Kids grow up fast. Before you know it, your 2-year-old will be a 16-year-old driving off in their first car. Ok, it might not be that fast, but with the growth of media and technology today, kids seem to be doing more “adult” things earlier than ever. There are several lessons you'll want to teach your children before they become headstrong young adults. And with kids growing up so fast, teaching your children to be self-sufficient should start early. But what's important for your kids to know? We compiled a list of the 10 life skills your kids should learn by age 10! 1. How to Find their Way HomeWhile GPS has become readily available on our smartphones, you should teach your kids not to rely it - especially for emergencies when it's unavailable. Teach them about important landmarks around town, especially those that help them find home in case of emergency. 2. How to CleanThis is more than just picking up toys-it means dishes, laundry, vacuuming, and more. Teaching your kids these skills early will make them habitual by the time they leave the house. Plus, teaching your kids cleaning skills will help you around the house! 3. How to Prepare a Simple MealOn busy days, do your kids complain about how long it takes to get a meal on the table? Teach your children to make simple, safe meals. Slowly show them how to use different appliances, while emphasizing safety. By age 10, they should be able to use the stovetop (with supervision, of course!). 4. How to Have Good MannersNo one wants their child to be known as a brat, especially once they're old enough to know better. Start using “please” and “thank you” when your children are young so they become accustomed to them. The more you demonstrate good manners, the more you can expect in return from your children. 5. How to Advocate for ThemselvesYou won't always there to speak up for your children. Once your kids start going to school, they'll encounter hurdles they'll have to fix on their own. Teaching your children to confidently use their voice will serve them far beyond the classroom. 6. How to Use Basic ToolsWhen you're fixing things around the house, let your kids stick around! Use it as a teaching experience to help your child understand how things around the house work. By 10, your children should know how to safely use basic tools like a screwdriver or hammer. 7. How to Manage MoneyDon't wait until your child is heading to college to teach them about budgeting! As soon as your kids start earning money with either an allowance or a job, teach them to manage that money. Giving your children a strong start will help them be fiscally responsible adults. 8. How to Write a LetterWhile the written word has been taken over by the Internet, letter writing is still an essential skill. It translates well to email correspondence and will come in handy when they apply for jobs (remember those pesky cover letters?). Encourage your kids to send letters to family members. The correspondence will teach them a lot about writing and patience. 9. How to Make Healthy ChoicesYou are your child's biggest role model-and that includes healthy lifestyle choices. It's hard to stick to a diet and regular exercise routine, but you can make it easy for your kids by regularly stocking the fridge with fresh fruits and veggies and taking regular family walks. 10. How to Show GratitudeThere's a thin line between giving your kids the best in life and spoiling them. Teach your children to be grateful by reminding them of the blessings in their lives. By planting the seeds of gratitude early, your kids will be better at showing their gratitude as adults. With these 10 skills, your children will be equipped to tackle most hurdles that life throws at them. And they'll know they can turn to you for help in the process! Michelle Salcedo, M.Ed,Chief Academic Officer of The Sunshine House
Find out why so many parents (and kids) love The Sunshine House! Schedule a tour of one of our schools today. Enroll by Feb. 16, 2018 and get free registration as our welcome gift.* *Offer valid through 2/16/18. Free initial registration for one child; one-time use; new families only. Subject to availability. Offer does not guarantee enrollment. The post 10 Life Skills Your Child Should Learn by Age 10 appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
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Watching football can be fun for the whole family, and attending an NFL game can be a treat. The brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium makes the experience a blast–with a huge rotating screen to watch the action and replays, great views of Downtown Atlanta, yummy foods, and football touchdowns and tackles from all angles. Fan ExperienceWhen you enter the new home of the Atlanta Falcons, it is overwhelming for kids and adults. The large, rotating screen plays videos and replays during the game, and pumps up fans even more than before. The field can be viewed anywhere from the inside, and there are 2,000 TV screens, so you never miss a second. If you Instagram or Snapchat during the game with #RiseUp, your family could end up on one of the screens. Check out game day special features or events here before attending. Hop on MARTA for a quick way to get downtown, with extra trains running on game days and multiple stops close by: Five Points, Vine City and Dome/Philips Arena. ConcessionsMercedes-Benz Stadium is the first major sports facility or team to offer “Fan First Pricing,” which means guests won't spend an arm and a leg on concessions. Basic foods and drinks are between $2-$6. For example, $2 for unlimited free refills for soda, $2 for a hot dog or popcorn and $5 for a cheeseburger. There are tons of other delicious options (not included in the special pricing, but to give more options) including Jim 'N Nicks Bar-B-Q, Delia's Chicken Sausage and more. TicketsTickets are available through the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster. Prices vary by game and sometimes get lower closer to game day. It is also worth checking StubHub to compare prices. Host a Watch Party at HomeIf you can't make it to the stadium, invite neighbors and friends over to watch the game. Set up a giant screen in the backyard with room for kids to run around in the background. Have a contest to see who can show up in the most decked-out Falcons gear. Prepare a table with a sign to “get your game face on” with temporary tattoos, face paint and stickers. Create a Touchdown Dance: Have kids create a dance in the background while adults are watching the game. At halftime, kids can perform the dances for the adults. Craft Falcons-Themed Gear: Create coloring sheets on your computer with football and Falcons-themed images (think jerseys or logos) or find some online and print. Have a kids' table ready with markers, crayons and other decorations to make their own designs. Halftime Bingo: Print out bingo sheets online for each child or adult playing. Instead of an x in the middle, you can put a picture of the Falcon's logo. During the first half, pass out the sheets and have players write in the boxes some of the things they expect to see during halftime such as band, commercials or cheerleaders. As the things they chose happen during halftime, players mark off the boxes. When a player gets five boxes in a row, they yell “touchdown” and win a prize. Football Fun Dance: Play music and let kids show off their dance moves. The person playing the music suddenly stops it and calls out a football move: punt, pass or throw, etc. The players must mimic this move in the correct manner or get eliminated. Backyard Football: During halftime or before the game starts, have two adults play “coaches” for the kids. The coaches can conduct drills such as throwing or punting a football. Hosting a small flag football game would also be a great way to let off energy and learn some of the rules of football. Make Falcons-Themed Treats: Label this area “concessions” and fill a table full of Falcon-and football-themed foods. Falcons Pretzels: Purchase a bag of pretzels and Wilton Candy Melts in red, black and white. Fill three microwave-safe bowls with the different colors and follow instructions to melt. Once melted, dip the pretzels in the individual colors and let cool and harden before serving. Ice Cream Football Sandwiches: Purchase mini ice cream sandwiches, mini wooden spoons or popsicle sticks and white icing. Unwrap the sandwiches and pierce one end of the sandwich with a knife so the stick or spoon can be easily inserted. Pipe a football design down the middle of the sandwich and then place in the freezer until guests arrive. Snack Stadium: Fill an aluminum baking pan with some sort of dip, most people use five-layer dip or guacamole for a green field, but you could also make buffalo chicken dip, cheese dip or Rotel dip. Surround this with plates of cut vegetables, crackers, chips, etc. for guests to dig into the center dip. For added fun, make goalposts with cheese sticks using toothpicks to keep them standing. The post Guide to Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. The weather outside is frightful and the kids are home from school. These cool camps wrap up winter fun and learning into one neat package. Zoo AtlantaIt's almost winter break! Bring your kids to Safari Camp, Winter Session at Zoo Atlanta. Campers will have FUN and make friends as they create a deeper connection to wildlife and wild places. Highlights include hands-on, minds on exploration of nature, science-based investigations in the Zoo's living laboratory. Camp starts December 21. The Sunshine House Early Learning AcademyNew Year celebrations from around the world will come alive during our winter break camp! Campers, ages 5-12, will experience festive fi eld trips and hands-on activities – like making a good luck pig, building a giant Chinese dancing dragon, making new year's resolutions, and everything in between. We've been parent-trusted for more than 40 years, and with 30 Atlanta locations, there's a Sunshine House near you! High Meadows CampSummer fun will get a winter twist with traditional favorites and new activities designed for a week of laughter and learning, Groups will rotate between Archery, Wilderness and Lore, Art, and Sports. Special events such as Tipi Fire and Animal Adventures will change daily. Current Kindergartners through 8th graders are welcome. Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Friday, Dec. 29th. 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp Kingfisher Winter Break at Chattahoochee Nature CenterGet a dose of summertime fun in the winter with hikes, animal encounters, outdoor games, hands-on science and our new survival camp! Winter Camp is open for current K-7th graders. Prices vary School Break Art Camps at the Spruill CenterCampers (ages 5-10) will explore art through a variety of mixed-media such as drawing, painting, collage Drama KidsFour fun-filled days of Winter Break Drama Camp! New theme daily: Sci-Fi, Heroes & Villains, Mystery Spy and Drama Rocks! Enroll in one, any or all 4 days. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Extended care 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. $40 per day or 4 days for $140. Located at 5073 Lavista Rd., 2nd floor in Kingfisher Academy. Alpharetta Recreation and ParksLooking for a fun and active way for the kids to spend their school break? Choose one of these holiday camps: Dance (age 3-6), Gymnastics (age 3-10), Multi-sports (age 6-12), Wolfsbane Volleyball (ages 9+). The post Best Winter Break Camps for Kids Around Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Whether you are rolling gutter balls or strikes–these bowling alleys have something fun for your family. From traditional lanes to alleys with more high-tech laser tag and arcade areas, bowling continues to be a fun (and often competitive) outing for your family. AMF LanesFeatures 40 lanes, a large arcade and more in Woodstock, Marietta, and Conyers. If your family takes an interest in bowling, a pro shop is on site to help with gear purchases. BowleroThe colorful lanes include screens playing music videos above as you play, and comfortable loungers to sit in while waiting your turn in Norcross, Marietta and Kennesaw. If you get hungry, try the famous “Behemoth Burger,” a five-pound, 14-inch round burger to share. The Kennesaw location also includes a laser-tag arena. BowlmorBowlmor features 39 blacklight lanes and video screens playing movies or music videos while your family bowls on Savoy Drive in Atlanta. To add to the experience, the arcade has 4-D adventures, interactive dome screens and multiplayer table games. Brunswick Zone LanesThese locations include 40 lanes, for plenty of playing room in Lawrenceville and Marietta. The arcades have multiplayer action and racing games as well as air hockey and other table games. Comet Pub & Lanes The Comet is located in the former Suburban Lanes space, a 1950s-era bowling alley in Decatur. In addition to the original lanes of bowling, The Comet features a completely updated space, two 40-foot shuffleboard courts, tasty food, and frosty beverages. Dave and Buster's BowlingOnly available at select locations around the country, and Lawrenceville, Georgia is home to one of them. Dave and Buster's is already an awesome place for family fun, and their bowling alley adds to this with black light effects and music videos playing around the lanes. FunTime BowlThis bowling alley on Buford Highway in Atlanta has been around since the late 50s, and was recently renovated for a more modern experience. Main Event EntertainmentWith locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta and Suwanee, the neon and black light bowling lanes are fun for the whole family. After bowling, gear up and get ready for multi-level laser tag or climb on the Gravity Ropes, a zip line and ropes course arena. Metro Fun CenterA fun thing about this bowling alley on Metropolitan Parkway in Atlanta is that in addition to the 30 lanes of bowling, the center also boasts a roller skating rink. Your family can enjoy both in the same place, plus inflatables, laser tag and an arcade. Midtown BowlThe retro-feel of this bowling alley on Piedmont Circle in Atlanta makes it a cool spot to bowl with your family. They also have a new event facility called 11th Frame for more private birthday parties or events. Pin Strikes Entertainment CenterBowl on 28 lanes with a variety of different bowling games in Stockbridge. In addition to bowling, try Balladium, an interactive ball-blasting game, black light laser tag, bumper cars and a rock wall. Slingshot EntertainmentThis entertainment center boasts a bowling alley with 14 lanes in Peachtree Corners. Each lane has an interactive touchscreen, which allows kids to play 20 different games in addition to the regular 10-pin bowling. While visiting, also play on the ninja playground or the three-story netted structure. Stars and StrikesWith several locations around the metro area, you are bound to be by one of them. Bowl or try one of the other attractions: arcade, laser tag, bumper cars or the laser maze. The Painted PenThis more upscale bowling alley in Buckhead Atlanta is fun for a date night, but also a blast with kids. It is 21+ except Saturdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. When you are done bowling, kids (and adults) will love the indoor bocce courts, shuffleboard tables, skee-ball machines, Jenga and more all included with the purchase of bowling. The post Best Kid-Friendly Bowling in Atlanta 2018 appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Whether you are shooting gutter balls or strikes–these bowling alleys have something fun for your family. From traditional lanes to alleys with more high-tech laser tag and arcade areas, bowling continues to be a fun (and often competitive) outing for your family. AMF LanesFeatures 40 lanes, a large arcade and more in Woodstock, Marietta, and Conyers. If your family takes an interest in bowling, a pro shop is on site to help with gear purchases. BowleroThe colorful lanes include screens playing music videos above as you play, and comfortable loungers to sit in while waiting your turn in Norcross, Marietta and Kennesaw. If you get hungry, try the famous “Behemoth Burger,” a five-pound, 14-inch round burger to share. The Kennesaw location also includes a laser-tag arena. BowlmorBowlmor features 39 blacklight lanes and video screens playing movies or music videos while your family bowls on Savoy Drive in Atlanta. To add to the experience, the arcade has 4-D adventures, interactive dome screens and multiplayer table games. Brunswick Zone LanesThese locations include 40 lanes, for plenty of playing room in Lawrenceville and Marietta. The arcades have multiplayer action and racing games as well as air hockey and other table games. Comet Pub & Lanes The Comet is located in the former Suburban Lanes space, a 1950s-era bowling alley in Decatur. In addition to the original lanes of bowling, The Comet features two 40-foot shuffleboard courts, tasty food, and frosty beverages. Dave and Buster's BowlingOnly available at select locations around the country, and Lawrenceville, Georgia is home to one of them. Dave and Buster's is already an awesome place for family fun, and their bowling alley adds to this with black light effects and music videos playing around the lanes. FunTime BowlThis bowling alley on Buford Highway in Atlanta has been around since the late 50s, and was recently renovated for a more modern experience. Main Event EntertainmentWith locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta and Suwanee, the neon and black light bowling lanes are fun for the whole family. After bowling, gear up and get ready for multi-level laser tag or climb on the Gravity Ropes, a zip line and ropes course arena. Metro Fun CenterA fun thing about this bowling alley on Metropolitan Parkway in Atlanta is that in addition to the 30 lanes of bowling, the center also boasts a roller skating rink. Your family can enjoy both in the same place, plus inflatables, laser tag and an arcade. Midtown BowlThe retro-feel of this bowling alley on Piedmont Circle in Atlanta makes it a cool spot to bowl with your family. They also have a new event facility called 11th Frame for more private birthday parties or events. Pin Strikes Entertainment CenterBowl on 28 lanes with a variety of different bowling games in Stockbridge. In addition to bowling, try Balladium, an interactive ball-blasting game, black light laser tag, bumper cars and a rock wall. Slingshot EntertainmentThis entertainment center boasts a bowling alley with 14 lanes in Peachtree Corners. Each lane has an interactive touchscreen, which allows kids to play 20 different games in addition to the regular 10-pin bowling. While visiting, also play on the ninja playground or the three-story netted structure. Stars and StrikesWith several locations around the metro area, you are bound to be by one of them. Bowl or try one of the other attractions: arcade, laser tag, bumper cars or the laser maze.
The Painted PenThis more upscale bowling alley in Buckhead Atlanta is fun for a date night, but also a blast with kids. It is 21+ except Saturdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. When you are done bowling, kids (and adults) will love the indoor bocce courts, shuffleboard tables, skee-ball machines, Jenga and more all included with the purchase of bowling. The post Guide to Kid-Friendly Bowling in Atlanta 2018 appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Play and eat in Grant Park, one of Atlanta's oldest and most eclectic neighborhoods. Enjoy local restaurants and coffee shops, as well as playgrounds, Zoo Atlanta, and Oakland Cemetery. Also check out nearby neighborhoods, including Downtown Atlanta, East Atlanta, Inman Park, and Decatur. Grant Park and Recreation CenterFind tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, a swimming pool, a playground, and walking trails on 131 acres of wooded area. The recreation center has regular classes and a fitness center. Go for a stroll down the wide paths of Grant Park while the kiddos run free. Then, make the short trek over to the zoo. Zoo AtlantaWander through visits with some furry, feathered and scaly favorites at Zoo Atlanta. Play at the two playgrounds, ride the train, do a treetop obstacle course, and enjoy downtime with keeper talks. Save a few bucks by bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at the park after your visit. Oakland CemeteryFamilies appreciate art, architecture, history and nature at Oakland Cemetery. From its famous residents to annual kid-friendly events, this unusual destination offers a lot to love. Where to Eat in Grant Park AtlantaWith tasty pancakes and other breakfast and lunch fare, Ria's Bluebird has been a staple in Grant Park for more than 15 years. Get noodles and stir-fries over rice at Doc Chey's where kids eat free from 11am-6pm on weekends. Or, pick from coffee and plenty of adult beverage options at Octane Coffee/Bar. Grab seafood and burgers at Six Feet Under, directly across from Oakland Cemetery. During less busy times, enjoy the rooftop view of Oakland Cemetery with your family. Grab tacos at Tin Lizzy's next door or at Mi Barrio, a small, inexpensive Mexican restaurant also on Memorial Drive. Mediterranea restaurant and bakery serves gluten-free baked goods in the cases. Get lunch and dinner all week and brunch on weekends. Pick up a latte to-go to enjoy while the littles play at Ormond-Grant Park across the street. On Sundays from 9am-1pm, inside Grant Park and near Zoo Atlanta, see celebrity chef demonstrations and great locally-grown veggies, meats, breads, and artisan foods at the Grant Park Farmer's Market. Grant Park Coffeehouse excites lovers of coffee and tea with lots of chai choices. The display cases of baked goods and warm sandwiches will tickle your taste buds with anticipation. The post Why We Love Grant Park Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. If you have never skied before, the idea can be daunting. We jumped right in and took the kids to Keystone Resort in Colorado for an unforgettable experience. With these tips, you, too, can plan your first ski trip. Where to GoGoing to Colorado gave us the chance to enjoy the mountain views of the Rockies and learn to ski on fresh snow. When we arrived at Keystone Resort, our Atlanta kids were ecstatic to be greeted with real snowfall. The first thing we did was check-in and play in the powdery stuff at the playground. We stayed in the River Run condos, closest to the village at Keystone, and it was so worth it. We easily walked to get groceries, snacks, coffee, and go to restaurants and shops. We had space to spread out and cook in the well-appointed kitchen at our condo, and loved the heated pool and hot tub. Let's Go Skiing!Keystone is a perfect place for kids and adults to try skiing for the first time. We started out on skis in a private family lesson. This was a good choice for us because our kids, ages 5 and 3, were more confident with us than by themselves. On the first day, we learned the basics including taking off and maneuvering and, of course, how to get up when you fall. Once we covered the basics, we learned to go downhill. Our kids liked the attention and the snack breaks. The kids program helped them get acclimated to going on their own. When we split up on the second day, my husband and I did a group adult lesson. We built our confidence in the small group instruction. Adult lessons are offered for the full or half day. Family ActivitiesKeystone's Kidtopia has engaging family programs every day. Watch fireworks and take part in Riperoo's Village parade (Riperoo is the village mascot). Our son loved the quirky, 45 minute night hike for Bigfoot. Every day at 4 p.m., Kidtopia has free cookies and hosts a daily scavenger hunt. Plus, attend an ice cream birthday party, explore the night sky, participate in a giant snowball launch, and explore a huge snow fort at the top of the Dercum Mountain. Tubing is also available at Keystone, a short drive from the main village. Rent a tube for a small fee and enjoy sliding up and down the big hill with your kids. It was a nice break from skiing and fun to still be outdoors and enjoy the view. Make a Memory with a Sleigh RideFor a special splurge, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. We enjoyed the ride under the stars with warm blankets to a historic homestead for dinner. The hot chocolate, biscuits and soup were a delicious opening to a fun, tasty dinner. The guitar singalong and adult beverages during dinner added to the festive atmosphere. More Tips for First-Time Skiers
The DetailsKeystone Resort is about a two-hour drive from the Denver International Airport. The resort has a variety of accommodations from lodge rooms, to condos to home rentals. We went skiing for 2 days and stayed 3 nights. In retrospect, we would have loved one more day of learning and fun. Ski season typically ends in early April. Looking for more kid-friendly things to do in Colorado? Read our story: Best Things to do in Denver, Colorado with Kids. – Laura Powell The post Ready, Set, Ski: Visit Colorado for a Memorable Ski Experience appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. |
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January 2019
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