Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day 2016 with Kids in Lubbock

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Earth Day 2016 – Friday April 22nd
shutterstock_175991945_Earth day flower

Earth Day is always a great chance to get our kids in the spirit of being green and saving green!… helping them make the connection that their world really does affect our world …. and that every day is truly Earth Day!  Lubbock offers many events and activities that can be a fun way to celebrate and educate!

1.  Shop the Annual Plant Sale at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.
Saturday 4/16 from 9am-3pm the Arboretum at 41st & University will be buzzing with fun, plants & rain barrel kits to select, and a Kids Zone for young gardeners with races, snacks and garden activities!  The Native Plant Society will be there selling water-wise plants and the Lubbock Master Gardeners will also be there to help and answer questions.  Great earth-friendly items for our homes at great prices with proceeds going to organizations that help make our earth better!

2. Pack a snack and take a FREE Citibus ride.
On Earth day, Friday April 22nd, Citibus celebrates by offering FREE rides!  So grab the kids, and a picnic and ride the bus to a favorite location.  See their website for routes.

3. Plant flowers at Hodges Community Center.
On Earth day, Friday April 22nd from 3-5pm, take the kids by Hodges for some good, clean, dirty fun helping plant beautiful flowers!  The perfect Earth Day event!

4. Plan to attend the next Second Saturday event at the Arboretum .
A great, free monthly event at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum that features speakers and info centered on earth-friendly practices.

5.  Checkout the South Plains Water Expo.
From 11am – 3:00pm on Saturday 4/23, the entire family will enjoy learning about our most valuable resource at the 2016 Water Conservation Exposition at Frenship High School.  Fun activities for kids and free educational clinics are highlighted.  This year features a performance by Kevin Barnes, the “Green Magican.”  The annual event is sponsored by The City of Wolfforth & The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service with assistance from High Plains Water District and LubbockForKids.com.

6.  Visit the Texas Children in Nature website.
This wonderful resource provided by the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature features sources and links for family nature activities around Lubbock and the State.  Also see their link to the Nature Rocks! Caprock site sponsored by the Lubbock Lake Landmark - which is also a great place to visit around Earth Day!

7. Visit the South Plains Wildlife Rehab Center.
Baby bird season is in full swing so a trip to the Wildlife Rehab center at 95th & Indiana is especially fun and always informative!  Open Hours are during daylight hours 365 days a year so you can drop by anytime.  They have a wonderful Junior Volunteer program for kids age 12 – 17 too.

8.  Take a tour of the South Plains Food Bank Farm & learn about G.R.U.B.
To see a real working example of ecology in action, call to schedule a tour of the 5-acre Carolyn Lanier Youth Farm at 76th & Ave. B.  It’s a facility that includes an urban sustainable farm & learning center under the GRUB program (Growing Recruits for Urban Business) of the South Plains Food Bank.

9.  Visit the Wind Museum and the Bayer Museum of Agriculture.
The Wind Museum & American Wind Power Center (17th & Canyon Lakes Dr.) and the nearby Bayer Museum of Agriculture are both great trips for our kids to remind them of our history and dependence on water sources and agriculture – especially impactful during our times of drought!

Do you have local Earth Day traditions or events that you share with your kids?  Share them with us  here or on our Facebook Page!

Updated 4/15/2016

 

Top 10 Spring Outings & Events for Kids & Families in Lubbock

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Spring in West Texas is here and other than the occasional dusting, we truly have the very best weather in the country!  Crisp mornings, warm afternoons and amazing sunsets grace the Lubbock area:  The perfect setting to grab the family and soak in the sunshine at some of the local spring events.  Here are our Top 10 Spring Events… plus a few more…  just to start!  There are way-more than 10, so please see our bustin-at-the-seams calendar for more!  Did we miss a favorite for your family?  Share it with us here!

Kite Flyin

 

Butterflies Alive! at The Science Spectrum:  through June 12th.
There’s no better way to welcome springtime than introducing our kids to hundreds of beautiful butterflies!  The Science Spectrum’s exhibit Butterflies Alive! gives us all a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these exquisite creatures.  Exhibit only:  $5/child & $6/adult.  To make the experience complete, catch the accompanying movie in the OMNI Theatre: “Flight of the Butterflies.”  Movie only: $6.50/child & $8/adult.  Group & Member discounts available. 

The Lubbock Arts Festival at the Civic Center:  Fri through Sun. April 15th – 17th.
It wouldn’t be springtime in Lubbock without the Lubbock Arts Festival… enriching our community and inspiring our kids for 37 years!  In addition to artists from all areas of the country, the festival features the “Run For the Arts” fun run Saturday morning, children’s area with writing and art competitions specifically to light the creative fires for our youngest Lubbockites!  Also find a presentation by Hank the Cowdog author John R. Erickson this year on Sunday… free with Arts Festival admission!  Event Admission: $2 for Children under 12, $4 for adults.

Kidsfish @ Maxey Park:  Sat. April 15th.
Bring a fishing pole, a chair, and the kids… ready to have fun!  All free!

Quailapalooza! Junior Rough Riders Spring Corral @ the National Ranching Heritage Center. Sat. April 23rd from 1-3pm.  Limited Space Available. Children ages 5-12 are invited to spend an afternoon seeing and studying Northern Bobwhite Quail with scientists from TTU’s Department of Natural Resources, Quail Tech Alliance and Quail Forever.  Only $5 or free for Ranching Heritage Association members.

Quailapalooza

Quailapalooza at the National Ranching Heritage Center. Photo by John Weast.

South Plains Water Conservation Expo.  Sat. April 23rd.
Frenship High School from 11am-3pm.  FREE.  The 3rd Annual Water Expo will be a fun-filled day for everyone in the family.  Kevin Barnes, the nationally reknowned “Green Magician” is this year’s featured guest in addition to a fun kids “Water Conservation Cruise” passport activity that will take them on a journey to various fun crafts, stories and activities for extra prizes.  Adults will enjoy the exhibits & helpful sessions with information on how we can all make a difference to impact our water resources.  Food Trucks, selfies with Walter Drop, Water Wisdom High Jinks with Literacy Lubbock, an appearance by Biscuit the Dog from Barnes & Noble and more…

Duck Derby & Family Fun Fest:  Sat. April 30th.
Destined to be an annual not-to-miss fundraising event (proceeds benefit Lubbock Legal Aid)!  Kids love to see the ducks launch and “race” with lots of activities for the family to enjoy!  Buddy Holly Park from 11am-4pm.

Safety City Birthday Party & Spring Festival:  Sat. April 30th.
Safety City is turning 23 this year with a spring festival to celebrate their birthday.  For all ages. FREE.

Lemonade Day:  Sat. May 14th.
Lubbock Lemonade Day gives our kids the chance to be a part of a community program that they see supported and promoted all over town.  Invaluable experience for them and a fun event… even if they just decide to buy some lemonade from another child’s stand on May 14th!

Sun ‘n Fun Grand Opening Celebration:  Sat. May 28th.
Plan to celebrate the opening of the new YWCA Sun n’ Fun complex over Memorial Day weekend. You know your kids will love the new splashpad… and tons more!  Click here for more info on all the great programs available at the J.T. & Margaret Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘N Fun… most are registering now.

Night Hikes at the Lubbock Lake Landmark:  monthly starting in March.
Enjoy the beauty of our famous West Texas sunsets at twilight!  Take advantage of the free monthly Night Hikes at the LLL.  Take a picnic, your walking shoes (trails are paved so it’s perfect for strollers!), and your water bottle.  2016 dates include:
Sat. 3/19. 7:30pm.
Sat. 4/16: 7:45pm.
Sat. 5/21: 8:15pm.
Sat. 6/18: 8:30pm.
Sat. 7/16: 8:30pm.
Sat. 8/20: 8:00pm.
Sat. 9/17: 7:15pm.

 

Updated 4/14/2016

Easter Week Hunt Guide 2016

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Searching for Easter hunts

Looking for all the fun events in the Lubbock area for kids and families to enjoy over the Easter holiday weekend?  So have we! … and we’ve gathered them all in our Ultimate Easter section found on LubbockForKids.com.  Here are our tops picks…  Have we left off your favorite?  Share it with us here, add it to our Calendar, or share it with us on Facebook.  Be sure to check our calendar frequently… we’re receiving more info on more hunts every day!

Community Easter Egg Hunts 

EGGstravaganzas at area churches  

These aren’t your everyday, old fashioned church Easter Egg Hunts!  These are EXTRAVAGANZAs!… all free, and many include a fair-like atmosphere with bounce houses, door prizes, trains, or music.

Be sure to check with your neighborhood church too… even if they are not organizing a big event, many are offering church-wide Easter hunts and programs open to all guests!

Selfies with the Easter Bunny  

Better catch him Saturday… he’s got a really busy schedule Sunday!

Do you know of other area Easter events?  Share them with us here!

 

Financial Responsibility: Childs play?

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We are always looking for great tips to share with local parents that help make our journey a little easier together!  That’s why we are proud to sponsor local consignment events like Just Between Friends and Cradles to Crayons that are so helpful for local families! Here’s a great article on the financial benefits that these events offer our kids from Just Between Friends.

Why Raising A Financially Responsible Child is Important
and How To Start  iStock_000019800764XSmall

Young adults today have opportunities to get into more financial trouble than previous generations. Take, for instance, the sky-rocketing percentages of college students receiving financial aid. A recent study showed that 60 percent of students obtaining a secondary education have taken out student loans to pay for tuition and living expenses. Outstanding student loans totaled over $1.2 trillion in 2015.

Credit card debt owed by U.S. Consumers has reached a staggering $712 billion. This means the average person has around $15,355 in credit card debt alone.

A contributing factor is, no doubt, income growth has been outpaced by the rise in cost of living expenses over the past 12 years. However, it is no surprise that over-spending habits and materialism have continued to expand America’s growing debt problems more than ever before.

There has never been a time when educating children on financial responsibility has been more important. Promoting work ethic and entrepreneurship, and teaching children healthy spending habits when they’re young will help ensure they become financially responsible adults.

And Just Between Friends of Lubbock, TX, a local bi-annual consignment sales event, offers a good venue for parents to start their children’s financial education experience.

“Every aspect of JBF promotes financial responsibility,” says Courtney Kattner, event coordinator for Lubbock JBF. “Consigning your children’s outgrown, un-used items is a great way to start teaching them the importance of getting the full value out of material goods purchased at retail prices and encourages entrepreneurship.”

Lubbock JBF consignors priced, tagged, and dropped off over 35,000 of their own items to the previous Back-to-School 2015 sale in August. Earning up to 70% of their gross sold items, the average consignor check was $409. Kattner, who also participates as a JBF consignor, says she makes enough money selling her own children’s items to purchase the majority of what they need for the next season without spending any additional money.

And the financial value gained by participating in consignment sales events don’t stop there. “Shopping for needed items at consignment sales before buying them from retail stores teaches families to use their financial resources wisely,” states Kattner. “I have been buying about 95% of my kids’ wardrobe at Lubbock JBF for the last 6 years. Because of JBF, I am financially able to provide my kids with almost everything they need, in brands they love, without creating financial stress for my family.”

Effective teaching of financial responsibility includes showing children how to live within your means. And living within your means, is finding a way to meet your needs without spending more than you get paid. If this financial value is not instilled in a child, you end up raising an overactive consumer or someone who is constantly competing with the Joneses. Consignment shopping shows children they can spend less money on what they need, creating more available money for items they want, while staying within their spending limits.

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Most consignment sales events, including Lubbock Just Between Friends, give a higher percentage to consignors who volunteer to help work the sale, promoting the idea that work ethic increases higher wages.

“Even the idea of earning a higher percentage in exchange for volunteer hours during the sale promotes solid financial values,” Kattner says. “When you volunteer and work a 4-hour shift during a Lubbock JBF sale, you earn a higher percent of your gross sold items, increasing the return on your initial investment.”

Showing your children the lesson that a little bit of work and time can have large-scale payoffs in the end is a virtue that will help lead them down the path of financial stability for years to come.

The bottom line is this: the best way to raise financially responsible children is to show them a good example. If your financial situation isn’t up to par, you can’t expect your children to pick up responsible spending habits. The good news is it’s never too late to start heading down the path of being a good financial steward. Baby steps lead to walking, then eventually running. And when it comes to your financial stability, running down the right path for as long as possible earns you huge rewards later in life for yourself and your children. Being a good financial role model could quite possibly end up being the greatest lesson you teach your children.

JBF Spring 2016 large

From Just Between Friends – Lubbock

To participate as a consignor or shopper, or to find out more details about the upcoming sale, Lubbock Just Between Friends Spring 2016 Consignment Sale happening March 9 – 12 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, visit their website at http://lubbock.jbfsale.com.

Tips for Successful Spring Break College Visits

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by Calli Christenson
Founder and Lead Consultant
CLC College Prep Services

Spring BreakCollege Tours

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Calli Christenson, CLC College Prep Services

We are so fortunate and excited to introduce our newest LubbockForKids.com contributor: Calli Christenson with CLC College Prep Services.  Calli and her team at CLC assist high school students across the country, and internationally, with the ever-changing college prep process… and they are based right here in Lubbock!  Calli will share education and college prep tips with us from time to time, starting with her first guest blog that features great info for families who may be hitting the road over spring break to visit potential college campuses.
Welcome Calli!

Spring Break is right around the corner and provides the perfect time for high school students and parents to visit college campuses.A strong campus visit is the single best way to determine if a school is the right fit, and will ultimately help your child to narrow his or her college list.  Amidst the many tasks that high school students juggle – studying for college entrance exams, completing school assignments and filing college applications, to name a few – it is important to prioritize this piece of the college search and application process.  College visits during the sophomore and junior year of high school can prove to be very beneficial.  As you and your child get ready for this exciting time, here are a few tips to help you make the most of upcoming college tours:

Plan Ahead and Prioritize.

As you prepare for college visits, do your research and prioritize campuses you and your child want to see.  The reality is that you simply won’t be able to visit them all.  A good rule of thumb is to visit no more than two schools in one day. This should provide enough time to not only experience each campus, but to also get a taste of the surrounding neighborhoods and gain a better understanding of area safety, social life and job opportunities close to campus.  Include your child in the planning process and use sites like Goseecampus.com or the College Board’s Campus Visit Guide as resources to help with planning.

University clc

Photo provided by CLC College Prep Services

Make it Official.

Although it can be tempting to do a campus “drive thru” and call it good, students and families who participate in official visits gain a greater understanding of the university as a whole.  Typically, short information sessions are offered on the front or back end of a student-led campus tour.  The info session presents a “highlight reel” of the campus and allows participants to ask questions. The campus tour is a way to see and experience, first-hand, the very best of each school’s facilities, traditions and culture. This information will reach far beyond what you might pick up from reading the school’s website or skimming a brochure you receive in the mail. Due to the high volume of visitors during popular travel times, it is important to register for these events through the school’s website, or by calling the admission office at least a couple of weeks in advance.

Take Advantage of Special Opportunities.

Many colleges allow prospective students to sit in on a class, tour a specific department, eat lunch in a dining hall or participate in an overnight visit. Don’t hesitate to inquire about special programs available. The opportunity to speak with a current student or meet with a faculty member can be a terrific way for students to experience life at the college and gain a better understanding of how and where they may fit at each school.

Document Your Visits.

As you take in each campus, encourage your child to document their thoughts through writing and taking pictures. By the time senior year rolls around, it will be difficult to keep all of the colleges and information neatly organized in your brain. Campus notes and pictures will help students quickly recall their overall impressions. Furthermore, as your student begins writing college essays, many schools will ask for detailed reasons for why they have chosen to apply. The ability to remember specifics from each school can make all the difference in essays that stand out from the crowd.

Let Your Child Lead.

As difficult as it might seem, your visits will likely be much more enjoyable and productive if you let your child experience them as the maturing adult that they are. There is a lot of value in parents visiting colleges with their kids, but the reality is that most teenagers want to feel in charge, confident, and self-sufficient – especially when surrounded by their peers. Encourage your child to engage, but don’t be disappointed if he or she doesn’t seem overly enthusiastic. This is all part of the process, and as your student moves closer to choosing a college, you will likely begin to hear more about their interests, dislikes and likes of the campuses they’ve toured. Simple steps like letting your child set-up the campus visit or allowing them to ask the majority of questions will show your child that you not only trust them, but you also support them on this exciting journey.

Photo provided by CLC College Prep Services

Calli Christenson is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of CLC College Prep Services.  Prior to college consulting, she worked in undergraduate admissions, most recently serving as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruiting at Vanguard University of Southern California.  Calli is a Professional Member of the Independent Education Consultants Association (IECA) and holds a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine. She is a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC) and a 2011 graduate of the IECA Summer Training Institute at Swarthmore College.

Questions for Calli?  Just comment below or she can be reached at calli@clccollegeprep.com. Follow her on Twitter @clccollegeprep and on Facebook at clccollegeprep

Parent Review: The Little Mermaid from Moonlight Broadway

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Catch a Family Gem Under the Sea!  Weekend performances through Sunday February 21.

Crystal Sharadin as Ariel in the Lubbock Moonlight Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Moonlight Musicals Facebook.

We all know, as parents, that the very best information we receive comes from other parents!  So to help spread the word on some of our favorite local events and activities, we’re kicking off a new segment on LubbockForKids.com that features the best reviews from area parents!  Got an idea for a scoop?  Share it with us and we’ll check it out! Interested in writing a review?  Contact us and let’s blog!  And this month’s review from our newest blog contributor Rebekah features one of our favorite local events (and the perfect Valentine treat for families!)… the latest performance from Moonlight Musicals’ Moonlight Broadway series:  The Little Mermaid.

Jeron Robinson as Flounder in the Lubbock Moonlight Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Moonlight Musicals Facebook

by Rebekah Gillespie  

Are you looking for a magical experience full of wonder and excitement? Lubbock Moonlight Musicals is presenting Disney’s The Little Mermaid February 12-14, 19-21. This production is delightful entertainment for the entire family. The vibrant colors of the set and the exquisite costumes captivate the audience as well as the outstanding performance by the cast. This is the perfect venue for little girls to dress up in their favorite princess costumes or even as Princess Ariel. The cast is even available after the show to take pictures with the entire family.

 

 

 

Annie Nichols as Ursula in Lubbock Moonlight Broadway's production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Facebook.

Ann Marie Nichols as Ursula in Lubbock Moonlight Broadway’s production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Moonlight Musicals Facebook.

Parent Pointers

It is important to mention to arrive extra early if you have tickets at will call or are purchasing tickets the day of the performance. Also, if you have higher seats you may want to bring binoculars or opera glasses to get a closer look at the action on stage. However, they are not necessarily needed because every seat in the theater has a clear view of the stage. I would also recommend selecting seats that are near the isle if you are bringing little children who may need frequent bathroom breaks during the performance. The production is approximately two to three hours long with an intermission but smaller children may get restless. You can get ticket information as well as upcoming productions by visiting the Lubbock Moonlight Musicals website.  Whether you are a season ticket holder or a first time attendee, you will not be disappointed by the this production. Reserve your tickets today and experience life under the sea with Lubbock Moonlight Musical’s The Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid stage

Photo by Rebekah Gillespie

Just the Facts!

When:  Friday & Saturday 2/12 & 2/13 at 7:30pm, Sunday 2/14 at 2pm then Friday 2/19 at 7:30pm  and Saturday & Sunday 2/20 & 2/21 at 2pm.
Where:  Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre at 1501 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock.
How:  Tickets available at Select-A-Seat locations, online, or by calling 806-770-2000.  Prices range from $25-$35 for children 2-12 years of age and $25-$65 for adults.
Length:  Lasts approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission.
Age:  Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Planning to go?  Let us know how you like the show!  Write your reviews below.

Rebekah is a blogger and mom of 2 who has recently embraced Lubbock and the Hub City area as her home. You can reach her by leaving a response on this blog article.  Find her at HubCityMom.com

Golly gee! It's "Annie" at the City Bank Auditorium!

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Catch America’s little sweetheart {just in time for Valentine’s Day!} in the original Broadway musical version through Saturday.

Gilgamesh Taggett as Oliver Warbucks and Issie Swickle as Annie in “I Don’t Need Anything But You” Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Gilgamesh Taggett as Oliver Warbucks and Issie Swickle as Annie in “I Don’t Need Anything But You.”   Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

From the comic strip in 1924, to the Broadway musical introduced in 1997, and on the movie screen in 1982…. Annie has become a part of our lives.  We all remember the songs and the adorable little girl with red curls and best friend Sandy the Dog!  We’ve been inspired by her spirit, and now we have the chance to share that experience with our own children. Celebrity Attractions with Civic Lubbock Inc. is bringing the Tony Award-winning production to Lubbock’s City Bank Auditorium through Saturday.

Come on… you know you’re already humming “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” or “Tomorrow!”   The performance is full of children (amazingly talented children!) and a sweet puppy who will capture the attention and hearts of kids of all ages.  Seeing other children on stage is inspirational for our kids who are interested in the arts and the perfect opportunity to encourage appreciation of the arts in each child.  This is a full, Broadway production receiving rave reviews across the country!

Parent Pointers

In case you haven’t seen it before, the musical is quite different from the movie – a few new songs and no helicopter scene to name a few – so parents may want prepare children who may be expecting to see a re-enactment of the movie.  Another reminder for parents to be aware of is the context of the movie.  It takes place during the Great Depression and centers around a child whose parents have died and is being supervised by questionable adults who make poor decisions and mistreat the children.  A bit of history of that time period may help some kids better understand the plot and parents may want to be prepared for any concerns they may have relating to how the children were treated at the orphanage.

(l to r) Isabel Wallach as Duffy, Lilly Mae Stewart as Molly, LillyBea Ireland as Tessie, Issie Swickle as Annie, Angelina Carballo as July, Sydney Shuck as Kate and Adia Dant as Pepper in “It’s The Hard Knock Life.” Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

(l to r) Isabel Wallach as Duffy, Lilly Mae Stewart as Molly, LillyBea Ireland as Tessie, Issie Swickle as Annie, Angelina Carballo as July, Sydney Shuck as Kate and Adia Dant as Pepper in “It’s The Hard Knock Life.”   Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show

To get the family humming and ready to see the show, watch the 1982 movie Annie… always perfect for a family movie night!  Another fun idea is to checkout the ANNIE the Musical website and their social media … your kids can see what the touring kids are up to and how they have fun and practice between shows.  It’s also full of fun trivia.  By the time you see the show, they’ll feel like family!  And keep an eye out for Ms. Pugh… she is played by Theresa Rowley from Amarillo!

Issie Swickle as Annie and Sunny as Sandy in “Tomorrow.” Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

Issie Swickle as Annie and Sunny as Sandy in “Tomorrow.” Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

Just the Facts!

When:  Friday January 29 at 7:30pm, Saturday January 30 at 2pm and at 7:30pm.
Where:  City Bank Auditorium at 2720 Drive of Champions, Texas Tech Campus, Lubbock.
How:  Tickets available at Select-A-Seat locations, online, or by calling 806-775-2242.  Prices range from $30-$65.
Length:  Lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes with a 20 minute intermission.
Age:  Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Why:  To enjoy a great family outing and experience Broadway on the South Plains!

Planning to go?  Let us know how you like the show!  Write your reviews below.

 

 

 

Cultivate Empathy in Your Children Through Service to the Community

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By Kelly Martin, M.Ed, LPC
Guest Contributor

Checkout the latest post from our contributor, Kelly Martin… owner of The Playroom Lubbock. She shares great insight into how we can extend the season of giving by creating a positive impact on our community and, perhaps more importantly, within our children and family year-round.  Perfect timing with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service coming up January 18, 2016. See Kelly’s link below for her Local and Global Outreach idea list… perfect for Lubbock area families… or contact the Volunteer Center Of Lubbock for more ideas.
Happy New Year!

Cultivate Empathy in Your Children Through Service to the Community

Throw kindness like confetti

“Throw kindness around like confetti.”

As we ring in and celebrate the New Year, let us think of ways to throw kindness around like confetti all year long. We want to teach our kids to think beyond themselves and their own needs. “It’s not enough to count our blessings and be thankful. Thankfulness should move us to action.” (Marla Kiley).

This action for service to others, fueled by thankfulness and encouraged by parents, will cultivate empathy in your children. When children have empathy, they model appreciation for many types of people, value others’ perspectives, build better relationships, and become better collaborators.

We want this to serve as a guide and a jumpstart for you to engage your families in acts of service in our community. When we express caring for others as a priority and follow through with service, our children will begin to believe our value and commitment.

What you want to instill:

You can serve right where you are.

You can serve the world from home.

Serve with your gifts (strengths/talents).

Serve to serve, not serve for praise.

Tips to Serving with Your Kids:

1. Prepare Your Kids.

Who we are serving?

 What will we be doing?

 Why does that help someone?

 What can we expect?

2. Practice What to Say/Do.

3. Make it Doable.

 Short, simple, fun

 If you try to plan too often, or too much, you’ll feel overwhelmed before you even start.

4. Reflect after the experience.

 Is it what you expected?

 How did it help?

 How did you feel?

 How did the other person possibly feel?

 What could we do different/same next time?

5. Recognize your child’s effort.

Specifically reflect back to your child what you saw him/her do.

 This encourages self-awareness and self-confidence.

If you are interested in organizations around our Lubbock community in which to serve with your family, please visit The Playroom Lubbock website where you’ll find our list of Lubbock Service Projects for your Family.

Kiley, Marla. “What is Service,” Discovery Years, December 2006.

Kelly Martin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, parent, and owner of The Playroom Lubbock offering therapy counseling services specifically for children and adolescents.  From individual and group Play Therapy to yoga and parent-included classes, Kelly and her team offer a wealth of support for local kiddos and parents.  Specialties include divorce care, self esteem, social skills, anxiety, grief, anger management, ADHD support… topics that hit home with many area kids and families.  Have questions or ideas for future blog topics?  Just comment below or you can contact Kelly directly at kelly@playroomlubbock.com and through her website at Playroomlubbock.com.

2015 Lubbock Area Holiday Performing Arts Guide for Kids & Families

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FaLaLa Slide

Fa La La La Lubbock!  Take a holiday season time-out to enjoy the Fine Arts boom we enjoy in the Lubbock area… where holiday-themed performances in theatre, dance, music, and arts abound!

Holiday concerts are frequently a child’s first experience in a concert hall… a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the entire family’s appreciation and interest in the arts. And almost all are family-friendly and affordable!  Whether it’s the majesty of the full symphony orchestra or the acoustic sounds of the season in a neighborhood church, take a breath and enjoy the richness that the season brings!  So many opportunities to share old favorites or create new holiday arts traditions that our kids will introduce to their own families!

Note:  Events are in order by opening date and include links for ticket information.  And check our super-sized, searchable Sights and Sounds of the Season section for dozens more ideas for winter fun – search by child’s age, interests and dates!

“Coney Island Christmas” presented by Lubbock Community Theatre.
Dec. 3-6 and 10-13 @ The Lubbock Community Theatre (42nd & Boston).
Thurs, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Rated G. $10 Child / $15 Adult.
A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter.  Tickets available online.

“A Christmas Story” presented by Children and Adults Theatrical Studios (CATS Playhouse).
Fri.12/4, Sat.12/5 & Sun. 12/6 and Fri. 12/11 & Sun.12/13 @ CATS Playhouse
2257 34th St.
Friday & Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. Sunday performances are at 2:30pm. Adults $10, Students/Seniors $7. Purchase tickets online.
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Directed by Lisa Hernandez.

The Nutcracker Ballet – performed by Ballet Lubbock.
Thurs. 12/10 – Sun. 12/13.
All performances are @ the Civic Center Theatre.
It’s not Christmas until you’ve seen The Nutcracker!  Lubbock’s favorite holiday tradition. Tickets available through Select-a-seat and through the Ballet Lubbock website.

The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Lubbock

Ballet Lubbock’s ‘The Nutcracker’ (Facebook)

“Cactus Family Christmas” Concert.
Sat. 12/5 & 12/12; Thurs. 12/17; Tues. 12/22 & Wed. 12/23 @ 7:30pm.
All performances are at The Cactus Theater.
$15 / child (9 & under), $25 / ages 10 & up.
Continuing the Cactus tradition…  Join the Cactus stars, along with our newest faces from 2015, as they “don” the stage for a spectacular Christmas celebration presenting traditional holiday classics as well as contemporary favorites.  These concerts always sell out, so get your tickets early!  Call 806-762-3233 or go online for tickets.

Annual Caprock Celtic Christmas Concert.
Sat. 12/12 from 7-9pm: Annual Caprock Celtic Christmas concert @ the Maedgen Theater at Texas Tech. Students (with ID) free. Adults $10.50. Seniors $4.50.
Singers, players, dancers, storytellers, and more gather to perform traditional repertoires of the session, instrumental dance tunes and slow airs, and much more. For tickets call: 770-2000 or purchase online.

Flying J Wranglers’ Western Christmas Concert.
Sun. 12/13 @ the Cactus Theater.  $25.
The Flying J Wranglers from Ruidoso, NM and the Cactus Theater proudly bring you the annual Flying J Wranglers’ Western Christmas.  A holiday show that features rich melodious western yodeling, vocals, fiddle and guitars in a program of tradition favorites and new and classic western/cowboy Christmas songs, instrumentals and homespun comedy.  For a really special holiday treat, catch the lighthearted antics of the Wranglers this holiday season. Call 806-762-3233 or go online for tickets.

The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Chamber Concert.
Tues. 12/15, 7:30pm @ St. John’s United Methodist Church (University & 15th Street).
Student $10, Adult $20.
Lubbock’s favorite annual holiday concert is sure to become your new tradition. Five of the finest brass musicians in North America invite you to join them in celebrating the season at this entertaining and informative evening. Featured twice on Performance Today, an NPR syndicated broadcast, the LSO Brass Quintet will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. This narrated performance features holiday selections from a variety of periods and styles.  Bring your family members and friends to this very special night of seasonal music. Tickets available through Select-A-Seat and online.

Annual Dean Killion Memorial Scholarship Concert.
Tues. 12/15 @ 7:30pm (West doors open at 7pm).
Admission is FREE; however, donations will be accepted for the Killion Scholarship Fund.
The Westwinds Brass Band Presents its Annual Dean Killion Memorial Scholarship Concert @ the Texas Tech Museum in the Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium! . Enjoy traditional brass band favorites, marches, overtures, music from Broadway musicals, and a wide variety of sacred and secular Christmas music.

“Cactus Kids Christmas Celebration” Concert.
Sun. & Mon. 12/20 & 12/21, 7:30pm @ The Cactus Theater.
$15 / child (9 & under), $25 / ages 10 & up.
If you have never seen a Cactus Kids Christmas Concert, you are in for a real treat!  This is not just your average kid show – these are the best of the best from Terri Caldwell’s Music program.  Kids from this program have appeared on national television programs such as “America’s Got Talent” and the “X Factor.”  You will be blown away by the talent as they are backed by “The Lubbock Texas Rhythm Machine” in this full blown professional show!  Bring your entire family for a wonderful night at the “Cactus Kids Christmas Celebration.”   Call 806-762-3233 or go online for tickets.

 

Originally appeared in 2013.  Updated for 2015

 

 

The Top Santa Sightings in & around Lubbock 2015

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“Wish I knew all the places I can take the kids to see Santa this year”

Looking for Santa? Spread the word... Santa and all the great events & activities for kids during the holidays can be found on LubbockForKids.com!

Looking for Santa? Spread the word… Santa and all the great events & activities for kids during the holidays can be found on LubbockForKids.com!

Done!   One thing you can already mark off your Holiday to-do list:  Find Santa!

It’s a present for all of us – the gift of saving time!  In today’s blog we wanted to share some of the opportunities that our kids have in the Lubbock area to see Santa… so great to be a kid in the Hub!

Santa has many more visits on his schedule, so check our Santa Sightings section for up-to-the minute listings.  You know… we are the official keeper of Santa’s schedule in the Lubbock area… it’s true!

What a wonderful place we live in … our community provides so many opportunities to create family memories and enjoy the fun of the season!

Where oh where can we find Santa on the South Plains?

At Breakfast with Santa events… (reservations required for most)

Fri 11/20 and Sat. 11/21: Holiday Happening @ the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.  Space is limited.

Sat. 12/5: The Village Shopping Center @ Zio’s (82nd & Quaker).  (Sold out).

Sat. 12/5:  Breakfast with Santa at Maxey Community Center.  $10/person.  Space is limited.

Sat. 12/5 starting at 9am @ South Plains Mall Grand Court: Polar Express Weekend Extravaganza Private Breakfast (free!) with Santa & “Mall Express Train’ ($3) to Premiere Cinema to see “The Polar Express” movie. Movie starts at 10:30am.  $3 mall train ride. $6 movie (purchase tickets online – sure to sellout!).  Activities FREE. Candy cane & cookie decorating at Premiere. Part of the Polar Express Weekend Extravaganza benefiting Literacy Lubbock.

At Tree-Lighting Events…

Tues 12/1:  The Carol of Lights ceremony @ Texas Tech.  Join Santa & Raider Red for cookies starting at 5pm at the Frazier Pavilion

Tues 12/1:  SPC Christmas Tree Lighting & Carriage Rides with Santa @ South Plains College in Levelland.

Fri. 12/11 & Sat. 12/12 from 6 to 9pm: Candlelight at the Ranch @ the National Ranching Heritage Center.  Special appearance by Santa till 9pm each night in the NRHC main gallery!

Santa at the National Ranching Heritage Center's Candlelight at the Ranch

Children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa at the National Ranching Heritage Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-12 during the 37th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch.

At Parades…

Thurs. 12/3:

Levelland Christmas on the Square & Lighted Christmas Parade @ 5:30pm.

Plainview Christmas Parade on Broadway @ 6pm.

Sat. 12/5:

Post City Trade Days & Christmas Parade @ 6pm.

Sat. 12/12:

Miracles Christmas Parade on 34th Street in Lubbock @ 6pm.

With Pets…

Mondays from 6-8pm till Christmas:  Pet Photos with Santa @ South Plains Mall.  A special time for your furry friends to visit Santa!  (Cats and Dogs only, in carriers or on leashes please).

Sat. 11/28 & 12/5 from 11am-4pm and Sun. 11/29 & 12/6 from 1-4pm:
Santa Paws Photos @ KK’s Corner Mall.  $10.  Professionally photographed by Robert Cason.
Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of West Texas

Sat. 12/12: Santa Paws @ Hodges Community Center (40th & University) from 9am-1pm.
Photos available for purchase or bring your camera!

On Trains…(reservations suggested)

On the Polar Express!   Departures begin Nov. 21 and end Dec. 26.  Wolfforth depot.

At Carnivals…

Sat. 12/5:  Christmas Carnival @ Mae Simmons Community Center.  2-4pm.

Sat. 12/12:  Holiday Wonderland @ The Science Spectrum.  10am-3pm.

Sun. 12/20:  Pancho Clos @ Maggie Trejo Supercenter (32nd & Amherst).  2-5pm.

Holiday Wonderland at The Science Spectrum

Holiday Wonderland at The Science Spectrum

Through the Season…

South Plains Mall:  11/14 – 12/24.  Photos available for purchase.

Holland Gardens:  Saturdays & Sundays from 1-4pm (free!) now through Christmas.
(50th & Memphis)

Santa’s Land Drive Thru Park in Tahoka (free!):  Open November 26 (Thanksgiving!), 27,28,29 and December 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20,21,22,23,24 and light will be on 25, 26 & 27.

Kingsgate Shopping Center:  Saturdays Thanksgiving – 12/20 (82nd & Quaker).
Also don’t miss their complimentary carriage rides Friday – Sunday evenings through Christmas Eve!
Bring a coat to donate to their Coat Drive!

Santa Land @ Mackenzie Park:  Nightly 12/10 – 12/23 from 6-10pm.
Opening Ceremony:  Tues. 12/10 @ 6pm.  Help welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus from the North Pole & turn on the lights to the tree and winter village!

And you can help Santa…. If you have him scheduled to be at an event open to the public – or if you know of any great event or activity for our kids – just add the listing to LubbockForKids.com or comment here on our blog to help spread the word!

This article was originally published in 2013 and updated for 2015.