Archive for February, 2012

What to do in Omaha?

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Omaha is not the first city most people think of when they think of fun cities to visit.  However, these individuals have not given Omaha the credit it deserves.  From the world’s largest indoor desert to college baseball’s biggest event, you will find Omaha is filled with so many various activities to do during your visit, you might end up staying longer than anticipated to take it all in.

A few of the highlights to explore in this city filled with so much culture are the:

  • Henry Doorly Zoo – Walk across a swinging rope bridge in the middle of a tropical rainforest, discover the swampy lands of the creatures of the night, or watch a shark swim overhead in a glass aquarium; the Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the finest in all the United States.  http://www.omahazoo.com/
  • Children’s Museum – Get ready for the whole family to learn through play!  Climb in, on, and through everything.  Your children will love this interactive museum that focuses on art, science, and technology for every age (even the wee ones).  Be warned – even the adults will start to sense the child in them and may just want to stay as long as the children.  http://www.ocm.org/
  • NCAA College World Series (During June) – Called the “Greatest Show On Dirt”, the NCAA has been housed in Omaha for more than 60 years.  The event last 10 days and encourages the entire city of Omaha to get involved with the sporting accomplishments.  http://www.cwsomaha.com/
  • Mormon Trail Center – Displays include a full sized log cabin, covered wagon, oxen, and hand cart.  There are optional guided tours and the best part – it’s FREE!  What better way to learn an important part of our country’s history?  http://www.visitomaha.com/listings/Mormon-Trail-Center-at-Historic-Winter-Quarters/57074/0/
  • Theatre – Omaha’s creative spirit is contagious!  Try the Holland Performing Arts Center which is considered the acoustic beauty of Omaha which houses the Omaha Symphony or try the Omaha Community Playhouse, one of the largest community theaters in the country that thrives on its creative and intimate art house experience.  http://www.omahaperformingarts.org/
  • Fine Dining – A plethora of venues ranging from quirky cuisine to award winning chef inspired flavors that will get your palates watering.  You will only find these delicious, mouth-watering dishes here in Omaha.  Of course, we have to mention the amazing steaks that Omaha is known for.  Luckily, we have several remarkable steakhouses to experience the cities scrumptious reputation.  http://www.omahafinedining.com/
  • Live Music – Omaha is a premiere hotspot for music scenes with clubs catering to the indie music genre.  However, you will also find blues, jazz, pop, and more in the superb venues around Omaha.  Playing at restaurants, bars, and theaters, you will find just what you are looking for here in Omaha’s urban music scene.  http://www.theslowdown.com/
  • Lauritzen Gardens – Explore more than 100 acres of botanical beauty.  Take a walk or tram ride through this dazzling garden and delight your mind and as well as inspire curiosity in the magnificence of plant life.  http://www.lauritzengardens.org/
  • Shopping – In Omaha, shopping is a sport, so get ready to go the distance.  Unique boutiques as well as indoor and outdoor malls surround the city with their quaint shopping centers and mega malls, which will inspire the shopaholic in all of us.  http://www.visitomaha.com/things-to-do/shopping/

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Young Enough for Facebook?

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Is your child ready for Facebook?  Parents cringe at this crucial point in child development, but don’t worry; here is your stress free guide to navigating whether your child is ready for the social networking world.

Thirteen sounds like such a young age to start branching out into the online social realm, but according to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, it is the minimum age required to open a Facebook account.  This makes many parents uneasy at first (I was at the top of the list!), but I’ve listed some steps you can take to help your child blossom in the online community.

Honing social skills has always been a crucial part of a child’s development.  It begins at home and branches out into traditional peer settings and continues into the digital world.  Benefits of social networking for teens include:

  • Wide range of supportive friends
  • Deepened relationship with family
  • Wider variety of social skills
  • Advanced technological skills
  • Creativity and self-exploration

There is a lot of panic about the risk associated with online social networks.  We feel more at ease in traditional settings when we can “see” what is going on.  However, whether our kids are online, at recess, or at the mall, the majority of their socializing happens out of our site.  In reality, it is much easier to monitor your child’s activity online.

Steps to Ensure Security:

  • Know your child’s password
  • Friend your child and be present on their site (a lot!)
  • Converse with your children at home about social situations that arise
  • Talk with your child on what it means to be private, responsible, and kind
  • Set the settings on your child’s social sites with added security features
  • Let your child know you have to approve all friends first (no exceptions!)
  • Set the email to go to your email instead

Above all, know your child’s maturity level.  Some kids are not ready at thirteen to have this kind of account.  There is no harm in waiting a year or two until you feel they are more prepared to handle the responsibility of social networking.

If you recognize this is part of social progress for young people today, you’re one step ahead already.  The two environments work together to create today’s modern social experience.  Children will need practice in a digital territory as they fine tune their abilities to connect with their peers.

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