The Smarter Preschooler Blog

We went to the new Arizona Sea Life Aquarium with a group of friends. It just opened at the Arizona Mills Mall in mid May of this year. We were scheduled to meet at 11 am. There was a huge line with at least 50 people. We waited for about 30 minutes before getting it.

The general admission price is $18.50 for adults and $10.50 for children (3-12). Children 2 and under are free. We had picked up some discount tickets at Dunkin Doughnuts which were $5 off per ticket. So, we did get in at a reduced price. They also have annual memberships available.

Once inside the aquarium, you follow a path through the musuem. There were a lot of great exhibits and the kids could really learn. We saw everything from jelly fish to hammerhead sharks. The museum even had a special feeding time in which the kids could watch the sharks eat. There is a climbing structure at the end of the aquarium for the kids to play.

It took about an hour to go through, the entire musuem. Then, we left and went into the mall to get lunch. Because they stamped our hands, we were able to go back through the aquarium after lunch.

Overall, the aquaruim was very well done. However, it was very crowded when we got in at 11:30. When we went in through the second time it was about 2pm. It was much more enjoyable and the kids could easily see the exhibits. When we left at 3 pm we noticed there was no line.

It is worth visiting once. Try to go on off times to minimize the crowds. And make sure to get some coupons because admission is expensive.

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A new study found that disadvantaged preschoolers lack in motor skills. This is due to limited areas for playing such as backyards or even the parks maybe too dangerous for kids.

We were selected as finalists in the Arizona Book Publhishing Award in the parenting category. We attended a formal banquet on May 1 at the Phoenix Country Club. We had a great time and it was especially nice to meet new and interesting people. We were disappointed that we didn’t get the first place prize but were certainly honored to be in second place and to be among the finalists.

We took the kids bowling Sunday night. The kids have been wanting to go so we thought it was a good time. We were also able to find a great special at one of the nearby bowling alleys. They had $2 games, $2 shoes, and $2 food items.

The kids had so much fun. Our youngest son had to use a stand to roll the ball down. Our eldest just tried his best even though he just couldn’t stop rolling the ball in the gutter. He did get frustrated at times but overall was a good sport. And of course, Mike and I are not great bowlers so one roll was a strike while the next one a gutter ball.

Bowling is good exercise and great fun for the family. We encourage you to try bowling as a family. Or you might want to try some new activity as a family as a way of connecting with one another. Look for specials at places like bowling alleys, roller rinks, amusement parks or any other family friendly place. Or you might try some activities that do not cost money like playing kickball, flying a kite or going on a hike as a way of having fun and spending more time together.

Importance of Books in the Home

Check out my friend’s interview on reducing chemicals in kid’s lives.Reduce Chemicals

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In our family, both of our kids are talented in different areas. One son excels in reading but has trouble spelling. while the other is exceptional in math but doesn’t enjoy reading. One son is very social while the other is on the shy side. They are both smart just different.

So, the question should really not be “What is intelligence?” but how can you make the most of the special gifts that each child has? We try to do that every day by not comparing them to each other and trying to provide enriching activities that maximize their strengths and minimize their weakness.