ParentPoints : Time to fall into a routine

ParentPoints

This blog is for all parents; those in the traditional workforce, those who work from home, and those who work at home. Join our conversations about balancing the needs of family with the demands of work, discovering resources and activities around Alaska, and opening a dialogue about the perks and challenges of parenthood. One of our three contributors emphasizes teen and family issues. We welcome your comments but please keep them on point and civil. Avoid personal attacks and the use of profanity.

Contributors

Erin Kirkland

Erin Kirkland writes freelance and lives in Anchorage with her husband and two boys, 14 and 3. She has covered family-related topics for newspapers, parenting magazines and the Web. Erin and her family moved to Anchorage in 2005. She'll post on Wednesdays about great activities the entire family can participate in, and enjoy, together.

Gina Romero

Gina Romero is a lifelong Alaskan who is passionate about parenting. She left Alaska for a short time to earn a degree in journalism and returned for a job at Channel 2 News. Gina produced the Channel 2 Newshour for the better part of a decade and more recently served as communications specialist at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Career perspectives changed when her daughter was born in 2007, and Gina is now a mother by day and freelance writer by night. Her Monday blog posts will focus on striking a healthy balance between work and family.

Heather Lende

Writer Heather Lende has 5 children, biological and adopted, aged 17-25 and has been married to their dad for 26 years. She also coaches high school runners. She'll try to help you with teenage, young adult, and family matters. Expect her posts on Fridays.

Time to fall into a routine

Posted by Gina Romero

Posted: September 3, 2009 - 4:06 pm

Programs for toddler aged children are ramping up again. I am a much better parent when we have a routine and goals to accomplish for the day. I know other parents share the same experience. For that reason, I’ve compiled a couple of activities and opportunities for parents with children under five.

If you are looking to network with other parents, Alaska's Kids is for you. It is a membership organization that organizes play dates, hikes for parents and more. I met the owner, Jamie Robinson, at Arctic Gym the other day. She is a nice lady who is on a mission to engage parents and their kids.

Youth Services Programs are starting up at the Anchorage Public Library. Thank god for the library! This is one of our favorite activities. There are several things to do for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Anchorage Museum hosts the I Wonder Preschool Program. Kids have the opportunity to learn about science and to do art activities with their guardians. It begins Sept. 23 and is every Wednesday at 2 p.m. More information is available by visitng www.anchoragemuseum.org.

Finally, Kaladi Brothers Coffee is hosting Kids Day on Saturday, September 12. Free steamers and hot chocolate will be available for kids who are 12 and under. In addition, Kaladi Brothers Coffee is accepting art entries and favorite teacher stories.