Sitting with a group of educators and arts professionals a few weeks ago, we talked about the ways we could help children explore the arts.

Demonstration is certainly an obvious course of action, we agreed. Attendance at concerts, theatrical performances and dance events is a must for children to begin to explore the performing arts fields.

But as we began to formulate ideas, it struck me that one of my greatest regrets is not having been told, or granted permission, to genuinely explore the arts when I was a child.

I expressed myself to my little group and learned I was not alone.

Would I have been different as an adult if I had known as an 8-year-old that I could have been a painter or musician or actor? If I had been given opportunities to explore those fields, would I have chosen a different career path?

It's the old hindsight dilemma.

And, it's an issue as old as mankind - how parents guide their children is more often than not the single most determining factor in how their child "turns out."

But it takes immense creativity and energy to be a nurturing, empowering, well-rounded parent. What we need are ideas, resources - another viewpoint to really help us become the best we can be for our children.

That's what we hope to help you with by launching the newest member of our Coastal Products family - Savannah Coastal Parent.

Bottom line: We're about helping you become a better parent, a goal that all of us with children aspire to but often fall short.

These pages will not be filled with generic, broad-based content but with stories and features written by, about and for coastal Georgia families.

Every month, we will introduce you to a family who manages the juggling act of careers, parenting, children's educations and those countless extra-curricular activities.

And we'll call upon local authorities - educators, psychologists, experts in parenting-related fields - to share tips and ideas to help make you a stronger, more imaginative parent.

We also recognize that a well-rounded family is one in which its members have not only healthy minds, but healthy bodies, healthy habits and positive attitudes. So we won't be overlooking the importance of personal fitness, nutritionally proper diet and activities that get everyone off the sofa and raising their heart rate.

Speaking of activities, we are blessed to live in an area of nearly year-round perfect weather, which means lots of things to see and do. However, instead of rehashing calendars that are so easily accessible from other sources, we are giving area events a more customized feel.

"Five Things To Do..." will also be a regular feature that identifies five area events and gives you advice on how to best explore the events with your children. We hope the ideas lead to more rewarding outings that help teach you to give your child permission to explore new experiences, hear new ideas and try new things.

If you're reading this column, you've picked up Coastal Parent in one of two ways. You've either found it in the lobbies, stores and offices of our supportive advertisers and distributors or you've received it by mail. Either way, it's free, like our other two publications, Coastal Antiques & Art and Coastal Senior.

We welcome you to our inaugural issue and hope you'll join us every other month.

In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with us; contact information is always in the box right here on page two. Together, we can grow stronger as parents - and help our own children carry forward a crucial legacy.