Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Albuquerque, NM

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Back to School

by Alison

August 03, 2009

Believe it or not, summer is winding down. Albuquerque Public Schools begins on August 20, and I imagine many local preschools begin around that time as well. That means it's time to start getting your child ready for school and a new routine. Here are some ideas to help you make the transition a smooth one.

Plan out a new routine and practice it. Figure out how soon your child will need to start getting ready for school. Know how long it takes you to get there. Start practicing a few days in advance so you can work out any kinks. Don't forget about the younger siblings too - they may need naptimes adjusted to mesh with pick-up and drop-off times. Start easing them into it before the first day of school.

Discuss what to expect. This is especially important if it will be your child's first day at a new school. Read books about school (head to the library's website and search for Kindergarten or Preschool to find a few), but be sure your child knows that their school may not be just like that! Ask your child what she thinks school will be like and correct any misconceptions. Find out if/when your child can meet his new teacher. Prep younger siblings by explaining that big brother/sister won't be around to play all the time once school starts.

Get excited. Shop for new clothes or a new backpack. Drive by your child's school. Talk about the fun things she will get to do, but don't downplay any fears or worries. Plan a special first day of school celebration, this can be as simple as a special after school snack or a trip to the park after school.

What are your ideas for making the summer to school transition a smooth one?  Read more...

Chores for the Littlest Ones

by Alison

May 11, 2009

Preschoolers definitely are not too young to start helping out around the house! Sometimes (or perhaps very often) it may feel as if doing things yourself would just be so much easier and effective, but giving your young one chores is a great way to instill a positive work ethic in them. In the long run, you will be happy you started them out young - at least that is what I keep telling myself!  The chores need not be extravagant, just enough to let your child know that he is helping. Here are some chores that even three and four year olds can do:

Put away clean dishes: Just be sure that the dishwasher is free of knives or other dangerous things and be sure to supervise. My almost two year old helps me a lot with this. I hand him things (mainly sippy cups and tupperware that go down low) and he puts them away.

Unload the dryer and fold clothes: Have your child take the clean clothes out of the dryer and put them into a laundry basket. She can then help you match up socks, sort the clothes into piles in regards to what belongs to who, or fold simple things like hand towels. Don't forget to have her put away her own clothes after you're finished!

Set the table and clear it after dinner: We usually fill up the plates and then take them to the table at dinnertime, so setting the table doesn't necessarily apply in our house, but if we are thinking about it, I'll have my son put cups on the table beforehand.

Wipe down tables and cabinets: Give him a wet rag and have him wipe down any surface he can reach. An alternative would be to give him a dry rag and a spray bottle filled with water.

Make the bed: It won't be perfect by any means, but the fact that she is trying and putting forth effort to be helpful is what matters.

And the big one -
Clean up toys: It's the simplest and most obvious, but why does it seem to be the hardest?

What chores do your children have?
 Read more...

Keep Those Routines Going, Even During the Busy Holiday Season

by Alison

December 08, 2008

With so much going on this time of year, it can be hard to keep up your normal routines. Whether you stay home, or leave town to visit family, there are parties, busy shopping and errand days, fun cartoons to watch, and more treats than you probably normally allow your child to have. When January brings a bit of normalcy back to your life, you'll be much happier if you've tried to keep some  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in albuquerque

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

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Alison

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