Shortly before school started, my 16-year-old came home and flounced her arms dramatically on our kitchen island. “Mom, I need to get my nails done. All my friends get them done, and they’re so cute!” she announced. As touching as her teenaged plea was, with five children in our house, the budget for acrylic nails—or regular nail care of any kind—was just not there.
However, I want to teach my daughter that there are creative ways to save money on what you want in life, so I offered her a compromise: if she could find the supplies and learn how to do her nails, I’d pay for the kit. My daughter took the task seriously and landed on this $23 acrylic nail kit set at Amazon.
Curkey Acrylic Nail Kit with UV Light
Amazon
The kit is great for beginners who want to learn to do their nails at home, like my daughter, who raved about how much it included. “It’s only 20 bucks, and it comes with so much stuff!” she gushed. The kit has it all, with 24 acrylic powders in various colors, a UV nail light, an acrylic nail drill, and manicure tools. I recommend setting up the nail station in a well-ventilated room, as some of the supplies’ smells are strong.
Using the kit’s instructions (and some YouTube videos), my daughter put on a full set of bright yellow acrylic nails with swirled tips all by herself. The first attempt wasn’t perfect, but she was thrilled with the results. “It’s a little hard to do, but as long as you don’t mind your nails looking not so good at first, it will save you so much money,” my daughter explains. And she’s right: The kit’s $23 price tag is far less than one gel manicure would set me back at the salon.
Curkey Acrylic Nail Kit with UV Light
Amazon
Despite the learning curve, my daughter has consistently applied nails to herself, her younger sister, and her friends. She’s already gone through at least 10 sets of nails and still has plenty of supplies left. While I wish some of the tools were of higher quality, the kit is worth the investment for how much my daughter has used it. And I’m proud of her for learning a new skill and getting creative about affording something you care about.
If you’re looking to inspire your own household nail tech—or just want some easy press-on acrylics that don’t require a drill—here are other great nail kit options at Amazon, starting at just $6.
Don’t you just love when good TV vibes span generations? Sure, it’s great to re-watch some of the classic shows you grew up with–but something about catching a current one that has some of the same flavors really makes you feel seen as an adult. Not to mention their power to work as a bridge between you and your kids.
With this in mind, we flipped through some TV shows millennials grew up with that can pair very nicely with current shows your kids might watch today. Dust off your old video collections and queue up the DVRs!
damircudic/Getty Images
‘Doug’ and ‘Craig of the Creek’
Nickelodeon / Cartoon Network
Years aired:Doug (1991–1994), Craig of the Creek (2017–today)
Shared vibes: Adventure, friendships, coming of age themes, family themes
For parents who: grew up appreciating the value of friendship and loved getting into the best kind of trouble.
If you grew up rooting for affable Douglas (Doug) Funnie, who loves recording adventures in his journal just as much as he loves Patti Mayonnaise, you (and your kids) may feel a kinship with Craig and his creek crew. Both characters and shows highlight the middle-grade years when everything felt like an adventure–whether literal or figurative. There was also a tight group of friends who got you into trouble just as much as they got you out of it. I enjoy watching Craig of the Creek with my own son, who’s 11, and definitely get some Doug vibes from it.
Where to watch: You can catch up on seasons 1–3 of Doug on Disney+ and Season 4 on Paramount+. Craig of the Creek is currently airing on Cartoon Network with seasons 1-5 on Hulu.
‘Rugrats’ and ‘Superkitties’
Nickelodeon / Disney Junior
Years aired:Rugrats (1991–2003), Superkitties (2023–today)
For parents who: often wonder what kind of mischief their kids (or pets) might be getting into when they aren’t looking.
We’ve all watched babies or pets interact with each other and were totally convinced they had their own shared language and histories, right? The classic Nickelodeon show Rugrats let us in on the secret, as we watched Tommy and his toddler friends go on extraordinary adventures just out of their parents’ sight. The new(ish) show Superkitties has many of those same vibes with superheroic talking cats saving the day right under our noses.
Where to watch: You can revisit Rugrats on Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. Superkitties is currently airing on Disney Junior and can be streamed on Disney+.
‘All That’ and ‘Just Roll With It’
Nickelodeon / Disney
Years aired:All That (1994–2020), Just Roll With It (2019–2021)
Shared vibes: Live performance, Sketch comedy, Family themes
For parents who: grew up loving physical comedy and enjoy creative play and improvising with kids.
If you didn’t watch All That, particularly its mid-90s run, you should at least be aware of some of the iconic characters that turned child actors into household names. Kenan and Kel? Amanda Bynes? This “Saturday Night Live for kids” was a sketch comedy gem for young viewers. Just Roll With It didn’t have as long of a run, but it did put together a couple of solid seasons of live comedy improv mixed with a family sitcom. The best part is watching this family literally roll with anything the audience comes up with.
Where to watch: You can laugh at All That again on Prime Video and Paramount+. Just Roll With It can be found on Disney+.
‘DuckTales’ and ‘Gravity Falls’
Disney
Years aired:DuckTales (1987–1990), Gravity Falls (2012–2016)
Shared vibes: Adventure, mystery, sibling dynamics, fun uncle
For parents who: had a reclusive but fun uncle or relative they weren’t quite sure wasn’t into shady stuff, but loved visiting them anyway.
DuckTales–along with similar anthropomorphized animal-focused adventures like Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers, Darkwing Duck, and TaleSpin–was so memorable to me that I didn’t realize its initial run was only three seasons. Still, I was hooked on watching siblings Huey, Dewey, and Louie go on globe-trotting, and often weird adventures with their rich uncle Scrooge. Gravity Falls, which shares a similar premise of siblings going to live with their strange uncle, is full of mystery that harkens back to the ones with thrills around every corner.
Where to watch: You can watch the original DuckTales or its recent reboot on Disney+ and Prime Video. Gravity Falls can also be found on Disney+.
‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ and ‘PJ Masks’
Fox / Disney Junior
Years aired:Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993–1996), PJ Masks (2015–today)
Shared vibes: Superheroes, action, adventure, urban fantasy
For parents who: believed they could totally go to school while defending the city from magical threats without missing a beat.
Despite the many, many iterations of Power Rangers on the screen, I was always kind of partial to Mighty Morphin, due to it being my gateway to this type of teen action show. Viewers who grew up watching this one definitely had their favorite rangers and may or may not have yelled, “It’s Morphin time!” once or twice on the playground. PJ Masks, which centers on slightly younger kids who do their own version of morphing into superheroes, provides some nice nods to the high-flying action and cool vehicles you remember.
Where to watch: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers can be streamed on Prime Videoand Netflix. PJ Masks airs on Disney Junior and can be streamed on Disney+.
‘The Magic School Bus’ and ‘The Magic School Bus Rides Again’
PBS / Netflix
Years aired:The Magic School Bus (1994–1997), The Magic School Bus Rides Again (2017–2021)
Shared vibes: Adventure, learning, fun with classmates
For parents who: had a favorite teacher growing up because they had an extra creative classroom and the field trips were epic.
Everyone remembers having an eccentric teacher who was really into using out-of-the-box methods. Sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn’t, but they were always entertaining. Ms. Frizzle’s class was the envy of many 90s elementary school kids. The magic (and danger) always enhanced the learning, which made the case for using more magic next time. The updated version features Ms. Frizzle’s sister as she takes over her own class, this time with a high-tech bus to rev up the adventure.
Where to watch: Both classes of The Magic School Bus can be streamed on Prime Video and Netflix.
‘Animaniacs’ and ‘Teen Titans Go!’
Hulu / Warner Bros.
Years aired:Animaniacs (1993–1998), Teen Titans Go! (2013–today)
For parents who: love a good cultural reference used in comedy along with a good dose of zaniness.
Once the madcap characters Yakko, Wakko, and Dot broke out of the WB water tower, TV was never the same. This animated ensemble comedy was full of quick wit and even quicker animation, with a style that was extra expressive. Teen Titans Go! is in the same vein, with a young, super-powered ensemble who try to never traverse the comedic streets without leaving their mark.
Where to watch: Animaniacs can be streamed on Prime Video. Teen Titans Go! airs on Cartoon Network and can be streamed on Prime Video, Hulu, and Max.
‘Full House’ and ‘Raven’s Home’
ABC / Disney
Years aired:Full House (1987–1995), Raven’s Home (2017–2023)
For parents who: grew up in or have a blended family.
Some of us may have fantasized about living with our childhood best friends, but Full House showed us that any family life has its highs and lows. The same is said for Raven’s Home, which features a divorced mom living with her friend and trying to raise their kids together. Whether it’s House Tanner or House Baxter, you should feel right at home with these blended family comedies.
Where to watch: Full House can be streamed on Prime Video, Hulu, and Max. Raven’s Home can be streamed on Disney+ as well as Prime Video.
‘Family Matters’ and ‘Big City Greens’
ABC / Disney
Years aired:Family Matters (1989–1998), Big City Greens (2018–today)
Shared vibes: Comedy, Drama, multigenerational family
For parents who: know all about living in a multigenerational household and having really overenthusiastic neighbors.
While the shows’ commonalities may not be blatantly obvious, there are definitely similar vibes between Steve Urkel and Cricket Green. Both have distinct voices, both are destructive, and both eventually make you want to adopt them into your own family. Family Matters–part of the legendary TGIF family programming lineup from the 90s–showed how a lovable, hard-working family has to work even harder to find their place in a world of misadventures. Big City Greens carries the same message of using love as a foundation for your home and embracing your neighbors–no matter how different they may be.
Where to watch: You can catch up on Family Matters on Prime Video, Hulu, and Max. Big City Greens airs on the Disney Channel and can be streamed on Disney+.
‘Charmed’ and ‘Wednesday’
The WB / Netflix
Years aired:Charmed (1998–2006), Wednesday (2022–today)
Shared vibes: Supernatural, drama, mystery
For parents who: loved to dabble on the dark side growing up, but still had a heart of gold.
Charmed was definitely a hit for tweens and teens who found their crew of friends that felt a little “different”. The sisters of Charmed solved mysteries and used their powers to fight against evil. In Wednesday, the title character also uses her new-found powers (and her new crew) to solve supernatural mysteries and fight evil. If you’re watching either of these with a tween or teen, I also hear these are great for some top-notch fashion inspiration.
Where to watch: You can find Charmed on Peacock or Prime Video. The first season of Wednesday is available on Netflix.
‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ (1990) and ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ (2019)
Nickelodeon
Years aired:Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1990–2000), Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019–2022)
For parents who: had their fair share of scary story sessions during sleepovers.
Many kids no doubt wanted to be a part of the Midnight Society–where you’d better come with a good scary story. Both the 90s version of this show and the 2019 reboot use the anthology storytelling method to creep out viewers and inspire kids to one-up each other’s narrative skills, while trying not to get scared themselves–or worse.
Where to watch: Both versions of Are You Afraid of the Dark? can be streamed on Prime Video and Fandango at Home.
‘Recess’ and ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’
Disney / Disney+
Years aired:Recess (1997–2001), The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022–today)
For parents who: remember fondly the epic, formative moments in school with friends.
Though it’s safe to say some of our memories of childhood may be a bit different than our actual experiences, it’s still fun to turn them into their own tall tales in our heads. Both of these shows play in that space of tweens-teens filtering their own coming-of-age experiences through their eyes. Whether it was on the playground, in the cafeteria, or at home, everything was delightfully way more serious than it needed to be.
Where to watch: Both Recess and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder can be streamed on Disney+.
Gus Walz was appointed an unintentional ambassador for neurodivergent youth during the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 21. Millions of Americans watched the 17-year-old leap to his feet with tears streaming down his face as he cheered on his father, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as he accepted his party’s vice presidential nomination.
Gus Walz’s expression of pure love and joy should have been seen for what it was: an unfiltered and positive emotional response to a big moment. Sadly, the moment served as yet another opportunity to divide Americans. While most people saw Gus’s reaction as an historic moment for neurodiversity, a vocal minority sneered, criticized, and hurled insults at an innocent young person.
What Does Neurodivergence Mean?
Neurodivergence is a word used to describe naturally occurring differences in how the human brain develops that result in variations in “wiring” and how we process information. These differences may affect around 20% of the population and occur in people with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD). These and other conditions can lead to challenges with functioning in key life areas. In young people like Gus, these differences may result in variations in how they process nonverbal information, recognize patterns, develop social skills and awareness, process sensory information, and engage in executive function tasks.
It’s not uncommon for the neurodivergent community, particularly children and young adults, to battle stigma, insults, and misconceptions about their conditions. Gus’s reaction to his father’s speech was another example of how kids who learn and think differently are vulnerable to cruelty — even in their most benign or joy-filled moments. Only this moment was televised. Frankly, I’m glad it was.
Neurodivergence is a relatively new term, but it’s becoming more commonplace in American society. This is likely due to increases in diagnoses and perhaps increases in social media use to amplify individuals’ experiences. For example, a 2022 report from the CDC revealed that about 1 million more children received an ADHD diagnosis in 2022 than did in 2016. Even so, neurodivergence isn’t discussed nearly enough, making it easier for people to make false assumptions that impact children and their families every day.
Parents of neurodivergent children often face challenges in accessing accurate and reputable resources to help them in their day-to-day lives, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness. In the absence of awareness and widespread education, navigating learning and thinking differences can be a nightmare for the child — and a massive source of stress for their parents. Understood.org’s Neurodiversity and Stigma survey from 2022 found that nearly 70% of parents felt stigmas surrounding their child’s differences affected their mental health negatively. Another 2024 survey revealed that 96% of parents with neurodivergent children reported feeling stressed during the back-to-school season.
How to Help Neurodivergent Children Navigate Stigmas
As a licensed psychologist with more than 20 years of experience working with neurodivergent people, I’ve participated in dozens of programs designed to help educate the public and reduce stigmas for people with differences. Here are a few takeaways I share with parents:
Educate yourselfon current evidence-based information about your child’s learning and thinking differences.
Talk to your child about their differences and how it affects them.
Provide an informational bridge between home and school to help educate and inform teachers about thinking and learning differences and to help your child access accommodations.
Advocate for inclusion and use of Universal Design for Learning strategies to support neurodivergent and neurotypical students in shared learning environments.
Provide direct strategies for identifying challenges and asking for help. Role-playing or practicing with a script can help kids and adults ask for what they need to thrive.
When I watched Gus Walz’s reactions to his father’s nomination, I was brought to tears by this pure and amazing display. Politics aside, this moment provides us with a remarkable opportunity to amplify and support neurodivergent individuals by having an open dialogue in our country about what it means to learn and think differently. Let’s not let this moment slip by.
Gus Walz and Nurturing sNeurodivergent Children: Next Steps
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Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, South Carolina has attracted acts like The Avett Brothers. It happens twice a year on a farm in Greer, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out. If you want to go, you’ll need to act fast! The fall Albino Skunk Music Festival is October 2-4, 2024! SpringSkunk gives music lovers a few months to plan for the May 7-10, 2025 event if you need a little more time to plan.
Find out what makes the weekend-long Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer unique and why you’ll want to go to this family-friendly event, no matter what kind of music you prefer!
What Is An Albino Skunk And Why Does It Have A Music Festival?
The popular music festival is named for the (nearly) albino white skunks on the property where the Albino Skunk Music Festival occurs, The SkunkFarm.
What began as a private event turned into an annual music festival open to the public in 1995. Then, in the spring of 2010, the Skunk Music Festival gave birth to a second event – The SpringSkunk Fest. Lovers of Bluegrass, Acoustic, Rock, and more now gather twice a year to enjoy live music and other festivities on this magical SkunkFarm in Greer.
Think of it as our very own local bluegrass-themed Coachella! Only it is way more accessible, affordable and you can sleep in your own bed after a shower each night if you like. Of course, camping the weekend at the festival is the way to go, but the benefit of being so close to home is that it gives you options.
Is The Albino Skunk Music Festival Kid Friendly?
Yes! It is! The Albino Skunk Music Festival isn’t just kid-friendly; they are kid-welcoming! With special planned kid’s programming through the weekend, the kids get to enjoy activities geared toward them. Past kid’s programming has included “drive-in” movies, kids yoga, crafts, circus performers, and more.
What To Expect At The 2024 Albino Skunk Music Festival
This year will look slightly different from past years, whether you’ve been before or this is your first foray into the Skunk Music Festival Scene.
Camping The Weekend At The Skunk Music Festival
For the true immersive music festival experience, plan on camping! Gates open at 10 am on Wednesday for Early Arrivers (add-on ticket required for $40/adult and $20/child) or Thursday at 10 am for regular ticket holders.
The SkunkFarm Camping Map shows the layout of the different camping options. The tent camping area is near and under the tree areas on the map. The portion of the SkunkFarm with trees is not open for car camping.
Car Camping is $60 per vehicle. Campers must all have tickets to each day of the festival in addition to the flat rate per car camping fee. Camping spots can not be reserved, and location is on a first come, first get basis. There will be a “Quiet Zone” camping area located at the rear of the property, with rules about after-hour noise and lights. This is the best option for those attending with your children.
Reserved RV and General RV Camping are both $360. We highly recommend that you reserve your RV camping spot. The map above shows the three different lots for RV and Trailer camping.
If you want to get a jumpstart on the festivities and get all settled in before the Music Festival begins this year, The Skunk Music Festival has an Early Bird option. Campers can arrive as early as Wednesday if they have pre-reserved their camping spot online for an additional $40/adult and $20/child at the gate. These prices go up to $50/adult and $25/child after September 7th. Early campers must arrive at the SkunkFarm between 10 am and 8 pm. No early campers will be allowed in after dark.
What Every Parent Wonders: Does The Albino Skunk Music Festival Have Bathrooms
YES. In addition to portable toilets and handwashing stations throughout the SkunkFarm, there is a single-person restroom to the right of the stage. For campers, there are two shower facilities also located at the rear of the SkunkFarm property.
If you are attending with small children, I suggest bringing a portable potty training style toilet or camping toilet with you to simplify things at the festival.
Attending The 2024 Albino Skunk Music Festival In Greer, South Carolina
Aside from a love of music, there are one or two other essentials you’ll need for the weekend at The Albino Skunk Music Festival. Tickets, and the talent line up, so you can decide when you want to go.
Tickets For The Albino Skunk Music Festival
There are single-day options and multi-day passes, so let’s go over the ticketing options for The Albino Skunk Music Festival:
The Three Day – Entire Festival Ticket(Early Bird through September 6th) Adult (17+) $190 / Child (12-16) $85
The Three Day – Entire Festival Ticket (Regular Pricing after September 6th) Adult (17+) $210 / Child (12-16) $95
The Two Day – Weekend Ticket Adult (17+) $140 / Child (12-16) $70
Children 11 and under gain admittance for free with an adult. The Albino Skunk Music Festival happens rain or shine, so pack your sense of adventure, a change of clothes, and a rain poncho!
Wednesday Jim Lauderdale Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters Ruen Brothers Aaron Raitiere
Thursday The Brothers Comatose Scott Miller The Hillbenders Chatham Rabbits Wolf Jett Time Sawyer Darby Wilcox & The Peep Show
Friday I see Hawks in L.A. The Steel Wheels Songs from the Road Band Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters Fireside Collective David Childers & The Serpents Wolf Jett
Saturday Shinyribs Kelsey Waldon & The Muleskinners Lizzie No Reedy River String Band Colby T. Helms Certainly So Dean Owens Wild Ponies
Attending The 2025 SpringSkunk Music Fest In Greer, South Carolina
Can’t make it this fall, or are you so excited you want to get a jump on planning for the SpringSkunk Fest in 2025? If you can’t make it this fall, then mark your calendars for May 7-10, 2025, when SpringSkunk happens.
If you are attending the Albino Skunk Music Festival and you’re in a reserved RV spot, you’ll have the opportunity to reserve the same spot during the festival weekend.
To get all the latest updates and notify when tickets go on sale, sign up for the SkunkFest Mailing List.
Food & Beverage: Coolers and outside food and beverage are permitted. Glass bottles are not allowed. Outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed within the ampitheater area (Community Tap will be there on-site, serving their fine craft beverages). There will also be food trucks and vendors on-site through the weekend.
Pets: Well-behaved, quiet, leashed dogs are permitted at the festival.
How does a day full of totally free things to do in Hendersonville, NC sound? It’s a real possibility. There are so many free, as well as a few very inexpensive things to do in Hendersonville that your whole family will enjoy. Really, these are cool and unique free things to do.
Make it one awesome day trip, or make it several fun summer days. Either way, enjoy the gorgeous mountain town of Hendersonville, NC for very little money. Memory-making family adventures don’t have to be expensive!
Totally Free Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC
Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail
What’s better than a beautiful free walk through a blooming garden? Fairies. Fairies are better. And you can have both on the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens. Admission is totally free! Check out everything you need to know in our review of the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens.
95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC The Fairy Trail is open June 1 – the end of August annually
The Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Apple Valley Model Railroad
On Saturdays and Wednesdays, you can visit the Apple Valley Model Railroad totally free. Inside this old train station, you’ll find several huge indoor model train displays as well as an awesome outdoor display complete with Thomas the Train.
650 Maple Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm Wednesdays 1 pm to 3 pm
Carl Sandburg Home
The Carl Sandburg Home is a national historic site. You can tour the historic house, home of writer Carl Sandburg, and enjoy the grounds which just happen to include a working goat farm. There are also hiking trails on the property and nearby. Admission is free, so pack a picnic and spend the day.
Baby goats at the Carl Sandburg Home
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Holmes Educational State Forest
Looking for some more hiking and learning opportunities? Check out Holmes Educational State Forest in Hendersonville. It’s free and a great place to spend a few hours or a whole day.
1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC
Decommissioned NC Forest Service helicopter on the Crab Creek Trail at Holmes Educational State Forest
The Park at Flat Rock
The Park at Flat Rock has one of the most amazing playgrounds we’ve ever seen. Plus, you’ll find a lot of beautiful outdoor garden space to get lost in nature. It’s a sunny area so don’t forget some hats and sunscreen, as well as some snacks and picnics
55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock, NC Open dawn to dusk
Justus Orchard
Justus Orchard open in Late July/Early August each year from the fall season! Weekends all summer long Justus will be open, with extended weekday hours during apple season. There’s no admission to enjoy the orchard or playground!
For a fee: When they are ripe, U-pick blackberries will be available, as well as apples. You can purchase cider slushies and cider donuts all summer long. The jumping pillow will also be open for a fee.
The Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County
Learn about geology and paleontology for free at the Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum footprint is small, but the amount of things to see is not! You’ll see and learn about fossils, coral, gems, minerals, rocks, and a lot more. We enjoyed the fossil dinosaur egg nest, the T-Rex head fossil, and the arrowheads particularly. Admission is free, but you can also purchase geodes to be cracked open on-site, which is pretty fun.
Don’t miss the fluorescent rock and mineral display. It is behind the black curtain to the right as soon as you walk into the museum. The button to run the lights and narration is a doorbell-shaped button on the right. You have to press it to see the rocks glow! Do not skip that part. They don’t look at all cool until you press that button!
400 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Open Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.
Henderson County Heritage Museum
Learn about the history and heritage that made Hendersonville what it is today inside the Henderson County Historic Courthouse. You can visit the Henderson County Heritage Museum for free.
1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville, NC Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.
TIEC Saturday Night Lights
The Tryon International Equestrian Center’s Saturday Night Lights is a Kidding Around favorite. So, even though this venue isn’t technically in Hendersonville, it still makes our list. It’s just 35 minutes outside Hendersonville and totally worth it. You won’t believe all the free things they have to do, in addition to watching the horses.
Window Shop and Stroll on Main Street
Take a walk in Downtown Hendersonville! Do some window shopping and be sure to pop into Kilwin’s for a sample. Also, don’t forget to check out the front windows of Team ECCO Aquarium and spend a few minutes watching the tortoises eat and explore their habitat. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the volunteers bringing the tortoises out for some sun on the sidewalk.
“Bearfootin’ in Hendersonville” Public Art Display
While you’re walking about Main Street, enjoy the “Bearfootin’ in Hendersonville” public art display. These decorated bears all over Hendersonville are super cute and make great photo opportunities. Make sure to snap a selfie with your favorite!
Western North Carolina Air Museum
Check out cool old aircraft at a hanger beside an operating small airport at the Western North Carolina Air Museum. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions and tell you about the planes. You can learn about the planes and watch others take-off and land! Admission is free.
Wednesdays and Saturdays open 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays open 12 pm to 5 pm (hours vary by season) 1340 Gilbert Street, Hendersonville, NC
Scenic Views and Hiking at Jump Off Rock
Drive to the top of the mountain for scenic views at Jump Off Rock. This is a great spot for picnics and a bit of hiking. There are three short trails available and they vary in difficulty, covering rocky areas, and densely wooded areas. It’s very pretty and worth the short drive from downtown Hendersonville.
4433 Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park, NC
Cheap and Very Cool Things to Do in Hendersonville
Team Ecco Aquarium
The coolest little aquarium you’ll ever visit, Team ECCO is totally worth a stop in Hendersonville, NC.
Admission is cheap at $7.50 per person ages 5 to 65. Under the age of 5 is $5.25 and over 65 is $6.50. Teachers, EMTs, police, and firefighters get in for $6.50
511 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC Team ECCO Open 1 pm to 4 pm Wednesday – Saturday No public hours the first Wednesday of each month
Appalachian Pinball Museum
Admission to Appalachian Pinball Museum is actually totally free, but if you want to play the 80+ games in the museum you’ll need to pay a flat $12 fee. You can stay all day and play pinball and arcade games on historic and modern machines.
538 North Main StreetHendersonville, NC Hours: Sunday and Monday 1 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2 pm to 9 pm, and Saturdays 12 pm to 9 pm
Fireside Golf
Fireside Golf has a driving range, mini golf course, batting cages and more. The driving range is an affordable family outing if you have your own clubs. A bucket of balls costs $10 to $12. A round of mini-golf will cost you a little more here, but folks really like this pretty course. Mini-golf costs $9 for adults, $7 for kids and kids under age 4 are free.
While the Fall season brings pumpkin patches, awesome festivals, and apple picking, it’s also the return of football season. And that means tailgating parties. Tailgating is such a fun way to spend time with family and friends. But you need good food and if you don’t want to pull out all the stops yourself, check out these places that will kick your tailgating party up a few notches. Local mom Kristina Hernandez shares the best local restaurants that cater tailgating parties!
There is nothing quite like tailgating food. It’s usually delicious and meaty, plus paired with some roasted corn and potatoes, you have it made! These local restaurants are perfect for catering your next tailgating party.
Bucky’s BBQ
I love Bucky’s BBQ so much that I used them to cater my daughter’s baptism. But they also do a great job with tailgating parties.
Located close to 85, Charlie’s Bar-B-Que actually has what they call a “tailgate kit”. They include baked beans, cole slaw, chips, bread, tea, and plates along with the entrée of your choice of BBQ, BBQ & Turkey, or BBQ & Chicken.
See why we love Grill Marks, especially their milkshakes. (Plus, they have gluten-free options, woohoo!)
Henry’s Smokehouse
A BBQ staple in Greenville, Henry’s Smokehouse offers their award-winning food for tailgating. They have lots of options plus offers of setting up and taking down if you need.
Not only does Nard’s Backyard BBQ cater but they are also a full-fledged BBQ competition team. They will work to cater any size event and keep it within your budget.
Catering mostly for Clemson games, the The Smoking Pigs Restaurant has four packages to choose from, ranging in price from $82.99 up to $440.99. All of them sound super tasty.
Some of the best BBQ in the Upstate can be found at the award-winning SBH BBQ, plus they have catering! Their slow smoked brisket is absolutely delicious!
One location in Greenville and one location in Travelers Rest SBH BBQ Website
Mutt’s BBQ
Mutt’s is a family favorite in our house, and their catering services saved the day at our Baby Q Barbecue baby shower! Their family packs will come in handy if you are doing a 10-person tailgate party at home, but they also have a full catering menu.
The rubber chicken has finally made a home in Greenville! People on the Greenville Foodies Facebook page are loving Dave’s Hot Chicken, and they have some excellent options for your next tailgate. You’ll find their Hotbox Tenders and Hotbox Sliders the perfect pairing for your next tailgating party.
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious soup that your kids will love? Look no further! This Roasted Garlic Broccoli Soup is aromatic, flavorful, and perfect for little ones. Plus, it’s made without cream, milk, or flour, making it a great option for kids with dietary restrictions.
One of the secrets to making this soup extra delicious is to wash and blanch the broccoli before you start cooking. This step ensures that your broccoli is clean and ready to be transformed into a delightful dish. The roasted garlic adds a deep, rich flavor that takes this soup to the next level. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable packed with essential nutrients that offer numerous health benefits for kids. Here are some of the key health benefits of incorporating broccoli into your child’s diet:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system, aids in wound healing, and helps maintain healthy skin.
Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Folate: Supports cell growth and development, which is crucial for kids’ growing bodies.
Potassium: Helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function.
High in Fiber
Digestive Health: Fiber aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Weight Management: Promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help manage appetite and prevent overeating.
Antioxidant Properties
Cell Protection: Contains antioxidants like sulforaphane that protect cells from damage.
Disease Prevention: Antioxidants help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support overall health.
Supports Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus: These minerals are essential for developing strong bones and teeth.
Magnesium: Important for bone formation and maintaining bone density.
Boosts Immune System
Phytonutrients: Compounds that enhance the body’s immune response.
Vitamins A and C: Essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Eyes
Vitamin A: Supports eye health and can help prevent vision problems.
Beta-carotene: An antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin and vision.
Supports Healthy Growth and Development
Protein: Broccoli contains a small amount of protein, which is vital for growth and development.
Iron: Essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Broccoli contains small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Kaempferol: A flavonoid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Hydration
High Water Content: Helps keep kids hydrated, especially important during active play and hot weather.
Cognitive Development
Choline: Supports brain development and cognitive function.
Incorporating broccoli into your child’s diet can be easy and delicious. Whether it’s in soups, like the Roasted Garlic Broccoli Soup, steamed, or added to salads and stir-fries, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can help ensure your child gets the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
Croutons or Crispy bread pieces (optional, for garnish)
Method
Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Blanch the broccoli in boiling hot water for 2 minutes.
Remove the broccoli and discard the water.
In a pan, pour in 500 ml of fresh water. Add the blanched broccoli, chopped onion, and bay leaf to the pan.
Cook for 5 minutes, then switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool down. Remove the bay leaf from the mixture.
Transfer the broccoli, onion, and water mixture to a blender. Blend until you have a fine purée.
Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan. Sauté the finely chopped garlic until it turns golden brown and becomes aromatic.
Remove some of the garlic for garnish. Pour the broccoli purée back into the pan with the roasted garlic.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and bring the soup to a boil.
Switch off the flame once it reaches a boil. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with the reserved roasted garlic.
If desired, top with croutons or crispy bread pieces for added texture.
Tips for Making the Perfect Roasted Garlic Broccoli Soup
Blanching the Broccoli: This step helps in retaining the bright green color and enhances the flavor of the broccoli.
Roasting the Garlic: Make sure the garlic is roasted until golden brown and crisp. This is the key flavor component of the soup.
Blending: Blend the soup to a smooth consistency for a more enjoyable eating experience.
This Roasted Garlic Broccoli Soup is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. The rich, roasted garlic flavor combined with the fresh taste of broccoli makes it a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Enjoy this delightful soup with your family and watch it become a favorite in your household!
Happy cooking! 🍲
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is broccoli important for my child’s diet?
Broccoli is important for your child’s diet because it is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. These nutrients support various aspects of your child’s health, including immune function, bone health, and cell growth. Additionally, the high fiber content in broccoli aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
How can I encourage my child to eat broccoli?
To encourage your child to eat broccoli, try incorporating it into fun and tasty recipes like the Roasted Garlic Broccoli Soup. You can also add broccoli to their favorite dishes, such as pasta, stir-fries, or even pizza. Cutting broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces and serving it with a dip, like hummus or ranch, can also make it more appealing to kids.
Is broccoli safe for young children and toddlers to eat?
Yes, broccoli is safe for young children and toddlers to eat. However, it is important to prepare it in a way that is suitable for their age. For very young children, steaming or boiling broccoli until it is soft can make it easier to chew and digest. Always cut broccoli into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Ingredients
1medium-sized Broccoli
1big onion
1bay leaf
500mlwater
1tspoil
8big cloves of Garlic (finely chopped)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Croutons or Crispy bread pieces (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Blanch the broccoli in boiling hot water for 2 minutes. Remove the broccoli and discard the water. In a pan, pour in 500 ml of fresh water.
Add the blanched broccoli, chopped onion, and bay leaf to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, then switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool down. Remove the bay leaf from the mixture.
Transfer the broccoli, onion, and water mixture to a blender. Blend until you have a fine purée. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan. Sauté the finely chopped garlic until it turns golden brown and becomes aromatic.
Remove some of the garlic for garnish. Pour the broccoli purée back into the pan with the roasted garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and bring the soup to a boil.
Switch off the flame once it reaches a boil. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with the reserved roasted garlic. If desired, top with croutons or crispy bread pieces for added texture
Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !
It doesn’t matter if you are the most methodical, organized student of life, someone who prides herself on doing all the research: the pregnancy books, parenting blogs and LinkedIn searches. No one tells you that there isn’t an advice column or Google search that prepares you for the moment when you realize that you are a parent to your parent.
The “Sandwich Generation” is real. It is messy and hard and beautiful, and it will fill you up and break your heart in ways that you could never have imagined.
I tell her, “Yes, you can leave the front porch light on for me. I’ll be there, and I’ll come kiss you goodnight.” (Photo credit: Betsy Hegan)
I knew my mother’s sounds and they made me feel safe
Snapshot: I’m six years old, sitting at my desk in Mrs. Lessler’s classroom. Quiet in class, I’m a pleaser—a child who’s constantly worried about doing things wrong. But Mrs. Lessler is strict, gray hair pulled back in a severe bun, and not easily pleased. I’m bent over my book, but distracted by a noise in the hallway: the clicking heels of someone walking and the jangling of car keys.
I know that sound—keys hitting against a keychain with a silver whistle. I know it before I see her: my mother. She’s stopping by the classroom to deliver my forgotten lunch. In one instant my heart lightens; the keys still as she stops in the doorway to hand Mrs. Lessler my lunch. It’s such a gift to get to see my mother in the middle of the school day; a small reprieve from worrying about my math worksheet. I know those keys; I know her sound before I see her face, and it’s the safest sound in the world to me.
Now my mother waits for the sound of my keys
My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over 25 years ago. Medications kept the disease relatively in check for years, but in the five years since my father’s passing, she’s transitioned from a four-bedroom house to Independent Living in a retirement community to Assisted Living.
Her Parkinson’s now has companions: congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and a heartbreakingly long medication list. Even if I had a handicap accessible house and didn’t have a job, I could not take care of her myself—her medical needs are beyond what I can provide.
But she doesn’t love being in a one-bedroom apartment by herself, and my guilt every time I leave her is crushing. I worry constantly about her being lonely, and hate that she’s now the one who listens for the sound of my keys in the hallway, coming to see her.
Even when my mother wanted to get away she took me with her
Snapshot: I’m 10, and my mother has taken up jogging. A self-proclaimed klutz, she always said she had no idea how she produced three athletic children when her only sporty activity growing up was fencing. But each night after the dinner dishes were done, my mother laced up her sneakers and jogged around our neighborhood.
Years later, I see why she did it: she had a husband who traveled internationally for weeks at a time and three kids under the age of 10 who required constant attention and rides to soccer games and basketball practices. She was seeking what any mother needs: an hour to herself where no one was asking her for a snack or a ride or a playdate. But every time I saw her pull running shoes out of the closet, I begged to go along.
Her hour of alone time became an hour of me pounding the sidewalk next to her, chattering non-stop. Whatever vision she had of peace and quiet disappeared before we hit the end of the driveway. But not one single time did she tell me I couldn’t run with her.
Now I’m the one who runs, but not with my mom
My mother started walking with a cane 10 years ago, but Parkinson’s is a thief and balance is one of the first things it takes. The cane was replaced by a walker, and then a wheelchair. She hates the wheelchair; it limits us more than we ever imagined. A simple outing for lunch or a pedicure requires plotting out parking spaces, table room and high curbs.
My mother has a physical therapist who comes to work with her twice a week, and while she’s made progress, Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease. She can walk short distances with a walker, but her days of venturing beyond the hallway of her building in anything but a wheelchair are over.
She can’t understand why my girlfriends and I like to travel to run races together, and I have to remind her every time that she’s the reason I became a runner. She’s the one who taught me that most of life’s stresses can be solved on a run with sneakers pounding pavement under a moonlit sky. It’s one of the greatest gifts she ever gave me, but she’s so far from that person now that she can’t quite understand; it’s a gift in vain.
My mother sewed my prom dresses
Snapshot: I’m 15 and going to prom. A late bloomer, I’m painfully skinny and unable to really fill out any dress properly. I don’t look like any of the girls in the magazines, so I’m convinced that nothing will work with my bony collarbones and flat chest. My mother tells me not to worry. We create a dress design piecemealed together from torn-out pages of Seventeen Magazine then head to the fabric store.
Without a pattern, she works on the floor of her sewing room, cross-legged with silver pins in her mouth, occasionally calling me in to remeasure my waist or hips. The end result is beautiful and perfect and fits me better than anything I’ve ever owned. My mother made all of my formal dresses throughout high school and college, each one of our own design.
When my parents go to sell their house years later, my mother laughs that the next owners will be finding tiny blue sequins from my senior prom dress for years to come in her sewing room carpet. She will not miss that brown shag carpet when the house sells, but loves that those sequins remind her of the daughter she misses who’s in graduate school far away.
Fine motor skills are really tough for my mom now
Fine motor skill tasks are now difficult for my mother. The woman who once sent long handwritten cards to me now struggles to write her name legibly to endorse a check or sign a medical form. I desperately try to help her maintain a sense of independence. But it’s so much faster for me to sign her name or fill out her forms, and I hate myself for my impatience.
The iPad medical forms present a particular challenge—touch screens and Parkinson’s are a terrible combination. My mother doesn’t understand that if she wants something hemmed, I now have to take it to a seamstress. She asks what happened to her sewing machine, and I cannot bring myself to tell her that I donated it when she moved into Assisted Living, knowing she wasn’t capable of ever using it again. I don’t want to be the person who takes away her sewing machine or steals her chance to sign her name. I feel guilty for all of it.
My mother was such a big help when my kids were young
Snapshot: I’m 32, with a toddler and a 3-month-old who doesn’t sleep and is prone to fits of uncontrollable crying. My husband has a new job with long hours, and I’m working part-time while training for my first marathon. I’m so mentally and physically exhausted that there are days I can barely see straight.
Casey, my toddler, has boundless energy—he doesn’t stop talking, running, or climbing from the moment he wakes up until he goes to bed. But my mother’s patience knows no bounds. She takes him out for the afternoon at least twice a week to the zoo or library or her neighborhood playground.
Casey sits still in her lap while she reads story after story—the same spine-faded books she read to me as a child. She lets him pick out toys at Target and make a mess on her living room floor. Best of all, he comes home tired and less demanding of my attention while I try to figure out why his baby brother isn’t sleeping more than four hours at a time.
I feel guilty asking my son to help with my mom
That hyperactive toddler now stands at 6’4” and is my mother’s biggest fan. I feel guilty asking for so much of Casey’s help with her when he’s home from college. I want him to remember her as the grandmother who bought McDonald’s Happy Meals and rode the merry-go-round with him seven times straight at the zoo, not someone who needs help cutting her food or being lifted from wheelchair to car.
But Casey inherited her patience, and it’s such a gift. They are pals; he brings her take-out burgers to eat while they watch Hallmark movies. Last Christmas, I gave her a digital picture frame loaded with photos from her childhood through the present. I have so many photos of my mother with both of my boys, but especially Casey.
We sit together and watch the frame, which rotates photos every 30 seconds. Seeing her life in these snapshots helps her feel connected to people, and for that I’m grateful. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t break my heart to see laid out in pictures what Parkinson’s has taken from her. We enjoy the photos together and try not to talk about how much has changed.
No one talks about the heaviness of caring for a declining parent
Before becoming parents, we have books, blogs, and advice columns; we learn how to potty train, manage the teenage years, and survive our first kid going to college. But no one speaks about the heaviness of caregiving. And if I’m being honest, sometimes I don’t want it; my heart can only hold so much weight.
I long to have someone still worry about me, someone who will not turn out the front porch light or truly fall asleep at night until I’m home safe. It’s never a burden to be the one to arrange all of my mother’s doctor appointments, manage her finances, purchase her toiletries, make sure she’s happy and well cared for, but sometimes I want to be just a daughter again.
Recently I was leaving her apartment when one of the nurses stopped me by the elevator and said, “Ooooh, your mama loves bragging about you!” For a moment I felt like I was 10 years old again. I cried all the way down to the first floor.
Time is a fluid construct for my mother now. She sometimes gets confused about where she lives, especially at night. She’ll call me and ask if I’m coming home or staying at a friend’s house, as if I’m back in high school. But always I tell her, “Yes, you can leave the front porch light on for me. I’ll be there, and I’ll come kiss you goodnight.”
You’ve shopped, packed and had your tearful or non-tearful goodbyes. Everyone is beginning to adjust to the new normal. And, would’t now be a lovely time to send your kids a little something to remind them of home?
Nothing will make your first-year college student happier than a few wisely chosen treats to make them feel the love from home.
College care packages from home will remind your student they are not forgotten! (Shutterstock Rocketclips, Inc.)
Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from some of the links in this post.
Inexpensive College Care Package Ideas — Our Favorites
This super-popular card game is easy to learn and can be played in 10-15 minutes. How can anyone pass up this game if only to find out how “taco, goat, cheese pizza” are related???
A game is a stocking stuffer idea that your teen will love to open and play with throughout the holidays. Left, Center, Right is a wildly popular game appropriate for all age groups and one of our best-selling games.
Harlan Cohen has written the classic book for first-year college students, and this can be the go-to guide for students whenever they encounter a sticky situation.
A safe place to store valuable jewelry in the dorm is essential, and this mini case could be placed out of sight in the back of a drawer or storage bin. Great for traveling. Available in seven pretty colors.
These super-popular pens are meant for journaling, but they can be used for anything you would need a regular pen, including note-taking, color-coding a paper calendar, or just doodling. The set includes 18 colors.
I am wildly creative, surprisingly good with a paintbrush, and skilled with words. I know how to make jewelry, soap, candles, and pretty paper. I know how to put together elaborate floral displays and decorate cakes. I can research like an analyst and draft essays like an academic.
I know how to make proper barista coffee, complete with foamy milk hearts, and I can pour a mean tap beer. I can change brake pads on Volvos, paint houses perfectly, as well as clean them like I have OCD. (I can totally say that because I do have OCD.) I have some fun unpolished vocals recorded on a retro pop album floating around cyberspace along with some long forgotten “crazy cat lady” improv clips with five views total (probably all due to me).
I am good at a lot of things, but, by the world’s standards of success, I am a failure. And a big one at that.
No five-year plan here. (Time blindness will do that to you.) I have no idea what I am doing in the next five minutes, let alone in the next five years. And I certainly have not been commended in any field or selected as employee of the month. Let’s just say that if holding the record for shortest time employed were a thing, then my 15-minute stint as a bartender at a bowling alley would win the title.
I have studied acting but I am not an actor. I am a qualified English teacher, but I do not teach. I write poetry, but few read my work. I sometimes author stories or articles, which some people read, for which I’m eternally grateful. People often see how capable and organized I can be and think I must slay at life, but often, life slays me. This is the nature of the brain beast that is ADHD.
Where Is My Mind?
One of the many bosses I have had over my multi-faceted career once said of my job performance, “When you’re on, you’re brilliant, creative, unstoppable. But when you’re off, it’s hard to remember how good you are.”
Harsh, but fair. This was the story of my life — bosses wondering if I was intentionally not doing what they said, why I did things the complete opposite way I had been shown, or if I really was just that confused and forgetful. Most did not have the time or resources to spare on figuring me out, so I would end up fired over and over.
Some bosses asked where my mind went during meetings. Others would scratch their heads, puzzled that I’d be on fire one day, and frazzled, late, and disoriented the next. (It wasn’t uncommon for me to forget my lunch or even the name of the store where I worked.)
Once I even walked into the wrong workplace to clock in. I had previously worked in a jewelry store a few doors down from my new workplace, a skincare store. Easy mistake to make, right?
And don’t get me started on my wonderful, spontaneous, but often inappropriate workplace banter. Time and time again, I would blurt out a thought that would offend others – for its tone, timing, or crudeness. Sometimes, though, people would laugh or even join in with my shenanigans.
When I think I am being honest or funny, most people think I am being rude. When I am good at something, I do not know how to pace myself or set boundaries, so I burn out quickly and become incredibly bad at the thing I was good at. When I witness injustice, I am compelled to speak up (thanks, RSD and justice sensitivity), which has seen me in all kinds of deep water in the workplace.
Jack of All Trades, Master of Some
I have had some interesting jobs. I remember riding my motorbike to a fancy mansion dressed as Cleopatra when I worked for a catering company that specialized in themed events. I’ve worked in delis, clothing boutiques, florist shops, fast food joints, call centers, hardware stores, and markets. I’ve worked in education, childcare, and cleaning services. I’ve designed logos, posters, and t-shirts. I’ve directed musicals, weeded gardens, washed cars, and mowed lawns.
I did all this unmedicated, so I want to congratulate myself on making it through. After my ADHD diagnosis at age 38, I went on medication and saw significant changes in my time management, organization, memory retention, and emotional regulation skills. Today, I am finally doing something that I am good at and really enjoy. (Not to brag, but I am kind of my boss’s favorite.) I am kicking ass at the most important job I’ve ever had: being a mama.
My neurodivergent brain makes everything a lot harder, but I have accepted that I’ll just have to work with it and learn on the job. I try to see mistakes as opportunities to improve. I am not perfect at anything because that is the stuff of mythology. But I am brilliant at many things, and I aim for good enough where I can. I have learned not to overthink opinions about my performance on any job, sometimes not even my own. I am a lifelong work in progress – I have my work cut out for me, and if life has taught me anything, it is that I can do hard things.
ADHD and Job Hopping: Next Steps
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Steve Silberman and Leo Rosa, 14, who he wrote about in his book NeuroTribes. Photo by Carlos Chavarría for this Guardian piece.
By Louise Kinross
I first corresponded with author Steve Silberman back in 2013. He’d written a piece in WIRED about how the unique brain wiring of people with autism, ADHD and dyslexia has benefits. Steve, who later wrote NeuroTribes, a groundbreaking book on the history, nature and value of autism, died last week.
Back in 2013 I asked him if he thought intellectual disability fit in the neurodiversity fold and he said yes, but that he hadn’t written about it yet. Did I have any pointers? I wrote a piece about it.
Over the years, Steve and I retweeted each other’s stories. Although I was a non-disabled parent, he called me a disability activist. He always encouraged me in my writing.
I quoted him in BLOOM posts related to how we think about autism and disability.
For example, on parent blame: In a chapter of his book called The Invention of Toxic Parenting, he described how child psychiatrist Leo Kanner suggested that autistic children’s all-encompassing interests were a bid for affection from emotionally cold parents.
Steve noted there was a political agenda for blaming parents for their child’s autism. “A condition that was inborn could not be prevented—it could only be ameliorated. Implicating parenting style in the etiology of his syndrome, on the other hand, would place child psychiatrists firmly at the centre of family life, giving them a role arguably more powerful than that of parents themselves: the ability to intervene therapeutically for the sake of the child.”
And way back in 2012, he was criticizing how dollars were allocated in autism research to the hunt for a genetic or environmental cause and cure, rather than to improving the lives of people living with autism.
On his blog he wrote: “When kids on the spectrum graduate from high school, they and their families are often cut adrift—left to fend for themselves in the face of dwindling social services and even less than the meager level of accommodations available to those with other disabilities.
…What could be done to make the world a more comfortable, respectful, and nurturing place for millions of autistic kids and adults—now, starting today?”
Steve was a one-of-a-kind science writer and human being who immersed himself in the autistic community to build understanding and acceptance. He was working on his next book, The Taste of Salt, which “tells the human stories behind one of the most impressive, but little-known, medical successes of our time: the transformation of cystic fibrosis from an inevitably fatal childhood disease to a chronic and manageable condition of adulthood.”
Are you looking for restaurants where kids eat free in Pigeon Forge, TN? Whether you’re visiting or a local, we know kids’ meal deals help keep that budget in check, and we have all the information you need on kid-friendly and family-friendly restaurants in Pigeon Forge where kids eat free, or really cheap.
Finding meals that your kid will enjoy is made easy at these local restaurants that offer meal deals throughout the week. Grab your calendar and add these restaurants to your meal plan routine for a cheap and stress-free dining experience with the family!
Monday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tuesday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Denny’s
Offer: Kids eat free Time: Every Tuesday from 4 pm to 10 pm Age: Kids under age 12 At Participating Locations: 3716 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids eat free every Tuesday Time: Tuesdays after 3 pm Age: 12 and under At Participating Locations: 1503 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Roma Table Pigeon Forge TNCeasar Salad at Roma Table in Pigeon Forge, TN
Reagan’s House of Pancakes
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Wednesday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
McAlister’s Deli
Offer: Two free kids meals with purchase of one adult entree valid for takeout as well Time: 5 pm Age: Kids 12 and under At Participating Locations: 3784 Parkway Suite 103, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Thursday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Friday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Saturday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Sunday Kids Eat Free or Cheap: Pigeon Forge, TN
Mama’s Farmhouse
Offer: Kids under age 5 eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 5 and under At Participating Locations: 208 Pickel Street Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Offer: Kids 3 and under eat free every day Time: Every day Age: 3 and under At Participating Locations: 3330 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet
Offer: Kids under age 4 eat free every day if you are purchasing the buffet without unlimited crab legs Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 3985 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Offer: Kids 4 and under eat free with paying adult Time: Every day Age: 4 and under At Participating Locations: 2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
If you’re on the hunt for the best ramen in Greenville, SC, you’re in for a treat because there are lots of options to choose from! From rich, flavorful broths to unique toppings and build-your-own options, Greenville has a ramen spot for every craving. Here’s where to find some of Greenville, SCs’ best ramen. Happy slurping!
Menkoi Noodle House
241B N Main Street, Greenville Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, Menkoi Noodle House is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts. They offer an impressive selection of noodles and broths that cater to every taste. Whether you prefer a classic shoyu or something a bit more adventurous, Menkoi’s menu has got you covered. Their noodles are always fresh, and the broth is simmered to perfection – it’s a noodle lover’s paradise!
Hokkaido Ramen House
1130 Woodruff Road, Greenville Over on Woodruff Road, Hokkaido Ramen House stands out with its gluten-free noodle options. If you’re gluten-sensitive but still crave that rich, comforting ramen experience, this spot has you covered. Their flavorful broths and hearty toppings make it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious bowl without the gluten. And if someone in your party doesn’t want ramen? There are plenty of sushi options.
109 W Trade Street, Simpsonville For a more unique ramen experience, check out Outlawed Ramen. Known for creating everything from scratch, this place is perfect for those looking to try something different. Their broth is cooked for 12 hours and there are over 20 ingredients in their hot oil. Outlawed Ramen brings a fresh take to the ramen scene. They also offer gluten free and vegan options.
Tru Broth
36 A South Main Street, Travelers Rest Don’t let the fact that this is a Vietnamese restaurant fool you. Just a short drive from Greenville in Travelers Rest, Tru Broth offers some seriously tasty ramen in a fast casual setting. Their commitment to quality ingredients and rich, flavorful broths makes it worth the trip. Plus, their welcoming vibe makes it a great spot for a relaxing meal.
Chef 21 Sushi Burger
699 Fairview Road, Simpsonville In Simpsonville, Chef 21 Sushi Burger is more than just a sushi and burger joint – their ramen is a standout too! Known for their diverse menu, Chef 21 serves up two ramen dishes that combins delicious flavors. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to enjoy both ramen and some creative sushi (or sushi burger) options.
Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club
18 East Coffee Street, Greenville Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club in downtown Greenville, SC offers a fantastic ramen experience with a twist. Their ramen comes with unique add-ins that make each bowl an exciting adventure. I mean – Papa Legba’s Voodoo Ramen includes andouille sausage and fried okra. And Hot Chick Ramen has hot honey, pickles, and jalapenos in it. Plus, the atmosphere here is perfect for a casual meal with friends. If you haven’t tried their ramen yet, you’re missing out!
Hotto Noodle
616 Bridgeway Blvd, Mauldin Last but not least, Hotto Noodle in Bridgeway is the place to go if you love to customize your ramen. With a build-your-own option, you can create a bowl that’s perfectly suited to your taste. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy ramen, and the results are always delicious.
Where’s your favorite place to get ramen in Greenville, SC?
When you’re looking for the best gifts for 18 year olds, you might have no idea what to purchase. There’s a lot of transition at this age: graduating high school, heading off to college, and maybe living away from home for the first time. So what can you get your 18 year old that they’ll actually love? There are plenty of great options.
From practical items to things that are all over social media, we’ve put together a list of gift ideas for 18 year olds who have a wide variety of interests. Here are 23 of the best gifts for 18 year olds.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through the links in this post.
If you’re looking to splurge on a great quality, long-lasting tech gift that your teen will use for years to come, look no further than a pair of Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Headphones. They connect via Bluetooth to their phone or computer, making them ideal for studying, working out, and anything in between. Plus, they come in a selection of muted colors that aren’t too flashy for a cool 18 year old.
One of the biggest recent trends for teens is the Stanley tumbler, which means they probably already have one. Help them do more with their trusty water bottle with an attachable snack bowl. The divided tray is made of silicone and fits perfectly over the top of their Stanley, so they can sip and snack in style. Bonus points for the fact that it’s dishwasher safe so it’s easy for Mom to clean.
If you’re looking for a gift for 18 year old girls, these fun floral car vent clips are a great way to customize her car and keep it smelling fresh. Simply slide the cute flowers onto the included scent cartridges, clip one to the air conditioning vent, and enjoy the decor and the fresh air! Each package comes with six scent cartridges—two each of peach, lavender, and ocean aromas—and the flowers come in many different colors for every kind of floral vibe.
A large wall tapestry is one of the best gifts for an 18 year old who is headed off to college (or already there). These fine-art-inspired wall tapestries are a great, easy way to customize any space and make it more their own, and they can be hung without damaging walls (a big plus when it comes to dorm rooms). We’re partial to the Monet Water Lilies print, but they come in a selection of other designs, too.
Hiking and walking have made a major comeback for teens and young adults the past few years. Patagonia’s Atom Sling Bag comes in lots of fun colors, and is great for hiking, walking, or even casual hang outs. It’s a good size for the essentials—water bottle, keys, wallet—and even has a little extra room for more.
Whether you need gifts for 18 year old boys or girls, fitness-savvy teens will love tracking their workouts, runs, steps, and more with a Garmin Forerunner Watch. This popular sport watch is easy to use and has different workout settings as well as heart rate monitoring. Teens can even track their runs and customize the watch face.
If keeping their space neat and tidy is something they love, these hanging closet shelves are great gifts for 18 year olds. Whether they’re moving into their dorm room or just want to give their room at home an upgrade, this six-compartment organizer has built-in shelves as well as drawers and dividers.
LoveShackFancy is the designer for the cottagecore look, and their collab with PB Teen is totally slay (as the teens say). We love the bow detail on this sweet jewelry box that looks like it could double for Cinderella’s carriage. 18 year olds will love displaying their favorite baubles on the tufted pillow tucked inside this glass and brass display.
One thing that will always get people together: Music. The JBL Flip 6 Portable Speaker is perfect for listening to music in their dorm room or while they’re out with friends. They’re even waterproof, so they can take their favorite playlist to the beach or the lake. Plus, the JBL Flip 6 has a long lasting battery—12 hours—so they won’t have to worry about running out of music before the party is over.
If your 18 year old is flipping through a new book every time you see them, a Kindle Paperwhite is naturally the perfect gift. The Kindle Paperwhite is not backlit, so there’s no screen glare when they’re reading outside, and it’s super lightweight and portable, so they can take them anywhere. They can fill their digital library with hundreds of titles, so they can keep reading without interruption wherever they go.
HOKA running shoes are popular choices amongst marathon runners and casual walkers alike, and for good reason: They’re both comfortable and fashion-forward. Whether they want a pair of kicks for everyday wear or for exercising, a pair of Hokas is a thoughtful gift. They come in a wide range of colors so your 18 year old can show off their personality everywhere they go, whether they’re exercising or on a “hot girl walk.”
The sleek, thin iPad Air is a great tablet option for artsy and creative teens. They can draw, write, and create graphic design masterpieces, especially when paired with Apple Pencil. They can also use their iPad Air for studying and taking notes, and even for watching movies and FaceTiming their friends and family.
While it may not be incredibly flashy, there is nothing more convenient than having all of the hanging supplies you need to make your space truly yours. The Command Strip Variety Pack contains everything they need to hang up all their decor—without ruining paint or wallpaper. The package includes six small picture hanging strips, four large picture hanging strips, three medium-size utility hooks, two large utility hooks, three small utility hooks, six small wire hooks, and 20 strips of adhesive.
If you’re looking for gifts for 18 year olds who love movies and/or gaming, consider getting them a mini wall projector. The WiMiUS Mini Projector has a reliable adjustable stand, WiFi and Bluetooth capability, and works indoors and outdoors. They don’t need a giant TV when they can use this portable projector in any room for a cozy night in or a game night with friends.
If your teen loves trendy style and prefers comfort over everything, they will be thrilled with the gift of a Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie. This hoodie is great for both lounging and working out, and it’s tailored to be flattering while also comfy. Plus, it comes in a range of sizes and colors, so it makes an ideal gift for 18 year old girls of all types.
Don’t send your 18 year old Starbucks lover off to college without their very own coffee maker. The Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is just the right size for small spaces (like dorm rooms), and it brews a delicious cup of java at the touch of a button. The machine comes in a variety of fun colors and is easy to clean and maintain.
The trend of customizing the inside of your car with fun accessories is big among teens and young adults, and cup holder customization is no exception! These LED lights have seven color options: white, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and ice blue. They’re also motion sensitive, so they automatically turn on in the dark, and teens can easily change the color with a push of the button located on the back of the light.
18. For the One Who Always Loses Their Keys: Apple Airtags
Credit: Amazon
Have a teen who can never seem to find their keys? Make their life easier with the gift of an Apple AirTag. When they attach an Apple Air Tag to their keyring and sync it with their phone, they’ll be able to locate their keys, whether they’ve fallen under the bed or were left in the car…again.
For teens who adore music and have an affinity for vinyl records, displays are a great way to showcase their collection. They can get one shelf to put above their record player to show what record they’re currently playing or get multiple to display their favorite albums.
Some people are just old souls, and that goes for 18 year olds too! If your teen loves retro vibes and spends a lot of time on the computer, the MOFII Wireless Keyboard is a thoughtful gift. The keyboard and mouse sync to their computer via Bluetooth, and comes in multiple colors to fit their vibe.
Staying hydrated is important to anyone, but teens on the go also express themselves with their water bottles. If they’ve always got one attached at the hip—or should— an Owala FreeSip water bottle is a practical gift they actually want. They’re insulated, so drinks stay cold for hours, and they come in a large variety of fun colors and sizes.
Love them or hate them, Crocs are popular gifts for 18 year old boys and girls alike, thanks to their comfort and ease. They come in a huge range of colors and can be worn with almost anything—teens are styling them to be fashionable additions to their outfits! They can even customize their Crocs with a set of “Jibbitz” to show even more personality.
For the colder months, give your teen the gift of a trendy, oversized graphic sweater. This sweater can be paired with just about anything and comes in sizes from XS to XL. We love the graphic blue and white swirl print, but there are several colors and prints to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits the style of your 18 year old.
Everyone these days seem to have smart phones. Even little kids these days wwant to copy their parents and have their own phones to watch things on, but even if not those exactly, they often have toys with flashing lights and loud noises. But before these battery operated toys were around, people played with more simple toys, and these more simple toys, often made with wood, were very educational and fun. Montessori education tries to make learning fun and child directed through play, and uses more traditional type toys to help kids learn. Here are some you might want to consider getting for your toddler.
When it comes to selecting toys for toddlers, Montessori toys for 2 year olds stand out for their ability to blend educational value with playful engagement. At this stage in a child’s life, they are rapidly developing their motor skills, language, and cognitive abilities. Montessori toys are designed to support this growth by encouraging independence, creativity, and problem-solving. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Montessori toys for toddlers and recommend some top choices that align with the Montessori philosophy.
The Montessori Philosophy: Why It Matters
The Montessori approach to education emphasizes child-centered learning. It focuses on fostering independence, respect, and a love of learning through hands-on experiences. For 2-year-olds, Montessori toys are specifically designed to cater to their developmental needs and interests. These toys are typically simple, made from natural materials, and designed to be engaging without overwhelming the child.
Montessori toys encourage toddlers to explore and learn at their own pace, which aligns perfectly with their natural curiosity. They promote sensory exploration, fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive development through interactive play. Here are some key benefits of Montessori toys for 2-year-olds:
Encourages Independent Play: Montessori toys are designed to be used independently, allowing children to explore and learn on their own. This fosters self-confidence and autonomy.
Promotes Fine Motor Skills: Many Montessori toys involve activities that require precise hand movements, such as stacking blocks or fitting shapes into corresponding slots. These activities help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Enhances Cognitive Development: Montessori toys often involve problem-solving and critical thinking, which helps to build cognitive skills. Toys that require sorting, matching, or assembling teach toddlers about patterns, shapes, and spatial relationships.
Supports Emotional Growth: Through independent play, children learn to manage frustration and develop patience. Montessori toys often have a calming effect, helping toddlers to regulate their emotions.
Top Montessori Toys for 2-Year-Olds
Montessori Wooden Stacking Toys: These toys come in various shapes and sizes, allowing toddlers to practice their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Wooden stacking rings or blocks help children understand concepts such as size, color, and shape while engaging in open-ended play.
Shape Sorters: Shape sorters are classic Montessori toys that promote cognitive development by challenging toddlers to match shapes with corresponding slots. This activity enhances problem-solving skills and helps with the understanding of spatial relationships.
Montessori Peg Boards: Peg boards are excellent for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Toddlers can practice placing and removing pegs, which strengthens their grip and dexterity.
Sensory Bins: Sensory bins filled with natural materials like rice, beans, or sand offer endless opportunities for exploration. Toddlers can scoop, pour, and manipulate the materials, which supports sensory development and fine motor skills.
Musical Instruments: Simple musical instruments like xylophones or drums are fantastic for fostering auditory discrimination and rhythm. Playing with these instruments encourages sensory exploration and can also promote language development.
Montessori Learning Boards: These boards often feature a variety of activities, such as latches, zippers, and buttons, which help toddlers practice their fine motor skills and learn about cause and effect.
Puzzle Toys: Wooden puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces are great for cognitive development. They help toddlers recognize shapes, colors, and patterns while also improving their problem-solving skills.
Montessori Play Kitchens: Miniature play kitchens encourage imaginative play and role-playing. Toddlers can mimic cooking and food preparation, which enhances their creativity and understanding of everyday life.
Tips for Choosing the Right Montessori Toys
When selecting Montessori toys for 2-year-olds, consider the following tips to ensure they align with the Montessori philosophy:
Quality Over Quantity: Choose toys that are well-made from natural materials. High-quality, durable toys will last longer and provide a better play experience.
Simplicity Is Key: Opt for toys that are simple and open-ended. Avoid toys with too many features or flashy lights and sounds, as they can be overstimulating.
Encourage Exploration: Look for toys that offer multiple ways to play. Open-ended toys allow children to use their imagination and creativity.
Safety First: Ensure that all toys are safe for toddlers, with no small parts that could be a choking hazard. Toys should be free of harmful chemicals and made from non-toxic materials.
Conclusion
Montessori toys for 2-year-olds offer a wonderful way to support your child’s development while keeping playtime engaging and educational. By focusing on independence, sensory exploration, and problem-solving, these toys align with the Montessori philosophy and help toddlers grow and learn in a natural and enjoyable way. Whether you choose wooden stacking toys, shape sorters, or sensory bins, incorporating Montessori toys into your child’s playtime can provide a rich and rewarding experience that fosters both learning and fun.
Dollywood is such a perfect destination from Greenville! At just about three hours from the Upstate, it’s a favorite with Kidding Around readers and their families. See what advice Kidding Around’s Bethany had to offer after her day at the park in Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
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Why You Should Consider Dollywood For Your Next Theme Park
I’ll be honest; we truly had such a great family experience visiting Dollywood that I’m not even quite sure where to start. During our visit, I was immediately struck by the carefulness and attentiveness of the Dollywood theme park staff. The park was well-maintained, clean, and attractive. We found a wide variety of attractions for all ages. And, our family, despite visiting for one and a half days, never stopped enjoying our time at the park.
Dollywood: Review of The Rides & Play Areas
Rides Even a PreK Age Kid Would Love
As a family with young children, we were impressed by how many rides Dollywood provides for children. Our then five-year-old was tall enough to ride several small roller-coasters and most other rides when accompanied by an adult.
Even our then two-year-old was big enough to ride most of the rides in the “Country Fair” section of Dollywood. There are adorable rides like “Busy Bees” and the classic “Amazing Flying Elephants” which are always a hit for little kids just dipping their toes into theme parks. There are a couple of rides for PreK ages in the “Wildwood Grove” section of the park as well.
I noticed that the attendants in “Country Fair” were especially alert to helping families with small children. I saw rides stopped on several occasions because a small child was scared or crying. The child was politely allowed to get off, and then the ride was started again for the rest of the group.
The rides also spanned different thrill levels allowing all children to have fun, with multiple choices to ride comfortably. Most of the rides could also seat adults who wanted to ride with their children.
Dollywood Tip: If you visit the Centralized Measuring Station inside the park, your child will receive a colored armband coded by which rides your child is tall enough to ride. This armband will help you not accidentally wait in line for a ride that your child is too small to ride.
Rides for the Entire Family
We also found a couple of Dollywood rides that our entire family could ride. One of which was the Dollywood Express, an authentic coal-fired steam engine, that explore some of Dolly Parton’s history. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of riding the Dollywood Express during our daughter’s nap time (I thought she might fall asleep). Instead, though, she had a complete melt-down and struggled to get free during the entire ride. The train does not stop for anything, so you may want to be sure your kids are happy before boarding.
Dollywood also has a couple of great family rollercoasters, FireChasher Express. Children as small as 39 inches can ride this roller coaster, making it ideal for families wanting a ride that everyone can enjoy. The coaster is a fast-paced ride through a curling track with a mid-stop inside a “fireworks truck.” The car experiences a back-blowing explosion (complete with small flames as a special effect) that shoots the roller coaster back to the station. The fire is a bit thematically scary for some children, but the ride is not too intense.
Another great rollercoaster for younger riders is Blazing Fury, which starts as a sightseeing ride through a mine but ends with a minecart off the rails twist. This rollercoaster only has a couple of small hills and quick twists but is completely dark in the last seconds of the ride.
Roller Coasters for Big Kids and Adults
Not only did we find plenty of rides suitable for our young kids, but my husband and I enjoyed the larger roller coasters as well. My personal favorite roller coaster was the Wild Eagle roller coaster. It’s a massive rollercoaster that runs at 60 mph, but the ride is smooth, and the harnesses fit very snug, making it a more pleasant ride. The Lightning Rod is also super popular, and is a wooden roller coaster that resembles a 1950’s hot rod.
The new Big Bear Mountain roller coaster opened in 2023 and is a blast to ride. It’s a coaster that picks up speed at different points in the ride and follows a story line of getting chased by a bear. It’s located at Wildwood Grove. Dragonflier is another popular coaster right in that same area and is a great one to hit while you’re in that same part of the park. It’s really fun because you can dangle your feet!
Dollywood Tip: If you are visiting with small children, be sure to check out the “Parent Swap” feature that allows you to wait in line once and take turns riding the roller coaster while the other parent watches the children.
In addition to the Dollywood rides, my kids enjoyed playing in the playgrounds and water spray areas of the park.
Wildwood Grove at Dollywood
When you go to Dollywood, head right for Wildwood Grove because there is so much to see and do for your whole family! Wildwood Grove is based upon adventure, curiosity, and a little fairy dust. It beckons guests to use their imagination to explore a world with exciting possibilities around every corner. You enter Wildwood Grove through what looks to be an old tree and wind your way past the Treetop Tower and Giant Tree Swing, back towards the indoor playground at Hidden Hollow and splash pad at Wildwood Creek.
Our kids loved every minute we spent here because they not only got to experience age-appropriate adrenaline rushes in the rides but really did feel like they got to explore a world that was uniquely set up to trigger their imaginations. For both kids and adults, we mostly live a life of structure, and it’s good to get out of that box and have fun together and try new things, which is exactly what is encouraged at Wildwood Grove.
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at Wildwood Grove throughout your time at Dollywood. We started the day there, and before we knew it, it was time for lunch. We headed back at the end of the day to go back on our favorite rides and see if the Dragonflier line was shorter (it wasn’t – the ride is crazy popular).
Let’s Eat & Meet in Wildwood Grove!
You can’t go anywhere in Dollywood without smelling the delicious food offered throughout the park, and Wildwood Grove is no different. Till & Harvest is the anchor restaurant at Wildwood Grove. They serve Smoky Mountain Mexican cuisine like burrito bowls, with grilled meat and vegetables.
A sweet shop is located next door, and there are popcorn stands and ice cream carts throughout the area. Don’t forget that free ice water is offered at most concession stands and all restaurants. This was a lifesaver for my kids and me throughout our time at Dollywood.
There are also Meet & Greets with characters at Wildwood Grove, which we totally missed because I forgot to set the reminder on the Dollywood app, which you should absolutely download for your trip there. So if you’d like to meet some cute bears and fairies, set that reminder on your app.p-0
Rides at Wildwood Grove
Here are all the rides offered at Wildwood Grove:
Frogs & Fireflies A super cute ride for little kids where they get in a frog or firefly car and bounce around in circles in a motorized ride.
Giant Tree Swing An old school favorite updated to be in Wildwood Grove’s theme, the Giant Tree Swing is a big boat-like swing that goes back and forth, getting higher and higher each time. We did this a couple times as it was a favorite of my kids.
Hidden Hollow This is the most genius activity in Wildwood Grove, so props to Dollywood for thinking of it. Hidden Hollow is a black-lit indoor playground for kids that also has comfy seats for parents. There are slides, sensory objects, climbing apparatuses, and a section for kids under three years of age. Again, this is indoors – which means a nice, cool, respite from the summer heat. And it’s located right next to the restrooms.
Dragonflier This roller-coaster is crazy popular and looks like quite the thrill ride for people of any age, yet even my almost 5-year-old was big enough to ride. But she chickened out, so we had to back out. If you decide to go on this ride, go first when you get there or get the TimeSaver pass and use it to skip the line here. Guests need to be at least 39”.
Big Bear Mountain This roller-coaster is a fast and fun ride through the story of getting chased by a bear. It’s also the longest coaster at the park.
Wildwood Creek Another genius creation in Wildwood Grove is the creek, which is basically a splash pad, which feels divine in 90+ degree heat.
Treetop Tower A non-scary ride for any age that goes up and spins around a couple of times before coming back down. Guests need to be at least 36”.
Mad Mockingbird I could have gone on this ride all day long. It’s a swinging ride from the carnival days of my youth but way better. Guests sit in a swing that looks like a mockingbird and are spun around in the air to the point where it feels like you’re flying. There’s a handle where you can move the bird’s wings to make the swing change position in the air. Guests need to be at least 36”.
Black Bear Trail Guests ride around on a motorized bear through some bushes and trees. It’s cute and great for kids, although I saw plenty of adults riding around on the bears, which was hilarious. Guests need to be at least 36”.
Dollywood Shows You Don’t Want to Miss!
While we missed out on most of the shows due to my kids’ ages, I enjoyed watching two shows in The Little Engine Playhouse. I love children’s books, so I was delighted to find out that the shows were based on books. I was equally impressed that the shows kept not only me entertained but my two-year-old mesmerized. Outside The Little Engine Playhouse, we also had fun watching a small magic show.
Dollywood Tip: Schedule a show for the hot part of the day to give your kids a break from the heat! The Dollywood app is a great way to keep track of the shows the day you go and you can set a reminder for ones you want to see on the app.
Each summer features a different main show, including everything from bubble shows to dog stunts. Be sure to arrive early as the theater gains a crowd quickly. The shows do not play every day, so you will want to consult the show guide as you plan your time in the park.
This year we also visited in the peak season and were able to see the nightly fireworks and drone show during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. The show was great and definitely worth staying until closing time to see. You can see the fireworks most clearly from near Firechaser at the top of the park. Most of the rides continue to run until closing time, but some of the rides up near the fireworks do close at dusk.
Dollywood Review of the Food
We ate inside the park our first year, but the food was expensive and the plates small. In later years we instead opted to pack our cooler with sandwiches and tailgated in the Dollywood parking lot. Consider bringing a couple of lawn chairs if you choose to do so. Re-entry is easy with a stamp upon exit, and the parking lot shuttle runs during the entire day. If you are willing to fork out the money, the park has great turkey legs and Aunt Granny’s is a popular place to eat inside the theme park as it’s basically an all-you-can-eat buffet. You’ll also find the famous best cinnamon bread at Grist Mill.
Dollywood Tip: You can get free ice water at any of Dollywood’s food vendors. This helps fight the heat of the summer.
The Dolly Parton Experience
New in 2024 is the Dolly Parton Experience where guests can walk through different Dolly museums that hold many of her dresses, shoes, and even wigs that she’s worn throughout her career. There are really cool sets of movies and shows she has been on, a room that looks like a giant bus as she made her way to Nashville, and papers that she wrote some of her most famous songs on.
Front of one of the buildings at the Dolly Parton Experience
You can also walk through her tour bus/RV. The Dolly Parton Experience is all part of your admission ticket is to your right when you walk into the park.
The entire experience is just so cool and you learn a lot about East Tennessee’s most famous resident and the stories behind her songs. My kids loved the “Dress Up Dolly” part where kids (or adults) use magnetic cutouts of Dolly’s dresses and wigs to dress her up on a big board in the Behind the Seams building.
Dress Up Dolly!
Definitely be sure to stop here during your time at the park. It’s worth the time to see many of Dolly’s over-the-top dresses and learn about the stories behind her most famous music.
Dollywood Extras
I felt like one of the biggest perks of visiting Dollywood was the unique variety of attractions for our family. Here are just a couple of the enjoyable spots we enjoy throughout the park:
Baby-Care Stations If you are breast-feeding or bottle-feeding an infant, you will be happy to find out that Dollywood does have a nursing station with gliders and a changing station. I also noticed several family bathrooms throughout the park. The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean during our visit.
First-Aid Stations We managed to scrape a knee within moments of getting in the park and had the opportunity to visit the first-aid station. The nurse was able to save the day by applying an Angry Bird bandage to my kid’s knee.
More Dollywood Tips for Families
Don’t miss the tram back to your parking spot just because you have a stroller! The tram has stroller parking in the front of the tram.
While you aren’t allowed to bring food in the park, you can get your hand stamped, leave the park, and reenter during the same day.
The roller-coasters have sample restraint systems outside where you can check to be sure that you fit in and are comfortable with the restraint system.
The restaurants inside the park can help warm bottles for bottle-feeding parents.
You can turn in your tickets after your visit for a credit on a season pass. The season pass is an excellent deal and costs less than three visits to Dollywood. They also have a preschooler season pass program, where you can get a free season pass for them, so you will want to keep an eye out for that deal.
You can also purchase a 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day pass to visit both Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country on the same trip.
If you’re a homeschooling family, don’t miss Homeschool Days at both parks where homeschoolers get significant discounted tickets.
I received media tickets in order to write about Dollywood but this post contains my honest opinion about our trip. We had such a great time that we have made several additional family trips to Dollywood since the original publication of this review.
More To See At Dollywood
The team at Kidding Around are huge fans of the country music legend and her amusement parks and because of that, there is no shortage of information from our trips to share with readers. If you are planning a trip to Dollywood, we encourage you to make the most out of your trip with the information offered on Kidding Around.
Homeschool Days If you are looking to have an adventure, Dollywood will be offering Homeschool Days for families that are utilizing the homeschool option. These days focus on mostly science and math – and really, what’s cooler than learning about the laws of physics by riding a roller coaster?
Christmas At Dollywood – Smoky Mountain Christmas The famous theme park becomes a mecca with over five million lights draped across every single building. Shows like It’s A Wonderful Life play throughout the month-long festival. And a Christmas parade is held nightly at 8:15 pm, an engaging entertainment show full of lights and colors.
Splash Country Water Park Dollywood is a popular place to visit for Greenville families as it’s tons of fun and only three hours away. While you’re there, you can beat the heat by spending some time at Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Dollywood 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
When selecting a name for a child, many parents are drawn to meanings that symbolize calmness, depth, and serenity. Names that mean blue are especially appealing for these reasons. The color blue has long been associated with tranquility, wisdom, and the vastness of the sky and sea, making it a powerful symbol in various cultures. This article delves into the significance of the color blue and offers an extensive list of names that mean blue, including options for girls, boys, and gender-neutral names.
Significance of Blue
Blue is a color that has held human fascination for centuries. It’s the color of the sky, the ocean, and often represents calmness, stability, and trust. In many cultures, blue symbolizes peace, depth, and spirituality.
It can also represent clarity, truth, and introspection. In some traditions, blue is seen as a protective color, believed to shield against negative energies and bring calm.
Names that mean blue are particularly meaningful, as they carry the associations of these serene and profound qualities. Source
Girl Names That Mean Blue
Azure (English): A name that refers to the bright blue color of the sky.
Cyan (Greek): Meaning “dark blue,” often used to describe a shade between blue and green.
Sapphire (Hebrew): Named after the precious blue gemstone.
Indigo (Greek): Refers to the deep blue dye derived from the indigo plant.
Livia (Latin): A name meaning “blue” or “bluish.”
Neela (Sanskrit): Meaning “sapphire blue.”
Skye (Scottish): Inspired by the blue sky or the Isle of Skye.
Maya (Sanskrit): In some interpretations, associated with the color blue.
Aoi (Japanese): Meaning “blue” or “hollyhock flower.”
Zarina (Persian): Meaning “golden” but also linked to blue in some cultures.
Blue (English): Directly refers to the color.
Jin (Chinese): Meaning “bright blue.”
Teal (English): A name that refers to a greenish-blue color.
Amaris (Hebrew): Meaning “promised by God,” sometimes associated with blue.
Nila (Sanskrit): Meaning “blue” or “sapphire.”
Cerulean (Latin): Refers to a sky-blue color.
Clara (Latin): Meaning “bright” or “clear,” often associated with blue skies.
Aqua (Latin): Meaning “water,” often associated with the blue color.
Lapis (Latin): Refers to the deep blue gemstone, lapis lazuli.
Ruka (Japanese): Meaning “bright blue flower.” Source
Boy Names That Mean Blue
Blu (English): A modern variation of Blue, often used as a nickname.
Cyan (Greek): Meaning “dark blue.”
Indigo (Greek): A deep blue dye or color, derived from the indigo plant.
Jay (Latin): A name associated with the blue jay bird.
Kai (Hawaiian): Meaning “sea,” often associated with blue.
Azul (Spanish): Directly means “blue.”
Neel (Sanskrit): Meaning “sapphire blue.”
Navy (English): Refers to the deep, dark blue color of navy uniforms.
Steel (English): Associated with a strong blue-gray color.
Slate (English): A name referring to a bluish-gray stone.
Teal (English): A name referring to a greenish-blue color.
Denim (French): Refers to the sturdy fabric, often blue in color.
Aoki (Japanese): Meaning “blue tree.”
Cobalt (German): A deep blue element and color.
Skyler (Dutch): Linked to the sky, often associated with blue.
Ronan (Irish): Meaning “little seal,” connected with the blue sea.
Jiro (Japanese): Meaning “second son,” sometimes associated with blue.
Saxon (Germanic): Associated with a bluish-gray tone.
Mazarine (French): Refers to a deep blue color.
Bode (German): A name meaning “messenger,” often associated with blue skies.
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Blue
Azure (English): Refers to the bright blue color of the sky.
Cyan (Greek): Meaning “dark blue,” used for both boys and girls.
Indigo (Greek): A deep blue dye and color, suitable for any gender.
Sky (English): A name that evokes the blue sky, fitting for any gender.
Teal (English): Refers to a greenish-blue color, commonly used as a unisex name.
Blue (English): Directly refers to the color, used for both boys and girls.
Ocean (English): A name that evokes the blue sea, fitting for any gender.
River (English): Associated with the flow of blue water, often used as a gender-neutral name.
Lapis (Latin): Refers to the blue gemstone, lapis lazuli, suitable for any gender.
Aoi (Japanese): Meaning “blue,” used for both boys and girls.
Denim (French): Refers to the blue fabric, suitable for any gender.
Cobalt (German): A deep blue element and color, fitting for any gender.
Slate (English): Refers to a bluish-gray stone, often used as a unisex name.
Navy (English): A name referring to the dark blue color, fitting for any gender.
Ruka (Japanese): Meaning “bright blue flower,” suitable for any gender.
Kai (Hawaiian): Meaning “sea,” often associated with blue, fitting for any gender.
Blu (English): A modern, short version of Blue, used for any gender.
Ocean (English): A name evoking the vast blue sea, fitting for any gender.
Mazarine (French): Refers to a deep blue color, suitable for any gender.
Robin (English): Associated with the bird, often linked to a blue-gray color, fitting for any gender.
Summary!
Names that mean blue carry a serene and powerful symbolism, reflecting qualities like tranquility, wisdom, and depth.
Whether you’re looking for a name for a girl, boy, or a gender-neutral option, there are plenty of names that embody the calming and profound spirit of the color blue.
Americans with Down syndrome and a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia were six times more likely to have do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders placed at admission than patients with the same illness without Down syndrome, according to a study in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part C.
Scientists examined billing codes and claims data for 1.7 million patients at 825 U.S. hospitals between January 2019 and June 2022, looking at DNR status for people with and without Down syndrome. They found those with Down syndrome had a six-fold chance of having DNR status ordered for COVID pneumonia compared to those without the diagnosis of Down syndrome.
“The reason this matters is that if people with Down syndrome are more often listed as DNR then it could have implications on the care offered at end of life,” says co-author Dr. Stephanie Santoro, a clinical geneticist and director of quality improvement research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program in Boston. “During COVID, people in the disability community were concerned that there could be rationing of ventilators or differences in care offered to patients if they had DNR listed in their chart.”
The study was the brainchild of Dr. Jennifer Jett, who works in the department of hospice and palliative care at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, Utah. “She had a great interest in palliative care and we found there isn’t much research looking at end-of-life and palliative care for people with Down syndrome,” Stephanie says. “COVID was still new and we were trying to wrap our minds around it on a medical side. People in the disability community were concerned about how this might play out for people with intellectual disability. We were seeing restrictions on people being able to visit their loved ones in group homes and hospitals. We cite an article by Dr. Caitlin Chicoine called Ableism at the bedside, and her experience with how DNR status was being listed for a 60-year-old patient with Down syndrome.”
In the Chicoine article, the authors “contend that pervasive ableism among medical providers leads to a variation in the medical care options that are provided to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.”
Stephanie says there were concerns that “people with and without disabilities should be treated equally throughout the lifespan, including at end of life.”
It’s important to note that the DNR orders in the new study were placed at admission, not later in the course of a patient’s treatment when their condition had worsened.
Stephanie says research shows that people with Down syndrome do become more ill with respiratory infections, so the scientists wondered if these patients had presented with more severe symptoms, and that was the cause for the increase in DNR status. “But we couldn’t find any covariables, or intervening variables, that explained the difference in DNR,” she says. In other words, the patients with Down syndrome were not more likely to be listed as DNR because they were sicker than other patients.
“I think most of our team were pretty surprised by it and not sure what to make of it, and a little unsettled by it as well,” Stephanie says. “In general, people with Down syndrome are leading healthy, happy, productive lives. I think the DNR status rate should likely be the same as for people without Down syndrome.”
Stephanie says more data and studies on people with Down syndrome and end-of-life care are needed. “We need to ask people with Down syndrome directly what their thoughts on end-of-life care are,” she says. “I don’t know of any studies that have looked into that in detail. This is an open question for researchers and people who are interested in this field.”
Dr. Stephanie Santoro sees patients with Down syndrome through the lifespan, and also does prenatal consultation for pregnant women expecting a child with Down syndrome. She notes that the Down syndrome program at Massachusetts General follows patients as children and adults.
Want to learn to fence in Greenville, SC? Check out Foothills Fencing Academy!
In college I was forced to choose between a multitude of courses worth only a couple credits to fulfill some obligation that I can’t remember now. But I do remember being psyched that Fencing was an option – so I signed up and couldn’t wait to wield my sword as a bad ass Medieval princess that I wish I was born as.
It was challenging but it was really, really fun. I had no idea the coordination and strength it took to learn the footwork, the proper way to earn points against your opponent, and the workout that every class entailed. I managed to pass the course, even toppling some of my male classmates in the process, and developed an unparalleled confidence that still lingers even today, long after my Russian instructor went back to coaching Olympians.
Here in the Greenville area, the Foothills Fencing Academy (FFA) is an awesome facility that teaches fencing to both kids and adults, even producing NCAA athletes and high-level fencers that go on to compete in worldwide tournaments.
Foothills Fencing Academy
The Foothills Fencing Academy is located in Piedmont, SC, only a 15-minute drive from downtown Greenville, and consists of a 4,000 square foot, air-conditioned facility with six tournament strips (they are like small runways but people-sized) which are on a raised wooden floor in order to provide better protection for joints than a concrete or tile floor.
The FFA offers open fencing time as well as classes and summer camps. The FFA is the finest fencing facility in the entire area and all their coaches are professional members of the USA Fencing, certified by the USFCA and have undergone background checks.
Why Fencing?
Fencing is a great way to develop coordination, agility, discipline, strength, balance and focus. Fencers must problem-solve quickly, assess situations, and learn how to think strategically – all crucial life-skills outside of the sport of fencing.
Fencing is also a wonderful activity to stay fit and healthy, work muscles from your feet and ankles all the way up through your shoulders and neck. It’s a sport of both mind and body.
Fall Classes
Whether you’re 8 or 38, Foothills Fencing Academy can introduce you to the fascinating sport of “Physical Chess” with their beginner classes for kids and their parents too! Beginner classes cover the basics – including the rules of fencing, footwork, blade work, and tactics. Fencers will develop coordination, discipline, speed, endurance and balance. By participating in three sessions of classes, students will learn the basic fundamentals of all three weapons. Oh yeah, its a fun sport in an air conditioned facility!
In addition to adult, family, and youth classes, private lessons are available as well. Plus they host homeschool groups, after-school groups, or church groups.
They provide all the safety equipment for an introductory period but fencers must purchase their own gear after two months of training.
Beginner Classes
Beginner classes, also known as Fencing 101, run in 4 week sessions and begin September 9th. But no worries if you’re not that quick because new classes will kick off again throughout the fall! There are two age groups: ages 7-12 and ages 13+ years old. All equipment needed is furnished for the first two months; all you need is the right clothing! Cost is $125.
For more details visit their website or call 864.593.3684.
Adult Beginner Classes
Fencing is a sport for all ages! The USA Fencing Association sanctions tournaments for adults, beginning with competitors as young as 13 years of age, as well as exclusive tournaments for specific age brackets ranging up to 70 years and over! This is also a great class to share some time for parent and teen.
Beginner classes for age 8-10: A weekly one hour session introduces students to fencing while improving coordination and critical thinking. Coaches use a mixture of fun games and discipline teach your child the basic fundamentals they need to begin fencing.
Beginner Classes for ages 8-18: This hour-long class introduces your child to each of the three Olympic style fencing weapons. Students learn to move and hit safely. They are introduced to the basic rules, footwork, blade work, and tactics of each weapon.
Family Beginner Classes: these are a great chance to get the whole family involved and learn a new sport.
The USA Fencing Association sanctions tournaments for youth, beginning with 10 and under programs. Boys and girls participate together locally, but compete separately at national tournament events. The coaches will use fencing games and lots of fun to introduce your child to this exciting sport!
“The reality is that, while Maria is clearly a cognitively bright young lady, she wouldn’t necessarily be considered gifted in any particular area.”
“In talking with Maria, it is clear that her family and instructors have historically viewed her as being intellectually quite bright and an underachiever.”
These are not a passive-aggressive bully’s words, a sibling’s backhanded compliment, or careless remarks delivered at a parent-teacher conference. These are the very deliberate words of a neurologist, neuropsychologist, and medical-education specialist following my ADHD evaluation in childhood. The intended audience: my parents, my family physician, and my teachers.
The clinic’s problematic “assessment” and cruel words still haunt me years later. I didn’t read their words until I was in my 40s, and I finally understood why I had a decades-long habit of telling people I have no special talents. The specialists stated in scientific terms that I, a child, was a talentless loser. My parents and my family physician believed them without question. What could my parents have done differently?
Despite education and experience, we know that experts make mistakes all the time. It’s why we frequently seek second medical opinions. My parents certainly needed one when the politely insulting report described my problems as “common” with ADHD, but the tone of the recommendations was “do better.” A second opinion would have offered my parents another analysis of my behaviors. Most importantly, I could have had a chance at a better life.
But my parents – education experts – were inclined to go along with what the evaluators said, as they shared similar vocational backgrounds. Though my mother still harbored some suspicions that I had ADHD, she and my father ultimately assumed that I was failing my classes on purpose. They made sure to share their theories about my behaviors with my teachers, who were more inclined to default to their opinions rather than their own judgment about my classroom behavior they saw every day.
What I Cannot Forgive
I can forgive science not catching up in time. (After all, it’s been more than 30 years since that evaluation and we’re still working to better understand ADHD in girls.) What I cannot forgive is my parents and the clinic for the cruelty, sexism, and failure to recognize the fact that I didn’t want to do poorly. In any setting, telling someone they do not have any special talents or that they’re an underachiever is an appalling insult.
The rest of the report would eventually prove hilariously inaccurate. “During the evaluation Maria did not demonstrate many of the learning deficits often observed in adolescents with a primary attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,” reads part of the report. Thirty-one years later, I received my ADHD diagnosis at age 44.
Ironically, the experts who wrote the report that detailed my carelessness and sloppiness also committed typographical, punctuation, and grammatical errors along with listing my incorrect home address on every page and misspelling my last name. Perhaps they were gifted in other areas? Unfortunately, those doctors didn’t provide their full names in the “scientific” report they authored, so I was never able to track them down to find out. What a relief for them.
Undiagnosed ADD: Next Steps
Maria Reppas lives with her family on the East Coast. Visit her on X and at mariareppas.com.
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