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Tips for Dealing with a Bully

Posted on by Angie

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and as we know all too well these days, bullying can happen any time, any where and to anyone, from the youngest children in day care (or even at home) and beyond. The following tips will help parents find ways to detect, prevent and deal with the bullying of young children.

1. Be your child’s go-to person. Make sure your child always feels safe telling you about incidents at school, at play in the neighborhood, at church/Sunday school, or even at home from the other parent or a sibling. I know a family that goes around the dinner table and everyone (parents and children alike) share the best thing that happened during the day and the worst thing that happened during the day. This helps everyone learn to appreciate and really notice when someone is kind and opens a door for them, or plays with them on the playground. To illustrate that no one is exempt from rudeness or bullying, other family members should share with their child/children bad situations at work or when they were young. Exploring how to handle the “bad” situations can be a teaching/learning moment for all members of the family.

2. Parents, don’t be an inadvertent bully. If the parent is constantly saying things that make a child feel bad about themselves, this is form of bullying. You may hear yourself saying, “I know you can get better grades.” But the child may be hearing only, “I’m stupid and won’t ever be able to please anyone.” Listen to what you say often to your child and make sure you aren’t behaving in a manner that would not be acceptable behavior from others.

3. Discuss what actions can be considered bullying. Help your child see that bullying can be words, actions, ignoring someone, giggling and pointing. Discuss ways to positively respond to each instance.

4. Welcome your child’s friends into your home. Perhaps even invite their whole family to a cookout or other event so that you can get to know the parents. If any of the friends seem to have an unusual amount of power over your child, you may need to help your child see that this person is not a true friend if everything always has to be their way.

5.  Stop sibling bullying. Sometimes the bullying is being done by a sibling. If one child seems to have dominance over another child, sit down immediately and let them know that this behavior will NOT be tolerated. Make sure to follow through and discipline the bully when you see this happening either in the way she/he treats their sibling. Also make sure the child being bullied feels safe in coming to you.

6. Discipline your children appropriately if you see them doing or saying (or texting) something that you don’t consider kind. That way others–teachers, other parents or day care workers, etc.–don’t have to become the disciplinarian.

7. Help your child think of ways to react to bullying. For instance, if they are being teased about wearing glasses, perhaps there is a phrase they use to make the other person think twice about making comments like that again. If the child is being teased for being overweight, perhaps the whole family can review their eating habits and activities and work together to lose weight and feel better. Taking steps to change things, or practicing ways to react to mean comments, will make a child feel ready to stand up for themselves or others when they see bullying happening.

When your child gets a little older, you also have to keep in mind these next tips.

8. Understand cyber-bullying. One of the newest arenas where a child can feel helpless against what is being said or shown in pictures about them is online. Make sure to carefully monitor screen time in a way that feels protective to your child and not intrusive. The more conversations you have with your kids about what occurs online, the more likely they will be able to talk to you about what’s going on. Take every opportunity to teach them how to manage themselves in confusing situations.

9. Learn the latest lingo. This includes verbal, texting and online slang. Do you know that CD9 means parents are around and that 99 means parents have left? Your child may be hiding something that can lead to poor self-esteem, depression, even suicide.

10. Remember the Golden Rule. “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you” is still great advice. A friend’s child was having trouble on the school bus with one particular boy. The mother suggested that this child might not know the right way to be a friend. So the child being bullied went out of his way to be extra nice to the bully. Once the bully realized there was a different way to act, the two children became real friends.

While nothing will totally stop bullying, at least by putting into practice some of these tips, I hope you can make the consequences for your child less damaging.

Thank you to Thomas Weck for these tips.

Thomas Weck is a creative and captivating national award-winning author of children’s books, including the popular Lima Bear Stories Series: The Megasaurus, How Back-Back Got His Name, The Cave Monster, The Labyrinth and Bully Bean. Learn more at LimaBearPress.com.

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 20th – October 27th

Posted on by Angie

Lots of Spooky Halloween fun happening around Birmingham this week.

Storytimes, crafts and pumpkin carvings. If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, check out Vulcan AfterTunes next Sunday for a little music and fun family time.

For a full rundown of Festivals and Pumpkin Patches, make sure to check our Fall Happenings list so you don’t miss out on any fall fun!

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

Sunday October 20th:

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can see your favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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Monday October 21st:

Pumpkin Carving – Gardendale Public Library
3:30pm

Halloween Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for hot popcorn and a cool movie!
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Storytime for 2-4-year-olds with a caregiver. Includes stories, songs, and craft. 24-hour advance registration required.
10:30am

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Tuesday October 22nd:

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Wednesday October 23rd:

Mole Day – McWane Science Center
Join us for hands-on activities throughout the day as we celebrate Mole Day! Mole Day commemorates Avogadro’s Number (6.02 x 10^23), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry first discovered by Amadeo Avogadro (1776-1858).
Activities included in the cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
All Ages
10:30am

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. The first one said “Oh my, it’s getting late.” Join us for some fun as these pumpkins roll and run.
11am

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Thursday October 24th:

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

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

Campfire Ghost Stories – Homewood Public Library
For our older, braver patrons.  Hear a chilling tale and enjoy some Halloween treats.
Suggested age range: 7 to 12 AND a parent.
6:15 – 7:15

Mummy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday October 25th:

2nd Annual Spooky Tales on the Spooky Trial
This year, the Good Times Traveling Theater will scare the socks off of you with their fearsome folktales from all around the world. Once again, we start out easy in the Community Room for our little ones (ages 5 & under) then progress out to the Amphitheater for progressively spookier tales. The night will end on the trail, which will be “spookified “ for those brave enough to walk it. Seasonal fun for the whole family! Shuttle service will be available if parking lot is full.
6:30pm

4th Annual Halloween Bash – Brierfield Ironworks State Park
Family fun, face painting, games, concessions, trick or treat and moon bounce. Campsite decorating competition.
Walking Ghost Tours $5
Park Admission $2
7pm – 10pm

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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Saturday October 26th:

Keep It Simple Silly Program – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Join us for this monthly mini program.  This month we will be making sand candles!
$2/ $3 (non-member)
1pm

Owl O’ Ween – Alabama Wildlife Center/Oak Mountain State Park
Owl-O-Ween features childrens’ activities and crafts, story time, games, candy, guest owls, and a birds of prey presentation.
Activities are free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park
$3 for Adults
$1 for Children 6 to 11 years of age
$1 for Senior Citizens 62 years of age and older

Cereal and Cartoons – Homewood Public Library
Dry cereal only, available until 10:45 am.
10am – Noon

Sugar Skulls – Birmingham Museum of Art
Trick us with your sweet skills while decorating these ornamental treats
11am – 1pm

4th Annual Halloween Bash – Brierfield Ironworks State Park
Family fun, face painting, games, concessions, trick or treat and moon bounce. Campsite decorating competition.
Walking Ghost Tours $5
Park Admission $2
7pm – 10pm

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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.

Halloween Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Halloween Storytime featuring Go Away, Big Green Monster!, activities, costume parades and treats.
11am

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Sunday October 27th:

Vulcan AfterTunes – Vulcan Park
Birmingham’s unique musical event returns to Red Mountain this fall for its 9th season! Enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews, and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with Birmingham’s hip iron man, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with friends and family (of all ages) while listening to some of the area’s best music.

Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and general admission. Lawn chairs and blankets strongly encouraged. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. No pets or outside alcohol allowed. All shows rain or shine. For additional concert details and up-to-date artist information, log onto www.visitvulcan.com.

Bring the kids to enjoy fun games and activities.
Music by: Leon Redbone (with Supporting Dead Fingers)

General Admission – $15 (Includes concert, admission to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Tower and tax)
Children 12 & under are FREE!
Vulcan Members – $7.50
VIP Ticket Packages are available for $75

Barking at the Moon Festival and Parade – Fultondale Bark Park
The Barking at the Moon Festival and Parade is a family-oriented event held in conjunction with the Fultondale Arts Council. The event includes vendors, a dog parade, dog pageant, Guess your Dog’s Weight, dog games, Photos with your Dog, and other family activities.  The Flying Houndz Frizbee Trick Dog Show will be our featured entertainment.
12pm – 5pm

Pumpkin Carving Party – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Let your creativity run wild as you create your very own Jack-O-Lantern. Ruffner will provide the carving tools. You may bring your own pumpkin, or buy one from Ruffner. Take your pumpkin home, or leave it to be displayed at Faces in the Forest. The Pumpkin Carving Party will take place on the Back Porch.

Oktoberfest – Our Savior Lutheran Church
Our Savior Lutheran Church is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration. This event will be fun for the whole family. Offering entertainment such as a Corn Hole tournament, inflatables, and music. Please join us and enjoy Bratwursts, hot dogs, German dishes, and homemade desserts.
Noon – 4pm

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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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: Flight of the Butterflies, Titians of the Ice Age

Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age – through December 31st, 2013
McWane Science Center is home to Alabama’s second largest natural history collection. Made up of over 500,000 specimens and objects pertaining to the natural history of the state, this important collection focuses on the preservation, education, and research of Alabama’s rich biodiversity and paleobiodiversity. One of the more significant subsets of the collection is Alabama’s largest collection of Late Pleistocene faunal remains – or Ice Age fossils.

Made up of nearly 10,000 cataloged specimens, the McWSC Pleistocene collection contains a unique diversity of fauna that not only includes those native to North America, but migrants to the state from both South America and the Old World. This collection includes mammals, both extant and extinct, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes, and botanical remains collected from both cave and stream localities in the state. Extinct mammals represented in the McWSC collection include mammoths, mastodons, giant beavers, saber-toothed cats, giant armadillos, tapirs, peccaries, and giant ground sloths.

This spring, visitors will have an opportunity to view some of the fossils in the collection with a new exhibit titled — “Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age.” This exhibit will not only highlight many of the Ice Age animals from the McWane Science Center Collection, but will highlight and dispel many of the common misconceptions surrounding the Ice Age in the state. The goal is for visitors to have a better understanding and appreciation for this time in Alabama. For example, guests might learn that Alabama was on average only five degrees colder than today, glaciers did not reach farther south than southern Illinois or that all the Ice Age animals did not go extinct at the end of the Ice Age. While the largest animals, such as mastodons, giant ground sloths, and saber-tooth cats died out, nearly all the animals that are living in Alabama today were also around in the Ice Age.

The Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age Alabama display is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum. It is included in the cost of admission to the museum and free to members.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

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.

Easy Ideas for a Halloween Playdate

Posted on by Angie

It’s close to Halloween and if you’re planning a party or playdate for the big spooky day, give some of these ideas a try. They’re great for kids and they will love getting involved.

No Cook Pumpkin Playdoh – This makes a great little take home gift for your guests.

Ingredients:

1 Cup of water (go ahead and add your orange food coloring)
3 cups of flour
1 cup of salt
1/4 cup of oil

Pour all ingredients into bowl and mix together. While mixing add a little cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to give it a yummy fall scent.

Frankenstein Rice Krispy Treats

Pre-Packaged Rice Krispy Treats
Green Icing
Green Jelly Beans
Black Jelly Beans
Twizzlers

Use the green icing to make the “hair”. Cut your jelly beans in half and use a little bit of the icing to “glue” the black jelly beans on for the eye and the green jelly beans on his neck for the “bolts.” Cut a sliver of twizzler for the mouth and use icing to make it stick.

Spider Oreos

Oreos
White Icing
Red Hots
Chocolate Pretzels

Take your Oreos apart and scrape out the filling. Add a generous scoop of white icing. Use the red hots for eyes and break the curved part of your chocolate pretzels off and use as legs. Put the top back on the icing and make sure your little spider doesn’t crawl away!

Just serving up these few things will help make your playdate a huge success!

 

The Etiquette of Trick or Treating

Posted on by Angie

Courtesy, The Etiquette School of Birmingham

The costume is ready. The pumpkin is carved. A bowl of yummy treats is ready for those eager little goblins. But is there something you’ve forgotten?

How about brushing up on – and coaching your family on – the basic etiquette of trick or treating.

Here are a few tips to go over to ensure that everyone enjoys the fun of Halloween.

It’s always good manners to:

  • Ring the doorbell just once. If there’s no answer, move on. (If there’s a light on, that’s usually a sign that residents are home and ready for you.)
  • Be polite to other trick or treaters and stand patiently behind those who have made it to the door ahead of you. After they have received their treats, step back to let them pass, then step up to the door for yours. No need to crowd—you’ll get your turn!
  • Remember to say “trick or treat” when the door opens and always say “thank you” each time someone gives you a treat, even if it’s something you don’t like. (You can always trade it later for something you like. If you say something like, “Yuck. Why do I always get stuff I don’t like,” you come across as rude. And no one likes a rude guest at their door.)
  • If you’re invited to help yourself to the candy, take just one or two pieces of candy so there’s plenty to go around. You’ll have lots by the time you get home.
  • Stand outside the door to collect any goodies. A trick or treater never goes inside a stranger’s home.
  • Take a walkway to the front door of a home rather than across the lawn. Be careful to walk around…rather than through…flower beds, vegetable gardens and muddy patches of yard.
  • If you are carrying a sword, staff or something similar, be careful around other children. No one will enjoy Halloween if they poked in the eye with a fairy wand!
  • Avoid getting too close to pumpkins and lanterns with real candles and flames.
  • Teens – a special note for you: treat or treat in groups and try not to stray very far from your group.
  • Older children who are taking younger brothers or sisters trick or treating, your first responsibility is your sibling(s)—not any friends you might meet along the way. If you are not wearing a costume, that usually means you’re not participating in the activity. Consider not taking candy.
  • Rolling houses, trees or cars with toilet paper, rubbing soap on windows, throwing paint, overturning trash cans, leaving dead, black flowers is bad form. Ditto on ringing bells and running. The police take these things seriously.
  • When you get home and your parents have checked over your stash of goodies, feel free to share your booty with all your family members…except pets. Chocolate…and most sugary treats…can make dogs and cats very sick.

Courtesy, The Etiquette School of Birmingham:

Kathie Martin is founder and president of The Etiquette School of Birmingham. A communications professional with more than 30 years in the corporate and non-profit world, she holds etiquette certification from the American School of Protocol. Martin provides etiquette training for children, business etiquette training for corporations and adults and speaks to college groups and community organizations on a variety of etiquette-related subjects. For more information, visit www.etiquettebham.com, e-mail her at etiquetteschool@bellsouth.net, or call 205-222-0932.

How Old is Too Old for Trick or Treating?

Posted on by Angie

Free candy is pretty hard to resist, no matter how old you are. So when it comes to Halloween and Trick or Treating how old is too old to be going door to door looking for a hand out?

At 13 I knew I was too old but was too blinded by the promise of free candy to care. At 16 I drove my sister (4 years, 10 months my junior) around and made her split her haul with me. Now? I live vicariously through my children, offering up assistance when sorting the good candy from the bad candy, effectively swiping most of the really awesome candy into a secret stash that I will later eat while hiding in the laundry room for short periods over the next few months.

So, I did it when I was too old, why am I so bothered when these kids come to my door towering over the itty bittys trying to to fight their way to the candy bowl? Please tell me I was a little more considerate than what I see happening now….. Most likely not, but I was wise enough to still put effort into making myself up, unlike some who throw on a t-shirt with a skull on the front and declare it a “costume.”

No one ever called me out on my shenanigans, maybe because like me, they were too afraid of ending up on the “trick” part of the holiday and waking up to a house that has been egged or rolled.

So here’s a good rule to follow: if you’re too old for a party at the bounce house, or Chuck E Cheese, you’re too old to be on my doorstep Halloween night.

What do you think? What’s the age limit for trick or treating?

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 13th – October 20th

Posted on by Angie

The beautiful weather continues as we start another week and we’ve got a calendar full of fun things happening in Birmingham.

Start the week with a Scavenger Hunt at Ruffner Mountain or take advantage of the great weather and hit up Boo at the Zoo.

Check out a free yoga class, a spooky storytime or some of the events happening at the Birmingham Museum of Art next weekend.

If you’re looking for a Fall Festival or Pumpkin Patch, check out our list of Fall Happenings

Have a great week!

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

Sunday October 13th:

Fall Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain
Enjoy a walk through the forest and search for answers to the clues from Ruffner’s Fall Scavenger Hunt. Once you have found all the answers, return your paper to the front desk and claim your prize! Children of all ages. Scavenger sheets will be at the front desk.
This event is on-going. Come any time between 1 and 5.

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can see your favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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Monday October 14th:

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Storytime for 2-4-year-olds with a caregiver. Includes stories, songs, and craft. 24-hour advance registration required.
10:30am

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Tuesday October 15th:

Pumpkin Painting – Hoover Library
Bring your own pumpkin to decorate and enter into our annual contest.  Entries accepted until October 30.

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Wednesday October 16th:

Free Yoga Classes – Villager Yoga
Come check out our kids classes as we prepare to start our next 8-week yoga series. Free classes for kids ages 4-7
4:45pm

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
All Ages
10:30am

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Monsters, monsters everywhere! Join us as we learn all the fun things you could do if you were a monster.
11am

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Thursday October 17th:

Preschool Party/Costume Ball – Vestavia Public Library
Join your fairy friends at the Annual Fairy Costume Ball! You are invited to dress in your favorite costume and join us for dancing, games and fairy frivolity. Beware: the evil fairy might make an appearance. I hope we have some Super Heroes there to banish her! Ages 5 & under. Please call to register or visit the website to sign up.
10:30am

Free Yoga Classes – Villager Yoga
Come check out our kids classes as we prepare to start our next 8-week yoga series. Free classes for kids ages 4-7
3:30pm

Ages 8-12 at 4:30

Crafts and Storytime with Ms Karen – Clay Public Library
Join Ms. Karen for Stories and Crafts. After some “Scaredy-Cat stories,” participants will make a related craft. These programs are geared toward toddlers through second graders, but all ages are welcome. Programs last approximately 30 minutes. Stories and Crafts programs are generally held on 3rd Thursdays at 5:30 and 4th Wednesdays at 10:00.
5:30pm

Mummy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday October 18th:

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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Saturday October 19th:

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

Birmingham Museum of Art – Multiple Event Listings

Bart’s Spooktacular
Help celebrate Bart the Art Bat’s favorite holiday at his SPOOKTACULAR party! Trick your eyes and seek the details in scavenger hunts, treat your sense with art activities and spooky storytelling, and dress up as your favorite character to clear the cobwebs. Create traditional Mexican sugar skulls in honor of the Day of the Dead and decorate pumpkins for your front step. Be prepared to have a spooky good time!
10am – 3:30pm

Spooky Storytelling
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, as part of Bart’s Spooktacular, Bart has selected a special spooky book for you to enjoy!
11am – Noon

Sugar Skulls
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! Sugar Skulls // Trick us with your sweet skills while decorating these ornamental treats!
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.

Voyage of Imagination – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a Hands-On Learning event. Create and share adventure-themed stories with Rory’s Story Cubes and Jungle Animals Make-a-Mask.
11am

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Sunday October 20th:

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

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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: Flight of the Butterflies, Titians of the Ice Age

Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age – through December 31st, 2013
McWane Science Center is home to Alabama’s second largest natural history collection. Made up of over 500,000 specimens and objects pertaining to the natural history of the state, this important collection focuses on the preservation, education, and research of Alabama’s rich biodiversity and paleobiodiversity. One of the more significant subsets of the collection is Alabama’s largest collection of Late Pleistocene faunal remains – or Ice Age fossils.

Made up of nearly 10,000 cataloged specimens, the McWSC Pleistocene collection contains a unique diversity of fauna that not only includes those native to North America, but migrants to the state from both South America and the Old World. This collection includes mammals, both extant and extinct, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes, and botanical remains collected from both cave and stream localities in the state. Extinct mammals represented in the McWSC collection include mammoths, mastodons, giant beavers, saber-toothed cats, giant armadillos, tapirs, peccaries, and giant ground sloths.

This spring, visitors will have an opportunity to view some of the fossils in the collection with a new exhibit titled — “Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age.” This exhibit will not only highlight many of the Ice Age animals from the McWane Science Center Collection, but will highlight and dispel many of the common misconceptions surrounding the Ice Age in the state. The goal is for visitors to have a better understanding and appreciation for this time in Alabama. For example, guests might learn that Alabama was on average only five degrees colder than today, glaciers did not reach farther south than southern Illinois or that all the Ice Age animals did not go extinct at the end of the Ice Age. While the largest animals, such as mastodons, giant ground sloths, and saber-tooth cats died out, nearly all the animals that are living in Alabama today were also around in the Ice Age.

The Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age Alabama display is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum. It is included in the cost of admission to the museum and free to members.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

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.

How to Handle Criticism: The Mom's Guide

Posted on by Angie

No one likes being told what they’re doing wrong, or what they’re not good at. However, it is hearing other’s opinions that can help improve your relationships, job satisfaction, and academic performance. As a mom, we have to show our children how to accept and handle criticism so they can learn too.

There is a such thing as destructive criticism, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Constructive criticism is thoughtful feedback that help gain insight into our actions and increase other’s trust in us.

The low-down:

1. Don’t be too sensitive. Take it in, process it, and determine if it is helpful or rude. Try to hear what someone is really saying to you.

2. Respond calmly, even if it was not nice. Show your kids how to kill ’em with kindness.

3. Make a plan- consider the area that was being critiqued. Even if you disagree and think you’re awesome in that area, you need to reevaluate. Your ability and the perception of your ability may not be in line. Take a few minutes to make a plan to improve that area.

How do you accept criticism and learn from it?

Giveaway: Boo at the Zoo Passes

Posted on by Angie

***** GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED *****

It’s time to get in the Halloween Spirit and what better way than with a giveaway to Boo at the Zoo!

Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure

BirminghamMommy.com has a 4 pack of tickets to giveaway to 1 lucky reader.

Here’s how to enter.

1. Leave a comment on this post letting us know you want them

2. Head over to the Birmingham Zoo’s Facebook page and thank them for the chance to win

3. Share this with your friends on Facebook. Make sure to use @BirminghamMommy in the post.

Giveaway will end Thursday Morning, October 10th at 10am and we’ll get the tickets to you in time to use this weekend!

Good Luck!

 

 

Birmingham Area Fall Festivals and Happenings – Fall 2013

Posted on by Angie

Fall in Birmingham one of our most favorite times of the year. With Fall comes the fun of Pumpkin Patches, Trick or Treating and Fall Festivals. Here is a rundown of what you can do to keep your family busy over the next month or so!

Pumpkin Patches

Old Baker Farm – Harpersville – September 28th – October 31st. Just off Hwy 280.
Open weekdays 3pm – dark
Saturdays 9am – dark
Sundays 1pm – dark
ADMISSION COST:
$10 per person (children under 2 free)
Admission includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, and horseback rides.
Visit Site for more information.

  • Western Cowboy Day – Saturday October 12, 2012, 9am until Dark and Sunday, October 14, 2012, 1pm until Dark
    Shootouts, Western Music, Hay Wagon Rides, Hay Mountain, Pumpkin Patch, & More!
    Kids, come dressed in your western attire!
  • Cotton Pickin’ Celebration – Saturday October 26th 9am – 5pm and Sunday October 27th 9am – 5pm. Exhibitors from all over the South including handmade Indian arts & crafts, blacksmiths, basket makers, broom maker, goats milk soap, and many more!

Great Pumpkin Patch – Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit. September 24th – October 31st
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free, pay for each activity.

Grand Ole Patch – Clanton – 65 South to the Clanton/Lay Dam exit 212. October 1st – October 31st
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm.
Friday and Saturday 8am – Dark.
Sunday 1pm to dark.
Pay Per Activity

Bennett Farms – Heflin –   I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199. Opening day, Saturday September 29th. In October – Open Thursday and Friday, 2pm – 5pm,  Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Musuem – Open Every Saturday and Sunday in October, beginning October 5th. Hayrides, jump stations, coloring and more! It is recommended you purchase tickets in advance. See site for schedule and hours.

**Tuscaloosa Barnyard
“Petting and Fun Farm” is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 10am to 1pm.  Bring your lunch & friends! 248-0773 (Pony ride, boat ride, animal feeding, hands on petting area, pumpkin patch, hayride, playground, etc ONLY $15 per person)

Local Libraries

Emmet O’Neal Public Library

A Night Dark and Grimm: October 18th, 6pm
Fairytale Forest Maze, Crafts, Costume Parade, Games, Fairytale Foods and More! Movie on the Lawn will be Princess and the Frog.

Trick or Treat Around the Library – October 31st, 9am -9pm

Homewood Library

Camp Fire Ghost Stories: October 24th 6:15pm – 7:15pm
For our older, braver patrons.  Hear a chilling tale and enjoy some Halloween treats.  Suggested age range: 7 to 12 AND a parent.

Halloween Tricks and Treats: October 31st, 1pm – 7:00pm
Stop by in your costume and perform a trick for a treat!

Hoover Public Library –

Annual Pumpkin Painting Workshop
It’s time to get out those pumpkins and bring them to the library to decorate and enter our Pumpkin Painting Contest.
Wednesday, October 16, 2012 at 6:30pm Entries accepted until October 30. FREE

Bippity Boppity Boo: October 18th, 7:00pm
A haunted mansion, a princess’ castle and a slew of Caribbean pirates:
put them together and what have you got? The best Halloween party in town! Join us as the library transforms into a truly magical kingdom. Don’t forget to wear your costume! FREE

Trick or Treat
Trick or treat throughout the library on Halloween!
Thursday, October 31, 2012
9am-6 p.m.

Pelham Library

Halloween Carnival: Saturday October 26th 1pm- 2:30pm
Come in your favorite costume to play some carnival games and leave with plenty of treats.

Festivals and Miscellaneous Happenings

Boo at the Zoo –
Wear your favorite costume for the 22nd annual Boo at the Zoo. Make your way through safe candy villages and game zones, organized by local non-profits and child-centered businesses.  The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
Admission: $8 (tax included)

Some attractions require ride tickets. Ride tickets are $3.50, or you can purchase an unlimited attraction wristband for only $12. Wristbands do not include Children’s Pony Rides. Children’s Pony Rides are $5.50. Riders must weigh less than 80 lbs.

October 4-6, 11-13, 20, 23-24, 27 & 31  (5-9pm)
October 18,19, 25 & 26  (5-10pm)

OzTober at Desoto Caverns –
Every Saturday in October for an interactive, roaming production of the Wizard of Oz. Show times are 10:15 and 12:15.
Tickets – $19.99. Only $9.99 when you purchase a Fun Pac. Wear your favorite Oz costume and receive $2.00 off your ticket.

Oak Mountain State Park –
Come out and enjoy the festivities at the 2nd Annual Fall Festival at the Dogwood Pavilion. We will have a dunking booth, face painting, cake walk, hayrides, and more. Park admission is $3 adults, $1 children (6 to 11), 5 & under free, $1 seniors (62+). Activities require 1 ticket each, and they can be purchased under the Dogwood Pavilion for $1 each.
Saturday October 13th, 1oam – 2pm

Tannehill –
The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the October 31 event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival T-shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.
October 26th

Dawson Baptist Church
Bring your family to Dawson’s Family Fall Festival! Games, rides, carnival foods, and candy!
October 25th, 6pm – 9pm

Homewood Church of Christ
Trunk or Treat
Sunday October 27th
4pm – 7pm

Town of Mt Laurel
Harvest Festival –Farmers Market & Craft Fair, complete with Hayrides, MoonWalks, Cotton Candy, Music and much, much more!
Saturday, October 12th. 10am – 3pm

Ruffner Mountain
Pumpkin Carving Party. Join us for a pumpkin carving party at the Backporch. Let your creativity run wild as you create your very own Jack-O-Lantern. You may either bring your own and carve it for free, or purchase one from Ruffner (price depends on size). You are free to take your pumpkin home with you, or leave it at Ruffner to display for Faces in the Forest.
October 27th, 3pm – 5pm

Face in the Forest Hike – Visit Ruffner for a truly spooktacular evening. Walk along the forest trail with only the guidance from glowing Jack-O-Lanterns to lead the way.Reserve your spot at http://shop.ruffnermountain.org/
October 31st / November 1st. 6:30 – 8:30pm

Homewood Parks and Recreation – West Homewood Park – Upper Multi Purpose Field (6 Acres Field)
Fall Festival – A variety of games, goodies, a concession stand, inflatable and a costume contest.
Thursday, October 31st. 6pm – 8pm
Unlimited Attraction Wristband $5.00 per individual

Whole Foods Halloween Party
Face painting, Pumpkin Craft and Trick or Treating.
Friday, October 25th 6pm – 8pm

Trick or Treat Downtown Homewood
More than 20 shops and businesses participating.
Saturday, October 26th 9am – 10am

McWane Science Center and Alabama Theatre Present:
Magic City Zombie Fest

What happens when you combine George A. Romero’s Halloween classic “Night of the Living Dead” with a spooktacular party on McWane Science Center’s plaza – the first annual Magic City Zombie Fest. Get into your best zombie costume and creep to downtown Birmingham for a night of food, fun and flesh-eaters. The festivities begin at 7 pm with a screening of “Night of the Living Dead” at the Alabama Theatre, followed immediately by a party on McWane’s plaza with music, food, drinks, costume contest and other undead actvities.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PARTY:
– Zombie costume contest
– Zombie Walk from theater
– Finger foods and bar
– D.J.
– Zombie photo booth
– Zombie makeup station

Cost: $20 (Ticket includes admission to Night of the Living Dead, McWane’s Zombie Block Party and one drink ticket)

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Advance reservations required.

Must be 18 and over to purchase tickets.
Movie Screening: 7 P.M, with doors opening at 6 P.M
Block Party: 8:30 pm (immediately following movie)

If you’re a scary movie buff and can get a sitter, the Alabama Theatre will be hosting Halloween Movie Week starting Friday, October 18th. Visit their site for a full schedule.

If you have a festival or fall event you would like added to our list, email us at: contact@birminghammommy.com subject line, Fall Festival

Social Media Kids

Posted on by Angie

I am a huge advocate for Social Media. I’m kind of a junkie, actually. I think it’s a great tool for businesses, a wonderful way to connect with friends, new and old, and it works great as a way to journal your child’s milestones/achievements on the go.

But when it comes to kids? No way, uh-uh, no how.

Originally introduced in 2000, COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) states that websites cannot collect information about users under 13 years of age without parental consent, this includes providing access to interactive websites and applications which could enable them to share information with others. Therefore websites have to either incorporate a method of collecting parental consent or forbid the use of the site by any users under 13 years of age (as Facebook has opted to do). Although a US law, this could still apply to international sites that may be accessed by underage US users.

There has been some chatter recently about Facebook lowering the age limit for using Facebook, it’s currently 13. Which in my prudish opinion is still too young. It is well known that the social sites do not have the tools or manpower to effectively enforce their age restrictions. If your child lies about his age, or you do it for him, it is unlikely that the infraction will ever be discovered.

Young children can’t comprehend the dangers or repercussions that can come along with social media. They lack the awareness and self censorship to know what is acceptable content and that once they put it out there, their digital footprint is there for the world to see and can come back to haunt them later on in life, in relationships or college applications or when they get a job in the real world.

What’s more important is that according to Federal Bureau of Investigations, it is believed that more than half a million pedophiles are online every day, making sexual predators a very real threat to your child. With millions of people logging on to social sites each day, odds are that dangerous people will attempt to contact your child at some point.

So, here are 5 Golden Rules (compliments of Social Media Today) to keep in mind when trying to keep your child safe in the Social Media World.

1. Show Me.
Ask your child to show you the sites that they use. Show an interest and take note of the sites they visit and re-visit them later when you’re alone.  Find out how to set safety features and how to report any issues directly to the site.

2. Low Profile.
Ask your child to set profile settings to private. Since children use social media sites to share just about everything they do, setting their profile to private can help protect them against photos, personal information and even location in the real world ending up in the wrong hands. (Side note, this rule suggests “Asking” your child to do this. Require is the word I would have used.)

3. Just Ask.
Ask your child about their online friends. Help your child understand that people can create fake identities online and lie about who they really are. They should only give out personal information and be “friends” with people they know in the real world.

4. Photo Check
Ask your child to only share photos that they don’t mind showing to you first. Talk to your child about the images they send, the sites and apps they use to share them and who they are sending them to. (again, I would say require, don’t ask)

5. Don’t Worry
Ask your child to tell you if they are worried about something online. By talking to your child about the internet, their favorite sites, and the risks they may encounter, they are more likely to come to turn to you if they get into situations online where they feel uncomfortable or see something they don’t want to see.

And when in doubt, just say no. It may seem like the end of the world for them at the time but in the long run, keeping them safe is what’s most important and if you don’t feel like you can supervise them closely enough, it’s best to hold off until they’re more mature.

Do you allow your child to access social media? What age do/would you allow this from?

How do you monitor their activity?

Follow this link for the infographic on the 5 golden rules of social media for kids

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