Below is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Kathryn Drury Wagner with the nonprofit BeSMART
When preparing for playdates and sleepovers for the kids, you’ve prepped for these with conversations like, “should he bring a sleeping bag?” or “please have her bring a swimsuit.” There’s another important topic to consider—talking about secure firearm storage. That’s because firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. But these tragedies are preventable, and it’s more important than ever for families to talk about secure firearm storage.
I get it. It can feel super uncomfortable to talk about this. But hey, your kids’ safety is your business. Just like you’d ask about other safety stuff—like whether a family has a cat (pack that Claritin!) or if an adult will be home during a teen’s party—you can and should ask about how guns are stored. (The gold standard for secure storage is to keep all guns unloaded, locked up, and separate from ammunition.)
So how do we talk about this without feeling weird? Alot of moms find that texting makes this conversation so much less awkward. Here are some examples of what you could say:
“Before I drop my son off, I just wanted to check to see if you have pets? And also ask if you have firearms in your house and confirm how they are stored. I want to make sure he knows your safety rules.”
Or,
“I know my daughter hasn’t been to your home before and I do like to ask a few safety questions. She is skittish around dogs, do you have any? Also, do you own any firearms, and if so, how are they stored? She doesn’t have any allergies. Thanks so much.”
If you own a firearm, you could say:
“Hi! We just got a new puppy—I wanted to flag in case there were any allergies. Also, I wanted to let you know that we hunt in the fall, but our guns are stored securely, unloaded, locked, with the ammunition stored separately. Can’t wait to see you!”
If your child is a teen:
“Hey, excited the kids are getting together. I know that they’ve hung out a lot, but my daughter has never been over to your house so I want to confirm a couple of things: Will an adult be at the house the whole time? I heard a story on the news that made me realize I should always ask this—do you have any firearms, and if so, how are they stored? Also, do you need me to pick her up or can you give her a ride home?”
For teenage babysitters:
Ask your teen if they would like to take the lead on asking, or if they would like you to ask on their behalf. Sample texts could be:
[From a teen] “I’m confirming 7 p.m. on Saturday. Let me know if the kids want me to bring some games? Also, my parents wanted me to ask if there are any unsecured guns in the home? Thanks!”
[Or from you] “We’re excited to have Harper babysit your twins on Saturday. I heard a story on the news that made me realize I should always ask this—do you have any firearms, and if so, how are they stored? Also, do you need me to pick her up or can you give her a ride home?”
Safer kids, safer communities
After you text a few of these conversations, it becomes much more natural. And it’s so worth it, because we can never make assumptions when a child’s safety is at stake.
Want more resources? Check out the nonprofit BeSMART.
Families will have an opportunity to get scientific with their love of plants @ Plant Science Saturday Aug. 5 at Forsyth Park.
Designed for budding plant scientists of all ages, plant scientists will host discovery stations to inspire excitement and curiosity about plants and plant life.
Hosted by the American Society of Plant Biologists, the event kicks off Plant Biology Week in Savannah, during which ASPB’s annual Plant Biology conference will welcome more than 1,000 plant biologists and scientists from around the world.
Plant Science Saturday originated out of the desire for Plant Biology conference attendees to give back to their host cities.
Attendees start their journey into plant science with picking up a field guide that guides them through a range of hands-on activities. Learn about the building blocks of plant behavior by dissecting a lima bean, discover what components plants need to survive while creating a seed cup necklace, help plant scientists solve the challenges of growing plants in space, and more! Attendees who have visited all stations receive a Junior Plant Scientist completion certificate.
Plant Science Saturday, Sat. Aug. 5, 9AM-1PM @ Forsyth Park at Forsyth Farmers’ Market
This year’s event is held in partnership with Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
Spine health experts @ SouthCoast Health in Savannah remind parents that your child could be doing more harm than good by improperly wearing their backpack.
Above are some “dos” and “don’ts” to help ensure your little one’s spine isn’t experiencing any damage this school year.
Family Movie Night will screen a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.
The free screening @ the Cultural Arts Center includes a stellar collection of hand-picked short films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.
The free event kicks off on Sat. Aug. 5 @ 6PM, with a social hour and concessions. Guests can enjoy food trucks before the films begin at 7PM and are appropriate for the whole family.
Sat. Aug. 5, 2023 Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery Street Free Admission 6PM Happy Hour with food trucks 7PM Showtime
You don’t have to travel far from Savannah to find a prime family-friendly vacation. Hilton Head Island is teeming with fun ways to entertain the kids.
SEE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM LATEST HILTON HEAD REEL HERE.
Hilton Head Island’s beaches are the No. 1 way. You can bike on this beach. You can play in the tidal pools at low-tide. Swim. Sand castles. Ride the waves.
FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.
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Bicycling on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island offers over 50 miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The hard-packed beaches are also popular for bicycling at low tide.
Also bike the self-guided Legacy Oak Program tour, which consists of 20 landmark Live Oak trees in Sea Pines Resort which range in age from 100 to 320 years in 15 locations. Each designated tree is on an easily accessible public property. Most are identified with a wooden bench engraved with the name of the tree, its estimated birth year and the program logo. Learn more here & download a pamphlet and trail map highlighting the history, location, size and age of each of the Sea Pines Legacy Oaks.
The park off Pope Avenue near the Coligny Beach parking lot and Coligny Beach Park features: *The Adventure Playground, named after the ship Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island. It features a reimagined design of the ship, playground, wading pool/splash pad and more. The ship includes: cannons that spray a light mist, crow’s nests, swing bridges, port holes, rope nets, periscopes. *An open pavilion and lawn for events. *A perimeter walk *Two fitness stations *Wi-Fi *Public restrooms
Take a free, self-guided tour of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Established in 1862 on Hilton Head Island, Mitchelville is the first place in the United States where African Americans, out of slavery but not yet citizens, self-governed. This first self-governed town of freed slaves is commemorated in the historic site of Mitchelville Freedom Park on Beach City Road. Learn more here
A mere hour drive from Savannah, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an easy getaway from Savannah to bike amid nature on 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily. (Not located on Hilton Head Is. but between HHI and Bluffton)
The free animal farm includes goats, sheep, chickens, turtles, cows and alpacas. Kids can also pet a friendly retired Clydesdale, Woody, at the stables. Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee.
The animal farm is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here. 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29928
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Free Skate Park
Free Skate Park @ Bristol Sports Arena. Free outdoor skate park. Ramps & rails for skaters of all abilities. Restrooms. Pads required. Details here. 4 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Is. SC 29926.
Educational natural history and animal programs at a venue that includes salt marsh board walks, open fields, gardens, trails and a 1200 square foot butterfly habitat that is home to some 13 species of native butterflies to the Lowcountry. Explore natural history and cultural heritage on the 68 acre Honey Horn property. The Museum’s trails, gardens, live oaks, butterfly enclosure and Marsh Tacky horses are just a few of the fun experiences you will encounter during your visit. Mon. – Sat. 9-4:30 and Sun. 11-3. *Perfect rainy day activity. More info here. 70 Honey Horn Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
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Sea Pines Forest Preserve
The 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve includes easy trails to various points of interest including the 4,000-year-old Indian Shell Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a wildflower garden that’s amazing when in bloom. The walks range from 25 minutes to one hour. Bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails, so please park your bicycles at the locations provided. Open from sunrise to sunset. The Forest Preserve is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. More info here.
The Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town is one of the top playgrounds in our area. Fenced, somewhat shaded playground that includes a treehouse; swings; numerous slides; lots of climbing bars, jungle gym bars, monkey bars. Just outside the fenced-playground is a water fountain; picnic tables; bathrooms; and plenty of spots for lunch, drinks or coffee and of course, the famous Harbour Town lighthouse which is open to climb for a fee plus $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. Harbour Town, Hilton Head, SC 29928
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FREE historical Stoney-Baynard Ruins, Sea Pines
The ruins of the old Baynard estate, the main house as well as attendant slave quarters, are permanently preserved within six-acre Baynard Ruins Park. The home was raided during the Civil War and Union forces made it their headquarters. Details here. The ruins are free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.
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Seasonal
Spring & summer events
Free family-friendly outdoor Gregg Russell concerts at Harbour Town, Sea Pines
A classic on Hilton Head Is. for almost four decades, Gregg Russell Concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town happen regularly during summer (weather permitting) & periodically during spring.
This family-oriented singer/storyteller performs sing-a-longs, ballads & silly songs with audience participation. Kids in the audience try to get Gregg to pick them to sing a song to the crowd, often using creative pick-me posters etc. Concerts are free; there’s a $9 gate fee per auto. Celebrating 40 years in 2016, Gregg has become a Sea Pines classic. Under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town is where you’ll find Gregg Russell entertaining adults and children alike. His concerts are not to be missed. Find the concert schedule here.
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Free Sea Pines Trolley
Take the free Sea Pines Trolley to Sea Pines locations during summer months & some holiday periods. This is a way to entertain kids who are still thrilled by “bus rides etc”. The trolley offers an easy way to get around Sea Pines. Schedule info here. Trolley rides are free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto. Good rainy day activity
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Beach access at Sea Pines Beach Club.
Sea Pines Beach Club has convenient access to the beach, Surf Shop, restrooms, shower facilities & Surfside Market featuring to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks & cold beverages. Details here. 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. The beach club is free; there’s a $9 Sea Pines gate fee per auto.
Located off Pope Avenue on the south end of Hilton Head Island (about a 60 min. drive from Savannah), this interactive museum provides a place for educational play between children and their caregivers.
For ages infant to eight. 18A Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 842-7645 Daily rates & membership rates here. The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org
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FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE SOUTHERNMAMAS.COM EVENT CALENDAR HERE.
Tickets for the films, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for the film, part of the Disney Summer Classics series, are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public.
On Sat. Aug 12, 10AM–1PM, SCM will host this fun day of educating children about healthy living, while showcasing immersive wellness programs and a great roster of community partners.
Event partners include Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, TRIBE Savannah, Georgia Bikes, Memorial Health, and Soccer Shots!
Mercer Medical School will host a teddy bear clinic where children can bring stuffed animals for a wellness checkup. Savannah Children’s Museum educators will lead health and wellness-themed activities throughout the day.
This event is sponsored by Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry and Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital.
This event is FREE for Coastal Heritage Society members and visitors who receive EBT/SNAP/WIC benefits as part of CHS All In. Find info on how to become a CHS member here.
Purchase Savannah Children’s Museum admission tickets here.
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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Each season Soccer Shots Savannah uses a different curriculum covering new skills and character words while having fun!
The Early Fall season begins in October and the Late Fall season begins in November and Soccer Shots Savannah wants your child to join us on Soccer Island!
Visit Soccershots.org/savannah to learn more about our program! Or go straight to our enrollment page and sign up for a location near you that meets at a time that fits your schedule at savannah-macon.soccershots.com.
Soccer Shots Savannah has locations all throughout Savannah, Wilmington Island, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon and Bluffton!
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Soccer Shots Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
