I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season filled with lots of family and friends. After having more limited holiday celebrations last year, it certainly was wonderful to attend more parties, and gather with extended family. One of our favorite things to do as a family is to play games.
Every year we make sure we get at least two new games for Christmas, usually some type of board game and a smaller one we can keep in the “game bowl” on the coffee table (cards, Bananagrams, Dog Pile, Bells, etc). Last year we bought Rummikub and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. I was excited to play Rummikub because I love numbers and felt I could do pretty well. Boy, was I wrong!
My kids beat me every.single.time! It is a great game of strategy, math and memory, all skills I feel I have. Apparently, I need a lot more practice. When we pulled out Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza I thought, “This is where I will get them.” After all, adults pay way better attention than kids, right? WRONG! They skunked me at that game too! It was absolutely hilarious though. I laughed until I cried.
Win or lose, playing games with the family is always a fun time and great for young brains… and my aging brain! Playing games not only creates fun family memories, but also encourages different skills like math, reading, memory, communication and more. In this month’s issue, we have included Kimberly Blaker’s feature, 15 Games That Teach Kids Spelling & Reading Comprehension. She has some great suggestions for games at home or on the go!
Speaking of education, the month of January typically kicks off the season of school registrations. Many schools, daycares and preschools open registration for the next school year this month. Some families may be getting ready to enroll their children in preschool for the first time, while others may be starting a new job or moving to the area and are looking into daycare options.
This decision can be a really tough transition for families, but once everyone is settled into the new routine, it can be a very positive experience for both the parents and the children. For some encouraging news on the benefits of childcare and tips to help your family transition through this change more smoothly, check out Sandra Gordon’s feature, Help Your Child Make the Most of Daycare and Preschool.
One of the first steps in choosing a center is to make a checklist of your must haves, hope to haves, and additional questions to ask when you visit the center for a tour. Once you have your checklist you will want to check over where you will find a list of local centers in the Child Care Directory.
This directory includes every daycare, preschool, and mom’s day out program that we could find in the area. As I say every year, child care is not a one size fits all. Make sure you do your research to find a good fit for you and your child.
Whether you are researching daycares, checking out the latest local activities or looking for family game night suggestions, I hope you enjoy this month’s issue.
Wishing you and your family a year filled with peace, health and joy!
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Mobile Bay area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Mobile Bay Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the with the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
