Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in charleston, SC

Tuesday Top Five: Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Charleston

by Nicole Teed

April 21, 2009

Tomorrow, April 22, marks Earth Day 2009! 

In the words of author E. B. White, "Every morning I awake torn between a desire to save the world and an inclination to savor it." What a great reminder to teach our children to care for the earth and enjoy all it has to offer.  Here are five ways to do a little of both!

Tuesday Top Five: Five Ways to Teach Your Child About Life Cycles

by Nicole Teed

March 17, 2009

The season is shifting again. Winter into spring, and -- sooner than we might be ready! -- spring into summer. Your children are noticing, too, even if they can't express it: coats and jackets can be left home some warm mornings, the later sunset might be pushing back bedtimes a bit. We saw a pair of cardinals in our yard the other day, and both kids watched them carefully until they flew away. 

The cycle of the seasons is just one pattern of change and renewal. Learning about the life cycles of the earth helps build a connection between us, other living things, and our planet. Here are five ideas for sharing life cycles with your children.

Tuesday Top Five: Local Ways to Get Your Farm On

by Nicole Teed

March 10, 2009

I really wanted the farmer's market to be open last Saturday.  The weather was perfect to head downtown Saturday morning and pick up some fresh produce while enjoying lemonade and boiled peanuts.  Sigh.  Soon, though, the markets will be returning and the produce will be flowing from local farms.  Here are some great ways to bring the farm home to your family, and to get your family out to the farm!

What's Up for the Weekend: February 6-8

by Nicole

February 06, 2009

Free library events on Saturday! Sing and Learn Chinese with Wei, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. at the West Ashley branch. Valentine's Day Craft Make-and-Take with Grace Dunbar, 10:30 a.m., Poe-Sullivan's Island branch. Saturday Family Storytime, 11:00 a.m. at the John's Island branch. African American Read-In Celebration, 2 p.m., Main Library. Saturday Movie: Igor, 3 p.m. at the Dorechester  Read more...

Green the New Year: Local Sources for Ideas, Products and More

by Nicole

January 26, 2009

Teaching our children about natural resources and environmentally friendly choices is necessary, but it shouldn't feel like a burden! "Going green" may seem annoyingly trendy, but if you manage to sift past the marketing appeals to our growing eco-consciousness, behind the movement is a quiet, valuable message: simplify. It's a lesson I come back to every time my children spend more time  Read more...

Greening the holidays

by Nicole

December 10, 2008

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...

A guide to shopping local this holiday season

by Nicole

December 03, 2008

We parents are nothing if not consumers. Especially during the holiday season, our spending should be smart, on everything from toys for our kids, teacher gifts, and maybe even a little something for ourselves. It makes good sense given our current state of affairs to channel some of that money into the local economy. This week is "Buy Local Week" in Charleston, presented by Lowcountry Local  Read more...

Green isn't just for goblins: eco-conscious tips for Halloween

by Nicole

October 20, 2008

As the green movement gains momentum, families are looking for ways to incorporate more environmentally-friendly practices into everyday life. But don't overlook the potential for green celebrations! Here are some simple, easy and inexpensive ways to add a little green to your black and orange. Decorations: Use local and/or organic pumpkins for carving. It's just smart! Buying local supports  Read more...

Children's day festival in mt. pleasant

by Nicole

October 18, 2008

If you're looking for a way to spend Sunday afternoon, why not take the opportunity to celebrate the children in your life! The Mt. Pleasant Children's Day Festival happens tomorrow from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Park West Recreation Complex. This year celebrates the role of children as ambassadors of the environment. This theme will be carried through the puppet shows and musical performances. (I  Read more...

Go Green Charleston: Local Information for Eco-Conscious Families

by Nicole

June 27, 2008

I know, I know. Everyone is "going green." Just place that cynicism on hold for a bit while I tell you about a local blog that is raising awareness of environmental concerns in Charleston while keeping it real. Authored primarily by Chad and Jennifer Norman, Go Green Charleston claims to be "your local source for environmental news, information and activism." The blog posts cover current issues  Read more...

Fabulous Fieldtrip: Blueberries!

by Nicole

June 18, 2008

Blueberry season is here, and there is no better way to enjoy this fruity summertime delight than fresh from the bush. I've mentioned Champney's Farm (4492 Rose Drive, Ravenel, SC. Phone: 843-763-6564) briefly before, but I wanted to share our recent trip to their place. It makes a great field trip for the whole family -- and it's actually in a FIELD! If, like me, you're working with your  Read more...

How to Cultivate the Tiniest Green Thumb

by Nicole

May 26, 2008

I'll be frank: I'm a vegetarian, cloth-diapering, thrift-store-shopping mother who has been dubbed the "recycling Nazi" for berating certain family members for tossing out plastic bottles. While folks in Berkeley or somewhere equally self-important might call me a lightweight, around these parts, I'm about as crunchy as they come. This spring and summer, we've been really focused on food --  Read more...