By Veronica Smith, MD
Through the years, you’ve watched your children grow. You’ve seen them through their first day of school, first recital, school dance, and other firsts. And now you face the prospect of handing them the keys to a car. A driver’s license is often seen as a rite of passage as teens become more independent and enter young adulthood. It is both an exciting and sometimes scary time for parents and teenagers.
Maryville University’s Center for Access and Achievement (CA2) has announced plans to open a STEM studio in September. The new Interactive STEM Studio: A Maryville Science and Robotics Pop-up will be located at Chesterfield Mall.
Immersive experiences like history tours, living history re-enactments, and history role play games and activities, are all fun ways to inspire children and teens to explore history. Here are a few unique ways to take your family's history exploration beyond the books:
By Brett Solfermoser
Do you find your kids prioritizing video games, rushing to turn on the PS5 right when they get home from school? Or do they roll their eyes and groan when you ask them to turn off their Nintendo Switch at the dinner table? Chances are, if you’re a parent, you’ve encountered scenarios like these before—if not in your own family, certainly in those of your neighbors, friends, or child’s classmates at school. Whether we as parents like it or not, video games are as common as ever with kids and likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
For older kids and teens who love to glide, climb, soar, swing, skate, bike and otherwise live life to the extreme, St. Louis offers plenty of adventure (in a safe environment with helmets and protective equipment, of course!). Share an action-packed day of mountain biking, zip lining, rock wall climbing, skateboarding and more with your young thrill seeker at these local parks and destinations. Tip: Many attractions require a signed waiver; save time by completing waivers online in advance, and don't forget to bring proper safety equipment.
Lindsay Clukies, MD, is a Washington University emergency medicine physician and associate medical director for trauma services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
While obtaining a driver’s license can be a very exciting time for teenagers, the thought of your teenager being alone on the road can be extremely frightening to parents. Teen drivers are inexperienced, and if their brains are distracted and thinking about anything other than driving, there is potential for significant harm.
Books are a great way to escape the world. Books are also a great way to enjoy the world! When you’re planning an adventure, learning about your destination before you go makes the experience that much more rewarding. (If you read reviews about a restaurant before you try it, then you can probably relate.)
Parents across the nation are looking for ways to have meaningful conversations with their children about the fight for racial equality. Here are a few ways to learn more about Black history and the significant contributions of the Black community in St. Louis.
Summer has arrived, and your little ones cannot wait to cool off in the lake or neighborhood pool. But while water is wonderful, it can also be dangerous if not approached with caution.