September is the month that both adults and children set schedules and goals for the coming year.
Successful scheduling and goal setting are best accomplished when parents and children cooperatively determine a program list. Listen as children state activities that interest them. Introduce new activities that children may not have previously experienced. The actual chosen activities can then be refined to fit their interests and a realistic schedule.
School Day Schedules
Accomplishing the child’s required school- work is a top priority. Starting the school day prepared and not rushed puts your child in the best frame of mind for his school day. Plans should include ample time in morning to get ready and meet transportation. Once children return home, they should have a designated quiet location for homework study.
In addition to the school schedule, encourage children to engage in extracurricular activities. These often include joining teams, clubs, and lessons involving sports, music, art, dance, drama, photography, science, creative writing, math and chess. Expose children to a variety of types of activities. It is only through engaging in an activity that they expand and develop interests.
A practical side of determining a schedule together is the logistics of participation. Consider time commitment, fees, and transportation. These factors need to be added to equation when the final activity list is determined.
Weekends to Enhance Interests
Fall weekends in Cincinnati offer parents and grandparents a chance to take children to events that will enhance and compliment their interests. Attending free arts shows and festivals is fun for every generation. These local events provide an opportunity to speak directly with local artists about their work and learn about different art media and crafts.
Second Saturdays Market on September 12th features fiber arts and handcrafted treasures at the Weavers Guild, 4870 Gray Rd. The Weavers Guild was founded in 1948 as a non-profit educational organization to promote interest in handweaving. Today it is a hub for local artists working with different art and craft materials. Crafts include weaving, belting, spinning, basketry, knitting and dyeing. Attendees can chat with artisans as they observe their displayed items.
Final Friday, the evening of September 25th , at Pendleton Art Center, 1312 Pendleton St.is , one of largest collection of artists under one roof. The September event features Cincinnati Artist of Month, Mary Barr Rhodes.
Looking ahead to October 4th will mark the 60th anniversary of the Hyde Park Art Show. This major local art event takes place at Hyde Park Square where juried exhibitors display and sell their creations. Categories on display include: 2D/3D mixed media, ceramics, drawing/printmaking, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, metal and wood. While walking around the booths, children will be exposed to many art forms and can interact directly with the artisans. In addition, there is an area devoted to art created by local youth. Observing creations by youth helps inspire children to attempt new things.
Octoberfest Zinzinnati takes place September 17 – 20 at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove. The event was first held in 1976 and grew to over 800,000 attendees in 2025. This year Sunday, September 20th has been designated Family Day. On Sunday there will be special activities for children such as facepainting and scavenger hunt, in addition to the festival’s featured German food and music.
Rosh Hashanah Holiday Looks to New Year
The Rosh Hashana Holiday is the perfect time for families to set goals for the coming year. This year the holiday will be observed Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12th. Rosh Hashanah encourages individuals of all ages to look forward to a new year and reflect on the past year. Reflecting on the past year with your children helps to determine future goals. Families rejoice together as they look forward to a positive new year. Whether the family members are seated at your table or in a far-off location, the fact that each member is celebrating this common holiday fosters a feeling of love for all members of your family. To increase the feeling of connection, initiate a special family tradition for Rosh Hashana. Assign a special holiday reading that those in each location read aloud on this special holiday. Modern technology can accommodate members in different locations reading a section of the service together. This adds to the spirit of love shared across the miles as families together look toward the new year.
Joan Wyler
Contributing columnist
joanwyler@americanisraelite.com
