Carolina Parent January 2015 by Carolina Parent

January 2015 • Free

VITAMIN D

How Much is Enough?

4 Ways to Prevent DIGITAL EYESTRAIN Planning for ‘What-ifs’ Drafting a Family Will

FREE APPS FOR

GOOD HEALTH

Watauga

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry

Duke School

Grace Christian

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

UNC

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

January CONTENTS

FEATURES

Let the Sunny “D” Shine

Making sure your child gets enough vitamin D

Digital Eyestrain

Detect, accept, alleviate

IN EVERY ISSUE

7 8

January Online Editor’s Note

10 FYI 10 Community 11 Education 12 Food 13 Picks 15 Health 16 Life 17 Style 18 Growing Up 20 Tech Talk 22 Understanding Kids 25 Hammer, Nails and Diaper Pails

Excursions

Faces and Places

CALENDAR

Our Picks

Daily

On Stage

Martin Luther King Jr. Events

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

REX

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

City of Raleigh

WHAT’S NEW AT

carolinaparent.com Make Elsa’s Braid Got a “Frozen” movie fan in your family? Learn how to create Elsa’s icy braid and Anna’s bun based on instructions from a new Disney book.

… Search ”Frozen“ FREE

Win a Ski Getaway and More!

 Jan. 2-9, enter to win a Beech Mountain ski get-

parent PUBLICATION

526

Education Resources

away (includes two weekend nights’ lodging and

Do you have superior education or camp services for

four one-day lift tickets, ski rentals and lessons).

children? Spread the word! Our Camp & Education Fair draws larger crowds each year and will be held noon-

 Jan. 9-14, enter to win admission for two to

4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at GRACE Christian School in

“A Princess Tea” hosted by Marbles Kids Museum.

… Community  Contests

2014-15

A CAROLINA

Making the Switch From Public to Private School

Why Early Education Matters Is Your Preschooler Gifted?

carolinaparent.com | EDUCATION GUIDE 2014-15

Raleigh. Register to be an exhibitor now.

… Thingstodo  Events  Camp & Education Fair

Explore Our Education Guide Our 2014-15 Education Guide offers 526 education resources plus features about how and what your child

Plan a Family Ski Trip

learns each day.

Check out our newly updated article on where to ski, snowboard

… Directories/ Resources  Education

and tube within a short drive.

… Search ”snowboard”

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twitter.com/ carolinaparent

pinterest.com/ carolinaparent

instagram.com/ carolinaparent

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›

parent CAROLINA

EDITOR’S NOTE

Member of the

Morris Media Network

morris.com

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

New Year, New Look, New Content

PUBLISHER

Brenda Larson • blarson@carolinaparent.com

EDITOR

Beth Shugg • bshugg@carolinaparent.com

Janice Lewine • jlewine@carolinaparent.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Cheri Vigna • cvigna@carolinaparent.com

hen you were a kid, your parents prob-

ART DIRECTOR

Melissa Stutts • mstutts@charlotteparent.com

ably never thought, “Hmmm, I hope

WEB EDITOR

Johnny got enough vitamin D today …” You,

Odile Fredericks • ofredericks@carolinaparent.com

however, might be thinking that very thought.

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Lauren Isaacs • lisaacs@carolinaparent.com

Modern parents are on the receiving end of a barrage of messages from health

ASSOCIATE EDITOR • CALENDAR/DIRECTORIES

care professionals, pharmaceutical companies and product retailers that advise parents to put

SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Candi Griffin • cgriffin@carolinaparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

sunscreen on their kids — but make sure they get enough sun each day. Contradictory edicts

Regina Alston • ralston@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen • schen@carolinaparent.com Katina Faulkner • kfaulkner@carolinaparent.com

such as these can cause the most diligent parents to second-guess themselves. Our “Let the

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR

Sunny D Shine” feature on page 26 explores how much vitamin D kids need, where they are

Kia Moore • ads@carolinaparent.com

already getting it and how you can add more to their diet — if they need it.

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS

We’ve also got the scoop on digital eyestrain, a common side effect of daily digital

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

technology use that your child may be experiencing. Turn to page 33 for tips on how to detect,

Karen Rodriguez

treat and prevent it.

PRESIDENT

Donna Kessler

Considering the “what-if” scenario related to a parent’s sudden death takes courage and

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton

grit, but it’s something we all must eventually reflect on. Creating a will helps your family

PUBLICATION MANAGER

prepare for a possible future without one or both parents. Turn to page 16 for information on

Kris Miller

why, when and how to create this important legal document. A more detailed version of this article is available online. What’s new this month? We’re introducing a fresh look and new content, such as our “Hammer, Nails and Diaper Pails” stay-at-home dad column on page 25 and our “Excursions” column on page 34. We’ve moved our health briefs and style content into our FYI section at the beginning of each issue, and added new FYI topics. Let us know what you think. As the new year kicks off, we at Carolina Parent maintain our commitment to publishing insightful features and tips, and connecting you to the vast resources and

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

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.

family events available to you throughout the Triangle. Here’s wishing you a happy and prosperous 2015! 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

Beth Shugg, Editor

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2014 Bronze Award Winner

General Excellence Awards Competition

Design Awards Competition

Northgate Mall

Hillsborough Christian Academy

Marbles

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

› FYI Brownie Troop Donates Food

community

Brownies from Girl Scout Troop 1152 donated more

Biogen Idec Foundation to Sponsor N.C. Science Festival

than 50 bags of food to The Salvation Army of

The North Carolina Science Festival has announced

Durham, Orange and Person Counties’ pantry in

that the Biogen Idec Foundation committed

November. The girls had volunteered at the pantry

$450,000 to the festival over the next three years

in October and were inspired to organize their own

and will be recognized as its presenting sponsor.

food drive to restock the pantry’s shelves. Their

In 2014, the North Carolina Science Festival

neighbors, friends and family members donated

achieved participation of 333,789 North Carolinians

food in support of the effort. The troop is planning

in 95 counties, with 401 public events and 329

another drive in the spring. Learn more about The

school-based events. The grant will help increase

Salvation Army and volunteering opportunities at

participation to 1 million residents by 2020, expand

salvationarmycarolinas.org.

the festival’s geographic reach to every county and offer a festival event within a 30-minute

Brownies from Troop 1152 restocked The Salvation Army’s pantry in November. Photo courtesy of Amber Craig

drive of every North Carolinian. Learn more at ncsciencefestival.org.

Fuel Up Program Director Sarah Blake Finigan and Carolina Meadows resident Dave Klein packed meals for kids in need. Photo courtesy of Abigail Blosser

Carolina Meadows Fights Hunger Carolina Meadows, a continuing care retirement community in Chapel Hill, recently awarded FACEBOOK QUESTION

$122,000 in grants to the following organizations

Do you feel school lunches are healthier today than when you were in school?

that support weekend backpack food programs for kids: Fuel Up at Perry Harrison Elementary

No, the school lunches are

Not at all!!! Today’s school lunches

Absolutely not. They do not

School; Panda Packs at Pittsboro Elementary

government-regulated and the

are grease-filled, processed

add butter, which is great, but

School; the West Chatham Food Pantry, which

kids get to choose what they

garbage! … The children depend

let’s take a look at some menu

serves Virginia Cross and Siler City schools; and

want. When I was in school the

on the adults to make the right

options. Nacho chips, meat,

First United Methodist Church, which serves

menus were planned and we

decisions for them. Clogging their

cheese SAUCE, potatoes (French

Chatham Middle School.

did not choose.

arteries before they graduate high

fries), fruit. Kids are allowed to

school is not the right decision!

pick what they want, some kids

take the chips, no meat, fries and

Chatham County charities that received

funding include Chatham Outreach Alliance,

– Stephanie Jares

– Christin McGreulez

Farmer Foodshare, Hispanic Liaison of Chatham

milk. … Five-year-olds and even

County, Salvation Army and St. Julia’s Food

older children should be given a

Pantry, to name a few. Learn more at warehouse.

protein, grain, vegetable, fruit and

riversagency.com/carolinameadows/html_

milk. Don’t allow them to fill up

email/2014/11_chatham/index_1.html.

their plates with starches!

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

–Nancy Silvia Odom

›

FYI

education

Wake County SmartStart Now Accepting Applications for Pre-K Programs Wake County SmartStart is now accepting

applications for Wake County pre-K programs,

can be traced in large part to more

The number of foreign

programs are publicly funded and prepare

Placement exams has earned Wake

minority students taking the exams,

languages covered by

children for school by using a curriculum that

County Public School System a place

and follows a concerted effort to

N.C. Virtual

enhances children’s physical, social, emotional

WCPSS Makes AP Honor Roll A three-year trend of increased

on the College Board’s national AP

participation and higher

District Honor Roll. This recognition

performance on Advanced

identify students who can thrive in more challenging classes.

WCPSS was one of four school

systems in North Carolina and one

Public School courses.

including NC Pre-K, Title I and Head Start, at wakesmartstart.org. Wake County Pre-K

and intellectual well-being.

To be considered for 2015-16

enrollment, the child must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2015. Applications

of 547 in the U.S. and Canada to be

The number

for Title I must be completed by the child’s

recognized. Other North Carolina

of foreign language classes

parent or guardian and received by April 30,

school systems that made the list

being offered

2015. After that date, applications will only be

include Kannapolis City, Sampson

by the N.C. Virtual Public

County and Thomasville City school

School. Students

districts. Learn more at professionals.

can take the first and

collegeboard.com/k-12/awards/ap-

second year of each language

district-honor-roll.

through this online program.

considered for NC Pre-K and Head Start.

IMACS

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

›

FYI

food

Duke Pediatric Dentistry

Ravioli

With Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce In a rush to get dinner on the table? Combine a few fresh ingredients with highquality convenience items to quickly prepare this elegant pasta dish created by Marguerite Cleveland of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and printed in “The Southern Living Community Cookbook” by Sheri Castle. Serves 4-6. 1 20-ounce package of refrigerated four-cheese ravioli 1 16-ounce jar of sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce 2 tablespoon of white wine 2 cups of finely diced fresh tomatos or 1 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, drained 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh basil 1⁄3 cup (3 ounces) of shredded Parmesan cheese Garnish: thinly sliced fresh basil leaves 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Prepare the ravioli according to the package directions. Meanwhile, pour the Alfredo sauce into a large saucepan. Pour the wine into the sauce jar; cover it tightly, shake well and stir the wine into the sauce. (The alcohol will cook out.) Stir in the tomatoes and chopped basil. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Drain the pasta, add it to the sauce mixture and stir gently to coat the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Photo and recipe provided by Southern Living.

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

›

FYI

picks

TRENDS

LEGGINGS The New Jeans? A trend known as “athleisure,” resulting from the popularity of clothing such as leggings and yoga pants, may be to blame for a 6 percent drop in domestic jeans sales during 2013, as reported by the consumer market research firm NPD Group. Clothiers like Gap Kids, Justice and Abercrombie Kids group leggings into a unique category, while Pinterest features leggings of every variety. The perks? Comfort and price. A pair of girls’ Gap jeans cost $35 while the brand’s leggings cost $20.

Photos courtesy of Oppos

BOOKS

Winter Tales and Common Sense Frozen Twists Does your daughter worship Anna or Elsa from Disney’s hit movie “Frozen”? If so, she’ll adore the 28 braids and twists in “Frozen Hairstyles: Inspired by Anna and Elsa” by Theodora Mjoll Skuladottir Jack (Edda USA, $12.95). Snow What? The beloved siamese who thinks he’s a chihuahua explores a magical snow forest of make-believe in “Skippyjon Jones Snow What” by Judy Schachner (Dial Books for Young Readers, $17.99), the eighth book in this New York Times bestselling series. Common-Sense Parenting “Raising Children Other People Like to Be Around” by parent of four and Huffington Post blogger Richard E. Greenberg (New Generation Publishing, $14.99), taps into why using common sense with confidence is the key to good parenting. Calling All Lefties “Your Left-Handed Child: Making Things Easy for Left-Handers in a Right-Handed World” by left-hander Lauren Milsom (Hamlyn, $14.99) — also the spouse and mother of left-handers — offers strategies to help left-handed kids master handwriting, dressing, cutlery, sports, instruments and more.

APPS

4 FREE APPS FOR GOOD HEALTH NUDGE Answer four questions to get your “Nudge Factor” score, then Nudge rates your health on a scale of 1 to 110. Connect fitness devices and compare health data to what friends and family are posting. Free. Available for iPhone and Android devices. nudgeyourself.com. MAP MY RUN Touted by health industry publications and websites as the No. 1 running app, users can map their routes, track their runs, log food consumed and share data with friends and family. Free. Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. mapmyrun.com/app. FITOCRACY Earn points, beat quests and unlock achievements as you complete expertly designed workouts, set by set. Your virtual coach works with you daily to motivate you and keep you on track. Free. Available for iPhone and Android devices. fitocracy.com. FITNESS BUDDY Choose from 75 customizable workouts, 1,000 videos and 1,700 exercises to create a routine that matches your lifestyle, goals and fitness level. Track weight and body measurements using graphs. Free. Available for iPhone and Android devices. fitnessbuddyapp.com. carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

Pediatric Therapy

Wake Gifted Academy

OSMA

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Next Care

›

FYI

health

Helmets’ Effect on Reshaping Infant Skulls A study published in the November 2014 issue of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal examined whether children with misshapen skulls, or cranial deformity, improved without the use of a protective molding helmet. To examine the effects of the molding helmet, authors evaluated skull and facial changes via 3-D images of infants’ heads. The study compared 3-D photo scans taken six months apart of 80 children with mildly to moderately deformed skulls. Researchers found that the deformities improved somewhat among all of the children, even those who did not wear helmets. Of those infants who did, the improvement was only slightly greater. The researchers were surprised to find that the difference was not significant. The study’s authors concluded that helmet therapy may be less appropriate for reshaping short, broad skulls than for changing uneven skulls. Helmet therapy can be expensive, and the lack of significant improvement shown in this study did not appear to justify the cost in mild to moderate cases. Learn more at cpcjournal.org/doi/full/10.1597/13-010.

60%

The percentage of Americans who believe all children should be required to receive vaccinations against diseases like measles, mumps and whooping cough. Source: Reason-Rupe Poll, reason.com

Toddlers’ Autism A Florida State University study published Oct. 29, 2014, in Pediatrics shows that toddlers with autism demonstrated significant improvement in their developmental level, social communication and autism symptoms after intensive early social intervention by parents rather than clinicians. Treatment consisted of teaching families to work with their children 20-25 hours a week during everyday activities such as playtime, meals, chores, caregiving and trips to playgrounds, restaurants and grocery stores. Children who received individual early social interaction improved at a faster rate than children who received group early social interaction. Learn more at pediatricsaappublications.org (search for “ESI”) to learn more.

Parents and Medical Mistakes Every 8 minutes, a child under age 6 becomes the victim of a medical mistake made by a parent or caregiver, according to a new study at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio. Findings show that 95 percent of injuries were treated at home or a non-health care facility, 27 percent were given the same medication twice and 18 percent received the wrong dose. Visit nch.multimedianewsroom.tv to learn more. carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

›

FYI

life

Creating a Family Will BY KERI MCMANUS

will is an important legal document that helps your family

Raleigh Vein Clinic

prepare for the future in the event that one or both parents

are no longer living.

Why Create a Will? Attorney Ashley Pinner with McCullers, Whitaker & Hamer in Garner says “a will dictates how your estate, or possessions, will be distributed after your death. It is the legal instrument that can dictate guardianship of your children, set up trusts for heirs and dictate your final resting place.” No parent wants to think about how dying will impact his or her child; however, it’s a good idea to ensure that relatives and close friends can carry out your wishes with minimal stress. “Without a will, an individual’s estate will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of North Carolina, and a guardian will be appointed by a family court judge through a court proceeding,” says Tom McCuiston, an attorney with McCuiston Law Offices in Cary. n When

Should You Create a Will? Pinner says major life changes — getting married, buying a house, having children or getting divorced, for example — usually catalyze the creation or amendment of a will. Each spouse should create his or her own will, which usually leaves all possessions to each other, and gives everything to the children if both parents pass.

n Who

Should Draft Your Will? Go with an attorney. Some families may opt to go with legal software, but McCuiston notes that it’s typically one-size-fits-all. “There are also tax consequences and other planning issues that only an attorney would be able to advise on,” he says.

n What

is the Process? Creating a will takes about 30 days that consist of a consultation followed by compiling information, drafting the will, client review and finally document execution.

n How

Much Does It Cost? Cost varies depending on complex-

ity. “Usually the cost is for the initial consultation with the attorney (which takes up to one hour) and then the cost of drafting,” McCuiston says. n How

Do You Find an Attorney? Ask friends and family, or possibly an accountant for recommendations. Also, check out Internet reviews and the N.C. State Bar’s referral service at ncbar.com.

Keri McManus is a freelance writer and mom, who is interested in all things parenting.

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

›

FYI

style

Baby, it’s cold outside!

Snuggle up in these cold-weather picks that will have you feeling cozy and cute. BY LAUREN BELL ISAACS

Cable-knit Pompom Cap, oldnavy.com, $12

3. 5.

Monroe Studs, moonandlola.com, $38

I’m So Fancy Coffee Mug, moonandlola.com, $28

2. Eversoft V-neck Sweater, gap.com, $39.95 4. Slimshortie Boot, sorel.com, $130

Kennebunk Home ‘Doe a Deer’ Throw, nordstrom.com, $58

Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

›

GROWING UP

Coming Clean: Organizational Skills for Kids BY MALIA JACOBSON

oes your child’s bedroom look like a tornado recently swept through? What about her backpack or school locker? If your little pack rat can’t seem to find

homework projects, library books or a favorite pair of shoes, it may be time to instill some organization. Strong organizational skills serve children well through grade school, college and beyond, and help prevent the daily stress of hunting down lost items — not to mention tardy slips, missed buses and late classwork. Experts say that even the most disorderly kids can learn to be more organized, beginning in toddlerhood. Here’s how to get started, at any age. AGES 2-5

Model Behavior Do you complain about after-dinner cleanup or moan about making your bed? Your toddler will pick up on your attitude about organization, says behavioral psychologist Richard Rende, associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island. Model a positive attitude about daily tidying up to foster cooperation in tiny tots. Children as young as 18 months can begin learning basic guidelines for organization. (Just don’t expect a spotless bedroom quite yet!) Set a few simple

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

family rules, such as cleaning up one activity before starting another, or always putting dirty clothes in the hamper — and follow through. Young children can learn and sing a “cleanup song” when it’s time to put toys away or create a sticker chart for recognition of a job well done. AGES 6-12

Schoolwork Shuffle Homework assignments, permission slips and other school paperwork can pile up for grade-schoolers — and losing track of school papers creates a hassle for both students and parents. Now’s the time to begin teaching children how to

keep school items organized, says Karen Meadows, supervisor of grades K-8 counseling for Guilford County Schools in Greensboro. First, create a spot for school papers at home — a hanging file folder or wall file works well — as well as a special place for your child to put papers that need a parent’s attention, like permission slips or class newsletters. Set a daily time for homework and provide the tools your student needs to stay on track, like a timer and calendar. Help your child develop a few good habits: emptying his or her backpack at the end of the school day, writing assignment due dates on the calendar and chunking up big projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. AGES 13-18

Schedule Sync If anyone needs a well-ordered schedule, it’s a teenager. Between academics, afterschool jobs and extracurricular activities, a teen’s daily routine can be incredibly hectic. Help teens learn vital organization skills to manage a busy schedule, but make sure they are the ones doing the organizing to keep the focus on skill-building. “Collaborate with your teen to develop organizational strategies. Their buy-in is important. Teens are more prone to follow through with strategies if they’ve been a part of the decision-making process,” Meadows says. Visual cues can help a scattered teen stay organized, so invest in a whiteboard or a large write-on calendar for a teen’s bedroom. Use a teen’s love of all things tech to teach self-management skills, including apps with daily schedule reminders, homework calendars and task timers. Once teens clean up their act, Meadows says, praise consistent progress. “The best way to always be organized is to stay organized!” Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

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Casa Club

›

TECH TALK

Disconnect to Rediscover

Wynn Family Psychology

PLAYTIME BY CAROLYN JABS

abies reach for their parents’ smartphones before they can talk. Toddlers prefer bedtime stories read on a tablet. Pre-

schoolers clamor for interactive games. No wonder a recent study

Monarch

from the Pew Internet Project found that parents are more likely to download apps than other people who own interactive devices. There’s no question that kids like apps, but are they actually good for them? Some experts in childhood development worry that kids are spending too much time with screens and not enough time with 3-D play. The Kaiser Family Foundation now estimates that the average child spends almost eight hours a day engaged with television, computers and portable devices, squeezing out more traditional play activities. Experts define play as any activity or game initiated by a child. They believe open-ended, child-led play is crucial to development for at least two reasons: n Participating in play allows children to master complex physical, mental and emotional challenges, giving them confidence in their abilities to function in the outer world. n Initiating play allows a child to follow his or her whims and fantasies, exploring a unique inner landscape that leads to discovering what’s interesting, motivating and inspiring. Quality interactive experiences may give children a sense of mastery, but they aren’t particularly good at promoting selfdiscovery. In fact, some apps may actually stifle imagination. For many years, experts have warned that video games encourage kids to watch and react rather than reflect and create. Now it

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

seems likely that parents should also pay attention to apps that impose an adult agenda on play, turning kids into consumers instead of explorers. Restoring genuine playtime isn’t simply a matter of keeping kids away from screens. Parents can set the stage and create what the Alliance for Childhood calls “Time for Play, Every Day.” Here are some qualities that make play most rewarding for children and, for that matter, adults.

Building Blocks

Multi-Sensory Technology, by nature, strips down reality. No matter how cute the puppy is on the screen, he isn’t real so what your child learns is inevitably limited. Mess and disorder are often part of quality play. If possible, set aside an area where kids can roughhouse, use art supplies and leave complicated projects in progress.

Physical Using devices may also cut into the time children have for playing tag, riding bikes and turning somersaults. Make time to locate and visit playgrounds or green spaces in your community.

Children’s Orchard

Open-ended Interactive devices are programmed. Someone else has already determined what will happen in response to children’s actions. Free play may also have rules, but children create — and change — these rules. Following a child’s lead is often difficult for parents who may be tempted to show a child how to do things “better.” Put your urge to “help” on hold. If you join in your child’s play, ask questions and let your child come up with the answers.

Beth Or

Social When kids interact more with digital devices, they often interact less with people. Children learn to cooperate by playing with other children. Also, there’s growing evidence that adults who stay in touch with their playfulness throughout life are healthier, happier and more successful. Interactive devices definitely have a place in the lives of 21st century children — as well as their parents. The trick is finding balance. You may hand your smartphone to your child during a ride to the park, but once you get there, turn off all devices, run through the grass, kick a ball, dig in the sand and abandon yourselves to good old-fashioned playtime. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs. Visit growing-up-online.com to read some of her other columns.

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School of Rock

›

UNDERSTANDING KIDS

Healthy Minds, HEALTHY FAMILIES

BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF

Center for Child and Family Health

ou take your child to the doctor for routine vaccinations and wellness checks. You make sure she eats well, takes her

vitamins, and stays active and fit. But how do you ensure healthy emotional development?

The truth is, emotional health is a lot less quantifiable than physical health and development. Children progress emotionally at different rates, so what is “normal” for one child may not be normal for another. Temperaments, personalities and life’s stressors all complicate the picture of what is — or is not — healthy. First, let’s define healthy emotional development. Children are developing in an emotionally healthy way when they are reasonably content and able to successfully participate in and cope with day-today routines and activities in age-appropriate ways. Children should be able to approach these activities without parents and teachers regularly making special accommodations or exceptions. Such activities include, but are not limited to: n Comfortably leaving a parent to go to school. n Participating in a range of activities in a school or social setting. n Making and playing with friends. n Gradually taking over self-care tasks at home and at school (toileting, dressing, eating). n Going to bed/sleeping at night.

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Is there cause for concern if a child has difficulty in one area, such as independently going to sleep at night, but is otherwise developing normally? To answer this question, we will use four measures of whether the emotional issue — in this case, feeling safe at night — is just a bump in the road or sign of a deeper issue.

Weehabilitate

1. Pervasiveness of the symptom. Does your child need extra support — such as one more story or time to cuddle — before he can go to sleep, or is he dependent upon an adult sleeping by his side all night? Is this a recent development or something that has been going on for a while? Does not giving in to every request cause mild discomfort for the child, or are his tantrums a more worrisome indicator?

Coexistence of challenges in other social and emotional areas. Does the separation at nighttime seem to be isolated or are there struggles in other areas? Have separations such as going to school, being with a babysitter or other caregiver, or allowing a parent to be out of sight challenged your child for a while? Do you find yourself making multiple accommodations to avoid excessive disruption or tantrums? Are there problems at school or with your child’s ability to make or play with friends?

Chapel Hill Pediatrics and Adolescents

3. General path of development. Does your child’s ability to cope with the problem seem to be progressing, or does she seem stuck? In many cases, slight regressions occur throughout development but children gradually work their way through them, taking little steps of progress and moving along in a general direction.

4. Modifications made by adults. How often do you make accommodations or special arrangements to support your child’s day-to-day activities? Does the difficulty interfere with your family’s routine? There is no standard measure to know when a parent or teacher should worry about a child’s emotional development. Carefully judge and weigh the various factors we have listed. If answers to these questions suggest a problem that is longstanding, entrenched or part of a larger pattern, there may be reason to be concerned about the child’s emotion development. Teachers and parents who are unsure should seek consultation with a qualified professional to sort out whether further evaluation is sensible.

parent CAROLINA

Watch for the launch of our Online Baby Center in March! carolinaparent.com

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. carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

International Preschool of Raleigh

Rex

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Duke ADHD

›

HAMMER, NAILS & DIAPER PAILS

The Humbling Workout BY PATRICK HEMPFING

NHALE. Pull inward. Not even close. Lie down on the bed. Inhale again. Minor

grunt and pull harder. Fail a second time. Deeper inhale. Major grunt and pull with

all my might. Success! I have buttoned my pants.

Okay, maybe the pants I managed to button hadn’t been worn in a number of years, but still, how did this happen? I have a bookshelf full of tennis trophies proving my athletic prowess. I still play tennis once or twice a week and walk the dog daily. I have jump rope and hula-hoop contests with my fourth-grade daughter, Jessie. We also play basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball together. How did these extra pounds end up around my waist? I have a few sneaking suspicions, beginning with “Two-Donut Thursdays.” Hey, my wife’s car needs gas and the donut shop is on the way. I also love ice cream, which is my comfort food at the end of each day. As soon as Jessie’s head hits the pillow, I open the freezer, pull out the half-gallon container and start dipping. Challenging days require an extra dip … or two. Recently my wife, Mattie, lost 6 pounds.

Is it possible the pounds jumped off of her and onto me while we were sleeping? Maybe it’s my intake of licorice, which keeps me alert while I’m typing or driving on long trips. The bag claims in big letters that licorice is a “low-fat snack.” I finally hypothesize that my metabolism has slowed down. According to WebMD, “for most people, metabolism slows steadily after age 40.” Though Jessie keeps this 54-year-old dad active, there’s only so much she can do. Or is there? “Dad, I can help you lose weight!” I erred when I thought trying to get my pants shut was going to be the hardest part of my day. After hearing about my waistline problem, Jessie opened the laptop and started browsing. “Dad, it’s time for your cardiovascular workout.”

Before beginning the workout, I remembered something I had seen on a recent stroll with the dog. My neighbor stopped at the end of the street, dropped down and did 30 pushups. Afterwards, as he walked past me, I said, “Wow, I haven’t done that many pushups in 30 years.” But I thought, “Showoff!” Now, I might not be the poster boy for a gym, but I felt confident I could handle a 9-minute workout. Besides, it would be a fun daddy-daughter activity. Without going into detail, two words summed up the 9-minute workout. Not pretty. I knew at 3 minutes that the next 6 minutes were going to challenge every ounce of my mental and physical toughness. I continued on with a sense of peace that at least I taught Jessie at an early age to dial 911 for medical emergencies. By workout’s end, my flushed face pressed against the living room carpet, but I had enough lung capacity to gasp to Jessie, “Don’t call for an ambulance.” As my face regained its natural color and my breathing resumed its normal pattern, I realized my studmuffin days may have passed. Mattie says those days were all in my head anyway. Now I have to worry about the muffin top that’s starting to hang out over the waistline of my jeans. Apparently, I need to make lifestyle changes involving fewer sweets and more physical activity. Luckily, I have Jessie and her various exercise programs. She already has the next video planned: belly dancing. I’ll be sure to read any disclaimers that pop up before I start shimmying. I might buy a bigger ice cream scoop, too. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer. You can follow him at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and twitter.com/patrickhempfing.

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

Let the

SUNNY ‘D’ SHINE Making sure your child gets enough vitamin D

BY KATHLEEN M. REILLY

hen you were a kid, getting enough vitamin D wasn’t often an issue. If you weren’t in school, you were running around outside. You were exposed to the

sunlight, and that was enough to power up your body’s vitamin D. And your parents? They probably endured a spoonful of cod liver oil every night to cover their needs.

But that’s not the case for today’s kids. During the past five years, the number of

children with a vitamin D deficiency has increased by more than 200 percent, according to a study by the United Kingdom-based public-awareness campaign Vitamin D Mission.

The lack of vitamin D could be because kids aren’t going outside as much, or because

foods, but it’s mostly in fatty fish. And there aren’t a lot of kids who readily eat a lot of fatty fish!” It’s also in fortified milk, but Kennedy suggests choosing wisely. “Because it needs to bind to a fat to work, you should use at least 1 percent milk. Skim milk won’t have the fat vitamin D really needs to work efficiently.”

of the rise in the use of sunscreen, which is, naturally, very important for its own reasons.

How Much Do Kids Need?

But it leaves today’s parents wondering: Is my child getting enough?

The good news is, it doesn’t take a lot of effort for kids to get the vitamin D they need. Laura Reavis, a clinical dietitian for Cone Health Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center in Greensboro, says infants up to 12 months old need 400 IU (international units, the standard for measurement) daily. “If they’re formulafed, it’s most likely fortified with the correct amount of vitamin D,” she says, but check the label if you want to be sure. If your baby is nursing, you’ll want to give him a supplement, because it’s not present in breast milk. For kids older than age 1 — and adults up to age 70 — the recommended daily allowance is 600 IU. “Vitamin D is really most important for kids during periods of rapid growth,” Reavis says. “So, that first year when

Vitamin D Primer “Vitamin D isn’t actually a vitamin,” explains Maria Kennedy, a dietitian and nutritionist in Cary. “It’s actually a hormone.” Vitamin D, in other words, isn’t the end game — it’s a starting player that makes things happen in our bodies. Scientists believe it works like this: Skin contains a substance called provitamin D. When exposed to sunlight, provitamin D begins to change into vitamin D. But then it has to be “activated,” so it travels to the liver, where it undergoes a chemical change. After that, it takes a trip through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it goes through another change to become the

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

active form our bodies can use. “Vitamin D is most important for good bone health,” Kennedy says. “It helps your bones absorb calcium. So, when kids weren’t getting enough sunlight, they’d become vitamin D deficient. They’d end up with a condition called rickets, where their bones became soft and weak.” Vitamin D goes to work doing other things, too. Research shows it boosts the immune and nervous systems, and may even help battle diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis. So, how can kids get their vitamin D? “Mainly from the sun,” Kennedy says. “You can’t get vitamin D from too many

infants are growing rapidly, it’s important. Then again during the adolescent growth spurt, you want to be sure your child is getting enough.” If your child is getting her vitamin D from the sun, there’s no need for her to go outside and stand in the middle of the yard for several hours. The ultraviolet radiation waves known as UVB start vitamin D formation, and those waves shine down best around noon. “Exposure for about 20 minutes at noon without sunscreen is enough to make vitamin D and store it,” Reavis says. Here’s some really cool news: Human bodies can store vitamin D, so if children spend time outside during the summer, Reavis says, typically enough vitamin D will be stored in their fat cells to last them through winter.

What You Can Do “It’s really not terribly difficult to make sure kids are getting enough vitamin D,” says Dr. Marty Baker, a pediatrician with

Carolinas Healthcare in Charlotte. If you have an infant who’s on formula, check the label to see if she’s getting enough. And if you have an infant who’s nursing, talk to her doctor about providing a supplement in a liquid dropper. But follow the guidelines closely. The Food and Drug Administration cautions parents to only use the dropper that comes with the bottle of vitamin D to avoid toxicity. “And sometimes people think, ‘If one drop is good, 10 would be better,’” Baker says. That’s not the case with vitamin D, since it’s not watersoluble and it’s possible to overdose. “There’s overload on the kidneys,” Baker explains. “So if it says five drops, do five drops. Not 50 or 15.” If you’re concerned about your child going outside without sunscreen, it’s not an all-or-nothing scenario. “If sunscreen were perfect, it would protect us from skin cancer while allowing us to get our vitamin D,” Baker says. Since that’s not the case,

apply sunscreen to protect your child’s skin, but be sure he gets outside often to maximize the chances he’ll have enough exposure. Remember, it doesn’t take hours to store up on vitamin D — even several minutes every day is sufficient. It’s not easy to tell if your child is vitamin D deficient, but if he has pain in his legs or knees, or if he’s getting sick more often, that may be an indication, Reavis says. If you’re still unsure, Kennedy offers this advice: “If you’ve got a child who doesn’t spend time outside and who doesn’t drink fortified milk, ask the doctor to just have a blood test done,” she says. “It’s simple, it’s quick, and why worry about giving your kid extra vitamin D if they’re already getting what they need naturally?” Kathleen M. Reilly is a writer and mom in the Triangle. Visit her online at kathleenreilly.com.

SUPPLEMENT GUIDELINES FOR KIDS In a perfect world, we’d all get the nutrition we need from smart, well-balanced dietary choices. But sometimes life gets busy or kids get picky, and we worry that they’re not getting enough of what they need to be healthy. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how much of these vitamins kids need:

AGE

VITAMIN A

VITAMIN B6

VITAMIN B12

VITAMIN C

VITAMIN D

VITAMIN E

VITAMIN K

(mcg)

(mg)

(mcg)

(mg)

(mcg)

(mg)

(mcg)

0-6 months

400

0.1

0.4

6-12 months

500

0.3

0.5

2.5

1-3 years

300

0.5

0.9

4-8 years

400

0.6

1.2

9-13 years

600

1.0

1.8

14-18 years

900 boys

1.3

2.4

75 boys

700 girls

65 girls

mcg = micrograms, mg = milligrams Data from the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

OPEN HOUSE

Montessori Childrens House of Durham

Trinity Academy

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OPEN HOUSE

St. Timothy

Montessori Community School

Follow the Child

The Franciscan School

Grades K-8

Innovative programs for children ages 2-5

2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence

Stepping Stones beforeand after-school care

Challenging curriculum with enrichment opportunities

Age-appropriate faith formation

Athletic teams for grades 6-8

Specials and in-house field trips

SMART Board technology in every classroom

OPEN HOUSE • Jan. 25, 2015 • 12:45-2 pm More information at stfrancisraleigh.org 11401 Leesville Rd., Raleigh • 919.847.8205 MINISTRIES OF THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

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OPEN HOUSE

Discovery Child Developmental Center

Camelot

Our Lady of Lourdes

Excellence in Education for 60 Years

Strong Athletic Program

Fine Arts Curriculum

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Thursday, January 29

Current & Prospective Families 6:45-8:00pm 30

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Our Lady of Lourdes is a nationally-recognized, Blue Ribbon, K-8 School

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

2710 Overbrook Dr. Raleigh 27608 â&#x20AC;˘ 919-861-4635

www.olls.org

OPEN HOUSE

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2015Fit NOW G IN EPT NS ACC IO M IS S SUB

Emerson Waldorf

Family CHALLENGE

SPOTLIGHT FAMILIES WHIP YOUR FAMILY INTO SHAPE

Join us in an eight-week challenge! Blog, upload photos, share videos and chronicle your healthy family journey online and in our monthly magazine. If selected, you will have access to a panel of experts, including a fitness and exercise trainer, dietitian and life coach, and hundreds of dollars in prizes and services. (P.S. Everything is on us!)

parent CAROLINA

Nominate your family through Feb. 15 at carolinaparent.com/fitfamilychallenge carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

OPEN HOUSE

Cathedral School

Lifetime Learning Academy

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Wake county Magnet

Digital Eye Strain EYESTRAIN

Detect, Accept, Alleviate

BY JENNIFER LACEY

ith the school year halfway done, your child is probably spending an increasing amount of time using digital technology on a daily basis. While the educational

benefits of these devices are numerous, the question arises: Are their young eyes equipped to handle this much digital technology? If your child is complaining of irritated, sore or blurry eyes, you may have something to worry about. According to the American Optometric Association, nearly 83 percent of school-aged children in the U.S. between the ages of 10 and 17 use digital devices for hours each day, which may put them at risk of a condition called digital eyestrain.

Signs and Symptoms Dr. Edward G. Buckley, M.D., a neuroophthalmologist who is a professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine, explains that anytime a child stares intently on a digital device, he or she can “experience discomfort because you use the muscles attached to the eye to keep them directed to where you are looking. The smaller and more detailed the image, the greater the effort it requires.” Like any muscle used in excess, Buckley says the eye muscle will ”fatigue and become uncomfortable,” he says. The other muscle used for close-up vision is inside the eye and controls the lens. “When you look at objects up close, you need to focus on them to see clearly,” Buckley says. “The closer the object, the more focusing is required. The muscle may become tired and uncomfortable, and blinking decreases. Blinking keeps the eyes moist, so not blinking causes them to dry out and the cornea becomes uncomfortable and can hurt.” Additional symptoms of digital eyestrain may include sore and/or irritated eyes,

blurred and/or double vision, increased sensitivity to light, headaches and/or brow aches.

Digital Devotion In an American Optometric Association survey report, Dr. Lori Roberts, O.D., chair of the AOA’s New Technology Committee, says many parents drastically underestimate the amount of time their children spend on digital devices. “When parents think about their kids’ mobile consumption habits, they often don’t think about how much time they spend on devices in the classroom,” Roberts says. During March 2014, the AOA conducted two surveys: one of children between the ages of 10 and 17 and the other of parents of children under the age of 18. The AOA discovered that only 40 percent of parents believe their children use an electronic

device for the amount of time the children reported: three or more hours each day.

Prevention Tips While digital eyestrain does not cause permanent damage to the eye or its vision, there are numerous measures parents and children can take to help prevent and/or alleviate vision problems associated with digital eyestrain: 1. Ensure proper lighting. Help minimize strain by positioning a desk lamp to shine on your child’s desk. Place the computer screen 20-26 inches away from his or her eyes. Position the screen in a way that helps to reduce glare from nearby windows and/or overhead lighting. 2. Schedule regular eye exams. The AOA recommends that every child have a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. If your child wears prescription glasses, recurring eyestrain may be an indication that his or her prescription needs to be updated. 3. Take frequent breaks. “Children should make sure that they practice the 20-20-20 rule: When using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away,” Roberts says. 4. Keep glasses on. If you child wears glasses, make sure he or she continues to wear them, as glasses will, according to Buckley, “decrease the likelihood that eyestrain will occur. Glasses assist with making the image clear, thus requiring less muscle effort to focus on the device.” Jennifer Lacey specializes in covering family health and lifestyle issues. She blogs at amodestmommasmusingsforlittlereaders. blogspot.com. carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

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EXCURSIONS

North Carolina’s Little Switzerland BY DEBORAH R. HUSO

ittle Switzerland, North Carolina, isn’t the easiest place to access. You can reach it via the Blue Ridge Parkway at

Milepost 334 or by way of a weaving, winding trip up Route 226A north of Marion. It’s the only developed area on the parkway and actually came into existence when Switzerland Land Co. of Charlotte discovered it on Grassy Mountain at an elevation of 4,000 feet and bought the original 600 acres. It would later become known as Little Switzerland and open as a resort area to visitors wanting to escape the summer heat. Though visitors probably won’t find too many Swiss, they will find a town that emulates the look of an Alpine village, with brightly decorated craft, jewelry and food shops. The centerpiece is Switzerland Inn, with its green-roofed lodge buildings, greenshuttered windows and short balconies overlooking long, blue mountain ridges to the east. Switzerland Inn owner Gary Jenson says 80 percent of his guests are repeats. “They come here because of the quiet and the view,” he says. The Old World-style inn offers spacious sunny rooms and suites in hues of sage, mauve and blue as well as expansive mountaintop lawns where guests can lounge, play shuffleboard and tennis, or relax in the mountain view pool during warm weather.

Mining Memories As part of the Spruce Pine Mining District, Little Switzerland is home to large deposits of feldspar, mica and quartz, all of which can be viewed at the nearby Museum of North Carolina Minerals. Approximately 714 mines are on record in the district, but most are now defunct. Emerald Village, which opens in March, offers its underground mines to visiting prospectors, who can keep any precious stones they find. The village also offers memorabilia ranging from old steam engines to Bon Ami cleansers made from feldspar.

Hiking Adventures Visitors who like to explore nature can hike the shady 2.5-mile loop to Crabtree Falls at milepost 339.5. The trail passes under an arbor of mature rhododendrons, descending gradually along a boulder-strewn path past a spring-fed stream. The sound of rushing water grows from faint to uproarious as hikers approach the falls. At full throttle, Crabtree Falls cascades 60 feet to a small pool and over gray boulders and fallen trees underneath a moss-covered walking bridge.

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Mine for sapphires and much more in Little Switzerland. Photo courtesy of Emerald Village

Hitting the Slopes Winter sports enthusiasts are an hour or less away from many of North Carolina’s ski resorts, including Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort, which offers the highest elevation skiing on the East Coast. All three resorts offer a variety of other winter sports, including ice skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding and ski lessons for beginners. Appalachian Ski Mountain’s ice skating rink is open seven nights a week and features a rinkside bonfire. At Hawksnest Resort, just south of Boone, guests can enjoy snow tubing at the largest snow-tubing operation in the East.

Winding Down After a day of mining, hiking or skiing, visitors can settle in for an elegant evening at Switzerland Inn’s Chalet Restaurant, where a glass-enclosed dining room offers views across manicured gardens to the scenic mountains beyond. Enjoy a more offbeat experience at the nearby Mountain View Restaurant, where sandwiches are served in plastic baskets on a deck that features the best views in Little Switzerland. Plan your getaway to Little Switzerland by visiting littleswitzerlandnc.com. Deborah R. Huso is an outdoor recreation and travel writer who has the good fortune of living on a farm in central Virginia within walking distance of two wineries. She blogs at at deborahhuso.com.

camp section

Triangle Rock Club

Jon Choboy

WOLFPACK TENNIS CAMPS BY JON CHOBOY AND STAFF

– July 6-10 –

DAY & OVERNIGHT CAMP

– July 13-17, 20-24, 27-31 – DAY & OVERNIGHT CAMPS

SEE WEBSITE FOR TOURNAMENT PREP CAMPS DAY/OVERNIGHT EARLY BIRD register by 2-15-15 for 5% discount

To register please visit

choboytennis.com or call 919-515-8786

Bull City Gymnastics

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

camp section Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

2014 SummerCamps

Raleigh Parks and Rec

Chapel Hill Gymnastics

YMCA of Charlotte Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

919-996-4800

parks.raleighnc.gov

Camp Registration processing begins February 2, 2015

Spanish for Fun

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camp section

NC School of Math and Science

YMCA of Greensboro

Raleigh Parks & Rec

Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

NEW

Track Out Specialty Camps

Computer • Science • Drama • Music All camps will be held at Jaycee Community Center 2405 Wade Avenue Raleigh, NC 27607

919-996-4800

parks.raleighnc.gov

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Mathnasium

FREE TRIAL Exp. 1/31/15

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January OUR PICKS BY JANICE LEWINE

Photo courtesy of Paperhand Puppet Intervention

The Art of Puppetry and Masks Jan. 17

▲

Join Donovan Zimmerman, artistic director

Photo courtesy of N.C. Merfolk

of Paperhand Puppet Intervention, for an

N.C. Merfest Jan. 2-4

interactive puppet performance at 11 a.m.

Mermaids and pirates young and old will celebrate all things “mer” Jan. 2-4 at the Triangle

Jan. 17 at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. Meet

Aquatic Center in Cary. The event features kids’ activities, an underwater fashion show,

some of the colorful characters from Paper-

underwater portrait sessions and more. Kids can swim and frolic with mermaid performers or

hand’s rich history and explore the traditions

attend a “scalawag skool,” and adults can enjoy an evening gala Jan. 3 at the Embassy Suites

of puppetry and mask making. Purchase

in Cary.

tickets at $10 for adults and $8 for ages 2

General admission tickets are $40. Visit ncmerfest.com for a schedule of events.

and older at artscenterlive.org.

Dream Big Book Drive Jan. 19 Book Harvest’s annual Dream Big Book Drive is 1-4 p.m. Jan. 19 at Carolina Theatre in Durham. The event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates diversity, literacy and book ownership for all kids. Donate your new and gently used children’s books to help Book Harvest reach its goal of collecting 40,000 books in a single afternoon. Admission is FREE. bookharvestnc.org/how_to_help/serve_with_us_on_mlk_day_2015.

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APN San Diego

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

›

1 THURSDAY

2 FRIDAY

6 TUESDAY

Happy New Year! Little Historians: New Year Celebrations. Learn about New Year’s traditions around the world and make a Chinese New Year lantern to take home. 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.

3 SATURDAY

Three Kings Day Parade. Three Kings Day commemorates the eve that gifts are exchanged in Latino countries. This event features music, dancing, Latino foods and more. FREE. 1-4 p.m. Downtown Cary, 919-469-4069. diamanteinc.org/events/ three-kings-day.

4 SUNDAY

A Side of History: Twelfth Night Traditions. Come eat, drink, dance and be merry at Yates Mill’s Twelfth Night Celebration. Take part in traditional crafts and festivities and taste a Twelfth Night cake. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $5/family. 3-4 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/ yatesmill.

5 MONDAY

Open Bounce. Inflatable play. Wear socks. Registration required online. $8/child. FREE for adults and ages 1 and younger. Noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. BounceU, 3419 Apex Peakway, Apex. 919-303-3368. bounceu.com Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Make Your Own Bank. Design and create a bank out of clay to store money. 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.

Nature Families: Snowball Science. Sip on hot cocoa and observe snow and ice through hands-on science experiments. Take a scarf and mittens. 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: Make Your Own Bank. See Jan. 5. 4-5:30 p.m. Time for Tots: Skates, Skis and Sleds. Learn about winter activities that were popular in the past and make a tiny sled or skis from Popsicle sticks. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. $1 member, $3 nonmember. 10-10:45 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-8077992. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

7 WEDNESDAY

Eagle Count. Help park staff collect data for the state and national count of Bald Eagles and enjoy a light breakfast. Registration required. FREE. 7-9 a.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-2723. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree. History Corner: Lighting the Way. Learn what people have used to light up their lives, from oil lamps to electricity. Ages 6-9 with adult. Registration required. $1 member, $3 nonmember. 10-11 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7988. ncmuseumofhistory.org. History Hunters: Night Lights. Night was once considered a different season, as different as winter is from summer. Learn how people lit their way in the dark. Ages 10-13. Registration required. $1 member,

$3 nonmember. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. Nature Friends: Snow Much Fun. Learn the different forms of precipitation and look at a few ice crystals under a microscope. Make snow slime to take home. Dress warmly. 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: “The Mitten.” Read the story by Jan Brett and practice sequencing skills. Discover how fast ice will melt and make a mitten craft to take home. Dress warmly. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $4/child. 1-2 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

8 THURSDAY

Kid Creations. Kids ages 3-5 and parent make a craft together. Registration required. $2 resident, $3 nonresident. 10-10:30 a.m. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 919-567-4000. hollyspringsnc.us. Storytime in the Gallery. Tour one of the museum galleries and listen to a story. Ages 3 and older with adult. FREE. 10-10:30 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. What’s in the Box: Seasons/Nature. Discover a new adventure in a box. Ages 2-5 with caregiver. First-come, first-served. $3 nonmembers, FREE for members. 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. N.C. Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-6646850. ncartmuseum.org/calendar.

9 FRIDAY

Forest Friends: “Winter Lullaby.” Read Barbara Seuling’s book that reveals what animals do to survive as winter takes hold. Take a hike to search for

CALENDAR

daily

signs of animals in winter. Ages 1-3 with adult meet at 10:30-11 a.m.; ages 3-5 with adult meet at 1-2 p.m. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $2-$4/child. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Winter Wonderland Sledding at Bond Park. Take a sled for a fun adventure. Registration required. In the event of unfavorable conditions, Winter Wonderland will be held Jan. 23-24. $18/ person. Four sessions: 3:30-4:30 p.m., 4:45-5:45 p.m., 6:45-7:45 p.m. or 8-9 p.m. Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 919-469-4100. townofcary.org.

10 SATURDAY

Artist-in-Residence Teen Workshop: Identifying Marks. Artist-inresidence Kiki Farish introduces her own work in the exhibition “Line, Touch, Trace” and leads teens in an investigation of how artists use line to convey character and emotion. Materials provided. Register online by Jan. 6. $15 member, $20 nonmember. 1-4 p.m. N.C. Museum of Art, East Bldg. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-715-5923. ncartmuseum.org/calendar. Celebrating Winter Trees and Winter Wildlife. Take a hike to learn how trees and animals not only survive, but thrive during the cold winter months. Test observation skills with a winter scavenger hunt. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress warmly. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. $5/family. 2-3:30 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/att. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Mothers Club Preschool Fair. Learn about area preschool programs and enrollment procedures. Preschool representatives will answer parents’ questions. All ages. FREE. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St.,

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

Blue Man Group. Photo courtesy of Paul Kolnik

ON STAGE NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PRESENTS

“THE LITTLE MERMAID”

7:30 p.m. Jan. 27-28. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Duke

“PETER AND THE WOLF”

Jan. 16-17 – In a magical underwater kingdom, the

Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St.,

Jan. 3 – The North Carolina Symphony and Triangle

beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean

Raleigh. 1-800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com.

Youth Ballet bring the timeless story of bravery and

home and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to

teamwork to life on stage through playful music,

defy her father, King Triton, to make a deal with the evil

BLUE MAN GROUP PERFORMS

colorful costumes and beautiful dancing. $31. 1 and

sea witch Ursula and convince the handsome Prince Eric

Jan. 29-31 – Blue Man Group delivers a high-octane

4 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for

that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he has been

theatrical experience complete with comedy, music and

the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 919-733-

seeking. Purchase tickets online. $10 adults, $7 kids.

technology. $37-$150. 8 p.m. Jan. 29-30; noon, 4 p.m.

2750. ncsymphony.org.

7 p.m. Jan. 16; 2 p.m. Jan. 17. Stars Theater and Arts

and 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Duke

Center, 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina. 919-215-0147.

Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St.,

etix.com.

Raleigh. ticketmaster.com.

Jan. 11 – Kick off the New Year in style with Edwards

WORLD’S TOUGHEST RODEO

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

and Marlin, who represent two generations of bluegrass

Jan. 17 – Cowboys compete in bareback riding, saddle

Jan. 30-31 – Enjoy the classic story of Belle, a young

music. Presented with PineCone. All ages. FREE. 3 p.m.

bronc riding, bull riding and all-women’s trick riding.

woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really

N.C. Museum of History, Daniels Auditorium, 5 E. Edenton

Prior to the event, children can meet some of the

a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.

St., Raleigh. 919-664-8302. ncmuseumofhistory.org

cowboys and enjoy a free pony ride. $18-$75. Kids 12

If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse

and younger are half price. 7:30 p.m. PNC Arena, 1400

will end and he will be transformed to his former self.

Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com.

But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his

MUSIC OF THE CAROLINAS: TOMMY EDWARDS AND ANDREW MARLIN

“WICKED” Jan. 7-25 – So much happened before Dorothy dropped

lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all

in. Experience the untold story of the witches of Oz.

SHEN YUN 2015

eternity. All ages. Purchase tickets online. $10 adults, $7

Children under age 4 not admitted. $66-$164. See

Jan. 27-28 – Take a journey through 5,000 years of

kids. 7 p.m. Jan. 30; 2 p.m. Jan. 31. Stars Theater and Arts

website for show times. Durham Performing Arts Center,

inspired culture with classical Chinese dancers, original

Center, 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina. 919-215-0147.

123 Vivian St., Durham. 919-680-2787. dpacnc.com.

live music, animated backdrops and more. $60-$150.

etix.com.

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

› Carrboro. chapelhillmothersclub.org/ preschool-resources/preschool-fair. 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. Winter Wonderland Sledding at Bond Park. See Jan. 9 for description. Eight sessions on Jan. 10: 9-10 a.m., 10:1511:15 a.m., 12:15-1:15 p.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m., 4:45-5:45 p.m., 6:45-7:45 p.m. or 8-9 p.m. Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 919-4694100. townofcary.org.

11 MONDAY

Breastfeeding Cafe. Discuss breastfeeding questions with an accredited La Leche League leader and meet other mothers. Infants welcome. FREE. 1-2 p.m. The Red Hen, University Mall, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 919-942-4420. theredhen.com.

Open Bounce. See Jan. 5.

12 MONDAY

Homeschool Day: Animal Tracks and Signs. Observe nature on a habitat hike and search for tracks, scat, food remains, animal-built structures and other wildlife signs. Make a cast animal track to take home. Ages 7-12. Registration required. $8/child. 10 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-8566675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Open Jump. Inflatable play. Wear socks. All ages. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7/child, $5/sibling. FREE for adults. Pump It Up of Raleigh, 10700 World Trade Blvd. Ste. 112, Raleigh. 919-828-3344. pumpitupparty.com/raleigh-nc.

13 TUESDAY

Little Artist: Picasso. Learn about famous artists and explore different techniques and mediums. Register online. Ages 3-6. $10/child. 11-11:45

Durham Public Schools

a.m. Rolesville Community Center, 514 Southtown Circle, Rolesville. 919-5546582. rolesvillenc.gov. Time for Tots: Skates, Skis and Sleds. See Jan. 6.

14 WEDNESDAY Open Jump. See Jan. 12.

15 THURSDAY

Storytime in the Gallery. See Jan. 8. Understanding the Minds of Boys. Learn how neurological and hormonal differences impact boys’ behavior and learning. For families with children ages 3-6. Register online. $20/individual, $30/couple. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Project Enlightenment, 501 S. Boylan St., Raleigh. 919-856-8186. projectenlightenment.wcpss.net.

16 FRIDAY

Essential Resources for the Expectant Mom. Motherhood experts present a workshop for mothers-to-be. FREE.

CALENDAR

daily

6:30 p.m. Babies R Us, 7001 Fayetteville Rd., Durham. 919-544-9024. babiesrus.com. Family Fun Night at Marbles Museum. Kids with special needs and their families experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter environment. All ages. FREE. 5:30-8 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.

17 SATURDAY

Family Fun Saturday: Miniature Worlds. Explore Joseph Cornell’s creation, “Suzy’s Sun.” Combine found and recycled objects with original artwork to create a 3-D narrative landscape. Ages 5-11. Register online. $3 member, $5 nonmember. 10 a.m. N.C. Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-715-5923. ncartmuseum.org/calendar. Make It, Take It: Paper Snowflakes. Learn about chilly North Carolina fun

The Hill Center

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

Image provided by Forty3Zero/Shutterstock.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. EVENTS A TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

RALEIGH MEMORIAL MARCH

Jan. 17 – The Durham Symphony commemorates the life

Jan. 19 – Take part in a commemorative march for Martin

Registration required. FREE. 10 a.m., 2 p.m. Middle Creek

of Martin Luther King Jr. See website for ticket prices.

Luther King Jr. The assembly begins at 10 a.m. and the

Community Center, 123 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex.

7:30 p.m. Baldwin Auditorium, Duke University, Durham.

march begins at 11 a.m. FREE. Downtown Raleigh.

919-469-4301. townofcary.org.

919-491-6576. durhamsymphony.org.

king-raleigh.org.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DREAMFEST 2015: A DREAM OF COMMUNITY

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY HEROES ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Jan. 17 – Join Naomi King, who, with her husband A.D.

Jan. 19 – Celebrate local heroes and learn how to be a

American heritage and culture with musicians, storytellers,

King, provided quiet support for Martin Luther King Jr.

helpful one. $5 ages 1-adult. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marbles Kids

dancers, historians, authors and artists. FREE. 10:30 a.m.-

and the civil rights movement. Naomi King shares how she

Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040.

4:30 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh.

worked to fulfill her brother-in-law’s dreams for commu-

marbleskidsmuseum.org.

919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

St., Cary. 919-465-4792. townofcary.org.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DREAMFEST 2015: APPRECIATION CELEBRATION

DURHAM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR./ BLACK HISTORY MONTH PARADE

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DREAMFEST 2015: AN ARTS TRIBUTE

Jan. 19 – Join volunteers from the Martin Luther King Jr.

Feb. 7 – Enjoy a parade honoring the achievements of

Dreamfest 2015: Day of Service for uplifting entertainment.

Martin Luther King Jr. and other great African-Americans.

Jan. 18 – Enjoy “I Still Rise,” a dramatic presentation of

FREE. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Middle Creek Community Center,

FREE. Noon. Fayetteville St. Durham. spectacularmag.com.

collective works by black writers. Registration required.

123 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex. 919-469-4301.

FREE. 3 p.m. Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119

townofcary.org.

King Jr., who advocated for community service.

14TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION Jan. 31 – Celebrate North Carolina’s diverse African-

nity. FREE. Noon-3 p.m. The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DREAMFEST 2015: DAY OF SERVICE Jan. 19 – Help maintain and beautify the area around the Middle Creek Community Center in honor of Martin Luther

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

17TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATION Feb. 21 – Take the family for live entertainment, cultural

Ambassador Loop, Cary. 919-469-4301. townofcary.org.

programs and more. FREE. 3 p.m. The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary. 919-465-4792. townofcary.org.

› from the past and create a snowflake to take home. Drop-in program. FREE. 1-3 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. Natural Explorations Hike: Winter Wonders. Learn how plants and animals survive the winter months. Take a short hike to discover where some of the millpond’s wildlife takes cover when it’s cold outdoors. All ages. Registration required. FREE. 11 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Raleigh Area Charter School Fair. Parents and students learn about area charter schools, program offerings and applications processes. Meet representatives from Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School, East Wake Academy, Envision Science Academy, Hope Elementary Charter, Longleaf

School of the Arts, Raleigh Charter High School and others. FREE. 9 a.m.noon. Longleaf School of the Arts, 207 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-896-8164. longleafschool.com. Saturday Studio: Imaginative Worlds. Transform found and recycled materials and original artwork into a box sculpture that captures your ideas, memories or dreams. Ages 11-14. Register online. $7 member, $10 nonmember. 1 p.m. N.C. Museum of Art, East Bldg. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-715-5923. ncartmuseum.org/calendar. Winnie the Pooh Day. Play games, make crafts and share favorite Winnie the Pooh stories. All ages. Registration required. FREE. 10 a.m. North Regional Library, 221 Milton Rd., Durham. 919-560-0231. durhamcountylibrary.org/location/north.

18 SUNDAY

Family Feature: Winter Tree Walk. Have fun observing living and nonliving natural objects with a magnifying glass and under the microscope. Discover what ice and crystals look like up close, then sketch what everyday objects look like under the microscope in a science journal. All ages. Registration required. FREE. 2-3 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Gadgets and Gizmos: Milk Carton Windmills. Design a windmill turbine and see which windmill can pull up weight the fastest. In partnership with The Engineering Place, NCSU College of Engineering’s K-20 Outreach Program. $5 ages 1-adult. 1-3 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.

CALENDAR

daily

Winter Hike. Enjoy a hike to discover different forms of life in the winter at the park. Bring a water bottle and wear sturdy shoes. All ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 1-2:30 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov. com/parks/harrislake.

19 MONDAY

Martin Luther King Jr. Day A Poppin’ Good Time. Learn about all the different varieties of corn and what makes it pop. Take part in a popcorn-themed craft and enjoy fresh popped corn. Ages 7 and older. Registration required. $5/family. 3-4 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6672. wakegov.com/parks/ yatesmill. Open Bounce. See Jan. 5.

FMN Nobel

carolinaparent.com | JANUARY 2015

20 TUESDAY

Eco-Track: Nature Detective and Exploration. Learn how to identify signs of animals in the park, make an animal track to take home and examine nature under a microscope. Ages 6-12. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $28/ child. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake. Hockey Fun with the Carolina Hurricanes. Enjoy hockey fun with a staff member from the Carolina Hurricanes. Play in the Canes’ inflatable slap shot booth and practice in the skills and drills zone. $5 ages 1-11. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum. org. Little Artist: Money-Painting. See Jan. 13.

21 WEDNESDAY

Squirrel Spotters. Learn about squirrel habits, habitats and the perils they face. FREE. 2-4 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-2723. wakegov. com/parks/lakecrabtree.

22 THURSDAY

Storytime in the Gallery. See Jan. 8. Trail Treks: Winter Weeds. Investigate winter weeds and search for insect eggs and other life cycle stages dependent on the plants of winter. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. $5/family. 3-4 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/att. What’s in the Box: Places. Discover a new adventure in a box. Ages 2-5 with caregiver. First-come, first-served. $3 nonmember, FREE for members. 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. N.C. Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd.,

Raleigh. 919-664-6850. ncartmuseum.org/calendar.

23 FRIDAY

Crowder by Night: Predators and Prey. Listen to stories people have told about the moon and find out if there is any truth to them. Look at the moon through a telescope and take a moonlit walk through the park. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-6622850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Kid Creations. See Jan. 8.

24 SATURDAY

Birds Like Peanut Butter, Too! Parent and child make a pinecone birdfeeder. Ages 4-7 with adult. FREE. 9-10 a.m. Logan Trading Co. 707 Semart Dr., Raleigh. 919-828-5337. logantrd.com. Family Fun Saturday: Dutch Masters. Travel through the Dutch collection to see scenes of everyday life, land-

scapes, portraits and masterpieces by 17th-century artists. Create your own art inspired by your visit to the galleries. Ages 5-11. Register online. $3 member, $5 nonmember. 10 a.m. N.C. Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-715-5923. ncartmuseum.org/calendar. Little Sprouts: When It Gets C-c-cold. Parent and child learn about the natural world through stories, short hikes, crafts and more. 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. St. Philip Preschool “Frozen” Open House. Enjoy a “Frozen”-themed open house. Kids can make ice cream in Ziplock bags and enjoy coloring and picture search pages. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE. St. Philip Preschool, 7304 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh. st-philip.org/ preschool.

Cary Parks & Rec Tutor Time

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

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25 SUNDAY

Princess Ball. Spend the day with some of your favorite princesses including The Snow Queen, The Snow Princess, The Little Mermaid, Beauty, Princess Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, and enjoy snacks, games, crafts, food and dancing. Dress up as a favorite princess. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com/e/ princess-ball-tickets-14123809695. $20 ages 3-10, $10 adults. FREE for infants. 2-4:30 p.m. The Matthews House, 317 W. Chatham St., Cary. Winter Waterfowl Hike. Search for winter waterfowl visitors. Wear sturdy walking shoes and take binoculars. All ages. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. FREE. 9-11 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake.

26 MONDAY

30 FRIDAY

27 TUESDAY

31 SATURDAY

Open Bounce. See Jan. 5.

Little Artist: Van Gogh. See Jan. 13.

28 WEDNESDAY

Open Bounce. See Jan. 5.

A Princess Tea. Dress in an elegant gown, take part in magical activities

CALENDAR

daily

and enjoy delightful treats with a princess. Register online. $12 member, $15 nonmember. 10-11:15 a.m., 1-2:15 p.m. or 3:30-4:45 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbles kidsmuseum.org/aprincesstea.

Open Jump. See Jan. 12.

29 THURSDAY

CALENDAR POLICY

Music and Movement Class. Ages 1-5 enjoy music and movement. Explore Orff and percussion instruments. Email preschool.director@millbrookbaptistchurch.org to register. FREE. 10:30-10:55 a.m. Millbrook Baptist Preschool, 1519 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh. 919-876-4030. millbrookbaptistpreschool.org. Storytime in the Gallery. See Jan. 8.

The Carolina Parent calendar lists local and regional activities for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, visit carolinaparent.com or email calendar@carolinaparent.com by the 8th of the month for the next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue. Readers, please call ahead to confirm dates and times. This calendar may include some events not intended for young children.

International Montessori School International Montessori School is a multilingual community of learners, academically and socially prepared to thrive in our dynamic world with a

Serving 3 years old to 6th grade in their choice of French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese tracks. Full immersion classrooms led by Montessori-trained native and near-native speaking teachers. Before and after school options are available.

www.imsnc.org

(919) 401 4343 3001 Academy Road, Bldg. 300 Durham, NC 27707

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Bizzy Broomz

Welcome to the Family! The team at Carolina Parent and carolinaparent.com would like to welcome these new business partners to our family:

Baby + Co. Falls Family Dental Raleigh Vein & Laser Center International Montessori School Temple Beth Or Preschool Artopia Triangle Student Transportation Game Truck USA The Scrap Exchange Duke Clinical Research Unit School of Rock Hillsborough Christian Academy Launching Pad Trampoline Park Thank you for allowing us to introduce you to more than 140,000 Triangle parents every month. We appreciate your trust in us. For information, call 919-956-2430. Email blarson@carolinaparent.com. Visit us online at carolinaparent.com.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAMILY FAVORITES Help us identify the best family-favorite places in the Triangle by casting your for the House advotes Family Fa-

Carolina Parent ReaderVoting Family Favorites Awards. vorites

We’ll share your top choices on our website and in our annual family resource guide, G.P.S. (Go. Play. See.) Go to carolinaparent.com and search for “Family Favorites.” Ballots with at least 15 categories completed will be entered into a drawing for great family-friendly prizes.

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›

Wynns Family Little DreamPsychology ers

Atlas

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Box Car Jim

Let’s Bounce

Reading solu- Not Just Pations per

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FACES & PLACES

faces & places of children in tos an

McKenzie, 5, checks in on a friend at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

Amaya, 8, does some surfing at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh.

Caroline, 1, celebrates her birthday at White Deer Park in Garner.

Alexander, 3, of Bahama, visits a pumpkin patch at a local church.

Brandon Paul, 3, makes Halloween crafts at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

JANUARY 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Submit high-resolution photos of your kids having fun. Go to carolinaparent. com/facesandplaces. You could even win a prize!

CONGRATULATIONS to our December winner, Hallsey, 2, of Raleigh.

the Triangle

Josie, 7, of Raleigh, has fun trying on Halloween wigs.

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House ad Camp & Education Fair ad

CAMP & Education Fair SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015 • NOON - 4 PM DAY CAMPS • OVERNIGHT CAMPS • TRACK-OUT CAMPS SCHOOLS • LOCAL & NATIONAL PROGRAMS K-12 CONTESTS • DOOR PRIZES Win $1,000 from Carolina Parent to spend with our camp and education vendors GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 801 Buck Jones Rd., Raleigh

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