Savvy August 2016

THE LIFESTYLE MANUAL FOR THE MODERN MOM

AUGUST 2016 · THESAVVYMOMS.COM

TWO MOMS WHO MAKE LEARNING LOOK EA SY

SCHOOL'S ALWAYS IN SESSION FOR THE CROWDER FAMILY! PAGE 28.

LUNCHBOX RECIPES SCHOLARLY STYLE ADULT LEARNING COURSES

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PEDIATRIC PHYSICIAN

High quality child care looks like

THE BEST START.

Give your child the best start in life that you can with

High quality child care helps her grow healthy in

high quality child care.

mind and body.

Positive early experiences play a big part in your

Every child deserves the best start possible. Visit our

baby’s development.

website to find quality child care.

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316 Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

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Be good

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to your teeth!

doctors and staff use a multitude of experiences and treatment cases to learn best practices and are able to share their

+ To prevent tooth decay for your little one, avoid filling his or her bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.

education with each other in order to offer comprehensive, advanced care.

+ Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.

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1 OUT OF 5 KIDS, ages 5-11, have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

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DID YOU

KNOW?

AUGUST 2016 MODERN MOM

FIND OUT HOW TO START HOME SCHOOLING!

16 MAMA SAID

YOU'RE DOING FINE AT THIS PARENTING THING

18 MIND, BODY & SOUL MIND OVER MATTERS

SAVVY FAMILY 20 SAVVY STYLE

BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS

22 THINK OUTSIDE THE (LUNCH) BOX HEALTHY AND CREATIVE TOTE-ABLE RECIPES

26 HOME SCHOOL 101 TWO LITTLE ROCK MOMS MAKE HOME SCHOOL LOOK EASY

SPECIAL SECTION 32 FACES OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS MEET SOME OF THE STATE’S TOP PEDIATRIC PHYSICIANS

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 EDITOR’S NOTE 10 NEWS & NOTES

CALENDAR, FOOD REVIEW & MOM’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

14 ROAD TRIP CONWAY

38 BAG CHECK HEATHER BABER

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AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

THE LIFESTYLE MANUAL FOR THE MODERN MOM

ON THE COVER: KRISTIN CROWDER AND DAUGHTERS CAMILLE (LEFT) AND LOUISE (RIGHT) SPEND THE DAYS HOME SCHOOLING. PHOTOGRAPHY

BY LILY DARRAGH.

AUGUST 2016 · THESAVVYMOMS.COM

TWO MOMS WHO MAKE LEARNING LOOK EA SY

SCHOOL'S ALWAYS IN SESSION FOR THE CROWDER FAMILY! PAGE 28.

LUNCHBOX RECIPES SCHOLARLY STYLE ADULT LEARNING COURSES

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PEDIATRIC PHYSICIAN

It’s Time to “Check In” for the 2016-2017 School Year!

Check-in: August 1-2 from 10am - 7pm for all LRSD schools.

First day of school: August 15

Dads Take Your Child to School Day: August 15

Enter the Facebook Photo Contest for a chance to win great prizes!

Here’s how it works: 1. Dads and father figures take your child 2.

3.

4.

(Pre-K -12th) to school on the first day of school, August 15 Snap a photo with your cell phone or camera of you with your child at school (photo must be taken on school grounds) Upload your photo onto LRSD’s Facebook photo contest page by midnight August 15, 2016.

Invite your Facebook friends to vote for your photo before the contest closes on Wed., Aug. 24.

6th Grade Orientation: August 11 at 9:30am for all middle schools.

9th Grade Orientations

August 3 9am - 1pm Hall August 3-5 1-4zpm J.A. Fair August 4 8:30am-3:30pm Parkview Patriot Academy August 11 10am - 12noon McClellan; 3:30-5:30pm Central

We’re hitting the streets in a neighborhood near Sorry, we missed you! you! LRSD’s new Superintendent, Mike Poore, will be Join the conversation today! school board knocking on doors in all seven LRSD zones as part of his Listen and Learn Entry Plan. Visit #lrsdlistens lrsd.org for more information.

On twitter: @lrsd

Back-to-School Parent Involvement Workshops Inbox message us on Facebook: @mylrsd Online web form: www.lrsd.org/lrsdlistens

Southwest Schools LRSD Superintendent Mike Poore email: mike.poore@lrsd.org twitter: @mikepoore1 501-447-1000

Saturday, August 20 10am-12noon Outlets of Little Rock

West Schools

Saturday, Sept. 10 5-7pm Location TBA

Central-East Schools

Saturday, September 17 10am-12noon Western Hills Elementary School

Little Rock School District

PERFORMANCE WORKPLAN ENCE FOR TOMO lrsd.org

CREATING EXCELL

RROW

I think New Year’s Day gets a little too much credit for new beginnings. I find it much more natural to hit the “restart” button in the fall. The final weeks of summer—when kids are trapped indoors from the heat and are climbing the walls—finally come to an end. The chaos of summer camps and summer vacation plans are done, and we can all get back to the comfort of the regular routine.

Younger kids get to check off school supply lists and, if they are fortunate, show up on the first day with a new backpack, some new clothes and a shiny new pair of shoes to start the school year. They get a fresh start and a clean slate with a new teacher and new classmates—even if last year was tough, they can leave that all behind and put their best foot forward. Teenagers get a full schedule of new, exciting classes and books to discover, as well as a full calendar of social events. The recent high school graduates (dare we admit they are almost adults?!) are leaving for their first year of college, possibly the most exciting time in their entire lives, with a whole world of possibilities ahead of them.

This month, we celebrate hitting our back-to-school reset buttons by meeting two moms who are doing it full time. Kristin Crowder and Tamara Dyer have taken on the task of homeschooling their children and are making it look easy.

Kerry Guice offers up some Pinterest-worthy lunchbox recipes that are actually easy to make and healthy. I’m definitely adding her Pizza Pinwheels to my lunchbox routine!

And the Savvy Style feature highlights a few back-to-school essentials from local shops to cross off your list.

As moms across the state collectively release that bittersweet sigh of relief on the first day back to school, I hope you all take a moment to hit your own “reset” buttons.

Set some intentions for the fall, set aside some time to decompress from the chaos of the summer, and treat yourself to your own pair of shiny new shoes—you survived the summer; you deserve it!

My own first days of school seem like centuries ago, and this walk down memory lane confirmed that feeling.

Here are a few of my all-time favorite back to school supplies:

Amy Gordy Editor, Savvy @SavvyAR

Mead Composition notebook (still my go-to notebook) New Kids on the Block folders

Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper

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AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

Care Bears Lunchbox

PHOTOGRAPHY: LILY DARRAGH

HIT THE FALL RESTART BUTTON!

PARKOLOGY

The study of Geology, Botany, Archeology, History, Agriculture and more, by simply having FUN with one of our interpreters at an Arkansas State Park. Come see us.

ArkansasStateParks.com My park, your park, our parks

Woolly Hollow State Park #ARStateParks

WE ARE PEDIATRICS PLUS. Because it takes each person, working together as part of a team, to make us who we are.

At Pediatrics Plus, nothing matters more than the children and families we serve achieving success in their everyday lives. Our care coordinators, skilled health care professionals, teachers, and families partner together to provide the most comprehensive and coordinated care to ensure the absolute best outcomes.

Evidence-based therapy services Developmental Preschool Diagnostic services Family support Community Investment Research

Specialized Pediatric Healthcare

www.pediatricsplus.com THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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Lash Extensions

by Kelly Johnson Xtreme Lash Certified since 2008

501-860-8083 New client special FULL SET $100

PUBLISHER BLAKE HANNAHS | blake@arktimes.com EDITOR AMY GORDY | amy@arktimes.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANDY KEENER | mandy@arktimes.com EDITOR AT LARGE REBEKAH LAWRENCE | rebekah@arktimes.com MANAGING DIRECTOR PHYLLIS BRITTON | phyllis@arktimes.com

501-315-4414

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS | lesa@arktimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE WENDY REED | wendy@arktimes.com ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER ROLAND R. GLADDEN | roland@arktimes.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR JIM HUNNICUTT | jimhunnicutt@arktimes.com

Visit our website for information on services, upcoming events, and access to our resources!

Kidsourcetherapy.com Services We Provide: •Early Intervention Services •Therapy Evaluations •Speech/Language Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Physical Therapy

Supportive Programs: •Sensory Integration •Feeding & Swallowing •Hippotherapy •Aquatics •Special Olympics

Benton• Hot Springs • Little Rock• North Little Rock• Arkadelphia• Malvern

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR LAUREN BUCHER | lauren@arktimes.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS BRYAN MOATS | MIKE SPAIN | KEVIN WALTERMIRE PRODUCTION MANAGER | CONTROLLER WELDON WILSON IT DIRECTOR ROBERT CURFMAN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/OFFICE MANAGER KELLY JONES BILLING/COLLECTIONS LINDA PHILLIPS CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ANITRA HICKMAN

SEE YOUR KID IN SAVVY IS LAUNCHING ITS FIRST READER NOMINATION-BASED FEATURE HIGHLIGHTING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ARKANSAS’S YOUTH. NOMINATE YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD TO BE HIGHLIGHTED IN THE PAGES OF SAVVY’S “18 UNDER 18,” “10 UNDER 10” OR “5 UNDER 5” FEATURES. GUIDELINES AND SUBMISSION FORM CAN BE FOUND AT THESAVVYMOMS.COM.

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AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

ARKANSAS TIMES PUBLISHING ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE CARE; HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARE AND SAFE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. ALL LETTERS AND PHOTOS SENT TO SAVVY™ WILL BE TREATED AS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SAVVY'S™ UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO EDIT OR TO COMMENT EDITORIALLY. 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985.

ALL CONTENTS ©2016 SAVVY™

@SAVVY_AR

contributors AUGUST 2016

the heat e eak from th Take a broff with a ride in and cool MPER BOATS! BU

BIG NHE ENTIRE FAMILY! FOU T R F

DWAIN HEBDA is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife, Darlene, are the parents of four grown children.

The empty nesters spend their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.

1-

50 ce la P l fu r e d n A Wo Reunions! for Family DAY!!

ve TO

Call & Reser

11411 Baseline Road, Little Rock Just Minutes from the Outlets of Little Rock!

LASER FRENZY • MINI GOLF • GO-KARTS • ARCADE • BATTING CAGES • BUMPER BOATS • PARTIES

For over 30 years, e BridgeWay has been caring for Arkansans of all ages. Now, e BridgeWay offers Senior Care to adults, 55 and older, struggling with mental health concerns. In honor of those who raised us, we provide the following: • New, state-of-the-art facility • 24-hour nursing care • Medication management and physician care • Discharge and aercare planning • Neuropsychological testing • Safe, serene environment in central Arkansas

KERRY GUICE is a food blogger and photographer living in Little Rock with her husband, two kids and their dog. When she’s not sharing her latest meal on Instagram, Kerry is planning her family’s next Arkansas adventure or crafting with her creative tots.

LILY DARRAGH is a photographer in Little Rock. She studied photography at Parsons the New School of Design in New York. Currently working out of a photography studio in downtown Little Rock, Lily loves to shoot people and places unique to Arkansas.

ark.com rockfunp www.big 455-3750

Here we treat each patient with dignity and care that may bring hope, help and healing to those seeking a sense of wellness.

If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulties, it is important to find out if a serious problem exists.

To schedule a confidential, no-cost assessment, call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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BLOW DRY EXTENSIONS & TREATMENTS PACKAGES | PARTIES

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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GET YOUR SPLASH ON!

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Enjoy a night of fun at Big Rock Fun Park’s Family Fun Fest benefitting Centers for Youth & Families from 8-10 p.m., Aug. 6. The whole family can explore the park’s mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, arcade and more. bigrockfunpark.com.

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august

This great event at the Clinton Presidential Center helps kids in need get ready to go back to school.

The annual Head of the Class Bash supplies free backpacks and school supplies as well as immunizations and vision screenings from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Aug. 6. Other activities include nutrition demonstrations and computing and coding demonstrations. clintonfoundation.org/ clinton-presidential-center.

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Save big when you do your back-toschool shopping on the Sales Tax Holiday! On Aug. 7 and 8, the state of Arkansas will allow shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, art supplies, school instructional materials and clothing free of state and local sales or use tax.dfa.arkansas.gov.

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CURL UP WITH YOUR FAVORITE PAPERBACK, IT’S NATIONAL BOOK LOVER’S DAY!

Check out the ultimate end of summer pool party at the Splash Zone in Jacksonville. Swim, slide and dance as a DJ spins at the Back To School Splash from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 19. Admission is $5. 501-982-4171.

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Adults love the Museum of Discovery just as much as kids do—especially when there’s pizza and beer involved.

Support the MOD at this 21 and older only Science After Dark event from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 25. The theme is “Paranormal,” and pizza and a full bar, including craft beer, wine and cocktails will be available. museumofdiscovery.org.

10 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

27 Get your best cowboy and cowgirl gear on and head to this fun race at War Memorial Stadium. The Corner Store Country Run 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, and is followed by a lively carnival-themed afterparty with face painting, carnival games, live music, food and beer. Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters and local children’s charities. cornerstorerun.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS/KERRY GUICE

news & notes

MELTING FOR GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE EVERY KID LOVES A GOOD GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH, SO WE DECIDED TO SEND 14-YEAR-OLD LANDON REED TO THE MECCA OF TOASTED GOLDEN GOODNESS—THE MAIN CHEESE, A GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE BISTRO IN WEST LITTLE ROCK. HE ORDERED THE ORIGINAL, WHICH WAS LOADED WITH MUENSTER, FONTINA AND AGED CHEDDAR CHEESE ON POTATO BREAD.

Ages 2-12

HERE’S WHAT LANDON HAD TO SAY: SAVVY: WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR FOOD? LANDON: The bread was potato bread. The grilled cheese was good, but the French fries were amazing. I don’t even know what potato bread is, but I don’t think we get that at the grocery store.

S: WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT’S ATMOSPHERE? L: I like that it was close to my house. The MC logo on the wall was very cool.

S: WOULD YOU COME BACK AND EAT HERE WITH FRIENDS? L: I would come back and eat with my FroBro Harrison and my family so they can pay.

S: WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT? L: I think they need a bigger dessert menu.

S: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT TO A FRIEND? L: You can get a better grilled cheese sandwich here than your mom makes at home.

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www.JumpZoneParty.com 9250 Commerce Cove Maumelle/NLR 501-907-5867 THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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news & notes FOR MOMS!

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR MOM

KIDS AREN’T THE ONLY ONES WHO NEED A FEW THINGS TO GET THROUGH THE SCHOOL YEAR. HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS FOR MOM’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL KIT:

A SPLASH OF COLOR

The classic LePen is available in 18 hues perfect for color-coding your day, and the micro-fine point offers smooth writing that doesn’t bleed through the page. uchida.com.

TECH-SAVVY

Do you have a ton of handwritten notes you need to organize? The Evernote notebook collection by Moleskine allows you to give your handwritten notes a digital life. Just write once, capture the page with your camera, and then share your thoughts and ideas across all your devices via the Evernote app. evernote.com.

12 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENUES

GET ALL THE COLORS!

GET FOCUSED

Adult coloring books are said to relieve stress and improve focus.

Create your own works of art within the pages of “Art of Coloring: Disney Villains: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation,” available Aug. 16. The pages are filled with some of Disney’s most dynamic characters—no princesses allowed!

BOOK CLUB!

ORGANIZE & SET GOALS

REQUIRED READING

The Passion Planner exceeds all planner expectations with essentials like weekly calendar layouts, appointment calendar, to-do lists, and plenty of blank, lined and gridded pages, as well as space for you to set personal goals to help you stay on track both at work and in life in general. passionplanner.com.

Emmy Award-winning comedian Amy Schumer releases her first book, “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo,” on Aug. 16. We are looking forward to this candid collection of personal essays from a woman who notoriously holds nothing back.

PATIO LIGHTS • DRINKWARE & SERVINGWARE • PIÑATAS • LANTERNS • FLAMINGOS • GARLANDS

EASY DECORATING & OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER PARTY!

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THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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road trip

CONWAY

This unique college town has a lot to offer in the way of fun. Take a quick excursion to Faulkner County to explore the quirky Pickles Gap Village, kid-friendly restaurants, boutiques and more!

EXPLORE!

SAY HI TO THE GOATS!

LUNCH BREAK!

Grab a bite at Tacos4Life and help end world hunger at this trendy, delicious Mexican restaurant with two locations in Conway. For every meal purchased, the restaurant donates to Feed My Starving Children. Check out the grilled street corn and extensive menu of tacos, burritos, nachos, kid’s selections and more. tacos4life.com.

CLIMB & BUILD!

Enjoy hours of imaginative and sensory play at Share the Love Kids Club, a new 3,000-squarefoot indoor play place. There are plenty of things to climb on and build, or spend some time creating in the arts and crafts area. sharethelove.club.

ORDER A COFFEE FROM ZETEO NEXT DOOR WHILE THE KIDS PLAY!

14 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

READY, AIM, FIRE!

Get locked and loaded for an afternoon of fun at Paintball Arkansas, the state’s largest paintball range with eight different playing fields. Newbies are welcome and encouraged to try the low-impact paintballs. paintballarkansas.com.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!

Grab a few back-to-school outfits at Simply Sweet Kids, a children’s clothing and gift shop. With custom monogramming and applique available, you can’t go wrong. Look for girls’ clothes from newborn up to size 14/16, and boys’ clothes from newborn up to size 7/8. facebook.com/ simplysweetkidsconway.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENUES

This old-timey shopping center has tons for kids to discover. Grab lunch at Big Al’s BBQ then head over to the Pickles Gap Fudge Factory for a sweet treat in the way of homemade fudge and candy, followed by craft shopping at Wax Worm Handcrafted Gifts.

Don’t forget to greet the goats that live on the property in the warmer months! Find Pickles Gap Village at 315 Hwy. 65 North.

Have a Friday Night Injury?

We Have a Saturday Morning Solution.

If you have a Friday Night Lights injury, come to the Next-Day Sports Injury Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This Saturday morning clinic gives your family next-day access to the most specialized sports medicine and orthopedic care in the state. Our physicians understand how to best treat the developing athlete.

NEXT-DAY SPORTS INJURY CLINIC

• No appointment necessary • Saturdays this fall, 9AM – 11AM • Located in the ACH Orthopedic Clinic

(501) 364-GAME

archildrens.org/SportsMedicine

#ACHsports

A diamond emerges.

Formed by unimaginable pressures.

Tougher than tough.

Unbreakable.

Shaped, polished.

Its brilliant inner light released.

Surprise Yourself.

Dig Deeper.

Discover the diamond that is you at Pulaski Tech.

www.pulaskitech.edu THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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mama said...

YOU'RE DOING FINE AT THIS PARENTING THING

Y

ou know the drill. At the end of every day, after dinner dishes are cleared and the kids are bathed and put to bed ... after we’ve trudged up and down the stairs three times to break up an argument or deliver last-minute cups of water or string cheese because the kids are starving despite the fact we ate an hour earlier ... after we pick up the same toys put away only three hours before ... after all of that, we parents might sit down for an entire 30 minutes before dragging ourselves to bed.

And then, we’re up bright and early to take the dog out or head to the gym or make lunches and do it all over again.

These are our lives. I keep waiting for mine to slow down, but one sport season rolls into another. The baby is finally out of diapers, but big sister’s homework is more demanding or dad has a work deadline.

It’s always something.

Somewhere in there, we manage to teach a life lesson and have a good, long talk with our kiddos. It’s these stolen moments in between all the busy that we’ll remember, that we cherish. Life, an old expression says, is what happens while we’re busy making other plans.

And those are the good days. So often, during those 30 peaceful minutes I remember half a dozen things I failed to do that day. From changing the cable plan to scheduling dental appointments, the running list of To-Do’s never stops. I have to admit that many nights I lie in bed feeling like the day was a total fail. I didn’t get to the laundry (again), I left peanut butter off the grocery list, I’m 2,000 miles overdue on an oil change, and the orange soda someone spilled in the fridge has started to grow hair. So. Many. Things.

Doubt and fear creep in and tell me this patchwork lifestyle is not sustainable, that eventually all of these failures are going to pile up and topple over and my whole family will come tumbling down around me. Feeling like I’m not doing well enough isn’t a good feeling, especially considering how hard I try.

It’s not just me. My husband feels that way, too. There aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything he wants at work, and then spend adequate time with the kids before bedtime. It’s a struggle for our family, and we’re not alone. I have been secretly polling the parents I encounter regularly (sorry, friends!). You know what I discovered? No one thinks they’re doing it perfectly. Everyone fears they’re doing it wrong, or not well enough. Not once did someone say, “Yo, I’m knocking this parenting thing out of the park.” We all struggle and we all worry we’re messing our kids up in any multitude of ways.

Comradery, community and the knowledge that most parents feel this way helps. We’re not failing. We’re surviving. We’re taking it one day at a time until things calm down. And if they never calm down, well, we’ll eat Nutella instead of peanut butter. It’s not the end of the world. And okay, so the kids only have a single pair of shoes they haven’t outgrown. At least they have shoes. These tiny, everyday failures are trivial. They’re not what really matters, and my world won’t stop spinning just because I couldn’t find time to put on a load of whites. I did find time to take a walk with the kids after dinner.

We reserved seven full minutes to get to the next chapter of "The BFG." The kids put down their iPads in favor of helping me cook dinner. Winning!

My guess is there are so many parenting and self-help books— and columns like this one—because most parents feel they’re not doing it right. The truth is, there is no “right way.” We do the best we can do, just like our parents did for us, and theirs before them.

And someday, our kids will struggle to find time to change the laundry robot’s batteries.

This is life. It’s messy and nearly impossible to navigate without acquiring a heavy load of self-doubt. Talking about it helps. Learning that our neighbors struggle, too, helps. I hope this little column helps.

So, don’t worry—you’re doing fine at this parenting thing.

SQUEEZING IN TIME FOR A FAMILY WALK.

Jen Holman is often irreverent and frequently imperfect. But she’s happy, by God, and that’s what matters. She lives in Little Rock with her husband and three children, striking that delicate balance between inspiration and frustration. Jen has published three novels under the pen name Jen Crane, the second of which was selected by iTunes/iBooks as “Our Pick” in fantasy sci-fi.

16 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

ADVERTORIAL

TAKE YOUR SEAT…IT’S NOT THAT SCARY!

This summer at Big Rock Yoga, our community of students and teachers started a program based on “A Complaint Free World,” by Will Bowen.

While this program is not a seated meditation it is a pathway to comfortably “taking your seat.” The basis of the program is to listen to yourself think before you speak in your every day life. Each time you complain you move a bracelet from one wrist to the other to create a deeper awareness of your choice to complain, not complain, or choose to speak with a higher intention!

You gain access to your way of being in the world from listening to your self-dialogue. Is your way of being from the many ways of complaining? Or is your way of being of a higher vibration that attracts what you are really ready for in your life?

One teacher that participated discovered on the first day that she does not complain much in her daily life, until her husband comes

BY WENDY COOK

home. With some laughter, she shared with me that she changed her bracelet four times in ten minutes of his arrival home! I don’t know if she was complaining about her husband or if her way of being with him is to share through complaining, either way she became aware of her words and shifted!

Meditation of any style gives us access to a deeper awareness of how we think, how we choose to speak, and how we create our reality. It is my professional opinion that a new student asks an experienced yoga teacher for guidance in the best style of meditation for them. (I wish that advice had been gifted to me!)

When you “take your seat,” connection to a higher power and an expanded way of being in your life is available. Through the simple focus of listening to yourself you will gain access, as Mahatma Gandhi said, to “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

10700 N Rodney Parham Rd. | Little Rock 501-436-9689 | BIGROCKYOGA.COM

mind, body & soul

Learn to paint at the Arkansas Arts Center!

MIND OVER MATTERS

A

Keep Your Brain Engaged to Put Problems into Perspective BY KD REEP

s a mother, it seems counterintuitive to register for a class, workshop or seminar to learn about something purely for the pleasure of it. Mothers are adjunct educators; why should we add one more todo item to a never-ending list? Because an engaged and curious mind positively affects the body and soul overall, making you a better mother, partner, friend and employee.

According to lifelong learning advocate and author Nancy Merz Nordstrom, an active mind can stimulate physical activity and keep spirits high. Lifelong learning, she says, utilizes non-credit academic courses, educational travel, and community service and volunteerism to fully engage the brain, heighten physical activity and maintain healthy social relationships.

“Lifelong learning helps develop natural abilities and opens the mind,” Nordstrom said. “An integral part of lifelong learning is the free exchange of ideas and viewpoints. There’s nothing like listening to or taking part in stimulating discussions to help us see the other side of an issue.”

In addition to nurturing a person’s innate abilities, pursuing a class or learning opportunity increases a mother’s wisdom, helps her adapt to change and make the world a better place—for herself and her community.

18 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

“Lifelong learning enables us to put our lives in perspective,” Nordstrom said. “It increases our understanding of previous successes and failures, and it helps us understand ourselves better.

Because society is in a state of constant flux, lifelong learning enables us to keep up with society’s changes—especially the technological ones. A learning environment with our peers not only makes it possible to stay abreast of change, it also makes it fun.”

Perhaps the main benefit of taking a class purely for its enjoyment is selffulfillment. By expanding awareness, mothers are more centered and able to respond to the challenges of everyday life with thoughtfulness. That approach to life has a ripple effect—the calmer and kinder a mom is to her family, the kinder they will be to each other and the people around them.

In central Arkansas, there are a myriad of classes and activities moms can pursue for every kind of interest. Whether it’s a one-time lesson to test the creative waters or a full course to learn a new skill like mastering a content management system or foreign language, mothers have access to opportunities to keep their mind sharp, spirit high and outlook positive.

The Arkansas Extended Learning Center offers classes, workshops, seminars, specialized training and exam preparation for both adults and children. Courses include golf, cooking, drawing and painting, singing, photography, landscape design, interior design, and more. The Roll with It: Tamale Workshop with Chef Amanda Sun begins Aug. 7, and Classic and Secondary Sauces Class begins Aug. 21, both at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock. Beginning and Intermediate Golf Clinics are set for Aug. 27 at the Country Club of Arkansas.

The Arkansas Arts Center’s adult classes and workshops offer a wide range of courses in the visual arts including art history, ceramics, continuing education for educators, drawing, glass jewelry and small metals, new and other media, painting, photography, printmaking and woodworking.

Pulaski Technical College’s Lifelong Learning offers courses in personal enrichment, culinary arts, computers and technology, construction and continuing education units.

Arkansas Craft School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, appreciation and instruction of crafts indigenous to the Arkansas Ozarks, offers continuing education credits in screen printing, book arts and printmaking, woodturning, blacksmithing, and bladesmithing, among others.

There are a host of special interest courses, workshops, seminars and classes available yearround. Among them are scuba diving classes at Rick’s Dive Center, where you can take diver classes (open water certification for those in the know).

The William F. Laman Public Library System in North Little Rock offers adult coloring, book clubs and paper crafts. Moms can even tie on some tap shoes at Rock City Dance Center, where adult classes include ballet, hip-hop and adult contemporary in addition to tap.

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has courses in farm and ranch, yard and garden, business and communities, environment and nature, and health and living.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also hosts hunting, fishing and conservation learning opportunities, and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program has tours available of historic sites in the state, including Walks Through History and Sandwiching in History.

For moms interested in learning more about healthy living, CHI St. Vincent and Baptist Health host classes in childbirth and rearing, bariatric surgery, healthy cooking, smoking cessation and

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER

ADULT EDUCATION COURSES IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Meet Leila. She came to Friendship Community Care and learned how to walk.

We see success stories happen every day. To learn more about FCC programs for children with disabilities, please call us directly at 1-800-461-1793 or visit www.fccare.org.

Now offering fun, healthy, educational opportunities at 11 locations throughout Arkansas.

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THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

19

A SPECIAL SAVVY ADVERTISING SECTION

savvy style

Back to School Basics Be prepared for anything as you check off your supply list and get ready to head back to school this month.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIAN CHILSON

CUSTOMIZE!

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20 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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1. Back to school has never been cuter than with this customized, turquoise knit dress from Simply Sweet Kids. The decorative pencil appliqué can be customized with initials or name. Pencil dress is $32; red bow is $8. Available at Simply Sweet Kids Children’s Clothing & Gift Boutique, Conway.

2. A world of knowledge is at your fingertips at the Central Arkansas Library! All you need is a library card to start your adventure and gain access to books, films, music and more. Sign up at your nearest branch. cals.org.

3. Carry it all in organized style with the full collection of Jon Hart Designs totes, bags and luggage from The Full Moon. Choose from over 100 different pieces, 20 different colors, and then add your own flair with a monogram! Stop by today to take advantage of the Jon Hart back to school promotion through Aug. 31. Available at The Full Moon, Little Rock.

4. Be the carpool envy with a clean, sparking finish on your ride after a visit to Genesis Auto Wash. Unlimited monthly packages start at $22.

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5. The school day just got a little wilder at Rhea Drug with this insulated lunch bag by Skip Hop. The zoo collection features animals like the zebra and unicorn to complete your back to school shopping list.

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PARENTING SKILLS ARE BUILT HERE “Try and Make Me!” RAISING THE STRONG WILLED CHILD Tuesday Morning 10am-12noon September 6,13,20,27

PARENTING THE ADHD CHILD Lunch & Learn, Noon-1pm September 7,14,21,28

DID YOU KNOW?

Kids Need More Than Lunch Lots of kids living with food insecurity don't get meals once they leave the school grounds. If the only meals these kids are guaranteed are at school, then that's a long time to go between meals. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance Afterschool Meals Program helps close the gap by offering hungry children an afternoon snack or nutritious dinner along with a fun educational activity. This program helps ensure kids are getting the nutrition they need so they can focus on schoolwork in the morning. Visit arhungeralliance.org to find a list of participating community locations, or email sbrown@arhungeralliance.org to find out how you can help!

FAMILY STABILIZATION CLASSES Divorce & Separation Monday 6-8 pm September 12

Truama and Reunification Monday 6-8 pm September 19

REGISTER TODAY! 501.664.4268 email: parentcenter@cfyf.org

Find us online /TheCentersAR THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

21

savvy family

*IT'S EASY TO CREATE FUN, HEALTHY & CREATIVE SCHOOL LUNCHES!

22 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

FAST, HEALTHY AND CREATIVE WAYS TO PACK A SCHOOL LUNCH THAT YOUR KIDS WILL ACTUALLY EAT STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY GUICE

W

hen my daughter started school, I remember searching Pinterest for lunchbox inspiration and I actually walked away from my computer feeling angry. Were there really parents out there who created Hello Kitty sculptures out of deli meat or was it a conspiracy to make busy moms crazy?

Perhaps it’s a bit of both, but my kids go to a school where most students bring their lunches, and I’ve yet to see any apples carved into Elsa and Anna, so I’m convinced Pinterest doesn’t have a mom’s best interest at heart when it comes to packing a lunch.

It’s not a Food Network judges’ table, it’s a cafeteria full of kids who can barely open their yogurt tubes!

With all that being said, I really do want to give my kids a healthy, pretty lunch that reminds them that they’re loved in the middle of a hectic day. I miss them when they are at school, and I love knowing that they might think of me when they open their lunchboxes. When my daughter was asked during her pre-K graduation ceremony “What was your favorite part of pre-K?” her answer was “Lunchtime!” It makes me happy to connect with my kids through good food, and lunchbox love notes help, too!

Choosing a lunchbox is no easy task. My biggest concern was finding one that was truly leak-proof, as both my kids are fans of yogurt. I went through several cheaper brands before finally deciding to invest in a Yumbox. You will not find a leak-proof brand at the grocery store. You will also not find a child who will gently carry their

lunchbox to class like it’s a carton of eggs. It is worth it to invest in a lunchbox that will make it to lunchtime and keep everything in its place. There are a few different configurations for the Yumbox inserts and we like them all. It helps to have options!

When designing school lunches for elementary school kids, it’s important to give them a little bit of a lot. Options are so important with teaching kids to eat a variety of foods, and when introducing a new food, you don’t want them to feel obligated to eat a lot all at once. The small compartments in the Yumbox allow you to pack several different kinds of foods, and it encourages them to try it all. My son and daughter have different tastes, so the different compartments also make it easy to customize their individual lunchboxes.

I’m not against The Sandwich. I’m really not. But I know I would get bored eating one every single day. My inspiration for packing a lunchbox is to think of what I would pack for a picnic full of food-loving friends. Packing for a picnic presents the same challenges: what will keep for a few hours, what foods are crowd pleasers, etc. This is a great guideline to keep in mind when packing lunches. I also try to incorporate what I make for dinner into their lunch the next day to save time. If we’ve made homemade pizza, I’ll pack pizza rolls. If we’ve had roasted chicken, I’ll pack cold chicken quesadillas. I try to balance convenience with making the kids feel like I’ve put some thought into their meal.

TIPS: FREEZE YOGURT TUBES! THEY’LL ACT AS AN ICE PACK AND WILL BE THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE TO EAT COME LUNCHTIME. PACK COLD PASTA SALADS FOR BIGGER KIDS, LOADED WITH THEIR FAVORITE VEGGIES. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SEASONAL PRODUCE. WHEN FRUITS AND VEGGIES ARE IN SEASON, THEY’RE NOT ONLY CHEAPER, BUT THEY ARE TASTIER, PRETTIER AND HEALTHIER! GET KIDS INVOLVED! IF THEY LIKE TO BE IN THE KITCHEN, LET THEM SLICE THE VEGGIES OR PICK WHICH FRUIT THEY’LL HAVE. DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE SOMETHING YOU KNOW THEY LOVE. IF THEY WOULD LIVE OFF OF PB&J’S, PACK THEM HALF OF ONE, ALONG WITH OTHER BETTER SOURCES OF PROTEIN SO THEY DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU’RE TRYING TO DEPRIVE THEM. ALSO, DARK CHOCOLATE TUCKED INSIDE A LUNCHBOX IS ALWAYS A WINNER.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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DITCH THE RANCH DRESSING, AND TRY HUMMUS OR GUACAMOLE TO DIP YOUR VEGGIES. TO KEEP THE GUACAMOLE FROM BROWNING, SQUEEZE A LAYER OF LIME JUICE ON TOP BEFORE CLOSING THE LUNCHBOX. PACK NEW FOODS! WHEN KIDS ARE HUNGRY AND THERE IS FOOD IN FRONT OF THEM, CHANCES ARE THEY’LL TRY IT. ADD A NEW FOOD HERE AND THERE TO THEIR LUNCHBOX, BUT ALWAYS START OUT WITH A SMALL SERVING, SUCH AS ONE SLICE OF RADISH ALONGSIDE YOUR KIDS’ FAVORITE VEGGIES AND DIP VERSUS A WHOLE CONTAINER OF RADISHES THAT MAY SEEM INTIMIDATING. PACK SOME GRANOLA IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO SPRINKLE ON TOP OF YOGURT FOR A HEALTHY CRUNCH.

CRESCENT ROLL PINWHEELS, TWO WAYS: *photo on page 22

BROCCOLI, HAM & CHEESE PINWHEELS

Makes 2-4 servings

2 triangles of crescent rolls, pinched at the seam to create a rectangle 1 slice of deli cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons chopped broccoli florets 1-2 slices of deli ham, chopped Lay the cheese and ham on the crescent dough, then sprinkle the broccoli on top. Roll tightly without breaking the seam. Slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 350-degree preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.

PIZZA CRESCENT PINWHEELS

Makes 2-4 servings

COLD ORZO PASTA SALAD

½ cup orzo, cooked, drained and rinsed 1 handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 1 handful of olives 1 handful of torn fresh spinach leaves 1 tablespoon of lemony salad dressing Toss all ingredients together and serve cold.

24 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

2 triangles of crescent rolls, pinched at the seam to create a rectangle 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese 6 slices pepperoni Spread the sauce on the crescent dough, then sprinkle the cheese and lay the pepperoni. Roll tightly without breaking the seam.

Slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350-degree preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.

Come to your happy place.

DeGray Lake Resort is the place to get happy, whether it’s just the two of you, a family trip, or a large group. Fun activities for all, on water and land, comfy accommodations and great dining await you just a short drive away. Plan your dog-friendly breakaway today.

1-800-737-8355 • DEGRAY.com • I-30 Exit 78 at Arkadelphia

PUBLIC EDUCATION: PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Pulaski County Special School District

Choose PCSSD schools for– Certified teachers with advanced degrees Test scores higher than other local districts Millions awarded in college scholarships Talented and Gifted programs State-winning sports teams 1;1 tech program providing iPads, Chromebooks Facilities upgrades and new schools underway pcssd.org

501.234.2000 THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

25

TWO LITTLE ROCK MOMS TAKE THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS

BY DWAIN HEBDA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY DARRAGH

Tamara Dyer oversees the education of her kids, Tahira (left) and Qasim (right), through Arkansas Virtual Academy.

26 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

MOTHER IS YOUR FIRST TEACHER

TAMARA DYER PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND GUIDANCE TO HER YOUNG CHILDREN .

Q

asim Dyer of Little Rock may have only completed kindergarten, but he knows what he likes. Math, for one thing, “because I get to use my fingers to count.”

Home schooling, for another, something he shares in common with his 11-year-old sister, Tahira Marcano. The bright lad said the best thing about being home-schooled is that "I have my mom here with me. It’s good because I love her.”

Qasim’s assessment of home schooling is profound beyond his years.

Home schooling is on the rise in the United States and while families have many reasons for getting into it, they’re consistently getting out of it extraordinary educational outcomes. And the secret, researchers say, lies in the one-on-one personal attention that Qasim enjoys with his mother and educator Tamara Dyer.

“A lot of times in public schools, in brick and mortar, you get left behind because even if you don’t understand it they just show it to you and they keep going,” Tamara said. “But in this particular program, you have to actually do the work. As a learning coach, I’m here to guide you and keep you going, but not do it for you.” Tamara teaches using Arkansas Virtual Academy, a tuition-free online charter school.

The numbers tell the story. Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, noted in a March 2016 summary that home-educated students typically score 15 to 30 percentage points better than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Population subgroups do even better; AfricanAmerican home-educated students score a whopping 23 to 42 percentage points better than their publicly-educated peers.

What’s more, home-educated students (1.7 million of them in 2011, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics) achieve these numbers regardless of parents’ educational backgrounds, household income or how much parents spend on their child’s education, reinforcing the role that one-on-one attention plays in the educational process.

“I wanted to be more involved with (my children’s) schooling,” Tamara said. “I feel like your mother is your first teacher. Well, I took that wholeheartedly and here I am.”

Tamara began this journey after her daughter, now a rising sixthgrader, completed a pre-kindergarten program. With two years of college under her belt and having started a successful business, Tamara didn’t feel intimidated by the prospect of taking over responsibility for her child’s education.

“I didn’t feel like there was anything I couldn’t teach them,” she said.

“You don’t have to know every answer in the book. As long as you can say ‘I’ll look it up, I’ll find out,’ and have that determination to make sure that you know and that you tell them. Or, at least have the ability to help them find the information.”

That philosophy has passed onto Tahira, whose demonstrated love for the computer early on was a tremendous advantage. Distance learning via a digital curriculum is the educational backbone for many home-school setups, to say nothing of putting the world’s research capabilities within reach.

“She always has loved the computer, starting in kindergarten,” Tamara said. “Now she’s like, ‘I can research anything I want to research. If I don’t understand it, I just get on there and find out.’”

“What I like most about being home-schooled is that I can ask for help if I’m having trouble with work or I don’t understand a problem,” Tahira said. “I like having my mom as my teacher, because she can teach me her own lessons.”

As for the age-old knock that home-schooled kids are too sheltered to develop social skills or learn to interact with others, study after study shows home-educated students far outpace their peers in communication, maturity, social skills and college graduation rates.

Researchers surmise this is in part because of the many non-schoolsupported activities that exist (4-H, church, dance class) and the elimination of bullying and peer pressure that distract from the educational process.

“I don’t feel like it’s a drawback at all, because they grow the skills at home to deal with every situation that they encounter when they go out,” Tamara said. “When I was in public school, I just dealt with a situation when it occurred; this gives them a little advance knowledge of certain situations that they might go through.”

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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HOME SCHOOL

Kristin Crowder and daughters Louise (left) and Camille (right) enjoy year-round learning opportunities in their attic-turned-schoolroom.

28 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

HOLISTIC HOME LEARNING KRISTIN CROWDER USES AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING METHOD TO PROVIDE A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION FOR HER DAUGHTERS

K

ristin Crowder isn’t what most people think of when they think of a home school parent.

She doesn’t have a background in education (although many home-schooling moms don’t). She’s not philosophically opposed to or had a negative experience with traditional education; in fact she’s a big fan of her eldest daughter Camille’s one year at her Montessori school in Little Rock.

For Kristin and her husband, Tom, the decision to educate their two daughters at home after the birth of Louise four years ago boiled down to one simple element: family.

“I was able to stay home for a little bit (after Louise was born); it was summertime so we had the two of them together,” she said. “They’re five years apart and we would love them to know each other more.

“Plus, Tom has a really incredible job situation where he can come home a lot during the day but it also requires him to travel a lot. Homeschooling allows them to see him so much more than they would if they were in school every day.”

What followed the decision was a period of discovery both for the Crowder girls and for their parents trying to navigate the world of home education. Four years later, the family can’t imagine doing it any other way.

“I don’t have to work all day, but I’m always learning things,” said Camille, age 9. “I get to read in the morning instead of getting ready to leave the house. I get up really early before everyone else wakes up.”

“I like the letters. I like to plant things because I think it’s fun, and reading books and going to the library,” added 4-year-old Louise. As for having her mom for a teacher?

“She’s fun. I love rainbows; she’s like a rainbow.”

If you’re wondering how Kristin makes mommy-daughter time feel like time in school, well, she doesn’t really. In fact, it’s more or less the secret of the former graphic artist’s success as an educator.

“There are so many different ways to do home school,” she said.

“The idea that we want to really drive home is the idea of a sustainable learning pattern that they can follow as they grow and throughout their adulthood. I don’t always set aside a set amount of time in our classroom; I really try to make sure that they’re learning in the kitchen, that they’re learning outdoors, that they know that the learning of their life is everywhere around them.”

Kristin’s teaching methodology evolved through an eclectic mix of influences. Inspired by the Montessori method, she quickly found the amount of teaching materials available bordered on the overwhelming.

Her first full year as a home-school mom was as much about her education as Camille’s.

While time and experience has given her a better handle on things, she and Tom still put in a lot of work to learn things in response to the girls’ questions or just to take education in a new direction.

Speaking of direction, another element of Kristin’s teaching is letting the girls’ curiosity and interest drive much of what’s studied in any given day, particularly during the afternoon, which is reserved for unstructured extra-curricular activities. This philosophy borrows from an educational model called unschooling, where the student has greater freedom to learn what they want when they want.

“I found that if they’re learning on their terms, they are so engaged in wanting to move forward with learning that it’s really not work,” she said.

Kristin’s best advice to the beginner is to remember there’s no one system that works for all and to expect to learn right alongside your children. She strongly recommends leveraging local resources such as the city’s excellent library system and trusting your instincts.

“Use the library, have a small, dedicated space in your house for learning or doing research and just find your best teaching style and how it can connect to your children’s learning style,” she said. “That’s all you really need. Home schooling is pretty fun; it’s really, really fun.”

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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HOME SCHOOL

ready to home school?

Just under 18,000 students were home-schooled in Arkansas during the 2014-2015 school year led by Benton, Pulaski, Washington, Faulkner and White counties, respectively. The following is a summary of regulations, resources and recommendations for those looking to educate their children at home.

1. First, take stock of your own strengths. Studies have shown that the benefits of home schooling are not affected by income, education or even if you’re certified. However, experienced home-schoolers say that adults who take this on have to be highly organized, consistent and disciplined enough to keep things on schedule in order for students to succeed.

2. Parents are in charge of just about everything. State law requires only completion of the Notice of Intent to Home School and Waiver, filed with your local superintendent, and successfully passing tests over a given grade level material. Everything else, from choosing the curriculum to purchasing books and study materials to the makeup of the school day, is in the parent’s hands.

3.

Fortunately there’s plenty of help getting started. With more than a million students nationwide being educated at home, an entire industry has grown up to provide curriculum and materials to parents. Many of these offer helpful websites and customer service numbers that quickly and clearly answer any and all questions. In Arkansas, there’s even a tuition-free online charter school—Arkansas Virtual Academy—for parents who want the benefits of home education combined with a ready-made schedule, curriculum and study materials.

4. Public schools may provide assistance, but aren’t required to. Public school districts are not required by law to allow home-educated students (officially designed at “part time”) to attend a given class. However the state has constructed financial mechanisms for school districts to accommodate such requests. Home-school students may also request to participate in extracurricular activities (sports, fine arts or a school club) within their school district, subject to certain requirements and guidelines. No level of Arkansas’s public education structure may, however, award a diploma to a home-educated student per state law.

5. Support groups provide additional support and social outlets. A number of home school Kristin uses an array of learning tools like microscopes, maps, counting sticks and more to provide a well-rounded education in her home.

support organizations for parents exist to allow parents to exchange resources, lean on each other for help and also to provide social outlets and field trips for home-educated students.

Many of these grassroots groups have grown up along geographic areas or share a common faith heritage, so take the time to research one that’s right for your family.

learn more: Arkansas Department of Education: arkansased.gov/divisions/learning-services/home-school Arkansas Virtual Academy: arva.k12.com Home School Legal Defense Association: hslda.org

30 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

USS Razorback WWII submarine Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Educational Field Trips contact us for details

501-371-8320 info@AIMMuseum.org www.AIMMuseum.org 120 Riverfront Park Drive North Little Rock, AR 72114

DOUBLE YOUR FOOD BUCKS! Get more fruits & vegetables when you use your SNAP/EBT BENEFITS at farmers markets

How Double Up Food Bucks works

Bring your SNAP/ EBT card to the farmers market office or info booth before you shop.

Buy SNAP-eligible foods at the market with your SNAP/EBT dollars.

1.

Farmers Market Locations

We’ll match what you spend up to $20 every market day with free Double Up Food Bucks.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS Bernice Gardens Farmers Market

The Farm Box (Tanner Farms)

1401 Main St., Little Rock

Delivers to Pulaski County

Little Rock Farmers Market

Historic Downtown Farmers Market

400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock

121 Orange St., Hot Springs

To see more markets in Arkansas go to: http://arkansasobesity.org/work-teams/access-tohealthy-foods-team/double-up-food-bucks.html Contact us for more information: Jeremy.Adams@arkansasobesity.org or 501-712-2002.

DOUBLE YOUR FOOD BUCKS!

A SCHOOL AND A THERAPY CLINIC A place where children developmental disabilities DOUBLE YOURwith FOOD BUCKS!

and learning differences can grow and develop in an Get more fruits & vegetables you useunique your SNAP/EBT environment tailored when to meet their needs.

BENEFITS at farmers markets

How Double Up Food Bucks works

OUTPATIENT THERAPY SERVICES

OCCUPATIONAL • PHYSICAL • SPEECH Buy SNAP-eligible 1.

Bring your SNAP/ EBT card to the farmers market office or info booth before you shop.

foods at the market with your SNAP/EBT dollars.

We’ll match what you spend up to $20 every market day with free Double Up Food Bucks.

IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITHFarmers A DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER: Market Locations Autism Spectrum Disorders

CENTRAL ARKANSAS Down Syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder Speech/Language Impairments Bernice Gardens Farmers Market Farm Box (Tanner Farms) IntellectualThe Disability 1401 Main St., Little Rock

Delivers to Pulaski County

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an evaluation for your child.

Little Rock Farmers Market Historic Downtown Farmers 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock

Market 121 Orange St., Hot Springs

To see more markets in Arkansas go to:

(501) 663-6965 • AcademyAtRiverdale.com 1600http://arkansasobesity.org/work-teams/access-toRiverfront Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202 We healthy-foods-team/double-up-food-bucks.html work with a variety of private insurance providers as well as ARKids 1st, Medicaid, TEFRA and TRICARE.

Contact us for more information: Jeremy.Adams@arkansasobesity.org or 501-712-2002.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

DOUBLE YOUR FOOD BUCKS!

31

A SPECIAL SAVVY ADVERTISING SECTION

Physician Stats ACCESS Dr. Sabine Falls, Psychologist and AERC Director 10618 Breckenridge Dr. Little Rock, AR 72211 501-217-8600 accessgroupinc.org

Meet the pediatric physicians behind the white coats in this edition of Savvy’s Faces. In this feature, we celebrate the medical professionals specializing in the pediatric care of our children.

Health and vitality are of utmost importance in raising a family—it takes a village of professionals to diagnose, treat and advise parents on the best path and care for a child’s physical, oral and mental wellbeing. That path is not always easy to navigate.

Let us introduce you to a few of Arkansas’s top pediatric dentists, psychiatrists and psychologists who are happy to help you forge the path for your child’s top-notch healthcare.

LEAP KIDS PEDIATRIC DENTAL Bryan K. Angel, DDS, Pediatric Dentist James L. Bevans, DDS, MS, Pediatric Dentist Blake H. Chandler, DMD, Pediatric Dentist Robert C. Goldtrap, DDS Jennifer H. Hill, DDS Lowell Williams, DDS, MS, Pediatric Dentist Locations: 2801 S. Olive St., Ste. 33A | Pine Bluff, AR, 71603 3320 Central Ave. | Hot Springs, AR 71913 300 S. Rodney Parham Road, Ste. 3 | Little Rock, AR 72205 7409 Alcoa Road, Ste. 5 | Bryant, AR 72022 622 Main St. | Searcy, AR 72143 9100 Geyer Springs Road | Little Rock, AR 72209 906 S. Pine St., Ste. 5 | Cabot, AR 72023 1-844-LEAPKID leapkidsdental.com

DR. MARGARITA GARCIA KITCHENS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Andy Kitchens DDS, MS Dr. Brandon Kitchens DDS, MDS Dr. Michael Kitchens DDS 14114 Taylor Loop Little Rock, AR 72223 501-868-3331 kitchenspediatricdentistry.com

AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM 32 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM 32

DR. SABINE FALLS, clinical psychologist for ACCESSŽ, has been in practice for 24 years. She performs comprehensive evaluations at the ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center (AERC) for children, teenagers and young adults diagnosing disabilities such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), specific learning disorders (dyslexia, mathematic disorder, disorder of written expression) and autism spectrum disorders. She is also experienced in diagnosing and treating children who are suspected of having anxiety and depression. In addition to evaluations, Dr. Falls provides cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, parent trainings and family therapy. Additional services provided through the AERC include Cogmed Working Memory Training™ and academic therapy. Learn more about how Dr. Falls and the professional team at the AERC can assist your family by calling 501-217-8600 or visit our website, accessgroupinc.org.

A SPECIAL SAVVY ADVERTISING SECTION

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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MEET THE DOCTORS OF LEAP KIDS PEDIATRIC DENTAL offering their services throughout central Arkansas, including Little Rock, Bryant, Hot Springs, Cabot, Searcy and Pine Bluff.

BRYAN K. ANGEL, DDS, Pediatric Dentist Daily hiker. Arkansas native. Father of three. “This is no longer just a job for me. I have become truly passionate about giving children the best treatment possible so they can live healthy lives."

BLAKE H. CHANDLER, DMD, Pediatric Dentist Eats more than 100 pomegranates a year. Fluent in Spanish and (almost) Portuguese. Spent 2 years in Argentina as a church missionary. “My job provides me a daily dose of smiles and laughter from the wonderfully honest comments that kids say. I enjoy helping them gain confidence in facing their fears.”

JENNIFER H. HILL, DDS (not pictured) Mom. Enthusiastic. Former ballerina. “I treat every patient as if they were my own.”

34 AUGUST 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

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JAMES L. BEVANS, DDS, MS, Pediatric Dentist Animal lover. Avid traveler. Razorbacks Fan. “As a Pediatric Dentist, I am privileged to treat children, and to make a difference in their lives at a young age.”

CHRIS GOLDTRAP, DDS Swim Coach. Woodworker. Loves water and snow skiing. “Treating children is such a joy, I especially enjoy seeing them regain confidence in their smile and overall oral health.”

LOWELL WILLIAMS, DDS, MS, Pediatric Dentist Family man. Dallas Cowboys and Razorbacks fanatic. Skeet shooter. “Having practiced pediatric dentistry for more than forty years, I’ve had the pleasure of providing care for the children and grandchildren of my first patients, and the bonds I’ve developed with these families over the years are the most rewarding part of my job.”

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THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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DR. MARGARITA GARCIA I am a psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. After training at UCLA and USC, I moved to Little Rock to work at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and raise a family.

Currently, I provide psychiatric services to the pediatric population including evaluation and diagnosis, individual/family therapy and medication management.

Having started in pediatrics, I respect the importance of the family unit, which provides a safe harbor for the child. I prefer to provide the therapy required to assist the child and family. Medication may be an important component for stable mental health, but in my experience, the doctor/patient relationship is crucial.

Forensic psychiatry is another specialization that I enjoy. It allows me a venue to advocate for a child in the legal system. In this setting the best interest of the child is key. This work allows my personal philosophy to come to fruition.

A SPECIAL SAVVY ADVERTISING SECTION

MEET THE DOCTORS OF KITCHENS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY who offer their services from a state-of-the-art kid-friendly office in central Arkansas.

DR. ANDY KITCHENS, DDS, MS, Pediatric Dentist “I love to fly and I am a member of the Bulldog Formation Team. I am only a couple of weeks away from completing a five-year project of building my own airplane. I am blessed to work with three of my sons in our pediatric practice.”

DR. MICHAEL KITCHENS, DDS, Pediatric Dentist "I am a husband and father of four. I love anything outdoors, and spend time serving in the church and on international missions. I love my work because I get to help parents care for their children's health.

Helping kids smile is fun!”

DR. BRANDON KITCHENS, DDS, MDS, Pediatric Dentist “I love the outdoors, hunting, fishing, Razorbacks and spending time with my family at the lake. I enjoy trying to make a trip to the dentist a fun experience for children."

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | AUGUST 2016

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bag check I WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OPEN THE STORE WITHOUT THIS PLANNER. IT’S KEPT ME SO ORGANIZED!

HEATHER BABER

March 21 & 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

HEATHER BABER FULFILLED HER LIFELONG DREAM OF OPENING A WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE IN OCTOBER 2015, WHEN SHE MADE MADDOX A REALITY IN THE ARGENTA NEIGHBORHOOD OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK. HEATHER IS A SELFPROCLAIMED PRODUCT JUNKIE WHO COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT DRY SHAMPOO AND TAN TOWELS. WHEN SHE’S NOT CHOOSING THE LATEST STYLISH TRENDS TO SHOWCASE IN HER CLOTHING SHOP, HEATHER ENJOYS WATCHING MOVIES AND DANCING WITH HER 11-YEAR-OLD SON, MADDOX. SHE’S ALSO BEEN KNOWN TO FREQUENT SOME OF HER FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND BARS INCLUDING BAJA GRILL, KEMURI AND FLYWAY.

I ALWAYS CARRY A TIDE PEN BECAUSE I’M VERY MESSY!

YE FE EO .

LIN ECAY D RAL EUT BAN S N Y UR THI WB VE I LO HADO S

I AM A PRODUCT JUNKIE. I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT THIS DRY SHAMPOO!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’RE GOING TO NEED A WINE TOOL!

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE PONYTAIL HOLDERS. THEY SHRINK BACK DOWN WITH HEAT. MY SON IS VERY ALLERGIC TO NUTS AND SHELLFISH, SO I ALWAYS CARRY AN EPIPEN FOR EMERGENCIES. JULY 2016 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM 38 || THESAVVYMOMS.COM AUGUST 2016 THESAVVYMOMS.COM 38 AUGUST

I TRY TO HAVE A TOY OR TWO HANDY FOR THOSE TIMES MADDOX GETS GROUNDED FROM ELECTRONICS.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LILY DARRAGH/STYLING: AMY GORDY

WE CARRY THIS BIG RED PURSE AT MADDOX. IT’S ONE OF THE TOP SELLERS, AND I CALL IT “THE LAURA.”

Messtival Enjoy a day full of creating ooey, gooey, slimey messes that you can’t make at home! .m. p 3 . .m a 0 1 ; 0 2 t s u g Saturday, Au Included in regular admission: $10 for adults; $8 for children 12 and under; free for members and under one

500 President Clinton Ave

Little Rock, AR 72201

www.museumofdiscovery.org

501.396.7050

Taking the

Next Step toward Recovery…

Detox & Acute Psychiatric Care Inpatient Hospitalization for Adults

Partial Hospitalization & Recovery 2 Week Day Program for Adults



No Cost Confidential Assessments

 Private Insurance Certified



24 Hour Emergency Admissions

 Monday-Friday 8:30am-3pm



Depression Screenings

 4 Hours of Therapy Sessions Daily



Psychiatric Evaluation

 Medication Management



Detox Program

 Lunch & Refreshments Included



Counseling & Education

 Guided Journaling



On Site AA/NA Support

 Life Skills Seminar led by MD



Friend & Family Visitation

 Local Transportation



Aftercare Planning

 Outpatient Referrals Arranged

Please call us for more information on how we’re helping our patients create the life they’ve imagined!

Call Today. 1-800-264-5640

www.rivendellofarkansas.com - Located at 100 Rivendell Dr. - Benton, AR 72019