MomOfTheMonth
Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source
Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Now that the holidays are over and we welcome a new year you may be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. This may sound strange, but I have never liked New Year’s resolutions. I have nothing against personal resolutions, but to be honest, I have never really understood the need to make a change just because it is January 1. After all, any day is a good day to make a change if desired. When we recognize things aren’t going in the right direction and change may be necessary, instead of focusing on the discomfort we feel from stepping out of our comfort zone, we can focus on the positive results that come with the change. We can turn potential negative feelings that may come with New Year resolutions into positive, joyful experiences. January not only brings thoughts of resolutions, but also kick-starts thoughts of the upcoming year, and before you know it, school registrations. You may be thinking, “What? We are not even half way though this school year.” The reality is many public schools, preschools, and private schools will start hosting open houses and registrations in the next couple of months. If you are fortunate enough to be zoned for a public school that is a great fit for your child, you are in luck! The process for registration is really simple. However, if for one reason or another the school you are zoned for is not a fit for your child, you may be looking at other options for school. If that is the case, you may want to start by reading Robert Kennedy’s article, What Is Really Important When Choosing a Private School? Kennedy reveals several points to consider when checking out schools. Immediately following his article is our Private School Directory, which is filled with details about area private schools and magnet programs. Maybe your child is not quite school age but you are still interested in ways you can foster a love of learning and a sense of independence. Michele Ranard explains in 8 Ways to Give Your Preschooler and Edge that there are simple, everyday acts parents can participate in to help prepare their children for school. The good news is these steps are very easy actions that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. As we welcome 2018, whether you are researching schools, kicking off a new wellness program or just enjoying the blessings that surround you, I wish you and your family a year filled with peace, hope and joy.
Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers
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President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Account Manager Eleanor Williams
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lynn@mobilebayparents.com
Mobile Bay Parents I January 2018
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Jennifer Adair, M.D. Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M.Ed. John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith
Ad Design Tim Welch
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Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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