Image by ML Baxley

The July issue of Little Rock Family

View this letter in our digital edition here.

One of the moms on my son's baseball team said this to me recently. We were discussing my search for schools for Emily and Charles for next year, in the wake of the sudden heartbreaking closure of Cathedral School after 54 years. She was describing to me the hoops she jumped through to find the right school for her son. I understood immediately what she meant. Her child is her heart; don't mess with him.

I know all parents have that gut instinct. We all want what is best for our children, and it's painful to watch them suffer disappointment and failure. I have to try very hard not to be a helicopter parent, swooping in to control every action and environment for them. Instead, my husband and I allow our children to stumble and even fall, but we’re there to pick them up and offer encouragement.

What does all this have to do with our July edition? Not much really. But I do think the instinct to protect our children and guard their future comes into play every time we make a choice that involves them. And Little Rock Family strives to provide the information and resources families need to make good decisions in all aspects of life.

To that end, we have the first of two lists of After-School Activities. I know, I know. It's July. But enrollment deadlines are right around the corner for fall sports teams and classes. We've researched it all for you, so the decisions are easier to make while you're soaking up the summer sun.

In honor of Independence Day, our cover family this month pays tribute to the many mothers and fathers in the armed services, and Associate Editor Lindsay Irvin gathered some great ways your family can support the troops overseas.

Be sure to check out our comprehensive calendar and Family Fun section. You'll find plenty of activities, camps and classes to keep your kids busy and out of that dreaded summer slump - like participating in the Miracle Chasers Kids Triathalon.

Here's my challenge for you this month: Give your children room to stumble. Let them scrape a knee while learning to ride a bike. Just be ready with the Band-aid. Let them get a nose-full of pool water by jumping off the diving board. Just have the towel by your side. Children need to stumble before they can walk – walk before they run. We all do.

Happy, safe summer,

Jennifer