Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in west la, CA

Why Preschool is a Safe Place for Parents to Grow Up

by Susan Choi

August 24, 2009

Last week my oldest daughter started kindergarten camp at her new school. It is hard to believe she has hit this milestone already but here she is. I don't quite understand why she is so excited to start kindergarten. Maybe she got a secret memo that all students will be assigned a unicorn and a fairy godmother. In any case, when we got to the campus which appeared to be as large as a college campus, my daughter proudly walked through the gates. As I walked her to her class, we passed by ten foot boys and girls, and I wondered silently what high school students were doing on the campus. Then I realized that fifth graders are literally twice my daughter's age. I wrapped both of my arms around her as we walked, afraid of the moment that I would have to leave her for the day. We entered her classroom and were welcomed by a dozen students and a friendly teacher. My daughter gave me a kiss goodbye and tried to send me on my way. I left extremely reluctantly. When I found out there was a field trip at the end of the week, I asked if they needed any chaperons. "Nope, we're all set. It's time to let your little birdie leave the nest." Okay, maybe she didn't say that "leaving the nest" comment but that was the look she gave me when I asked to tag along on the field trip. I got back into the car and sobbed. I called my mom for comfort but all she could hear on the other end was high-pitched wailing.  

As I smothered my toddler son the rest of that day (I refuse to let my baby grow up in warp speed like my oldest has), I realized how wonderful preschool is. It is a small, safe environment for parents to learn how to slowly let go of our children. I'm sure you probably think I am one of those parents who coddles her children and whose life revolves around them. Believe it or not, I am not...which is why I was so shocked by how emotional I got the day of kindergarten camp (I'm already prepared to completely lose it on the real first day of kindergarten). But I just felt like I was dropping a guppy into a tank full of sharks and hoping she survives the day.  

I admit that I cried on the first day of preschool too. But that was for totally different reasons. She's my first born and I felt like it was the first big leap towards her imminent departure from my home...you know...for college. But it wasn't a sense of panic that brought on the tears. It was just the understanding that I had to let go. Preschool is wonderful for that (I realize that I am speaking from a full-time mom's perspective so I apologize). It is the first time that we learn to entrust our children into the hands of others, and also learn to trust our children. It is a place where all the little things we hope we are teaching them are practiced without us hovering over them--like washing hands after using the potty, not snatching toys away from others, and taking turns. It is the first time that they choose their own friends. We can't tell them to stay away from the boy who likes to say poo-poo too much or the girl who eats her boogers. It is a G-rated world where the S word is s-t-u-p-i-d.  

Preschool is where parents take that first step towards not being the eyes, ears, and brain for your little ones. You are eased into it. Sometimes just twice a week for three hours at a time. And even then, when your kid picks up a bad habit from another kid in class, that sense of dread washes over you like a shot of Nyquil. It's not pleasant at first, but after a while, you feel warm and tingly. If it wasn't for that girl with the older brother who has been teaching my child how to making farting noises with her armpits, my child would still be perfect! But you realize that the trade-off is kind of nice. During that time away from your child, you could go to the gym, the grocery store, clean the house, and read the first ten chapters of War and Peace--wow, was I always this efficient with an extra two hours of time? Or you actually spend some one on one time with your baby who you never noticed had blue eyes because all those months you were breastfeeding, you were holding your baby in one arm, and wiping your newly potty-trained son's butt with the other. In any case, you get used to it pretty darn quickly. You embrace the idea of your child attending preschool and feel like this is going to be it. For two years, you are surrounded by the same twelve kids, you know all the moms, dads, nannies, siblings, grandparents, second cousins twice removed. It is a safe world. Then the world as you know it is ripped from you like a band-aid on a hairy arm. It hurts. A lot.

I know that I will get used to kindergarten and elementary school. I can't help but feel all the more grateful for preschool--the safety and comfort it provided me, as a parent, to let go of my child slowly, before entering the big world of grade school. And with that, I bid you adieu, Savvy readers. This is my last week. I am enjoyed my tenure but it is time for me to move on. I leave you in the capable hands of Elise Crane Derby, a former preschool teacher and blogger extraordinaire!

 

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For the Mature Funny Bones: Humorous Books for Adults

by Susan Choi

August 03, 2009

Last week we talked about funny books and characters for your kids. This week, let's talk about funny books and characters for adults. In 2000 BC (i.e. before children), I was into high brow humor, movies, books. I wanted my entertainment to be a cerebral experience. Yes, I was a snob but I just thought I should be enlightened as much as possible. Now, watching someone slip on a banana peel and pass gas would be my idea of a perfect comedy. Nothing that requires too much thought or concentration since I am generally trying to fold laundry, pay bills, or respond to emails while I am watching a DVD. And those rare nights I can lie down and read a good book (aside from Twilight), I really enjoy reading comedy. These are a few books that I have read recently that were great ways of being amused and entertained.

Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott--I actually read this book a while ago when in the midst of two kids under the age of two, and feeling sorry for myself. Reading this book helped me to feel grateful for my spouse, my support network, and my faith. But it also allowed me to laugh at myself as I could relate to the never ending poop episodes and the vacillating emotions of love and fury that I felt towards my children, depending on my level of sleep deprivation. Mostly, it helped me to realize that I wasn't alone. Our lives with our children are both magical and mundane. Her book reminded me to laugh--especially when I wanted to wallow in self-pity.

Porn for New Moms by Cambridge Women's Pornography Cooperative and Susan Anderson--Before you call up my editor to get me fired for recommending this book, it's not what you think. Yes, there are pictures of half-naked men with bedroom eyes and suggestive poses. But these photos are coupled with quotes like, "Damn! You look hot in those sweatpants! or "Don't worry, honey. Your mother and I will take wonderful care of the baby while you and your girlfriends are at the spa." I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It is a great book to give to a new mom (who has a good sense of humor)--just be sure to read through it yourself first. I guarantee it will have you wiping tears from your eyes from both laughter and perhaps wishing that those words would come out of your spouse's mouth.

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson--Everyone has their favorite cartoon characters. Calvin and Hobbes is mine. In college, whenever I wanted to take a break from studying, I would pull out my books and just start rolling on the ground laughing. I was reading the books again the other day and it has now taken on a new dimension for me. Whenever I hear my girls playing games and randomly applying a new rule to the game that would put things in their favor, it reminds me of Calvin. I think Mr. Watterson did such a great job in capturing the creativity and hilarity of childhood. Before, I just found it funny. Now, I can relate to the inner workings of a devious child's mind.

David Sedaris--For NPR listeners, you may recognize his name from his humorous special commentaries. I enjoyed listening to Mr. Sedaris on the radio and stumbled upon his books recently. After reading them, all I can say is, I am grateful that I did not grow up in the Sedaris household. Luckily, someone else did and lived to tell the story. I have read two of his books, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Naked. They are so funny but I really appreciate the fact that he and his siblings grew up to become functioning members of society. It gives me hope that my kids will survive growing up under my roof and escape my crazy mothering skills relatively unscathed.

Don't forget to take time to laugh with your spouse, with your kids and by yourself today!






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People Who Need People: Making Friends for You and Your Children

by Susan Choi

June 01, 2009

When my older daughter was four-months old, we moved from the Bay Area to Los Angeles. Back in the Bay Area, I had so many friends who had children so I would have been very comfortable with a support group already established. Moving to a new city with a new baby and no friends was terrifying. We first moved into an apartment near Roxbury Park so I walked there almost daily in the hopes of meeting new people. That's when I realized how much I sucked at being outgoing, friendly, vivacious. There was a reason I was in yearbook and not in cheerleading in high school. So I would sit on the park bench with my daughter whose physical activity was limited to drooling and wondered why it was hard to make friends for my daughter and me. Five years later and two more kids later, I am going through a similar process with my one year old son. But this time around, it is so much easier. Here is what I have learned along the way to making friends for my children and me:

No mom (or dad) is an island. Whether you are a working parent or a full-time parent, you need to find a support group beyond your family. Fellow moms and dads are great at empathizing, being a sounding board, or giving advice for situations that only we could understand. Also, being a first-time parent is scary. It is very helpful to hang out with other parents so you realize that you're not the only one who feels like you're drowning in diapers, onesies and the occasional self-pity.

Can't we all just get along? I love being in LA for many reasons. One of them is the diversity of people you'll meet. And as many different parenting philosophies there are out there, you will meet the parents who follow them, from Dr. Sears to Dr. Dobson to everything in between. For the most part, everyone is accepting of each other and we learn from each other. From family beds to breastfeeding toddlers to disciplining, I feel like I seen it all and it is great because my kids have seen it all too. What we have learned is that we're all different but we're all okay. It has lead to some interesting questions from a two year old like, "Why does John have two moms?" but like a beauty pageant contestant, I manage to answer the questions with grace and poise, and wrap it all up with world peace.

The Dating Game. When I first moved down and was trying to meet people, it was like I was out in the dating scene again. I was going to mommy and me classes and moms group, scoping out the landscape. After talking to a mom a few times, the class time ends with the mental game: should I get her number or ask if she wants to hang out after class? I remember the first time I got asked out to playdate, I called my husband so excited. "She asked me for my number and wants to go out together on Thursday!" These days I am less desperate to meet people, but I am also more outgoing. I don't hesitate to get a phone number and schedule a playdate. I figured there is nothing to lose and who knows? I might end up meeting a new lifelong friend for me and my children.

Here, There, Everywhere. Wondering where to start meeting other parents? They're everywhere! Classes, parks, and recreation centers. I have met my friends through mommy and me classes, my daughters' preschool, church, this blogsite, and trying on maternity clothes at Old Navy. It's amazing how much people are seeking community and how many cool parents you can meet. I keep thinking of the profound song that is sung during an Elmo's World episode on friends. I'll leave you with the words (doing this from memory since I've seen it oh, 547 times, but if some of the words of off, please forgive me):

Stretch out your hand and say hello
You might meet someone just like you who's really good to know
It's really fun to see how friendships grow
when you stretch out your hand and say
ain't life just grand and say hello!
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Weekend Warrior: Mother's Day

by Susan Choi

May 07, 2009

Mother's Day is here! Or as I like to call it "a day to shirk my daily duties and do stuff for myself." In other words, nothing involving my three lovely children--spa time, a sophisticated meal, and sleep. But I suppose I would be willing to sneak in a few hours of family time to partake in one of the following activities:

The Hidden Garden Floral Designs on Pico Blvd near Sepulveda is hosting a Mother's Day special. Your children (supervised by an adult) can design a beautiful arrangement for Mom for $65 per arrangement. Stop by on Saturday at 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm and create a personalized floral arrangement, lovingly made by your children.

All the fire stations in the city of Los Angeles will be hosting open houses on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop by, take a tour of the station, and say thanks to these brave men and women for their services.

The first of a monthly series called Drum Downtown is starting at the Music Center. Come this Saturday from 10 am to 11:30 am and enjoy this free event (first come, first served). Hand drums, shakers, tambourines, and other percussion instruments will be provided for you and your children to rock out. Bring non-perishable food or personal care items to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

The Japanese American National Museum is sponsoring a free family day on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. This month's theme is Hawai'i. All-day craft activities such as making an origami Aloha shirt, creating a lei, "shaved ice" tissue paper artwork and making Mother's Day cards.

Baby Loves Disco is on again this Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at the Cinespace in Hollywood. $15 in advance, $18 at door.

Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch is one of our favorite books. He will be at Zimmer Museum to read his book on Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm. In honor of Mother's day, all women are admitted free to the museum. Children will celebrate Mother's Day at the Museum by making special Mother's day cards.

Critter Club is for three to five years olds at the Natural History Museum . This Sunday at 10:15 am, you can visit the gardens where you can meet and release helpful bug friends. Take home your very own seedling! Free with museum admission.

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"Me" Time at The Beauty Space

by Susan Choi

April 27, 2009

Thanks to the fabulous hubby, I was able to do a mini-vacation with my girlfriends last weekend. We stayed overnight at a local hotel, ate tons of food, sang karaoke and yip yapped until 3 am. The next morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, we went over to a new hand and foot salon on Melrose Avenue. (One of my girlfriends is pregnant with her first, so soaking in a hot tub and other favorite spa activities were off the list.)

The Beauty Space, located inside the M Salon on Melrose Avenue, is owned by a fellow mom of a preschooler. Let's face it Moms, when we actually have a chance to go out and do something for ourselves, it has to be worth the effort, right? Time away from the kids is a luxury in itself, but wouldn't it be nice if that time is spent with an amazing spa experience? And...drum roll please...it is affordable? That is what The Beauty Space is. My girlfriends and I had such a wonderful time that I felt it was worth highlighting. The owner, Neferteri, is offering the following Mother's Day package for Savvy readers:

ROSE PETAL Manicure & Pedicure ~ Valued at $95
Illuminating Sea Salt Scrub ~ Valued at $20
Mandarin Honey 10min Hand & Foot Massage ~ Valued at $15
Moisture Lock Hand & Foot Paraffin Dip ~ Valued at $20
Fresh Fruit, Pastries, and Drinks ~ Valued at $15
Silky Eye Brow Design ~ $20 NOW FREE

TOTAL VALUE: $180

$52 MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL!

This offer expires: June 6th, 2009

Receive a $10 gift voucher for your next visit if you book before May 9th, 2009

M Salon Full Service~Beauty Space Spa 8209 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

(310) 654-9852

All tools were clean and sterile. The manicurist was very conscientious. It is a little space within the salon but the ambiance is great. When calling the salon, ask for Neferteri and ask for the Savvy Mother's Day special. Since it is a small space, I would recommend going by yourself or with a girlfriend. If you would like to bring your daughter with you (no active kids please), she can sit on your lap while you soak your feet, but there aren't extra people around to give your kid a mini manicure. This isn't your local nail salon, this is a hand and foot spa! There is an esthetician and hair stylists on site as well. So indulge in a little "me" time. You deserve it!

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Weekend Warrior: Last Week of April and a Pat on My Back

by Susan Choi

April 23, 2009

I feel like I say this every month but I can't believe it is already the end of the month! April flew by and May is around the corner. For many students, May is the last month of school! Yikes! Already? Do you have your summer plans set yet? If not, check out the Camps and Classes section of the main Savvy Source site. I'll share a few favorites on Tuesday. Until then, there are some fun activities available this weekend--many of them are free to the public!

Is your daughter a Fancy Nancy fan? Then RSVP for a special Storyopolis and the Geffen Playhouse event featuring Robin Press Glasser, the illustrator of the Fancy Nancy books. She will be presenting her new book Tea for Ruby, which was written by Sarah Ferguson, the dutchess of York. This free event is on Saturday at 11 am. Advance RSVP is required by emailing education (at) geffenplayhouse (dot) com. Please indicate the number of people in your party.

On Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, the Los Angeles Times is hosting their annual Festival of Books at UCLA. This event features authors and musicians, and has something for everyone, regardless of your subject preference or age. This event is free but tickets are required for indoor panel and speaker sessions (available through ticketmaster.com).

Taiko Center of LA will be performing at the Mark Taper Auditorium on Saturday at 2 pm. The mission of the Taiko Center of LA is to preserve this Japanese art form of drumming. Therefore performances are often free to the public, and participation in classes and workshops is welcomed.

Pillow Theatre at the LA Music Center is hosting another free event for preschoolers. This month's performance is ZunZun, musical theatre duo Stephen Snyder and Gwynne Cropsey, blend a variety of folkloric instruments, storytelling and comedy to celebrate the vast array of sights, sounds, stories and songs of the endangered rain forests of the Americas. The Rain Forest Sings (La Selva Canta) is a musical journey filled with songs about monkeys, snakes, jaguars, the rainforest canopy, and an orchestra of birds performed in Spanish, English and Portuguese. Performances are at 10 am and 11 am. This event is free but tickets are required. The box office will be open one hour prior to each performance.

The Murad Inclusive Health Center and Spa invites all new, seasoned and expecting moms to enjoy a day filled with treats and tips for moms and moms-to-be. On Saturday from 12 noon to 4 pm, Murad's team of experts will provide guests with the most up-to-date tips and trends in diet, nutrition and acupuncture. Indulge in Mama Mio and Mineral Essence products and free makeovers and receive a complimentary Murad gift product for scheduling a Murad signature treatment. Attendees will enjoy a free 30 minute yoga class, receive Murad Skin evaluations and be pampered! No cost to attend, just RSVP.

At the Skirball Cultural Center on Sunday at 10 am, create your very own 3D superhero figure to take home. After drawing inspiration from the galleries, head over to the art studio and use clay, glue, fabric, and other special materials. Fee includes admission to workshop and Noah's Ark: $25 Child-Adult Pair; $15 Member Child-Adult Pair; $5 per additional Adult or Child. Entrance to Noah's Ark at 10 am and studio art workshop begins at 11:30 am.

This weekend, there are two really important walks you can participate in:
March for Babies is sponsored by March of Dimes. It will be held at Exposition Park on Saturday at 8 am (registration at 7 am).
Children's Cancer Research Fund is sponsoring a Kids 4 Kids 5K Run/Walk in Century City on Sunday at 10 am (registration at 8 am).
Please click on the respective links for more information and to register.

Not to toot my own horn but GoCityKids-LA added West LA Savvy Source as an exceptional local blog site for parents. If you like us too, go on their site to get more information on other events going on throughout the week, and give us a rating and review (subliminal text: five stars, best local blog). Thanks!

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Health Tips for Busy Parents: Guest Post

by Susan Choi

March 09, 2009

I have a confession. I go to drive-thru fast food at least once a week, sometimes more. It's just that I often find myself hungry and stuck in the car driving the kids around for a couple hours. So I grab something quick and dirty. And I wonder why I still haven't lost any weight since my son was born over a year ago...So the following guest post comes at the perfect time for those of us who need to some advice on how to squeeze in some exercise and smart food choices in a jiffy!

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5 Basic Boosts for Busy Parents From Two Spicy Moms
Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD and Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, LDN (on behalf of trim®)

1) Kick Up Your Heels - Don't make exercise a daunting chore. Have a 20-minute dance party with the kids. Everyone gets to pick one song. Try out different rhythms or steps like hula, cha-cha, the twist or the oldie-but-goodie chicken dance.

2) Faster Fruits- Often, we are so focused on getting our children to eat healthy, we forget about ourselves (sound familiar?) And most of us need to at least double our daily dose of fruit. So, instead of trying to count that strawberry cheesecake as a serving, try:

1/2 cup applesauce - Add a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg

1 can of trim® Juice drink - New from Tree Top, one can counts as a 1/2 cup of fruit serving and comes in yum flavors like Mango Peach and Strawberry Kiwi)

1/4 cup dried fruit - Try tossed into cereal, over a salad or eaten on the go

3) Satiety is the new buzzword in healthy eating-it's that feeling of satisfaction after a meal or snack. It makes sense - if you are satisfied longer, you won't scarf down those extra calories you really don't need (like the remnants of junior's PB&J.) Fiber has great satiating power.  Shoot for getting more fiber by choosing cereals with five grams or more fiber per serving, tossing a can of beans into a pasta dish, having a small bowl of popcorn  or enjoying a single serve can of trim® which has three grams of fiber per serving.

4) Get Some Extra Zs - That sounds dreamy but how do you get your head on the pillow when you are multi-tasking long after the kids are in bed? Research shows that a good night sleep can reduce stress, improve your memory and even increase your success at weight loss. While experts recommend at least 8 hours a night, start by going to bed just 15 minutes early. Do that every night for a month - and see how you feel (and if you can, up it another 15 minutes.) And yes, this is one of Deanna's New Year's resolutions.

5) Cover Your Bases - As dietitians, we recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from food first. But as moms, we know you can't have it all. Add a basic multivitamin to your morning routine just to be sure. But remember, it's called a supplement because it SUPPLEMENTS your diet (rather than replaces food) - and really, we're all about keeping as much tasty and healthy food in your diet as possible!)
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Looking back at 2008

by Susan Choi

December 30, 2008

What an amazing year it has been at Savvy Source West LA! The site officially launched in May with Nina Moon and she filled the treasure troves with tons of toddler-friendly times. Savvy source West LA has advice on what to do with your kiddies during sunny days , rainy days , weekend days , and special days . Interested in art ? music ? books ? No problem. We've got it covered. Want  Read more...

Date Night at a Coffee Shop

by Nina Moon

July 17, 2008

Since my youngest is only two months old and still nursing on demand, when my husband and I do get to go out on our own, we usually give ourselves about two hours. Besides, since we'd prefer to put our two-year-old to bed ourselves, we're usually not out of the house till after 8pm. By 10:30pm we're more focused on keeping our eyes from shutting than reveling in romance. We're wild and crazy  Read more...

All About Me -- Date Night at the Hollywood Bowl

by Nina Moon

June 19, 2008

When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I were told time and time again, The best thing you can do for your marriage after you have kids is to have regular date nights. It's sage advice, but when you combine a nursing newborn, the high cost of childcare and two exhausted parents, date nights end up pretty low on the to do list. Now that we're starting to get this whole  Read more...

Where the Moms are - Pacific Theatres' Monday Morning Mommy Movies

by Nina Moon

June 06, 2008

Before my eldest was born, I never even considered how easy it was for me to go to the movies. It didn't take long, however, for me to realize that my movie going days were over, at least for the foreseeable future. The first movie I watched several months after Caius was born ( The Devil Wears Prada ! Mmmmclothes) was also the last one I watched that year. It's been me and Netflix ever since.  Read more...

Princess for a Day -- So you want to be the Greatest Mom on Earth?

by Nina Moon

May 19, 2008

Sometimes, girls just wanna have fun. I don't have a daughter (yet!), but I did have The Greatest Mom on Earth who made sure to plan special mother-daughter days where I was basically pampered silly. And although there are tons of places to have fun on a much more modest scale, why not splurge a little? After all, Los Angeles is such a great place to be pampered. Start your day at the Grove  Read more...