C-VILLE Kids: And his little dog, too

(Photo by Cramer Photo) “Full of beans.” That’s how Amy Gardner describes both her 4-year-old son, Ben, and her 6-month-old Corgi, Momo. In fact, they share a few other personality traits, too: “They’re strong-willed, energetic, and they’re both really funny,” she said. “I have a feeling they’re going to be quite the team.” It sounds […]

C-VILLE Kids! Ready your young one for a week away

 Every spring, camp directors and counselors begin planning for the best three months of the year: summer camp. This year, as a parent, be prepared when you send your child off to camp for the first time. Is my child ready? First, consider your child’s age. Is he advanced for a 7-year-old? Is he a […]

C-VILLE Kids! Sow fun: Gardening with your little one

Few things are more wholesome than children in the garden. Growing plants with your kid has it all: fresh air, science, and life lessons on everything from patience to self-reliance. (Plus, eating dirt is said to boost the immune system.) But how do you actually get your kids gardening? Grow the fun stuff. Pick crops […]

C-VILLE Kids! Eat right now (and again later)

Keeping your children happy, healthy and energized can be a challenge. UVA Children’s Hospital dietitian Angie Hasemann offers some best practices. Before school Got a picky eater on your hands? Getting them to eat in the morning, especially, can be a struggle. “For younger children,” said Hasemann, “I often emphasize making breakfast something to look […]

C-VILLE Kids! Book ’em: Five favorite for 2- to 5-year-olds

The two toddlers I used to read to have grown into a middle- and a high-schooler. They read quite well now, and frequently, but on their own—and often from a screen. So when they recently noticed me studying the shelves that hold their childhood books, I was thrilled they agreed to assist in my search […]

C-VILLE Kids! Mom style: Merrily we tote along

 Just because you have a little one doesn’t mean you have to forfeit all sense of style. Ditch the Winnie the Pooh diaper bag and pick up one of these stunners instead. Nothing says “I’m a cool mom” like bright colors and grown-up textures. Pretty, with pink: Color-blocked faux leather tote from Old Navy ($29.94, […]

C-VILLE Kids! Great local outings for kids

Sure, unstructured time is great for kids—whiling away the hours banging on pots, giggling at penguin documentaries or rolling down hills. But now and then, even the most schedule-averse parent is bound to feel the need for an outing. Whether for exercise, education or just plain fun, an Official Activity of some kind might be […]

C-VILLE Kids! Toy story

A horse is a horse, of course. Unless you ask 2-and-a-half-year-old Ella Watson, whose four-legged friend, Horsey, can not only fly but is also able to provide rides for Barbie. Ella received Horsey as a gift from her grandmother on her first birthday and they’ve been inseparable ever since, sleeping and traipsing around the house together. […]