Parental Guidance

Spring into action
Web-posted 3/20/2004
My family spent a recent weekend planting a few snapdragons, raking leaves and picking up a few more limbs the winter storms knocked down. While I can honestly say I hate yard work, I love springtime in Augusta.

Think safety as the kids move outdoors
Web-posted 3/20/2004
The sun is out and so are the children. The bicycles have lost their layer of winter dust and pool covers will soon follow. With the warm weather upon us, we need to remind ourselves of a few safety tips to help keep our children healthy while they're active this spring and summer.

Lost in translation... (Well, sort of)
Web-posted 3/20/2004
In that burst of great weather back in late February, my family spent an entire Saturday working in the yard. Like many others, Scott and I were bitten by the Spring Fever bug. We stocked up on all kinds of flowers, grass, mulch and lawn beautification items at the home warehouse store.

Girls are different from boys
Web-posted 3/20/2004
I have recently completed one successful year of being the father of a daughter. By successful, I mean that we're both reasonably healthy and still possess all our fingers and toes.

Family briefs
Web-posted 3/20/2004
The debate over whether to have sex education in public schools seems to be over. But Americans still don't agree on what type of sex education is best.

Fun Stuff

"Draw My Pet"coloring contest winners
Web-posted 3/20/2004
Last month we asked children 4 to 10 to enter our Draw My Pet coloring contest. We asked them to draw a picture of their pet using the drawing area we provided. If they didn't have a pet they could draw the pet they most wanted to have. Only crayons, markers or colored pencils could be used. Our judges had a tough time picking three winners in each category: 4 to 6 year olds and 7 to 10 year olds. They looked for creativity, use of color and space, and subject matter.

Watch this Tony Hawk
Web-posted 3/20/2004
Christian Horne, age 5, starts down the ramp at North Augusta's skateboard park.

Arts & Crafts: flower pot chimes
Web-posted 3/20/2004
Bring spring inside with these cute wind chimes made from small clay pots and bells.

Children learn creativity is not dead
Web-posted 3/20/2004
First, the back story on today's story book. Author and artist Peter H. Reynolds wrote and illustrated The Dot (Candlewick Press, $14; ages 4 to 9). In a note on the jacket, he tells readers why: "I often visit classrooms and ask who loves to draw. In kindergarten and first grade, all the hands go up. By fourth and fifth grade, most of the hands are down, or perhaps pointing to "the class artist." It's sad to see kids' creative energy slowing down, being packed away. I am convinced it's because they learn early that there are rules to follow. But when it comes to expressing yourself, you can change the rules, stretch them or ignore them and dive headfirst into the unknown."

What to do
Web-posted 3/20/2004
Make sure you're listed in What's Happening every month. Just send your information to jennifer.miller@augustachronicle.com. The deadline is the 10th of every month.

Fit For a Kid

Get Crackin'
Web-posted 3/20/2004
As a work-at-home mother of two, there are days in the summer when family life and work life collide. Last summer I worked on a new cookbook, taught cooking classes to children and traveled across the globe, all while continuing my regular weekly recipe columns. It was a crazy summer! When the day arrived to photograph the cover of my new cookbook, the kitchen was declared "off limits" to all but me.

Find More

More family advice avaliable
Pick up a print edition of the Family Chronicle for Tom McMahon's Kid Tips, Homework help from Dr. Yvonne Fournier and Jeff Herring's Stess Busters. You will also find family oriented columns by John Rosemond and ideas for family fun from Donna Day.