This month, I've taken on the subject of food allergies in kids. So far, we've covered how these allergies make themselves known and how you as a parent can go about getting a proper diagnosis for your child. It's a frustrating, emotional battle, as I discovered while interviewing several parents who face these allergies on a daily basis.
So, if you or someone you know is facing the challenge of their child's food allergy, here are some others on the front line, parents taking on this diagnosis one day at a time...
Discovery...
Edmond mom Linda Fry learned her daughter had a food allergy when her daughter was five years old. "She went outside to feed squirrels some walnuts, and when she came back in, her face and hands were swollen twice their normal size. Her eyes were almost swollen shut." A visit to the doctor confirmed a nut allergy.
Two other Edmond moms, Carly Harris and Rachel Ambruso, both discovered their sons' food allergies before the boys turned a year old. Both mothers had breastfed, and it was only at the introduction of outside food when the truth was discovered.
Harris' son, a twin, was nursed for six months. "Though I consumed dairy," Harris explained, "he never had a problem vomiting until we started trying to feed him things directly such as cheese and yogurt. I remember feeding him yogurt and his face got so red and swollen that his eyes were almost shut." Skin prick tests done by a doctor confirmed a dairy allergy, as well as allergies to peanuts and eggs.
Ambruso's experience was similar. After her eight-month-old son started losing weight on a diet of breast milk and baby food, the pediatrician suggested supplementing with formula. "We tried it that evening. Having been exclusively breastfed, the bottle only touched his lips, and he refused to open his mouth for it. At the same time, my husband gave him a bite of his peach yogurt. Within a minute, his face started breaking out and just kept getting worse and worse." They had difficulty getting in to see an allergist due to their son's young age, but when he was finally seen at 13 months, the results of the skin test were extensive, with confirmation of allergies to milk, bananas, nuts, and eggs.
Managing the allergy...
All three parents named food avoidance as the number one strategy for avoiding allergic reactions and managing the food allergy(ies) successfully.
For Fry, the best course of action is being aware. "We’ve learned to avoid foods that we know cause
allergic reactions. We’re very careful when trying new things and make sure the
school knows about my daughter's allergies." She also mentioned that she checks at parties on food's ingredients.
Harris echoed this method. "To
manage my son's food allergies, I have to modify foods. He will actually eat macaroni
plain (without the cheese packet, milk, or butter). Several pizza places will
make a cheese-less pizza. Often, we just avoid giving certain things to him and
check ingredient labels."
Ambruso also uses food avoidance to manage her son's allergies, saying, "We have
found all kinds of alternative foods that resemble 'the real thing.'
We started giving him Organic Soy to drink (once he stopped nursing), and
we are now switching him to coconut milk." In addition, she reads the food label every time she purchases a product, because ingredients can change, and she keeps Benadryl and an epinephrine on hand for emergencies.
The impact of allergies...
All three moms said the worst part of their child having food allergies is being the odd-man out at so many events. As parents, they hate having their child left out or unable to enjoy family or cultural traditions. Also, a parent may have to take on the outcast role too. Sometimes, "There
is the feeling that you are being picky or a nuisance," adds Harris.
Ambruso is worried about her son's change from a mother's day out program to regular school, where there will be less opportunity to help control what he's exposed to. She hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, and that hope has been strengthened by words from her doctor. "His allergist said there is an 80 percent chance he will
outgrow the egg and dairy allergy by the age of 5." However, "The chances of
outgrowing the peanut and tree nut allergies aren't nearly as high, and his
allergist said he could possibly have them for life."
Harris also hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, but on the same note, she's excited about strides in food allergy research. "I have
heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors
where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build
up a tolerance to the foods. I am very hopeful to look into this."
Fry tries to stay positive as well, but in the short term, she knows the battle is up to them. "The best thing we can do is be knowledgeable
about the allergies and take precautions."
Check back next week as we talk about those new strides in food allergies, and who you can speak with in Edmond about the latest treatments.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Does my child have a food allergy? Getting the right answer for frustrating questions...
Food allergy. Say it around parents, and there's bound to be an opinion put forth shortly. Generally, it goes one of two ways.
"Gosh. Don't you think everyone's overacting to the whole thing? I can't even send a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school! And my kids looove peanut butter!"
Or...
"Yeah. My kid's got them. We do the best we can."
Okay, so I'll admit that a few years ago, I may have fallen into the first camp. This may stem from an inordinate amount of adoration for all things Jiffy, but actually, my first experience with the subject came from working in public affairs at the National Center for Health Statistics. As a result of overseeing a TV interview with the statistician who had compiled a report on the increase of food allergies, I learned that the outlook for kids not developing food allergies wasn't so rosy.
When I became pregnant a year later, and eventually started my family, imagine my relief as my kids tried various foods with no adverse affects (beside the two-year-old saying, quite often and with great gusto, "Yucky").
But pretty soon, as a mother meeting other mothers in Edmond, I learned that dealing with the frustrating effects of food allergies is quite common. In fact, according to information from the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids!). And when I canvassed my friends for those who had children with food allergies, the percentage seemed like it could be even higher, at least in my circle.
One of my friends in Maryland, for example, discovered her son's food allergy before the age of one, when he couldn't consume things like cheese and yogurt. In fact, he had difficulty keeping food down, and what at first they thought was acid reflux, ended up being a milk allergy. An allergist soon confirmed that her son was allergic not only to milk, but also eggs and nuts.
In fact, food allergies at an early age is not so uncommon anymore. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma said that some prevailing theories for an increase are related to our stringent hygiene, or even the antibiotics used in foods that we consume. While researchers debate how to combat the rise, those children who already have allergies (and their parents) must continue to battle for normalcy and proper nutrition on a daily basis.
So, how do you know if your child is battling a food allergy? Well, the symptoms can vary, but as a parent, you know better than anyone what seems strange in your child. However, Dr. Trojan stated that common signs of an allergic reaction to food can include swelling of the lips, hives, nausea and diarrhea. Furthermore, an article from WebMD describes an allergic reaction as follows:
"If people are allergic to a particular food, for example, they may first experience itching in the mouth as they start to eat the food. After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain may start. When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure. As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause bronchospasm (wheezing or constriction of the lungs). All of this takes place within a few minutes to an hour."
Once you suspect something like a food allergy, a conversation with your pediatrician would be your next step. Your child's doctor may be able to point you to a board certified allergist (you can also search for one here), who can walk you through the tests and help you understand the probability of your child having an actual food allergy and the next steps toward treating it. For more on that, check back May 22.
Finally, food allergies aren't something to fear. Basically, "A food allergy is a diagnosis that can be managed and managed quite well; it is important to seek out resources (like recipes) and a community of support to find out how other people deal with it, as well as learn how to minimize social stigma and reduce risks," said Dr. Trojan.
Words to take to heart, for sure. Check back next week as I have the opportunity to chat with parents in the community about dealing with their children's food allergies.
And for another helpful reference from Healthline, check out The Effects of Anaphylaxis on the Body.
"Gosh. Don't you think everyone's overacting to the whole thing? I can't even send a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school! And my kids looove peanut butter!"
Or...
"Yeah. My kid's got them. We do the best we can."
Okay, so I'll admit that a few years ago, I may have fallen into the first camp. This may stem from an inordinate amount of adoration for all things Jiffy, but actually, my first experience with the subject came from working in public affairs at the National Center for Health Statistics. As a result of overseeing a TV interview with the statistician who had compiled a report on the increase of food allergies, I learned that the outlook for kids not developing food allergies wasn't so rosy.
When I became pregnant a year later, and eventually started my family, imagine my relief as my kids tried various foods with no adverse affects (beside the two-year-old saying, quite often and with great gusto, "Yucky").
But pretty soon, as a mother meeting other mothers in Edmond, I learned that dealing with the frustrating effects of food allergies is quite common. In fact, according to information from the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids!). And when I canvassed my friends for those who had children with food allergies, the percentage seemed like it could be even higher, at least in my circle.
One of my friends in Maryland, for example, discovered her son's food allergy before the age of one, when he couldn't consume things like cheese and yogurt. In fact, he had difficulty keeping food down, and what at first they thought was acid reflux, ended up being a milk allergy. An allergist soon confirmed that her son was allergic not only to milk, but also eggs and nuts.
In fact, food allergies at an early age is not so uncommon anymore. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma said that some prevailing theories for an increase are related to our stringent hygiene, or even the antibiotics used in foods that we consume. While researchers debate how to combat the rise, those children who already have allergies (and their parents) must continue to battle for normalcy and proper nutrition on a daily basis.
So, how do you know if your child is battling a food allergy? Well, the symptoms can vary, but as a parent, you know better than anyone what seems strange in your child. However, Dr. Trojan stated that common signs of an allergic reaction to food can include swelling of the lips, hives, nausea and diarrhea. Furthermore, an article from WebMD describes an allergic reaction as follows:
"If people are allergic to a particular food, for example, they may first experience itching in the mouth as they start to eat the food. After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain may start. When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure. As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause bronchospasm (wheezing or constriction of the lungs). All of this takes place within a few minutes to an hour."
Once you suspect something like a food allergy, a conversation with your pediatrician would be your next step. Your child's doctor may be able to point you to a board certified allergist (you can also search for one here), who can walk you through the tests and help you understand the probability of your child having an actual food allergy and the next steps toward treating it. For more on that, check back May 22.
Finally, food allergies aren't something to fear. Basically, "A food allergy is a diagnosis that can be managed and managed quite well; it is important to seek out resources (like recipes) and a community of support to find out how other people deal with it, as well as learn how to minimize social stigma and reduce risks," said Dr. Trojan.
Words to take to heart, for sure. Check back next week as I have the opportunity to chat with parents in the community about dealing with their children's food allergies.
And for another helpful reference from Healthline, check out The Effects of Anaphylaxis on the Body.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
The thing about kids and food allergies...
I recently had a conversation with a friend about her kid's food allergies. I sat with wide eyes as she explained all the measures she takes to ensure her two-year-old isn't exposed to milk, nuts, or eggs, which can have scary consequences.
It made me grateful that my kids seem to be able to eat everything (even though they won't). However, it doesn't mean they can't develop allergies later, or that kiddos with food allergies won't outgrow them.
So I gave myself a mission. A mission to learn as much as possible about what's going on with food allergies and kids these days, and what's available in Edmond to handle the situation.
According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, a food allergy results "when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein - an allergen - as a threat and attacks it."
The problem with food allergies in kids is pretty big--and growing. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids). The highest percentage (6.3 percent) is for kids ages 5 through 11. The prevalence of food allergies in 1997 was 3.4 percent, so obviously, it's on an uphill trend.
WebMD says that "Food allergies often occur in people who have a family history of asthma, atopic dermatitis, or allergies to pollen, mold, or other substances. These people are said to be atopic, meaning they have an inherited tendency to have allergic conditions. Allergies cannot be prevented in these people."
However, plenty of debate exists as to why there's an increase. Better diagnoses? Environmental factors?
Well, there's no straight answer. And really, preventing food allergies doesn't help those who already have it.
So, over the next four weeks, we're going to take a look at kids with food allergies and what you can do as a parent in Edmond to help your kid if he or she gets diagnosed.
Here's the breakdown:
May 8 - We'll take a look at the symptoms of food allergies and how you go about getting your child diagnosed.
May 15 - Several parents will share their experiences of having a kid with food allergies.
May 22 - We'll talk about strides in food allergy treatment, what's proven or not proven.
May 29 - The blog will feature the best websites for recipes that address certain food allergies.
So stay tuned! The fun has just begun...
It made me grateful that my kids seem to be able to eat everything (even though they won't). However, it doesn't mean they can't develop allergies later, or that kiddos with food allergies won't outgrow them.
So I gave myself a mission. A mission to learn as much as possible about what's going on with food allergies and kids these days, and what's available in Edmond to handle the situation.
According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, a food allergy results "when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein - an allergen - as a threat and attacks it."
The problem with food allergies in kids is pretty big--and growing. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids). The highest percentage (6.3 percent) is for kids ages 5 through 11. The prevalence of food allergies in 1997 was 3.4 percent, so obviously, it's on an uphill trend.
WebMD says that "Food allergies often occur in people who have a family history of asthma, atopic dermatitis, or allergies to pollen, mold, or other substances. These people are said to be atopic, meaning they have an inherited tendency to have allergic conditions. Allergies cannot be prevented in these people."
However, plenty of debate exists as to why there's an increase. Better diagnoses? Environmental factors?
Well, there's no straight answer. And really, preventing food allergies doesn't help those who already have it.
So, over the next four weeks, we're going to take a look at kids with food allergies and what you can do as a parent in Edmond to help your kid if he or she gets diagnosed.
Here's the breakdown:
May 8 - We'll take a look at the symptoms of food allergies and how you go about getting your child diagnosed.
May 15 - Several parents will share their experiences of having a kid with food allergies.
May 22 - We'll talk about strides in food allergy treatment, what's proven or not proven.
May 29 - The blog will feature the best websites for recipes that address certain food allergies.
So stay tuned! The fun has just begun...
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Time to start thinking...summer activities for those older kids
For the past two weeks, I've given you a pretty big list of the summer activities Edmond has to offer the littlest of kids as well as gradeschoolers. So, I now offer you some ideas for those kids on the brink of independence. Yep, middle and high school kids can definitely benefit from keeping busy this summer.
Cordell Ehrich, Principal at Cimarron Middle School, agrees, saying that not only is keeping older kids engaged during the summer important for keeping them out of trouble, but it’s an opportunity for them to explore new areas of interest to them.
But that's not the only reason you should keep kids involved. For older kids, Ehrich says connecting with peers is critical. “For middle schoolers, the social aspect is especially important to them, so summer activities give them the opportunity to have connected with more friends and have more connections on that first day of school."
So without further yapping, here's some possibilities.
Explore leadership...The Edmond YMCA will offer Camp E.L.I.T.E. (Empowering Leaders In Teamwork and Education), a program for youth 13 - 15 looking to grow as responsible leaders while building confidence. Campers will learn teamwork, service, child guidance, and decision making skills through activities and mentoring during the summer.
Enhance skills...Both the Edmond and Deer Creek School systems offer camps for athletics during the summer, as well as driver's education. Check with the district to see what is available for your child. Also, the Coffee Creek Golf Course, Edmond Racquet Club, Arctic Edge Ice Arena, and Edmond Soccer Club offer private camps and lessons to improve skills.
Learn something new...Kids this age still like to learn new things, and sometimes undiscovered talents and interests can make their way into the limelight during summer camps or classes. The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond and Upstage Theater allow teenagers to explore their artistic sides, while the Francis Tuttle Summer Quest Classes offers everything from babysitter training to crime investigation skills to culinary arts (and much more)!
Do something good...There's no better time than the summer to devote to volunteering. Not only is it great experience and a college application builder, but volunteering gives teens the opportunity to discover the many ways they can make a difference already. Whether it's helping with vacation Bible school, getting involved with a charitable organization, training for a fundraising race, or helping out at a homeless shelter (like the City Rescue Mission), kids get the biggest attitude adjustment when they realize just how much they have.
Get experience...And speaking of gaining experience, summer is a great time to fill out a job application, get experience with job interviews, and earn some money. Learning how to balance work and play can be a great lesson the summer can teach any of us, but especially at an age when independence must be earned.
Well, I hope that helps! I'm a few years off from this age with my own kids, but the wheels are already turning.
Cordell Ehrich, Principal at Cimarron Middle School, agrees, saying that not only is keeping older kids engaged during the summer important for keeping them out of trouble, but it’s an opportunity for them to explore new areas of interest to them.
But that's not the only reason you should keep kids involved. For older kids, Ehrich says connecting with peers is critical. “For middle schoolers, the social aspect is especially important to them, so summer activities give them the opportunity to have connected with more friends and have more connections on that first day of school."
So without further yapping, here's some possibilities.
Explore leadership...The Edmond YMCA will offer Camp E.L.I.T.E. (Empowering Leaders In Teamwork and Education), a program for youth 13 - 15 looking to grow as responsible leaders while building confidence. Campers will learn teamwork, service, child guidance, and decision making skills through activities and mentoring during the summer.
Enhance skills...Both the Edmond and Deer Creek School systems offer camps for athletics during the summer, as well as driver's education. Check with the district to see what is available for your child. Also, the Coffee Creek Golf Course, Edmond Racquet Club, Arctic Edge Ice Arena, and Edmond Soccer Club offer private camps and lessons to improve skills.
Learn something new...Kids this age still like to learn new things, and sometimes undiscovered talents and interests can make their way into the limelight during summer camps or classes. The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond and Upstage Theater allow teenagers to explore their artistic sides, while the Francis Tuttle Summer Quest Classes offers everything from babysitter training to crime investigation skills to culinary arts (and much more)!
Do something good...There's no better time than the summer to devote to volunteering. Not only is it great experience and a college application builder, but volunteering gives teens the opportunity to discover the many ways they can make a difference already. Whether it's helping with vacation Bible school, getting involved with a charitable organization, training for a fundraising race, or helping out at a homeless shelter (like the City Rescue Mission), kids get the biggest attitude adjustment when they realize just how much they have.
Get experience...And speaking of gaining experience, summer is a great time to fill out a job application, get experience with job interviews, and earn some money. Learning how to balance work and play can be a great lesson the summer can teach any of us, but especially at an age when independence must be earned.
Well, I hope that helps! I'm a few years off from this age with my own kids, but the wheels are already turning.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Time to start thinking...summer activities for the grade school crowd
Last week, I gave you a rather hefty list of Edmond's summer activities open to the youngest of kiddos. But this week, hold onto your hat (I mean, really, it's been super windy out there), because the list of activities for the grade school crowd only gets bigger.
Let's jump right in...
For all around fun...The Edmond YMCA is an expert on day camps, and both the Mitch Park and Rankin locations will be offering camps for those 5 to 12 years of age (see a note about their teen camps in next week's blog, and their camp program booklet here). Not only do their summer camps emphasize the YMCA's three core principles--youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility--but mini camps will also be available, including ones that offer cooking, photography, etiquette, science, tumbling, and other areas of special interest.
For the young artist...There are a number of creative outlets for your kiddo in Edmond. For the budding artist, check out the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. "Self expression is important at this age," says Janet Hoppe, Enrollment Coordinator. "Kids get bored during the summer, but this gives them the opportunity to relax and have fun while creating a project they walk out with at the end of the day." Other opportunities for the performing artist include Upstage Theater and Dance Phase camps.
For the developing athlete...Okay, we do like our sports here in Edmond, and the many camps prove it. Here are just some of the fun-filled athletic camps in which you can enroll your kiddo (some with activities that extend beyond just the actual sport itself): Arctic Edge Summer Sports Camp, Edmond Racquet Club , Edmond Soccer Club Recreational Camp, Kickingbird Tennis Center, and Oklahoma Golds Gymnastics.
For the outdoorsy kid...I'm sure there are more than just these two opportunities, but the Parkhurst Ranch camp teaches kids about nature, gardening, and animal care (they learn to milk a cow!), while Camp Cadence offers straight-up equestrian (horseback riding) skills.
For the scientist...For your budding Einstein, check out the Mad Science Camps!
For something faith-inspired...Vacation Bible schools generally go up to fourth or fifth grade and take place in the mornings, so this is could be a chance to give you and the kids a fun mini break from each other. For a local list, click here.
For the would-be fish...Swimming is critical, even if your kid isn't the next Michael Phelps (not necessarily a bad thing!). Check out a list of lessons here.
I'm sure there are more, because Edmond definitely knows how to do the family-friendly thing right. Just keep in mind that spaces go fast!
Stay tuned for middle and high school summer activities next week.
Let's jump right in...
For all around fun...The Edmond YMCA is an expert on day camps, and both the Mitch Park and Rankin locations will be offering camps for those 5 to 12 years of age (see a note about their teen camps in next week's blog, and their camp program booklet here). Not only do their summer camps emphasize the YMCA's three core principles--youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility--but mini camps will also be available, including ones that offer cooking, photography, etiquette, science, tumbling, and other areas of special interest.
For the young artist...There are a number of creative outlets for your kiddo in Edmond. For the budding artist, check out the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. "Self expression is important at this age," says Janet Hoppe, Enrollment Coordinator. "Kids get bored during the summer, but this gives them the opportunity to relax and have fun while creating a project they walk out with at the end of the day." Other opportunities for the performing artist include Upstage Theater and Dance Phase camps.
For the developing athlete...Okay, we do like our sports here in Edmond, and the many camps prove it. Here are just some of the fun-filled athletic camps in which you can enroll your kiddo (some with activities that extend beyond just the actual sport itself): Arctic Edge Summer Sports Camp, Edmond Racquet Club , Edmond Soccer Club Recreational Camp, Kickingbird Tennis Center, and Oklahoma Golds Gymnastics.
For the outdoorsy kid...I'm sure there are more than just these two opportunities, but the Parkhurst Ranch camp teaches kids about nature, gardening, and animal care (they learn to milk a cow!), while Camp Cadence offers straight-up equestrian (horseback riding) skills.
For the scientist...For your budding Einstein, check out the Mad Science Camps!
For something faith-inspired...Vacation Bible schools generally go up to fourth or fifth grade and take place in the mornings, so this is could be a chance to give you and the kids a fun mini break from each other. For a local list, click here.
For the would-be fish...Swimming is critical, even if your kid isn't the next Michael Phelps (not necessarily a bad thing!). Check out a list of lessons here.
I'm sure there are more, because Edmond definitely knows how to do the family-friendly thing right. Just keep in mind that spaces go fast!
Stay tuned for middle and high school summer activities next week.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Time to starting thinking...summer activities for the littles
Okay now, I'm totally not starting with preschool summer activities because this is the age near and dear to my heart. It's simply the age when a parent first goes nuts about that long summer and how to keep junior adequately occupied.
Enter Edmond's amazing list of summer activities (see last year's lineup here).
Now you can trip on down to the zoo (the hyenas are especially creepy) or the science museum (kids can't get enough of that giant robot!), which are definitely family-fun gigs. But when it comes to week-long or weekly classes, there's plenty to choose from right here in town. Here are just some of the amazing opportunities for little ones this summer (and if you're a local business, I'm always happy to add more to this list!).
Camps for the budding artist or performer....Edmond has several great opportunities for preschoolers to try their hand at the arts. The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond offers their Little Artist Camp for those ages 3 to 6, which will include painting, making collages, and creating 3-D art. Also, Dance Phase offers a Princess Camp for those ages 3 through 7, which includes dance instruction as well as other engaging activities.
Weekly sports classes...Most of the sports places listed here offer classes all year long, but some offer special summer deals as a way to try something out. Several Edmond hotspots for preschool athletics are the Edmond YMCA, Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, Arctic Edge Ice Arena, and Edmond Soccer Club.
Mothers Day Out...Nothing better prepares those little ones to get into the swing of preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten like a fun-filled mothers' day out program (see a list here--not all will have summer availability). Becky Scharf, Director of Stepping Stones Mothers Day Out, agreed, saying, "It is important for kids to remain on some sort of schedule during the summer to keep them active and engaged." That may be true for us parents too, huh?
Vacation Bible School...For a week of faith-inspired activities and socialization, check out this year's list of local VBS opportunities here...
Swimming...And, as always, a reminder that kids of any age, but this age in particular, have much to benefit from summer swimming lessons. Check for a list of local lessons here.
So, yes. It's time to start thinking about signing up. The problem is...what to choose? You know what? It's a good problem to have.
Stay tuned for grade school summer activities next week!
Enter Edmond's amazing list of summer activities (see last year's lineup here).
Now you can trip on down to the zoo (the hyenas are especially creepy) or the science museum (kids can't get enough of that giant robot!), which are definitely family-fun gigs. But when it comes to week-long or weekly classes, there's plenty to choose from right here in town. Here are just some of the amazing opportunities for little ones this summer (and if you're a local business, I'm always happy to add more to this list!).
Camps for the budding artist or performer....Edmond has several great opportunities for preschoolers to try their hand at the arts. The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond offers their Little Artist Camp for those ages 3 to 6, which will include painting, making collages, and creating 3-D art. Also, Dance Phase offers a Princess Camp for those ages 3 through 7, which includes dance instruction as well as other engaging activities.
Weekly sports classes...Most of the sports places listed here offer classes all year long, but some offer special summer deals as a way to try something out. Several Edmond hotspots for preschool athletics are the Edmond YMCA, Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, Arctic Edge Ice Arena, and Edmond Soccer Club.
Mothers Day Out...Nothing better prepares those little ones to get into the swing of preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten like a fun-filled mothers' day out program (see a list here--not all will have summer availability). Becky Scharf, Director of Stepping Stones Mothers Day Out, agreed, saying, "It is important for kids to remain on some sort of schedule during the summer to keep them active and engaged." That may be true for us parents too, huh?
Vacation Bible School...For a week of faith-inspired activities and socialization, check out this year's list of local VBS opportunities here...
Swimming...And, as always, a reminder that kids of any age, but this age in particular, have much to benefit from summer swimming lessons. Check for a list of local lessons here.
So, yes. It's time to start thinking about signing up. The problem is...what to choose? You know what? It's a good problem to have.
Stay tuned for grade school summer activities next week!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Time to start thinking...about summer (activities)
You did it! You made it through one of the most wintery winters we've had here in a while. It's time to start pulling out shorts, think about swim suits and vacations, and yes, consider how to keep those kiddos busy all summer long.
And with so many summer programs getting ready for "sign up" time, you've got to think hard and fast.
There's so much to choose from in Edmond, that I find myself a little dazed as I think about all the options. Sports? Music? Swimming pool memberships? Art camp?
Sigh. And to think my childhood summer breaks used to consist of a pile of books, two siblings, and a overactive imagination to keep me busy.
Well, guess what? You certainly don't have to overdo it. The best thing is to find that happy medium between keeping the minds and bodies of your kids active while still enjoying the laid-back pace of the season.
Pre-K and younger...If your kiddos are in daycare, chances are the program already has some fun summer activities up their sleeve! But if your kids are home with you, that doesn't mean they can't participate in some group fun, and at this age, working on social skills throughout the summer is definitely a benefit when preschool or Pre-K starts in the fall. There are several Mothers Day Out Programs offered during the summer (see list of MDO programs here), but if the cost or your summer schedule is prohibitive, just scheduling a weekly playgroup can do the trick.
As for other activities, programs for preschoolers abound. Places like Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, Arctic Edge, Soccer City, The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, and the YMCA offer many fun, affordable options. And don't forget this is a great time to get your child water safe. For a list of swimming programs, click here.
For more on this topic, check back April 10.
For elementary school kids...This is a time where your child can explore different sports and creative outlets, and taking advantage of summer programs that give children that opportunity can give them something to call their own. Maybe you've explored several different sports, and your child now knows what he or she does or doesn't like (often related to what that kiddo feels good at doing). Week-long camps are a great way to immerse a kid in an activity, and weekly, summer-long programs can contribute to long-term development. For a list of some local programs, check back April 17.
For the older crowd...A kid has often become specialized by this time, so choosing an activity can be easier. Music and sport camps are often offered through the school system, ones that you may know about long before the summer gets here.
But finding programs isn't the only thing a pre-teen or teenager can get involved in. In fact, the summer is a perfect time to begin discovering interests and building up experience through summer jobs and volunteering. Many churches will be running Vacation Bible School programs and will need teenagers to help, and other charities will be happy to have a volunteer. And if kids pick something near and dear to their heart, they'll gain valuable work experience as well as that buzz that comes from helping others. For more on this topic, check back April 24.
Finally, you don't have to spend big bucks to make the summer memorable for those kids. Places like the zoo, the science museum, and even just playing together as a family at a park can create a sense that the summer is a special time of year. Just be intentional about making a plan, and in their downtime, just let those kids be kids.
And with so many summer programs getting ready for "sign up" time, you've got to think hard and fast.
There's so much to choose from in Edmond, that I find myself a little dazed as I think about all the options. Sports? Music? Swimming pool memberships? Art camp?
Sigh. And to think my childhood summer breaks used to consist of a pile of books, two siblings, and a overactive imagination to keep me busy.
Well, guess what? You certainly don't have to overdo it. The best thing is to find that happy medium between keeping the minds and bodies of your kids active while still enjoying the laid-back pace of the season.
Pre-K and younger...If your kiddos are in daycare, chances are the program already has some fun summer activities up their sleeve! But if your kids are home with you, that doesn't mean they can't participate in some group fun, and at this age, working on social skills throughout the summer is definitely a benefit when preschool or Pre-K starts in the fall. There are several Mothers Day Out Programs offered during the summer (see list of MDO programs here), but if the cost or your summer schedule is prohibitive, just scheduling a weekly playgroup can do the trick.
As for other activities, programs for preschoolers abound. Places like Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics, Arctic Edge, Soccer City, The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, and the YMCA offer many fun, affordable options. And don't forget this is a great time to get your child water safe. For a list of swimming programs, click here.
For more on this topic, check back April 10.
For elementary school kids...This is a time where your child can explore different sports and creative outlets, and taking advantage of summer programs that give children that opportunity can give them something to call their own. Maybe you've explored several different sports, and your child now knows what he or she does or doesn't like (often related to what that kiddo feels good at doing). Week-long camps are a great way to immerse a kid in an activity, and weekly, summer-long programs can contribute to long-term development. For a list of some local programs, check back April 17.
For the older crowd...A kid has often become specialized by this time, so choosing an activity can be easier. Music and sport camps are often offered through the school system, ones that you may know about long before the summer gets here.
But finding programs isn't the only thing a pre-teen or teenager can get involved in. In fact, the summer is a perfect time to begin discovering interests and building up experience through summer jobs and volunteering. Many churches will be running Vacation Bible School programs and will need teenagers to help, and other charities will be happy to have a volunteer. And if kids pick something near and dear to their heart, they'll gain valuable work experience as well as that buzz that comes from helping others. For more on this topic, check back April 24.
Finally, you don't have to spend big bucks to make the summer memorable for those kids. Places like the zoo, the science museum, and even just playing together as a family at a park can create a sense that the summer is a special time of year. Just be intentional about making a plan, and in their downtime, just let those kids be kids.
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