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Birmingham Events Calendar: March 1st – March 8th

Posted on by Angie

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Looks like another week of tricky Alabama Weather! Lots happening around town, indoors and out. We’re super excited about the Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook Off coming up on Saturday, it’s one of our favorite events of the year! Most any event involving food is good with us, though.

Cottontails Village is back at the BJCC, Birmingham Museum of Art will be hosting the Holi Festival and as always, lots of storytimes to choose from at your local library!

Have a GREAT week!

Sunday March 1st:

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. – Virgina Samford Theatre
The VST STARS (Students Take a Role at the Samford) present this immortal classic includes. Talented young performers from various schools in the Birmingham metro area.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students 18 and under
2:00pm

Discover Dinosaurs – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Discover the Dinosaurs is for the entire family, and especially kids, to explore the mystery of pre-historic life in an environment of learning, discovery, and fun. Discover the Dinosaurs is a unique hands on exhibit that consists of up to 40 moving and replica museum quality dinosaurs that gives you the opportunity to actually get close and touch the dinosaurs! Beyond the exhibit, additional fun activities are available for kids of all ages, which make spending the day with the dinosaurs a great experience for the entire family.
10am – 7pm

Admission Info:

Adults $18
Children (2-12) $22
Seniors (65+) $16

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Monday March 2nd:

Read Across America Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
special event celebrating Read Across America Day. Participate in Storytime and activities featuring Dr. Seuss favorites Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
7pm

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve – Avondale Library
Chuga, beep, vroom. We’re building up to some great fun at today’s Tot Time. Tot Time is designed for 2 to 4 year olds with a parent or caregiver. 24-hour advance registration is required.
9:30 and 11am

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Tuesday March 3rd:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
We’ve decided to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday all month! We’ll  attempt to read as many Dr. Seuss books as we can this month – because they are that good! Come early and pick your favorite for us to read.
11am

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us on Tuesday mornings for a unique new Storytime specifically tailored to your one year old!
9:30a and 10:30a

Family Tours, Wear/Where– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Wear/Where: Clothing From Around The World will explore self-expression through garments worn in cultures across the globe.
10:30am

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Wednesday March 4th:

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

Wiggleworm Wednesdays– Homewood Public Library
Storytime for all ages! Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Storytime with Ms. Mandy. Look in the round auditorium every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for your Storytime pals!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30am

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Thursday March 5th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
We are now featuring two Mommy & Me Story Times with Miss Renee! Due to high demand (and high squish quotient), we are opening availability to create a flexible time schedule that includes all of our eager young patrons (comfortably). You can now choose between two back-to-back Story Times on Thursday mornings; the first begins at 9:30 a.m., the second at 10:30 a.m.

Come by the round auditorium for lots of music, dancing, and of course, the bean-bag song! Miss Rene uses drama, wit, and a hefty dose of fun things to shake to keep your young one entertained and educated.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday March 6th:

Cottontails Village Arts and Craft Show – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind party dress for your little princess? Do you need a personalized Easter basket stuffed with candy, toys, and games? Or, are you shopping to update your home décor or garden accessories? Spring shopping is fun and simple, when new exhibitors join your favorite vendors from Christmas Village to display fresh new ideas and crafts all in the comfort of the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex.
Adults: $6.00
Children 6-12: $2.00
Children under 6 free! (Strollers are allowed on each day of this show)
10am – 8pm

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Saturday March 7th:

Exceptional Foundation Chili Cookoff – Colonial Brookwood Village
The 11th annual Chili Cook-Off benefitting The Exceptional Foundation will be held in the Brookwood Village.  This is a fun, quirky, outdoor party offering good food, drink and friends at a “come as you are” event.  This event has developed a loyal following across a diverse audience base.  There seems to be an engaging atmosphere that you can’t quite put your finger on — a unique camaraderie exists amid the tounge in cheek, yet somehow serious, competition between teams who vie for the judges’ and public’s approval in hopes of taking home a trophy for their particular chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the more than 10,000 attendees from across the Birmingham area wander amid decorated booths enjoying Good People beer, tasting chili and listening to live music at one of the year’s first outdoor events. A kidzone featuring a moonwalk, face painting and Star Wars characters insure fun for all ages.
10:30a – 3pm
$10.00 in advance. $15.00 at the gate. Children 12 and under free.

Holi: Indian Culture Festival – Birmingham Museum of Art
Did you know that one of the biggest Hindu holidays—Holi—is celebrated in March? Take an adventure through the Museum’s Southeast Asian and Indian galleries for one of Birmingham’s favorite cultural celebrations. Music, dance, art activities, and more fill up the day!
11am – 3pm

LEGO Club – North Shelby Library
The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10:00 and 11:00 to build spectacular creations. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All Ages Welcome. No registration is required.
10am

Cottontails Village Arts and Craft Show – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind party dress for your little princess? Do you need a personalized Easter basket stuffed with candy, toys, and games? Or, are you shopping to update your home décor or garden accessories? Spring shopping is fun and simple, when new exhibitors join your favorite vendors from Christmas Village to display fresh new ideas and crafts all in the comfort of the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex.
Adults: $6.00
Children 6-12: $2.00
Children under 6 free! (Strollers are allowed on each day of this show)
10am – 7pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Storytime featuring our Picture Book of the Month, Once Upon a Cloud. Celeste wants to give her mother something special, but what? Join Celeste on her journey to find the perfect gift!
11am

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Sunday March 8th:

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!! SPRING FORWARD!

Cottontails Village Arts and Craft Show – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Are you looking for a one-of-a kind party dress for your little princess? Do you need a personalized Easter basket stuffed with candy, toys, and games? Or, are you shopping to update your home décor or garden accessories? Spring shopping is fun and simple, when new exhibitors join your favorite vendors from Christmas Village to display fresh new ideas and crafts all in the comfort of the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex.
Adults: $6.00
Children 6-12: $2.00
Children under 6 free! (Strollers are allowed on each day of this show)
Noon – 5pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Celebrate Seuss! Read Across America Day!

Posted on by Angie

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

A favorite to so many, Dr Seuss is having a birthday, so let’s Celebrate Seuss and get in on Read Across America Day!

Check out what’s happening around Birmingham!

2nd & Charles

Celebrate Dr Seuss! Monday March 2nd at 6pm
Get ready for some fun activities including storytime, crafts, coloring, games and more!

Barnes and Noble Summit and Patton Creek

Read across America Storytime –  March 2 at 7:00 pm. Special event celebrating Read Across America Day. Participate in Storytime and activities featuring Dr. Seuss favorites Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.

Homewood Public Library

Celebrate a Seussian 111th birthday by making some super silly Seuss sculptures!
3:30-4:30pm

Hoover Public Library

Welcome to Whoville
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with your favorite characters. All ages
Saturday, March 14th, 10:30am

Happy Reading!!

 

Stop Yelling! It doesn't work anyway….

Posted on by Angie

My house is loud… Like, can’t-hear-yourself-think-calgon-take-me-away, loud.

I think that having 3 kids (all girls) clamoring for my attention and trying to talk over each other makes my life doomed to noise so deafening I’m tempted to invest in those nifty noise reduction headphones you see people wear on airplanes. I might actually on occasion, put my ear buds in and turn up my iTunes just to listen to something other than bickering. On occasion only, of course.

I’m a yell-er, I’m ashamed to admit that, but I guess that’s the first step in my process to creating a quieter more peaceful home. I’m not really sure how I got to be so loud. I’ve never been what you would consider “soft spoken” but over time I find that I’ve become just plain loud. I think maybe it started by having to call up the stairs 10 times to get them to come eat dinner, get in the bath, etc. Maybe it was yelling over them fighting with each other and needing to raise my voice just to be heard. Maybe, I’ve gotten lazy, (it’s so much easier to yell than to stop whatever I’m doing and actually walk the length of the house to talk to them.) Most likely it’s a combination of all of those things. But no matter the reason, it’s not good for the kids.

Studies show that constant yelling can be just as harmful as physical abuse. Wow! Talk about putting things in perspective for me. “According to a 2003 study published in The Journal of Marriage and Family, 88 percent of the 991 families interviewed admitted shouting, yelling or screaming at their children in the previous year. That percentage jumped to 98 percent in families with 7-year-old children.”

“Besides being potentially harmful if overused, yelling is often ineffective. “Children can become immune to being yelled at and start to tune it out,” according to psychologist Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D., of Drexel University.”

So see? It’s not good for anyone and it’s completely not working, a lose/lose.

Here are some things I’m going to concentrate on:

1. I’m going to stop yelling the phrase: “Stop Yelling!” Because.. Really?

2. We’re going to have a sit down and discuss what is expected of them. For instance, I shouldn’t have to ask 10 times when something needs to be picked up or put away.

3. Support, Encourage, and Praise the positive behaviors. Tell them what to do rather than what not to do.

4. I’m going to get on their level and get their attention. So many times our yelling bouts happen because they are distracted and not really listening to what I say. If this means turning off the tube or removing them from the playroom to make sure they hear me, then so be it.

and last but definitely not least,

5. I’m going to take lots of deep breaths. Frustration and impatience is the root of my yelling.

I’m on a mission to find more peace in our house. How do you manage your home quietly?

 

 

Healthy Chicken Tenders for Kids

Posted on by Angie

This recipe was passed along through a chain of emails from fellow moms who were fighting the struggle of processed chicken nuggets.  It’s actually delicious so we wanted to share it!  Make a double batch and freeze half.  Pop a few out and warm them up for an easy dinner!

  • Canola oil cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 pound chicken tenders

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Place almonds, flour, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a food processor; process until the almonds are finely chopped and the paprika is mixed throughout, about 1 minute. With the motor running, drizzle in oil; process until combined. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish.
  3. Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish. Add chicken tenders and turn to coat. Transfer each tender to the almond mixture; turn to coat evenly. (Discard any remaining egg white and almond mixture.) Place the tenders on the prepared rack and coat with cooking spray; turn and spray the other side.
  4. Bake the chicken fingers until golden brown, crispy and no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 22nd – March 1st

Posted on by Angie

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Another tricky weather week for Birmingham. Make sure to double check any events before heading out as they may be canceled, rescheduled or delayed due to the threat of ice and snow.

We’ve made a couple of updates to our Consignment Calendar, so check that out if you’re looking to shop or sale!

Monday February 23rd:

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve – Avondale Library
Shapes are all around us, if you know where to look. This fun Tot Time is all about shapes! Tot Time is designed for 2 to 4 year olds with a parent or caregiver. 24-hour advance registration is required.
9:30 and 11am

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Tuesday February 24th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
The ‘Pigeon’ books by Mo Willems are everyone’s favorites. This time the silly Pigeon wants a puppy! Oh my!
11am

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us on Tuesday mornings for a unique new Storytime specifically tailored to your one year old!
9:30a and 10:30a

PJ Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Cozy up with this extra-special storytime in your comfiest pajamas in the round auditorium for nighttime tales!
6:15pm

Movie Time – Springville Public Library
Enjoy a film about baseball great Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955.
4pm

Family Tours, Wear/Where– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Wear/Where: Clothing From Around The World will explore self-expression through garments worn in cultures across the globe.
10:30am

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Wednesday February 25th:

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

Wiggleworm Wednesdays– Homewood Public Library
Storytime for all ages! Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Storytime with Ms. Mandy. Look in the round auditorium every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for your Storytime pals!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30am

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Thursday February 26th:

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Stories, songs, poetry, puppetry and more for ages 3 and up. Groups must register.
10:30a

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Wear your pajamas to this storytime! Kids of all ages can enjoy stories, finger plays, songs, and a bedtime snack.
6:30pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
We are now featuring two Mommy & Me Story Times with Miss Renee! Due to high demand (and high squish quotient), we are opening availability to create a flexible time schedule that includes all of our eager young patrons (comfortably). You can now choose between two back-to-back Story Times on Thursday mornings; the first begins at 9:30 a.m., the second at 10:30 a.m.

Come by the round auditorium for lots of music, dancing, and of course, the bean-bag song! Miss Rene uses drama, wit, and a hefty dose of fun things to shake to keep your young one entertained and educated.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday February 27th:

Leaps and Bounds – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a fun and energetic movement class designed specifically for children ages 2 1/2 to 4 years.  Registration is required and begins on the Monday prior to the class that week.
10:30am

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. – Virgina Samford Theatre
The VST STARS (Students Take a Role at the Samford) present this immortal classic includes. Talented young performers from various schools in the Birmingham metro area.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students 18 and under
7:30pm

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Saturday February 28th:

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
Ring in Chinese New Year by making your own movable dragon!
11am – 1pm

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. – Virgina Samford Theatre
The VST STARS (Students Take a Role at the Samford) present this immortal classic includes. Talented young performers from various schools in the Birmingham metro area.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students 18 and under
2pm and 7:30pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
In celebration of Black History Month, join us for Storytime and activities featuring two notable figures with the titles I am Rosa Parks and I am Jackie Robinson.
11am

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Sunday March 1st:

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. – Virgina Samford Theatre
The VST STARS (Students Take a Role at the Samford) present this immortal classic includes. Talented young performers from various schools in the Birmingham metro area.
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students 18 and under
2:00pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

CPR: All parents need to know this life-saving skill

Posted on by Angie
by Brady B. McLaughlin, MS, NREMT

As a parent and seasoned public safety professional, my worst nightmare would be something happening to my three month-old son.  Every year over 383,000 Americans fall victim to cardiac arrest outside of the hospital – that’s nearly 1,050 per day.  Unfortunately, some of these victims are babies, young children, and teenagers.  Many of these tragedies can be prevented if only parents, family members, and babysitters knew how to correctly perform the simple, life-saving steps of CPR.

In 2012, I began my vision for offering accessible, affordable, and engaging CPR and emergency training by founding Trio Safety CPR.  Headquartered in Homewood, Trio Safety CPR provides students from all walks of life with easy-to-understand, engaging, and practical emergency response training aimed at preparing individuals in the event of a real emergency at home, work, or school, just to name a few.  Classes offered include CPR/AED, first aid, choking relief, and much more.  The typical student background varies from a stay-at-home mother to an emergency room physician and every occupation in between.  Class sizes are kept small to ensure students receive only the best experience with individualized attention from our CPR instructors.  All students finish class with an official American Heart Association CPR card in-hand; and more importantly, the knowledge and ability to save a life.

Here are 4 benefits of learning CPR and First Aid:

  • Lifesaving – the biggest cause of death in infants are respiratory emergencies like choking and drowning.  Knowing how to respond and, more importantly, how to prevent these incidents can help you save a life.
  • Assisting – teamwork is always better when providing help in an emergency.  The more people who are trained to provide CPR and First Aid, the better the chance of survival for the victim.
  • Working – being certified in CPR and First Aid can give you a leg-up when applying for jobs.  Babysitters should always be trained in these life-saving skills.
  • Peace of Mind – knowing CPR gives you and your loved ones peace of mind no matter where you are.  Whether on a ski trip in the mountains or enjoying time together at the beach, having the knowledge to save

As an incentive to help get you certified they are offering all BirminghamMommy.com readers $10 off any of their classroom courses. So if you’ve been meaning to or kicking around the idea, now’s the time!

For more information visit Trio Safety CPR and mention this article and discount code “Mom10” when you register.

 

Big Machines Day is Back at McWane Science Center!

Posted on by Angie

For the sixth year in a row McWane Science Center will host Big Machines Day. Get your motors running and head on over for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes! Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day.  Big Machines Day is sponsored by CraneWorks, with special programming provided by Go Build Alabama.

Visitors will get a chance to see big machines up close and personal as well as learn the science of simple machines and can participate in building programs during Big Machines Day.

This Saturday, February 21, 2015  10am to 4pm

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 15th – February 22nd

Posted on by Angie

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Cold Tricky Weather in our forecast for this week.. Make sure to stay weather aware and watch for any school closing or delays on our facabook page.

Big Machines Day is back at the McWane Science Center, and if you’re wanting a little bit of a Mardi Gras feel for Fat Tuesday, check out the Mardi Gras parade happening at Homewood Park.

We’ve made a couple of updates to our Consignment Calendar, so check that out if you’re looking to shop or sale!

Monday February 16th:

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve – Avondale Library
Red, red, is the color I see, when that great big dragon is breathing fire at me. Join us as we ring in the Chinese New Year! Tot Time is designed for 2 to 4 year olds with a parent or caregiver. 24-hour advance registration is required.
9:30 and 11am

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Tuesday February 17th:

Homewood’s 4th Annual Mardi Gras Parade – Homewood Park
All children (and their caregivers) are invited to come join our parade (or watch from the sidelines) as we circle Homewood Central Park, throwing beads and Moonpies. Don’t forget to decorate a wagon, stroller, or box (strap it to your shoulders) for your own “float”!
3:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Hugging animals is wonderful! They have soft fur and downy feathers and are so cuddly. But oh. Oh, dear. How do you hug a porcupine?
11am

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us on Tuesday mornings for a unique new Storytime specifically tailored to your one year old!
9:30a and 10:30a

Family Tours, Wear/Where– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Wear/Where: Clothing From Around The World will explore self-expression through garments worn in cultures across the globe.
10:30am

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Wednesday February 18th:

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

Wiggleworm Wednesdays– Homewood Public Library
Storytime for all ages! Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Storytime with Ms. Mandy. Look in the round auditorium every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for your Storytime pals!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30am

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Thursday February 19th:

Fairytale Ball, Family Night – Homewood Public Library
Join us as we go INTO THE WOODS with your favorite fairy tale characters in a grand evening full of games, crafts and snacks, in the large auditorium. Come in costume (and bring a camera!) for festive photo-ops, visit different character stations, and leave full of tasty treats after a gala to remember!
6:15pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
We are now featuring two Mommy & Me Story Times with Miss Renee! Due to high demand (and high squish quotient), we are opening availability to create a flexible time schedule that includes all of our eager young patrons (comfortably). You can now choose between two back-to-back Story Times on Thursday mornings; the first begins at 9:30 a.m., the second at 10:30 a.m.

Come by the round auditorium for lots of music, dancing, and of course, the bean-bag song! Miss Rene uses drama, wit, and a hefty dose of fun things to shake to keep your young one entertained and educated.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday February 20th:

Duct Tape Wars – Hoover Public Library
Games & crafts featuring the worlds most versatile adhesive. Registration begins February 2. Grades 4-6
4:30

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Saturday February 21st:

Big Machines Day – McWane Science Center
Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes! Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day.
Adventure Hall Only $13 $9 $12
IMAX Only $9 $8 $8
Combo Ticket $18 $13 $16
*Under 2 years old: Free

Home Made Chicken Fingers – Williams Sonoma
Bring your kids to this Free Junior Chef Class where they will learn to make chicken fingers for the whole family! Suitable for ages 5 – 13.

Who doesn’t love chicken fingers—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Learn how to make chicken fingers that are so tasty, you won’t want to eat out again!
10am

Storybook Brunch – Hoover Public Library
A new once-a-month, action-packed Saturday storytime.  Served with a breakfast snack!  Great for all ages.
10:30

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected The Spiffiest Giant in Town, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
11am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
Ring in Chinese New Year by making your own movable dragon!
11am – 1pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit and Patton Creek
Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Click, Clack, Peep! From the award-winning creator of Click, Clack, Moo comes an adorable story of a cute little duckling that won’t quiet down!
11am

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Sunday February 22nd:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Parenting with a PhD: Kids and Stress

Posted on by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

Ample research shows that our kids have a pretty high level of stress and that it can take a toll. When I hear about some kids’ schedules, I’m amazed they’re not downing coffee by the pot-full during piano practice. There are a lot of reasons our kids are stressed out – school is so academic, most time is spent indoors, schedules are busy, sleep is scarce, social situations are complicated – this is giving me a headache. Childhood is often romanticized as a stress-free time full of rainbows and unicorns but that’s really not the case. Childhood is scary. You have little say in what you do all day and virtually no control over your environment. Even when kids are given some choice, they usually get some messages from adults about which option is best. You may have noticed signs of stress in your own kids – irritability, difficulty tolerating frustration, tearfulness, trouble sleeping, stomachaches. Of course, these behaviors can also indicate other issues but considering your child’s stress level is a good place to start.

One of the reasons that we have stressed out kids is that we are stressed out adults. (Reading this article is probably stressing you out – sorry about that!) Stress is one of the most contagious conditions out there – even worse than that December flu epidemic. Just think about how your own blood pressure rises when a colleague walks by you and huffs (you know – that over-exaggerated sigh we do in frustration, probably because we’ve been too stressed out to breathe consistently…). Your kids are by no means immune to taking on your stress; in fact, because strong emotions can be difficult for them to understand and kind of scary, they’re particularly susceptible to “catching” stress. What can you do about this? Manage your own stress level. Take stock of the factors that contribute to you being stressed out. Are you saying yes to too much? Doing the work of three employees at your job? In a tense relationship? What steps can you take to decrease stress? Sometimes getting enough sleep is all it takes. Other times, you might decide to seek professional help. Whatever is needed – understand that managing your stress level is not selfish or frivolous. Managing your stress level will help you be a better (read as: “less yell-y”) parent and a happier, more engaged person. You will also be modeling a very crucial skill for your child – handling stress calmly and putting things in perspective.

Your family’s schedule can also increase the stress germs flying around your house. If someone has an activity every night of the week (and you don’t have a full staff of professional chefs, maids, and chauffeurs at your disposal), everyone else will be affected, too. Minimize this as much as possible by limiting how many activities each child can participate in per semester. Your son wants to play violin but is also interested in art classes? Great! He can do violin this semester and switch to art next semester if he still wants to. If you feel it’s important for your child to stick with one activity so he can “specialize,” that’s fine but the price is that he may not be able to do much else. Consider the costs and benefits of your child being full-force into a particular activity (e.g., travel soccer). Does he enjoy it enough to do it three hours every day after school? Does the intense schedule mean that other family members can’t do things they love? Is it interfering with schoolwork or social interaction? Seek balance among the different factors in your child’s life and don’t get caught up in the “all in” messages you may get from coaches or other parents. If your child is meant to be a world-famous musician, the motivation to get there will come from him – not from you falling all over yourself to force him to practice. Although societal messages might make you feel like the laziest parent ever, giving your kid free time (a.k.a., non-scheduled, non-screen time) is actually very, very good for him. Down time gives your kid a chance to use his imagination, to problem-solve, to take things apart, to go outside, to entertain himself. These are gifts you can give him far greater than a new pair of cleats.

Another area to consider is what I’ll call “fluff stress” – stress caused by tasks that a purportedly for your child but really, really don’t matter. Examples: hand-making individualized Valentine’s gifts according to tastes and personalized for each child in the class; preparing four-course meals on a Tuesday night; monogramming your daughter’s underwear (this is a thing. I checked). Sure, if you have nothing but time and money to burn – knock yourself out! But, if accomplishing these tasks literally does knock you out because you stay up all night, spend a fortune, and obsess about every detail until the entire process takes 30 hours – you’re stressing yourself out for something that’s not going to matter much at all in the grand scheme of things. While it’s fun to explore what’s out there and pin different ideas, we can’t hold ourselves to the same standards as professional designers and party planners for whom creating items on Pinterest is their FULL TIME JOB. You already have at least a couple of full time jobs – there is no more time. If these kinds of tasks feel necessary to you, consider hiring out some of the labor. When you realize how much it costs to pay someone else to do these fluff tasks you were once doing on your own for hours and hours, you might decide to skip them entirely. I’m doubting your kids will even notice if they don’t have an Arbor Day gift for their teacher.

You can’t magically make stress go away for your kids but these and other strategies like exercise, sleep, talking openly about your feelings, and positive encouragement can certainly help. The goal should be to reduce unnecessary stress and then help your child learn to manage the necessary stress (e.g., preparing for a test, confronting a friend who hurt her feelings, moving to a new city, etc.). Help your child create and practice positive and encouraging self-talk to deal with stress. “I can handle this. I’ve done this kind of thing before.” Teach her to use deep breathing and relaxation exercises to calm down. A fun app that makes managing stress easier for the whole family is Smiling Mind, which provides brief, soothing meditations geared towards different developmental levels from ages 7 through adulthood. Bonus: the narrator has an Australian accent, which is pretty fun. The app tracks how many minutes you meditate and you can earn badges for each program you complete. Kids LOVE badges! This is a great practice first thing in the morning to get the day started off right or before bed to calm everyone down. If the kids like this, they might also enjoy kid yoga classes like the ones offered at Villager Yoga and other local studios.

Whatever strategies you choose, you’ll be showing your kids that managing stress is an important priority and one worth the time it takes. Plus, you’ll be less yell-y.

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her daughters, ages seven and one, and four-year-old son.

Savory Soups for the Winter Soul

Posted on by Angie

It’s cold outside and according to the latest weather reports we have some tricky winter weather in our forecast. Along with the cold weather comes the cravings for comfort food. Here are a few quick and easy soup recipes that will fill those bellies and still give you time to play, do homework, bathe the kids and have them in bed on time. All you need is a tiny bit of prep time and a crockpot!

 

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla –

Ingredients

  • 1-2 lb. cooked chicken
  • 2-3 large potatoes
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 1/2 C. onion
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 small can green chillies
  • Fresh cilantro, to taste (optional)
  • 3 flour tortillas

Directions

Cut cooked chicken tenders and potatoes into cubes.  chop onion into bite-size pieces. Place all ingredients except tortillas into a crock pot and cook on medium heat for 5-6 hours. Cut flour tortillas into small strips. Fry in batches in deep fat until slightly golden brown. Place on top of soup and serve.

Ham and Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (about 10 1/2 ounces each) condensed potato soup
  • 1 can (about 10 12 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup
  • 2 cups leftover diced ham
  • 1 cup chopped frozen onion or finely chopped fresh onion
  • 10 to 12 ounces frozen whole kernel corn
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup half-ahd-half, light cream, or milk

Directions:

Combine the soups, ham, onion, corn, chicken broth, and pepper in the slow cooker insert. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Add milk or cream, cover, and continue cooking for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot.

Serve with biscuits or cornbread
Serves 4 to 6.

Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound very lean ground beef
  • 1 large can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 large can tomato sauce
  • 1 package dry onion soup mix
  • 1 can beef broth & 1 can water
  • 1 package frozen, mixed vegetables to save time — Use Fresh if you have them on hand and have the time

Directions:

In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Mix all above ingredients together in 4-quart crockpot; cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours, until vegetables are tender.

Have a yummy winter soup recipe to share? Let’s hear it!

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