Culture-lite

I once read books. In fact I once did a lot of things – go on art crawls, visit museums, and go see foreign films at the Manor Theater. Now, I’m stuck with Yo Gabba Gabba and playing with play-dough. I’ve learned some very important things like “Don’t bite your friends” and that edible play-dough is not necessarily something that your dog should eat. But, when the melodic bits from your children’s TV shows and arts and crafts with your toddler no longer satisfy your cultural cravings, here are three ways to satisfy your need for more:

1. Magazines – I know this is nothing new, but I never valued a magazine more than I do now. I think they were invented for moms with young children. Take one with you to the playground, read an article or two during Sesame Street, or let your little one splash away in the bath, while you saddle up on the toilet and read the latest about what’s going on in the world outside of your bathroom. My favorite picks? Real Simple, Cooking Light, and Southern Living. But to each their own!

2. The Mint Museum of Art, located off of Randolph Rd. – When you need a serious jolt of culture to snap you out of your mom-haze, load up the kids and drive down to the Mint Museum. Exhibitions rotate throughout the year, and the museum has toddler activities throughout the halls to encourage your children to engage with you in the art experience. After exploring the museum, take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful museum grounds.

3. Netflix on Wii – If you subscribe to Netflix and have a Wii, take advantage of free instant downloads. Netflix does not provide their entire catalogue on the Wii, but they have a lot of older films and a good independent film collection. Tuck the little ones into bed, slip into some cozy PJ’s, and take a break from The Bachelorette.