These should all make an appearance in future father-son talks

From simple, everyday interactions to more serious, big-picture issues, there are important life lessons we dads can—and should—share to help a young boy grow into a courageous, honorable, and kind adult. That said, we realize that not all families include fathers, so these words of wisdom for a father-son talk apply to any parent figure who wants to help their child stand a little taller and do good in the world.

I’ll always be here for you.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. Reminding your son that you always are available to him and mindful of his needs will go a long way in establishing and building trust over time. Mindful parenting means being present in the moment and aware of what’s happening. Modeling positive, supportive behavior while your son is young will show him that good men are reliable and responsible.

Treat others with compassion and empathy.
The Golden Rule may be a simple principle to follow, but teaching empathy can provide a deeper framework for how people should behave regardless of circumstance. Fostering empathy can help young boys to find commonalities between themselves and others who are seemingly different—and encourages them to positively and proactively think about and care for others.

Related: Daughters (Who’ll Conquer the World) Need to Hear These 8 Things

father-son-talk-playing-basketball
iStock

Winning is great, but losing with grace and humility is just as important.
Good sportsmanship is a beneficial trait that goes well beyond what happens on the playing field. By teaching our sons how to win and lose with dignity, we’re giving them strong interpersonal relationship skills that will serve them well in many other aspects of their lives besides sports. Telling them that the main point of competition is to have fun will alleviate the feeling of needing to win at any cost, and allows them to enjoy themselves.

Surround yourself with people you admire.
Dads can’t always pick our son’s friends, but we can encourage them to choose their friendships wisely. Find out who your son admires and who his heroes are, and you’ll quickly discover the kinds of people he wants to emulate. Real friendships are fundamental in early childhood development, so teaching our sons how to find good friends and be good friends will help guide them in the right direction.

I can teach you how to throw a punch, but never start a fight… and always know when to walk away.
A parent should teach their son when to stand their ground and when to walk away. Establishing a baseline that it’s never appropriate to hurt others for no reason is a critical, essential first step.

Never make an important decision on an empty stomach.
Over the course of a young boy’s life, he’ll have to make many important decisions. These are just warm-ups to the big ones that he’ll have to make as an adult, and every dad knows that important decisions should never be made on an empty stomach. There’s a science to explain why people become grumpy or have poorer judgment when they are hungry. Remind your kid to have a full belly before making any major decisions.

It’s OK to play with dolls.
Or dress up as Beyoncé. Or sing like Beyoncé. Or dance like Beyoncé. By the time most boys are five years old, they’ve already learned lots of things that perpetuate toxic masculinity. Break the cycle by letting your son know that there are no such things as “girls-only toys” or “girls-only behaviors.” Instead, teach your son that there’s more than one way to be a man.

Honesty matters.
Whether it’s telling the truth about a broken window/bike/toy or speaking up against bullies, honestly is always the best policy.

What was the best part of your day?
At the end of a long day of work and school, many dads will simply ask their sons, “How was your day?” And the typical response is a bluntly delivered, “Fine.” Rather than try to start a conversation with a generic question, be specific. Avoid questions that can be answered with a single word. As our kids get older—particularly as they enter their tween and teen years—they may be less inclined to volunteer information about what’s happening in their lives. Asking pointed questions will help tease out what’s really going on and what’s really on their minds.

Let’s talk about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Because if you’re not the person who’s initiating conversations with your son about topics as important as these, then someone else inevitably will, and that someone else may not always have your kid’s best interests in mind. There are plenty of resources to help parents talk to their kids about sensitive and sometimes awkward topics. At the very least, make sure your son has a handle on the basics from the school of rock.

I’m so lucky that I get to be your dad.
And while you’re at it, tell your son that you love him every day, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, especially while he’s still young so that he gets used to receiving affection from (and giving it to) his old man.

Are you itching to be a Soccer Parent? You don’t have to wait for the wonderful world of weekend tournaments, pizza parties and participation trophies—the fun can start as early as age 12 months! All your tiny kicker needs is their first pair of cleats (or at least comfortable sneakers) and the happy smiles will soon follow. Scroll down to find a great list of Bay Area spots for the tiniest ones to get in on the world’s favorite game.

SFF Soccer Juniors

SFF Soccer

Top-quality coaches (including current and former collegiate players) lead soccer-based games to promote physical activity, develop confidence and improve coordination. Saturday morning classes are divided into four age groups with the youngest class helping kiddos become comfortable with a ball at their feet by using imaginative fun games, including obstacle courses. Heard of Tough Mudder? Well, at SFF Soccer, your kids can do a soccer-based Tough Toddler, wander through a soccer rainforest or go on a soccer treasure hunt. As kids get older, classes introduce fundamentals, build on basic skills and improve understanding of the game and team play.

Fun Fact: Kids can’t run off! All classes are held on a private gated field made of top-quality FIFA grade synthetic grass. After class, why not sip on a coffee (or maybe a beer or sangria?) and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks at Spark Social SF.

Where: 701 Mission Bay Blvd., San Francisco
Age: 18 months to 6
Website: sffsoccerjuniors.com

Super Soccer Stars

Super Soccer Stars

Small class sizes at Super Soccer Stars ensure each child gets individual instruction. Age-specific programs, starting with a Parent & Me class for children 12-24 months, features adorable puppets (Mimi & Pepe!) and allows tots to balance, run, kick and play. As kids age, they advance to dribbling and shooting activities using fun imagery. For example, one week, your child will help plant a garden, while the next, they may travel to space or have a firetruck adventure. By age 4-5, classes focus on body movement with the ball while the concepts of teammates and teamwork are also introduced.

Fun Fact: Super Soccer Stars also offer private sessions where coaches come to you, anywhere and anytime to fit your schedule.

Where: Various locations throughout San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay and South Bay
Age: 12 months to 12
Website: supersoccerstars.com

SF Tots

Nicole Findlay

Locally owned with various locations all over San Francisco (sometimes even at the Zoo!), SF Tots teaches a variety of age groups. Classes start at 18 months and teach fundamental motor skills, socialization and coordination through story-based games, including props (think colorful scarves, hula hoops and pool noodles). Kids progress into advanced motor skills, gain independence and learn basic soccer skills like dribbling and kicking. Eventually, they move to scrimmages and the rules of soccer.

Fun Fact: SF Tots also run a basketball program for children 2 1/2 to 6

Where: Various locations in San Francisco
Age:18 months to 6
Website: sftots.com

Lil' Spurs

Spurs FC

As a Lil' Spurs player, youngsters are introduced to soccer, develop a love for the game and understand the importance of being a healthy athlete. Young players also have a unique opportunity to grow within a club through a recreational or pre-competitive soccer pathway.

Fun Fact: Within the Spurs FC family, current Spurs FC players assist Lil' Spurs classes, thereby creating mentorship opportunities for older players while giving back to the community and ensuring a low coach-to-player ratio for the youngest players.

Where: Tassajara Park, El Cerrito
Ages: 3 to 5
Website: spurssoccer.com

Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots

This national organization has soccer programs in over 200 territories across 37 states and Canada. Soccer Shots focuses on skill-building, a healthy lifestyle and character development. One week, the focus may be respect, while the next—teamwork or confidence. Three programs are offered: Mini (2-3), Classic (3-5), Premier (5-8).

Fun Fact: The business is consistently recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as the #1 Children’s Fitness Franchise in the U.S.

Where: After a successful summer at Cedar Rose Park in Berkeley, Soccer Shots expanded to Montclair Park in Oakland and will soon serve sites in Marin and San Francisco.
Ages: 2 to 8
Website: soccershots.com

Soccer Kids

Peter Idowu on Unsplash

Whether you've got a youngster who wants to play soccer like their older sibling, or an older sibling not quite ready for a competitive team, SoccerKids’ year-round classes are just what you need. With a maximum class size of 15 kids, plentiful dates and times to fit any schedule and coaches' bios to check out, SoccerKids makes it easy to inspire your future Cristiano.

Fun Fact: SoccerKids also offers TeeBallKids and BasketballKids! Why not try all three?

Where: Various locations throughout San Francisco and Marin
Ages: 2 ½ to 7
Website: soccerkids.com

Lil' Kickers

Pabak Sarkar via Creative Commons

This program wants kids to be good teammates—on and off the soccer field. With three locations in the Bay Area, Lil’ Kickers truly focus on child development by using soccer to help kids tackle key developmental milestones. At 18 months, your little one will start in the Bunnies class, where they'll learn balance and coordination while also running, playing as a group and kicking the ball. Micro classes are offered at age four, and while they are non-competitive, they are geared towards intermediate players and progressively introduce proper soccer skills.

Fun Fact: The curriculum at Lil’ Kickers was created by child development experts who tailor classes to match how kids learn at different ages.

Where:
Bladium Sports & Fitness Club
800 West Tower Ave., Bldg. 40, Alameda

Burlingamer
864 Rollins Rd., Burlingame

East Bay Sports 2411 Old Crow Canyon Rd., San Ramon

Age: 18 months to 7
Website: lil’kickers.com

Kidz Love Soccer

GraceFamily via Creative Commons

Winning and losing are a big part of American culture. Kidz Love Soccer offers an unconventional approach to sports based on sportsmanship, effort, learning and fun! Not interested in producing the next Lionel Messi or Mia Hamm, as their name suggests, Kids Love Soccer want their players to love  and be good at sports. Kidz Love Soccer teaches the fundamentals of the game through imaginative play and age-appropriate curriculum. The program starts with a Mommy/Daddy and Me class (2 to 3-year-olds) and progresses to pre-soccer and tot soccer. At age 5, classes focus on techniques, teamwork, skills and scrimmages.

Fun Fact: At Kidz Love Soccer, the score is always Fun to Fun!

Where: Brentwood, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Dublin, Mountain View, Pleasanton, Palo Alto, Newark, Concord, San RAMON, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Castro Valley, Lafayette
Ages: 2 to 12 
Website: KidzLoveSoccer.com

—Nicole Findlay

featured photo by the author

RELATED STORIES:

The Ultimate Guide to Kayaking around the Bay with Kids

Splash Down: The Bay’s Best Indoor Pools

Get Your Putt On at These Bay Area Mini Golf Courses

The Olympics are a fan-favorite time of year for a multitude of reasons. Whether it’s the winter, summer Olympics or Paralympics, it’s expected that you’ll find athletes with superhuman abilities and the big life moments that led them there. Simply put, it’s a time filled with a never-ending well of inspiration.

These incredible displays of athleticism inspire people of all ages, adults to children alike. But the most exciting and heartwarming part of it all is the mark it leaves on children around the world. Parents and families take to social media to share videos and pictures of their children hooked on watching the spectacle. They’re inspired by what they see and are curious about how they can be just like that athlete one day.

Although it may not seem like it, the time after the Olympics has finally held its closing ceremonies can be the perfect opportunity to begin to push your child to explore what inspires them. The age old question is always, “How? How do I do it?” The answer to that question, which is a lot easier said than done, is: “Talk to your child.”

Not all children will feel inspired and driven by the same thing, so it’s important to first listen to your child and watch what they gravitate towards. Then, you can begin to build some activities and language to push them a little further. Here are 5 fun things you can do at home to help to foster a sense of pride and inspiration in your own home:

1. Hold a family awards ceremony. Your child can make certificates or ribbons to hand out, celebrating their own personal talents and those of others in the family.

2. Select a book focusing on inspiration and being your best self. Find moments during the story to ask your child questions during some inspiring moments like, “Have you ever felt like the character when she was in that situation?” See our recommended reading below.

3. Start a scrapbook together. Have your child document his or her “firsts” or special accomplishments. Share the pictures and tell stories about how proud you felt seeing him or her do the things in the pictures.

4. Share information about your family’s culture with your child. Explain to them some of the cultural values and traditions that your family holds and how it makes you feel proud. Talk about your own story growing up!

5. Host your own mini Olympics. Pick some Olympic fan favorites like soccer or a track race to host right in your own backyard, or use some of your own family’s favorite games. It can even be an Olympics filled with board games like Scrabble or Twister! Take some inspiration from one of our own Academies, Kiddie Academy of Fisher’s Landing here!

As we talk about inspiration and pride, an often-overlooked aspect is also helping children learn how to deal with failure. They won’t be successful every time they attempt something, but that’s natural and is merely an outcome, not a reflection on the child.

When things don’t work out, assure them that you’re proud of the effort, that you love them regardless of the outcome and that next time, the outcome could be different. Talk to them about the emotions they felt towards losing and what good sportsmanship looks like. Even in the face of a loss or undesired outcome, it’s important to congratulate the winner and show respect to teammates, coaches, and opponents. In addition to bolstering their self-esteem and sense of pride, this teaches them about resilience.

There are some terrific books for helping your child learn about what it means to be proud. Here are a few classics you might consider reading together:

Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.

Photo: Lukas via Pexels

As a parent these days, there’s a lot of pressure to raise your kids perfectly. In reality, of course, parenting is a lifelong endeavor in trial and error. It’s just not possible to do everything right, partially because there are no clear answers to some parenting problems. Every kid and every situation is different!

With that said, some activities are known to be almost universally beneficial to kids. Participation in team sports, for instance, can teach kids valuable life lessons and help them grow into resilient, empathetic adults. Here are 5 great lessons kids can learn from playing team sports from a young age.

1. The Value of Competition

We live in a competitive world—that’s a fact. Competition can be helpful or harmful, depending on how it’s approached. Coaches and parents who emphasize effort and enjoyment in competition over simply winning and losing can help kids reap the many benefits of competition.

Experiencing competition can teach kids to push themselves and reach new heights in their abilities, gain collaboration skills by working with their team to win, and learn constructive risk-taking and goal-setting. Kids can gain so much value out of healthy competition and may become more persistent and resilient by working toward the win together.

2. The Importance of Safety

Children often feel invincible and don’t understand that safety is important in every activity. Team sports offer a lot of health benefits, but there are certain safety risks involved with participation. The injury rate for high school youth sports is about 2.9 for every 1,000 exposures and kids of any age can become injured when playing sports.

Though there are risks, participation in team sports can also help kids learn how to prevent injury in themselves and others. They’ll learn about safety equipment, best practices for warming up and cooling down, and how to conduct themselves safely during practices and games. That knowledge can transfer over to other areas of their lives and help them to prevent injuries and accidents in a range of situations.

3. The Thrill of Winning (and, the Agony of Losing)

Life is a series of ups and downs, and kids need to learn this before they enter the high-stakes world of adulthood. By participating in team sports, children can learn the thrill of winning and the agony of losing with a support system—the other members of their team. Children on sports teams learn to lift each other up when they lose and celebrate in a healthy way when they win.

4. The Healing Power of Being Part of a Team

Children who suffer from any kind of trauma, such as adopted children who are going through a transition period and may have a troubled past, can often find comfort and emotional healing in team sports. Being part of a group can help kids feel secure, loved, and accepted, which is key for moving forward after trauma such as neglect or instability.

5. The Value of Sportsmanship

One of the best life lessons kids can learn on a sports team is how to cultivate good sportsmanship and conduct. By winning and losing together, kids can learn how to take both victory and defeat with grace. High-fiving the other team, not gloating about a big win, and learning how to avoid getting angry when things don’t go their way on the field or court are all simple but important lessons that kids will learn through participation in team sports.

Sportsmanship is all about managing one’s emotions and respecting others—key life skills that build emotional intelligence and will help kids succeed later in life.

Most people look back on their experiences in youth sports with fondness. Being part of a team and becoming close with one’s teammates is an experience that makes a huge difference in kids’ lives. Life is really all about attitude, and when kids learn to have a good attitude on a team, it will serve them well in college, the workforce, and beyond.

Parents can feel good about having their kids participate in team sports. It’s a healthy way for kids to learn, grow, and gain valuable life lessons under the guidance of their coaches, teammates, and their own mistakes and successes.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer and the start of a new school year for most people. Many children experience anxiety at this time, being filled with the stress of what starting school again will entail. From bullying and being nervous about making friends and having a new teacher, there’s a lot that can weigh on a child. This stress can continue throughout the school year and have devastating consequences. According to the American Psychological Association, when children experience chronic stress it can contribute to psychological problems, as well as physical conditions. The good news is that there are plenty of things parents can do to help their child prepare.

“Kids don’t know just know how to handle their emotions, so it’s important for parents to take steps to help address them,” explains Reena B. Patel, a parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, and author, who offer virtual workshops. “Parents who make emotional and social health a priority will help raise children who are more successful, stable, and experience less stress in life.”

There are many things parents can do to help prepare their children emotionally and socially for taking on a new school year. These include tips:

  • Teach your kids to embrace progress, rather than perfection. If they feel they have to get perfect grades, for example, they will have a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety.
  • Set your expectations for them based on your values. It’s important to let kids know what you expect for the school year from them, but that you realize there is room for error, too.
  • Take the time to talk to your children about your own social mistakes, so they can learn from them. Let them know what mistakes you made and how you would have handled it differently if you could go back in time now.
  • Remind them that winning isn’t everything. Kids need to learn how to be a team member, and how to lose gracefully. Play games with them where they will lose at times, so they can learn good sportsmanship and resilience.
  • Discuss what “success” means. Teach them that we all learn through our mistakes on our way to success.
  • Kids need to know how to make friends, so discuss with them how to do that. Have your child pick five qualities you would want in a friend and then discuss the list with them. As social issues arise, refer back to that list of core values to see if the relationship is a good fit.
  • Have a family discussion about finding balance and discussing how much can be fit into one schedule. This is especially important when it comes to the number of extracurricular activities that can be taken on.
  • Make sure your kids know that it’s okay to ask for help. 
  • Have a social media discussion a priority if your child uses it, ensuring that they use the T.H.I.N.K. acronym regarding what they post online. T (is it truthful), H (is it helpful), I (is it inspiring), N (is it necessary), and K (is it kind).
  • Have a discussion about bullying. Remind them that bullying is never okay and that they need to speak up if it happens. Discuss having boundaries, speaking up, being a good role model, and getting help when needed.
  • Teach your child coping skills, which will help them be better prepared to handle stress and anxiety.
  • Let kids know the importance of focusing on the positives in life. They can do this by keeping a gratitude journal and have a positive affirmation that they repeat each day.

“Most parents are focused on the supplies that kids need for school, but those pale in comparison to the emotional tools they need,” added Patel. “By making sure kids have the emotional and social tools and skills they need, they will be more likely to enjoy the school year, get better grades, and be happier, all of which are good.”

 

Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) is a renowned parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. For more than 20 years, Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children supporting all aspects of education and positive wellness.

Kids have an innate desire to climb everything from kitchen counters to trees––and if they’re metaphorically climbing the walls at home, it’s time to give them a literal outlet. Whether your little monkey is all beginner or ready for bouldering, we’ve rounded up the best indoor rock climbing gyms in San Diego. Scroll through our slideshow to see where to scale new heights.

Grotto

Perfect for littles as young as 5, Grotto goers will learn the basics of climbing and will advance their overall technique, strength and confidence! Not only will your tiny mountaineer learn how to climb safely, they’ll take it to the next level with fun climbing games and team building exercises. This program offers low coach-to-student ratios so each climber will get one-on-one coaching as well as group coaching. Kiddos will learn the importance of stretching and training with a focus on great sportsmanship and team camaraderie!

Grotto also offers kids rock climbing camps all summer.

4460 Alvarado Canyon Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92120
619-283-2105
Online: grottoclimbing.com

photo: Grotto

Where do you take your fam for indoor rock climbing? Tell us in the comments below!

––Elizabeth Silva

If you’ve got a little Jedi who can’t stop waving around that light saber, and you’d like to channel all that swordplay into something a little safer than beheading teddy (or younger siblings), then a fencing class is just the thing. After a class at the new Silverlake Fencing Club kids will be thrusting and parrying with the best of them (and they won’t even realize the amazing exercise they’re getting, you sneaky parent).

Perhaps you’ve never considered fencing as a sport for your kids, but it may be time to! It’s amazing exercise, for the brain as well as the body. If your young athletes are serious about other sports, fencing will complement and hone skills. And for lots of kids who haven’t yet found the sport that they “click” with, fencing, with the cool gear and epic battles, could be the activity to turn them from spectator to future Olympian. To learn more about this lesser known sport, we went to the expert, Silverlake Fencing’s founder and main teacher, Coach Karolyn Szot (she’s the one in the middle, in the photo below).

Why do you think fencing is a great sport for kids?
Coach Karolyn: There really isn’t another sport quite like fencing. When participating in any activity, kids should come to the decision that they are passionate about it.  Fencing is a personal sport and it is dependent not only on physical ability but also your mental state. It is more a game of strategy than strength, and you don’t have to be the most macho kid in gym class to dominate at the sport.

By starting the sport of fencing at a young age, it will help to develop skills such as discipline, coordination, and the ability to think on your feet.  It teaches kids to use their bodies as well as minds to analyze an opponent’s moves and respond in a coordinated way.

How/why did you start fencing?
Coach Karolyn: I saw the movie the Parent Trap when I was young and loved the fencing scene!  I enrolled in a fencing summer camp at a local YMCA and fell love with the sport, and then found a local fencing club. My fencing club really inspired me to compete in local competitions that grew into qualifying for the Junior Olympics, Nationals, North American Cups, and then a World Cup tournament. Ultimately, that led to my recruitment to Northwestern University’s Division I fencing team. (So, think of fencing as an investment towards college scholarships!)

What do you like about teaching kids, and introducing them to the sport?
Coach Karolyn: You can always tell when a child is going to be a great at fencer because they have both determination and enthusiasm; I love seeing how a kid’s face lights up when they hold a foil in their hand for the first time.  When there is someone who at first is scared, I love to give them the encouragement they need by showing them a secret move to try or taking them aside to work on perfecting a move so they become more confident. Sometimes all it takes is watching an exciting fencing bout and then everyone wants to get up and try it out. Kids are the best to teach!

What’s the Sword Called?
In modern fencing, you can use a foil, epée or saber.  Here, your kids will learn on using a foil.  The target area is the torso, and kids wear a white suit, chest plate, full mask and glove.  All equipment is provided in the class, though you may want to get your child their own glove (and they’re going to beg you for their own foil, guaranteed).

5 Great Movies That Will Make Your Kids Want To Fence:
The Princess Bride
The Empire Strikes Back
The Parent Trap
The Adventures of Robin Hood
The Mark of Zorro

En Garde
Want to see a little sword fighting in action? Check it out by dropping into the Silverlake Flea Market on the second Saturday of any month. There you can watch a variety of fencing demonstrations (watch Coach Karolyn take on other expert fencers, or kids from class show off their skills, or even see kids working out with the adults).  The current kids class takes place on Thursday evenings at 5 p.m., and runs for 8 week sessions.  The first class is free, then the 8 week session is $178. Kids can also take a private class or get together a couple of friends to take a class together; Coach Karolyn will schedule times with you.

This beginner class introduces footwork, conditioning, basic techniques and skills, bouting tactics, etiquette and sportsmanship. Students will also dive into point practice and blade drills. It’s for kids 7-10.  She also offers classes for bigger kids, and adults, too.  Because admit it, you’ve always wanted to say, “Hello.  My name is Inigo Montoya.  You kill my father.  Prepare to die.”

Silverlake Fencing
Studio A Dance
2306 Hyperion Ave.
Silverlake
908-309-1294
Email: silverlakefencing@gmail.com
Online: silverlakefencing.com

Are you Team Inigo or Team Westley? Tell us your favorite fencing story in the comment section.

—Meghan Rose

all images courtesy of Silverlake Fencing, except The Princess Bride image ©20th Century Fox.

Beyond the obligatory “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir,” it would also be nice to convince your kid that his shorts are not his napkin. Persistence in the please and thank you game can pay off. Read on for our picks for Atlanta etiquette classes and send your child into their future more confident and considerate.

Charm Ettiquette
Charm Etiquette, the brain child of Atlanta mom and entrepreneur Erika Preval, promises a modern spin on etiquette and leadership. Erika believes that kiddos who master manners early are more socially savvy and successful. Her classes provide a place for kids to learn the foundation of manners in a fun in memorable way.

Yes, please: Charm keeps it local, with all classes taking place within neighborhood restaurants. Your little one gets to learn in a real world atmosphere and you get to join them at the table of yummy dining spot.

Dazzling Manners
Beyond just where to put your napkin and which fork to use, the education learned in a manners and etiquette class increases a kid’s confidence and self-esteem. Manners coach Patti Davis teaches everything from polishing table manners to helping little ones deal with bullies.

Yes, please: Dazzling Manners reviews the topics of proper hygiene and dress with your kiddos, because we all know how hard it can be to convince certain little ones it’s not okay to wear their Batman cape everywhere.

Peachtree Etiquette, LLC
If anyone can coax your kiddo into thinking that manners are fun, it’s the folks at Peachtree Etiquette.  Set in a cozy, home like environment Peachtree Etiquette teaches decorum and dining skills using fun games and activities.

Yes, please: Start them young! Peachtree Etiquette has a “Pre-Etiquette” class perfect for building the confidence and age appropriate manners for kiddos as young as three!

Etiquette Atlanta
On a mission to improve self-esteem and teach good manners as a way of life, Etiquette Atlanta offers unique classes for the needs of boys, girls or teens.  Young ladies can start polishing poise and confidence as early as Kindergarten. Topics covered will include entertaining, the finer points of posture and proper sitting. Classes for little men start in the third grade and review topics like table manners, the art of being a gentleman and good sportsmanship. 

Yes, please: Why not check out a Summer Boot Camp? During this three week course, kids will learn everything from how to tie a tie to how navigate a formal dinner.  You’re sure to be grinning big as you watch your little practice their perfected manners as the camp comes to an end with a final luncheon.

How do you teach you tot manners? Please share your secrets with us in the comments section below. Thank you!

—Candice Rose

Photos courtesy of Charm Etiquette, Etiquette Atlanta and Peachtree Etiquette, LLC via Facebook

If your little one has taken to tossing his baseball across the yard with a broomstick, it may be time to think about lacrosse lessons. The sport that was traditionally known as an “East Coast thing” has become quite popular among San Diego kids. And with good reason: it’s action-packed and filled with lessons in good sportsmanship. Here’s what you need to know to get your kiddo playing on the field.

Photo credit: Mike Morris via Flickr

The Basics
If you’re not familiar with lacrosse, it’s almost like a mix of field hockey and soccer. It’s quick, exciting and a great team sport. The goal of the game is to score by shooting the ball (approximately the size of a tennis ball) into an opponent’s goal, using the lacrosse stick to pass, catch and carry the ball.

There are a few differences between boys and girls lacrosse; the biggest being contact. In girls lacrosse, no intentional contact is allowed to the head or body. For boys, stick-to-body contact is an integral part of the game. Additionally, the girls play on a larger field and with twelve people while boys play with ten.

Check Out A League In Your Community
Lacrosse used to be a hard-to-find sport to join. But now there are youth lacrosse clubs in almost every part of San Diego. The sport tends to run during the spring season, so check out one of the leagues offered at these communities throughout San Diego:

If your kiddo is interested in playing, drop the team an email and ask about trying out out a practice. Many clubs let future players try out the sport before signing up.

Photo credit: Keith Anderson via Flickr

The Cost
Registration for one season can range from $300-$400, plus $25 for each player’s required annual U.S. Lacrosse membership. The first year your kiddo plays, the cost of gear may be hard to swallow (especially for the boys), but luckily it can be used for multiple years/seasons. Be sure to try used sports stores, like Play It Again Sports, or ask around your community.

Gear for boys and girls differs slightly. Boys are required to provide their own lacrosse stick, helmet, gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, cleats, protective cup and mouthpiece. Girls wear a little less gear than the boys, since their game is less contact. Instead of a helmet and pads, they are required to wear goggles to protect the eyes, and will also need a stick, cleats and mouthguard.

Has your sports’ enthusiast expressed interest in playing lacrosse? Where do they like to play?

— Ginger Anderson

Looking to lob a few with your small fry Federer or baby Billie Jean? (Or just want a fun way for your kid to get some physical activity inside?) You’re in luck! Court 16, a new tennis club designed just for kids opened its doors in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Gowanus this September, and tennis pros are standing by to teach your little athlete about serving, sportsmanship and (in time) perfecting a killer backhand.

The Where, Who and How
Strategically surrounded by Brooklyn neighborhoods brimming with kids of all ages (Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Park Slope and Fort Greene are all a ball-throw away), Court 16 is the brainchild of Anthony Evrard, a former tennis wunderkind in his native Belgium. (Evrard ranked in the top five of his country’s national junior team until age 16; a tennis scholarship to Loyola Marymount University in California brought him to the states. The club is named after the court where Evrard learned  — and came to love —the sport back home.)

Evrard’s vision is to create a stimulating and nurturing tennis facility that not only teaches kids the sport, but promotes confidence, social fluency and self-esteem as well. From a vacant warehouse space on Baltic Street, Evrard has created a tennis club for kids that’s the first of its kind in the country.

Why It’s Unique
Court 16 is filled with natural light and accents of bright yellow making it an inviting and cheerful space for both parents and kids, but don’t let the friendly atmosphere fool you: the facilities are totally pro. The courts are designed to the United States Tennis Association’s specs for children’s courts (they’re smaller), and use customized, lower nets manufactured in the UK. The courts’ surfaces are made with Premier Court, the most advance cushioning surface available, and the material on which the Davis Cup is played. The upshot: Court 16 is a professional caliber tennis facility sized for kids, and the first indoor tennis facility for children in the U.S.

The Little Extras
Other features catering to Court 16’s clientele include large Nerf-like tennis balls for the tiniest of players, cute and colorful targets in the shape of animals such as a bear and an owl, kid-friendly restrooms and a court-side area for where parents can relax and watch lessons if they like. All members of the club also receive a backpack, polo and hoodie from Court 16’s partner LaCoste.

Getting With the Programs
To find Court 16 coaches, Evrard looked to his colleagues from the world of competitive tennis. The club’s programs are tailored by age group and include private and group tennis classes as well as tennis conditioning. The club’s programs include Freshman for ages three and four; Sophomore for ages five and six; Junior for ages seven and eight, and Senior for kids nine to 11. Kids are never evaluated upon joining, and all skill levels are welcome. While competition is not stressed at Court 16, the club is equipped to train and support any student interested in pursuing competitive play.

Join the Club
Annual membership to the club is $500, with class packages available for an additional fee. Members can book court time for parents and kids to play together, and the club will also be hosting a speaker series, member events and mini tournaments. Plus: free breakfast on weekends! Families wishing to check out the club before signing on the dotted line can purchase a three-lesson package to see if Court 16 is the right fit for them.

Parents and kids from Brooklyn and beyond are currently enrolled at Court 16 (Manhattanites from Battery Park, the Financial District and Chelsea count themselves as members) and the club will open an additional three courts (and 8,000 square feet) in January of 2015. The facility also plans to offer a winter session during school break.

For more info on Court 16 and its programs, go to court16.com.

Court 16
526 Baltic St.
Gowanus
718-875-5550
Online: court16.com

What’s your favorite indoor sports venue for kids in NYC?

— Mimi O’Connor

photos: Court 16