Free summer learning - Keeping the kids sharp (and entertained) through library programs

Every few months I teach a creative writing workshop for teenagers through the Metropolitan Library System. Whether it's a one-day workshop or a six-week long course, I always find that the kids and I spend a great deal of time laughing and talking about one of our favorite subjects--you know, books. Oh yeah, and we do some writing too.

I feel blessed to be part of a library system that works so hard to provide quality programming for all ages, with a special emphasis on children's learning and development. I am also a member of several official and unofficial "Moms" groups, and many of us with preschoolers enjoy the opportunity, especially during the week, to get the kids out of the house, away from Dora the Explorer, and in a stimulating environment. It doesn't hurt that other parents are there. Mommies and daddies need playdates too!

I talked to Amy Thomas, Children's Librarian at Edmond Library, about what the library  seeks to do with these programs. Here's what she said:

"We look for programs that will educate and encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.  We hope to introduce children to new information, a new experience, a new style of music, or new art form that they may not have encountered before."

Thomas also mentioned that the possibilities for programs "are as limitless as the creativity in our community.  There are so many talented people out there who, thankfully, are willing to share their gifts and knowledge with our children." 

For example, here are just a few of  the fun things coming up at the Edmond Library in July and August:

Preschool Story Time (Mondays)

Mother Goose on the Loose (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Summer Movie: Magic Schoolbus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! (July 30)

The Magic Archeologist (July 16)

Pajamatime (Thursdays)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament (second Saturday of each month)


And that's just the beginning (check out more here). Other nearby libraries, such as Belle Isle and Northwest, have a great activity lineup as well.

"I can tell the library staff really tries to find programs that will entertain the kids and get them coming to the library over the summer," said Terra Snavely, Edmond mom of three. She adds that she especially likes the summer arts programs that many of the branches offer.

Of course, the library has its reasons for these programs. "We want the library to become a place that is familiar and comfortable for children and their families, someplace they will return to over and over again throughout their lives," said Thomas about whether they hoped the programs would stimulate a child's interest in the library.

Well, its hard to argue with that. Seems like something most parents might be on board with.

So here's to learning...and reading...and taking advantage of a place that has even more to offer than books.

 

At Mother's Day Out programs, everyone wins

This is a very exciting time of year!

And it’s not because of the promise of warmer weather, St. Patty’s day parties, or aisles and aisles of Easter candy at your local grocery store. No, the end of February is exciting for another reason altogether.

It’s time to register those little ones for a Mother's Day Out program.

Let me explain. I love spending time with my kids. Yes, they are crazy little people with a special ability to drive me crazy, but I just love the heck out of ‘em.  But the fact of the matter is, they suck the productivity right out of me.

As a part-time worker from home and a full-time mommy, I can’t accomplish much of anything when my kiddos are at the house.  Even if I didn’t have any paid work to complete, I would still struggle to get the house clean, run errands, and schedule doctors’ appointments (oh, and retain a small amount of my sanity), without a small break.

Enter the Mother's Day Out program, of which there are many in this area (see list here). These school-like programs are short (about four to five hours a day), and a child can be enrolled anywhere from one to five days a week. Unlike daycare, MDO programs have fixed drop-off and pick-up times, much like a formal preschool, as well as a set curriculum and a calendar that reflects the school year.  Some accept students as young as three months, and most programs go up to four years of age.

Why is this good for me? Well, I can complete my work without worrying about someone waking up from naptime, and I can manage to keep the house marginally clean without my baby chewing on electrical cords while I accomplish my tasks. Best of all, I can run errands without the toddler bringing me a toy every two minutes, saying, “Mommy, I need this.”

But that’s not the only reason I endorse these programs. In fact, this year I’ve had my baby at home, so my productivity has suffered as I dedicate a good portion of my toddler’s MDO day to playing things like "peek-a-boo" with the baby. But the value of the program is not diminished.

Becky Scharf, director of Stepping Stones MDO in Edmond, says it best.  MDO programs teach children “to get along with other children, the value of sharing, and a sense of independence while venturing out on their own for a few hours a day.” In addition, she explains the programs are excellent for jumpstarting a child’s education.

All I can say is, I’m sold. So I’ll be getting the kiddos all signed up, ready for another year of meaningful fun and a chance for me to take a breath and say: “Everything will get done.”

 

It takes one to know to know one – Saving your sanity through parenting groups

It’s hard being a parent. There are days when the crying/whining/yelling is enough to drive you to crazy land. And in that moment, when you start threatening your kids with early bedtimes, no dessert, or a Wii-free week, it’s all you can do to not lock yourself in the bathroom and sing “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” at the top of your lungs.

Guess what? You’re not alone.

I don’t know why I’m always surprised to discover that other parents’ kids drive them just as nuts. We love our kids fiercely, but potty training is the devil, temper tantrums are frequent, and problems with sharing (from birth to the teen years!) are par for the course. If I didn’t take the time to connect with other parents, I wouldn’t know how similar my experience is to everyone else’s. And I’ll tell you what, realizing I’m not suffering alone is really, really, really great.

In fact, many mental health professionals endorse the process of building friendships with other parents. I talked to Carla McAuliffe, a licensed professional counselor for Edmond Family Counseling, and she told me parenting groups are helpful because “They can give parents a gauge on what is normal behavior in children and teens.”

So, in an attempt to show you how quickly you can connect with other parents, I’ll even offer some possibilities to help you get started (see links here).

Online – Of course, you must be careful out there in cyberland, but sites like Meetup.com have a variety of groups for every kind of parent, from stroller joggers to uptown shoppers!

Your friendly neighborhood church – Whether it’s Sunday school for parents, an evening Bible study, or a moms-only group, many churches in the area, both large and small, offer opportunities for parents to connect.

Neighborhood facebook, workout classes, workplace lunches, etc. – Sometimes, the best way to meet parents like you is to find ones with similar geography, hobbies, or careers. Often, if you want to form a group of parents who can lean on one another, you have to initiate it. But you’d be surprised at the positive response—I promise.

So go forth and make friends. Yes, I may sound like your mom on your first day of kindergarten, but that’s because she knew what she was talking about.

As C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”

Links to Local Parenting Groups

Crossings Community Church MOM's Group

Edmond Mothers of Multiples

First Presbyterian Church of Edmond (MOPS - Moms of Preschoolers)

Meetup.com

Moms Club of Edmond - East

Moms Club of Edmond - West

Parents Helping Parents

See Mommy Run - Edmond, OK


If you feel your service or business fits this list and would like it to be added, or you would like to be removed from this list, please email mmcoxbooks@live.com.