August 2019 Issue of Birmingham Parent

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA — NOW IN OUR 16TH YEAR OF PUBLISHING

Our

Back to School Issue

And Education and Enrichment Directory

AUGUST 2019 FREE

EASING THE “NEW SCHOOL”

Jitters

HOW TO PACK A HEALTHY

Lunchbox Sensory Spaces Thrifting WITH KIDS

SPARK YOUR CURIOSITY www.mcwane.org Downtown Birmingham

ed note

BIG CHANGES

Coming to Birmingham Parent Starting September 1 Birmingham Parent celebrates 16 years of publishing this year. Through the years you’ve seen us go from newsprint to glossy paper, different sizes of print and qualities of paper, adding events to our lineup, being the first in the area to do Family Favorites and Cover Kids Searches, expanding our online and social media presence, and most recently adding video.

Now, another big change. As of Sept. 1, 2019, the magazine will go bi-monthly (once every two months), publishing 7 issues a year rather than 12, so the Sept. issue will now be our September/October issue.

January’s THE GUIDE 2020 and February’s Camp Issue 2020 will remain standalone issues.

We’ve debated doing this for years. Now, as more and more people are focusing on multi-media platforms – combining online, e-blasts, social media and print, we’ve decided to do this, giving advertisers TWICE as LONG on shelves and freeing up some of their marketing budgets for the social and digital offerings as well as video.

What can readers expect? You will see our issues on the shelves a little longer. Once combined into double issues, we’ll do a refill at the beginning of the second month to be sure you can find your copy of Birmingham Parent. Of course, it’s always online at www.birminghamparent.com, and be sure to check out the mobile issue on your phone. You’ll still see our great, award-winning stories and beautiful design, and hopefully these new issues will have more pages of those great stories. Calendars published will be two months at a time, but we will be constantly updating our online calendar, and you can access it. In fact, we may send an e-blast with our monthly calendars, if it seems popular.

What can advertisers expect? A longer life for your ad on the shelves! And of course, your ad is online at www.birminghamparent.com for two years in our digital editions there. We’ll still have our 4 events a year – Happy Healthy Kids(coming up Aug. 24, 2019 at Riverchase Galleria), Camp Expo in February 2020, Special Needs Expo – Huntsville, Feb. 29, 2020 and the Special Needs Expo – Birmingham in March 2020. You’ll still see Cover Kids Searches and our popular Family Favorites, though the voting times may change a bit to incorporate the issue changes. Watch for that toward the end of 2019.

We’d love to hear from you! What are your ideas for stories, special events, columns and more? Let us know at carol@birminghamparent.com. Now is a better time than ever to market your product or service with us! Contact us today at info@birminghamparent.com.

Thanks for a great 16 years! We look forward to many more.

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

FREE

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

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P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CALENDAR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Vivian Friedman, Christina Katz, Melanie B. Holliman, Bama Folsom Hager, Ph.D., Denise Yearian, Rebecca Mason, Rachel Moshman, Daniel M. Avery, III, MD

sales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Natalie Julian

art & production ART DIRECTOR Hilary Moreno DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

JUNE 2017

APRIL 2015

MARCH 2015

THE

ABLE ACT Helps Kids with Special Needs 10 TIPS

Alabaster's Rilee Thurber Faces

FOR PLANNING A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY

Dwarfism Head-On

BLENDED FAMILIES,

BLENDED BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY ISSUE,

DIRECTORY INSIDE!

SMASH CAKES A BIRTHDAY SMASH

SECTION PAGE 12

Why

ESTATE PLANNING

Kayla Perry: Girl on a

MISSION AGAINST CANCER

Should be at the Top of Your List for Your New Baby

HAVE A “FROZEN” PARTY! Understanding & Treating

FEVER

The Special Needs Directory

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S ANNUAL

baby book INSIDE

WHAT TO EXPECT with Your C-Section

CHILDBIRTH

CHOICES

in Birmingham

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA).

Evans also serves on the board of directors of Childcare Resources.

Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent, where she is responsible for the calendar and editorial editing. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children.

4 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2019 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2019/2020

by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

School is just around the corner, but PAW Patrol Live! is too!

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contents HAPPY, HEALTHY KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL!! our focus BAC K TO S C H O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

happyheaTHRIFTING lthykidsfair

with Kids.............................................10

our features

32

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE...................12

EDITOR’S NOTE Big Changes Coming to Birmingham Parent.......................4 PARENTING with Dr. Friedman...............................7 SHORT STUFF.................................. 8 CHATTING WITH CHILD’SPLAY: Screen Time Dilemmas..................31

SENSORY-SENSITIVE SPACES at School and in the Community.............................16

ASK THE SPECIALIST Sports Safety Tips for Young Athletes this Fall Season..............36

3 Tips for Packing a GREAT SCHOOL LUNCH............20

ASK THE ATTORNEY The Special Talents of Special Needs Children and Their Teachers..........................39

10 Quick Tips to KICK THE WHINING HABIT.......22 Children’s Of Alabama Celebrates 30th Anniversary of SAFE KIDS ALABAMA.................26 7 Tips for EASING THE NEW SCHOOL JITTERS..........................28

our regulars

PET PAGE When Should Your Family Get a Dog?..........................40 FAMILY TRAVEL: Alpharetta, Georgia........................32

CALENDAR OF EVENTS.............. 43

ON OUR COVER: Kailey, age 6, of Birmingham is ready to go to school this fall! Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, www.christypiercephotographyllc.com, 205-902-0385.

6 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

PAR E N TI N G

Parenting

with Dr. Friedman

Q:

My 19-year-old son was home for the summer after a year away at college. He is generally a good kid but his

room was messy and he left dishes in the sink. His job offered flexible hours so he stayed up late and went in to work around noon. Then he worked until about 7:00 p.m. missing dinner with the family. I don’t want to set limits that are so harsh that he won’t come home for the summer next year, but I did find myself

resenting cleaning up after a grown child who did not participate all that much in our family. What can I do to make next summer go better without chasing him away with my rules?

First I think you should look at the positives. Your son left his dishes in the sink — not in his room or at the table. He clearly is doing some part of cleaning up.

He just isn’t doing the whole thing.

I would guess that he is doing just what you taught him to do when he was five or six years old. You formed good habits back then but never moved on from that level of expectation.

Secondly, he is working. While his work hours may not be convenient for you, he is behaving responsibly. Too often parents focus on the things that are less than perfect while forgetting to enjoy and commend the things a child does responsibly.

This said you appear to be walking on eggshells with your

son. His trump card seems to be that if you do not cater to him, he will not come home. In reality, this may be more of your issue than it is his. If the relationship is so fragile that he won’t come home unless you are a slave to him, then the relationship is already in trouble.

While many parents of grown children try to make the return home pleasant, if you become a slave, the visit will not be pleasant for you. One can be attentive to a visitor for a week. However, college students typically return home for four months. Your son cannot be a guest for that long. You need to expect him to contribute to the family and you need to communicate your expectations.

You do not do your son a favor if you don’t set these expectations.

No one besides his mother will give him a free ride. To teach him that there is such thing as a free ride, will set him up to be disappointed in other relationships.

You need to tell him what you want from him before you become so angry that you cannot speak civilly or rationally to him. Too often parents and spouses wait until they are fuming with anger before they let the other party know want they need. A simple request to put his dishes in the sink may be all that is required to turn around his behavior. Your fear of his leaving you is so great that I would guess that you have not shared your thoughts with him. Your son is not a mind

reader. You need to tell him what you expect.

You can reasonably request that he be present at dinner on certain days of the week. Set Tuesdays and Thursdays for family time together or ask him what one to two days he will commit to family time. Your son sounds like he is a reasonable adult-child and I would expect that he will want to make you happy when he understands your feelings.

Vivian K. Friedman, Ph.D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry.

Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com.

No personal replies are sent.

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S H O RT STU FF

Could Your Child Have Asthma?

Asthma can be a scary diagnosis for children and their parents. It’s a disease that makes it hard to breathe. This happens because airways in the lungs get swollen, smaller and filled with mucus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 13 people have asthma. Molly Bolton, the asthma program nurse practitioner at Children’s of Alabama, says the common symptoms of asthma include coughing, especially at night time, as well as chest pain or chest tightness, and difficulty breathing or a wheezing, whistling sound when breathing.

There’s no cure for asthma, but it can be managed to prevent flare-ups. “Our goal is that children with asthma can run and play and do the things any other child can do,” Bolton says.

There are multiple treatment measures that can be used in the management of asthma. These include quick relief medicines that help relieve asthma symptoms within minutes and controller medicines that manage asthma by preventing flare-ups. Controller medicine is taken every day, even when a child feels well.

If you’re concerned your child might have asthma, make a note of the symptoms and any “triggers” that cause the symptoms and share with your child’s pediatrician.

—Courtesy of Children’s of Alabama

8 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

Vaping and Millennials: Study Gets $24.8 Million Grant The long-term impact on someone’s lungs while vaping – the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette or similar device – is not yet known, and there is no hard evidence that shows whether poor air quality where a person grows up puts them at higher risk for respiratory conditions later in life.

The long-term goal of the study aims to identify who is at risk for developing chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.

These issues, and much more, will be examined in a large, first-of-its-kind longitudinal study of lung health, funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The study, titled “The American Lung Association Lung Health Cohort,” is supported by a $24.8 million grant awarded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the NIH. The University of Alabama at Birmingham will serve as a major study site.

In this first federally-funded U.S. cohort to study millennials, scientists will capture baseline lung health measurements of 4,000 healthy adults between the ages of 25 and 35 to identify an ideal picture of respiratory health and understand the key risk factors and biomarkers that are associated with impaired lung health.

Findings from the study will arm doctors with information to recognize respiratory problems early and intervene before patients develop chronic lung disease, the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. The long-term goal of the study aims to identify who is at risk for developing chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.

UAB seeks Adolescents for Distracted Driving Research Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among teenagers, with inattention being the primary contributor. They account for approximately one in three deaths among teens ages 16 to 19.

A University of Alabama at Birmingham study is testing the influence of age and driving experience on driving attention development under various conditions. Researchers are looking for individuals 18 years of age who have either just received their driver’s license within the past two weeks or do not have their driver’s license or permit and do not intend to have a change in licensure status for the duration of the study, 18 months.

Adolescents will perform general and driving-based attention tasks, as well as cognitive function tasks, at seven different visits to the Translational Research Injury Prevention Lab over an 18-month period. Seven visits are required to obtain baseline information. Changes will be tracked over six visits every three months. Participants will be asked to operate a virtual reality simulator and complete questionnaires and computerized tasks.

They will also complete biweekly surveys. Each participant will receive up to $560 in compensation.

“We already know that driver inattention equals further vulnerability to distraction,” says Despina Stavrinos, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. “What we need to know more about is the relationship between young age and low driving experience to driving attention. We believe this new study will help reveal how those factors can actually predict driving attention and driving outcomes.”

The study, “Longitudinal Examination of Driving Attention Among Adolescents,” is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Researchers look at the drivers’ general attention, speed of processing and executive function, all underlying cognitive mechanisms of attention.

For more information or to enroll in the study, contact the UAB TRIPLab at triplab@uab.edu or call 205-975-9440.

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BAC K TO S CH O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

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Thrifting with Kids:

Save Money and Teach the Power of Personal Choice

By Christina Katz

My teenage daughter said the magic words to me after mentioning she needed an outfit to wear to the drama club end-of-the-year event.

“Let’s try Goodwill first,” she said, and I had to suppress the urge to do a little victory dance.

After years of suggesting the same thing over and over, she has finally gotten the memo about choosing thrifty over spendy. And peer pressure is finally backing me up, hallelujah!

We walked out of the resale shop with two quality dresses, four fashionable shirts, two pairs of already broken-in shoes, and a swingy sweater for under $40. My daughter used her own money to pay and I pointed out how much she might have spent if she’d bought everything new. I also mentioned what great condition everything was in and how nicely they would last. Besides, when she was tired of them, she could re-donate them and find fresh replacements. But I didn’t need to sell her on any of these points. My teen fashionista was already cheerfully putting new school 10 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

outfit combinations together in her head.

Being a parent has definitely made me thrifty.

I am less motivated to buy new, when we have an abundance of older quality items within a short driving distance. Besides, every time we choose resale over newly minted, we set a great example. We keep garbage out of landfills, we emphasize the importance of selecting quality, and we demonstrate that cheap is not better than lasting.

Thrifty items are often rich in character, variety, and style. By teaching kids to hunt for happy bargains, they stop making corporate brands richer and keep more of their own money.

If they still crave name brands, they can find plenty at local resale shops for a fraction of the usual prices. Kids who learn to thrift shop are more selective, self-expressive and community-minded than kids whose parents habitually pay full price. While a trip to the mall once in a while isn’t going to kill anybody, a balanced

attitude about shopping choices is wise counsel.

Here are a few ways to instill enlightened shopping habits in your kids while they are growing up: Frequent Estate and Garage Sales. Let’s say your child has outgrown his bike. Your first instinct might be to head on over your local sporting goods chain store to replace it. But hang on a minute. Is your son going to keep growing?

Do you want to spend a couple hundred dollars on a bike that is only going to last one or two years? Spend a Saturday morning swinging by estate and garage sales instead and you will likely find a replacement bike in perfectly good condition for between $10 and $40.

While you are there, I bet you can also find that extra measuring cup you’ve been wanting for the kitchen, some inexpensive décor items, and a few pieces of barely worn clothing. For a fraction of what you would have spent on new

things, you can fulfill a plethora of family needs by buying used. At check-out time, if purchasing multiple items, don’t forget to ask for a discount. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to demonstrate laid-back negotiating skills for your kids.

Encourage Collecting. Shopping can become a history lesson with curiosity sparked by interesting objects from bygone days.

Not far from where we live, there is a community of antique shops within walking distance of one another. When we take Samantha shopping there, she often has questions about the eras and uses of items. She has found fascinating old books that have fired her imagination and inspired her hobbies. If you want to pique your children’s interest in the past, one of the best ways is by browsing antique shops. Once they are old enough to shop calmly and methodically, lure them into antiquing with you by allowing them start a collection of inexpensive items like tiny bottles, costume jewelry or vintage toys. Teach them to only collect items that truly move them. They can slowly add to their collections over the years, while practicing patience and selectivity.

Being a parent has definitely made me thrifty. I am less motivated to buy new, when we have an abundance of older quality items within a short driving distance.

Besides, every time we choose resale over newly minted, we set a great example. We keep garbage out of landfills, we emphasize the importance of selecting quality, and we demonstrate that cheap is not better than lasting.

Support Personal Taste and Individual Style. When you shop at department stores, the trendy looks are on display by size.

Of course, all the other kids are wearing those looks, too. In thrift stores, clothing and shoes are also grouped by size, but there is usually only one of each item. Take advantage of the opportunity to teach kids to develop an eye for personal tastes that are as unique as they are. Parents can help by ruling out inappropriate or impractical choices and reminding kids to focus on filling needs rather than exploring too many possibilities at once. Initially, you may spend more time in the thrift store dressing room dividing items into piles of yes or no. But this is time well spent since kids are learning about the power of personal choice. Shop on days when your child’s mood is lighthearted and they will be able to hunt and gather efficiently. When kids are feeling emotional or self-conscious, that is not a good day to go thrift store shopping.

Author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz has been cultivating thrifty shopping skills for decades. She feels especially proud when her daughter experiences the satisfaction of finding a good bargain and the thrill of zeroing in on the perfect find.

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E D U CATI O N & E N R I C H ME N T G UIDE 2019

FOR HAPPY, HEALTHY KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!

MINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

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Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 www.jbma.education JBMA provides children & families with an education according to the Montessori philosophy. At JBMA, we treat each child as individuals, building on their strengths to become lifelong global learners. Enrolling toddlers 8th grade.

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School 5514 Double Oak Lane Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-5488 www.olvbirmingham.com Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School is Christcentered learning community that fosters academic excellence, positive moral development, and community service. We encourage students to reach their full potential in a creative and nurturing environment that promotes Gospel values.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Altamont School 4801 Altamont Rd. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 205.445.1232 www.altamontschool.org The Mission of the Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated students capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas.

Creative Montessori School 2800 Montessori Way Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3278 www.cmskids.org CMS cultivates a life-long love of learning and fosters self-control and self-direction from 18 months through eighth grade.

Students learn at their own pace, under the thoughtful guidance of a professionally-trained Montessori teacher.

Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School 1832 Center Way S. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-263-0133 www.hfcristorey.org Combining academic rigor and a corporate workstudy program to empower students from economically challenged families to graduate high school prepared to persist in college ​and flourish in life.

Transforming Birmingham, One Student At A Time.

Jefferson Christian Academy 1500 Heritage Place Dr. Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-9111 www.jcaweb.net The Technology Leader in Christian Education! A Bible based school, JCA provides a safe Christian environment (K4- 12th grades) that focuses on spirit, mind, body and a servant’s heart.

Schedule a tour today!

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COMMUNITY Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank 205-607-2112 www.bundlesdiaperbank.org Compact 2020 1115 County Services Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-605-1824 www.compact2020.com Compact 2020 is a multi-jurisdictional effort engaging the full spectrum of substance misuse in Shelby County. The primary efforts of Compact 2020 focus on juvenile prevention/intervention , and supporting community prevention coalitions.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Birmingham, AL 35203 205-252-9241 www.asfaschool.org

ASFA is a public school for students-grades 7-12.

Admission is by audition in one of six areas: creative writing, dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts or math and science.

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604 251-441-2152 www.asms.net ASMS is a public, residential high school accepting applications from highly motivated 9th and 10th graders seeking advanced studies in math, science and the humanities.

PRESCHOOLS & DAYCARE Odyssey Early Sch​ools

✱ HHKF SPONSOR • Inverness Campus 104 Heatherbrooke Park Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-0039 • Trace Crossings Campus 401 Emery Dr. Hoover, AL 35244 205-988-8829 www.odysseyearlyschool.com Created by educators featuring ​state-of-the-art facilities​, nurturing teachers ​ with Education degrees, and comprehensive curriculum ​that provides your child with age appropriate exploration into the world of learning.

Woodland Park Christian Learning Center 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Birmingham, AL 35211 205-250-1488 www.woodlandparkclc.net Serving children ages 6 weeks - 5 years old. Open year-round, nutritious meals, and a healthy balance of play & academics. Employee background checks with state of the art facilities.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES The Tutoring Center 2804 John Hawkins Pkwy.

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Hoover, AL 35244 (near Academy Sports) 205- 987-9577 www.hoover.tutorcenter.com One-to-one tutoring designed to help your child develop stronger academic skills, earn better grades, score higher on standardized tests, while gaining confidence, motivation and focus.

DENTISTS, ORTHODONTISTS & ORAL SURGEONS Just Kids Dental 2320 Seventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-251-1010 www.justkidsal.com At Just Kids Dental we believe every child deserves a healthy smile. Through the collaboration of General, Pediatric, and Endodontic Specialists, we provide affordable oral health care to all children between the ages of one and 21.

McCalla Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 4814 Bell Hill Rd. Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-8004 www.mccallasmiles.com Dentistry for children, adolescents and patients with disabilities.

Orthodontics for children and adults. We offer traditional metal brackets as well as clear Invisalign option.

Pediatric Smiles, LLC Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey 4823 Promenade Pkwy.

Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 205-230-9000 www.psmilesal.com Our top priority is helping your child achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile! Providing dental care for children of all ages, including those with special needs. Now accepting new patients and most insurance accepted.

Thomas Pediatric Dentistry 721 Montclair Rd. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-879-6150 www.thomaspediatricdentistry.com As one of Birmingham’s most trusted children’s dentists, Dr. Thomas offers a safe, nurturing environment in a state of the art oral health facility for infants, children, teenagers and those with special needs.

Vital Smiles • Midfield 111 B.Y. Williams Sr. Dr. Midfield, AL 35228 205-923-3172(General dentistry) 205-923-3175(Ortho) • Center Point 2302 Center Point Pkwy.

Center Point, AL 35215 205-853-9170 • Vital Smiles Orthodontic Office: 2525 Center Point Pkwy.

Center Point, AL 35215 205-854-8093 www.vitalsmiles.com Vital Smiles believes every child deserves a dental home. We strive to make quality general dental care affordable and available to children, 20 years of age and younger.

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HEALTHCARE & SPECIALISTS Alabama Department of Public Health www.alabamapublichealth.gov The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is the primary state health agency for the state of Alabama.

Brookwood Baptist Health Four locations in Central Alabama BBHob.com • Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35209

One of the nation’s premier college preparatory schools for students grades 5-12

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E D U CAT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T GU I DE 2019 BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

appyhealthykidsfair • Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave SW Birmingham, AL 35211 • Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 1st St N Alabaster, AL 35007 • Walker Baptist Medical Center 3400 Hwy 78 E Jasper, AL 35501 With four hospitals delivering throughout central Alabama, access to an entire network of specialists, and countless ways to customize your experience, Brookwood Baptist Health is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.

Children’s of Alabama ✱ HHKF SPONSOR 1600 Seventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 www.childrensal.org Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children since 1911, offering inpatient, outpatient, and primary care services throughout Alabama.

SPECIAL NEEDS Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind 205 South St. E. Talladega, AL 35160 256-761-3284 www.aidb.org AIDB is the most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program for individuals of all ages who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, deaf-blind and multi-disabled. Serving over 26,000 children and adults across Alabama last year.

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Child’s Play Therapy Center • Hoover: 205-978-9939 3057 Lorna Rd. Birmingham, AL 35216 • Chelsea: 205-618-8095 48 Chesser Crane Rd. Suite 1 Chelsea, AL 35043 www.childsplaytherapy.com Occupational, physical, and speech therapy, along with a variety of special programs. Two beautiful, fully equipped facilities. Our experienced, loving staff will exceed your expectations.

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BAC K TO S CH O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

appyhealthykidsfair

Sensory-Sensitive Spaces at School and in the Community

By Bama Folsom Hager, Ph.D.

A recent news story highlights the need for sensory sensitivity in our daily school routines. Jack Higgins, a graduating senior at a Putnam County high school in New York State received a silent ovation resulting in media attention. Jack has significant auditory sensitivity and his classmates sat in silence as he graduated, to be respectful of his sensory challenges. The story highlights the need for sensory inclusiveness in our school activities. Jack’s peers, school administration and community were respectful, compassionate and kind.

Many children and adults on the autism spectrum and many not identified on the spectrum experience symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder. In comparison to their neurotypical peers, their senses may be more sensitive to stimuli. Daily sensory input of noise, textures, light, smells and sometimes tastes might be excruciating to those with sensory challenges while the same stimuli might be barely noticed by peers. Imagine navigating a world where sounds seem louder, lights appear brighter and touch is painful. Those are the experiences of many with Sensory Processing Disorder. For these children and adults, learning is often hindered by the assault of sensory input they experience.

Because of the increase in numbers of children and adults who experience sensory challenges, many community facilities and businesses are incorporating policies and procedures that are sensory friendly or autism friendly. Many Birmingham-area recreational facilities and businesses are inviting to those with special sensory needs and additionally setting aside days or times for sensory programming. A few of the central Alabama establishments that embrace sensory challenged patrons are: n Birmingham Museum of Art n Birmingham Barons Regions Field n Birmingham Zoo n McWane Science Center n AMC Theatres n Red Mountain Theatre Company n Birmingham Children’s Theatre n Birmingham/Hoover area public libraries n Vulcan Park n Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport n Red Mountain Park n Camp ASCCA n YMCA n Many Birmingham area restaurants are responsive to stated needs n Regions Bank 16 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

Imagine navigating a world where sounds seem louder, lights appear brighter and touch is painful.

Those are the experiences of many with Sensory Processing Disorder.

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The list of Birmingham-area sensory sensitive facilities is impressive. Many special needs families report that stating their needs when entering a business, community space or restaurant is often met with accommodations and assistance.

To further these community efforts, the Autism Society of Alabama has partnered with the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities to lead a project titled, “Autism Friendly Alabama.” The goal of the multi-year project is to support businesses in becoming autism friendly. As an added positive to the program, businesses are encouraged to hire an employee who has a developmental disability. It is going to be the challenge and responsibility for our future communities to hire and employ the large numbers of adults with developmental disabilities in future years.

Home and school are the locations where most kids spend their days. Our schools are stepping up and developing spaces for students who have sensory challenges. Schools are doing some amazing things for the developmental disability and special needs communities. By meeting sensory needs, schools are helping those with challenges to learn effectively in a calmer more controlled setting. Some of the accommodations that may assist a student with sensory challenges are:

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n Classroom reading nooks can be quiet spaces marked off by mats or bean bags where a student can have quiet time n Noise canceling headphones available in class settings when class noise level may be increased n Options for alternative activities or quieter spaces during assemblies n Sensory rooms with sensory manipulatives available n Time for walking or moving around the room and stretching n Fidget toys and sensory-friendly Mad Matter or Play-Doh n Chewing objects n School occupational therapist programming

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SENSORY-SENSITIVE continued on page 18

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BACK TO SCHOOL

family

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

children

happyheaSENSORY-SENSITIVE lthykidsfair continued

newborn seniors couples maternity wedding boudoir photogenic modeling events engagement Family Favorite

n Visual or written schedules for predictability of routine and day

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Briarwood Ballet

n Pencil grip tools n Playground, gym and lunch buddy schedules to foster peer relationships Parents of those with challenges should not hesitate to ask teachers which of the accommodations may work well for their classrooms. Parent advocacy often leads to student self-advocacy so that students can begin to identify what accommodations may be helpful for their unique learning style.

I dream of a day when sensory inclusiveness and sensitivity will be a part of everyday life. I think of a day when those with sensory defensiveness will go into government, community and school establishments with the expectation that their special sensory needs and disabilities will be accommodated. We are headed in the right direction and our community is responding to the needs of these valuable members of our community.

Two resources to get started on sensory spaces at school are: Now enrolling for 2019-20 Classes also 8-week sessions for Mommy & Me and Adults briarwoodballet.com 205-776-5284

https://www.understood.org/en/schoollearning/partnering-with-childs-school/ instructional-strategies/at-a-glance-classroomaccommodations-for-sensory-processing-issues https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/23-waysto-create-a-sensory-friendly-classroom/

Bama Folsom Hager, Ph.D. is the parent of Henley, who is 19 years old and has autism. Hager works at the Autism Society of Alabama where she assists with Programs and Policy.

18 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

SEAT BELT LAW

Section 32-5B-4 r cars at occupants of passenge Requirement of front se ions of certain persons. pt em ex ; lts be ty fe sa ar to we pant of a passenger car (a) Each front seat occu th ty belts in compliance wi manufactured with safe fety Standard No. 208 Federal Motor Vehicle Sa operly fastened about his shall have a safety belt pr e vehicle is in motion. body at all times when th n (a) shall not apply to: tio ec bs su of s on isi ov pr (b) The der the purview of Section (1) A child passenger un r d to use a child passenge 32-5-222, who is require ion at belt pursuant to Sect restraint system or a se 32-5-222. ses a ssenger car who posses pa a of nt pa cu oc An ) (2 a licensed physician that written statement from edical reasons to wear a he or she is unable for m safety belt. al of the United States Post (3) A rural letter carrier l his or her duties as a rura Service while performing letter carrier. or r delivering newspapers ge en ss pa or r ive dr A ) (4 e. mail from house to hous ar enger car with model ye (5) Passengers in a pass prior to 1965. vehicles which normally (6) Passengers in motor operate in reverse.

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This project was supported

by Subgrant #19-OP-M1-007 awarded by the Law Enforcement/Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

ASE VISIT: LE P , N IO T A M R FO IN FOR MORE tml atbelts| .h se n/ tio en ev pr ry ju /in ov birminghamparent.com 19 alabamapublichealth.g

BAC K TO S CH O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

appyhealthykidsfair

3 Tips for Packing a Great School Lunch

Back to school season is stressful for children and parents alike, and parents are concerned about ensuring that their child eats a nourishing lunch to power through the school day. The situation can prove to be frustrating when the lunches come back home uneaten.

Rainie Carter, a pediatric dietitian at Children’s of Alabama, offers tips for packing a lunch that will please both kids and parents.

Cover the Nutritional Bases Include protein to help keep them full through the afternoon with items like string cheese, yogurt, meat, or nuts (if the school guidelines allow them). Carter’s favorite tips are to use a whole wheat tortilla to make pinwheels with lunch meat or freezing yogurt the night before for a creamy treat.

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20 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

Fruits and vegetables are important for your child’s fiber intake. “Kids love to dip and scoop so you can pack a little bit of ranch dressing or hummus with vegetables,” Carter advises. For produce that turns brown when cut, like apples, Carter suggests squeezing a little bit of lemon juice over the chunks to placate picky kids.

Stick with whole grain for items like bread or crackers, and stay away from concentrated sweets like candy or gummy snacks as these can lead to an energy crash later in the day. “Also, avoid sugary drinks like soda or juice. Make sure that they have plenty of water, and a frozen water bottle will work as an ice pack too.”

Involve Them in the Process Plan as a family for the week’s lunches.

“Spend a little time pre-chopping veggies and fruit, and let your child put portions into bags or containers. If they’re old enough, let them do the cutting too. They are more likely to eat something if they remember helping with it,” Carter says.

Giving your child options can be a great way to gain their interest. “Let them pick within your constraints,” Carter suggests. “For instance, show them two choices for a fruit and say, ‘Do you want apples or grapes today?’” Parents can also do this in the store to make sure they buy what the child

2

wants to eat. She says to stick to the outskirts of the store for fresh produce and whole grains, avoiding the packaged foods in the aisles.

Have a Little Fun Pack a variety of snacks to keep them interested and sneak in more nutrient-rich foods.

“Lunch does not have to be a sandwich and a piece of fruit. Kids enjoy finger foods so bento boxes are popular to portion out a few snacks instead of one big lunch item,” Carter says.

Get creative if your child tires of the same lunch items. “Some parents will use a cookie cutter to remove the sandwich crust and make a fun shape.

If the school allows it, try putting things on sticks like a fruit kabob. Kids love colorful lunches too, so find ways to incorporate that,” Carter recommends.

Try making trail mix with your child, letting them fill their own bags. Carter’s suggested ingredients are dried fruit, granola, nuts or chocolate chips.

For more healthy eating tips and recipe ideas, visit https://www.childrensal.org/ snacks-and-recipes.

3

—Courtesy of Children’s of Alabama

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birminghamparent.com | 21

BAC K TO S CH O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

appyhealthykidsfair

10 Quick Tips to Kick the Whining Habit Many parents are worn down by their child’s incessant whining, grumbling and complaining.

When whining wars ensue, consider these 10 tips:

By Denise Morrison Yearian

1

Play detective. When your child whines, ask yourself, “What other factors are contributing to his behavior? Is he tired? Hungry?

Out of routine? In need of attention?” Once you explore the reason behind the whining, it can be properly addressed.

2

Parental controls. Although you may not be able to control your child’s behavior, you can control your reaction to it. When whining occurs, remain calm. If you start to feel frustrated, remove yourself from the situation until you can get control of your emotions.

3

Candid communication. In a kind but matter-of-fact manner, call attention to your child’s tone then ask him to speak in a normal voice. Or repeat what your child said, how you want him to say it and then ask him to repeat his words in the proper tone. With a preschooler it may be helpful to use a visual cue, such as covering your ears, to help him understand the voice he’s using is hard to hear.

4

Tactful teaching. If whining is becoming a habit, look for other coaching opportunities when you aren’t in the heat of the situation.

Find children’s stories on the topic, and discuss and role play different voices. Or if you experience a child whining in public, point it out then discuss it in private: “What do you think that child

22 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

was trying to say to his mother? Was his behavior appropriate? What else could he have done?” These suggestions give you something to refer back to when whining does occur: “Remember when we read that book? That’s the voice you’re using now.”

5

Validate feelings. Help your child understand his feelings are valid, but his communication method is ineffective and unacceptable: “I understand you’re disappointed you can’t have your way right now, but whining will not help and the situation is not going to change.”

6

Tune it out. If the previous steps have been taken and the complaints continue, ignore it or redirect your child to another room.

This gives him a choice to stop the behavior and sends the clear message that you care and want to help but his communication method will not be tolerated.

7

Don’t mock. Mimicking your child in an attempt to curtail the behavior could be perceived as demeaning. It also reinforces the negative behavior you are trying to correct. For preschoolers, mimicking or mocking could be confusing because young children don’t have the tools to express themselves properly.

ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is part of Alabama’s Early Intervention System, providing services to eligible children, birth to 3 years of age, at no cost to families. Through a statewide network of regional centers, helping children and their families gain skill, confidence and independence is AIDB’s main goal.

A loss of hearing or vision has an immediate effect on how a child learns. Infants and toddlers who have a loss of hearing or vision need help from their families to learn about the world, prepare to enter school, and become independent. AIDB provides caring professionals to help parents work with their child as they go about their normal daily routines.

With our help, parents across Alabama are meeting the challenge of giving their children a bright beginning!

Early Intervention services include: • Assistive Technology • Audiology services • Family Training & Counseling • Medical, Nursing and Nutrition Services • Occupational and Physical therapy • Psychological services • Service Coordination • Sign Language/Cued Language • Speech-Language Pathology • Special Instruction • Social Work • Transportation • Vision Services Services are provided in settings where natural learning opportunities occur—the home, daycare, the park, and other appropriate settings in the community.

www.aidb.org

Resources to Help kick the whining habit Earrings!

by Judith Viorst. (Juvenile) Mama Cat’s Adventures in Child Training Presents: No Whining

by Janice C. Villnerve. (Juvenile) Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining and Bad Attitudes . . . in you and your kids

by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller. (Parent) Whining: Three steps to stop it before the tears and tantrums start

by Audrey Ricker. (Parent)

WHINING continued on page 25

birminghamparent.com | 23

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WHINING continued

BACK TO SCHOOL BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

happyhealthykidsfair

8

Be consistent. Children need an unwavering message that whining is not okay. If you give in to your child’s whines, it perpetuates the problem and teaches him this is an effective way to get what he wants. When your child starts to whine calmly state, “Let me know when you’re finished.” This may mean you have to forgo something you want to do. But if you do give in, the next time he will persist.

9

Praise good behavior. Positive feedback is the most effective way to curtail whining, particularly if you are working with a preschooler who is still maturing in this area or it has been an issue.

10

Ongoing lessons. As your child grows and matures he may revisit this behavior. If so, re-teach and work through it. If the

groundwork has been laid early on, whining is less likely to occur because he will have more effective tools already in place.

Finally, remember, there is no one-size-fits-all as to what works with children. Different strategies work for different children at different stages of their life. Figure out the most effective method for your child and go with it.

Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

We believe that all children have limitless potential!

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is part of Alabama’s Early Intervention System, providing services free of charge to children age birth to 3 years with a developmental delay or eligible diagnosis. By providing services and support to families, babies and toddlers in the Early Intervention program are getting the bright beginning they deserve. Through our statewide network of regional centers, we provide services in settings where natural learning opportunities occur—in the home, at daycare, at the park, and other appropriate settings in the community.

Visit www.aidb.org/regionalcenters to find a regional center near you.

birminghamparent.com | 25

BAC K TO S CH O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

appyhealthykidsfair

Children’s of Alabama Celebrates 30th Anniversary of SAFE Kids Alabama When Children’s of Alabama launched the Alabama chapter of SAFE Kids in 1989, there were no child passenger restraint nor seat belt laws of any kind in the state. Now, 30 years later, a lot has changed to make the state’s roads safer for children and their families.

Alabama was one of the first states in the nation to establish a statewide SAFE Kids coalition. Since the chapter’s founding, Children’s and its SAFE Kids Alabama partners have led an ongoing campaign that includes education, legislation, environmental modification and technologic application.

The coalition also tracks epidemiologic data to guide and evaluate intervention strategies.

Children’s, under the leadership of then-CEO Dr. Jim Dearth, supported the development of SAFE Kids Alabama with Dr. Bill King as its first director. The purpose of SAFE Kids Alabama was to build a statewide, grassroots coalition and to encourage corporate and private participation in preventing unintentional injury in Alabama children.

“It’s one of those things that people may take for granted, but this state is truly safer for children and drivers of all ages today than it was 30 years ago,” says King, now retired from Children’s and a Professor Emeritus at UAB. “A lot of hard work by a lot of people and agencies from all across the state, including bipartisan political efforts, was necessary. Our numbers of severe injuries and deaths in children are much better than where we were.

“Improvement in usage rates of car seats and seat belts are particularly noteworthy,” King continues. “Of course, there are always important, new challenges for us to address, like teen driver and passenger safety.”

While the state is statistically safer, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death and disability for children in Alabama as well as nationwide.

Accomplishments since the chapter’s founding in 1989 include: ● According to the Alabama Department of

Public Health, overall child passenger safety usage has increased from less than 10 percent in 1981 to more than 96 percent today.

26 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

The following laws have been passed in Alabama:

2006 Car seat law amended to include booster seats.

1982 State passes law requiring children through age 3 to be transported in child passenger safety seats.

2010 GDL amended with numerous restrictions, including use of any handheld communication device.

1991 State passes its first seatbelt law, making not wearing a seatbelt while being in the front seat a secondary violation.

2015 GDL amended to require additional supervised driving time and reduced nighttime driving.

1994 Law passes stating that children younger than 8 years of age must wear a properly secured U.S. Coast Guard personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while onboard any boat, except when in an enclosed cabin.

2017 GDL amended to allow for primary enforcement.

1995 Bicycle helmet law passes, requiring everyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

1999 The existing secondary seatbelt law is made a primary offense.

2002 First Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) passes, requiring new drivers achieve stages of advancement before unrestricted teen driving, generally limiting late-night driving and the number of passengers under age 21.

Marie Crew, director of SAFE Kids Alabama, pointed to several Children’s-led initiatives involving pedestrian safety, bicycle and ATV safety, and distracted driving as examples of raising awareness.

“Our immediate focus is on helping raise safety awareness among teens and their parents,” Crew says. “As the old saying goes, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ We want to do everything we can to help parents model safe driving behaviors and to initiate what can be uncomfortable conversations with their children about the risks associated with the responsibility of driving.”

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Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application September 1, 2019 at www.asms.net.

ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts.

ADVANCED ACCREDITED

Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.2100.

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH 1255 DAUPHIN STREET I MOBILE, AL 36604 I 251.441.2100 I ADMISSIONS@ASMS.NET I

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appyhealthykidsfair

7 Tips for Easing the New School Jitters

By Rachael Moshman

I remember lying awake for hours the night before the first day of school each fall. So many questions were swirling around my brain. What did the year have in store for me? Would my teacher be nice? Would I make friends? Would I be bullied? Was my outfit okay? Could I handle the work? My anxiety was even higher in years when I was starting a brand-new school!

Transitioning to a new school is often very scary and difficult for a child.

Whether the change is because of a move or getting promoted to the next educational stage, they are leaving behind familiar faces and routines. While they might be excited to start their new adventure, they are likely sad to close the chapter on their old school and anxious for what is waiting for them.

I worked in early childhood education for many years and helped hundreds of children (and their nervous parents) get ready to transition to kindergarten. I’m working on a different sort of transition plan now – my daughter is heading to middle school!

Here are some tips to help your child get ready for a new school, regardless of their age: Allow them to say goodbye to their old school. This is a loss to them and they need closure. Take photos of the school, their favorite objects or locations within the school, their teachers and other valued staff members. Help them put together a scrapbook or photo album with the pictures and other mementos, such as their preschool or elementary school graduation “diploma.”

Help them gather up the contact information for their friends, so they can stay in touch. Arrange a way for them to maintain contact through phone calls, texts, emails or Skype. If you are moving to a new school within your same area, set up play dates over the summer and the first weeks of the new school year. Knowing their friends from their old school are still out there will help them feel less lonely as they make new friends.

Talk about the new school often. Tell them stories about your school experiences. Make it a normal and natural part of your conversation.

Visit the school’s website together and read about the staff, activities offered, lunch menus and basics facts, such as arrival time and dress code.

Acknowledge that changing schools is hard. Tell your child how excited you are for their new school and that you think they’re going to have a great year, but don’t gloss over the difficulty of the situation. They may feel sad, angry, nervous and afraid. Let them know that it’s okay to feel that way.

Let them know what to expect. If they are entering a new phase, talk about what happens in kindergarten, middle school or high school. Head to the local bookstore or library for books featuring characters in a similar phase. Read them together and talk about what the characters are experiencing.

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Connect with other students. Track down families who attend the school already and chat with them about their experiences. Arrange for your child to meet other kids who attend the school, so they have some friendships in the works in advance.

Make the school familiar. Drive by the school often. Point it out to younger children, saying, “There’s your new school!” each time you pass by. Arrange for you and your child to visit the school, meet the principal and take a tour during the summer.

Learn the bus route. If your child will be taking the bus, help them become familiar with the bus stops, route and rules before the first day. Try to find another child in your neighborhood so they have a “buddy” during the first week.

Before the first day of school, help your child get all of their supplies organized and ready to go the night before. If you drive your child to school on the first day, arrive early before the crowd. And, try to keep your own emotions under control. Keep the goodbye short, upbeat and encouraging.

Have a special treat and a big hug waiting for them when you reunite. Give them time to decompress and process their day before grilling them for details. They may need several weeks to feel comfortable in their new school. Transitioning to a new school is hard, but your child will survive – and so will you!

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Rachael Moshman is a mom, freelance writer, educator and family advocate. Find her at www.rachaelmoshman.com.

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Are your child’s doctors and pediatric healthcare professionals exceptional?

Do they take time to listen and respond to your concerns?

Has your child received medical care that exceeded your expectations?

Testimonials and nominations must be submitted by local moms or dads of real patients. Nominations or testimonials submitted and/or written directly by practices will not be accepted. Voting ends on 10/1/19.

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If so, make sure they are recognized and honored in the December 2019 issue of Birmingham Parent by nominating your favorite doc today!

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Screen Time Dilemmas We’ve all read the articles warning us of the dangers of too much screen time and the impact on child development. But in today’s culture, technology is not just a luxury but a necessity. In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics introduced new, more flexible screen time recommendations that do not include strict limits or amounts of screen time for children. At Child’sPlay Therapy Center, we recognize the value of technology and the importance it will have in our children’s lives. However, we recommend the following guidelines: • Set aside “screen free” times, like no screens at dinner, or no screens on weekends unless it is family oriented, such as family video game night.

• Insist on unstructured, free play for at least 1 hour per day, preferably outdoors whenever possible.

• Children under 2 need interactive, language-based play. No screen time at all is the best rule for this age group!

• Preschoolers need to play with toys that develop their fine motor and language skills, such as construction toys, home living/ dolls, toy trucks, etc. Try to keep screen time to a maximum of 1 hour daily.

• For elementary age children use screen time as a reward for completing chores or homework.

• For pre-teens and teens, monitor WHAT your child is doing on their device. The “what” is just as important as the “how much!”

• Be a good role model! When you are with your child, be present with them and not on your devices. Set limits for yourself that model practical, purposeful device usage.

If you notice signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems in your child, it could be a sign of too much screen time. If these problems become severe or are making an impact on your child’s or family’s quality of life, please contact us at 205-978-9939 (Birmingham) or 205-618-8095 (Chelsea) to discuss how we can help.

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www.ChildsPlayTherapyCenter.com Chelsea: 205-618-8095 | Hoover: 205-978-9939 birminghamparent.com | 31

FAMILY TRAVEL

Need a Quick Getaway?

TRY AWESOME ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

By Carol Muse Evans

32 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

Alpharetta, Georgia might not be the first destination near Atlanta on your radar, but it should be, as it offers so much to travelers, whether it’s a couple’s trip, girls’ getaway or a family weekend. For Alabamians, think “Fairhope-like,” and you have the idea of what Alpharetta offers to travelers.

While often thought of as a northern suburb of Atlanta, Alpharetta is a short drive from the beautiful Dahlonega, offering yet another possible destination while visiting Alpharetta.

Alpharetta is a shopper’s paradise, offering nearly 100 restaurants, along with dozens of attractions and events. It’s a short drive to Atlanta, as well as 30 minutes from the North Georgia Premium Outlets (www. premiumoutlets.com/outlet/north-georgia).

Don’t miss the Saturday Alpharetta Farmers Market (www. alpharettafarmersmarket.com/) or The Alpharetta Art in the Park (www.awesomealpharetta.com/alpharetta-art-park), one Saturday each May-September, right in the middle of downtown with fresh fruit and veggies, specialty foods and some arts and crafts as well.

Photo courtesy Alpharetta CVB

Photo courtesy Alpharetta CVB

WHERE TO STAY:

WHERE TO EAT:

Homewood Suites by Hilton www.hilton.com/Homewood_Suites/ Alpharetta From $120 a night If you’ve never stayed at a Homewood Suites by Hilton, you will be pleasantly surprised at the amenities and layout of one of their suites. We had a king-size bed in the bedroom, a well-appointed bathroom, and a separate living area with sleeper sofa (TVs in both rooms) and a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and two-eye stovetop, along with coffee maker and basic coffee-making supplies and dishes. Save money by doing snacks and even a few meals in-room.

Great with young children, too. They also serve breakfast daily and have a great evening meal Monday-Thursday. There’s a fitness center, outdoor pool, free wifi and a business center, if needed.

The Nest Café www.thenestcafe.net This yummy coffee shop also features great breakfasts and quick lunches, and it is only open till 3 p.m. Also try a gelato! one of the best cups of coffee ever!

Smokejack Bbq www.smokejackbbq.com Who doesn’t love a good barbecue?

Smokejack, right in downtown Alpharetta, doesn’t disappoint with great pork, brisket, ribs and a few interesting twists on the menu.

Holmes Restaurant https://restaurantholmes.com/ This eatery, right in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, specializes in bringing fresh food to the table, and it also is popular for “small plates.” They encourage families and groups to sit down and eat together. Check out their changing menus online.

TRAVEL continued on page 34

You can stay here to shop, too! There are more than 250 stores within a 5-mile radius of Alpharetta, and this very “walkable” shopping and food district has a number of exclusive shops that you must see. Shopping around Avalon offers 60 retail boutiques, luxury brands and even a Tesla retailer.

In addition, you aren’t far from North Point Mall (www.northpointmall. com), with more than 100 major retailers, and the only American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Georgia, as well as an impressive LEGO store.

There are plenty of opportunities for larger groups to visit here, and the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau will help you with FREE event planning services including individualized consultations on venues, hotels, event service provides and more. Alpharetta’s more than 25 hotels offer 3,300 rooms with numerous price points.

You won’t have to stray away from Alpharetta to eat. With more than 200 places to dine, you are going to find some delicious meals here, no matter what you prefer, and many eateries are exclusive to Alpharetta or the Georgia area. Check out “Where to Eat” below for some of our favorites.

What’s fun to DO in Alpharetta? Try pottery painting at All Fired Up (https://allfiredupart.com) downtown. It’s great for kids and adults of all ages – you are sure to find something fun to paint here, no matter what your skills are. Keep in mind any pottery must be fired and cannot be picked up for about a week, but they will mail it to you for a fee.

How about a fun cooking class at Sur La Table (www.northpointmall.com/en/directory/sur-la-table) at North Point Mall? Take a downtown Walking Tour of the Alpharetta Arts including the Alpharetta Arts Center, (www.alpharetta.ga.us/arts). There’s also live music downtown, weekends after dark throughout the summer and many of the eateries here feature live music and outdoor dining.

Moms and dads may enjoy a spa day at Natural Body Spa and Salon (https://naturalbody.com/), right in the downtown area. Other fun attractions to note are favorites like Topgolf, Main Event Entertainment, Dave & Buster’s, Urban Escape Games, Dossey Escape Games, MiniMe Factory, and much, much more. birminghamparent.com | 33

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

FAMILY TRAVEL

continued

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” MYTHS & FACTS of Wearing Braces TIPS FOR NICU PARENTS

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HAPPY HEALTHY KIDS FAIR at the Riverchase Galleria on Sat., Aug. 24, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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WHERE TO EAT continued: The Hotel at Avalon, Autograph Collection avalon.southcitykitchen.com This upscale eatery is located right inside the The Hotel at Avalon, Autograph Collection by Marriott in Alpharetta and offers a delicious Sunday brunch, along with other daily options.

Check out their menu online for varying hours and types of service.

Pappadeaux https://pappadeaux.com The Pappadeaux in Alpharetta is in the same cul-de-sac with the Homewood Suites by Hilton, and though a chain, it offers some terrific seafood, great service and lots of options and specials.

SPIRITS Bite Bistro & Bar http://biteatl.com/ The younger crowd will like Bite for spirits and music. Not a family spot, but great for couples or a girls’ night out, right in the heart of Alpharetta. An eclectic line up of interesting food, too!

UPCOMING EVENTS IronKids Triathlon http://alpharettaironkids.events/ Sept. 15, 2019: Test your strength and go the distance, for ages 6-15, includes a swim, bike and run competition with emphasis on fitness and fun.

Check out more events at www.awesomealpharetta. com/calendar/

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent.

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ASK TH E S P E C I AL I ST

sponsored by

Sports Safety Tips for Young Athletes this Fall Season

By Daniel M. Avery, III, M.D.

While there are many health benefits for children who play sports, unfortunately there is also the risk of injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2.6 million children ages 0 to 19 years old are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreation-related injuries.

This is why it is so important for parents to take an active role in sports safety for their children.

I recall a recent patient of mine, Lauren Gregory, a freshman at Thompson High School and a junior varsity cheerleader. Lauren found herself with a knee injury with just one week before their National High School Cheerleading Championship Competition.

After landing a tumbling pass during a cheerleading competition her right knee popped and she immediately knew something was wrong.

Lauren landed in my care at Princeton Baptist Medical Center and I soon learned how important this cheerleading competition was to her and her team. I brought her in immediately to see what type of injury had occurred to her knee. I was able to do an X-ray and MRI on Lauren the same day, which showed a small tear of the cartilage surrounding the knee. With Nationals being only a week away I was able to fit her with a special knee brace to help stabilize the joint. One week later, Lauren was competing, where her team finished in semi-finals for both large varsity and super large game day.

While it was my pleasure to care for Lauren and help get her back to cheerleading, there are tips to keep your kids safe this fall.

Some sports injuries are inevitable, but parents can take steps to minimize risk while encouraging their children to participate in regular physical activity such as: • Children should have a physical examination before beginning an exercise program or training.

• Gradually increase the time and intensity of workouts to avoid overuse injuries.

• Choose activities appropriate for the child’s developmental level.

• Teach children how to follow the rules of the game.

• Provide the necessary gear that protects, fits properly and is appropriate for the sport.

• Make sure every exercise routine has a warm-up and cool-down period.

• Provide plenty of water or sports drink while playing to ensure proper hydration.

• Use sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancer that can occur later in life.

• Do not allow children to play when they are very tired or in pain.

If an injury does occur, seek professional medical treatment if necessary.

Daniel M. Avery, III, M.D., is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic, endoscopic and open procedures of the elbow, wrist, hand, and shoulder. Double fellowship trained in both Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hand and Upper Extremity, Dr. Avery brings with him a unique skill set to the Birmingham area. He is affiliated with Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

36 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

It's your body. Take Control. confidential services provided.

Learn more at AlabamaHealthyTeens.com 38 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

ASK T HE AT TO R NEY

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The Special Talents of Special Needs Children and Their Teachers

By Melanie B. Holliman, Estate Planning & Special Needs Attorney, Executive Director of Alabama Family Trust

A Special Needs Trust such as those managed

by Alabama Family Trust is set up to enhance the special needs individual’s life beyond the scope of governmental benefits. If you are looking for ways for a special needs trust to make a difference in your child’s life, set up a conference with the child’s special education teacher.

These teachers are highly trained to be creative in recognizing and nurturing a special needs child’s interests and talents. One special education teacher commented, “It’s all about accommodating around a disability but still learning.” If a child learns better verbally, tests and material can be read to them. If a child has a musical leaning, material can be memorized as lyrics to a cute song.

When a child says they can’t memorize multiplication tables, she asks them for their phone numbers and their best friend’s phone numbers. When the child rattles the numbers off, the teacher emphasizes that they just proved that they can memorize.

One of the best things special education teachers accomplish is teaching the students life skills such as making change, writing checks, and figuring percentages on sales. These real-world uses of math build the students’ independence.

Some teachers keep in touch with their special needs students long after classes are over. One teacher’s favorite success story is about a child who never paid attention and was always drawing all over schoolwork; he’s now illustrating comic books which he and his brother publish. Another student who constantly tapped on any surface around became a walk-on drummer for the renown Alabama A&M Band.

Think about the young dancer on World of Dance this past season who had great difficulty talking to others but danced exquisitely.

Or think about autistic and blind Kodi Lee singing his way to a “Golden Buzzer” advance on this summer’s America’s Got Talent. Of course, many special needs students do not have moments of fame, but the enrichment of

their lives that special education teachers can encourage is even more priceless.

The success of all special needs children depend on their support systems, parents, caregivers, private tutors, and of course, special education teachers who just may be the first ones to recognize unique talents and find ways to nurture those talents in most creative ways.

And special needs trusts can play a major role in financing the development of those special talents. So partner with your child’s special education teacher. You may discover a lot of new opportunities.

Melanie B. Holliman is Executive Director of Alabama Family Trust, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) pooled-trust company that has been serving Alabamians for 25 years. www. alabamafamily.trust.com. Although this article is only intended as educational information and is not to be taken as legal advice, the Alabama State Bar requires the following in any communication that may be interpreted as an advertisement: “No representation is made about the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

birminghamparent.com | 39

PET PAGE

When Should Your Family Get a Dog— and How to Choose?

By Rebecca Mason, CPDT-KA, CTDI, M.Ed.

“Kids should grow up with dogs.”

I hear this all the time, including recently at a drive-thru when the cashier saw my business sign on my car. He said, “Oh, you’re a dog trainer! I want to get a dog for my daughter, so she can grow up with it and it will listen to her.”

“How old is she?” I asked the cashier.

“Three,” he said. I should have probably answered more tactfully, but instead, “No, no, no!” came out of my mouth.

Why? Statistically speaking, half of children under age 12 are bitten by a dog, with the majority of bites occurring between ages 5-9, usually to the face.

So, when parents ask me how old their child should be before they get a dog, my response is at least nine years old! (Mind you, an 11-year-old can be bitten too!)

It comes down to knowing your child’s developmental age. Toddlers tend to grab dogs by the fur and not let go, climb on them, and try to hug them (which most dogs find threatening). They are too young to manage their own impulses at that age.

This is a recipe for disaster, which is what I explained to the father at the drive-thru.

As far as elementary-age children go, kids this age can struggle to physically handle a dog, and I can tell you from experience, these kids LONG to be a part of their dog’s training. This is not to say that a child age 7 or 8 can’t participate; it’s just physically harder for them, partly because they are small and can easily be pulled

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down by a dog, and partly because of timing and motor ability. They have softer speaking voices than adults, whereas we can project our voices in a way that the dog hears more clearly. This frustrates children and can lead to hurt feelings when “their” dog listens better to their parents or big sister than to them.

If you have a child under 9 years old and you already have a dog, that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. Supervise all interactions between your child and your dog, and make sure they get breaks from one another so your dog doesn’t become overwhelmed. More importantly, educate yourself and your kids on canine body language so you will know the warning signs that your dog is uncomfortable. There are some great resources for parents and kids at doggonesafe.com or gooddoginabox.com. Also enroll your dog in obedience classes where the trainer teaches YOU – not just your dog!

If you don’t yet have a dog but would like one, wait until your kids are in fourth or fifth grade, then decide as a family which dog to get. Don’t buy a dog because of looks and don’t just look at puppies!

Older dogs make wonderful pets – and you usually get to skip the potty training and nipping phases. Speak with shelter workers about the dogs at your local shelter or check out rescue dogs in foster homes. The foster parents will give you a wealth of information about the dog.

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40 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

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If getting a puppy, watch the pup’s interactions with its siblings. Is she one of the rowdiest pups, or is she more calm?

Meet the pup’s parents if you can in order to gauge size, disposition, and health.

Lastly, research different breeds and their personality traits, keeping in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect dog – just the perfect dog for you, at the right time.

Rebecca Mason is a certified dog trainer and owner of Love Them Train Them LLC in Birmingham. She is a former elementary school teacher and is passionate about working with families to channel their dogs’ energy positively.

For information on Rebecca’s bite prevention clinic for kids, go to www. lovethemtrainthem.com.

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calendar highlights August means another new school year is beginning soon!

Learn a lot and have a great time at Birmingham Parent’s FREE Happy Healthy Kids Fair, held from 10am to 3pm on August

AUGUST

24 at the Riverchase Galleria! Take a look at our calendar for many more fun things to do this month.

H

AUGUST 24 Birmingham Parent Happy Healthy Kids Fair 10am-3pm, Riverchase Galleria. A free, day-long exhibition where families can learn about health care, schools, nutrition, sports, insurance, volunteer opportunities, educational services, camps and more for children of all ages! Swag bags to the first 200 attendees; register for great door prizes! www.birminghamparent.com.

ALL AUGUST Take Me Out to the Ballgame Catch a baseball game this month at Regions Field! The Birmingham Barons is home for several dates this month. www.milb.com/birmingham.

20 20 AUGUST 9th Annual Taste of Birmingham 6-9pm, Haven. Great food, live entertainment, live auction and much more! Support music education and the Birmingham Boys Choir. Tickets, information, www.birminghamboyschoir.org. birminghamparent.com | 43

august calendar

AUG 3

Southeastern Outings Tube Float 10:15am, Tallapoosa River at Heflin.

For full details on this event, contact Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

1 Thursday Share Your Alabama Story 10:30am-12:30pm, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Families and individuals can record their history of how they came to Alabama, share their history, and more. All will be video recorded and shared (if permitted). All children must be accompanied by an adult; must register for a time.

205-978-0458.

ming celebration! Wear your pajamas, pack a blanket and enjoy games, story times, crafts, splash pads, activities, animal greetings and excitement. Fun for all ages! Information, www. birminghamzoo.com.

5 Monday Montevallo Farmers Market 3-6pm, First Baptist Church, Montevallo.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

9 Friday Art on the Rocks 7-11pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. Featuring Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. Tickets, information, https://artsbma.org.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

information, contact Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits 6:30pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

11 Sunday Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits 4pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

3 Saturday

6 Tuesday

Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place. Rain or shine!

The Farmers Market 3-6pm, Shades Valley Presbyterian Church.

Alabaster Farmers Market 8am-noon, Alabaster Senior Center.

West Homewood Farmers Market 5-8pm, 160 Oxmoor Road. www.westhomewood.com.

Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place. Rain or shine!

7 Wednesday

Valleydale Farmers Market 8am-noon, 4601 Valleydale Road.

Vestavia Hills Farmers Market 10am-1pm, 741 Montgomery Highway (Scout Square).

Inspect Insects 9am-4:30pm, Children’s HandsOn Museum, Tuscaloosa. Examine specimens from all over the world! Build a bug hotel, discover your own insect species. Information, www.chomonline.org.

The Farmers Market 3-6pm, Shades Valley Presbyterian Church.

Southeastern Outings River Beach Party, Swim and Picnic Barton’s Beach, Perry County.

Meet 8:45am at the McDonald’s Galleria for departure at 9am. For

17 Saturday

Valleydale Farmers Market 8am-noon, 4601 Valleydale Road.

Southeastern Outings Tube Float 10:15am, Tallapoosa River at Heflin. Meet 8:45am at the McDonald’s Galleria to depart at 9am.

Reservations are required. For full details on this event, contact Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

1st Annual Pajama Jam 5-8pm, Henley Park, Birmingham Zoo. Enjoy a fun-filled music-jam-

Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

8 Thursday Chelsea Farmers Market 3-7pm, Chelsea City Hall.

44 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

10 Saturday

12 Monday Montevallo Farmers Market 3-6pm, First Baptist Church, Montevallo.

14 Wednesday Vestavia Hills Farmers Market 10am-1pm, 741 Montgomery Highway (Scout Square).

15 Thursday Chelsea Farmers Market 3-7pm, Chelsea City Hall.

Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place. Rain or shine!

Valleydale Farmers Market 8am-noon, 4601 Valleydale Road.

Southeastern Outings Easy River Float, Hike Locust Fork from Swann Bridge to Powell Falls near Cleveland.

Meet at the Chevron service station at 9:45am to depart at 10am. For more information on this event, contact Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

Up, Up & Away!

9am-4:30pm, Children’s HandsOn Museum, Tuscaloosa. Craft the perfect paper airplane, compete in aerial challenges and more. Information, www.chomonline.org.

Annual Block Party 5-8pm, Homewood Library parking lot. This family-friendly fundraiser benefits the library’s programs. Great food, beverages, live music, kids’ activities and more! Tickets $25 adults, $5 children ages 4-15. www.homewoodpubliclibrary.tix.com.

Hand in Paw’s 19th Annual Picasso Pets 6-10pm, Grand Bohemian Hotel, Mountain Brook. Silent and live auction, star therapy animals, craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails, seated dinner and more. Tickets, information, www. handinpaw.org.

Birmingham Legion vs.

Memphis 901 FC 7pm, BBVA Compass Field, 900 11th St. S. Tickets, information, www.bhmlegion.com.

18 Sunday Birmingham Barons vs.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 6pm, Regions Field. www.milb. com/birmingham.

19 Monday Montevallo Farmers Market 3-6pm, First Baptist Church, Montevallo.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

Up, Up & Away!

Saturday, August 17. 9am-4:30pm, Children’s Hands-On Museum, Tuscaloosa. Craft the perfect paper airplane, compete in aerial challenges and more. Information, www.chomonline.org.

20 Tuesday 9th Annual Taste of Birmingham 6-9pm, Haven. Great food, live entertainment, live auction and much more! Support music education and the Birmingham Boys Choir. Tickets, information, www. birminghamboyschoir.org.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

21 Wednesday Vestavia Hills Farmers Market 10am-1pm, 741 Montgomery Highway (Scout Square).

Birmingham Barons vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

22 Thursday Chelsea Farmers Market 3-7pm, Chelsea City Hall.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

24 Saturday Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place. Rain or shine!

Valleydale Farmers Market 8am-noon, 4601 Valleydale Road.

Birmingham Parent’s Happy Healthy Kids Fair 10am-3pm, Riverchase Galleria.

A free, day-long exhibition where families can learn about health care, schools, nutrition, sports, insurance, volunteer opportuni-

ties, educational services, camps and more for children of all ages! Swag bags to the first 200 attendees; register for great door prizes! www.birminghamparent. com.

11th Annual Tailgate Challenge 11am-2pm, The Bell Center, 1700 29th Ct. S., Homewood.

Presented by Encompass Health, this event is a fun way for football fans to celebrate and anticipate the upcoming football season while supporting The Bell Center’s early intervention programs!

For information and entrance fees, go to www.thebellcenter. org.

Back-to-School Bash 4:30-8:30pm, Homewood Patriot Park. Learn about the Homewood Library’s fall programming. FREE.

28 Wednesday Vestavia Hills Farmers Market 10am-1pm, 741 Montgomery Highway (Scout Square).

29 Thursday Chelsea Farmers Market 3-7pm, Chelsea City Hall.

Birmingham Barons vs.

Biloxi Shuckers 7:05pm, Regions Field. www.milb.com/birmingham.

30 Friday Sensory Storytime 9:30-10am, 10:30-11am, Homewood Library Round Auditorium.

Preschoolers can join Ms. Laura for books, songs, and activities that stimulate the senses and promote learning in a sensory-inclusive atmosphere. Register online at www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

31 Saturday Valleydale Farmers Market 8am-noon, 4601 Valleydale Road.

PLEASE NOTE: Birmingham Parent, P.O. Box 326, Helena, AL 35080; fax to 205-624-2415; e-mail to calendar@BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www. birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 205-624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com. You may also fax information to 205-624-2415.

birminghamparent.com | 45

events & attractions n Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com

n Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www. jazzhall.com THE PREMIERE FAMILY GALA BENEFITING FAMILIES IN CENTRAL ALABAMA

AUGUST 24, 2019

5:30 TO 8:30 PM | HYATT REGENCY BIRMINGHAM

n Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd.

N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www.ashof.org

n Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org

n American Village Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org

n Birmingham

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WWW.CCR-BHM.ORG 38TH ANNUAL

Botanical Gardens When visiting the Gardens, be sure to download the treasure map to take with you! www.bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org

n Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

n Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham.

205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

n Birmingham Museum of Art • Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm.

• Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7.

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org

n Birmingham Zoo SAVE THE DATE!

SEP TEMBER 19-21 • Free admission • Delicious food • Live entertainment • Drive-thru

425 16TH AVE SOUTH

WWW.SAINTGEORGEONLINE.ORG 46 | birminghamparent | AUGUST 2019

In-park Special Attractions: Special Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month from 10-11am for ages 8-up, the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity presents a series of zoo-based learning experiences for children and adolescents with cognitive or physical disabilities. Caregiv-

ers must attend all classes.

FREE; space is limited to 10 students per class. Information, Roger Torbert, rtorbert@ birminghamzoo.com.

2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www. birminghamzoo.com

n Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera.

205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

n Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclc.org

n McWane Science Center • Bionic Me. Explore the inventive and ingenious medical and industrial breakthroughs that have helped the human experience! Hands-on and full-body experiences.

Through September 2.

• Home School Day. Every first Monday of the month, special programs, live science demonstrations and more are presented! Special pricing for home schoolers and their parents.

IMAX Movies: • Oceans. Science and technology have allowed us to go further into the unknown than we ever thought possible.

• Superpower Dogs. In this inspiring true story, follow remarkable dogs who save lives and discover the powerful bond they share with their human partners.

• Apollo 11: First Steps Edition. The highly-anticipated documentary comes to McWane! Immerse yourself in 1969 when mankind took a giant leap into the future.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

n Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover.

205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org.

n Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-620-2520, www.alapark.com.

n Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

4 REASONS TO HAVE YOUR CHILD TESTED FOR LEAD AT AGES 1 AND 2:

1. Lead is often found in 3. Lead can cause commonly used items. permanent disabilities in young children.

2. Young children frequently put toys 4. Lead poisoning can and non-food items be prevented with in their mouths. early detection.

For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified and lead poisoning alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp prevented through simple at-home strategies. or call 1-833-667-1495.birminghamparent.com This ad is 100% funded with federal dollars through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

| 47

Grab your whole family and come join the fun!!

Visit all the amazing vendors and find great info on health, exercise, education, sports, extra-curricular activities and more!

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

aappyhe hh 2016 yy idsfair ppyhe 2016 idsfair aalth kk lth SATURDAY, AUG. 24TH, 10-3 @ RIVERCHASE GALLERIA

Radio Host Joe Lockett will be giving away school supplies for classrooms/teachers again this year, beginning at 9 a.m. Meet him near the carousel to get yours, while supplies last!

To CONTRIBUTE to this giveaway for teachers/classrooms, take donations to the WCJC office at 120 Summit Pkwy., Birmingham, AL 35209 during business hours. All contributions are appreciated.

ODYSSEY EARLY SCHOOLS METRO BY T-MOBILE SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT INFO@BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM OR CALL 205-624-2405