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Birmingham Events Calendar: July 29th – August 5th

Posted on by Angie

Lots of Harry Potter on the calendar this week since it’s his Birthday! Happy Birthday Harry!

$5 Fun Days will kick off at the Birmingham Zoo and Barts Art Cart will start a new exhibit where you can create a Warhol Inspired Sports Car!

Dog days of summer will take place at Ruffner Mountain and you can catch some Music and Fireworks at the Morgan Creek Winery!

Lots of fun things to choose from this week! Make it Great!

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

Sunday July 29th:

Bart’s Art Cart, Artistic Flags – Birmingham Museum of Art
Come by in July to show your patriotism by creating an artistic flag!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Monday July 30th:

Harry Potter Film Festival – Birmingham Public Library, Central Branch
In celebration of Harry’s birthday, come to our Harry Potter film festival in the Story Castle. Refreshments will be provided.
10am – 4pm

Monday at the Movies – Hoover Public Library
Join us for Monday at the Movies in The Library Theatre at the Hoover Public Library! Free admission and refreshments.

Feature Film: Archeologist Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a respected college professor who wears a leather jacket and brown fedora and carries a whip, in his action-loaded, thrilling film set in the 1936, during the rise of the Third Reich. Jones battles snakes, Nazis, and supernatural forces from Nepal to Cairo to rescue the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred box that contains the original Ten Commandments.

Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
Paramount Pictures; Directed by Steven Spielberg
Rated PG; 115 minutes; 1981
2:00pm and 6:30pm

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Tuesday July 31st:

Summer Science Studio – McWane Science Center
Join us for a summer of fun and learning in the new Summer Science Studio for early childhood education programs. Junior League of Birmingham volunteers will be guiding activities for children ages two to six in the studio that are designed to help children learn while they play. The Studio will offer a fun, hands-on educational environment that inspires creativity and exploration. Little ones are sure to have a blast using their imaginations to paint, make music, dress up in costumes, and more.
10am – 1pm

Harry Potter Film Festival – Birmingham Public Library, Central Branch
In celebration of Harry’s birthday, come to our Harry Potter film festival in the Story Castle. Refreshments will be provided.
10am – 4pm

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Wednesday August 1st:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a special Getting Ready for School Storytime! This event is for all ages, but especially those about to start school for the first time. School is the great adventure and reading is the key! Good books, fun crafts — see you there!
11am

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

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Thursday August 2nd:

Summer Science Studio – McWane Science Center
Join us for a summer of fun and learning in the new Summer Science Studio for early childhood education programs. Junior League of Birmingham volunteers will be guiding activities for children ages two to six in the studio that are designed to help children learn while they play. The Studio will offer a fun, hands-on educational environment that inspires creativity and exploration. Little ones are sure to have a blast using their imaginations to paint, make music, dress up in costumes, and more.
10am – 1pm

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Friday August 3rd:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Alabama Theatre
Harry, Ron and Hermione search for Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord.

We’re showing all of the Harry Potter movies this summer! Enjoy Butter Beer from the concession stand.
Doors open at 6, come dressed up and enter the costume contest for some fun prizes! Movie starts at 7pm
Tickets will be $8 at the door.

$5 Fun Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Guests will enjoy $5 admission!
Have you ever seen a tiger tear open a piñata? Or a sea lion solve a water jug feeder puzzle? AZA-accredited zoos use exciting enrichment activities like these to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for the animals and help keep them mentally and physically fit. Guests can see animals in action while learning how the Zoo uses enrichment programs to encourage the animals to exhibit natural behaviors they display in the wild. Enjoy enrichment demonstrations, keeper talks, activities for kids and much more throughout the event. You won’t want to miss the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, Sea Lion Splash Show and Wildlife Show, as well as exciting activities such as the Boma Encounter and Predator Zone. Come feed the giraffes and lorikeets, watch keepers feed the alligator and pelicans, and much more. Come enjoy all the Zoo has to offer until 7pm each day.
Make sure to also take advantage of $1 hotdogs at the Safari Café and Kudzoo Café!
For a detailed $5 Fun Days schedule, please visit www.birminghamzoo.com

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Saturday August 4th:

Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard – Morgan Creek Winery
Enjoy entertainment featuing music by Big Tasties. Tours and wine tasting will be available, but the event is family-friendly. The celebration will end with fireworks starting at 9:30 PM. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the bands in the vineyard.
6pm – 9:30pm

Dog Days of Summer – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Ruffner has gone to the dogs! Join us for dog-friendly naturalist-led hikes throughout the day. Booths will be set up under the pavilion from with local dog organizations, businesses and groups. Throughout the day there will be raffles, contest, prizes, artist drawings, snow cones for dogs, and human food for sale.
9am – 12:30pm

Summer Science Studio – McWane Science Center
Join us for a summer of fun and learning in the new Summer Science Studio for early childhood education programs. Junior League of Birmingham volunteers will be guiding activities for children ages two to six in the studio that are designed to help children learn while they play. The Studio will offer a fun, hands-on educational environment that inspires creativity and exploration. Little ones are sure to have a blast using their imaginations to paint, make music, dress up in costumes, and more.
10am – 4pm

$5 Fun Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Guests will enjoy $5 admission!
Have you ever seen a tiger tear open a piñata? Or a sea lion solve a water jug feeder puzzle? AZA-accredited zoos use exciting enrichment activities like these to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for the animals and help keep them mentally and physically fit. Guests can see animals in action while learning how the Zoo uses enrichment programs to encourage the animals to exhibit natural behaviors they display in the wild. Enjoy enrichment demonstrations, keeper talks, activities for kids and much more throughout the event. You won’t want to miss the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, Sea Lion Splash Show and Wildlife Show, as well as exciting activities such as the Boma Encounter and Predator Zone. Come feed the giraffes and lorikeets, watch keepers feed the alligator and pelicans, and much more. Come enjoy all the Zoo has to offer until 7pm each day.
Make sure to also take advantage of $1 hotdogs at the Safari Café and Kudzoo Café!
For a detailed $5 Fun Days schedule, please visit www.birminghamzoo.com

Bart’s Art Cart, Warhol Inspired Sports Car – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in August to design your own sports car inspired by Andy Warhol and the Warhol and Cars: American Icons exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Shelby County Family Day – McWane Science Center
Shelby County residents receive half-off admission to McWane Science Center’s four floors of interactive exhibits.
Shelby County residents must Present This Downloadable Invitation and a copy of a current driver’s license showing proof of residency.
Discount not valid with any other promotions or discounts.

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Re-open again for the season! Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

Yard Sale and Market –
Yard Sale, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Baked Goods, Local Arts and Fun Children’s Activities. For more information please contact the Norwood Resource Center at 205.322.7361.
Norwood Community @ 15th Avenue and 32nd Street North on Norwood Community Blvd.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

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
Join us for Storytime as we read My Name Is Not Alexander. A young boy imagines that he becomes famous men throughout history. We will make a craft and have something yummy from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday August 5th:

Bart’s Art Cart, Warhol Inspired Sports Car – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in August to design your own sports car inspired by Andy Warhol and the Warhol and Cars: American Icons exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

$5 Fun Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Guests will enjoy $5 admission!
Have you ever seen a tiger tear open a piñata? Or a sea lion solve a water jug feeder puzzle? AZA-accredited zoos use exciting enrichment activities like these to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for the animals and help keep them mentally and physically fit. Guests can see animals in action while learning how the Zoo uses enrichment programs to encourage the animals to exhibit natural behaviors they display in the wild. Enjoy enrichment demonstrations, keeper talks, activities for kids and much more throughout the event. You won’t want to miss the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, Sea Lion Splash Show and Wildlife Show, as well as exciting activities such as the Boma Encounter and Predator Zone. Come feed the giraffes and lorikeets, watch keepers feed the alligator and pelicans, and much more. Come enjoy all the Zoo has to offer until 7pm each day.
Make sure to also take advantage of $1 hotdogs at the Safari Café and Kudzoo Café!
For a detailed $5 Fun Days schedule, please visit www.birminghamzoo.com

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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: Born to Be Wild, & Flying Monsters.

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Dora and Diego, Let’s Explore Exhibit
Get ready for adventure with Dora and Diego at McWane Science Center in the new exhibit Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along.

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

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.

Naptime Confessions: Road Trippin'

Posted on by Angie

I used to be a stickler for naptime being at home, mostly because I valued that down time around the house, but now? I’ll take it any way I can get it! How about you?

 

Couponing 101: A few tips

Posted on by Angie

There’s been so much hype about couponing in the news recently. The “extreme couponing” craze is in full swing, but not all of us can or want to invest the time in to be extreme. If you’re looking to save some money in a reasonable amount of time, we caught up with local Coupon Expert Holly Syx from igobogo to get some tis on fitting coupons into our lifestyle. Read On!

 

  • Get to know your store’s coupon policy, and follow it closely.  Some stores double, some stores allow competitor’s coupons, some stores don’t even accept coupons.  Be aware of correct coupon usage at your store to avoid hassle at the register.
  • Couponing is a great way to save, but saving money at the grocery store actually begins with the store’s weekly ad. Familiarize yourself with your store’s ad each week, and stock up on the things you buy when they are on sale.  Focus on Buy 1, Get 1 Free sales, $10 for $10 deals, in season produce, etc.  Download this free Printable Grocery Price Chart to find out if the sale is really a deal.
  • Once you have looked at the ad THEN you want to add coupons.  Matching coupons with sale prices is the trick to getting the best deals on groceries.  Find a coupon blog that covers your stores and does the coupon matchups for you.  This will save you tons of time.
  • Plan your trip before you leave the house.  That includes having your list ready and coupons clipped.  There is not much that is more stressful than trying to get your coupons and list together while you are in the store especially with the kids along.  If you are organized with your list and coupons before you head inside you can get in and out with no trouble at all.
  • Do not clip all your coupons unless you want them to rule your life.  Seriously…You will never use them all, and you will only end up wasting your time for the most part.  Some folks clip all the coupons & sort them in a binder by category.  That’s cool if you have time to do that.  However, I’ve found that the easiest way to organize is to just place the coupons by insert date in a file box.  Yes, you may miss a few deals by not having a binder with you at the store, but you will save tons of time.  Time is also worth money.

Make couponing fit your lifestyle, and not the other way around.  We all want to save a little (or alot), but we all have different ways to do it.  Some may eat only organic, others may grow all their own food, still others may like to snack on junk food, others may not.  There are plenty of coupons to go around no matter what you buy (yes, even on organic foods).

Make sure to see what Holly is up to on iGoBOGO.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@iGoBOGO) for current deals.

LEGO DUPLO to Read, Build, Play & Support Early Literacy around Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Each summer, libraries, parks, museums and various other family attractions work to entertain, excite and inspire children all summer long in educational and fun ways.  For communities across the country, these venues are pillars of summer excitement and continued learning.  To celebrate exploration, learning and play from a young age and support cities in their efforts to spice up summer, LEGO DUPLO has launched the Read! Build! Play! national tour and is coming to Birmingham to ignite exploration in toddlers and introduce new ways to play and learn to parents.

Designed for children under five, the Read! Build! Play! experience brings together reading, building, singing and storytelling in a fun, educational way. As story tellers read, children will be encouraged to build, sing, play and explore through original games and creative activities.

If for some reason you can’t join in-person, you will be able to take the experience home with you by visiting www.readbuildplay.com and downloading the Parent Activity Guide, full of suggestions and ideas on how to keep playtime fresh, energetic and educational.

Mark your calendar for 2 events happening here in Birmingham!

Birmingham Museum of Art:
Thursday, August 9th 10am – 2pm
Admission is FREE

McWane Science Center:
Friday, August 10th 10am – 2pm
Price included in the cost of admission. Free to members.

Pinspired Dinner: Pork Tenderloin and Yummy Potatoes

Posted on by Angie

We tried these 2 new recipes out a few nights ago and LOVED them both. Both recipes are simple. You use Ziploc bags to marinate, then voila, you’re done! The pork was great and the sauce that you can make to go with it was so good. The potatoes were thin and delicious. This meal will definitely become a part of our dinner rotation.

Pork Tenderloin:

Ingredients:
1⁄2 cups olive oil
1⁄3 cup soy sauce
1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tsp dry mustard
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 1-lb. pork tenderloin (silver skin removed)

Directions:
Combine all marinade ingredients and reserve 2-3 Tbsp. Place the pork tenderloin and marinade in a Ziplock bag and let marinate for at least 3-4 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear each side of tenderloin for 2-3 minutes. Place in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes or until the meat has reached 160 degrees. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Pan Sauce:
Pan scrapings from pork tenderloin
1/2 cup of chicken broth
2-3 tbsp of pork marinade (thoroughly mixed)
1-2 tsp butter

Meanwhile, place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned pieces from the bottom of the pan. Add the marinade and let it boil down for 2-3 minutes. Add the butter and remove from heat stirring until butter has melted. Pour over the pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin: http://pinterest.com/pin/97812623127627471/

 

Yummy Potatoes:

slice potatoes (2lg) into very thin slices (1/4 inch).
Toss potatoes in (3Tbsp) olive oil, Italian seasoning (1tbsp) and salt (1tsp) in a ziplock bag to coat.

Place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 450 for 15 -20 minutes, until lightly brown. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Yummy potatoes: http://pinterest.com/pin/97812623127620051/

Follow our boards on Pinterest for more yummy recipes and fun finds!

 

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Ticket Giveaway

Posted on by Angie

The Harry Potter Series that has been running at the Alabama Theatre is winding down with only the last 2 movies left to see. We will be giving away tickets to 2 lucky readers.

Deathly Hallows part 1 will show this Friday at 7pm and Part 2 will show on Friday August 3rd at 7pm.

Doors open at 6:00pm, come dressed up and enter the costume contest for some fun prizes! Also make sure to stop by the Alabama Theatre Junior Board table in the lobby. They will have photo ops available with the sorting hat, and some fun stand ups. Miscellaneous movie posters will also be for sale before and after the show, to help raise money for the new Theatre parking lot.

To Enter, do 1 or all for extra chances to win:

1. Leave a Comment on this Post (1 per person)

2. Share this post with your friends on FB (1 Per person, come back and leave a message letting us know you did)

3. Tweet “@BirminghamMommy has tickets to see Harry Potter @ALTheatre http://ow.ly/csuh2 ”

This will be a quick giveaway and will end at 10pm tonight (Tuesday 24th) so we can get the tickets out to the winners in time to see either of the last 2 movies.

2 winners will be chosen at random and will each win 2 passes to use at their choice, Deathly Hallows part 1, or part 2

Good Luck!

 

Parenting with a PhD: Talking to Kids about Tragedies

Posted on by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

Even if you’ve tried to prevent it, your kids have probably heard something about the shootings that occurred overnight Thursday in Aurora, Colorado. If they have, they’re probably pretty confused and disturbed – aren’t we all? Here are some tips for helping your child understand what happened and calming worries she might have about something similar happening to her or someone she loves.

Younger Kids: With kids under 7, its better to limit exposure to information about this kind of tragic event as much as possible. Give your child something to do in a different room while you watch or listen to the news stories and avoid discussing it in front of him. If you suspect he has already heard about the incident or if he brings it up, tell what happened in very simple language. Try giving only the main facts like, “A man brought a gun to a movie theater and hurt some people.” Answer questions but don’t give details.  It isn’t necessary to lie but you don’t need to give your child more information he can handle. Let him express the feelings he’s having and then reassure him that he can trust you and the other adults who care for him to look out for his safety. Then, get him involved in something else so he doesn’t dwell on the issue.

Older Kids: Kids 7 and older are often quite aware of what’s being said on the news and by adults, and may be eager for information. Before you talk about a tragedy like what occurred in Colorado, know your child and her comfort zone. Most kids will need you to give only a few details at a time along with the opportunity to digest and ask questions.  Continue giving only enough information to satisfy curiosity and to help your child deal with the feelings she’s having. Make sure you’re supportive of your child’s feelings, even if they make you uncomfortable or you don’t understand why she feels that way. Talking about your own emotions using age appropriate language will provide comfort, especially when you also tell your child how you’re dealing with those feelings. Don’t tell your child that you can prevent bad things from happening to her – most will know that’s a lie. Do talk about how unlikely it is that she will be hurt or killed in a movie theater. Remind her of all the times she’s gone to the movies without incident. Provide information about safety measures that are in place in your home and in public places that you frequent. Watch for signs you’re your child is becoming upset over the conversation and encourage her to take breaks when that happens. Consider using some of the following strategies to help her calm down:

  • Take deep breaths (cliché, I know, but it really does help)
  • Flex and relax each muscle group in the body one at a time, starting with the face and going all the way to the toes
  • Listen to music
  • Visualize something relaxing and enjoyable, like going to the beach. Think about the sights, sounds, smells, and textures you’d encounter.
  • Shoot hoops, play catch, hit tennis balls, hula hoop, run, or cartwheel. Be active!
  • Come up with some positive self-talk statements your child can use when she needs reassurance. Write them down and keep them somewhere she can find them easily. Some suggestions: “I need to relax,” “I can handle this,” “I am safe,” or “I can get help if I need it.”

Teenagers: Teenagers are generally able to handle most details of a tragedy like the shootings in Aurora; however, it’s better not to force them to talk about it if they don’t seem interested. Let them know that you’re open to discussing it and check-in on how they’re handling things. You might try sharing your own feelings on the matter and see if the discussion takes off from there. Don’t feel like you must have an answer to the question, “Why would someone do that?” should it arise. Teens are able to accept that there are no simple answers to complicated issues. One thing to be prepared for is the different kinds of reactions your teen might have. He may be sad for the loss of life or express anxiety about going to the movies (or other places) for fear that he will be hurt. Many teens will be angry at the injustice of innocent people being hurt and killed. For these reactions, the techniques presented in the “Older Children” section for managing strong emotions should be helpful.

Be aware that some teens will appear apathetic about the occurrence and may even make statements like, “People die all the time.” Remember that this attitude may not reflect how your child truly feels. It’s possible that he’s having a hard time expressing himself, is embarrassed by his feelings, or just wants to express an opposing viewpoint to yours. Whichever explanation is true, letting the discussion happen naturally instead of forcing it will have the best results. Most concerning will be those teens who seem to identify with the shooter or blame the victims. If your teen responds in one of these ways, try not to freak out. In most cases, he is probably testing to see how you’ll take what he says. Teenagers are at a stage of cognitive development when they’re exploring the different ways to look at a situation and, particularly, the ways that their viewpoints might differ from those of their parents. Try to see this reaction as a mental exercise and not as evidence that your child doesn’t care about others. If he seems open to it, gently push him to go further with the discussion. Ask how he might feel if he’d been at the theater that night or if someone he cared about had gotten hurt or killed. Talk about how you would feel. Discuss how the people who witnessed or were injured at the event or whose family members were killed might feel and how their lives might change as a result. Relate this tragedy to significant events your child has experienced, even though they probably will not be as traumatic. Help him remember how he felt at those times. Don’t expect an “Aha!” moment – it might take time for your child to gain perspective.

Certainly, if your teen seems to strongly identify with the shooter in Colorado or expresses pleasure that the man “got revenge,” it is important that he talk with a therapist as soon as possible. Although he may be making such statements for attention, it is also possible that he has had thoughts of hurting himself or others, is feeling like an outside, or wants to get revenge on someone. A mental health professional can assist in determining whether your child is at risk for destructive behavior.

Final Thoughts: Regardless of your child’s age, keep in mind that news shows are geared towards adults and may not be appropriate for kids or teens. If possible, filter the information your child gets by limiting his exposure to media coverage of the tragedy. Be especially mindful about turning off the news if your child seems to become obsessed with learning details about the tragic event. Get him outside, active, and involved in something else to remind him that life is still going on around him. Don’t force your child to go to the movies right away in an attempt to help her “get over it.” With time, most kids who are avoiding movie theaters right now will be drawn back in by something they want to see.

One positive that can come from this kind of tragedy is the opportunity to talk with your child about gun safety. This is a conversation every parent should have regardless of your feelings on gun laws or whether there are guns in your house. The website www.kidsandguns.org has several tips for talking with your kids about guns, as well as information for parents on keeping kids safe from gun-related injuries.

If your child is having a great deal of difficulty dealing with a tragedy or is limiting her activities as a result, it would be a good idea to seek counseling. In the case of something like the shootings in Aurora, your child might need only short-term treatment but he will probably feel better faster with some outside assistance. Also, therapy can teach your child coping skills for being resilient in the face of future tragic events. And, remember, if you’re trying to help your child navigate the rough waters of tragedy and loss but find that you’re having a tough time yourself, consider seeking your own help.  You can’t coach your child if you’re barely treading water.

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 (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). 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 five-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

Birmingham Events Calendar: July 22nd – July 29th

Posted on by Angie

Summer Reading Programs are coming to an end this week with finales happening all over Birmingham. The end of program parties are always full of great family fun, prizes and treats.

Free and Discounted movies still have a few weeks left so if you haven’t made it out yet, you still have time!

Check our Rhino Day at the Birmingham Zoo or Wild West at the Heart of Dizie Railroad museum for some weekend fun!

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

Sunday July 2nd:

Wizard of Oz – Alabama Theatre
We’re off to see the Wizard.. Bring the family down to this classic at the Historic Alabama Theatre
Doors open at 1:00pm Movie starts at 2:00pm
Tickets are $8 at the door

Bart’s Art Cart, Artistic Flags – Birmingham Museum of Art
Come by in July to show your patriotism by creating an artistic flag!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Monday July 23rd:

Springville Road Library Presents Larry Moore
Believe It Or Not!!! What happens in haunted houses; is there magic of the mind? Come hear the stories and see the magic. Decide for yourself-do you believe it or not! Adult audiences only.
6:30pm

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a summer blockbuster event. We will be watching a movie for all ages. Real movie theater popcorn and juice are provided for each child who watches.
3pm

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Tuesday July 24th:

Fabulous Finale Party – Hoover Public Library
Just Dance at our end of summer party, eat pizza and enter for a chance to win door prizes. Grades 7-12.
6:30pm

Dream Big Family Carnival – Avondale Library
For all readers who have read many stories this summer and earned a summer reading certificate, your dream has come true! Join us for a night of games, prizes, and lots of fun.
24-hour advance registration required.
6pm

Summer Science Studio – McWane Science Center
Join us for a summer of fun and learning in the new Summer Science Studio for early childhood education programs. Junior League of Birmingham volunteers will be guiding activities for children ages two to six in the studio that are designed to help children learn while they play. The Studio will offer a fun, hands-on educational environment that inspires creativity and exploration. Little ones are sure to have a blast using their imaginations to paint, make music, dress up in costumes, and more.
10am – 1pm

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Wednesday July 25th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read One Two That’s My Shoe. Find out what happens when a dog takes a girl’s shoe. There will be something fun to make and we will have a treat from the Cafe.
11am

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

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Thursday July 26th:

Summer Reading Finale – Homewood Public Library
Summer Reading has reached the end of the line! Summer Readers grab the special ticket that came with your certificate and join us for the a Night Train Grand Finale. The winner of the Summer Reading bike will also be announced.
6pm

Summer Finale with Roger Day – Vestavia Hills Library
We are ending the summer with the fabulous ROGER DAY!  Come and sing along with one of the most popular children’s entertainers in the country. All ages and families welcome!

The event will be held in the Vestavia Hills Rec Gym and shuttle service will be available. This will be the last program of the summer, so don’t miss it!
6pm

Summer Science Studio – McWane Science Center
Join us for a summer of fun and learning in the new Summer Science Studio for early childhood education programs. Junior League of Birmingham volunteers will be guiding activities for children ages two to six in the studio that are designed to help children learn while they play. The Studio will offer a fun, hands-on educational environment that inspires creativity and exploration. Little ones are sure to have a blast using their imaginations to paint, make music, dress up in costumes, and more.
10am – 1pm

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Friday July 27th:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 – Alabama Theatre
As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of the most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.

We’re showing all of the Harry Potter movies this summer! Enjoy Butter Beer and Bertie Botts Beans from the concession stand.
Doors open at 6, come dressed up and enter the costume contest for some fun prizes! Movie starts at 7pm
Tickets will be $8 at the door. Passes to all 8 movies will be available for $40 at the door.

Columbiana’s Music on Main – Downtown Columbiana
Music on Main Street returns to Columbiana featuring live music and extended shop hours every Friday evening of the month. Music is sponsored by the Columbiana Merchants & Professionals Association, the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the City of Columbiana.

Please plan to come out and shop locally and enjoy some of the following performers:
July 27-The Vinyls, plays a variety of music. Music is 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (times are approximate). Bands are subject to change and all events are contingent upon good weather. Bring a chair and enjoy the music!

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Saturday July 28th:

Rhino Day – Birmingham Zoo
Visit the Zoo to learn all about these fascinating animals. Experience exciting Rhino Encounters in Trails of Africa at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Enjoy the many activities scheduled throughout the day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, such as face painting, a mask craft and rhino games. Make sure to stop by the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) and biofact tables to get interesting and in-depth information on rhinos. Come out and help raise awareness about this species that is currently under the threat of extinction.
10am – 4pm

Wild West Day – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Travel back to the 1800s and experience life in the Wild West!
Enjoy a train ride through the forests of Shelby County, but hang on to your gold and valuables just in case yer waylaid by desperados . . . The Black Hat Gang is known to hold up this train!

Enjoy old-timey western tunes at the depot.
Bring your camera for photos with the outlaws!
Train departures at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm

Summer Science Studio – McWane Science Center
Join us for a summer of fun and learning in the new Summer Science Studio for early childhood education programs. Junior League of Birmingham volunteers will be guiding activities for children ages two to six in the studio that are designed to help children learn while they play. The Studio will offer a fun, hands-on educational environment that inspires creativity and exploration. Little ones are sure to have a blast using their imaginations to paint, make music, dress up in costumes, and more.
10am – 4pm

Bart’s Art Cart, Artistic Flags – Birmingham Museum of Art
Come by in July to show your patriotism by creating an artistic flag!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Re-open again for the season! Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

Yard Sale and Market –
Yard Sale, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Baked Goods, Local Arts and Fun Children’s Activities. For more information please contact the Norwood Resource Center at 205.322.7361.
Norwood Community @ 15th Avenue and 32nd Street North on Norwood Community Blvd.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

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
Join us for Storytime as we read The Big Adventure of the Smalls. Find out what happens when Paul and Sally lose one of their toys during their parents big party. There will be a craft and something yummy from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday July 29th:

Bart’s Art Cart, Artistic Flags – Birmingham Museum of Art
Come by in July to show your patriotism by creating an artistic flag!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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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: Born to Be Wild, & Flying Monsters.

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Dora and Diego, Let’s Explore Exhibit
Get ready for adventure with Dora and Diego at McWane Science Center in the new exhibit Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along.

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

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.

The Summer Olympics Can Inspire Your Kids to be Active

Posted on by Angie

The Summer Olympic Games hope to “Inspire a Generation” with two weeks of events including swimming, cycling and gymnastics that will dominate more than 272 hours of airtime on NBC stations, and experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say the exposure is a great opportunity to show kids a variety of sports and activities they can pursue.

American kids ages 6-17 most often participate in team sports, unlike the summer Olympians who will be cycling, running, vaulting and swimming, according to a 2011 report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Administration.

“The Games are a great chance to pique kids’ interest in sports they don’t see every day on television or in their communities,” saysLauren Whitt, Ph.D.,UAB Wellness coordinator and a member of the U.S. Youth National Soccer Team that won gold at the 1999 Pan American Games.

“You never know when your kid might excel at something that is just outside the norm; challenge them to try new sports and activities and expand their horizons,” Whitt says.

Stacey Torman, UAB’s director of Olympic sports enhancement, says participating in games like tennis or volleyball can also help kids perform better in more mainstream sports.

“Learning different skills can be useful if a child decides to play basketball or football. Niche sports can enhance them physically, teach hand-eye coordination and help them learn different movement patterns,” Torman says.

“There may not be college scholarships for events such as archery or cycling, but if you know there’s some way you can get your child involved in that sport, encourage it,” Torman says. “Participating in these things in their community and watching the Summer Olympics could inspire them to have the dream of making it that far.”

Whitt says no matter the sport a child chooses, the benefits of their being active are long-lasting, and go beyond good health.

“Kids involved with athletics learn leadership skills; they learn to work well with others toward a single goal. They also learn to seek authority positions and take charge of different situations that are thrown their way,” Whitt says.

We are looking forward to the games kicking off next week, which sport are your most excited to see?

About UAB

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state of Alabama’s largest employer and an internationally renowned research university and academic health center; its professional schools and specialty patient-care programs are consistently ranked among the nation’s top 50. Find more information at www.uab.edu and www.uabmedicine.org.

Member Day 2012

Posted on by Angie

The Cultural Alliance of Birmingham Member Day is Back!

We here at BirminghamMommy.com are BIG fans of becoming members to our local attractions, for many reasons. When you have kids it just makes sense in the long run to save your family money, also, we like to support our local businesses and becoming a member is a small way for you to do that, while getting great benefits in return!

Member Day is a great way to get out and explore some of the city’s best arts and culture. Visit a place you’ve been meaning to visit, check out something new, just because. If you’re a member of just one of the organizations listed below, this Saturday, the city is your oyster!

As a way of saying thanks to current members and supporters of arts and culture in the Birmingham region, area organizations have planned a special members-only day of free admission and family-friendly activities. One valid membership card and/or postcard invitation admits 2 adults and up to 4 children into absolutely any and every participating venue all day long. Plus enjoy special Member Day activities and performances throughout the day. (schedule is listed below.)

With 18 wonderfully varied groups of performers, museums and historical landmarks participating in Member Day, it’s one of the best ways to experience the incredible talents and unforgettable experiences offered by our region’s arts and cultural organizations—all in one day!

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Alabama Ballet • Alabama Sports Hall of Fame • Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum • Birmingham Children’s Theatre • Birmingham Botanical Garden • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute • Birmingham History Center • Birmingham Museum of Art • Friends of the Birmingham Public Library • Birmingham Zoo • Cultural Alliance/Birmingham365.org • Embellishments Handbell Ensemble • McWane Science Center • Red Mountain Theatre Company • Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Central Alabama • Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival • Southern Museum of Flight • Vulcan Park And Museum

MEMBER DAY SCHEDULE – JULY 21, 2012
Special Performances And Activities Will Be Available At The Following Attractions:

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Birmingham Museum of Art activity
LOCATION: Birmingham Public Library

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Red Mountain Theatre Company performs selections from Legally Blonde
LOCATION: McWane Science Center

11:30 – 12:00 PM The Seasoned Performers present What Is It About Baseball?
ALSO…On View in Linn-Henley Gallery: Beyond Barbecue and Baklava: The Impact of Greek Immigrants on Birmingham’s Culture and Cuisine
LOCATION: Vulcan Park & Museum

12 PM – 12:30 PM Alabama Ballet performance
LOCATION: Birmingham History Center

12:30 PM- 1:00 PM Scrollworks performance
LOCATION: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

1 PM – 1:45 PM McWane Science Center presents Three Ring Science
LOCATION: Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Birmingham Botanical Gardens activity
LOCATION: Southern Museum of Flight

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Embellishments Handbell Ensemble performance
LOCATION: Barber’s Vintage Motorsports Museum

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival’s Children’s Short Film Festival
LOCATION: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Birmingham Children’s Theatre performs selections from The Frog Prince
LOCATION: Birmingham Museum of Art

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Animal Wild Life Show
LOCATION: Birmingham Zoo

NOT ALREADY A MEMBER??
Want to experience all benefits of Member Day but not already a member/season ticket holder of one of the participating organizations? It’s NOT too late! Become a member/season ticket holder of a participating Member Day 2011 cultural organization on or before July 23 and get Member Day postcard which will serve as your access ticket on this special day. Check out these special membership offers.

Click here for Member Day Special Offers

Ticket Information: FREE to members or season ticket holders of any of the participating organizations.  Must bring valid membership card or the official Member Day postcard.

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