March 2015 • Free
DIGITAL PRIVACY Should Parents Snoop?
Raising Confident Tweens and Teens Helping Teens Cope With Depression
19 Egg Hunts
Across the Triangle
NC Museum of Life and Science
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
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F A M I LY M E D I C I N E
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March CONTENTS
FEATURES
26 29
Digital Privacy: Is it OK to spy on your teen?
A Little Confidence Goes a Long Way: Raising confident teens and tweens
31 34 44
Helping Teenagers Cope With Depression Early College: Preparing students for success
Egg Hunts and Bunny Sightings in the Triangle
IN EVERY ISSUE
7 8
March Online Editor’s Note
10 FYI 10 Community 11 Education 12 Craft 13 Tips 15 Health 17 Style 18 Growing Up 21 Tech Talk 22 Understanding Kids 25 Hammer, Nails and Diaper Pails
57
58
Excursion Faces and Places
CALENDAR
47
Our Picks
48
Daily
52
Crafts
55
On Stage
carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
5
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates
Trinity Academy
6
MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
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›
parent CAROLINA
EDITOR’S NOTE
The Good, the Bad and the Unbelievable!
Member of the
GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek
PUBLISHER
Brenda Larson • blarson@carolinaparent.com
EDITOR
Beth Shugg • bshugg@carolinaparent.com
N
ow that I’m a mom to three (yes, three!) teen-
Janice Lewine • jlewine@carolinaparent.com
ART DIRECTORS
the opportunity to plan and tween/teen-themed issue.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR • CALENDAR/DIRECTORIES
Cheri Vigna • cvigna@carolinaparent.com Melissa Stutts • mstutts@charlotteparent.com
agers, I especially appreciated create content for this year’s
Morris Media Network
morris.com
WEB EDITOR
Odile Fredericks • ofredericks@carolinaparent.com
Photo of Shugg family by Nikki McKenna
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Lauren Isaacs • lisaacs@carolinaparent.com
The topics entertain and startle. The studies offer new insights — good and bad. But most important, I learned something new from each piece our writers and experts submitted.
For example, I was pleased to find out in “A Little Confidence Goes a Long Way” on page
Regina Alston • ralston@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen • schen@carolinaparent.com Katina Faulkner • kfaulkner@carolinaparent.com
affection — even when he may act like he doesn’t want it. Since I force a hug and kiss on my kids nightly, I welcomed that tip.
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR
In “Helping Teenagers Cope With Depression” on page 31, I learned that adolescents
Kia Moore • ads@carolinaparent.com
who express depressive symptoms for at least two weeks should see a doctor, since that may
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS
qualify them for a depression diagnosis. If you read any of our articles this month, make sure
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
it’s this one.
Karen Rodriguez
There’s no denying that most tweens and teens socialize online via various social media
PRESIDENT
Donna Kessler
platforms. Learn when you should and should not intervene, as well as how to prevent your
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING
child from choosing to sneak around online in “Digital Privacy: Is It OK to Spy on Your
Donald Horton
Teen?” on page 26.
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Adolescents may be misperceiving their peers’ actions in the areas of sex, drugs and
Kris Miller
academics, according to a study cited in FYI Health on page 15. A must-read, this story falls If your teen starts smoking, it may not be for the reasons you think. You’ll find six reasons for why adolescents smoke in FYI Tips on page 13. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the younger kids this month. Easter arrives April 5, so turn to page 44 for our annual roundup of “Egg Hunts and Bunny Sightings in the Triangle.” You’ll also find summaries of family-friendly live performances this month on page 55. At Carolina Parent, we strive to deliver information about how tweens and teens
Candi Griffin • cgriffin@carolinaparent.com
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
29 that one way to boost your adolescent’s confidence is to continue showing him physical
into the “startle” category.
SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler
CONTACT US carolinaparent.com
5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 phone: 919-956-2430 • fax: 919-956-2427 email: info@carolinaparent.com advertising@carolinaparent.com • editorial@carolinaparent.com
Circulation 40,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
function in the world. We balance positive developments with negative trends so you’ll have a better understanding of your child’s day-to-day life and emotional health. We also want to know what you’d like to learn more about in next year’s tween/teen issue, so please send your feedback and ideas to bshugg@carolinaparent.com.
Beth Shugg, Editor
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A publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO President William S. Morris III Will S. Morris IV PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
2014 Bronze Award Winner
2014 Bronze Award Winner
General Excellence Awards Competition
Design Awards Competition
Grace Christian School
Pediatric Therapy
Raleigh Little Theatre
The Goddard School
carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
9
› FYI
|
community
Photo courtesy of the Jandy Ammons Foundation
The Jandy Ammons Foundation Funds Grants
Do Low-Income Boys Fare Worse in Wealth’s Shadow?
The Jandy Ammons Foundation, Inc., a local family
Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, Lands and Waters
foundation, is giving $234,720 this year to help
South, Miracle League of the Triangle, Museum
11 North Carolina-based nonprofit organizations
of Life and Science, North Carolina Rail-Trails,
fund projects that will collectively support active
Orange County Partnership for Young Children,
lifestyles, youth development and exploration.
Raleigh Little Theatre and Tammy Lynn Center
The grant recipients are Artspace, Clubs In The
for Developmental Disabilities. Learn more at
City, The Daniel Center for Math and Science,
thejandyammonsfoundation.org.
Low-income boys fare worse, not better, when according to an article based on 12 years of research
Commission Launches Anti-Underage Drinking Effort
conducted by The Center for Child and Family Policy
The North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
at Duke University. The study followed 1,600 children
recently launched a statewide effort targeting underage drinking in
from birth to age 12 in urban and suburban areas
North Carolina. The new campaign, Talk It Out, targets broadcast,
of England and Wales. Through intensive home
web and social media platforms to give parents the right tools for
assessments, surveyed teachers and neighbors,
talking to kids about the dangers of underage drinking. Recent
census information and parent reports, researchers
research conducted by the commission discovered that the average
discovered that in economically mixed settings,
age children in North Carolina take their first drink is 13.9 and that
low-income boys engaged in more antisocial
children think underage drinking is a much bigger problem than their
and aggressive behaviors. Previous studies have
parents believe. Learn more at talkitoutnc.org.
they grow up alongside more affluent neighbors,
suggested that children often evaluate their social rank and self-worth based on comparisons with those around them, and that being poor may be more distressing to a child when he is surrounded by others who are better off. The findings appear
POLL
What fashion trends are most popular with your tweens and/or teens right now?
in the “Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry”
Leggings
Boots
Scarves
Statement T-shirts
Distressed jeans
Over-the-knee socks
at onlinelibrary.wiley.com. (Search for “low-income
29%
29%
16%
16%
4%
4%
boys.”)
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FYI
|
education
FACEBOOK/ TWITTER QUESTION
North Carolina School Report Cards Issued Public school performance grades
been assigned an A through F letter
for the 2013-2014 academic year were
grade based on a 15-point scale. An
released in February. Eighty percent of
A is a score of 85-100; a B is 70-84; a
the grades are based on how students
C is 55-69; a D is 40-54 and an F is 40
performed on end-of-grade and
or less. A 10-point scale will be used
end-of-course tests taken in grades 3
for subsequent years. Learn more at
through 12, and 20 percent are based
ncpublicschools.org/src.
3
The number of Advanced Placement exams the average high school student takes.
Durham School Wins Technology Grant E.K. Powe Elementary in Durham was one of 51 schools across the nation that computer technology in schools. The school won the award in celebration of International Hour of Code, a one-hour introduction to computer coding for students in grades kindergarten and up. Assistant Principal Susan Wells taught an hour of coding to every student and teacher at E.K. Powe during Computer Science Education Week Dec. 8-14, 2014. The school used the grant money to build an innovation lab, which features mobile devices, a 3D printer and other equipment. E.K. Powe’s administration, teachers and the student body received the grant on Jan. 20 during a school assembly. Learn more at hourofcode.com/us/prizes.
5
The number of AP exams the College Board recommends that college-bound students take. Source: The College Board
Powe Codes Club members enjoy coding at E.K. Powe. Photo courtesy of Niki Litts
Reassurance and praise when he makes good choices. — Valory Bennett The love and support from those around her she trusts. — Jillian Goldstein My 10-year-old daughter says: Playing sports — and beating the boys! — Tammy M. Herr
on academic growth. Schools have
received a $10,000 grant from Code.org, a nonprofit organization supporting
What makes your child feel confident?
We as parents do. The more love and hugs and kisses our children get with real meaning behind them, the more calm and confident our kids are. A real hug with feeling does more than any pep talk ever could for my 6- and 3-yearolds! — Janell Peterson Performing for an audience for one, and creating drawings for the other. — Patrick Wharton Completing a LEGO set all by himself. — Michelle Treffer Our confidence in him. He's not quite 3 and just starting to venture on his own to play and make friends and learn how to use the potty and swim. When we show him we have confidence in him, he is less afraid to try.
— Elisa Sevier
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Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry
Hillsborough Christian Academy
FYI
|
craft
‘Trick’ Some Kicks
Kids can use fabric markers to create their own fashion statements. Since fabric markers work fabulously on canvas surfaces, they’re perfect for “tricking some kicks!” Inspire your tween or teen to create, color and design some spring “kicks” using this craft idea. Supplies: Bling (buttons, sequins, gems, etc.) White canvas shoes Tulip Fabric Markers (nontoxic) Aleene’s Quick Dry Fabric Fusion (to adhere buttons) Ribbon for the laces Directions: n Create and color designs on a pair of canvas shoes using fabric markers. n Glue on bling such as buttons, sequins and/or gems. n Trade out the laces for ribbons of your choice (matching or not). Provided by North Carolina artist Laura Kelly, creator of Laura Kelly Designs. Find more of her crafts at laurakellydesigns.com/cms/Videos.php.
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›
)
TRUTHS
Children Deserve to Hear About Themselves
They are amazing. They are a gift and deserved to be treasured.
They are smart. When children hear they are smart, we help them believe it about themselves.
They are significant.
They are capable. When we show them that we believe in their capabilities, they will live up to higher expectations.
They are powerful. As we parent with love, discipline, support and positive affirmation, we teach them that no one can stand in the way of their dreams.
They are lovable. Children learn how to love themselves by how we love them.
Sherrie Campbell is a licensed psychologist, clinical trainer and counselor.
|
tips
Pressure Points for Teen Girls According to a new study by Keds and the Girls Leadership Institute, 71 percent of teen girls say they feel some sort of pressure during their high school years, with one in four teen girls report feeling “a lot” of pressure. Here is where they say the pressure comes from: School stress (66 percent) Teacher tension (34 percent) Peer pressure (18 percent from classmates, 14 percent from friends) Making good grades (57 percent of teen girls reported being a straight A student and 79 percent say completing a higher education is their top goal) Learn more at girlsleadership.org and click on “Research.”
When we celebrate their differences, they learn to see themselves as gifted, unique and significant.
FYI
6 Reasons Kids Smoke Michael Popkin, a published parenting expert and spokesperson for the youth smoking prevention program called “Real Parents Real Answers,” offers six reasons for why kids choose to smoke. n Peer conformity. Instead of “friends” convincing your kids they should smoke, your child may choose to smoke because of internal pressure he is putting on himself to fit in. n Popular media. Studies show that kids who have seen three or more R-rated movies may be more likely to start smoking than those who had not. n Lack of confidence. A confident child understands that the short-term benefit of fitting in does not outweigh the long-term costs of smoking. n Self-medication. Turning to cigarettes, drugs or alcohol to lessen stress or escape from reality is an easy way for kids to make a quick fix. n Boredom. Some children have a tough time being alone or staying occupied. The social aspect of smoking can create bonds between peers and fills the boredom void. n Misinformation. This is the most preventable reason kids choose to smoke. Peers exert a greater influence on behaviors than parents, which means it’s critical for your child to be knowledgeable on the very real dangers of smoking. Learn more at realparentsrealanswers.com.
19%
The percentage of mothers who regularly wear clothes belonging to their age-12-or-older daughter. Source: couponcodespro.com study
carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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Building Block Pediatrics
Wynns Family Psychology
Next Care
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Raleigh Vein & Lasar Center
›
FYI
|
health
BY KATHERINE KOPP
Teen Cardiorespiratory Fitness Declines Teens — especially adolescent girls — are becoming less fit from a cardiorespiratory standpoint, according to 2012 data reported in a recent National Youth Fitness Survey. The percentage of youth ages 12-15 who had adequate levels of cardiorespiratory fitness decreased from 52.4 percent in 1999-2000 to 42.2 percent in 2012. n
n
n
A higher percentage of boys ages 12-15 — 50.2 percent — had adequate levels of cardiorespiratory fitness compared with girls of the same age (33.8 percent). Researchers observed a similar pattern for youth ages 12–13 and 14–15. In both age groups, a higher percentage of boys than girls had adequate levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.
70%
The percentage of teens who receive less than 9.5 hours of sleep per night, which is the recommended amount for their age group. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Adolescents Misperceive Peer Actions Are teens misunderstood? Perhaps, but researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill and Stanford University have shown that many teens themselves are incorrect about what their peers are doing in the areas of sex, drugs and studying. In a study of the perceptions and behaviors of 235 10th-grade participants at a suburban, middleincome high school, five reputation-based groups were identified: socially-oriented “populars,” athletically-oriented “jocks,” deviant-oriented “burnouts,” academically-oriented “brains” and students who were not strongly affiliated with any specific crowd. Students reported their behaviors confidentially, allowing researchers to compare the groups’ actual and perceived behaviors. Based on what individuals reported, group comparisons clearly resulted in what the study called “gross misperceptions.” The teens were inaccurate about behaviors ranging from the number of cigarettes members of a particular group might smoke each day, to how often other teens had sex, to how many hours a week a classmate might study. For more information, go to psycnet.apa.org and search for “adolescents misperceive.” Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer in Chapel Hill.
Stay Warm to Keep Away Colds A study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in January found that the immune response to the common cold in a test group of mice was impaired at the lower body temperature compared to the core body temperature, and that varying temperatures influenced the immune response, rather than the virus itself. Learn more at pnas.org/content/ early/2015/01/02/1411030112. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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FYI
|
style
Put a SPRING in your step
with the season’s hottest trends — a full skirt, block heels and light blue accessories — plus a great book. BY LAUREN BELL ISAACS
1.
2.
3.
5. 5.
4.
1. Navy and Ivory Jersey Jacquard Skirt, bodenusa.com, $88 2. Kellen Banded Fedora, charmingcharlie, $18 3. Buckle Up Pink Enamel Bangle, shinymix.com, $12 4. “Places To Go, People To See” coffee table book, katespade.com, $40 5. Asos Hedley Heeled Sandals, asos.com, $42 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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GROWING UP out attitude, but there’s a reason for this stormy season. With new social pressures, growing academic responsibilities and the advent of puberty, the tween years create the perfect storm of strong emotions and angry outbursts. Help correct a negative attitude with positive parenting tactics, advises licensed psychotherapist Sara B. Thatcher of Raleigh. She says you can avoid talking about what you don’t want with phrases like “stop being rude” and “don’t swear,” and instead talk about what you would like to see. Saying, “please use kind words” in the same tone of voice you want your child to use is more effective than repeatedly shouting, “STOP.” Spark
Attitude Adjustment: Raising Respectful Kids
N
ot thrilled by your mouthy preschooler or back-talking tween? You’re not alone. Correcting perceived attitude problems is a top parenting concern,
and there’s often no easy fix. In fact, this stubbornly persistent behavior may be biologically driven. Though you may not turn a grouchy grumbler into positive Polly overnight, you can help your child learn to be more respectful and polite in short order. Here’s how to ditch your kid’s problem attitude and enjoy a happier family, starting now.
AGES 2-6
Though you’re probably peeved when your 2-year-old starts spouting sass, know that it’s normal for toddlers to act out sometimes. Toddlers and preschoolers are learning emotional and behavioral regulation — the ability to recognize and rein in unwanted attitudes and actions — and won’t get it right all the time, says Edward Hallowell, child and adult psychiatrist, and The New York Times best-selling author of “The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness.” “So much of a child’s attitude depends on inborn
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
AGES 13-18
Attitude Angst
BY MALIA JACOBSON
Model Citizen
more positive behavior with a kindness challenge: Each time kids show kindness or respect, toss a quarter into a kindness jar. When the jar is full, the family can use the funds for something fun.
temperament. Don’t be surprised if you have one preschooler who can use words to work out conflicts, and another who can’t.” Adults can help tots learn to manage their attitudes by modeling the building blocks of emotional regulation, including using words to name emotions (“I feel frustrated right now”), taking a break to cool off when needed and using respectful tones to speak with others — unruly toddlers included.
Sweet one day, feisty the next — sounds like a typical teen. So how can parents tell normal teenage attitude from potential problem behavior, depression or a mood disorder? First, know that your moody teen is likely just reacting to the pressures and hormones of the teen years, since most kids don’t have a mood disorder. “Concerning ‘red flags’ are excessive irritability, frequent bouts of tearfulness, explosive outbursts, significant changes in appetite resulting in weight loss or weight gain, sleep problems and self-harming behaviors,” Thatcher says. If your child’s poor attitude is causing problems at home or school, reach out to a counselor, family therapist or your child’s pediatrician. “I tell parents, never worry alone. If you’re worried about your teen, talk to him or her about your concerns,” Hallowell says. Building a strong bond with your teen can help you both see through the highs and lows that come with high school.
AGES 7-12
Sunnier Skies School-age children can certainly dish
Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
›
TECH TALK
Making the Most of Infographics
?
Y
BY CAROLYN JABS
?
?
ou can’t miss them online. Infographics mash up facts and ideas with illustrations and design. Educators and journalists use them to make complicated stories memorable
and easier to understand. Marketers and lobbyists use them to persuade and motivate. If books were the meat and potatoes that nourished a previous generation of learners, infographics are the lite bites that can substitute for dinner, but only if they are very carefully chosen.
Colorful and concise, the best infographics provide instant insight into challenging topics. By condensing and organizing data, they draw young people into new material so they remember it more easily and think about it more deeply. As attention spans shrink, it’s seductive to think students can communicate and learn in quick, bright bursts of information. Unfortunately, all infographics are not created equal. Although they can clarify information, some are confusing and even misleading. And of course, any infographic is only as good as the facts on which it is based. Kids need some guidance about how to extract meaning from infographics.
Recognizing Good Information
Some of the best educational infographics come from sources such as the The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. Liking these organizations on
Facebook can infuse a teenager’s timeline with interesting, fact-based maps, graphs and charts. Sometimes your child may encounter material intended for adults. Point your child toward Coolinfographics.com, a blog that presents and critiques a new infographic each week. A word cloud makes it possible to search the archive and zero in on topics of interest. Find educational infographics suitable for elementary-age children at pinterest.com/ k12inc/educational-infographics. Encourage your children to ask the same critical questions they should be asking about other online materials. n Who is the source? Infographics come from media companies, educators, marketers, bloggers, political organizations, health providers and lobbyists. Encourage your child to figure out who made the infographic. If the source isn’t clear, the information is suspect.
n
n
What is the purpose? Sometimes infographics are simply about presenting complicated data in an interesting way. Often, however, the person or organization behind the infographic has an agenda. Others pick and choose their facts to persuade viewers or sell them something. In other cases, infographics are simply meant to entertain. Where did they get their information? A good infographic, especially one about a controversial topic, includes the equivalent of footnotes. Point out to your child that someone who is confident enough to cite sources is at least trying to present objective information.
DIY Infographics as a Learning Tool
Here are a few free, kid-friendly tools for creating infographics a child can explore. n Create.ly. This site offers open-ended options that are ideal for creating timelines and diagramming ideas by identifying key concepts and clustering facts around them. n Easel.ly. This site features an intuitive interface that makes it easy for students to create eye-catching posters. n Infogr.am. The free version on this site gives students access to 30 easy-to-use templates for charts, graphs and other ways of presenting data. n Piktochart.com. Designed for business, the free version of this site offers a variety of templates that will help students construct charts, graphs, maps and other infographics. n Textisbeautiful.net. This fascinating tool allows students to find patterns in a piece of writing by uploading text and then creating graphics that show different words being used. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids. She is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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UNDERSTANDING KIDS
Managing Behavioral Expressions BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF and subsequent sensitivity. Beginning a discussion about a
S
chool-age children have many opportunities to socialize both in and out of school. The distribution of invitations in classrooms to parties and playdates is common, but
this practice can also lend itself to the expression of feelings in ways that are not necessar-
ily socially acceptable (e.g., excluding certain children or rejecting invitations from certain classmates). Parents and guardians can help children make sense of behavioral expressions by drawing their attention to the feelings that drive their actions, which will help them become increasingly self-aware and, in turn, more effective communicators.
Consider the following scenario: Billy brought birthday party invitations to school for all of his classmates. As he passed them out, Sarah frowned at hers and pushed it away. Their teacher pointed out to Sarah that she had accepted birthday invitations from other classmates, so the polite thing to do was to accept the invitation from Billy. Sarah quietly accepted it but appeared to be upset. Their teacher decided to move on by starting the next classroom activity. However, Sarah remained withdrawn and upset throughout the rest of the day. Billy and Sarah’s teacher did what many teachers would do in this situation. She guided her student to follow a social norm. However, Sarah was not just being impolite — there was a personal basis for her response. In this situation, the teacher provided
22
MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
an outside fix to the problem: Accept the invitation and move on. But Sarah was left with an inside problem that became evident by her withdrawal and sensitivity throughout the rest of the day. Outside fixes are short-term. They temporarily cover or distract someone from internal discomfort. While effective in the moment, outside fixes do little to address the inside problem. Outside fixes often solve the immediate issue and help children conform to societal expectations, but do not always help them grow from the inside.
Offering Inside Help Inside help addresses the problem not from a place of conformity, but from an angle that seeks understanding and respect for a child’s feelings. In our example, the behavioral change was Sarah’s withdrawal
behavioral change can be as simple as showing your understanding (and acceptance) that a child is expressing an emotion for a genuine reason. A teacher or caregiver could say, “Sarah, I can see that you don’t want the invitation from Billy. I know you’ve gone to other birthday parties, so there must be something about the invitation to Billy’s party that is bothering you. Billy, it’s very kind of you to invite Sarah, but we have to figure out what she is trying to tell you by not wanting the invitation.” A comment like this, even if it doesn’t lead to any further discussion, provides Billy and Sarah with important insight that actions are often expressions of feelings. Sarah has a reason for not wanting the card but has not yet developed the means — or confidence — to verbally articulate her feelings. Ideally, one day Sarah will be able to say, for instance: “Billy, you’ve been teasing me every day on the playground. I don’t want to go to your party!” Most children do not need this type of specialized inside help. For many, occasional and insightful parental guidance is enough to help them develop selfawareness and expression of feelings and opinions. However, some children quietly suffer or, in other cases, act out in disruptive ways when they have feelings that remain uncomfortable and unexpressed. For these children, simply conforming to society’s expectations can be a challenging and painful experience. The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more.
Duke Pediatric Dentistry
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
International Preschool of Raleigh
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Raleigh Parks & Rec
The Hill Center
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Launching Pad
Montessori Community School
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HAMMER, NAILS & DIAPER PAILS
Leprechauns, Gold and Clovers BY PATRICK HEMPFING
P
rior to St. Patrick’s Day last year, my 9-year-old daughter, Jessie, came home from school and asked to have a picnic. We tossed two blankets in the yard and placed two
lawn chairs on top of them. I relaxed in one of the chairs while Jessie prepared our picnic. About 10 minutes later, Jessie called for assistance. She carried the basket of snacks and a few sheets of paper. I grabbed the crayons and markers. Of course, Sadie, our dog, joined us. It wouldn’t be a picnic without Sadie. A few seconds later, Jessie’s feet were free of socks. We munched on pretzels and raisins and shared a can of Orange Crush soda a friend gave her for Valentine’s Day. My future third-grade teacher (her current career aspiration) then distributed my first assignment, a St. Patrick’s Day maze. She had downloaded the maze from a teaching website and printed copies for each of us. We raced to see whose leprechaun would reach the pot of gold first. Jessie won. My second assignment involved a coloring sheet that pictured a pot of gold. I like to color; however, my aspiring teacher gave me the following writing prompt: “If I saw a leprechaun, I would … ” Instead of coloring the pot of gold, Jessie asked me to write my answer inside the pot. I’m not a big fan of writing on demand, but noticed Jessie had already started to write hers down, so I hastily began. Jessie finished well ahead of me. She wrote, “If I saw a leprechaun I would ask him nicely to give 1,000 million dollars to help find a cure for cancer.” Jessie’s answer clearly beat mine, but
for writing on demand, I did OK. “If I saw a leprechaun, I would say, ‘Hi, my name is Patrick. No, St. Patrick’s Day was not named after me, though I’m a kind and loving man. I already found my pot of gold. I have a beautiful wife, daughter and dog. I’m a blessed man.’” Jessie then handed me my third assignment: a coloring sheet with the words “HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY” surrounded by green clovers. Finally, my chance to color! I searched for a green crayon. Teacher Jessie had a different lesson plan. She gave me the writing prompt, “If I found a pot of gold, I would spend it on … ,” with my answer to be written on the back of the paper. Like before, Jessie finished well before me. She chewed on a pretzel stick and waited patiently. Jessie has been campaigning for another dog, so her answer didn’t surprise me. “If I found a pot of gold I would spend it on one more dog. It would be a Havanese. I would spend the rest on books.” I’ve been campaigning for a man cave. I wrote, “If I found a pot of gold, I would spend it on building a man cave. It would be a luxurious man cave with all the amenities a famous writer would have. I’d have stateof-the-art office equipment. I would install a bell on my desk. I would ring it to have my assistant bring me a snack or whatever else I
need. For now, I’m happy with my man chair.” As I reflect on our St. Patrick’s themedpicnic, these thoughts stand out. Jessie will make an outstanding teacher. Her best chance for a Havanese is to find a pot of gold; they’re expensive. I’m getting better at writing on demand, though I still don’t enjoy it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jessie found a leprechaun who could fund research to cure cancer? Finally, I must accept that my man cave is not likely to happen. But hey, with the extra writing practice, maybe I’ll become a famous author and can upgrade to a man sofa. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a fulltime husband, stay-at-home dad and author of a monthly column titled “moMENts.” Follow Patrick at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and twitter.com/patrickhempfing. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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Digital
PRIVACY Is it OK to spy on your teen? BY ANNE WOOTEN GREEN
M
services at Forsyth Technical Community
ost teenagers think cellphones are a birthright.
Most parents think cellphones are a privilege, not a right.
So how do you and your teen negotiate terms by which both parties are
satisfied? And should you “snoop” on your child’s online activity?
College in Winston-Salem. She has two daughters, 11 and 17, and gave her oldest daughter a cellphone when she was 12 so she could call when her athletic practice was finished for the day. She did something that both Overcash and Paquin say is a good idea — ensured that her child’s first phone was
Set Guidelines
only able to make calls, not facilitate texting or app downloads.
Two experts with experience on how parents
“When my daughter was 14, we got her a
and teens navigate an increasingly digital world say the best way to prevent your teen
smartphone where she was able to send texts
from choosing to sneak around — or to
and have apps,” Emerson says. “But we were
prevent you from needing to spy on your
pretty restrictive. The only apps she could
teen — is to outline expectations with your
have were games.” Emerson says she allowed her daughter
child before you give out that first phone.
to add Twitter and Facebook in the past year.
Katie Overcash of Charlotte, a licensed
“She asked a couple of times why she
clinical social worker who counsels teens,
couldn’t have more things on her phone,”
doesn’t like the word “snoop.”
Emerson says. “We had a very honest and
“It has a negative connotation,” she says. “It means you are keeping tabs on your
direct discussion about it. She knows at any
child’s digital use behind their back.”
time my husband and I can sit down with her and go through her phone.”
She says her “whole theme is give and
Emerson says her daughter uses Snapchat
take” when it comes to dealing with children getting their first phone. “You need to start out pretty strict,” Overcash says. If children use their phones unrestricted until they are 15 or 16, “it will be a problem” if a parent finds out the phone is being used irresponsibly, she says. “As kids get older and show that they are responsible, you can back off a little bit.” Kate Paquin of Apex, a trained family and teen coach, agrees that parents should set guidelines early. “The key is to establish strict guidelines, just like you would if they were driving a car or going out with their friends,” she says.
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“The guidelines can be loosened later on, but they must be set from the get-go.” Overcash says compromise and finding a middle ground is crucial. “Parents can’t be on the other end of the phone,” she says. “It’s not appropriate and not doable. You have to figure out that sweet spot.” Paquin, who has a son, 17, and two daughters, 15 and 14, says her children first got a phone because they were involved in sports activities and needed to let her know when they were ready to be picked up. That was the case for Wendy Emerson of Tobaccoville, vice president of business
and recently had to delete her Instagram account. “I said, look at pictures your friends have posted on Instagram. For example, there was a picture of a friend holding a volleyball trophy. I said, ‘What do you see in that picture?’ I told her what I saw was that the trophy clearly showed the girl’s name, the school she attended and when she played volleyball. Anyone could take that information and find that girl.” Emerson handed down her oldest daughter’s first phone to her second daughter when she was 9, but with the same rules.
Education is Key
Monitoring Your Child Online
Overcash says parents should know all of
Know your teen’s passwords, advises Paquin.
the passwords for their teen’s social media
“If I can’t log in to one my children’s phones,
accounts. But that is not enough.
the phone is taken away,” says Paquin. She
“Parents need to educate themselves
cautions that many teens know how to make
about social media and apps,” she says. “Find
multiple accounts for one app. “Your child
out what sites your children are using and
may have one Instagram for their parents to
find out how the sites work. Talk to your
see and another account for their friends.”
kids. Say ‘What can you do on here?’” She explains that teens’ brains are not
She also advises: Be aware of what your teens are doing on any device that connects
completely developed, especially the part
to the Internet, not just their smartphone;
that understands long-term decisions.
put Internet restrictions in your home; and
“Sometimes kids post something and get in
keep the family computer in an open space.
trouble for that,” she says. Maybe they are
Parents also need to use caution when
kicked off a sports team, or get sent to the
using what Paquin calls “the parents’ social
principal’s office. They don’t completely
media” — Facebook.
understand what has happened.” Overcash says in those cases parents
“Parents should make profiles in Facebook private,” she says. “Your pictures
APPS THAT CAN BE
DANGEROUS
Kik — An instant messaging app kids can use if they can’t text on their phone. Take a look at the history and who they are “kik-ing.” Kik users can also send photos. Snapchat — An app that claims pictures posted only last 10 seconds. But screen shots can be taken of the photo and shared on other devices. Snapchat users can also send videos. Ask.fm — A page that allows others to ask questions anonymously. Most
should “sit down with their teen, and ask
of young children, vacation pictures, can be
them what kind of message [they] were
prime ground for pedophiles.”
parents don’t know their kids have
Anne Wooten Green is a freelance writer
different user names and link them
trying to put out there, and what [they] thought people would get from it?” Paquin, who teaches a class called
based in Winston-Salem.
an account because they can use to an Instagram account. This page
“Social Media for Parents of Teens and
is where most cyberbullying takes
Preteens,” agrees that parents need to be
place.
educated. She sets strict guidelines on her children’s phone use. “Each night at 9 p.m., the kids hand the phone to me for the night,” she says. “I don’t want them staying awake using the phone.” She also doesn’t allow phones in restaurants or at the dinner table.
Whisper — A site that encourages users to share secrets. Kids post pictures and share secrets anonymously, as well as chat with other “whisperers.” Whisper reveals a user’s location. Swipe — An app that allows users to create usernames and post pictures anonymously. It accesses all of the contacts on your child’s phone and then shares those pictures with their circle and their friends’ circles without ever knowing who is posting the picture. Paquin says Swipe “is a bully’s dream and a pedophile’s hunting ground.” CocoPPa — An app that changes the looks of icons on a device. It can make the icons look like cute images and games, while hiding the real apps a teen might have on his or her phone. carolinaparent.com carolinaparent.com || MARCH MARCH 2015 2015
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Leigh Brain & Spine
Wake Academy
CH Pediatrics & Adolescent Tutor Time
School of Integrated Studies
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A LITTLE CONFIDENCE
Goes a Long Way Raising confident teens and tweens
A
BY LAURA LACY
sk kindergartners or first-graders what they’re good at, and many will easily list off the skills or qualities that make them
great. A 5-year-old might tell you he’s the fastest runner in his class, even if he’s — well — not. But as children grow older their inflated confidence begins to slide, says Andrea Hussong, director of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Center for Developmental Science and a professor of psychology. Tweens and early teens are especially susceptible to bouts of low confidence for multiple reasons. In addition to navigating biological changes and new social landscapes, adolescents are naturally egocentric, says Kristen Wynns, a child psychologist and owner of Wynns Family Psychology in Cary. This can make them “literally feel like there’s a spotlight on them and that everyone’s looking at them,” Wynns says. “So that’s part of what makes them more vulnerable to selfesteem issues or self-confidence issues.” This perceived attention might make an adolescent feel as if her peers are judging everything from her appearance to her family’s behavior. Additionally, adolescents make more social comparisons, especially with their peers. “There’s a lot of competition and comparison going on in those years,” Hussong says, which may cause a dip in their confidence. That 5-year-old in the example above might now, as a tween or teen, say “‘Hmm, I’m not the fastest runner in the class. If I’m not that, who am I?’” Hussong explains.
The Confidence Effect Having confidence in his or her actions and behaviors can “enhance” a child’s self-esteem and vice versa — so a higher selfesteem can lead to higher confidence, Hussong says. Chapel Hill mother of two Katy Gilliam notices how her 9- and 11-year-olds’ confidence levels affect them. “When their confidence is high, I believe that it helps all aspects of their lives. It helps them feel balanced and able to handle everyday expectations and stressors,” she says. “When their confidence is off, then it is a domino effect to how they handle their lives.”
Juliellen Simpson-Vos, mother of a 12-year-old daughter in Durham and executive director of Girls on the Run in the Triangle, a program that encourages running as a way to inspire confidence and healthy habits, says confidence helps a tween or teen feel OK with who they are. “Strong confidence and positive self-esteem provide courage to be the person you were meant to be in this world,” she says. “At Girls on the Run, we say confidence is what sparks girls to activate their limitless potential.”
How to Boost Your Child’s Confidence Hussong says it’s natural for your child’s confidence to ebb and flow during the tween and teen years. Your interactions, however, can make a difference. Here are some tips: n Don’t forego physical affection. True, your child has probably outgrown some demonstrations of physical affection. But it’s still key when it comes to confidence. “Sometimes parents forget how important that is for kids’ selfesteem, to be hugged,” Wynns says. “Even pats on the shoulder or high fives are really important — to still have the physical affection.” n Monitor media messages. Whether they see them on TV, online or on a friend’s Instagram feed, kids are bombarded with images and messages that can influence their confidence levels, Wynns says. Keep a watchful eye on your child’s interaction with screens of all sizes. Also, Wynns reminds teens and parents that online friends present an idealistic portrait of their lives on social media — not real life. In fact, research has shown that comparing one’s own life to the idealistic narratives others present on Facebook can foster low self-esteem. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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Duke Child and Family and Study
n
n
n
Camelot n
n
Let tweens and teens solve their own problems. Hussong encourages parents to help their children foster a sense of agency — a belief that they have what they need to make decisions about their own lives — in order to promote healthy self-esteem. Within reason, let your tween or teen find solutions for her problems, no matter how badly you want to jump in and save the day. Listen and guide her as she addresses the problem, rather than offering a quick fix to ease the pain. Tackling dilemmas can empower your tween or teen. Ask a professional for help if you suspect a larger problem. Low confidence alone is not a warning sign of a problem, Hussong explains, since “[teens are] trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in.” But if you suspect depression or if your teen’s attitude veers toward self-loathing or self-hatred, take heed. Wynns advises parents to watch out for a teen who cries easily, retreats from family and friends, exhibits changes in sleep or appetite, or expresses negative or semi-suicidal thoughts. Tweens and teens in less extreme situations can also benefit from professional help. (See our article about teen depression on page 33 for more information. Help tweens and teens find where they shine. “Help your kids find their niche,” Wynns says. “Take note of where your child seems to excel and encourage them to further develop that.” Gilliam’s children demonstrate the relationship between finding a niche and confidence. “My daughter is in competitive gymnastics, which has helped build confidence through her strength training and support of coaches and teammates. My son is involved in musical theater, which also supports and builds his self-confidence,” she explains. Plan how you praise. “We definitely know that praising everything can backfire, because then kids start to doubt the sincerity behind the praise,” Wynns explains. Research shows that exaggerated praise can intimidate children with low selfesteem, potentially preventing them from trying for fear of failing, and that the best practice for praise is to focus on the process rather than the results. Praise your child’s hard work in studying for a test rather than the good grade he brings home, or praise specific behaviors. “Being able to be specific about that feedback helps them to see what they’re doing well and gives them something to build on,” Hussong says. Encourage giving back. Volunteering or helping around the house can be a boon for your child’s self-esteem. “There’s a definite link between volunteering and giving back and your mood,” Wynns says. “If you’re doing for others and making a contribution to your family or school or society, it ends up helping you feel better, as far as your mood goes, but also to feel better about yourself.”
Laura Lacy is a freelance writer in Chapel Hill.
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HELPING TEENAGERS COPE WITH
T
BY KATHRYN CAPRINO he myriad academic, social and physical changes
Causes of Adolescent Depression
during adolescence can be stressful for even the most
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that the impact of genetics, environment and early life experiences are potential influences on one’s propensity for depression. However, Heather Thurston, a clinical psychologist practicing in Cary, says no definitive answer about its cause has been found. “Certainly adolescence is a time when brain development is still happening,” Thurston says. “The questions remain of how, why and when does brain maturation jump off track to increase one’s vulnerability to depression.” Though you cannot completely eliminate your teenager’s chances for depression, consider whether your child participates in physical and extracurricular activities, maintains a positive social life and understands how to cope with stress, suggests John Curry, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Center for the Study of Suicide Prevention and Intervention at Duke University in Durham.
adaptive teenager. Though depression is less common among adolescents than adults, 11 percent of adolescents are diagnosed with a depressive disorder by age 18, according to the adolescent supplement of the National Comorbidity Survey, which collected data on teens in two sample groups between 2001 and 2004. A National Center for Children in Poverty fact sheet suggests that teenagers with depression may experience academic problems, unstable relationships, substance abuse, criminal activity, unsafe sexual behavior and even suicidal thoughts. There are, however, ways to help a teenager who is suffering from depression.
Signs to Watch For Thurston cites the following signs that might indicate your teenager is experiencing a mood disorder such as depression: n Low mood n Changes in social activity, academic performance, hygiene or eating habits carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
31
Negativity Irritability n Reckless behavior n Expressions of being misunderstood n n
says, adding that another way of thinking about the relationship between depression and suicide is recognizing that more than half of people who die by suicide have had a mood disorder. Although not all people who suffer from depression commit suicide, be vigilant. Some teenagers with depression do express suicidal thoughts. These situations warrant immediate action, Thurston advises. She says if your teenager exhibits feelings of hopelessness, talks about wanting to die, makes statements about being a burden to others, becomes increasingly isolated or reckless, or appears to have intense mood swings, seek the advice of a mental health professional. In the event that you are concerned that a teenager is at imminent risk for harming himself or herself, do not leave him or her alone and get help immediately by calling 911 or taking the teen to an emergency room to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. Thurston also advises limiting access to and/or removing firearms or other household items that could be used to commit suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK or suicidepreventionlifeline.org serves as a 24/7 resource for those in need or those who are trying to help someone in need.
Whereas it is true that most teenagers experience these periodically, their appearance for prolonged periods of time could indicate more than just teenage woes. “A diagnosis of depression can be present when there is a clustering of multiple depressive symptoms (including low mood or loss of interest in usual activities) that are present most of the time for at least two weeks,” says David Goldston, director of the Duke Center for the Study of Suicide Prevention and Intervention in Durham and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University. “For a diagnosis of depression, the group of depressive symptoms needs to be associated with significant distress or associated with some impairment (e.g. difficulties in school).” Early intervention is crucial, Thurston says, noting that one depressive episode makes one at risk for another. If your teenager presents the signs listed above, Thurston recommends taking a “nonjudgmental stance” when LOCAL speaking to him or her. Teenagers need to feel that you are available to talk to them — when they are RESOURCES ready. School guidance counselors, pediatricians and FOR PARENTS primary care physicians are able to provide help and recommendations for mental health professionals The Unicorn Bereavement who work specifically with teenagers who are Center (part of Duke Hospice depressed. Bereavement): “There’s more emphasis now and there will dhch.duhs.duke.edu/ be more emphasis because of the Affordable Care bereavement-services Act [on] offering mental health services in primary care settings,” suggests Curry, who is about to start The American Foundation a clinical trial looking at the effects of cognitive for Suicide Prevention behavior therapy for adolescents with depression and and the Suicide Prevention substance abuse problems. Resource Center’s You, your child and a mental health care “After a Suicide: professional will decide upon the best treatment plan. A Toolkit for Schools”: “Treatment for depression has a good success rate,” sprc.org/sites/ Thurston says. “It’s important that people understand sprc.org/files/library/ they can get help and relief from their symptoms. afterasuicidetoolkitforschools. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication pdf or a combination of both.”
Helping Teenagers Who Express Suicidal Tendencies “A majority of people who have depression do not die by suicide; however, having major depression definitely increases the risk of suicide,” Thurston
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
The Duke Child and Family Study Center: dukemedicine.
Helping a Teenager Cope With a Peer’s Suicide There are ways to help your child cope with the loss of a peer due to suicide. Helping your teenager understand that the reasons people commit suicide are complex and there are no simple answers is important, Goldston says. Instead of dwelling on the methods or graphic details of a peer’s suicide, focus on how your child is coping with the loss. Teenagers need to understand that a peer’s death is not their fault and that they cannot control another person’s actions. Make your teenager aware that you and mental health professionals are available to help them get through this difficult time. Be mindful that for people who are already depressed, abusing substances or have other risk factors, a peer’s suicide may increase his or her own risk for suicide. Be observant in the days and weeks after the peer’s suicide. Seek professional help from counselors, physicians or mental health professionals if your teenager exhibits signs of depression and/or suicidal tendencies. Disclaimer: This piece should not substitute for professional mental health advice.
org/locations/duke-childand-family-study-center
Kathryn Caprino is a freelance writer living in Chapel Hill.
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33
Early College Prepares Students for Future
Success BY KAREN M. ALLEY
W
e hear all the time that we live in an ever-changing economic environment. The traditional manufacturing jobs our parents’ generation relied on are gone or have become more specialized. And whether you live in a large city or a small rural town, the global economy means we’re all connected in ways we couldn’t have been just a few years ago. All of this change creates new challenges for public schools, which have a mission to prepare students for successful careers and fulfilling lives. In North Carolina, our department of education is constantly evolving its curriculum and creating learning opportunities to educate and prepare the leaders of tomorrow. One way North Carolina is doing this is through the early college system, which started in 2004 with 13 campuses through a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the North Carolina Community College system and the University of North Carolina system. Today the program has grown to include 76 early colleges. Early college offers students the opportunity to receive a high school diploma and an associate degree in arts or science all within four years, with concentrations in science and engineering,
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
health and medicine, or liberal arts. Students graduate with the tools and skills necessary to move on to the next phase in their life, whether that is entering the workforce or going on to complete a fouryear college degree.
How Does Early College Work? For parents who already struggle with getting their kids to buckle down and study, it might seem almost impossible to expect a child to do the work necessary to complete six years of school in four years, but the tailored curriculum and specialized teaching processes of early college help ensure success. According to Joyce Loveless, early college director at North Carolina New Schools, there are core classes each student takes to complete the ninth- and 10th-grade levels, and then the college courses the students enroll in count as high school credit as well. “That’s where the dual enrollment comes into play,” Loveless says. “For example, a student taking British literature is still meeting high school requirements, they’re just doing it through the college.”
A Focus on Learning In addition to graduating with two degrees, students in early college also benefit from
individualized teaching within a smallschool setting. Early colleges are allowed no more than 100 students per grade level, and most classes have between 75-80 students. “We’ve really been able to change how teaching and learning happens in these settings and make it more engaging,” Loveless says. Early college students are often encouraged to work together as groups, to talk with members of the community and complete internships. “You find that these students mature rather quickly,” Loveless says. “A 16-year-old might be sitting next to a 19- or 40-year-old in any given class, giving them the opportunity to learn from others and build their own self-confidence.”
Is Early College Right for My Child? Early colleges were created with the goal of targeting first-generation college students and students at risk for dropping out with support networks that help them learn about opportunities available that they might not be exposed to at home. The challenging curriculum and small class size is also appealing to high achievers who might not enjoy the traditional highschool experience. Dylan Caskie, a 2014 graduate of the Early College at Guilford, came to his parents during his eighth-grade
year and asked their permission to apply for early college. “He saw it as a challenge and really liked the idea of being able to take college classes,” says his father, Mark Caskie. Early college might be a good fit for your child if he is self-motivated, eager to excel and good with time management. “The work load can get pretty tough, but if you have a student who is motivated they will be able to organize their time well,” Caskie says. “The sense of freedom and independence the students get from being on a college campus and taking college classes goes a long way toward providing motivation.”
differences that might matter to your
Weighing the Pros and Cons
graduate with a separate degree. It all
If your child is interested in early college, make sure he or she is looking at the big picture. Early college has many benefits, including small class sizes, a challenging environment and the ability to graduate with two degrees. But there are some
child. While most of the schools have some sort of dance or spirit week, there isn’t the big prom night or homecoming celebration. Team sports are left up to the traditional high schools as well, but most have a program allowing early college students the chance to participate in sports at their home high school. Extracurricular activities also are limited
Applying for Early College The application process for early college varies by school, but most require at least a completed school application, report cards from seventh and eighth grades, attendance records, and end-of-grade test scores. Some also require letters of recommendation. Applications are typically due beginning in the middle of December through the end of February.
at early colleges. Loveless reminds parents that early college isn’t an either-or proposition. There are plenty of opportunities for students in traditional high schools to take college courses, they just don’t comes down to figuring out the right path for your child, and each one is unique. Karen Alley is a freelance writer with two school-age children who keep her aware of the need to be educated about
Early College Options in the Triangle • City of Medicine Academy, Durham County • Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School, Durham County • Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, Wake County • Wake Early College of Health Sciences, Wake County • Wake North Carolina State University STEM Early College High School, Wake County Find other North Carolina early college opportunities at ncnewschools.org.
their academic opportunities.
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Artspace
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Triangle Table Tennis
2900 Perimeter Park Dr., Ste. 200 Morrisville, NC 27560
Weekly Camps & Clinics
Mon.-Fri. – 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Please see website for schedules.
Tournaments Open Play Lessons
Private & Group
Leagues
Day & Evening Leagues
Camp Invention
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camp section
Camelot
Raleigh Parks & Rec
11 REASONS
you should choose.... summer camps!
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camp section
NC School of Math & Science
Arts Together
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camp section
Duke soccer for girls Residential Camp I ........June 13-16, 2015 Day Camp .....................June 15-19, 2015 Residential Camp II.......June 18-21, 2015 Elite Camp ...................July 25-28, 2015 www.DukeSoccerSchool.com
Find more camps at carolinaparent.com/camps
Artopia
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
Giggles
camp section
St. Mary’s
Clay Create Pottery
NC Theatre Conservatory FROM BEGINNER TO BROADWAY
NORTH CAROLINA THEATRE CONSERVATORY
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CLASSES NOW OPEN! MORE INFORMATION
NCTheatreConservatory.com carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
43
Egg Hunts and Bunny Sightings in the Triangle
W
BY JANICE LEWINE
elcome the Easter holiday by hopping down the bunny trail to a fun egg hunt or outdoor spring festival. Egg hunts begin and end in a flash, so be sure to arrive early with your Easter basket and camera. Events listed below are free unless otherwise noted. March 28
Kids in APEX can hunt for eggs at 10 a.m. on the Town Campus. apexnc.org; 919-249-3402. Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Kiwanis Shelter in CARY’S Bond Park at 8:30 a.m., followed by the town’s egg hunts at 10 a.m. for ages 3 and younger, 10:20 a.m. for ages 4-6 and 10:40 a.m. for ages 7-10. Afternoon hunts take place at 1:30 p.m. for ages 3 and younger, 1:50 p.m. for ages 4-6 and 2:10 p.m. for ages 7-10. Magic shows take place at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Sertoma Amphitheatre. The rain date for the egg hunts is March 29 in the afternoon only. Tickets are required for the breakfast, which are available at the Herbert C. Young Community Center. townofcary.org (search for “egg hunts”); 919-469-4965.
Skilled hunters ages 1-12 can search DURHAM’S Campus Hills Park and West Point on the Eno Park for eggs at 10:30 a.m. dprplaymore.org; 919-560-4355.
FUQUAY-VARINA hosts its annual egg hunt at 10 a.m. at South Park for ages 10 and younger. Downtown Fuquay-Varina merchants host a candy hop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. fuquayvarina.org and fuquay-varinadowntown.com; 919-552-1400 and 919-552-0848.
CHAPEL HILL/CARRBORO’S Spring Celebration at River Park in Hillsborough features live entertainment, games and a visit with the Easter Bunny. More than 25,000 eggs containing prizes and candy will be hidden across three locations for age groups 2-4, 5-7 and 8-10 for hunts that begin at 11:30 a.m. The rain date is March 29, 1-4 p.m. townofchapelhill.org/egghunt; 919-968-2823.
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Lake Benson Park in GARNER is the site of the town’s Spring Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., that includes an egg hunt, live entertainment, inflatables and more. Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny before the hunt. garnernc.gov; 919-773-4442. Games, music and inflatables take center stage at HOLLY SPRINGS’ Spring Fling at Bass Lake Park,10 a.m.-noon. An egg hunt for ages 8 and younger begins at noon. hollyspringsnc.us; 919-557-9603.
RALEIGH Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s egg hunts for ages 10 and younger take place at 11 a.m. at a variety of community centers and parks throughout the city. Visit raleighnc.gov for a list of locations. The Great Egg Scramble in SELMA begins at 10 a.m. at Selma Middle School. Ages 3-10 can scour the fields for thousands of colorful eggs, including several that bring a special prize. In case of rain, the event will be held in the school’s gym. selma-nc.com/the-great-eggscramble; 919-975-1411. The Easter Bunny hides more than 10,000 eggs at WAKE FOREST’S E. Carroll Joyner Park for hunts that begin at 10 a.m. There will be multiple hunt areas, each for a different age group. The Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt for children with disabilities and their families takes place at 11:30 a.m. wakeforestnc.gov; 919-435-9560.
KNIGHTDALE Station Park welcomes families to its Easter Eggstrordinaire with three egg hunts that begin at 11 a.m. for ages 8 and younger. knightdalenc.gov; 919-217-2236.
MARCH 2015 2015 || carolinaparent.com carolinaparent.com MARCH
March 29
Kids ages 2-7 can collect candy-filled eggs and meet the Easter Bunny at SMITHFIELD Community Park at 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the most eggs found in each age group. smithfield-nc.com.
April 2
Kids ages 12 and younger with special needs can take part in an Easter Eggstravaganza at CARY’S Bond Park from 6-8 p.m. Highlights include a visit with the Easter Bunny and live entertainment. Egg hunts are 6:30-7 p.m. for ages 7 and younger and 7-7:30 p.m. for ages 8-12. Registration is encouraged. townofcary. org; 919-469-4100.
April 3
The Easter Bunny arrives by fire truck prior to an egg hunt that begins at 10:30 a.m. at CLAYTON Community Park. More than 12,000 eggs will be hidden and special prizes will be awarded to children ages 5 and younger. townofclaytonnc.org; 919-553-1550.
MORRISVILLE Community Park welcomes kids ages 10 and younger and their families to the town’s annual egg hunt at 9:30 a.m. ci.morrisville.nc.us; 919-463-7110.
ZEBULON Municipal Complex hosts the town’s egg hunt at 10 a.m. townofzebulon.org; 919-823-0432.
April 4
Thousands of eggs stuffed with candy and prizes will be hidden on three golf courses at RALEIGH’S Adventure Landing. Ages 4 and younger can search the Miner’s Trail, ages 5-7 can scour the Adventure Trail and ages 8-10 can search the Lagoon Trail. A $3 donation benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. Be sure to arrive early. Registration takes place from 8-8:45 a.m. and the hunts begin promptly at 9 a.m. Each child
must have an Easter basket. adventurelanding.com; 919-872-1688. More than 60,000 eggs will be hidden in Moore Square, located at 200 S. Blount St. in downtown RALEIGH, for the eighth annual Raleigh Easter, which features inflatables, games, prizes, music, free balloons and seven egg hunts every half hour beginning at 10 a.m. The egg hunts will include separate zones for children with special needs. Visit the website for parking details. raleigheaster.com.
Womens Mood Disorder
Easter Fun Farther Afield Battleship Eastern Egg Hunt Carnival, Wilmington Hop down the Battleship trail April 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., for an Easter Egg Hunt Carnival featuring games and egg hunts throughout the day. Admission is $5 per person and free for ages 2 and younger. Children who need a less stressful environment or who have special needs can enjoy a slower-paced hunt area. The last tickets will be sold at 1 p.m. The event is weather dependent, so plan ahead before heading out. battleshipnc.com/events/easteregghuntcarnival; 910-251-5797. (Check out page 57 for our Excursion profile of the USS North Carolina Battleship.)
Old Salem Museums and Gardens Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Winston-Salem Search for Easter eggs containing wrapped candy in Old Salem’s historic district April 4 at 10:30 a.m. The annual hunt is part of the all-day Easter Festival activities and is for children accompanied by an adult who has purchased an all-in-one admission ticket for both, which is required for a parent and child to participate in the hunt. Children under age 6 are admitted free. Purchase tickets online at oldsalem.org/annual-easter-egg-hunt; 336-721-7300.
Bizzy Broomz
carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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Montessori Childrens House of Durham
MCHD Summer Camp June 8-August 14, 2015
Northgate Mall
noW enroLLing
• Camp options for children 15 months through 6th grade • Many options available that appeal to your child’s interests, including partnerships with local businesses STEMforkids and Soccer Shots Learn more on our Website:
mchdurham.org
Our World. Our Classroom.
2800 Pickett Rd • Durham NC 27705 • 919-489-9045 • mchdurham.org
Brick Universe
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March OUR PICKS
Photo courtesy of Stefano Tinti/Shutterstock.com BY JANICE LEWINE
BrickUniverse March 28-29 LEGO enthusiasts, rejoice! BrickUniverse is coming to the Raleigh Convention Center March 28-29, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. BrickUniverse features creations from the world’s best LEGO builders, separate building zones for fans to create their own masterpieces, Bionicle activities, live LEGO caricature drawings and two market areas. Meet Jason and Stephen from the popular web series, “The Brick Show,” and take part in LEGO challenges and learning sessions. Purchase advance one-day tickets, $12/person, at brickuniverse.org or at the door Photo courtesy of David Watts
for $15. Admission is free for ages 2 and younger.
Art in Bloom March 19-22
“The Velveteen Rabbit” March 6-22
Take part in the North Carolina Museum of
Take the family to enjoy this classic
Art’s inaugural festival of art and flowers March
tale about a boy and his beloved
19-22 in Raleigh. Art in Bloom showcases 45
stuffed animal. Presented by Raleigh
floral masterpieces inspired by the museum’s
Little Theatre and based on the novel
permanent collection and includes floral dem-
by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen
onstrations, classes and lectures. Family activities
Rabbit” chronicles a stuffed rabbit’s
on March 21 and 22 include origami and paper
quest to become real through the love
flower-making sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.;
of his owner. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m.
stories in the garden at 11:30 a.m.; and scavenger
on Thursdays and Fridays, and 1 and
hunts from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Art in Bloom tickets
5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
are $15 for adults, $10 for museum members
Purchase tickets, $14 for adults
and free for ages 6 and younger. Learn more at ncartmuseum.org.
and teens and $10 for ages 12 and Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of Art
younger, at raleighlittletheatre.org. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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Southern Village Pediatric Dentistry
Temple Beth Or TEMPLE BETH OR PRESCHOOL A five-star school dedicated to exceptional education since 1982. Serving students of all faiths. Play-based curriculum with low student/teacher ratio. Wake County Kindergarten readiness with introduction to Letterland Literacy Program. Creative art, movement, music and drama instruction. Extended enrichment hours available from 7:30 am - 4 pm. Weekly summer camp for ages two (as of August 31st) to five. tbopreschool@tboraleigh.org
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1 SUNDAY
Bookmark Contest Party. Design a bookmark and enter a contest to have it printed as a real bookmark. FREE. 2 p.m. Letters Bookshop, 313 W. Main St., Durham. facebook.com/ citycraftnc. Hemlock Nature Quest: Salamander and Frog Survey. Assist staff with off-trail biological surveys for salamanders and frogs. Equipment provided. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 2-4 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Rock Painting for Beginners. Paint two rocks. Ages 10 and older. Register online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-4 p.m. Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/ southerncharmgifts2.
2 MONDAY
Celebrate Read Across America. Celebrate reading with a Bible story, songs and movement. Call to register. FREE. 9 a.m. for age 2; 10 a.m. for ages 3-5. Millbrook Baptist Preschool, 1519 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh. 919876-4030. millbrookbaptistpreschool. org. Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Lanterns. Use slabs to create a lantern out of clay and decorate it with color. Ages 2-14. Registration required. $15/child. 10-11:30 a.m. Durham Arts Council, Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham. 919-5602726. durhamarts.org. Tiny Tots: Numbers in Nature. Ages 18 mos.-3 yrs. develop fine motor skills using natural objects. Registration required. $2/child. 10:3011 a.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.
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3 TUESDAY
Nature Families: Silly Salamanders. Search for salamanders, frogs and other amphibians. Create a salamander craft. Dress to get messy. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 11 a.m. noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Lanterns. See March 2. 4-5:30 p.m.
4 WEDNESDAY
Kids Fun-Days: Wetland Adventures. Children hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 10 a.m.-noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Nature Friends: Salamander Safari. Learn the parts of the salamander and their special adaptations. Make a salamander out of salt dough and go on a nature walk to hunt for these amphibians. Dress to get messy. Ages 6-9. Registration required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-6622850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Nature Watchers: Salamander Room. Read a story and learn the life cycle of a salamander. Play a game and decorate a silly salamander to take home. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $4/ child. 1-2 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-6622850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Lanterns. See March 2. 4-5:30 p.m. Storytime for Tots: The Magic Soil Bag. Learn about the earth and what that lives in it. Dress to get messy. Ages 2-5. Registration required. $4/ child. 1-2 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-2723. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree.
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5 THURSDAY
KidzStuff Consignment Sale. Shop for gently used kids clothing, toys, furniture and more. All ages. FREE. 7-8:30 p.m. Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1800 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 919-833-4617. hbbc.net. Understanding Children’s Temperament and How It Impacts Your Child’s Behavior. Parents learn strategies to nurture a child’s temperament traits. For families with children ages 3-6 yrs. Register online. $15/individual, $22/couple. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Project Enlightenment, 501 S. Boylan St., Raleigh. 919-856-8186. projectenlightenment.wcpss.net.
6 FRIDAY
Afternoon Adventure. Explore the gardens while searching for five trivia questions. Pick up a map at the visitors center. $1/family. 2-4 p.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu. Kidcycle Spring Consignment Sale. Shop for clothing, toys and more. All ages. FREE. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham. 919886-6412. kidcyclenc.com. KidzStuff Consignment Sale. See March 5. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nature Nuts: Opossums. Go nutty for nature as children learn about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. $10/ resident, $13/nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-3875980. townofcary.org. Night Out in Nature. Kids spend a night out in nature making memories and new friends in an old-fashioned, camp-style program. Ages 8-12. Registration required. $18/resident, $23/nonresident. 6-9 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
7 SATURDAY
Breastfeeding 101. Learn breastfeeding basics. See website for fees and to register. 10 a.m.-noon. Baby + Company, 226 Ashville Ave., Cary. 919-852-1053. cary.babyandcompany.com. Dig In! Learn about urban agriculture and community gardens. Enjoy workshops, booths and garden fun. Register online. $15/person. 8 a.m. 4 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. advocatesforhealthinaction.org. Kidcycle Spring Consignment Sale. See March 6. KidzStuff Consignment Sale. See March 5. 8 a.m.-noon. Nature Nuts: Opossums. See March 6. Newborn Care Basics. Learn the basics of caring for an infant. See website for fees and to register. 10 a.m.-noon. Baby + Company, 226 Ashville Ave., Cary. 919-852-1053. cary.babyandcompany.com.
8 SUNDAY
Energy Balance Play. Explore Energy Balance activities and taste nutritious treats. $5 ages 1-adult. 1-3 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Junior Naturalist: Fantastic Frogs. Participants develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent. Registration required. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. 2-3 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Vernal Pool Wonders. Peek into the ponds with dip nets, meet live critters and learn about the wonders and mysteries of life in a vernal pool. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. $8 members, $10 nonmembers. 1:30-3:30 p.m. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. ncbg.unc.edu.
9 MONDAY
Home School Day: Simple Machines and Waterwheels. Test your mettle on mill-related vocabulary and knowledge of simple machines and waterwheels. Take a tour of the historic water mill. Ages 7-12. Registration required. $8/child. 10 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/ yatesmill.
10 TUESDAY
Curious Creatures: Feeling Froggy. Discover wildlife, their habits and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 10 a.m.noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
11 WEDNESDAY
Family Fun Night at Marbles. Kids with special needs and their families enjoy the museum in a calmer, quieter environment. FREE. Ages 1-adult. 5:30 8 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. The Preschool at Chestnut Ridge Open House. Learn about the outdoor preschool program for ages 3-5. FREE. 5-7 p.m. Drop-in program. Camp Chestnut Ridge, 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd., Efland. 9193042178. campchestnutridge.org/ preschool.
12 THURSDAY
Eco-Express: Seeking Hawks and Owls. Take the fast track to nature in hands-on studies of ecology. Ages 8-12. Registration required. $12/ resident, $16/nonresident. 10 a.m.noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
CALENDAR
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Newborn Care Basics. See March 7. 7-9 p.m.
13 FRIDAY
Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. Take part in a support group for mothers of color and mothers raising children of color. Children welcome. FREE. 10 a.m.-noon. Grey Stone Church, 2601 Hillsborough Rd., Durham. mochamoms.org. Forest Friends: A Tree is Nice. Read a book about trees and learn about the many things made from them. Ages 3-5 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $4/ child. 1-2 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake. Garden Buds: Garden Critters. Enjoy hands-on activities, creative art projects, stories and a snack. Ages 3-5. Email elizabeth_overcash@ncsu. edu to register. $10 members, $12 nonmembers. 10 a.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu. Nature Tots: A Tree is Nice. Read a book about trees and sort gathered tree parts. Ages 1-3 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $2/child. 10:30-11 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov. com/parks/harrislake.
14 SATURDAY
CraZBrain and Wake Academy Science Afternoon. Enjoy science activities and engineering challenges, including crazy contraptions, crime scene analysis and more. Ages 6-11. FREE. 3-5:30 p.m. Drop-in program. Wake Academy, 107 Quade Dr., Cary. 919-357-2200. crazbrain.com. Family Gardening Series: Diggin’ Spring Vegetables. Help get the garden ready for planting. Plant seeds, learn how to make recycled pots to take home and enjoy a story. Ages 5
carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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and older with adult. Registration required. $6/member, $8/nonmember. 10-11:15 a.m. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. ncbg.unc.edu. Family Rhythm Jam. Drumming and stories for ages 3 and older with parent. Drums to loan. $10/family. 10-11 a.m. Music Explorium, 5314 Hwy. 55, Ste. 107, Durham. 919-219-2371. musicexplorium.com.
18 WEDNESDAY
15 SUNDAY
19 THURSDAY
Curiosity Club: Outrageous Owls. Children embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 2-4 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
16 MONDAY
Pop-In Playtime Club. Drop-in inflatable play. Wear socks. $7/child, $5/ sibling. Free for adults. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pump It Up of Raleigh, 10700 World Trade Blvd., Raleigh. 919-828-3344. pumpitupparty.com/raleigh-nc.
17 TUESDAY
In Search of Leprechauns. Listen to Irish music, read leprechaun stories and build a leprechaun trap. Wear green clothing. Ages 6-12. Registration required. $4/child. 3-4 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-8566675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. St. Plantrick’s Day. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with hands-on activities and learn how plants adapt to different environments. Ages 6-12. Registration required. $8/child. 1-3 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.
50
Wee Walkers: Sounds of Spring. Children discover the shapes, textures, sounds and smells of nature. Ages 1 and older with parent. Registration required. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
Wee Walkers: Sounds of Spring. See March 18.
20 FRIDAY
Kids Fun-Days: Animal Appetites. See March 4. Natural Explorations Hike: Going Green Hike. Celebrate the coming of spring by taking a guided hike around the verdant millpond. Enjoy a treasure hunt for “gold coins.” All ages. FREE. 9-10 a.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/ yatesmill.
21 SATURDAY
Brain Awareness Week at Duke: Hands-on Demos at the Museum of Life and Science. Learn about human brains through hands-on science demos. All ages. Presented by the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Free with museum admission. $14.50 adults, $10 ages 3-12. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham. dibs.duke.edu/brainweek. Breastfeeding 101. See March 7. Cary Kite Festival. Fly a kite and enjoy prizes. FREE. 1-3 p.m. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Rain date is March 22. Bond Park, 101 High House Rd., Cary. 919-469-4100. townofcary. org. Chapel Hill-Durham Mothers of Multiples Yard Sale. Shop for clothing, toys, nursing and maternity
MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
items, equipment and more. Many items half-price from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All ages. FREE. 7:30-11:30 a.m. Hillsong Church, 201 Culbreth Rd., Chapel Hill. facebook.com/chdmothersof multiplessale. Community Health Fair. Enjoy a health fair featuring CPR demonstrations, health screenings and yoga instruction. Kids can enjoy caricature drawings and face painting. FREE. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Church of God of Prophecy Life Center, 1200 S. State St., Raleigh. 252-367-7111. eventbrite.com. Family Fit: Skip It! Join the Apex Skip Its, a kid’s jump rope team, for a performance and skills and drills workshop. $5 ages 1-adult. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org Healthy Families, Healthy Hearts. Learn how to make heart-healthy decisions that your taste buds will appreciate. Visit hands-on cooking stations, taste samples and take home recipes. $5 ages 1-adult. 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org Kite-Making Celebration. Ages 3-5 with caregiver decorate a brightly colored kite. Fly it at the Cary Kite Festival March 21, 1-3 p.m. Register online. $14/resident, $18/nonresident. 10-11:30 a.m. Bond Park, 101 High House Rd., Cary. 919-469-4100. townofcary.org. Lookin’ at Lichen. Observe common, rare and unusual species of lichen. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Ages 14 and older. Meet at the restroom pavilion. Registration required. FREE. 9-11 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake. Newborn Care Basics. See March 7. Salamander Search. Learn about salamanders and search for them in the wetlands. All ages. Meet at
the Loblolly Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 1:30-3 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov. com/parks/harrislake. Storytelling Festival. Hear from storytellers Brian Sturm, Louise Omoto Kessel, Willa Brigham and others. Enjoy crafts, a tattoo parlor and family activities. All ages. FREE. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Durham County Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham. dcostorytellingfest.org. Tales and Trails: Stories Around the Campfire. Enjoy an outdoor program. All ages. Registration required. $20/resident, $28/nonresident. 6:30-8 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
22 SUNDAY
Beginning Fishing Clinic. Learn the basics of fishing. Ages 7-15. Meet at the fishing pond. Registration required. $4/child. 5-7 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Brain Awareness Week at Duke: Open House. Learn about human brains, neuroimaging and decision-making and enjoy kids activities. FREE. 1-4 p.m. Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, 450 Research Dr., Durham. dibs.duke.edu/brainweek. Durham CROP Hunger Walk. Take part in a walk to eradiate hunger and enjoy activities. Register online. All ages. FREE. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Dr., Durham. 919-571-3800. crophungerwalk.org/ durhamnc. Family Programs: Family Night Hike. Explore nature as the sun sets. Take a flashlight. All ages. Registration required. $16/resident, $20/ nonresident. 6:30-8 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
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carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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CRE
ATE
SEASONAL CRAFTS
SPRING FLING
FAMILY FEATURE: MARCH WINDS
March 7 – Enjoy face painting, storytime, spring crafts and
March 15 – Learn what wind is and how wildlife and plants
more. Ages 3-5. Registration required. FREE. Noon-2 p.m.
use the wind to survive. Make a kite and fly it high in the
Little Destiny Literacy Center, 3329 Forestville Rd., Raleigh.
sky. All ages. Registration required. $5/family.
919-749-4016. litteldestiny.com.
2-3 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.
KIDS GET CRAFTY: TRASH TO TREASURE March 14 – Turn recyclable materials into crafts. Make
SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA
paper, grow a garden of egg carton flowers and build a
March 27 – Paint and decorate papier-mâché, wooden
bug. All ages. Registration required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon.
Easter eggs and spring baskets. Reservations suggested.
Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex.
$6/person. 4-6 p.m. Bull City Craft, 2501 University Dr.,
919-662-2850. wakegovcom/parks/crowder.
Durham. 919-419-0800. bullcitycraft.com.
ST. PATTY’S DAY ACTIVITY March 14 – Kids ages 4 and older create St. Patty’s Day art and enjoy twisted balloons. FREE. 4-6 p.m. Southern Home Crafts, 111 N. Salem St., Apex. 919-233-1598.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENT AT ARTOPIA March 14 – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and create holidayinspired art. FREE. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Artopia, 6109 Maddry Oaks Ct., Raleigh. 919-307-8144. artopia-raleigh.com.
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
› Rock Painting for Beginners. See March 1.
23 MONDAY
Pop-In Playtime Club. See March 16.
24 TUESDAY
Breastfeeding 101. See March 7. 6-8 p.m. Curious Creatures: Amphibian Adventures. See March 10. 2-4 p.m.
25 WEDNESDAY
Kids Fun-Days: Salamander Commander. See March 4. 2-4 p.m. Little Historians: Going to Market. Take a tour of the world’s markets and marvel at the range of goods that are available for sale in Morocco, Ecuador, Uganda, New York City and Raleigh. Play a game and take home a veggie-printed placemat. Ages 5-7. Registration required. $4/child. 10-11 a.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/ yatesmill.
CALENDAR
|
daily
tion required. $5/family. 3-4 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/att.
27 FRIDAY
Crowder by Night: Signs of Spring. Spot the early signs of spring, from animal songs to earthy smells. Hike around the pond to discover the buds on the trees and decorate a flowerpot to take home. Registration required. $5/family. 6-7 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/ crowder. Curious Creatures: Bobcats and Beavers. See March 10. 1-3 p.m. Dixie Rock 26 Climbing Competition. ® Enjoy indoor climbing featuring three climbing divisions and a competition for kids. Register online. All ages. $35/Orange County resident, $42/nonresident. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Chapel Hill Community Center, 120 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 919-968-2790. townofchapelhill.org. Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. See March 13. Kidaround Kidsale. Shop for gently used clothing, toys, books, gear and more. FREE. Noon-8 p.m. The Factory, 1839 S. Main St., Wake Forest. kidaroundkidsale.com. Nature Nuts: Foxes. See March 6.
REASON TO SHOP AT CHILDREN’S ORCHARD
26 THURSDAY
Eco-Express: Fantastic Frogs and Super Salamanders. See March 12. Kids Fun-Days: Fantastic Fossils. See March 4. 1-3 p.m. Trail Treks: Amazing Amphibians. Learn about amphibians and go on a hike to look for them. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registra-
Grade Power
Casa Club Spanish Immersion
REASON TO SHOP AT CHILDREN’S ORCHARD
®
#12
#12
Kid Around Kid Sale
Children’s Orchard DIRT CHEAP. Dig this deal – Get $5 FREE*, when you spend $25 from March 13-15. For best selection of Get a Basketful of BarGains. our gently used spring fashions, On February 28th, our store will be overflowing with so many special Hurry overoccasion and digclothes right in! you’ll want a basketful. Come early for best selection.
Get a Basketful of BarGains. On February 28th, our store will be overflowing with so many special occasion clothes you’ll want a basketful. Come early for best selection.
Swift Creek Shopping Center 2865 Jones Franklin Rd., Raleigh/Cary
919-852-0550
123 Main St., Ann Arbor, 313-555-1212
* Store credit has no cash value, may only be redeemed for merchandise, and is not valid on day of receipt. Qualifying purchase does not include sales tax and must be paid for with cash, check or credit card only. Limit one per customer per day. Good at participating stores. Not valid with any other offer. Other terms and conditions may apply. Offer good March 13-15, 2015. Stores are owned and operated by Children’s Orchard® franchisees.
carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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CALENDAR
28 SATURDAY
|
daily
Dixie Rock 26 Climbing Competition. See March 27. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Kidaround Kidsale. See March 27. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Little Sprouts: I Spy Spring. Parent and child learn about the natural world. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. $8/member, $10/nonmember. 10-11 a.m. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522. ncbg.unc.edu. Nature Nuts: Foxes. See March 6. Plant Your Own Potato Chips. Parent and child plant a potato while learning about this vegetable. Ages 5-12. $1/child. 9-10 a.m. Logan Trading Co. 707 Semart Dr., Raleigh. 919-8285337. logantrd.com/events. Pottery Workshop for Beginners. Learn basic hand building techniques. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $20. 2-4 p.m. Art Adventure Studio, 107 Spring Hollow Ln., Cary. 919-2331598. etsy.com/shop/lynnesueart.
Salamander Search. Learn about salamanders. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. $5/family. 1:30-3 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/att. Toadally Awesome Amphibians. Investigate the park’s amphibian habitats and learn about the important role amphibians play. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 10 a.m.-noon. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree.
29 SUNDAY
Early Bloomers. Join park staff for a hike in search of early spring wildflowers. Take a field guide and camera. Ages 7-adult. Registration required. $5/ family. 1-3 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree.
Eco-Explorers: Salamander Search. Hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. Ages 7-10. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 2-4 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Kidaround Kidsale. See March 27. Noon-5 p.m. Kudzu Garden Globes. Weave kudzu and wisteria vines together to create garden globe art. Materials provided. Ages 10 and older. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 3-4:30 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Mom and Me Upcycle Basic Jewelry Design Class. Learn the basic techniques in making jewelry. Ages 9 and older. Register online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-3:30 p.m. Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/shop/southerncharmgifts2.
Nano Days! Enjoy hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations on all things teeny-tiny. $5 ages 1-adult. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-8344040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Spring Photography Hike. Photograph emerging spring growth and local wildlife. Ages 14 and older. Meet at the restroom pavilion. Registration required. $3/person. 1-2:30 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
30 MONDAY
Spring Egg Hunt. Families enjoy a selfguided activity to find hidden eggs in the gardens and win a small prize. FREE. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, N.C. State University, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.ed.
31 TUESDAY
Spring Egg Hunt. FREE. See March 30.
Kindercare
JOIN US MARCH 24TH FOR AN OPEN HOUSE
Babies learn something new every day. Their days are filled with firsts. KinderCare Learning Centers provide infants with a safe and nurturing environment that sets the foundation for learning about the world around them. Enroll now for infants through school-age. To find a center near you, please visit us online or call 888-523-6765. 900286-MKT-GEN © 2014 Knowledge Universe Education LLC. All rights reserved.
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
STOMP. Photo courtesy of Steve McNicholas
ON STAGE APPLAUSE! CARY YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS “THE SECRET GARDEN”
“MARY POPPINS, THE BROADWAY MUSICAL”
March 1 – Orphaned and alone, Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle’s gloomy estate, where she discovers a once-magical garden. $5-$10. 2 p.m. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. 919-462-2055. etix.com.
March 19-28 – See Disney’s story of the beloved English nanny. All ages. $20 adults, $14 students. See website for times and dates. Squire Theatre, North Raleigh Christian Academy, 7300 Perry Creek Rd., Raleigh. 919-573-7900. nrcaknights.com.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS PRESENT “WASHINGTON GENERALS’ REVENGE TOUR”
“DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW”
March 1 – See the famed innovators of basketball hijinks perform. $20-$155. 3 p.m. PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com.
March 20-21 – Disney characters and a world-class illusionist perform magic. $35-$81. 7 p.m. March 20; 11 a.m. March 21. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. 919680-2787. dpacnc.com.
“LEGALLY BLOND”
“DOO-WOP WED WIDING HOOD”
March 4-7 – Green Hope High School’s fine arts department presents a musical. Ages 13 and older. Purchase tickets online. $5-$12. 7:30 p.m. Green Hope High School, 2500 Carpenter Upchurch Rd., Cary. 919-380-3700. greenhopefinearts.org.
March 20-21 – Take the family for a ’50s musical parody of “Little Red Riding Hood.” $6 advance tickets, $10 at the door. 7 p.m. March 20; 2 p.m. March 21. Journey Church, 3500 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh. 919-801-7730. raleighact.com.
NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY’S “MOZART’S MAGNIFICENT VOYAGE”
ARDRIED’S MOVEMENT: “DANCE OFF” COMPETITION
March 7 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s young son learns about his father’s life and music. $31. 1 and 4 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 919-733-2750. ncsymphony.org.
March 21 – See 10-15 dance teams battle to become the 2015 Raleigh-Durham Dance Team Champions. Purchase tickets online or at the door. $5-$20. Free for ages 10 and younger. 3-7 p.m. Kestrel Heights School, 4700 S. Alston Ave., Durham. 919-697-6226. ardriedsmovement.com.
ST. DAVID’S SCHOOL CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS March 11 – Enjoy music, singing, drama and an art exhibit. All ages. FREE. 7 p.m. St. David’s School Performing Arts Center, 3400 White Oak Rd., Raleigh. sdsw.org.
SUPERFUN SHOW: “ANIMALIA” BY HOBEY FORDS GOLDEN ROD PUPPETS March 14 – This visual treat explores the world of animals. Purchase tickets online. $9 adults, $7 youth. Free for ages 2 and younger. 11 a.m. The ArtsCenter, 300 E. Main St., Carrboro. 919-929-2787, ext. 201. artscenterlive.org.
“STOMP” March 27-29 – The renowned troupe uses matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans and more to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Ages 6 and older. $35-$69. See website for times and dates. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. 919-680-2787. dpacnc.com.
FAMILY CONCERT AT DUKE GARDENS: “DANCE, DANSE, DANZON” March 29 – Enjoy music from different cultures. Purchase tickets online. $10 adults, $5 ages 12 and younger. 2 p.m. Doris Duke Center at Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St., Durham. mallarmemusic.org/concerts. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Wynns Family Psychology
Not Just Paper
Let’s Bounce
Little Dreamers
Atlas
STEM xl
Reading Solutions
Happy HappyHandwriters Handwriters Improving Children’s Handwriting
SPRING / SUMMER 2015
Holland’s United Methodist Church 9433 Ten Ten Road Raleigh NC 27603 PUBLIC SALE HOURS Friday, Mar. 6 (7-10 pm) Saturday, Mar. 7 (8-11 am) Half Price: Sat, Mar.7 (12-3 pm*) *Doors are closed for an hour prior to the half price sale
Pre-K to High School
VOLUNTEER SALE HOURS Friday, Mar. 6 (5-10 pm)
Individual & Small Group Lessons
CONSIGNOR SALE HOURS Friday, Mar. 6 (6-10 pm) For information on how to signup to be a Consignor or Volunteer please visit our website
Raleigh, Chapel Hill & Cary 919-367-6553
www.wingsconsignment.com or email info@wingsconsignment.com
happyhandwriters.com 56
WINGS Kids
Consignment Sale Hollands United Methodist
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EXCURSION
USS North Carolina A Ship With a Story to Tell BY BRANDY METZGER
Photo courtesy of Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
T
he decomissioned USS North Carolina Battleship floats prominently on the Cape Fear River as a significant and historic landmark visible from anywhere along the
downtown Wilmington riverfront. A trip to the city is not complete without a visit to this impressive memorial.
Background
Interactive Museum
The 729-foot ship was constructed in 1937 and became the first of 10 fast battleships to join World War II’s fleet. It served as home to more than 2,300 enlisted servicemen and became a highly decorated ship earning 15 battle stars for its participation in every major naval offensive in World War II. After a successful tour as a war ship, the USS North Carolina Battleship served as a training vessel for midshipmen and was decommissioned on June 27, 1947. The ship docked in New Jersey during this time. In 1960 the U.S. Navy announced that the ship would be sold for scrap. Upon hearing this, the citizens of North Carolina initiated a campaign to bring the USS North Carolina Battleship home and preserve it as a war memorial. Funds were raised in part by school children who donated coins to the cause and, upon reaching the fundraising goal, the ship came home to Wilmington in 1961, opening in October of that year as a national historic landmark.
Visitors board the ship today via the gangway attached to the visitor’s center. Guests watch an introductory video that explains the battleship’s significance to North Carolina and browse the exhibit hall. My family immediately noticed three large turrets at the front of the ship and guns lining the perimeter. We could easily see how the ship served as a formidable weapon. On the main deck, guests can maneuver guns and climb into hatches to check out the mechanisms used for firing on targets. The self-guided tour continues below the main deck, where visitors get a feel for life aboard a battleship. Our first stop was the mess hall and kitchen. My 6-yearold daughter was impressed by the huge cookware used to make meals — and the fact that there was a separate ice cream area. I enjoyed reading a menu posted on the wall displaying the kinds of meals that were served on board.
Next, we explored the sleeping quarters. The beds were small and stacked four high with about 3 feet of space between each bunk. Children can climb onto some of the beds and squeeze into tight berthing spaces. In addition to these areas, visitors can also tour the ship’s doctor’s office, sick bay, operating room, dentist’s office, barbershop, print shop, laundry facilities and officers’ living quarters. Many areas are outfitted with materials and supplies that would have been there when the ship was operational. I enjoyed checking out the typewriters and tools in the operating room.
Planning a Visit The USS North Carolina Battleship is open 365 days a year and is easily accessible from downtown Wilmington. Admission is $14 for ages 12 and older, $10 for ages 65 and older and members of the military (active or retired), $6 for ages 6-11, and free for ages 5 and younger. Find information about special events and programs at battleshipnc.com. Brandy Metzger is a freelance writer and educator living on the North Carolina coast. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new places. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2015
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FACES & PLACES
faces & places d
Maxine, 22 months, of Cary, gets ready to see “Disney on Ice: Frozen” at PNC Arena.
Submit high-resolution photos of your kids having fun at carolinaparent.com/ facesandplaces. You could even win a prize! Daisy, 10, visits with her goat, Oreo, at the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh. Connor, 4, of Raleigh, rides the carousel at Pullen Park.
CONGRATULATIONS to our February winner, Liliana, 3, of Wake Forest.
Joshua, 8, and Kristopher, 2, of Willow Spring, enjoy a shopping trip with Grandma.
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MARCH 2015 | carolinaparent.com
Anna, 4, of Raleigh, holds baby goat Thomas at Winterpast Farm in Wake Forest.
the Triangle
a g al l er
of children in tos an
nd
Prestyn, 2, of Raleigh, enjoys a snack before heading into Marbles Kids Museum.
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ou ar
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