Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Teachable Moments and a Book List

by Amy Mumper

July 07, 2009

Tuesday are meant to be "list days".  And, try as I might, I find it soo hard to simply make up a list!  Today in particular, I have an interesting story to tell.  It was one of those "teachable moments" you hear so much about, but I don't know yet if I handled it right.

Anyhow, my five year old was going to be dropped off for a science camp today and it was a packed house, let me say.  In addition, he noticed many children who were of Middle Eastern and Asian descent.  But, of course he didn't say that.  He said, "Mom, I noticed lots of kids there that probably spoke Spanish, like they're from Mexico."  Totally harmless, but a real learning opportunity, I thought.  Some of them surely did speak Spanish as their first language.  But, I happen to also know that many of them are bilingual, speaking both  English and Arabic, or English and Chinese.

Now, here's a unique situation:  all of my children take Spanish at school (how cool is that?  Two of them are in preschool!)  So, they all think they can speak fluent Spanish.  Whew.  This parenting gig is rough. 

But, in the end, we talked about how English is our first language, but not everyone's.  And, learning a second language is fun, and also takes lots of time.  Some kids are lucky that they learn two languages at home, or one at school and one at home.  I was able to remind them of the kids at the pool who speak Arabic with their family, but turn around and immediately speak English to us when they ask to borrow a ball.  (I find bilingual people totally fascinating!)  They remembered those children because their mothers all wear particular headdresses and are covered head to toe, except for their faces and hands.  I made a real point to say that even though they have differences from us (ie the language they speak at home), they are still Americans, like us.  My oldest child then said, "Like Joe, for example.  He's from Korea, but he lives here and is American."  Joe is in her class and was adopted from Korea.  Good example I thought.  And, ALL my kids LOVE Joe. 

I hope for them it was a conversation that broadened their horizons a little bit. 

Now, my list:  Book that broaden horizons about family and others.  You remember The Family Book by Todd Parr I mentioned yesterday?  That tops my list:

• The Family Book, by Todd Parr
• On the Day that You were Born, by Debra Frasier
• God Gave Us You, by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant
• Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, by Jamie Lee Curtis
• Families, by Susan Kuklin for a broad definition of family, including biracial and gay and lesbian families
• All Families are Special, by Norma Simon and Teresa Flavin

Winter Weekend Roundup

by Amy Mumper

February 19, 2009

Allow me to begin by suggesting that I'm pretty sure you know the basics of what's going on this weekend.  If you're a member somewhere, you know what's up with the major venues in town.  I pledge to try my best to scope out lesser-known but just-as-cool events about town and post them here.  PLEASE feel free to comment about any cool stuff you have done, heard of, or plan to do!  I will let you know if I've frequented the events I mention.  I'll also try to scout out some freebies or deals; let's face it - we've got to tighten the reigns, right?  Easier said than done...

I'll try from generic to specific.

Generally speaking, what is there to do this weekend?  Well, with this weather, you may want to get outside!!  It may be a bit muddy, but aren't the kids stir crazy?  Every kid I've seen recently could use a little outside time. 

Take a dive and invite some friends for a playdate.  It's probably the second best thing to getting outdoors.  Bringing a friend over always sparks imagination and play scenarios I never see with my own three kids.  And, usually, they're better behaved around others than when it's just the three of them.  No science there, but hey - it works for me.

Another generic idea for the weekend is to check out local fundraisers.  It seems to me that this time of year is when churches and private citizens try to do some indoor fundraising.  Check into your favorite local charity (my current favorite?  March for Babies) and see if there's a way you can support the organization this weekend.  It doesn't have to mean money, perhaps a simple donation of time would be worth a mint.

Jump around places - there are plenty in town.  They can be pricey but might just be worth it!  Call ahead to see if there is free time; birthday parties may have the place booked.

For this weekend, you absolutely MUST see the Fine Arts Sampler Weekend.  No matter where you live, you can come up with an event near you.  Now, in the past, I've been a little intimidated by how many events there are to choose from.  So intimidated that I didn't try it...  until last year.  A friend encouraged my 6 year old daughter and me to join her DD and she at a particular event near where we live.  Well, it was perfect!  It happened to be at an offbeat gallery in Mt. Adams.  They featured a real live watercolor painter that was actually painting on real canvas when we arrived!  The girls went on to have a chance to do a watercolor self portrait.  It was great.  I didn't have time to do much more that weekend, but that was all it took.  My daughter loved it!  Check out the site - there are events scheduled from Fairfield to Northern Kentucky.  Just pick one near you.  That's my plan.  Enjoy!

Ok, not exactly on the "cheap-deal list", but with High School Musical 2 at the Children's Theater, it could be a family favorite.  Starting this weekend and showing again next weekend, you've still got time for tickets!  I'll be going next weekend with 6, 4 and 3 year olds.  I'll let you know! 

Have you tried the Drake Planetarium in Norwood yet?  The Following the Drinking Gourd program is a great spin off from the book and a super way to celebrate Black History Month.

Teaching Children about Charity and Giving

by Amy Mumper

December 15, 2008

Teaching children about charity and giving to others can be quite a daunting task, particularly given today's commercialism of the winter holidays. But, I don't mean to sound smug (really). It's entirely possible to convey the values of charity now and throughout the year. Sometimes, teaching my children about others less fortunate feels like such an overwhelming, lofty (but  Read more...

5 best ways to enjoy Winton woods

by Amy Mumper

October 12, 2008

Hamilton County Parks rule and Winton Woods is a great place to start enjoying them! 1. Parky's Farm this place is amazing! It's affordable (just $2 pony rides) and they have terrific seasonal programming. (Be sure to check seasonal hours at http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/parks/parkys.htm .) Explore a variety of live animals and orchard space. My kids and I recently  Read more...

Five Great Ways to Wear Your Kids Out

by Shannan Boyer

September 28, 2008

If your kids are like mine, they have energy - lots of energy. Some days it's like they run on batteries. Because of this I am always on the lookout for places around Cincinnati that are not only fun, but that might also tire them out a little. Here are a few places I've found that I recommend checking out if tiring out your little one is your goal. Fall may be here but that doesn't mean  Read more...