Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in albuquerque, NM

5 Things To Do Before Summer is Over

by Alison

August 04, 2009

Summer is wrapping up, soon it will be back to the routine that is the school year which will soon be followed by the hectic holiday season. Here are five things I'd like to do before summer is over.

1. Visit I Scream Ice Cream - I've mentioned this fun and quirky ice cream spot (located at Carlisle and Indian School NE) many times on this blog, but can you believe I've never actually been there? Summertime is perfect for ice cream, so I hope to be able to take the kids there sometime soon.

2. Go to Storytime - It's been so long since my boys have been to storytime. My oldest will be starting kindergarten in a few weeks and I'd love for him to have another opportunity to go before it becomes an activity I do with the younger kids while he's at school. Many of the libraries take a storytime hiatus over the summer, so I'm thinking we may hit oneat Barnes and Noble

3. Go to a Farmer's Market - I love the sights and smells that are only found at a farmer's market. We're trying to work through our own garden's produce so we haven't had much of a need to visit a farmer's market, but I'm thinking a visit is in order very soon. I've heard great things about the Downtown Growers Market (check out that vendor's list - so much more than just fresh produce!).

4. Go to the Zoo - We've spent a lot of time at the Aquarium and Botanic Gardens this summer and the zoo has taken a backseat. Time to visit before school starts up and we don't have as much free time on our hands.

5. Plant more flowers - Two months ago, my kids helped me plant some marigolds. They are doing great and I want to add something else to the flower bed.

What's on your list?  Read more...

Geneology for Preschoolers: Teaching Your Child About His Cultural Heritage

by Alison

July 06, 2009

It can be hard for a young children to understand how different family members are related to them and harder so for them to grasp the concept of having great-great grandparents that came from a different country! But you can still introduce your child to some basic family history even before she's old enough to read, here are some ideas.

Read Me and My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney. In simple language, this book shows how your child "fits" into his family tree. Afterward, create your own family tree. Use actual family photos if you have them.

Bring out a map and show your child where Albuquerque is. Now point out the country where his ancestors came from. If he is having trouble grasping the concept that this place is far away, show him some different cities or states that he has visited and talk about the travel time necessary to get there. Point out that the places your ancestors came from is a lot farther away than that (or maybe it isn't!).

Tell any stories you know about your ancestors' journey to the United States or any other stories you may know about these family members. If these people are still alive, let your child ask them questions about what they remember about the country they came from. Be sure to write these stories down so you can enjoy them in the future.

Look for pictures online that represent your child's cultural heritage. Find books at library that tell about what life is like in this country. If you can find a cookbook (or recipes on line) make some food from that country or part of the world. If you've ever been to this country, share your own experiences.

What do you do to share your cultural heritage with your child?
 Read more...

Family Movie Night

by Alison

May 25, 2009

Looking for a fun way to spend a Friday evening with your family? Why not have a family movie night. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be and if your kids enjoy snuggling around the TV with you, it'll be something they are sure to enjoy! Here are some ideas for making it unforgettable for your little ones.

• If you have more than one child, keep the arguments to a minimum and have mom or dad choose the movie.  Or, if you plan on this becoming a weekly tradition, have the kids alternate who gets to pick. 
• Make Tickets (or have your kids make them). They don't need to be elaborate, but If your kids can read be sure to have the movie name and time on it, that will make it all the more real for them. Distribute the tickets beforehand and make sure someone is on hand to collect them at showtime and perhaps even usher the moviegoers to their seats.
• Turn the kitchen into a concession stand, give everyone their own snack bag and let each family member decide what to fill his or her bag with. If you want to throw a money and math lesson in, price the different "concessions" and give everyone some coins or play money to make their purchases with.
• Don't forget to turn off the lights and close the blinds so the atmosphere will be just right.
• If you have access to a projector, take the movie night outside. Throw up a white sheet on a wall and project the movie onto the sheet.
• Turn it into a dinner show and eat dinner while you watch the movie (this is probably only a good idea if you can see your TV from an eating area).
• Keep the movie night really inexpensive by borrowing some DVDs from the library. Check the backs beforehand to make sure they aren't too scratched up - the last thing you want is your movie night ruined by a movie that is constantly skipping!

 Read more...

Albuquerque Family Resources

by Alison

May 04, 2009

Many of this is information you hope you'll never need, but it's important to know nonetheless.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

UNM Hospital Family Resource Library: This library provides information to families about specific diseases, coping with hospitalization, chronic illnesses, and other important health related information. The library is located at UNM's Children's Hospital and information can be requested via email or postal mail.

UNM Mariposa Program Pediatric Hospice: Assistance for families of children who are facing life-limiting illnesses

New Mexico Department of Health Swine Flu Information

New Mexikids Lo-Cost or No-Cost Health Insurance: (888) 997-2583

New Mexico WIC Program: Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, infants, and children.

Samaritan Counseling Center of Albuquerque

APS Child Find - Provides screening of pre-school aged children who are suspected to have disabiliities as well as services, if deemed necessary.

SUPPORT

Support Groups: Whether you are a mother of twins or would like to help your children as you go through a divorce, you'll find the support you need in one of these groups. This is a master list on the Albuquerque Journal's website that is regularly updated and published in the Journal.

Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center: The center provides assistance and support to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual abuse and their families. The center can be reached at 243-2333

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 or TTY 1-800-222-4453

GENERAL CHILD RELATED RESOURCES

New Mexico PreK: Pre-Kindergarten opportunities for all children

Child Safety Seat Fitting Stations: Have your child seat inspected to insure proper installation

NewMexicoKids Child Care Resource and Referral

OTHER

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Police Phone Directory: For non-emergencies, call 242-COPS or 242-2677. Check the directory if you need a number for a more specific issue.
 
Citizen Contact Center: Dial 311 for any non-emergency city related questions, to report graffiti, get information on city events and more.  Read more...

Weekend Events

by Alison

February 26, 2009

Here are a few things going on this weekend.  Do you know of anything? If so, please leave a comment!  If you'd like me to feature an upcoming event that you know of, you can always send me an email at beingsavvyalbuquerque at savvysource.com and I'll gladly include it in a future post.

Ballet Repertory Theater presents Beauty and the Beast at KiMo Theater - Tickets are $15 - $25 with discounts for children.  February 28, March 1, March 7, March 8

Kidget's Book Blast at Cottonwood Mall - Book readings, games, and activities sponsored by Radio Disney. Saturday, February 28 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Kids Fishing Fair at Tingley Beach - Children ages 4-12 are invited to come learn about fish and other wildlife.  Saturday, February 28 10:00 am- 2:00pm

The American Boychoir in concert at St. John's United Methodist Church - Sunday, March 1 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Coming Soon:

Leap Into Spring at the Zoo - Learn all about amphibians and even meet some up close!  Sunday, March 8 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Start! Heart Walk at the Bosque School - A great way to exercise as a family and help out a good cause.  Radio Disney will be there beginning at 9:00 am, the race begins at 10:00 am.  Saturday, March 14 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
 

 Read more...

Guest Interview: Emme on Weight Bias

by Alison

February 23, 2009

Several of our City Editors recently had the great pleasure of participating in an interview with Emme, the supermodel and nationally recognized body image and self esteem advocate.  Emme has twice been selected as People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful Women.

Emme is working with Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity to educate our country about weight bias and weight discrimination and wants to share with you helpful ways to teach your children about the harmful effects of weight bias and how to support a child in your life who is the victim of such a horrible experience.

I am bringing you this interview as the week of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins.  Please take a moment after reading this post to visit the site!  

Savvy Source - What exactly is weight bias? Why is it such a growing problem in the US? 

Emme - The issue with childhood obesity is that it has doubled in the past 20 years.  30% of adults are obese.  1 in 5 children are overweight.  The obesity rate in teenagers has tripled in the last 20 years.  If you read the studies that are being done you realize that children who are obese have the same type of feeling as a child going through cancer treatments. 

They get mobbed, they get verbally assaulted by their parents, other friends, coaches, teachers.  To think that these kids are walking around, having to deal with this? It is vitally important that government take it past just talking about.  Nothing is really being done behind the scenes.

Savvy Source - Yale University's Rudd Center has recently produced two videos.  What do you hope the videos will accomplish in the fight against weight bias?

Emme - To increase public awareness of its consequences.  One video is geared towards teachers/parents and one is geared towards the medical community.  Suprisingly enough, there is quite a weight discrminiation between doctor and patient!

The other goal is to try and change the negative attitudes about obese individuals and replace it with tolerance and respect.  It's awfully hard in this culture right now when there is such loathing and fear around food.  It's hard to ask any of us overnight, to just be nice and be kind. There needs to be so much more education and exposure, so many more conversations and so much more knowledge.

Savvy Source - How can we help reduce weight bias at home and at school? 

Emme - Exactly what we're doing right now.  We're talking to ... (to read the rest of the interview, please visit Cleveland.savvysource.com)

 Read more...

Weekend Events

by Alison

February 13, 2009

This Weekend: 

Craft Day at South Broadway Library - Make your own valentines.  Friday February 13 at 4:00p

Valentine's Day at the Zoo and Aquarium - The zoo and aquarium will have special discovery stations where you can learn about how animals attract their mates and how the zoo acts as a "dating service" for endangered animals.  February 14 from 10:00a - 2:00p

John McCutcheon Family Show at the South Broadway Cultural Center - The grammy nominated folk artist will perform a special concert for families.  Tickets are $15-$20. February 14 at 11:00a

Great Backyard Bird Count Hike at Petroglyph National Monument - Hike the monument and help count birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count project.  Hike begins at the Rinconada Canyon parking area and is designed for a beginning birder or family group.  February 15 at 9am

Coming Soon:

Family movie day at Lomas Tramway Library - Lassie will be shown.  Saturday, Feb. 21 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Puppet Show at Los Griegos Library - Presented by Sunny Birklund & Arana Kalwaic of the Puppet Playhouse. Saturday, Feb. 21 11:00am - 12:00pm

Happy Birthday Elmo! at Borders Bookstores - Celebrate Elmo's birthday with stories, art, and games.  Geared towards children 3 and up.  Saturday, Feb. 21 2pm

Meet TMES Day - Tour The Montessori Elementary School, meet the staff and hear students play the violin.  Saturday, Feb. 21 2pm

Ballet Repertory Theater presents Beauty and the Beast at KiMo Theater - Tickets are $15 - $25 with discounts for children.  February 28, March 1, March 7, March 8

 Read more...

Do You Need Something To Do This Weekend?

by Alison

February 06, 2009

There are so many great things for kids in Albuquerque this month. Check out this wonderful list and, as always, if you know of something else, please leave a comment! This Weekend: Valentine's Day Craft at Learning is Fun - Make a Valentine to take home. Daily from 10:00a - 6:00p through February 12th Found Art Workshop at Los Griegos Library - Bring  Read more...

Coming Soon...

by Alison

January 15, 2009

Here's the low-down on some local events. One of them just might make the perfect outing for your family! Junior Jumps Open Play Time - Play and explore with your preschoolers and toddlers. Instruments, mats, and other manipulatives will be available. Friday, January 16 10-11:30 am. Cost is $5/child. The class is at Selah Studios which is located near Wyoming and Harper NE.  Read more...

Because Illness Isn't Always Convenient...

by Alison

January 05, 2009

It's probably happened to you before (or will in the future) - your child is sick and in need of a doctor, but the office is closed or you just can't get in soon enough. What options do you have? Albuquerque has two offices that are designed just for children for you to choose from. After Hours Pediatrics has two locations, the westside office (located on Golf Course south of Paradise)  Read more...

New Year's Eve for the 5 and Under Set

by Alison

December 29, 2008

You may not be too excited about letting your little kids stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year, but that doesn't mean you still can't celebrate! Ringing in the New Year is a great time to help you preschooler understand the relationship between days, months, and years, and you can have a lot of fun in the process. This is the perfect time to talk about some of the fun things  Read more...

Light Up Your Holiday: Local Albuquerque Light Displays

by Alison

December 23, 2008

If your family is like mine, you still have young children and you're still trying "figure out" what sorts of holiday traditions will belong to your family. Why not start up a tradition that involves visiting local light displays? Minus the cost of gas, it's a free activity that your little light admirers would love. If this will be a new tradition for your family, or even if it's been done  Read more...

5 "No Storage Necessary" Gifts

by Alison

December 16, 2008

One of the downsides to new gifts at Christmas time is that those new treasures take up space, and perhaps it's space that you really don't have! If this is a concern of yours this year, you may consider a gift that's a bit more "consumable" and doesn't require much, if any, storage space. If the grandparents are asking for gift ideas, these are some great options, no shipping costs and most  Read more...

Give Your Little Ones a Chance to Help

by Alison

December 15, 2008

As an adult, finding volunteer opportunities isn't all that difficult, but for kids (especially young ones), it's a different story. That doesn't mean you can't find small service opportunities here and there for your preschoolers though. It can be hard for young ones to understand why others might need things that they so readily have, but giving them opportunities to help others will  Read more...

Luminarias: How to Make Them and Where to See Them

by Alison

December 11, 2008

Luminarias are a traditional New Mexico Christmas decoration. They are also easy to make, relatively inexpensive and a fun activity to involve your preschooler in (just be sure to have an adult do the actual lighting and keep a close eye on the little ones once they are lit). To make a luminaria, you'll need paper lunch bags, sand, votive candles, and a lighter. Fold down the edges of the  Read more...

Encouraging Your Children to Give

by Alison

December 04, 2008

During a recent shopping trip, my four-year-old and my husband came up a secret sign that my son would show anytime he saw something he thought I would like. I know I won't be getting any of those things (I think it was maybe a ploy to keep him occupied) but it was so fun to see him excited about finding things that he thought I would like. It can be hard to get preschoolers excited about  Read more...

Best Places to Take Out-of-Town Visitors

by Alison

December 01, 2008

With Christmas coming soon, chances are you might be hosting out-of-town friends and family. Let your preschoolers play tour guide and choose some of their favorite local places. If you'll have children visiting, they would especially enjoy a tour of Albuquerque - preschooler style! It also gives your children a chance to learn a little more about their surroundings. If you need some  Read more...

Local Books for Little Ones: A Birthday Basket for Tia

by Alison

November 24, 2008

This month's Savvy Source theme is books and reading, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some books written by authors that live in New Mexico. Today, I'm highlighting a book by Pat Mora. Ms. Mora was born in El Paso, Texas and though she lived most of her life there, she currently calls New Mexico home and lives in Santa Fe. A Birthday Basket for Tia is about a little  Read more...

What To Do This Weekend

by Alison

November 06, 2008

Here are a few ideas for you if you're wanting a fun family weekend activity The library is hosting a Patron Appreciation Weekend. The theme is "It's Getting Wild at the Library" and events include: Storytelling Book Sale Interactive Science Exhibits from Explora Performances by Recycle-Man, a musician who uses junk and found objects to create his instruments Make and Take Craft  Read more...

Introducing Your Preschooler to the Theater

by Alison

October 30, 2008

I have yet to enter the world of live theater with my son. He won't sit through a movie in the theater, yet something tells me that watching real people act right in front of his eyes just might hold his attention. If you're wanting an activity for this weekend, two kid-friendly shows are wrapping up their runs. Albuquerque Little Theater presents Roald Dahl's The BFG. Shows are  Read more...

Dia De Los Muertos

by Alison

October 23, 2008

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a popular Mexican festival during which families celebrate their ancestors and loved ones that have died. There are many events throughout Albuquerque that can help you and your preschooler learn more about this celebration The National Hispanic Cultural Center is hosting a Dia de los Muertos Family Day on Saturday the 25th at noon. Learn about  Read more...

Halloween Happenings - Parties and Events in Albuquerque

by Alison

October 21, 2008

You finally found the perfect costume and now you want your child to have plenty of opportunities to show it off, right? Here are some fun events going on around town that you might want to check out. This Friday night (the 24th), there's a Halloween Carnival for all ages at Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center from 6-9 pm. For more information, visit Bernalillo County's website .  Read more...

Day Trippin': Hiking with Your Preschooler

by Alison

October 06, 2008

When I lived on the East coast, it seemed we could choose a direction, drive for an hour, and be in a whole new place to explore. Albuquerque doesn't quite have that luxury. Here, you drive for an hour and you end up in the middle of nowhere. But Albuquerque has mountains, and a visit to the mountains will definitely give you the feeling that you are far, far away from the hustle and bustle  Read more...