baystateparent magazine January 2019

PRICELESS

JANUARY 2019

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

NEW YEAR NEW YOU NEW US!

2 JANUARY2019

BAYSTATEPARENT 3

contents JANUARY

VOLUME 23

NUMBER 9

NEW 4 JANUARY2019

YEAR,

YOU,

US!

features 22

Family Trees Growing with Home DNA Tests

24

12 Tips for Winning the Rest of the School Year

28

Hope for Teens Struggling with Severe Obesity

30

How Mindfulness Can Help Kids & Parents Be Their Best

32

Pro Tips to Make This The Year You Get Organized

38

In My Defense, I Can Only Get Better From Here

42

2018 MCAS: PARCC Questions Leave, But Results Similar

in every issue 6

Momma to the Max & Meet Our Cover Model

8

Herding Goofballs: Life Through the Lens

9

Our Fave Four

11

On The Agenda

21

Finally Forever

27

Very Special People: Moms Can ‘Find Their Pack’ with New App

33

Bites

40

#MomLife

46

Take Eight with Kelley Tyan

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

baystateparent president PAUL M. PROVOST associate publisher KATHY REAL BENOIT 508-767-9525 kbenoit@gatehousemedia.com

momma to the

MAX

CREATIVE editor in chief Amanda Collins Bernier 508-767-9526 acollins@gatehousemedia.com creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-767-9536 pethier@gatehousemedia.com Photo by Shawna Shenette

ADVERTISING director of sales JEREMY WARDELL 508-767-9574 jwardell@gatehousemedia.com account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-767-9544 kpuffer@gatehousemedia.com

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100 Front Street, 5th Floor Worcester, MA 01608 baystateparent is published monthly and is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

I’ve always loved the New Year...the fulfillment of living through another year and the anticipation for what the next will bring. It gives us a chance to look both ways – back on what we learned and did, and forward to a fresh start and what’s to come.

For me, 2018 was year a big stuff, both personally and professionally. My son, Max, turned one, took his first steps, said his first words and changed from an angelic infant to a mischievous toddler. My family grew by a brother-in-law and two new nieces, and I bought my first home.

At work, I began a new job as editor of baystateparent.

But when I look back at the year that was, it’s not these “big” moments that stand out the most. It’s not the themed first birthday bash, the perfectly planned photo shoots, or the much anticipated holidays. Instead, it’s the fleeting moments in between it all...

The way my son said “buhhshhh” and stood at the window every morning, waiting for the yellow school to bus drive past our house.

The baths and the bedtime routines.

The movie nights snuggled on the couch.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these little moments are easily overlooked -- especially as parents, when it seems like we’re always looking ahead to the next milestone. The New Year is a perfect time to pause and appreciate the good, small, everyday things we enjoyed throughout the year. After all, the little things really are the big things.

In 2019, I’m resolving to try my best to remember this: savor the moment instead of looking ahead to the next. To appreciate the good in everyday life. It’s these little bits in between; these, seemingly The Thursday night dinners with my mom. insignificant scenes, that make up a year... and indeed, make up our lives.

The dog chasing the lawnmower around This issue of baystateparent is a celebrathe backyard. tion of the New Year and the fresh start

– or blank page, if you will – that it offers.

Along with stories to inspire a new you in 2019, we’re unveiling a new us, too. We’re excited to launch a fresh new design and updated look.

Along with some cosmetic changes, we are thrilled to also introduce some new monthly features. We’ve expanded our food section, “Bites,” to include family nutrition news, expert advice and recipes.

We’ve added a fathering column, “Herding Goofballs,” written by a local dad of two who offers a hilariously honest view of #dadlife. We’ve enhanced our calendar of things to do and have added a slew of awesome freebies each month. And, we’re kicking it all off with an amazing family vacation giveaway on page 19.

Here’s to a New Year, New You, and New Us! Don’t forget to enjoy the little things in 2019!

Amanda

meet our cover model SARAH Sarah Erlich, 37, of Worcester, is a mom of two, a model and an ice hockey player. She is the Division Director for the adult hockey league at the Worcester Ice Center and plays for the Nighthawks in the South Shore Women’s Hockey League and for the Grumpy Goats in the Men’s Power Play Hockey League in Worcester.

What a contrast between modeling and ice hockey. How did you get involved in the sport?

My whole family plays hockey and I always wanted to. As a child I would be at my brother’s every practice and game. When I signed my daughter up to play when she was about 5,

the association was doing a fundraiser where the moms played and sold tickets to the game. I jumped on the opportunity.

What’s it like to play in a men’s league?

What’s the best parenting advice you ever received?

Raising your children is the most important and most difficult job you will ever have. You are their number one advocate.

I never had an issue. I would always What’s the hardest thing about being a play hockey with my older brother mom? What’s the most rewarding?

Eian, who showed no mercy to the fact that I was a girl, nor did I want him to.

The hardest is doubting yourself as a mother. The most rewarding is when What do you hope your children learn your children hug you, kiss you and tell from watching/being part of sports? you they love you. Nothing is better than that -- pure happiness.

Sports teach children to show up, be responsible, listen, self respect, team COVER PHOTO BY player, and most of all self confidence.

SHAWNETTE SHENETTE

Model provided by Karon Shea Model Management. Hair and Makeup by Lauren Carelli (instagram: @laurenjunehmua) 6 JANUARY2019

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herding

goofballs

Life Lens inside the

BY JOSH FARNSWORTH ILLUSTRATION BY KIRA BEAUDOIN

“As much as documenting every little milestone is partially about capturing the moments, I find myself missing things.”

8 JANUARY2019

Jumping jacks.

Wild shrieking.

Enough clapping to qualify my hands as instruments.

About five minutes into a dance that tied all of these elements together, one thing was clear: Cooper, 5, and Milo, 2, were just not going to look at me.

To be fair, the cherry red truck pulling into the parking lot over my shoulder was a sweet piece of vehicular eye candy and much more interesting than dad attempting to snap photo No. 100 on the day.

It’s OK. I’ll get ‘em in the next round of photos 30 seconds from now.

My two kids are part of a generation who seem to live inside cameras. It was inevitable since we now have cameras that are built into just about everything.

Want a camera built into that toaster? I’m sure someone wants to capture that perfectly browned bread.

How about a camera built into the TV to capture yourself watching…well…the TV? Sure, I suppose staring contests can be interesting. I can’t wait to show off the dramatic footage to my friends.

Need a whole security system of cameras throughout the entire house that you can watch from your phone hun-

dreds of miles away? There’s an app—or actually several—for that.

Sorry kids, there is nowhere to hide.

If social media was printed all out onto paper, I’m pretty sure I could recreate a flipbook of their entire lives up until this point.

And if the sheer volume of photos isn’t enough, social media is constantly reminding us of our short history of amateur photography via “on this date” reminders. This way, we can carefully document the anniversary of that grinning photo after buying a shirt at the mall.

You know…just in case we want to make a cake for the occasion.

It’s a volume business and firing away with the camera can ensure that all the blinked eyes, looks off camera and—as the column name may suggest— impromptu crazy facial expressions are not the final images we are left with.

Although, let’s be honest. The best way to get my kids to look at a camera for more than three seconds is to promise a few “goofy ones.” Life is best unserious anyways, but they take the cheesy, eyes-closed smile and stretched-cheeks-tongue-out expressions to another level.

Since we are now stepping into 2019 and it’s officially resolution season, I have two resolutions as they apply to my kids…

1. Take a lot of photos.

2. Stop taking so many photos.

I know the two resolutions seem like total opposites, but allow me to explain.

Being happily surrounded by photos will provide a wealth of family history for generations.

Yes, I point and shoot repeatedly, because the end result is countless memories to take with us forever. Sure, it will expedite carpel tunnel, but giving my kids this history of our family years from now is priceless.

As for resolution #2, it’s more about dependency. As much as documenting every little milestone is partially about capturing the moments, I find myself missing things.

Exhibit A: My favorite moment of 2018.

Cooper has had asthma and other breathing issues to contend with for most of his life.

He’s been taught and reminded on several occasions to stop and just take a few very deep, healthy breaths in and out to combat any brief flirtations with an episode.

My wife and I would look him squarely in the eyes, hands on

both shoulders and instruct him, “Cooper, deep breaths.”

“Eeeehh.”

“Whooooo.”

It almost always does the trick.

As Cooper’s resident shadow, Milo has taken to emulating big brother’s every movement and expression. Earlier this fall, Milo began crying uncontrollably while sitting on my bed for a reason I still have no idea.

Wanted more juice? Not enough toys within his short reach?

Something very political for a two-year-old, I’m sure.

Regardless, his cries were so quick and powerful that Cooper took notice. Sitting beside his little brother, Cooper looked Milo square in the eyes, hand on his right shoulder, and began telling him, “Milo. Deep breaths.”

Milo responded in kind…

“Eeeehh.”

“Whooooo.”

The whole moment took about 10-15 seconds, but framed itself in my mind like a Norman Rockwell painting. Here was big brother, sitting in the darkened room, giving all of his attention to little brother to calm down and do the simplest of things: just breathe.

Crying over.

There was a part of me that wanted to grab my phone from my pocket and start recording the loving gesture. And yes, recording a crying child is not exactly a father-of-the-year move, but Cooper’s actions struck me proud.

I’m glad I didn’t.

Instead, I took in the moment with my wife, who stood there beaming as well. The moment went into the memory banks.

Fair to say, it will be stored there longer than any thumb drive.

And had I fumbled with my phone to set up the photo, I would have had my head down, missing the entire touching moment of one brother pulling the other from the brink of chaos.

Here’s to hoping 2019 is filled with amazing moments for you and your family, too. Happy hunting with that toaster camera of yours, but be sure to make time for the here and now that no lens could possibly capture.

Josh Farnsworth is a husband, father of Cooper and Milo, goofball himself, and award-winning writer and columnist living in Worcester. He can be reached for column ideas at josh.farnsworth@yahoo.com.

our

fave

4

Give your kids a seating upgrade with a cool new chair, or turn a current seat into something fun. Check out these four finds for playtime, dinner, or just chillin’ in front of the TV.

1.

2.

3.

1. Tripp Trapp Chair

This chair’s intelligent design grows with your child, providing a comfortable, ergonomic seat for newborns through adults.

It’s made to fit right up to your dining table. Available at stokke. com. Chair $249, Newborn Set $119.

2. Mimish Storage Seats

From poufs to loungers and beanbags, you can find children’s seating options that double as storage. A little spot for kids to stash some stuff, then sit back and relax. Available at mimishdesigns.com. $64.99-$149.99.

4.

3. PopOhVer

Instantly transform a standard chair into a pretend kitchen playset with this adorable canvas covering. Once playtime is over, it folds flat for easy storage. Available on Amazon and popohver.com. $39.95.

4. ErgoErgo

Shaped like an accordian, this stool encourages “active sitting,” engaging muscles and helping with circulation and breathing.

Kids love the shape and bright colors. Available on Amazon, Wayfair, The Grommet and ergoergo.com. $75.

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on the

agendar • JANUARY’S ADVENTURES • FACTS & FREEBIES • THE LIST

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on the

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january’s

ADVENTURES OUR TOP

5 PICKS OF THINGS TO

DO IN JANUARY

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Stars Over Springfield. Springfield Museum, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. Friday, January 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Join members of the Springfield Stars Club for skygazing in the Science Museum’s observatory. $3. springfieldmuseums.org.

Mike the Bubble Man. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. Saturday, January 5, 3-4 p.m. Explore science through bubbles, during this creating and entertaining interactive show honoring Victoria Shannon Gradito. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Icy Investigations. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. Wednesday, January 9, 2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in and get chilly. Experiment with different types of salt as you explore the unique characteristics of this solid state of water.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org. lumina: Closing Day. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. Sunday, January 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Step into an animated canvas of brilliant color and light, enjoy a day of hands-on exploration on the theme of light and imagery. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $16, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Thursday, January 31, 7:30 p.m. Follow Percy Jackson as he discovers his father is the Greek God Poseidon and he sets out on a quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt to prevent a war between the gods. $34-59. thehanovertheatre.org.

Photos courtesy: 1. Springfield Museums, 2. Mike the Bubble Man Facebook, 3. Discovery Museum, 4. Worcester Art Museum, 5. Jeremy Daniels for The Hanover Theatre.

ADVENTURES 1 TUESDAY Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ring in the New Year by catching this focus on children’s literature across a variety of fanciful trees of all shapes and sizes. Members free; nonmember adults $10, youths 5 and up $3, ages under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Learning Spanish Circle Time.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Learn new words, phrases, and songs in Spanish while building your vocabulary, during this morning of fun. For ages 3 to 5. Free.

Register ahead. leominsterlibrary.org.

Afternoon Concert. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2-3 p.m. Enjoy this concert featuring the sounds of the piano, violin, and French horn. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

5 SATURDAY

Kiddie Music Time. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-11 a.m. Join the Monument Square Community Music School and be introduced to classic and original music, song, percussion instruments, and dance during this interactive class. Recommended for ages 5 and under. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

7 MONDAY

2 WEDNESDAY

WAM Stroller Tours. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy a docent led guide through the museum, followed by an age-appropriate story and light refreshments. Recommended for ages up to 3 with caregivers and siblings. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $16, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Brick by Brick: A Community Castle Exhibit. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Experience the work of artists and Lego enthusiasts as they showcase their plastic-brick castle creations in this display of artistic interpretation. Through the end of the month. Free. worcesterart.org.

Magic for Smart People. The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Bob the Magic Guy mesmerizes and entertains audiences of all ages during this thrilling magical performance.

Members $7; nonmember adults $10, ages 3 to 12 $8, ages under 3 free. regenttheatre.com.

Finding Neverland. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 7:30 p.m. Witness the story behind Peter Pan in this spellbinding musical filled with magic, heart, and wonderful songs and staging. Through Sunday. $44-79. thehanovertheatre.org.

Exploring Science Together: Dinosaurs. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge.

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Come dig deeper and explore the fossil world of dinosaurs during paleontology-centric activities.

Register ahead. Members $15, nonmembers $25.hmnh.harvard.edu.

8 TUESDAY

National Bird Day: Eat Like a Bird.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop-in and celebrate National Bird Day Use tweezers, pliers, and more as bird beaks of all different shapes and sizes, before creating tasty snacks to keep our featured friends full and healthy through the winter months.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Snip and Tear. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in as you show off your scissor skills, try cutting for the first time, or use your hands to tear a collection of confetti. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

First Day Hike. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 2-3 p.m. Kick off a healthy, active, nature-filled New Year with this First Day Hike on the trails.

Register ahead. Members free; nonmembers $5. fruitlands.org.

3 THURSDAY Take Aparts, Jr. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in to explore your curiosity into the insides of everyday electronics, gizmos, and gadgets. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Storytime Adventures. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4-4:30 p.m. Pick up a ticket and drop-in for a special surprise story-time. For ages 3 to 5.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

4 FRIDAY Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a naturebased activity taking cue from the weather outside, before doing some outdoor exploration. Recommended for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Especially for Me: Autism-Friendly Evening. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 5-8 p.m. A special free evening especially for families with members on the autism spectrum. Dinner provided from Not Your Average Joe’s. Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

6 SUNDAY First Sunday. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Enjoy free admission all day, as you explore the galleries across the Museum campus. Free. museumofrussianicons.org.

MFA Playdates: Snow Globe.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m.

Bring your toddler and enjoy story-time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by artmaking. Take inspiration from the wintry scenes outside and treasured snow globes we all love. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 and up $10,m ages 6 and under free. mfa.org.

on the

agendar

january’s

Snow Slime Crafternoons. Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St.; Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St.;Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St.; Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Warm up in the library during this winter wonderland fun creating snow slime. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.

7:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging.

Through January 20. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

Family Fun Night: Dinosaurs.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6-7 p.m. Roar, stomp, and play, and enjoy some dinosaur fun featuring stories, crafts, and more.

Recommended for ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

9 WEDNESDAY

Little Lab Coats. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Go on a scientific discovery and perform exciting experiments to explore the basic properties of science in an easy and fun way.

For ages 6 to 9. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Terrific Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-10:30 a.m. Join for stories, music and fun for children age two. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Leominster Library University Jr: Financial Literacy. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6-7 p.m.

Join the Rollstone Bank and Trust for this evening of age-appro

Dance and Movement Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

10-10:45 a.m. Join the Joanne Langione Dance Center for this music and movement class for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Especially for Me: Sensory Friendly Afternoon. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 1:30-4 p.m. Come explore the entire Museum campus at your own pace during this day with limited crowding and quiet spaces available for your use. Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseum.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Nature Journaling. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m. Explore the natural world through science, art, and writing.

Make nature journals and then take them on a nature walk through the Great Hill conservation land. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

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Family Tour. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

Saturday, January 5. 10:30 a.m. Explore the museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided discovery tour, hear fun facts, stories, and enjoy sharing observations and time together. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $16, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org. priate financial literacy learning, before diving into a craft. For ages 4 to 10. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 7 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

10 THURSDAY Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Meet Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a musical instrument. For ages 12 to 24 months with a caregiver. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Ready, Set, Balance. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in to explore several different stations where you can test what makes objects stay put or topple over, and feel balance in your body as you try out movement challenges. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Paws to Read. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3:254:30 p.m. Boost reading skills and confidence by reading to Bridgette, a certified pet therapy dog. For ages 5 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

11 FRIDAY Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity taking cue from the weather outside, before doing some outdoor exploration. Recommended for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Friday Fun & Games: Minute to Win It. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Test your skills with these fun, minute-long challenges, and maybe even win a prize. Recommended for ages 6 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

Evening of Illumination. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 6-7:30 p.m. Tour the historic Village lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight during this calming and beautiful evening, featuring music and storytelling throughout.

Members $30, nonmembers $35. osv.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 8 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston. broadway.com.

12 SATURDAY The Magic of Bonaparte. The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Boston’s hottest magician brings this family-friendly magical presentation that has established him as New England’s premier children’s performer. Members $7; nonmember adults $10, ages 3 to 12 $8, ages under 3 free. regenttheatre.com.

Everyday Engineering: Balls and Ramps.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Engage in some everyday engineering as you design, build, and test out some simple tracks and mini rollercoasters to send marbles and golf balls on a thrilling ride. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

Leominster Library University Jr: Wreck the Tech. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 2:30-4 p.m. Partake in taking apart. Explore mice, keyboards, desk phones, VCRs, fans, and more. For ages 8 to 13.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

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Worcester Railers HC vs. Reading Royals. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Cheer on Central Massachusetts’s hometown team, as the Railers take on the Reading Royals in this family-friendly arena game. $15-35. dcucenter.com.

13 SUNDAY Everyday Engineering: Balls and Ramps.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Engage in some everyday engineering as you design, build, and test out some simple tracks and mini rollercoasters to send marbles and golf balls on a thrilling ride. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Fiber Art with Janet Kawada. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 12-3 p.m. Discover the intersection of art and craft with fiber artist and sculptor Janet Kawada, as you observe how an everyday object surface can be brilliantly transformed and try your hand at fiber art. Free with

admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 and up $10,m ages 6 and under free. mfa.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

Special Sundays in the Studio. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1-4 p.m. Explore paper patterns during this special exploration of some artistic flairs. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Worcester Railers HC vs. Manchester Monarchs. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 3:05 p.m. Cheer on Central Massachusetts’s hometown team, as the Railers take on the Manchester Monarchs in this family-friendly arena game. $15-35. dcucenter.com.

Darlingside with Maine Youth Rock Orchestra. Keiter Center for the Performing Arts, Walnut Hill School, 12 Highland St., Natick. 7:30 p.m. Boston-based quartet Darlingside performs its music are a single microphone as students of all backgrounds and demographics from the Main Youth Rock Orchestra push the perception of music education. Members $30, public $35, premium seating $40. natickarts.org.

14 MONDAY Growing Readers Celebration: Lois Ehlert. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Celebrate the Eating the Alphabet author through stories, art, music, and movement. For ages 2 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Baby Bookworms. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 11-11:30 a.m.

Parents and caregivers are given the space to interact with their babies through nursery rhymes, action rhymes, songs, and stories. For babies up to 12 months with caregivers. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Make and Take: 3D Doodler Pens.

Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Draw your own 3-dimensional creatures. For ages 6 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

15 TUESDAY LittleBeats. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. Enjoy music, dancing, and stories to stimulate our busy brains and bodies. For ages up to 4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Winter Warmth. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2:30-4 p.m. Drop-in as you discover how animals keep warm and test the insulating properties of feathers, fur, fat, and fleece. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Snowflake Necklaces & Winter Ornaments. Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m.

Come celebrate the wintry season as we create seasonal necklaces and orbs. For ages 6 and up.

Free. mywpl.org.

Snowflake Necklaces & Winter Ornaments. Worcester Public Library: Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St.; Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St.; Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Come celebrate the wintry season creating seasonal necklaces and orbs. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Bach’s Goldberg Variations. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 7:30 p.m. Experience Bach’s original magnum opus with fresh eyes, and ears, featuring dance bringing the movements to life. Adults $4555, children $25. thehanovertheatre.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up.

boston.broadway.com.

16 WEDNESDAY Terrific Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:30 a.m.

Join for stories, music, and fun for children age two with a caregiver. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Fiber Art with Janet Kawada. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

5:30-8 p.m. Discover the intersection of art and craft with fiber artist and sculptor Janet Kawada, as you observe how an everyday object surface can be brilliantly transformed and try your hand at fiber art. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 and up $10,m ages 6 and under free. mfa.org.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

17 THURSDAY Doggy Days: Taking Care of Abby.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in and help Abby’s owner demonstrate some of the things she does to take of Abby.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Take Aparts. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Grab a screwdriver and discover resistors, capacitors, and circuit boards as you uncover the inner workings of everyday electronics. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Mike the Bubble Man. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3-4 p.m.

Explore science through bubbles, during this creating and entertaining interactive show honoring Victoria Shannon Gradito. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

FEBRUARY 22-24 SHUBERT THEATRE Featuring

Your favorite American Girl characters and all-original songs!

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

18 FRIDAY Family Fun. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3-5 p.m. Drop-in for family games and activities. Games, building materials, and plenty of other activities provided for families of all ages. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Worcester Railers HC vs. Newfoundland Growlers. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Cheer on Central Massachusetts’s hometown team, as the Railers take on the Newfoundland Growlers in this family-friendly arena game. $15-35. dcucenter.com.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 8 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production

VIP Packages On Sale Now! Includes one ticket in the 1st 4 rows of the Orchestra PLUS one post show photo opportunity

BOCHCENTER.ORG/AMERICANGIRL

BOCH CENTER BOX OFFICE 866.348.9738

GROUPS OF 10+ CALL 617.532.1116 Boch Center is a trademark of The Wang Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

BAYSTATEPARENT 15

featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston. broadway.com.

19 SATURDAY Dino-Adventures: Fossil & Live Animal Show. Worcester Public Library: Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St., Worcester. 10-11 a.m. Meet live animals such as monitor lizards, alligators, scorpions, birds, and snapping turtles, and see fossils, claws, and dino-centric materials. Free. mywpl.org.

MFA Playdates: Snow Globe. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m. Bring your toddler and enjoy story-time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by artmaking taking inspiration from the wintry scenes outside and treasured snow globes we all love. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 and up $10,m ages 6 and under free. mfa.org.

Abra “Kid” Abra. The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Boston

Magazine’s Best of Boston winner Mike Bent brings his magic and tricks during this family-favorite presentation. Members $7; nonmember adults $10, ages 3 to 12 $8, ages under 3 free. regenttheatre.com.

WAM Stroller Tours. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy a docent led guide through the museum, followed by an age-appropriate story and light refreshments. Recommended for ages up to 3 with caregivers and siblings. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $16, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix.

TCAN: Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. From slapstick to skill, to tricks and flips, Johnny Peers brings his personality-plus canines to come tickle your funny bone. Adults $12, children $10. natickarts.org.

Tinytropolis. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Come visit the Mini City with a Big Future. Design, build, and explore a mini city constructed completely

out of cardboard and creativity. Through Sunday. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Our Voices: Sharing Stories of Kindness and Families. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a story-time with soulful storyteller Onawumi Jean Moss as she reads from picture books highlighted in the ‘Our Voice’ exhibit. Free with admission.

Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Arms + Armor Demonstrations.

Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. Join this fun interactive program, and learn all about different kinds of arms and armor used by Roman soldiers, knights, and beyond. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $16, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Shen Yun. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St.,

Worcester. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Travel back to the magical world of ancient China as you experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance. $80-150.

Massachusetts’s hometown team, as the Railers take on the Newfoundland Growlers in this family-friendly arena game. $15-35. dcucenter.com.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

lumina: Closing Day. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Step into an animated canvas of brilliant color and light, enjoy a day of hands-on exploration on the theme of light and imagery. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $16, youths 4 and up $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Happier Family Comedy Show. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 3-4 p.m. Enjoy this improv comedy show for the entire family to enjoy as creativity and acceptance flourish hand in hand with humor. Recommended for ages 5 to 12. Member adults $9, youths $4.50; nonmember adults $10, youths $5. carlemuseum.org.

Worcester Railers HC vs. Newfoundland Growlers. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Cheer on Central

20 SUNDAY

16th Annual Family Film Festival. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Join the Belmont World Film and WBUR for this all-day family film festival with performances of WBUR’s new podcast for kids and films capturing the imagination and spirit of children across the world. $6-50. regenttheatre.com.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Roald Dahl’s treasured tale comes to life in this Broadway touring production featuring wickedly delicious songs, costumes, characters, and staging. $40 and up. boston.broadway.com.

Shen Yun. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

2 p.m. Travel back to the magical world of ancient China as you experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance. $80-150.

All Newton Music School Performance.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

2-3 p.m. Join faculty from All Newton Music School as they perform a medley of music. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

21 MONDAY Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by surrounding yourself with art, culture, and community.

Free. mfa.org.

Benkadi Drum and Dance: African Freedom. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, South Boston.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Benkadi Drum and Dance returns to perform new dances showcasing traditional West African rhythms and movements with vivid costumes, interpretative dance, and audience participation. Register ahead. Free. jfklibrary.org.

Tinytropolis. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Come visit the Mini City with a Big Future. Design, build, and explore a mini city constructed completely out of cardboard and creativity. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Winter Fun Sledding Party. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 1-4 p.m. Enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores around the outdoor fire pit to warm you up during this day of sledding, trail exploration, and a winter scavenger hunt. Members free; nonmembers $5. fruitlands.org.

16 JANUARY2019

22 TUESDAY Dance Party. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. Move and groove to the music, as kids and caregivers of all ages are invited to dance with us.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Make a Mess: Making Tints and Shades. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in and see how many varieties of one color you can make using paint. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Tissue Paper Snowmen Crafternoon.

Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St.; Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St.; Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St.; Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Though the snow outside may melt, come to the library to create permanent tissue paper snowmen. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Terrific Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, music, and fun for children age two and caregivers. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

24 THURSDAY Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Meet Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a music instrument. For ages 12 to 24 months with caregivers. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Winter Scavenger Hunt. Discover Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Come outdoors and experiment with some of the most interesting textures found in Discovery Woods and the winter wonderland before us. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

25 FRIDAY Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity taking cue from the weather outside, before doing some outdoor exploration. Recommended for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Pajama Drive Storytime with Stuffed Animals. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy a special story and craft time, where you can drop-off your stuffed animal for their own library sleepover. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Everyday Engineering: Air Play.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in and engage in some everyday engineering as you build creations that float and fly in a tunnel of swirling air. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Evening of Illumination. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 6-7:30 p.m. Tour the historic Village lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight during this calming and beautiful evening, featuring music and storytelling throughout. Members $30, nonmembers $35. osv.org.

Railers take on the Adirondack Thunder in this family-friendly arena game. $15-35. dcucenter.com.

26 SATURDAY

Astronomy Night. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Bundle up this winter and join a local astronomer and enjoy a star party, with hot cocoa.

Register ahead. Member adults $10, nonmember adults $5, children free. fruitlands.org.

First Book Friendiversary. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring a friend and join us as we celebrate books with Elephant, Piggie, and a host of other museum friends. Free. carlemuseum.org.

DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 8 p.m. Push your understanding of gravity, as this performance of daring acrobatics, dance, and visual arts. $25-65. thehanovertheatre.org.

Dinosaur Discoveries Celebration.

Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come all day to celebrate the new exhibit opening, with tech discoveries, dinosaur games, fossil stations, family science adventures, and more.

Free with admission. Adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

27 SUNDAY Thoreau Piano Trio. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2-3 p.m. Relax and unwind as we enjoy this afternoon concert together. Free. newtonfreelibrary.org.

28 MONDAY

Charismatic Comedy Magic. The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Illusionist Matt Roberts brings his topnotch illusions and comedy guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages. Members $7; nonmember adults $10, ages 3 to 12 $2; ages under 3 free. regenttheatre.com.

Little Yogis & Me Yoga and Movement.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. Join for a fun-filled yoga play for active tots, featuring yoga poses, songs, and movements to encourage unique expression. For ages 1 to 4 with caregivers. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Family Yoga Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn age-appropriate poses, cooperative games, partner poses between parent and child, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques during this morning class. For ages 3 to 12 with caregiver. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Valentine Making Workshop. Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Join the Worcester Historical Museum as we learn about Worcester’s history with Valentines, and then make your own unique valentine. Free. mywpl.org.

Tanglewood Marionettes: Sleeping Beauty. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Enjoy as a painted storybook opens to reveal the scenes of Sleepy Beauty, brought to life with skillfully performed marionettes. Adults $12, children $10. natickarts.org.

29 TUESDAY

Family Design Day: Tree Houses.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 2-4 p.m. Create your own tree from cardboard and wood, then design and build a treehouse that treads gently on its branches. Recommended for children ages 5 to 13 with caregiver. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Bilingual Storytime: Spanish. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3-3:30 p.m. Enjoy a special story-time with stories, songs, and movement in English and Spanish.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Especially for Me: Evening for Families with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or KODA Children. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 5-8 p.m. A special free evening specially for families with deaf, hard of hearing, or KODA children, with dinner provided.

Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

Worcester Railers HC vs. Adirondack Thunder. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Cheer on Central Massachusetts’s hometown team, as the

best and vibrant local folk and acoustic music around, featuring a special performance by artist Rick Drost. Members free, public $5. natickarts.org.

history with Valentines, and then make your own unique valentine. Free. mywpl.org.

30 WEDNESDAY

National Backwards Day: Backwards Storytime. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Join for some silly stories in honor of National Backwards Day. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Terrific Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-10:30 a.m. Join for stories, music, and fun for children age two with a caregiver. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Make a Mess: Kitchen Chemistry.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in as you try your hand at a few simple experiments to uncover the special color changing properties of some common household ingredients. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Valentine Making Workshop. Worcester Public Library: Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Join the Worcester Historical Museum to learn about Worcester’s

31 THURSDAY

Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Meet Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a musical instrument during this fun story-time. For ages 12 to 24 months with caregivers. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Women Composers.

Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 12:15-1 p.m. Enjoy the Springfield Symphony Orchestra as it celebrates and performs the works of American female composers. Members $2, nonmembers $4. springfieldmuseums.org.

Matt Heaton Sing-Along. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:45 a.m. Join the Toddlerbilly Troubadour as he brings an infectious energy to his sing-alongs, played brilliantly on the guitar and banjo. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Icy Investigations. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in and experiment with different types of salt as you explore the unique characteristics of this solid state of water. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Valentine Making Workshop. Worcester Public Library: Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Join the Worcester Historical Museum to learn about Worcester’s history with Valentines, and then make your own unique valentine. Free. mywpl.org.

Polar Paw Cookie Decorating. Worcester Public Library: Goddard Branch, 14 Richards St.; Burncoat Branch, 526 Burncoat St.; Tatnuck Branch, 1083 Pleasant St.; Roosevelt Branch, 1006 Grafton St., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Create an edible piece of art as we decorate a polar bear paw cookies. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Folk Open Mic. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m. Listen to the BAYSTATEPARENT 17

on the

agendar

facts and freebies wednesday

tuesday

monday

1 {FACT}

Happy New Year! The most common symbol associated with the holiday is Baby New Year, a toddler dressed in a diaper, hat, and sash bearing the numbers of the new year. Myth states that he matures into an old man during the course of the year, and on December 31st, he hands his hat and sash to the new Baby New Year.

7

8 {FACT}

thurs

3

9

10

16

17 {FR

It’s National Bubble Bath Day! Celebrate by drawing up a tub of suds for the kids… or better yet, yourself!

14 {FREEBIE}

Experience American Girl in an all-new musical coming to the Boch Center next month. We’re drawing winners for tickets to this live show on our Facebook page today!

21 {FACT}

22

28

29 {FACT}

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, do something to give back today. To quote King, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”

Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" was released on this day in 60 years ago.

18 JANUARY2019

23 {FREEBIE}

Who says winter weather means staying cooped up indoors?

If you’re itching to get outside, you’ll want to enter to win the Kubie, the ultimate fourseason adventure staple that transforms into a poncho, pillow, ground cover, hammock, sleeping bag, shade and more.

January is National Soup Month. Find the best place for a bowl of chowda, and lots more to do in 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die. Enter today to win a free copy.

31 {FAC Did you know January used to only have 30 days? In 46 B.C.

Starting on the date the prize appears, go to our page to enter for your chance to win.

sday

friday

4 {FREEBIE}

Hit Reset. Start the New Year with a Family Getaway...On Us!

Kids have cabin fever? In need some family fun? Go to our Facebook page today to enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Discovery Museum!

REEBIE}

18

Celebrate 2019 with a vacation for four. We’re giving away 3-day, 3-night stay at beautiful Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Vermont!

Ring in 2019 with a winter stay and enjoy three days of lift tickets and children’s ski lessons. Or, save your getaway for the summer or fall when you can splash in eight pools, zip down waterslides, and send the kids off for daily adventures in the resort’s camp program. It’s all included in this one-time giveaway celebrating a

25 {FACT}

It's National Irish Coffee Day, so treat yourself to this tasty, boozy treat: pour piping hot coffee into a warmed glass to about 3/4 full; stir in one tablespoon brown sugar, 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey and top with whipped cream.

New Year, New You & New Us!

CT} Julius Caesar added the extra day to the calendar.

For details on entering, be sure to Like & Follow baystateparent Magazine on Facebook.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

the

list

8 Places for Outdoor

Skating

1.

5.

2.

One of New England’s time-honored winter traditions is bundling up the family for some frozen fun on the ice. The perfect antidote to wintertime cabin fever, ice skating is suited for all ages and can make for a relatively inexpensive family outing. Of course, there are plenty of indoor arenas, but there’s just something about an open-air rink that’s a quintessentially winter delight.

Boston Common Frog Pond Boston Common The classic city skating experience: an outside glide with unbeatable skyline views. Skate rentals and sharpening,“skating seals” for children who are just learning, lockers and hot cocoa are available on site.

Monday 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Admission based on skaters height: $6 for 58-inches and over, free for under 58-inches, $12 adult skate rentals, $6 kid rentals.

3.

1. “Boston Winter” at City Hall Plaza One City Hall Plaza, Boston Boston Winter’s unique skating path winds through the plaza. Be sure to snap a pic in front of the insta-worthy BOSTON marquee sign. Check out the website (cityhallplazaboston.com/skating-path/) for weekly deals like BOGO Mondays and Tuesdays and half-off specials on Wednesdays.

Monday-Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $15 adults, $8 kids 5 to 12, free for kids under 5, $8 skate rentals.

Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square 300 Athenaeum St., Cambridge

4.

20 JANUARY2019

Just minutes from downtown Boston, this seasonal rink in the heart East Cambridge offers skate rentals, lessons, and private rink rentals.

Hot drinks and concessions sold at the snack bar. Locker and skate rentals, skate sharpening and season passes available.

Monday 12-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 12-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, $1 children 13 & under, $8 or $5 skate rentals.

2. Kelly Skating Rink 1 Marbury Terrace, Jamaica Plain This outdoor rink right at the center of Jamaica Plain has an urban neighborhood feel. Trains run nearby and music pumps through speakers at this DCR run rink. The best part? The price: free if you bring your own skates.

Sunday-Friday 12-7:30 p.m., Saturday 1-7:30 p.m. $2 kids skate rentals, $3 adult skate rentals.

Jack Kirrane Skating Rink 23 Newton St., Brookline Enjoy skating to music during the day or under the lights at night. You can warm up in a heated pavilion after hitting the ice and refuel with hot cocoa and treats from the snack bar.

Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m., Friday 8-10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12-5 p.m. $6 residents, $8 non-residents, free for kids under 2, $6 skate rentals.

3. MarketStreet Lynnfield Rink 600 Market St., Lynnfield This classic rink is set at the center of the North Shore’s largest open-air shopping center. The

rink is illuminated by snowflake lights and features festive music. A 200-ton refrigeration unit ensures optimal ice temperature, even in warmer temperatures.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4-9 p.m., Wednesday 1-9 p.m., Friday 4-10 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $8 adults, $6 kids 12 and under, free for kids under 3, $4 skate rentals.

4. Winter Skate at Patriot Place 2 Patriot Place, Foxborough Glide across the ice in the shadow of Gillette Stadium. Offering day and evening public skating, Winter Skate also has an observation deck for non-skaters. Onsite skate rentals, concessions and bathrooms are available and parking is free.

Monday-Wednesday 4-9 p.m., Thursday 4-5:45 p.m., Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 9p.m. $10 adults, $6 children 12 and under, $6 seniors, $5 skate rentals.

5. Worcester Common Oval 455 Main St., Worcester The 12,000-square-foot rink, (4,000 square feet larger than the size of the rink at Rockefeller Center) is complete with amenities such as piped-in music, skate rentals, concessions, holiday lights and more.

Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 1-6 p.m. $5 admission, free for kids under 6, $5 skate rentals.

finally

forever

Telling My Son He Was Adopted

January’s Child: Meet Keighan

BY LISA MACLEAN

Telling a child who doesn’t remember their adoption is always tricky.

My son came to me at thirteen weeks, and had been horribly neglected. He needed a lot of additional care, but I’ve never been the type to let a baby “cry it out.”

Our children’s cries are the only means of communication they have, and we should answer them. He never wanted me to put him down, as he didn’t know when I would return. Once I did, he would scream and moan and wrap his tiny fingers around anything he could grab: hair, clothing, skin.

I tended to his diaper rash, eye infections, cradle crap, yeast infections. I cuddled him and read to him and fed him every two hours around the clock. I soon grew to feel what every foster parent dreads: that I didn’t know how I could give him back.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to find out. He was freed for adoption, and I adopted him just before he turned four. I am the only mother he remembers.

I never lied to him, but I put off telling him he was adopted. He was delayed, and I didn’t think he could grasp it. When my niece became pregnant, he was fascinated: Ashley was growing a baby? In her tummy?

He peppered me with questions: What was it like when he was in my tummy?

I responded, “You didn’t grow in my tummy.” “Did it hurt when I came out?” he asked. “I didn’t feel a thing,” I answered.

Finally, when he was six, he put it together: “If I didn’t grow in your tummy, whose did I grow in?”

“I don’t know,” I answered. And he turned ghostly white, the color falling down his face in a line. That week, he would misbehave badly at school, unusual for him. But at least the door was opened now.

We talk about his mother a lot. I tell him that she made the right decision, that she loved him enough to realize that he deserved better than she could give him.

I tell him she tried for thirteen weeks to

care for him while suffering with a terrible disease, addiction.

Sometimes I let him steer, sometimes I bring it up. He worries that she is still ill.

He wants to know she is okay, but I can’t give him that. I ask him if it bothers him that he doesn’t look like the rest of the family; it doesn’t. We sometimes talk about the other biological family members who signed off, and why they could not take him.

I never say anything bad to him about his mother. Neither he nor she deserve it. I tell him what I do know, from a caseworker who knew her family, that she was a beautiful woman from a good home who fell in with a bad crowd, and couldn’t find a way out. We put together a little life book about him, and plan on sending it to his family through DCF so they know he has been taken care of always, and always will be.

I tell him that I feel sorry for her, because she doesn’t even know how wonderful he is. I tell him that I am sorry that she didn’t get to raise him, but that if she couldn’t, that I am glad I got to.

He is 13 now. He does worry. He worries that if one family could surrender him, that I might as well. I reassure him this will not happen. He loves to look at his adoption papers, and we read the words, “This adoption is permanent and irrevocable.”

He has repercussions of his time in the womb, and he expresses anger that he is different because of it. I tell him how hard it is to break addiction, and how horrible it must have been for her to lose him because of it. I tell him, “She didn’t know it was you. If she did, she would have stopped, I’m sure.”

I am fortunate in that I have adopted relatives and friends that can coach me.

When we watch movies with an adoption theme, such as Meet the Robinsons or Despicable Me, I use them as tools to open dialogue. My son knows that we can talk

as much, or as little, about his other family and his adoption as he needs.

He has wanted to talk about the mechanics of adoption, how the courts work. He has asked for his original birth certificate, which I don’t have. He has asked for pictures of his mother. I think that every adoptee should have a picture of their biological family. What harm could this do?

I know we must always emphasize that adoption is not being rejected, but being chosen. We must always assure that love is the same no matter how someone came into our family. We must never give the impression that an adopted child is second-rate.

I know that my feelings about adoption have evolved. I am no longer threatened by the thought of him finding his other family, and only hope that they will welcome him and expand the circle of people who love him.

I did not intend to adopt a foster child.

But now, my feelings about adoption have strengthened: every child deserves a safe and loving home. I wish I had adopted years ago. I hope to adopt again.

I wish every family who balks at adoption as some sort of Plan B or consolation prize would see it as a gift and a miracle. I wish every person could know how it feels to give what they have to a child who doesn’t have.

I have gained far more than my son has.

I would take nothing to give him up, and give everything to keep him.

Lisa MacLean adopted her son, now 13, from foster care in November 2008. Lisa is a course developer, professor, editor and author whose recent works include the worldwide-selling book, “Cracking the Code: How to Get Women and Minorities into STEM Disciplines and Why We Must.” She and her son live in a home full of rescued pets and attend a UCC church.

Hi! My name is Keighan and I like to tell jokes!

Keighan is a sweet and funny 9-year-old boy of Caucasian descent who enjoys telling jokes. Those who know Keighan describe him as a polite and engaging child. He enjoys quiet activities such as reading books, coloring and going to church. Keighan is also an adventurous child who likes to try new things and enjoys outdoor activities such as bike riding and going to the park. Keighan recently went camping for the very first time where he enjoyed fishing, swimming and making s’mores.

Legally free for adoption, Keighan has shared he would like an active family with a mother, father and older siblings. Keighan’s current foster parents would like to remain a support in Keighan’s life once his future placement is identified, therefore his social worker is hoping to place him with an in-state family. Interested families should also be open to maintaining contact with Keighan’s brother.

Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples.

The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your family will be a good match for.

To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-964-6273 or visit www. mareinc.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

Family Trees Growing with Home DNA Tests Adopted Children Find Biological Connections with Genealogical Testing

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

More and more people are taking home DNA tests to learn more about their heritage -- but some are finding more than they ever imagined.

L

ast summer, Deborah Ruffin had no idea her summer vacation and time with family would turn into a reunion of an entirely different kind. The Needham native, who now lives in Connecticut, had given a son up for adoption in 1969.

“I had no job, I had no place for him to live, and I had no money to care for him. However, I had the strong hope that this decision might make it possible for him to

grow up happy, healthy and living a good life,” said Ruffin.

Through a series of events in August, Ruffin found out that her prayers had been answered. Her son had in fact grown up in a loving home. Her son, Todd Hynes, was adopted and raised by his foster mother, Beverly Camerlengo, who has served as foster parent to over 300 children.

Todd, who was raised in Massachusetts and now lives in Texas with his wife and two daughters, took a DNA test with an genetic genealogy test.

“I did AncestryDNA simply to find out my genetic makeup because my wife and I were curious about our daughters genetic makeup,” said Hynes. “We didn’t look too much into any connections after the results came back because all were third cousins and beyond.”

But a third-cousin connection reached out to Todd through the Ancestry messaging system, and after some discussion and research, Todd eventually discovered who Ruffin was by contacting her younger sister. Once the connection was

made, a reunion was planned on the Cape, where Todd and his family often vacation. The families have been in touch ever since.

“This has been a wonderful and exciting experience, especially because we were able to meet Debbie and a lot of her family so soon after we connected,” said Hynes. “My family was welcomed with open arms and excitement by all.”

Reconnecting with lost family Hynes and Ruffin are an example of the many people who are now connecting with biological family they have never before met thanks to DNA testing services. Several companies, including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage offer kits that allow customers to send in saliva samples and find out detailed information about their genetic and ancestral background.

Kit costs vary, and offer various levels of information, but several

More than 12 million people -- about 1 in 25 American adults -- have used an at-home DNA testing service.

22 JANUARY2019

connect customers with others in the database who share genetic ties. More than 12 million people -- about 1 in 25 American adults -- have used an at-home DNA testing service, according to MIT Technology Review.

Kim Fairbank of Wilton, New Hampshire, had been in search of her biological father since age 21, when she was first eligible to sign up for New York’s adoption registry. First put up for adoption in Nyack, New York, in 1967, Fairbank never found a match through the registry, but a DNA sample through MyHeritage connected her with her biological father two years ago.

“I contacted him first when I looked online and saw that I had a match with someone who is either my son or my father,” explained Fairbank. “Given I knew I only had one son, it had to be my father.”

Fairbank appeared live on the TODAY with former host Megyn Kelly over the summer, where she met her father, Tavlos, for the first time face-to-face.

Tavlos joked that he had taken a DNA test to end a debate with his wife -they’re both Greek, and they wanted to “see who was more Greek,” he told the talk show host. He was surprised that the test led to a biological daughter -and two grandchildren.

While the DNA services contacted by baystateparent do not have exact numbers on customers who have connected with family, a 23andMe spokes-

person noted that of the customers who choose to participate in their DNA Relatives feature, 95 percent of them connect with a third cousin or closer.

AncestryDNA states on its website: “DNA testing can help you find members of your biological family. To find a relative using DNA, you both need to have taken a DNA test with the same company. This is where you have to get a bit lucky—but even if a person you’re trying to find hasn’t taken the test, a close relative of theirs may have.”

Fairbank said she has no regrets.

“I have been extremely happy with signing up for the DNA service. I knew all along that reaching out to biological family involved risk and reopening old wounds of abandonment,” she said.

“However, it was a risk I was willing to take and one I was happy I did, as, at least for me, it had a happy ending. I never thought I would find close biological family and then - seemingly out of the blue - I met my father!”

Joan Goodchild is a veteran writer and editor and mom of two living in Central Massachusetts.

BAYSTATEPARENT 23

JUMP NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW US!

START the 2nd Half 12 Tips for Winning the Rest of the School Year

BY KRISTIN GUAY

N

early halfway through the school year, children have settled into their routine. Now is the time to incorporate some new strategies to help them make the second half a success. Check out these tips to get you and your child from January to June, finishing the school year strong.

24 JANUARY2019

1. Know What is Expected

work a little more carefully.

To support your child’s success in the academic environment, it is important to know the expectations of the teacher, classroom and school.

Generally, the best way to find this information is the class/school website. These sites no only provide information on assignment deadlines and assessment dates but when a permission slip is due or money is needed for a book order. If children are involved in the process of checking the sites and noting the important dates, they avoid unpleasant surprises that can add stress to the school day. They will feel prepared for the school day and ready to focus on learning.

3. Develop Mindfulness, Focus, and Persistence Through Fun Family Activities

2. Set Goals and Establish Realistic Strategies to Meet Them As children progress through the school years, there always seems to be a something that can be improved upon from the previous year. This could be remembering to store important papers, a gradual improvement on spelling quizzes, or being more responsible for personal items such as lunchbox, water bottles and jackets. Whatever the task, it is important to establish the end goal and then set realistic benchmarks along the way to meet that goal.“Let’s remember to bring your lunchbox home every day this year” is too broad of a goal and possibly unrealistic. Start with something simple and short-term: “Let’s remember to bring your lunchbox home every day this week.” This is a more manageable goal and allows for success and further development – maybe even working up to an entire month of the lunchbox coming home every day.

It is important to set academic goals as well.

Inevitably, children all make silly mistakes when taking quizzes and tests, affectionately labeled by many children as “brain farts.” This is evident when you see a child scratching their head wondering why they put a certain answer when they absolutely knew the correct answer. Many times this is attributed to test anxiety or simply rushing to not be the last one finished. Either way, they are very frustrating to both students and teachers. When your child comes home with an assessment, review the material with them. If they had four “brain farts” on a quiz, set a goal of having only three on the next quiz. Talk about some strategies they can do to reach this goal such as slowing down to review the material and reviewing past mistakes they had made. You can even make a little game of it by saying to your child: “For the past several spelling tests, you have had three silly mistakes. I challenge you to see if you can find the next three silly mistakes on your next quiz and correct your answer before you turn in your paper.” This sets them on a search to find any possible mistakes and guides them in the direction of checking their

Attentiveness and perseverance are important skills for children to learn and these skills support success in school. The best part is that mindfulness, focus, and persistence can all be developed through fun family activities. For example, working on a challenging jigsaw puzzle can utilize all these skills. Children need to separate the pieces by color or by straight edges.

They need to focus when they are looking for specific colors or puzzles shapes. Perseverance is definitely tested when a single puzzle with hundreds of pieces could take days or even weeks to complete. This is one of many family activities that can be used to work on these skills. Others could be woodworking or sewing, creating and tending to a garden, caring for a pet, or being responsible for specific chores around the home. All these activities help children learn to focus on a task and follow through until full completion of a task.

4. Hone Listening and Observation Skills Listening skills are put to the test when children are in the academic environment. Classroom rules, instructions, important announcements, or just interesting bits of information are thrown at children throughout the day by both teachers and classmates. Most classrooms do rely on paper announcements or the website for important information, but keep in mind that some information will be through verbal instruction and will need to be remembered. The good news is that you can help your child develop these skills while doing simple activities at home. Give your child a multi-step instructions such as “First you need to collect your dirty cloths, then you need put away your toys, and then I want you to make your bed.” Even simple tasks have an order that is more efficient – the parent can get a start on the laundry and the toys need to be put away before the child can move freely around the room to make the bed. Listening skills can also be developed when they are engaged in everyday conversation with others. This can be done while seeing a neighbor out for a walk or running into a family friend while at the grocery story. Ask them to follow up with a question or a comment while in the conversation or even to retell the conversation to another member of the family. Attentiveness and listening skills can be developed almost anywhere.

Observation skills are needed in all academic classrooms, not just during science experiments.

Children might be asked to observe an author’s unique word choice, the similarities and differences between numbers or shapes, or even the

different brush strokes of impressionist paintings. Being fully engaged in a task and recognizing the unique features and qualities of the items in the task are skills that can easily be developed at home. Enjoying a walk in nature, making a batch of cookies, sorting the laundry, or selecting music for the family dinner all utilize skills of observation and listening. There are many opportunities throughout the day that can be used to help your child observe and make sense of their world.

5. Support Organization and Time Management Even as early as elementary school, children need to learn how to manage their workload with other aspects of their life such as sports, hobbies, music lessons and chores around the home. An assignment due on Wednesday cannot wait until Tuesday night, especially if your child has soccer practice until 6:30 on Tuesday night.

Teaching children to think ahead and map out at plan can begin even before they go off to school.

Parents can start with simple tasks around the home such as cleaning their room, working in the yard or helping prepare a meal. Explaining to a young child that a yard needs to be cleared of sticks before it can be mowed and ingredients need to be assembled before a recipe can be followed shows them that large tasks are broken down into smaller tasks and one step needs to be down before another.

In the early elementary years, it is important to sit down with your child and review both their expectations at school along with their commitments outside of school. Talk with your child about the best way to go about managing these different aspects of their lives. Keep a calendar and review the week ahead with your child noting assignments, activities, or any other special requirements (the due date of a signed permission slip or their turn for show-and-tell).

Working through their schedule and commitments shows a child that planning and organization are very important to help their lives run smoothly. Doing this at a young age will help them establish these skills when they are older and their extracurricular commitments get even more demanding.

6. Support Literacy Skills Used in the Classroom Strong literacy skills are important in every academic area in schools. In school, students will read Phantom Tollbooth while also reading a timeline of events during American Revolution, the process of the water cycle, a challenging math word problem, and how different wild animals hibernate. Parents can help develop these skills at home by simply asking their child point

BAYSTATEPARENT 25

ed questions about what they are reading, either for school or for pleasure. This will require the parent to know a little of the subject matter to make sure the child fully understands the material. Reading a synopsis of a classroom book or brushing up on some subjects covered in the classroom allows a parent to ask specific questions about what their child is reading in school.

7. Utilize Pockets of Time To Support Learning Running errands in the car and waiting in the dentist office can be used as valuable learning time. Vocabulary and spelling words can be reviewed while walking to the bus stop or driving the kids to school.

Having your child explain the steps (in order) of a science

experiment can be done while waiting for the dentist. These little pockets of time throughout the day should be viewed as opportunities to support what is being taught in the classroom.

Children will retain information if it is reviewed over a period of time as opposed to cramming at the last minute. Think of the difference between reviewing spelling words a little throughout the week versus cramming the night before the quiz. Repetition and review are the key the fully learning the material.

8. Be Familiar With School Resources There is a wealth of resources in both the classroom and the school but many children and their families are not aware of these resources. Get famil-

iar with what is offered at the school including classroom and library books, audiobooks, DVDs, and special services.

Many schools offer enrichment materials on topics covered in the classroom. School libraries might have DVDs on a Shakespeare play, the early settlers in America, and even math concepts. These resources can be used to either support a struggling student or provide enrichment to a topic already enjoyed by the student. It is also important to look into any tutoring and organizational services offered by the school – either through staff members, older students, or volunteers.

10. Let Your Child See School Subjects In Their World

Children are no different than adults in that they learn better if they know why they are learning something and how it can be applied to their everyday life. Simple activities such as reading a recipe or a shopping list, having an allowance and creating a savings chart, working on a repair project, or planning a family trip all require skills learned in the classroom. Reading comprehension, math concepts, task management, and informational research skills are all utilized in these simple everyday activities. These are all wonderful opportunities to show children the importance of what they are 9. Utilize Community learning in the classroom and Resources how this knowledge pertains to everyday life. This helps answer Tapping into community resources is helpful for addition- the question “Why do I need to al support or material on a topic learn this?” and “When will I of interest. Local libraries, muse- ever use this?” ums, parks, and special exhibits 11. Teach Your Child The Value can all be explored for this of Learning purpose. Many libraries offers tutoring services, quiet work Encourage your child to learn spaces, special interest clubs, something new outside of the and computer and printing services. Museums and parks bring classroom. This could be learnto life the concepts children see ing a new instrument, trying a new sport, attending enrichment in the pages of their textbooks. programs in your community, or Sculptures, paintings, the solar taking an art, dance or cooking system, fossils, machinery, aniclass. This shows them that learnmals, plants, historic artifacts, photographs, letters and diaries, ing is enjoyable and important methods of transportation, cloth- and will allow them to learn more ing, and ocean life are just some about themselves and their world.

This concept is reinforced when of the many items exhibited in children see their own parents local museums and parks. taking courses, attending semi-

baystateparent is getting ready for

nars or professional development programs or simply taking a yoga or pilates class. It shows children that you are never too old to learn something new.

12. Recognize When Your Child Needs Help A challenge for many parents is to know when their child might need additional help with their school work. To recognize this need sooner, it is important for parents to stay informed of classwork, assessments, and any comments from the teacher. This is easily done with younger children through classroom websites or teacher correspondence, but many parents feel they need to let go of the reins as their child gets older. This release is important because it does give the child more responsibility for their academic success, however, not all children are ready for this. You might have a child that needs additional help organizing learnterm projects, preparing for tests, remember important materials, or even purging the clutter of their backpack. It is important to recognize what your child needs and address those needs accordingly.

Kristin Guay lives on Cape Cod with her husband, two daughters, and beloved black lab. A former middle school language arts teacher, she is currently Youth Services Director at Centerville Library.

This march don’t miss the chance to be in our biggest issue of the year.

This is parents annual go-to guide for all things

CAMP! Plus, our monthly reader favorites: the giant calendar of family events, expert columnists, feel-good features and more!

Deadline is Feb. 13th

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very special

people

Moms Can ‘Find Their Pack’ With New App Wolf + Friends Connects Moms Raising Children with Special Needs

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER They say “it takes a village” to raise a child, but sometimes finding that village can be a little tough. For moms raising children with special needs, this is where Wolf + Friends comes in. The lifestyle app is all about helping these women find their “pack.”

The app, available for free on iOS, is designed specifically for mothers of children with varying special needs such as autism, anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing issues, developmental delays, mental health issues, Down syndrome, and other learning differences. The idea is to help these moms find other local, like-minded mothers, allowing them to build a support system with parents who are nearby and experiencing a similar parenting journey.

It connects women to other women who understand “the beauty and the challenges of parenting a child who is differently wired,” the app says.

“Wolf + Friends began as an inclusive shopping platform for parents raising children of all abilities,” said Carissa Tozzi, co-founder of Wolf + Friends. “But we soon discovered that our amazing community of special needs moms needed more support. Many were feeling isolated and alone and wanted to meet friends nearby who would truly un derstand the beauty and challenges of raising a child with special needs.”

In a judgement-free space, members will create a peer to peer support system via direct messages and group chats, making connections with new friends and mentors.

There is also a content feed in the app that includes news, curated products, and lifestyle

tips from occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, child psychologists, behaviorists, financial advisors and other experts.

Setting up the app is simple. When you create an account, Wolf + Friends asks what you’re hoping to find using the app. You can pick from choices like finding events, learning expert tips, book suggestions, kid-friendly recipes, getting discounts, making new friends, etc.

Next, you describe yourself so that you’re connected to like-minded mamas. The options are oh-so-relateable -- “Barely Keeping It Together,” “Professional Pinterester,” “Boss Babe,” “Free Spirit,” “Mama Warrior,” and so on. You can pick five of these traits.

Finally, you input some information about your children such as their age, gender and what makes them special (selecting from a list of special needs). Wolf + Friends will generate a list of nearby moms.

“This is the app for moms that I wish I had when my son was first diagnosed with autism,” said Gena Mann, co-founder Wolf + Friends. “We launched Wolf + Friends to be the tool for parents raising kids with a variety of developmental differences. It can be hard to find a friend you relate to or get advice on the best specialists in your community—especially when you are a first-time parent to a child who has special needs. With the Wolf + Friends app, we have brought together the elements we wanted more of—community, mentors, support—with digestible information that parents like us crave.”

The Wolf + Friends app is free and available in the App Store.

BAYSTATEPARENT 27

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW US!

Hope for teens struggling with

SEVERE OBESITY Teen Weight Loss Clinic Answers Community Call for Help

C

hildhood obesity has increased seriously in the last decade and has reached crisis levels, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Approximately 12.7 million, or 17 percent, of children and adolescents are obese. Overweight children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating 28 JANUARY2019

BY JOAN GOODCHILD and exercise, notes the group.

The disorder is also one of the easiest to recognize, yet most difficult to treat, according to AACAP. Lacey Tomaiolo, a Shrewsbury teen, knows well the struggle with weight. Overweight most of her childhood and adolescence, she became increasingly frustrated as her own individual efforts made little difference in the long term.

“No matter what I did to lose weight, my results were never

successful,” said Tomaiolo, who eventually decided to seek help at Good Fit Teen Weight and Wellness Clinic, located in UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center.

“When I decided to join the clinic, I was nervous in the beginning, but very excited,” she said. “I started off by going in for monthly appointments to meet with each team member, to come up with new meal plans, exercise routines, which helped me get on track for

doing these things regularly.”

Good Fit has been serving teens in Massachusetts for close to four years and was created specifically for adolescents who are struggling with obesity and its side effects.

The clinic pairs patients aged 13-18 with a multidisciplinary team that helps them create and reach personal goals while decreasing their risk for developing medical health problems. Their six-month teenage obesity treatment program is

designed for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35 and who are seeking to focus on the importance of lifestyle changes, including healthy nutrition and physical activity in the battle for weight loss.

“It was clear to me we have severe obesity epidemic in our community,” said Dr. Jennifer Bram, medical director of Good Fit. “When you are on front lines seeing patients daily, you have an idea of needs of community. I became more

aware of treatment options for kids battling severe obesity.

There really was nothing else in community for kids struggling with this severe form of disease. When we started there were limited options for these kids and this was borne out of a feeling that we had expertise and the ability to offer more treatment options.”

Through Good Fit, Bram is partnered with Katherine Bailey and Jeremy Aidlen, both pediatric surgeons who perform bariatric surgeries on patients who choose to pursue it as part of their treatment program. The clinic was also inspired by the stories of patients coming to an already established weight loss center at UMASS for adults who would report that also had other family suffering at home.

“We had adults come in frequently and say ‘I have a teen struggling. I don’t want them to have to wait 20 years to have a surgery,’” said Bram.

Ultimately, it was surgery that helped Tomaiolo turn her own corner in her weight-loss journey.

“I was at the point with myself where I knew that I wasn’t going to lose weight as quickly as I wanted and the amount of weight I had to lose seemed beyond my capabilities,” she explained. “After talking with the team about pursuing the surgery, I thought that it would be the best thing for me, and I was exactly right.”

Now down more than 100 pounds, Tomaiolo says the surgery has been life changing, but her success would also not be possible without the behavior and lifestyle changes she learned through her work at the clinic.

“Throughout this process, I’ve learned that sweets, junk food, and all that other bad stuff is not worth eating,” said Tomaiolo. “Reading nutrition labels on foods, and seeing how much sugar is in these products, makes me not even want to look at it. The food you’re consuming may taste good in that one moment, but that temporary satisfaction is gone in the next minute. Viewing it in that perspective, I learned to

cut all of that unhealthy food out.”

Bram says in addition to lifestyle changes, it is crucial for family to be involved in a teen’s weight loss journey in order for them to reach their goals.

“Teens, while they are developing independence, really function best in the context of family,” said Bram. “It is important for family to be engaged, and front and center, in their treatment. We make an effort to ensure the caregiver is really involved and we incorporate them into the treatment plan.

While teens need to be recognized as the center of the plan, we know most are not buying the groceries. It’s really critical that family be involved in process.”

Bram advises any parent with a child or teen struggling with obesity to start with a discussion with their pediatrician to discuss appropriate next steps for tackling the problem.

Obesity, she noted, needs to be viewed as a disease that needs treatment, and most who struggle with it have already been subjected to hurtful comments, so the language used in approaching it is also important.

“Weight-based bullying is one of the worst kinds of bullying globally,” she said. “Many kids are teased and humiliated at home and at school. Be careful about the language you use when talking to your teen about their weight. Frame it in the context of health. Let them know ‘If we do this work, it is going to prevent you from developing diabetes.’ Don’t focus on the scale, but on healthy habits. Even if they don’t lose a pound, they are still going to be healthier. “ More information about Good Fit Teen Weight and Wellness Clinic can be found at the UMASSmemorialhealthcare.org.

Tips For Talking to Your Child About Losing Weight Talking about weight can be a tricky thing for parents. Dr. Jennifer Bram offers these five tips to help guide the conversation.

1. Be mindful of your words. In general, it can be much more helpful to talk about “healthy habits” with kids rather than “weight.”

2. Frame the issue as a family problem and ask for the child’s input. For example, “It’s really important to me that everyone in our family keeps their bodies healthy.

What do you think we could work on together to keep us all healthy?”

3. Do an environmental scan as a family – what things in your home encourage healthy habits? A reusable water bottle for each family member, fresh fruit on the counter where people can see it, simple exercise equipment like resistance bands or yoga mats are examples. What things don’t encourage healthy habits? TV in bedroom, junk food on counter, soda in fridge, etc.

Try eliminating some of these less healthy cues and increasing some of the healthy ones.

4. Work on a meal plan together as a family where everyone has input and responsibilities for what is prepared and served. Don’t introduce it as a “diet.” Have older kids search for online recipes. Every meal prepared at home will have more nutritional value over takeout or fast food. Getting kids involved in this process is critical for long-term success.

5. Set goals that are achievable and track those goals together. For example, a goal could be to prep three meals for the busy weeknights on Sunday afternoon so we won’t need to order pizza. When you achieve your goals talk about that success and what you can do next to sustain and build on it.

Joan Goodchild is a veteran writer and editor and mom of two living in Central Massachusetts.

“Ultimately, it was surgery that helped Tomaiolo turn her own corner in her weight-loss journey.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 29

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW US!

How Mindfulness Can Help Kids and Parents Be Their

BEST

BY JAMIE LOBER

T

he American Academy of Pediatrics reports that kids today have high stress levels and to help them take a break, parents are encouraged to share meditation and teachers are urged to incorporate mindfulness training into their lesson plans. The AAP stood firmly in saying that the

30 JANUARY2019

simple act of teaching kids how to stop, focus and just breathe could be one of the greatest gifts you could give them. “Anything that allows us not to be consumed with our thoughts and feelings and to be more present in life is a good thing,” said Peter Gibbs, owner of Body Mind Balance in Worcester.

There are many misconcep-

tions surrounding meditation.

Some parents think it is difficult, time-consuming or may be religious in nature. But the truth is, it is what you make it.

“Some people get deeply involved and some use it as a stress management technique,” said Gibbs. There are benefits for all ages and it can be a wonderful family affair.

“It is about learning how to be

said Gibbs. What works for one person may not be effective for someone else.

Experimenting is okay and helps you discover what is appropriate for you. Common methods include concentrating on words or images such as repeating mantras, practicing relaxation response or meditating on a prayer or image. You may also like movement-based meditation such as yoga, qi gong, tai chi or Sufi dancing.

Meditation or mindfulness can be done alone or in a group. “One of the best ways to start is to go to a place that does classes or has regular meditation because it is helpful to have somebody provide a little bit of guidance and instruction,” said Gibbs. Once you recognize how these practices can improve your life you will be more prone to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Meditation and mindfulness could even help make you a better parent. “The biggest benefit is parents can be present for their children when they are interacting even if they do not have a lot of time,” said Vayda Vallejo, owner at the HeartWell Institute in Worcester. When you are grounded in yourself and your body you can be open to another person and know their needs which may not always be expressed in words. “If we are attuned to people we are able to see clearly their nonverbal expressions in the tone of voice, gestures, movements and what they are feeling and the work of mindfulness is infused with compassion and kindness,” said Vallejo. It starts with you. “If we are not self-compassionate we cannot give that compassion to our children, friends and family.”

Kids pay attention even when you may not realize it. “At a center for women with addictions, moms were there with their children and it was beautiful to see the kids reminding their parents to just breathe,” said Vallejo. Little kids may prefer mindfulness activities that involve more movement; it does not come natural for everyone to sit still -- especially young children. “You can increase the meditation so 5 minutes goes to 10 minutes and just pay attention to your mind and breathe and bring your mind to one object,” said Vallejo. When you face a difficulty or feel out of balance, pause and take a breath.

Remember the acronym STOP. “S for stop, T for take a breath, O for observe and P for proceed,” said Vallejo. Observing refers to noticing if your body is contracted or rigid and being open to what is here now, softening and then proceeding.

“We see stop signs everywhere and take that moment to come back to ourselves and refresh ourselves,” said Vallejo.

Getting out in nature can be

fulfilling. “Kids are attuned to nature and the sense of wonder is innate so take time to look at flowers and cultivate that,” said Vallejo. The idea is to be as present as possible and pay attention to your senses by taking in the tastes, colors and smells that surround you. “It is the thought of the child getting upset to see clouds come and go and you do not have to act on your angry thoughts,” said Vallejo. Emotions come and go just the same. When you are mindful you recognize if you are happy or peaceful or mad.

The American Academy of Pediatrics found benefits for

ADHD, anxiety, depression, school performance, sleep, behavior problems and eating disorders. They also noted physical benefits -- meditation calms the nervous system and decreases stress hormones.

Studies showed mindfulness meditation benefits for gastrointestinal symptoms, obesity, headaches, high blood pressure, pain sensitivity and immune function.

Children who are considered “challenging” can particularly benefit from mindfulness.

“Mindfulness was found extremely helpful for kids that were considered difficult and

bullies because it controlled their anger and worked with their anxiety when they took tests,” said Vallejo.

Want to incorporate more mindfulness in you life? Start with the little things. “Take a mindful shower and experience the warmth of the water, fragrance of the shampoo and soap and feel the touch of the water on your skin, the temperature and luxuriate in that activity,” said Vallejo. You can also be more attentive when walking. “When you leave the house bring awareness and attention to the soles of the feet and the sensations when you

walk on the carpet, concrete or grass and be present,” said Vallejo. At meal time you can do similar. “When eating take 5 to 10 minutes to be present and see the fragrance, taste, temperature and color and all that is there,” said Vallejo.

There are phone apps that can also you help you get started, or resources at the UMass Center for Mindfulness.

Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics. She can be reached at jamie@getpinkpower.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW US!

Pro Tips to Make This The Year You Get Organized

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER PHOTOS BY JULIA PINGITORE OF BAREFOOT BLOOMS PHOTOGRAPHY

N

ewsflash mama: that adorable outfit that’s five sizes too small for your kid -- the one you just can’t rid of because maybe, just maybe, your grandchild will wear it someday? You have to let it go.

“Donate it, and move on,” says Liz August, professional organizer and owner of Worcester-based Simplify, Simplify.

“Your kids are never going to put their kids in those things.” Barring family heirlooms, like the baptismal gown worn by three generations of her family, August says we have to recognize the rest for what it is. “It’s stuff. Let it go.”

Being able to identify things that actually mean something to you, and things that are really just clutter is the key to being more organized. Just because something belongs to you doesn’t mean you need to keep it for the rest of your life, and just because you love something doesn’t mean it will serve you forever.

“If you find that something is giving you stress, if you’re like ‘do I keep it or do I let it go,’ forgive yourself and allow yourself to let it go,” says Liz. “At the end of the day if the house was on fire… what would you be so upset about losing?

What would you really miss? Is it gonna be your 800 sweaters? Maybe not. An antique table your aunt gave you? Maybe.

So hold on to that.”

An organizing guru, August left her job as a teacher to pursue her passion for helping people purge, simplify, and make their homes more functional and less chaotic. She’s seen it all, and says the one of the biggest hang ups that keeps 32 JANUARY2019

people from getting organized is simply not knowing where to start. But taking the steps to clear out and clean up space in your home could make a big difference in your mind, too. “Outer order equals inner calm. If you feel that you are getting stressed it’s a good time to look at the space around you,” say August. Here’s her tips to make 2019 your year of order.

Pick a time and a section Is there a room of stuff you know you need to tackle, but you just keep putting it off? August says you need to make an appointment, write it down on your calendar, and stick to it. Don’t worry about dedicating an entire day to it, just set aside an hour or two.

Once you nail down the time, pick a section. If you’re going to clean out your office, you don’t need to do the entire room at once. “Think in snippets -- snippets of time, snippets of a project,” says August. “Pick a section or a spot. Say, ‘I’m going to organize this one part of closet.’

Maybe it’s the sweater section, or maybe you need to make a sweater section.

Once you get going and making progress, you’ll feel more motivated to keep going.”

Call clutter what it is There are definitely important items we all should store in a safe place like birth certificates, tax information, or social security cards. But we tend to hold on to too much paper, says August, which inevitably turns to piles. Know what you really need to keep (7 years tax documents, for example), organize or digitize it, and

get rid of the rest.

When it comes to other physical items, you need to ask yourself if you’re really using it. If not, why are you attached it?

Don’t hold onto clothes that you’re going to wear once you “lose ten pounds.” And don’t keep items around simply because you’re attached to an idea or memory of them. “I knew a woman who had this big collection of dolls. Of course, they were just sitting there, but she had a hard time letting them go because she was so attached to the memory of them,” says Liz. “I took them out, took a photo of each one, and made a Shutterfly book of all the dolls she collected.” They preserved the memory, and got rid of clutter.

in airtight containers like Rubbermaid bins. Never label plastic bins/boxes with permanent marker. If you do, you won’t want to use that bin for something else one day. Instead, write on a piece of clear packing tape, and stick it to the box. That way you can can peel away the tape one day and use the box for something else.

Kids’ stuff needs ‘constant revising’ Just as fast as they grow out of their clothes and shoes, children outgrow their toys and gear. “If you’re not constantly revising your kids’ stuff -- their clothes, toys, books, or all the bouncers, wraps, carriers -- you’re going to be overwhelmed by all their things really quick,” says August. She suggests that every time you swap out your child’s wardrobe for the next size up, take some time to also go through the rest of their stuff. Get rid of things that they don’t use or play with.

Still want to hold on to that?

If it passes the keepsake test, make sure you stash it correctly. Store items

Every time you swap out your child’s wardrobe for the next size up, take some time to also go through the rest of their stuff.

bites

GOOSE’S GOODIES • NUTRITION • FOOD FOR THOUGHT

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

T

here’s nothing like mom’s cooking.

With this in mind, our editor’s mom -- affectionately known as “Goose” by her grandkids -- is opening up her recipe box. In honor of National Soup Month, Goose shares her creamy, dreamy tomato bisque, made extra kid-friendly with the addition of grilled cheese “croutons.”

Bites

goose’s

goodies

Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons Ingredients • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 2-3 garlic cloves, minced 1 bay leaf 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons brown sugar ¾ cup chicken broth

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons • • • •

Olive oil Butter, softened 4 slices of bread Sliced cheddar cheese

Directions 1. To make the croutons, heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan.

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. With buttered side out, make two sandwiches filled with sliced cheese. Grill each side until bread is golden. Let cool 1 minute, then slice each sandwich into small cubes.

2. Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium heat; add onion, garlic and bay leaf. Stirring frequently, cook until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes.

Mash ingredients together with potato masher until broken down.

3. Stir in heavy cream and brown sugar.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove and discard bay leaf.

5. Puree with an immersion blender.

6. Stir in chicken broth until heated through.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with “croutons” on top.

Laurie Silva Collins is a nurse, mother, and grandmother who is happiest when she’s in the kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loves. She learned to cook from her parents, and has perfected her recipes over the years while raising three daughters… and spoiling seven grandchildren.

34 JANUARY2019

Bites

ask the

nutritiontist

Your Teen Wants to go Vegan – Now What?

BY LAUREN SHARIFI, RD LDN

Q

My teenage daughter wants to follow a vegan diet. Will she be missing nutrients with a strictly plant-based diet?

Will it affect her growth?Â

A

Vegetarian and vegan diets have been growing in popularity among teens over the past decade. This is due to a combination of reasons including more awareness of vegan diets in the media and pressure among peer groups. Most teens state that their reasons for changing to a more plant-based diet is for health-related and ethical reasons as well as weight loss.

I recommend that parents become more curious about why their teen may be choosing to switch to a more plant-based diet as reasons like weight loss or change in appearance may be a cause for concern. If a teen decides to follow this, it is best that they understand what foods they need to incorporate into their diet to meet their nutrient needs.

Plant-based diets are lower in B12, calcium, Vitamin D, iron and protein. The best approach is to plan meals and snacks to include plant-based sources of these foods and incorporate a supplement. Calcium and Vitamin D can be found fortified in plantbased milk products like soy milk, almond milk or other nut milks. Iron can be found naturally in certain plant-based foods like beans, legumes, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals and broccoli. Plant-based or

non-heme iron is best absorbed with foods high in Vitamin C like oranges, lemons, strawberries and broccoli. B12 is a vitamin that is only found in meat and occasionally found fortified in some cereals. They best way to get adequate B12, especially on a vegan diet, is to take a B12 supplement. Protein is another nutrient to be aware of but there are plenty of plant-based foods that contain protein including beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, most vegetables, whole grains and cereals.

If you have specific concerns or questions regarding your child’s diet, consider discussing it with their pediatrician and reaching out to a pediatric dietitian.

Lauren Sharifi is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and food blogger at biteofhealthnutrition.com.

Lauren works in private practice in Brighton at ASFPeak Health (asfpeakhealth.com) and is passionate about helping individuals and families become competent eaters that find joy out of eating. Have a question for Lauren? Email editor@baystateparent.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 35

Bites

Food for

Thought Kitchen Scrap Gardening Looking for a cool indoor gardening activity to do this season? With little effort and a pinch of creativity you can devise some very imaginative indoor gardens from your kitchen leftovers! Kitchen scrap gardening is when you grow plants from items you’d normally throw in your compost bucket. Kids love this idea, and it’s a great way to reinforce the sustainable living concepts of recycling and reusing. Plus, it’s a kick to grow new plants from old plant parts.

Materials: •Vegetable and fruit scraps (oranges, lemons, limes, sweet potatoes, avocados, carrots, beets, onions, and ginger work well) • Growing containers • Potting soil • Water Instructions: 1. Scout your kitchen and refrigerator for potential vegetable and fruit candidates. Some of the best are oranges, lemons, limes, sweet potatoes, avocados, carrots, beets, onions, and ginger. Believe it or not, you can use all of these and many other vegetables and fruits to propagate new plants.

2. Plant scraps in potting soil

or immerse in water. The best method for encouraging new growth will depend on the plant and plant part represented. Here are specific instructions for some easy to plant scraps:

toothpicks around the middle of a pit and rest the toothpicks on the rim of the glass. Add water until it just touches the bottom of the pit. Kids can watch the roots and sprout emerge. It can take a month or two for roots Starting Little Seeds to appear. If using the water sprouting method, replant the Citrus fruits are plentiful in pit in potting soil once roots and winter, and the seeds in oranges, a sprout emerge. lemons, grapefruit, and limes are Mangoes are a little more difeasy to grow into new houseficult. Soak the hard seed for a plants. Fill a 4-inch-diameter week in warm water, replacing pot with moistened potting soil. the water every day. Then plant Remove whole seeds from the it in potting soil like an avocado fruit and plant three to four of and settle down for a wait; it them one inch deep in the pot. can take up to four months for a The seeds should sprout in two sprout to emerge. to four weeks and you’ll have a mini citrus orchard. Keep the New Plants from Tubers seedlings well watered for about six weeks and then transplant Sweet potatoes are easy to individual trees into bigger pots. grow into new plants. Prop a It will be quite a while before sweet potato over a water-filled you see citrus flowers (let alone glass by poking three toothpicks fruit -- these trees won’t bear in a circle into the middle of the for many years, and most eattuber and resting the toothpicks ing-quality fruits are borne on on the rim of the glass so that grafted, not seed-grown trees.) the narrower, pointed half of But you can enjoy the leaves. the tuber is submerged in the The leaves smell like whatever water. Place the glass in a sunny type of citrus you’re growing, so window. Soon roots will begin be sure your children do some to sprout from the portion in “rub and sniff” tests. the water, and usually within a few weeks, stems and leaves will Starting Big Seeds begin to grow from the top of the tuber. To keep your sweet If the small seeds are a hit, potato as a houseplant, carefully try growing big seeds of troptransplant it into a container of ical fruits such as mango and potting soil once a good root avocado. Let an avocado pit system has developed. dry out for a day or two, then plant it in a 6-inch-diameter Off With Their plastic pot filled with moistened (Carrot) Heads! potting soil. Leave the tip of the pit exposed to air. Another You can force many root crops fun and easy way to sprout an (beets, parsnips, and carrots, avocado is to suspend the pit for instance) to sprout new top over a glass of water. Poke three growth by beheading them. Kids

New Unsweetened Flavored Water Line for Kids 36 JANUARY2019

love the chopping part. Slice off the head end along with one to two inches of the root and place it in a saucer filled with pebbles for support and water. In a week or so new greens should appear from the top. Then snug the root into a container filled with potting soil.

This beheading technique also works well with pineapples. Cut off the top inch of the fruit and scoop out most of the yellow flesh inside the crown, leaving the core. Let

Beverage company Hint Inc. has introduced a new line of flavored water with no sugar or sweeteners, served up a familiar, kid-friendly juicebox.

A grab-and-go box of apple or grape juice can have as much as 28 grams of sugar. These

the top dry for a day or two, then place it in a tray filled with pebbles for support and water. Roots will appear and new shoots will sprout from the top in about two weeks, and soon you’ll have a fantastic tropical plant. To continue growing the new pineapple, transplant it into a pot, covering the crown and roots with soil.

This post originally appeared at kidsgardening.com.

waters have the fruity flavor -- watermelon, cherry, blackberry or apple -- with no juice, sugar, diet sweeteners, colors, calories or preservatives.

Available at grocery stores nationwide.

Bites Study: Nearly 8% of Kids Have Food Allergies Almost 8 percent of U.S. children, or about 5.6 million, have a food allergy, with 1 in 5 of those kids suffering allergic reactions so severe they could be hospitalized, a study has found.

Recently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the study provided updated national food allergy prevalence estimates and related health care use, including epinephrine prescriptions and emergency room visits. According to researchers, food allergies are a “substantial public health concern, with a greater perceived disease burden than previously anticipated.”

The most common allergy is to peanuts, affecting about 1.6 million children. Other common allergies are to milk (1.4 million), shellfish (1 million), tree nuts (nearly 1 million), and egg (more than half a million). Allergies to fin fish, wheat, soy and sesame followed.

Only about 40 percent of of children with a food allergy had an epinephrine auto-injector prescription, but researchers warned that all allergies should be taken seriously.

“All allergens can cause severe, potentially life-threatening reactions, so all FA (food allergy) patients require counseling on proper anaphylaxis management,” authors wrote.

Guidance on food allergies has evolved in recent years following the findings of the Learning Early About Peanut allergy (LEAP) study that found early peanut exposure to be beneficial to infants who are at risk of peanut allergy. The Academy subsequently endorsed guidelines calling for early introduction based on an infant’s risk level.

Researchers said their study, which breaks down allergies by age, may provide a reference point for future studies on the impact of the peanut guidelines.

“Understanding reported prevalence, types of FA, associated symptoms and severity, diagnosis and management practices, and determinants of FA is critical for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in their efforts to address this important public health issue,” they wrote.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 37

In my Defense, I Can Only Get Better From Here

BY BRENDA DONOGHUE

38 JANUARY2019

Nothing – nothing – is more humbling than needing the teacher and administrators to triage your second grader for you at 7:30 a.m. because you are too outof-touch to figure out for yourself whether he is, in fact, sick or just playing you like a fiddle.

The fact that the “triage” lasted less than five minutes before our informal committee determined Eddie was too sick to be in school, and that my little preschooler, Billy, also started getting sick with this today, is perhaps even slightly more humbling…if that’s possible. I’m pretty certain I may never be able to shake the reputation at school that I’m sure I’ve earned from my latest escapade.

But, in my defense, my son did somehow manage to break the thermometer in half with his teeth while I took his temp at 6:30 a.m., prompting a panicked call to poison control to verify that mercury is not in the model of thermometer I used. And, in my defense, despite his sobbing that he was too sick for school, his flair for drama and penchant for pulling one over on me is legendary within our household.

How could I know for sure? Add to that, my preschooler’s knack for jumping in with his own tantrum, which he decided to do this morning, simply to best his

brother’s meltdown. If Eddie is the devious puppet master, my charming mastermind, then Billy is his devilish enforcer, and they both expertly execute their roles.

It was 30+ minutes of mayhem, and when I finally got us all in the car, my head was pounding and I was already spent. And, although the well-being of my kids is always first priority, the ticking of the clock kept reminding me that every minute of meltdown at the house was one minute more I would be late for work.

So, yes, by the time I lugged the two boys to school on this freezing morning, I was, a bit, frazzled.

Perhaps the triage was my lowest point of a pretty low-grade day. But, truthfully, it’s a pretty close call.

The moment when I dragged my little guys to work with me, seeking a childcare solution while they trudged alongside obviously craving the comforts of home, doesn’t elicit a feeling of pride either. Perhaps the lowest point was actually facing the shame of my earlier decision to steal my kids’ treasured bag of change to use for the parking meters. I’ll never forget the looks on their faces when they caught me red-handed digging through it for meter money.

Or, earlier in the morning after the thermometer “incident”

when, in a lapse of judgment, I recklessly announced to Eddie that he may have poisoned himself, sending him reeling into panic. Perhaps I could have played that situation a little more discreetly.

Then again, the moment you witness your preschooler finally figure out how to best you is also quite sobering. As I watched him stand at the toilet with his pants around his ankles, stubbornly holding in his morning pee, I witnessed in him the exact moment when he realized the power he holds by taking control of the one thing I cannot control. And, I glimpsed a future of a new type of weekday morning trouble… all in the spirit of mucking up the morning routine.

Still, it’s possible the most damning part of the day actually occurred after my dad came to work to pick up my boys. Being caught sitting alone in my office, rocking – only slightly – back and forth while holding tightly to my temples, does not inspire confidence, at least not in the immediate wake of traipsing my downtrodden children through the office corridors, a half hour late at that.

I recovered quickly from today’s disastrous start. The rest of my day went off without a hitch.

Unless you were one of the exhausted mother who played a countless people I cornered to bum hand today and needs some retell the tale of my morning rest so she can try again tomorwoes, you’d never even know row. there was an unprofessional bone I may not have been in my body. And, once I left for Superwoman today, or most days the day, I promptly arrived at for that matter, but I give it my all Eddie’s school, like a responsible everyday, and my family knows and rational parent, and gathered how much I love them. That’s his homework. A visit to the pedi- going to have to be good enough. atrician’s, a trip to the market for At any rate, after hitting rock their choice of ice cream, and a bottom today, one thing is cersnuggle on the couch rounded tain…I can only get better from out the afternoon. Home cooked here. dinner on the table and adult conversation (that was not simBrenda Donoghue mering with suppressed fury juggles a full-time despite the crazy day) rounded career with raising out the evening. two boys in Central Overall, I call the rest of the Mass-achusetts. Her day a win. writing is inspired I write this now as I cuddle by occasional flashbetween the boys while they es of insight during the chaotic daily sleep. It’s the mark of a worried grind, which she strives to navigate mother, wanting and needing to with humor and grace. be close to them in their time of need. It’s also the mark of an

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

#m

mLife

News, Tips & Advice for Bay State Mamas

‘Lazy Girl Pilates’ Makes Shaping Up Easy

You don’t have to wake up extra early to get to the gym or set aside a chunk of time to get a workout in. Kara Tatelbaum, lazy girl extraordinaire and author of Lazy Girl Pilates Morning, has some seamless fitness hacks that moms (or anyone!) can fit into their morning routine without missing a beat. The book (available on Amazon, $6.99) helps you fit pilates into your life, not your life into pilates. See below for a step-by-step sample from the pilates expert herself.

Rise & Shine! You can do Windshield Wipers first thing in the morning! Bring your knees into your chest keeping the small curve under your lower back. Twist your legs, keeping your knees together, right and left keeping your tailbone on the bed. Arms up and parallel facing towards each other. Repeat 8 times.

While you’re enjoying your coffee and making breakfast, try the Standing Side Series. Stand a bent elbow’s distance from the closest counter. Place your left hand on the wall, feet parallel, and touching. Reach your right leg out to the side a little less than a foot high making sure your hips stay square pulling your belly button into your spine. Repeat this action eight times. Switch sides and repeat on the left. Build to four sets of eight on each side.

Rub a dub dub! Do Conditioning Wall Push Ups in the tub. Put your hands on the wall opposite your shoulders and take a small step back. Bend your elbows back by your side 10 times. For extra points, repeat with hands inverted towards each other with elbows bending out to the side for another set of 10.

Complete your workout before you begin your morning commute with Releves To and From. Stand with your feet heels together toes slightly apart. Rise to your toes squeezing your heels together working your butt drawing your bellybutton into your spine each time. Don’t let those heels separate which means the rises are small not to a full ballet releve. Repeat at least eight times or until you feel the burn! When you arrive at your destination repeat the same releves!

40 JANUARY2019

talking

Back What’s the funniest or most cringe-worthy thing your kid has ever said in public?

My preschooler brought her pink cowboy hat to show and tell and sang “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.”

-Colleen F.

While skipping to the car at daycare pick up, “Whisky is in the car, Whisky is in the car!” Whisky is the new 3-year-old dog we had just adopted.

-Meaghan D.

“I have asthma because my mum never cleans the house.”

Pre-school had a kids’ -Emily E. size house that the boys used to pretend they My kid announced to every- were working construction one that I had picked him on the house. Pre-school up late because I “was sick called and asked me to and couldn’t leave the toispeak to [my son] about let.” taking “beer breaks.”

-Jess J. -Karen M. At 2 years old my son yells, “Daddy, can I have another sip of your beer?” at a cookout.

-Liz W.

Join the conversation at facebook.com/ baystateparent

FDA Approves New Test To Help Diagnose Menopause The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the marketing of a new diagnostic test to help determine when a woman is in menopause.

PicoAMH Elisa, which will be marketed as a MenoCheck, will measure hormones in a woman’s blood, one indicator available to clinicians to determine whether a woman is approaching or is likely to have reached her final menstrual period. The test is meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and laboratory findings, but health officials are hoping it will encourage women to speak to their doctors about health changes they experience after their childbearing years.

“Diagnostic results about a woman’s menopausal status may prompt discussions about preventative care for women experiencing menopausal symptoms,” said Courtney Lias, Ph.D. director of the Division of Chemistry and Toxicology Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “This test, when used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and laboratory findings, can help inform discussions about preventative care, such as ways to help prevent loss in bone mineral density or to address cardiovascular disease, both of which are known to increase after menopause.”

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2018 M

PARCC Questions Leav

BY DOUG PAGE

W

hile last year’s MCAS scores mimic previous results – with Asian-American, white kids and those from upper-income communities often outperforming AfricanAmericans, Latinos and students from lower-income households and communities – the biggest surprise might be that the test wasn’t the “hybrid” that was expected.

“The only PARCC items that were used on the 2018 Grades 3 – 8 tests were a small number of items on the math tests,” said Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Spokeswoman Jacqueline Reis. “We are not including any PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) items on the 2019 test for any grade or subject.”

“This is a victory, in some ways, for educators,” said Barbara Madeloni, the retired president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA), the union representing many Bay State public school teachers, after learning about the dearth of PARCC questions.

Three years ago, she described the Massachusetts Board of Education (BOE) decision that DESE develop a hybrid test, dubbed “MCAS 2.0” – which called for a questions unique to the Bay State as well as those from the Common Core-aligned PARCC exam – as a means to hide the PARCC test within MCAS. The BOE, which oversees DESE, never defined how hybrid MCAS 2.0 was required to be.

“They didn’t give us PARCC

42 JANUARY2019

and they (DESE) hid that victory from us,” Madeloni added.

“We have been phasing out the PARCC questions, and they will not be returning,” Reis said, adding that DESE was removing those “questions so that we control decisions about all question development and when to release all questions.”

While DESE’s decision to drop PARCC questions appears to be in contrast to the BOE’s directive, it shouldn’t be seen as a repudiation of Common Core State Standards, Reis says.

“When we adopted Common Core in 2010, we did not sign away our right to change our frameworks, and indeed, we revised our frameworks in 2017 with input from Massachusetts educators,” she said. “We are committed to the parts of the Common Core that Massachusetts educators said are important for students to know.”

The 2018 MCAS Results Fifty-one percent of all Massachusetts public school students in Grades 3 – 8 met or exceeded grade-level expectations in the MCAS English test this year compared to 49 percent last year while 48 percent of the Grade 3 – 8 students met or exceeded grade-level expectations in MCAS math, the same as last year.

“The percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations does not have much to do with PARCC questions, because PARCC questions were a relatively small part of ‘MCAS 2.0,’” Reis said. “In 2018, for

instance, only a small number of PARCC math questions were used, and no PARCC English questions” were used.

More than 426,000 Massachusetts public school children, about 40 percent of the Commonwealth’s public school student body, took the MCAS exams. Nearly 90 percent of the students, says Reis, took the tests on a computer, up from about 60 percent a year ago.

“Humans scored the essays and other open-ended questions,” said Reis. “Computers scored the multiple choice questions and questions in which students had to enter a number or drag a response to the correct place on the screen.”

Under federal education law, known as “ESSA,” for Every Student Succeeds Act, Massachusetts, because it receives federal money for its public schools – more than $600 million during fiscal year 2018 – is required to give a standardized test to its Grade 3 – 8 public school students annually and report the results by demographic and ethnic profile, says U. S. Department of Education (DOE) Spokeswoman Jo Ann Webb. This year’s MCAS results, by ethnicity and demographics, show the following: • Asian-American children scored the best, with 71 percent meeting or exceeding expectations in English, up four points from last year, while 74 percent met or exceeded expectations in math, the same as in 2017.

• Fifty-eight percent of white students met or exceeded

grade-level expectations in English, up two points from last year, while 55 percent met or exceeded expectations in math, the same as last year.

30 percent last year. Twenty-six percent of African-American students met or exceeded expectations in math, the same as last year.

• Thirty-one percent of AfricanAmerican students met or exceeded grade-level expectations in English compared to

• Thirty-one percent of Latino students met or exceeded expectations in English, up two points from last year, while the

MCAS:

ve, But Results Similar

percentage meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations in math was 27 percent, down a point from last year.

• Thirty-two percent of economically disadvantaged students – those coming from families with lower incomes – met or exceeded grade-level

expectations in English, up three points from last year, while 27 percent met or exceeded expectations in math, the same as 2017.

DESE also reports MCAS results by school district and, often, students in districts with higher incomes, including

Dover-Sherborn, Lexington, Southborough, Winchester, Wellesley, Wayland, Concord and Carlisle, with annual average household incomes well above $100,000 and, in some cases, in excess of $200,000, showed better performance than students in Holyoke, Southbridge, Webster, Orange, Brockton, Springfield and Gardner, communities with average annual household incomes less than $60,000.

“It’s not because schools are failing that some school districts (with lower incomes) don’t do well,” said Winchester Public Schools Superintendent Judith Evans. “Their students face very different challenges that ours (in Winchester) don’t.”

“Test scores pattern and follow socioeconomic communities,” said Tom Loveless, an education researcher and a former senior fellow with The Brookings Institution, a Washington, DC-based thinktank. “They do in every country. All countries show the same exact results: The scores are correlated with communities.”

While it might seem discriminatory, there’s an upside to reporting standardized test results by demographic and ethnic profile, Loveless said: “If the gaps aren’t broken out, then it allows school systems to cover up and not serve minority populations because attention isn’t being drawn to the issue.”

MCAS Modified?

Two proposed laws in the Massachusetts Legislature

would take out some of the bite from schools suffering from poor MCAS scores.

“Data shows that standardized tests haven’t moved the needle on closing the achievement gap in our state,” said State Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge). Her proposed bill prevents the BOE and DESE from taking action against a school district or school due to low MCAS scores for three years.

Decker’s bill also requires a task force be formed to study the impact of MCAS and any “mandated state assessments” on teachers, high school graduation rates and whether they should be eliminated or modified.

Another proposed law, from State Sen. Michael Rush (D-West Roxbury), also seeks to have MCAS and other state assessments reviewed by a task force to see how they impact high school graduation rates and the evaluation of school districts and teachers.

Meantime, the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment, (MCIEA), consisting of six school district superintendents and the heads of their local teacher unions, is advocating for a very different version of MCAS. It’s receiving $400,000 in state funding and recently, said Dan French, an Ex Officio member of MCIEA, a DESE staff member started attending their meetings.

The new assessment, he said, would be based on “student work that’s generated from a series of tasks, and they would be required to demonstrate what they know and are able to do. It would be a portfolio

that shows whether or not they meet the proficiency determination. It would be scored and judged by teachers.”

The portfolio would be work “accumulated over the course of a school year and would include four to six selections that would have to meet the standards of that academic discipline,” he said. “It might mean that an assessment for a history course is judged based on a research paper, a PowerPoint presentation and a podcast all tied back to the standards of that academic discipline.”

MCIEA’s second goal is to develop a school quality dashboard for parents “that takes into consideration the full scope of what a school does,” said French. “You want to assess multiple measures, including culture, resources, a sense of community, wellness, teacher quality, academic quality and learning.”

Those seeking to change MCAS see an opportunity because current federal education law, known as “ESSA,” allows states flexibility in determining the type of annual assessments they give to their public school students, says State Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), vice chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education.

“States have latitude to determine what assessments they administer,” said DOE Spokeswoman Jo Ann Webb, describing the ESSA law. “They need to meet the requirement to be valid and reliable for purposes for which it is used and demonstrate that the assessments meet nationally recognized professional testing

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“States have discretion in the form, format, and content of the assessments,” she added.

Standardized Testing’s Contrasting Views MCAS, a result of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform law, has been taken by Bay State public school students since 1998. It and similar standardized tests have critics and defenders.

“MCAS makes students from more privileged backgrounds and affluent communities and their schools seem as they have nothing to work on,” said Jack Schneider, an education professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. “Just because your students come in more prepared to succeed on MCAS doesn’t mean the school is any better simply because the state accountability system says they are.

“Are the students engaged?

Do they value learning? Are they socially and emotionally healthy? It’s an open question as to how our high performing schools are doing on all the things we care about,” he added.

“The latest MCAS exam results are predictable and continue the destructive practice of narrowing the purpose of public education,” said MTA President Merrie Najimy. “Placing so much emphasis on a test designed to measure college and career readiness has replaced the broadbased liberal arts education that children deserve and that they need to be well-rounded human beings and well-functioning citizens in a democratic society.”

There’s also another view on standardized testing: “You can track progress or lack thereof by how schools are doing on (standardized) tests,” said Loveless.

“Parents can track their kids’ performance from grade to grade on these tests. “(Standardized) tests don’t

capture everything we want schools to do, other than teaching reading and math, but taxpayers want to see schools that are competent. (The tests) only capture a small element of what they (schools) do but they capture a very critical element,” he added.

“The idea behind (the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform law) was to ensure a level playing field and to make sure all students had access to a high level of education,” said Winchester’s Judith Evans, who also sits MCIEA’s board. “When the MCAS came about, I don’t think the state intended it to be punitive or shaming those who didn’t do as well but that’s the direction it’s gone.

“We should try something different,” she added.

“Any accountability system in any organization always lies atop a bunch of compromises, assumptions, and convenient half-truths,” said Frederick Hess, an executive editor at EducationNext, a journal published at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington, DC-based thinktank. “It’s always a balancing act to figure out what’s reasonable, what’s too ambitious, and what’s not ambitious enough. And when we’re dealing with kids and schools the whole thing gets emotional and very personal.

It’s a remarkably tough position on everyone’s part.”

Doug Page is a Massachusetts father of two teenagers and award-winning writer whose newspaper career started in high school. He’s written stories, sold ads, and delivered newspapers in the morning’s wee hours.

He’s been covering Common Core and Massachusetts public education for the last six years.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 45

take eight with Kelley Tyan A certified health coach, four-time bikini champion, cancer survivor, mentor, and mama, Kelley Tyan is becoming Bay State ladies’ best friend in health and fitness. She helps women transform their bodies and lives through her Shrewsbury-based female-only bootcamp. See why this 44-year-old mom of two is as strong on the inside as she is on the outside.

1.

What’s the story of how you got into the fitness world?

I graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in education, but while pursuing my career as a teacher I quickly realized it was not the profession for me. Having always given advice in health and fitness, I decided to create a bootcamp class for women, which started with just 12 girls. I realized these women did not know where to start on their health journey and needed guidance.

I began learning everything I could to teach women how to get on the right track of losing weight, gaining more energy, and feeling better about themselves all around, and I became certified as a health coach.

Ten years later, I still get excited to bring a woman through an amazing transformation.

2.

3.

You’re a breast cancer survivor. Tell us about this experience and what it taught you about yourself?

6.

If you could add one extra hour to each day, how would you spend it?

My family is most important to me and being present is number one. It is also extremely important for me to maintain close relationships with my clients. I set up check-ins and calls weekly during business hours.

At times, I do take weekend appointments for those who cannot make it during the week, but I manage my business mostly during work hours.

It can be so hard for moms to find time for themselves. How important is it?

What’s the most surprising thing you discovered being a mom?

I never knew my heart could hold so much love.

46 JANUARY2019

When I was told I had breast cancer, my whole body froze and I had my cry with my family. I knew right away that this could either take me down, or I could fight it. I quickly got on my armor. I have realized that going through obstacles in life is a guarantee; coming out of them stronger is not. When you are put to the test you have to make the choice to thrive, not just survive. The easy way would have been to stay in bed and cry. Getting up and moving forward can be hard, but when you have people relying on you, there are no other options.

Alone with my family with no outside distractions, playing a game, or just sitting, talking.

7.

Who is your role model and why?

8.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

How do achieve work-life balance?

Being a mother is a tough job and I understand the struggle of trying to juggle it all. My message to women is that life is hard for two reasons: you are either staying in your comfort zone, or you are leaving it. In order to grow and become better parents, or become a healthier version of themselves, moms need to realize that it is OK to have “me time” to get their workout in or take time for themselves. When they put themselves last, everything else will suffer. We are better parents when we put our health first .

4.

5.

My mother. She taught me perseverance and that giving up on what we love is never an option. She passed away almost two years ago, but instilled in me that while life has its ups and downs, we cannot escape them but we can conquer them.

Whatever she went through, she always stayed grounded in faith and love.

That is how I want to live the rest of my life.

Going to Cold Stone with my family and getting a large waffle cone! LOL! Yes, it’s true.

IMAGE by JWAtherton

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48 JANUARY2019