School may be out but that doesn’t mean that a free class on something fun won’t entertain the kiddos! Keep their learning skills alive with one of these opportunities.
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer hands-on building classes for kids.
Punt, Pass and Kick offer kids 8+ the chance to hone their football skills in various contests on August 9.
We are fortunate to have many local museums that offer a plethora of different options for free fun for kids young and old. Whether you need shelter from the sun, a space to burn off some energy on a rainy day, or just want to enrich your kid’s minds, you’re sure to develop a favorite this summer.
Travel back in time through the streets of old Detroit at the Detroit Historical Museum. Personal favorites include: watching a car assembly, creating your own music in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and viewing the impressive Glancy toy train collection.
Detroit Institute of Arts has a world-renowned art collection and a Family Sunday program designed with kids in mind.
After the DIA, you can head to the International Institute nearby. They have extensive collections of dolls, model ships, and more. They also have a great cafe in the basement.
Take a trip to Belle Isle and visit one of the oldest aquariums in the US. The architecture is even more amazing than the aquatic life inside.
Then head next door to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and check out each of its five sections: The Palm House, The Showroom, The Fernery, The Cactus Room, and The Tropical House.
Hop aboard a simulated speedboat, head inside an old pilot house, and learn about Detroit’s role in maritime history at Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
Visit Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, on the first Friday of the month between 5 and 10:00 PM for free admission.
If you’re the parent of a graduating senior, this is probably a bittersweet time for you, and you may be wondering how this person you’ve raised, who is now officially an adult, is going to make it “out there” when he or she is still a child in so many ways. I mean, what are they thinking with some of the stuff they post online, #amiright? Then again, what were we thinking with some of the choices we made at their age . . . and how can we stop them from doing the same?! Here’s the thing: we can’t. And no one knows the struggle of giving up parental control more than I do, friend.
I met my daughter when she was five years old. I was dating her father, and her biological mother wasn’t in the picture. Just a kid myself, at 20, I naively thought that all of the complexities that usually go along with blended families wouldn’t apply to us since there wasn’t an “ex” to contend with. I didn’t take into account that children often suffer from attachment disorder if they don’t properly bond with their mothers before the age of two, which makes it incredibly challenging to establish relationships with anyone, let alone a step-parent.
After her father and I were married, we thought maybe her fears would be put to rest if I legally adopted her, so I did just that. I was tested relentlessly, however, and nothing I did seemed to be right (to my daughter, to her father, or to anyone else with an opinion . . . and there were lots of them). Thorough research on the topic and years of counseling taught me that kids with attachment issues ultimately need one thing from you, and that’s for you to never give up on them. While my relationship with her father has long since dissolved, I have continued to be this girl’s mother, even when it hasn’t been easy.
When I left my ex-husband, I decided that the best thing for our daughter was for her to continue to live with him and to have regular visitation with me. While I disapproved of the way she was being raised, I also knew that she needed consistency and that uprooting her from the one person she had always been with would likely cause more problems. (She wasn’t in a dangerous or abusive situation, so I had to remind myself of the healthiest living arrangement for everyone involved. With me in the mix daily, there was a lot of fighting, admittedly.)
Reader, the constant internal struggle of this decision was real! I tortured myself asking, what kind of mother doesn’t take custody of her own child? I may technically be her step-mother, but legally I made that child my own, and I am my harshest critic. Imagine watching your daughter venture into her teen years from a distance, and not being able to regulate a single thing she does. You have no say, no ability to provide consequences when she breaks the rules, and your best hope for influencing her lies in pep talks and leading by example. I’m not her aunt, her godmother, or her friend. I’m her mother, the single biggest influencer in a human being’s life, in my humble opinion. If I haven’t liked something along the way, shouldn’t I have taken control? The short answer is no. What “control” does any mother really have over a teenager anyway?
Sure, had she been with me all this time she would have been involved with a church, been volunteering right alongside me, had a driver’s license and a job by now, as these are all things we value in my home. Perhaps, you’ve done all of the “right” things with your own teen, but is there value in forcing kids into these character-building activities? I don’t mean to be a hover-parent, but often my answer is yes! (Though at one point, I realized calling her school all the time wasn’t actually helping.) In my case, had my daughter been under my roof, there also would have been a lot of tension and drama. In the nature versus nurture game, I can’t contend with her genetics. Her biological parents are very different from me, so it’s hard for me to relate to why my daughter might make the choices she does.
Despite my best efforts as the non-custodial parent, my teenage daughter does what she wants, and maybe yours does, too, even if you have custody. As she turns 18 and graduates high school, I have to let go. I have to let go of what I should or shouldn’t have done. I have to become OK with letting her go off into the world and fail a few times. I have to remind myself that I can’t control what happens from this point on and that maybe I never had control to begin with.
I also have to remember all of the hope and excitement I had for her when I walked her into her first day of Kindergarten. (I suddenly have something in my eye . . .) Commencement means beginning, after all.
The summer heat has made its entrance and we know you’re looking for some fun places to cool down! Luckily for us, metro Detroit is filled with splash pads and water parks! Better yet, many of them are free! Check out our exclusive list of water fun throughout metro-Detroit. Scroll down to your county ( the list is organized by county in alphabetical order) to find out what’s in your area!
*CLICK on the park name to visit their website for more information!*
You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and your most important assignment to prepare them for school is read, read and read some more! As I mentioned in my first DIY Preschool post, if you do nothing else to incorporate preschool into your days at home, read! I can truly say as a former Kindergarten and First Grade teacher reading at home has a tremendous impact on your child’s readiness to learn to read. DMB has had some great posts in the past about reading, including this one on tips to encourage reading at home. The good news is there is nothing fancy or complicated you need to do together, all you need to do is cuddle up and enjoy a story with your little one, and incorporate a few of the following tips.
Use the Pictures
From an early age, you can ask your child to point to things in the book you’re reading together, for example, “point to the dog on this page.” As children get older, you can ask them more advanced questions, “can you find the page where Max gets in the boat?” or “what on this page shows us it’s about to rain?” Using the pictures in a book is a very important skill once children start reading, and teaching them to notice and reference illustrations early is a great tool to have in their reader’s toolkit!
Ask Questions
It’s easy to go into autopilot when reading, but asking your child questions about the story is a great way to build their comprehension skills. Yes, reading the actual words is important, but understanding and interpreting what you have read is equally important, and something that will be assessed on a regular basis in elementary school. Frequently ask your child what they think will happen next in a story, what they think characters are feeling, and what they think about what is happening. When you’re done reading, ask them to retell the story to you, or what their favorite part was.
Read Familiar Books
It may be maddening to read the same story for the hundredth time in a row, but showing a desire to read a favorite story over and over is a sign of a growing reader! Reading familiar and favorite books helps children understand patterns and story concepts in books, a very important concept for learning to read! Switch things up when you can by encouraging your child to “read” their favorite book to you, using the pictures to tell the story, and offer lots of praise when they do! Embrace and enjoy the reading of favorite books, while also throwing new ones into the mix when you can.
Extend the Story
Take that favorite story one step further, and strengthen your child’s reading skills even more! Ask them to draw a picture of their favorite part or character in the story. Make puppets of characters and use a cardboard box to make the scenery and put on a puppet show. Cook something yummy the characters were eating in the story. A quick Pinterest search of most popular children’s books results in lots of fun ideas for activities to take the story further, all while strengthening your child’s comprehension skills and love of reading!
Storytime at the Library
Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else take over, and your local librarian is the perfect person to help support your child’s developing literacy skills! Your local library likely has a storytime just right for your child’s age, and it’s free! If your local library’s story time doesn’t work for your schedule, see if another neighborhood nearby has a story time that will. Some storytimes require registering, but many do not, and it’s possible to hop in and join when you can. While you’re at the library don’t forget to check out a few books to enjoy at home, and include your child in the selection process.
What if my kid HATES to read?
Some children would rather do just about anything else than sit down and read a book, and that’s OK. For these kids, try finding books about one of their interests and see if that helps motivate them to read with you, or explore books independently. Your local bookstore or librarian can help you find great books for your little princess, dinosaur or truck enthusiast. Books that feature different textures and lift and peek flaps can also be enticing, and reading books in your silliest voice may also draw in a reluctant reader. Giving books a try at times other than bedtime may help, snack and meal times and long rainy afternoons are good opportunities to try. And if nothing seems to be working, have faith and try again another day in another way. The fact that you’re trying sends the message to your child that reading is important and valuable, which is a great lesson.
My son’s fan section at any given sporting event or activity, ninety-nine percent of the time consistents of one person. Me.
Sure, sometimes, the other kids at baseball and soccer have one parent or person cheering them on. Reminding them to keep their eye on the ball, keep their focus. For my son, it is usually just me. Just me, the single mom.
Not to say I am literally the only single mom in the fan stand, but it definitely feels that way at times. There I sit in my big green chair, slightly offset from the others, careful not to impend on any other family’s space. With that being said, it can be difficult to navigate these family events and situations as a singleton, (Bridget Jones reference).
When placed in situations with all coupled up families, it can be totally nerve-wracking to start a conversation or keep the conversation going. (#awkawrdsmalltalk) Especially once the “what does your husband do?”, or the “where is your husband?” questions pop up. If you are like me, I stumble and scatter over this response. “Er. Um…” Is usually my response, then it feels like they are looking at me like I am a unicorn. Sometimes, the conversation dies out after this. Why is that? Or, alternatively, this question doesn’t phase you. If attending these family-based activities alone does add an element of awkward for you, keep these things in mind:
No one probably cares, or truly notices. (Truly, most people don’t care. You are really are not sticking out like a sore thumb.)
You did show up! You are the one in the cheering section. (Yay, mama!)
Get out of your own head. (Easier said than done, and can be super hard for me to do.) Try to engage the other parents in some conversation, even a quick hello, or how are you. Break up that isolated feeling, and space.
What I am truly trying to say is, you are there. YOU. ARE. THERE. Single mama, fan section of one, your son or daughter will not remember that you were there alone. They are going to remember that you were there, supporting them. Although, sometimes easier said than done, don’t let being the only solo parent there take you away from your purpose on that soccer field, very early on a Saturday, possibly in the rain. You are there to champion and support your child! Cheer on, mama!
Victory! Watching my son master his skills at karate.
Single mama’s, have you experienced that awkward feeling on the sports field or other family events? How do you handle it?
I have two daughters. Two lovely angels sent directly from above. They are great girls. They get along well, most of the time. But lately, I find myself struggling when it comes time to have some fun together. See – my daughters are 5 years apart. When Lucy was 7 and Sally was 2, activities were simple.
Wanna go to the play place at the mall? YES! Wanna go to the zoo and see the monkeys? YES! No worries. They had a great time together.
As they grew, more of the same. When Lucy was 10 and Sally was 5, sometimes it got a little sticky but finding something we could do together was still relatively easy.
Wanna go to the park? YES! Wanna go to the Petting Farm? YES! Easy. Fun was easy.
Nowadays, not so much. Lucy is almost 15 and Sally is 9. Suddenly the not so great divide has become the Grand Canyon of space between ages. Recently, I took a day off work and wanted to just do something fun with my gals. Figuring I will just do as I always do and ask them what they wanna do. It was not that easy.
Wanna go to the movies and see the latest animated flick? Sally says YES! Lucy says EH. Wanna go play Putt-Putt at Midway? Lucy says YES! Sally says NAH.
Deep breaths. What do you want to do girls?
Lucy says go to the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). Sally looks horrified at this idea. Sally says go to Skyzone. Lucy says HARD PASS. Deep long sigh.
This age difference thing – I always knew there was potential for it to be an issue. I am thankful that so far the only thing affected is the fun factor. But this is tough. I want to provide opportunities and activities that both girls love to do – things that bring us closer together. As they get older that seems more difficult.
Do I split the time between them? Do I make the younger do what the older wants or the older do what the younger wants? What is the right approach? Why is this suddenly so hard?I found the answer in the question.It’s hard because they ARE different ages. So how do I bridge that great divide?
I find myself going back to the basics. We read books and host board game nights. We play cards and ride scooters and take walks. We serve together at the church and in the community. We try new restaurants. We go window shopping (when Sally is in the mood). We go grocery shopping (I have to teach them how to do these things) and visit grandparents. We go to the beach and we just do life together.
I found I was putting too much pressure on myself to entertain them, and that at this stage I have a great opportunity to teach them that life is not only about entertainment. This is the time to really teach them about relationships – how important they are to create, build and maintain. I am teaching them that life doesn’t just happen for you – you make life happen. You have to cook your food and do your dishes and fold your laundry. And there can be great satisfaction in doing those things for yourself. Is it entertaining? Not always. But it is necessary. And doing these things makes the time you have for entertainment more rewarding.
My job as a parent is to raise well-rounded, self-sufficient, functioning and contributing members of society. To do that, they have to know balance. Entertainment is part of that, but only a small part.
One of the best parts of summer is ending a fulfilled day cuddled up on a blanket, and letting out the “ooh, ahh” at the yearly firework show in your community. “Going to the fireworks” is an affordable and memorable outing for your family! If you’re anything like me you find yourself wandering aimlessly on websites looking for a list of when and where the next local fireworks will be displayed. As a busy mom, I usually wait until the last minute. Detroit Moms Blog has compiled a list for you to use as a guide to locate some fantastic firework displays that may be happening right in your neighborhood. So grab your blankets, snacks and bug spray – there are fireworks all summer In + Around Detroit!
The list is organized by county and city, we even added a listing for our Metroparks. Enjoy + have a safe 4th of July!
Oakland County Boat Club has over 75 years of experience in sponsoring these spectacular fireworks. You won’t be disappointed by what GenX Pyrotechnics has in store for you.
{Date}
July 3, 2017 at Dusk
{Location}
Over Sylvan Lake Oakland County Boat Club * 2330 Ferndale St. * Sylvan Lake
{Parking}
There will be no parking on or along any street from noon to midnight as posted. This includes the pavement and shoulder/ditch areas. Violators will be ticketed and towed. Community Center fireworks parking will be available for $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event. The parking lot will open at 7pm – must have permit to enter the lot.
This is a four-day event that includes an entire evening of music by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Feel free to bring your own food or dine in. There will be activities and games for the kids.
{Date}
June 30-July 3, 2017 after DSO concert
{Prices}
Prices range from $15.50 to $25, add $4 for day of event pricing.
Parking is $6.
{Location}
Greenfield Village * 20900 Oakwood Boulevard * Dearborn, Michigan 48124
Live music, boat races, fireworks and plenty of fun for the entire family. Prior to the Fireworks you can enjoy a free concert featuring Soul Provider Band.
This festival runs for three days with many events. You can plan to spend a day there with carnival rides, live music, and the Heritage Park Petting Zoo.
{Date}
June 24, 2017 at Dusk
{Location}
Heritage Park * 12111 Pardee Rd. * Taylor, Michigan 48180
The fireworks will be shot over Whitmore Lake. You can view them across from the post office and on the lake. * Main St. * Green Oak Township, Michigan 48189
I recall like it was just yesterday, prancing through Buy, Buy, Baby looking at the car seats, aisles and aisles of car seats, it was so incredibly overwhelming. Thankfully I begged my sister to come with me to register, my niece was about to turn 2, so they had done the registering thing not long ago. Mike and I ended up registering for the same car seat as they received, a Peg Pergo Primo Viagio. It was quality, they did the homework, and the salesperson at Buy, Buy, Baby said it was a good seller. Ok, car seat was done √
Fast forward a few months later, I have given birth, my car seat has been in the car for a few weeks, ready to have Vincent strapped and secured, and carry around. Mike went to the car to bring it inside the hospital so we can see if Vinny passed the weight check, he did, and bam we left the hospital, GASP! Wait, hold on, what do we do? I thought the nurse would be sure that Vincent is all buckled properly, show us how to operate the car seat before we left. And when he grew, how do we maneuver the straps? How do I do operate this thing? By no means was our seat super fancy, but it’s a new object we had to get used to not to mention all the laws you must follow. Transitioning to the next level car seat? Booster? High-back? Convertible? Expiration dates? What? We are not talking about milk here, it’s a car seat, who knew they expired? Why can’t I buy one on a Mom to Mom site? Good Lord! This is another obstacle to overcome.
Rookie mistake on the chest clip! Way too low.
I have learned the highest cause of death amongst children 13 and under is vehicle crashes according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. In addition, it is estimated that 50-75% of child restraint systems are used or installed incorrectly. This made my hair stand up on my skin and had me run straight home and be certain my car seat was properly intact and that Vinny was secured in our cars.
According to the Michigan Child Passenger Safety Law, “Children younger than age 4 are to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off. Children must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.” Although it is not a requirement, it is highly recommended that children 12 and under should ride in the backseat, if possible.
Since we are now 4 years past being discharged from the hospital, the education I have learned about car seats is insane, and I urge all new and expecting moms to take a car seat safety course through a local hospital or find a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPS) to teach you how to install your seat properly. There is a certain way the straps need to be secured, the chest clips properly positioned, the latches, the anchors, when you need to transition to the next seat, and so many other items relating to the safety of your child.
Vinny in a convertible Britax Car Seat.
Some quick tips to keep in mind when installing your car seat to your vehicle:
If you are using a rear facing infant seat, be sure your base is latched in and the indicator is in the middle. Think of a level to hang something on the wall. The base needs to be even on the seat.
Your infant seat needs to be rear facing until your child is at LEAST one year old and some in states until two, preferably until the weight and height limit specifications.
When transitioning to a convertible seat for your child, be certain that you have tethered the strap necessary and utilized the anchors. If you DO NOT have a tether or anchors be certain to use the seatbelt to secure the car seat. Here are a few options in different prices ranges for convertible seats.
When considering moving your child to a high-back booster seat be certain your child is able to sit in the position 100% of the vehicle trip. No bending over, moving the seat, unbuckling the seat belt while vehicle in motion, hanging out the window. If this can not be accomplished then you must go into a 5-point harness seat.
When looking into a 5-point harness seat, be sure your child achieves ALL 3 of these prior to transiting from your convertible seat.
At least 4-5 years old
40 inches
Mature enough to sit properly and still while the vehicle is in motion.
As you can see, there are so many requirements to consider when installing and deciding on a car seat purchase. It can be incredibly overwhelming and above all, a huge safety concern. When in doubt, or even for peace of mind, contact your local CSP – Better to be safe!
I truly believe the universe is working FOR us at all times; I also believe that it will send you little whispers to help you along the way. Our story begins many years ago but you have to REALLY pay attention to see it.
We both went to the same high school in Garden City; however he was a senior and dating one of the prettiest girls in school. I was a freshmen who had my own boyfriend at the time who just happened to ALSO be a senior and shared some mutual friends with your dad (I had a thing for the class of ’98 apparently.) We knew of each other but only talked once or twice. This is the first whisper. I wasn’t ready to listen and was convinced I was in ‘love’ with my then boyfriend.
He graduated and I did not see him again until the next whisper. I moved home from EMU after a semester of bad grades and was taking classes at Schoolcraft to rebuild my parents trust. I walked in to an Art History class that I only took to fill an elective. Who was sitting in one of the seats? The cute guy from high school. I sat in the row in front of him and we began to catch up. At one point he asked me to the library to study; now I thought this was some sort of excuse to spend time with me; but I was wrong. I showed up and we actually studied (I found out later he had a girlfriend at the time- which- REALLY?!?) Your dad will tell you he was honest in his intentions; I still argue the invitation was unclear; but I digress. The class ended; I moved back to Ypsilanti and finished school.
Enter Facebook. (This becomes relevant later on.)
St. Patty’s Day 2006 gave us our next encounter. The universe wasn’t giving up on us. We saw each other at a local Buffalo Wild Wings. We caught up over a few green beers and he was still pretty cute. I had a boyfriend at the time so we were just having a good time celebrating the day. (No mixed messages from me!)
January 2009. I had just started a new job and was trying to fill my time until the work came in. I was passing my time scrolling through Facebook and there he was. The cute guy that the universe kept putting in my world. I messaged him and said “Hi”. Your dad thinks I noticed that he was newly single and was seeking him out; but I stand by my story. This time the whisper was LOUD. We went on our first date a couple weeks later. The rest is history
So many life events happened in the time before we got together that shaped both of us. The universe was being patient just waiting for us to be ready; add in social media and our love story finally took flight.
It might take 2 years; it might take 10; but always believe the universe is in your corner. It never means life will be easy, that there won’t be heartbreak, but it means that all of that stuff is preparing you to hear your whisper. Listen close.
