Kid's Directory School Edition 2025

Kid’s Directory of Central Arkansas Family Favorite for 34 Years | KidCentralAR.com

2025-202 2025-2026

Resources For Families & & Educators

Calling all

MOMS with preschoolers!

JOIN OUR movement and health eating study at Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center. Participants may receive up to $342 to thank you for your time and commitment.

CALL 501-364-3309 2 • Family favorite for 34 years

Play to learn

SCIENCE

Quality early childhood educators guide children on their journey to discover science through hands-on activities, experiments and learning through play.

Use our Family Resource Library as your guide to play to learn science with your child.

Make playdough or moon sand together, find an experiment or explore the great outdoors.

There’s so much to discover!

Click the orange banner on our homepage to find star-rated quality early care and education providers who help children prepare for kindergarten through play and positive learning experiences.

SENSORY PLAY

All of the SENSORY SAND in these photos is non-toxic and made from whole wheat flour and vegetable oil.

Double your baby’s pleasure with a bumpy ball and taste-safe sand.

Sensory sand looks and plays much like sand. It can be molded, but crumbles easily.

Play is a child’s work. It is critical to their development.

Play helps them develop new skills and explore their imagination.

Sensory play is often called messy play – for a good reason. There is so much to discover. One needs to spread out sometimes.

What parent hasn’t seen their baby play with their food?

It’s squishy and fun to spread all over the high chair table. Give a toddler a big bowl of spaghetti and the freedom to play. The pasta becomes an experiment in

Shell Island is an activity for children over 3 years of age.

Finding buried shells on Shell Island is a great activity for 3- and 4-year olds. They can also use the shells to decorate the “beach.”

touch, texture and gravity. Touch is a fundamental sense, right up there with taste.

Taste is a major factor for babies and young toddlers.

It’s true that at this stage, almost everything goes into a child’s mouth.

Choose play things carefully. Make sure anything you put in front of your baby is taste-safe. Be aware of choking hazards. Always check the recommended age on purchased toys. Safety first!

Get the recipe for sensory sand and more ideas for sensory play on the next page.

Click here to visit our Resource Library. You’ll find activities and tips to help you prepare your child for life.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-501-682-8590

Scan the code below to visit our Family Resource Library to get fun activities for learning at home.

Also en Español.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161 Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 3 07 July NEA Kid's science.indd 1

6/5/25 10:22 AM

OUR ADVERTISERS ACH Nutrition-Move Study..............................................2 Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.................................. 42 Arkansas Skatium............................................................5 Arkansas Soccer Club.................................................... 34 Ballet Arkansas............................................................. 6,7 Baptist Health............................................................... 29 Barksdale Federal Credit Union................................... 28 Central AR Pediatric Dentistry....................................... 43 Conway Tennis........................................................ 32, 33 Dancers' Corner...............................................................9 DHS - Better Beginnings..................................................3 Doxa....................................................................... 10 , 11 Duck Duck Goose Consignment............................. 46, 47 Fancyful............................................................................8 Girl Scouts........................................................................8 Grow Learning.............................................................. 35 Jacksonville Parks................................................... 13, 28 Jax's Gym................................................................ 18, 19 Little Rock Zoo............................................................... 48 Mathnasium................................................................. 13 Salon Jadore................................................................. 12 The Decker School......................................................... 35 The Muddy Pig.............................................................. 31 The Painted Pig............................................................. 30

PLUS Kid Calendar/Kid Meal Deals.................................. 44, 45 Getting Educated on EFA.........................................14-17 Teen Challenges......................................................20-27 Screen Safe..............................................................36-41

Published by Kid’s Directory, LLC

A Kat Daniels Company (501) 975-6776 | kat@kidcentralar.com KidCentralAR.com

This Directory is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

4 • Family favorite for 34 years

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 5

Join the Ballet Arkansas Family!

NOW ENROLLING!

EXPERIENCE THE BA DIFFERENCE! Enroll now for fall classes at The School for Dance, the official school of Ballet Arkansas, recognized as one of the nation’s Top 75 ballet companies. Serving students and adults ages 3 and up, the School offers world-class dance education in a supportive, familyoriented environment. From recreational to pre-professional training, our programs are designed to inspire a lifelong love of movement and the arts, while nurturing each student’s individual growth and potential.

Classes are held in state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located in downtown Little Rock, taught by an expert faculty. Whether your dancer is taking their first steps into the studio or preparing for a future in the performing arts, the School for Dance provides a foundation built on excellence, mentorship, and community. Join us this fall and become part of the Ballet Arkansas family!

Scholarships available.

www.balletarkansas.org/enrolled-classes 6 • Family favorite for 34 years

T

w

SAV

Tickets Now on Sale!

www.balletarkansas.org/tickets

VE THE DATE: Community Cast Auditions - 8/22-24 Nutcracker Spectacular, Cinderella & Giselle!

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 7

Birthday Birthday Parties Parties FANCYFUL.COM FANCYFUL.COM @fancyfulparties 8 • Family favorite for 34 years

Summer

Register Now!

Fall - Spring

All Skill Levels Small Classes Story Productions

June 1 - August 2 Begins Sept. 8

Dance Classes Age 2 – 3: Parent-Child Age 3 - 18: Technique

Dance Company Ages 10 – 18: Contact us!

Adult Classes Beginner Ballet Experienced Ballet Jazz & Musical Theater All Level Tap

Birthday Parties Celebrate with us!

Dance & Games 1 hour 30min party Hosts provided B a l l e t | P o i n t e | Ta p | J a z z | C o n t e m p o r a r y

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 9

DOXA Experience something different.

DANCE & ACRO ART CLASSES MUSIC LESSONS HOMESCHOOL E N R I C H M E N T

10 • Family favorite for 34 years

Scan to learn more & register!

Learn more at www.doxaartsacademy.com 501-298-5488

doxaartsacademy@gmail.com

6526 Grayson Dr. Benton, AR

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 11

12 • Find usfavorite online at Family forKidCentralAR.com 34 years

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Family forKidCentralAR.com 34 years 14 • Find usfavorite online at

Please Find say you saw in Kid’s Directory • 15 more atitKidCentralAR.com

16 • Find usfavorite online at Family forKidCentralAR.com 34 years

Please Find say you saw in Kid’s Directory • 17 more atitKidCentralAR.com

18 • Family favorite for 34 years

(501)985-1818 613 North First St. • Jacksonville www.jaxgymathnp.com www.huffnpuffgym.com

20,000 Sq. Ft. • Parent Viewing Areas Pro Shop • Birthday Parties • Kidʼs Fun Nights

DANCE COMPANY

AWARD WINNING

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 19

20,000 Sq. Ft. • Parent Viewing Areas • Pro Shop • Birthday Parties • Kid’s Fun Nights (501)985-1818 • 613 North First St. • Jacksonville • www.jaxgymathnp.com

Gymnastics • Dance Mom & Me • Preschool Classes • Ninja Zone After School Care • Summer Camps

feature

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20 • Family favorite for 34 years

teen hallenges SIGN OF THE TIMES

Today’s Teens

What’s stressing them out and why.

by Kat Daniels Publisher | Parent

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 21

Our preteens and young adults face more pressure than ever before from allaccess technology, and the interactions and expectations that come with it.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we strive to do what is best for them. Some choices are easier than others, but what becomes challenging is not knowing about the quiet or hidden pressures teens may not see or be aware of, they face day-to-day.

Here are some top struggles they seem to be up against, with suggestions on how you or someone could help:

In 2023 60% of Arkansas public high school seniors reported feeling sad or hopeless (up from 42.9% in earlier surveys).

MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES Anxiety, depression, and stress are on the rise due to academic pressures, social media influence, and personal struggles.

ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH PROACTIVELY

Encourage open conversations about feelings and mental health.

Normalize seeking professional help when needed.

Teach stress-management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing.

22 • Family favorite for 34 years

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE The constant need for validation, cyberbullying, and comparison to unrealistic online standards can negatively impact self-esteem.

MANAGE SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE PRESSURE Set healthy screen time limits and encourage digital detoxes.

Teach critical thinking about online content (not everything is real or worth comparing to).

Promote positive online engagement and warn about cyberbullying.

ACADEMIC STRESS Increased competition, high expectations from parents and teachers, and the pressure to perform well can lead to burnout.

REDUCE ACADEMIC STRESS Help teens prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Encourage breaks and a balanced lifestyle, rather than pursuing perfectionism.

Offer support but avoid excessive pressure regarding grades.

PEER PRESSURE & SUBSTANCE ABUSE Exposure to drugs, alcohol, and risky behaviors is common, often leading to poor decision-making.

NAVIGATE PEER PRESSURE & SUBSTANCE USE Equip teens with assertiveness skills to say no.

Educate about the consequences of drugs and alcohol.

Encourage friendships with positive influences.

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 23

IDENTITY & SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES Many teens struggle with self-identity, body image, and self-worth, especially due to media portrayals of "ideal" beauty and success.

STRENGTHEN SELF-ESTEEM & IDENTITY

Promote self-acceptance and body positivity.

Help them explore interests, hobbies, and passions.

Encourage journaling or creative expression for selfreflection.

FAMILY PROBLEMS Divorce, financial struggles, and strained parent-teen relationships can create emotional and psychological challenges.

FOSTER STRONG FAMILY BONDS

Have regular family discussions without judgment.

Offer guidance rather than imposing control.

Show unconditional love and support, even in tough times.

In 2023, 34% of Arkansas Seniors seriously considered suicide, which is HIGHER than the national average.

VIOLENCE & BULLYING Physical, verbal, and cyberbullying remain significant issues, affecting mental well-being and safety in schools.

ADDRESS BULLYING & VIOLENCE

Encourage reporting bullying incidents.

Teach conflict resolution and self-defense if necessary.

Build confidence through extracurricular activities like 24 •sports Family favorite for 34 years or clubs.

TECHNOLOGY & SCREEN ADDICTION Excessive use of smartphones and video games can impact sleep, productivity, and real-life social interactions.

BALANCE TECHNOLOGY & REAL-LIFE CONNECTIONS Set tech-free times (e.g., during meals or before bed).

Encourage outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions.

Model healthy technology habits as adults.

A 2023 Verizon analysis ranked Arkansas as the 2ND HIGHEST among states for teen screen time, racking up 5 hours and 54 minutes daily.

FUTURE UNCERTAINTY Fear of job prospects, college debt, and an uncertain economy can be overwhelming.

REDUCE ACADEMIC STRESS

Help teens prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Encourage breaks and a balanced lifestyle, rather than pursuing perfectionism.

Offer support but avoid excessive pressure regarding grades.

ROMANTIC & SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS Navigating friendships, dating, and breakups can be emotionally complex and stressful.

SUPPORT HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Teach emotional intelligence and communication skills.

Encourage independence and healthy boundaries.

Discuss relationship red flags of toxic behavior.

Findand moresigns at KidCentralAR.com • 25

Central Arkansas Teen Mental Health Resources Nonprofit & Public Health Organizations COUNSELING CLINIC, INC (BENTON, AR; CCIAR.ORG) A 501(c)(3) community mental health center serving Saline/Garland counties.

Offers Youth Services (ages 0–18) and residential treatment (Second Chance Youth Ranch) for juveniles. Specialties include depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, sexual issues, parent–child problems, and other emotional/behavioral.

THE CENTERS (LITTLE ROCK; THECENTERSAR.COM) Nonprofit behavioral health network with multiple campuses.

Provides 24/7 crisis and emergency response, outpatient counseling for children, adolescents, and families, plus residential treatment for youth. It operates the state’s largest therapeutic foster care program and prevention services in central..

Focus areas include trauma-informed care, family therapy, school-based counseling, and substance-use management (office-based and pharmacy services).

(The Centers collaborates on school trauma programs with ADE and UAMS/TRIS.) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES OF ARKANSAS (LITTLE ROCK; BHSARKANSAS.ORG) Nonprofit counseling group (est. 1996) for children, teens, adults, and families.

Specialties include EMDR (trauma/PTSD), Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), family/couples therapy, ADHD/ODD, anxiety & depression, and attachment.

BHSA offers individual/couple counseling, school-based therapy, and telehealth statewide.

Partners with Youth Home for residential programs (accepts most insurance).

UAMS PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE (LITTLE ROCK; UAMSHEALTH.COM) University-affiliated outpatient program focused on adolescent substance-use disorders.

Six Bridges provides counseling and medication management for ages 12–21 dealing with drug/alcohol. (Part of UAMS/PRI’s research/clinical network.)

YOUTH HOME, INC. (LITTLE ROCK; YOUTHHOME.ORG) 501(c)(3) residential treatment center for youth. Inpatient psychiatric/behavioral programs for ages ≈12–17 with severe mental illness or trauma. Offers East/West campuses (accepts TRICARE) and specialized tracks (e.g. Reactive Attachment, trauma-focused CBT, safe solutions for abuse). On-site schooling (Siebert School) and family therapy help “equip youth and their families to become contributing members of their community.

YOUTH VILLAGES – ARKANSAS (STATEWIDE; YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG) Nonprofit child welfare agency offering two key programs in AR: Intercept® Intensive In-Home (family-strengthening to prevent foster care) and LifeSet™ (transitional support for youth aging out of foster care). In recent years, Youth Villages has served over 2,100 Arkansas youth with these evidence-based services.

IMMERSE ARKANSAS (LITTLE ROCK; IMMERSEARKANSAS.ORG) Nonprofit support network for youth impacted by foster care, abuse, and homelessness.

Programs include The Station (youth shelter for homeless teens), Opportunity Center (drop-in support and life skills for ages 18–24), and LifeBASE (transitional housing for 18+).

Focus is on trauma-informed care, mentoring, and housing stability for foster care alumni.

For example, LifeBASE provides apartments with wraparound.

(Immerse emphasizes “unconditional relationships” and community support to help youth transform from crisis into overcomers.”)

ACH – CHILD STUDY CENTER (LITTLE ROCK; ARCHILDRENS.ORG) Pediatric mental-health clinic (affiliated with UAMS/PRI) serving infants through age 18.

Provides comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary treatment (therapy, family involvement) for a wide range of childhood mental health issues. Evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused CBT, Parent–Child Interaction Therapy, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Common conditions treated: trauma/stress disorders, ADHD, conduct/Oppositional-Defiant Disorder, OCD, depression, bipolar, anxiety, etc.

26 • Family favorite for 34 years

Central CentralArkansas ArkansasTeen TeenMental MentalHealth HealthResources Resources Nonprofit Nonprofit && Public Public Health Health Organizations Organizations ACH ACH – ADOLESCENT – ADOLESCENT MEDICINE MEDICINE CLINIC CLINIC (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK; ROCK; ARCHILDRENS.ORG) ARCHILDRENS.ORG) Multidisciplinary Multidisciplinary teen teen health health clinic clinic (ages (ages 12–21) 12–21) that that addresses addresses physical, physical, emotional, emotional, and and social social issues issues of adolescence. of adolescence.

TheThe team team provides provides holistic holistic biopsychosocial biopsychosocial evaluations evaluations and and counseling counseling on on teen teen topics: topics: mental mental health/behavior health/behavior struggles, struggles, puberty/body puberty/body changes, changes, nutrition/eating nutrition/eating disorders, disorders, sexual sexual health, health, bullying, bullying, and and “problematic “problematic internet/video internet/video game game or cell or cell phone phone use. use.

They They manage manage anxiety/depression anxiety/depression (medication (medication therapy), therapy), high-risk high-risk behaviors, behaviors, and and support support pregnant/parenting pregnant/parenting teens teens in ainsafe, a safe, inclusive inclusive environment. environment.

Private Private Counseling Counseling Providers Providers EQUALITY EQUALITY THERAPY THERAPY CLINIC, CLINIC, PLLC PLLC (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK; ROCK; EQUALITYTHERAPY.COM) EQUALITYTHERAPY.COM) Private Private practice practice (Kirsten (Kirsten Sowell, Sowell, LCSW) LCSW) specializing specializing in LGBTQ+-affirming in LGBTQ+-affirming therapy therapy forfor ages ages 9+.9+.

Works Works intensively intensively with with teens, teens, families, families, and and adults adults on on anxiety, anxiety, depression, depression, trauma, trauma, gendergenderidentity/gender-affirming identity/gender-affirming care, care, and and “kink/diverse “kink/diverse sexualities” sexualities” issues. issues.

Founder Founder Sowell Sowell hashas extensive extensive experience experience with with pediatric pediatric gender gender clinics clinics and and advocates advocates forfor transgender transgender youth. youth.

Offers Offers in-person in-person and and telehealth telehealth appointments. appointments.

THE THE FINDING FINDING PLACE PLACE COUNSELING COUNSELING (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK; ROCK; THEFINDINGPLACECOUNSELING.COM) THEFINDINGPLACECOUNSELING.COM) Private Private mental-health mental-health clinic clinic offering offering both both intensive intensive therapy therapy retreats retreats and and traditional traditional outpatient outpatient counseling. counseling.

Serves Serves individuals, individuals, couples, couples, children, children, and and teens. teens.

Specialties Specialties include include trauma/PTSD trauma/PTSD treatment, treatment, anxiety, anxiety, family family conflict, conflict, play play therapy therapy for for children, children, and and sexual sexual addiction/affair. addiction/affair.

TheThe center center emphasizes emphasizes techniques techniques likelike brainspotting brainspotting and and EMDR EMDR and and provides provides rapid-breakthrough rapid-breakthrough “custom “custom therapy therapy intensives” intensives” for for clients clients seeking seeking accelerated. accelerated.

ARGENTA ARGENTA COUNSELING COUNSELING & WELLNESS & WELLNESS (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK; ROCK; ARGENTACOUNSELING.COM) ARGENTACOUNSELING.COM) Private Private practice practice with with twotwo Central Central ARAR locations locations (N.(N. Little Little Rock Rock and and W. W. Little Little Rock) Rock) and and statewide statewide telehealth. telehealth.

Offers Offers counseling, counseling, psychiatric psychiatric medication medication management, management, nutrition nutrition and and wellness wellness services. services.

Works Works with with children, children, teens, teens, adults, adults, couples couples and and families. families.

Broad Broad specialties specialties include include depression, depression, anxiety, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, trauma/PTSD, parenting parenting and and family family issues, issues, LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ matters, matters, bodybodyimage/self-esteem, image/self-esteem, self-harm, self-harm, defiance/behavior defiance/behavior problems, problems, OCD, OCD, autism, autism, relationship relationship and and divorce divorce support, support, etc.etc.

OLIVE OLIVE TREE TREE HEALTH HEALTH (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK; ROCK; OLIVETREEHEALTHLLC.COM) OLIVETREEHEALTHLLC.COM) Private Private counseling counseling practice practice forfor teens, teens, adults, adults, and and families. families.

Specializes Specializes in anxiety in anxiety and and traumatraumarelated related issues. issues.

(Offers (Offers individual individual therapy, therapy, workshops, workshops, and and a reflection a reflection therapy therapy journal). journal).

Research Research Programs Programs && Studies Studies ARKANSAS ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HOSPITAL COMMUNITY COMMUNITY HEALTH HEALTH NEEDS NEEDS ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT ACH ACH periodically periodically conducts conducts statewide statewide surveys surveys (focus (focus groups, groups, provider provider and and caregiver caregiver input) input) on on child child health health priorities. priorities.

WOODLAND WOODLAND INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH RESEARCH GROUP GROUP (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK) ROCK) Private Private clinical clinical research research facility facility (80+ (80+ years years of psychiatric of psychiatric research) research) conducting conducting trials trials across across Arkansas.

Arkansas.

Part Part of ERG of ERG network, network, it staffs it staffs a child/adolescent a child/adolescent psychiatrist psychiatrist and and offers offers inpatient inpatient units units forfor CNS/psychiatric CNS/psychiatric trials. trials.

PILLAR PILLAR CLINICAL CLINICAL RESEARCH RESEARCH (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK) ROCK) Clinical Clinical trials trials sitesite enrolling enrolling pediatric pediatric mental mental health health studies. studies.

Offers Offers access access to new to new treatments treatments forfor children/adolescents children/adolescents with with anxiety, anxiety, ADHD, ADHD, depression, depression, autism, autism, and and other other conditions conditions (currently (currently enrolling enrolling studies studies through through its its pediatric pediatric mental mental health health trials trials program). program).

UAMS UAMS PSYCHIATRIC PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH RESEARCH INSTITUTE INSTITUTE (LITTLE (LITTLE ROCK) ROCK) TheThe PRIPRI faculty faculty researches researches teen teen mental mental health, health, resilience, resilience, and and trauma. trauma. .

.

Sources: Sources: Information Information compiled compiled from from Arkansas Arkansas health health organizations, organizations, university university clinics, clinics, and and published published reports. reports.

Contact Contact organizations organizations forfor thethe most most current current programming. programming.

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 27

OUR ADVERTISERS Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Nutrition ..........................3 American Heart Association......................................... 16 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts .................................... 32 Arkansas Skatium ........................................................ 19 Arkansas Soccer Club ......................................................8 Ballet Arkansas................................................................9 Baptist Health .............................................................. 18 Barksdale Federal Credit Union......................................4 Camp Aldersgate ......................................................... 13 Central Arkansas Pediatric Dentistry ........................... 30 Conway Tennis ................................................................9 Dancers' Corner ........................................................... 17 DHS – Better Beginnings ............................................. 28 Fancyful ........................................................................ 17 Girl Scouts .................................................................... 21 Grow Learning.............................................................. 20 Jacksonville Parks .................................................. 10, 19 Jax's Gym ..................................................................... 11 Little Rock Parks & Recreation ..................................... 10 Little Rock Zoo .............................................................. 13 Old Statehouse Museum................................................4 Salon Jadore ................................................................ 31 Second Baptist (Lake Nixon) ........................................ 14 The Decker School........................................................ 20 28 • Family favorite for 34 years The Painted Pig ............................................................ 12 UALR, SLUFY ....................................................................2

The debit card and money app for kids and teens. bfcu.org/greenlight The Greenlight card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.

Visit bfcu.org/greenlight for more details.

Expert Pediatric Care for Every Stage.

The Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic-Conway offers expert pediatric care for your children at every stage of their development.

Our clinic is proud to serve the residents of Conway and surrounding communities, and we take great joy in growing with the families we care for.

Call (501) 358-6892 to schedule your child’s appointment today!

Conveniently located at 625 United Drive on the campus of Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway, directly behind the hospital.

baptist-health.com

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 29

Register your kids for some summer fun MAKING FRIENDS, MESSES & MEMORIES!

Camp PIG Art Camps - 1st-8th Graders - Wednesdays & Fridays PLUS, Little Piggy Camps Check Online for Days & Details Princess Tea Party Superhero Party

Adult Classes + Kid Classes DIY + Custom Options Birthday Parties + Field Trips

30 • Family favorite for 34 years

Art Camps...a little MESSY, a little MUDDY, & a whole lot of FUN! Do you have a creative kid aged 8-14?

We are excited to offer a clay camp specifically for kids, letting them get messy and have fun!

CLAY Camps Sign Up Now! July 14th – 17th

Adult Classes + Kid Classes Workshops + Memberships

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 31

CONWAY JUNIOR TE

FALL 2025 SESSION Session 1 : August 25 - Octo Session 2 : October 20 - Nov

This class focuses on hand-eye coo to learn the game of tennis. This cla to the player’s size, including Red S

This class will continue to work on The serve will be introduced, as we Players will begin to rally with eac the Orange Starter Ball and the 10 and under 60’ court lines.

This class is for intermedeiate play that have progressed through the U series, and for the high school vars shot selection and control, spins, a yellow ball and play full court tenn before admission is allowed

501-499-8555 • ctctennisshop@gmail.com 32 • Family favorite for 34 years

ENNIS PROGRAM

ober 9 7 Week Program vember 20 5 Week Program

ordination, and basic fundamentals ass uses equipment scaled down Starter Ball, and the 3’ net.

n the fundamentals of each stroke. ell as score-keeping. ch other using

yers. Players USTA progression sity players. Players will work on fundamentals, and point play and patterns. Players will use nis. Players must be approved by the Tennis Instructor

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 33

Lorem Ipsum

22

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EST. 2003

www.ArkansasSoccerClub.com or call 501-954-9549 arkansassoccerclub@yahoo.com 34 • Family favorite for 34 years

At The Decker School, the sky is our ceiling and the earth is our classroom!

The Decker School

With a strength-based, holistic approach and an outdoor classroom at its core, our students grow in confidence, curiosity, and gain a lifelong love of learning.

The Decker School

Summer 2025 Camp THE DECKER SCHOOL

25 26 Now Enrolling

This summer, students can unleash their creativity through art and drama, master life skills like cooking and sewing, develop strategy and teamwork with board games, embrace the great outdoors, embark on an exciting journey across the continents in a travel adventure, and more!

Full-time, Part-time & Homeschool Enrichment Options With something for every interest, our camps are crafted to spark curiosity, foster growth, and LEARNS / Education Freedom Account (EFA) Approved make learning fun!

School

Serving PreK through 8th Grade DATES: June & July Visit thedeckerschool.org for more AGES: Kindergarten & Up Visit thedeckerschool.org for more information and to register. information and to register.

COST: Varies 25706 Maumelle 25706 HwyHwy 365, 365, Maumelle

501.613.7232 501.613.7232

20 • Find more at KidCentralAR.com

thedeckerschool.org thedeckerschool.org

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feature

36 • Family favorite for 34 years

SCREEN S."R5 SMART

Choosing Smart for Kids and Phones.

by Kat Daniels Publisher | Parent

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 37

Whether your child is asking for their first phone for safety, social life, or just “because everyone else has one,” deciding when and how to introduce a mobile device is a major parenting milestone. In our digital-first world, a phone isn't just a gadget; it becomes a primary access point to a whole new world.

As a mom of a twelve-year-old daughter, I have struggled with deciding when it would be best to introduce a “first phone”. My eldest son was granted a phone at the age of thirteen. He is now twenty-two and tells me I should have waited. He has also shared with me things he had access to, ways apps shared explicit content with him, and yes, while my mouth dropped open, he went on and shared how he was able to hide all of this from me.

Before judgment is cast, let me state that I did all the things: I researched and set him up with as many barriers as I knew, signed a pledge, and even had access to all of these devices. Usage boundaries were set and limitations were enforced. In the end, it didn’t seem to matter. If he didn’t go curiously looking, it (they, them, whatever) came looking for him.

To help, here are some basic talking points to consider and guide you in being screen smart(er):

The CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2021, 2023) links early phone use with increased anxiety, poor sleep, and cyberbullying—especially among girls aged 10–14.

38 • Family favorite for 34 years

Is Your Child Really Ready?

There’s no magic age. Some 8-year-olds handle tech like tiny IT pros, while some 13-year-olds still “accidentally” drop toast in the DVD player.

Instead of focusing on age, consider: Maturity level: Do they follow rules without constant reminders?

Need vs. want: Are you often apart or do they walk to school solo?

Self-control: Can they unplug without a meltdown?

If the answer to most of these is yes, they might be ready for the responsibility. If not, hold off or consider a basic talk-and-text phone as a digital training wheel.

Worth noting, a recent report by Pew Research reported that while 95% of teens own phones, over 40% of parents regret giving one to them too early.

What Kind of Phone Should You Start With?

You don’t need to hand over the latest iPhone with unlimited data. Start with: A basic smartphone or kid-friendly device (think Gabb or Pinwheel).

A limited plan with no access to social media.

Parental controls are already activated (most phones have built-in tools).

A strong protective case—because gravity happens.

Set up the phone together so they feel involved, but make it clear that it’s still a privilege, not a possession.

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 39

Set the Rules Early and Clearly Your house, your tech rules. Create a Family Tech Agreement with guidelines like: Screen-free zones (bedrooms, dinner tables, and homework time).

App approval policies (they must ask before downloading).

Time limits and digital curfews.

Real consequences for breaking boundaries.

Make it a positive experience—use stickers or visuals for younger kids and check in weekly like a mini “device audit.”

Teach Digital Citizenship From Day One Giving your child a phone without teaching them how to navigate the online world is like handing them car keys without driving lessons.

Cover the essentials: Privacy: No sharing real names, schools, or locations with strangers.

Respect: No bullying, drama, or inappropriate sharing.

Reality check: What’s online isn’t always real, and likes don’t equal worth.

Additionally, Google’s Be Internet Awesome and Common Sense Education are also great tools to guide you.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (2021–2024) recommends no screens for children under age 5, establishing meal and device boundaries, and promoting healthy nighttime habits.

40 • Family favorite for 34 years

Keep the Conversation Going This isn’t a one-and-done talk. Phones evolve, and so do kids. Try: Weekly check-ins about screen time, social media, or anything odd they’ve seen.

“What would you do?” conversations using current events or headlines.

Keeping an open-door policy for questions, mistakes, or concerns.

When they know you’re a safe place, they’ll come to you first, not last, when something weird pops up.

I know the phone and all its nuances will not be my most significant decision for my family, but it could be the most impactful on my daughter, her well-being, and future self.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we all have a responsibility to help our children become their best selves. Hopefully, with good guidance, loving attention, and involvement, we can all be our best advocates for healthy tech time so our kids can grow into responsible digital adults.

Phone Readiness Checklist Is your child ready for their first phone? Mark all that apply:

My child keeps track of their belongings Follows household rules without constant reminders Understands and respects screen time limits Can handle frustration without outbursts Will come to me if something online seems wrong Understands privacy and won’t share personal info Has shown responsibility with chores, homework, and schedule ✔ Score: 6–7 boxes checked = Likely ready for phone privileges

3–5 boxes = May be ready with supervision and restrictions 0–2 boxes = Consider waiting or starting with a basic phone Sources: Common Sense Media, Google BE Internet Awesome, American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 41

42 • Family favorite for 34 years

30 • Find more at KidCentralAR.com

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44 • Family favorite for 34 years 6 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 45

Duck Duc

BACK TO SCHOOL S

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Opens at 9am Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday - 17322 Interstat

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Clip this FREE PRESALE PASS

to shop Wed, July 30, 6:30pm!

46 • Family favorite for 34 years

ck Goose duckduckgoosesale.com

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To join our VIP Text Club and receive Free early shopping invitations and coupons: Text DUCK to 855-683-DUCK (3825) Find more at KidCentralAR.com • 47

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48 • Family favorite for 34 years