Experienced Moms Speak!

When it comes to parenting you can read books, but today I have advice from Moms who have been in the trenches and come out with well balanced kids!  I asked former Kindermusik moms to tell me what they wish they had NOT stressed over and the experiences they would encourage.

Don't stress over:

1. Potty training - they won't go to kindergarten in a diaper. 

2. Schedules - while routines are very important, don't miss out on a fun experience because of a your set schedule.
3. Behavior - it is not always a reflection of your parenting. Preschoolers can do odd and funky things, it doesn't mean they have psychological problems or you are doing something wrong as their parent!
4. Don't be afraid to say "this is what our family does or does not do."
5. Don't stress over what other families are doing.  Your family is unique. Do what is best for your family and your particular situation.
6. Don't worry about keeping your house clean.  Take out the diapers and keep the sticky off the floor, but play more than you pick up. Kathy said, "remember you rarely see the homes of toddlers in Southern Living!"

The "do" list is much longer:
1. Books - read to them to when they are little. Read with them when they can read on their own. Share articles and devotions with them as they enter the teen years.
2. Storytime at the library! Go and enjoy this special time with your kids, it will encourage life long learning.  Enroll in the summer reading program and make a big deal out of getting a cupcake from Honeymoon bakery!
3. Give them experiences rather than gifts! Plan a trip to the zoo, the aquarium, the park or to ride bikes.
4. Eat meals together and talk about your day - the good and the bad.
5. Teach them to swim - the world is 2/3 water
6. Go to their events, even when it means you have to change up your schedule!
7. Be silly.  Laurie said, "after weekly swim lessons we would go get biscuits at different establishments and rate them."
8. Share a love of nature and being outside.  Jackie said, "when my kids were getting on my nerves, we would go outside.  A change of scenery helped everyone's attitude."
9. Let them share in your world.  Allow them to help you, even if it would be easier to do it yourself. Let them tear the lettuce, stir in the chocolate chips, break the eggs, put wet clothes in the dryer, rake leaves, etc...
10. Listen to a variety of music. Take them to appropriate concerts, shows and to appreciate the arts.
11. Ride bikes together.  Kids may tell you things while riding side by side rather than looking at you.
12. Worship together regularly, they will never know it's not an option.

Thanks to Terri, Angie, Jennifer, Laurie, Kathy, and Jackie for their wisdom.
What would you add to the list?

Community Happenings

Rome is a great place to live, work, and play.  There are many opportunities in the community for families to enjoy and explore.  Here are several for you to put on your calendar:

Berry Farmer's Market

Saturday, September 15   7 a.m. - 1 p.m at Berry College
Behind the Krannert Center adjacent to the Cage Center (turn left before the gatehouse or just follow the signs).
For the kids: inflatable, cotton candy, face painting, a petting zoo, funnel cakes and photographs with a Berry jersey calf by Agri-Educations

Featuring the Berry Student Enterprises:

·  The fresh taste of the vegetables and herbs by Season’s Harvest and Martha’s Herbs
·  Berry’s own Angus beef select cuts by Berry Farms Angus Beef
·  Various hard and soft cheese produced from the milk of Berry’s jersey herd by the Berry Farms Jersey Milk
·  Adirondack chairs built by Viking Furniture
·  Handcrafted items by Viking Creations
·  Gifts from Oak Hill Gift Shop
· 
Vendors from the Rome community will also offer home-canned vegetables, jams and jellies, fresh-cut flowers, bath and beauty products, woodworking items, and home baked breads and pastries.

Berry Angus burgers will be served for $5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch.

Check out their website

Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library

This is a favorite among families with young children!  It is the best FREE 30 minutes in town.  Storytime includes puppet shows, music, and of course, books! Storytime meets every Tuesday at 10 or 11 a.m. in the children's theater beginning October 9.

Book Signing and Meet the Author Day

On Saturday, October 20 you can hear Martin the Guitar read by the author, Harry Musselwhite.  Harry will also play some tunes on his guitar, and discuss the journey of writing a book.  You can reserve a book by emailing knobles@berry.edu
Books are $20 and are first come, first serve. 

This event will take place from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Living Room of the Alumni Center of Berry College. The Alumni Center is downstairs from the Kindermusik room on the 1st floor of the Ford Complex.

Berry Fine Arts: Concerts and More

There is a concert, play or art show happening every week during the academic year on the Berry College campus.  Plan a date with your spouse, friend, or bring an older child and enjoy the arts at Berry.  Click here for the performance calendar

Spivey Hall Educational Programs by Clayton State University

This programming is not in Rome, but worth the drive.  These musical programs are just right for home school families, or if you have a day off from school.  The Young People's concerts include world class performances for $2 per person.  You do have to register in advance, so don't make plans to go unless you have reserved your space.  You can get more information here  The concert schedule runs from October - May.

Musical Storytime

Today was our last Maymester Musical Storytime. This has been a lot of fun...three weeks of themed Kindermusik style classes in a multi-age setting. We have had dads, mom, grandmas, and nannies attend. Many families have come for the very first time to experience Kindermusik. It has been wonderful because the LONG TIME attenders are such good examples.

Singing, moving to music, playing instruments, and spending quality time with families - that is what we do in our classes. It's fun, but read this article to find out why listening to music can be a real "heart-opener". No, literally. http://tinyurl.com/p38dvg.