Birmingham Parent Magazine July-August 2020

TH E PR E M I E R PA R E NTI N G M AGA Z I N E FO R C E NTR A L A L A BA M A

J U LY / AUG UST 2020 FREE

AND THE WINNER IS...

ANNOUNCING THE 2020 FAMILY FAVORITES AWARD WINNERS

J U LY / AUG 2020 FREE

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH OUR EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Favorite Women’s Health Facility Favorite Place to Have a Baby

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON EXCELLENCE We’re grateful to everyone who voted for Brookwood Women’s Medical Center in this year’s Birmingham Parent 2020 Family Favorites contest.

At Brookwood Women’s Medical Center, we provide the kind of care that every woman deserves. We incorporate compassion, attentiveness and empathy with excellent obstetric and gynecological services. From annual check-ups to prenatal care and giving birth, it’s a privilege to take care of you.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 833-245-0194 or visit BrookwoodWomens.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

YOUR FAVORITE KIDS MEAL

birminghamparent.com | 3

ed note WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

DURING THE PANDEMIC? So, I’ve been thinking a lot the last few days about the pandemic, and how some of it seems like a blur. I’m sure it has been for many of you, as well.

It feels like we’ve been living life “on hold,” kind of like being on the tarmac in an airplane, waiting to take off, but waiting, waiting, waiting for your turn and taking forever to move forward.

I’ve been so eager to get out and go somewhere – go to church, go in a store, sit down in a restaurant and eat or go to a movie. As I write this note and things are starting to open up slowly, I have been able to do almost all my list at least once – things I used to take for granted. I have rediscovered that I can be more patient than I ever thought.

I’ve been reflecting on how I used my time. (I no longer have young children at home, so my list is likely quite different than yours!)

• I cleaned out every closet in my house.

• I reconnected with old friends and family via email, snail mail, social media or the telephone.

• I bothered my adult children with calls and notes about how much I loved them, memories of when they were little, and instructions like, “You need to go to the dentist.”

• I made my husband clean out HIS closet.

• I organized my recipes.

• I played with my dogs and cats. We even added a dog to our family after losing a long-time canine family member.

• I watched a LOT of television, movies and even YouTube.

• I spent entirely too much time watching the above.

• I read the Bible more, and I prayed a lot more.

As we begin to possibly emerge from the pandemic, ever so slowly, my reflection has made me realize not all of the things I did were bad for me – in fact my “reset” in many ways has been good. While I would never wish illness or death on a single soul – weirdly there have been SOME good things to come out of all of this for my family. Mostly, learning to slow down, enjoy the little things and live less on the go have actually been a blessing for us.

The staff at Birmingham Parent wishes you happy and healthy days ahead! We’re all in this together!

Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghamparent.com

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 Alabama Press Association and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA).

Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. 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.

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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 CONTRIBUTORS Elena Epstein Rachel Moshman Denise Yearian Suzanne Wallace, MD Anne Abernathy Rachel Cruze Christina Melnyk Hines

sales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Stacey Spence

art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

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.

ChildrensAL.org

(Still) Serving Children Safely It has always been our priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care — and that remains our commitment as we continue our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here’s how we have redesigned our operations to keep our patients and their families as safe as possible: q All visitors are screened immediately for signs of illness and fever. q We follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities. q Our staff practices safe hand hygiene. q We are wearing masks for your safety.

Thank you for wearing your face covering. q All visitors to campus are required to wear masks. q Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

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contents

10

ANNOUNCING THE BIRMINGHAM PARENT 2020 FAMILY FAVORITES AWARD WINNERS We have our favorites, and so do you – favorite place to go for a haircut, favorite grocery store, place to shop and even favorite vacation destination.

our focus BAC K TO S C H O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

Education and Enrichment happyhe althykidsfair Guide. ..................................................16

our features

our regulars

FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE What Have You Done During the Pandemic?......................4

Pros and Cons of Holding Your Kindergarten-Age Child Back a Year......................................................18

PRODUCTS WE LOVE: Summer Fun is Just Getting Cranked UP.........................................7

Put a Positive Spin on Student-Teacher Clashes: 12 Tips to Help................................20

SHORT STUFF.................................. 8

Chatting with Child’sPlay: Flex Your Flexibility!...............................22

28

10 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Preschool.......................................... 24

11 Family Favorites...............................10

ASK THE SPECIALIST Vaccinations During COVID-19...26 TEAM SPORTS OR INDIVIDUAL SPORTS? ..........................................28 JULY/AUGUST 2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ........................................31

Family Fun..........................................12 Parties, Activites & Learning........12

18

Businesses & Services................... 13 Health & Wellness........................... 13

ON THE COVER: Brother and sister Emersyn, age 7, and Elijah, age 9 are excited about back to school!

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, www.christypiercephotographyllc.com, 205-902-0385.

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28

PROD U CTS WE LOV E

SUMMER FUN is Just Getting Cranked Up

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

Rainbow Ring Play Center

Transform your backyard into a water park. Includes a slide, wading pool, water sprayer, ring toss, ball roller and toss ball games. Attaches to a garden hose to keep kids cool all summer. $54.99, ages 2+, intexcorp.com

Wing-A-Bubbles

Dip the whimsical characters into the solution, wave and create tons of bubbles. $1.99, ages 3+, zing.toys

SwimWays Fairy Tails and Aqua Monsters

Play make-believe with these magical pool toys. The fairy transforms into a mermaid and changes colors. $8.99, ages 5+, swimways.com/fairy-tails. The monsters swim erratically like real sea creatures, $14.99, ages 5+, swimways.com

Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter

A three-wheeled, lean-to-steer design, offers a stable ride that supports children as they curve and carve the sidewalk.

Lightweight with an adjustable T-handlebar. $139.99, ages 5-12, microkickboard.com

Light-Up Ice Hoop

Take hula hooping to the next level with Light-Up Ice Hoops.

Fun for kids and parents. $9.99, ages 6+, kess.com

For more product reviews, please visit nappaawards.com

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S H O RT STU FF

Bulletproof Your Bank Account During the Pandemic

By Rachel Cruze

These are unprecedented times. There’s sad news everywhere you look, so I want to give you some hope today. Let’s talk about one thing that can help your specific situation right now, no matter where you are with your finances – an emergency fund.

Emergency funds are made for such a time as this.

If you have one, you’re probably thanking your past self for the peace of mind you have because of that pile of cash. As you navigate a loss of hours, income, or even your job, your emergency fund has your back.

I’ve counseled people who were able to overcome impossible odds because of their emergency fund.

It’s not just about the money sitting in the bank, it’s about the power an emergency fund gives you in a crisis. It enables you to act – or at least react – without going into a panic or falling into debt. When you have cash saved and the unexpected happens, you have the power to focus on what’s really important, instead of focusing on money.

If you don’t have an emergency fund, now’s the time to start building one. Stash as much cash as you can. If you’ve recently experienced an income decrease or lost your job entirely, you’ll need to take a job – any job – to get your income back up.

Now, if you’ve lost your income and you already have an emergency fund, that’s what it’s there for.

But before you touch it, drop your expenses down to cover the “Four Walls” first. Those are your food, utilities, shelter, and transportation. This is just until things are back to normal, and your income is back up to what it was. You’re in conserve mode, so focus on needs, not wants, right now.

If you still have to pull from your emergency fund, treat it like income. Whatever amount you need to move over from savings, enter that onto the income line of your budget. Then, give every dollar a job to do. You’re running a leaner budget than usual right now, and that means there’s no room for date nights or dog costumes.

Remember, your emergency fund is a safety net between you and life. If you need to use it, don’t feel guilty. And if you don’t have one, start taking steps toward building one today.

Keep track of your budget during this time, too. Even if you don’t have an income, budget whatever money you have. If you don’t tell your money where to go, you’ll wonder where it went. EveryDollar is a free budgeting app I love. It’ll help you stay on track during these uncertain times!

Rachel Cruze, daughter of Dave Ramsey, is host of The Rachel Cruze Show and The Rachel Cruze Show podcast, where she helps people learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt.

Call to schedule a tour.

(205) 879-3278 www.cmskids.org 18 months - 8th grade

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5 Tips for Bringing a New Pet Home During the pandemic, many people have adopted a new pet or are considering doing so. And bringing a pet home for the first time – even if you already have other pets – can be exciting.

However, it's important to involve the whole family in discussing whether your family will foster or adopt, and what each family member's responsibilities with the new pet will be. It also takes preparation and patience to ensure a smooth transition.

Regardless of the type of companion you’re welcoming into your home, adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming and can lead to anxiety. Because dogs and cats do not communicate like humans, they often express anxiety by misbehaving, which makes it important to be willing to spend the first several days bonding with your pet and forming good habits.

Visit your local shelter or animal welfare organization to complete necessary forms and background check, and consider this advice from the experts at PetSmart to help set you and your new furry friend up for a successful homecoming.

Introduce Your Pets ­­-When bringing a new pet into the family, set up a proper introduction with any current pets to help make the transition easier. For dogs, schedule the initial meeting at a neutral environment outside of your home. Cats typically need a more gradual introduction to get comfortable.

Start by keeping your felines in separate rooms with their own litter boxes, but let them see each other periodically through a glass window to get used to sharing the space. Allowing your pets to play with each other’s toys can also create familiarity with their new housemate’s scent.

DENTISTRY FOR

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Pet-Proof Your Home - Because new pets can be especially curious and jump onto high surfaces or squeeze into small spaces, ensure clothes, cleaning supplies, electrical wires or cords and other potential hazards are out of reach. Other measures you can take to pet-proof your home include keeping toilet lids closed, covering vents and latching trash can lids. Also create a pet-friendly space with a bed or another way to divert attention, such as a scratching post for cats.

Prepare the Necessities - Decrease stress before bringing your new companion home by getting as many of the necessities ahead of time as possible. Ensuring your pet comes home to his or her own crate or bed, food and water bowls, a collar with identification, leash, food, necessary pest treatments and a variety of toys can make the adjustment to new surroundings easier.

Create a Schedule - Creating a routine for your companion’s mealtimes, bathroom breaks and playtime can help make the transition easier on both you and your pet. Keep in mind that younger pets typically need to relieve themselves more often, and puppies and kittens also often require more exercise than older pets. Plan time for daily walks, solo playtime and trips to the park or backyard to play fetch.

Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy - While a proper diet and plenty of exercise can go a long way toward keeping your pet feeling his or her best, ensure your furry friend looks the part by regular baths and maintaining a healthy coat by brushing often with at-home grooming tools. Find a veterinarian who is equipped to handle breed-specific needs and schedule routine checkups to stay on top of vaccines and any potential health concerns. Speak with your foster coordinator to find out about foster-specific requirements.

Courtesy of Family Features

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

4823 Promenade Pkwy., Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188

www.psmilesal.com birminghamparent.com | 9

2020 BIRMINGHAM PARENT FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS online at print.birminghamparent.com/2020-winners

Announcing the Birmingham Parent 2020 Family Favorites Favorites Award Winners Winners Compiled by Lori Chandler Pruitt and Carol Muse Evans Compiled by Lori Chandler Pruitt and Carol Muse Evans

We have our favorites, and so do you – favorite place to go for a haircut, favorite grocery store, place to shop and even favorite vacation destination.

But if you need a suggestion or a fresh idea, a friend or family member can give us great ideas by sharing THEIR favorites. That’s what our Family Favorites Awards are all about.

This is the longest running contest of its sort in the Birmingham area. We have many folks who copy us, but we have stayed true to the original idea – YOU nominate the winners, YOU choose the winners.

Voters must cast votes in at least 20 categories to count, and we give away a great random prize to those who take the trouble to vote. This year’s prize is a great getaway to OWA (www.visitowa.com).

For your convenience, we grouped winners in categories, and we’ve got repeat winners and new ones. And we’ve eliminated a few categories and added some this year.

We hope that you will keep this list all year and refer to it when you need it, and if your favorite didn’t make it, be sure you nominate and vote for them in 2021! And when you see our Family Favorites logo in a place of business, know it was loved enough to be voted a “family favorite.”

And special congrats to our OWA giveaway winner, Virginia Hwang, who won a terrific trip for 4 to OWA. Thanks to OWA for being our sponsor.

Because of space restrictions due to the coronavirus, we have only listed the winners in this print edition, but you can access the 2020 BIRMINGHAM PARENT FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS online at https://print.birminghamparent.com/2020-winners AND THE 2020 Winners are….

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On July 8th, McWane Science Center reopens its doors to visitors. During these uncertain times, we’ve addressed all safety concerns. Now, we have protocols in place for the health and well-being of our visitors and staff. Don’t forget to wear your mask, you’ll need it to get in! Welcome back to Science!

Welcome Back to Learning! Welcome back to fun!

For more information, please visit mcwane.org/welcomeback.

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2020 BIRMINGHAM PARENT FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS online at print.birminghamparent.com/2020-winners

FAMILY FUN

PARTIES, ACTIVITIES & LEARNING

FAVORITE GEORGIA DESTINATION

FAVORITE BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE

FAVORITE DANCE CLASS

Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org

Chuck E. Cheese www.chuckecheese.com

FAVORITE TENNESSEE DESTINATION

FAVORITE TUTOR

Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, www.gatlinburg.com

GradePower Learning https://gradepowerlearning.com/

TIE: North Jefferson Academy of Dance http://njadonline.com; and Miss Kelley’s Dance School www.misskelleys.com

FAVORITE ALABAMA DESTINATION

FAVORITE FIELD TRIP

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach www.gulfshores.com

The Birmingham Zoo www.birminghamzoo.com

FAVORITE FLORIDA DESTINATION

FAVORITE PRIVATE SCHOOL The Altamont School

Destin www.cityofdestin.com

FAVORITE FAMILY ATTRACTION IN BIRMINGHAM The Birmingham Zoo www.birminghamzoo.com

FAVORITE FAIR, FESTIVAL OR SPECIAL EVENT IN BIRMINGHAM

www.altamontschool.org

FAVORITE PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE Odyssey Early Schools http://odysseyearlyschool.com

FAVORITE MOTHER’S DAY OUT Riverchase Community Church www.riverchase.cc/rcc-learning-center

FAVORITE ART CLASS Forstall Art https://www.forstallart.com/

FAVORITE MUSIC CLASS Mason Music http://masonmusicstudio.com

FAVORITE MARTIAL ARTS CLASS Tiger Rock tigerrockmartialarts.com

FAVORITE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM The YMCA of Greater Birmingham www.ymcabham.org

FAVORITE DAY CAMP

Do Dah Day, www.facebook.com/ dodahdaybirmingham/

FAVORITE SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICE OR PROGRAM

FAVORITE PUMPKIN PATCH

The Bell Center www.thebellcenter.org

The Great Pumpkin Patch, Hayden http://greatpumpkinpatch.com

FAVORITE SLEEP AWAY CAMP

FAVORITE COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL

YMCA Camp Cosby www.ymcabham.org/camp-cosby

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) www.uab.edu

FAVORITE BIRTHDAY PARTY SUPPLIES/ RENTALS

FAVORITE CHRISTMAS OUTING Zoolight Safari, Birmingham Zoo www.birminghamzoo.com

FAVORITE MUSEUM FOR KIDS McWane Science Center www.mcwane.org

FAVORITE GYMNASTICS PROGRAM Legacy Gymnastics www.legacygymnastics.com

FAVORITE PARENT/CHILD CLASS Head Over Heels Gymnastics Tumblers https://headoverheelsgyms.com/

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Birmingham YMCAs www.ymcabham.org

Party City https://stores.partycity.com/us/al/ birmingham/party-store

FAVORITE BIRTHDAY CAKE Publix https://ww4.publix.com/ products-services/bakery

HEALTH HEALTH & & WELLNESS WELLNESS

FAVORITE AUTO REPAIR The Garage in Pelham https://thegarageinpelham.com/

FAVORITE ICE CREAM Bruster’s https://brusters.com

FAVORITE CAR DEALER Hoover Toyota www.hoovertoyota.com

FAVORITE FROZEN YOGURT Yogurt Mountain https://yogurtmountain.com

FAVORITE FAMILY DENTIST

FAVORITE HOME/AUTO INSURANCE State Farm www.statefarm.com

FAVORITE CONSIGNMENT STORE OR SALE TIE: Kids’ Market and Moms www.kidsmarketandmom.com; and Trussville United Methodist Church, https://trussvillemethodistcon signmentsale.com

FAVORITE ORTHODONTIST

FAVORITE BANK Regions Bank www.regions.com FAVORITE CREDIT UNION America’s First Federal Credit Union www.amfirst.org FAVORITE MAID SERVICE The Maids www.maids.com/83/ FAVORITE SALON/SPA Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bhmhvrenaissance-birmingham-ross-bridgegolf-resort-and-spa

FAVORITE STORE FOR KIDS’ SHOES Sikes Children’s Shoes https://sikeschildrensshoes.com/ FAVORITE PLACE FOR DATE NIGHT Spare Time www.sparetimeentertainment.com/ trussville/

FAVORITE PEDIATRIC DENTIST Pediatric Smiles https://psmilesal.com

Vital Smiles www.vitalsmiles.com

PT Orthodontics www.PTortho.com

FAVORITE PHARMACY Publix https://ww4.publix.com/pharmacy-wellness/ pharmacy

FAVORITE PEDIATRICIAN Greenvale Pediatrics https://childrensal.org/greenvale-pediatrics

FAVORITE ENT Dr. Guy Handley, Brookwood ENT https://brookwoodent.com

FAVORITE KIDS MEAL Chick-fil-A www.chick-fil-a.com

FAVORITE ALLERGIST

FAVORITE SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL Riverchase Galleria www.riverchasegalleria.com

FAVORITE FAMILY DINNER Taziki’s www.tazikis.com

FAVORITE CHIROPRACTOR

FAVORITE HAIRCUT FOR KIDS Great Clips www.greatclips.com/salons

FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER Christy Pierce Photography www.christypiercephotographyllc.com

FAVORITE OPTOMETRIST/OPHTHALMOLOGIST

FAVORITE MATERNITY SHOP Motherhood Maternity www.motherhood.com

FAVORITE BABY FURNITURE/GIFTS Buy Buy Baby www.buybuybaby.com

FAVORITE FAMILY DOCTOR

FAVORITE TOY STORE Homewood Toy and Hobby www.homewoodtoy-hobby.com

FAVORITE ANIMAL CLINIC Hope Animal Clinic https://myhopeanimalclinic.com

FAVORITE WOMEN’S HEALTH FACILITY

FAVORITE BOOK STORE Barnes and Noble www.barnesandnoble.com FAVORITE GROCERY STORE Publix www.publix.com

FAVORITE ANIMAL BOARDING Hope Animal Clinic https://myhopeanimalclinic. com/services/boarding

Alabama Allergy & Asthma www.alabamaallergy.com

Dr. Troy Lofton https://albackcare.com

Vestavia Eye Care https://vestaviaeyecare.com

Dr. William Kirby https://simonwilliamsonclinic.com

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

FAVORITE BIRTHING SUITES St. Vincent’s Health System https://healthcare.ascension.org

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2020 BIRMINGHAM PARENT FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS online at print.birminghamparent.com/2020-winners

BUSINESSES & SERVICES

AND OUR WINNER IS...

HEALTH & WELLNESS FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE A BABY

FAVORITE HOSPITAL NICU

Brookwood Baptist Health www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) www.uabmedicine.org

FAVORITE FERTILITY SPECIALISTS

FAVORITE WALK IN/URGENT CARE CLINIC

ART Fertility Program of Alabama https://fertilityprogramalabama.com/

Urgent Care for Children www.childrensurgent.com

FAVORITE OBSTETRICIAN

FAVORITE COUNSELING SERVICE

Dr. Malcom Simmons www.shelbyobgyn.com

Oasis Counseling www.oasiscounseling.org

FAVORITE OB/GYN PRACTICE

OUR READERS ALSO LIKE…

Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham https://whsbham.com

FAVORITE RADIO STATION WDJC- FM https://wdjconline.com

FAVORITE ALL AROUND HOSPITAL

FAVORITE TV STATION

UAB Hospital www.uabmedicine.org/locations/ uab-hospital

GIVEAWAY WINNER! Congrats to the random prize winner, Virginia Hwang, who won a trip for 4 to OWA, www.visitowa.com.

Fox 6 WBRC www.wbrc.com

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S HEALTH FACILITY Children’s of Alabama www.childrensal.org

Read more about all the winners online at https://print.birminghamparent.com/2020-winners

FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

FAVORITE PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE

CHECK IT OUT! HEALTH & WELLNESS WINNER ODYSSEY EARLY SCHOOLS Odyssey was created by educators who dreamed of opening an early learning center where children could be nurtured and taught by a highly trained and loving staff.

That dream was realized when our Inverness school opened in 1995, and then again in 2001, with the opening of our second school in Trace Crossings.

Odyssey’s goal is to create a life-long love of learning. We have developed our own age-appropriate curriculum, specifically

WINNER

designed to introduce each age grouping to language, reading, math, science and more, so that your child will possess a strong foundation for Kindergarten and beyond. Additionally, we guarantee teachers with four-year education degrees in all preschool classrooms and offer exceptional child-to-teacher ratios.

At our schools, you can watch your child’s entire day in live, streaming, HD video over the Internet, through an individual,

secure connection linked directly to your child’s classroom. We want our parents to know what happens during their child’s day, and Odyssey is the only Over-the-Mountain daycare to offer this service.

Our team works tirelessly to earn its reputation as the best childcare option for Birmingham parents,and we invite you to visit today to witness for yourself what so many other families have known since 1995!

Visit www.odysseyearlyschool.com for more info.

www.odysseyearlyschool.com INVERNESS CAMPUS 205-991-0039 TRACE CROSSINGS CAMPUS 205-988-8829

CHRISTY PIERCE PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC Hi and thank you so much for voting me, Christy Pierce Photography, LLC your Birmingham Favorite Family Photographer for 2018!!!

2020!!!

You deserve something special when it comes to your photos. I am someone who connects easily with people and I want you to feel comfortable getting your photos taken. After all, I believe that the best smile is a natural smile. I capture all different genres of

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photography and I am available to shoot on location or in my studio. I look forward to helping you preserve all of your special moments in your life and capturing your memories to make them last forever!

Please feel free to contact me for a custom quote on your photography desires or to view my current pricing magazines!

As always, no minimum purchase requirements or sitting/ session fees!

205-902-0385 www.ChristyPierce PhotographyLLC.com

FAVORITE PRIVATE SCHOOL

WINNER THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL The mission of The Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. To this end, the school attracts, nurtures, and challenges students whose commitment to truth, knowledge, and honor will prepare them not only for the most rigorous college programs, but also for productive lives.

Altamont is a small family of approximately 360 students in grades 5-12 with socio-economic, ethnic, and

religious diversity. Altamont is a good choice for students excelling in their present schools who want greater breadth and challenge in all areas of school life. We combine an intensive, college preparatory academic program with a personalized college search program.

There are many opportunities for students to develop multiple talents by participating in arts, world languages, community service, clubs, class projects, and athletics. Students also benefit from a 1-to-1 laptop program, an

advanced computer science curriculum, and unparalleled service leadership opportunities through Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center.

Altamont is located five minutes from downtown Birmingham on the crest of Red Mountain. Our campus features Cabaniss-Kaul Center for the Arts, Pharo Art Studio, Lacey-Day Photography Studio, newly renovated athletics spaces, two science wings, a study garden, a 14,000-volume library, and much more.

Experience all that Altamont offers by attending an Open House or scheduling

it’s something that they take with them throughout their careers.

But to us, service goes beyond our restaurant doors through volunteerism and giving. We are committed to taking care of the people who take care of our communities. For example, by giving sandwiches to first responders in times of crisis, we honor the commitment they make to serve all of us. And our philanthropic giving reinforces that commit-

ment to service by helping children and families in need. The Chick-fil-A One mobile app gives customers the ability to customize their meal, order and pay in advance and skip the line at the register, speeding up the process of waiting at the counter or drive-thru. Our Birmingham area Chick-fil-A locations invite you to use this new mobile app on your next visit!

4801 Altamont Road South Birmingham, AL 35222

Visit www.altamontschool.org 205-879-2006

FAVORITE KIDS' MEAL

WINNER CHICK-FIL-A For over 70 years, Chick-fil-A has built a foundational commitment to service – service to our customers, our franchised Restaurant Operators and Team Members, and to our communities.

This begins in the restaurant – one customer at a time. We firmly believe in treating every person who comes through our doors with honor, dignity, and respect.

We teach it to everyone who comes to work at Chick-fil-A, and

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Vital Smiles was founded in 2003 by a group of dentists with the goal of making quality dental care available and affordable for as many children

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Our family-oriented offices are all designed to be child-friendly, with children’s videos playing in the reception area and with dentists who are welltrained and highly experienced in providing high quality general dentistry for children. We work hard to make dental visits a healthy and fun experience

for children and their parents.

We begin seeing children as young as one year old.

We accept Medicaid, ALL Kids, most insurance, including Blue Cross, Delta Dental, Southland, CIGNA and Aetna, credit cards and cash, and we have several payment plans options available.

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WINNER PT ORTHODONTICS At PT Orthodontics we know that a smile can change a life! We have been providing affordable, state-of-the-art orthodontic care since 1990. We have eleven convenient locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Ca­ haba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gar­ dendale, Jasper and Tuscaloosa.

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offer: Free Initial Consultations, Choose Your Own Payment Plan, Same Day Braces, Before & After School Appointments, Friends Referral Program, Lifetime Smile Guarantee, Smile Savings Program, We File Your Insurance, No Hidden Fees – all records & first set of retainers are INCLUDED!, Free retainer check up appointments for one year. For more details check us out at PTortho.com or give us a call at 205.979.9480.

We offer a full range of braces to meet your individual needs and desires, including metal braces and clear ce­ramic braces.

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www.PTortho.com 205-979-9480 birminghamparent.com | 15

E D U CATI O N & E N R I C H ME N T G UIDE 2020

FOR HAPPY, HEALTHY KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!

MINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

pyhePRIVATE althySCHOOLS kidsfair 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.

Hilltop Montessori School 6 Abbott Square Birmingham, AL 35242 205-437-9343 www.hilltopmontessori.com Accredited with SAIS, AdvancED, AMS and NCPSA. Offering daily foreign language, technology, and fine arts.

Educating children age 18 months through 8th grade with early and after care available.

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.

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

Birmingham, AL 35203 205-252-9241 www.asfaschool.org A tuition-free public school for passionate students, grades 7-12, offering intensive specialty study in creative writing, dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts or math-science.

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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, computer science and the humanities.

PRESCHOOLS & DAYCARE Odyssey Early Sch​ools • 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. Voted Favorite Preschool/Childcare for 2020!

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Child’s Play Therapy Center Hoover: 205-978-9939 Chelsea: 205-618-8095 Huntsville: 256-837-2470 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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The Tutoring Center 2804 John Hawkins Pkwy, Suite 100 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 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.

PT Orthodontics Locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gardendale, Jasper & Tuscaloosa 205-979- 9480 www.PTortho.com If you’ve always dreamed of a beautiful smile, PT Orthodontics has several affordable options to get you there.

We offer metal and ceramic braces as well as Invisalign treatments. Free consultations!

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.

HEALTHCARE AND 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 Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 • Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 • Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 First 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 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.

DANCE, MUSIC & PERFORMANCE ARTS

The Academy of the Arts at Samford University 1939 S. Lakeshore Dr. Birmingham, AL 35229 205-726-2739 www.samford.edu/ academy-of-the-arts Offering a variety of noncredit courses & workshops in the arts for all ages: calligraphy, drawing, photography, painting, pottery, creative writing and summer camps.

Music lessons in piano, strings, theory, voice, woodwinds & harp.

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS McWane Science Center 200 19th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-8414 www.mcwane.org Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum with aquarium and IMAX® Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder.

OTHER EDUCATION RESOURCES Alabama Public Television (APT) https://aptv.org/ Alabama Public Television is a state network of Public Broadcasting Service member television stations serving the U.S. state of Alabama.

Urgent Care for Children 500 Cahaba Park Circle Birmingham, AL 35242 205-848-CARE (2273) www.childrensurgent.com Open 365 days a year, serving patients ages 0 to 21 afterhours and weekends. We take pride in offering quality care with less waiting at five locations - Birmingham, Trussville, Madison, Vestavia Hills and Tuscaloosa.

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BAC K TO S C H O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

happyhealthykidsfair

PROS AND CONS OF HOLDING YOUR KINDERGARTEN-AGE CHILD BACK A YEAR

By Rachael Moshman

You think your child's on track to start kindergarten, but some of your friends are choosing to hold their kids back a year. Now you're wondering if that might be a smart move for your child, too. It's difficult to know, and opinions vary.

Holding a child back a year is a controversial topic among parents who have kindergarten-age kids. “Who can blame parents for wanting to delay sending their child to school so they have more time for social, emotional, cognitive and physical development?” says Jeff A. Johnson, an early childhood expert and a co-author of “Let Them Play: An Early Learning (Un) Curriculum.”

However, is this the right move for your child?

Common Reasons Why Parents Choose to Hold Back: • To Allow the Child Time to Mature Emotionally “Sometimes, especially in children with summer birthdays, there is a clear need to have more time to develop skills of self-regulation and emotional processing before beginning structured academics,” says Colleen Payne, a certified teacher with 20 years of experience and director at Houston's Country Day Montessori School.

• To Delay Test Pressure “High-stakes, high-pressure testing has drastically changed the kindergarten landscape over the last two decades,” Johnson explains. He says many

1818 | | birminghamparent birminghamparent | | JULY JULY/ AUGUST / AUGUST2020 2020

kindergarten teachers are now expected to teach content that wasn't presented until first or second grade a decade ago. “Kindergarten is increasingly test prep-oriented, with expectations that require more maturity than in the past. Kindergarten today is not all social skills and eating paste,” Payne adds.

• To Provide the Child with an Advantage Although the practice is controversial, some parents delay kindergarten entrance with the hope that their child will be smarter, stronger and faster by being older than his classmates. But this plan can backfire. One study in the Economics of Education Review shows that kids who were held back outperformed peers in their early school years and then, by eighth grade, were performing on the same level as their younger school peers, indicating a negation of any early advantage.

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Holding back provides the expected results for many parents.

“I waited with my son (who has a late-September birthday). I'm glad I did it. He started kindergarten confident, smart, athletic and social in a way he just wasn't the year before,” says Kerrie Hinch of Michigan.

Another mom, Lindsay Crapo of Idaho, says holding off a year on kindergarten gave her kids extra time to reach the milestones they needed to be successful. Her children have a variety of special needs and waiting was right for each child for different reasons.

On the other hand, Richelle Healy of Colorado says she felt some pressure to wait a year because of her daughter's birth date, but she is glad she didn't. Her daughter was gifted and typically ahead of her classmates academically, she says, so delaying that a year would have made the gap even greater.

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What Do Teachers Think?

Holding children back presents challenges for teachers, says Dana Vala of Sunrise Preschools. They are then starting the year with a range of kindergartners – some of whom are still 4 years old while others have already turned 6. This presents a wide developmental age range for teachers to accommodate.

Elementary school teacher Andrea Judisch agrees. “A child with an August birthday often isn't on the same developmental level as a student with a January birthday when they are both starting school in September.” When kindergarten has been pushed back a full year for some students, it creates even more challenges for teachers to meet the needs of each student.

Many teachers admit that the older students do seem to perform better than the younger ones in the class. “My experience as a teacher in both early childhood and lower elementary grades shouts that if you can wait, you should. It is usually the younger kids in the class who are struggling,” says Sharon Canaday of Tennessee.

Rachael Moshman, M.Ed. is a mom, freelance writer and blogger. She has worked in early childhood education for decades. Find her at www.ramblingrach.com.

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B AC K TO S C H O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

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PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON STUDENT-TEACHER CLASHES: 12 TIPS TO HELP

By Denise Yearian

Personality clashes are a part of life, and they are not always limited to peer relationships.

When a child complains he doesn’t like his teacher, parents can take a positive approach by increasing communication and working cooperatively to strengthen the homeschool relationship.

Here are 12 tips to help: 1. Discuss the dilemma. Talk it over with your child and find out exactly what is bothering her. Depending on her developmental level she may or may not be able to articulate her concerns. Validate her feelings but maintain a neutral stance so you don’t undermine the teacher’s authority.

2. Objective encounters. There are several ways to get an objective view of the situation. One is to observe class in session. This will help you see the classroom environment, but it may not provide an accurate account of student-teacher interactions as your presence may disrupt normal routines.

Becoming a regular school volunteer will allow you to get acquainted with school staff and give you a better perspective of what goes on during your child’s day. Also take advantage of regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences as these provide great insight into your child’s academic experience.

20 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020 20 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

3. Point out the positives. Look for ways to present the teacher in a positive light. Even if you don’t know her on a personal level, share with your child how her goal is to make learning a positive experience.

4. Transition with teaching style. If the complaint is about the teacher’s teaching style wait it out. Many kids grow accustomed to a particular teacher’s method of instruction and need a few weeks to adjust. In the meantime, send the teacher a note so she’s aware of the situation and ask what you can do at home to help.

5. Sort out strictness. If your student suggests the teacher is too strict, ask for specifics. Obtain a list of classroom rules, discuss ones in question and encourage him to comply so he won’t have a reason to be reprimanded. Bear in mind that your child’s view of strictness may have more to do with the teacher’s personality or the inflection of her voice than with the rules. If so, explain that people have different methods of interacting and communicating and some are more attentive and caring than others.

6. Picked-on perspective. If your child says she is being picked on, be responsive but realize her perspective may be limited by her development. Sift through and weigh out the facts. If, after careful observation, you decide to address the situation, request a conference with the teacher.

7. Consider a conference. If a conference is needed, meet with the teacher first to see if she can help resolve the situation. Bring a notebook and write down her comments and suggestions, and share about your child’s personality, strengths and weaknesses. Most important approach this time in a non-confrontational way and seek to resolve the situation rather than resort to blame. Join together with mutual respect and understanding and work toward forging a good relationship.

8. Facilitate a follow up. After the conference share meeting highlights with your child, along with suggested steps to remedy the situation. In the days to follow maintain contact with the teacher until you see a steady improvement. Let her know you appreciate her help in working toward a solution.

9. Address the administration. If several weeks after the first meeting you fail to see improvement, request a three-way conference with an administrator. Inform him/her of the measures you have taken and ask for suggestions.

10. Chime in for change. If suggested measures fail to bring a resolution and you begin to see a stunt in social or academic development, it may be time to request a new class. This, however, should be the last resort.

11. Watch your tongue! If for some reason you also dislike your child’s teacher, be careful what you say to your student. Remember he has to spend a great portion of her week in the classroom, and she may feel torn between the two authorities in his life. Also, openly expressing your dissatisfaction impedes conflict resolution.

12. Look for the lesson. Don’t be too quick to rescue your child from every dilemma. Discern if and when to step in or sit it out. If you do intervene, work toward building bridges that will help your child succeed. In doing so you will teach him he can work through difficult situations and he’ll be better equipped to handle any future controversies in a likewise manner.

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Denise Yearian is the former educator and editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and six grandchildren. birminghamparent.com | 21

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Flex Your Flexibility!

By Anne Abernathy, OTR/L We’ve all heard of “going with the flow,” but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Having flexible thinking means having the ability to change plans at the last minute and be okay with whatever the outcome may be.

I don’t know about you, but now is a time more than ever that my own flexibility has been exercised. With so much unknown right now, we’re all having to be flexible and try our best to “go with the flow.” What about our kids?

This is hard for many of us as adults, so imagine how hard it may be for children. Especially those that thrive off of predictability and routine.

How can we practice flexible thinking and help our kids learn what that means?

• Think outside of the box! Especially now since we’re spending more time at home, think of ways you can use everyday items for alternative uses. For example, usually we eat with a spoon but see if your child can use it to balance a small object on the spoon as they walk across the room. Or use puzzle pieces for pretend play – make animal noises with zoo puzzles, or play dress up to match Disney character puzzle pieces.

• Problem solve! Talk about other ideas, options, or outcomes to situations. Help your child learn about back-up plans and what else they could do when plans go awry.

• Uh oh! It’s raining outside so we can’t go to the park.

What could we do instead? Maybe build a fort at home, make an indoor obstacle course, or play a game.

• Oh no! The new toy we planned to pick out at the store is sold out. What else could you choose? Or could you wait until it’s back in stock? Give children options so they know there are other solutions.

• Play games. Games are a great, playful way to teach kids flexibility. Especially those games that require waiting, turn taking, sharing, and winning or losing. Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Hi Ho! Cherry-O are examples of games where the situation can change at any time. Players move forward and backward, and the person winning changes multiple times throughout the game.

We all have to be flexible thinkers sometimes, no matter our age. Just like every other skill, it needs to be practiced.

Let’s flex our flexibility by taking the time to help each other work through the unexpected!

22 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

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BAC K TO S C H O O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

happyhealthykidsfair

10 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR PRESCHOOL

By Denise Yearian

Preschool is a wonderful time of growth in a young child’s life – a time to broaden his horizons, develop social skills and ignite a love for learning. To help your child adjust to the new environment and ease into the routine, consider these 10 tips.

1 Talk it up. Weeks before preschool begins, prepare your child by using positive and encourAging words. If you drive by the building where he will be attending school, say, “Oh, look! There’s your new school. You are going to have so much fun there!” Tell your child that he is growing up and this means he gets to spend more time learning and playing with other children his age. If you, as a parent, have any reservations, choose your words carefully. Even from a young age, children can pick up on what their parents are and are not saying!

2 Stop by to visit. Several weeks before school begins, take your child to the facility so he can familiarize himself with his new surroundings. Go as many times as your child needs to feel comfortable. If you know which classroom he will be in, stop by for a visit. If possible, let him meet the teacher and play with some of the toys in the room. Before leaving, take him to the playground and let him spend a few minutes swinging, going down the slide and sifting sand in the sandbox.

3 Invite others to play. If, for some reason, your child has had little interaction with his peers, invite several children over to your house to play. It doesn’t have to be a day-long event; one or two hours is a sufficient amount of time for children to begin learning skills such as toy sharing and peer politeness. Schedule this time when the children will be well-rested, early morning or after naptime. Also plan a few activities, but allow plenty of time for free play.

4 Introduce school materials. Long before formal education begins your child should become familiar with books, puzzles, games, crayons, scissors, glue and clay. To ease into a structured environment, set aside time each day for you and your child to work on puzzles together, play games, color, cut and glue various items and mold things out of clay. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing it. While you are participating in an activity together, tell your child that this is just one of many fun things he will be doing in preschool. Be alert for signs he is getting bored with a given activity, and stop before he gets too restless.

5 Read all about it. One of the best ways to prepare your child for preschool is to read juvenile materials about first-day jitters. Library shelves and bookstores have many stories of children and animals afraid to go to school. Through books like these, your child will learn that he isn’t the only one with worries and apprehensions about attending school. Most important, he will be able to see the characters to the end of the story where they meet new friends, have lots of fun and learn that their concerns were in vain.

6 Establish a routine. If you haven’t already, be sure your child has a daily routine. While it need not be as rigid as a day of preschool, structured play time in the morning, story time after lunch and outdoor play at the same time every day will help your child establish a routine.

Consistency is key.

7 Go shopping. Nothing builds excitement quicker than taking your child out to buy a new lunchbox, backpack, school clothes or other needed school items. Make a day of it by first stopping by the school, shopping a little and then enjoying a fun lunch together.

8 . Take a dry run. The day before school begins, get your child up and out the door at the time he will need to be ready for school. If he

24 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

BACK TO SCHO O L BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 2018

happyhealthykidsfa is attending a morning program, take him for a fun breakfast after you have made the dry run at school. If he is attending an afternoon program, stop by for a special ice cream cone to celebrate his upcoming day.

“Who did you sit with at lunch/snack time?” Then encourage your child to always do his best, obey the rules and be respectful of the teachers and others, and chances are, he’ll have a great time.

9 Watch and wait (if necessary). On the first day, if your child eagerly welcomes his new environment, give him a hug and tell him you will be back in a little while. If he seems uncertain, tell him you will stay, but only for a few minutes.

During this time, introduce him to other children, show him some of the toys and pictures around the room and help him get settled. When the time limit is up, give him a hug, reassure him of your love and leave quickly. Although there may be tears, your child will more than likely stop crying and start enjoying himself soon.

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

10 Listen up. At the end of each day, find a block of uninterrupted time to listen as your child shares about his experiences. Ask what he liked about school and if there were any things he didn’t like. If he is having a hard time articulating details, break it down by activities – "What crafts did you do?”

“What books did you read?”

'What games did you play?”

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Vaccinations During COVID-19: What Parents Need to Know

By Suzanne Wallace, M.D.

Pediatricians have seen office visits decline by half during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Not only are children missing well-child checks, but also vaccines routinely given during these visits. Manufacturers are reporting a decline in vaccine orders and vaccine doses distributed through the Vaccines For Children program.

PointClickCare, a pediatric electronic health records company, gathered data which showed a 50 percent drop in measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations, a 42 percent drop in diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations, and a 73 percent drop in human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccinations during the pandemic. Vaccination rates have fallen abruptly as of mid-March, when the national emergency was declared, despite the CDC’s recommendation to prioritize vaccinations for children, particularly those administered to children under the age of 24 months.

Q: Should parents delay or postpone well child visits or vaccinations due to COVID-19?

A: Most pediatric offices have made significant changes to the way it practices to keep patients safe during this time: enforcing social distancing, screening patients and employees, changing office hours to accommodate well versus sick patients, wearing personal protective equipment such as gowns and masks, and increased cleaning and disinfecting practices. Some pediatric offices are offering telemedicine visits, but vaccines cannot be given during such a visit. We strongly encourage families to have their children seen for well-child visits and vaccines this summer.

Q: Why does a drop in vaccination rates matter?

A: The drop in vaccination rates that we have seen during this pandemic leaves our communities vulnerable to outbreaks in vaccine-preventable and life-threatening illnesses such as measles, meningitis, whooping cough, and more. While the health of all children is important, these outbreaks put our infants who are too young for vaccines and those with compromised immune systems at even higher risk. In addition, communities of color, immigrant families, children living in crowded environments, and children whose parents work in essential services (healthcare workers, grocery store employees, first-responders, etc.) are at higher risk for these outbreaks in addition to COVID-19.

Q: What should parents do if they have concerns about getting their children vaccinated during the pandemic?

A: Both the CDC and AAP have online resources and recommendations to help both parents and doctors navigate the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. Use your pediatrician as a resource for vaccine-specific recommendations and information. While we work to socially distance, minimize time away from home, and protect our loved ones, remember that preventing illness with vaccination is another vital way to keep our communities healthy. There are currently 16 diseases that we now have the privilege of preventing with vaccines. As stay-at-home orders are lifted, parents should prioritize these visits and receive any “catch up� vaccines needed as soon as possible this summer.

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birminghamparent.com | 27

TEAM SPORTS OR INDIVIDUAL SPORTS?

By Christa Melnyk Hines

Youth sports offer a host of emotional and physical benefits, from helping kids stay active to building self-esteem and learning to work with others. But knowing which sport is best for your child often depends on your youngster's personality, as well as the time and money you're willing to invest in a particular activity.

Determine readiness. Before the age of six or seven, many kids are still developing gross motor skills like running, kicking, jumping and catching. They're also still learning social skills like sharing, taking turns and losing/winning games gracefully. Rather than organized sports in the early years, experts recommend exploring different activities, like kicking a ball around, playing at the playground and taking swim or gymnastic lessons.

Aim for fun. Many parents naturally gravitate toward introducing their kids to the sports they enjoyed as children. While this is a good place to start, your child may not end up sharing your enthusiasm. And you may go through several sports before you find one that's the right fit for your child. “We really need to look at what our kids do to have fun. If they're having fun, they'll stay in the sport longer. They won't burn out,” says Randy Goldstein, D.O., a pediatrician who specializes in youth sports medicine. “If they're having fun, they're more likely to make goals that are to their highest potential.”

Pros of team sports. Any sport your child participates in should help them develop strength, balance and coordination, and provide them with an opportunity to push themselves in a healthy, positive environment. “In a team sport, the kids have to work together towards a common goal and take instruction from a coach who isn't necessarily a parent,” Goldstein says. “This is important to learning how to be around future teachers, future bosses and future leaders.”

Meredith Dickinson says her son Tyler, 14, who plays football, baseball and basketball, thrives in a team atmosphere. He is motivated to improve by playing alongside more talented teammates. “He works hard to be better. He may not be the best on the field, but he works hard to support his teammates,” Dickinson says.

Every child progresses at his or her own speed. Encourage your young athlete toward his personal goals with positive, calm support.

And celebrate his personal accomplishments along the way. “Watch for individual progress, not what your child's teammates are doing. Your child may seem behind or ahead of the others. This can chang like the

28 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR ORGANIZED SPORTS? Consult with your pediatrician before enrolling your child in a sport and discuss questions like: Is your child ready and able to: • listen to adults other than mom or dad?

• play with others and when necessary, wait in line to take his or her turn?

• be away from mom or dad?

• understand how to play safely with the equipment involved with the chosen sport?

• physically play the sport? (Physical readiness includes balance, body awareness and awareness of the space around you to learn beginning sports skills such as running, jumping, safe landing and change-in-direction techniques.)

Source: Dr. Randy Goldstein

BENEFITS OF ORGANIZED SPORTS FOR KIDS • Enhances critical thinking/

problem-solving skills • Increases social interaction/cooperation with peers • Improves concentration, attention and behavior • Reduces incidence of depression and anxiety • Fosters self-esteem, goal-setting and leadership skills • More likely to be active adults Source: The Aspen Institute Project Play

weather,” Goldstein adds. “It takes one or two seasons to judge improvement and success, not one or two competitions."

The downside? Much like individual sports, team sports like baseball and soccer have become more year-round in nature. Although this approach can help the team and individual players grow stronger and more skilled over time, families may find that the sport is more of a time and money commitment than they'd bargained for.

8 YEARS IN A ROW!

Pros of individual sports. Much of the success in individual sports like tennis, dance, swimming and gymnastics depends on the motivation of the particular athlete. Athletes who excel at individual sports find satisfaction pushing themselves to achieve a personal goal rather than relying on the team to help them get there.

Dickinson says this is true for her daughter Lauren, 11, who swims. “Swimming is a good fit for her because it is her and the clock,” Dickinson says. “She doesn't want to have the win or loss depend on teammates.”

While your child might prefer an individual sport, that doesn't mean she has to sacrifice the support of a team. “Even individual sports have the camaraderie or the partnership of a team,” Goldstein says, who works with premierlevel gymnasts. “They travel together and learn to become partners and accomplish individual goals, but as a team.”

The downside? Not all kids feel drawn to the spotlight during a performance or sporting event. And some kids may put undue pressure on themselves to reach personal goals, causing the negatives to outweigh the positives. Some parents also find it difficult watching their youngsters navigate the pressures of a sport on their own.

“As a parent, it's tough to watch your nine-year-old play in her first tennis tournament where she's responsible for scoring, pace of the game, calling shots and settling disputes,” says Jackie Kindred.

“A great experience for her, but unnerving for a parent.”

Kindred's daughter Rose, now 12, has since turned her attention to club volleyball, but Kindred says both team and individual sports have benefited her daughter's personal growth.

“As a parent, I'm glad she did both. It's impossible for me to say one is better than another. It depends on the kids, the coaches and the sport,” Kindred says. “But I do think the exposure to both is crucial.”

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two active boys, who have participated in both team and individual sports. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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30 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

JULY / AUGUST 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS In this issue of Birmingham Parent, you’ll find a calendar that is heavy on virtual events, as we transition from quarantine to possibly opening up many attractions, services and the like.

Please note that you should check ahead for ANY event to be certain times and locations have not changed, and check out our most up-to-date calendar online at https://birminghamparent. com/directory/events/#!/ for current and new events that have recently been added.

HIGHLIGHTS JULY 4 Thunder on the Mountain 2020 JULY 18 Birmingham Parent’s Special Needs Expo JULY 24 Children's Charity Golf Classic Sponsored

by Bama Budweiser of Shelby County AUGUST 7 18th Annual Heart of the House Gala AUGUST 22 Mitchell's Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival RESCHEDULED Saturday, July 18,2020 Annual Special Needs Expo 10am-2pm, new location this year at Brookwood Village.

Come see great vendors for activities, therapy, health care, sports, medical supplies, camps and much more, all under one roof! GREAT GIVEAWAYS. Sponsored by Children’s of Alabama, WDJC, Griffin Mobility and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, FREE .

birminghamparent.com | 31

at Railroad Park. No preregistration required – simply show up 15 minutes prior to class time to register. Bring a friend! Zumba is a Latininspired dance fitness class that blends basic dance moves with aerobic steps.

Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. www. birmingham365.org. FREE .

Thursday, July 2 Gardendale Farmers Market 2pm, city of Gardendale, It’s that time of the year again!

Join us every Thursday through September 24 at the Gardendale Farmers Market to grab some fresh vegetables and support our local farmers. www.facebook.com/ GardendaleFarmersMarket/.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Callahan.

JULY 4

Thunder on the Mountain 2020 at Vulcan Park FREE .

Wednesday, July 1 A Woman's Place 5:15-6:15pm., Magnolia Office Park - Plaza Building. A weekly support group for women, led

by Employee Assistance & Counseling Center counselors Dondra Goldsby and Kourtney Young, offers participants an encouraging, confidential environment to discuss topics important to women and to promote personal selfimprovement. To register, call the EACC at 205-934-2281.

Caregivers Support Group 12-1:30pm, online. The UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center hosts a weekly online support group for hospital employees and

healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Group meets remotely via Zoom. Interested participants can sign up by sending an email to uabeacc@uabmc.edu. EACC programs are free for UAB employees and members of their immediate household. calendar.uab.edu.

discover plants with medicinal properties. Drinks provided and desserts courtesy of Bud's Best Cookies. No reservations required. 205414-3950, FREE .

Lunch & Learn: Medicinal Plants 11:30am-12:30pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Led by Brooke McMinn of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Bring your lunch and join us for informational seminars. In this series installment, attendees will

32 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

Zumba 6-7 p.m., Railroad Park, Join us for exercise classes

Yoga 6-7pm., Railroad Park, Join us for exercise classes at Railroad Park. No preregistration required - simply show up 15 minutes prior to class time to register. Bring a friend! This inclusive class is structured for participants at all experience levels. Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. www. birmingham365.org. FREE .

Friday, July 3 Family Fun Friday 6-7pm, Railroad Park, Join us for exercise classes at Railroad Park. No preregistration required – simply show up 15 minutes prior to class time to register. Bring a friend! This class invites collaboration and a little friendly competition with team activities like kickball, soccer, and whiffle ball. A new game each week keeps it interesting, with low to high impact games promoting exercise, mental health and fun. Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. www.birmingham365.org.

FREE

Friends of the Chelsea Library Meeting 10-11am, the Friends of the Chelsea Library meets the first Saturday of each month to discuss upcoming events, new members, and new business. All meetings are open to the public. http:// www.cityofchelsea.com

Saturday, July 4 Thunder on the Mountain 2020 9-10pm., Vulcan Park and Museum, For decades, Fourth of July celebrations in the greater Birmingham area have culminated with friends and family gathering to watch fireworks, hear great music and celebrate the nation’s independence.

In fact, Birmingham’s annual fireworks display is the biggest in the state of Alabama. FREE to the public, the show features a variety of firework shells that will illuminate the sky with beautiful colors and patterns, despite COVID-19.

This Fourth of July will have a different meaning as we gather on the rooftops, back yards, and in parks to watch our beacon, Vulcan as he unfolds this year’s show atop Red Mountain. We have faced adversity this year, and invite all who are able, to join Vulcan in solidarity to celebrate Birmingham’s resiliency, patriotism and pride.

Behind-the-Scenes Encounter: Southern White Rhinoceros 1:15pm, Birmingham Zoo. Get wildly connected at the zoo with Behind the Scenes Encounters! Join the zoo’s Africa animal care professionals for a behindthe-scenes tour of the pachyderm building – home of our herd of white rhinos.

In this encounter, guests will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the rhinos. Members $50 per person; register or sign in at the top of the registration page to access member-discounted parking.

Non-members, $65 per person. 205-879-0409, birminghamzoo.com.

How to Tame Stress and Eliminate Reactivity in Less Than 8 Weeks 7-8pm, This is a FREE online event to give you the tools you need to control the stress you experience in all areas of your life, www.eventbrite.com.

Catch a farmers market this month!

For a complete list of the whole season in the state of Alabama by county, go to www.fma.alabama.gov/ FMCounty.aspx.

Monday, July 6 Hip Hop Cardio 6-7pm, Railroad Park, Join us for exercise classes at Railroad Park. No preregistration required – simply show up 15 minutes prior to class time to register.

Bring a friend. This highendurance exercise class features fun, hip hop inspired choreography. Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. www. birmingham365.org. FREE

muscles, builds endurance, and boosts metabolism. The high-gear, heart-pumping interval workouts leave participants feeling stressfree and motivated, with metabolism increased for 1216 hours afterward. Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama., ww birmingham365.org. FREE

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 5:30-6:30pm, Online.

Alcoholics Anonymous is hosting online meetings.

These meetings are "Open" and have a varying format., calendar.uab.edu.

Bootcamp 6 -7pm, Railroad Park. Join us for exercise classes at Railroad Park. No preregistration required – simply show up 15 minutes prior to class time to register.

Bring a friend. Designed to keep workouts challenging and fun, this class tones

Senior Fit 8-9pm, Railroad Park, Join us for exercise classes at Railroad Park. No preregistration required – simply show up 15 minutes prior to class time to register.

These low impact workouts are tailored to the fitness levels of the participants.

Senior Fit implements four categories of activity that the NIH states offer seniors the most health benefits: flexibility, endurance, balance, and strength. The group exercise setting also provides a social opportunity designed to benefit mental and emotional well-being.

Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama., www.birmingham365.org.

FREE UAB Connections Support Group 10:30am-12pm, Callahan Eye Hospital, UAB Connections provides a combination of educational, social, and recreational/leisure activities for adults with various eye disorders as well as their family and close friends.

UAB Connections aims to help participants develop a peer support network to help improve eye health, quality of life and maximize independence. Contact birminghamparent.com | 33

the project coordinator at 205-488-0778 for more information. calendar.uab.edu.

start mapping their history, and advanced researchers will lean what comes next in their journey! Please register at chelsealibrary.readsquared.com http://www.cityofchelsea.com.

Thursday, July 9 Book Club for Adults 12-1pm, Each month the adult book club will read and discuss books. Please feel free to bring a lunch! http:// www.cityofchelsea.com.

Friday, July 24

Birmingham Career Fair

8am -5pm, Greystone Golf and Country Club, Annual charity golf tournament for the Boys & Girls Ranches of Alabama, which provides loving homes for Alabama's underprivileged boys and girls throughout the state.

Golfers will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and an awards ceremony with entertainment.

Great prizes for Net and Gross divisions, plus long drive and closest to the pin prize holes.

Information, www.birmingham365.org.

Children's Charity Golf Classic Sponsored by Bama Budweiser of Shelby County

11am-2pm, Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport. Free registration. Find a better job at our Birmingham Career Fair. www.eventbrite.com.

Saturday, July 11 Free Fencing 10am. Birmingham Fencing Club. Learn fencing basics, and then everyone will put on fencing gear and give it a try for 30-45 minutes. You will have great fun, as we provide a relaxing environment to try fencing before you make a decision to take classes. www.birmingham365.org.

FREE

Tuesday, July 14 3rd-5th Grade Music and Books 5:30-6:30pm, Chelsea Library.

3rd-5th graders will join Ms. Carter as they explore music and instruments with crafts and books! http://www. cityofchelsea.com.

Game Day Lego Day! 10am-2pm, Chelsea Library.

Come create and build with your imagination! http://www. cityofchelsea.com.

Sunday, July 12 Birmingham African American Genealogy Group Monthly Meeting 3-5pm, Linn-Henley Research Library, 4th Floor Computer Lab. We will also recognize the sponsors who provide the financial support for students seeking a place in higher education. Mrs. Alexander will conduct the event., www. birmingham365.org. FREE

Saturday July 18

10am-2pm, Chelsea Public Library. Come every third Saturday for Game Day! Board games, table top games, and video games available for all ages all throughout the library. http://www. cityofchelsea.com.

PAWsitive Education Reading Buddies Book Club 10:30am-12pm, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, There's nothing better than a good book....well maybe, a good book with an adorable dog! www.eventbrite.com.

34 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

RESCHEDULED Annual Special Needs Expo 10am-2pm, new location this year at Brookwood Village.

Come see great vendors for activities, therapy, health care, sports, medical supplies, camps and much more, all under one roof! GREAT GIVEAWAYS. Sponsored by Children’s of Alabama, WDJC, Griffin Mobility and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, FREE .

Monday, July 20

Riverchase Galleria Home and Garden Show Noon, Riverchase Galleria, Come out for a weekend of shopping, food and fun home improvement ideas. Let our expert contractors help you make your existing home into your dream home. festivalnet.com.

Tuesday, July 28 Dixie's Pet Loss Support Group 6-7pm, online. Sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. For more information contact Randy Hicks 205- 542-7111. Register online. Zoom meeting information will be sent closer to event., homewood.libnet. info. FREE

Genealogy Class

Hopeful Healing Support Group

5:30-6:30pm, Chelsea Library.

Join the Chelsea Public Library and the Chelsea Alabama Historical Society for a Genealogy class! This class is for all skill levels.

Beginners will learn how to

5:15-6:15pm, Magnolia Office Park - Plaza Building. If you are coping with a chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, Celiac disease, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, join

EACC Counselor Khoi Bishop for a confidential, memberled group discussion. To enroll, call the UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center at 205-934-2281, calendar.uab.edu.

serving children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder., www.birmingham365.org.

Tuesday, August 25

Evensong at IPC 4pm, Independent Presbyterian Church. A select group of singers from the IPC Choir, the IPC Camerata, is the resident ensemble for these services in the sanctuary.

These services last about 40 minutes followed by an extended organ postlude. This liturgy has been offered for nearly a thousand years. www. birmingham365.org.

Friday, July 31

Visual Art Department - Student Exhibition Opening

Free Friday Flicks 6:30-10 pm, Veterans Park, Grab a blanket, your family and friends and head to Hoover’s Veterans Park for a FREE family-friendly movie. http:// www.hooveral.org.

AUGUST 2020 Thursday, August 6 The Politics of Design 10:30am-noon, Birmingham Museum of Art. James Williams, design director at the Birmingham Museum of Art, leads a discussion on how we communicate beyond the art in our galleries. He will examine the language of graphic design and the ways in which inherent biases can lead to miscommunication for a global audience. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org.

Friday, August 7 18th Annual Heart of the House Gala 6-10 pm, Online. Annual Heart of the House Gala brings supporters together for a night of fun and entertainment at a private club in Birmingham.

The event features a silent auction with mobile bidding

8am-4pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

Friday, August 28 and a live auction packed full of trips, experiences and opportunities of a lifetime!

With more than 340 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama supporters in attendance, the Heart of the House Gala raises over $150,000 each year to continue giving families with sick kids the gift of togetherness and keep them near the care and resources they need to thrive. For more information, please contact Ellie Rembert, special events coordinator at Ellie.Rembert@ rmhca.org or 205-638-7265, www.rmhca.org.

Saturday, August 22

19th Amendment Centennial Day of Celebration 10am-1pm, Kelly Ingram Park.

Join the Alabama State Bar Commission along with local organizations across the city to celebrate the passage of

the 19th Amendment through activities, performances and much more.

Mitchell's Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival 8am-2pm, East Lake Park.

This event brings the most fun and unforgettable fundraising experience to the Birmingham area. Dating back 2,300 years, dragon boat racing is a unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action.

Teams of 21 people row their way to victory in authentic 46-foot long Hong Kong style dragon boats. All ages, skill levels and physiques perfect their stroke and timing for the ultimate teamwork experience!

For the spectators, come enjoy the kid's area, equipped with bounce houses and games; the Merchant's Market, filled with local vendors providing everything from art to food.

Free admission; proceeds will go to support the students and families of Mitchell's Place,

Sidewalk Film Festival 9am-10pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Campus, www.asfa. k12.al.us.

Saturday, August 29

Beginner Beekeeping Classes 8:45am-4pm, Samford University. If you want to learn about bees and excited to start backyard beekeeping, this is the class for you. We do not open hives during periods of rain, impending poor weather or when temperatures are below 60°. If we won't be able to open a hive during class, several other opportunities for opening a hive will be scheduled. We provide catered lunch and drinks from Chipotle. Register through our website for more information and details., www.birmingham365.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Please enter your special events directly to the online calendar at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/events/. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. You may also e-mail to calendar@birminghamparent. com. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. Deadline for the September/ October 2020 issue is August 7, 2020.

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, space restrictions or what we may deem advertising. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 205-624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com.

Due to the pandemic, all events may not be up to date nor have accurate times. Some may be canceled. Note, many of the events we are listing are VIRTUAL. Be sure to check ahead. birminghamparent.com | 35

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS JULY / AUGUST 2020 Due to the pandemic, many attractions may not be open or may have abbreviated times.

Be sure to check ahead.

Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting!

Includes a special gift for kids when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members.

Blue Star Museums Military Discount. Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Reserve members, with up to five family members. To learn more visit bluestarfam.org. Offer does not include IMAX movies or parking.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

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

Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019 www.aldridgegardens.com Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham.

205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham 323-6665 www.ashof.org Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham 205-663-7930. www.awrc.org American Village Colonial Christmas Lunches and Tours. 10:30am-noon (tour, lunch); noon-2:30pm (lunch, tour), Monday through Friday, from December 3-7. Pre-reservations required; 205-665-3535, x1031, www.americanvillage.org.

Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham.

205-414-3900 www.bbgardens.org Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181 www.bct123.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTY PIERCE

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute BCRI is open and free to the public on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 20.

16th St. N., Birmingham 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org Birmingham Museum of Art Black Out: Silhouettes Then and Now. Before the selfie, before the Polaroid and even before the photograph, there was the silhouette, a profile portrait made from cut paper. Through January 12, 2020.

FREE. Celestia Morgan: REDLINE. This exhibit features photos and small sculptures by local artist Celestia Morgan that explore redlining in Birmingham. Through February 16, 2020. FREE. 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. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org

36 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020

Birmingham Zoo Zoolight Safari. This December favorite is coming soon! For dates and details, www.birminghamzoo.com.

Special Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month from 1011am 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. Caregivers 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 Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum www.hodrrm.org.

1919 Ninth St., Calera.

205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclc.org McWane Science Center Home School Day! On the first Monday of each month, home school students and their families can come for special programs, live science demonstrations, giveaways and a discounted ticket price. FREE for home accompanying adults.

Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover 205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-620-2520, www.alapark.com Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham 205-833-8264 www.ruffnermountain.org.

Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.shelbycounty-al.org Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226 www.southernmuseumofflight.org Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711 www.tannehill.org Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham.

205-933-1409 www.vulcanpark.org

CAMPS

2020-2021 SEASON

Once Upon a Fairytale 5K

Moving Together 12-24 months

Once Upon a Ballet 1st-3rd grades

Movement-to-Music with live piano accompaniment Ages 2-4

Starting August 31

July/August

Adventures in Enchanted Lands 1st-3rd Grades Dance Explorations 3rd-6th Grades Dance Workshop 6th-12th Grades

Young Dancer Program K-2nd Grades Dance Artist Program 3rd-12th Grades Class Especially for Children with Special Needs Schedule, health protocols, and registration online

870.0073 | 1715 27th Court S, Homewood www.thedancefoundation.org

Help Them Learn and Grow

To: 227744444488

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A free service featuring activities, games, and resources for people who care for young children. tailored to your child’s age from pregnancy to 5 tips cover developmental milestones, brain development, social-emotional behavior, nutrition, and more messages from trusted sources like:

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PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS Logo are registered trademarks of PBS. Used with permission. The contents of this ad were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. The project is funded by a Ready To Learn grant (PR/AWARD No. U295A150003, CFDA No. 84.295A) provided by the Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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Our goal is to be the best educational daycare and preschool program in the country.

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Professionally Developed Age-Appropriate Curriculum Free Internet Video Monitoring Music, Spanish, Computers and Youth Fitness/Sports programs Best Playgrounds in Birmingham

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6/23/20 11:40 AM

ADMISSIONS

OPEN

“Alabama’s High School ”

SEPTEMBER 1

Alabama 9th & 10th Graders Can Apply Free at www.asms.net

FREE

TUITION, ROOM, AND BOARD

ASMS is a public residential high school for academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in mathematics, science, computer science, and humanities.

• Early College Experience • Dedicated Instructors • Diverse Community • Leadership Opportunities • Experiential Learning

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, 2020 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.

COGNIA 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.

1255 DAUPHIN STREET

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ALABAMA CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY QUICK SAFETY TIPS

• RIGHT SEAT: Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height.

• RIGHT PLACE: Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.

• RIGHT DIRECTION: Keep your child in a rear facing position for as long as possible! When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat.

• INCH TEST: Once your car seat is installed, use your non-dominate hand and shake the seat at the belt path. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

• PINCH TEST: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots. Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go!

DID YOU KNOW? • Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US.

ALABAMA CHILD RESTRAINTS LAW REQUIRES CHILDREN UNDER 6 TO BE PROPERLY BUCKLED IN AN APPROPRIATE CAR SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT. CAR SEAT RECOMMENDATIONS: • Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds.

• Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least 5 years of age or 40 pounds.

• Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age.

• Seat belts until 15 years of age. *American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.

FREE CAR SEAT CHECK Still have questions or concerns? For help (or to even double check your work), contact:

• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71-82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.

Michelle Richardson (Perry, Walker, Lamar counties): (205) 554-4529

• An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.

Anna Odom (Washington, Clarke, Baldwin counties): (251) 946-8012

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Penny Roney (Madison, Marshall, Morgan counties): (256) 533-8712 Sharon Franklin (Macon, Elmore, Bullock counties): (334) 322-8431 Elizabeth Payne (St. Clair, Etowah, Calhoun counties): (256) 533-8712