North Texas Kids August 2009

North Texas Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

August 2009

FREE

www.northtexaskids.com

Cover artist: Joshua age 8

In this issue: 1

Banish the Back-to-School Blues / Back to School Brain Foods / Selecting a North Texas Kids August 2009 www.NorthTexasKids.com Preschool / Treasure Hunts for a Summer Day / August Calendar of Events •

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2

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

5

Contents August

l

Volume 7 No. 8

10

8

12 Ways to Banish the Back-to-School Blues

10

The Top 10 Red Flags: What you Should Not .

See in a Preschool

12

Back to School Brain Foods

13

Treasure Hunts for a Summer Day

14

Social Skills Development

17

I Was Hurting My Kids and Didn’t Realize it

19

Back To School vs Back To Old School

25

31

6

Ready, Set, Go… Getting a Leg up on Back-to-School

14

25

15

Stretchin’ Dollars & Spendin’ Sense

18

Kids In The Kitchen: Frozen Yogurt

16

Emma's Kid-Friendly Restaurant Review

27

Back to School Word Search

18

Summer Camps 2009

29

Craft: Flower Ink Pens

20

Back to School Enrichment Guide

30

Family Resource Guide

Nothing Wrong With B Team

32

26

Focus on Advertisers

Sports & Fitness Programs

33

28

August Calendar of Events

36

Alexandria’s Book Review

37

Index Of Advertisers

The Importance of Lunacy in a Family Setting

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Note from the Publisher

Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

Are Your Ready for School?

My family and I have had a very

busy but wonderful summer full of fun! We spent two amazing weeks

on the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, where my husband is from. We try

to go every summer and are blessed to have this cool escape from the

August heat. I am not sure that any of us are completely ready to get

back into the hectic routine of school and work and everything else we have going on!

If you have been reading my

column for a few years, you know that I am a huge fan of finding

time and space to give my kids

the freedom to run and play on their own without my constant

supervision. Petite Riviere is one of

those amazing places. There are four family cottages on one large piece of property, right on the beach. While

we will go exploring and swimming with the kids or visit other beaches, they get lots of time to just go play on their own. Once the kids have

breakfast, they go outside and we

often don't see them until lunch. It is a safe place for them to explore,

play, climb rocks, collect sea shells

and pick blueberries. We play lots of cards and always do at least one fun craft project that takes a couple of days.

We also spent 5 days in

Galveston at the Pointe West Resort which is on the far west end of the

island about 20 miles from Galveston

chance to listen to the North Texas

condo right on the beach called Wave

absolutely amazing guests and the

proper. We stayed in a beautiful

of Memories. Great place to go if you are looking for a fall getaway for a couple of days. Check out http:// www.waveofmemoriesgalveston.

com. The owner, Donna, is a Plano mom with two young children

herself, so the condo is stocked with everything you can imagine. It was interesting to see Galveston and

how far it has come since Hurricane Ike. We were happy to see so many

people there this summer and to see it recovering. Donna can help you

with the rental of several condos at

this resort, which had two great pool areas, a restaurant, work out room, etc.

It has definitely been interesting

these past two summers transitioning to our later start date for school and trying to fill that extra time. As I

write this, school is over a month

August line up is even better. You can listen to it online live at

www.thewordfm.com or on air on

100.7 fm every day at 2pm or you

can download the podcast from our website, put it on your MP3 player and listen to it while you go for a walk or get on the treadmill.

My goal is to bring you great

on the radio show that is relevant to your life as a parent and will help

you to raise happy, healthy kids. As parents, what brings us together is

the hope that our kids will grow up

Food and Banishing the Back to

School Blues that will help you begin the process of preparing your kids

CMO

Cindy Watts cindyw@northtexaskids.com

Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik

mike@northtexaskids.com

Office/Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs

heidi@northtexaskids.com

Account Executives

Cindy Johnson Nancy Luttinger Jana McClinton Lori O'Connell Kristene Richardson Cindy Watts

Creative Dir. /Designer Brittany Allen

2nd Story Design brittany@2ndstorydesign.com

Printed by

Midway Press, Dallas Tx

Scissortail Publishing

to be happy and healthy. It seems so

700 E. Park Blvd. #110 Plano, Texas 75074

throw us challenges along the way.

Phone

972-516-9070

Fax

972-516-9048

simple, but life always manages to I hope that North Texas Kids has

helped you to make the parenting journey a little bit easier.

North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing LLC. North Texas Kids is published 12 times a year.

Thanks to all of your for taking

Copyright 2009 by North Texas Kids©. All rights

would love to hear from you about

written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids

what you like, what you want more

great articles on Social Skills, Brain

Brad Dobson bdobson@northtexaskids.com

Mailing Address

already planning their fall calendar,

school activities. We also have some

Web/Media Designer

content both in the magazine and

the time to read our magazine. We

we have some great ideas for after

Minette Riordan minette@northtexaskids.com

Kids radio show. I have had some

away but that time will fly by. For

those families who are organized and

Publisher/Editor

of or less of. You can email me

directly at minette@northtexaskids.

com. Know someone you want me to interview on the show, let me know!

As always, happy reading!

reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without

encourages your submission of articles, children’s artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Recommended article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned.

Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the

for the new year.

content of their printed advertisements and agree

I know summer has been

to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for

busy, but I hope you have had the

any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom.

Cover Artist...

Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork We love the painting on the cover this month! We were unable to contact the artist and hope that she will see her beautiful painting and give us a call so we can tell people who you are! Thanks for submitting the great painting!

on the cover of NTK. North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s Masterpiece.

We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child that appears on our cover receives $50.00 along with his/her picture and story in the paper. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to info@northtexaskids.com or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E. Park Blvd., Suite 110, Plano, Texas 75074.

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

7

12

Ways to Banish the Back-to-School Blues

Yes, I know it is still early in August

but it is time to start thinking about those dreaded little words: "Back to School."

My kids have had a great summer but I

know that transitioning them back into

the school-year routine can be a challenge

for the entire family. While I am definitely

school. Having them practice sitting still and listening to a story is great skillbuilding for your little ones. Check out www.momsoutloud.com for a great selection of story times around the metroplex! Libraries, book stores and even Pottery Barn offer a variety of times and age groups, including evening and Saturday times for working parents.

4.

Play School. If you have a child at home who is nervous about going

ready to have them back in school and in a

to school, or if you have daughters who love school, make the time to play

summer mornings without the hustle

This type of role play can make the transition to school easier for your shy child

regular routine, I have enjoyed the lazier

and bustle of getting them to school by 7:45am. Maybe

you are dreading shopping for new clothes and school

supplies. It seems the older our children get, the longer and more expensive

the list gets! I have some tips here that can help make that transition happen

smoothly and without stress, whether you have a preschooler just starting out or a middle-schooler complaining about the alarm clock.

1.

by Dr. Minette Riordan

Take your Child Shopping! Take advantage of tax free weekend

August 22-24 and let your child pick out one new outfit for the first day of

school with them. Let them be the teacher, give you assignments, read to you.

once they know what to expect. Taking the time to sit down with your children to play creates an opportunity to just listen to them, you will likely discover

much more about what they fear and what they are excited about during this

type of play time than you would by just asking them questions at the dinner table. If you have several children, have the older siblings describe a typical

day to the younger ones. I know my daughter was comforted just knowing her big brother was somewhere in the same building.

5.

Start your regular bedtime routine early! At least two weeks

school. I don't know about you, but I am not ready to buy a fall wardrobe yet,

before school starts, you need to start adjusting bedtime and wake-up time.

shirt or a cute pair of shoes can perk up your older kids. For your younger kids,

habit of waking up early. Especially if you have a night owl at home that

encouraging you to go spend tons of money on your kids because I am not, you

This will eliminate some of the tiredness and battles of that first week of

my kids are still wearing all of their summer clothes, but just having a new

One of the biggest challenges for children of all ages is getting back into the

let them pick out a backpack or new dress. Now, I don't want you to think I am

has a hard time falling asleep, you really need to get them into bed early.

can also use this as a teachable moment. Give your child a budget, whether it is

$5 or $50 and help them spend it appropriately. Talk about what sales tax is and why they don't have to pay it this weekend. Kick-start their math brains! For

older kids, have them go to several stores and compare prices on some of their favorite items before they are allowed to purchase anything.

2.

Refresh Math Skills! Speaking of math, this is one of the areas of

learning loss that kids experience over the summer and teachers spend the first

month of school re-teaching many basic skills. So for the month of August, start practicing math with your kids, just to get their brains moving again. Make a fun game out of addition and subtraction or multiplication and division. Use all that time driving to and from camp to practice. My kids love to quiz each

other or me. Let the kids help with the grocery shopping budget and add up items on a calculator as you go through the store. Here are two websites that

have some really fun online math games: www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html and www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm

3.

Read to your kids. If you have been a little lazy this summer like we

have about reading to your kids or having them read to you or on their own, it is time to get motivated. Add 10-15 minutes of reading to your child's schedule, every day! Then on that first day of school, they won't feel lost or behind because they can't keep up with the teacher or their classmates. Building and practicing skills at home with your children also builds confidence and eliminates fear. Even just a refresher course in the alphabet for your first grader can boost their brain power and their self-esteem! Think about going to story time with your younger ones this month, especially if they are just starting 8

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

school. Our kids are going to be exhausted already just by being back in the classroom for 8 hours a day, help them out by making sure they are wellrested from day one!

6.

Focus on breakfast! Make sure that your child eats a healthy

breakfast every single day, children cannot think or focus when they have an empty stomach. Research shows that kids who eat a healthy breakfast

perform better in school. Leave the sugary cereals and muffins at the store!

Here are several websites with great ideas for quick and easy breakfast ideas. http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/breakfast.html http://health.kaboose.com/nutrition/breakfast-is-best-4.html

7.

Meet the teacher! Most schools have a day where you can go and

see your child's classroom and meet the teacher. If you are a working parent,

please make time to do this with your child if at all possible. Seeing their new classroom and meeting their new teacher will do wonders for eliminating

your child's fears. Most of our children's fears come from not knowing what to expect. As parents, we need to do everything we can to help our child

understand what is going to happen in the classroom and who they will be spending their days with.

8.

Countdown the days! Build excitement and enthusiasm by

encouraging your child to mark the days off on a calendar or make a paper chain and allow them to tear off one loop each day until school starts. This works great with younger children!

9. Spend more time with your kids! Take advantage of the last days of

freedom with your kids to talk to them, read to them, go for ice cream (or try

out one of the awesome new yogurt stores that are popping up everywhere)

or play board games. Create opportunities to talk to them about what changes the fall will bring along with the cooler weather. Remind them how much you love them and how proud of them you are. Don't go overboard, just

knowing that you are there and that you care about them will help alleviate

some of your child's stress. This casual conversation time is great for all ages

but critical for your older children. You want to do everything you can to keep those lines of communication open as they enter the challenging emotional trials of the typical tween and teen.

10.

Schedule playdates! If you child has not seen any of his/her

friends all summer, try to schedule a few playdates. This will help your child

feel better on that first day of school, knowing that he or she still has a BFF at school. It may sound simple, but hanging out with friends is a great way to

get your kids excited about going back to school. We can't expect them to be excited about homework but it's easy to get them excited about seeing all of their friends again.

11.

I MET MY FIRST FRIENDS AT THE J!

New to a school or neighborhood? Reach out to your PTA or PTO

president and ask for the name of a couple of families with kids the same age

as yours and reach out for a playdate. We had a mom in our neighborhood do

that and we were delighted to meet her and her kids. Turns out they live right

around the corner and have become good friends and carpool partners. When we model making new friends for our kids, it helps teach them to reach out and meet new people, too.

12.

Beat Your Own Blues! If your baby is going off to Kindergarten

or Middle School or High School this year, that is a huge step and brings up our own fears, anxieties and sadness that our baby is growing up. Each of

It’s never too early to think about your child’s education!

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these stages is a time of transition for everyone in the family. Make sure to

spend that extra time with your child but also make sure that you take care of yourself. If you are nervous and anxious, your child will be, too! You do not

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want to add to your little one's fears or alienate your older child because your emotions are getting in the way. It is okay for you to grieve, to be worried

or nervous about all of the changes you and your child will be experiencing.

Find a friend who has already been through this experience and ask how they managed it, or find a friend with kids the same age and talk through your

feelings. Whatever you do, be strong for your child and excited about the new stage they are entering. We all have to go through these rites of passage and

we need to be there to support our children, boost their confidence and send them off with love. It can be very hard to do this alone, so ask for help and

advice and work through your feelings so that you can support your child.

Dr. Minette Riordan is the publisher of North Texas Kids magazine and host of the North Texas Kids radio show. More importantly she is a wife and and mom of two school-aged children who is trying to get herself and her children prepared for August 24. She is also a Certified Parent Coach. If you need some advice and help working through your own fears and anxieties, or would like Minette to come and speak to your PTA or Mom's Group, email her at minette@northtexaskids.com or call her office at 972-516-9070.

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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The Top 10 Red Flags: What you Should

NOT

See in a Preschool

by Ashley Murphree Few buying decisions carry higher stakes. For concerned parents, finding the right preschool becomes a shopping mission that can take weeks or even months. This makes perfect sense for moms and dads who put their children’s safety, security and education above all else.

But sorting through preschool programs can quickly become confusing.

Some preschool centers look good from the outside, but do they really deliver a high-quality experience? Others may lurk as diamonds in the rough, where kids truly take center stage.

To simplify the process, consider these 10 red flags. If one pops up at a childcare program you are considering, cross it off your list and move on to the next possibility.

1. An uninviting atmosphere. Sure, this may seem obvious. But parents focused on evaluating curriculum, teachers and facilities often overlook the general atmosphere. Staff members who are not friendly, warm, happy or welcoming to you likely will display a bad attitude openly toward your child. No kid deserves to deal with negativity on a daily basis.

2. A child surplus. Some preschool classrooms are teeming with children, much to the chagrin of overwhelmed teachers. This can make it impossible for teachers to maintain order. What’s more, it can make for very limited time in small groups or one-on-one with children. Keep in mind that the National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends two teachers per classroom for better supervision.

3. Bad behavior. No, this doesn’t refer to children who act out occasionally. At some preschools, teachers provide the wrong kind of redirection and, when needed, consequences for children’s missteps. Stay away from schools where teachers focus exclusively on misbehavior, rather than dealing with the problems that cause it. In addition, children should not be sent to a time-out chair to sit for long periods and think about what they did wrong. Teachers should never speak to children angrily or disrespectfully, much less shout at them from across the room.

4. A lack of direction. Avoid preschools where children are not actively engaged in learning and playing. For example, keep an eye out for children who are wandering aimlessly, looking for things to do around the classroom or playground. Another warning sign occurs when children are sitting at tables or standing in line waiting for something to happen, rather than being meaningfully involved in activities and transitions. Finally, make sure that teachers are actively interacting with children, rather than serving as babysitters or overseers.

5. Too much frustration. Preschool should be a positive, relaxed place where children feel free to learn and explore. Children should not be hurried from one activity to another, with a focus more on the clock than on learning. What’s more, kids should not be forced to perform tasks they find too difficult, advanced or frustrating. Lastly, play should be extended both indoors and outdoors to provide a much-needed change of scenery, as well as rest and relaxation for children and teachers alike.

6. Kids not learning like kids. Children learn through play, not by sitting quietly at their desks. A wide range of warning signs can indicate

10

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

that a preschool has insufficient strategies to engage young learners. These include teachers telling children to sit still or not touch things, and children being drilled with flash cards. Stay away from classrooms where teachers talk to children primarily by asking factual questions that require one-word or simple, straightforward answers. Children should not be required to perform pencil-and-paper activities, such as copying the alphabet or completing worksheets. Finally, teachers should not talk too much, requiring the group of children to simply watch quietly rather than actively learning.

7. Cookie-cutter art. Art is in the eye of the beholder. This is especially true for young children, who have absolutely no preconceptions of what an art project should look like. Kids should feel absolutely free to express themselves and explore their creative urges. Art should not be productoriented, with an eye for the final result. Rather, teachers should focus on the process of creating and learning to use new materials. In addition, teachers should never, ever correct or complete childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art.

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8. Inadequate equipment. Take a close look around the classrooms, common areas and playground. Are materials or equipment insufficient for the number and ages of the children? Are items in poor repair? If so, this is not the place for your child.

9. Yucky, dirty or scary. Again, this seems obvious. But it can be easy to overlook or excuse these problems as a one-time occurrence. Not so. Avoid any preschool with unsanitary conditions or hazards that could cause accidents.

Also, make note of the smell, which can be a sign of general cleanliness.

10. Disorganization. Kids thrive on routine. So a sense of general disorganization throughout the program should send you running.

Ashley Murphree is the owner of Carpe Diem Private Preschool (with locations in Allen, Frisco and Richardson) and a highly respected educational expert featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, The Dallas Morning News and Dallas Business Journal. For more information, visit www.carpediempreschool.com or call 972.664.0203.

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Back to School Brain Foods At LearningRx, we prove cognitive skills and mental functioning can be grown and improved, but there are other things you can do on a daily basis to enhance your mental abilities, including what and when you eat.

No real surprise here: What’s good for the body, is good for the brain.

But what may be surprising is exactly how far science has come in identifying the compounds that are beneficial for the health and function of our brains.

That body of research is growing daily, and supports the idea that along with proper sleep and exercise, many different types of foods are necessary for optimum mental functioning, including fluids, complex carbohydrates, proteins, beneficial fats, and various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Here we try to help you wrap your mind around some of the latest research. Let’s start with some Brain Facts:

• The brain uses 20-percent of the body’s metabolic fuel, but makes up just 2-percent of our body weight

• The brain can’t store carbohydrates like muscles can so it requires a constant supply of glucose

• Eating regularly ensures that the 100 billion nerve cells in the adult brain remain active

Water, of course, is vital for proper brain function. Nutrients can reach the brain in adequate amounts only if the body gets enough fluid. Studies show that even slight dehydration slows the rate nutrients can enter the brain, producing short-term memory deficits, reasoning difficulties and other cognitive problems.

Keeping our brains optimally powered is also dependent on when we eat.

Eating breakfast is critically important for mental function in the morning.

Results from 22 studies of school-age kids show that breakfast eaters have better memories, test scores and school attendance rates. Snacking between meals can also prevent or reduce mental dips by keeping a consistent blood glucose level.

The almost daily onslaught of new brain food research can be confusing, and… well, mind-boggling. As new information comes along and you find yourself in doubt, just remember the bottom line: if it’s good for the body, it’s good for the brain too.

A well-balanced diet buttresses the brain just as it does the body. The table below highlights examples of some of the best food sources for essential brain nutrients. It describes the functions of nutrients in foods that can influence concentration, memory, learning and the overall health of the brain.

Like many body organs, the brain operates best when blood glucose is stable. Lack of concentration and other mental lapses can readily occur when blood glucose levels dip or surge. Ways to keep glucose stable include: • Eating complex carbohydrates instead of simple sugars

• Balancing carbohydrates by eating them with small amounts of protein, beneficial fats and fiber • Snacking throughout the day instead of consuming giant meals • Eating breakfast

To metabolize glucose, our brain cells need oxygen, which gets to the brain by hemoglobin, the large iron-containing protein in red blood cells.

Therefore, adequate iron is essential, along with Vitamin C, to help the body absorb certain types of iron. In one study, less than 1/3 of the female participants had sufficient iron in their blood. These women performed cognitive exercises better and faster than women who were iron deficient.

Iron supplementation closed the mental gap however, and the formerly anemic women did 5 to 7 times better on their cognitive performance after supplementation.

Other vitamins, minerals and trace elements are important for brain function too. Vitamin B-1 enables the metabolism of glucose. Potassium, sodium and calcium are used for nerve cell signaling and metabolic reactions.

Zinc is important for concentration and memory. Even slight mineral deficits can lead to fatigue, forgetfulness and concentration problems.

Unsaturated fats also buttress brain function, especially the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. These oils are crucial for building brain cell membranes and protecting brain blood vessels. Many studies have shown they help guard against depression. Other studies show eating just one to three servings of fish per month significantly decreases the risk of stroke.

The brain is also dependent on protein, which boosts attention. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Those enzymes produce structural materials and transporters for the brain.

12

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

For more information, call your local LearningRx at 972-267-8900 or visit us online at www.LearningRx.com.

Treasure Hunts

for a Summer Day

by Caron Goode

What child doesn’t love a treasure hunt? Armed with a list of items to find, summertime presents the perfect opportunity for children to discover the treasures, both large and small, that nature has to offer. Taking time to observe nature through an interactive lens teaches children about nature, but will also inspire them to develop an appreciation of the beauty that surrounds them.

While a nature themed treasure hunt can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish, to make your treasure hunt a success, take time to learn about the location where you’ll be holding your hunt. Research what types of trees, insects and flowers are naturally occurring in the area so the hunters can find what they’re looking for.

When planning your treasure hunt, you’ll also want to take the ages of the hunters into consideration. Toddlers may do better with pictures of items on index cards, rather than a written list of items to find. Older kids may enjoy the challenge of finding hidden treasures, like bugs on the undersides of leaves, while younger kids may be easily frustrated if they are unable to find items in plain view. If you have kids of all different ages participating in the hunt, pair younger kids up with older ones for a team event. You’ll also want to set a time limit for your treasure hunt based on the schedule of those participating.

To enhance the experience consider giving each child a backpack filled with a disposable camera, notebook and colored pencils to record their findings. Bug nets, magnifying glasses, glass jars, binoculars and small plastic bags can also enhance the treasure hunt for children so they can catch, store and transport their findings.

Once you’ve researched your area, considered your hunters and designated the hunting hours, make your list of items to find and things to do.

Here’s a starter list of things to find that are perfect for beginning treasure hunters: Pinecone, Butterfly, Beatle, Frog, Spider web, Lizard, Flower, Mushroom, Berries, Feather, Leaves, Moss, Snail, Shell, Seed, Quartz, Fossils, Birds nest or Stick.

To create a simpler hunt for toddlers, ask them to find something of a certain color or shape, and then share with them what the item is. Something green could be a leaf, a piece of grass or the stem of a flower. Preschoolers can be asked to find items of a relative size, like a stick longer than their thumb or a rock bigger than a penny. Be sure to advise all children never to eat anything from nature without asking you and to keep their hands out of their mouths and away from their faces during the hunt.

Things to Do: Keep a field journal and draw the items you find, take pictures of items you find, go for a hike, sing a bird song, catch a tadpole, climb a tree, wade in water, feed the ducks, sit on a rock, watch the sunset.

Younger children can be asked to jump over a rock, to pick a flower or to make the noise of a specific animal. Older kids can be asked to indentify animal tracks or types of trees. The goal is for them to experience nature firsthand in a way they can best relate.

Before wrapping up your treasure hunt experience take the opportunity to talk about being a responsible citizen and discuss ways you can help keep the environment healthy. Perhaps, make a family agreement to never litter, to begin recycling or to pick up trash when you see it at the playground or on a walk.

There is no better way to teach kids about the beauty of nature than by having them experience it firsthand, and a summer nature themed treasure hunt will give them just that.

Dr. Caron Goode is an inspirational speaker, spiritual coach, and prolific author of fifteen books. Dr. Goode has become a well-respected leader in the parent coaching industry.

She directs the Academy for Coaching Parents International that trains students in Heartwise™ parent coaching. (www.academyforcoachingparents.com) North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

13

Now Enrolling for Summer and Fall Preschool Classes!

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14

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Social Skills Development

by Stephanie Hill

Social skills can be described as everyday encounters, conversations, and relationships people have with each other. Valuable skills are learned through social participation.

Interaction with others is essential for psychological, emotional, and motor skill development. Social skills are developed through modeling the behavior of others and receiving positive reinforcement when skills are successfully implemented, or receiving redirection and/or consequences when inappropriate social responses occur.

Social skills mature in a developmental sequence. They begin with solitary play in which sensory and motor experiences help a child learn about himself. Next, a child observes the behaviors of others through parallel play in which he plays alongside other children. Associative play follows with interactive sharing of materials, experiences, and environment. As cognitive abilities and communication skills advance, cooperative play with organized games with rules emerges.

It is important to recognize a child’s level of social engagement in order to help him progress to a higher developmental stage.

Children with special needs can have significant social challenges. Social skills involve many components including expressive and receptive language skills, reading of nonverbal cues, recognizing and understanding emotions, cognition, sensory awareness and modulation, as well as gross and fine motor skills to participate in social play activities.

Observing a child’s current play routines provides insight on their social proficiency and the best course of intervention to promote social success. To improve social skills, start where the child is, work on underlying components, model appropriate social interactions, provide feedback on social behaviors, and practice new skills frequently to help a child learn and retain appropriate social skills.

General strategies to foster social interaction and play include the following: • Follow the child’s lead in play and incorporate his special interests to engage him and to practice social reciprocity • Build opportunities for social interactions by structuring them (i.e., have the child hold the door open for others, pass materials to others, practice simple manners with others) • Structure play with games that requires turn-taking/sharing/ team-work • Encourage interaction through games that offer some distance, and model appropriate sharing of space and play items (i.e., ball activities, complete puzzles cooperatively, build a structure with blocks or other shared materials, draw or complete an art project on a shared canvas, food activities) • Incorporate familiar children’s songs to gain attention, practice eye-contact and turn-taking, provide sensori-motor exercise, and improve motor planning for sequencing of steps in play • Address sensory needs to increase alertness, to calm, to help tolerate play objects and physical interactions, and to inhibit behavioral over-responses as necessary • Model how to display and receive emotions through facial expressions, tone of voice, body language and physical interactions (i.e., handshakes, high-fives, hugs) • Provide the child with some choices to promote involvement in interactions • Offer and encourage participation in new experiences with a lot of support, and positively reward all efforts and attempts at social engagement • Praise appropriate social skills and praise often so that positive play behaviors will be repeated and motivating

By Stephanie Hill, MOT, OTR, Occupational Therapist, KidsCare Therapy. 9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 790 Dallas, TX 75243. 214-575-2999 www.KidsCareTherapy.com.

Stretchin’ Dollars

& Spendin’ Sense

Printing and Mailing

What’s Your Shopping Craving Really Mean?

By Tina Ferguson, a.k.a. The Queen of Dreams Feeling like you want to spend? Here are three sure-fire ways to get the shopping monkey off your back and save your bank account in the process.

Here are a few of my favorites with what kind of hunger it might fill: Knowledge or Learning – Feeling hum drum? Bored with Nick Jr.? Reach for a juicy novel or a new topic. The library is better than a Barnes & Noble because they have OLD books that are really cool, plus your kids can pick up something they like, and you can get new music, and a cookbook for a new dining experience – all for FREE! Look up community events – many are free – see what draws your attention, then go!

Adventure – Remember when Elmer Fudd hunted for Bugs Bunny? The tension, the feeling of excitement… the adventure of finding something? If you are craving adventure, create a scavenger hunt for you and the kids, or go to a new area of town, and create a new take on it. If you really do want to shop, take it from a girl who grew up in the projects, you can find some *gems* at rummage sales, and sometimes on very special occasions they even will give you a bag you can fill up for just a buck. Search rummage sales on craigslist.com before you go, then be sure only to take the amount you really want to spend.

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Fun! – Who flipped the fun switch? If you are uptight feeling like you don’t know what you want to consume, you probably are feeling the general malaise that gets lumped under “no fun.” If life is black and white, dull, and as spicy as vanilla ice cream, reach for anything child like. Bake cupcakes, make salt dough, paint at home, draw pictures, collect bugs, go for a walk, blow bubbles, pretty much anything that doesn’t have a point will work. The point is only to enjoy you, yourself, and those around you.

Sensory Stimulation – There’s a reason why we love lovely things. We are designed to LOVE beauty. This is literally in our biology to be attracted to what is attractive. If you are craving something, it might just be some sensory stimulation. Try going to plant nurseries and soak in the colors and plants. Or, go to a favorite store or one that might be out of your price range (if you feel you can’t resist), and window shop. Touch the fabrics, soak in the creativity, enjoy the lights, the variety. Then, slowly, step out of the store, and go home so YOU can appreciate all that you already have!

Each part of us needs and deserves attention. Getting in touch with each part will help you maintain control of your money, while loving life too. Play with other ideas, and share them with us at http://northtexaskids.com/ntkblog/ Tina Ferguson, a.k.a., The Queen of Dreams, is CEO of Rapid Success Partners. She is an award-winning author and business strategist who has assisted individuals and business owners to accelerate wealth creation. She loves to ignite the fire inside of people to do what they dream of and to serve others in the process. For more information about Tina visit www.TinaFerguson. com. For more Savin’ Dollars and Spendin’ Sense tips visit www.NorthTexasKids.com.

Tina Ferguson, a.k.a. The Queen of Dreams North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

15

Emma’s Kid Friendly Restaurant Review

Patrizio

1900 Preston Road • Plano, TX 75093 • 972-964-2200 Visit www.Patrizio.net for other locations.

by Emma Bonin Patrizio is a great Italian restaurant. I really like their food, and they have a nice atmosphere inside and an even prettier setting outside on the patio. We ate there kind of late, so it was especially pretty on the patio because of the lights strung above in the trees.

It was Bellini Fest, so my parents tried the “Baby Bellini” for only $1.

They said these were really good.

Sunday is also “kids eat free night”, so my brother and I ate for free.

I had the kid’s spaghetti and meatballs. I think it was the best spaghetti I’ve had. My brother had the same thing and agreed with me. The bread is very good, too. They bring a basket of different kinds of bread.

Kids’ meals come with a scoop of ice cream.

My mom had the vegetable

lasagna and recommends it. My dad had the Conchiglie Con Pollo. He ate every bite and said Patrizio is the best Italian restaurant in Plano! This entrée is sliced grilled chicken, roasted corn, peas, tomatoes and shell pasta tossed with a white wine cream sauce.

This is a great restaurant for families, date night, business lunches, or special occasions. We will definitely be back again soon.

We visited Patrizio at Park and Preston in Plano. They also have restaurants in Highland Park, Highland Village, and Cedar Hill.

For more details you can visit www.

Patrizio.net.

Emma Bonin is a fifth-grader at Hughston Elementary. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack. She is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, and getting together with friends.

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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I Was Hurting My Kids “and Didn’t Realize It ”

by Glenn Miller

It all hit me like a mack truck!

My wife and I were at an event and someone offered two tickets to a

Life Enrichment Boot Camp. While I am saying to myself, “wow, I bet

someone could really use those free passes,” my wife was planting her elbow deep into my side saying to me…”get them… or else”!! I was

puzzled! I rated my marriage “9 out

of 10” because we were getting along and taking care of the kids. We had our moments but who doesn’t? In

my mind our relationship was great (compared to my first marriage).

The problem was, all of that was in

my mind and not reality. I asked my wife why she thought we needed

to go and she said “something just seems broken, you seem angry all

camp was going to rescue me and

my marriage, I realized then, that my kids were going to have the happy

childhood they deserved. They were going to see a healthy relationship.

They would be able to take good

memories of their childhood into

their relationships and raise happy

children. I was determined at that point to stop the generations of

hurt. It would all become a page in my past and not a book mark for

their future. I believe we benefited greatly from the boot camp, but the biggest beneficiaries were my kids.

This was the best 4 day investment

into my children’s future that I could have ever wished for and I thought I was going just for my wife!

My healing was so massive that

the time even though you tell me

I decided by the end of the 2nd day

be more to marriage than this”. I

experience for the rest of my life. So,

nothing is wrong. There’s got to

came up with every excuse why we

shouldn’t go. I tried to go out of my way to show her we were fine, but she persisted. It took 4 months of

her consistent persistence for me to agree to go.

I went because I wanted to be

there for her, but by the middle of

the 2nd day of boot camp, I realized that there was so much that was

broken inside of me. All of those

walls I built from my childhood and

failed first marriage were destroying my new marriage and my kids. All that anger I felt from my childhood

that I was going to be a part of this

almost 4 years later, I am not only a

graduate of the Life Enrichment Boot Camp, I am one of the directors.

If you are single, separated,

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Your kids’ healthy, happy future

and my past relationships was

begins with you.

holding on to the old baggage and

Glen Miller is one of the Life Enrichment

beginning to surface and I was

passing it down to my family and didn’t even realize it. My wife

didn’t bring as much baggage into the marriage. She had never been married, had a happy childhood, but did have baggage from past

relationships that were affecting her ability to be fully happy.

I not only realized that this boot

and Marriage Boot Camp Directors. For

more information go to their website, www. lifeenrichmentbootcamp.com

or

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Special offer

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register online and use “NORTH TEXAS KIDS” as your sponsor at the bottom of

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

17

Summe r

m p a s C

2009

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Kids in the kitchen

BlackberrY-Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Driscoll's Berries, the nation's leading provider of fresh and organic berries, would like to help your family enjoy a healthy helping of Blackberry-Chocolate Frozen Yogurt. This easy to prepare, refreshing summer treat offers a healthy, low-fat alternative to ice cream with the same great taste. Help your family beat the heat sans the calories - we promise your kids will be begging for more!

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blender or food processor and an ice cream freezer 2 (16-ounce) cartons vanilla low fat yogurt 2 ½ cups Driscollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blackberries ½ cup light-colored corn syrup Âź cup sugar ½ cup coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate (3 ounces)

Making the frozen Yogurt: 1. In a blender container or food processor bowl, combine half of the yogurt, ½ cup of the berries, half of the corn syrup and half of the sugar.

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18

North Texas Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; August 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; www.NorthTexasKids.com

It’s a Jungle Gym Out There...

Perspectives From A North Texas Dad

Back To School vs Back To Old School

By Matt Peterson ‘Back-to-school’ carries with it entirely different implications now than it did when it loomed over MY head every summer.

Just like how the phrase ‘Did you get my text?’ now concerns the receipt of a burst of binary text sent and received from one cellular device to another as opposed to the receipt of an actual piece of paper with actual ink actually spelling out words; or how ‘taking the kids to a movie’ didn’t used to require having around 75 bucks to blow.

But alas, one can’t stop progress, at least not me. The only thing I can do is hang on tight, like I used to on those pre-safety tested merry-go-rounds which would spin as fast as a group of Chuck Taylored-clad legs could possibly propel it, while little hands gripped the rusty hand railings with white knuckles and startlingly alive faces sported ear-to-ear grins.

Good times.

Now, I’m no National Safety Council board member, but I suppose it’s for the best not to fling one’s body in centrifugespeed orbits, but every now and then, a primal part of me refuses to figuratively ‘go gently into that good night’ as Dylan Thomas said in his 1915 ode to balancing courage with frustration.

Although one could debate over whether Thomas had dripless popsicles, ultra-sanitized TV treacle, spoonfed Nintendo DS pablum and Pre-K scholarships in mind when he penned his Welsh poem, I like to think that he’d be of similar bent were he still kicking around.

Yes, it’s Dora’s world and we just live here, but a Pre-K scholarship for Shane, our 4 year-old? Sure it would be nice, but it’s a thought about as hard to process as if Conor, our 6 year-old were to take his LSAT for law school before he finishes First Grade. Then maybe he can help me study for mine, Lord knows I could use it.

Meanwhile, when I started first grade, I was most concerned with which crayon tasted best (discriminating Crayola gourmands prefer Magenta), and how to reach sub-orbital heights on the playground’s big old swing set without breaking something.

But now, for back-to-school, Conor’s entire cerebellum has been mapped, charted and quantified in relation to every other six year-old in the Western Hemisphere.

I’m no scientist, like my dad, but I know that one generation isn’t enough

time for evolution to work much mojo.

Besides, how much ‘smarter’ are we than Paleolithic Cro-Magnons anyway?

Take away the modern world and we’d probably be just as hard pressed to invent the wheel.

So why are kids today so much smarter, so much earlier?

Digital evolution? Cultural evolution? Vitamin D-fortified pulpless low-acid orange juice flavored concentrate beverages in non-slip easyopen no-spill Diego-branded ‘juice’ bags?

Who knows?

But I know that back-to-school, be it subsidized or not, will enable their sponge brains to absorb more and more.

I love seeing them mentally latch onto a new challenging concept. It’s a more sublime experience than sinking my teeth into a fresh-baked Toll House Cookie. Not one that’s pre-softened with ‘fresh baked’ tasting chemicals, but the ones from scratch, right off the hot cookie sheet.

Livin’ on the edge.

But I digress.

Our in-house brainiacs consider age ratings on toys or books with the same disdain my grandfather regarded stop signs. That is, as a limiting factor best disregarded.

And like a pilot trying to balance thrust and drag and pitch and yaw (aviation metaphors spring to mind as one wings 40,000 feet over Georgia, as I am now doing), we struggle to find that magic formula which maintains a perfect balance between studying and playing.

Therefore, I also love watching them play with two sticks in the yard.

You’d be amazed at how many things a stick can be, if you’d put your mind to it; from an enchanted sword, perfect for slaying dragons to a nuclearpowered scooper for digging to China (no $29.99 DS game cartridges required).

So, as most dads since Caveman Dad were torn between having little Thag play with the new stone wheel the family just traded for a stack of pelts and having him study up on how to hunt Wooly Mammoths more effectively, I too am torn between the Yin of just letting the guys be kids and the Yang of mentally girding their loins for a life of intellectual rigor in order to keep up with the Timmy Joneses of the world.

Now let’s review: Back to school? Check.

Long live the stick? Check.

Onward and upward.

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

19

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Back to School Shopping

August 21- 23

Fall Session Begins September 8, 2009.

6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230

972.991.6379 languages@dallasinternationalschool.org

www.dallasinternationalschool.org

North Texas Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; August 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; www.NorthTexasKids.com

21â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

c r ! e ! a t e n ! ! r a le ✮★✮ ✮★ A N CE✮ ✮ ✮ D ✮ ★ ★

Boost your FALL Enrollment!!

at Academy of Dance Arts in Allen!

After School and Enrichment Guide

Home of the Dallas Repertoire Ballet Located at Central Expressway & Bethany in Allen

Call now to Register 972-727-1455 RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Want to advertise?

Call 972-516-9070 today!

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www.danceada.com e Place vorit to Fa Da s ’ o

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Swing into Fall Classes!

Newest gymnastics club in North Texas with a brand new 25,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility for all levels!

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activities!!

Left-Handers' Day 2009 - August 13th... Celebrate your right to be left-handed!

On 13th August 1992, The Left Handers Club launched International Left-Handers Day, an annual event when left-handers everywhere can celebrate their sinistrality and increase public awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed. Celebrated worldwide, events mark the day- including left vs right sports matches, left- handed tea parties and nationwide "Lefty Zones" where left-handers creativity, adaptability and sporting prowess are celebrated, while right-handers are encouraged to try out everyday left-handed objects to see just how awkward it can feel using the wrong equipment!

These events have contributed to the general awareness of the difficulties and frustrations left-handers experience in everyday life, and have

successfully led to improved product design and greater consideration of our needs by the right-handed majority.

Here is a fun quiz for you and your family to take: 1. Imagine the centre of your back is itching. Which hand do you scratch it with?

2. Wink at an imaginary friend straight in front of you. Which eye does the winking?

3. Someone in front of you is shouting but you cannot hear the words. Cup your ear to hear better. Which ear do you cup?

4. Start clapping your hands to applaud, which hand is uppermost?

If you have always considered yourself to be right or left-handed you will probably now have discovered that your body is less than total

5. Fold your arms. Which forearm is uppermost?

in its devotion to its favoured side.

To join the left handers club, download fun free "Lefty Zone" posters for the day and read some really neat facts & info, visit: www.lefthandersday.com

22

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

! ! e c n e i r e p ex DANCE ZONE

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Home of the DALLAS DANCE ELITE PERFORMING COMPANY & COMPETITION TEAM

Now registering- Classes start August 3rd *Call for a team audition* Programs for Ages 2 to Adult:

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Fall Classes set to begin on Aug. 22, ‘09.

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•Year Round Swimming Lessons & Swim Team Skill Training • After-School Swim Program •Adaptive Water Angels & Developmental Yoga •Discount for Siblings

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

23

Take a Summer Playcation!

Find Something for Everyone at One of 3 Fabulous Locations!

Fort Worth: Near the Ridgmar Mall 817-737-2242 Putt-Putt Golf, Batting Cages and a State-of-the-art Gameroom.

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Morning Madness

(Sun-Fri 9am - 1 pm) $14.99 per person *Unlimited Bowling and Shoes *$10 Game Card *1 Hot Dog / Soft Drink

www.alleycatsbowl.com 817-784-2695

South Arlington: Near the Parks Mall 817-467-6565 Mini Bowling Center, Golf, Batting and Games.

Hurst: Near the Northeast Mall 817-589-0523 2 Go-kart Tracks, Carnival Rides, Bumper Boats, Putt-Putt Golf, Motion Seat Theater, Mini Bowling Center and Gameroom.

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Manic Mondays

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Limit 1 per person May not be combined with other discounts or offers.

Expires: 08-31-2009

2008 W. Pleasant Ridge Road : Arlington, Texas 76015

Visit us online for all the details:www.putt-puttgolf.com

Whether your child is into sports, music, or the arts, Fathom Events has something for your whole family! Below is a list of events to share with fellow moms:

The Metropolitan Opera Summer Encores â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bring a little culture to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer vacation with Mozartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Magic Flute on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 is an especially kid-friendly introduction to opera. Show your child a magical world of dancing bears, giant birds, and colorful adventure in Mozartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever-popular masterpiece directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor (The Lion King).

DCI 2009: Big, Loud & Live 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Are your kids starting to play an instrument or take part in their school band? Take them to celebrate the very best in marching music! The 2009 Drum Corps International World Championship Quarterfinals LIVE will be broadcast onto big screens nationwide on Thursday, August 6.

817-419-0095 www.ICEATTHEPARKS.net

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Tony Dungyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RED ZONE â&#x20AC;&#x2122;09 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Your aspiring young athlete or football star wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss their chance to see some of the premier NFL players and coaches in HD on a 40 foot movie screen on Tuesday, August 25. Tony Dungyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Zone will provide new incentives to work hard, eat right, stay focused, expand your skills and develop all of your potential at this incredible event!

See more than fifty aircraft from World War I to the present.

Addison Airport 4572 Claire Chennault Street Addison, TX 75001

972-380-8800

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Ready, Set, Go…

Getting a Leg up on Back-to-School

By Adina Rich Every season has a special something about it; something identifiable, something to look forward to. For me, it was always back to school. I remember that my mom took me shopping for new clothes, crisp notebook paper, sharpened pencils, a new lunchbox and backpack. On the first day of school, she would always take a picture of me in my new outfit, smiling and happy.

Flash forward a few years. Now I was the teacher. I remember happily setting up my classroom- bright and cheerful bulletin boards, new folders, setting up desks, and looking over my class roll to imagine my students and their likes and dislikes.

Now, as a parent, I am faced with the challenge of getting my kids ready for school. I look forward to the first day with a mix of dread and relief. Relief that I can finally finish cleaning up one mess before I am faced with another.

Relief that I can even take a coffee break by myself. Dread, because the house is entirely too quiet without the noisy yet mostly good-natured squabbling of my three kids.

But not everyone looks forward to the first day of school. For some parents, kids, and even teachers, it can be

a day fraught with anxiety. Kids might not know what to expect from a new teacher, or even what to expect in a new school. They may be separated from their friends who were in the class the previous year. They may not have even had a good year previously. Parents may have had an adversarial relationship with the school in the past, or maybe a bad experience themselves as a child. SO how can you start your child off on the right foot?

Here are a few no-fail suggestions: Be open-minded. Even if you have heard unpleasant things about a teacher, grade level, or principal, remember that your neighbor’s child Suzy is probably different than your child, and her parents are different than you.

Accent the positive. We all want to feel good about what we are doing.

If you are uncomfortable, anxious, or upset, your child will surely pick up on this. Give your kids something to look forward to about school. Give them specific praise, such as, “ I am proud of the effort you put into your math homework” rather than “great job, honey”.

Talk about Changes. If you are moving to a different classroom, campus, or there is a schedule change, talk

to your kids about what to expect. Acknowledge the feelings, discuss the situation, and help your kids discover the positives to the changes.

Get organized. Have a set routine at home. Set out clothes and make lunches the night before. Have time for breakfast, and put backpacks, notes to school, etc. in a designated place. Do what you can to avoid feeling rushed in the morning. It heightens stress and can start the day on a bad note. Your child needs to know what time homework will be started, where homework will be completed, and any other things you feel are important to get your child prepared and ready to learn. Know your child’s routines at school as well.

Be consistent. If bedtime is supposed to be 8:30, it is 8:30. If homework is supposed to be done before dinner, that’s when it is. Children respond better to consistency in both rules and expectations.

Open the lines of communication with the teacher. Be positive, and thank them for your willingness to talk with you and work with your child. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make comments in a communication log. Be involved. Even if you are a working mom,

there are projects that do not take much time that can be done at home. Know your child’s schedule and understand that there are things like testing that the teachers cannot control. Be open with the school about your child’s challenges.

Advocate for your child. I cannot say this enough. You know your child, and never assume the school is the expert. You can, and should, speak with them regarding issues or concerns that you have.

Above all, remember that going back to school is a great opportunity for all to learn and grow.

Adina Rich is the owner and director of Rich Educational Consulting, LLC. She spent many years as a general and special education teacher.

She is also a certified school counselor, Special Education counselor, and diagnostician who worked with all levels of students from Pre-School to College. Adina is endorsed by the state of Texas, has passed a rigorous state registry exam, and obtained national certification in the area of Educational Diagnostics. She is also a fluent Spanish speaker who has extensive experience in cross cultural evaluations. She was a professional development trainer, mentor, and master teacher.

Adina has worked with second language learners, students on the Autism spectrum, learners with ADHD, autism, behavioral and emotional problems, and even gifted learners. For more information and a complete list of service offerings including our new parent and educator education in-services, please call 972-816-3100 or visit our website richeducationalconsulting.com.

Who’s on the ntk radio show in August?

Watch our website for the upcoming schedule or sign-up for our enewsletter and have the schedule delivered right to you every week!

For more than 30 years, Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, has focused on helping people and organizations, from all walks of life, reshape their personal vision of what’s possible. His powerful messages of possibility, opportunity, and action have helped create startling and powerful change in thousands of organizations, and millions of individuals worldwide. Come listen as we talk about one of his newest books: The Richest Kids in America! www.MarkVictorHansen.com

Marian Anders has taught college grammar and composition for over twenty years. During that time, she has developed a practical approach to grammar that takes away the mystery and misery. Her new book, My Dog Bites the English Teacher: Practical Grammar Made Quick and Easy, shares that method with the rest of us. This is a great interview to kick off our Back to School strategies with our own children at home! www.aviarypublishers.com

Jana Cole Bertrand, the author of Beware the Red Flag Man: What Mothers Wish Their Daughters Could Know, is an educator, author, and single mother of ten grown children—seven daughters and three sons. She is also a kindergarten teacher and grandmother to three grandchildren—two girls and a boy.

Having experienced divorce through her parents, her siblings, her own marriage, and three of her daughters, Jana set out to share the wisdom gained from these challenges in a new and positive way, with the warmth and understanding of a mother-daughter relationship. www.redflagman.com

*The North Texas Kids radio show airs Monday-Friday at 2pm on The Word 100.7 fm. This is just a sampling of the 20 wonderful guests Dr. Minette Riordan will interview this month! Download the podcast of all of our shows on our website at www.northtexaskids.com or subscribe to our show on iTunes. Don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter online, too!

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

25

Sports Scoop

Nothing Wrong With B Team

by Mike Kravik

Compared to a lot of people, my childhood was easy, somewhere along the lines of a 1970's version of Leave it to Beaver. Instead of Wally I had a younger sister but our family shared the boring day to day stability of the Cleavers.

Given the times, stability was a very good thing to have. Like Beaver, my childhood traumas were fairly tame compared to others but I still have some scars. I saw our family dachshund get hit by a car and to this day my throat tightens when I see a dog mindlessly running wherever traffic is close. The other big trauma I went through was getting cut from the 1975 Lake Highlands Junior High 8th grade basketball team.

To this day, I don't understand why I was cut. We had moved from California when I was in 7th grade so I didn't play but the next year I went out for the 8th grade team brimming with confidence.

Once tryouts began I felt like I was easily one of top ten players and given that fifteen kids were going to make the team, I thought it was a done deal. The sick disbelieving thud I felt in my stomach as the last few names were being called was an awful feeling that I've never forgotten.

Why was I cut? I'm still not sure. I was one of the top fifteen players but I was also an athletic unknown and had longish hair but most kids did – it was 1975. I had good grades and did not hang out with the wrong crowd. The memory 26

of the ride home on my green Schwinn 10-speed during that chilly November afternoon with eyes full of tears and then ultimately breaking down into a huge tantrum when I got home has always stayed with me.

When my dad came home from work we had one of those big talks.

My dad did a great job of patting me on the back and then also assuring me the sun would come up the next day. He also told me that lots of kids peak athletically in the 8th grade due to physical and emotional maturity and that he thought I still had more upside. He encouraged me to work harder in the off-season and he also promised to put up a backboard above our garage so I could practice.

I now have perspective that getting cut from that team wasn't a horrible thing because I worked harder to make the team the next year (I did) and become a better player. I also take very few things for granted and the saying "It ain't over till it's over" became a staple in my family. Living well is also the best revenge and I went on to not only become a starter the next year but also in high school on one of the best teams in North Texas while the coach who cut me never became anything more than a mediocre 8th grade basketball coach who taught Texas history (and everybody who had him for a teacher told me he was incredibly boring).

I'm still mad at that 8th grade basketball coach because something else not related to my talent was in play. How many kids did that

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

happen to on his watch and what became of them? I was very lucky because my father was there to talk me off the bridge during an especially critical time in my own development but not everybody was that fortunate. Playing sports in junior high was a big deal to boys because it not only gave us structure and responsibility but also an identity at school. I saw a lot of kids in the 1970's that didn't have an identity look for and find one with the wrong crowd.

Flash forward 30 years and my own son is trying out for the 7th Grade Murphy Middle School basketball team. One of the good things about the Plano athletic system is that they have two basketball teams for the kids to try out for which means 20-25 kids are going to make one of the teams.

They sugarcoat the names with colors to be politically correct so those who are especially sensitive don't get their feelings hurt but everybody knows one team is better than the other team. The good thing is that kids who would have been on the bubble to make a team thirty years ago now have a place to land and develop.

I thought my son had a very good chance to make one of the teams but I was taking nothing for granted until we found out for sure.

He'd always been athletic and was a good ball handler who could also shoot but he was smallish compared to some of the other players. He ended up making the A team but was the 8th or 9th man on the team meaning he sat quite a bit during games. Watching middle school basketball can be frustrating for everybody but it's made worse when your own son is riding the pine. His team made it to the championship but personally it was a frustrating season for him.

When 8th grade came around, his coach broached him with the possibility of going to the B Team.

He told him that he would get much more playing time, this would be his team and that he was also going to make him the captain.

At first I thought, "Really?" but after a couple of days I began to warm to the idea. I thought "Let the future

take care of itself. He wants to have fun now."

He ended up having a great season and his team went on to win the Plano 8th B Team City Championship. After the championship game I took him and one of his teammates (who had also been on the A Team in 7th grade) to their after game celebration at Main Event. On the way over they kept talking about their season and how much fun they had. One of them also said, "I am so glad I wasn't on the A Team. I would have hardly played."

When you look at the team picture after they won the championship, it's very apparent how ecstatic they were with their accomplishment. Those are genuine smiles and feelings that are being expressed and nobody was demonstrating an ounce of shame for being judged not good enough to play on the A Team.

School starts back up at the end of August and all over North Texas young athletes will be trying out for their school football teams. In Plano, every kid who wants to play football for their middle school will make either the A or B team. This is becoming more of a common practice in some form throughout North Texas and it's definitely a positive move.

The kids learn structure and responsibility plus those kids who haven't reached physical maturity now have an option. Playing for their school in some form also gives the kids an identity at a critical time in their lives.

If your son comes home next month (or in November) and tells you he's on the B Team, that's okay. While most varsity coaches are aware of the talent in their pipelines, it will be years before physical maturity is reached or a college scholarship will be awarded. My advice is to be supportive. If things break right, your son may have as much fun as my son and his teammates had last year.

Sports Scoop

BACK TO SCHOOL WORD SEARCH J P A P P L E L G L B S F O A

Q C C Z L H M Q H O L U S H F

N U F A Z G B Q O E I U E L F

P J N M B A C K P A C K T O X

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D T C C L W E K G X E Z Z H A

H Z R L W E J S O T P E O C L

TEACHER CLASS FRIENDS BOOK LEARNING

O T E B E R E H C A E T C S A

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Registering for Fall Sports at Plano Sports Authority, Inc Basketball Football Cheerleading Soccer Lacrosse Martial Arts Rugby Futsal Adult Indoor Soccer Adult Basketball

Volleyball Baseball Softball Golf Preschool Skills Basketball Skills Volleyball Skills Texas “A” Game Basketball Skills Adult Volleyball

Plano Sports Authority Inc. 6500 Preston Meadow Plano, Tx 75024 www.psaplano.org info@psaplano.org 972-208-KIDS (5437) 972-208-3801

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

27

Sports & Fitness Programs Ask us about Camp!

What’s NEWSummer at the RISE!

r i A On

Youth Fall 2009 Basketball Registration in late August Paramount Fitness Training for youth athletes Ultimate Frisbee for Adults Register Now

Bring this ad to RISE to receive $10.00 off any of the above listed programs.

Your favorite resource guide is now on the radio!

Listen to NTK founder, Minette Riordan, Ph.D. every day at 2:00pm on The Word 100.7 fm.

See Page 25 for upcoming guests!

Missed a show? Want to hear an interview again or share it with a friend? Visit www.NorthTexasKids.com to download shows and see upcoming guests.

Have you read our blog yet?

Check it out at northtexaskids.com/ntkblog/

TAEKWONDO Reserve Your Space Today!

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Play Fall Ball!

Plano Baseball Association September 12 - November 15 For players 3 - 18 years Register Online Through August 15 • www.planobaseball.org 972-517-5800 • customerservice@planobaseball.org

Pretty, Pretty Ink Pens...

by Naomi Goldberg

Flower ink pens Create these pretty ink pens to keep on your desk and have it double as decoration. Need a pen? Just pick a pretty one!

Supplies needed: Plastic flowers Floral tape or green tape Wire cutters or sharp scissors Pens, caps removed Vase Marbles or gravel

Instructions: 1. Line up the pens and flowers so that the top of each pen is under the flower blossom.

2. Using the wire cutters, trim the flower stem to the appropriate length.

3. Wrap floral tape around the pen and flower stem, repeating with each flower.

4. Insert the flowers into a vase.

5. Fill with marbles or gravel for added detail.

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

29

NTK Family Resource Guide North Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the resources you need to simplify your life and raise happy, healthy kids!

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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The Importance of Lunacy in a Family Setting

by Brad Dobson

My brother is in town for an extended visit and some downtime.

We have been driving the kids back and forth to camp together and getting some quality time in the car. Mostly that involves making up

ridiculous lyrics to songs and .. well .. flatulence. Strangely my kids are quiet on these drives but I can tell they are soaking it in.

I grew up in a family which encouraged punning (don’t give

me a hard time too, I get enough of it from my wife: it’s not a vile

habit and I’m not going to a support group for it). Wordplay is more than just joking around. Alongside the laughter it encourages a quick wit, the ability to think on your feet, and a bigger vocabulary. When

combined with music it is even more powerful. The best songwriters get where they are through a practiced sense of meter, rhyme,

assonance and consonance. The more of that our children understand the better they can present their ideas to others, whether it’s through

barking out signals on the playing field or making a presentation in

the boardroom. Why not start today with something easy like ‘Mary

had a little Spam’ or ‘Head, Shoulders, Bees and Nose’? Think I’m crazy? Go read some Dr. Seuss to see where I’m coming from.

Another way I like to challenge my kids on a daily basis is with

outright, bald-faced lying. It goes something like this: “How long until dinner, Daddy?”

“2 days.”

“What’s for dinner?”

“Broccoli in peanut butter and mustard sauce.”

“Is the pool warm enough to swim in?”

“No, I filled it with bananas to catch killer monkeys.”

“Can Conner come out to play?”

“No, he was eaten by wolves.”

Now I admit that part of this exercise is purely to see the look

on their faces that makes me giggle inside, but the main reason is to keep them on their toes. Day after day they have to think about my

answers and then they start to think about their questions. I don’t want little sheep that blindly accept the answers that the television or the internet gives them. Will I reap the whilrwind of ever-questioning kids? You bet, but hopefully they’ll be a little less gullible.

I love to hear my children laugh: it’s a beautiful sound and it lifts

me up so I do my best to make them laugh when I can. What do you

do to make your kids laugh? Is it tickling? Pictionary? Play ‘Attack dad in the pool’ after work? Wrestling on the floor? Not just little

giggles every once and awhile, I mean belly laughs every day. My theory is that if we are laughing together we are doing something right. Remember, our job as parents is to model good behavior for our kids: we could do worse than daily laughter and lunacy.

Brad Dobson is a software engineer and does all the web work for North Texas Kids (because he’s married to the publisher). He’s the father of two kids, a buddhist, a parrothead, a musician and a runner. He’s always open to really nice comments, ideas for other articles for Dads, or offers of web work at bdobson@northtexaskids.com.

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Focus on our Advertisers...

Dynamic Therapy My name is Rebecca Shmukler and I am the owner of Dynamic Therapy.

One of “my moms,” as I call the moms of the kids we serve, recently wrote to me that she sees Dynamic Therapy and me personally as a “true partner” for her as she navigates the world of her son’s special needs. It dawned on me – this is exactly what I was aiming for when I started Dynamic Therapy six years ago. I am an occupational therapist myself and had been working with kids and their families for a couple years by then. I was finding it difficult to really do what I thought the families needed, which I believe is a truly holistic, resource-oriented approach to improving function in a family with a child with special needs.

It was this conviction that led me to form Dynamic Therapy. Six years later, we’ve grown slowly but steadily and we’re going strong. I work hard to instill in my therapists the importance of truly putting the child and family’s needs first, and I maintain the utmost respect for my therapists themselves, without whom none of it would be possible. In addition to coming to the child’s home for therapy, we love taking kids out into the community and truly bringing therapy to the children in their natural environments where function is most important. I am personally active in the local special needs community through my involvement with networking meetings and events, as well as fairs and expos. In this way I learn about and connect with many important resources for the families I serve. At Dynamic Therapy we recognize that therapy is not the only important piece of the puzzle and that if we can help families access all the services they need, everything we do will produce better results. As part of this endeavor to stay connected to the community, Dynamic Therapy partners with several local private schools and businesses. For example, we are currently collaborating with Learning RX, a fantastic service for kids with learning difficulties. To make accessing our valuable services easier on families, Dynamic Therapy accepts insurance and Medicaid, and we work closely with

32

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

families to steer though the confusing world of insurance coverage. I am so honored to be part of this great north Texas community and I look forward to many more years of service! Please visit our website at www.DynamicTherapy. net to learn more about how we deliver Results that Last a Lifetime.

Jump Town Jump Town is the Biggest and Best place to Bounce in Town! Conveniently located at 15th & Independence in Plano, we are easy to get to! We have seven amazing and unique inflatables for your children to enjoy – everything from squares and round bounce houses to huge obstacles courses, slides and everything in between. At Jump Town, we really know how to make this a special experience for the birthday child and for you!

From the time you call to reserve your party to the time your party is over, Jump Town will take care of everything you need. We will confirm all your party’s needs before the party. Once you arrive, your private party attendant will go over the expectations of your party with you and, of course, greet the guest of honor. Then, you will be free to enjoy the party and greet partygoers while your party attendant sets up your party room. We guarantee your kids will get lots of exercise during the party, bouncing and jumping are great physical activities. Your party attendant will serve your food and – the BEST part – clean up after you leave! Jump Town is NEVER open to the public during party times. This is in an effort to make sure our facility is safe for all who come to Jump Town to play at our facility. Jump Town does offer open jump times, where we are open to the public, throughout the week. Hours vary by day. During holidays and summertime, we offer additional open jump hours to accommodate everyone. In addition, Jump Town offers great group rates for your church or daycare groups that need something different to add to your schedule. Most importantly, school is about to start back up – Jump Town is a great option for your school or organization to raise money or have a Spirit Night. Please call us for all the details at (972) 867-5867 or visit us online at www.thejumptown.com.

Calendar of Events

sponsored by...

Find these events and more online at www.momsoutloud.com & www.northtexaskids.com!

August 1 Saturday

Dallas Science of Spying Exhibit: The interactive Science of Spying exhibit is part James Bond, part Jack Bauer and part ‘Lie to Me.’ Through Jan. 4, 2010.

Museum of Nature & Science Building 1318 S. 2nd Ave. (in Fair Park) www.natureandscience.org Richardson Summer Dance Camps: On going variety of dance classes. Classes meet for one week. all ages and levels are welcome. First camp the dancers workshop. Check out www.swaydancecenter.com for additional info. Call 972 699-8100 Dallas Village Academy: Learn proper Victorian manners, how pioneers cooked, pottery techniques and more from Dallas Heritage Village’s costumed characters. $15 per student; $10 per student for Dallas Heritage Village members. Register by calling 214-413-3674 or visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org Dallas Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America: A world-class traveling exhibit featuring reproduction artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois will be on display in Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park’s Renner School. Free with museum admission of $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65+ and $3 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under and Dallas Heritage Village members are free. www.dallasheritagevillage.org Dallas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present Over the Top: Over The Top is a wacky circus spectacular where Ringmaster Chuck Wagner and clown eccentric Tom Dougherty compete for control of a magical top hat that brings to life their fantastical imaginations. Dogs fly, Asian elephants skip, hop and groove and one man stands eye-to-eye with a pack of Bengal tigers. Motorcycle madness also ensues as one cycle hits the high wire and seven speeding riders take on the Globe of Steel. www.americanairlinescenter.com Dallas Don’t miss Target Zoofari Days at the Dallas Zoo. Thanks to Target, guests will enjoy fun and educational activities, discounted food and drink items, plus lots of animals to enjoy at half the price. Get an extra $1 off when you ride DART and present your ticket at the admission booth. www.DallasZoo.com Plano The Plano Fun Ride is a bicycle ride for children and their families on August 1st, at 9:00 am at Oak Point Nature Preserve in Plano.

Line up and on-site registration starts at 6:30 am. All proceeds benefit the Relief Nursery of Collin County, a child abuse prevention program, and the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic, a clinic that serves Medicaid and lowincome children. www.PlanoFunRide.org Dallas THE ART OF DR. SEUSS: Storyopolis Fine Art in association with The 4th Wall Gallery in Dallas presents ‘The Art of Dr. Seuss - A Retrospective and National Exhibition’.

2925 Fairmount St. www.storyopolisfineart.com/ Richardson The Photography of Charles C. Lai - ‘LIGHT

= IMAGE’: Showing at the Eisemann Center’s Green Mezzanine Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. www.eisemanncenter.com.

North Richland Hills Rec Expo & Open House - 9:00 AM: Join us for the registration kick-off of Fall programs offered through the NRH Recreation Center. Learn more about health and wellness programs, memberships, youth programs, and more! The NRH Recreation Center is located at 6720 NE Loop 820. For more details, please call 817-427-6600.

Allen PEANUT BUTTER & JAMM: A FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY SERIES AT WATTERS CREEK - 10:00 AM: A new weekly familyfriendly activity series designed for children ages three to 12 years old. Through August 15.

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is located at 970 Garden Park Drive (U.S. 75 and Bethany Drive) in Allen. www.watterscreek.com Dallas The Fascinating World of Butterflies at Texas Discovery Gardens - 10:00 AM. This workshop is suitable for both adults and families with children 10 and up. Bring a lunch for a fun picnic! Cost: Advanced Registration Required. $25 for non members, $20 for members. www.TexasDiscoveryGardens.org Lewisville Barnes & Noble story-time - 11:00 AM: Saturdays at 11am. Please join us for story-time each week with a new featured story. Call 972-315-7966 or visit the 2325 South Stemmons Frwy Lewisville 75067 location for weekly titles. Bring your family and friends each week.

Dallas SPCA Grief Counseling Group - 1:00 PM: The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Free and open to the public. SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, conference room. www.spca.org (214) 742-SPCA Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series - 2:00 PM: This fun, hands-on activity program for elementary school age children takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 2:00 pm. www.northparkcenter.com

3 Monday Dallas MNS CSI: Dallas: Museum of Nature and Science, This spine-tingling introduction to the real world of forensic science gives kids ages 13-17 hands-on experience in crime scene investigation. Each session is 2 1/2 days. $225 for MNS members, $275 for non-members. www.natureandscience.org McKinney Heard Homeschool/Preschool Program Registration: This fall, preschool and homeschool children will have the opportunity explore all that the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary has to offer. In each class, your child will be engaged in hands-on learning experiences that promote a connection to nature. Classes run from 9/8/09 to 12/10/09. www.heardmuseum.org Plano Pre-Junior Golf Clinic: This clinic is designed to introduce 7-9 year olds to the game of golf.

Putting, chipping, irons, woods, and playing on the junior course will be covered. Shirts and medals will be given. $105. www.planoparks.org

4 Tuesday Arlington The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew: CATS Theatre. 1100 West Randol Mill Road, Arlington. www.creativearts.org Dallas Organic in the City - 6:00 PM: Organic in the City is an urban environmental education and entertainment series at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. To register, call (214) 428-7476 ext.

23 or visit www.texasdiscoverygardens.org.

First Tuesday of the month. Cost: $10 per person; $8 for members

5 Wednesday Irving Rapunzel featuring Paul Messner Puppets: 10:30 & 12:30 at the Irving Arts Center. A veggie love story about two avid gardeners, Okra and Romaine, who meet, marry and have a beautiful daughter named Rapunzel. An evil witch who forced Romaine to promise that he would give up his first-born child many months before, returns to claim the lovely child for her own.

Rapunzel is taken to live in a tower and her future looks bleak until the Prince arrives, and Rapunzel hatches a plan to escape her evil captor and leaf happily ever alfalfa.$6, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets.

Plano Wacky Wednesday Nights at Jump Town: Jump Town, 3045 W 15th Street Plano. 972-867-JUMP (5867) www.thejumptown.com Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series - 10:30 AM: This fun, hands-on activity program for pre-schoolers takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 10:30 am. www.northparkcenter.com

6 Thursday Richardson Yoga Camp for Students: Students will learn how to practice the STRIPES 3 easy steps using their CD and Movement Cards. www.stripesyoga.com Lewisville Barnes & Noble story-time - 10:00 AM: Thursdays at 10 am. Please join us for story-time each week with a new featured story. Call 972-315-7966 or visit the 2325 South Stemmons Frwy Lewisville 75067 location for weekly titles. Bring your family and friends each week.

Rockwall Concert By the Lake Series - 7:30 PM: The Harbor Amphitheatre, 2047 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall. All concerts are FREE! Please call 972.771.7740 for more information. www.rockwall.com

7 Friday Plano 14th Annual Summer Homeschool Conference: The 14th Annual Summer Homeschool Conference is being sponsored by the North Texas Home Educators’ Network. It’s designed for families at every level of homeschooling. Attend educational seminars and shop at more than 125 exhibitor booths. Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway. www.nthen.org

Dallas Dallas CASA presents “2009 Parade of Playhouses”: NorthPark Center. Showcasing a selection of custom-made, walk-in children’s playhouses between Dillard’s and NorthCourt.

The playhouses are displayed to raise needed funds for Dallas CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). www.northparkcenter.com Arlington Ballpark After Dark Sleepover at Rangers Ballpark: One of the most popular overnight programs in the Metroplex, Legends of the Game sleepovers include an evening full of baseball activities. Reservations required by July 31st, .

Call 817-273-5087; museum.texasrangers.com McKinney Glitz & Glam with Ty Girlz Camp - 10:00 AM: 1 Day Camp Event: It’s A Girlz World!! Come in for a day of GLITZ & GLAM and pick out a Ty Girlz to take home. Camp Fee includes crafts, activities, adult supervision, fun snack, lunch and dessert. Suggested age 4yrs - 9yrs. 972-693-6141. www.madeofsugarandspice.com McKinney Blackland Prairie Raptor Live Raptor Presentation - 10:30 AM: This fun and educational event will provide you with a truly unforgettable experience– a rare opportunity to see raptors much closer than usual! www.heardmuseum.org Southlake First Friday Women’s Event - 11:00 AM: First Friday of Every Month. Harkins Theatre, Southlake Town Center. Admission is free.

Arrive early to ensure seating. Childcare is provided through Harkins Theatre for a fee by reservation only. Contact the Play Center at 817-310-0245 two days prior to the event to reserve your child’s place. firstfridaywomen.com Garland Lawnchair Theater - Movie in the Park - 8:00 PM: Cinema by starlight! Enjoy a family friendly film with friends and neighbors. This is a FREE event appropriate for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Call Holford Recreation Center at (972) 205-2772. Holford Park. 2314 Homestead Grapevine Fireworks Over Lake Grapevine - 9:30 PM: Enjoy a 12 minute Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day (May 22 - Sept 4) . Fireworks can be seen from any Lake Grapevine Park.

8 Saturday Plano Parents’ Night Out at Jump Town! We are offering our first Parents’ Night Out. Join us for fun, activities, crafts, games, movies and JUMPING, of course. $20 per child includes pizza and a drink from 7-11pm (drop-in fee of $5 more per child). Ages: 3-15 (children must be potty trained). 3045 W 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75075.Visit our website www.thejumptown.com for PNO discounts.

Dallas Second Saturday Science - MNS Discovery Days: Come discover something new on the second Saturday every month with Discovery Days! Chock-full of hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and so much more, these day long programs offer a new twist to learning about science. Discovery Days activities are free with your museum admission! www. natureandscience.org

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

33

Grand Prairie The Wiggles: Nokia Theatre. Ticket Prices: $21-$41. www.nokialivedfw.com Arlington Race Against Hunger 5K Run/Walk - 7:45 AM: Parking is available in the park. Donated packaged/boxed/canned foods are encouraged for CROP. For more info, call 817-265-4578 or e-mail jephaa@yahoo.com. Elm Grove Pavilion, River Legacy Parks (near N. Cooper & NW Green Oaks Blvd intersection) 701 NW Green Oaks Blvd McKinney McKinney Historical Run - 8:00 AM: Benefitting The Samaritan Inn. 5K and 1mile Fun Run on the Historic Downtown McKinney Square. 101 E. Hunt St. www.mckinneyhistoricalrun.com/ Flower Mound Otaku Kyokai No Flower Mound (Teen Anime Club) - 1:00 PM: (Monthly at 1pm on the second Saturday). Flower Mound Public Library

9 Sunday Fort Worth What a Wonderful World Family Funday - 1:00 PM: Through art-making and looking activities, discover how artworks share stories, connect communities, and inspire our imaginations. For more information, call 817.989.5030 Amon Carter Museum 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth 76107. www.cartermuseum.org

11 Tuesday Plano Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano - 9:30 AM: Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There’s always an interesting speaker, and you’ll meet a lot of fun women! Please join us at SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Look for our signs! (West of Preston Road on the SE Corner of Tennyson & Democracy) www.newcomerfriends.org Plano Special Needs Open Jump at Jump Town! - 5:30 PM: Special Needs children and their siblings

jump for $5 per child. Portion of the proceeds benefits the Plano Parks & Rec. Watch your special needs child increase their strength and balance skills at Jump Town. Jump Town 3045 W 15th Street,, Plano. 972-867-JUMP (5867) thejumptown.com/

14 Friday Highland Village 22nd Annual Balloon Festival & Fair: Free Family Fun! $5 Parking Donation.Opening Ceremonies: 301st Fighter Wing Honor Guard. Hot Air Balloon Glows and Races. Live Bands, Awesome Food, Activities for Children.www.LionsBalloonFest.com Frisco Car Seat Fitting Station - 12:30 PM: Centennial Medical Center Frisco, 1-877-228-3628. 2nd Friday of the month. Parents will be assisted with installation of the car seat and educated on proper securing of child.

15 Saturday North Richland Hills NRH2O & Fireworks: Float in the wave pool and watch fireworks light up the sky! Fireworks will be displayed at dusk on the third Saturday in June, July and August. Fireworks will NOT be shown on the 4th of July. Visit www.nrh2o.com for more information. 817-427-6500 9001 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills All SAT prep course at Prince of Peace Christian School: Saturdays beginning August 15th (8 am). This class prepares students for the October Exam date. For more details and registration information, please email kristin. beckham@princeofpeace.org or Urs Seiler at urs_seiler@sbcglobal.net . Registration deadline for this class is Monday, August 10. Space is limited to ensure small class size.

Grapevine Hubba Bubba Bubble Train: Join us for a great time on the train today. Each paying passenger will receive a free bubble maker kit. As we go down the track bubbles will flow at each cross-

Go to www.MomsOutLoud.com to see reviews on local businesses written

by Moms just like you and win prizes for writing your own. You’ll also find all these events and more online in our searchable calendar!

Where in the World is MOL - ly?

Maui Moms Club First 3 Mondays in August • 10:00am - noon What could be more refreshing than splashing at the water park with your kids in the brutal heat? Buy one little kahuna ticket and Moms get in FREE! All three locations. www.hfalls.com

Back to School Bounce Party Monday, August 17 • 10:00am - 1:00pm • Discount Tickets Special pricing, a goodie bag for each attendee and a raffle for a Birthday party!

Come for some bouncing fun!!

End of Summer Park Playdate Wednesday, August 19th • 9:30am - 11:30am Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano FREE fun and FREE sno-cones provided by Sno-to-Go.

ing while they last. It’s just good clean fun for the whole family. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

Dallas United Cerebral Palsy of North Texas ‘Life Without Limits’ Run, Walk & Roll - 8:00 AM: 5K Run on a certified racecourse, and a 1K Family Fun Walk & Roll. Reverchon Park in downtown Dallas. www.lifewithoutlimitsrwr.org Dallas Caterpillar Crawl at Texas Discovery Gardens - 10:00 AM: Bring your magnifying glass when you join this hunt for caterpillars led by Texas Discovery Gardens staff. Geared for all ages – bring the whole family! Free with paid garden admission. Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children (3-11) $1.50. Free for children under 3 and members. www.TexasDiscoveryGardens.org

18 Tuesday Arlington Open House and Fishing at Cliff Nelson Recreation Center: Bring the family and fishing rods and fish in the pond. Catch a fish and win a prize. If you do not have a fishing rod borrow ours, a limited supply of equipment will be provided and bait will provided for all participants. www.naturallyfun.org

21 Friday All State of Texas annual www.window.state.tx.us

tax

holiday:

22 Saturday Plano Divine Consign Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale: Sale showcasing the highest quality gently-used children’s and maternity clothing, toys, books, games DVDs, baby equipment and furniture. FREE. For more information, contact Tina Teutsch at 214-513-2838; or visit www.divineconsign.net Grand Prairie Hatch Chili Cookoff: Market Square, Main and Center Streets, Grand Prairie. Contact: 972-237-8100 www.gptx.org Dallas Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA Membership Kickoff Party - 11:30 AM: Sponsored

by Picasso’s Pizza and Grill (Frankford & Tollway) We’ll have lots to do including FREE train rides, balloon artists, face painting & pizza! www.meetup.com/fndecpta/calendar /10773950/?from=list&offset=0

26 Wednesday Bedford Chip and Children’s Medicaid - 2:00 PM: At the Bedford Public Library, we’ll tell you about CHIP/Children’s Medicaid and help you apply. Bedford Public Library

28 Friday Fort Worth New Parents Tour - 10:30 AM: Interactive tour for new parents (babies and strollers welcome) Are you in need of mental stimulation and adult conversation? Pack up the baby stroller and join us for a tour designed to introduce new parents (with babies in tow) to a variety of artworks at the Carter. This free tour is most appropriate for parents with pre-toddlers, and refreshments will be provided after the program. Amon Carter Museum. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth www.cartermuseum.org

Ongoing Fun Classes and Activities Arlington Everyday. Stay at Home Moms in the South Arlington area!! Looking to get out with your kid or kids? Come hang out with us. We offer friendship, activities, and support! Our families would love to meet yours! arlingtonsmomsclub@yahoo.com www.momsclub.org

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Arlington Friday Night Open Skate-on going event, Every Friday. Come have fun hangin with your friends on Friday Nights. Games, music, friends, concessions and much more! Elzie Odom Recreation Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd. 76006. 7 pm - 10 pm $10 entree fee. For ages 13 and under, parents must sign child in at the door and verify their age. For more information call 817-459-6434. www.naturallyfun.org Carrollton AW Perry Homestead Museum 1509 N. Perry Rd 972-466-6380. Free Admission and Tours, Mon Sat 10 - 12 & 1 - 5. www.cityofcarrollton.com Carrollton Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10 am - 12: Preschool Playdates for 7 years and under. Tuesdays 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m: Family Fun Nights. Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:45pm : Fitness and Fun. Saturdays 8 - 9:15am - Early Bounce for those early risers at Bounce U. Located at 3050 N. Josey Ln #110, Carrollton, 75007. Visit www.bounceu.com or call 972-939-5000 for more information or to s ched ule your group ’s p layd ate. Vis it www.northtexaskids.com for available coupons.

Dallas Lakeshore has FREE crafts for kids on Saturdays. Located just north of the Galleria on Dallas Pkwy (13846 Dallas Pkwy ) 972-934-8866 for more information.

Dallas Dallas Arboretum. Mommy & Me Mondays 10am - 2pm. 10am - 2pm: Tiny Tots Tuesdays presented by Children’s Medical Center. www.dallasarboretum.org Dallas Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse. Third level of the Galleria Dallas next to Nordstrom’s and Children’s Play Place. Marionette Show Times: Fridays - 10:30 AM, Saturdays - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM, Sundays 2:00 PM. Variety Show Times: Saturdays - 4:00 PM www.slappysplayhouse.com Dallas Every Friday 6 - 10 Parents’ Night Out hosted

by The Gymnastics Place. Kids will enjoy pizza, drinks, entertainment, and special kid fun. RSVP preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Sibling discounts available. Check schedule for exact dates and times. www.thegymnasticsplace.com 972-248-2805 www.thegymnasticsplace.com Flower Mound Various story times for all ages at the Library.

Bring your children and friends to enjoy our weekly theme for Story-time. Located at 3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound 75022. Visit the Town of Flower Mound Web Site for more information. Registration not required.

Flower Mound/Highland Village Friday - Flower Mound 6 - 10 pm Saturday - Highland Village 6 - 10 pm Excite! parents night out.

Open Gym, foam pit, games, music and Pizza dinner. Visit www.excitegymandcheer.com or call 972-874-9663 Flower Mound 972-874-8500 Highland Village for more information and reservations (Ages 3 - 11) www.excitegymandcheer.com Frisco Tuesdays are Half Price Games - enjoy all midway games at half price! Wednesdays are Kids Eat Free (one free kid’s buffet* with the purchase of one adult buffet at regular price. *Kids 10 yrs. & under) www.gattitownfrisco.com Frisco Wiggly Play Center weekdays - Daily Activities are at 11:00 am. Mondays - Arts & Crafts, Tuesday - Hop with Henry, Wednesday - Story time, Thursday - Dancing with Dorothy, Friday - Wiggle with Wags. 4944 Preston Road, Suite 100 Frisco (469) 633-0676 www.wigglyplaycenter.com Grapevine 1st Wednesday of each month 4:30 p.m. Rainforest Cafe is hosting the Grapevine Mills Mall Kids Club storytime. Bring your family and friends to enjoy some great stories and eat dinner at Rainfor-

est Cafe for Family Night. Contact 972-539-5001 for more information. No reservation required. www.rainforestcafe.com

Highland Village Acting Classes for Kids. Studio B is offering a wide range of acting classes for ages 3 and up. 1 Nelson Parkway at 2400 FM 407 in Highland Village. 972-966-2787 www.studiobtheater.info Highland Village Join us for Storytime for Children every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:00 AM, Spanish Storytime for children, every Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Barnes & Noble - 4100 Deer Creek, Highland Village 972-966-0099 crm2271@bn.com Irving JumpSTART Stories and Art. The Irving Arts Center and Irving Public Library now offer FREE family storytimes at the Arts Center on the first Thursday of every month (through December) at 10 a.m. Stories are followed by a fun craft. ‘Seafaring Tales’ is the July theme.

Call (972) 252-7558 x221 for more info.

Little Elm Various story times at the Little Elm Library.

Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 www.littleelm.com McKinney Second Saturdays Downtown McKinney. ‘Second Saturdays’ is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. Galleria d’Arte is on the corner of Kentucky and Louisiana at 100 E Louisiana St. Art Institute of McKinney is at 113 S Kentucky Street. 972-548-7830 7 PM - 10 PM www.artinstituteofmckinney.com McKinney McKinney Farmers’ Market, Every Saturday 8AM - 1PM. Downtown McKinney at the southeast corner of Church Street & Louisiana Street. Locally grown produce, flowers, herbs, local honey, farm fresh eggs, chicken, turkey, beef and pork from grass-fed animals, a natural soap and lotion-maker and chair massages.

For information on becoming a vendor call 214-850-0886 Plano Starting Wed, August 5 - Introducing Wacky Wednesday Nights at Jump Town! Wear your Silliest Socks and jump for only $4! White socks are not allowed. We are looking for your craziest, zaniest, silliest socks you own! Show us your socks!

Plano Story Times Plano Public Library System Schedules are available at any PPLS library or on our website www.planolibrary.org.

Plano, Flower Mound, Hurst Boomerangs, First & Third Thursday of each month. We open one hour early to special needs families so parents can jump with their children.

The cost will be half price for the children (parents are free) Please check website calendar or call for specific store hours. Plano: 214-473-9995, Flower Mound: 469-549-4400, Hurst 817-503-8100 www.boomerangspartyandplay.com Princeton Groove Kids, Every Sun & Wed. Absolutely free to kids newborn thru 6th grade - Groove Kids is the place to be to have fun, hang out with Christian friends, enjoy Bible stories, cool music, and more! Every Sunday 10:45-12:00 and Wednesday 7-8 at Family Worship Center in Princeton, TX on Highway 380 @ Tickety Drive. (Call for directions 469.450.7437) www.groovekids.com Richardson Peppermint Baby Boutique holds regular classes.

Peppermint Baby Boutique 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson. Registration and class information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080.

Southlake Kids Night at Chick-fil-A Southlake. Every Tuesday evening, Chick-fil-A Southlake offers free kids activities & loads of fun! 5:30-7:30pm at Chick-filA Southlake, 2301 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-481-7152 www.cfarestaurant.com/southlake/home Various REGISTER TODAY for Kids First Ice Hockey Program. A totally FREE, get-acquainted program that offers boys and girls, ages 4-8, the opportunity to ‘try’ the game of hockey at NO CHARGE. The first week each player is given a full set of hockey equipment to use during the program. Kids will skate (4) 45 minute on ice sessions designed to introduce kids to the excitement of the sport. (214) GO SKATE www.drpepperstarcenter.com Various Meetup Group for the Entire FAMILY. This is a fun and exciting meetup group for couples and families to fulfill all of their social needs!

We have family nights, couple only nights, playdates for kids of all ages, mom’s night/ day out, and of course daddy days! If your looking for the perfect meetup group to make new friends for yourself or for your family this is the place to be! groups.yahoo.com/group/ familiesonthego Various Baylor Medical Centers provide ongoing classes in Irving, Frisco, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

Classes include Baby Care Basics/Infant Safety and CPR, Prepared Childbirth Class, Infant/ Child CPR, Car Seat Safety and SIDS Class, Breastfeeding Class, Sibling Class, Baby Care Basics, Cesarean Birth Class. 1-800-4-BAYLOR www.baylorhealth.edu/ Various Dallas / Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue Hosts special Meet & Greets scheduled in the area. All Saturday events at PETSMARTS ARE from 11 to 4 www.dfwcares.org

Support Groups Allen MOMS CLUB OF SE ALLEN - Are you a SAHM? Need some support, come join this welcoming group and get acquainted with great MOMS! We offer Playgroups, MNO’s, Monthly meetings and load of activities for you and your child. www.allenmoms.com Allen MOMS club of Allen - West. Fun group of stay at home moms offering support to each other and fun activities with our children. Weekly playgroups and events. Contact Michelle Suastegui at 214-383-3517 or email momsclub_ allenwest@yahoo.com.

Allen Allen Early Childhood PTA. Meet the second Friday of every month from 9:30am to 11am during the school year at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville Ave. information@aecpta.com www.aecpta.com Allen We are the MOMS Offering Moms Support Northeast Allen MOMS Club - Christy Youens at 469-675-6652 email momscluballenne@yahoo.com Arlington MOMS Club of North Central Arlington Open House - Are you a SAHM living in Arlington between I-30 and Pioneer Pkwy? We offer activities for moms, kids, and families. E-mail: support.mom@hotmail.com or call Emily at (817)276-2589 www.momsclub.org Carrollton The Carrollton Early Childhood PTA is an organization dedicated to providing activities, support, friendships and education for parents of children age newborn through preschool. Possibly the biggest reason for becoming involved is to meet, socialize and network with other parents in the Carrollton area. For more information about the Carrollton Early Childhood PTA please visit our website www.cecpta.org.

Collin County The Collin County Moms Meetup group is a fun, down-to-earth group of moms dedicated to friendship and support. As the most active moms group in North Texas, we offer daily playdates, field trips, supper get-togethers, Mom’s Nights Out and family events too!

Whether you work outside the home or stay at home with your kids, there’s something for you. moms.meetup.com/994/ Collin County The Autism society of Collin County is an organization dedicated to providing support and resources to those families affected by Autism.

Self-Advocacy Group For Teens (7th Grade and up) & Adults (really old OK) with Autism.

Visit www.autism-ascc.org or call 214-925-2722 for more information and meeting locations. groups.yahoo.com/group/ascc2/join Coppell/Valley Ranch The Coppell/Valley Ranch Early Childhood PTA (C/VR ECPTA) is a non-profit support organization for parents of infants and children age 5 and under. We offer monthly meetings, play groups, children’s activities and adult special interest groups. Contact Info: Deby 214-236-8290 www.cvrecpta.org Dallas Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter boundaries are I-30 to the south, I-635 to the north (exception: Addison), Marsh Lane to the east, and Garland Road to the west. info@ momsclubofdallas.org Dallas Dallas Dyslexia Information Group (DDIG) provides information on Dyslexia, Learning Differences, and related topics. This group meets at The Winston School, 5707 Royal Lane in Dallas, 75229 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month except for December. For information regarding the monthly speaker, call Bob 214-351-1985 or visit.

Dallas/Collin County Free Parent Helpline. Non-profit group Dallas Association for Parent Education runs a free telephone helpline for parents, grandparents, and caregivers called The Warmline. 972-699-7742. dallasparents@hotmail.com. www.dallasparents.org Dallas/Plano/Frisco Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA (FNDECPTA) is dedicated to facilitating an educational and supportive network of parents of infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children. We meet in Room 133 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd. at Plano Parkway, and offer free childcare. www.fndecpta.txpta.org Denton The Denton Area Mothers of Multiples (DAMOM) is a support group located in North Texas for anyone who has, or is, expecting twins, triplets, quads or more! damoms.clubspaces.com/Default_css.aspx Farmers Branch My Place - Tuesdays & Fridays. It’s an early intervention play & communication group.

North Texas Therapy & Associates (972) 385-0006. 14580 E. Beltwood Parkway; Farmers Branch 75244 Farmers Branch My Place - We have early intervention play & communication group classes on Mondays Thursdays (please contact us for times). North Texas Therapy & Associates (972) 385-0006.

14580 E. Beltwood Parkway; Farmers Branch 75244 www.northdallasspeech.com Frisco Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is a low-cost health clinic for uninsured children, 18 and younger, living in or attending school in Frisco, Celina or Prosper. Medications are available at no cost. Proof of residency (utility bill) or proof of school enrollment (report card) is required. www.friscocares.org

Frisco Frisco Early Childhood PTA. Meet at St Francis

of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, 2nd friday of the month @ 10am. membership@friscoecpta.org www.friscoecpta.org

Frisco The Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems Inc. at 2611 Internet Pkwy, suite 107, Frisco. Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program for families with children, birth to 3, with disabilities and developmental delays.

Call 972-377-7289.

Garland Garland Area Early Childhood PTA. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month, September through May, from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at NorthLake Baptist Church, 1501 N. Country Club, Garland. 972-412-8540. www.earlychildhoodpta.com Lewisville The Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA is an organization for parents, loved ones, and educators of children of all ages with special needs.

Please visit us online at www.lisdseptsa.txpta. org or call (469) 293-6343 for more information.

Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village Greater Lewisville Mothers & More 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm Z Grill 2321 Cross Timbers Rd # 413 Flower Mound www.mothersnmore.com

Little Elm The Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7:00-8:00pm at the Little Elm Public Library.

If you have any questions about the Little Elm Support Group, you may contact our facilitator, Tracy O’Mara at 972-987-4010.

McKinney DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids are programs offered regularly at McKinney Fellowship Bible Church. Learn more about the programs at www.divorcecare.org, but call 972-547-7000 to register.

McKinney La Leche League of McKinney. Meetings are held 3rd Thursdays at 5871 W Virginia Pkwy, 10:15am to 12pm. Dee Dee 972-838-9135, Holly 214-385-0063 or Ricki 214-684-3966. www.lllusa.org/web/McKinneyTX.html McKinney MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of McKinney East. For more info, e-mail momsmckinneyeast@yahoo.com and check out the International MOMS Club website at www.momsclub.org.

McKinney Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group.

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday every month from 7-8 pm at Academics Plus, 1831 W. Louisiana, McKinney, Tx. Contact us at 972-548-8788 for more information. www.academicsplus.com McKinney MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of McKinney Central. Come join us for fun daytime activities where you’ll find the support you need, and build long lasting friendships for you and your children! Visit us at www.geocities.com/mckinneymoms.com or contact us at mckinneymoms@yahoo.com Murphy/Sachse MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachse if a non-profit support group for at home mothers living in the cities of Murphy/Sachse Texas. Activities include monthly business meeting, park outings, play groups, MOMS Night Out, and field trips as well as many more. Children are always welcome!

Contact us at murphy_sachse_moms@yahoo. com for additional information.

North Coppell MOMs Club of Coppell - NORTH (boundaries are north of Sandy Lake to 121). Join us at Going Bonkers in Lewisville for our monthly meetings. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 10AM. Please call us at 866.841.9139 ext. 3555 or send us an email at

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

35

momsclubofcoppell@onebox.com. Check out our Web site at www.momsclubofcoppell.org

North Dallas Mocha Moms of North Dallas meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the Douglass Community Center on Ave. H in Plano. www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com North Richland Hills Asperger’s Support Meeting. 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Please RSVP you and your child’s attendance by emailing events@featnt.org. Located FEAT-NT Resource Center and Library, 4239 Road to the Mall, North Richland Hills 76180 www.featnt. org 817-849-1122 www.featnt.org North Richland Hills Autism Support Meeting. 3rd Wednesday of each month-7:00-8:30 pm. Please RSVP you and your child’s attendance by emailing events@ featnt.org. Located FEAT-NT Resource Center and Library, 4239 Road to the Mall, North Richland Hills 76180. 817-849-1122 www.featnt.org Plano Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parent Support Group. We welcome all parents coping with a child with SPD. We meet the first Monday of the month at various locations. Contact Christine Chavez at chavez.slp@gmail.com or Wendy Park at wlpark@sbcglobal.net for more information. www.spdnetwork.org/parentconnection/us.html Plano Mothers and Others. Meet the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 in the room 230 of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Activity Building.

Call Trish Scogin 214-504-0640.

Plano The Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW. Monthly meetings at the Davis Library, 7501 Independence Parkway, Plano the 2nd Monday of each month. Contact Carol at 972 862 3460 for more info. www.aauwplanocc.org

Plano CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center. Contact our Plano Office at 4030 West Plano Parkway, Suite 211. 972.612.5989 www.childrenandfamilies.org Plano Collin County Early Childhood PTA. Monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month, 9:45 a.m., at Parkway Hills Baptist Church, located at 2700 Dallas Parkway, in Plano. Call Karen Maddox at 972-491-0260 Plano Plano Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday for breakfast at 7:00 AM (always over by 8:00 AM) at La Madeleine Cafe, 5000 West Park Blvd at Preston Road. www.kiwanis.org/club/plano Plano La Leche League of Plano meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 11:45 am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3601 West 15th Street, Room 105.

Call Beth 972-747-1297, Cleo 972-208-0158, or Emilie 469-366-7205, www.lllusa.org/web/PlanoTX.html Plano MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter. Meeting the first Friday of every month, at 9:30 AM, at the Atonement Lutheran Church on Legacy just west of Coit. www.planomomsclub.com/ Plano MOMS Club of Plano-North. Monthly Social Meeting is the first Wednesday of every month, at 10:00am, at the Baha’i Faith Plano Center at 4200 Hedgcoxe (just West of Coit Rd). For more information contact membership@momsclubplanonorth or 972-464-1958 www.momslubplanonorth.com Plano MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Plano Central Are you a stay at home mom living south of Spring Creek? Please join us for weekly playdates and monthly Mom’s night out! We are small but growing and would love to have you. momsclubplano_central@yahoo.com

Plano Own my own mentoring program is a mentoring program for children with incarcerated parents sponsored by Dedicated Women of Christ. Contact Latahra Smith, 972-3778254 Plano Collin County Homeschool Playgroup. geocities.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/ Plano The Scoliosis Center of Excellence at Medical Center of Plano is offering free diagnostic scoliosis screenings the first Wednesday of each month by appointment for children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. www.medicalcenterofplano.com or 1-877-24-SCOLI. www.medicalcenterofplano.com Plano S.A.F.E.(Support and Activities for Food allergy Education) classes provide children an opportunity to learn more about food allergies, build self-esteem and confidence, and have fun with new friends who share a common bond. Classes are 15 dollars per child. For more information, please contact us at www.safewithfoodallergies.com. Classes will be held at The Medical Center of Plano. Medical Office Building III, 4001 West 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75075. www.safewithfoodallergies.com.

Richardson La Leche League Of Richardson meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm.

Call Jayne 972-758-7236, Tiffany 972-234-5853 or Mary 972-907-9079, www.lllusa.org/web/ RichardsonTX.html Richardson Post Partum Depression Support Group. Nonprofit group Dallas Association for Parent Education will hold a free, monthly Post Partum Depression Support Group at their office in Richardson. This also offers network support for moms and families. To sign up or for more

info call the DAPE office at 972-699-0420, Mon. - Fri., 9am - 3pm. dallasparents@hotmail.com www.dallasparents.org

Rockwall Are you a stay-at-home mom, or working mom, of an infant, toddler or preschooler in the Rockwall area? For more information, check out our website: http://www.rockwallsahm.com/ Various RISE was organized “To help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs.”

RISE membership and programs are FREE for qualified participants. Visit www.riseadventures.org or contact Joel Hendrix at jhendrix@ riseadventures.org 469-762-5075 Wylie Moms & More: Be you a Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent or Nanny, we welcome all caregivers from Wylie and the surrounding communities. Our Monthly Convergence is held on the first Thursday of each month.

Children are always welcome to all our activities. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

For more information and directions, please contact Diva@wyliemomsandmore.org www.wyliemomsandmore.org

Submitting Events

Please submit all events to us online at www.northtexaskids.com.

Alexandria’s Book Review

Savvy A Review by Alexandria Battle

By Ingrid Law 352 pages • Ages 9-12 • Dial; Reprint edition (May 1, 2008)

Ingrid Law, the author of this month’s book review, was born in Northern New York but moved to Colorado a few years later so that her father could teach in a one-room schoolhouse; she still lives there with her own family today. Even in her younger years her life was full of imagination and fantasy, so it’s no surprise that she passed it on to both her daughter and her new fans with her first book.

This is a book that I would recommend to people from all walks of life. It’s rare for a book to bring me to tears or to let me think that everyone can learn something 36

from it, and Ms. Law’s debut novel does both. Savvy is a story of pushing aside all of the other words both in and out of your head and listening to your own personal voice.

We meet Mibs Beaumont when Savvy begins—a young girl who is waiting for her thirteenth birthday on pins and needles. She is two days from inheriting the family legacy—whenever one of her family members turns thirteen, they discover their “savvy”—their own special, sometimes even magical bit of know-how. One of Mibs’s older brothers has a sizzling affinity with

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

all things electrical; the other has a way with water; and with big shoes to fill, Mibs can’t wait until it’s her turn.

All of this changes when Mibs’s savvy-less father gets into a serious car accident and is sent to Salina Hope Hospital. With the joys of birthdays forgotten, all Mibs wants now is to have a savvy she can use to save her poppa. But things only get more complicated when Mibs sneaks onto a bus she thinks is headed for Salina, with others tagging along (some of whom are her savvy-wielding brothers), only to sit shocked as the bus rolls off in

the opposite direction!

This is only the beginning of the journey Mibs and her unwanted companions take, but I won’t give away the details or Mibs’s extraspecial savvy—you’ll have to enjoy the story on your own. I have no other books of Ingrid Law’s to recommend yet, but I will be awaiting another great book just as any fan of this amazing story will be.

Index of Advertisers A1 Affordable Garage Door

39

Family e-Guide

30

Putt Putt Golf

24

Academy of Dance Arts

22

Far N. Dallas Early Childhood PTA

13

Rainforest Cafe

10

Adventure Kids

32

Frozen Ropes

28

Reliv

31

Alley Cats

24

Gotta Dance

20

Rich Educational Consulting

9

Angels of Care Pediatric

2

Aquafit Swim & Wellness

23

Guardian Pet Sitters

30

Rockwall Indoor Sports Expo

28

20

Guy Mezger’s Combat

23

Smashing Times

20

Artfest International

3

Healthy Texan Pediatrics

14

SoccerTots

27

Artistic Gatherings

23

It’s A Sensory World

10

Spicar’s Martial Arts

28

Baylor Our Children’s House

17

Jewish Community Center

St. Catherine of Siena Preschool

30

Blockbuster

11

Jump Town

21

State Farm Insurance

13

Boomerangs

4

Jump Zone

11

Students Only Shuttle

21

Bounce U-Carrollton

18

Just Between Friends

16

Studio 3 Dance

22

Coffee n Cream

19

Kids Care Therapy

30

Studio Movie Grill

40

C & R Medical

9

4

Sweet & Sassy

15

Cavanaugh Flight Museum

24

Lifetime Fitness

18

Temple Shalom

20

Cross Lifeline Emergency Training

31

Little Saints Child Development Center 20

Texas Star Pharmacy

11

CSM Printing

15

Lorie Burch

13

The Artist Within

21

Custom Sports Products

28

Made of Sugar & Spice

31

The Dance Zone by Sarasue’s Academy. 23

5

Matco Services

14

The Ice at Stonebriar

14

Dallas International School

21

McDonald’s – O’Reilly’s

38

The Ice at The Parks

24

Dallas Summer Musicals

23

Museum of Nature & Science

3

The Purple Cow

9

Diana Guintu Counseling

30

Noah’s Ark

30

The Wiggly Play Center

10

Dr Pepper StarCenter

38

NTK Expo

39

Therapy 2000

4

Drama Kids International

21

NTK Radio Show

DW Travels

30

Paige’s Swim School

Dynamic Therapy

30

Eagle Gymnastics

Art A Rama

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Gray School of Music

Learning RX

14, 20

9

25, 28

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 29

Tracey Cakes

30

21

U Can Dance

23

Paint Yer Pottery

19

USA Martial Arts

21

20

Plano Baseball Association

28

US Toy Co

4

Epic MedStaff

11

Plano Sports Authority

27

Wet Zone

ER Centers

38

Planting Seeds Christian

30

White Dove Montessori

31

Evelyn’s Janitorial

16

Princess & Pirates Dressup

30

YMCA Metro Dallas

23

Excite Gym & Cheer

23

Prosper Party Place

30

24

Please tell our advertisers you saw them in North Texas Kids!

Find links to all of these businesses on our website at www.northtexaskids.com North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

37

8_hj^ZWo FWhjo <kd M[ Ze _j Wbb \eh oek" ie h[bWn [d`eo

+ tax

for up to 10 children $6.10 for each additional child

7bb[d CYA_dd[o FbWde H_Y^WhZied

FWhjo _dYbkZ[i0 Happy Meal , Cake, Ice Cream, Decorations, ®

Party Favors, a Host or Hostess and a Gift for the Birthday Child.

Je cWa[ h[i[hlWj_edi0 Visit www.OreillyMCD.com or call our birthday party hotline at 972.985.9285.

Dem 7lW_bWXb[ - ZWoi W m[[a De Z[fei_j h[gk_h[Z$ Locally owned and operated by Chuck and Julie O’Reilly

38

North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

A Halloween Extravaganza!

At the Plano Centre October 31, 2009 from 10am to 4pm FREE Family Expo benefiting the programs of CITY House

Costume Contests s Live Entertainment s Arts & Crafts s Door prizes s Goodie Bags

Vendors Wanted! Sign up online today!

Visit www.northtexaskids.com/expo Call 972-516-9070 Email info@northtexaskids.com

Do You Need a FREE Garage Makeover?

Contest begins August 1!*

2008 Winner!

Before

After

Brought to you by: *The Free Garage Makeover Contest will be accepting applications from August 1 – 31, 2009. Go to www.FreeGarageMakeover.com to print out an application and review rules and details. Five finalists will be chosen and the public will vote on which of the final five most deserves a “Free Garage Makeover.”

Please call Kris O’Connor with any questions at 972-877-5774.

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North Texas Kids • August 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com