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baystateparent APRIL 2016

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Massachusetts’

Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

E R TU

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TOP FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS FROM THE PROS HOW TO KEEP YOUR TECH SAFE ON THE ROAD FREE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM SUPERCHARGES KIDS’ BODIES, MINDS

R E T S E C R M O U W E S U M ART

Try some armor on for size!

Interactive arms and armor demonstrations Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30am Free with admission

2 APRIL2016

e c a l p A for ! s e i l i m fa

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM Learn more at worcesterart.org

BAYSTATEPARENT 3

4 APRIL2016

potential

IS YOUR PRE-KINDERGARTNER REACHING HER

BOTH SOCIALLY AND ACADEMICALLY? Learn more by visiting NGCC and seeing our programs in action.

Next Generation Children’s Centers Celebrating Over 22 Years as a Leader in Early Childhood Education

Learn how we help your child succeed

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Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6 An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual.

TOURS: April 12 & 26 • 9 a.m. Sign up on our website

Don’t miss the most important beginning to your child’s education... ...Our Kindergarten Program

Think Creatively

Learn Deeply

A Healthy Balance of Personalized Learning, an Outdoor Classroom and Play Affordable Full Day Kindergarten Program.

Act Compassionately

Live Fully

5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 • 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org 6 APRIL2016

Announcing The 2016 Theatre Camp Shows

grades 8-12 - including recent high school graduates. This camp will take your teen to a higher level in theatre! They will produce and act in THEIR OWN show - separate from the younger campers! Join in this exciting adventure!

grades 2-7 Learn the importance of teamwork, make friends for life, experience being part of a show from start to finish!

July 11th - July 29th Mon.-Fri. â&#x20AC;˘ 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Camp show performances on July 30th & 31st

Your child will enjoy a summer of music, art, drama and dance at our 3 week, state certified theatre camp held in Worcester. Campers will also produce a full show for family and friends at the conclusion of camp. Students will learn all the aspects of producing a show from acting, singing & dancing to set building, costumes and more!

For all information, call 978-602-6288 or register online at

wachusetttheatre.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 7

Helping your child achieve their personal best in life and scholastics What parents are saying... “CDN made it possible for our son to have the extra time needed to compensate for his slow processing. He has excelled in high school earning all A’s except for a B in AP Physics in his senior year. His PSAT scores allowed him to be a National Merit Scholarship Commended student providing him with a good scholarship for college. Thank you CDN!” From, grateful parents “We truly appreciate your support and guidance as we begin the journey of learning how to best support our son and guide him towards more success at school.” Parents of an 11-year old “With the Child Development Network’s recommendations, we were able to develop a comprehensive and manageable Individual Educational Plan for our son. They have continually ensured that his needs are met and that the necessary services are out in place and provided at his school.” Parents of a 6th grader

The CDN network of doctors provides expert clinical care for... Diagnostic Evaluations & Education Consultation/ Advocacy: • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity • Dyslexia/Learning Disorders • Executive Function Skills 8 APRIL2016

Treatment and Therapy: • Executive Function Skills Training • Coping Skill Development • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Child Development Network, Inc. Lexington, MA • 781-861-6655 www.CDNKids.com

table of contents

in every issue

pril is the unofficial start of the family travel season. The weather’s better, allowing us to more easily head outside the confines of New England on school vacation week, and summer vacation is just two calendar pages away. If you’re not heading out on an adventure this month, you’re certainly weighing your options and making plans for June, July, or August. So enjoy our travel section, where we provide a host of information, advice, and ideas on how you can make the most of your time on the road, wherever it takes you. — Melissa Shaw, editor in chief

APRIL 2016

VOLUME 20

NUMBER 12

things we learned

while making

the april issue

Fewer than 5% of U.S. elementary schools provide the recommended number of minutes of physical activity each day. On page 52, discover how one Massachusetts mother started a free program to get kids — and their brains — moving, a volunteerrun movement that is now found in 1,800 schools across the country.

Although diagnosis in childhood is uncommon, tens of thousands of kids across the country have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. On page 60, learn how a family support group in Massachusetts serves as a place where affected children and teens can get information and support, and learn how to live with and manage this chronic, incurable disease.

Pencil boxes and cookie sheets are two indispensible tools to take on a road trip with kids. Why? Turn to page 44 and find out, along with a host of other useful travel hacks from Dana Ticknor, a mom of 12 who travels full time with 8 of her children in an RV.

12 13 14

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO: April Calendar Of Family Events

ASK THE EXPERT: Clearing Up Misconceptions About Acne

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE: Family support group helps children, teens living with Crohn’s disease

FINALLY FOREVER: Parenting the Adopted Adolescent: Band-Aids Don’t Work

63 63 68

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: April area adoption events

OUR APRIL FAVORITES: FACTS, FINDS & FREEBIES

TAKE 8: “Fowl Language” cartoonist Brian Gordon

BSP ONLINE 20 FOR 20: Celebrate our 20th anniversary with a look back at 1996’s top TV shows

APRIL’S CHILD: Meet Joseph COUNTDOWN TO CAMP: The Power of Conquering Homesickness

Features 52

The Free Physical Activity Program Supercharging Kids’ Bodies and Minds

12 Tips for a Successful Spring Sports Season

Annual Screen-Free Week Challenges Families: Ditch Devices and Reconnect

Making It Real for students Grades 6 - 12. Explore us at www.WorcesterAcademy.org Or Call 508-459-5841 BAYSTATEPARENT 9

baystateparent Best of the Best! See who our readers think is the

Best of the Best for: • Family Outdoor Attraction • Birthday Party Venue • Childcare • Preschool • Gymnastics Program

• Camp • Special Needs Services • Family Restaurant • Pediatrician • Dance Studio

Every parent in the Bay State will want to know who our readers believe is THE BEST in more than 70 categories!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to

be part of baystateparent’s BEST!

baystateparent Contact Regina Stillings, Director of Sales, 508-865-7070 x 21 or regina@baystateparent.com 10 APRIL2016

table of contents

meet team publisher KIRK DAVIS

Adventure Awaits 17 18 34 36 38 40 44 meet our cover models

associate publisher KATHY REAL 508-749-3166 ext. 331 kreal@baystateparent.com

Discover a Ton of DIY Crafting Fun With Maps The Wonder of It All — For All

creative

Small Cost, Big Fun: The Best Travel Souvenir Ever Niagara Falls: A Rush of Family Fun

editor in chief MELISSA SHAW 508-865-7070 ext. 201 editor@baystateparent.com

How To Keep Tech Safe When Traveling Making Waves: Fun Fashion for 2016 Travel

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 221 pethier@holdenlandmark.com

Land, Air & Sea: Top Family Travel Tips From the Pros

senior graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 design@baystateparent.com

Ripe

Andrew,11 & Lily,12

Photography by Shawna Shenette shawnashenette.com

Hair and Makeup By Rob Roy Hair Salons robroyhairsalons.com

Clothing provided by Little V Designs littlevdesigns.com

Great at the Plate: Baseball Snacks Bites: Get your grill ready for spring; portion control made easy; dental gel for dye-sensitive families; a new take on turkey burgers; dusting with microfiber; and more.

multimedia editor MONICA HAMILTON monica@baystateparent.com

advertising director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com

D AV I S F A R M L A N D The Ultimate Children’s Discovery Farm

account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-865-7070 ext. 211 kathy@baystateparent.com account executive SHAUNA WHARTON 508-963-7154 shauna@baystateparent.com

OPEN SCHOOL VACATION WEEK! Experience the magic of hands-on animal encounters, award-winning discovery play areas and so much more…It’s a full day of fun for families with younger ones! SAFETY WEEKEND: Coming April 30 & May 1– FREE admission for active firefighters, EMT’s, police officers, armed service personnel and their immediate families when accompanied by the safety officer and their valid service ID.

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS photography STEVEN KING ADAM PERRI SHAWNA SHENETTE

is published monthly with a main office at 22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527

DavisFarmland.com. (978)422-MOOO (6666). *Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 years or younger.

It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

baystateparent.com Find us on:

FREE! $3 Souvenir Cup of Animal Feed!

One per family. Exp 4/30/16 Not valid with other discounts, packages or special events. BSP4 S T E R L I N G ,

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APRIL CONTRIBUTORS Michele Bennett Decoteau is a writer and mom to a tween and a teen in central New England. In addition to writing on science, nature, and parenting topics, she is a hiker and beekeeper. You can find her at MicheleDecoteau. com or @MBDecoteau. baystateparent Creative Director Paula Monette Ethier has been with us since Day 1 and is responsible for our award-winning design and covers. A veteran crafter and DIY enthusiast, Paula enjoys creating projects that are simple, practical, unique, and inexpensive! Joan Goodchild is a Shrewsbury mother of two and editor of a business publication serving security and risk professionals. Dr. Laura K. Grubb, MD, MPH, is an adolescent medicine specialist and general pediatrician at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, with expertise in public health policy in addition to medicine.

Fitness & Enrichment for the Whole Family!

Dr. Lynn Pantuosco-Hensch is an assistant professor in the Movement Science department at Westfield State University, teaching motor development, exercise science, and other sport-related courses. She is the mother of four boys and lives with her family in Longmeadow. Heather Kempskie is a freelance writer and mother of two from Bellingham.

Judy M. Miller savors time with her kids. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward. Michelle Perras-Charron is a freelance writer and mother to four school-aged boys in Western Mass. A Navy brat and also the wife of a retired Air Force Captain. She loves writing about people and all topics related to parenting. She also enjoys running and a strong cup of coffee.

Massachusetts mom Leslie Reichert is known as the Green Cleaning Coach and is aiming to change the world — “one spray bottle at a time.” A national lecturer and author of The Joy Of Green Cleaning, you can find her at greencleaningcoach.com, on Facebook (GreenCleaningCoach), Twitter (@GreenCleanCoach), and Pinterest (cleaningcoach). Greg Sukiennik is a freelance writer based in Connecticut. He previously worked for ESPN.com, The Associated Press in Boston and The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield. You can learn more about Greg at gregsukiennik.com.

Got a story idea? Interested in contributing to baystateparent? Contact editor@baystateparent.com.

get your 3-month fitness pass: $90 for 3 months of unlimited group fitness classes!

Baby-Wearing Fitness Classes For New Moms Group Fitness For Adults (with child watch) Spring Dance Classes for Ages 2-5 Customized Birthday Parties Open Play Monthly Special Events Playgroups & Group Rates Special Summer Programs & Sessions

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12 APRIL2016

Visit www.f3ma.com to explore all of our offerings, classes & services!

bsp ONLiNE

VACATION FUN FOR EVERYONE

hether you’re traveling far and wide for April vacation or staying close to home, we have all the tips and tricks you’ll need for a great family vacation, from a sweet idea to alleviate ear pressure pain on airplanes to the best kids’ gear to take on a road trip. And you can always find the latest parenting news, contests, and giveaways — and me — at baystateparent.com, Facebook (baystateparent), Twitter (@baystateparent), and Instagram (baystateparent).

They Got It! Kelly of Grafton and her family (top) helped the Harlem Globetrotters celebrate their 90th anniversary at the DCU Center in Worcester as winners of our family four-pack ticket giveaway. Marilyn S.’s granddaughter and friend (middle) and Nicole M.’s daughter (below, with Fancy Nancy) all enjoyed Fancy Nancy the Musical in Arlington. This month has even more fun and prizes on tap, so make sure you visit baystateparent.com frequently and Like us on Facebook to stay on top of the latest giveaways and contests.

Congrats to our winners! Congratulations to Noah of Deerfield and Nancy of Malden, winners of our first newsletter-subscriber-only giveaways! We are adding more contests and giveaways just for our Facebook and newsletter followers, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at baystateparent.com/newsletter/ and Like us on Facebook to stay on top of the latest chances to win.

Go off to see the Wizard! We’re giving away family four packs to see The Wizard of Oz presented by the CitiPerforming Arts Center at the Wang Theatre in Boston on April 13 and 14. This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, reimagined for the stage. Developed from the MGM screenplay, this production contains the songs from the movie, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter, visit us on Facebook, and check in online to enter for your chance to win.

baystateparent’s 2016 Reader Survey What are your favorite parts of baystateparent? What would you like to see us do differently? We’re looking for your feedback to help keep us up-to-date and keep you coming back for the best in parenting news, family events, and fun happenings! We’d love for you to take our quick survey at baystateparent.com/Reader-Survey-2016. We’ll be giving away a grand prize massage and facial package from Spa Tech Institute in Westborough, as well as tickets to a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance in Worcester for the runners-up.

Mon, April 18 11:00am - 12:00pm

Animal Adventures

Wed, April 20 · 11:30am - 1:00pm

Mr. DJ’s Dance Party

Thu, April 21 · 11:00am - 1:00pm

Cool Kids Save with Hometown Bank & Malik the Magic Guy Fri, April 22 · 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Big Joe the Storyteller

For more info please visit us at themallatwhitneyfield.com

KID’S CLUB

Join the club & join in the fun. Membership is always free, and includes monthly surprises, special offers, your very own membership card & a special treat on your birthday. Sign Up at Customer Service

Burlington, JC Penney, Macy’s, Sears, Toys R Us & more than 60 specialty stores 100 Commercial Rd. Leominster, MA At the junction of Route 2 & I -190 978.537.7500 www.themallatwhitneyfield.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 13

20 for 20 In celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, we’re looking back at 1996. There was no Netflix or Hulu. Tivo was three years away and even the DVD player wasn’t available in the U.S. yet. So, just what was on your TV screen in 1996? If you were like the rest of us, you were catching some of the shows below, which were the Top 20 highest-rated TV series of the 1995-1996 season. How well do you remember these favorites? Take our quiz below.

1 2 4

This iconic sitcom was nearing the end of its run, yet was still extremely popular; its ninth and final season would come two years later. In 2002, TV Guide named it the greatest television program of all time.

This show was originally developed under the working title “Insomnia Café.”

NBC was a ratings juggernaut in 1996, taking the top four spots (and six out of the Top 10). This fourth-ranked show was also part of the Must-See TV lineup; in 1996 it aired after #2 and before #1 and centered around a female cartoonist who lives in Manhattan.

5 7

The season’s top-rated series would become a long-running medical drama, which in May 1996 was finishing up its second season. It wrapped in 2009 after 15 seasons, 331 episodes, and possibly just as many cast members.

This iconic sports show spent 35 years on ABC before moving to ESPN in 2006.

Starring Jonathan Silverman, this sitcom lasted only two seasons but benefited greatly from its Thursday night 8:30 time slot on NBC, where it aired after #3 and before #2.

This sitcom, fronted by a male stand-up comedian, centered around the lives of the Taylor family, who lived in suburban Detroit.

14 APRIL2016

This Massachusetts-based comedy was another beneficiary of NBC’s powerhouse Thursday lineup. After the show was moved to Sundays the following year, it dropped to 52nd place and was cancelled after its second season.

Now in its 47th season, this CBS show is touted as the pinnacle of television journalism.

Debuting in 1993, this police procedural broke new ground and courted controversy for its depiction of nudity and alcoholism. It remains ABC’s longest-running primetime one-hour drama series.

11 12

This popular show spun off another legendary NBC sitcom and revolved around a character imported from a Beacon Street bar.

13 14

Not to be outdone by CBS, this news show has been an ABC Friday night staple for decades and has featured luminaries such as Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters, and Diane Sawyer.

Led by a female comedian, this sitcom showcased the exploits of a single mother learning how to cope with raising her three children alone after finally divorcing her abusive husband.

This was one of the 12 sitcoms that make up the Top 20. It centered around the leader of a fictional Division I-A football team, the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles.

There’s no mistaking the voice of this actress, whose main character and show namesake worked for a Broadway producer and his family on the Upper East Side.

This Illinois-based sitcom was the first with a working mother as the main character and is named after the female stand-up comedian who led it.

17 18

This Western-based action drama starred a martial arts actor who in recent years may be better known as an Internet meme.

The third news program in the Top 20, this show debuted on ABC in 1989 with co-hosts Sam Donaldson and Diane Sawyer.

19 20

The lead actress in this CBS sitcom was the daughter of a well-known actor/comedian and was known more as a film actress when she moved to the small screen in 1988 to front this show.

Rounding out the Top 20 was yet another NBC sitcom, this one based around four extraterrestrials on a research expedition, who attempt to live as a normal human family in the fictional city of Rutherford, Ohio.

See page 77 for answers.

BAYSTATEPARENT 15

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ADVENTURE AWAITS

MAP MEMENTOS Discover a ton of DIY crafting fun BY PAULA MONETTE ETHIER

Maps — road, theme park, city, etc. — are a key part of any vacation. And they’re not useful just while you’re in the thick of the trip. Save those maps, bring them home in your suitcase, and repurpose them in a whole new way via the quick, easy, and fun crafting projects below. Minus the required drying time, it will take you only 10 to 15 minutes to complete each project. All supplies can be purchased at any major craft store. Map Medallion Necklace

Locket

Supplies Metal pendant that includes clear epoxy sticker/cover X-Acto knife Mod Podge E6000 craft adhesive Disposable sponge craft brush Map Directions • Use template on metal pendant package to trace and cut section of map you want to place in the pendant. • Take map section and Mod Podge side you want facing out. • Take clear epoxy sticker/cover and place it on top of map. Let dry. Flip over and Mod Podge back of map. Let dry. • Add tiny amount of E6000 to inside of pendant. Place map in pendant, press down to distribute adhesive. • Add cord or chain to complete.

Supplies Clear locket Protractor Map X-Acto knife Disposable sponge craft brush

Luggage Tags Supplies Precut wood tags Maps Mod Podge Reinforcements (self-adhesive circles, such as those you would use on three-ring binder paper) X-Acto knife Ribbon Disposable sponge craft brush Directions • Mod Podge one side of tag and edges. • Place wet side down on map. • Mod Podge opposite side, then fold map up and over. Press to seal around edges. • Cut excess map away from tag, then let dry. • Once dry, Mod Podge entire tag once more to seal. Let dry. • Cut through hole at head of tag.

Frame Supplies Frame (size of your choice) with mat or mat for existing frame.

Map of destination (road map, tourist map, etc.) Mod Podge X-Acto knife Disposable sponge craft brush

Directions • Cut map to fit inside of locket. Use a protractor to measure area if template is not included with locket. • Place tiny amount of E6000 to inside of pendant. • Place map in pendant; press down to distribute the glue. • Place charm, memento, or other item to sit freely atop map and float inside pendant.

Directions • Lay map flat, wrong side up. • Mod Podge mat and place wet side on map. Let dry. • Cut around perimeter, then

Jane Smith 4 Stone Street Worcester, MA 00010

• Place reinforcements on each side of the hole. • To personalize, write or print out your name and address and affix to tag with Mod Podge. Let dry. • Mod Podge entire tag once more. Let dry, then add ribbon.

inside, of mat. • Flip over mat and Mod Podge the map side. Let dry and place in frame. BAYSTATEPARENT 17

ADVENTURE AWAITS

The Wonder of It All… FOR ALL BY MELISSA SHAW

he place you’ve gone to get away from the kids wants you to come back — with the kids.

Following the lead of other gaming meccas across the country, Connecticut’s Foxwoods Resort Casino continues to expand its myriad amenities, providing a host of family offerings — even designated weeks just for children’s activities. With a new 300,000-square-foot shopping outlet, the largest Native American museum in the U.S., and even hiking trails, Foxwoods officials say there’s much more to the property than gaming tables, slot machines, and grown–up entertainment. “Unfortunately, ‘casino’ sometimes translates wrong. I think we need to look at how casinos are evolving,” says Monique Sebastian, Foxwoods vice president of entertainment. “If you look at Atlantic City or Las Vegas, amenities have become a big driver, more than gaming. It’s re-educating the people in our proximity, to say, ‘Yes, we always will be a casino, but look at everything else we have.’ “If only one person in your fam18 APRIL2016

ily is interested in gaming and the other three aren’t, there’s probably more things to do for the other three,” she adds with a laugh. Given its proximity to Massachusetts, Sebastian says Foxwoods is a unique, weatherproof family day trip destination or even an overnight. “Even though we’re a gaming facility, we realize that families do come here and families are looking for something to do, and families are part of this community,” she says. “It’s a great staycation. There’s so much to do in this one big city, you don’t have to leave and go outdoors. We hit on everything: We have a little bit of fun, a little bit of arts, we have history. There’s so much to do around the property, I can’t see being bored.”

Family must-sees: Kid’s Week

This is the fifth year Foxwoods has offered Kid’s Week, which provides free family fun. Traditionally held during December and April school vacations, the next one will be held the week of April 18, featuring these free events: movies in the Fox Theater (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Sponge Bob: Sponge Out of Water, and Hotel Transylvania 2); arts and crafts; face painting, air brush tattoos and balloon animals

in the Premier Ballroom; Warrior Challenge; mini-golf; and Xbox, PlayStation 4, Wii, and more in the kiddie Game Lounge. (A full schedule can be found on foxwoods.com) Clifford the Big Red Dog will even bring his interactive musical show to the Fox Theater for two shows on April 19. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at foxwoods.com/Clifford. Foxwoods also schedules a Kid’s Week during December school vacation, offering many of the same free activities. “As a parent, I understand when the kids are off, it’s important to give them something to do instead of sitting in front of the TV at home,” notes Sebastian, mom to a 16- and 7-year-old.

The Pequot Hiking Trails

While the resort is well-known for its indoor fun, one of its lesserknown jewels can be found in the Connecticut woods surrounding the property. Fox paw prints in the Great Cedar Casino Lobby guide visitors to a choice of hiking trails. One path takes hikers to the outside exhibits of the Pequot Museum; another is a scenic trail loop behind the Two Trees Inn. The Lantern Hill Trail ascends nearly 500 feet above sea level and offers views that stretch as far as the waters of Block Island Sound.

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

10 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $20; Youth (6-17) $12; Child (under 6) Free. pequotmuseum.org At 308,000 square feet, The Pequot Museum is the largest Native American museum in the United States. Located just a little over a mile from Foxwoods, the museum features multi-sensory dioramas and exhibits designed to introduce visitors to the history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the natural and cultural history of the eastern woodlands. It features permanent and temporary exhibits, an auditorium, restaurant, museum shop, and more. Parking is free, and free shuttles run to and from the front of each Foxwoods hotel.

Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods

Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m. foxwoods.com/tanger/ Opened last May, the 80-shop mall is the only covered indoor Tanger Outlets in the U.S. and spans 300,000 square feet. The collection of shops offers everything from upscale (Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Coach) to everyday (Nike, Gap, Old Navy, Under Armour). Of special interest to kids: The It’s Sugar candy store.

Photos Courtesy Foxwoods

Families visiting Foxwoods have a variety of choices when it comes to fun, from the Pequot Museum and the Tree House Arcade to the Tanger Outlets and much more.

Tree House Arcade

Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight. The two-story arcade on the Casino Level offers a range of games from classics for parents, like Pac-Man, to today’s favorites, such as Candy Crush and Jurassic Park, and nearly all-day access.

High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge Opens at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday,

12 p.m. Saturday & Sunday Shoe rental $5, $6 per game, per person. highrollersfoxwoods.com Located in the Grand Pequot Tower, the 20-lane ten pin bowling alley is open to minors until 8 p.m. each day. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to enter and supervised at all times. Up to eight people can bowl per lane, and those who do can enjoy a full menu of unique bowling alley fare.

Coming up

Sebastian encourages parents to stay tuned to Foxwoods’ social media channels (facebook.com/foxwoods/; Twitter: @ FoxwoodsCT) for upcoming child and family-friendly events and entertainment beyond April. For example, earlier this year the resort hosted a live concert featuring Disney’s Fantasia, as well as the popular Red Sox Baseball Winter Weekend. Black Friday through March,

Foxwoods opens what Sebastian calls “Rockefeller Center in the middle of the Connecticut woods” — an outdoor skating rink and winter patio, featuring fire pits, hot chocolate, and s’mores. In December, it decorates the space with a life-size gingerbread house, a 37-foot-tall Christmas tree, lifesize ornaments, Santa, and 100,000 twinkling lights.

North Conway Welcomes You this Summer! PHOTOS COURTESY OF WISEGUY CREATIVE

Drive, Tour & Explore MOUNT WASHINGTON ConwayScenic.com • (800) 232-5251

Experience old-fashioned train rides • All departing from our 1874 station in North Conway Village, NH • Children under 4 ride FREE in coach! • Well-behaved dogs always welcome • Excursions from 1 to 5 hours

Reserve your discounted guided tour online today! > MtWashingtonAutoRoad.com (603) 466-3988 • Gorham, NH BAYSTATEPARENT 19

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

Photo by Daniel A. Swalec

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! - dr. seuss

Photo by Samara Vise

GO TO OZ The Wizard of Oz. Wang Theatre, Boston. April 12-24.

GO FASHIONABLY Runway Series Fashion Show. Art Reach Studio, Worcester. April 3. 20 APRIL2016

GO BUILD Toddler Tuesdays. Lego Discovery Center, Somerville. April 12.

GO DISCOVER Cambridge Science Festival. April 15-24.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to ensure accuracy at press time, things can and do change.

1 Friday

admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Sing Me a Song with Fran Friedman. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Join Fran Friedman as she presents a morning of musical fun for children in a lively, uplifting, fun-filled performance. For ages 2 and 3. Register ahead. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Arms and Armor Demonstrations. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. In this fun, interactive program, learn all about different kinds of arms and armor used by knights and soldiers from Roman soldiers to Medieval kings. Sundays. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, ages 3 and under free. worcesterart.org.

Celebrate NanoDays. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Find the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale during this nationwide festival of hands-on educational programs. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. First Friday Nights Free. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Enjoy free admission and explore the museums at night on the first Friday, as we collect food donations for Open Table of Concord and Maynard and the Acton Food Pantry. Free. discoverymuseums.org. Eat, Play, Love String Ensemble. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 p.m. Enjoy short performances by Acton-Boxborough High School’s string ensemble and experience a few strings yourself with a mini instrument petting zoo. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. School Readiness Friday Night. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Experience an evening of school readiness activities, the play “D.W. Counts Down to Kindergarten,” storytelling, science exploration, art, and more. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $1, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Friday Night Video Games. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-10p.m. Teens are invited to hang out at the library and have fun on the WiiU, Playstation 3 and X-Box 360 with snacks and door prizes. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

2 Saturday Brain Building Literacy Fair. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This literacy fair aimed at toddlers through kindergarten-age kids features a musical performance, face painting, crafts, and story-time with a book to take home. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Ben Rudnick & Friends. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. See how contagious fun can be as Ben Rudnick

Josée Vanchon. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. This Quebec native transplanted to central Maine shares her rich Franco-American heritage through contemporary and traditional folksongs using guitars, spoons, clogging, and energy. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

GO BIG Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey: Legends. DCU Center, Worcester. April 22-24.

& Friends bring forth their adventurous acoustic music and lyrically humorous style for all ages. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org. Families @ WAM Tour. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m.-11a.m. Explore the Worcester Art Museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided tour, as you hear fun facts and stories while enjoying shared observation time. Free. worcesterart.org. Families @ WAM Make Art. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11a.m.11:30 a.m. Drop-in for a fun, intergenerational time in the Worcester Art Museum galleries, as you get inspired by our art and try making something uniquely yours. Free. worcesterart.org. NanoDays 2016. Museum of Science: Boston, 1 Science Park, Boston. 11a.m.-3:30 p.m. Imagine, discover, and explore a world that’s too small to see during this nationwide celebration of nanoscale science, through special presentations, hands-on activities, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $23, children $20. mos.org. Artist Toolbox Cart: Japanese Woodblock Prints. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore the tools and materials that artists use right in the gallery with knowledgeable staff available to answer your questions and discuss techniques. Free with admission. Members free;

nonmembers $24, youths ages 7 to 17 $10, children 6 and under free. mfa.org. The Good Dinosaur. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon presentation of this Disney-animated film following a lovable dinosaur through a journey with his unlikely human companion. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Children Book Day. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Come read stories, listen to story readings, create stories with characters, and make a book in celebration of International Children’s Book Day and diversity in children books. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Especially For Me! Evening for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 p.m.8:30 p.m. Join in all the fun during this special free evening for families with deaf or hard-ofhearing children when we’ll have ASL interpreters available and dinner for those involved. Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

3 Sunday Symphony Play Day. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 11 a.m.3 p.m. Join musicians from Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Project STEP, and From the Top for a fun-filled day of musical discovery and play. Free with

All Newton Music School Concert. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.3 p.m. Enjoy this special presentation from the faculty of the All Newton Music School. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Artist Visit & Book Signing with Lita Judge. Danforth Art Museum & School, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Come enjoy this visit from author and illustrator of Flight School, Lita Judge, as she presents her new book and all of its wonderful whimsy. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $11, youth under 17 free. danforthart.org. Runway Series Fashion Show. Art Reach Studio, 322 W. Boylston St., Worcester. 4 p.m. Come enjoy the work of local designers (ages 5-15) as they model the fashions they have created this spring. Free. artreachstudioafs.com.

4 Monday Kiddie Music Time with Monument Square Community Music School. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.11 a.m. Join in this interactive music and movement class highlighting percussion instruments, song, and dance. For ages 5 and under. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. MFA Playdate. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15 a.m.11 a.m. Celebrate the theme of “Pop of Color” as we enjoy story-time and looking activities in the galleries before taking up our own hands for art making. Recommended for ages 4 and younger. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $24, youths 7 to 17 $10, children 6 and under free. mfa.org. Crafternoons. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Drop-in and make a fun craft. Suggested for ages 4 to 10. Free. worcpublib.org. BAYSTATEPARENT 21

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Silver Apple Bedtime Story-Hour. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m. A program of stories, songs, and simple crafting activities to ease the family into bed. For ages 3 to 9. Register ahead. Free. morseinstitute.org.

5 Tuesday Storytime at the Museum. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Spark your child’s imagination at the Concord Museum with a morning of stories and crafts. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org. ASD Friendly Afternoon. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy this specially designed afternoon for autism spectrum disorder visitors, with a dedicated orientation room, quiet space, and limited crowding. Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

6 Wednesday

favorite series. For grades 5 and up. Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

and Graduate Ensemble Training programs. Free. oldsouthmeetinghouse.org.

9 Saturday

Once Upon a Story. Willard House and Clock Museum, 11 Willard St., North Grafton. Enjoy stories and fun activities, and see a highlighted feature of the Willard House and Clock Museum. For ages 3 and up. Register ahead. willardhouse.org.

8 Friday

Drop-in Craft Time. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop by and craft using recyclables in the afternoon. For ages 3 to 10. Free. morseinstitute.org.

7 Thursday Take Aparts, Jr. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Explore what’s inside everyday electronics and discover the workings of household gadgets and gizmos. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Baby Play. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m. Language play for caregivers and pre-walkers, using songs, rhymes, and stretches for babies and grown-ups. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Free First Wednesday. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m. Explore deCordova’s grounds and museum for free during this monthly celebration and embrace of art. Free. decordova.org.

Take Aparts. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Grab a screwdriver and discover resistors and capacitors as you uncover the inner workings of everyday electronics. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

PEEP Science Adventures: Science Everywhere. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Get outside and explore natural science concepts using handson activities and natural materials. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

STEAM Ahead. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy a storytime exploring the intersection of math, science, and the arts with children’s books and related activities. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy the Fitchburg Public Schools half-day by watching this adaptation of the seventh book of this family

Music at the Meeting House. Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston. 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m. The New England Conservatory presents this part of their concert series following performers from the prestigious Artist Diploma

Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Explore sound through singing and playing. Make music, listen, learn, and get a multisensory workout with professional musician Miss Bernadette. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Davey the Clown. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Watch an hour of entertainment that will keep kids and adults alike filled with laughter, during this show of juggling, magic, unicycling, balloon sculptures, and wacky antics. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org.

Friday Fun with Mr. Kim. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. A music and movement program sure to enliven and enrich your child. For preschoolers age 2 and up. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Laura Doherty. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11a.m. An acoustic concert of breezy folk-pop tunes from Laura Doherty’s three Parent’s Choice award-winning CDs promises to rock your kid’s world. Adults $10, children $8. natickarts.org.

Technology Petting Zoo. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 2 p.m.4 p.m. If you received a new digital toy recently, bring it by for a free troubleshooting session, or try one of our new tech toys including the Wii Mini. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Bilingual Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 11 a.m.12 p.m. Stories, songs, and activities in English and Spanish. Recommended for ages 6 and under. Free. worcpublib.org.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop-in and craft a kite in honor of National Kite Month, experiment with a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, as you create a one-of-a-kind kite. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Animanga Club. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Watch anime, eat cool Japanese snacks, color manga pages, and bond with other otaku. For ages 11 and up. Register ahead. Free. morseinstitute.org.

Arms and Armor Demonstrations. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn all about different kinds of arms and armor used by knights and soldiers from Roman soldiers to Medieval kings. Saturdays. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, ages 3 and under free. worcesterart.org. Boston Children’s Chorus. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. A choral concert performance by 50 children ranging in ages from 7 to 18 and transcending the social barriers of race, religion, and socioeconomic status. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

For more events, visit baystateparent.com Summer 2016

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Public Sculpture Park Tour. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1 p.m. Join a museum guide for a dynamic walking tour of the Sculpture Park for a hands-on experience and fruitful insight into the artwork housed at deCordova. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org. Family Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Bring your family out to enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that help foster a love of books and reading to your child. Recommended for ages 6 and under. Free. worcpublib.org. Greek Mythology Night. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Celebrate your favorite Greek gods with food, games, and a movie about a half-god who has 12 labors to perform. For ages 13 and up. Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

10 Sunday Rossini’s Cinderella. Symphony Hall, 301 Mass Ave., Boston. 12 p.m. & 3 p.m. The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras and the Boston Symphony Orchestra collaborate to present a special family version of Rossini’s Cinderella featuring musicians of the BYSO, members of BSO, and professional vocal soloists. For ages 6+. Tickets: $25 for adults, $7 for children 6-18. bso.org. Rock Off Main Street. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 1 p.m. This all-ages show provides a venue for local teen and young adult bands in this region to take their eclectic mix of music out of their basement and on to the stage. $8. natickarts.org. Hands-On History. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. An afternoon designed for kids and families to learn together through hands-on demonstrations. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org. New England Philharmonic. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 2 p.m. A live performance by some of the best musicians in the area, then meet the instruments of the orchestra. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Jiyoung Jeoung Concert. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. A masterful solo piano concert by Jiyoung Jeoung. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

11 Monday Clay Metamorphosis. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.-

11 a.m. Wee Ones Art Studio uses air-dry clay to teach children to sculpt caterpillars, cocoons, and butterflies. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. Hexbugs. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Create Habitats for your environmentally reactive robotic Hexbug to do battle and race in across two sessions. For ages 5 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Pajama Time Yoga. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Join us for Pajama Time Yoga and Relaxation, as children are guided through an imaginative yoga session that teaches relaxing techniques through musical flows and story. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. In the Heart of the Sea. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6:30 p.m.-8:35 p.m. A dramatic adaptation of Nathaniel Philbrick’s historical novel about the harrowing high-seas encounter that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. West Side Story. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7 p.m. This winner of 10 Academy Awards spryly reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet in New York City, directly from its Broadway stage production. Adults $12, children $10. coolidge.org.

12 Tuesday Make a MESS: Pasta Stained Glass. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Make your own stained glass artwork using colored shapes of pasta, before we let the spring sunshine shine in. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Toddler Tuesdays. Legoland Discovery Center: Boston, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy this special event geared toward the youngest of Lego fans featuring special toddler activities and story time in our Duplo Farm area. Free with admission. Adults $16, children ages 3 to 5 $14, children 2 and under free. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/boston. iToddlers. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11a.m.-11:30 a.m. Watch and listen to a story, sing a song, and play an instrument, as you and your toddler get introduced to technology. For ages up to 4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Try It Out Tuesday. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Provide your expert opinion and help us prototype a new idea, program, or exhibit component during this participatory shaping of our

future programs and spaces. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

game. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Emerald Haiku Workshop. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.5:30 p.m. Celebrate National Poetry Month and Earth Day Month and create “green” haikus about the earth, nature, animals, and more. For grades 3 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Teen Gallery Opening for Newton South High School. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. The opening reception of A Snapshot of Newton South Arts features art works by students from Newton South High School. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

The Wizard of Oz. Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston. 7 p.m. Enjoy the classics plus new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber in this musical production. Performances through April 24. Tickets start at $35. citicenter.org.

Endless Abilities. Museum of Science: Boston, 1 Science Park, Boston. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. This presentation from the ReelAbilities Film Festival explores four best friends as they drive across the country in search of adaptive sports for individuals with physical disabilities. Recommended for grades 9 to 12. Register ahead. Free. mos.org.

13 Wednesday Preschool Story Time. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about the life of a sheep and how they are cared for at Gore Place, as we read books about sheep and make wooly crafts. For ages 3 and 4. Register ahead. Member children $5, nonmember children $10. goreplace.org. Storytime Outdoors. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10:30 a.m.11 a.m. In this special story-time we step outside and make the story come alive with an active

14 Thursday PEEP Science Adventures: Parts and Wholes. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11a.m. Draw your own jigsaw puzzle, create your beautiful whole, then have fun breaking it into parts and putting it back together again. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Read to Your Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

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10 a.m.-11 a.m. Bring your child during this special storytime incorporating Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play musical instruments. For ages 12 to 24 months. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. Toddler Time. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and stretches for toddlers and grown-ups together. For walkers under age 2. Register ahead. Free. morseinstitute.org. Classroom Cantata. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 12:30 p.m. A special concert as children from four local schools sing music of their own composition. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Puppet Pals. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Songs, stories, crafts, and, of course, lots of puppet friends during this interactive storytime. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Nature Art Earth Day. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day through this exhibition of nature-based art, a presentation of photos and videos, and a workshop on how to make nature-based wind chimes. Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

24 APRIL2016

Cambridge Science Festival @ The MIT Museum. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A week-long festival that highlights the discovery and the impact of science and technology in all of our lives, through a range of science-related programs, including hands-on interactive activities, workshops, and behind the scene tours. Through the 24th. Free with admission. Adults $10, children ages 5 and up $5, children under 5 free. mit.edu/museum. Make It and Take It. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Drop-in to spend quality time with your children and schmooze with other patrons as we craft, read a book, and relax. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Make a MESS: Squishy Circuits. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Squish and sculpt as you explore some simply circuitry and discover the conductive properties of a childhood favorite, Play-Doh. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Pajama Party in PlaySpace. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 7:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Toddlers, their older siblings, and the young at heart are invited to wear their pajamas for games, songs, and picture-stories. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $1, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

16 Saturday Be*Tween. Crown Plaza, 1360 Worcester St., Natick. 9 a.m. A full day of spa, fun, fashion, expert speakers, empowerment, and information for girls 8-12 and their mothers. Tween spa session, 9 a.m.-noon. Fashion show/expo noon-5 p.m. Tickets start at $35. nobleexpos.com. Family Farm Fest. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Young and old are invited to celebrate spring with the arrival of baby animals and the prepping of our fields during this event filled with farmyard games, bluegrass music, and more. Through the 24th. Free with admission. Adults $28, youths 3 to 17 $26, children age 2 and under free. osv.org. Central MA Science Festival. 365 Lindell Ave., Leominster. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Put on your lab coat and join us in celebrating STEAM and community! Our Central MA Science Festival offers a variety of STEAM-related activities, including demonstrations, exhibitions, and workshops. Explore our Robot Zoo, Lego building, NAO Robot, planetarium, 3-D printing, beekeeping, coding, aviation projects, augmented reality sandbox, science art, and much more. Free. centralmasciencefestival.org. Star Wars Day. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Star Wars fans of all ages are invited to dress as their favorite Star Wars character and join Jedi Knights and Imperial Stormtroopers at WAM for a day of Force-full fun. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, ages 3 and under free. worcesterart.org. Shaun the Sheep. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. A funny, inventive movie from the minds of Wallace & Gromit, as Shaun the Sheep and his friends go on an epic rescue mission for their farmer in the big city. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $8, children $6. coolidge.org. Family Yoga Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Enjoy this opportunity to chuck the to-do list and enjoy an hour of fun, learning, and connection with your loved ones as we use coopera-

For more events, visit baystateparent.com

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! tive games, age-appropriate poses, and simple mindfulness activities and breathing exercises to relax. Designed for ages 3 to 12. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Sit-With-Me Story and Craft. Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Natick. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Drop in for story and craft time for families with children ages 3 to 9. Free. morseinstitute.org. Massachusetts Reptiles with Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a unique opportunity to see some of our scaled and shelled friends up close with a naturalist from the Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Science Carnival and Robot Zoo. Cambridge Public Library, Broadway, Cambridge. 12 p.m.4 p.m. See, touch, smell, hear, and taste science in new and exciting ways as you experience a Carnival of the Sciences and engage with a series of the best in the science industry. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org. Revolution War Living History. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Visit the company of Captain David Brown — the Concord Minutemen who fought at the North Bridge in 1775 — as you watch musket demonstrations, cartridge rolling, cooking, and other preparations for battle. Free. concordmuseum.org. Special Storytime: Micha Archer. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 p.m. Celebrate National Poetry Month with author and illustrator Micha Archer as she shares her recent book, Daniel Finds a Poem. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org. Finding Nemo. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Enjoy this awardwinning Pixar film and family favorite following the dual stories of a young clown fish separated from his home, and his father searching for him across the ocean. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Critter Day: Creature Teachers. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Learn about all kinds of creatures, from the familiar to the exotic, in this exciting presentation. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Especially For Me! ASD Evening. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join in all the fun and explore both muse-

ums during this special evening for families with children on the autism spectrum, with dinner provided, and a music therapist from Indian Hill Music School. Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

17 Sunday Lego Zone. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Bring your imagination as we supply the Legos. Try your hand at one of our Lego challenges or build your own unique vision to add to our community display. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Science Club for Girls Media Team Film Screening. MIT Room 10-250, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Join the Media Team from Science Club for Girls as they explore Astronomy and Astrobiology in their own “Bill Nye the Science Guy”-style film. Come by to learn about life on Mars, perform your own try-this-at-home experiment, and interview the filmmakers. Light refreshments will be provided. Free. Intro to Web Development for Girls & Moms (or Aunts, Grandmas, Big Sisters, etc.) Cambridge Public Library Computer Lab, 449 Broadway, Cambridge. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Come to this hands-on workshop with the Women’s Coding Collective and learn about HTML and CSS — the building blocks of every site on the Internet. For girls and women ages 10+, must sign up as a team of two. Free. Pre-registration required at htmlforgirls.eventbrite.com

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Patriots’ Day. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy patriotic crafts, try on colonial clothing, and explore the Museum’s outstanding collections of objects that were witness to the events of April 1775, including the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” lantern. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org. Steampunk Art & Design Workshop. Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, Moody St., Waltham. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Steampunk designer extraordinaire Bruce Rosenbaum and fellow artisans will teach you how to bring history to life in ways bound only by your imagination. The Museum’s iconic artifacts will serve as inspiration as the group steampunks the American Industrial Revolution. $25. Ages 14+. Pre-registration required at charlesrivermuseum. org/steampunk-design-workshop-adventure

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Patriots’ Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Watch as militia musters on the common on Patriots’ Day, as we invite visitors to experience the sights and sounds of our colonial ancestors reacting with hasty alarm to action, enjoy songs sun, watch real musket balls being made, and more. Free with admission. Adults $28, youths 3 to 17 $14, children ages 2 and under free. osv.org. Land of the Giants. Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. Find some of the biggest trees in our neighborhood. Help measure and compare the sizes of truly tree-mendous trees, including a 200-year-old oak tree. Free. Ages 6+. Nature walk. Pre-registration required at bit.ly/ LandoftheGiants. Meet the Scientists. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Find out what it is like to be a scientist and discover why they find science cool through hands-on activities with real scientists. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. MIT Solar Car Shop Tour. Edgerton Shop behind the MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Come see MIT’s Solar Electric Vehicle Team, a student team that designs, builds, and races solar cars. Come see our car and where we build it. Free.

19 Tuesday Tree of Life Painting. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn how to recreate Austrian Art Nouveau Artist Gustav Klimt’s painting ‘The Tree of Life’ with art educator Linnea Romhanyi. For ages 8 to 12. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. Tinytropolis. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit the Mini City with a Big Future as we design, build, and explore a mini city constructed completely out of cardboard and creativity. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Cardboard Automata: Mechanical Toys. Maud Morgan Arts, 20A Sacramento St., Cambridge. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Using rough and ready materials to create small, kinetic sculptures that bounce, bob, spin, wiggle and wobble, artist Kim Bernard will lead this playful hands-on workshop and introduce makers to the various ways of bringing motion into 3-D design. Parents and their kids will work side by side to build simple mechanisms such as cams and levers and linkages. Free. Pre-register at cardboardautomata-mma-psr.eventbrite.com. Johnny Fireseed and the Junkyard Dogs. John F Kennedy Presidential Library and

Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. Celebrate Earth Day through whimsical music and an upbeat eco-message, and learn how to make your own instruments from recycled and repurposed items you can find around the house. Register ahead. Free. jfklibrary.org. Matt Heaton Family Singalong. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Join the Toddlerbilly Troubadour through his infectious energy this family favorite concert, peppered with wellknown- and soon-to-be classics, performed on guitar and banjo. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Data & Network Science Festival. Boston University, Science Center, 590 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Data and network science aims to solve some of the most complex problems facing our society today. In this series of discussions and workshops for teens, families, and educators, learn to see the world around you in a whole new way… through the lenses of data and networks! Free. Register at bu.edu/ networks/?p=684 Kites in Flight. Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St, Cambridge. 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals that make a kite fly and how to execute them with precision and success. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org.

Alejandro’s Olde Tyme Magik Showe. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Magician Andrew Pinard presents his one-man standup show with an emphasis on audience participation, visual magic, and physical comedy guaranteed to enchant and amuse the whole family. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. STEAM Maker Inventions. Trapelo Road at Pleasant St., Belmont. 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Make innovative toys and devices, such as polymer balls, micro-robots, sound and LED gizmos, and green chemistry products for improved health,. All innovations inspired and supported by science researchers at Harvard, MIT, and UMass Amherst. Take home two of your designs. $8 per family. cambridgesciencefestival.org. STEM Exploration Party. Lesley University, University Hall, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd floor, Cambridge. 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Families with children age preK-grade 2 are invited to visit the Lesley University science labs to enjoy activities that will delight and astound! Elementary science teachers will provide hands-on explorations about how the world works. Children and parents can choose activities with plants, animals, water, rocks, engineering design, technology and more. Limited to 60 participants. Free. Grades pre-K – 2. Pre-registration required at bit.ly/STEMparty419

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! MIT Nano Observatory. 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building 24, Room 041, Cambridge. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Join us in exploring the Nanoworld! Here, tiny things reveal their superpowers. You and a group of excited scientists will use real tools and experiments to discover the super power of nano. Free. Pre-registration required at nano-day.mit.edu. Editing the Genome: Now We Can. Should We? Museum of Science: Boston, 1 Science Park, Boston. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Learn about the techniques, benefits and risks associated with geneediting and share your opinion about potential real-world applications. Recommended for grades 10 to 12. Register ahead. Free. mos.org.

20 Wednesday Dance and Movement Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10 a.m.10:45 a.m. Join the Joanne Langione Dance Center as it presents a music and movement class for toddlers and preschoolers. For ages 2 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. techXplore Workshop. 372 Main Street, Suite 3, Watertown. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Explore a world of mind-blowing and friendly technology without having to travel to a galaxy far, far away. In the Eduporium TechXplore Room, cool tech will land right in the palm of your hand! Create your own learning adventures and sample anything from scintillating circuits to rowdy robotics! Our best stuff is all in one place and we want you to try some out-of-this-world education technology. Free. Registration recommended at eduporium. com/techxplore-workshop Toddler Time on the Farm. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Help out with the farm work by planting seeds, watering raised beds, and picking vegetables while learning about our farm animals. For age 2. Register ahead. Member children $5, nonmember children $10. goreplace.org. Backyard and Beyond: Go Fly a Kite. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come celebrate Fly a Kite Month, as we make and decorate our own simple kites. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Zoombinis and the Art and Science of STEM Games. TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Play STEM-infused games like Zoombinis, Ravenous, Quantum Spectre, and Impulse. Meet the game designers and learn how they are inspired by science and technology. For students in grades 3-8 and their families. Free. RSVP required to contactus@ terc.edu. Your Life as an Ant. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 1 p.m.-2:30

p.m. & 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Come imagine having been hatched from an egg with your mother the queen and having to live in a cave as you explore the life of an ant during our hands-on workshops. For grades 2 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org. Sailing Science: Robotic Sailing & Environmental Science at Community Boating, Inc. Community Boating Boathouse, 21 David G Mugar Way, Boston. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Can you program a model sailboat to sail on its own? We think you can! Come try out our fleet of boats, see how the sensors, motors, and Arduino mini-computer work, and write some code of your own. Free. Ages 11-18. cambridgesciencefestival.org. Art for April Vacation: Sculpting the Lawn. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Come explore how sculpture takes form, as we shape the grass blades to our liking while creating turf sculptures. Designed for ages 5 to 12. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org. Alice in Wonderland. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy this presentation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale presented by The Hampstead Stage, as Alice uses her imagination to create the incredible. Recommended for grade K to 8. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Workshop: Coding and Game Development. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. This is your chance to be an artist, sound designer, programmer, and storyteller. Bring a parent/ guardian to this workshop to learn how to build a game together using StarLogo Nova, an online tool that lets you create and share 3D games. Creativity is more important than past programming experience for this course. Students must be accompanied by an adult/parental guardian. $10 per participant (includes Museum admission). Ages 8+. Pre-registration required at web. mit.edu/museum/programs/festival.html. Stories Under the Stars. Museum of Science: Boston, 1 Science Park, Boston. 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Come to the Charles Hayden Planetarium for an evening of live storytelling, radio, and music under the stars. Recommended for grades 10 to 12 and adults. $12. mos.org.

21 Thursday Spider Super Heroes! Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Come meet some spider superheroes. They can jump huge distances, weave intricate webs, live underwater, change colors, or be mistaken for jewels. Forget your fears as you explore the fascinating ways spiders live. Leave with a self-designed superhero spider. For Grades

GO INVESTIGATE Meet the Scientists. Science Discovery Museum, Acton. April 18

1-4. Free. Workshop. Registration required at hmnh.harvard.edu/calendar/upcoming/eventaudience/Kids 3D Printing with Toys in A Box Associates. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 1 p.m.-2 p.m. & 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Learn how a 3D printer works, and then use it to make a small, 3D multi-colored object to take home. For ages 8 to 12. Free. leominsterlibary.org. Art for April Vacation: Sound Garden. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1 p.m.- 3p.m. Inspired by Paul Matisse’s Musical Fence, we will create a field of sounds, a nursery of notes from found objects to our bodies. Designed for ages 5 to 12. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org. littleBits DIY Club. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Come enjoy these easy-to-use electronic building blocks that empower students to understand the world around them and create inventions that transform it. For ages 9 to 12. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

22 Friday Earth Day Makerspace Mash Up: Aquarium Alive! Lesley University Makerspace, Room 2-027, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge. 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Transform a makerspace into an interactive aquarium. Program a sea creature, record aquatic soundscapes, and swim with an underwater animal. Participants will interact with robotics, recording equipment, and green screen technology. For students grades K-5. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/lesleyaquarium

Party for the Planet. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day at Franklin Park Zoo as we learn about the incredible animals that call the Zoo home as well as ways that everyone can contribute to a healthy planet. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $20, children ages 2 to 12 $13, children under 2 free. zoonewengland.org. Earth Day Nature Walk with Clare Walker Leslie. Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Local naturalist, author, educator Clare Walker Leslie will lead a Nature Walk for all ages around Mount Auburn Cemetery. We will look for budding trees and flowers, returning birds, the hiding places for chipmunks and rabbits, and the resident hawks and owls in trees above. Free. Event limited to 40 participants. Pre-registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/nature-walkwith-clare-walker-leslie-tickets-20125187979. Imagine Boston with Lego Bricks. BSA Space, 290 Congress Street, Boston. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. What might the City of Boston look like in 2030? Come explore urban design and architecture as you design a new building for the future of Boston using Lego Bricks. Free. Workshop. Registration required at bit.ly/ImagineBoston422 Rocks and Minerals Walk. Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Sandstone, marble, and granite: Discover some of the hundreds of rock and mineral types that make up the beautiful monuments and structures at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Suitable for age 6 and up. Event limited to 40 BAYSTATEPARENT 27

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! participants. Free. Ages 6+. Pre-registration is required at bit.ly/RocksMinerals422 Special Storytime: Steve Light. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 p.m. Follow a young scalawag with a peg-leg as he sets out to help his captain repair his vessel, as performed by author Steve Light. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6. carlemuseum.org. Art for April Vacation: Rock Sculpture Gardens. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1 p.m.3 p.m. Come explore what it would be like if gardens grew stones instead of greenery, as you arrange pebbles and stones on the ground and into sculptures. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org. Earth Day Makerspace Mash Up: Robotics, Recyclables & Stop Motion. Lesley University Makerspace, Room 2-027, 1815 Mass Ave., Cambridge. 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Have you ever made a robot out of trash? Want to create your own stop motion animation? Participants will program Lego WeDo and EV3 robotics, interact with littleBits components, and animate using iPads. Free. For Grades 6-12. Preregistration required at bit.ly/lesleyrobotcsf16 Live Music Performance: From the Top Arts Leader. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 6 p.m. & 6:45 p.m. Come enjoy musicians from the radio show From the Top utilizing talented and passionate young musicians who share their love for music and their instruments. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey: Legends. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7 p.m. Unimaginable family fun as amazing performers and animals from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength, and thrills of wonder. Tickets start at $10. Performances through Sunday. dcucenter.com. Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” Agganis Arena. 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 7 p.m. Get up and get moving with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and all of your favorite Sesame Street friends in this Broadway-style musical production. Tickets start at $18, performances through Sunday. agganisarena.com.

23 Saturday Birding at Fruitlands. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 7 a.m.-10 a.m. Join us on the Fruitlands landscape as we look for local residents and early arrivals including Blue-winged Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, and Bluebirds. Free. fruitlands.org.

MIT Open House. MIT Campus, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Come Explore MIT is a day-long, campuswide open house. For a complete list of activities and a map of locations, go to mit2016.mit. edu/events/openhouse. Dive into activities in architecture, engineering, aeronautics, visual and performing arts, science, biotechnology, business, energy and the environment, transportation, humanities, and the history and culture of MIT. cambridgesciencefestival.org. Art, Science & the Body. Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Investigate the science of taste, build your own

bionic finger, complete a human circuit, and more at this free, interactive event. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org. Science on State Street. Framingham State University, 100 State St., Framingham. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learners of all ages engage in exciting science and engineering explorations hosted on Framingham State University’s campus. Activities include hands-on experiences in biology, chemistry, physics, food science, robotics and engineering, featured presentations by FSU faculty and invited scientists, conversations and performances that explore the interaction between science and the arts, and stunning HD

planetarium programs. Free. framingham.edu/ academics/science-on-state-street/ WAVES: Wicked Awesome Ventures into Exciting Science. Quincy Center for Innovation, 180 Old Colony Ave., Quincy. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. WAVES will engage kids in two events including a Student Science Showcase and a Science Fun House. The showcase will demonstrate hands-on and innovative approaches to science by kids and for kids. The science fun house includes many activities from biotechnology games, writing interactive stories, science of sports and games, Lego activities, recycling games, nature studies, gem stones, and more! Free. Register at southshorescience.org.

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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! signing and talks during a day filled with Junk Rethunk projects, as the museum welcomes this visiting artist. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrenmuseum.org.

25 Monday

Photo by Bill Gallery

Accordion Books. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10 a.m.-11a.m. Come create your own keepsake book using decorative papers for the cover using origami-style folding techniques for the inside pages. For ages 3 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leomisnterlibrary.org.

GO JAM KidsJam. Boston Children’s Museum. April 29.

Rocket Day. Danehy Park, Sherman Street, Cambridge. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Build and launch rockets with Parts & Crafts and The Inventor Mentor! The rockets, powered only by water and compressed air, can reach heights of over 300 feet and accelerate to speeds approaching 200mph. Rocket designs will use empty soda bottles or card stock and foam board. Also, build parachutes, launch stuffed toys into the air and watch them float back to earth. Note: Please bring at least one empty 2-liter or 1-liter soda bottle and a tennis ball to participate. Weatherdependent. Free. cambridgesciencefestival.org. Art Lessons with Bayda. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn how to make Zen Paintings through these lightly structured but highly informative morning activity. For ages 7 to 12. worcpublib.org. Science Can DANCE! Harvard Museum of Science & Culture, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Gique’s Science Can Dance program provides youth with a way to explore science, technology, and engineering through creative movement and dance choreography. Each workshop is led by local dancers who are also scientists and engineers. The event ends with a final dance performance where participants show off the science concepts they learned throughout the day and their new dance moves. Free. Ages 10-14. Registration required at eventbrite. com/e/science-can-dance-tickets-21244933167 Cambridge Explores the Universe. HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Become an astronomer for a day! Enjoy hands-on activities, telescope tours, ask-an-astronomer booths, and 30 APRIL2016

solar observing. Find out the latest discoveries about the Sun, exoplanets, black holes and more, and take your own telescope images using our robotic telescopes. Free. Drop-in. cambridgesciencefestival.org. GRAPE: Grandchildren/Grandparent Robot Assistant Programming Extravaganza. Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. A new exciting robot programming party for grandchildren (ages 8-12) and grandparents. We provide the robots and tools; you bring your creativity, curiosity, and grandparent. Learn robot programming, identify a problem, and create a solution during this interactive activity. Free. Ages 8-12 with grandparent. Pre-registration required at http://goo.gl/forms/SVyEEZgPql Enchanted. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.-3:50 p.m. Watch as a Disney princess leaps from her animated world to midtown Manhattan and her true-love Prince searches to find her. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

24 Sunday Backyard and Beyond: Backyard Birding. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Do some backyard birding with us to see if you can spot any returning birds as they migrate home from a winter away. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Brian Yanish Junk Rethunk. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. Come enjoy a book

Sophisticated Stories. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7:30 p.m.-8:15 p.m. Enjoy cool, strange, weird, and wacky picture books that prove that story-time is not precluded by age. For grades 3 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

26 Tuesday Make a MESS: Spin Art. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Make a one-of-a-kind art piece by dripping, spinning, and watching the colors whirl. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Celebrate DNA Day. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Honor National DNA Day as you explore the completion of the Human Genome Project and the discovery of the double helix by making your very own strawberry DNA necklace. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Read with Hank. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Come drop-in to read to Therapy Dogs International’s Hank the Dog, perfectly suited to proficient readers or those who may make a few mistakes—Hank won’t mind. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

27 Wednesday Backyard and Beyond: Great Hill Exploration. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Explore some of the trails that wind through the wooded 184 acres of the Great Hill Conservation Land with museum staff. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. ARTfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fill your day with art and play through experiences in deCordova’s 30-acre Sculpture Park with a unique opportunity to engage with art, books, materials, the environment, and new friends. For ages 2 to 5.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, children 12 and under free. decordova.org. Puppet Lab. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Join the library during this puppet making workshop. For ages 6 to 8. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

28 Thursday Make a MESS: Snip and Tear. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11a.m. 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 $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Bilingual Storytime: French. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in for a specially designed story-time featuring stories, songs, and movement in English and French. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Morse Library Poetry Slam. TCAN: Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 5 p.m. Join the Morse Institute Library for an evening of fast-paced competitive poetry, inviting local poets to the stage to share their original work for a chance to win prizes and take the title for their age category. Free. morseinstitute.org.

29 Friday 29th Annual Sheep-Shearing Festival. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy this outdoor farm festival featuring demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving, and gardening, amongst a large crafts fair, live entertainment, historic demonstrators, food, games, and farm animals. Adults $20, children 12 and under free. goreplace.org. Everyday Engineering: Straw Structures. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Engage in some everyday engineering as you construct and create with repurposed and recycled materials, as we explore shapes, structures, and so much more with the help of just straws and pipe cleaners. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. KidsJam. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Join in on this all-ages dance party, featuring a live DJ, dance lessons, and games. Members free, nonmembers $1, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

30 Saturday Family Discovery Day: All About Art. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd.,

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Harvard. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate art and your creative spirit during this family-friendly art extravaganza, as you see creative endeavors from talented teens, explore materials and techniques found in the exhibition, and explore the walking trails. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, children ages 5 to 13 $6, children under 5 free. fruitlands.org. Typewriter Poetry. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Come celebrate National Poetry month. Have someone write a poem just for you, free and on the spot, and then have it typed up on typewriters. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net. Children’s Book Day. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Read stories, listen to story readings, create stories with characters, and make a book in celebration of International Children’s Book Day and diversity in children books. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Hunger Games Mockingjay: Part 2. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m.4:30 p.m. Watch the conclusion of the globalphenomenon as Katniss Everdeen stakes her claim as the leader of District 13 and commands the revolution against the brutal dictatorship of President Snow. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Your Event + Our Calendar = Awesome Want your event listed in our comprehensive monthly listing of Massachusetts family fun? Send the details to editor@baystateparent.com by the first week of the month. For example, May events should be submitted by the first week of April.

FAMILY FUN in Scarborough, Maine BY PAULA MONETTE ETHIER Black Point Inn (blackpointinn.com) is located at Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine, just minutes from Portland. This historic oceanfront inn was built in 1878. It has gone through extensive renovations throughout its history but has preserved its character with original wall covering, paintings and antiques. This grand inn offers 25 guest rooms and suites filled with New England charm and character from years gone by, but with all of today’s amenities. The impressive lobby offers the comforts of a roaring fire, a baby grand piano, and indoor and outdoor porches filled with games and books for guests to enjoy. More impressive is the breathtaking view of the ocean from almost everywhere you look.

nothing at all and just relax and enjoy the incredible ocean views. If you are more of an adventurer here is a sampling of nearby activities: • Nonesuch Oyster Farm Tour. Join the captain and her crew aboard their work boats, tour an oyster farm, and take a lesson in shucking oysters.

for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can eat in or outside on the porch at this casual pub-style dining room. The Point Restaurant serves dinner daily and carries a formal atmosphere. It is quiet and requires business casual attire. Both restaurants offer traditional American/ seafood fare with specials changing seasonally. Reservations are encouraged at both. The Inn has many amenities to offer such as:

• Coffee, tea and pastries served daily, as well as afternoon tea. • Complimentary cocktail hour on Mondays • Live jazz on Tuesdays • Complimentary wine tasting on Wednesdays • Beer tasting on Thursdays

• Fitness Center • Complimentary Internet • Salt water geothermal heated outdoor pool • Complimentary bicycles (for adults) • Access to two beaches within a very short walk. Ferry Beach and Prouts Neck Beach Club. • Stroll the one-mile self guided Cliff Walk. • Kayaks are available in season • Yoga every other Thursday begin ning mid-May, weather permitting • Golf and tennis at Prouts Neck Country Club (fee) • In-room massages (fee)

There are two dining options located at the Inn. The Chart Room is open

There is plenty to do to keep yourselves entertained or you can do

The lobby also offers:

• Bicycle Tour: Explore the coastline by bicycle in this guided five–hour bike ride down and back up the coast featuring numerous lighthouses. A picnic lunch is provided. • Maine Foodie Tour: Indulge in Portland’s culinary scene with this 2 1/2 hour walking tour while sampling some of the best local delights. Learn about the colorful local history and people unique to the “Port City.” • Maine Brew Bus Tour: Tour three local breweries with transportation on the Maine Brew Bus. The tour includes admission and samples at each location. The Inn and the surrounding area are great places for a family vacation. The Inn is open from Mother’s Day weekend through October.

SCHOOL VACATION FUN

CLAWS, PAWS, SCALES & TALES

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Vote for your Favorite

Mommy & Me Photo April 1 thru April 15

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ADVENTURE AWAITS

LAND, AIR & SEA:

Top Family Travel Tips From the Pros Ingenious hacks and advice to add fun and reduce stress while on the road BY MICHELLE PERRAS-CHARRON

amily travel can be carloads of fun, but it can just as easily morph into a stressful event for all involved. This month’s school break and summer on the horizon afford families the opportunity to roam outside the Commonwealth, but travelers beware — there are some common mistakes/pitfalls to be had when traveling with kids. Though small in scope, these mistakes have the ability to make or break a vacation.

By Air “The #1 problem is traveling with way too much stuff,” says American Airlines Flight Attendant Jennifer Brissette. “I get it, you want to keep the child entertained, but in this case — less is more.” Brissette says she sees it all too often: parents struggling with multiple bags and children in tow. Instead, she recommends each traveler simply have a small backpack (which will fit nicely under the airplane seat), to be accessed whenever needed. Avoid packing children’s backpacks too heavy; that way children can carry the packs themselves. Otherwise, parents will likely end up toting multiple packs through the airport. For example, if your child likes to read, pack paperbacks, not hardcover books, 44 APRIL2016

she says. Based out of Dallas-Ft. Worth, Brissette has nearly 21 years under her belt as a flight attendant with American Airlines; she also has a 5-year-old son. For these reasons, she is a treasure trove of knowledge on air travel dos and don’ts. Another common mistake she often sees: parents not packing enough snacks for the kids during the flight. Be sure to bring plenty, she advises. Flights can get held on the tarmac for weather and other issues, which can lead to a family being stuck on that aircraft longer than planned. “It’s no-frills on airplanes now,” she cautions. “Don’t count on food being left when we get to your row, or even edible food for the kids.” The same applies for diapers — bring diapers if your child still wears them. While she mostly sees this problem on international flights, Brissette has had parents request diapers on domestic flights as well, and flight attendants simply do not have them to hand out. Ear pain during descent is a common problem for children when flying. Brissette suggests Skittles. During one flight, she met a mom who brought Skittles for her son to chew during descent. The sticky candy gets stuck in kids’ teeth, causing children to keep swallowing while they eat. If your child is old enough to consume these safely,

this can help relieve pain caused by altitude changes, when unequal pressures develop on either side of the eardrum. Brissette notes flight attendants also love sippy cups because they prevent unnecessary spills on the plane. All it takes is one kick of a child’s foot to the tray table and all bets are off for those wide-mouth airline cups. “If you bring a sippy cup, I will fill it with whatever you want,” she says, adding that parents should bring them through security empty. She also mentions that it is perfectly fine to bring bottled water through security — it only takes an additional 5 minutes of TSA screening to do so. Bringing toys on board to help entertain kids is fine, Brissette says, yet she cautions parents against anything with small pieces, such as Legos, as these often end up sliding right off the tray table and under somebody else’s seat. At that point, nobody is happy. Instead, Brissette recommends handheld games, magnetic games, a coloring book with 3 to 4 crayons, and of course, the iPad, which she describes as a game-changer in the world of air travel. “Most parents are bringing them,” she notes. “Kids are really entertained by them and it has really simplified flying for many families.” Be sure to bring headphones if you

plan to bring an iPad or similar electronic device for your child to use during the flight. The crew may not have headphones for your child, and if they do, they may not have enough for everyone who wants them. Headphones are a must, according to Brissette, adding it’s simply a matter of common courtesy to others on the flight. “I’ve seen parents who are reluctant to turn the sound down,” she adds, despite nearby passengers becoming more and more agitated. Another big, yet all-too-common mistake moms and dads make: stressing out over a crying baby. “When babies cry, do not stress. It’s natural,” Brissette says. “Don’t worry about people around you. Take care of your child and be present with them. As long as you’re involved and trying, people understand.” Brissette says that for the most part, flight attendants really try to take care of their passengers and help them have a good flight. “When I board the plane, I want to have a great flight,” she adds. Here’s Brissette’s pre-flight checklist for parents. Remember, less is more: • Snacks • Diapers, if child still wears them • Headphones • Toys, no small pieces • Blanket/comfort item • Use the bathroom in the airport

(it’s likely cleaner than the airplane bathroom). Stacylee Aylward, experienced traveler and mother of three in Southington, CT, shares one last mistake parents tend to make: booking a late flight thinking the kids will sleep during it. Don’t count on that, she says. “I thought I was so smart to fly at night,” Aylward says. “But what really happened was that when everyone else wanted to sleep, the kids were loud. At least if you fly during the day, the loudness is not so noticeable. Everyone on the plane planned on getting a good night’s sleep, so they were not happy.”

the way, they see the sights, participate in trade/craft shows, and volunteer their time toward disaster relief. “For us, the journey is more of an adventure than the destination itself,” she says. She recommends families try to enjoy the process of a road trip rather than making it a mad dash to a particular destination, adding it’s

a building platform. The high sides keep small pieces in check while the attached baseplate allows kids to build their newest masterpiece while in the car traveling. And, of course, it fits nicely in their lap! For food, Ticknor recommends each child have their own water bottle on long car rides. The bottles can be filled along the way, as no parent likes to dole out money for

Admittedly, I am not a pro, but after taking four children between the ages of 2 and 13 on a four-hourlong whale-watching adventure last summer, I feel compelled to impart a couple of quick tips for parents who may be planning a similar day trip by sea. Bring your own healthy snacks for the kids. Yes, boats in the business of tours may serve up burgers and fries as well as sugary drinks below deck in the enclosed lounge, and while this may sound like a great idea, it does not always bode well for the open waters. The heavy, greasy food, not to mention the sugary drinks, can quickly make little ones feel unwell. Sit outside on the open decks. It gets cold on a boat with the wind rushing by, even in the middle of summer. However, simply dress appropriately and opt to sit outside anyhow. Sitting indoors seems appealing, but one peek into the indoor lounge on our way back to land revealed many seasick travelers, many of whom had spent a good deal of time in the indoor lounge or partook in the burgers and fries. Enough said. If you’re still concerned about seasickness, purchase over-thecounter anti-nausea tablets and have everyone who is old enough take one prior to boarding the boat. Side note: They can make little ones drowsy, especially in combination with a rocking boat.

By Land Dana Ticknor knows a thing or two about being on the road with children. Ticknor, the mother of 12 children, has spent the past sixplus years on the road full-time in her family’s RV, with eight of her 12 children traveling with her. With her husband Vaughn and the kids, Ticknor traverses the United States eight months of the year with their 42-foot travel trailer in tow. Along

Photo Courtesy Dana Ticknor

By Water

Dana Ticknor and husband Vaughn have spent the past six-plus years on the road full-time in their RV, with eight of their 12 children along for the adventure. important to make fun stops along the way. For example, stop at an interesting restaurant, one in which you may not normally dine. Perhaps let the kiddos do research prior to the trip and let them choose stops and things to do along the route. “Let everyone have some input into the trip, then they’re invested in the trip,” Ticknor says. She shares great travel tips for parents regarding everything from toys, to food, to souvenirs — things she’s learned along the way during her time on the road with the kids. “Our favorite things to take in the car are metal cookie sheets,” she notes. She explains that because they’re metal, magnetic toys will not fall off and get lost. Also, the flat surface provides ample room for coloring, building Legos, or playing dice/ cards. The small to medium-size sheets fit nicely in kids’ laps, and everyone can have their own cookie sheet because they will nest well together when not in use. Another great item for keeping little hands busy in the car is Ticknor’s road trip hack for a Lego carrying case. She purchases plastic pencil boxes, then cuts down a Lego baseplate to fit the inside top of the pencil box. The cut baseplate is then secured into the lid of the pencil box with Velcro, and just like that, each child has their own Lego carrying case that doubles as

bottled water. Bring a canister of a favorite powdered drink mix and a small funnel, and kids can make their own drinks in their water bottle. Also, pack each child a paper bag of goodies. She suggests using small plastic storage bags to allow kids to make their own individual servings of healthy snacks and then putting them all in a paper bag for each child. This way, everyone has their own bag of snacks to munch on as they get hungry or bored. She adds sweets should be kept to a minimum on the road because, let’s face it, we parents may not be keeping tabs on the tooth brushing as well as we do at home. And for those dreaded moments of carsickness, which are bound to happen to every child at some point, Ticknor advises parents to save empty ice cream containers and bring them on the trip. Keep in mind they are able to hold liquid, have a lid, and can simply be thrown away at the next available stop! To keep the cost of a road trip down, Ticknor suggests checking out family membership rates at your local zoo and/or science center. Many zoo and science centers offer reciprocal memberships at other participating zoos and centers across the country. This can be a huge cost savings if you’re planning to stop at such places during your road trip because your family

membership will get you in free or half-price at other participating zoos and museums. For example, an annual membership for a family of five at the Museum of Science in Boston is $130 and it is an ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers) participant. Single-day exhibit-hallonly tickets for two adults and three children would total $113. To find out more about these types of programs, visit astc.org and aza.org (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to view the lists of participating science museums and zoos. Another way families can save money on a trip comes by way of souvenirs. You don’t have to forego souvenirs altogether, Ticknor says, but rather realize that some souvenirs are more budget- friendly than others. Here are some souvenirs the Ticknor family enjoys while traveling: • Pressed pennies: At 51 cents a pop, everyone can have their own. Aside from being a fun activity that most kids enjoy, the coins have the exact location pressed into them. Even better, they’re lightweight for travel and don’t take up much space, Ticknor notes. (See our story on the hobby of pressed pennies on page 34.) • Postcards: Similar to pressed pennies, for 50 cents to 75 cents each, children can choose their own postcard from a location. They can then mail them home (less to keep track of) and/or write a note on the back about what they liked best at that location. • Photo books: Ticknor suggests giving each child the use of a digital camera, borrowing extras from relatives if needed. Let them take their own pictures during the trip and then allow them to go through the pictures at home and pick out their favorites. Parents can then help kids create their own photo book of the trip, which can be inexpensive with the help of online coupon codes. Ticknor blogs about her family’s adventures at ourtravelingtribe. com. Readers can learn more about the Ticknors and also find a plethora of information about familyfriendly stops, travel tips, and road trip hacks (e.g., directions for the Lego case), as well as learn about their volunteer work, and more. No matter the mode of travel, remember — a family vacation is meant to be fun. It’s an opportunity to share new experiences with our children. Make the most of it because these are the moments they will remember years later; quality time with the people they love most — you. And don’t forget that ice cream bucket. BAYSTATEPARENT 45

ASK THE EXPERT

CLEARING UP

Misinformation About Acne BY LAURA K. GRUBB, MD, MPH

My tween is starting to experience breakouts. They are increasing and I’m wondering what’s the difference between “normal” acne and the need to see a dermatologist. Also, any recommendations for daily skin care or acne management? Are there types of products to avoid, like the harsh astringents?

cne is common in tweens and teenagers, and it can range from mild to severe. As your child goes through puberty and likely experiences breakouts of some level, it is important to understand what causes acne, how to treat it, and when it’s time to see a doctor. It’s equally important to sift through the misinformation surrounding acne, so that you and your child can navigate these breakouts with the needed facts and patience.

Separating myth from fact Many people believe acne is a result of what you eat. While such a connection might help convince your child to cut down on chocolate, these sweets and other foods are unrelated to breakouts. Rather, acne comes from excess oils that block the pores. A common source is the oil produced by hormone imbalances that take place during puberty. Other sources include oil-based makeups, hair-greasing products, working around grease in a fast-food restaurant, or sweating inside sports equipment like headbands, visors, or helmets. (Helmets are recommended, and young people should simply wash their face with water after helmets are removed and clean their helmet with a bleach wipe.)

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Developing good skin care habits Whether or not your child has acne at this point, it’s important for tweens and teens to develop good skin care habits. This means twice-a-day face-washing with plain water if the teen is not wearing makeup. Those wearing makeup should try a gentle face wash. Regular soap is too harsh and should be avoided, and facewashing should be gentle (no scrubbing). Skin can create its own oils if it gets too dry, and those with dry skin should use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Look for the words “oil free” or “non-comedogenic” on the product – they can typically be found on the front label. While good skin care is essential in helping prevent further pimples, it is unfortunately not the solution for pimples already formed.

Treating mild acne Mild acne, which often exists primarily on the nose and forehead, can often be treated with overthe-counter acne washes with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Such ingredients are often written on the front of the label, or listed under “active ingredients.” These products are effective, but need to be consistently used as directed and take four to six weeks to work. Many young people are not compliant and become impatient with the lack of immediate results — often the biggest barrier to these products being effective. Be consistent, and beware of highly priced, heavily marketed acne treatments, as they often include the same exact acne-fighting properties as over-the-counter products.

When to see a doctor It’s time to talk to your pediatrician if your child’s acne is spreading beyond the forehead and nose. A number of pimples on the child’s cheeks, chest, or back are

signs of more moderate acne. Parents should pay special attention to signs of severe acne that comes with scarring, and immediately speak to a pediatrician, who will likely refer you to a dermatologist or adolescent medicine specialist. Such signs include having nodules or cysts (pimples that are generally harder and larger than usual size, often the size of an eraser tip on a pencil); abundant acne on the face, chest or back; and darkening of the skin and remaining redness once pimples have resolved. Such acne requires treatment to prevent lifelong scarring. Treatments for severe acne often include oral medication with potential serious side effects, which should be discussed at length with your prescribing doctor.

When to let it go I often find that parents, rather than children, are the ones most concerned about a child’s acne. If your child is not experiencing signs of scarring and is not worried about his or her pimples, I strongly recommend letting it go. There are plenty of other areas related to your child’s health and safety with which to concern yourself. When I mention this to parents, I often see teens breathe a sigh of relief. If you are taking action on less-than-serious acne, make sure it’s your child who wants to make the change. Whether your child is yet to experience breakouts or is currently seeing blemishes, it’s important to practice good skin care, use oil-free makeup only, avoid squeezing pimples, and be patient if using an over-thecounter acne treatment. Pimples that do not appear to be scarring can be resolved with treatment and time. Laura K. Grubb, MD, MPH, is an adolescent medicine specialist and pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center.

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Where the Arts and Math Intersect At Applewild, our commitment to the arts is central to our program. Here, the performing and visual arts are a part of each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic day. When students study the physics of sound, they design and play their own musical instruments. When students play Orff instruments, they connect rhythm and notes to math concepts. Our teachers collaborate across the curriculum to inspire students to connect the arts to their academic work. Most importantly, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having fun! Take a look at our next Open House.

For Open House dates and times visit: www.applewild.org/open

The Fun Lasts All Summer Long Summer Camp at Applewild

To register go to www.applewild.org/summer 120 Prospect Street I Fitchburg, MA I 978.342.6053 Applewild Preschool at Devens I 27 Jackson Road I Devens, MA I 978.796.5183 www.applewild.org I admissions@applewild.org Applewild School is a Preschool - grade 8 independent day school 48 APRIL2016

BASEBALL

SNACKS p u p po

aseball fever is running high and fans are rootroot-rooting for the home team as the season gets underway. Whether you are part of the crowd gathered at a major league ballpark or Little League stand, sitting hunched over your 5-inch black and white, or lounging in front of the plasma TV, baseball is best enjoyed in the company of another All-American — Popcorn! Like baseball, popcorn is a product of the Americas and has been around for thousands of years. Yet over time, it has remained a simple little kernel of goodness. Wholesome and whole grain, popcorn contains energy-producing carbohydrates and provides needed fiber to the diet. And, popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories — a great asset for a team player. If your fan has a serious case of baseball fever, offer them a homemade remedy that is sure to cure.

heartiest of appetites. We mix bacon and cheese, which pairs perfectly with popcorn for the ultimate guy food, but gals will love it, too.

Bacon and Cheese Popcorn Makes: 4 quarts, 32 servings (1/2 cup each) Preparation time: 5 minutes • 4 quarts popped popcorn • 1/3 cup butter or margarine • 1/4 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke seasoning • 1/3 cup bacon bits or soy ‘bacon’ bits • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or kosher salt Place butter in a small bowl and melt in microwave, about 20 seconds. Stir liquid smoke into butter. Pour butter mixture over popcorn and toss to distribute evenly. Sprinkle bacon bits, Parmesean cheese, and salt over popcorn. Toss and

The following recipe appeals to the

Looking to re-create a classic ballpark favorite? Just add peanuts to this Easy Oven Caramel Popcorn recipe and hide a tiny surprise in each bowl for kids young and old alike. No need for a candy thermometer to make this foolproof, crunchy caramel corn.

Easy Oven Caramel Corn Makes: 5 quarts, 40 servings (1/2 cup each) Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 1 hour • 5 quarts popped popcorn • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine

• 2 cups brown sugar, packed firmly • 1/2 cup light corn syrup • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon vanilla • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • Optional nuts — choose one: 1 cup salted peanuts 1 cup whole almonds 1 cup pecan halves Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking pan (17 x 12-inch) with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Spray a large mixing bowl (not plastic) lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside. Spread optional nuts over popcorn, if desired. In a medium saucepan, over

medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Lower heat and boil 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda. Quickly pour hot mixture over popcorn; stir well to coat. Spread evenly into prepared pan and bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely in pan; store in an airtight container. Clean-up tip: Soak saucepan before cleaning. Recipes courtesy The Popcorn Board. Visit popcorn.org for more delicious recipes.

BAYSTATEPARENT 49

Dental Gel for Dye-Sensitive Families

Bites

Half-a-million children in the U.S. suffer adverse reactions to dyes contained in many food products, including several leading brands of toothpaste. An edible dental gel called LIVFREE Livionex Dental Gel

is color-free, dye-free, and made with an activated FDAapproved food-grade preservative called edathamil that’s commonly used in vitamins and food. Stevia, real peppermint, menthol, and natural stabilizers are added to

Portion Control Made Easy

Shop Better with ShopWell If you’re looking to shop and meal plan more nutritiously, there’s a free app for that: ShopWell. Designed by registered dietitians, ShopWell (shopwell.com) learns the health goals and food allergies of the whole family, interprets food labels, and suggests better-for-you alternatives in local stores. New features include: • Profiles for each family member • New bar code scanner that quickly decodes food labels • Even smarter product suggestions based on personal health goals, allergies, and where you shop • Analysis of your purchase history, making discovering better food options easier

create an edible dental-cleansing agent that attacks plaque and cleans teeth. More information can be found at livionexdental.com, where LIVFREE can be purchased starting at $22.

ShopWell is also ad-free and available at the Google Play or iTunes App Store.

Portion control is a key component to healthy eating, and Bentology makes that super simple with its new PortionPerfect Weight Loss Kit. The Bento (a meal container with divided sections commonly found in Japanese cuisine) comes with five compartments (ranging from 1¼ cups for lean proteins to 1/8 cups for healthy fats) that also offer pre-portioned containers for vegetables, whole grains,

and fruits. The kit also comes with a 20-page Portion Perfect Weight-loss Workbook and a Website, MyPortionPerfect.com. The PortionPerfect Weight Loss Kit starts at $22.99, with options for an insulated sleeve or insulated tote.

Dusting With Only Microfiber BY LESLIE REICHERT

Do you dust your furniture with a yellow rag that is treated with some type of smelly chemical and a can of dusting spray? This system includes spraying the furniture and then wiping (for what seems to be hours) until the oil is worked into the wood. We love to see our furniture look like it just came out of a showroom, but it takes forever to dust like this. Plus, you can’t touch any of the furniture, since you’ll leave oily fingerprints everywhere and that means doing the entire piece of furniture all over again! I’m excited to say that technology has re-invented the chore of dusting. Now there is the wonderful invention of microfiber that makes dusting what 50 APRIL2016

is should be — removing dust without chemicals. Microfiber was actually produced in the 1950s, but back then it wasn’t something that had much use due to the way it was made. Sweden was the first country to start using microfiber for cleaning, and the rest of Europe has been using it for decades. Here in the U.S., we still consider microfiber a “new technology.” The beauty of microfiber is that it has threads that are machinecut and act like fish gills that hold the dirt and dust inside the cloth until you put it into the washing machine. Once in the wash, the dust is released into the water and you have a perfectly clean cloth to use the next

time you clean. Dusting with microfiber is extremely easy. Wipe a microfiber cloth over the piece of furniture you are trying to clean and the dust will stay in the microfiber cloth. If it’s really dusty, you can spritz a little water on the cloth and it will pick up all the dust. The best part of dusting with microfiber is nothing oily is left on the furniture, which keeps it cleaner longer. By not using a dusting product, your furniture will stay cleaner. Oils and waxes attract dust, which means you have to dust more often. Microfiber and water will let you clean less often, which is really what you want, right?

A New Take on Turkey Burgers If you’re sick of the same-old turkey burger, Diestel Ground Turkey has new tastes in store for you with fresh turkey burger recipes. Check out Sundried Tomato & Basil Turkey Burgers below and head to diestelturkey.com/turkey-burgers-fourways/ to get three additional recipes: BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Easy-Style.

Sundried Tomato & Basil Turkey Burgers Ingredients: • 1 lb. ground turkey • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped • 1/3 cup basil, minced • 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped • 2 oz. Asiago cheese grated (about 1/2 cup)

Get Your BBQ Ready for Spring It only takes a few simple steps to prep your grill for a long, productive season. “After a long winter in storage — or a winter where you have been grilling throughout the cold — follow a few simple steps to improve the life and performance of your grill,” advises Stephen Schroeter, senior vice president of Napoleon Grills (napoleongrills.com). Clean the cooking grids and searing plates. Soak the cooking grills in warm water and soap before giving them a good cleaning to get rid of the grease and food crust that has been burnt on. While searing grids are soaking, remove the heat shields (give them a good scrape as well) so you can run a barbecue brush over the burners. This is also a good time to check the igniter and rear burner to make sure all is in working order. Clean the grease cup. The more

Attention Crafters! 15th Annual

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 egg white, lightly beaten • 1 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper Directions: Mix all ingredients together, except turkey, until well-blended. Mix in turkey and blend well. Form four patties. Barbecue or grill on both sides until no pink remains in the center. Serve on buns with your favorite condiments.

Apple Blossom Festival Attention Crafters!!!! Craft Fair

The Friends of Sholan Farms will be hosting a craft show at th 14th May 14,Blossom 2016 Festival Annual Apple Saturday 10 Mayam-4 16, 2015 pm 10:00-4:00 (Rain Date May 17, 2015)

Rain date May 15 at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster MA

Interested crafters must complete the application below and subm

“Friends of Sholan Farms” Apple Blossom Festival – Craft Show For more P.O. Box 632 information, please call 978-840-327601453 or Email Leominster, Massachusetts info@sholanfarms.com. Interested crafters can 1. Crafters will be asked to make a $40.00 reservation fee non-member, $2 fee for members. Fee must accompany application orthe yourform application is apply using you use your grill, the more you will complete. Refunds are only given to Crafters able to below, orwho on are the not website - set-up on have to clean or replace your grease must betake requested by Crafter. cup. Before firing up the grill, www.sholanfarms.com

2. Your parking space will be given to you that morning. Scrape off the tray. All check-in with attendant in the handicapped parking lot. 3.grease Please grease and food remnants from past Spaces are filled Name___________________________________________ according to arrival time. meals collect4. on and char the grease tray. No need5. to getSpaces out the soap cannot be assigned in advance. Address_________________________________________ and water for this one, but give it a good scrape with spatula or putty 6. aSpaces are 12 ‘xTel 12#___________________Email____________________ ‘. Your exhibit must be fully within your own space. knife to clean off all the bits. 7. You must supply your own table, chair and tent. of Craft________________________________ Check for leaks. hose 8. Inspect Oneyour vehicle mayDescription stay at the booth space. and fittings to ensure everything is ________________________________________________ 9. there Set-up in order and that are no time leaks. – 7:30AM – 9:30AM. Do a soap test to be safe: In a spray 10. The festival is held outdoors. bottle or small bowl, mix one-part this form to: water to one-part dish soap. Apply 11. Weather – be prepared forReturn the possibility of windy conditions. the mixture (spritz it or apply with 12. Crafters Confirmation noticesof willSholan be sent when the reservation has been a a small brush) to all fittings. Make Friends Farms sure your lid is open and all the Foodoff.vendors/crafters provide ServSafe insurance certificates. F Applemust Blossom Festival - Craftand Show control knobs13. are turned Turn on your gas — any prepared growing bubbles at the festival unless you have P.O. Box 632 a permit through the City of Leom are a sign of a leak that needs to be addressed. Leominster, MA 01453 out the old and put in a new one.

If you have any questions, please call Joanne DiNardo at 978-870-5555. BAYSTATEPARENT 51

Photos at right by Adam Perri

The Free Physical Activity Program Su BY GREG SUKIENNIK

athleen Tullie of Natick does not view life as a spectator sport. She’s far too passionate about the cause that’s become her life’s work to ever stand on the sidelines. This explains why Tullie ended up creating an international free physical activity program for children out of a seed of an idea, as well as why she’s lacing up her running shoes to tackle the Commonwealth’s premier sporting event this month. What started in one Natick elementary school has blossomed into the BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) before-school free physical activity program, which in six years has expanded to 1,800 schools in five countries, including a partnership with Canada’s public health agency and the Canadian Football League. Multiple studies have validated the program’s success in improving children’s classroom performance and physical fitness with a 45-minute program of before-school exercise, play, and healthy living education over 12 weeks. Her organization, now an initiative of and funded by the Reebok Foundation, provides the curriculum and training for free; all a school needs to supply are volunteers and

52 APRIL2016

the children. Last year, the National Institute on Out-of-School Time at Wellesley College, which conducted a three-year study of BOKS in the Natick schools, reported the program had improved students’ memory and executive function and shaved an average of 16 seconds off their 400-meter run times. Another study, authored by Quincy

behind focusing attention on the benefits of increased physical activity for children would have a background in exercise science or nutrition. Not quite. While it’s true Tullie enjoys Crossfit and describes herself as a passionate runner (“My favorite thing in the world to do is go for a run in the woods,” she says) she came from the world of real estate finance, in

“We truly have a physical inactivity epidemic in this country. It’s very sad how many schools I visit where the kids can’t run for a half mile, they can’t even do one push-up.” – KATHLEEN TULLIE, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BOKS

College Exercise Science Director Wayne Westcott and published in the Journal of Exercise, Sports & Orthopedics, showed that students in Weymouth got fitter and healthier after three 50-minute sessions a week for nine weeks. And more study is on the way: Harvard Medical School is undertaking a long-term study of 2,500 children in the program at school districts south of Boston. One might expect the driving force

which she had a successful 19-year career. But two events in 2009 sent her life in a different direction. First came a skin cancer diagnosis, for which successful treatment included minor surgery. “Once you’ve had that diagnosis, it is life changing,” said the 46-year-old mother of two. “It was absolutely a game-changer for me in my perspective of life and my drive to do some-

thing I was passionate about and with my kids.” Then came the news that one of her children was diagnosed with a reading disability. Tullie took these two things, and the downturn in the real estate market, as a sign that it was time to change her focus. First, she decided that maybe it was time to try being a stay-at-home mom. “That lasted for about two weeks,” she said with a chuckle. It was only two weeks because life had another surprise waiting for her around the corner, which came in the form of a book: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by Dr. John Ratey, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The positive correlation between exercise and mental health had been studied before. But Ratey found that even moderate exercise sharpens thinking, improves memory and reduces ADHD, anxiety, depression, and stress. “In addition to priming our state of mind, exercise influences learning directly, at the cellular level, improving the brain’s potential to log in and process new information,” Ratey wrote. Here’s how it works: There’s a pro-

Photos at left by Steven King

upercharging Kids’ Bodies and Minds tein in the human brain called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which helps neurons survive and encourages the growth of new neurons and synapses. It’s the connections between neurons that allow you to read this sentence, assemble your kid’s bicycle, or brush your teeth. BDNF is most active in areas of the brain where learning and long-term memory happen. And certain kinds of exercise have been found to significantly increase production of BDNF. In Spark, Ratey likened BDNF to

Miracle Gro for the brain, and said certain kinds of physical activities were best for growing those connections, improving learning and mental health. “This is why learning how to play the piano makes it easier for kids to learn math,” he explained. “The prefrontal cortex will co-opt the mental power of the physical skills and apply it to other situations.” Tullie was convinced by Ratey’s thesis and took action. She and a group of moms at Natick’s Memorial Elementary School asked for permis-

sion to host supervised play for 45 minutes before school twice a week. After meeting some initial resistance, they won permission for the nascent program. And within a couple of weeks, positive feedback filtered back. “Teachers started to reach out and parents said, ‘Hey, I heard about your program, can I have a copy of the curriculum?’” Tullie said. “I didn’t have anything at that time and I thought, ‘Gee, maybe this is my a-ha moment.’”

Tullie, along with friends Cheri Levitz and Jen Lawrence, decided to start the process of forming a notfor-profit and building a curriculum. And when an email to Ratey earned a quick, enthusiastic reply, “That’s when I knew I have to do it, I’m obliged to,” she said. The new initiative’s quest for support led to Reebok headquarters in Canton. Tullie had been promised 10 minutes with Matthew O’Toole, then the shoe and athletic apparel giant’s CEO, about supporting the effort

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with a T-shirt donation. She got a lot more than she bargained for. “After two and a half hours, he said, ‘I actually love this idea so much that I want you to come and help with the two other moms you started this program with, and take this idea across the country,’” she recalled. By 2010, BOKS (bokskids.org) was operating as an initiative of the Reebok Foundation.

How it works The 12-week program hits on functional fitness exercises such as squats, sit-ups, and lunges, physical literacy skills such as throwing and kicking, and a game to close out

the session. Running is also a big part of the program. Thanks to Tufts Medical Center, the kids (most sessions average 20 students per trainer) also learn nutrition nuggets, like how many sugar cubes are in the average sports drink. But the structure isn’t strict. “I tell the trainers if the kids are having fun, play the game the whole time,” Tullie said. “Just keep their heart rate up and keep them interested.” And there’s a definite need as many schools are reducing or eliminating recess or physical education, and childhood obesity remains a significant health problem in the U.S. and elsewhere. To be clear, BOKS is not trying to

replace a school’s existing physical education program. The goal is to add more activity to children’s daily routines, to help meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s physical activity guideline of 60 minutes per day, five days a week. And Tullie is truly passionate about filling that need. “We truly have a physical inactivity epidemic in this country,” said Tullie, who would like to see school districts face more accountability for the health and fitness of their students. “It’s very sad how many schools I visit where the kids can’t run for a half mile, they can’t even do one push-up. I feel very, very fortunate that I am given the opportunity to

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chase my passion…(and) that people believe in us. It’s very cool that a little tiny program anybody could have done has grown into such a massive movement.”

Rubber meets the road While the BOKS program is parentvolunteer-run in schools across Massachusetts, Tullie would love it established in every elementary and middle school in Boston. However, not every school can offer it. Funding is needed for stipends to pay teachers and staff to supervise the program at schools where there are obstacles to parent involvement, and Boston schools’ budget problems for 2016-17 are front-page news. What better way to raise funds for promoting physical activity in a sportscrazy city than by taking part in one of the state’s signature athletic events? Tullie and four friends are gearing up for the famous 26.2-mile jaunt from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square as part of an effort to raise $10,000 to fully implement BOKS in Boston schools. “I don’t think we’ll have success until we have quality physical education in every school,” Tullie said. “We’ve had some success, but now that we’ve proven ourselves, we really need to make the impact.”

How To Bring BOKS To Your School 1. Find a champion. BOKS sessions are led by a volunteer lead trainer (or trainers). Trainers do not have to be fitness professionals, but rather parents or other community members who are passionate about the program, can lead a class, and can demonstrate the basic moves. 2. Get school approval. Bringing the BOKS program to a school requires no money or staff time if volunteer-led, two giant pluses when pitching the idea to a principal or administration. A Help Pack, which features everything from the program overview and sample lesson plan to a draft email to a principal, can be downloaded free at bokskids.org/enroll-school. 3. Get trained. Trainers are highly encouraged to attend a one-time, fourhour free training session at Reebok headquarters in Canton. At training, they will learn how the program works and how to lead a session. Free tools, resources, and plug-and-play curricula are available for trainers to use in their school’s program. 4. Recruit volunteers. In addition to the lead trainer, it’s helpful to have two or more volunteers per session to assist the trainer and children, help run games, and demonstrate moves. 5. Fill the session. Advertise signups in your school. A ratio of 20 children to 1 lead trainer is recommended; more trainers or volunteers mean larger sessions, if desired.

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Musical Theatre Workshops For All Ages!

Children’s Program Ages 6-8 Weekdays, 9am-3pm June 27th – July 8th (no classes on July 4)

For two weeks, students explore the world of musical theatre through games, dance combinations, singing, visual arts and much more! Student Showcase on Friday, July 8th.

Pre-Teen Program Ages 9-12 Weekdays, 9am-3pm July 25th – August 5th

For two weeks, students work with a director/choreographer and music director to learn skills in music, drama and dance while preparing for a junior production of a Broadway show! Shrek,Jr. will be presented on Friday, August 5th at 6:30pm.

Teen Program Ages 13-18 Weekdays, 9am-3pm Session I: July 11th – 30th Session II: August 1st – 20th

Over three weeks, teens attend daily morning classes focusing on music, drama, and dance as well as afternoon rehearsals for a final production. Shrek The Musical will be presented on July 29th & 30th (Session I) and August 19th & 20th (Session II).

Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/summer-program to register today!

508.471.1793 • 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester BAYSTATEPARENT 55

Parent Like a Champion T 12 Tips for a

successful

spring sports

season BY LYNN PANTUOSCO-HENSCH

ike most parents, my husband and I want our children to reap the many benefits youth sports have to offer. As a college professor who teaches exercise science and sports-related courses and as a licensed soccer coach, I am very familiar with the realities of youth sports. Almost 50 million children play youth sports, most of who will drop out of sports between the ages of 11 and 13. Of the almost eight million high school student-athletes, only 6% will go on to compete in college. What does this mean? Youth sports are all too often short-lived. The pressure to specialize in a single sport often overshadows the benefits of multiple sport participation and lifetime fitness. In order to promote positive and prolonged sports participation, children need to be put in a position to make the most of their athletic opportunities. There are many ways parents can support their children and encourage them to reach their potential — and build confidence along the way. Our family recently prepared for our 8-year-old son’s swim championships. He has an orthopedic condition that requires him to temporarily hang up his soccer cleats and hockey skates and trade them for goggles and a swim cap. We are new to swimming, but not new to sports. Despite having coached soccer at every level from youth through intercollegiate, it was my recent experience as a swim mom that reminded me to use much of what I’ve learned over the years about sport parenting. My hope was to set my son up for success in a new sport, while also encouraging him to build confidence and reach his potential. When our son began swimming,

56 APRIL2016

we wanted to prepare him for something new and give him the opportunity to be successful. Although it might sound insignificant, one of the first things we did was shop for the necessary equipment. It is important for children to look the part in a sport. When my son attended tryouts, I insisted he wear the jammerstyle competitive swimsuit and not his regular beach swimsuit. He reluctantly put on the fitted suit. When we arrived at the pool, he knew I was right (not that he admitted it!). My son looked like he was prepared and felt ready. Feeling prepared and looking the part enables children to build confidence. Tip: Dress your

child for success. Next, we learned about the sport. We did some reading about famous swimmers, watched swim meets on television and instructional videos on YouTube, and even attended a local high school swim meet. This preview into the world of swimming helped our son know what to expect and envision what he could do as a swimmer. Watching higher levels of a sport can help children gain an understanding of the sport and encourage them to set long-term goals. Heeding my own advice, I had my son teach me the butterfly stroke while we swam together. Let’s just say, I’ll stick to soccer. Tip: Learn

the sport with your child. It is also beneficial to practice with your child at home. Not only is learning to practice good for children, but the family bonding is even better. At home, we emphasize both fun pick-up style games and skill-specific practice. Oftentimes, working on an area of weakness can be more enjoyable at home in a lowpressure situation. Extra practice can turn weaknesses into strengths. Tip: Practice sports at home with your child. Before the first swim meet, we spent time establishing a pre-event routine. We followed the usual basic

In order to promote positive and prolonged sports participation, children need to be put in a position to make the most of their athletic opportunities. There are many ways parents can support their children and encourage them to reach their potential — and build confidence along the way.

Today

advice: eat well, sleep well, and work hard in practice, but my son still had some pre-event jitters. Based on sport psychology theory, precompetitive stress can be reduced in two ways: (1) reduce the uncertainty and (2) reduce the importance of the event. In order for our son to feel more comfortable and confident about the first meet, we focused on reducing the uncertainty. We learned about the logistics of the event, packed the necessary supplies, and established a game plan. Simple steps, like leaving the uniform and equipment out the night before or agreeing in advance on the pre-event snack, help a child feel prepared. Children feel more confident and relaxed when they know what to expect, how the day will go, and what their responsibilities will be. If a parent is disorganized and unsure, children pick up on that. Hopefully, when it comes time for the first whistle of the meet or game, all your child has to do is play his best and have fun. Tip: Create a pre-game routine with your child. Early in the season, we helped our

son set some personal goals. Once we had a feel for the sport and a sense of our son’s talent level, we talked about what he — not we as parents — wanted to accomplish. I recommend that children set challenging, yet attainable, goals. For my son’s swim season, this was easy enough to do. We looked at past season times for his age group, his current times, and estimated how much improvement he might make over the course of the season. For less-objective sports, goal setting can be more complicated. Take long-term goals (making varsity or becoming a professional athlete) and break them down into several short- and mid-term goals. Perhaps create a timeline toward the longterm goal with benchmarks along the way. Also, consider process goals over outcome goals. A process goal may be to improve shot selection in a basketball game, whereas an outcome goal may be to score a certain number of points. Young athletes have more control over process goals and are more likely to see favorable results. Tip: Set realistic, yet challenging, short- and longterm goals. During the season, we had questions about races and rules as we continued to learn the sport. We encourage our children to speak directly to coaches. There were times throughout the season when I did email the coaches or talk to them myself, but whenever possible we let our son initiate the conversation, then followed up as necessary. We prepared what my son would ask and when (after practice, not before). My son was uncomfortable and hesitant as he approached his new coaches for the first time. I was with my son, but kept a healthy distance and did not hover. As might be expected, the coaches kindly answered his questions, reassured him, and left the lines of communication open. Learning to speak to adults allows children to build confidence, manners, and independence. Tip: Teach your child to communicate effectively with coaches. After some early success in the first few meets, my son had his first real disappointment. He won a close butterfly race only to later find out he was disqualified because his feet came apart. In swimming, as in other youth sports, it is inevitable that children will fail from time to time. It is not the failure that should characterize the child, but their response to the experience. Teaching children to overcome failure is a valuable life skill. Protecting children from the perils of winning and losing only gives them a false sense of security. Encourage children to work toward winning, take chances, and not fear losing. In our own example, my son

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As the season went on, I taught my son to reflect on his performances in the pool. We discussed what went well and what may not have gone as smoothly. Too often, parents, athletes, and even coaches analyze and reflect on what went wrong instead of what went right. Learn from mistakes, but try not to dwell on the negative. Spend more time reflecting on successful performances and try to replicate them. Figure out what works for your child and add those components to his or her routine. Tip: Help your child learn from mistakes and accomplishments.

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asked his coaches if he could try the butterfly again. With minimal prompting from us, my son was willing to risk disqualifying to have another chance in the event. In the next meet, he placed in the event and set a new personal best time. More importantly, he learned to overcome a setback. Tip: Encourage your child to take chances.

Toward the end of the season, when it came time for the championship meet, we focused on preparing for an important event. Similar to when we established a pre-game routine, we reviewed what the championship event would be like. We looked at best times and meet results so my son knew what to expect for each race. The ability to anticipate what may happen reduces the uneasiness that often causes the stress surrounding significant sports events. With my son, we focused on the excitement of the opportunity, rather than the importance of the meet. My son tends to be on the serious side, so for him this meant getting him to lighten up and have fun. The morning of the event, he got up early and did some light exercise, followed by a homemade smoothie. My son was ready, but still rather serious. At that point, I did what I had to do — queued up the music and started a dance party over breakfast. The end result was a happy, ready-to-go swimmer! Tip: Prepare your child for competition.

The night before the swim championships, I gave my son a gift. It is a replica of the famous Notre Dame football “Play like a champion today” sign. I showed him a neat football video to accompany the gift. But I also played a video for him showing a doctor “heal like a champion today” and a scientist “research like a champion today” and so on. The message to my son was to treat each day as an opportunity to “be a champion” in all that he does. Tip: Help your child make the connection that success in sport can translate to success in other areas of life. Even though we set our son up for success, he still had to earn it himself. My husband and I had our own athletic careers. It is our son’s turn now. It is important for children to have ownership over their athletic goals and earn their own accolades. Do I love that my son placed in all of his events at the championship? Of course I do. But what matters to me more is that he accomplished his goals and earned those medals and ribbons himself. Tip: Help your children earn their own victories. In the coming year, our swimmer should be off his crutches and able to gradually return to his favorite sports. We hope he is well-positioned for a comeback. In the meantime, his younger brothers keep us busy with soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. On a daily basis, I am reminded to follow my own advice. My son’s “Play like a champion today” sign, which now hangs in our stairwell, Notre Dame-style, reminds me to try to parent like a champion each day. Tip: Parent like a champion today! Lynn Pantuosco-Hensch is a Doctor of Physical Education and an assistant professor in the Movement Science Department at Westfield State University, where she teaches motor development, exercise science, and other sport-related courses. She is the mother of four boys and lives with her family in Longmeadow.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 59

Learning to Live With It VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Family support group helps children, teens living with Crohn’s disease BY HEATHER KEMPSKIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN KING

60 APRIL2016

Forget what you think you know about Crohn’s disease. Forget about age. Forget about the bathroom-related symptoms that can often be minimized by those not affected by this chronic, life-interrupting, painful, gastrointestinal disease that inflames the lining of the digestive tract. Instead, consider 8-year-old Caleb of Northbridge. Last year at this time, he broke his leg, which his mom says triggered troubling symptoms. Multiple tests concluded her vivacious, technology-loving, active son had Crohn’s disease. “Honestly, I thought it was a ‘pooping disease.’ Something you can’t control,” admits mom Carla Smith. “I didn’t know anything about it, and I don’t think a lot of people get it.” But now she does. Her son gets fatigued easily. His bones are weaker. Doctors recommend that he stays clear of high-impact sports. (He used to love ice hockey). She constantly must worry about what he eats, if his body is able to absorb nutrients, where the closest bathroom is. She knows his condition will never be cured. It can only be managed. And, mostly, she worries about the longterm effects of the medication he must take to keep symptoms at bay. “I want others to know the bottom line: [This disease] affects kids 24 hours a day,” she says. “It affects him in school, his social life, his free time. I didn’t realize children could have or be recommended to be on scary medications with longterm effects. The number of kids being diagnosed with this seems to be increasing and we don’t know why. We don’t know if it’s genetic, but there is no history on either side of our family.” According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), there may be as many as 80,000 children in the United States with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Most get diagnosed before the age of 35; it’s very rare for a child under 8 to be diagnosed. “My daughter was 4 years old when she was diagnosed,” says Lisa Fournier of Uxbridge (at left with daughter Randi). “She is 17 now. She’s had this disease her whole life, and 13 years ago there was such a lack of support and information. I struggled through everything and made it a mission to never let anyone feel as alone and lost as I was.” So she did something about it. Two years ago, Fournier launched a family-style Inflammatory Bowel Disease Support Group backed by CCFA (ccfa.org) and the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. “It was created for families because it is a family disease. Everyone is impacted,” she explains. “For the younger kids, I think the support group gives them a vision of what it’s like to grow up with it and they can look up to older kids and see how they manage to live with it. And it gives the older kids a purpose.” One person showed up at the first meeting. Now Fournier’s contact list exceeds

50 families. The youngest member is 4 and the oldest is 19. The group meets the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at UMass Memorial Medical Center. A second group — directed toward younger kids — will soon be underway and will be held the first Thursday of each month at TriRiver Family Health Center in Uxbridge from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. “We support each other, and if we need additional information, the pediatric gastric physicians are available to me if we need anything,” Fournier says.

Life with Crohn’s “Things others take for granted that are simple are so complicated when someone in the family has this disease,” Fournier notes. “The behind-the-scenes prep for her to have normalcy takes tremendous effort. Take going to the mall when she was 13. She’s a teenager and wants to go to the mall. You wonder if she eats there how will it affect her later or next week? One wrong thing and a flare could last months. Everything has to be planned out.” Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, affect as many as 1.6 million Americans. While the exact cause of IBD is not entirely understood, it is known to involve an interaction between genes, the immune system, and environmental factors. “I want these kids to know that they don’t have to be limited in their life because of this disease. They can do anything with careful planning,” Fournier says. “Otherwise, a child will learn to hate the disease, and the last thing you want is to teach them to cower instead of having courage to advocate.” According to CCFA, when IBD is diagnosed in childhood, it may be more extensive and follow a more severe course than when it is diagnosed in adults. Some children with IBD experience delayed puberty and some fail to grow at a normal rate. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and can be painful, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and embarrassing. “None of us signed up for this,” Fournier notes. “No one does, but it’s what you do with it. I have seen some parents choose to ignore the symptoms, but there can be some serious side effects. These kids have an increased risk for things like colon cancer. You have to be proactive.” Crohn’s disease is not the same as ulcerative colitis, another type of IBD. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon. Crohn’s affects the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon, but it could affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. According to the CCFA, about 70% of people with Crohn’s eventually require surgery. Approximately 30% of patients who have surgery experience a recurrence of their symptoms within three years, and up to 60% will have a recurrence within 10 years. “I spend so much time on meal prep. There are a lot of things Caleb can’t eat. It’s a different lifestyle,” Smith explains. “And what works now for his diet may change as he grows up. It’s not cut and dry. I worry constantly if he is absorbing the nutrients he needs. If he’s invited to a party, can he eat what they are having? What he eats could have him in a lot of pain.”

Family members of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Support Group play a get-to-know-you game at a recent meeting. "[The group] was created for families because it is a family disease. Everyone is impacted,” says founder Lisa Fournier. A lack of definitive answers is hardest, she adds: “These diseases are so unpredictable, as they have flares that can last a day, a month, a year. I talk to my son about it a lot and want him to not be embarrassed, but use it as a way to educate others and stand up for himself.” Smith says she even had a 504 plan instituted for him at school, which ensures specific accommodations around his diagnosis: “The school knows that he can go to the restroom whenever he wants, have a drink or snack when he wants, and be excused from school for appointments or sick days.” Despite the daily demands, she remembers when this lifestyle and disease was all new: “I would spend countless times in the bathroom with him where he would ask me, ‘Why do I have this disease? Why can’t I just eat what I want and not feel this pain?’ It was very tough and it was so hard to be strong, and still is. I like to learn from what others have gone through.” Caleb’s symptoms are currently being managed through medication. He has to take a number of pills every day but, his mom says, he’s good about it. “My biggest hope for my son is that it [the disease] doesn’t become

an excuse,” she says. “I don’t want him to use it for a reason he can’t do something. I want him to excel in whatever he does.” Advocating and educating others about Crohn’s is something Fournier hopes to accomplish with the support group. She said some teens who joined admitted to never speaking about their disease to friends, “but slowly they grew to understand their role in advocating.” In fact, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Support Group’s teen members collectively raised $12,500 for last fall’s annual “A Touch of Football” event at Gillette Stadium to support finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The day-long CCFA fundraising event includes a flag football tournament, and the top fundraising team gets to have dinner with a Patriots player. The teens were the first-ever team of all-IBD patients, rounded out with some of their doctors from UMass Memorial Medical Center. The aptlynamed Colon Crusaders are awaiting their dinner with Patriots Right Tackle Sebastian Vollmer. “They begin to learn if it’s not going away, you have to make it a part of you,” says a proud Fournier. “These teens went from silence to a field at a stadium.”

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. While symptoms vary from patient to patient and some may be more common than others, the telltale symptoms of Crohn’s disease include: Symptoms related to inflammation of the GI tract: • Persistent diarrhea • Rectal bleeding • Urgent need to move bowels • Abdominal cramps and pain • Sensation of incomplete evacuation

• Constipation (can lead to bowel obstruction) General symptoms that may also be associated with IBD: • Fever • Loss of appetite • Weight loss • Fatigue • Night sweats • Loss of normal menstrual cycle If you think you or your child are showing signs of Crohn’s symptoms, only proper testing performed by a physician can render a diagnosis.

Boston Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis A community fundraising event June 4, 9 a.m. Parkman Bandstand — Boston Common To date, the Take Steps fundraising walks have has raised more than $60 million to fund mission-critical research and patient support program. The next “A Touch of Football” event will be held in the fall of 2016. To find more information about IBD and CCFA’s research efforts, or to get involved, visit ccfa.org

A Commitment That Lasts a Lifetime The Special Needs Practice Group at Fletcher Tilton PC offers years of experience providing comprehensive legal services in a caring and concerned environment. We help individuals and families with: • Special Needs Planning • Guardianship & Considering Alternatives • Transition Planning & Adult Services • Advocacy For more information call our Special Needs Practice Group leader, Frederick m. misilo, Jr., at 508.459.8059 or email him at fmisilo@fletchertilton.com. We’re here to help! Worcester | Framingham | ca p e co d | www.fletchertilton.com BayStateParent-new size.indd 1

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FINALLY FOREVER

Parenting the Adopted Adolescent: Band-Aids Don’t Work BY JUDY M. MILLER Are you an adoptive parent or considering adoption? Has your child reached adolescence or coming close to it? Here are some insights about parenting adolescents who have been adopted. Loss is always part of adoption. Regardless of circumstance or age, be it minutes or years old, the child who joins their family through adoption has suffered profound loss. The initial loss is separation from the child’s birth mother, and that loss expands outward to encompass birth family, culture or origin, and birth history.

experienced throughout the adopted person’s lifetime. These feelings tie into loss and extend from it, like the spokes of a wheel. These feelings are known as the inherent issues in the adoption “landscape.” Inherent issues affect many who have been adopted, as well as the majority of birth parents and adoptive parents. For the purposes of this article, though, I only address the issues as they pertain to a person who has been adopted. Inherent issues ebb and flow lifelong. Feelings tied to having been adopted typically begin to make themselves known with the onset of adolescence, just when the hormones begin to fluctuate in preparation for puberty. Children also begin to understand much more about adoption and how it has and will forever impact them. Often, adoptive parents find themselves dealing with puberty and one or more adoption issues. As any parent who has raised a child can share, no one ever feels quite ready to parent a teenager.

And parenting the child who has been adopted requires even more preparation — knowing the child’s history (and historical framework if adopted internationally) and how that can affect them, understanding the core issues and how to use them as tools in parenting, and having a level of true empathy for the child. There might be more going on than the core issues. Depending on circumstances, the child may also have suffered neglect, exposure to drugs and / or alcohol, and experienced or witnessed sexual, emotional or physical abuse. These hard truths are difficult for parents to share, however, they are necessary to discuss with their child. This information is part of the child’s story and it is important for parents to share and discuss all of a child’s birth history and related facts with them prior to adolescence, in age-appropriate language. Yes, any “hard truths” are difficult to share because parents have so much emotion invested in

Loss is the “hub” of inherent issues in adoption Loss must be considered, understood, and honored by parents so that they can support their child as they navigate from childhood into adulthood. Loss accumulates, one layer stacking upon another. The hub can be quite deep. Varying degrees of grief, guilt and shame, rejection, identity, intimacy, and control are often

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Sunday, April 3 — Northern Regional Adventure Party, Jordan’s Furniture Reading, 50 Walker’s Brook Dr., Reading. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Monday, April 11 — Southern Region Adoption Info Meetings, Mass. Department of Children and Families, Police Station, 1492 Washington Street, Canton. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. RSVP to 508-894-3830. Wednesday, April 13 — Central Region Adoption Info Meetings — ADLU Worcester, 13 Sudbury St., Worcester. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. 508-929-2413. Wednesday, April 13 — Northern Region Adoption Info Meetings — ADLU Lawrence, 62 APRIL2016

Jordan’s Furniture Reading: IMAX Conference Room - 50 Walker’s Brook Dr., Reading. 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 — Boston Region Adoption Info Meeting, DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 617-989-9209. Thursday, April 21— Southern Region Adoption Info Meetings, Morton Hospital, 88 Washington Street, Taunton, Margaret Stone Conference Room, first floor. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. RSVP: 508894-3830. Ongoing — Federation for Children with Special Needs Parent Trainings. Free and open to the public, these trainings cover a range of topics: Effective Communication and the IEP, Basic Rights in Special Education, Understanding My Child’s Learning Style, and more. Visit fcsn.org/ptic/workshops/schedule for a schedule and descriptions.

Ongoing — Group for Adoptive Parents. Adoption Associates, 34 Lincoln Street, Newton. For parents of children in elementary or middle school, this monthly group focuses on understanding the impact of loss and trauma; learning to manage difficult and challenging behaviors; strengthening the family bond while preserving identity; and more. For more information, contact 617-965-9369 or info@adoptionassociates.org. Ongoing — Group for Adopted Teens. Adoption Associates, 34 Lincoln Street, Newton. For adopted children ages 14-19, this group focuses on identity development, self-esteem improvement, confidence building and communication skills. Participants will use conversation to reflect upon the experience of adoption and belonging. For more information, contact 617-965-9369 or info@adoptionassociates.org. Ongoing — Group for Adoptive Parents of Teens. Adoption Associates, 34 Lincoln Street, Newton. This monthly group focuses on understanding the

impact of loss and trauma on children ages 14-19; learning to manage difficult and challenging behaviors; strengthening the family bond while preserving identity; and more. For more information, contact 617-965-9369 or info@adoptionassociates.org. Ongoing — The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children offers an afterhours telephone hotline that provides emergency assistance to foster kinship and pre-adoptive families when the DCF offices are closed. The helpline is available 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. The number is 800-486-3730. If your group or organization is holding an adoption information or support group and would like to have information posted for readers of baystateparent, please email editor@baystateparent.com.

the adoption journey and love their children so deeply. But not sharing difficult truths leaves children unprepared and open to injury by others and questioning why their parents, who love them and have their best interests at heart, did not tell them The Truth(s). Education about loss in adoption empowers parents to help their children. Loss, neglect, abuse, attachment, and a whole range of other topics are now examined and discussed during adoption preparation education with “waiting” parents. Adoption preparation education was not available when my husband and I adopted. We were unprepared. We began to educate ourselves when seeking therapy for our daughter. Great concern over her obvious distress mingled with profound joy when our daughter joined us in her infancy. The enormity of what adoption meant — forever uprooting and separating my daughter from the rich, ancient culture she was born into — became crystal clear in that instant. Though resilient as humans are, she grieved for some time while she adjusted to parents, family, and a society that didn’t look, sound, feel, or smell like what she was familiar with. She did attach, but sadness and grief stayed. Her psychosocial development stalled. Our love was not enough. Our love was only a huge bandage that kept

the wound from becoming infected further. This bandage did not and could not address the underlying cause of the wound and, therefore, was why it was not healing. Part of our education was about loss and how it affects the child who has been adopted — feelings of grief, guilt and shame, rejection, identity, intimacy, and control. In understanding what she was facing we were able to better support her needs and help her resolve and eventually talk about what she felt.

You can change

the future for a child

in foster care

Points to ponder • Education promotes understanding. Understanding encourages empathy, which in turn provides patience. These tools are necessary to effectively parent the child who has been adopted. • If seeking therapy for your child, address your own first. Think of airplane cabin decompression: Put your oxygen mask on before your child’s. If you don’t, you can’t help your child. • Work with a therapist well versed in adoption and adoption issues. Therapists unfamiliar about adoption and inherent issues in adoption will be ineffective.

April’s Child Meet Joseph

Joseph has bonded well with his foster mother and often looks for adult approval. Joseph’s social worker is looking for a one- or two-parent family with some familiarity with autism. Due to his history of impulsive behaviors, it is recommended he be in a home with no other children or older children. There is an open adoption agreement in place for two visits a year with his birth mother.

Joseph is an adorable, loving 4-year-old boy of Caucasian and Hispanic descent who is legally free for adoption. He loves playing with balls, Play-Doh, Legos, and going on the swings and slide at preschool and daycare. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Joseph is rather highfunctioning and a referral has been made for services. He has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at his preschool. Joseph interacts well with limits, structure, and a consistent routine.

If you would like more information about Joseph, please call The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Rukaiyah Saforo at (508) 929-2095. DCF hosts monthly informational meetings about the adoption process. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 13 from 6 – 7 p.m. The DCF Adoption Development & Licensing Unit’s Office is located at 13 Sudbury St. in Worcester. Please call (508) 9292143 to register and for specifics about parking.

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Annual

SCREEN-FREE WEEK

Challenges Families Boston-based nonprofit leads international event May 2-8 BY JOAN GOODCHILD

ccording to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones, and other electronic devices; this doesn’t include time spent with devices for schoolwork. Many organizations, including the AAP, say there is a downside to such exposure, linking too much screen time to several problems including obesity, school difficulties, and sleep issues. Also weighing in on the potential harmful effects of too much screen time is the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), a nonprofit organization that aims to minimize marketing ad exposure to children. Josh Golin, executive director of the Boston-based group, said the work CCFC does is crucial in this age of non-stop media consumption. “When I was a kid I might have seen some commercials on Saturday cartoons,” Golin said. “Now kids are seeing ads almost every waking moment on devices. Marketing to kids is big business.” Founded in 2000, CCFC is a response to the rapidly escalating problem of commercialism encroaching on the lives of children, according to the group’s Website (commercialfreechildhood.org). Its founding is part of a “movement to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers.” The nonprofit is involved in many campaigns and initiatives over the course of each year, including Screen-Free Week (SFW), which encourages families and communities to put down devices and stop media consumption for a week in an effort to reengage with one another and evaluate our relationship with screens in general. Now in its 22nd 64 APRIL2016

year, Screen-Free Week (screenfree. org) will be celebrated internationally next month, May 2-8. CCFC became the home of the event in 2010; it was formerly known as TV Turnoff Week and Digital Detox Week, and run by other organizations. “SFW is about a couple of things,” Golin explained. “To raise awareness of how much time we all are spending with screens and to promote taking a break from it. The purpose of taking a break is about giving people time and space to recognize how their screen habits are impacting them and how they are entertaining their children.” For those who have come to rely on using screens for entertainment, and often as a way to get a little free time or work done, the idea of going “screen-free” can sound daunting. But it doesn’t have to be, Golin said. “It’s common to hear a lot of grumbling at the beginning of the week from kids – and panic from parents,” he noted. “Then they are really getting into it by end of week. We really encourage people to see it as an opportunity to connect with their neighbors and community and really promote the idea of getting together and engaging in screen-free activities.” That could mean planning ahead, so be prepared, Golin advised. Think of fun activities to do each day that will replace the time typically spent with a device. “This is absolutely not meant to be a punishment,” he noted. “It is meant to be fun. You could do a scavenger hunt or any number of other creative ideas people have come up with. So it’s not about deprivation. It’s about a million other ways we can have fun.” And families may be able to find community partners to help implement a screen-free plan. A list of

local events can be found at screenfree.org. Many businesses and organizations, such as Blue Bunny Books & Toys in Dedham, have events planned around the week. Owner Peter Reynolds offers several ways to get kids’ minds off device use. “We have creativity workshops that get kids writing, drawing, and thinking about device-free activities,” he said. “We also help promote it throughout town with posters and social media. We work with local schools to coordinate and promote the week.” Malden mom of three Tara Beardsley has implemented a screen-free week in her home in previous years and lived to tell the tale. Beardsley, who said she grew up watching very little television, observed the week last year by not using screens for anything other than work. “I was the one who initiated it and I thought it was going to be hardest for my older daughter and son, but it was tougher for my husband and me!” she said. “He was the worst — he broke it the first day because he had to watch the Red Sox! I remember my daughter yelling downstairs, ‘Who put the TV on?’ and not understanding how Dad could break his promise. I had the hardest time with the phone — texts, emails, Facebook. The kids stopped asking after a few days and enjoyed the alternate things we were doing.” Beardsley said board games, playing outside, reading, bike rides, walks, hikes, and family meals prepared and eaten together replaced screen time during their SFW. “It’s a good time to do all the things we always want to do, and without screens you’d be surprised how much free time there is!” she said. Geralyn Bywater McLaughlin, a teacher at the Mission Hill School in Boston, has challenged her class

and their families to try a screen-free week in the past and says the results are impressive. “I have parents tell me that their children got along better, played more, and slept better during SFW, and that lead them to re-think their routines at home and keep screens out during the school week,” she explained. “Families love the chance to reconnect and to re-establish rules that have slipped. They love that other families are doing it with them.” “Screen-Free Week can be hard for some kids. I ask them to try one screen-free evening. It is helpful to plan your week — so everyone in the family knows what you will be doing for fun and relaxation. At Mission Hill School, we have planned one night out at school for games, fun, and a picnic. That school plan helps families and is a great way to build community.” (A free Organizer’s Kit to create school or community events can be downloaded at screenfree.org/organize/.) And who knows? Maybe after a screen-free week, a family may find they hardly miss their devices at all. This could be the opportunity for permanent change, according to bookstore owner Reynolds. “This isn’t just ‘flip the switch to off and you’re done’ week,” he said. “This is a week to really dig back into sharing no-tech experiences with family and friends. Go to a museum, make a model airplane with friends, prepare a family feast, write a real letter and mail it to someone you care about, and of course, one of my favorite activities: Read a book. Better yet, read that book aloud to friends or family. With luck, this week might inspire a month — or who knows? Maybe it will be the beginning of a year-long celebration of creativity and human connection.”

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s ’ o Wh g n i s s i M ? o h W The truth about — and power of — conquering homesickness BY HEATHER KEMPSKIE

Summer camp, whether day or sleep-away, likely marks the first time a child is in an entirely new environment and away from their home and family for an extended amount of time. Sure, the weather is generally pleasant, there’s probably swimming and camp fires galore, and camp counselors are, by nature, friendly and outgoing. However, deep in the hearts of many children there may be a small ache for home, a beloved pet, or just people they love the best. It’s called homesickness. And, according to Lucy Norvell, director of development & communications at American Camp Association, New England, it’s quite common, especially for the first-time camper. In fact, many campers find themselves missing home at one point. “The key thing,” she says, “is what happens when homesickness hits.” In a 2007 study published in the Pediatrics Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is defined as “distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as parents.” Those who suffer from the condition feel some form of 68 APRIL2016

anxiety, sadness, and nervousness, and most distinctly, obsessive preoccupation with thoughts of home. Homesick children are usually tearful and withdrawn. Yet with some simple wisdom and practical advice, parents will have the tools to set their child up for fun in the sun instead of tears on the pillow.

Parents, get your game face on From time to time, parents may exhibit anxiety or sadness about the prospect of being away from their child. This, in turn, could make their child anxious. In terms of preparation, parents’ attitudes are critical. “Successful campers have parents who transmit a feeling of excitement and possibility when talking about an upcoming camp,” says Kerri Augusto, co-director of BC5 Cheer Camp, an overnight camp held at Becker College in Leicester. “These parents focus on favorite activities and new experiences and opportunities to make friends and, as a result, their children come to camp filled with positive expectations.” Less-successful campers, she adds, often have parents who allow their own anxieties to filter into the precamp conversation and offer options such as, “If you don’t like it, I’ll come get you” or “You can come home at any time.” “Though meant to provide a feel-

ing of security, these offers plant the idea that camp won’t be fun, and rather than work through the anxiety inherent in having a new experience, the child is likely to view any discomfort as a signal that it’s time to go home,” Augusto notes. Instead, parents should try normalizing the experience of possible homesickness and offer strategies their child can use in case sadness strikes. “Sometimes it’s nice to have something from home that reminds the child of family,” Norvell says. “Let the child choose a photograph; pack an encouraging note from parents. Sometimes an object like a teddy bear brings comfort. When the child has benefitted from a discussion beforehand, they can swing right into recommended actions. It’s best to keep things simple: Tell a counselor how you feel. Take a look at the photo you brought, etc.”

Parents, put down the phone and get out a pen & paper Experts advise parents to resist the urge to call, especially if their homesick child is away only for a short time. Most likely, it will just increase distress for both parent and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics study suggests “oldfashioned letters may be the best way to maintain contact with home. They lack the emotionally evocative

quality of a telephone call, and they require narrative reflection, which promotes understanding of one’s experience.” “Many parents will tell us that their child will ‘feel better knowing s/he can call me,’” says Augusto, also a professor of psychology at Becker College. “In fact, it is often the parent who feels better knowing there is a lifeline between parent-child at all times. A quality camp keeps children busy and provides opportunities to build relationships. Children, even as young as 5 or 6, will succeed best when they are allowed to be fully in the moment. A call from home takes them out of the moment and creates feelings of anxiety.” For those reasons, many camps have a “no phone” or “limited phone” policy. Augusto also notes that a parent who encourages communication at any time is likely to strip the child of opportunities for social growth by encouraging the child to invoke “helicopter parenting” when things become challenging. This denies camp counselors and staff the opportunity to assist the child with developing critical peer communication and problem-solving skills.

Trust the camp Most camps provide their staff with training and strategies for helping

children cope with homesickness. They’ll even make a special point to celebrate their accomplishments on this front. Some camps may offer a reassuring alternative to direct contact, such as an assigned camp counselor who will contact parents to give updates on their child. “It can be harder for parents to watch from a distance than for children to experience,” ACA New England’s Norvell says. “Parents often feel a sense of kid-sickness. Parents are home with a hole in their lives, which the child typically fills, while the child is off at camp in a childcentered world. With letters to parents and even for emails, which some camps now allow, often the child experiences the emotion, offloads, and then moves on. Meanwhile, the parents open an envelope days later and read the intensity of the feeling after it’s long-since passed!” Norvell encourages parents to follow the camp’s lead by “allowing camp professionals and staff to help your child succeed in a variety of ways.” She reminds parents: The flip side of homesickness is empowerment. “Such an experience builds resilience. Later they think, I worked through homesickness, I can conquer the next challenge, too,” Norvell adds. “Campers who adjust to a separation as school-age children have an easier time when college rolls around.”

massaudubon.org/camp2016 Youth Summer Theater Workshops at Stageloft Repertory Theater July 5 through July 16 • • • •

For students entering grades 4 through 10 Students will be rehearsing and performing Get Up And Go by Stephen Murray This is a non-musical production Workshop meets weekdays 9am to 3pm (week one) and 9am to 2pm (week two)

July 18 through July 30 • • • •

For students entering grades 6 through 12 & just graduated seniors Students will be rehearsing and performing Schoolhouse Rock Live JR This is a musical production Workshop meets weekdays from 9am to 2pm

August 1 through August 5 • • • •

For students entering Kindergarten through grade 3 Students will be rehearsing and performing A Barnyard Moosical This is a musical production Workshop meets weekdays from 9am to noon

450A Main St., Sturbridge, MA 508-347-9005 • www.stageloft.com BAYSTATEPARENT 69

CAMP IT UP!

EXPERIENCE MARINE SCIENCE

Celebrating 94 Amazing Summers in the Berkshires! Heated Pool • Sailing • Skate Park • Zip Line • Zumba • Team Sports Gymnastics • Crafts • Pottery • Waterskiing Archery • Judo • Rocketry Golf • Yoga • Guitar • Cheerleading & much, much more!

Enroll Today For Summer 2016

Face-to-face with whales, porpoises, puffins and lots of marine life

$40,000 College Scholarships Awarded HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND BETWEEN MAINE AND NOVA SCOTIA

Sleepover Camp Ages 6-17 • Day Camp Ages 3-16 • Flexible Sessions Beautiful Lake Buel Campus Only 5 mi. from Gt. Barrington, MA Follow Us On Facebook

888-528-0940

www.camphalfmoon.com ~ info@camphalfmoon.com

A World of Creative Exploration Awaits… SUMMER ARTS 2016 Week-long Classes for Children and Teens June 27 – August 19, 2016

Escape the summer heat and enter a world of imaginative exploration and innovative art-making!

with Special Bonus Workshops June 21-22 and 23-24!

Free Brochure & Info:

www.whalecamp.com Ask About: STEM Projects • College Accredited Courses Family Programs 70 APRIL2016

▶ Each week is different ▶ Register for AM, PM, or both ▶ Extended day options available danforthart.org\summerarts.html

CAMP IT UP!

Summer Programs Academic

Athletic

Art & Theater

3D Design & Printing

Basketball Camp

Clay Art Camp

July 11 – July 15

August 8 – August 12

Session 1: July 25 – August 5

Maker Camp

Evening Basketball Clinic

Performing Arts Camp

August 1 – August 5

June 6 – June 9

(WASA)

Multimedia Camp

Football Camp

June 27 – July 8

July 11 – July 14

Session 1: July 11 – July 22 Session 2: July 25 – August 5

Robotics Camp

Soccer Camp

Visual Arts Camp

6:00-8:00PM

Session 1: June 27 – July 8 Session 1: July 11 – July 15 Session 2: July 25 – August 5 Session 2: Aug 1 – August 5

Science Camp

Sports Camp

June 27 – July 8

Session 1: June 27 – July 8 Session 2: July 11 – July 22 Session 3: July 25 – August 5

Video Game Design July 18 – July 22

Session 1: July 11 – July 15 Session 2: July 18 – July 22

Volleyball Camp August 15 – August 19

www.WorcesterAcademy.org/Summer

BAYSTATEPARENT 71

CAMP IT UP!

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Turn your video game passion into serious business.

Video Game Summer Studio # Video Game Design at Becker College is ranked

in the world!

Spend 12 days making a mobile game, and take home a Kindle Fire!*

#2 GRADUATE PROGRAM

Learn all aspects of game development— game design, game art and animation, motion capture, programming, sound, testing, and production—from game industry pros, Becker College faculty, and recent graduates who are making games for a living! *Each student will receive a mobile app development kit including a Kindle Fire. The students will work in teams. The goal for each team is to produce a working mobile game prior to the end of the camp.

Contact Don Desrochers Camp Director at Donald.desrochers@becker.edu

Live and learn on campus. July 11-23.

.edu/summergamestudio

Don’t wait! Space is limited for this overnight summer camp experience.

61 Sever Street | Worcester, MA 01609 | 508.373.9400

MAKE JULY AN INVESTMENT IN SEPTEMBER.

Eagle Hill School runs a five-week boarding summer session for students ages 10-16 who are average to superior in cognitive ability and have been identified with specific language based learning (dis)abilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder.

LEARNING DIVERSITY This blog reflects our commitment to promoting a model of education that nurtures the diverse learning abilities of individuals. We examine equitable and effective methods of teaching based on research, experience, and creative problem solving as opposed to prescribed “fixes.”

SUMMER SESSION June 27-July 29, 2016

www.eaglehill.school 72 APRIL2016

413-477-6000

Hardwick, MA

PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION AT: LEARNING DIVERSITY.ORG

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Camp 15.00 OFF FIRST WEEK & Registration

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Strong Emphasis on Socialization & Fun!

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R O R C I G Y AN’S H T A K

SUMMER SPORTS & GYMNASTICS CAMPS ~ We Offer All On Premise ~

• Instructional & Recreational Swimming • Outdoor Pool • Foam Pit Fun • Parachute Play • Gymnastics Instruction • Basketball • Softball • Soccer • Arts & Crafts • Group Games • Fitness Fun • Zumba Family & Multiple Full Week Discounts Partial Week Options Gym–Swim Mini Camp Programs for 3–5 Years

Boys & Girls Boys & Girls Ages Ages 5–12 5-13 Extended Daycare Extended Daycare Available: Available 7 am–9 am, 7 am-9 am 4 pm–6 pm 4 pm-6 pm Private & Small Group Swimming Lessons

406 VFW Drive, Rockland, MA • 781-878-9155 www.kathycorrigans.com

BLACKSTONE VALLEY

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB “The Positive Place for Kids”

SUMMER PROGRAM 2016

Program Runs From June 20th-August 26th, 2016 Does your child enjoy being outdoors, swimming and having fun? We have the perfect fit for summer vacation! *NEWLY DESIGNED POOL WITH WATER FEATURES* • Ages 6 - 1/2 to 13 years • Basic Program: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm $525 (10-week program) • Extended Program: Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm $775 (10-week program)

Credit Cards Accepted

LIMITED ENROLLMENT

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bvbgc.com 508-883-6363 115 Canal Street • P.O. Box 283 Blackstone, MA 01504 BAYSTATEPARENT 73

our april favorites sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

Starting on the date the prize appears, log on to baystateparent.com to enter for your chance to win.

44 {Fact}

6 {WIN}

Fenway Park’s iconic hand-operated scoreboard boasts 127 slots and turns 82 this year (22 years younger than the park itself).

12 13 {WIN} 12 Indoors or out, a kit from the Irish Fairy Door Company helps fairies easily relocate into human homes, classrooms, gardens, and woods, and provides a beautiful and unique way for children and parents to create, interact, and play through the power of imagination and belief. Head to baystateparent.com today for details on how to enter to win your set, which comes with a fairy door, stepping stones, a magic key, and more.

18 18{Fact} 19

25 25

In addition to the accolades and an olive wreath atop their heads, the top Boston Marathon finishers (male/ female) each receive $150,000.

{WIN}

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Sweden Toys’s chalkboard vinyl wall animals add décor and interactive fun to any toddler’s room. Kids can use chalk or chalk markers to draw or doodle, and parents can leave special messages or mark a child’s height as they grow. Visit baystateparent.com today and grab your chance to win this 56.5-inch tall Giraffe decal, made from removable chalkboard vinyl that easily sticks to and peels off most flat surfaces. Valued at $59.99.

The sky may be gray, but your child’s boots don’t have to be. Kamik’s 2016 Spring Collection features fashion-forward rain boots that are stylish, durable, 100% waterproof, and recyclable, ensuring maximum comfort and protection. Learn how you can win a pair (style and color subject to availability) by visiting baystateparent.com today!

facts, finds and freebies thursday

friday

saturday

22 {Fact}

While most think spring fever is characterized by excitement and energy, there is an opposite state: “Frühjahrsmüdigkeit” a German term that translates into “spring tiredness.”

8 {WIN}

Kick-It Trainer allows a player to practice kicking over and over without the need to constantly chase after a soccer ball. Lightweight, sturdy, and easy to set up, it easily folds into a convenient carrying size, which means Kick-It Trainer can travel to the field, backyard, or even inside. Visit baystateparent.com and enter today for your chance to win this prize, valued at $149!

14 15 {WIN} 14

23 23{Fact}

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Play-Doh is releasing Play-Doh Town, a line that for the first time includes figures and playsets that work together to build a world for more expansive play. Playsets range from a Firehouse (pictured) to a Pet Shop, and figures include a police officer, hairdresser, pizza boy, and more. Visit baystateparent.com and enter today to win a series of Play-Doh Town playsets.

28 {WIN}

Boys and girls can turn into bedtime aces thanks to The SleeperHero, a plush doll with a big smile and superhero mask that functions as an alarm clock and bedtime buddy. When it’s time to sleep, a light on the doll’s stomach turns red and children know to stay in bed. When it’s time to get out of bed, the light turns green. Go to baystateparent.com today to enter to win a SleeperHero doll and book set today!

According to NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Plymouth and Great Barrington tie for averaging the most days of precipitation (13) during the month of April. Plymouth, however, is #1 when it comes to actual rainfall, averaging 4.8 inches per April.

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Summer Programs

Make new friends and meet new challenges on our beautiful campus. Brainy Gyrls

Chillin’ Out

Digital Arts Programs

A neuroscience program for high school age girls that will offer the unique opportunity to learn about the brain and its amazing functions. Attendees will master the fundamental concepts of neuroscience through casework, experiential learning and lab work. Day or overnight. Open to girls entering grades 10-12. Week of June 27-July 1.

Peer pressure. Test pressure. Parental pressure. Sibling pressure. Social media pressure. It’s tough being a teenager. This program will help students deal with all of life’s pressures as a teen in America today. Open to boys and girls entering grades 6-11. June 27-30.

STEM-themed programs offered in collaboration with Black Rocket. All programs are co-ed except Girl Gamers. Open to ages 8-10 and 11-14. Weekly programs will run July 11-August 5.

Go Girls! Summer Dance Intensive Attendees will work with a team of professionals and university instructors throughout the week culminating in a performance each Friday. The weeklong programs will begin with warm up and stretching, then work with instructors and guest artists in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop classes. No audition required. Co-ed program. July 18-22: ages 6-9; July 25-29: ages 10-13; Aug. 1-5: ages 14-18.

The Power of Creative Writing This one-week creative writing program will provide attendees an environment that nurtures creative writing skills across genres. Young writers will participate in activities that stimulate creativity and shape good writing practices. The experience will culminate in a final performance/reading to showcase the week’s work. Open to girls ages 13-16. Week of July 25-29.

A fun-filled summer discovery program providing young girls the opportunity to discover their potential through arts, theatre, dance, movement, sports, and team games. Open to girls ages 5-12. August 1-5.

Summer Musical Theater Intensive A three-week pre-professional training experience that immerses students in the disciplines of musical theatre: acting, singing, and dancing. Working with a team of professionals and university instructors, students explore the distinct challenges of the musical theatre genre, encompassing song interpretation, monologues, characterizations, vocal work and choreography. Students will also learn how to optimize their headshots and résumés and prepare for successful college and community auditions. No audition required. July 11-30; Co-ed program. Open to ages 7-18.

App Attack! Dive into making your own apps, just like the ones you’d see on the App Store! Using a specialized app & game development tool, students will explore the world of web-based (HTML5) mobile apps. No prior experience necessary. Students do not need to own a smartphone or tablet to participate. Girl Gamers Why should boys have all the fun? There are plenty of exciting games that girls can make in this course! Learn the basic elements of 2D Game Design. Each day will have a tech challenge and a profile of the female stars of the tech world. Make Your First Video Game! Create your first platformer video game using characters that you choose! Make your first video game in this oneof-a-kind class that teaches the keys to designing your first 2D platformer game. No prior experience necessary. Minecraft® Designer Fill a Minecraft® world with your own custom designs and creations! Learn the basics of creating 3D-models using a new software to design your very own objects, create skins for characters, and import them into your favorite Minecraft® games.

For additional information, forms, and to register go to www.baypath.edu/summerprograms F O R A C O N S TA N T LY C H A N G I N G W O R L D

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Contact Briana Sitler, Director of Special Programs, 413.565.1066 or e-mail bsitler@baypath.edu. 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow MA 01106

APRILINDEX

Applewild School.................................................... 48 Bancroft School..................................................... 79 Bay Path University............................................... 76 Becker College...................................................... 72 Big Y Foods, Inc..................................................... 15 Blackstone Valley Boys & Girls Club........................ 73 Boston Children’s Museum....................................... 3 Camp CRAFT Lancaster........................................... 66 Camp Half Moon................................................... 70 Children’s Development Network, Inc....................... 8 Citi Performing Arts Center.................................... 47 Conway Scenic Railroad......................................... 19 Cornerstone Academy.............................................. 6 Danforth Museum of Art........................................ 70 Davis Farmland..................................................... 11 DCU Center........................................................... 28 Eagle Hill School.................................................... 72 Ecotarium............................................................4,73 F3......................................................................... 12 Fay Summer.......................................................... 73 Fitchburg Art Museum............................................ 58 Fletcher Tilton PC................................................... 61 FMC Ice Sports....................................................... 16 Gymnastics Learning Center................................... 22 Hanover Theatre................................................... 55 Heywood Hospital.................................................. 65 Incrediflix............................................................. 71 Johnny Appleseed Trail Association......................... 59 Kathy Corrigan’s Camps......................................... 73 Kids in Sports........................................................ 53 Legoland Discovery Center Boston.......................... 75 Mall At Whitney Field............................................. 13 Mass Adoption Resource Exchange......................... 63 Mass Audubon Society........................................... 69 Metrowest Ballet.................................................... 57 Millbury Federal Credit Union................................ 35 Mt. Washington Auto Road..................................... 19 New Horizon Karate & More.................................. 24 Next Generation Children’s Ctr................................. 5 Noble Expo........................................................... 29 Regatta Point Community Sailing........................... 67 Reliant Medical Group........................................... 26 Rise and Shine Academy........................................ 46 Shawna Shenette Photography............................... 35 Sholan Farms........................................................ 51 Shrewsbury Children’s Center................................. 24 Spa Tech Institute.................................................. 38 Springfield Museums Corp...................................... 31 Stageloft Repertory Theater................................... 69 Sterling Academy of Gymnastics............................. 69 Summer Fenn/The Fenn School.............................. 66 Swings N Things.................................................... 23 The Learning Zone................................................. 39 UMass Memorial Medical Center....................35,58,80 Wachusett Theatre Company....................................7 Whale Camp.......................................................... 70 Worcester Academy.............................................9,71 Worcester Art Museum.............................. 2,25,43,54 Worcester Kids’ Dentist.......................................... 58 Worcester Regional Chamber................................. 33 YMCA Central Branch............................................. 71

20 for 20 FROM PAGE 14

Answer key: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ER Seinfeld Friends Caroline in the City Monday Night Football The Single Guy Home Improvement

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Boston Common 60 Minutes NYPD Blue 20/20 Frasier Grace Under Fire

15 16 17 18 19 20

The Nanny Roseanne Walker, Texas Ranger Primetime Live Murphy Brown 3rd Rock From The Sun

Coach

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TAKE EIGHT

with Brian Gordon Cartoonist Brian Gordon describes himself as “Neurotic dad. Coffee drinker. Occasional sleeper,” yet he’s also the creator of one of the most popular comics on the Web today, Fowl Language (fowllanguagecomics.com), a dead-on, hysterical look at parenthood. The Massachusetts native moved to Kansas in 1997 and worked as a greeting card cartoonist for Hallmark for 18 years, before being laid off in 2015. The father of a 5- and 8-year old, Gordon is now supporting his family as a full-time independent cartoonist, and his first book, Fowl Language: Welcome To Parenting, was released last month.

How old were you when you started cartooning? What did you like to draw? As a little kid I spent an inordinate time indoors drawing and copying pictures off of the funny pages from our local newspapers. I can’t recall exactly when it all began, but some of my earliest memories are drawing comics on butcher-block paper at the dining room table. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten a little more fresh air as a child.

What was your favorite cartoon as a child? Around the age of 6 I discovered Peanuts and spent the majority of my time reading and drawing them. By the age of 7, I would happily tell anyone who asked that I was going to become a “syndicated cartoonist” when I grew up, despite having no idea what “syndicated” meant, other than you got to draw comics.

78 APRIL2016

Is there a particular aspect or area of parenting you like drawing the most? What gets the biggest response from fans? You know, the really sweet stuff, where I acknowledge how much I love my kids, is always liked and appreciated. But the cartoons where I’m a little more honest and admit how much parenting can seriously suck at times are the ones that have gotten the most support and response.

You worked as a greeting card cartoonist for Hallmark. What would surprise people about creating greeting cards? The oddest adjustment for me was the lead-time on cards. You’re constantly working ahead of time on the next year’s cards, and rarely during the season that holidays occurred. I remember sitting in my cubicle in July, listening to Christmas songs on my headphones, trying to get into the spirit to write Santa-related cartoons and thinking, This is a weird job. How did you come up with the idea for Fowl Language? I started the cartoon about a year before I got laid off. I had been working on another comic called Chuck & Beans that was owned by Hallmark. It was a semi-autobiographical cartoon about two young, single guys who were obsessed with pop culture and trying to get dates. Over time, however, I got married and became increasingly less young, and I found it was getting harder and harder to write for these characters I could no longer relate to. Fowl Language was my way to reflect and make fun of what was going on in my life now.

What has surprised you most about Fowl Language’s popularity? Just how many people can relate to the same problems and frustrations I have as a parent. When you’re in the thick of it and going nuts at all hours with your kids, it can feel like you’re the only one suffering these injustices. Whenever I put out a cartoon I always sort of hold my breath in anticipation, wondering if other people are gonna relate and understand.

What’s your favorite part of being a dad and what drives you the most insane? Favorites: Those serendipitous moments where you notice that thing you never thought they’d get is finally sinking in. Or the times where your kid just does something ridiculously sweet or kind out of the blue. The Insane Stuff: Too numerous to list, but the constant hounding and reminding to get my kids to do absolutely anything has got to be the worst.

How did the book come about? Fowl Language: Welcome To Parenting is all about the realities of parenting versus what I was led to believe it was going to be like. I’m hoping people will use it as a coping book or give it as a baby shower gift so new parents can be given fair warning! (Editor’s note: Fans can support Fowl Language, Gordon, and his family by pledging onetime or monthly donations as little as $1 (and get some cool thank-yous) at patreon.com/ fowllanguage.)

BAYSTATEPARENT 79

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80 APRIL2016