Do you think spring is finally here to stay? It’s a valid question, living in East Alabama. We experience warm days that lead to raging storms that bring in a cold front, feeling like winter all over again. The birds are bustling, and the bees are buzzing, signaling a busy spring just might be here to stay. What is the tell-tale sign of spring in Alabama? That thick, yellow layer of pollen found on every surface imaginable, leading to sneezing fits heard from all my family members. Yes…the allergies are in full force, and the silver lining is that spring is finally here. It is time to come out of hibernation and get back outdoors. What better way to welcome spring than to get back into nature?
In our feature article, Getting Them Outside: How To Swap Screens For Spring Sunshine, we are reminded that our kids may have had a bit too much screen time this winter. While we all leaned into the warm blankets on the couch, while binge-watching the latest hit series, just to get us through the frigid winter months, now it is time to encourage putting down the remote and turning off all the devices. Yes, it might be challenging to get them to take a break from screentime, but it will be worth it. Some tips the author suggested are to make the outdoors irresistible and to make it a family project, so that it does not feel like a punishment. Maybe head to the discount store and hit the spring aisle for some sidewalk chalk, outdoor games, or even birding binoculars. Create an outdoor space that welcomes and invites time spent outdoors in the sunshine. Get the neighborhood families involved and plan a rotation of fun on your street.
The kids can get creative when it is their yard’s turn to host a spring exploration day for their friends. Also, modeling for your children is the best way to encourage participation. Moms can also turn off those phones and never-ending social media scrolling to join in the outdoor activities, too. How about a yard yoga class or a mom book club on the back porch? Don’t just tell them to put the screens away…model it. Show them that setting aside one activity for another isn’t negative but can bring positive experiences too. Before you know it, outdoor play and getting creative in nature will start replacing those long hours online, scrolling, and gaming.
As you enjoy this season of renewal, this issue also serves as our 2026 Child Care Issue—designed to support families as they plan for the months ahead. Whether you are returning to work, seeking a little extra help, or simply looking for enriching environments for your little ones, we’ve gathered a helpful listing of local daycare centers, Mother’s Day Out programs, and preschools throughout East Alabama. We know how important it is to find a place where your child feels safe, nurtured, and inspired to grow, and we hope this guide makes that search a little easier. From part-time programs that offer a few hours of breathing room to full-time care options that become like a second home, there is something for every family’s needs.
Finally, our calendar is full of fun for the whole family this spring. From Easter egg hunts in the park and spring baseball games on campus to the annual CityFest at Kiesel and Garden in the Park in Opelika, there is so much to explore outdoors in April. So, grab those Easter baskets and baseball caps and get outside this spring. From one parent to another, spring is finally here, and nature is calling to be explored.
