Raising children in Florida's Capital City, I would like to say that they know everything about how the government runs. I would like to tell you that they are well versed in the history of our state and that they know who our state representatives are and what policies they are fighting for. The reality is that raising six children doesn't always lend itself to finding time for a history lesson, but once a year I can guarantee that you will find us at the Capitol.

Next week, beginning Sunday, January 29th is Children's Week at the Capitol. There are week-long events going on for the whole family. I have to confess that for six years now, there is one day that I allow my children to miss school and I take a day off of work just so we can be at the Capitol for this annual day. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me start off at the beginning!

The week kicks off on Sunday, January 29th at 12:30 pm in the Capitol Rotunda with the hanging of the hands. Child-care centers and schools from all across the state of Florida have decorated and sent paper cut-outs of their student's hands. Hundreds of volunteers hang well over 100,000 hands in the Capitol Rotunda.  It is visually incredible to see. I like to think about what a beautiful reminder it is to our state representatives of the future voters they are representing. If you get a chance, take the family by on Sunday between 12:30 and 4:00 pm. There are also lots of educational tables and activity booths set up, so you will not here anyone say they are bored!

While the week is geared towards children, there is a luncheon and dinner for adults on January 30th. You can get more information on that at www.childrensweek.org.

My favorite day is Children's Capitol for a Day. That will be this Tuesday, January 30th from 10am-3 pm. It is set up in the Capitol Courtyard between the old and the new Capitol. I love this day and so do the kids! There are interactive booths, tons of activities for children and some great information for the grown-ups on things regarding the future of our children. Even my teenagers enjoy going and there is a "Teens Only" Town Hall Meeting where students get an opportunity to ask their questions about the government. There are guided tours of the Old and New Capitol buildings and there is a "Legislative Reading Corner" that you can sign your children up to attend. Dozens of Florida Legislators read stories throughout the day and books are provided for the kids to take home. This is done on the 22nd floor and you have to be sure and sign up at the Children's Week website.

We hope to see children from near and far at the Capitol for this event. It is a wonderful time to learn a little more about Florida's history and a chance to see where current history is being made by our politicians. Hope to see you there!!!

Tags: Capital, Capitol, Children's Week, Florida, Luncheon, Reading, Tallahassee

Blythe Newsome

Family Expert

Blythe Newsome is a single mother of six children ages 6,8,10,12,14 and 16. While a morning radio show host, her family was featured on an episode of the Supernanny in 2007.  The reality of this single mom who spends her days getting GI Joes out of the toilet, explaining to her girls that you can not cut your hair like you do your Barbie’s, convincing herself that ketchup on a hotdog counts as a vegetable and letting America see what hides underneath her couch cushions made her family one of “America’s Most Asked About Families” from the show according to producers.  ABC came back to film the 100th episode which aired in March 2010.  When not playing the role of nurse, teacher, chef, referee, taxi driver, coach, or housekeeper, she writes a syndicated column called Flirting with Forty.  

“As a Tallahassee native, I am passionate about this city, raising my children here and I am always searching for new adventures for us.  When people think about a vacation, this is the place to come.  The city is rich in history, annual events and provides people of all ages with something to do”.  Each week Blythe and her children will share with you the stories and pictures of the adventures that are waiting for you in Tallahassee!