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Ice Skating in the Smoky Mountains: Why You Should Go & How To Prepare Your Children

November 21, 2019 in Travel

We have always encouraged our kids to step out of their comfort zone. While it’s not always easy, we have only ever asked that they give something a try at least once, before completely writing it off. Whether it is an instrument, hobby, sport, etc; it makes no difference.

This past weekend we headed to the Smoky Mountains to Wilderness at the Smokies for a quick getaway and to take the kids ice skating. From November 15th-January 5th, families can enjoy the 3,200 square foot ice rink, which doubles as the resort’s outdoor wave pool in summer, will be available for hotel guests and the public to enjoy.

Skate for a Cause

On Saturday, November 23 from 10 am to 10 pm the resort will be hosting a special fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee where 100 percent of the public ice skating admissions will directly benefit the agency.

First-time family experience

Since there are no ice skating rinks where we live, we thought this would have been the perfect opportunity to introduce our kids to an activity that they have never experienced (or seen).

With my husband being from Chicago, I followed his lead on what to do in regards to ice skating; what to wear and what not to wear, as well as what to do (even though he admittedly is not that great at ice skating himself).

The right clothes

One of the biggest things is making sure that your kids are wearing the correct clothing. Of course, it is cold and they may need to layer, but there is no need for extra socks because it will cut off their circulation. Just lightweight warm clothing will work just fine!

Getting the right skates

It’s very important to make sure that their ice skates are snug, but not tight. If it is too loose, it will make it difficult for them to balance on the blade, which in turn could lead to injury.

Follow the rules

Children (and adults) can become seriously injured on the ice if they aren’t careful. If you and your children are beginners it’s important to make sure to follow all posted rules (like no carrying children on the ice, nor walking on ice in street shoes).

Teach them that they may fall, but that it’s okay

Everyone falls at least once. Likewise, not everyone gets everything right the first time around. Kids can become easily frustrated if they feel they are failing at something. Preparing them ahead of time and encouraging them not to give up, if they fall is a great way to mentally to prepare them in case they do.

Don’t push too hard

At the end of the day if they aren’t having fun then it’s time to call it quits. You can take a break and come back to it later if they want to. The overall goal is to have fun, taking a little bit of time away and exploring the rest that the resort has to offer may be what is needed to get them excited about it again.

Make sure you head to Wilderness at the Smokies now through January 5th, 2020 for ice skating! All registered guest have access to unlimited ice skating during their stay using promo code ICESKATE

We were hosted by Wilderness at the Smokies in order to facilitate this review. However, all opinions are my own.

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Natasha Brown is a mom of four and head sock finder in her home. Grits & Grace was started as a way to meet other southern moms who love everything from their smock dresses and Lily Pulitzer to sweet tea. Let's connect!

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Instagram post 2191552714630267066_4152450831 Getting my 11yo son to read has been quite a task! For him it was about finding the right books, but I wanted to expose him to a variety. So he and I made a compromise and this is where @owlcratejr came in! Each month this a themed book box for middle grades and each one so far has been something that he is in love this! This months box features parallel worlds!
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#kidlit, #mgbooks, #kidsbookstagram, #bookishplay, #kidslovebooks, #readingisfundamental
Instagram post 2190432386470485516_4152450831 AD: I have used to always look forward to visiting my grandparent's home during the holidays and experiencing my grandmother's amazing cooking! Even though they are no longer here, I love that I am able to carry on the tradition of being able to share her amazing dishes with my husband and children, and in hopes that one day I can pass on the secret recipe box to my son and daughters! I want to know about your favorite holiday traditions! I've partnered with @FoodLion to share my favorite memory, now let's hear yours! Let me know in the comments how you celebrate and some of your favorite memories! https://izea.it/asBXwfG #OurHome #MakeMoreMerry
Instagram post 2189384418938782632_4152450831 We are always looking for exciting ways to engage the kids in a fun screen-free activity.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Intelino provides a basic instruction leaflet that is enough to get you going. There is also an instruction card for the action snaps that explains what colors and sequence of color can be used to provide instructions to the train like turn left, or right, or increase speed, or decrease speed, etc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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​Kids are learning how to code, without actually being in front of a device! If you are a parent who is concerned about screen time the same as I am, this is a major win/win!​​​​​​​Intelino provides a basic instruction leaflet that is easy to read, so the kids were pretty much able to start putting it together on their own.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Ever since my oldest was a baby (she’s now 15), I have enjoyed reading these stories to her, of course at that time, the Old Lady had only swallowed a fly. Since then it’s been snow, turkeys, bats and now even a cow! There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Cow from @scholasticinc 
Aaryn loves to hear me “sing” this particular story to her, and the best part is watching her get excited about what animal is going to end up on the next page! 
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Instagram post 2191552714630267066_4152450831 Getting my 11yo son to read has been quite a task! For him it was about finding the right books, but I wanted to expose him to a variety. So he and I made a compromise and this is where @owlcratejr came in! Each month this a themed book box for middle grades and each one so far has been something that he is in love this! This months box features parallel worlds!
.
.
.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#ilovereading #bookcommunity #bookaddiction #bookobsessed #goodreads #instabooks #bookblogger #readersofinstagram #ireadya #youngadult #yareads #yalovin #booklife #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #instabook #booknerd #booklover #bookphotography #bookworld #greatreads #toread #becauseofreading #booksofinstagram⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#kidlit, #mgbooks, #kidsbookstagram, #bookishplay, #kidslovebooks, #readingisfundamental
Instagram post 2190432386470485516_4152450831 AD: I have used to always look forward to visiting my grandparent's home during the holidays and experiencing my grandmother's amazing cooking! Even though they are no longer here, I love that I am able to carry on the tradition of being able to share her amazing dishes with my husband and children, and in hopes that one day I can pass on the secret recipe box to my son and daughters! I want to know about your favorite holiday traditions! I've partnered with @FoodLion to share my favorite memory, now let's hear yours! Let me know in the comments how you celebrate and some of your favorite memories! https://izea.it/asBXwfG #OurHome #MakeMoreMerry
Instagram post 2189384418938782632_4152450831 We are always looking for exciting ways to engage the kids in a fun screen-free activity.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Intelino smart train makes the train playtime more magical and exciting than ever.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Having the appeal of a child’s first train set, much like my own from childhood, the intelino smart train, with the updated smart features, is a fun twist in a classic toy that really allows kids to have more control over it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Intelino provides a basic instruction leaflet that is enough to get you going. There is also an instruction card for the action snaps that explains what colors and sequence of color can be used to provide instructions to the train like turn left, or right, or increase speed, or decrease speed, etc. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
​Kids are learning how to code, without actually being in front of a device! If you are a parent who is concerned about screen time the same as I am, this is a major win/win!​​​​​​​Intelino provides a basic instruction leaflet that is easy to read, so the kids were pretty much able to start putting it together on their own.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#kidsactivities #stemactivities #intelinosmarttrain #kidstoys #christmasshopping #codingactivities #blackgirlscode
Instagram post 2187928840748015253_4152450831 🎼 Can’t nobody tell me nothing 🎶 Yep it’s the day after Thanksgiving, and my house looks like a winter wonderland. Mariah and the temptations on full blast all morning, with White Christmas playing on Netflix. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! When do you put your tree up?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ChristmasTreeDecorating #holidaystyle #ChristmasCountDown #ChristmasPresents #ChristmasTradition #ChristmasTree #Decorating  #TisTheSeason #SeasonsGreetings #ChristmasShopping #HolidaySavings #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #StockingStuffer #WishList #ChristmasBloggerBash #HolidaysAreComing  #ChristmasAroundTheCorner #ChristmasTraditions #ChristmasJokes ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ChristmasSpirit #ChristmasLoading #ChristmasFun #ChristmasCheer #ChristmasMood #ChristmasMagic #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasLove #Christmassy #ChristmasVibes
Instagram post 2187443353247076281_4152450831 When dinner isn’t quite ready but you still have plenty of pages in your favorite book. #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgivingwithblackfamilies  #wellreadblackgirls #browngirlswhowrite #browngirlswhoread #melaninsisters #sisterlove #childrenspicturebooks #yalit #blackmomsblog #blackfamilies #blackfamiliesbelike #blackgirljoy #blackgirlslay #teammelanin #melaninmagic
Instagram post 2186489576537144852_4152450831 I just love it when classic characters are upgraded and given fun new stories that we can continue to enjoy! The Old Lady is no different!

Ever since my oldest was a baby (she’s now 15), I have enjoyed reading these stories to her, of course at that time, the Old Lady had only swallowed a fly. Since then it’s been snow, turkeys, bats and now even a cow! There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Cow from @scholasticinc 
Aaryn loves to hear me “sing” this particular story to her, and the best part is watching her get excited about what animal is going to end up on the next page! 
If you are looking for a fun and engaging story, I highly recommend this one for your little one! #scholasticbooks #childrenspicturebooks #childrenspicturebook #scholasticbook #childrensbooks #melaninbabies #wellreadblackgirl #wellreadkids #bookstagram #bookgramit
Instagram post 2185868052524315455_4152450831 Teaching your kids about money is an important part of parenting. Often times people graduate from high school, and even college, with little to no concept of how to save money, make investments or manage their taxes. The appropriate age for your child to learn about money is total up to you, however imparting financial knowledge to them is highly important and the sooner you share your knowledge with them the better off they will be. 
Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How To Teach Young Kids About Finance by @lizfrazierpeck from @rowmanandlittlefield is a must have for all parents!. If you are a parent and are not sure where to begin when it comes to teaching your kids about finances, then I have a PERFECT book for you!

What I loved most about this book and Frazier's tips, is that her concepts are broken down (like part 1 for instance with 2 subparts and mini or “bite-size” pieces) for parents to follow along and put into practice. Her advice is straight to the point and she doesn't make parents who do not know the information already, feel guilty for not knowing.

It's a teaching tool for parents and kids to go through and learn together (if they need it). Since we are the newest generation of parents, she is giving us a way to help guide our kids down the right path to *hopefully* avoid financial failure in the future!
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