My son Leo was turning six and I planned a gymnastics birthday party. I ordered the cake, the favors, and even arranged to have a therapy dog from his school make a surprise appearance. But when parents started asking me what my son wanted for his birthday, I think I actually became queasy. This kid had everything. His little room and our playroom were covered in Legos, trains, stuffed animals and action figures. He was practically a hoarder. How could I allow more toys into our home? And worse, how could people spend money on a kid who truly didn't need anything? That money could go to so many better causes. I thought, what if people could donate to a cause that my son was passionate about, rather than giving him another Lego set? I figured the parents would be on board but I had to convince the birthday boy. I started with a cause I knew he couldn't refuse-therapy dogs. I told him I found an organization that raised money for kids to have service or therapy dogs. I told him we could ask people to donate to that cause in his name and he could “donate his birthday.” He was intrigued but not completely sold. “So I wouldn't get any birthday presents?” he asked. I had to think fast. “We will still give you a birthday present. Your grandparents will give you presents and so will your aunts and uncles,” I told him. “But my friends won't bring presents to my party?” he asked, still unsure. I thought about the sight of all those birthday presents piled up in his room and I had to do what all parents do best. I negotiated. “If you agree to let people donate to a cause instead of bringing you presents, I will take you to Target and you can spend $50 on whatever you want.” Deal. My son just celebrated his tenth birthday and between him and his younger brother, I have now thrown nine giftless birthday parties. We always have the same arrangement-they can receive presents from family (and maybe one or two close friends) and go on a $50 shopping trip. In exchange, they agree to ask their guests to donate to a charity instead of bringing gifts. If you are considering a giftless birthday party, here are some of my best (and worst) practices: Ask for Stuff, Not MoneyThe first time we did this we asked people to donate money to a charity. While some of them did, a lot of them forgot or were confused by the concept. Plus, people did not like showing up to a party empty handed. They felt rude. Therefore, we started asking them to bring things like peanut butter and jelly for the local food pantry or dog treats for the animal shelter. Some people even put the donations in gift bags. Let the Kids Pick the CharityYour kids are more inclined to get excited about this if it is a cause they are passionate about –or even items they are passionate about. When my younger son ate mac and cheese for every meal, we had his guests bring boxes of mac and cheese. Give them options-school supplies for local schools, stuffed animals for kids in the hospital or-our charity of choice lately-items for the animal shelter. SCREAM it on the InviteThis is an ALL CAPS situation. If you don't make it perfectly clear that you do not want guests to bring gifts, they will bring gifts. They will say things like, “Oh, you didn't really mean that.” So try this: “PLEASE NO GIFTS!! Instead, Leo would like his guests to bring dog treats so that he can take them to The Humane Society. He will get plenty of gifts from family.” If you send a reminder about the party via email or text, say it again IN ALL CAPS. Have the Birthday Child do the DeliveringWhen kids can see exactly where their donations go, it helps them to understand that their choice makes an impact. Since we have been doing dog treats the last few birthday parties, my kids have gotten to not only drop off their donations, but they got to pet the dogs and cats too. The whole thing is a win all around. Your child doesn't receive an overload of gifts he doesn't need; you don't have to find places in your house for said gifts; your guests don't have to search for the perfect present and spend too much on it; your favorite charity gets much-needed donations. Best of all, your children and the party guests learn a wonderful lesson about giving –and that is a good reason to celebrate. The post How to Throw a Giftless Birthday Party appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
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Finding the right preschool for your child can be a daunting and overwhelming task. With so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. From safety and facility cleanliness to curriculum and extracurriculars, it's important to choose a school that both nurtures and challenges your preschooler. So how can you be sure which school is right for your family? Here are some things to consider when making your final decision. SafetyOut of all the factors that go into choosing a preschool, facility safety is one that simply cannot be overlooked or compromised. Ask about the school's security features, emergency procedures, and any other safety measures that will protect your preschooler. A school that offers live camera viewing of all classrooms can give you peace of mind and accountability. Make sure the preschool you choose is up to date on their licenses and certifications, and ask how they plan to accommodate any allergies or special needs your child might have. Teacher-Child RatioAsk about the teacher to child ratio and the size of each class. You can rest assured knowing schools are required to adhere to the state's laws, but a chaotic classroom means less attention for your child. Therefore, if your child wants or needs extra help or attention, look for a smaller class size. If your child will thrive in a busier environment with lots of children, you may feel comfortable with a larger class size. Make sure the staff and teachers are friendly and mesh well with other families you come in contact with. CurriculumEach school might have a different approach to how they teach, from their mission statement and learning philosophy to the day-to-day lessons and activities they incorporate in the classroom. Your child should be challenged academically, socially and emotionally with kindergarten readiness in mind, but also allowed enough free play time to learn and explore on his own. As you learn about the various learning styles among each preschool, you may realize your child meshes better with one over the others. ReputationCheck with neighbors and friends to gain a parental perspective of the preschool you are considering. While every child's needs are different, it will be comforting to know those you trust hold the facility in high regard. What do they love about the school? What are some of their concerns? You can even consult a referral agency such as AdvancED or NAEYC to find a list of accredited preschools in your area. For more information on special preschool programs that help and support your child in reaching his or her learning goals, talk to the staff at one of the premier schools listed on Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies Atlanta. The Kids 'R' Kids First Class Curriculum® incorporates many learning tools that are fun and engaging, and the staff would love to discuss each program with you. The post How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Family appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Fresh fruits and vegetables, a sweet snack, kids programs, local music and maybe even a goat – you'll be delighted by one of Atlanta Parent's favorite farmers' markets or a market in your neighborhood. Alpharetta Farmers MarketHerbs and flowers, dairy items, local produce, breads and sweets, live music, chef demos and special events keep families coming. Kids' activities monthly. The adjacent outdoor artist market is the last weekend each month. Freedom Farmers MarketLive music, a children's tent and pop-up chef tent make this a fun market. Find a wide range of organic, local products including produce, meats, cheeses, yogurt, butter, milk, eggs, baked goods, coffee and more. Marietta Square Farmers MarketIn-season fruits and veggies, meats, cheese, pastries and more from 65 vendors lining the stalls just off the square. Kids enjoy easy access to “The General” playground. Piedmont Park Green MarketA beautiful park environment, dozens of vendors, live music, chef demos and playground structures make this market popular. Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers MarketLive music and children's activities are on tap in a new location this year. About 50 vendors display locally-grown produce or specialty foods. Smyrna Outdoor MarketA musician plays most Saturdays and kids crowd around Elsa the goat every third Saturday as parents browse fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and more. Massage therapists offer a shoulder/neck massage. Atlanta State Farmers MarketStretching 150 acres, the Atlanta Market is considered one of the largest of its kind in the world. It features a garden center, wholesale and retail activities and fresh produce. Bolton Road Farmers & Artisan MarketShoppers come for the fresh produce and handmade crafts of local farmers and to visit with their neighbors. Brookhaven Farmers MarketBitsy Land String Band entertains as shoppers browse for vegetables, fruits, fresh bakery items, eggs, seafood and more. The Market at College Town FarmLive music, chef demos, produce, yoga and monthly health screenings draw crowds to this Friday farmers' market. Cotton Mill Farmers MarketFarmers within a 50-mile radius of downtown Carrollton bring fruits, vegetables, herbs, art such as stained glass, pottery and jewelry and much more to this weekly market. Decatur Farmers MarketLocated in the front lawn of the First Baptist Church near downtown Decatur, this market is a great place for families to relax and enjoy farm-fresh food and fun. Dunwoody Farmers MarketMore than 40 vendors sell a variety of vegetables, fruits, olive oils, honey, artisan cheeses and even pies, popcorn, homemade donuts and skin care products. A hit with the kids is the King of Pops. East Atlanta Village Farmers MarketThis colorful market offers produce, artisan foods, handmade soaps, and local artist works alongside live music, kids' activities and cooking demos. Grant Park Farmers MarketWeekly free celebrity chef demonstrations and great locally-grown veggies, meats, breads, and artisan foods. Morningside Farmers MarketYou'll only find certified organic produce here, plus flowers, fresh-baked goods, pasta, granola, meats and more. Peachtree Road Farmers MarketProduce, breads, condiments and artworks are on display. Live music or chef demos are scheduled weekly, while hands-on monthly programs teach kids about the environment and how food grows. It's also a mecca for moms groups! Ponce City Farmers MarketThe market is held seasonally on Tuesday evenings, and hosts some of Atlanta's local food talent, including urban farmers, artisan food makers, as well as pop-up chefs. Look for veggies and fruits, pasture-raised eggs and meats, alongside food vendors and natural beauty-care vendors. Serenbe Farmers MarketIf the sight of fresh produce makes you want to shop, shop, shop, after you load up at the farmers market, head to surrounding retail shops, art galleries and restaurants. Snellville Farmers MarketThe Market features products that come from farms and gardens that are located (for the most part) within a 100-mile radius of Snellville. Sample barbecue, baked goods, breads and pick up fresh fruits and veggies as well as other types of produce. Stone Mountain Farmers MarketFriendly vendors, fresh vegetables, homemade pickles, Georgia-grown pecans and even dog treats are available at this market.” Sweet Apple Farmers & Artisans MarketOf course you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables, but also plenty of prepared foods, including organic tamales, Creole dishes, meatballs, kielbasa, saurkraut, potato pancakes and baked goods. WE- Farmers Market-ATLWest End Farmers Market Atlanta has cooking and craft demos, fresh produce, flowers and more, along with live music. – Dalia Faupel and Amanda Miller Allen The post Your Guide to Top Atlanta Farmers Markets appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Many families want to help make Atlanta a greener place. We know heat and light from the sun creates a free, environmentally-responsible form of energy. If you're thinking about installing solar panels at your home, here's what you need to know: How Solar Panels WorkThere is more than one way to capture and use solar energy, but residential homes can use solar panels. The sun shines on them, creating direct current electricity. This DC electricity feeds into a device that converts it in to AC (alternating current) electricity. This AC electricity can power appliances in the home, like air conditioners and lights. Your home would still connect to the traditional power grid to have electricity at night, but you would use far less than without solar energy. Home RequirementsIf you have a home with a roof and you get a significant amount of sun during the day, you can install solar panels. If you're not sure how much sun your house gets, and how many panels your house would need, check the Google Sunroof Project. Roof size isn't really an issue, because systems are so lightweight. CostBetween equipment and installation, most systems cost easily more than $10,000. But there are savings available. Michael Cichetti of Green Building Education Services (GBES) notes that city of Atlanta residents can take advantage of the Solarize Atlanta program, which is a community-based solar purchasing effort. It's crowdsourced clean energy, cutting costs to wholesale prices for a group of buyers. If you live elsewhere in metro Atlanta, other cities are slated for future Solarize programs, or you can start a petition for your town. The U.S. Department of Energy also has a pdf guide to financing systems that covers plenty of options. SavingsHomeowners can get a 30% federal tax credit to cut down the costs of solar. That's like a straight discount off the cost of a new installation. The program is set to run until 2021, but the rebate amount will be reduced starting in 2019. You may be eligible for other rebate programs in Georgia, and the DSIRE database is a good resource to check. ValueInstalling a solar system isn't cheap, but the savings on monthly utility bills show quickly. One Alpharetta mom said her family installed 21 panels on her home two years ago, and her family has seen a big difference in energy bills, particularly during summer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most home solar energy systems pay for themselves within 5 years. The higher your electric bills, the more solar energy will save you over time. Solar energy systems are also appealing to home buyers, raising the value on your house when it's time to sell by several thousand dollars, according to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL) Neighborhood RulesSome homeowners associations restrict or don't allow solar panels. Be sure to check your neighborhood's rules to find out if you can install them. One Atlanta mom shared that it was against her association's rules, but she successfully lobbied to overturn the bylaw. Get Multiple EstimatesSeveral Atlanta-based and southeastern companies can complete residential installations of solar panel systems. All will provide free estimates that include the recommended size of system for your home, how much it will cost, and how it will impact your energy bills. The post Should I Install Solar Panels on My Home? appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
If your child is begging for a pet that is beyond the traditional canine and feline, you might be inclined to say no–or even no way. But think about it: exotic pets are typically much easier to care for than a dog or a cat. Most are low maintenance animals that reside in cages and don't need to be walked. Before you say yes to a snake or a hamster, check out our list of exotic pets you could consider. Remember, even if your kids say they'll do all the work associated with having a pet, we know who usually ends up with the bulk of the duties. Guinea PigsPros: These South American rodents (nicknamed “cavies” after their real name, Caviidae), give families the best of both worlds. They are low maintenance, but also cuddly. They typically live longer than other furry creatures like hamsters and gerbils, sometimes into their teenage years. Cons: They can be prone to having dental disease and bladder stones. RatsPros: Rats are intelligent, social rodents. Kids (who like rats) will enjoy giving their pet rat attention, which rats love. They also like being with other rats so be sure to get at least two, if you are considering them for an exotic pet. Cons: I mean, they're rats; they don't have the best reputation. Some people may find them to be gross, dirty and even scary. Also, they are nocturnal so they might make a lot of noise at night. Leopard GeckosPros: These are popular creatures among exotic pet owners, perhaps because of their cool coloring, yellow with black spots, and perky personalities. Plus, they are slow-moving and usually like to be held. Cons: Like the rats, these guys are nocturnal. Also, because they are prone to metabolic bone disease, they need lots of Vitamin D and calcium. Bearded DragonsPros: People love to own “beardies” as their first reptile. That's because they are social, will hang out with you and are fun to watch. Cons: They aren't the most low maintenance of the exotic pets. For instance, they require special light bulbs and certain temperatures. FerretsPros: These furry creatures are cute, playful and quiet. What's not to love? Cons: Some people find them to be stinky and they do require baths every now and then. Getting a pet–exotic or traditional–is a huge decision for your family. We recommend doing your research before welcoming one into your home. Check out The Spruce Pets for information on all kinds of pets. They've got the scoop on everything from snakes to sloths. The post 5 Exotic Pets That Are Good for Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. The 350,000 square foot indoor shopping mall known as Plaza Fiesta is far more than a collection of stores. It's Atlanta's Latin American cultural center, offering a taste of Mexico at the intersection of Clairmont Road and Buford Highway. It's a colorful place to play, catch a concert, and chow down on some delicious foods. Don't miss these experiences when visiting with kids: ShoppingNearly 300 stores and kiosks are here, offering everything from shoes to housewares to handcrafted items made by village artisans. About a dozen stores are for kids, and if you're looking for an outstanding birthday piñata, you'll find an enormous selection. Special EventsSomething is always going on here. Check the calendar for carnivals, cultural heritage events, dance performances and concerts. Don't miss the annual Mexican Independence Day festivities each fall, and Cinco de Mayo in the spring. Both celebrations are big, with plenty of free live entertainment and great food. Traditional FoodsThe food stalls on the Clairmont Road side of the Plaza offer Latin American and Hispanic foods, and highlight authentic and traditional dishes. The choices are vast! Try tortas, tacos, enchiladas, fresh ceviche or arepas. For treats, visit one of several bakeries for churros, cakes and cookies. Pico's Ice Cream dishes up soft serve and a hand-rolled ice cream shop is a sweet way to beat the heat. Play SpaceThe largest indoor playground in Georgia is here, featuring plenty of ways to climb up, slide down and run around. Or, play classic video games in the arcade. Younger children toss coins in the large fountain, which is a great place to meet new friends as many families gather there. Looking for more to do in the area? Check out our guide to Brookhaven. The post Guide to Enjoying Plaza Fiesta with Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. When you're in Atlanta, there is never a shortage of things to do. Our city has it all–from a top-notch zoo to fascinating museums to action-packed theme parks. Check out our list of favorites. Zoo AtlantaMeet animals of all species–lions and tigers and panda bears, oh my! Now kids can also climb high like monkeys in the new Treetop Trail. Georgia AquariumEnjoy the dolphin and sea lion shows and thousands of of fish and sea life. World of Coca-ColaVisit The Vault, sing along to Coke commercials, and taste drinks from around the globe. SkyView AtlantaTake in the great panoramic view 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park. High Museum of ArtAdmire art from different time periods, check out the special exhibits and enjoy kid-themed programs. Stone Mountain ParkDo the ropes course, take the duck ride, soar on the cable cars. Or better yet, climb the mountain. Plus, don't miss the new Dinosaur Explore complete with tons of huge dinosaurs and new play areas. Six Flags Over GeorgiaRide huge, fast roller coasters or take it down a notch with smaller, not-so-fast rides. Six Flags has something for all ages. The Center for Puppetry ArtsSee a world-class puppet show and puppetry exhibits from different eras and countries, including lots of Muppets. Children's Museum of AtlantaWork at a restaurant, play in moon sand, go fishing and more at this children's wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural HistorySee huge dinosaur skeletons, cool science exhibits, and explore outdoor playgrounds and nature viewing vistas. The post Top 10 Best Attractions in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Atlanta has plenty of restaurants serving great veggie burgers. No matter if you're vegan, looking to cut down on meat, or in search of a variation on the traditional beef burger, these five meals on a bun shouldn't be missed. Farm BurgerThe No. 2 blackboard burger is always vegan, but the quinoa-based patty gets seasonal flavor updates. Served on a sesame seed bun, this ancient grain burger is packed with protein and flavor. Buckhead, Decatur, Dunwoody, Grant Park Shake ShackThe Shroom Burger isn't exactly a patty. But a fried portabello mushroom filled with melted cheeses and topped with ShackSauce and all the fixings is a burger-like, no-meat mouthful. Buckhead and Dunwoody Houston'sThe sweet soy glaze on the veggie burger here makes it memorable even for meat-eaters. The house recipe patty includes brown rice, black beans, oat bran, beets and plenty of seasoning. Buckhead and Atlanta Café SunflowerA homemade soy patty, known as the Sunflower Burger, is topped with house pickle, tomato, red onion and served on a multigrain bun. Get it at lunchtime for fresh-grilled flavor that's mighty close to a traditional burger. Buckhead and Sandy Springs Yeah BurgerThis spot offers a build-your-own burger menu with tons of veggie options. The house-made patties include veggie, with organic vegetables, and vegan, made with organic black beans and brown rice. Combine your favorite flavors with a huge range of topping choices like hydroponic Bibb lettuce, basil pesto, vegan and regular cheeses, and tempeh bacon. Yeah Burger also serves popular brand name veggie burgers (see below.) Virginia-Highland and West Midtown
Where to find Beyond Burger in Atlanta Where to find Impossible Burger in Atlanta The post 5 Best Places to Get a Veggie Burger in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Composting breaks down organic materials and turns them into soil. The idea might conjure up images of dirt, trash and worms. While all of those things are a part of composting, the practice is actually pretty convenient, clean and best of all, a huge environmental saver. Why Compost?When we throw away things like food scraps, coffee grounds, leaves, paper towels and newspapers, they go into landfills. If we were to compost these same materials, we wouldn't need as many landfills. Nobody wants to live near landfills which are stinky, unsightly, and cause air pollution. Instead, we can create compost piles and make our own soil for our yards. Composting helps the landfill problem, creates nutrient rich soil, and saves money on fertilizer. Talk about a win-win-win. What Can Be Composted?Think things like fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, stale bread, coffee grounds and filters, cooked rice and pasta and natural tea bags. You want to compost those types of “green” items with “brown” materials such as wood chips, leaves, cereal boxes and paper bags. Check out Glad's complete list of what to compost as well as what not to compost. (Tip: your pet's waste does not belong in the composting pile). Where Do I Start?First, get a bin, but not just any bin. Since composting is becoming more popular, you can find composting bins anywhere from Amazon to Home Depot. You can also create your own if you are the DIY type. Next, choose a location in your yard. You want it easily accessible, in the shade, close to a hose and convenient to the area where you will ultimately be using your amazing composted soil. Check out all the considerations in this handy guide. Also, don't let your small yard (or even lack of a yard) stop you; composting can be done indoors too. Getting a bin and finding the location are the easy parts. Creating your compost pile isn't too complicated but it's not as simple as just throwing compostable items into your bin. Check out Georgia Recycling Coalition's website which has helpful how-to videos to get you started. The key is balance; you want a good mix of the brown items (which are high in carbon to provide energy) and green items (high in nitrogen to provide protein). A good rule of thumb is 4:1 browns and greens. Without the proper balance, your compost may not heat up (critical for creating soil) or worse, could start to smell. You will also need to water your compost pile and turn it every week or so with a pitchfork. This will attract earthworms which are fantastic for building soil. Once you get the hang of it, composting is simple. You can feel good that you are helping your own yard and our entire planet. And of course, your kids will love anything that involves dirt and worms. The post Beginner's Guide to Composting in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Parents and teachers love to encourage kids to be kind. It's a movement, really, and that is fantastic. But while we are saying “kindness counts,” are we always setting the best example of that with our kids? For instance, if we are more interested in our phones than our kids, we are not really showing them that they matter. We have a few ideas-eleven exactly-of ways to show kindness to your children. No, you don't have to shower them with accolades all day. But these small acts of kindness just might set the stage for the kind people you want them to become. Stoop to their level. When your child is talking to you, try bending down so the two of you can see eye to eye. It shows your child that you are truly listening which makes her feel like she matters. Mind your P's and Q's. If we expect our children to ask for things with a “please” and respond with “thank you,” then we should do the same. “Could you please feed the dog?” rather than, “Feed the dog!!” Put down your phone. A Johns Creek mom shares that, after she picks up her son from school, she locks her phone in her car for two hours. That way, she can give her son her undivided attention. Compliment their character. We might not even realize how often we say to our kids, “You are so cute” and “You look so good in that outfit.” While those compliments are fine, we should find ways to compliment who they are and what they do, rather than how they look. The blog imom offers ideas of how to do that with phrases like, “I appreciate the way you treat people” and “Your willingness to help makes me happy.” Lower your voice. When our kids push our buttons, sometimes our first instinct is to yell. Try our alternatives to yelling to get a better outcome. Catch them in the act. If you see your child holding the door open for someone, making an effort to include a friend or picking up his toys without being asked, notice and say something. “I see that you and your brother have been playing nicely for 22 minutes. That is awesome. Keep it up!” Take an interest. A Roswell mom says her son always wants to show her his LEGO creations, and explain them in great detail. She knows this is important to him so she sits on the floor, listens and makes comments, even though LEGOs are not her favorite past time. Display their artwork. When we feature our children's masterpieces in a prominent place, it shows them that we think what they do is important. Try our tips for easy ways to show off your kids' drawings. Let them choose. Planning a family trip? Or just the grocery list? Show kindness to your children by letting them be part of the decision making, even if it is just minor things. “Where do you think we should stop for lunch on our drive?” Empathize. Sure, it's easy to be kind when our kids are acting angelic. But what about when they have truly been naughty? Instead of laying down the consequence right away, try empathizing first. “I understand that sometimes you feel like your little brother is in the way” or “I get how you felt frustrated by that.” Don't cry over spilled milk. Accidents happen. Kids spill things, drop things, even break things. Instead of going into freak-out mode, try a kinder response. “That's okay. Accidents happen. No big deal.” And then of course, hand them the tools to clean it up. The post 11 Ways to Be Kind to Your Child appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. |
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