Free Soccer Class!

September 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

If you are looking for something to do with that kid who has more energy than your current schedule can use up, consider Super Soccer Stars.  With locations all over LA (including one closely located at Lazy J Park off Valley Circle Blvd. just a few exits away), Super Soccer Stars teaches soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive and educational environment. Through an age-specific curriculum, they use soccer to nurture, build self-confidence and develop teamwork. Low child-to-coach ratios and positive reinforcement ensure that each child improves at his or her own pace while having a blast!

The fall season kicks off on Saturday, September 8.  For AHM readers, you can get one free Super Soccer Stars class at any location.  Simply call the office at 310.998.0010 and give them the promo code KTPF12 and the staff will set you up at the most convenient location for you.  The offer lasts until October 8.  Enjoy!

Filed Under: Around Town, Local Services Tagged With: , , , , ,

Labor Savers

September 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Sometimes there’s so much to tell you that the little things get lost in the shuffle.  Since this is Labor Day weekend, I am going to recommend some parenting time-savers in the spirit of sparing you a little bit of Labor.  I’ve picked these up from one source or another, and unless I write it down instantly (tip #1), I don’t remember who told me about it.  So, if you are reading this and you are the person who told me about one of these tips, please comment and I will credit you!

1.  Write it down:  keep a little notebook or at least a pen with you at all times.  When you have an idea or come across something that seems really cool, write it down so you’ll remember to check it out later.  We all know how mothers lose memory cells during childbirth and/or the dog days of caring for young children.  It’s okay to rely on a crutch to help you remember.  A sub-tip:  don’t make your notes too obscure.  Pencilling in “Muppets” on a date in your calendar that is months away is sure to leave you scratching your head when that day comes, wondering what the heck is supposed to be going on with the Muppets and where?

2.  Clean your bathroom while the kids are in the bathtub:  I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner.  Since January when I discontinued bringing in outside help to clean our house, our level of clean has, let’s just say, suffered.  But when someone pointed this out to me it was like a lightbulb went on in my head.  Now when the kids are splashing around, I can clean the toilet and wipe down the sink and mirror.  It takes only a minute or two and there’s no little one trying to interrupt me.

3.  Check it out before you go:  Hey, have you heard about the internet?  What a useful tool!  I recommend it highly, especially when you are going somewhere for the day that you’ve never been before.  I just found a website that gives you a preview of what it looks like at the beach – designed for surfers, Surfline.com has webcams placed at surf breaks all over the world.  When it’s blazing hot in the Valley, you can see what’s going on at Zuma and know that you’ll need a sweater to be comfortable until the gloom burns off.

Filed Under: Around Town

First Time at School

August 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I’ve been marking time by semesters all my life, even though I have been out of school for, oh…let’s just say a while.  Still, every September, when I flip that calendar page, I feel a tugging in my heart, a yearn for fresh notebooks and pens, and an uncontrollable need to make lists.

Preschool does not strike that same emotional chord in our children, I assume.  But it’s never too early to help them form good habits that will help them during their entire school careers.  Here are some fun things to do to celebrate “Back to School” even if for your family, it’s “To School For the First Time” or “Not Yet Going To School.”

1.  Take advantage of back-to-school sales.  No reason you can’t get in on the deals and score 10 notebooks for a dollar or free crayons.  Bring your children to shop with you, making sure to point out before you get into the store that you are there for school supplies only, and they may pick one or two special “back-to-school” items.

2.  Count school buses.  When you are out and about and you spot one, sing “Wheels on the Bus” together – it isn’t old for our preschoolers just yet – and talk about what kind of children might be riding inside.  Where are they going?  What’s in their lunchboxes?  You might be surprised at the imaginative answers your child will give.

3.  Purchase or make a special calendar for your child’s room.  Start marking off the days, and put stickers or drawings on the squares for special upcoming dates like birthdays or holidays.

4.  Take a “first day of school” picture.  If not going to school, make it a “first day of fall” thing on the 21st.  Make a big deal out of helping your child choose a special outfit, comb his or her hair, and pick a pretty spot for the photo shoot.  Everything he can do himself will make him feel a part of the project.

5.  Attend a free class-like event with other children.  This week, try a magic show at the Northridge Mall food court on Thursday at 10:30 AM.  Or storytime today at the Granada Hills library at 6:30 PM.

Filed Under: Around Town