Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

Father's Day Ideas: Show Dad Some Love

by Nicole

Dads spend a lot of time and effort supporting their kids in countless ways, it's only fair that they should get one day a year to bask in the accomplishment of fatherhood. Here are some ideas for gifts to make the day special for your Lowcountry dad. Most dads I know don't want or need any more stuff , so these selections focus on gifting dad with experiences to be remembered. 1. Take him out ... Read more >

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family capoeira!

by Nicole

I love the idea of exercising WITH my children, though it's honestly not something that I manage as often as I like. Either I'm at the gym (and they're in the gym childcare) or they're at classes and I'm sitting on my butt watching. We go for family walks, sure, but have you ever walked with a preschooler? It's fun, but hardly exercise . Christopher of Fit Club Charleston wants to make it ... Read more >

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hurricane preparation for your family

by Nicole

Earlier this week, all eyes were on the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Gustav made landfall. Now our attention turns to Hurricane Hannah, which is predicted to hit the coast somewhere between Georgia and South Carolina. In other words, HERE. While this particular storm might not be too bad, the fact is that it's hurricane season and we're vulnerable. Now is the time to get prepared. The National ... Read more >

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Pumpkin Parties and Spooky Soirees: Halloween events around town

by Nicole

Here are some of the Halloween festivities happening around town. Get out with your favorite ghouls and boys and enjoy! Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy Head out to Hollywood (South Carolina, not California!) to enjoy a homegrown Halloween festival at St. Paul's Academy. There will be kiddie hayrides for those too young for the haunted variety, plenty of games, a petting zoo, and ... Read more >

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run, baby, run! fall road races for the family

by Nicole

I participated in the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure last weekend on Daniel Island and I was struck by the number of children participating in the race. (I left mine at home!) There were parents pushing strollers in both the 1 mile family fun run/walk and the 5K race, and there were older kids running the whole distance. At one of the water stops, I overheard a seasoned runner dad coaching ... Read more >

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ways to give thanks

by Nicole

As a preamble to Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks -- the holiday that is all about gratitude (well, gratitude and food, if we're being honest) -- why not share some simple ways of giving back with your children? Donate used toys and clothes to charity. You might have a donation pile collecting in your garage, but the key here is to get your child involved in the decisions about what they keep ... Read more >

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happy thanksgiving!

by Nicole

The turkey's been dressed, the pie has been made (or, in my case, purchased) and the television football schedule has been perused. While food and family may dominate the weekend, don't miss this opportunity to share gratitude for and with your children. Ask them what they're thankful for. Their answers may surprise you. Share your own ideas about gratitude. Let them give a ... Read more >

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greening the holidays

by Nicole

Aaah, the colors of the holiday season: red, gold, silver, blue, and GREEN. As our awareness of the impact our consumption makes on the environment grows, everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. There are easy ways to green your holiday without taking away from the celebration of the season. In fact, you might find that reducing consumption pushes you toward new traditions that ... Read more >

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weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

Lots of holiday happenings this weekend! The weather looks beautiful, so get out and enjoy! Saturday brings a unique holiday presentation to Charles Towne Landing ! The Ceremonies of the Cultures will explore the theme of traditions and celebrations from the perspective of Lowcountry people past and present. Hear Gullah storytelling, learn about Native American tales and songs, and learn ... Read more >

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Oyster stew and walks on the beach: starting our own Christmas traditions

by Nicole

For every year of our marriage, in spite of long distances and busy schedules and being poor graduate students, my husband and I and our children always went home for Christmas. "Home" is near Phoenix, Arizona where both my husband and I were raised and where both sets of parents and all three of our sisters still live. Given that we were the only ones that left -- to Michigan, to Tennessee, and ... Read more >

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we wish you a merry christmas!

by Nicole

Christmas has arrived, and my hope is that this time of year has brought much joy, laughter, and gifts of the heart to you and your family. In the midst of the busyness of the season, make an effort to be present in the moment. Stare too long at the fire. Savor the chocolate as it melts on your tongue. Listen to the sounds of laughter and wrapping paper ripped by little hands. Give extra hugs ... Read more >

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midnight (or so) with the munchkins!: new year's ideas

by Nicole

The usual New Year's Eve agenda, complete with disco balls and champagne toasts, isn't exactly child-friendly. After all, the preschool crowd generally has a bedtime well before midnight and sips apple juice rather than martinis. But ringing in the new year can be a fun celebration as a family -- you just have to be creative! If you want to get out and about, the best bet for family fun on New ... Read more >

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children's books about new beginnings

by Nicole

Even at young ages, life is full of change. Dealing with all of that new can be a little stressful, though, and sometimes a story can help. Here are a few book picks for helping a child through a few of the big transitions that might be encountered during the preschool years. If a new baby is on the way... I'm Going to be a Big Sister / I'm Going to be a Big Brother by Brenda Bercun This is ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: things that matter and things that don't!

by Nicole

Sometimes, when you're in the middle of a parenting dilemma (or just a bad day!), it's helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture. What really matters to you? What really matters to your kids? Are you keeping perspective or getting bogged down in insignificant details? What matters: Reading to your child. What doesn't: What exactly you read. Sure, sure. I'm a book snob too. I ... Read more >

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