EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Early Years (2-6)
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Programs involve you, him and her For years, Melanie Clarke’s full-time job pretty much dictated how she spent her weekdays. A successful sales executive, she was often on the road, visiting current clients and landing new ones. Lunch dates, meetings, phone calls, reports and lots and lots of follow-up, her days were fast-paced and full. That changed after her second daughter, Gracie, was born. Soon after her birth, Melanie left her job of 20 years and was faced with a new dilemma: how to stimulate herself and her youngest daughter, who recently turned 5. “After I quit, I felt isolated because I didn’t know anybody; all of my friends that I had were working,” says the Trabuco Canyon resident. Like a growing number of mothers, Melanie joined a local MOMS Club as a way to provide socialization for both her and Gracie. Dozens exist in Orange County, as do specialty ones, such as one for women of color and another for adoptive parents. These groups not only serve as a support system but also provide activities for infants and toddlers. Park days, fitness activities, crafts, Moms Night Out and service projects are just a few of the programs offered. While MOMS Clubs are plentiful – there are 2,000 such groups in the United States – there are an array of other activities that you and your toddler can participate in together. Here are a few to consider. Storytime: Share the magic and joy of books with your child during one of many storytimes offered throughout the county. Among the many picks, the Orange County Public Library offers several, including a Pajama Storytime in Aliso Viejo, Family Evening Storytime in Fountain Valley and Bilingual Storytime in La Habra. Call your local branch for details. Also check with nearby bookstores as many also offer weekly readings. For some added adventure, consider Newport Harbor Nautical Museum’s “Story Time at Pirates Cove.” The one-hour program, featuring music, stories and crafts, is presented on the first Wednesday of the month. Outdoor exploration: Take to the outdoors with your toddler at one of the many area nature centers. Two centers that offer an array of programs are the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach and Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim. Among the age-oriented activities are hikes, crafts and live animal shows. Hands-on adventure: Orange County is home to a number of “edu-tainment” centers, which offer both an entertainment and education component. Parents and toddlers can learn about science, for example, through more than 120 hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Science Center. Or pack a lunch, grab a friend and head to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. The zoo is home to more than 200 animals. Highlights include train rides for kids, an assortment of exotic plants and special events throughout the year. You and your toddler will also have the opportunity to touch and feed farms animals and learn what it is like to be a zookeeper at the Crean Family Farm. Interactive fun: Mommy and Me programs represent another popular option for families. Parents and their children ages 2-4, for example, can tumble, play games, create arts projects and more at Kid’s Gym’s “Mini Gym” program. Gymboree also offers a similar program. Among the activities are singing, dancing and instrument playing. Also, check with your local recreation department for upcoming mommy and me classes in your area. Whatever you pick, the key is to make time for such experiences. The rest – new friendships, bonding and growing with your child – will fall into place. Calendar Coordinator Tracy Bennett did the research and reporting for this article. |
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