August Issue 2026

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

AUGUST 2026

Achievement Culture and Anxiety

Are Kids Too Busy?

Extracurricular YOUR GUIDE

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 3

CONT ENT S August 2026

in each issue

6 8

The Mama Files Book Corner Community Things To Do Things We Love

10 21 26

Photo by Monday Night Brewing

features

ACHIEVEMENT KIDS & ACTIVITY CULTURE: WHEN SUCCESS BECOMES A SOURCE OF STRESS The pressure to build the perfect child starts earlier than ever. Learn how families can escape the achievement trap before success becomes a burden.

Photo by Birdsong Farmers Market

Photo by Magnific

Photo by Caleb Chancery

what’s on the web

THE OVERSCHEDULED CHILDHOOD Between practices, performances, and packed calendars, families are asking a tough question: When does enrichment become overload?

Rooftop dining, outdoor concerts, sunset walks, and unique experiences perfect for reconnecting before fall schedules take over. 5 BIRMINGHAM DATE NIGHT IDEAS BEFORE SUMMER ENDS These local spots offer great vibes for parents and space for kids to play. KID-FRIENDLY BREWERIES & OUTDOOR HANGOUTS IN BIRMINGHAM

WHAT TEACHERS WISH PARENTS KNEW IN 2026 From screen time struggles to teacher burnout, educators share the surprising truths, biggest misconceptions, and hard-earned lessons every parent needs to hear. AFTER THE BELL: LOCAL AFTERSCHOOL & EXTRACURRICULAR LISTING From curtain calls to climbing walls, discover Birmingham’s best after-school programs where kids can unleash their talents, build confidence, and turn every afternoon into an adventure.

BEST BIRMINGHAM PATIOS FOR AUGUST EVENINGS

From fresh peaches and tomatoes to homemade baked goods and local artisan products, these community markets offer a fun way to support locals while stocking up on seasonal favorites. FRESH FINDS: BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKETS WORTH VISITING THIS AUGUST Enjoy the last stretch of warm summer nights at these local restaurants and gathering spots.

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BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 5

THE Mama

FILES

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator NATALIE KAISER Social Media Content Creator MAIH MANUSO Content Multiplication Specialist TRINITY GRAYSON SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS THOMAS DRYBURGH JENNIFER HOFFMANN MORGAN PRICE JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships

The Best Seat in the House A s summer winds down and we wrap up another flag football season— one that will end with a trip to the 3rd Annual NFL Flag Championship—I’m reminded how quickly one season gives way to the next. Before we know it, another sport, another practice, and another full calendar will be waiting. But before we jump into that rhythm again, I’ve found myself saying something a little unexpected this summer.

place where a child has to succeed. Our kids don’t need to be the best at everything they try. They need permission to explore, make mistakes, change their minds, and simply enjoy the experience.

And they need us to show up.

Whether I’m watching a basketball game, standing near the long jump pit, cheering from the flag football sidelines, or sitting in the audience at a dance competition, I’ve realized the best seat in the house isn’t about having the perfect view. It’s about being the face my children look for in the crowd. As we head into another school year, I hope we can find a little balance between activity and rest, between cheering them on and giving them room to breathe. A full calendar can be wonderful, but it doesn’t have to define a full childhood. Sometimes the greatest gifts we can give our kids are an unscheduled afternoon, permission to be bored, and the reassurance that they never have to earn our applause. Years from now, they may not remember every score, jump, game, or routine. But they’ll remember who was there, cheering them on.

“I’m glad you’re bored.”

I’ve said it more than once.

Not because I want my kids to be miserable, of course, but because boredom can be a gift. It gives children room to imagine, create, wander outside, invent games, and discover who they are when no one is directing the next play. Extracurricular activities bring so much value. They teach teamwork, discipline, creativity, resilience, and courage. I love watching my kids play basketball and flag football, compete in long jump, and dance. Each activity gives them a chance to discover what they enjoy, build confidence, and learn something new about themselves. But it’s also easy for all of us to get caught up in scores, performances, awards, and improvement. Suddenly, something that started as fun can begin to feel like one more

ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Associate Chief of Staff KELSEY TAYLOR Administrative Assistant

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (205) 624-2405 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

6 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM BIRMINGHAM PARENT MAGAZINE is published by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BIRMINGHAM PARENT MAGAZINE Copyright© 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.c

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 7

book corner

Back to School Back to school is on the horizon—and what better way to get into the school spirit than with some school-themed reads?! YOUTH : 1. And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner Another favorite from the And Then Comes series about back to school! For returning students or first timers, this gives you a real life look into all the excitement that comes with the start of the school year. From picking out your first day outfit to buying school supplies, this is a fun and upbeat read. 2. Big Kids by K. L. Going For younger kids worried about the “big kids” at school, this humorous yet sweet story gives insight on making new experiences and friends. In this book you will follow a kid on the first day of school— and there are Big Kids everywhere! But when he gets paired up with a Big Kid for buddy day, he realizes they are not so bad after all, and school can be fun. 3. New by Nina Mata In this heartwarming story filled with powerful text, a young girl learns all the various meanings that new can take on for her as she is in a new city, new school, and more! A great childlike lens of what it means to find yourself in a new place. 4. The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins When the students’ beloved school librarian retires, they find a new librarian in her place

on the first day of school: Ms. Bangle. She’s energetic, yet has a different way of doing things than the kids are used to. So, they must figure out a way to get her gone—but in doing so, will they come to love Ms. Bangle after all? This is a funny story that will be sure to keep your kids engaged. 5. I’m a Preschool Kid by Deb Adamson For your kiddos who are about to start preschool or just need a refresher, this is a fun, energetic rhyming book about the first day of preschool. Between meeting new friends, games, and learning, there is so much fun to be had at preschool!

there is no teacher. Well, there is a cup of coffee, a sandwich, and on the board, it says Mr. S. So surely Mr. S is the sandwich? A comical tale for the first day of school that will give you all the laughs! TWEENS & TEENS: 1. The Make-Up Cover Up by Natasha Deen When Bailey’s family must move due to her mom’s job, she finds herself in a new school where she knows no one. So, when Bailey has the chance to hang out with girls for school, she jumps at the chance! But when the girls want to try makeup, Bailey does not say no, even though it is against her mother’s rules. Will Bailey keep her secret, or will she come clean? 2. The Taylors by Jen Calonita Taylor’s negative view on middle school turns around when four other girls in her class are also named Taylor; they have no choice but to be friends. While creating a friendship making business to earn money for the Eras tour to see Taylor Swift, a betrayal arises that tests their new friendship. This is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about friendship and finding yourself. 3. The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal by Ambika Vohra (TEEN) When Aisha realizes she has never taken a risk while filling out a college application prompt, she strikes a deal with a boy at her school to help her get out of her comfort zone—and in exchange, she will tutor him in his failing math class! For fans of Jenny Han, this is a hilarious and sweet rom-com.

6. Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini

The first day of school can come with many emotions, and Afua is feeling all of them as she prepares. When she cannot decide if she is scared or excited, she realizes she is scarecited! This book is a sweet reminder that two emotions can hold true at once when entering a new situation—and that is okay. 7. Hello, Crayons! & Other School Friends by Hannah Eliot For the school-supply obsessed, this board book is a perfect primer for the first day of school. Meet the dream team of crayons, paper, and more that will make your little one excited for the classroom!

8. Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnoldo

This is a funny read aloud that follows a classroom on the first day of school where

Book Corner is provided by librarians at the Homewood Public Library. To learn more about the libraries in Jefferson County, visit jclc.org.

8 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM

There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.

THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947— Helping Those Who Stutter ®

800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 9

community

BUILD YOUR OWN HAT AT THE NEW RANCHER HAT BAR Elevate your hat game with this unique shop that allows you to design your own hat. First, choose your hat—be it a cowboy or trucker hat—and then select your accessories before watching it all come together before your eyes. This custom hat bar also has custom boot branding, a charm bar, and practically limitless accessories to pick from, with options for every budget. You might even spy one of their hats on the head of your favorite artists, including Miranda Lambert, Benson Boone, Riley Green, Ella Langley, and more. You’ll find the new store in the Summit between Belk and Vuori at 225 Summit Blvd., Suite #99, Birmingham. Photo by Rancher Hat Bar

No appointment? No worries, walk-ins are welcome. Stop by any day of the week or check out their products on rancherhatbar.com.

WEEKEND GETAWAY: COOL OFF AT DOLLYWOOD’S SPLASH COUNTRY If you’re looking for one last family getaway before summer officially comes to a close, Dollywood’s Splash Country makes for the perfect road trip. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, about a four- and-a-half hour drive away, it’s totally doable for the weekend. You’ll find towering slides, multiple pools—including a 25,000-square-foot wave pool—and splash zones perfect for all ages. The waterpark is open daily through August 8, with abbreviated operations through September 20. Not to mention Dollywood itself, with rides, shows, music, food, and more! Don’t miss their new one-of-a-kind indoor hybrid adventure coaster NightFlight Expedition, launching this month. Savor classic Dollywood food favorites as well as new summer specialties like Firecracker Street Corn, caramel-drizzled “Rocky Paw” Bear Paws, loaded BBQ fries, and colorful drinks. With cashless transactions, the dining lines are shorter than ever. The park also offers TimeSaver H2O passes for expedited entry to attractions if you’re looking to maximize your park time. Of course, the updated canopies are ideal for families hoping to relax and recharge. Read more about the full Dollywood experience on our website or visit dollywood.com.

Photo by The Dollywood Company

NEED A SWEET TREAT? SONS POPS IS SERVING HANDMADE POPSICLES AT THE SUMMIT Pop over to the Summit for a sweet treat at the Sons Pops popsicle stand. Located at the overlook in between Chuy’s and Abercrombie & Fitch, this small-batch popsicle shop sells fruity and creamy pops—from peach tea lemonade to buttermilk to avocado and more. Sons Pops is the newest brainchild of the local Homewood family who created Steel City Pops. It’s open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the weekends until 8 p.m. You can also visit their Lane Park location.

Be sure to visit soon—they’ll be there until September! To view the menu or learn more, visit sonspops.com .

10 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM

Photo by NOIR Bham

NOIR CAFÉ OPENS INSIDE HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH COFFEE, BRUNCH , AND PASTRIES

The Hoover Public Library is turning a new page with the addition of NOIR Café, a cozy new spot for coffee, conversation, and a good book. The luxury café is a collab between Pauline’s Fine Cakes and Desserts and LaFleur Coffee Boutique and boasts specialty coffees, pastries, and brunch options like soups, sandwiches, and salads. It’s nestled inside the library (200 Municipal Dr. Hoover) and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday. Be sure to check their page for hours. Their goal at NOIR is to not just be a coffee shop, but become “a place to gather, a place to connect, [and] a place to enjoy life,” they state in a social media post. So grab a book with your free library card and settle in for some scrumptious dining. See their latest creations by following them on Instagram @noirbham.

Photo by Magnific

TWO NEW PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS APPROVED FOR BIRMINGHAM, INCLUDING ALABAMA’S FIRST BILINGUAL SCHOOL The Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC) has approved four new public charter schools across the state, and two of them are coming to Birmingham. xS.T.R.E.A.M. Minds Academy will focus on preparing students for future careers through Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math (S.T.R.E.A.M.). According to the school’s website, its mission is to “reimagine the K–8 learning experience for all learners through S.T.R.E.A.M. exploration, personalized learning and social- emotional growth.”While the school’s location has not yet been announced, it will be led by Dr. Melissa Capehart and is expected to open in fall 2028, initially serving students in Kindergarten through third grade. The academy plans to add one grade level each year until it reaches K–8. Florecer Community School is also slated to open in fall 2028 and will become Alabama’s first bilingual public charter school. The school will begin by serving students in grades K–2 before expanding to K–8. Its mission is to provide a dual-language immersion education that fosters academic excellence, multilingualism, and cultural understanding. According to its website, Florecer aims to prepare students to become “multilingual, multiliterate, high-achieving changemakers” while cultivating an inclusive international community.

Photo by Dutch Bros Coffee

ALABAMA’S FIRST DUTCH BROS COFFEE IS NOW OPEN IN ALABASTER Alabaster has been brewing up some exciting things, including a new Dutch Bros Coffee! Located at 544 1st St. N., this drive-through coffee stand offers a little bit of everything. Plus, this location is the first Dutch Bros in the state. From protein or blended coffees and chai lattes to shakes and energy refreshers, this one-stop- shop is sure to fuel you whatever the occasion. Discover what the buzz is all about—they’re open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays they’re open late until 11 p.m.

The commission also approved TIME Leadership Academy in Dothan and C.A. Fredd Jr. Career and Technical Academy near Tuscaloosa.

To learn more or to pre-enroll for the Birmingham schools, visit xstreammindsacademy.org, learnatflorecer.org, or alchartercommission.com.

Call ahead at (877) 899-2767 or visit dutchbros.com.

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 11

ACHIEVEMENT KIDS & ACTIVITY CULTURE: When Success Becomes a SOURCE of Stress by Julianna Steen

12 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM MENTAL HEALTH Turns out Activity Culture can actually prove detrimental to kids’ health, despite the fact it’s supposed to make them healthier little humans. An article by Mindset describing a 2024 study correlates an excess of activities sleep—seem to fall through the cracks. Not to mention the damage overscheduling does on children’s mental health. WHY ACTIVITY CULTURE IS TOXIC It’s practically become a competition between kids to see who can be the busiest and most “accomplished.” After all, busy = well-rounded = successful, right? Yet as the pace of life speeds up, it seems the important things—like unstructured free play, family time (including eating together!), and I .n days gone by, children used to roam outside playing until dark; now, “free time” has been replaced by the hustle of club sports, competitive cheer, ACT tutoring, and a hodgepodge of school-related club meetings. If you feel like a full-time, unpaid Uber driver, you’re not alone. Today’s children have full-length résumés before they have driver’s licenses. A 6th grader recently shared with me her future career goals and potential colleges with her intended major. It’s one thing to think about your “dream job” at 12 years old—it’s another to seriously consider what you need to do to be admitted to college. You don’t have to look hard to see that the pressure is rising—and social media only compounds the fears that drive many to over- achieve. The pressure isn’t only on kids to succeed, though; it’s on parents to engineer that success.

and homework with anxiety and depression in kids.

“divide and conquer” parenting situation. In fact, Aspen Institute’s Parent Survey reports parents average over three hours per day on their child’s sport activities, with over an hour of that devoted to attending practices and competitions. Three hours? you might question… until you factor in the hours you spend carting your kids to and from practices and games. “Oh, it’s just for a month or two,” you might say—except the same survey also found that over 20 percent of parents have a child that participates in scheduled practices or competitions in their primary sport 9 to 12 months a year. Aka, all. year. long. HOW SPORTS CONVEY STATUS Let’s be real: There is a legit “elite” status connected to youth sports—both for kids and for their parents. When recalling her children’s introduction to sports, author Linda Flanagan writes in Take Back the Game , “It wasn’t long before I started noticing how athletic ability, even among elementary school kids, conferred prestige. For though it goes unsaid, physically gifted children do indeed gain status, as do [their] humble parents….” But status isn’t just conferred because of skill level—it’s also usually a measure of the wealth a family already possesses. Unfortunately, that status comes with a hefty price tag. THE FINANCIAL WEIGHT The Aspen Institute Parent Survey reveals that families in the sample spent an average of $1,015.64 annually on their child’s primary sport—and approximately $475 on their child’s other sports. Bill Lennon wrote in his 2017 article for Medium , “The average cost

“There’s a point where a child could still boost his academic skills by doing another hour of homework or tutoring,” writer Jill Barshay explains, “but it would come at the expense of mental well-being.”While it initially proves beneficial for the child, this overworking ends up “making students more anxious, depressed, or angry.” But Activity Culture affects more than mental health—it also leads to less healthy eating habits. PHYSICAL HEALTH I’m not arguing against youth sports—there’s no denying the many benefits, including teamwork, communication, resilience, and health. But you might be surprised at the repercussions of overdoing it. The 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey by Aspen Institute reports that over 35 percent of the parents in their sample “believe that their family’s youth sport commitments contribute to less healthy eating habits.” The same study reveals that most families (56.3 percent) eat two to four meals out per week because of their child’s sport schedule, and “slightly more than 1 in 10 families eat five to seven meals out per week” for the same reason. Not only is it important for children to eat healthy, it’s even more important for young athletes to eat well in order to prevent injury, help muscles recover, and improve their energy levels. FAMILY HEALTH Another way Activity Culture robs your family is by cutting down on family time. Getting the kids where they need to go is a game of strategy, and most nights it’s a

WHEN SPORTS STOP BEING PLAY So how do you stop the intrinsic force pulling your family into the Activity Culture vortex? Start by limiting your kids to one sport or extracurricular per season. Maybe change from travel ball to rec ball. I know you think your kid has some real talent, but according to the NCAA, only 7 percent of high school athletes play in college and less than 1 percent of all youth athletes ever go pro. Ask them which extracurriculars they love. “Don’t force your kid to do what they don’t love,” says Publisher Amy L. Foreman. “Just because you loved softball doesn’t mean your kid will love it.”Will it be disappointing if they don’t choose the sport you want? Sure—but it’ll save you time, money, and stress in the long run. And even if they do enjoy it now, chances are they won’t later. Most of my friends who grew up living at the dance studio never danced again after high school. It’s important to let teens explore their interests with the pressure off. After all, “70 percent of kids quit organized sports by age 13,” Dr. Brandon Podgorski exposes in “Why Kids Quit: Rethinking Youth Sports.” “So next time you design a program, run a

to participate on a travel baseball team is in the ballpark of $1,900, not including the actual travel costs for players and parents to attend tournaments.” Needless to say, it’s not cheap to participate in one sport, much less in multiple sports. Project Play points out many of the challenges youth sports face, including financial, racial, gender, and recreational space barriers. Yet it’s becoming harder than ever to resist the pull to overcommit your kids. After all, the youth sports industry only continues to grow, making Activity Culture the norm—and to resist is countercultural. For example, The Washington Post states that “the youth sports industry grew by a reported 55 percent from 2010 to 2017 and is worth an estimated $19 billion.” In 2019, the kids’ sports industry was worth $4.2 billion more than the NFL’s estimated value. And that’s not even factoring in sports tourism. A post from Engage TU states, “Between 2005 and 2022, the multi-billion-dollar travel sport tourism industry grew by 5.6 percent annually.” The Sports Business Journal shares more than $9 billion was devoted to youth or amateur sport-specific venues between 2017 and 2022. But here’s the most staggering number of all: The 2021 State of the Industry Report declares the sport tourism industry has an economic impact of $91.8 billion.

“Today’s sports culture exposes children to too much, too soon,” authors of Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting In A Toxic Sports Environment write. “We want to apply the brakes a bit and give kids time to grow at a more appropriate pace.” Even Peyton and Eli Manning advocate “There’s too much pressure on them…. Too much emphasis on winning over fun.” EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXHAUSTION Children need opportunities to achieve, but they also need room to rest, fail, and discover who they are apart from what they accomplish. “Students who brand themselves too early or too definitively risk missing out on the kind of exploration that will prepare them for adult life,” Sarah Bernstein explains in her New York Times article. “Do what’s truly going to make your family happy,” dares journalist Anna Nordberg in a Slate article on her website. “If that is competitive sports… that is wonderful. If you are a family who wants to keep to the middle road of rec sports…, fight for that…. And if your kid wants to sit home making houses for stuffed mice out of cardboard, that’s fantastic too. There’s a college essay in there somewhere.” Remember: The goal is not to raise impressive children, but healthy adults.

practice, or cheer from the sidelines, ask yourself: ‘Is this still fun for them?’ Because if it’s not, we’re doing it wrong.”

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Are We Raising Successful Kids or Stressed Out Ones? The Overscheduled CHILDHOOD

by Amanda Miller

14 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM Michelle Shelton, a local mom of three, shares that her family doesn’t have a typical week. “It depends on what sport is in season and what activity is going on. Then you shift to the summer schedule, which can be just as crazy as to who’s going when and where. If I was going to describe a typical week, it’s a lot of activity,” she says. For some families, those busy afternoons and weekends consist of baseball, basketball, dance, cheerleading, theatre, and more, along with the countless hours of practice needed to thrive in those chosen activities. Did we mention game times too? These packed schedules create nonstop busyness and often leave families juggling unpredictable days. B rrring! That’s the sound of the school bell ringing, signaling the end of the school day. But for many students, it’s only the beginning of a marathon of after-school activities, sports, and enrichment programs—not to mention squeezing in homework, dinner, showers, and a full eight hours of sleep before doing it all over again the next day. This is what modern childhood looks like: jam-packed, fast-moving, and exhausting. It’s teaching them discipline, teamwork, and life skills. But it also leads us to one important question: Are we actually raising successful children, or simply stressing them out? CHILDHOOD ON A SCHEDULE Today’s children have access to a myriad of extracurricular activities. From sports and the arts to educational opportunities and school clubs, their schedules are often a beast to manage.

WHY PARENTS SAY YES There are several benefits to participating in these activities, from developing time management and prioritization skills to learning teamwork and how to handle both winning and losing. Many parents see these activities as valuable opportunities for their children to build character and grow into more well-rounded individuals. Then there’s the comparison to other children and the fear of their own kids falling behind, adding even more pressure to participate. Kodi Brown, M.Ed., Ed.S., a behavior specialist and parent educator, says today’s families are facing a different kind of pressure than previous generations. “There is now enormous cultural pressure to ensure children are constantly engaged in sports, tutoring, extracurriculars, and enrichment programs,” she explains. “Parents often fear that if their child slows down, they may fall behind socially, academically, or developmentally.” Shelton shares that most parents do feel that pressure. “There’s the feeling that, ‘If I don’t put them in the club sport and they don’t get that training, will they make the middle school or the high school team? Are they going to be as prepared as their friends?’ That’s a giant guess we’re making sometimes. You don’t want your kid to show up and not be ready, but looking back now, there are God-given talents some kids are going to have regardless of elite training, and so they’re going to have that edge on your kid no matter what you do with your kid.”

children to miss out on opportunities, and they’re making those decisions with good intentions. WHEN BUSY BECOMES TOO MUCH Local mom of four Scarlett Pourciau’s children are involved in a variety of sports and activities. She encourages families to be intentional about the activities they choose, trying new things while also “protecting the schedule.”When the busyness becomes too much for children, the signs are clear. She’s seen it in her own home through tears and tempers. According to Brown, “Children respond to overload in very different ways. Some children become emotionally explosive, while others completely shut down.” • Meltdowns over seemingly small situations • Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity • Frequent frustration or anger • Withdrawal or emotional shutdown • Difficulty transitioning between activities • Sleep problems or exhaustion • Increased anxiety or perfectionism • Complaints of headaches or stomachaches • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed • Resistance to attending practices, lessons, or events Brown shares some common signs to look for:

THE ROLE OF BOREDOM & UNSTRUCTURED TIME

Downtime is not wasted time. Just as there are benefits to participating in activities, there are also benefits to simply being.

At the heart of it, most parents say yes to activities because they don’t want their

According to Brown, “Unstructured time is incredibly important for child development. Free play, rest, imagination, and even boredom help children build emotional regulation, creativity, problem-solving skills, independence, frustration tolerance, and social confidence.” Pourciau even recalls a recent vacation when she and her husband loved keeping a full itinerary, while their children expressed a desire to slow down, relax, and simply sit on the beach. It was a shift for the family, but a welcome one. SUCCESSFUL OR STRESSED? So what are parents really doing? They’re giving their children opportunities, preparing them for success in a world that feels busier than ever. But even with the best intentions, packed schedules can sometimes become overwhelming for children. Brown encourages parents to look beyond accomplishments and pay attention to how activities are affecting their child as a whole. “A healthy schedule supports the whole child, not just achievement. The key question is not simply, ‘Is my child successful?’ but rather, ‘How is this schedule affecting my child emotionally, physically, socially, and behaviorally?’” Pull out the calendar, talk with the kiddos, and find out what drives their hearts and what they’re truly passionate about. Brown continues, “Children can absolutely benefit from sports, structure, activities, and enrichment. The goal is balance. Healthy schedules still leave room for rest, emotional recovery, family connection, and flexibility.” FINDING BALANCE There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for raising successful, well-rounded children. Every family and every season looks different. That’s why Pourciau encourages parents to give themselves grace. Some weeks may feel beautifully balanced, while others feel like pure survival mode, and that’s okay. Childhood is not a checklist to complete perfectly. It’s about creating space for children to grow, explore their interests, rest, connect with family, and simply be kids. At the end of the day, success may not be found in a perfectly packed schedule, but in raising children who feel supported, healthy, and loved along the way.

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 15

WISH What TEACHERS PARENTS Knew in 2026

by Amelia Roessler

16 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM “If you have missed an assignment, I am not going to leave my job and go home and pick up the assignment that’s sitting on the table,” she says. “You will have to deal with it. You will have to talk to your teachers, because that is one-time learning that will teach you responsibility in the long term.” Gates recommends the CDC guideline for screen time for kids. “Many students don’t look you in the eye, and their listening capabilities are not as they used to be. Students have difficulty focusing and it’s not just because of ADHD. It’s because many kids are on devices when not at school and are used to the constant dopamine hits,” she says. Sumeera Aggarwal, a kindergarten teacher, says she has started seeing kids who lack resilience. If a child forgets their lunch or assignment at home, parents immediately rush to grab it and bring it to the school. Aggarwal adds that as a parent, she understands, but knows it is something parents should work on. B ehind every report card, parent- teacher conference, and late-night email is a teacher juggling far more than lesson plans. We asked educators what they wish parents knew about today’s classrooms, and their answers reveal the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities shaping education in 2026. WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW Lori Gates taught third grade at a public school for almost 25 years before she retired at the end of May this year. She said it’s the kids’ attention span that is really hard to deal with right now.

Kids need to fail and get up. Aggarwal explains that kids nowadays are kept in bubble wrap, but they don’t need their problems solved for them, they need to become critical thinkers and good decision-makers. Teachers also are finding themselves spending a lot of their own money on the supplies and on the things to make the lessons engaging for kids. Gates says people think teaching is fun, especially with summers off, but in reality, many teachers are working second jobs, especially in the summer. BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS PARENTS HAVE “If it’s a behavior issue, and you get a phone call, and you’re thinking your child never acts that way at home, the school or teacher is probably right,” says Gates. She explains that teachers don’t have time to make a phone call home or send an email home just to “pick on a child.” So when they do initiate a communication from school, parents should listen. Parents can try to defend their child, but Gates says they should try to take the teacher’s or the principal’s word for it, have a conversation with their child about what happened, and help reinforce discipline at home. Aggarwal says parents need to presume positive intent. “You are worried about your own kid, they’re worried about 27 of them in their classroom.”

parents to become more involved in their child’s classroom, whether that is through volunteering in the classroom or just stopping by. Aggarwal says she has an open door policy where she says parents can come in and talk about what they do or just see the classroom routine. COMMUNICATION “I always say, nobody can do this job alone, teachers or parents,” says Aggarwal. “It has to be a combined effort because this is the actual learning, actual teaching life— resilience and perseverance—and we need to stop advocating for our children just because they have made the mistake and now they want you to clean the mess.” Gates says it’s always a triangle—the teacher, the student, and the family at home. Each part of the triangle needs to be on the same page or it isn’t going to work. “I know parents are bombarded with emails and texts from the schools and districts,” says Gates, “but the unwritten rule is that email communication should be responded to within 24 hours. A communication should be either ‘I got it,’‘I’m going to look into it,’ or ‘Thank you for that.’” Both Gates and Aggarwal say they send out weekly emails for parents to give them important information about the classroom. Aggarwal adds that she daily sends parents prompts and pictures through an app to not only communicate with parents and give them updates, but to give parents the opportunities to start conversations with their kids. Their goal is to give parents a starting place when talking at home.

Both Gates and Aggarwal encourage

As for parents reaching out, Gates recommends keeping it brief. She says she uses bullet points in her weekly emails and recommends parents also heed to using brief communication because of all the texts, emails, and communications people get every day. THE REALITIES TEACHERS FACE IN SCHOOLS TODAY “I’ve always said, the thing you think I do all day, I do for about 10 percent of my day,” Gates laughs. People tend to think of teachers standing at the front of the classroom, teaching kids information all day. Or maybe you picture teachers at their desk grading papers in between classes. In reality, teachers are forced to work long hours outside of their scheduled 8-4 just to get everything done. “Parents have no idea what the reality of a school day looks like,” says Aggarwal. “That is why I use a talking points app where every other day I put some pictures with a prompting question.” Not only that, but there’s no time to do other work, like creating lessons or grading papers or projects, until the kids are gone. Gates explains that because she teaches so many

different lessons, there are so many papers to grade and lessons to be planned. Once she goes home, she has to go right back to work, either to finish up things from that day or get ready for the next. “I’m the funny teacher. What I used to say to the kids was like, ‘Look at this gorgeous worksheet I made for you, and I really was thoughtful.’ But I go, ‘I did this when I wasn’t…’ and the kids would always say, ‘When you weren’t getting paid,’ because they needed to know that I’m doing all this extra stuff for them.” STRENGTH IN KIDS Despite the trials of teaching, and kids struggling to have resilience or strong attention spans, Gates says there is a positive note to social media. With their access to YouTube and educational programs, she explains that kids have an impressive background knowledge of topics that surprise even her. “I always tell the parents, like I do deal with these five- to seven-year-old bodies, but I treat them as adults,” says Aggarwal. “They have such an amazing audacity to imagine, and they’re so empathetic.”

are dreaming about or just brush off their conversations as childish. But if people pay attention to what they’re saying, kids have the ability to synthesize so much information. THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION With everything teachers have to face and deal with in 2026, Gates says she worries about the longevity of teachers. Not only are teachers having to deal with long working hours or small paychecks, but they also are concerned about the state of education. If a person becomes a teacher not because it’s a calling but because they didn’t really know what to do for a career, they’ll figure out they’re not making enough money, and the work is more demanding than advertised. “I’m just scared that people are going to work for three years and then dip out, which means you’re not going to get any teachers like me that can pull stuff out of their back pocket all day long, that know how to deal with behaviors, like I know how to do it,” explains Gates. “I have magic tricks all the time, but these three year teachers are not going to be able to come up with the magic tricks. So I’m worried—they’ve got to either pay teachers more, or make the workload less. Or you’re not going to have good teachers.”

She adds that adults tend to ignore what kids

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 17

AFTER THE BELL: Local Afterschool & Extracurricular Listing

by Julianna Steen

W hen the bell rings, Whether you have a budding musician, a future Broadway star, or the next soccer sensation, Birmingham is bursting with the learning and the fun don’t have to stop. after-school programs that help kiddos thrive. With this guide, you’ll find local activities and performing arts programs that spark creativity, build confidence, and keep children engaged. DANCE Alabama Ballet 2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham (205) 322-4300 alabamaballet.org Alabama Dance Academy 3221 Old Columbiana Rd., Vestavia Hills (205) 978-6830 alabamadanceacademy.com Backstage Dance Centre Dance Studio 1911 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood (205) 903-4737 backstagedancehomewood.com Birmingham Academy of Dance Multiple locations badance280.com Birmingham Dance Theatre 1694 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover

Linda Dobbins Dance 525 Office Park Dr., Mountain Brook (205) 902-3013 lindadobbinsdance.com

yasdance.com

Multiple locations corkybelldance.com Dance Factory, The 3220 Bearden Ct., Vestavia Hills (205) 967-3384 thedancefactory.biz

MUSIC LESSONS Amy Murphy Studio 2709 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook (205) 370-7007 amymurphystudio.com Art’s Music Shop, Inc. 4647 Hwy. 280, Birmingham (205) 995-8376 artsmusicshop.com Bailey Brothers Music Company 4673 Hwy. 280, Suite 7, Birmingham (205) 271-7827 baileybrothers.com Carter’s Music Corner 3105 Sunview Dr. #430172, Vestavia Hills (205) 644-0870 cartersmusiccorner.com

Miss Kelley’s School of Dance 202 Ted Martin Cir., Trussville (205) 655-7776 misskelleys.com Mt. Laurel Ballet 102 A Croft St., Birmingham (205) 946-7331 mtlaurelballet.com NS Dance Studio 3242 Cahaba Heights Rd., Vestavia Hills (205) 637-7675 nsdancestudio.com Pointe Dance Arts, The 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 265, Hoover (205) 518-5389 thepointedancearts.com Steeple Arts 36 Church St., Mountain Brook (205) 871-5893 steepleartsdance.com Ursula Smith Dance 5365 1st Ave. N., Birmingham (205) 202-9510 ursulasmithdance.com

Dance Foundation, The 1715 27th Ct. S., Homewood (205) 870-0073 thedancefoundation.org Dance South Studio 316 Foothills Dr., Chelsea (205) 678-4414 dancesouth.com Dance Studio, The 2674 Valleydale Rd., Hoover (205) 377-8798 thedancestudio.art Encore Performance Company 2122 Columbiana Rd., Vestavia Hills (205) 824-9466 encoreperformancec ompany.com Fred Astaire Dance Studios 1941 Hoover Ct., Suite J, Birmingham (205) 979-4777 fredastaire.com/birmingham Iron City Dance Factory 7350 Cahaba Valley Rd., Suite 103, Birmingham (205) 444-0158 ironcitydance.com Jackie O’Neal School of Dance 3336 Rocky Ridge Plz., Vestavia Hills (205) 822-6212 jackieonealdance.com

Duke School of Music 334 Business Cir., Suite E, Pelham (205) 434-0599 dukeschoolofmusic.com Genesis School of Music 7274 Gadsden Hwy., Suite 100, Trussville (205) 661-8410 genesisalabama.com Highland Music 3000 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham (205) 254-3288 highlandmusicbham.com Homewood School of Music 1736 Oxmoor Rd., Suite 207, Homewood (205) 701-2144

Vestavia Dance 2061 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills (205) 769-0140 vestaviadance.com Young Artist Space 5510 Hwy. 280, Birmingham (256) 348-8889

(205) 822-3012 bdtdance.com

Briarwood Ballet 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham (205) 776-5284 briarwood.org/ballet

Corky Bell School of Dance

18 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM

Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) 3576 East St., Birmingham (205) 977-9038 birminghamunited.com BlackWatch Cheer & Sports Performance 157 Resource Center Pkwy., Suite 107, Birmingham (205) 518-6591 blackwatchsports.com D-Bat Birmingham 131 W Oxmoor Rd., Suite 131, Homewood (205) 843-3228 dbatswbirmingham.com Goldfish Swim School 5549 Grove Blvd., Hoover (205) 512-9941 goldfishswimschool.com High Point Climbing and Fitness 4766 Hwy. 280, Birmingham (205) 981-9190 highpointclimbing.com Hoover Youth Sports Multiple locations (205) 444-7500 hooveralabama.gov i9 Sports – Birmingham Youth Leagues Multiple locations (205) 319-9523 i9sports.com/birmingham- youth-sports Lakeshore Foundation 4000 Ridgewood Rd., Birmingham

homewoodschoolofmusic.com

encorebham.org

Multiple Locations (205) 414-3854 mbathletics.org

Kindermusik with Michele & Friends 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham (205) 568-6702 kindermusikwithmichelemulder. yourvirtuoso.com Magic City Music Academy 1827 20th St. Ensley, Birmingham (205) 786-4480 magiccitymusic.org

Homewood Theatre 1831 28th Ave. S., Homewood (205) 873-1816 homewoodtheatre.com Red Mountain Theatre 1600 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham (205) 324-2424 redmountaintheatre.org Treasure Arts, Inc. 616 6th St. W., Birmingham (205) 356‑3931 treasurearts.org Virginia Samford Theatre 1116 26th St. S., Birmingham (205) 251-1228 virginiasamfordtheatre.org Woodlawn Theatre 5503 1st Ave. N., Birmingham (205) 224-4473 woodlawntheatrebham.com TUTORING GradePower Learning Multiple locations gradepowerlearning.com Kumon Math & Reading Center 3744 Lorna Rd., Hoover (205) 444-9485 kumon.com Little School By The Creek Multiple locations (205) 962-6883 littleschoolbythecreek.com

Mountain Brook Gymnastics Right off I-459 (205) 802-3879 mtnbrook.org Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd., Pelham (205) 620-6448 pelhamciviccomplex.com Tiger-Rock Martial Arts Multiple Locations tigerrockmartialarts.com Trussville Parks & Recreation 113 N Chalkville Rd., Trussville (205) 508-5666 trussville.org Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation 1090 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills (205) 978-0166 vhparksandrec.com Vision Gymnastics 3314 Old Columbiana Rd., Birmingham (205) 979-7969 visiongymnastics.com YMCA of Greater Birmingham Multiple Locations ymcabham.org

Mason Music Multiple locations masonmusic.com

Music Room, The 8028 Parkway Dr., Leeds (205) 702-6074 themusicroomleeds.com Piamistry School of Music 2820 Columbiana Rd., Vestavia Hills Sam Pointer Music Mountain Brook Studio (205) 427-8453 sampointer.com Samford University Academy of the Arts 1939 S. Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham (205) 726-2739 samford.edu/academy-of- the-arts (205) 990-3634 piamistry.com Stickandstrum Academy 106 A David Green Rd., Birmingham (205) 434-0870 stickandstrum.com SPORTS ACE Cheer Company 301 Snow Dr., Birmingham (205) 703-0902 acetribe.com Birmingham Martial Arts 3215 Endeavor Ln., Suite 133, Vestavia Hills (205) 909-3720 bhammartialarts.com Birmingham Swim League 5184 Caldwell Mill Rd., Suite 204–146, Hoover birminghamswimleague.com

THEATER Acting Out Academy 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Suite 221, Vestavia Hills (205) 440-2699 actingoutacademy.com

Mathnasium Multiple locations mathnasium.com

(205) 313‑7400 lakeshore.org

Pathways Learning Solutions LLC 505 20th St. N., Suite 1220 1474, Birmingham (205) 578-8635 pathwayslearningsolutions.com Sylvan Learning of Birmingham Multiple locations sylvanlearning.com Tutoring Club of Birmingham 2800 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Suite 3C, Birmingham (205) 981‑7155 tutoringclub.com

Levite Jewish Community Center (The J) 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham (205) 879‑0411 bhamjcc.org Magic City Cheer & Tumble 5318 Meadowlark Ln., Birmingham (205) 600-3351 magiccitycheerandtumble.com

Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham

(205) 252-9241 asfaschool.org

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham (205) 458-8181 bct123.org Encore Theatre & Gallery 1604 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham (205) 202-4008

Mountain Brook Athletics

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 19

ART ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY POTTERY STAINED GLASS WORLD LANGUAGES

7 FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 17 Courses available for all ages

academyofthearts@samford.edu

20 AUGUST 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM

August Our Picks things to do

~ FREE EVENTS:

World Tour 1

5 Seconds of Summer: Everyone’s a Star!

Sunday, August 16 at 8 p.m. Coca-Cola Amphitheater. Don’t miss jamming to this Australian pop rock band’s top hits, with The Band CAMINO opening the show. $54+. coca-colaamphitheater.com

Photo by Brian Ziff

August 24–30. Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District. Birmingham’s premier independent film festival featuring more than 200 films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, parties, and screenings at the Alabama Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Sidewalk Cinema, and other downtown venues. Prices vary. sidewalkfest.com Sidewalk Film Festival 3 Photo by Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema

FISE World Series 2

All day August 6–9. City Walk BHAM. A series of sporting events featuring over 400 athletes competing in BMX freestyle, skateboarding, and 3×3 bas- ketball, with live music and fan zones. $31. fiseworldseries.com

Photo by FISE World Series

BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | AUGUST 2026 21

Photo by Nitro Circus Live

Photo by Ronald McDonald House Alabama

24th Annual Heart of the House Gala

Friday, August 7 from 6–10 p.m. Ronald McDonald House Alabama. RMHCA’s largest fundraiser features a cocktail reception, auctions and dinner to support families staying at Ronald McDonald House Alabama. $600/couple. ronaldmcdonaldhouseal.org

Nitro Circus Live

August 19 at 7 p.m. Regions Field. Nitro Circus brings high-flying action sports stunts and live entertainment to Regions Field. $49+. nitrocircus.com

Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!

Universe: Foundations of the Cosmos ~ 3–4 p.m. The Christenber- ry Planetarium, Samford University. An immersive 40-minute kid-friendly program through space. eventbrite.com 3 Monday Dungeons & Dragons ~ 5–6:30 p.m. Chelsea Pub- lic Library. Ages 12–14. cityofchelsea.com Monster of the Week ~ 4–6 p.m. Homewood Pub- lic Library. Grades 6–12. Dice and sheets provided. homewoodpublic library.org

Musicians & Arts Conference 8:30 a.m. Tabernacle of Praise Ministries. A four-day conference. $81+ . eventbrite.com Animation Alley ~ 2–4 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Monthly teen animation classes. homewoodpublic library.org Petting Zoo! Farm & Exotic ~ 10:30 a.m.–noon. Home- wood Library Parking Lot. Ages 0–12. Meet an alpaca, llama, mini high- land cow, goat, rabbit, polish chicken, bearded dragon, and a hedgehog from Redbird Willow Farm. homewoodpublic library.org Tot Spot: Preschool Story Time ~ 10:30–11 a.m. Chelsea Public Library. cityofchelsea.com

Grease 7 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre. A rock ‘n’ roll high-octane musical. $25–35 . virginia samfordtheatre.org Heal the Block ~ 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Birming- ham. This free, fami- ly-friendly community celebration features music, vendors, youth ac- tivities, & local resources. birminghamal.gov MOBINC Car Event ~ 8–11 a.m. Birmingham. A monthly community car event. mobincbhm.com The Odyssey 10:45 a.m.–1:40 p.m. Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Watch Odysseus’ epic journey home after the Trojan War. $6–7.75 . sidewalkfest.com Pepper Place Farmers Market ~ 7 a.m. to noon. Pepper Place. A weekly farmer’s market. pepperplacemarket.com PJ Party: Finding Nemo 10:30 a.m.–12:10 p.m. Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Bring the family

in pjs. Breakfast options available. $6–7.75 . sidewalkfest.com Revolutionary Roots: Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History and Natural Beauty 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily. Vulcan Park & Museum. America250 exhibition honoring Alabama changemakers. $4–8 . visitvulcan.com

1 Saturday

Birdsong Farmers Market ~ 8 a.m. to noon. 2824 5th Ave. S. facebook.com

Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Lookouts 6:30 p.m. Regions Field. Baseball game. $13+ . milb.com Birmingham Legion FC vs. Rhode Island FC 7 p.m. Protective Stadium. Soccer match. $16+ . bhmlegion.com Chess Club ~ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Chelsea Public Library. cityofchelsea.com Deep South Duals Wrestling Tournament 10 a.m. BJCC North & South Exhibit Halls. $25 , kids under 6 are free. bjcc.org Dino Safari 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. Robotic dinosaur exhibit. Included with zoo admission. $19–24 . birminghamzoo.com

Rockin’ for Restoration ~

6 p.m. Ferus Artisan Ales. A night of music benefitting the Will Bright Foundation. $10 donation encouraged . ferusales.com Summer of Spike: Inside Man 12:45–3 p.m. Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. $6–7.75 . sidewalkfest.com

4 Tuesday

Science Night at AEIVA ~

5:30–7 p.m. Abroms-En- gel Institute for the Visual Arts. This free Birming- ham Zoo partnership blends art and science with hands-on activities. calendar.uab.edu

2 Sunday

6 Thursday

Grease 2:30 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre. $25–35 . virgini asamfordtheatre.org

An Evening with The Hillbilly Thomists 7 p.m. Lyric Theatre. The Dominican friars bring

5 Wednesday

Understanding Our

2026 National Singers,

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