Today's Family Now

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2013-05-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

It’s finally here… a long-overdue, holiday weekend! While the weekend is full of fun things to do around town, we hope you take a moment this weekend to remember those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We love and appreciate our soldiers!

Now, onto our round-up of weekend events. Enjoy!

Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike, & Paddle
Strawberry Festival
Hometown Quest Scavenger Hunt
St. Matthews Farmers Market
Douglass Loop Farmers Market
Mike Linnig’s Prince & Princess Contest
Opening Night at RiverStage in Jeffersonville, IN

Photo via Louisville Metro flickr

We’re Looking for Kid Models!

2013-05-23T13:38:00.001-04:00

While most of you are thinking about the end of the school year and all of the fun to be had on summer vacation, we are beginning our search for kid models for our Back-to-School issue.

If you have an elementary or middle school child (ages 5-13) who would love to be in Today’s Family magazine, this is your opportunity to enter them in our Kid Model Search contest. Click here for complete details.

A Parent's Perspective on Texting

2013-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Data use and technology have changed the way we interact and receive information. Using technology and data was a gradual release for my youngest son. We began with a pre-paid cellular telephone and moved to a telephone that gave him more minutes and text messaging capabilities.

In his senior year, we bought a smart phone with a data plan. From the beginning, we had pointed discussions about...
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The Rutgers Reality Check- Part 3

2013-05-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

{This is the final installment of the three-part series from Todd Patkin in response to the recent events at Rutgers University. Read Part 1 & Part 2.}

Does the coach scout each practice for all-stars?
It’s practically impossible for anyone to hear too many good things about themselves. On the sports field, compliments act as confidence—and thus performance—boosters, and they also improve motivation, team spirit, determination, and more. With that in mind, a good coach will always start each practice with the intention of catching as many players as possible doing well, then praise them in public and in private whenever the opportunity arises.

“And if she wants to go the extra mile, a great coach might even send out a team newsletter that includes short write-ups of players who improve, who are team players, who give their all in practice, etc.,” Patkin adds. “Again, kids will work hard to keep getting recognized because it simply feels good. Who knows—they might remember a coach’s praise for the rest of their lives!”

Has the coach added “positive thinking” to his or her paraphernalia?
All coaches have clipboards, whistles, and water bottles—and they should all have a positive attitude, too! With few exceptions, players will develop their attitudes, outlooks, and expectations based on what they see from their leaders. Coaches should be proactive about...
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Win the Opportunity to Throw out a Ceremonial Pitch!

2013-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

There are few things in life that really leave a lasting impact and throwing out a ceremonial pitch at a Louisville Bats baseball game is one of them.

It would be a memory that would last a lifetime.

One lucky winner will receive the opportunity* to throw out a ceremonial pitch and...
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The Rutgers Reality Check- Part 2

2013-05-21T14:00:00.000-04:00

{This is Part 2 in the series from Todd Patkin in response to the recent events at Rutgers University. Read Part 1 here.}

Watch a replay of the coach’s motivations. This topic has been alluded to already, but according to Patkin, it bears repeating: What is motivating your child’s coach? Is she in it for winning (and only winning), or does she want to make a difference in young people’s lives? While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to win, make sure that your child’s coach does not use her position primarily to brag about her successful seasons and coaching record.

“To some extent, a coach’s goals should match the level of athletics in which your child is engaged,” Patkin adds. “For instance, if he is doing YMCA coach-pitch baseball, his coach’s main motivation should definitely be centered around...
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How You Can Help in Relief Efforts

2013-05-21T09:05:00.005-04:00

We know your hearts and minds are consumed with what happened yesterday in Moore, Oklahoma. This tremendous devastation is truly horrifying, and our hearts are aching for those families.

With such a compassionate community here in Kentuckiana, we know that you are longing to help out these Oklahoma communities that have been affected by the tornadoes. While the damage is still being assessed by emergency crews, relief organizations are setting up centers to help.

In addition to prayers, here are a few ways you can help from right here in Kentuckiana:

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation that will go to disaster relief, or make a donation online at www.redcross.org.

Text GIVE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb suggested donations be made online at www.okdisasterhelp.com, as well.

Photo: SUE OGROCKI / AP via Time

A Boy and His Vacuum

2013-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

On a shopping trip, Noah, then 5, asked me why I was buying a Dirt Devil compact vacuum. “For you, of course,” I jokingly told him, waiting for him to resist. Instead, with wide-eye excitement, Noah told strangers, “Mommy is buying me my own vacuum!”

What began as a joke has been a great lesson for us both. Every parent attempts to find a balance between “getting things done” versus time with the kids. Two years later he is the best assistant housekeeper, bonding with me over dust bunnies and untidy carpets.

Contributed by Lorie Gant Leitner, parent-writer for Today’s Family magazine.

The Rutgers Reality Check: A Parent’s Playbook for Demanding Great Coaches

2013-05-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

Does your child's athletic coach teach him or her the required skills of their sport in a manner that is reminiscent of what we all saw happen at a particularly abusive, and highly publicized, basketball practice at Rutgers University?

The answer should never be "yes."

This type of heinous, inexcusable, verbal abuse is never appropriate and should never be tolerated.

Some coaches might downplay their actions by calling their tactics "intense." This is the vernacular an abusive coach might use to defend his/her coaching style.

Here are three thoughts you should remember...
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Summer Camp: Yay or Nay?

2013-05-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am a big fan of summer camps for kids, especially once they move out of the early elementary grades. Children become so accustomed to being constantly engaged at school that they often have difficulty adjusting to all the “down time” of summer break. While they enjoy a reprieve from the rigid schedule of school, they become easily bored. I find it impossible to keep my oldest child, Norah,...
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Have a Great Weekend!

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

With so many wonderful events planned for this weekend, there are lots of options for family fun. Take your pick and enjoy!

Louisville Loves Mountains Festival tonight.

2nd Annual Old Louisville Springfest (There’s a Kosair KidsZone, too!).

Don’t miss StageOne Family Theatre’s production of Charlotte’s Web at...
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Best Ways to Stay Mentally Sharp Over Summer Break

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

“If there is no wind, row.” Mr. Thomas Kalb tells me this quote with a slight smile. He teaches Advanced English 1 and Advanced Placement English at Ballard High School.

Kalb understands how hard it is for students to retain information during summer break. Although he recommends a lively summer, he suggests never giving up on learning. Go to museums, art galleries and history reenactments. “People’s brains all function differently; some people need to see pretty pictures to help them learn,” he says.

Read. And then read more. Kalb suggests books that challenge our minds. Candide by Voltaire does that. He also suggests...
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Win a Summer DreamWorks Experience Vacation Package

2013-05-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville) is one of the nation’s premiere resort destinations. With 2,881 guestrooms, lush atriums, uniquely themed restaurants and shopping experiences and a luxurious spa, Gaylord Opryland is the nation’s largest non-gaming hotel under one roof, making Opryland a favorite tourist destination.

We are giving away a Summer DreamWorks Experience Vacation Package* at Gaylord Opryland Resort. This package includes:

Two-night accommodations for...

Top 5 Must-Haves for Teen Fashion This Summer

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Summer is a time of relaxation. The sun is out and you're ready to hit the beach, go to the mall, or hang out with your friends. But just because summer is a time to rest, your style doesn't have to fall flat! Here are my five summer must-haves to stay cool and comfortable but still look radiant anywhere you go!

1. Jean cut-off shorts. I love short shorts because you can dress them up to go out somewhere or dress them down if you're just planning on being outside. I love when they have little added accessories to the shorts, like lace sewn to part of it or studs on one side.

2. Fringed tank tops. I love the diversity of these type of shirts, because...
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Get Rid of Those Ants

2013-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

When they come marching across the counter, remember it could be worse. They could be roaches. They’re not. They’re little black ants. Feel better? No, I didn’t think so.

We’ve had two mild winters, which means they’ll be back in bigger numbers this summer. Remember you heard it here first.

I’ve got the answer. It’s cheap, easy, and...
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Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!

2013-05-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

We wish all of our Kentuckiana moms a very Happy Mother’s Day, and be sure to enjoy some of these fun events this weekend!

Girls on the Run 5K at Seneca Park at 10am
Opening day of the St. Matthews Farmers Market.
Mother’s Day Hop & Shop in New Albany, IN.

Miranda's Favorite Things: May 2013

2013-05-09T04:30:00.000-04:00

Ahh, seven wonderful things I'd hate to go without:
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Run for the Girls... This Saturday!

2013-05-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

Help support hundreds of young girls in Louisville as a "SoleMate."

Girls on the Run is wonderful organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

This Saturday, Girls on the Run is hosting a 5K running event which helps support this life-changing program focusing on high self-esteem, healthy eating, and avoiding peer pressure.

Here are the details:

Date: May 11, 2013
Time: 10am
Location: Seneca Park

Register today online and run the event, or simply register to "Sleep in for the Girls."

Win Tickets to Holiday World!

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

It’s no wonder they’re “Voted #1 for Family Fun!”

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to:

The Voyage, #1 wooden coaster on the planet (5 years running!)
Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster
Free, unlimited soft drinks
Free sunscreen
Free parking, and more!

One lucky winner will receive...
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Try This at Bedtime TONIGHT!

2013-05-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

My son is notorious for waiting until lights-out to decide that he still has to plug in his iPod, get a drink, put something into his backpack, etc., etc., etc.

Reminders about lights-out time didn’t work.

To combat this problem, I decided...
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Grow an Avocado Plant Today

2013-05-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

A few months back, we made homemade guacamole during a wintry period of yearning for spring greens and new growth. It yielded just that! We had extracted the seeds from inside the avocados and suspended them by toothpicks into water-filled glasses, their bottoms submerged into about half-an-inch of water. We watered, and we waited…

Finally, weeks later, small white sprouts appeared and grew downward into the glasses. Roots! It was amazing to watch the roots grow and lengthen. Once the roots had reached the glass bottoms, it was time to take further action and give those seeds proper homes.

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Happy Derby Weekend!

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

As the fillies prepare for their big race, we wish you all a Happy Oaks Day! Plus, just in case you’d like to squeeze in an event or two around your weekend Derby schedule, here’s what’s going on around town. Enjoy!

First Friday Trolley Hop
Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront
Be One, Get One??? Just dress like Big Boy!
Free Comic Book Day- there a 6 local participating stores!
Head to Bernheim for the day for their Eco Kids event.

Photo by Sam English.

No Snap-Decision Play Dates

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

When my two daughters were little, they would run excitedly to the car after school to ask if a friend could come over. It was hard to resist their adorable brown eyes staring at me.

Time and time again, I said “no” until they learned that they couldn’t ask on an impulse.

I worked from home, and they thought...
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Win Summer Dance Classes!

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

No matter what age you are, if dancing is in your heart, Dreamz Dance Company in Louisville, KY, can make your dancing dreams a reality.

They offer jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, technique, lyrical/contemporary, strength & conditioning, pointe, and acrobatics classes for boys and girls ages 2 and up.

One lucky winner will win...
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When Your Family Moves to Another State

2013-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Charley family, featured here in the April issue of Today's Family (page 20), is settling into their new home in Columbus, OH. Read below to find out how they’re doing and what their kids thought about the move.

When I interviewed Amy Charley in January for the In Our Family feature, she and her husband, Brent, had a contract on their Louisville home, which fell through shortly after our conversation . They were a bit frightened by the prospect of having two house payments, but...
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