Have you gotten used to writing 2010 on all of your paperwork or are you still writing 2009, like me?  Even 2 weeks into the new year, it's hard to believe that 2009 is a thing of the past!  We're trying to get back into our routines after the holidays and kids are having a little easier time getting up for school, although it helps that the next school vacation is only a little more than four weeks away.

Our newsletter focus this week is on kids classes and activities.  At three years old, my daughter has declared her love for ballet and gymnastics and does each once per week after school, while my seven year old son has immersed himself in everything sports, which at this time of year means swimming once each week and basketball twice.  On the weekends, add a few birthday parties to the mix, and we're all exhausted!  What do your kids do? Do they have activities every day after school or do they focus on one thing at a time?  Post your answers under our thread in Parent Chat (under General Chat)  or e-mail us at info@liparentsource.com.  (PS - We'll pick winners at random and mail some fun prizes out....)

Read below and on our blog for some great advice from local experts regarding all different types of classes and after school activities for kids.  Have you thought about trying a new activity in 2010? We have included a list of different programs below to consider for after school classes and sports.  Don't forget that the local libraries offer some fantastic programs themselves and many times, these programs are free!  Learn more about how you can use our Parent Planner to coordinate sports and activities with other parents. >>

We're kicking off the new year with a giveaway of tickets for a fantastic event.  Have you heard about the KISS Program, run by the Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview? KISS stands for Kids In Special Services and the program provides services to high functioning children with learning and developmental disabilities.  The goal is to create a nurturing environment and community by providing a comprehensive range of programs for toddlers through adulthood, allowing each person to be happy and reach his or her own potential.  The KISS Program offers programs like school vacation & holiday programs, classes, summer programs and more and parents who have been a part of the program have only the best things to say about it.  On February 6, from 8-11pm, KISS will be holding The 4th Annual Bowling for Kiss Classic at AMF Syosset Lanes.  Bowling, dinner, drinks & raffles - it's a super fun night.  We want to send one couple to the event, so visit our Contest page to find out how you can win these tickets!

Have a great week!

Which class should I choose? Is this class good for my child's age? These are questions that parents of children of all ages always ask when considering the options for classes and after-school activities.  Luckily, we have some fantastic resources in this area at our fingertips, and we've asked for their expert opinions.  Click on the titles below for more information on each topic....

• Choosing classes for kids from Orly Regev, owner and founder of Orly's Treehouse
• Which class to take? from Jen Dellafranca, owner of bubble
• Sports classes for toddlers? from Sheila Whitlow, owner of WEST
• Teens & Tweens playing sports from Mark Newfield, owner of Coastal Sports
• Keeping kids fit in winter from Lois Glass, Long Island Gymboree Play & Music Director
• Theater Arts for Kids from Erin Sforza, PR/Marketing Coordinator for CM Performing Arts Center
• Exposing young children to languages from Francois Thibaut, founder/director of The Language Workshop for Children

We thank our contributors very much for all of the information they provide us with!

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything.

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

LOCAL RESOURCES | PARENT PERKS DISCOUNTS | NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

Click HERE for a full listing of classes & after-school activities by category

WEST stands for Winners Edge Sports Training, an indoor sports facility located at 156 Railroad Avenue in Huntington Station (631.367.WEST).  The mission at WEST is to provide Long Island families with a top of the line sports training center where baseball, softball and soccer players of all ages and skill levels can work to improve as players and have fun doing it in the cleanest and safest environment possible.  With over 12,000 square feet, WEST has 20 - 24 foot ceilings, premium turf flooring and a variety of training space.  The owners of WEST are Long Island parents themselves, and are committed to providing high quality programs led by caring instructors with strong backgrounds in their respective sports.  Kids and parents alike enjoy the facility whether it's for SoccerMoms League, private lessons, baseball and soccer programs, birthday parties, batting cages, summer sports camps, holiday baseball camps or weekly events such as Dodgeball Nights and so much more!  you can visit WEST online at www.winnersedgesportstraining.com and don't forget to visit our Events Calendar for some fun and fantastic programs that WEST has put together!