Category: Family & Parenting

SkyFly is a newer attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN that has already won awards for its unique and amazing experience. We’ve got all the details on how to see it. 

I really had no idea what SkyFly: Soar America was going to be like when we walked into the building, which is right near the big Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel on the Island at Pigeon Forge. 

The decor looked like what I’d expect the workshop of some old scientist who was studying time travel may look like with gadgets and goggles. I was intrigued for sure and definitely wanted to try out whatever the ride entailed. 

About SkyFly: Soar America 

SkyFly: Soar America won the “Best New Attraction” award in 2021 by USA Today Readers’ Choice. They only opened in July 2021 so the award was quite the accomplishment. SkyFly was manufactured and designed by Dynamic Attractions, which also designed and made the super popular Disney Soarin’ attractions all over the world. 

Once you purchase your tickets, you enter into a room where you’ll learn about explorer Peter Wilder and his daughter Hannah as they try to get ready their steampunk airship for takeoff. We were the only ones in line for about ten minutes and watched the video of the two characters for a bit to try to imagine what in the world was about to happen. A few other guests joined the line and soon we were taken into the Tram room. 

Our guide instructed us where to stand and off we went. Actually, we didn’t go anywhere but the screens on the top of the tram certainly looked like we were moving as we virtually sped through the countryside and came to a stop where the airship supposedly resides. 

We exited and got in line to enter the next room, which held the massive, 50-foot spherical screen. I didn’t know that yet though. While waiting, we got some safety instructions from Mr. Wilder and his daughter, which were quite the characters. They seemed a little unprepared for this journey, which was all part of the fun. 

Then we were off and entered the ride. And that’s where it got exciting. 

Soaring Over America 

Once we got situated into our seats, buckles buckled and checked, and bags underneath our seats, it was time to get flying. 

As soon as the show started, our seats moved straight up and our feet were dangling in the air, ready to fly. The screen looks like we are going through some big tube and then we’re off high in the sky above Chimney Rock (I was so excited to see such a familiar spot) soaring like the peregrine falcons. It was such a cool sensation. 

Next, we took flight along the Blue Ridge Parkway, over the geyser in Yellowstone, glaciers in Alaska, and above the massive Grand Canyon. 

SkyFly: Soar America

We flew over Niagara Falls and even got sprayed with real water and felt the wind. Then it was on to the Grand Tetons, over the beauty of Hawaii, through the Sequoia National Forest, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We flew low over the flat waters of the Everglades and up high to get a glimpse of the presidents carved into Mt. Rushmore. 

It was so cool and you really do feel like you’re flying. The seats move around as you fly so the experience is totally immersive. 

The movie is six minutes long but I could have done it at least a couple more times, which you can actually do for a greatly reduced price once you’re done with the first ride. 

How in the world did this movie get made? That’s what I kept thinking. SkyFly says that they used drones and helicopters to film it and that there is nothing else like it in the world. 

Experiencing SkyFly for Yourself 

SkyFly: Soar America is located on the Island at Pigeon Forge and is open Sunday – Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm.

Our total time at SkyFly was around 30 minutes but if you have to wait in line, it could be longer. SkyFly says to allow 30-60 minutes once you enter the queue. 

Guests must be 40″ to ride and guests between 40” and 55” must be accompanied by an adult. Guests taller than 76″ are not permitted on the ride. If you have a child shorter than 40”, you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room while your partner rides the ride and then you can switch out. They do tell you that if you have a fear of heights, you may not like the ride and you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room. I’m not a big fan of heights or flying but had no issues with the ride. I thought it was awesome. 

Also, if you’re a pregnant mom, SkyFly does not allow you to ride. SkyFly is fully ADA-accessible and can accommodate. If you have other questions, there is a great SkyFly FAQ section on their website.

Tickets to SkyFLy can be purchased online or in person. During peak hours and seasons, which is pretty much all year except January and early February, they advise you to purchase tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22.99 and kids ages 11 and under are $17.99. 

SkyFly: Soar America
131 The Island Drive, Suite 1000, Pigeon Forge, TN 

There may, of course, be a time when a teenager needs professional psychological support. How will we know if that time has come? We can start by considering whether an adolescent’s feelings make sense. It’s time to worry when a teenager’s emotions don’t add up. This simple measure can, for example, help us distinguish between sadness and clinical depression or between healthy and unhealthy anxiety.

Let’s begin with the difference between sadness and clinical depression. When young people suffer losses or disappointments, we fully expect them to be unhappy. We regard a period of low mood as evidence that their emotions are in proper working order. In contrast, people who feel sad or numb without explanation may be suffering from clinical depression.

We also suspect depression if a distressing event that should cause a transient sense of sadness, such as a good friend’s moving away, leads instead to a pervasive and lasting bleakness. Put simply, you probably don’t need to be worried if your teenager is sad about something for a little while; you should be concerned if your teen is sad about everything for days at a time.

Anxiety is an emotion that can be healthy

It’s the same with anxiety. You may not have expected to see anxiety just mentioned as an emotion that can be healthy. In recent years, anxiety, along with every other unpleasant emotion, has gotten an unnecessarily bad rap. In fact, psychologists have long understood anxiety to be a healthy, protective alarm that alerts us to threats. These threats can be on the outside, such as when a teenager realizes that the road he’s driving on has become icy, or on the inside, such as when a teenager realizes that he’s a week behind on studying for an upcoming test.

Feeling anxious on icy roads or when procrastinating can focus a teen’s attention usefully, motivating him to drive with care or to hit the books. Back to our simple measure, clinicians consider anxiety to be unhealthy only when it doesn’t make sense, either because it’s ringing the alarm when there’s nothing to worry about, or the scale of the anxiety is way out of proportion to the threat.

In other words, we wouldn’t want a person to feel anxious when driving under safe conditions. And though a teen should be nervous if he’s not prepared for a test, if his anxiety caused panic attacks, it would be out of proportion. Anxiety that fits the situation is one thing, anxiety that doesn’t is another.

Next, we should also pay attention to whether teenagers are managing their feelings in adaptive ways. In the case of the girl who feels down because a good friend has moved away, her sad feelings are not themselves grounds for concern. But it’s time to worry if she deals with her misery by turning to harmful strategies: getting high, becoming excessively short-tempered with her parents, or pushing other friends away.

For sure, even the most psychologically sturdy adolescents do not always handle their feelings well. But when teens make a habit of seeking emotional relief in ways that are risky or costly, it’s time to be concerned.

What are “unhealthy psychological defenses”?

We should also notice when teenagers rely on unhealthy psychological defenses to manage painful feelings. As we know, the unhealthy defenses buffer uncomfortable emotions by compromising reality, such as when a person insists that a painful event never occurred (denial), has no memory of something awful that really did happen (repression), or feels entirely disconnected from her or his own thoughts, feelings, or body (dissociation).

Defenses that distort reality are most likely to arise from terrible or traumatizing experiences and strongly suggest the need for psychological support. Indeed, some parents become aware that their teenager may have suffered a trauma only when the teen begins to rely on unhealthy defenses to try to keep the psychological aftermath of the trauma at bay.

As much as it can be helpful to have guidelines for when to worry about your adolescent’s emotional health, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you’re wondering whether your teenager needs professional psychological support—and especially if your teen has feelings that don’t add up, is handling emotions poorly, or is relying on unhealthy defenses—reach out to a mental health professional for advice on next steps.

How to handle teens who mention suicidal feelings?

What about teenagers who mention feeling suicidal or who talk about wanting to hurt themselves? Such comments should always be taken seriously. As a first step, you should ask if the teen would ever act on these words, as I coached Lucia’s father to do. If you get an answer that does not leave you completely reassured, seek help right away from a health professional, such as the teen’s pediatrician, or—if you are concerned about your teen’s immediate safety—take your teenager to an emergency room.

What if teens aren’t mentioning suicide, but adults have reason to worry that it might be on their minds? Again, ask. Say, “I understand that this question may seem a little bit out of the blue, but given how upset you are, I feel that I need to ask it—have you had any thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life?” Adults sometimes avoid the topic of suicide because they worry that bringing it up will cause teenagers to feel even more uneasy. To the contrary, research shows that asking nonsuicidal teens about suicide does not leave them feeling worse, but for teens who are feeling suicidal, it relieves distress.

Experts have long studied the factors that put teens at higher risk for taking their own lives and for years have been working from the understanding that the prime risk factors to look for are depression, anxiety, substance use, or other psychiatric disorders. These are indeed major risk factors for adolescent suicide, but we recently learned that they mostly apply to white adolescents. Unfortunately, the profession of psychology has a long history of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to its research findings. Once our results are in, we work from the assumption that they apply equally to individuals from a wide range of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. And that’s not always correct.

One stark example relates to Black adolescents and suicide. While the suicide rate among teenagers has, alarmingly, been on the rise in recent decades, the latest data reveal that the most dramatic upticks have occurred among Black teens. When experts turned to the research literature to make sense of this trend, they came up all but empty-handed, because until recently we have not studied whether Black adolescents face risk factors of their own. So when the suicide rate among Black teens started to stand out from the general trend, we had no idea why, or what to do about it.

Thankfully, as a result of research fast-tracked by a congressional emergency caucus and the National Institute of Mental Health, the picture has started to come into focus. Early findings indicate that much of what we know about suicide in white teenagers does not extend to Black adolescents. Compared to their white counterparts, Black teens who died by suicide were less likely to have a known mental health problem or to have shared their suicidal thoughts or plans. They were, however, more likely to have recently experienced a crisis, a family problem, or an argument, and were also more likely to have made past suicide attempts.

With more representative data, we’re better equipped to know what to look for and when to worry about the safety of Black youth. This emerging information also provides further evidence of the systemic racial disparities in health care. The fact that Black teens were less likely than white teens to have known mental health problems yet were more likely to have made past suicide attempts highlights the fact that, on the whole, Black teenagers and their families are severely underserved by mental health services.

The emotional lives of teenagers cannot be divorced from the social forces that shape their world. And the social forces that shape their world are determined by the different identities that teens carry. Some young people come of age while contending constantly with racism, discrimination, and marginalization, which weigh upon not only their emotional lives but also their aspirations, physical safety, and access to care. As we consider how young people navigate and come to terms with their emotions, we must also acknowledge this reality.

So far, what have we established about the emotional lives of our teenagers? First, their emotions provide valuable information and have a place at the decision-making table. Second, it is not our goal to protect adolescents from unwanted emotions, because those emotions play an important role in maturation. And third, adults shouldn’t mistake the extreme emotional intensity that is natural to adolescence for psychological fragility. Putting it all together, we want our teenagers to appreciate the input provided by their feelings, to know that uncomfortable experiences will help them grow, and to learn how to navigate their emotions effectively.

With these ideas as our mainstays, let’s go on to discuss the forces that shape psychological development in young people, and how we can support our teenagers as they build healthy, enriching emotional lives that will carry them into adulthood. The first stop? One of the most powerful forces shaping adolescents’ emotional lives: gender.

Enter to win a copy of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers here (deadline 2/22/23)

Excerpted from The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour, Ph.D. Copyright © 2023 by Lisa Damour. Excerpted by permission of Ballantine Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

More Great Reading:

Dr Lisa Damour: How to Help Your Teen Say No to Risky Behavior

Helping Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety: Dr. Lisa Damour

Wondering what black history sites in Atlanta you might visit to teach the kids about the Civil Rights Movement? Atlanta, GA has a number of important black history sites and parks, including the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. We visited some of Atlanta’s Civil Rights historic sites, and gathered all the information you need for a visit

America has a rich and diverse history. It’s filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Learning about as much of it as possible is essential to understand current affairs better. I recently combined our love for Atlanta with our quest for knowledge. 

I’m glad that Atlanta is just a short drive away because I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface! Georgia’s capital isn’t just the birthplace of one of the most iconic people from the Civil Rights Movement; it’s home to the stories of so many other important people in the Black History of America. 

The place where Martin Luther King, Jr., was born and became the historical figure we all know is just about a block from where he was laid to rest.
*Fun Fact: Did you know that Martin was actually Michael at birth? After a trip to Germany, Michael King Sr. was inspired by the religious leader Martin Luther and changed his and his 5-year-old son’s name from Michael King to Martin Luther King.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta is roughly 35 acres within the City of Atlanta, including his place of birth, Ebenezer Baptist Church, a welcome center, and Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb.

The MLK National Historical Park is a self-guided walkable tour, with convenient parking behind the social justice center, next to Ebenezer Church. It’s open rain or shine, so we didn’t let the sprinkle stop us. If your kids are inquisitive, be prepared to answer tons of questions. 

For children ages 6-12, there is a Junior Ranger program they can complete. You can print out the official activity booklet at home and bring it with you to complete.
*Fun Fact: Did you know that MLK was such a gifted student that he skipped grades 9 and 12, making him only 15 years old when he began college life at Morehouse.

Seeing the things currently open should take about 2 hours and is stroller friendly. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park | 450 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 

This modern center, dedicated to the fight for equal rights, is a place where you could spend the entire day. The exhibits include a lunch counter sit-in experience, view documents from Martin Luther King, Jr., attend a workshop, and more.

The Center is open Tuesday – Friday and Sundays 12 pm – 5 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm. The last entry is 4 pm daily.

National Center For Civil and Human Rights | 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta  

Sitting in the shadow of the behemoth Mercedes Benz Stadium in the heart of downtown Atlanta is a beautiful home. To look at it, you wouldn’t know the history it holds from the outside. The century-old home (1910) was built by the first Black millionaire in Georgia, Alonzo Herndon. Born into slavery, Alonzo was 20 with just a few dollars in his pocket when he left the life he’d always known to find something better. He cut his first head of hair, which led him down the success path that helped him create affordable housing in the Black communities. Mr. Herndon’s story is inspiring, and this beautiful home is a lasting legacy to all that this once enslaved gentleman overcame.
*Interesting Fact: His father was the plantation owner that his mother and brother were enslaved to. This aided them in being emancipated because the plantation owner’s wife wanted the reminder of her husband’s misdeeds out of view.

The Herndon Home | 587 University Place, Atlanta

Long before John Lewis served 17 terms as a Georgia Congressman, he was a peer of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was one of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders who organized the March on Washington. The end of legalized segregation in the United States was primarily due to the things he did. John Lewis led what became the first of three separate marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, across the Edmund Pettus bridge in 1965. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and The Reverend Billy Graham, Lewis was ordained as a Baptist minister. In 2012, at the mural dedication, Lewis added the final touch to the work of art by painting the dot over the “i” in his last name. He passed away in the summer of 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
*Fun Fact: In 1977, President Jimmy Carter put John Lewis in charge of a federal volunteer agency that oversaw programs including the peace corps. This was nearly ten years before he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time.

John Lewis Mural | Auburn Ave North East, Atlanta, GA 

As mentioned before, there is so much in Atlanta to see when it comes to Black history. I’m already planning a trip back to visit the Madam CJ Walker Museum.

Is there someplace we should see while we are there? 

Want to learn more? Check out our guide for Charleston Sites to Visit in Honor of Black History Month.

Want to see the great outdoors without actually hiking? Kidding Around’s Kristina Hernandez loves hunting out great waterfalls. She’s created this amazing driving tour packed full of stops where you can see waterfalls without hiking. It’s a perfect day trip activity. She even included a map with all the stops. So fire up that GPS or pop open your favorite map app and get going!

Looking for more waterfalls?

• Love waterfalls? Here’s our list of Waterfalls in the Southeast with great hiking in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennesse.
• Also, if you happen to just love waterfalls like we do and are looking for opportunities to keep them clean and pristine, look into volunteering with Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina.

There are few places I’d rather be on the weekends than hiking with my kids to some spectacular waterfall. I’ve done a lot of them and plan lots more. But sometimes hiking a few, or more, miles just isn’t happening. But waterfalls? Yes, I still want to see them!

So if you have the grandparents on board and can’t hike or if there is no way you are listening to kids whine for two hours in the woods or for whatever reason you aren’t hiking, we’ve put together an epic (yes, this is epic) waterfall tour in North Carolina for the ultimate day trip that will kill it on your Instagram feed.

North Carolina Waterfall Driving Tour Map

Just beyond the South Carolina/North Carolina border lies the “Land of the Waterfalls” – it’s true, there is an actual sign that says this – so this is where our epic tour takes you. And because we love our readers and want to make things super easy, we also put together a map of the tour!

I suggest you pack a lot of snacks, drinks, lunch, and some car entertainment since you will have to spend time on the road, even though the drive through the mountains is gorgeous.

You can do this tour starting at either the first or the last waterfall as it takes about the same amount of time as well.

Looking Glass Falls

This waterfall is huge and gorgeous. It’s been on my list since I saw an incredible shot of the falls frozen during the winter. I was really hoping to catch the same photo when I went but it wasn’t cold enough. However, ice did cover the stairs at the very bottom of the falls and the surrounding trees, branches and rocks. It was awesome.

You can literally see the falls from the car but park it anyways, get out and if you have people who are willing and able to walk down the stairs, you can get a close-up view. But if not, you will still get to see the falls in all their glory.

Directions

From Greenville, take 276 W to 25 N and take Exit 5 to 25 N. Take Crab Creek Road to 64 W in Brevard and then take 276 N into Pisgah National Forest. The falls will be on your right.

Sliding Rock

Right down the street from Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest is the popular summer destination of Sliding Rock. During the winter, there is no one there and you don’t have to pay to enter (during the summer season, it is $5/person).

You can see Sliding Rock from the top where the bathrooms are located and it’s a short walk down the stairs to the platform that overlooks the gigantic natural waterslide.

The pool is about eight feet deep and during the summer there are lifeguards to keep everyone safe. It’s a sight to see though!

Directions

From Looking Glass Falls, keep going on 276 into the forest and Sliding Rock is about four minutes away on the left.

Bridal Veil Falls

It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from Sliding Rock to Bridal Veil Falls in between Cashiers and Highlands but the drive along 64 is gorgeous. And you can go through Brevard if you like and grab lunch (I’d suggest Rocky’s Soda Shop) to space out the trip and fuel up.

Bridal Veil Falls is literally on the side of the road. You could even stay in your car and see this beautiful 60-foot cascading waterfall but really, you should get out because it’s so pretty, especially in the winter when it freezes over occasionally and icicles drop down and make the whole scene ethereal.

You can walk behind this waterfall too, which makes it even cooler. You used to be able to drive behind it but you aren’t allowed anymore.

Directions

Take 276 back to Brevard and make a right on 64 W. Take that all the way through Cashiers and the falls will be about 11.5 from Cashiers on your right.

Dry Falls

A two-minute drive down the road will bring you to Dry Falls on the left. Park in the lot and either use the handicap accessible ramp to go to the overlook or in the warmer months head down to the falls and walk behind them and take photos to make everyone you know jealous.

These falls are huge and loud and incredible. If you are able to walk behind the falls, stay on the path and behind the railing and don’t walk out on the rocks. Waterfalls are dangerous and you don’t want to become a statistic.

If you’re hungry on your way out from Dry Falls, stop at Slabtown Pizza in Cashiers for delicious pizza.

Directions

Stay on 64 W for .8 miles and the falls and parking will be on your left.

Bonus: Lake Jocassee Overlook

I wasn’t expecting this driving to the last waterfall stop so it was a bonus for me. About three miles or so from Whitewater Falls is this overlook that will take your breath away.

You can see all of Lake Jocassee and marvel at the beauty of the gorge. Stop, take photos, have a snack. It’s worth it.  

Directions

It’s on Route 130 from Cashiers to Whitewater Falls. You can’t miss it.

Whitewater Falls

The last waterfall on our list is the biggest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, standing at a whooping 411 feet tall, cascading down the mountainside in all it’s beautiful glory.

Whitewater Falls is just under 40 minutes from Dry Falls and is totally worth the trip. Even though I promised no hiking, don’t be mad about this quarter-mile paved trail to the falls. The sign says the falls are a half-mile from the parking lot but they mean round trip. The trail is very short and the view is amazing.

If you are ambitious and want to get out energy from the car ride, head to the stairs on the right, which will take you down to the viewing platform where you can see all of Whitewater Falls. It’s a nice little workout getting back up those 154 stairs.

Directions

From Dry Falls, go east on 64, hang a right at the center of Cashiers onto 107 South, and then make a left onto 130 North and follow signs to the falls. It’s about 25 miles total.

For other wheelchair accessible/short walk/roadside waterfalls around Western NC, see Blue Ridge Mountain Life Wheelchair Waterfalls and this list of roadside waterfalls.

Do you have a favorite easily accessible waterfall in the Upstate? Let us know in the comments below!

More Waterfalls

If you’d like to check out more waterfalls, bookmark Waterfalls of the Southeast. This list of waterfalls is focused on waterfalls with good hiking trails for families.

Live near Upstate, SC? Don’t miss Waterfalls Near Greenville, SC. There are some beautiful waterfalls and fun hiking close by. 

Are you wondering if retinol is safe to use during breastfeeding? or Can You Use Retinol When Breastfeeding? Find out in this guide which answers the question of whether or not it’s ok to use retinol while breastfeeding.

Many expectant and new mothers wonder if using retinol is safe when breastfeeding. Find out the facts about using this skincare product while nursing! There’s a lot of confusion surrounding whether it’s safe to use retinol while breastfeeding. Get the answers you need with this comprehensive guide.

Learn the facts about using retinol when breastfeeding, with this comprehensive guide that shows you what you need to know before using retinol while nursing your child.

Breastfeeding Phase!

Breastfeeding is an important time for new moms and it’s important to make sure that any products used during this time are safe for their baby. One common beauty product, retinol, has raised many questions about whether or not it can be used safely while breastfeeding. In this guide, we’ll discuss whether retinol is safe to use when breastfeeding.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is often found in anti-aging and acne treatments. It helps to reduce signs of aging, improve skin texture, and clear up acne by exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells.

When using retinol, it’s important to be mindful of its strength and dose as it can quickly cause skin irritation if used incorrectly, making it potentially unsafe for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using Retinol While Breastfeeding?

While there have been no scientific studies examining the effects of retinol on breastfeeding mothers, it is generally safe to use low-dose, over-the-counter retinol products while breastfeeding.

However, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before using any form of retinoid, as some high-dose products may contain unhealthy levels of Vitamin A, which could be transferred to the baby through breast milk.

What To Consider Before Using Retinoid While Breastfeeding

When considering the use of a retinoid during breastfeeding, it is important to consider the potential side effects for you and your baby.

It’s also important to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure that the type of retinoid you’re using will not be harmful to either you or your baby.

Additionally, if you choose to use a retinoid while breastfeeding, ensure to apply it in a very thin layer and wash it off before nursing.

Are There Alternatives to Retinoids That are Safe to Use During Breastfeeding?

While there are no replacement medications recommended to be used in place of a retinoid while breastfeeding, there are some natural remedies that can help nourish and rejuvenate your skin.

Natural remedies that one may consider include using gentle moisturizers, drinking lots of water, getting plenty of sleep, using essential oils, and eating a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals.

It’s important to remember that any skin care regimen you choose should ultimately be discussed with your healthcare provider before beginning.

Is It Safe to Use Products Containing Retinyl Palmitate or Vitamin A When Breastfeeding?

It is not clear if any products containing retinyl palmitate or other forms of Vitamin A (such as retinol and retinaldehyde) should be avoided when breastfeeding.

These compounds are metabolized differently than prescription strength Retinoids and tend to be found in natural skincare bundles rather than prescribed medications.

However, it is best to always check with your healthcare provider before using any product containing these ingredients while breastfeeding.

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Is your baby scratching face? Maybe you’ve fantasized about your newborn child’s appearance. Your ultrasound pictures were probably displayed to anyone who would look at them for long enough. If you’re expecting a child, you and your partner may have discussed whose features the kid would inherit.

Moreover, there was something undeniably adorable about your newborn baby’s face. It’s the kind of thing that would keep your attention for a long time.

Now, after all that, it can be upsetting to see scratch marks all over your baby’s face. What’s the deal with them intentionally scratching themselves, and how can you stop it and treat the wounds if they do get any? You need not worry; we shall elucidate all

Why Does Baby Scratch Their Face?

Baby scratches their face for a variety of reasons. Among the most typical are:

Involuntary Actions

When they are born, babies don’t have complete command of their bodies. Many of their actions are instead governed by reflexes. A typical reflex seen in newborns is the involuntary startle response known as the Moro reflex.

This reflex causes infants to arch their backs, stretch their arms and legs, and then curl back up again when they are startled by something, such as a loud noise, a sudden movement, or just life in general. Their hands may reflexively reach for their face, causing them to nick or scratch themselves.

That’s bad, right? Have no fear, this won’t last forever! Around the 3-6 month mark, you may find that your baby no longer displays the Moro reflex. When your baby’s movements become steadier and less jerky, that’s when you’ll know the reflex is fading.

In addition, providing your baby with daily opportunities to stretch their limbs can help them develop this skill. Muscle development is key, and this will help them get there!

Irritation, Or Itching, Of The Skin

Your baby’s skin may become dry as he or she adjusts to life outside the womb. Rough spots, baby acne, or peeling are possible. This behavior is completely typical. Usually, the situation resolves itself without much of a fuss. However, in the short term, it might cause some scratches.

But if your baby has unusually sensitive skin or develops a skin condition like eczema, you may find that their skin is more irritated and ends up easily scratched. Most likely, you’ll want to consult with their doctor about possible treatments after identifying the triggers.

Nip like a Baby

Even though baby nails are small, they pack a powerful punch. They mature rapidly into long, sharp points that can be used as talons. Since infants tend to put their hands near their faces (ah, reflexes! ), it’s important to keep their nails trimmed short to prevent them from scratching themselves or others.

Moreover, because baby nails regrow so rapidly, it’s easy to forget about them, which can result in additional scratches.

How To Stop Baby-Scratching Face

You should figure out why your kid keeps scratching his or her face and try one of these options.

Treat them to a Manicure

If dangerously sharp nails are a problem, trimming them back will make them less dangerous. Nail trimming is best done when the baby is asleep or nursing. 

Keep your own cool; it may take more than one try to reach all the little toes and fingers. It may be easier to use a nail file on your baby’s nails than to attempt cutting them. To some, this method of nail care is preferable to having their nails clipped off abruptly because it feels more gentle as the nail is gradually worn down.

Filing greatly lessens the possibility that you will nip your baby by accident, but it can take a little longer, so you’ll need to be prepared to keep your child entertained and calm for a longer time.

Make use of Swaddling and Mittens

If your baby is scratching because of jerky, random movements toward their face, try putting mittens on their hands. Baby socks can also serve this purpose, though tiny baby mittens are available for the job.

Swaddling is another method of preventing babies from rolling over by keeping their arms pinned to their sides.

Does that seem easy enough? Wrapping up a wriggly baby can be challenging for any parent, but it can be especially trying if you have a baby Houdini on your hands. A variety of swaddles are available, and our instructional video will show you how to use them properly, so your baby’s face won’t get scratched.

Home Remedies if the skin is itchy or irritated

If your baby is scratching because of dry or itchy skin, try using a baby lotion or an anti-itch cream.

Please see your child’s pediatrician if over-the-counter treatments for your infant’s skin condition have not been successful. You can get guidance from them on the most secure choices and when it’s best to implement them.

What to do if your baby scratches their face?

A baby’s face should be washed gently but thoroughly if scratches are discovered there. Use a moisturizer or antiseptic cream on the area after you’ve dried it with a towel.

Keeping wounds moist is recommended by many medical professionals. Scratched skin can be protected from infection and kept moist with the help of products like Vaseline, Aquaphor, or bacitracin.

A small Band-Aid may be required, depending on the size and depth of the scratch, but this is uncommon. If a bandage is being used, it should be checked frequently and discarded if it becomes loose or soiled.

It is important to treat the underlying cause of the scratch in addition to the visible one. This could involve applying a dry skin treatment or simply covering the baby’s hands and nails.

Scratches on a baby’s face can be upsetting to see, but they almost never result in scarring or permanent damage. Most scratches on infants’ skin are superficial and heal quickly.

More serious scratches, however, require close monitoring to prevent further damage and infection by ensuring they do not become too deep or repeatedly reopened.

Final Thoughts On Baby Scratching Face

Your baby is the most exquisite thing in the world. Though a few scrapes won’t change your mind, you don’t want your child to get hurt or develop an infection.

Babies often scratch their faces, and this is perfectly normal. What you can do, however, is start early on with preventative measures. Baby soft mittens should be used immediately if you haven’t already. 

A crib eliminates the need for you to keep vigil over your sleeping infant to prevent him from putting any part of his body near his face. There will be times when your child scratches his face, but you can prevent him from doing so. If you notice any cuts or scrapes on his face, it’s best to talk to his pediatrician about how to best care for him.

Also Read:  11-Week-Old Baby Development And Milestones

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Are you a new parent? Looking to make things a little easier financially for yourself? Here are some methods that may work for you in your new stage of life.

You can simply explore a marketplace that has partnerships with some of the top providers. Not only can you compare rates on insurance policies, but you can also do the same for personal loans. If there’s ever a time where you need some extra financial help, taking out a personal loan is your best bet. This online tool can help you save money by providing you with options that have lower rates.

Revisit Your Budget Regularly

It should go without saying that your budget is going to change drastically once a child is added to the family. That’s why it’s important for you to keep a very close eye on it. Babies can cost you thousands for the first year, so you’re most likely not going to have a lot to play around with. Building financial security as a new parent requires diligence. If you notice anything raising in price, like the grocery bill or the cable, you’ll need to see what you can do to lower the cost.

Clip More Coupons

Coupons are every parent’s best friend. In fact, did you know that you can use coupons even when you shop online? Most grocery stores offer digital coupons, which can also be doubled or combined with other offers. Additionally, most grocery store chains also accept competitor coupons as well. If you’re new to coupon clipping, all you need to do is look at the weekly flyers and then find coupons that coincide with what the store has on sale. It’s a great way to save money on household necessities and even baby formula.

Start Building Your Emergency Fund

Life is, unfortunately, very unpredictable at times. You never truly know what’s going to happen; you or your child may fall ill and require emergency care, or you don’t have enough money left to purchase groceries for the month. This is where an emergency fund comes into play. It gives you an easy out to a problematic situation.

Transcript of “Love Doesn’t Mean Walking on Eggshells”

Hi, this is Janet Lansbury. Welcome to Unruffled.

Today I’m going to be doing something completely different. I’m sharing some correspondence back and forth between me and some people that reached out to me. In one case, it’s a comment on Instagram that I decided to give a long, drawn-out answer to. And I’m sharing these in hope that they’ll clarify some things, get a little deeper into the nuances of some of the issues that we have as parents. And I guess also kind of to let you into my world a little bit. I must love my job a lot because, as busy as I’ve been lately, I still get certain comments or notes that I feel compelled to respond to, because I want to explain. I want to help people understand the view that I’m sharing. And I believe this episode will help you clarify your role with your children and frame boundaries, these things that are really hard for us to do sometimes, in the most positive manner.

Okay, so first I am going to read to you an email that I received. Here it is:

I’m a dad to an extremely impulsive four-and-a-half-year-old and an extremely sensitive two-year-old, with baby number three due in three months. So you can imagine we have an exhausting house at times. As I’ve been listening to your podcast, I’ve come to understand parenting in a new way and wanted to share it with you.

It goes like this: Everything my child does is a different way of asking me, What does love mean? Thinking about parenting this way has completely changed my perspective and given my parenting a purpose. What does love mean when it’s time to clean up, but I say no and keep playing? What does love mean when I’m sick and wake up crying at 3:00 a.m.? What does love mean when I can’t stop grabbing things off the counter? What does love mean when we lay in bed talking at night? What does love mean when you tell me not to hit the TV with a toy and I grin at you while doing it one more time? What does love mean when mommy has morning sickness, but I’m hyper, playful, and mischievous? What does love mean when I’m having a meltdown, when I scrape my knee, when my sibling takes my toy, when I’m scared of monsters, when I’m supposed to take a nap, but instead take out every single piece of clothing from my drawers and throw it on the floor— again? I know I’m not supposed to bang the kitchen cabinets open and closed, but what does love mean when I do it anyway? What if I do it when we’re being playful together or when you’re busy making dinner or when I’ve already just done something wrong? When you’re in the middle of disciplining my sibling, when I’m already feeling mad about something else? The list goes on.

I think this is such a beautiful way of looking at my interactions with my children. It’s also a huge responsibility knowing that everything I do is a different way of answering that question for my kids. How I handle it in the good and bad times, or when they’re acting up, will define what love means for them for the rest of their life. How do I handle it when I’m already stressed or impatient or frustrated or exhausted from work is defining what love means for them, and they’re listening carefully. So thank you for your wisdom and advice and guidance. It has put me in a position to be really intentional about how I handle the day-to-day moments with my kiddos. I’m not always perfect, of course, and then I get to show them what love means when I need to apologize.

Adam

Here’s what I wrote back to Adam:

Dear Adam,

I love this beautiful perspective. What a lucky family you have. I wish everyone understood discipline this way. Unfortunately, people might also think that love is spanking and other punishments to teach right and wrong, et cetera. You obviously don’t, but maybe there’s something you could add to this that would make that clearer. I have a quote from my book, “Boundaries are one of the highest forms of love,” and I believe that 100%. I’ve seen proof time and again. Again, your family is so blessed to have you.

And Adam wrote back:

Thank you for your feedback. It’s funny that you bring up the different answers to, What does love mean? That’s the double edged sword of parenting, right? My wife and I are defining what love means to our kiddos. It’s solely within our power to decide if the message they subconsciously internalize is: love is manipulation, intimidation, fear, and painful consequences. Or, love is patient, empathetic, grace-filled, and affirming. Our kiddos are going to get an answer to their question, whether we’re intentional about it or not. I can scream, spank, banish to a bedroom, and force the behavior I want, or I can connect, listen, guide, and still expect the behavior as I lead them with my hand on their back. The confident momentum you talk about a lot. Either way, I’m going to hold my boundary, whatever it is, but I’ve got to be okay with the picture of love I’m painting in my child’s mind. And you’re right, it is unfortunate that some parents do define love for their kids through spanking and punitive, arbitrary punishments, maybe unintentionally or maybe because they think they’re providing a good definition of love. But when my kiddos look for a spouse in 20ish short years, the person they pick will be a reflection of their internalized sense of what love means. I hope they have a healthy perspective by then.

To clear things up in my original message, I would add this paragraph: I can define love for my children one of three powerful ways. I can generally do nothing, be passive, inattentive, and permissive. I can lose my temper, scream, spank, intimidate, and manipulate. Or I can connect, attune, regulate, empathize, and guide. Our parents likely defined love for us in one of these ways. I know which definition of love I hope to embody for my kiddos.

So that was that exchange with Adam. What an amazing parent and person, right? So now I would like to share an exchange that I ended up having, spontaneously, on Instagram. A parent responded to last week’s episode, Weird, Worrying Behaviors That Our Child Keeps Repeating. So in that episode, I responded to notes from a few different parents, but the last one was from a parent whose daughter was turning four. She was going to have a birthday party, and the little girl had expressed that she would like to invite two of her good friends this time. I guess usually it’s been a family affair, just with relatives. But she offered that up and her parent seemed like she wasn’t that sure, but her daughter persisted, so she did go ahead and invite the friends. Then this happened. This parent says:

Tonight she’s been unsettled and unable to sleep. She’s called me into her room multiple times. She asked me if I could talk, so I laid in bed with her as she told me she no longer wanted the two girls to be invited to her party, that she wanted me to contact their parents and uninvite them. I just listened calmly as she told me in various ways that she’d like to take back the invitation. I know that she’s probably nervous and that this party is totally foreign to her. It’s probably scary anticipating something she doesn’t know anything about. No matter how much we plan, who can reliably prepare a four-year-old on what to expect? And I know it’ll be overwhelming with grandparents and family wanting to love on her. My question is, what do I do? Do I honor her feelings?

So that’s the gist of it. And my response was:

The key is to welcome your daughter’s understandably wound-up feelings, but not accommodate them, because that gives an unintended message: When you feel uncomfortable or in conflict, you need me to fix that for you. I don’t feel safe when you are upset and demanding. When in truth, these mixed feelings she’s having are a normal part of life. If she disinvites friends, she will likely regret that too. So the answer I recommend is to hold the boundaries while welcoming the feelings however she shares them. Something like, Ah, unfortunately, disinviting people isn’t an option because that’s hurtful and unkind. I hear you, though. It’s normal to change your mind or have second thoughts about a decision. You wish we could disinvite them. You wish they weren’t coming. But just reflecting back what she’s actually saying, not adding on.

And I went on to say:

The more solid you feel about this decision/boundary and the more confident you feel about allowing her to blast you about it, the sooner this will blow over. I can almost guarantee you she’ll be glad she had her friends there. But if you’re uncertain or go at this hoping to please her in the moment, this can become more about the two of you and something she needs to keep pushing and testing, even at the party. Hope that makes sense.

So I had written that back to this parent before sharing that exchange on my podcast last week, and when I did, the parent gave me a short note back:

Welcome them, not accommodate them. Such a great reminder. I appreciate you diving in and going into detail for me.

So that was that. So then on Instagram, another parent commented:

I love your work. I’ve listened to every single one of your podcasts at least once. And to say that your teachings have been invaluable is an understatement. However, for the first time ever, I actually disagreed with some of your advice today, and I’d be interested to hear your feedback.

It was regarding the young girl who was anxious at night because she had changed her mind about inviting a couple of friends to a birthday party. You emphasized a lot about not wanting to be unkind to the other children, but I’d be inclined to disagree. I think that at three years old, you can make a decision and then realize that it wasn’t the right decision. And if that results in feelings of anxiety, I think it’s our job to help ease that for our kids, even if that means uninviting some kids to a party. I am 100% for allowing kids to experience upset, disappointment, rejection, et cetera. But the thought of a three-year-old dreading her birthday party in order not to upset people doesn’t sit right with me, especially as I’m always trying to teach my children not to go against our guts to please others. I know it was mentioned that maybe she would have regretted it if she didn’t invite them, but I’m not certain that’s the case. My daughter is extremely sensitive, and if she had realized that she made a mistake by inviting her friends, I know 100% that, for whatever reason, she didn’t want them there. Hopefully I’ve explained this clearly.

I had this incredible urge to write her back. Instagram, to me, isn’t really conducive to these long conversations, but I couldn’t resist. So I said:

I’m so glad you shared this feedback with me. You really got me thinking, which I love. Here are some thoughts I have about that particular situation.

First, I took note of the fact that this wasn’t the parent’s agenda to invite the friends, but the daughter’s, and the daughter persisted in her request and decision: “This year, she expressed she’d like to invite two girls from her class. I said that sounded good, and we moved about our day. When it came time to fill out invitations, she mentioned the two girls from her class again. Again, I acknowledged and made sure to make them invitations. When I let her know that they RSVP’d yes over dinner tonight, she was excited.”

Then, as you noted, she changed her mind. But honestly, I never sensed dread at all, but anxiety, which is par for the course for a child anticipating their birthday party. To me, it sounded like she began focusing her nervousness on that one decision she had made, which is what children and all humans tend to do when we’re excited, anxious, whatever. We doubt ourselves, question everything, sometimes obsess on one specific thing. I do this. As this was something new for this child, inviting friends, it made a lot of sense to me that she might focus on questioning that aspect. I didn’t suggest that she would regret not inviting her friends, but that once she did and was happy about that at first and then later changed her mind, she might well regret disinviting them.

And that brings up the main point I want to make, and maybe where we are seeing this differently. Where would you draw a line? Where would the boundary be for you? If the friends were disinvited and then the girl regretted that and wanted to change her mind again, would you then re-invite them? What if she focused her anxiousness on a particular family member who was set to attend? Should they be disinvited? Or what if her nerves about the party made her want to call the whole thing off? Would that be a decision to leave up to her too? In other words, for me, this is an instance of a child needing help from an adult to navigate, i.e. set a boundary, around a decision that originally came completely from her.

I would trust that innocent voice that told her she’d enjoy sharing her birthday with her friends this year over the birthday nerves voice. I would not be concerned about disappointing her friends or upsetting them at all. My concern would be leaving a child high and dry when they have worked themselves up to a state that makes thoughtful decisions really, really hard. Children say a lot of things they don’t mean when they’re having strong feelings. My sense is that this child might be disappointed in herself at her birthday because she canceled the friends. And that’s where I would be protective and try to be the adult in the room. If she was coming from calm thoughtfulness when she said, I don’t think having my friends there is a good idea, that would be another story. But this is also about knowing our child, and I’m sure you know yours better than anyone.

Okay, so then this parent kindly replied back to me:

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. This is also interesting to read and has made it much more clear in my mind the reasons you felt it’s so important for the boundary to be set. I loved what you said about hearing the child’s innocent voice over the birthday nerves voice, and that children say a lot of things they don’t mean when they’re having strong emotions. I’ve always realized this was the case when children were feeling angry or upset, but hadn’t considered that it would be the same when they were feeling anxious.

And then she added: P.S. Dreading was the wrong word for me to use.

So all of that exchange is on my Instagram page. And then, just in case, I decided to reach out again to ask that original parent of the soon-to-be four-year-old for an update on how the birthday went.

And the parent said:

Her party was great. She was thrilled to see her friends. She was actually disappointed one couldn’t make it due to the weather.

It’s also worth mentioning that following your simple advice, Welcome feelings, don’t accommodate them, has helped in so many other interactions with my now four-year-old. I didn’t realize that I was walking on eggshells a lot of the time, trying too hard to make her world positive and happy, which is both unrealistic and exhausting. I think within myself, I was afraid of conflict or calling her out, probably a reflection of having a mother that enjoyed conflict and calling me out. Whether we have a conflict or a meltdown or strong negative feelings, I repeat, Welcome, don’t accommodate, in my head. It’s become my mantra. In doing so, she has a clear leader, I have firm boundaries, and we both seem to communicate better. I feel a million times more confident. I think so many parents that follow respectful parenting have this blurry line of trying not to be a “mean, authoritative figure” that we lose sight that we are their biggest teachers. We need to allow all feelings to flow and take the opportunity to teach whenever we can.

Wow, I feel like the luckiest person in the world to be able to be in communication with these thoughtful, insightful, eloquent people. And for me, this all circles back to Adam’s note, What does love mean? What does love mean when I’m anxious, in nervous anticipation, questioning everything, indecisive? For most of us, being loving could mean getting drawn into our child’s feelings and stuck in that awful suffocating space of discomfort that can seem like it will never end. We’ll want to resolve this for them, right? We just want our kids to feel better. That’s being a caring parent.

And then maybe out of that passionate love for our child, we do the brave, really awkward thing of going back to those parents of those children and telling them that they shouldn’t come after all. But then later, maybe not until the actual party’s there or even afterwards, maybe our child expresses their regret that the friends weren’t there. And how hard is it for us not to want to snap back, Well, you were the one that told me you didn’t want them. How disappointing and discouraging that could be for us, right? And maybe even make us resent our kids a little? Understandable. It’s the same as if our angry tantruming child says, Go away! I don’t like you! I never want to see you again! Do we hold them to those kinds of decisions? Or maybe, I hate all of these toys! I don’t want them anymore. Do we give all those toys away? And then when our child asked for them again, Well, you said you didn’t want them. We gave them away. We can’t take everything children say in a state of emotion as fact. But instead, we can be the adults in the room that see beyond the moment to that bigger picture, understanding our child’s immaturity and what help and love really look like when they’re struggling.

And yes, this thing about walking on eggshells. I remember feeling this way, and so many parents mention this to me in consultations, in notes. Try turning this around and imagining how it feels to be a child when your parent, this tower of power in your life, this pillar of strength, is walking on eggshells around you. How can that make you feel safe and comfortable? Feels like there’s something to be afraid of, right? Because our parent is acting in that tentative way out of these beautiful intentions: We don’t want to be the mean guy. We don’t want to be the mean person. We want our child’s world to be happy and shiny and without all these explosions and discomforts that they might have. But that doesn’t help children to feel their own positive power. Instead, it feels like they’re very powerful in a kind of scary way. They’ve got their parent scared.

This is the looking beyond the surface that actually makes our experience as parents much richer and more interesting. But it’s challenging. That’s where the answers are, though. They’re not in words that we say or our child says, or in certain actions that we’re taking. It’s really this understanding and connecting from that place of intimacy, that knowing place, or at least that curious place that wants to know.

Again, I want to thank all these parents for sharing with me and engaging with me and giving me a chance to explain myself. I value all of your viewpoints so much. So please keep them coming. I wish I could offer a personal response to every single one. Unfortunately, that’s not possible.

But I do have something now that just feels good to finally get it out there in one whole package. And that’s my Master Course, where I teach respectful discipline, boundaries, helping children when they need our help. All the elements that we need to absorb this deeply for ourselves. And many of you have noted, we don’t have that many models out there around us of what it looks like to frame boundaries as love, as Adam does. So if you haven’t already, I hope that you’ll check out my No Bad Kids Master Course, because there’s a lot of modeling going on there, including many actual demonstrations. And this is all designed to give you self-confidence so you can stand tall and be proud of the way that you’re parenting. Be proud of the way that you’re engaging with your children and the relationships that you’re building with them. So anyway, if that interests you, it’s at nobadkidscourse.com. Or you can always go to my website, janetlansbury.com. Tons of free information there for you, tons. And you can also get information about the Master Course.

Thank you so much for listening to and supporting this podcast. We can do this.

Did you know there is a FREE self-guided tour at Split Creek Farm? Goats and educational opportunities are plentiful at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC. Plus, the farm shop sells award-winning cheese and must-eat fudge made from their goat milk. Get outdoors, enjoy some animals, and learn something new!

If there are baby goats involved somewhere around the Upstate, we’ll be there. Goats, especially baby goats, make us so happy! Split Creek Farm is a Grade A goat dairy farm in Anderson, SC that we’ve written about and visited before to the delight of both us and our readers. But they are more than goats. Education is hugely important to the farm and to that end, they have recently designed and installed a new self-guided tour that anyone can take.

We tried it out because, well, goats. And I’m homeschooling and thought this would be a fun adventure.

Goats 4 Goodness

Goats 4 Goodness is the non-profit arm of Split Creek Farm. It was established a few years ago with the intent to “do good things” and has delivered on that goal through goat yoga, virtual farm tours, allowing guests playtime with baby goats, and participating in Make A Wish.

But a big part of the vision of Goats 4 Goodness is the educational component of the farm. They do offer tours, both virtually (imagine surprising your co-workers on a Zoom call with baby goats!) and in-person, as well as field trips and other opportunities to educate the public on what their farm does, which is a ton. The goats are the backbone of the farm, supplying the milk needed to make their award-winning feta cheese, the delicious fudge, yogurt, and other products. The farm also supports the local restaurant industry and breeds nearly-extinct breeds of goats. They also participate in local and regional goat shows and research.

Sandra and Jessica, the owners of Split Creek Farm, are pioneers in many areas of goat farming and their non-profit helps to provide funds to further the goals of the farm and integrate them even deeper into the supportive local community, bringing the joy of the goats to everyone.

The new self-guided tour

While the farm store is open Monday – Saturday for purchases, self-guided tours are available only on Friday and Saturday. The farm employs a small number of people and as you can probably imagine, it takes a huge amount of work to run the farm, milk the goats, make the cheese, fudge, and yogurt, clean the pens, collect the eggs, take care of the babies, and care and feed the herd.

As much as Sandra and Jessica would like to take every single guest on a personal tour of the farm, they needed to find a way to make what they do more accessible and understandable for guests and their families. And so was born the self-guided tour with easy-to-read and follow boards around the farm.

The topics are broad and fascinating. Guests will learn about all the different breeds of goats and why they are unique. They will learn about how the cheese is made and where the goats are milked and how that process worked. They will learn about every animal on the farm and why their individual jobs are important to making the farm run smoothly. I’ve personally been to Split Creek Farm numerous times and still learned a lot walking through the tour and reading all the plaques.

For myself and my kids, learning about where our food comes from and what goes into that process often has led to a deeper appreciation for farms and all the work they do. My own love of goats is only compounded every time I learn more about them. And my goodness, they make me happy. And they make my kids happy, which is all the more reason to visit the farm and learn about the goats.

It’s totally free to visit the farm and take self-guided tours. If you come with kids, just be sure to keep a close eye on them as it is a working farm and guests need to be respectful of those rules.

Playing with the goats

Split Creek Farm treats their animals with extraordinary care. I’ve seen both Sandra and Jessica speak to these animals exactly like I speak to my own kids. But the difference is that the goats listen to them! The goats obviously love the owners and employees and the female goats are quite literally what makes the farm run due to the sale of the products made with their milk.

So it’s no wonder the farm is protective of their animals. However, the animals get a lot of freedom and you’ll probably run into goats wandering around and Sam, the border collie, making sure they are where they need to be. There are chickens and two enormous pot-bellied pigs roaming around as well.

As long as guests are respectful of the animals, they are allowed to play with them and pet them. This is glorious. Playing with the goats is just awesome, especially the smaller ones. They are super curious (one really enjoyed munching on my daughter’s hair) and sweet and fun. Sam likes to play fetch with his frisbee and the chickens, well, they do their own thing.

Sometimes the farm will do special events where guests are able to play with the baby goats or have goat yoga sessions. Follow their Facebook page for that info. It’s really fun to play with the goats especially after you’ve done the self-guided tour because, I feel, that you may have a greater respect for them and for what goes on at the farm.

Virtual farm tours

Split Creek Farm also does virtual tours for anyone anywhere. People have really loved these as seeing the goats on their computer screens always elicits a lot of joy. Virtual tours can be arranged here at Goats 4 Goodness.

Visiting Split Creek Farm

It’s free to visit the farm and you don’t need to sign up to do the self-guided tours. Just follow all the posted rules, which include no pets. Once you arrive at the farm, you’ll see the space allowed for visitor parking on your left. The first couple of self-guided posts will be on your right near the huge penned goat pasture and on your left near the open barn. You’ll see the others around the farm.

Self-guided tours are available Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.

The farm shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.

For the latest on events and pictures of their baby goats come late winter, follow Split Creek Farm on Facebook.

Split Creek Farm
3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
864.287.3921

Winchester Creek Farm: Meet Alpacas and Feed Mini-Horses at This Farm

Are you looking for things to do in Downtown Greenville, SC? Here at Kidding Around Greenville, our goal is to make sure people in Greenville can always find something to do whether they are looking for a free activity, an experience of a lifetime, or a way to spend a fun weekend. Downtown Greenville has some of the best museums in the upstate, is home to the Greenville Zoo, offers supreme walkability, and features the postcard-worthy Falls Park and Liberty Bridge. There is nothing quite like being downtown. This guide has everything you need to enjoy time in Downtown Greenville, SC.

This article includes:
Falls Park and Liberty Bridge
Main Street, Greenville
The Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Greenville Zoo
Museums in Downtown Greenville
Downtown Greenville Tour
Ride the Trolley
Free Things to Do in Downtown Greenville
Shows, Concerts, and Sporting Events in Greenville
Entertainment Venues in Downtown Greenville
Restaurants in Downtown Greenville
Downtown Greenville Parks
Downtown Greenville During the Holidays
Parking in Downtown Greenville
Events in Downtown Greenville

Falls Park and Liberty Bridge

Everyone in Greenville needs to be sure to visit the iconic Liberty Bridge that suspends over the Reedy River Falls. During the warmer months, you may find free outdoor movies, plays, family festivals, and other events in the park. Grab your picnic basket and set it up beside the Reedy River for a fun summer day. Don’t forget to take a photo by Greenville’s famous Medusa Tree.

Main Street

Don’t miss a stroll down Main Street in downtown Greenville. Grab a coffee at one of our local coffee shops such as Coffee Underground, browse books at M. Judson Bookstore, and find an assortment of candy bins at the Mast General Store. Make sure to bring your camera, with beautiful backgrounds found in places like Camperdown Plaza and all along Main Street, you will definitely need it!

Don’t forget to find the Mice on Main.

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Start in Cleveland Park and follow the Swamp Rabbit Trail from Cleveland Park, beside the Rock Quarry Garden, through Cancer Survivor Park, to Falls Park, and over to the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park (approximately 40 minutes walking or 15 minutes biking, one way).

This path will take you past some of Greenville’s most popular parks, interesting art installations, and even a free splash pad for children.

Greenville Zoo

Greenville Zoo is located right in the heart of the city of Greenville. The zoo is full of shade and has play spaces for children.

Museums in Downtown Greenville

Four notable Greenville museums are located at Heritage Green in downtown Greenville.

• The Children’s Museum of the Upstate: Families with children will want to plan at least 4 or more hours for their children to explore the 3 floors of exhibits at TCMU. Be aware that the bottom floor is full of water exhibits so you may want to save that floor for last.
• The Upcountry History Museum is a great place to explore local history and has seasonal exhibits for children.
• The Sigal Music Museum has an extensive collection of historic pianos and harpsichords including a piano played by Chopin.
• The Greenville County Museum of Art is free to visit and focuses on American art. It has a large collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth.

Tours of Downtown Greenville

You can take a tour of Downtown Greenville with World Explorers, making stops at popular statues, shops, and dessert locations as you learn more about the history of the area!

For the history buffs, you can also take several different tours of Downtown Greenville with Greenville History Tours.

If you’re not in the mood to walk during your tour, take a segway tour with Greenville Glides Segway Tours! Your legs will thank you later.

Ride the Downtown Trolley

If you are looking for an easy (and FREE) way to travel around Downtown Greenville while also seeing the sights, check out the Trolley! All you need to do is find a trolley stop and you can even track the trolley with the GreenLink app. The trolley operates year-round and runs Thursday and Friday from 6 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.

Free Things to Do in Downtown Greenville, SC

We like free things to do, and there are a lot of them right in Downtown Greenville! You could spend a whole day and not spend a dime. Here’s a list of free things to do in Downtown Greenville.

• Free Mini Golf at McPherson Park- You can play some free, 18-hole mini golf while enjoying the lovely park. You will want to bring your ball and putter. You can even host a mini golf party there!
• Mice on Main– Sometimes you just want to take a stroll down gorgeous Main Street. Finding bronze mice on the way is an excellent bonus, and will keep the kids busy!
• Explore the gardens that are found around Downtown Greenville! There are multiple, professionally designed gardens to spend some time in that do not even cost a penny.

Hughes Main Library

The Greenville County Library System’s headquarters is Hughes Main Library and it’s located on Heritage Green in Downtown Greenville. The large library is a great place to spend some time reading books, using the computer, playing with friends or taking in part in one of the library’s free programs for children, families and adults.

Watch a Show, Concert or Sporting Event

Greenville offers plenty of high-quality theatre and opportunities to experience the performing arts including full Broadway performances at the Peace Center. You will also find several sports teams that make Greenville their home, including Greenville Drive baseball, Greenville Triumph soccer, Greenville Liberty soccer, and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey!

Here’s a list of the popular event venues in Greenville, SC that includes nearby dining and parking options.

• Peace Center – The Peace Center hosts classical and professional musicians, ensembles, and orchestras in addition to a full slate of Broadway performances.
• Bon Secours Wellness Arena – At the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, you can purchase tickets to hear famous pop musicians, attend large shows such as Monster Jam, and even catch an ice hockey game.
• Fluor Field– Home to the Greenville Drive minor league baseball team, Fluor Field also regularly offers special events.
• Greenville Theatre – The Greenville Theatre showcases local talent with a wide selection of dramas and musicals each year.
• South Carolina Children’s Theatre – The South Carolina Children’s Theatre performs five mainstage performances each year at their brand new Bell Mainstage located downtown at 153 Augusta Street (across from Gather GVL).
• Alchemy Comedy offers weekly improv comedy shows at Coffee Underground.
• Glow Lyric Theatre performs opera, operetta, and musical theatre.
• The Comedy Zone is where to go for some of the best professional comedic performances.
• Centre Stage offers performances like musicals, comedies, dramas, and events that spark magic. They have performances year-round.

Entertainment Venues Near Downtown Greenville

If you’re looking to have some fun, Downtown Greenville is the place to go. With escape rooms, indoor playgrounds, and mini golf courses, the downtown area has something fun for the entire family!

• Group Therapy Pub & Playground is an excellent way to tap into your inner child while also enjoying some adult-friendly drinks! The pub offers large-scale, interactive art installations, indoor mini golf, and special events!
• Escape Artists Greenville– If you’re craving the opportunity to solve a mystery, then Escape Artists will give you that with their detailed escape rooms.
• Flying Rabbit Adventures is the place to go if you’re a thrill seeker! This high ropes and zip line course is located right off of Laurens Road near the Greenville Zoo.
• Take Off Mini Golf – Located at the Downtown Airport, this mini golf course is situated on the outskirts of an airport! You can watch the planes come and go as you play a round or two.
• Fireforge Crafted Beer is much more than a brewery! They consistently have live music, bingo nights, and family-friendly events.

Restaurants in Downtown Greenville

Downtown Greenville has excellent dining options. Here’s a restaurant guide for Downtown Greenville, SC to help you find exactly the meal and experience you’d like.

If you’re heading out with your significant other, check this list of great choices for date night restaurants in Downtown Greenville, SC. Maybe make the night even more romantic by pairing it with drinks at Up on the Roof before heading to Salsa at Sunset during the summer months.

If you’re seeking a little culinary experience, you can try out the Greenville Culinary Tours At the Chef’s Table. For those more interested in tasting some brews, there is also the Greenville Brewery tour with The Brewery Experience.

Downtown Greenville During the Holidays

Greenville is magical during the holiday season and there are lots of unique things to do. Ride on Santa’s sleigh, go ice skating, or check out professionally decorated trees while sipping cocoa.

Parks in Downtown Greenville, SC

• Falls Park: Liberty Bridge, waterfall on the Reedy, many paths for walking along the river and gardens, right in the heart of Downtown Greenville along Main Street
• Unity Park: Large nature-themed playground in walking distance from Falls Park. The park has two parks, a splash pad, and a large communal grassy area to laze in.
• Cleveland Park: Two large playgrounds, access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, home of the Greenville Zoo
• Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden: Sweet little park hidden away in Downtown Greenville with pretty gardens and whimsical fairytale features for children
• Paris Mountain State Park: Just north of downtown Greenville and near the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park offers great hiking trails and even swimming in Lake Placid in the summer.

Where to Park in Downtown Greenville

You’re headed downtown with a long list of fun things to do, but where should you park? Fortunately, Greenville has tons of affordable garages and plenty of street parking. Here’s a guide to where to park in downtown Greenville.

Events Happening in Downtown Greenville, SC