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Articles by Allie Douglas
Schools: Lines of Communication: What are the best ways teachers and parents can communicate effectively to help kids succeed?
One time, at the school where I worked as a teacher, a parent of one of my students intentionally stopped at my post in car line, rolled down her window, made eye contact, and flipped me off with all of her children in the car. Somewhat stunned, I smiled and waved until she moved on. I didn't recall meeting this parent in person, and the whole incident made me ponder, Where was the breakdown in communication that led to this?
Charleston-area parents share their experiences in observance of World Autism Awareness Day
Charleston-area parents share their experiences in observance of World Autism Awareness Day
4 Places in Charleston to teach your kids about Black history
Census data shows that the Black population in Charleston has , making it more important than ever for parents and educators to help preserve their history and contributions to the local culture by seeking out the many opportunities available in Charleston to learn from the past. Though these efforts should be ongoing throughout the year, February being Black History Month is a great reminder that there’s no time like the present.
Great meal deals for busy Charleston families
It’s back to school season! While most parents welcome the reintroduction of routine into our lives, some days, the grind of the school year gets overwhelming and we just need to stay out of the kitchen and let someone else do the cooking. Or perhaps we’re flitting around town dropping off multiple kids at extracurriculars and just don’t have the time for meal prep? Here is a list of some of the best consistent deals at West Ashley restaurants.
Keeping teens entertained for $20 or less
Most teens these days would be perfectly happy to keep their heads buried in electronic devices all summer. Whether you’re looking to spend some quality family time with your big kid or just need to kick them off the couch, use this list for unique ideas that won’t make them clap back or eye roll AND won’t bust your budget. No cap! For the parent who needs to get some work done: Summit Adventure Park in West Ashley offers monthly memberships for $15.
Ways to stay cool without a pool
After a chilly spring for Charleston, summer has finally arrived, and with it the 90 degree temps locals and long-time residents have come to expect, and a blanket of humidity that threatens to suffocate. Apartment communities in the area frequently boast access to a pool as an amenity, and lots of Charlestonians pay high HOA fees to become members of exclusive neighborhood pools.
The pros and cons of e-learning days
As Hurricane Ian whipped its way across the gulf, educational leaders in the Lowcountry took decisive strides to keep students and staff safe. In Charleston County School District, this meant sending students home with work on Wednesday afternoon and declaring Thursday and Friday “e-learning” days.
Tips for transitioning to a stay-at-home parent
In Charleston, finding quality and affordable childcare can be harder than finding Waldo. Four-year-olds aren’t guaranteed a spot in public pre-k, which means when a baby is born, parents who both work are typically facing five years of scrambling to find childcare. As households add members and the cost of living rises, many families across the nation are considering becoming a single income family so one parent can stay home to provide childcare.
Transitioning to a stay-at-home parent? What you need to know
In Charleston, finding quality and affordable childcare can be harder than finding Waldo. Four-year-olds aren’t guaranteed a spot in public pre-k, which means when a baby is born, parents who both work are typically facing five years of scrambling to find childcare. As households add members and the cost of living rises, many families across the nation are considering becoming a single income family so one parent can stay home to provide childcare.
Ages and stages: Helping parents and students handle big transitions at school
Going back to school can be a challenge for any grade level, but some years are harder than others, especially for those entering kindergarten, middle and high school. Experienced local teachers address concerns and give advice for students and parents about how to handle these times of big transitions. Preparing for Kindergarten Molly, of Nexton, a parent of an emerging kindergartener, described herself as a “ball of emotions” at the beginning of the school year.
Youth musical theater lights up the stage in Charleston
After much anticipation, “Hamilton” finally came to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center as the first of this season’s “Best of Broadway” performances. The venue will also feature “Annie,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Aladdin,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Book of Mormon” in the coming months. I had the pleasure of attending this buzzworthy event with my mom. The auditorium was packed as we entered the theater moments before the lights dimmed.
A day trip itinerary for exploring Charleston with a toddler
Charleston is a family-friendly destination. Most kids in elementary school and older will enjoy the attractions that make the area unique such as carriage rides, tours of the USS Yorktown, visiting Fort Sumter - but add a toddler to the mix and these activities become less appealing. That doesn’t mean families with toddlers can’t have a great time in the Holy City.
Raising a genius
In a small pocket of the internet world on Facebook, there is a group of about 20,000 people from all over the world whose children are “gifted.” I’m not talking about qualifies for the gifted and talented program at school, top 20% of the class type of category. I’m talking about the “young Sheldon” or “Matilda” type of geniuses who get featured on "Ellen" for naming all the capitals in the world.
Top places to picnic in the Lowcountry
With National Picnic Month in July, consider packing a basket and heading outside with the kids. Of course, with the hot, humid weather you’ll need to seek out a shady spot near water, and fortunately there are many wonderful destinations for dining al fresco in the Lowcountry. For this list we have selected places with beautiful views, lots of picnic tables and plenty of space for kids to run and explore. Try these outdoor locations for a fun experience that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Looking for fun Father's Day ideas in Charleston?
The stereotypical uninvolved father who goes to work and comes home to dinner on the table and an evening of TV in the La-Z-Boy is becoming a relic of the past. While mothers still do the larger portion of household work and childcare, research shows that dads are contributing to both more than fathers of the past. Father’s Day is a special time to show dads how much they are appreciated for their hard work and dedication to their families.
Fun games for the whole family to play on a road trip
The modern day way to keep the family from driving each other crazy in the car involves giving everyone their own digital device and headphones. But for those craving a more old school style of road trip that makes the time in the car a memorable bonding experience, try these fun games and activities to keep the whole family entertained and happy during the journey. For older kids/teens: • “Billy’s World” will keep your family guessing and interacting for hours. It’s a word play riddle.
Games for the whole family to play on a road trip
The modern day way to keep the family from driving each other crazy in the car involves giving everyone their own digital device and headphones. But for those craving a more old school style of road trip that makes the time in the car a memorable bonding experience, try these fun games and activities to keep the whole family entertained and happy during the journey. For older kids/teens: • “Billy’s World” will keep your family guessing and interacting for hours. It’s a word play riddle.
Ask Allie: Advice on how to communicate better and get closer to your daughter
Q: I feel like all I ever do is argue with my daughter. She’s only 8, and she’s a good kid, for the most part, but we are constantly butting heads and I find myself getting upset over her attitude and acting like a brat when I ask her to do something or just ask her a question. She gets along great with my husband, she’ll wait until he comes home to talk and tell him things, their personalities are very similar, so I find myself a little sad that she won’t talk to me the same way.
Financial aid opportunities available in South Carolina
Whether your high school student is dreaming of being a Gamecock or a Tiger (or attending any of the other fine universities, colleges, or trade schools in South Carolina), as a parent, you are probably wondering, “How am I going to pay for this?!?” With June 6 being National Higher Education Day and the deadline for FAFSA filing for the 2022-2023 school year being June 30, 2022, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the financial aid opportunities available in South Carolina.
Where can families find good deals at restaurants?
With inflation run amuck, taking the family out to eat without breaking the bank is more challenging than ever. Many eateries that offered kid’s nights before the pandemic no longer feature such a deal, but these restaurants are still making it easier for families to enjoy the thrill of sharing a meal together outside the home during the week. Sunday Moe’s (all locations): Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. For dine-in only.
Where can families eat a good meal for a good price?
With inflation run amuck, taking the family out to eat without breaking the bank is more challenging than ever. Many eateries that offered kid’s nights before the pandemic no longer feature such a deal, but these restaurants are still making it easier for families to enjoy the thrill of sharing a meal together outside the home during the week. Sunday Moe’s (all locations): Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. For dine-in only.
VBS in and around Charleston
Summer camps are filling up fast! Whether you are new to the area and missed registrations, or just let the opportunity pass by with all the chaos of the end of the school year, several area churches still have availability for their Vacation Bible School programs. Downtown • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is hosting a VBS on June 14-16 from 9 a.m.-noon. The cost is $30 per child and is exclusively for children 3 years old to those entering kindergarten.
Growing up in Charleston: Then and now
Sitting on my front porch, listening to the sounds of the birds sing their creation songs on the perfect spring day. Temperature right at 75 degrees, very little humidity, a slight breeze swaying through the trees and my “Welcome” garden flag. Grass as green as St. Patrick’s Day. A mother bird has made a nest in the corner of my patio. A large white mutt sniffing the air around him at a relaxed attention, protecting his domain, our two-story suburban home.
Teach your kids to be smart about money
With 90% of Americans majorly impacted by the stress of finances, according to a recent survey from Thriving Wallet, it is clear that “we the people” need financial education. Thankfully, South Carolina has finally begun requiring a personal finance class in high school, but young adults report wishing they had learned more about managing money in their younger years.
Facts about 420 parents need to know
With the “holidaze” soon approaching, your pre-teens and teens have likely been made aware, whether they mention it to you or not, that there is something special about the number 420 and the date April 20.
On the spectrum: Autism represented in the media
There is a saying that if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. This is because autism presents differently in all people and should not be stereotyped. Even though autism presents differently in each person, in order to be diagnosed with autism, a person must have a degree of difficulty in these categories: pragmatic language, social awareness, monotropic mindset, information processing, sensory processing, repetitive behaviors, and neuromotor differences.
Process improves writing and comprehension for kids
“Help! My child is a great reader, but they seem to be struggling with comprehension!” “Any ideas for helping my child become a better writer?” Forums on the internet are filled with desperate pleas from parents looking for ways to make reading and writing more enjoyable for their children, while also improving comprehension.
Charleston-area parents share their experiences in observance of World Autism Awareness Day
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day — a holiday established by the United Nations in 2008. During the month of April, as you notice displays of blue puzzle pieces meant to symbolize the complexity and mystery of the autistic brain, consider how you might support a friend or family member who is on the spectrum.
Kid-friendly, but nutritious convenience foods
The season for sports and other after-school activities has arrived. For many families this means less time together around the dinner table and a greater need for snacks and meal ideas that can go from freezer to microwave in minutes. In 1924, Clarence Birdseye, as in Birdseye vegetables, discovered the flash-freezing process and the frozen food industry as we know it today was born.
Going green: Tips for getting started on a low-toxin lifestyle
After extensive studies, the European Union has banned more than 1,500 harmful chemicals that are still allowed in American products. While it is impossible to completely avoid chemicals, becoming a more conscious consumer can help your family experience positive health benefits and help the environment.
Tips for talking to your kids about war
You may be tempted to avoid tough conversations about the invasion of Ukraine, but likely your children will encounter information about it on social media, TV, or friends at school, so it’s best as a parent to control the narrative. It is emotionally taxing to discuss current events with minors, but the importance of doing so cannot be ignored. “Over the past three years, our children's lives have been filled with stressors, violence, unrest, and fear.
Devastating local fire serves as reminder to families, have a plan
Fire is driving force for civilization, but when it gets out of human control, it can have devastating consequences, as West Ashley residents of The Palms Apartments have recently experienced firsthand. It is rational to have a healthy fear of fire, but you can ease concern by educating yourself and your children on fire safety and routinely taking simple steps to ensure the safety of your home.
8 Children's books with Black protagonists
If your schedule is too packed this month to fit in a visit to one of these locations to learn about Black history, but you still want to celebrate Black History Month with your children, consider a visit to your nearest library to check out one of these books to read together. Preschool and Elementary 1.
4 Places in Charleston to teach your kids about Black history
Census data shows that the Black population in Charleston has , making it more important than ever for parents and educators to help preserve their history and contributions to the local culture by seeking out the many opportunities available in Charleston to learn from the past. Though these efforts should be ongoing throughout the year, February being Black History Month is a great reminder that there’s no time like the present.
What your teen wishes you knew about dating in 2022
Think back to your teenage dating years… Can you feel the awkward tension? Can you smell butter popcorn and sweaty palms? Teenagers of the pandemic era may not be experiencing much of the above, but they do have a unique to the times dating style that I’m a little bit jealous of (you’ll see why!) I recently spoke to eight local teenagers between the ages of 16 to 19 years old to get their perspectives on what dating in high school is like.
4 Last-minute weekend getaways for parents
With Valentine’s weekend just a few days away and President’s Day the weekend following, now is the time to book a last-minute romantic getaway. Consider calling in the grandparents for childcare and having a kid-free weekend this month in one of these romantic towns, all just a short drive from Charleston. Sit back, relax and take in the picturesque views from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park located south of Bay Street in the Historic District of downtown Beaufort.
WIC Nutrition Program's impact on the health of South Carolina families
The new Netflix series “Maid” is on track to become the platform’s most watched mini-series with over 67 million households streaming it. It follows a few months in the life of a young mother, Alex, as she and her toddler flee an emotionally abusive relationship. The show raises awareness to the brokenness of the government systems she relies on to help her overcome her difficult circumstances and many women found themselves relating to the main character’s struggles.
Tips for setting healthy resolutions for families
In 2020, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation published a report titled “State of Childhood Obesity: Prioritizing Children’s Health During the Pandemic.” In it, researchers found that a little more than 15 percent, or one in seven children between the ages of 10 and 17, have obesity. A little over a year later, the situation has not improved. Health professions suggest that to advance health outcomes for our youngest citizens, we must focus on health as a family.
Experiences, not things: 10 Non-toy gift ideas
Does your house look more like an indoor play arena than a home? Does your credit card bill have a few too many charges for Amazon? Do your kids dump out all their toys, but not actually play with any of them? ...you might have too many toys! About a decade ago news sites and blog posts were sharing a statistic that Americans only made up 3.1% of the world’s children, yet 40% of the world’s toys belong to U.S. children.
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