by Kristen Bagwell

Finally, it's here - our 2012 reader-approved summer camp directory!  Whether you are looking for an overnight camp or a local option, half or full day, partial week or week long camps (or longer) - there is something on the list below. Thanks so much to all the readers who emailed us their favorites. If you don't see your favorite option below on the list, let me know! Read More

By Guest Blogger Heather Bjork

September – school starting back and the start of soccer and football season. Fans of both sports are passionate in their love of these games. One does not have to look very far to spot people wearing football or soccer apparel around the Triad. Sports are an important part of most people’s lives, and they are commonly discussed at home, with friends, in the workplace, in cyber space and through any form of media that we come in contact with on a daily basis. As such, it seems we would be doing our children a disservice to not expose them to different sports and give them an opportunity to experience playing different sports.

If you have not yet provided your child with the chance to get involved in a sport, think again. Even if you are not a “sports” person yourself, there are multiple benefits to allowing your child to play sports. Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger

We are already thinking "hooray for fall" around here, and what better way to celebrate than to plan some outdoor fun? These tips and tricks from Katie can help you get the ball rolling. Enjoy! ...Kristen B. Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

As a young adult, I had a blast working at a YMCA Day Camp during my summers off from school. Now that I am a parent, I view my Y experiences in a whole new light. What better way to ensure that your children are being well-cared for in a positive environment AND having a great time with great friends? The YMCA of the Triangle Area has many options for working and at-home parents alike, and is a wonderful (and fun!) choice to help nurture your children and allow them to discover more about themselves.

Moms all over the Triangle agree! That's why our local YMCA programs won TWO 2011 Mom's Choice Awards: Best Summer Camp (YMCA Day Camp) and Best Afterschool and/or Sports Program! There are tons of ways to get your children involved, and so many branch locations to work with! Let's start with the YMCA Summer Day Camp options.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Celebrate Easter and enjoy spring! In addition to Earth Day events, there are tons of opportunities to hunt for eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny. If you know of an event that is not listed here, feel free to leave it as a comment, and we will add it to our official TMOM events calendar. Whatever you choose to do, have a blast! Read More

Content for this blog was provided by Eco-Smart Parent

Did you know that it's National Wildlife Week? From March 13 through the 20th, the National Wildlife Federation will be celebrating wildlife, with each day featuring a special group:

Monday – Wildlife that Fly
Tuesday – Wildlife that Climb and Dig
Wednesday – Wildlife that Swim
Thursday – Wildlife that Hop and Leap
Friday – Wildlife that Run and Crawl  Read More

By Guest Blogger, James Green

Sports like baseball or soccer are great. They teach kids teamwork and physical skills and can give them a sense of accomplishment. However, to help your child become truly well-rounded you should consider Scouting as well. Whether it’s Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, scouting provides many benefits that are different from sports. Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger

In my house growing up, if you weren’t playing a sport full-time then you were watching and cheering one either on TV or on the side-lines. We were a pretty athletic family – and I guess a little competitive too – but it was the basis of my upbringing. I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Sure we tried our hand at being well-rounded in other ways, such as learning an instrument or running for student office. But it was playing sports that ultimately taught me a lot of life lessons that I still fall back on today.

And with the all the recent talk about Tiger Woods– and all the playground chatter about who’s child is playing what sport – I thought I’d dedicate today’s post to some random ponderings related to scandals, sports, scores and scheduling. But I’m just tossing out some thoughts and am hoping you’ll catch on and play the comment game at the end of this blog!  Read More