work and staying employed is an essential priority, but after that, any of the extras need to be addressed and removed.

Write a short list of what things take priority in your life, and therefore your time, and measure each extra request by that list.

Q: Since this pandemic has been hard on

everyone, do you have any tips for getting over your guilt about reaching out to other people and “bothering” them with your own issues when you need support?

When we show other people our vulnerability, we give them permission to do the same. When we allow ourselves to be honest with our support network, not only will we get the support we need, but we will send the message that it is ok for others to do the same.

Reframe it from “bothering” other people to giving them and yourself the permission to be human and be there for each other. Allow yourself to receive the same love you would give to others.

Q: How can you handle the guilt when you’re feeling tired of your family?

We have to be honest with ourselves without shame, which makes us better at loving others. Love does not mean you’re never annoyed.

You can be annoyed and still be wholly devoted. The more permission we give ourselves to be human, the less shame we feel. When you’re feeling tired of your family, you have nothing to feel guilty about; you just need time alone. You need time away from people to recharge and time away from your kids to miss your kids.

atlantaparent.com

DOS AND DON’TS of Parenting in a Pandemic Atlanta Parent spoke to Crystal Battle, a marriage and family therapist from Kaleidoscope Family Therapy in Atlanta, about how to handle family issues that arise with the pressures of quarantine. n Don’t underestimate the importance of communication.

We love our loved ones, but we find that the more we are around each other, the less tolerable we are of each other. Many family members are housed with each other for extended hours of the day. This can be a recipe for a high-tension environment if effective communication and positive coping mechanisms are not in place.

This is a time for families to be honest about their thoughts and feelings and make their needs and wants clear. n Do discuss stress and anxiety in an age-appropriate way.

For younger grade school children, ask the child to show on paper how sad or mad they are. When they have finished drawing, parents should ask the child to tell them about the picture and what made them feel that way. You can also use dolls or trucks for them to act out their feelings through the toys.

For middle and high schoolers, ask specifically about a topic, such as grades, school, extracurricular activities or teachers.

Communicating, identifying thoughts and feelings and looking for solutions are ways parents can talk about and help their children cope with stress and anxiety. n Don’t try to resolve your children’s arguments immediately.

Let children learn how to resolve their own conflicts with each other. Parents will want to be attentively on standby to deescalate the situation if things get too intense, or no one is budging from their position. If they are unable to resolve the situation on their own and parent intervention is needed, encourage the children to take a break from each other and engage in separate activities. Parents can serve as the mediator, allowing both sides to tell their side and then help facilitate a solution. Parents should set the rule that each will respect the other, and while one talks, the other is listening. n Do create time for the whole family to be alone.

Being honest about your thoughts, feelings, needs and wants is the key to setting boundaries when alone time is needed. Normalizing “me-time” as being a time to decompress mentally and to enjoy your own company is healthy and provides a balance. Because alone time is needed for self-development and self-discovery, differentiating that everyone needs their own space from time to time is vital to helping you get to know yourself better. Communicate respectfully when you want to be alone. n Don’t solve your kids’ problems for them.

If teenagers feel their parents are trying to solve their problems without understanding the full context of what is going on, it could possibly cause them to shut down. I have learned to give them my interest by showing them that they have my attention. Parents can do this by putting away their phones, not interrupting and oddly enough, not asking too many questions. Validate their feelings towards the situation. For example: “Wow, that sounds difficult or hurtful,” or “I’d be mad, too,” followed by, “Have you thought about what you’re going to do next” or “How are you going to handle it?” If their response is, “I don’t know,” you could give them some options or scenarios to think through.

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 15

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED! VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT IDEAS

by Mary Williams

Valentine’s Day is all about love! Whether you celebrate on February 14 or any day of the month, set aside some time to spend with your special someone.

These Valentine date ideas range from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.

A Budget-Friendly Date n Watch a romantic movie on your favorite streaming service. Try one of these oldies: “Casablanca,” “An American in Paris” or “To Catch a Thief.” For a more modern take, watch “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Allied,” “Always Be My Maybe” or “Isn’t it Romantic.” n Explore the Atlanta BeltLine and its everchanging artwork. Stop for a bite along the way – Ponce City Market or Krog Street have plenty of choices. Find maps and more at beltline.org. n Take a hike or stroll on one of Atlanta’s beautiful trails. Sweetwater Creek, Reynolds Nature Preserve and Stone Mountain Park are great options. n Go retro with a drive-in movie. Starlight DriveIn, The Springs Cinema and Taphouse and Plaza Theatre Drive-In have the latest releases as well as a few classics. n Cook together. Prepare a meal together using a ready-to-cook kit from Publix or Fresh Market. Feeling adventurous? Try a new recipe, like cheese fondue, salmon burgers or paella.

Spend a Little More n Enjoy a cabaret from Atlanta Lyric Theatre. This virtual program of love songs will be available from February 12-14. $30 per person; atlantalyrictheatre.com. n Take a gondola ride for two at SkyView Atlanta.

The 20-story Ferris wheel has amazing views of the city. $14.50 per person; skyviewatlanta.com. n Order takeout or delivery from HobNob Tavern, with locations in Dunwoody, Brookhaven and Alpharetta (hobnobatlanta.com). Or pick up a Pasta Pair for Two from Maggiano’s Little Italy; there are three locations in metro Atlanta (maggianos.com). n Paint together with to-go kits from Sips n Strokes.

Each kit has a canvas, paint, brushes and instructions. $30 per person; sipsnstrokes.com. n Head to Fernbank Museum for their After Dark event on February 12, with live music, bar, tapas menus and science demonstrations. $21.95 per person; fernbankmuseum.org.

16 Atlanta Parent February 2021

atlantaparent.com

Photo by Thomas Swofford

A Valentine’s Day Splurge n Enjoy a night in with Josh Groban. The awardwinning musician will livestream a concert on February 14. $32 and up; joshgroban.com/livestream/ valentines. n Experience a virtual wine tasting. Atlantabased Terra Terroir provides you with a selection of wines, cheese and meat charcuteries; meet their sommelier on Zoom for a tasting session. Starting at $110 per couple; terraterroir.com.

Love Games n Have a themed date with Date Night in a Box. Each box includes interactive activities, snacks or mixers and a dinner menu and recipes; order on a one-time basis or subscription. From $41.99; datenightinbox.com. n Start a conversation. Search online for “conversation starters for couples,” choose a few options, silly or serious, and write them on cards.

You may learn something new about your spouse! n Play a board game. Fog of Love is designed for couples; you each create and play characters who meet, fall in love and try to make a relationship work. $40; amazon.com.

Terra Terroir

n Explore the Georgia Aquarium after dark at “Sips Under the Sea” on February 12; the socially-distanced event will feature cocktails, music and food. From $39.95 and up; georgiaaquarium.org. n Go upscale with a gourmet meal. Kimball House in Decatur (Kimball-house.com) has a take-out menu and prepared meals. Aria (aria-atl.com) has a special menu for curbside pickup, including meals for two. n Play Grownup Games at the Painted Pin. At this upscale boutique bar, you and your date can enjoy signature cocktails, food and a selection of games like bowling, skee ball, giant Jenga and more. thepaintedpin.com.

atlantaparent.com

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 17

enrollment deadlines.

Learn more about Charting the Right Course CHARTING THE these top charter Learn more about these top charter schools and their enrollment deadlines.

RIGHT COURSE

schools and their enrollment deadlines.

Atlanta Unbound Academy (AUA) is a tuition-free charter school community for K-8 that mirrors the experience of Historically Black Colleges and Universities by providing a rigorous, empowering, and culturally relevant education to students in Atlanta. Teaching methodologies are centered around a shared racial identity and aims to uplift students, giving them the confidence to excel beyond any challenge they may face, to achieve beyond expectations, and to dream beyond measure. Applications close March 12. Apply today.

Learn more about Learn more about these top charter these top charter schools and their schools and their enrollment deadlines. enrollment deadlines.

CHARTING CHARTING THE THE RIGHT RIGHT COURSE COURSE 1743 Hardin Ave., College Park 30337

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D.E.L.T.A. STEAM Academy is a new STEAM immersion K-8 school where the vision is to be the BEST in the country at producing the next generation of culturally conscious, critical and creative thinkers. Students receive a rigorous education taught through the Engineering Design Process infused with performing arts and character development. D.E.L.T.A. serves the communities of Douglas, South Fulton, South Cobb and the Douglass Cluster of APS. Enroll today and make HISTORY!

7131 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs 30122

470-729-2692

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Ethos Classical is a tuition-free public charter school in South Atlanta

serving Kindergarten - Fifth Grade. With an emphasis on the humanities and the arts, Ethos Classical focuses on getting to know each and every child so they are challenged in a warm and supportive environment. Through tailored small group instruction and two teachers per classroom, Ethos Classical provides an extraordinary education to all scholars. Spaces are limited.

Apply today for the 2021-2022 school year!

2295 Springdale Cir. SW, Atlanta 30315

2 Atlanta Parent

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Fulton Leadership Academy is Georgia’s first single-gender public charter school for boys. It is a tuition-free middle and high school atlantaparent.com campus in East Point with flexibility from the State to do what it takes to meet the academic needs of their Scholars. While using research-driven methods and a focus on STEM education to transform their academic lives, the young men are taught to be global citizens and community leaders with integrity. Apply Now.

2575 Dodson Dr., East Point 30344 18 Atlanta Parent February 2021

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Georgia Cyber Academy is a tuition-free, online accredited public charter school serving students in grades K-12 throughout the state of Georgia. They provide an online learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full academic potential through live interactive classes and an engaging curriculum that supports individualized learning paths. The open enrollment period begins on February 16th. Let them bring school to you! For more information visit: georgiacyber.org/enrolltoday

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Harriet Tubman School of Science & Tech is a rigorous K-5 state charter school serving students zoned for Atlanta Public Schools. As Georgia’s first elementary computer science school, HTCSAT builds a close-knit student-centered community. The school employs data-driven instruction partnered with researched-based teaching strategies that target students’ needs, positioning them for strong academic growth. HTCSAT’s young computer scientists are inspired to become well-rounded technological citizens. Apply now!

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International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) is a K-5 Japanese-English Dual Language Immersion State Charter School.

ICAGeorgia provides rigorous academic instruction aligned with Georgia’s educational standards in both languages. ICAGeorgia aims to broaden the horizons of students in Georgia to a diverse international community so that they may become global citizens who promote peace around the world.

Students also contribute to the local and global community through various service learning projects. Apply today!

Learn more about these top charter schools and their enrollment deadlines.

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The mission of Liberty Tech Charter School, grades K-8th, is to empower scholars to be knowledgeable, wise, and virtuous individuals that atlantaparent.com are ready to face and change the world. LTCS teachers are committed to understanding their students so that every student is challenged to move beyond mere mastery of content to becoming critical thinkers about relevant real-world issues. Check out libertytechcharter.org/admissions to complete the enrollment form and enroll your child at Liberty Tech.

119 Price Rd., Brooks 30205 atlantaparent.com

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Georgia’s first state public charter school for girls, Ivy Prep Academy serves grades K-8 and offers a STREAM curriculum college-preparatory, atlantaparent.com single-gender educational option. Students receive an extended school day and school year through the addition of Culture Week, Saturday Academies, and weekly homework support. A culture of collaboration, passion for learning, integrity, and servant leadership creates leaders who manifest change in the world. Applications open to families zoned for DeKalb County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools.

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libertytechcharter.org February 2021 Atlanta Parent 19

Reading Black History

Learn more about historical figures and important events with these educational books. n The Story of Rap

by Editors of Caterpillar Books and Lindsey Sagar (Silver Dolphin Books) This baby book introduces little ones to the rappers who started it all and gives an interactive look at the history of music. For ages newborn-2. n I Look Up To…Oprah Winfrey

by Anna Membrino and Fatti Burke (Penguin Random House) This board book highlights important traits of the impressive powerhouse, along with inspiring quotes. Other books in the I Look Up To…series includes Michelle Obama, Serena Williams and Misty Copeland. For ages newborn-3. n Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles by Michelle Meadows and Ebony Glenn (Henry Holt and Co.) This lyrical picture book details the life of Simone Biles, a gymnastics champion and Olympic superstar. Part of the Who Did It First series, you can also read about important scientists, artists, mathematicians and more with the other books. For ages 4-8. n The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora (Schwartz & Wade) Mary Walker was born into slavery in 1848, and her life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. At 116, she learned to read. For ages 4-8. n Mae Among the Stars

by Roda Ahmed and Stasia Burrington (HarperCollins) Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space, and this picture book will help readers believe they can also reach for the stars. For ages 4-8. n Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon

by Kelly Lyons and Laura Freeman (Lee & Loew Books) In 2009, Philip Freelon’s team won a commission that let him use his personal history in service to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Learn more about the life of this contemporary Black STEAM role model. For ages 4-9.

20 Atlanta Parent February 2021

n The ABCs of Black History

by Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer (Workman Publishing Company) Use the alphabet to explore Black history, iconic figures, ideas and significant moments. Young readers will learn about the Great Migration, Zora Neale Hurston, Malcolm X and more through rhymes and illustrations. For ages 5 and older. n She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint (Penguin Random House) Harriet Tubman became one of the most successful, determined and well-known conductors of the Underground Railroad, and this chapter book biography details her life from slavery to freedom. For ages 6-9. n Texting with Black History

by Bobby Basil (Independently published) Curious Alex has the opportunity to text with Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth and Aretha Franklin, and he learns about strong people who stand up for what they believe in this three-book collection. For ages 8-12. n Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford and Eric Velasquez (Candlewick) Afro-Puerto Rican Arturo Schomburg collected books, letters, music and art from Africa and the African diaspora. His groundbreaking collection, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has created an impact for scholars all over the world. For ages 8-12. n A Child’s Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People and Events That Shaped Our Country by Jabari Asim and Lynn Gaines (Black Dog & Leventhal) This fact-filled book of history discusses politics, activism, sports, entertainment and more. Readers will follow the slave trade, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement and more, along with learning about important trailblazers.

For ages 8-12. n Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM

by Tonya Bolden (Harry N. Abrams) Be inspired by amazing Black women who have shattered the glass ceiling as computer scientists, doctors, inventors and physicists and become pioneers in their field. Readers will learn more about these women and the field of STEM. For ages 10-14.

atlantaparent.com

PASSION PROJECT:

Atlanta Girl Brings Black History to Life

by Emily Webb

I

n history, there are many stories you don’t get a chance to hear, especially those focused on Black history. Tenyear-old Dakota Adeyemi is changing that with her online platform, Dakota School, helping kids and families to dive deeper into African American history.

Dakota started developing this program during the pandemic. “I really love going to school, but since COVID-19, I have been doing online school. I have had so much free time. I even have Wednesdays off. So I started with researching Black history, and it was so interesting,” she says. “I asked my mom if I could start my own school to teach what I have learned about Black history. She said yes, so I started my own company, and now I have my own school.”

Dakota started learning more about Black history by Googling different inventions and inventors. Two of her favorite inventors are Garrett Morgan and George Crum. “Garrett Morgan was the first African American to own a car in Cleveland, Ohio.

He invented the three-way traffic light. I believe this invention has saved lots of lives.

George Crum was a chef, and one day, one of his customers complained that their fried potatoes were too thick, so he went into the kitchen and made them extra thin, and boom, accidentally created the potato chip, which is the world’s favorite snack and mine too,” she says.

The school is a commitment for Dakota, but she loves the work. On Wednesdays, she has the day off of school, so she spends that time raising money, along with shooting and editing videos. Each day after school, she spends an hour studying Black history and writing down fun facts. “I get to teach people things they never knew. It makes me feel good inside,” she says. “I also get to go to cool museums to film my videos, atlantaparent.com

“I was excited to see so many inventions that were made by Black people, like the telephone, which was invented by Black inventor Lewis Latimer and Alexander Bell, and I love to talk on the telephone.”

like the Harriet Tubman Museum in Macon, Georgia.” In Atlanta, one of her favorites is The Madam CJ Walker Museum. The museum celebrates two African American business pioneers: Walker’s hair and cosmetics company and WERD, the first Black-owned and operated radio station in America. “It’s filled with so much history about the first Black woman to be a millionaire. Hopefully that will be me one day!” she says.

People may mistakenly believe that history is not for them, or that the subject is boring. At the end of each of her video lessons, Dakota has a segment called Dakota School Games, a game show to help you review what you learned, and the workbooks include crossword puzzles and word searches. “I like to make history fun by making up songs, so I can remember, and I dance to them,” she says. “People should know history can help your future.

Sometimes I read about people in history who are like me, and I see some of the mistakes they have made, so I don’t do the same thing.”

Dakota attends Austell Elementary School, where her favorite subjects are history, science and lunch. In her free time, she loves playing outside, and she is teaching herself to play the piano by watching YouTube videos.

Since February is Black History Month, this is a great time for families to learn more about the history and contributions of African Americans. “They need to know about the amazing, positive Black history that is not always shown every day,” Dakota says. On her YouTube channel, during Black History Month, she is offering free videos about Black history to help viewers learn more.

Find out more about Dakota School at dakotaschool.com.

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 21

What Will Overnight Camp Look

by Emily Webb

I

f your kids missed summer camp last year, now is the time to start researching camps and what they are doing to make the experience as safe as possible.

Since so many camps had to hit the pause button last summer, they are excited to welcome back campers.

Atlanta Parent spoke to four camp owners and directors to learn more about how camps are approaching this summer.

Glisson Camp & Retreat Center

Meet the Experts:

Lori Waldman, one of the owners and camp directors at Camp Blue Ridge

Bryant Malone, the marketing manager at WinShape Camps

B.J. Davis, executive director at YMCA Camp Ocoee

Russell Davis, executive director of North Georgia Camp & Retreat Ministries’ Glisson Camp & Retreat Center

22 Atlanta Parent February 2021

n What Plans are Camps Making for the Summer?

Camps are looking ahead to determine how they’ll handle summer this year, and organizations, like the American Camp Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are publishing tips and information for camps. CDC recommendations include guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting, ventilation, water systems and more. The ACA has shared tools to help camps prepare for 2021, and all accredited camps have access to their manuals. Camps are deciding how they’ll handle meals, social distancing, mask wearing, hand hygiene, drop-off and pick-up and more to create a safe camp experience.

WinShape plans to hold overnight camps at several locations in Georgia. Their crossfunctional safety team includes their on-staff healthcare manager, who is researching and consulting information from Christian Camps and Conferences Association, Association of Camp Nursing, ACA, CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health and

Camp 2021

local government officials.

“We truly believe kids were made for adventure and making friends and epic moments. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to make in-person camp a reality this year, even if that means camp looking a little different. We’re evaluating every aspect to figure out how it can be done in the safest possible way,” Malone says.

“June is still quite some time away, but we’re preparing for the most detailed measures with the hopes of being able to safely loosen those up as summer gets closer. If not, we can be confident in the stringent plans we have in place.” WinShape plans to communicate about social distancing measures and changes on a monthly basis with families leading up to June.

“We are full steam ahead,” Waldman says of Camp Blue Ridge. “We are spending every minute now preparing, as things are going to change month-to-month. From the minute we wake up to the minute we go to sleep, we are thinking about what is happening and what we’re going to do about COVID.” atlantaparent.com

Like this Summer?

Camp Blue Ridge

YMCA Camp Ocoee

Summer camps offer multiple opportunities for your child to grow. Not only will they experience new activities, such as archery, ziplining, kayaking and more, they will also gain independence, make new friends and craft confidence.

At Camp Blue Ridge’s family camp last spring, families were tested before they arrived, and they agreed to quarantine for 10 days beforehand. “Parents understood the need to quarantine before camp and that played a huge role in bringing everybody to camp healthy,” she says. This year, Camp Blue Ridge plans to ask for campers to be tested before camp, when they arrive, and 10 days into the camp.

This summer, Camp Ocoee plans to run at 80% capacity, in order to maintain social distancing, but they are waiting until April to make final decisions on the safety policies for this year. “It’s a moving target every single day,” B.J. Davis says. “We’re planning to run a more regular camp, but we’ll reevaluate in mid-April what changes we need to make to make sure kids and staff are safe. We have to be fluid and flexible.” The changes they incorporated at last year’s summer camp allow them to have a blueprint for 2021.

Glisson has been monitoring information and guidelines from the CDC, ACA, Governor Kemp and the Georgia DPH since atlantaparent.com

March 2020. “With conditions constantly changing and new understanding continually emerging, tracking these sources has allowed us to keep our policies, protocols and procedures in-line with best practices and to ensure we abide by government directives,” says Russell Davis. “Since last March, we’ve been working to adapt our programs so that we’re ready to open camp as soon as safely possible.”

At Glisson, campers have moved in small “living groups” for decades to help them develop communication skills, empathy, teamwork, self-awareness and leadership.

“One of our fundamental strategies for social distancing will be cohort-based camper activities, a mitigation requirement of the governor’s executive orders and which happens to be something we’re really experienced at,” Russell Davis says.

Their large group gatherings will be done differently and outside as much as possible, and parents and family members will remain in their cars during drop-off and pick-up.

What to Know at a Glance n Sign up early. Many camps have limited occupancy this summer. n Ask about cancellation and refund policies. Typically, they are more flexible this year. n Find out the protocol for COVID-19 testing. n Learn the policies on safety measures. Determine if masks will be required and how social distancing will be handled.

Cont’d on next page

Camp 2021

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 23

What Will Overnight Camp Look Like this Summer? n What About Cancellations and Refunds?

One of parents’ biggest concerns about camp this summer is losing deposits or fees.

If you’re concerned about losing the money you deposit for a camp session this summer, pay attention to the camp’s financial policy.

Many camps have changed their refund policies to ensure you’ll get your money back if the camp is unable to proceed.

“We want to ensure in all areas that we never lose parents’ trust, all the way down to finances,” Waldman says. If camp is canceled this year, they will issue refunds.

WinShape has changed their cancellation policy for 2021 to allow for flexibility when it comes to situations involving COVID-19.

“This means that parents can secure their spot at camp without having to weigh the risk of losing their deposit if COVID-19 creates issues either at camp or at home,” Malone says.

To reflect the changing environment with the pandemic, Camp Ocoee’s refund policy now includes a full refund through May 14.

“This gives parents the confidence they can register now, and pay monthly so it’s not a big chunk at the end,” B.J. Davis says. “If things change, they can get their money back.”

24 Atlanta Parent February 2021

WinShape Camp

Glisson’s policy is to issue a full refund if they’re unable to provide one or more of their camp programs. “It has long been our policy that we are unable to refund camp fees should a camper become ill during the camp session, and that will continue to be true this summer and will apply to COVIDrelated illnesses as well,” Russell Davis says.

If your family is facing financial

Camp 2021

difficulties due to COVID-19, and you believe you’ll have to sit out of the camp experience this year due to economic hardships, look at camps’ assistance programs. “Many camps offer scholarship programs that can help cover some of the costs,” Malone says. “At WinShape, all first-time overnight campers receive a 50% gift toward the cost of camp. We continue

atlantaparent.com

Camp Juliette Low to offer scholarships based on financial need.

Many camps also offer payment plans so that you don’t have to pay it all up front.”

Camp Ocoee also offers financial help.

“We offer financial assistance, so every kid has the chance to attend camp,” B.J. Davis says. The needs-based scholarship is open to everyone.

n What Should I Look for in a Summer Camp?

Start by thinking about what your kid would enjoy. Breaking out of comfort zones is one of the benefits of summer camps, but if your kid loves the arts, find a camp offering more of those activities.

Research recommendations from the ACA, CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics to help you understand the safety precautions camps should be making, as well as what you should do to help prepare your child to be away from home. With capacity limits, expect waiting lists to develop earlier, so start researching and narrowing down options now.

“Summer camps have spent the entire year speaking to professionals, and the ACA prepares field guides and updates as situations change,” Waldman says. “Get as much information from the camp as possible about what’s going to be put in place. Ask questions, go back and ask more questions, so

you know you’re comfortable sending your child there.”

Malone also recommends asking questions, as well as learning about new safety precautions. “Camp has always been a place for kids to escape ‘the real world,’ even if for just a week. Not only will overnight camp be a place for your kids to reset and refocus, but it’s a chance for them to grow as a person,” he says.

B.J. Davis recommends looking at if they ran last summer and how it went. If they didn’t, ask them what their new protocols are.

“Check websites to see what they’re planning to do to keep everybody safe and healthy while they’re at camp. Know what experience your kids are looking for,” he says.

“Parents should ‘follow their gut’ when it comes to the question of registering their children. If they aren’t comfortable with camp this year, don’t force it. Your camper will likely pick up on any anxiety you have, and it could affect their camp experience,” Russell Davis says. “Similarly, if the camp has a requirement, like wearing masks, like we do, with which you disagree, perhaps this isn’t the summer for your family to attend.

This will be a different summer for all of us, and we’ll need to work together as families and camps to create safe experiences of growth for our campers.”

on Lookout Mountain

Sleepaway Adventure for Girls Ages 8-17 1-Week, 2-Week & Mini-Sessions June 6-July 31, 2021 For more Information &

Registration visit CJL.ORG

“CJL gave me courage, support, love and experiences that have shaped me.”

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Reasons to Send Your Kids to Summer Camp Summer camps, especially overnight camps, offer multiple opportunities for your child to grow.

Not only will they experience new activities, such as archery, ziplining, kayaking and more, they will also gain independence, make new friends and craft confidence, all while having fun.

“Children have the experience of gaining independence, as they make their own decisions and realize they can stand on their own two feet.

With COVID-19, parents have been nervous about children and family members, but sending them to summer camp tells them, ‘I trust you, and you can do this.’ It’s a great feeling for them to know that they’re trusted in these hard times to do the right thing,” Waldman says. “Camp is magical. No matter who you are at home – the dynamic with mom or dad or siblings or friends – you can always reinvent yourself at camp.”

According to Malone, parent surveys at the end of the summer focus on the four strengths of WinShape: new friends, being active and away from screens, growing in faith and fun. “We’ve often said that there are only three rules at camp: Have fun, have fun, and HAVE FUN. Fun is at the center of what we do,” he says. “While camp may look a little different for summer 2021, we promise that kids are going to have fun.”

atlantaparent.com

“Summer camp is even more valuable now with kids in virtual school,” B.J. Davis says.

“Screen time for kids is way up at home. We’re a no-screens facility, and we really believe in giving kids time away from screens, phones and social media. They’ll get to experience every single activity camp has to offer and be outside, be with peers, make friends that are different than them and are from different situations or cities. They get to create a new family with the group of kids in their cabin group. Kids are going to get the experience of a lifetime.”

Russell Davis believes deep connections and friendships are why campers return to Glisson. “The ziplines, climbing towers, waterfront, backpacking, kayaking and other activities may have precautions added but will still be fun, maybe even more so after a year stuck at home,” he says. “There is no more effective means of holistic growth for your child than the immersive experience of summer camp. Character, self-confidence, grit, empathy, teamwork and leadership are highly valued qualities that can be developed through quality experiences. Summer camps exist to help children and youth realize their potential individually and as a part of society.”

Camp 2021

Imagine a Home Away from Home where your child feels secure, welcome and re-assured.

Just 2&1/2 hours from Atlanta.

ACA accredited Overnight camp for boys & girls 6 to 14.

Activities include archery, climbing, horseback riding, crafts, games, sports & more!

One & two week sessions available.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, May 16th from 2–5 p.m.

Camp Woodmont 381 Moonlight Drive on Lookout Mountain Cloudland, GA 30731

www.campwoodmont.com 423-472-6070

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 25

Countdown to Overnight Camp Here’s a monthby-month guide to preparing for the camp experience.

Now If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to finalize your top picks for an overnight camp. Call each camp on the list and talk with the director and other references to see if the camp is a match for your child.

Four Months Ahead

Y

our child is your best source of information when selecting a summer camp. With a variety of programs and activities available, summer camp offers adventures to match a child’s interests and maturity level. So it’s important to consider her personality and identify the camp programs that will benefit her most.

The best way to make the perfect match is to include your child in the decision-making process. Together, you should explore the camp options and examine the materials the camps provide. In addition, many camps have websites that include photos, maps or virtual tours of the camp facility, sample daily schedules and menus, and information about the directors and key staff. As children become better acquainted with the camp experience and more involved in the decision-making process, they will have less anxiety about going away to camp.

Research tools to help with your camp search n Go to a camp expo. You’ll find lots of camp information under one roof. You can talk with representatives of the camps you’re interested in and gather brochures. Atlanta Parent will have a Virtual Camp Expo on March 9 and an in-person Camp Expo on April 17. n Research online. Most camps have extensive information and photos to give you a picture of what camp life is like.

26 Atlanta Parent February 2021

n Ask your family, friends and neighbors. Many of them were campers themselves or can tell you about their child’s experience at camp. n Get the names of former campers.

Camps you’re interested in should be able to help you contact former campers who can tell you what your child can expect.

Camp 2021

Now that you’ve selected a camp, be sure to send in all registration forms and fees on time. You should also receive an information packet with details on what your child can expect from the camp experience. Your child may have to complete a physical. If so, schedule it early and mark it off your to do list.

Two-Three Months Ahead Camp time will be here before you know it! Spend these months preparing your child for camp. If you can, visit the camp during an open house so your child can meet the director and tour the facilities. Now is the time to start making travel arrangements and stocking up on supplies.

Your camp should provide a list of clothes and toiletries your child will need during his session.

Just Weeks Away Summer is here! As your child starts his session, prepare yourself for his departure and start writing a few letters.

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Atlanta AtlantaParent’s Parent’sCAMP CAMPPREVIEW PREVIEW CAMP JULIETTE LOW cjl.org | Cloudland, GA

Camp Juliette Low celebrates outdoor living through fun and instructional programs like archery, horseback riding, canoeing, ropes course, and backpacking. CJL campers live in platform tents where they can enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, grow in confidence and independence, and form life-long friendships. CJL is located in northwest Georgia and was founded in 1922 by Juliette Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. Today, CJL operates independently from the Girls Scouts and offers one-week, two-week and minisessions available for girls ages 8-15.

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS CAMP WOODMONT

423-472-6070 | campwoodmont.com | Lookout Mountain, GA Imagine a Home Away from Home where your child feels secure, welcome and re-assured! That’s Camp Woodmont! Just 2 & ½ hours from Atlanta, Camp Woodmont is an ACA accredited camp that offers archery, climbing, horseback riding, crafts, game and more! More importantly, Camp Woodmont’s deep-seeded traditions and family atmosphere gives your child a sense of acceptance and belonging. One & two weeks sessions available for boys & girls 6 to 14. Open House Sunday, May 16th from 2 – 5 pm.

Atlanta Parent’s CAMP PREVIEW FACES CAMP: A Camp for Kids with Facial Differences 800-332-2373 | FACEScamp.org | Cloudland, GA 30731 FACES Camp is a traditional co-ed summer camp for youth with craniofacial differences ages 6 -17. Featuring Bring a Buddy to Camp, where siblings or BFF’s can experience camp together while meeting kids with similar medical conditions. Located on 170 woodland acres, 2.5 hours from Atlanta, the program offers outdoor adventure, noncompetitive sports, campfires, and skit and talent night. Staff to camper ratio averages 1:5. Hosted by FACES: The National Craniofacial Association. The session is July 25-30. ACA Accredited.

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RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS

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800-882-0722 | riverviewcamp.com | Mentone, AL Atop breathtaking Lookout Mountain, only 2 hours from Atlanta, find a paradise of fun, friends and adventure for girls ages 6 to 16. With over 15 activity choices and recreational opportunities, campers and parents alike will be pleased with the choices and quality of the programs. Owners, Susan and Dr. Larry Hooks have been Camp Directors since 1983. Riverview is a member of Christian Camping International and is accredited by American Camping Association.

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Overnight Camp Guide

2O21

The search for your child’s summer camp adventure starts here!

Our guide to overnight camps features programs across the South and beyond. There’s a camp for every interest, including the traditional camp experience, academic and outdoor adventure programs.

Camp Dixie

Acadia Institute of Oceanography Co-ed, ages 10-18. One and twoweek sessions. Explore diverse marine environments in this hands-on ocean science camp. Seal Harbor, Maine.

800-375-0058. acadiainstitute.com

Camp Blue Ridge Co-ed, ages 6-16. Two-week session.

55 elective style activities in the areas of athletics, aquatics, outdoor adventure and cultural arts. Clayton, Ga. 954-665-8686. blueridgecamp.com

Asbury Hills Camp Co-ed, ages 7-17. One-week sessions.

Form new friendships, participate in ageappropriate activities like archery, crafts and canoeing, and deepen faith with powerful worship led by a worship team. Cleveland, S.C. 864-836-3711. asburyhills.org

Camp Dixie Co-ed, ages 6-15. One to eightweek sessions. Traditional camp with sports, water activities, arts and more. Clayton, Ga. 678-701-3052. campdixie.org

Camp Arrowhead for Boys Boys, ages 6-15. One and two-week sessions. Boys will cultivate the core values of self-reliance, leadership, outdoor adventure and self-expression. Zirconia, N.C. 828-435-0591. camparrowhead.com

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Camp Evergreen Co-ed, ages 7-14. Weekend to two-week sessions. Wilderness centered with fun programming, daily worship, kid-friendly Biblical teaching, competitions and more. Clarkesville, Ga. 706-947-1459. campevergreen.org

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Camp Fire Camp Toccoa Co-ed, ages 6-17. One-week sessions.

Campers reconnect with nature in a fun, noncompetitive environment. Horseback, ropes, canoeing, archery and more. ACA accredited. Toccoa, Ga. 706-886-2457. campfirega.org Camp Juliette Low Girls, ages 7-17. One and two-week sessions.

Traditional camping and outdoor adventure, fun and friends since 1922. On beautiful Lookout Mountain in Northwest Georgia.

Cloudland, Ga. 770-428-1062. cjl.org Camp Rockmont for Boys Boys, ages 6-17. One, two, three and four-week sessions. Variety of recreational adventures and program activities. Christian boys camp. ACA accredited. Black Mountain, N.C. 828-686-3885. rockmont.com

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Camp Southern Ground Co-ed, ages 7-17. One-week sessions.

Experience activities like the confidence ropes course and zip lines, music, arts, sports, archery, nature and more. Fayetteville, Ga. 678-561-9600. campsouthernground.org Camp Tekoa Co-ed, ages 8-17. Two-day, four-day, and one-week sessions. Packed full of high energy activities including boating, swimming, ziplines, the mud pit, slip n’ slide, s’mores and more. Staff will lead you in faith formation throughout the week as you see God move in your life. Hendersonville, N.C. 828-692-6516. camptekoa.org Camp Truett Boys and girls camps, ages 7-17. Oneweek sessions. Campers will forge lasting friendships and discover new skills as they dive into a week of adventure. Hayesville, N.C. 828-389-8828. truettcamp.org Camp Westminster Co-ed, ages 6-17. One and two-week sessions. Wake boarding, horseback riding, climbing tower, paintball, sports, crafts, outdoor skills and more. Christian camp and retreat center 20 miles east of Atlanta. Conyers, Ga. 770-483-2225. campwestminster.org

Camp Rockmont for Boys

Camp Woodmont Co-ed, ages 6-14. One and two-week sessions. Deepseeded traditions and close family atmosphere. High ropes, horseback, sports, dance, crafts, archery and more. ACA accredited.

Cloudland, Ga. 423-4726070. campwoodmont.com

Deer Run Camps & Retreats Co-ed and family, ages 5-17. One and two-week sessions.

Zip line adventures, giant swing, climbing tower, paintball, archery/archery tag, lake activities, small group Bible study, nightly speaker, worship. Specialty track choices: fishing, wilderness skills, drama, percussion and more.

Discover individual strengths, explore new adventures, forge life-long friendships, strengthen family. Near Franklin, TN. 678-235-5588. deerrun.camp/camps Cont’d on next page

ARE YOU IN? Deer Run Camps provide a place where kids (and families) are loved and encouraged, discover strengths, complete challenges, create life-long memories, and form deep friendships.

SUMMER CAMP

FAMILY CAMP

1-WEEK CAMP: completed grades 3 to 10 2-WEEK CAMP: completed grades 6 to 10

A fun camp adventure for “kids” of all ages. Customize your camp with choices of recreation and determine your own schedule!

JUNE–JULY

Visit DeerRun.camp

150 private, wooded acres located 35 minutes south of Nashville, TN • 615.794.2918 atlantaparent.com

Camp 2021

YEAR ROUND

CAMPS & RETREATS PSALM 42:1

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Overnight Camp Guide 2O21 FACES Camp - A Camp for Kids with Facial Differences Co-ed, ages 6-17. Overnight camp for youth with craniofacial differences.

Located on 170 woodland acres, the program features outdoor adventures, horseback, canoeing, crafts, rope climbing and making friends. Cloudland, Ga. 800-332-2373. facescamp.org Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta All Girl Resident Camps Girls, ages 5-17. One-week and multiday sessions. Get in touch with your artistic side, zipline through the air, explore the trails on horseback and learn to sail in the summer sun. Cobb, Meriwether and Floyd Counties, Ga. 800-771-1139. girlscoutsummer.com ID Tech Camps Co-ed, ages 7-18. One and two-week sessions. Courses in coding, game development, robotics, and design. iD Tech Camps (weeklong, co-ed, 7-17), Alexa Café (weeklong, all-girls, 10-15), iD Tech Academies (2-week, teen-only, 13-18). Emory University and Georgia Tech, Ga. 888-709-8324. iDTechCamps.com Riverview Camp for Girls Girls, ages 6-16. One and twoweek sessions. Enjoy extraordinary experiences every day. Located atop Lookout Mountain. Traditional program offering more than 25 activities including horseback riding, ropes course, tennis, gymnastics, canoeing and more. Mentone, Ala. 800-882-0722. riverviewcamp.com

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp

Smith Stearns Tennis Academy Co-ed, ages 8-18. One-week sessions.

Students are immersed in tennis training with world-class coaches and other players.

Hilton Head Island, S.C. 846-363-4789. smithstearns.com

Folk Camp at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Co-ed, ages 11-17. One-week sessions.

Camps include an intermediate rock climbing camp and a youth folk camp with folk music, art, farming and more. Sewanee, Tenn. 931598-5651. sasweb.org

SOAR Summer Adventures Co-ed, ages 8-18. 10 to 26-day program sessions. High-adventure summer camps for youth with attention issues. North Carolina, Florida, Wyoming, California and International. 828-456-3435. soarnc.org

Strong Rock Camp Co-ed, ages 6-15. One and two-week sessions.

Horseback riding, canoeing, archery, riflery, climbing, art, drama and more. Christian family values. Cleveland, Ga. 706-348-1533. strongrockcamp.com

DAY CAMPS l OVERNIGHT CAMPS l SUMMER PROGRAMS

A free event

2021 Virtual Camp Expo March 9 In-person Camp Expo April 17 To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or lpowell@atlantaparent.com l atlantaparent.com 30 Atlanta Parent February 2021

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Summer Academy at UGA Co-ed, ages 11-17. One-week sessions.

Summer Academy with specialty overnight or day camps and Pre-College Summer Programs for rising high school juniors and seniors. Athens, Ga. 706-542-3537. ugayouthprograms.com Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp Girls, ages 8-17. One and two-week sessions. 600 acres, English and Western, vaulting, barrels and ten miles of trails.

Spend 4-6 hours daily with your own camp horse. CHA instructors. Cloudland, Ga. 706-862-2231. valleyviewranch.com WB Surf Camp Co-ed, ages 10-12. Five-day sessions.

Introduces campers to a variety of ocean activities in a hands-on setting. Learn water sports including boogie boarding, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling and more. Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 910-256-7873. wbsurfcamp.com WinShape Camps Boys and girls camps, ages 7-17. One and two-week sessions. Get 50% discount for first-time campers to experience the Summer of a Lifetime. Created by the founder of Chick-fil-A. Cleveland, Cohutta Springs, Mt. Berry, Young Harris, Ga.; Boiling Springs, N.C. 844-972-2677. winshapecamps.org YMCA Camp Ocoee Co-ed, ages 7-17. One-week sessions.

Traditional Wilderness program ages 7-15, Teen Leadership Program ages 16-17. Staff to camper ratio of 1:4. Lake Ocoee, Tenn.

423-338-5588. ymcacampocoee.org YMCA Camp Thunderbird Co-ed, ages 6-16. One, two, and four-week sessions. Activities include: wake sports, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, sports, crafts and more. ACA accredited. Lake Wylie, S.C. 704-716-4100. campthunderbird.org

Find more camps online at YMCA Camp Ocoee

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Great Dental Habits for Kids

See a dentist regularly.

To prevent cavities and other dental problems, don’t skip checkups. Your child should see a dentist every six months.

Brush for two minutes.

Children (and adults) should brush their teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day. Set a timer, or brush to music with a toothbrushing app like Brush DJ.

The Truth About Teeth n Babies are born with 20 teeth below the gums, and they usually start coming

Replace kids’ toothbrushes regularly.

through between 6 months and a year.

A frayed or worn toothbrush won’t do the job right – the American Dental Association recommends replacing brushes every 3-4 months.

n You should schedule your child’s first dental visit after their first tooth appears,

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush. Talk to your dentist about what type is best for your child.

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking may cause problems with proper tooth alignment. If you notice changes in your child’s teeth or are concerned, talk with your dentist.

The 1-2-3-Grin! Oral Care Set challenges kids to brush more often. It includes kid-sized biodegradable flossers, a toothbrush and naturally flavored orange or strawberry toothpaste. Each time kids brush, they can add a sticker to the brushing challenge chart. Available at grinnatural.com for $24.96.

32 Atlanta Parent February 2021

n Avoid baby bottle tooth decay: Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle, or use bottles as a pacifier.

n Water is the best beverage for kids. Drinking water with fluoride – also known as “nature’s cavity fighter” – has been shown to reduce cavities by 25%.

Pay attention to pacifiers.

n Encourage Brushing

n For children 3 or younger, use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For children 3 or older, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste will do.

Use the right type of toothbrush.

Products to Make Kids Smile

but no later than their first birthday.

n To prevent cavities in kids, brush twice a day, limit sweets and see a dentist regularly.

Source: American Dental Association; Mouth Healthy

n Antimicrobial Toothbrush Make brushing a little easier with Dr. Plotka’s Youth Manual Toothbrush. Recommended for ages 3-12, it features long-lasting soft flossing bristles and a comfortable grip. The antimicrobial technology eliminates 99.9% of bacteria after brushing – it’s like having a new toothbrush every time your child brushes.

From $4.99 at mouthwatchers.com.

n Fun Brushing Games The Colgate Magik Smart Toothbrush can help eliminate nighttime brushing battles.

This app-enabled manual brush teaches kids to brush effectively – while they brush, they play an augmented-reality game, where they can explore and unlock new worlds. The set contains a brush, holder and phone stand.

Available at amazon.com for $14.98.

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Atlanta Parent asked readers to recommend their favorite dentists, orthodontists and oral surgeons they trust for dental care.

FAMILY/GENERAL DENTISTRY Carter, Bruce E., DMD Transforming Smiles, Lawrenceville Ebeling, Christen, DMD East Cobb Premier Dental, Marietta Homer, Patricia, DDS Cherished Family Smiles Dentistry, Stockbridge Kurtzman, David, DDS David Kurtzman DDS, Marietta Reilly, Susan, DDS Reilly Dental, Marietta Reilly, Thomas, DDS Reilly Dental, Marietta Shelnutt, Wesley, DMD Shelnutt Family Dentistry, Suwanee

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Bates, Faith, DDS Pediatric Dentistry of Vinings, Smyrna Bogdasarova, Karina, DDS, MS Wonderland Pediatric Dentistry, PC, Roswell Bradberry, R. David, DMD Bradberry Pediatric Dentistry, Marietta Camp, Lanesha, DDS Decatur Camp Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Decatur Cassinelli, Aimee, DMD Peak Pediatric Dentistry, Atlanta Christianson, Judy, DDS Brookhaven Children’s Dentistry, Atlanta Dhawan, Hemant, DMD Crabapple Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Cumming Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Alpharetta and Cumming

Decatur Camp Kids Pediatric Dentistry My daughter actually enjoys coming to her dental appointments.

They are taking every possible precaution to go above and beyond to be safe during the pandemic.

Tiffany M. / LITHONIA

Eaton, Jonathan J. DDS, MS Eaton Pediatric Dentistry, Decatur Hassan, Zeyed, DMD A to Z Pediatric Dentistry, Atlanta Healey, Michael, DDS Avalon Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, Alpharetta Hicks, James, DMD, MS Pediatric Dentistry of Johns Creek, Johns Creek Hogan, Rhonda C., DMD Rhonda C. Hogan Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry, Suwanee Howard, Jaha, DDS, MS A+ Pediatric Dentistry, Atlanta Jackson, Jonathan M., DMD Pediatric Dental Specialists of Atlanta, Sandy Springs Jamieson, William, DMD William Jamieson Pediatric Dentistry, Dunwoody King, Danny, DDS Children’s Dental Zone, Johns Creek Kong, Jeni, DDS Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Lawrenceville

Reilly Dental Dr. Tom and Dr. Susan provide the best care and are so honest with their patients. Our family couldn’t be any happier with our dental care!

Leach, Michael J., DDS Michael J. Leach, DDS, Alpharetta

Juliana R. / MARIETTA

McKellar, Christina, DDS Homegrown Pediatric Dentistry, Jonesboro

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Lee, Susan, DMD Children’s Dentistry, Atlanta Madhiwala, Priya, DMD Children’s Dental Village, Roswell

MOM-APPROVED DENTISTS

Mian, Alia, DMD Children & Teen Dental of Georgia Cumming, Hamilton Mill, and Suwanee Millkey, Mary, DDS Millkey Way Pediatric Dentistry, Atlanta Nia, Azi, DMD Nia Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Canton and East Cobb Powell, Wesley D., DDS, MS Elite Smiles Chastain Pediatric Dentistry, Atlanta Dentistry for Children and Teens, Atlanta Rose, Ida L., DDS The Children’s Dental Group, Lithia Springs Schwartz, Aaron DDS, MPH Schwartz Dentistry for Children & Young Adults, Smyrna Shotwell, Nikky, DDS Kids Dental Studio, Atlanta Tewogbade, Adesegun, DMD First Class Pediatric Dentistry, Snellville Washington, Keysra M., DDS Mini Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Conyers

ORTHODONTICS Ceneviz, Caroline, DMD Chamblee Orthodontics, Atlanta Francis, Oral, DDS Decatur Orthodontics, Decatur Vu, Anna, DMD, MS Pediatric Dentistry of Johns Creek, Johns Creek Yavari, Javid, DMD, MS Crabapple Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Cumming Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Alpharetta and Cumming

Schwartz Dentistry The office is so cool! It’s a completely inviting atmosphere for children, and my two boys absolutely love going to their dental visits!

Julia M. / SMYRNA

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Zeyad Hassan, DMD

At A to Z Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Z has always believed that visiting the dentist can be a fun and stress-free experience for both parents and children. He and his team have created an environment for families that is both fun and safe, while offering a comprehensive set of dental services.

Any concern a parent may have is a concern of Dr. Z’s. A to Z Pediatric Dentistry is not just a dental office, but a dental “home” to all their patient friends. At A to Z Pediatric Dentistry, parents are always welcome to accompany their children through treatment.

Dr. Z attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and completed his residency at Lutheran Medical Center in New York. He and his team only work with kids – each and every day. As a children only dental office, A to Z Pediatric Dentistry is current on the latest advances in dentistry for children. Just as a pediatrician develops his or her special talents, skills and knowledge for working with children’s bodily health, a pediatric dentist does the same to more effectively manage a child’s dental health.

Dr. Z is honored to be nominated by his patients two years in a row and looks forward to welcoming new patients. Visit atozsmiles.com to learn more and schedule a visit to meet Dr. Z.

404-937-3888 857 Collier Road NW, Suite 3 Atlanta 30318 AtoZSmiles.com

Judy Christianson, DDS Dr. Judy Christianson is “Creating Smiles One Child at a Time” at Brookhaven Children’s Dentistry. The office provides specialized and comprehensive care for children, teens and young adults in a state-of-theart facility fully equipped with a movie theater and arcade room. They want to make dentistry fun by providing children with an environment that they’ll be excited about coming back to again and again. The practice focuses on education and the prevention of dental disease. You can be assured that everyone will work hard to provide your family with child-friendly dental care in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Dr. Christianson is a board certified pediatric dentist practicing in the Atlanta area for more than 15 years. She received her dental degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2000, and completed her pediatric residency at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2002.

Be sure to visit the website and social media pages to learn more.

1418 Dresden Dr, Suite 255 Atlanta 30319 404-719-4300 BrookhavenChildrensDentistry.com BrookhavenChildrensDentistry

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Azi S. Nia, DMD

nia “Who said kids can’t have fun while visiting their dentist?”

Dr. Azi Nia, a board-certified pediatric dentist, is dedicated to providing excellent dental care and building confidence in her patients. Creating a positive dental experience customized to reach young patients is central to her practice philosophy. Her greatest goal is helping a child overcome the traditional dental fear and anxiety, getting them to a point where they actually look forward to their dental appointment. Her passion and calming bedside manner along with her extensive pediatric training is what she is best known for.

At Nia Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Azi (as her patients call her) and her team believe in supporting patients and their families by finding realistic solutions and preventing problems before they arise.

Parents are always welcomed to accompany their children during treatment. Nia Pediatric Dentistry specializes in preventive dental care, Digital X-ray, white fillings, white zirconia pediatric crown and laser frenectomies (release of lip tie and tongue tie). Dr. Azi also offers sedation and hospital dentistry for young children or children with special needs. Dr. Azi can be seen at both locations.

1111 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta 30068

150 Prominence Point Pkwy Canton 30114 770-479-9999 NiaDentistry.com

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Caroline Ceneviz, DMD Dr. Ceneviz has an incredible passion for orthodontics because she understands the impact that tooth alignment can have, not just for your smile and confidence, but for oral, overall health and quality of life. She is dual trained and holds Master of Science degrees in both orthodontics and temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. Dr. Ceneviz speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese and the entire team is bilingual to better serve Spanish-speaking patients.

Chamblee Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art orthodontic practice specializing in children and adults. Their services include traditional and clear braces, as well as Invisalign. They utilize the latest orthodontic technology, including 3D x-rays and digital impressions and propel VPro5, a device used to speed up orthodontic treatment times and reduce discomfort.

The practice was founded to help people of all ages – teens to adults – feel confident about their smiles and enjoy improved health. Dr. Ceneviz and her experienced team feels it is a privilege to build relationships with patients and witness not just their smiles transform, but their self-esteem, too. They strive to continuously expand their knowledge and skills, so that patient experiences and results are always improving. At Chamblee Orthodontics, they take pride in their practice being both professional and personable.

Schedule a consultation for your smile needs today and see why patients have nominated Dr. Ceneviz three years in a row!

5070 Peachtree Blvd.

Suite E150 Chamblee 30341 678-554-3143 Chamblee-Orthodontics.com

Ida L. Rose, DDS Dr. Rose’s love of children led her to pediatric dentistry. At The Children’s Dental Group, she cares for her patients as if they were family. Each child is treated with respect and compassion, and encouraged to be an active participant in caring for his or her smile. An experienced pediatric dentist, Dr. Rose earned her dental degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

During her hours away from the office, Dr. Rose enjoys spending time with her family, as well as gathering with friends.

Dr. Rose and her team are proud to build trusting relationships with children and parents. They strive to create a partnership that helps children grow up with healthy, beautiful smiles and a passion for caring for them. The team is ready to welcome you and your family to their dental family. Call to learn about their painless pediatric dental care and to schedule a visit!

540 Thornton Road Lithia Springs, GA 30122 770-745-5886 tcdgonline.com

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Oral C. Francis, DDS

decatur

Dr. Oral Francis had always dreamed of improving people’s smiles and loves helping his patients through their orthodontic treatment. Dr. Francis earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Florida and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College, where he graduated in the top five percent of his class. He completed two full years of post-graduate specialty training in orthodontics at Howard University and has also been inducted into the International Dental Honor Society. Dr. Francis has been providing outstanding orthodontic care to his patients since 2003. As a board-certified orthodontist, he is among the small percentage of orthodontists in the United States to earn this certified degree of recognized excellence.

To further illustrate his commitment to the profession, Dr. Francis also maintains memberships with numerous prestigious organizations, some of which include: the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, and the American Board of Orthodontics. His top priority is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Away from the office, Dr. Francis enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and three boys.

He also enjoys traveling, working out, and finding new places to grab a bite. He’s such a foodie!

127 East Trinity Place Decatur, GA 30030 678-207-5040 MyDecaturOrtho.com

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Javid Yavari, DMD and Hemant Dhawan, DMD

Why did parents nominate this dynamic duo for a 4th year in a row? The answer is simple: Both doctors truly enjoy what they do and love caring for patients of all ages. From the moment patients walk through the doors they are welcomed by an exceptionally warm and friendly staff in a relaxing state-of-the-art environment. Both doctors have a way of putting kids and parents at ease. Their positive energy and light-hearted personalities are felt throughout. Dr. Yavari and Dr. Dhawan always take time to speak to all their patients and parents, keeping them well informed during every appointment. “I want everyone to feel welcome in my offices; it is truly our passion to create a distinct and beautiful smile on every single patient,” says Dr. Yavari.

Not only has Dr. Dhawan been recognized here in Atlanta, he has been peer selected as one of America’s Top 40 Dentists Under 40, and featured in the Delta Airlines Sky Magazine.

With more than 30 years of combined experience, both doctors have specialized training in their field and provide patients the lifelong gift of smiles.

Haven’t established a family dental home yet? Come meet the team and schedule an appointment in one of their family friendly offices, where they are all about your smile!

12385 Crabapple Rd., Ste. 100 Alpharetta 30004 770-664-1999 CrabappleOrtho.com

3275 Marketplace Blvd. #150 Cumming 30041 678-578-5384 CummingPedoOrtho.com

Aaron Schwartz, DDS Dr. Aaron Schwartz practices the most contemporary pediatric dentistry available.

He is proficient in the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride, a non-invasive approach to treating some forms of active dental decay. He is also a top laser frenectomy provider for newborns/babies using the Lightscalpel CO2 Laser. Infants or children that have problems nursing or ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) may be a candidate for this procedure. Dr. Aaron is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and completed his dental training at Columbia University in NYC. Schwartz Dentistry for Children is a contemporary dental practice focused on building a foundation of trust by treating young patients as individuals and family.

They are a small practice, committed to making families feel welcome, informed and comfortable. Their key philosophy is prevention, and Dr. Aaron’s highly experienced team provide state-of-the-art care with a gentle and honest approach every child deserves.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Aaron and find your child’s new dental home focused on oral-health prevention, wellness and lasting trust.

500 Concord Road SE Smyrna 30082 770-436-0802 schwartzkidsdentistry.com

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February 2021 Atlanta Parent 39

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FEBRUARY: Things to do this month

Connect with Nature l Black History Month Celebrate the Chinese New Year l Top Events atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

February 2021â&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; Atlanta Parent 41

FEBRUARY TOP EVENTS

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, most places are requiring advanced ticket purchase. Call or check websites for procedures.

Events may be cancelled or changed before our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

Searching for Love: A Scavenger Hunt

Oakland Cemetery / Feb. 5-15 Celebrate Valentine’s Day by solving riddles and testing your sleuthing skills with this scavenger hunt. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. $20. oaklandcemetery.com

Beehive: The 60’s Musical

Jennie T. Anderson Theatre Feb. 5-21. See website for showtimes.

Listen to the powerful female voices from the 1960s, told from the perspective of six young women and featuring timeless hits. 548 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. 404-377-9948. $48-$63. atlantalyrictheatre.com

Virtual: Fairytale Ball

Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Enjoy creative activities and meet your favorite princesses. $20-$50. prettyprincesspartiesusa.com Fairytale Ball

Motown Love

Legacy Theatre Feb. 11-21. Thurs., 7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. and Sun. 7 p.m.

CJ Williams performs an evening of Motown classics. 1175 Senoia Rd., Tyrone. 404-895-1473. $30-$45; ages 12 and younger, $15. legacytheater.com

Orchid Daze

Atlanta Botanical Garden / Feb. 13-April 11 Enjoy thousands of beautiful orchids at this annual exhibit. Reservation required. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $21.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Second Sunday

CatMax Photography

High Museum of Art / Feb. 14, noon-5 p.m.

Explore the museum’s permanent and special art collections with free admission. Reservation required. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-733-4400. Free. high.org Enchanted Woodland Trail

Twilight Trek

Second Sunday

42 Atlanta Parent February 2021

Zoo Atlanta Feb. 26, 6:30-9 p.m.

Participate in an evening of exploration to learn about native Georgia animals and environments. Reservation required. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $20; ages 3 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

Family Fun Guide

Enchanted Woodland Trail

Chattahoochee Nature Center Through Feb. 28 View miniature homes built by fairies and gnomes. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

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ADVENTUROUS EXPLORATIONS Head to Fernbank Museum of Natural History to learn more about history and science.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed

Feb. 13-May 9 Find what archaeologists have discovered about the ancient Maya civilization that flourished in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

The Pigeon Comes to Atlanta! A Mo Willems Exhibit

The Pigeon Comes to Atlanta! A Mo Willems Exhibit Children’s Museum of Atlanta / Through May 9 Celebrate your favorite Mo Willems’ stories with his characters and themed activities. Reservation required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-420-5910. $12.95-$18.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Archaeology Day

Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Embark on an expedition into past civilizations with real-life artifacts and conversations with local archaeologists.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year

Atlantic Station / Through Feb. 28 Celebrate the Year of the Ox with a 90-foot red dragon, more than 25,000 lights and lantern shows every hour from 6-10 p.m. 1380 Atlantic Station Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free. atlanticstation.com

WINTER WONDERLAND:

Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy after-hours access to indoor exhibits and WildWoods, themed science activities and demonstrations and more.

Microsculpture

Enjoy the last of the winter season with snow-filled activities and amazing light displays.

Through May 2 The tiny world of insects is magnified with portraits in this outdoor exhibit.

The Details

License to Chill Snow Island and Lakeside Lights Spectacular

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Through Feb. 21. Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Enjoy the fun of winter weather with snow tubing, ice skating, snowball fights, carnival rides and more. From 5-8 p.m., walk through the amazing light display set to festive music. 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 470-323-3440. $39.99-$44.99; ages 3-7, $34.99- $39.99; ages 2 and younger, free; Lakeside Lights: $12.49- $14.99; ages 3-7, $9.99; ages 2 and younger, free; All Access Day Pass, $54.99- $59.99; gate pass, $20. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands

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Museum Chills & Science Thrills: Freeze

Family Fun Guide

767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. fernbankmuseum.org n Tickets: Reservations required. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. n Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 43

CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR The year of the ox begins February 12.

In Chinese culture, oxen are honest and earnest.

Celebrate this holiday by enjoying cuisine, participating in events and learning more about Chinese culture and traditions. There are twelve zodiac animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, and each animal has unique characteristics. Legend says the Jade Emperor summoned all the animals to his palace, and the order in which they arrived determined the animal’s zodiac order. Have your kids research the Chinese New Year in accordance with their birthday to learn which animal they are. Find out more at chinesenewyear.net and chinahighlights.com.

There’s no set date for the Chinese New Year. It ranges from January 21 to February 20.

CELEBRATE IN ATLANTA Chinese New Year

Atlantic Station / Through Feb. 28 See Lunar New Year-themed décor and traditions, including a 90-foot red dragon with more than 25,000 lights and lantern shows. 1380 Atlantic Station Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free. atlanticstation.com

CELEBRATE VIRTUALLY Virtual: Lunar New Year 2021

Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m.

The Asia Society rings in the New Year with performances and arts and crafts, including a puppet show, kung fu demonstration and more.

212-288-6400. Free. asiasociety.org

Virtual: Lunar New Year Celebration

Feb. 13, 10 a.m.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Chinese Cultural Institute and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America with video performances, demonstrations, crafts, coloring pages and more. Registration required. 202-633-7970. Free. americanart.si.edu

44 Atlanta Parent February 2021

MAKE A GOOD LUCK CHARACTER BANNER Decorate for the Chinese New Year and introduce your kids to Chinese calligraphy with this craft. The fu character means “good luck” or “blessings.” Start with a red sheet of construction paper in the shape of a diamond. Draw a light pencil line down the center of your paper to keep your characters properly spaced. Using a paintbrush and black paint, start the first character with a short downward stroke in the shape of a comma. The second stroke looks like a number 7. Draw a vertical line underneath the second stroke and in line with the first character. The final stroke is another comma shape starting from the juncture at the center of the character. Start the second character with a short horizontal stroke.

Draw a rectangular box underneath. Draw a larger rectangle with only left, top and right sides. Put a horizontal bar in the middle of the larger rectangle. Draw a downward stroke through the middle, pulling the brush to the left and back to the right to create the bottom of the rectangle. Source: Wes Radez/chineseamericanfamily.com

Family Fun Guide

The color red is a weapon against monsters in Chinese mythology. The Chinese will decorate with red or wear red clothing. New clothes are believed to bring good luck.

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PRACTICE ORIGAMI TAKEOUT Enjoy Chinese culture by getting delicious food you can taste at home. Call or check websites for delivery or takeout options. n Oriental Pearl Restaurant. 5399 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee. 770-986-9866. orientalpearlchamblee.com

n J-Bistro. 6035 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta.

678-691-8886. j-bistroga.com

n Won Won Restaurant. 1600 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-921-2228. wonwonduluth.com

n Northern China Eatery. 5141 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. 770-458-2282. northernchinaeatery.com

n Canton House. 4825 Buford Hwy. NE, Chamblee. 770-936-9030. cantonhouserestaurant.com

n Hunan Inn Chinese Restaurant. 3662 Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta. 770-493-8268. hunaninnga.com

n Dim Sum Heaven. 5203 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta. 770-451-4290. dimsumheaven.com

n Fortune Cookie Restaurant. 2480 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-636-8899. fortunecookietogo.net

n Royal China. 3295 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee. 770-216-9933. n Yen Jing Chinese Restaurant.

5302 Buford Hwy., Doraville. 770-454-6688. yenjing-chinese.com n Orient Express. 2921 Paces Ferry Rd. SE, Atlanta. 770-438-9090. orientexpressatl.com n HSU’S Atlanta Gourmet Chinese Restaurant. 192 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-659-2788. hsus.com

In the past, paperfolding traditions arose in Europe, China and Japan separately. Origami is the art of paper folding, and although it’s often associated with Japanese culture, the term has become inclusive for all paper folding practices. To celebrate the New Year and the year of the ox, fold paper lanterns, bull figurines, red envelopes, gift boxes and more. Find step-by-step instructions and projects at origami.guide, origami-resourcecenter.com, origamitree.com and paperkawaii.com.

Desserts have special meanings. Tangyuan means reunion; nian gao represents success; and fa gao means to get rich.

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Family Fun Guide

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 45

BLACK HISTORY MONTH:

CELEBRATE & EDUCATE

Learn about the heritage and contributions of African Americans at these Georgia sites.

Call or check websites for COVID-19 safety precautions.

IN ATLANTA Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park This National Park Service site includes Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, church and tomb, with opportunities to learn more about his life and legacy with a self-guided tour. Visit the site’s first outdoor exhibition “Celebrating 40 Years.” All buildings are temporarily closed due to COVID-19 safety precautions. 450 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-331-5190. Free. nps.gov/malu

APEX Museum This museum’s mission is to interpret and present history from an African American perspective with “Women in STEM,” “Africa the Untold Story,” “The MAAFA” and more. They are currently open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with timed ticket admission. 135 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-523-2739. $8. apexmuseum.org Center for Civil and Human Rights Learn about the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., as well as current human rights challenges today with informational exhibits. See the digital exhibition “We Share the Dream: King’s Beloved Community” to explore Dr. King’s campaigns to unite humankind or take an interactive virtual tour. Reservations required. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta. 678-999-8990. $16. civilandhumanrights.org Atlanta History Center With “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow,” view art, historical artifacts, photographs and more that illustrate the African American struggle for full citizenship and racial equality that unfolded in the 50 years after the Civil War. They also offer online exhibitions. Reservations required. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. $23.41; ages 4-12, $9.80; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com The King Center View the crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King’s, constructed from Georgia marble, and see the Eternal Flame symbolizing the continued effort to realize Dr. King’s dream. 449 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-526-8968. Free. thekingcenter.org Atlanta University Center Historic District Go on a self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark, which includes some of the country’s major higher education institutions for African Americans, such as Atlanta University, Clark and Morehouse. Atlanta. Free. nps.gov/nr/travel/Atlanta/ aud.htm Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center Built in 1923, this was the first school in northwest Georgia constructed with Rosenwald funds for the education of Black children. The site is now a Black history museum and cultural center. 2361 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy., Cassville. 770-382-3392.

Free. noblehillwheeler.org

Atlanta History Center

February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

46 Atlanta Parent February 2021

Family Fun Guide

George Washington Carver State Park In 1950, when the Allatoona Dam was completed in Cartersville, Governor Talmadge established the nearby 345-acre George Washington Carver Park, the first “Georgia State Park for Negroes.” Well-known entertainers, including Ray Charles and Little Richard, performed at the park.

3900 Bartow Carver Rd. SW, Acworth. 770-387-1357. Free. visitcartersvillega.org/gwcp

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BEYOND ATLANTA Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Explore this site where many of Athens’ prominent African Americans were laid to rest, starting in 1882.

530 Fourth St., Athens. 706-2080048. Free. visitathensga.com

Paine College Historic District Founded in 1882 by trustees from the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America, this institution was coeducational from the beginning with its goal of educating African American youth.

1235 Fifteenth St., Augusta. 706-8218200. Free. nps.gov Dorchester Academy This school was founded in 1871 as a school for freed slaves and now serves as an African American history museum and community center. 8787 E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Midway. 912-884-2347. Free. libertycounty.org

Dorchester Academy

GO ON A ROAD TRIP If you’re interested in traveling and spending more time learning about Black history and the Civil Rights Movement, go on a road trip around Georgia to see significant spots. The National Park Service created a national We Shall Overcome travel itinerary with churches, private residences and public sites of protest that spoke to the history. Check out Georgia’s three spots and learn more at nps.gov/subjects/ travelweshallovercome/we-shall-overcome.htm. Explore important destinations and sites in Georgia, along with the history and stories, at civilrightstrail.com/state/georgia.

EVENTS TO GIVE YOU A NEW PERSPECTIVE n African American Burial Grounds Tour Oakland Cemetery / Feb. 6, 20 and 21, 1-2 p.m.

These walking tours include the final resting places of a few Atlanta pioneers, including Carrie Steele Logan, William Finch, Maynard Jackson and more. Registration required. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Free. oaklandcemetery.com n High Museum of Art See Driskell’s works featuring the American landscape and the African diaspora in “David Driskell: Icons of Nature and History” opening on Feb. 6. Through March 14, view the photography collection exploring underrepresented communities and stories in African American culture with “Dawoud Bey: An American Project.” Reservation required. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org

African American Burial Grounds Tour at Oakland Cemetery

The 2021 theme from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” Learn more about their virtual festival at asalh.org. atlantaparent.com

n Virtual: Center for Puppetry Arts Feb. 3, 5, 10, 12, 24 and 26, 10 a.m.

Explore the African diaspora using music, song and movement with this retelling of two folktales: The First Music and Abiyoyo with “Stories of Color” for ages 6-12. Ages 4-8 will enjoy learning about trickster tales with “Anansi the Spider: A West African Folktale.” 404-873-3391. $8. puppet.org n Virtual: Sit-In Through Feb. 28 This animated short from the Alliance Theatre celebrates the power of youth to change history. 404-733-4650. $10-$50. alliancetheatre.org

Family Fun Guide

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 47

CONNECTING PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO NATURE

by Kimberly Martin

Atlanta is fortunate to have many outdoor spaces that are kid-friendly and great for exploring nature. While it may still be winter, bundling up and being outdoors provides a safe and socially distant environment for kids. Take a hike or explore the outdoors at one of these spots:

WIDE-OPEN SPACES Atlanta Memorial Park This park stretches over 128 acres and features playgrounds, nature trails, and sidewalks, as well as a connection to the Atlanta BeltLine. The Memorial Park Conservancy works to make the park sustainable with native tree plantings and trail installations. n Where: 384 Woodward Way NW, Atlanta; buckhead.com/parks

Photo by Shawn Taylor, ATLnature

Piedmont Park Located in the heart of Atlanta, historic Piedmont Park has more than 200 acres of open spaces and places to explore. Wooded trails, bike paths, meadows, a lake, wetlands and more offer plenty of opportunities for play and discovery. n Where: 1320 Monroe Dr., Atlanta; piedmontpark.org

Steve & Virginia Tumlin Park This wide-open green space is surrounded by trees and is the perfect place for kids to run and enjoy unstructured play. When you’re ready for a break, relax on the swinging benches that overlook the park. n Where: 400 Chestnut Hill Rd., Marietta; marietta.gov

Stone Mountain Park Just outside of Atlanta, this 3,200-acre park has wide-open spaces and 15 miles of trails for walking, hiking and biking. Take the one-mile walking trail to the top of Stone Mountain; you’ll find plenty of nature and wildlife along the way. Lakes, wooded areas and nature habitats are great places for kids to explore. n Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain; stonemountainpark.com

Village Park at North Henry This 34-acre park in Ellenwood has plenty of space to run and play. Explore the mile-long paved walking path, play ball or throw a frisbee on the event lawn.

A fitness circuit for kids and adults is a great way to burn off energy. n Where: 750 Fairview Rd, Ellenwood; visithenrycountygeorgia.com

Photo by Piedmont Park Conservancy

Atlanta Memorial Park

HISTORY IN NATURE Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Located just southwest of the city, this preserve has easy walking trails that wind past the remnants of a stone springhouse, streams and a waterfall.

Explore the Civil War-era earthworks dug by Confederate troops on this former battlefield site. n Where: 2852 Cascade Rd., Atlanta; exploregeorgia.org

Oakland Cemetery One of the city’s oldest public parks, this 48-acre green space is located near downtown Atlanta and is entertaining as well as educational. Trails weave through the historical gravesites, Victorian art and architecture, gardens and ancient oak trees. n Where: 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta; oaklandcemetery.com

Old Mill Park

Piedmont Park

48 Atlanta Parent February 2021

This park in the heart of Roswell has hiking trails as well as history to explore.

You’ll find the remains of the Roswell Manufacturing Company mills and a view overlooking Vickery Creek’s dam and waterfalls. Kids will have fun finding trail connections and walking across the covered pedestrian bridge. n Where: 95 Mill St., Roswell; visitroswellga.com

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

THE BENEFITS OF NATURE

1

2 Chattahoochee Nature Center

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE Chattahoochee Nature Center At the CNC, located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, you’ll feel immersed in nature.

Forested trails and pollinator gardens let kids explore and learn about local animals and plants.

Walk through the winter woods and find fairy and gnome houses made from natural objects. n Where: 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell; chattnaturecenter.org

3

Cochran Shoals Trail One of Atlanta’s most popular places to escape the sounds of the city, kids can run, hike and catch scenic views of the Chattahoochee River. Look for birds and wildlife as you walk along the river and enjoy its breathtaking views. n Where: 1956 Eugene Gumby Rd., Marietta; nps.gov

Dunwoody Nature Center Embrace nature in these 22 acres and explore trails, Wildcat Creek, beehives, a wetlands boardwalk and more. This Atlanta favorite is a great place to be inspired by the wonders nature provides. Be sure to visit the hammock garden and swings before you head home. n Where: 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody; dunwoodynature.org Visit atlantaparent.com for more ideas on enjoying nature with kids, family-friendly hiking spots, nature centers and more.

4

Kids Learn Through Play Try to picture your child’s thoughts when they jump into puddles or move leaves from one pile to the next. “There’s no more natural way for kids to play than to explore their surroundings and environment,” says Carli Reis, a psychologist at Trinity School. “We all have manufactured things inside of us that are great, but they are much more directed.

The great thing about being outside is that kids get to run free and explore, and there are no preset notions of what it is they’re supposed to be doing.”

Attuning Our Senses to Nature Kids love to smell flowers, touch ladybugs, and see butterflies flutter around them. Each of those encounters taps into their senses. They naturally move more, and it’s easier to think creatively while searching for their next burrowed worm.

Children also learn about their bodies when they interact with the natural world.

Screen Time vs. Green Time Unlike television, nature gives our kids the tools they need to solve problems and use their imaginations. “My kids and I are the happiest when we are outside,” says Reis. “When there is some objective, it changes the nature of the activity. The beauty of being outside in nature is that there is no objective. It’s just to be!”

Free Play, Anyone?

Non-directed outdoor play teaches kids to trust their instincts and tune into their bodies. When our children navigate the outdoors, they are faced with thinking through possible problems and solutions.

How deep does this sand go? How can I get to the other side of this pond?

CREATE AN OUTDOOR SPACE IN YOUR BACK YARD Some parents have tree climbers, mud pie makers, or scientists that investigate bugs. Encourage that curiosity at home with an inviting outdoor space. It doesn’t have to be as grand as an outdoor park; work with what you have. Here are some ideas for encouraging kids to explore and play – right in your back yard. n Gather and make use of materials you already have – leaves, branches, rocks, sticks – and place them in an area that will encourage building, balancing, and exploring. Leave your child’s play options open-ended by providing the props for imaginative play. n Younger children will enjoy getting wet and playing with the basics: sand, water, mud puddles, pine cones and smooth pebbles all encourage free play. Getting messy is a good thing!

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Family Fun Guide

n Older children may enjoy the process of constructing a treehouse or lean-to, planning a backyard camping experience or a night of stargazing. n Children of all ages can help with the planning and planting of a backyard garden – all you need is a patch of sun. Dig a garden bed or invest in a few large planters; choose kid-friendly veggies and encourage kids to dig in the dirt!

February 2021 Atlanta Parent 49

for thee fridg

Kids deserve the right to think that they can change the world.

LOIS LOWRY 50 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; February 2021

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CATS, DOGS, BIRDS, BUNNIES, REPTILES ... WE WANT THEM ALL!

KIDS AND PETS ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST Atlanta Parent wants readers to submit adorable photos of their kids and pets.

Contest runs the month of March with winners determined by vote count and prizes awarded to the top 3 vote getters.

Upload your photos beginning March 1 at atlantaparent.com/pets Online voting starts March 22 For sponsorship information, email ccraig@atlantaparent.com

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