DFWChild August/September 2023

FAILING WELL FAILING WELL HOW LETTING KIDS FAIL HELPS THEM SUCCEED

ALL IN. EVERY TIME. INCREDIBLE. TOGETHER.

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SPECIAL SECTION

MOM APPROVED

27 Mom-Approved Wellness Therapists, counselors, chiropractors and other pros nominated by our readers

FEATURE

22 Failure Is An Option

Back off Mom and Dad. How letting kids fail helps them succeed words Amanda Collins Bernier

DEPARTMENTS

NOTED

9 The Great Sleepover Debate

More parents are saying no to sleepovers, but do the risks outweigh the benefits?

12 By The Numbers / Back to School

A numerical look at spending, sleep, lunches and more

14 Ask An Expert / Sound Advice

Picky eater problems

REAL MOMS

17 Moms Next Door / Erika Lynne Jones Meet the children’s book author-illustrator who started a new career from scratch

20 Briefs / Bigger Picture

Our Mom Next Door dishes on her local favorites and mom must-haves

SPECIAL NEEDS

37 ARD Ready

How to prepare for the annual meeting to be your child’s best advocate

40 Sensory Play, Delivered Curated boxes for kids with unique needs

42 Fun For All

8 Events for kids of differing abilities

PLAYBOOK

55 Things To Do

27 Can’t-miss events in August and September

62 Family Fun / Mermaid Magic

4 Places to be part of their world

64 Culture / Juntos Bailamos

Dances, parades and pageantry for Hispanic Heritage Month

COLUMNS

6 Hello / Getting Butterflies

Back-to-school time hits just as hard as a mom

66 Dad Amongst Dudes / The Girl Next S’more

Cover kid: Layla, 5, of Dallas Photography: Nick Prendergast Styling: Lauren Niebes

Hair/makeup: Gary Parson/Kim Dawson Agency

What a camping trip and a little girl taught Dad about his sons

➽ ABOVE // Erika Lynne Jones is the illustrator behind two fun, new children’s books. But the Plano mom, pictured here with her three daughters, is still getting used to calling herself an artist.

F ALL MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES, few conjure as much nostalgia as back-to-school time. Sort of like the holidays, going back to school each fall felt like an entire season—so much preparation and anticipation, all leading up to one big morning. It was shopping for new clothes and shoes, picking out backpacks and binders, and chattering with friends about teachers and classes. It was planning, excitement and butterflies.

As a mom just beginning the school years with my kids, the anticipation—and anxiety—hits just as hard as it did 30-odd years ago. Truth be told, this back-to-school season, my stomach is in knots. My 6-year-old is going into first grade—and going into a new school—and my heart twists when I think of him walking into a foreign classroom full of unfamiliar faces. The worry has been so overwhelming, I’ve even considered not sending him to this new school.

But that would be a mistake. Not just because I know deep down this move is the right one, but also because I’d be sheltering him in an unhealthy way. On page 22 we explore why parents are so uneasy with seeing their children struggle, but why it’s necessary that we step back and let them face hard things. Believe me, I know this is a tough one.

This issue delves into some other topics you might encounter as your kids head back to school. From sleepovers to ARD meetings, you’ll find expert advice on how to navigate this season and what comes with it.

And if you’re not quite to the school years yet, be sure to turn to page 58 for some things to do just for kids 4 and under. It’s a new part of our Playbook department that’s bursting with family fun ideas.

Here's

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ EDITOR IN CHIEF

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EDITORIAL

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Contributing Writers

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Katelin Walling

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Publishing Coordinator

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Web + Calendar Editor

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ART

Contributing Designer

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ADVERTISING

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Advertising Coordinator

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the great sleepover debate

More parents are saying no to sleepovers, but do the risks outweigh the rewards?

WORDS ERIN HAYES BURT

ELIZA KLEIN HAS A STANDARD answer when her 11-year-old daughter is invited to a sleepover. “I just kind of turn it around and say, well, she’s welcome to come to our house,” the Plano mom of two says.

Klein is much more comfortable hosting a sleepover than sending her kids to one. And she’s not alone—she’s one of many parents who find this once rite of childhood somewhat problematic. She’s among the growing camp of moms and dads declaring a no-sleepover rule.

And Klein’s decision only solidified recently, when a mom of her daughter’s friend repeatedly mixed up plans. To her, it seemed like a red flag. “I told my daughter if they can’t even remember who’s picking up their own kid, how can I trust that you can be at this house?” she says. “I just felt like there’s not enough oversight. So I did have to have a pretty open conversation with my daughter about it.”

Her reasoning is hard to argue with: Parents aren’t perfect, and bad things can happen at sleepovers. But might there also be benefits that kids could be missing out on?

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WHEN TRAGEDIES SPARK FEAR

The truth is, scary and tragic things have happened at sleepovers. In 2021, a Plano middle schooler attended a sleepover where the kids shot him with BB guns, forced him to drink urine, and videotaped it. In March of this overdosed at a sleepover at her own home when she and her friend both took Percocet laced with fentanyl.

Are parents scared? Should they be? Kate Miller, a therapist with East Dallas Therapy says it’s understandable that parents may have anxiety about sleepovers. But that anxiety, she says, is part of parenting.

“You can’t 100% make sure that they’re going to be safe at school. And kids just do wild things at home all the time, when the parents are in the room with [them],” she says. “So, while I understand that anxiety, it’s taking calculated risks.”

OPTING OUT

Now, Klein says thanks but no thanks. As the child of immigrants, she says her mom didn’t trust anyone enough to allow her to spend the night with them as a kid. “My rule about sleepovers is pretty much the way my mom was with us. I’m from El Salvador, and we came here when I was 6. Being in a new country, she just didn’t ever really develop a lot of trust.”

Klein’s kids only spend the night one-onone with family, and since they haven’t wanted anything more, her rule has never been a point of conflict. But Klein still feels like hers is the “unpopular” opinion. “I’m trying to be a little bit more open-minded about it, but also be very aware of the times,” she says.

IN DEFENSE OF SLEEPOVERS

There are a host of reasons parents are resisting sleepovers, such as opening the door to risky behavior, bullying or even abuse. But Miller feels we shouldn’t be too swift to cross them off the list of childhood experiences. “There are parts of sleepovers that are really special and it’s not the same doing it at any other point in life,” she says. “It’s a really valuable, special thing.”

Still sometimes it’s the kids, not the parents, who aren’t keen on the idea. Fort Worth mom Christy Youngs remembers that when her now teenage son was younger, he had some anxiety about being away from home. “I think it must have been one of his first [sleepovers]. I do remember there was a little hesitation of like, is he going to be OK all night?” she recalls. “I thought he might have more separation anxiety or not make it through the night. And I do recall afterward, he was like, ‘Yeah, I didn’t really enjoy that.’”

But Miller says that sleepovers can be a good experience for a child even if they don’t have the best time. “Let your kid try it on. Let

6 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE A SLEEPOVER

1 Is my child ready? Do they have the maturity to be separated from me all night and call me if needed?

2 How well do I know the family? Do I trust the parents and other children?

3 What kind of adult supervision will there be and who else will be present?

4 What are the rules of the household? Do they align with my values?

5 What safety and comfort contingencies can I put in place?

6 Does the family have firearms? Do I trust (or have I asked) that they are locked away?

your kid have fun, and even let them have a not-so-great time,” she says.

The calculated risk with sleepovers, Miller continues, is balancing safety with a child’s growing sense of autonomy. A sleepover can be an important developmental step for children, helping them practice independence and flexibility.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to be in a safe environment and experience time away from parents and time away from their routines,” Miller explains. “Routines are great and they make kids feel safe, but kids also need times where they’re out of routine and things are different to realize their own capability and kind of flexing those muscles. And one of the cool things about sleepovers is you get to see how other families have different rules and different ways that things work.”

LAYING THE GROUND RULES

Miller suggests parents letting their child go to a sleepover come up with a code word they can use if they feel unsafe or want to leave.

“Like if I get a text that says ‘sunflowers’ then I’m going straight over,” she says.

No cellphone? Youngs made sure her son knew he could ask an adult to call his parents. That’s important to do, says Emily Millican, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Terra Therapies in Fort Worth. “Communicate expectations to not only your child but also the adult at the home of the sleepover. Say to both child and adult, ‘My child can call me at any time, could they use your phone for that?’ This allows everyone to be on the same page and empowers your child that you said it in front of both them and the adult in charge. Scheduling check-in calls to speak with your child is OK.”

Jennifer Johnson, a nurse and mom of three from Fort Worth, says part of her criteria for sleepovers is trusting the adult knows her child well enough to call her if they thought her child needed her. “I had to know the parents fairly well and be able to trust that if anything happened that they were actually going to call me,” she says.

There were situations where the kids wanted to go to a new friend’s house that she didn’t know, and when that happened, Johnson says, they had a conversation about why they couldn’t go. “If you’re making rules like that, kids need to know why you’re making those rules. So, it really just was like, ‘look, I don’t know them. I don’t know what their lifestyle is, I don’t know what their home is like, and my job as your parent is to keep you safe. You might not like that answer as an 8-yearold, but it’s hard to argue with.’”

Millican says her policy at home is similar. “For us, sleepovers are very rare and selective. Our girls have only attended one friend sleepover, and one of the best parts that put our minds at ease for that was that they were going to be attending together.”

Miller says if your answer to a sleepover is no, helping your child understand why is important. “If it is no sleepovers because [that family lets] elementary-aged kids watch R-rated movies, then that’s just a really clear conversation about, like, they have different boundaries than we have and it’s not a good or bad thing, but this is an important one for us.”

FINDING FUN ALTERNATIVES

Unpopular opinions aside, there are many ways kids can have fun and experience independence without going to a oneon-one sleepover. The term “sleepunder” has been coined to describe going over to a friend’s house and staying up late, but then coming home to go to bed. Group sleepovers or sleepovers with siblings might be an option, or trips with camps, sports teams, church groups, etc.

Millican recently did a sleepover with her children and mom friends and found it to be a great way to relax and have fun in a new environment. “The moms-andkids sleepover is something I have actually done with some of my best friends and all of our kids, and it was so fun! We planned it on a weekend one of the dads was gone on business, and we had the best extended playdate/slumber party ever,” she says. “Our kids got the full sleepover experience, and we mamas had some muchneeded time together with each other as well. I highly recommend it.”

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BACK TO SCHOOL

A numerical look at spending, sleep, lunches and more

COMPILED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

FAMILIES ACROSS TEXAS are gearing up for the start of a new school year. Last year, Americans spent close to $37 billion replenishing apparel and supplies for back-to-school time. And that’s not the only big number this season. As we embark on another academic year, here’s a look at some facts and figures relating to back to school in Texas and beyond.

$ 864

What the average family with children in elementary through high school spends on backto-school supplies including electronics, clothes and shoes

2

30 MINUTES

The lunch period at schools in DFW

9 TO 12

The hours of sleep the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for school-age kids

RANK OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING AMONG SEASONAL CONSUMER SPENDING IN THE U.S. (ONLY THE WINTER HOLIDAYS BRING IN MORE)

25% THE AMOUNT OF TEXAS STUDENTS WHO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS EVERY DAY

26 MILLION

95% The immunization rate for incoming kindergartners in Texas 750,000

The number of lunches Dallas ISD serves a year

$10,400 THE AVERAGE PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION IN TEXAS

NEARLY

100,000

The number of North Texas students who received special education services during 2019-2020 school year

The estimated number of children in Texas who are homeschooled

153,861

The number of students in Dallas ISD, the second largest district in the state

Your parenting questions and dilemmas, solved

EDITED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

PICKY EATER PROBLEMS

THE EXPERT:

Mariana Ross

Registered Dietitian & Pediatric Specialist Doherty Nutrition, Addison and Southlake; dohertynutrition.com

Q: My 2-year-old hardly eats. I cook a healthy meal every day and it all goes in the trash because she only wants snacks. Is this just a phase or will she always be a picky eater? –Magdalena, Dallas

A: It is common for children to experience seasons of picky eating. Toddlers especially can have these periods as they discover limits and boundaries of the world around them. They are also exploring how to assert their independence, which can be expressed in ways such as dressing themselves and food choices. While this phase can be frustrating, parents can make the most of this stage by using children’s curiosity and individuality to make them more adventurous eaters.

One method of approach is Ellyn Satter’s “Division of Responsibility,” which explains the roles parents and children play in eating and food choices. Parents are in control of what and when their child eats, meaning parents get to decide what is on the plate for each meal and snack as well as what time those foods will be offered. Children are in control of how much they eat and if they want to eat.

I also encourage parents to offer one meal for the whole family, choosing one component that is a “safe” or familiar food for your toddler. This ensures there is at least one piece of the meal they are sure

to eat. Eating the same foods as the rest of the family can also help encourage kids to try different foods. Keep in mind that offering toddlers too many choices can be overwhelming, so if you are offering choices at mealtimes give them no more than two options to choose from.

When offering a new or unfamiliar food, allow your toddler to explore using all their senses. They might not eat this new food the first time it is on the plate; they may only touch it or lick it, which is a great first step in discovery. Keep offering these new foods since each time they are exposed it will allow for more opportunities to get familiar with this new food.

Another way to introduce a new food is outside of mealtime by allowing kids to play or explore without feeling any pressure to eat. For example, play tea party and have your child pretend to feed their toys or make it part of the game they are playing. Let their imaginations and curiosity continue to discover the different aspects of this food. Parents can also help by describing some of these aspects such as color, texture, smell, etc.

Lastly, find ways to safely incorporate children in the preparation of meals by helping season, mix, etc. This continues to allow for familiarization of foods but also gives them some ownership, which can help encourage children to try it at mealtimes.

Toddlers are not destined to be picky forever and parents can help them use play and curiosity to increase their palate. If you are struggling with how to plan meals around familiar foods, you can always reach out to a dietitian for help. A dietitian can also help if your child is struggling to gain weight in this phase. However, if your child is refusing all foods of certain textures or is only eating ten foods or less, it might be time to talk to your pediatrician or a Speech Language Pathologist to help increase variety.

Have a parenting question you’d like our experts to answer? Message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email editorial@dfwchild.com

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WHERE

Her quirky characters help kids feel seen

FROM NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE to homeschooling mom to children’s book authorillustrator, the path of Erika Lynne Jones’ life is one she would have never drawn up. And though she spends most afternoons sketching, painting or creating collages in her Plano home, she’s still getting used to calling herself an “artist.” Jones is the illustrator behind the fun and quirky art that brings two new picture books to life: The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice and Black Girls: A Celebration

of You by Dominique Furukawa, due out September 26. Now she’s at work illustrating her own children’s book, which will be published in the summer of 2025.

It’s all a new venture for the mom of three, who didn’t discover her artistic calling until she was in her 40s. “Nobody in third grade was saying ‘this child should pursue art,’” Jones laughed when we chatted with her recently about her work as an illustrator and a mom. “I didn’t have special talents, I cultivated them. You can always learn. And this feels very right.”

➽ ABOVE // Mom of three Erika Lynne Jones discovered she was an artist in her 40s.

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DFWCHILD: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY THAT LED TO YOU BECOMING AN ILLUSTRATOR?

ERIKA LYNNE JONES: I’ve always seen myself as a writer but not necessarily an artist— that didn’t start for me until much later. About nine years ago my mom passed away and to deal with it, I had a desire to make art; to make beautiful things because she liked beautiful things. It just made me feel closer to her. So I took any class I could find online–watercolor, drawing. I took one on how to draw characters for picture books and I loved that so much that I started taking more and more. Ultimately, I learned how to get an agent and put a portfolio together. I became agented in 2020 and got offers soon after.

WAS THIS A TALENT YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD?

ELJ: Yes, very much a surprise. I got together with my sister at Christmas and had a sketchbook out and she was like, ‘you’re an artist? You make art?’ Nobody knew. People I went to high school with were like ‘I didn’t know you were an artist.’ And I was like, I didn’t know either!

DO YOUR CHILDREN EVER INFORM YOUR WORK?

ELJ: When I submitted characters for The Loud Librarian, they narrowed it down to the one and said they really loved her, but they wanted me to make her louder. I didn’t know what they meant but it was my first time illustrating a book, and I felt like I should just know. So, I didn’t ask, I just said OK (laughs). Lo and behold my youngest daughter Sasha comes into the room getting ready for a play date and she has on this rainbow jumper, a top with designs all over the sleeves and these striped leggings. I was like 'are you going to wear that?' I didn’t criticize it, but to myself I thought, that is so loud. And it was an a-ha moment; I was able to translate that to the outfit to the character. I sent it to them and they said, ‘that’s perfect, she is it.’

WHAT VALUES ARE IMPORTANT IN THE PROJECTS YOU WORK ON?

Flournoy and illustrated by George Ford. It was one of the few at the time that I had in my personal library that had an African American family. It wasn’t something I even knew was missing until I read it, and I was drawn to it, it made me happy. And in the book, this child’s best time of day is when he’s home in the evening with his parents. As a kid I liked being at home with my family, it was when I felt safest and the most loved. So, I could really relate to that.

YOU HOMESCHOOL YOUR THREE DAUGHTERS. WHAT DREW YOU TO THAT?

ELJ: It helped that I had a friend who was doing it and doing it well. It might not have been on my radar if I hadn’t seen it. I liked that there didn’t seem to be barriers of age–kids played with each other over all ages. And I liked that the kids really seemed to know themselves. But if there was one word, I think it’s that I wanted freedom. I didn’t want to necessarily be bound to the schools’ schedule in life. And I wanted the freedom to choose the pieces and parts that we focused on.

WHAT’S SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT PARENTING?

ELJ: How consumed you become with what your kids are experiencing, whether that’s not-so-good stuff like seeing them struggle on the sports field or not getting selected for something they tried out for or dealing with a bullying situation. Even if it’s a win it can feel consuming. You feel like it’s happening to you even if it’s not.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MOM?

ELJ: I love cuddling! But also, I love that they’re fun to hang out with. They’re funny and smart and I like to see how they see the world. They’re great people, and I helped in creating them. To me that is very cool.

ARE THERE ANY HARD-AND-FAST RULES IN YOUR HOUSE?

12800 Mercer Parkway Farmers Branch, TX 75234

ELJ: I think children get important messages about their value and their worthiness by seeing themselves in pictures and in stories. I like to make sure that people who maybe aren’t normally represented, see themselves. You can only do so much with one picture book, but so much can be taught and healed through that. I also want children to know it’s OK to have normal emotions—to be angry or disappointed—and that there are healthy ways to feel and process that. The younger we can teach kids that, the healthier everybody will be.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK AS A KID?

ELJ: The Best Time of Day by Valerie

ELJ: I’m not really big on pronouncing rules. Anything I could say—don’t hit your sister, don’t stay up past that time—it’s been broken (laughs). I want them to know they are unconditionally loved. I can’t think of anything they could do or rule that they could break that would change that.

TELL US ABOUT A RECENT PROUD MOM MOMENT?

ELJ: I could call out one thing, like a good grade on a test, but it’s actually the little things, like realizing that they care about people who don’t live in our house. When they ask about someone who was sick or I see them hold the door for someone. That they’re thoughtful of other people makes me feel like, OK they’re good people. And that makes me really proud.

BIGGER PICTURE

Erika Lynne Jones spills her favorites and must-haves

FAVORITE 3 KIDS’ BOOKS

What books does a children’s book author-illustrator read to her kids?

Erika loves Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault and Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. “The thing that those all have in common is that they’re singing books,” says Erika. “I loved reading them, singing them, to my kids.”

MOMMY MUST-HAVE

For Texas summers Erika swears by Black Girl Sunscreen, a brand created with black skin and darker skin tones in mind. “We like it because it’s not made with a lot of chemicals, it’s made with zinc oxide. And it actually rubs in—it doesn’t leave the white streaks all over.”

BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN // blackgirlsunscreen.com; from $9.99

DATE NIGHT GO-TO

“We like places where we can go and walk and be spontaneous, pick a restaurant,” Erika says. On a night out with her husband Corey, they might head to The Shops at Legacy in Plano or stroll Deep Ellum. “We like to go out to eat, and we’re both artistic so we like a show, a play, a performance, or going somewhere we can listen to music.”

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY // 5741 Legacy Dr., Plano; 469/467-9995; shopsatlegacy.com

BEST-LOVED BOOK STOPS

“I love Interabang Books,” says Erika. “It’s a gathering place for people who love books, and they always have activities and events.” As for libraries? Erika heads to Schimelpfenig Library in her hometown because it’s close, convenient, and always full of new finds. The Richardson Public Library—where she's pictured, above, with her three daughters— is another favorite. “It’s pretty cool and inspiring, visually,” she says. “I went there when I was looking for inspiration for the book.”

INTERABANG BOOKS // 5600 W. Lovers Ln., Suite 142, Dallas; 214/484-4289; interabangbooks.com

SCHIMELPFENIG LIBRARY // 5024 Custer Rd., Plano; 972/769-4200; plano.gov

RICHARDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY // 900 Civic Center Dr., Richardson; 972/744-4350; cor.net

SWEET QUALITY TIME

For bonding time, Erika and her girls love unique experiences—especially if food is involved. A favorite find is Chocolate Secrets, a boutique and café featuring artisanal chocolates and live music. “We like to go somewhere special where we can all try a bunch of things,” she says.

CHOCOLATE SECRETS // 3926 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas; 214/2529801; mychocolatesecrets.com

Back off, Mom and Dad. Letting kids fail helps them succeed

PICTURE THIS: IT’S A FEW WEEKS into the school year and you’re getting the kids ready on a particularly hectic morning. In a mad dash they grab their lunches and backpacks and make it out the door just in the nick of time to catch the bus. Phew.

But then you see it. Your child’s science homework—the assignment they worked so hard on the night before—sitting on the coffee table.

It would be easy enough to drive that paper to the school and drop it off at the office. After all, they put so much time into it. Or you could leave it there, and hope it becomes a lesson in organization for your forgetful kiddo. What do you do?

WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

Years ago, writer and educator Jessica Lahey encountered this very predicament. There was a time when she would have picked the first option, and driven that worksheet to the school, saving her child from the consequences of forgotten homework. But then she made a shift when she began to look at her role as parent differently, and in a bestselling book, encourages other moms and dads to do the same.

“I had to stop equating the act of doing things for my children—saving them from themselves, scoring a smile and a hug when I showed up at school with a dropped mitten or toy—with good parenting,” she writes in The Gift of Failure Instead, she says good parenting means backing off instead of swooping in, and letting kids mess up, make mistakes and even fail.

But this concept runs counter to most of our instincts as parents. We want our kids to struggle? Even worse, to fail?

“It’s a tough one,” agrees Sara Loftin, a clinical therapist at Children’s Health in Dallas. “I think a lot of parents try to set their kids up for success by avoiding failure which seems to make sense, because those are opposites. But by avoiding failure in an attempt to raise successful kids, we’re actually doing them a disservice.”

THE OVERPARENTING PROBLEM

You’ve heard of helicopter parents who tirelessly hover too closely over their kids. What about Velcro parents? They’re overly involved and can’t let go. And then there’s the snowplow parents; they seek to remove all obstacles from their child’s path so they don’t experience pain, failure or discomfort.

Whatever you call it, experts say it’s a pandemic of overparenting—and it’s holding kids back. But what does overparenting really look like?

It’s easy to spot in adolescence, when a teen on the cusp of adulthood sort of “fails to launch,” says Loftin. But often, overparenting starts much earlier and it can be harder for parents of little kids to notice they’re doing it.

“Overparenting is something as mundane as a 3-year-old trying to put on clothes, and you see them get frustrated, so you dive in and just do it for them,” she says. “Or you see your child get into a disagreement on the playground, so you swoop in problem-solve for them.”

It’s all well-intentioned, says Amy Egan, an Allen-based parenting coach and owner of Texas Parenting. “Parents are wired to help their children avoid pain,” she explains. But too often, that translates into helping them avoid any struggle at all.

There are several other reasons parents might fall into the trap of overparenting. Maybe they’re determined not to parent the way their own parents did. Maybe they see their child’s successes or failures as a reflection of them. Maybe they just like to feel needed. But most often, it’s that parents are uncomfortable with their children experiencing negative feelings.

4 SIGNS YOU’RE OVERPARENTING

Could you be overparenting and not even realize it? First, do a self-check-in. Parenting coach Amy Egan suggests asking yourself how stressed you are to gauge your need for backing off. “So many parents get big stress relief when they back off of over-functioning for their kids,” she says. “Look at all the things they do for their kids and ask if the child is actually capable of some or all of it.” And consider if you’re doing any of the following:

▶ Do you take over a task when they get a little stuck?

▶ Do you put your child in a bubble? Are you not allowing them space to explore and develop independence?

▶ Have you ever called a teacher to ask for a better grade or “coached” your child’s coach?

▶ Do you rescue them from the consequences of their own mistakes, big or small?

“I realized when I delved into my parenting that I was trying to avoid my kids feeling these things because when they were upset, I was upset. So, I believe we are often trying to placate them to make ourselves feel better,” says Egan. “Discomfort and disappointment are a big part of real life. We humans need to practice dealing with it from early on.”

WHAT MESSAGES ARE WE SENDING?

The struggle to let kids face difficulties is hard for parents, but for children, the struggle is necessary. According to Lahey, research shows that children whose parents don’t allow them to struggle with something—let alone fail at it—are “less engaged, less enthusiastic about their education, less motivated and ultimately less successful than children whose parents support their autonomy.” Why? Because when we swoop in, we’re unknowingly telling them about their own competence.

“We’re sending them the message that ‘you’re not capable’ or ‘I don’t trust you to do this on your own,’” says Loftin.

Egan agrees, “If Mom or Dad are always fixing things for them the child never gets to learn they are capable of fixing their own mess-ups.”

We’re also sending that message that failure is bad; an always negative experience instead of something to learn from.

“We’re saying, it’s not OK to fail, you have to do it right, you have to be successful all the time,” says Loftin. “And if you have a fear of failing, you will try to avoid failure at all costs. And so when you do ultimately fail, because we all do, it will crush your entire self-concept or it will be something that you can’t pick yourself up from.”

Failure is a part of life. And experiencing it— and bouncing back from it—builds resilience. After all, think of the scientists or athletes who succeeded not in spite of failure, but because of it—and what they learned from it.

Instead of something to fear, we can frame failure as an opportunity for our kids. Loftin points to this example: In a counseling session with a sick child at Children’s Hospital they were stacking blocks. The child wanted to build a tall tower but kept constructed it in a way that it would topple over. There were tears, there were tantrums, there were outbursts. And Loftin could feel the child’s parents staring at her, seeming to ask, why wasn’t she just helping him build it?

When finally, after about ten tries, the boy built the tower to the top, he positively beamed with pride. And that small moment, his mother told Loftin years later, was a turning point in his treatment. He learned he could persevere and do hard things.

“What if we had just stepped in and done it for him?” said Loftin. “Then we would have robbed him of this opportunity to work so hard and figure it out and do it on his own. It seems like a little thing but it’s these small moments that build successful, self-reliant kids.”

HELPING KIDS FAIL

Leave those roadblocks in your child’s path. Let them struggle. And let them fail without stepping in to save them. Because ironically, failure is a key to success in life.

“In the future, kids who haven’t experienced failure are kids that can’t do for themselves. They can’t navigate social situations and they can’t stand up for themselves because they’re used to someone always fighting their battles for them,” warns Loftin. “They start to have this external locus of control … they can’t take ownership over what they can change themselves and how they can benefit their situation.”

On the other hand, children who are allowed the space to fail at something learn that they can recover and are more self-confident and emotionally strong.

So how can we help them fail? And then, how do we help them cope when they do?

It’s important to start when they’re little, says Egan. “It’s going to be much more challenging to allow your older child to fail and learn life lessons if you have not done so while they were young,” she explains. “When children learn from an early age they are responsible for restitution of their mistakes, and therefore learn they are capable of doing so, they are likely to be more responsible and confident when older. So, the big motivation for allowing failure when they are young is you are training them to handle the big stuff when they are older.”

For the youngest children, this might look like backing off and letting them struggle. Starting around age 3, take stock every month of new things they can do for themselves or the family.

Then around age 5, check in every birthday. Loftin suggests asking, “what can my child do now that they couldn’t do last month or last year? What’s a new responsibility? And bring them into that conversation.”

As children get older, give them space to make mistakes, then allow the natural or created consequences that follow. Encourage them to try new things—and show restraint when you see them about to flounder—to foster an attitude that failure is OK. And praise the process, not the outcome. This helps foster a growth mindset—the belief that one’s skills and qualities can be cultivated through effort and perseverance.

Then, when children do experience failure, be supportive, but don’t try to fix it.

“One thing parents try to do is solve the problem instead of just sitting there with them. We’re uncomfortable with their [negative] feelings so we say things like, ‘that’s OK you’ll make the team next time,’ or ‘you’re fine, don’t worry about it,’ instead of just saying, ‘yeah this really stinks,’” says Loftin.

She falls back on the “be with attitude,” a tenet of child centered play therapy: “I am here, I hear you, I understand, I care. But that doesn’t mean I have to make it right.”

Then, when they’re ready, move on. “Once the mistake is in the past it is very important the parent not continually remind the child of the lesson,” says Egan. “This sends the message that parent does not believe the child is capable of learning from the mistake.”

Another way to help kids through failure? By modeling it yourself. Offer a story about a time when you failed at something or let them see you make a misstep. “One of my favorite lines is ‘grownups make mistakes too,’” says Loftin.

WHEN TO STEP IN

Of course, there are times when parents should swoop in. “You never want your child’s life to be in danger or for them to experience serious harm,” says Egan. “And if your child is experiencing serious bullying it may be time to step in.”

For older kids, be mindful that their missteps aren’t signs of a mental health issue. If you’re concerned about an eating disorder or addiction, or if your child has become withdrawn or experiencing anhedonia, step in and find help.

But swooping in or standing back doesn’t have to be black-and-white, all-or-nothing. There can be some middle ground, says Loftin. Consider something like your child failing science class, where there could be a spectrum of ways parents get involved.

“On one end, I do all your homework for you. I nag you constantly to make sure you’re studying and then you don’t fail science. On the end, I watch you watch from a distance, don’t step in at all, and let you experience the natural consequence,” she says.  “I think here is where you find a middle ground. Have a discussion with them: ‘Hey, it seems like you’re on the path to fail science. I wonder what you can do to avoid that?’ Empower them to fix the problem.”

BOOKS TO HELP YOU AND YOUR CHILD WITH FAILURE

FOR PARENTS:

The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, by Jessica Lahey

How to Raise and Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success, by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Thrivers: The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, by Michele Borba Ed D.

FOR KIDS:

A Kids Book About Failure, by Dr. Laymon Hicks

The School of Failure: A Story About Success, by Rosie J. Pova

Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be, by Charlotte Fultz Jones

“DISCOMFORT AND DISAPPOINTMENT ARE A BIG PART OF REAL LIFE. WE NEED TO PRACTICE DEALING WITH IT FROM EARLY ON.”

–AMY EGAN

WELLNESS

SURE, YOU SCHEDULE THE WELL-CHILD VISITS , but childhood wellness is so much more than an annual checkup. From therapies for speech and vision to treatments for learning behavior or mental health, there are a plethora of resources for the whole child’s well-being. Here, our readers share their favorite Wellness Professionals in DFW. But before you dive into the list, take a look at these facts and figures covering all things kids’ wellness.

1 IN 6 U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year

15% 15%

THE AMOUNT OF SCHOOLAGE CHILDREN WHO HAVE SOME DEGREE OF HEARING LOSS

6 MONTHS

The timeframe after which professionals recommend a CHILD SEE A SPEECH THERAPIST FOR STUTTERING

1 IN 36 CHILDREN IS DIAGNOSED WITH AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

3

3 The age at which the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS RECOMMENDS VISION SCREENINGS START

133,375

133,375 ESTIMATED NUMBER OF NORTH TEXAS CHILDREN WHO SUFFER FROM AN EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE OR ADDICTIVE DISORDER

60%

60%

THE AMOUNT OF YOUTH TREATED WITH COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR ANXIETY WHO SEE A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN SYMPTOMS

7 AVERAGE AGE OF ADHD DIAGNOSIS

3 TO 12 THE AGES FOR WHICH PLAY THERAPY IS TYPICALLY USED

WELLNESS Mom Approved 2023

READER-NOMINATED AND TRUSTED BY PARENTS LIKE YOU

KELLER

ABA THERAPY COLLEYVILLE

Sanders, Alexandria

MA, BCBA, LBA

Behavioral Innovations

FORT WORTH

Franklin, Elisha RBT Allison’s Therapy Corner

Hoaldridge, Kayla BCBA, LBA

Lighthouse Therapy Center of Fort Worth

Keese, Jennifer MEd, CAS, BCBA, LBA

Concept Connections

See ad on page 34

FRISCO

Keese, Jennifer MEd, CAS, BCBA, LBA

Concept Connections

See ad on page 34

MCKINNEY

Coffey, Amanda PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, NADD-CC Behavior Network – Autism Treatment Center

PLANO

Keese, Jennifer MEd, CAS, BCBA, LBA

Concept Connections

See ad on page 34

ACUPUNCTURE

FLOWER MOUND

Wang, Calli MS, NCCAOM

North Texas Whole Health Wellness Center

Wang, Calli MS, NCCAOM

North Texas Whole Health Wellness Center

ART THERAPY

DFW AREA

Faver, Jordan MA, LPC, ATR

JF Counseling & Art Therapy, Faver Creative, PLLC

See ad on page 35

AUDIOLOGY

SOUTHLAKE

Pham, Bari AuD

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

BIOFEEDBACK

DALLAS

Hollmuller, Lindsay MS, LPC-S, BCB, BCN, NCC Dallas Integrative Counseling, LLC

CHIROPRACTIC ADDISON

Gowin, Courtney DC Free to Be Chiropractic

ALEDO

Ahlfinger, Kayla DC, Webster-certified

The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me

Hasbini, Leslie DC

The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me

Parker, Michelle DC, DACCP, IBCLC, Webster-certified

The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me

ALLEN

Castillo, Samuel DC Forever Wellness Family

Chiropractic

Secord, Evan DC, Webster-certified

M2 Chiropractic

ARGYLE

Bulkley, Emily DC

Embrace Balance Family

Chiropractic

Dupré, Spencer DC, Webster-certified

Empower Chiropractic Rapp, Stacy DC

Embrace Balance Family Chiropractic

ARLINGTON

Awwad, Nader DC

1st Choice Integrated Wellness Center

Darden-Jefferson, Michelle DC

Abundant Life Chiropractic

Peebles, Nikki DC, CACCP, Webster-certified Renew & Restore Wellness

BURLESON

Hosaka, Kristen DC, Webster-certified

Turning Point Wellness Center

Sorensen, James DC

Synaptic Chiropractic

CELINA

Wood, Colton DC, Webster-certified

True Light Chiropractic

Wood, Kelsey DC, Webster-certified True Light Chiropractic

COPPELL

Reed, Chris DC

House of Chiropractic, The

CROWLEY

Brauer, Sarah DC, LC, Webster-certified, PX Doc Chiropractic Wellness

Cafe, The

Butler, Brandon DC

Chiropractic Wellness

Cafe, The

Pinkerton, Autum MS, DC

Chiropractic Wellness

Cafe, The

Whaley, Rachel DC, Webster-certified Chiropractic Wellness

Cafe, The Winn-Milrany, Hannah DC, EMT-B, Webstercertified, Perinatalcertified

Chiropractic Wellness

Cafe, The

DALLAS

Asby, Brittney DC, Webster-certified

Dallas Synergy Chiropractic

Asby, Bryan DC, FOCUS-certified

Dallas Synergy Chiropractic

Carlin, Max DC, Webster-certified

Vibrant Life Chiropractic

Farrell, Kristi DC Back to Health Physical Medicine

Gore, Autumn DC

Cafe of Life Chiropractic

Gore, Tom DC

Cafe of Life Chiropractic

Hinkel, Brittany DC

Serving Life Chiropractic

Katz, Brianne DC, Webster-certified

Uprise Chiropractic

Kerkaert, Stephanie DC, Webster-certified

Mother Me Chiropractic

Meleski, Lexi DC

Our Wellness Community

Miller, Meier DC

Restoration Dallas

Chiropractic

Ortegon, Phillip DC

Cafe of Life Chiropractic

Pruett, Caitlin DC

Serving Life Chiropractic

Simmons, Brandy DC, Webster-certified The Wellness Hive

Weber, Denisa DC

Serving Life Chiropractic

Wuistinger, Jamie DC, Webster-certified Pro Motion Chiropractic

DENTON

Summers, Michelle DC

Optimal Health Chiropractic

DESOTO

Osarollor, JaNair DC, CACCP, Webster-certified Sow Graceful Chiropractic

FLOWER MOUND

Bookout, Morgan DC Best Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Le, Laura DC, CACCP, Webster-certified

Best Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center

COMPILED BY EMILY MCDANIEL

FORT WORTH

Foshion, Ally DC, Webster-certified

Inner Light Chiropractic

Lee, Abby DC

Lee Wellness Chiropractic

Scott, Mark DC, Webster-certified

Inner Light Chiropractic

Sowinski, Lindsay DC, Webster-certified

Inner Light Chiropractic

FRISCO

DeLeon, Chelsea DC, Webster-certified

Our Well House

Demaris, Clinton DC

Well Within Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Jackson, Nicole DC, Webster-certified

Grounded Wellness

Kahla, Courtney DC, Webster-certified

Our Well House

Katz, Brianne DC, Webster-certified

Uprise Chiropractic

Krempein, Margie DC, Webster-certified

Grounded Wellness

Larrington, Kendra DC, CACCP, Webstercertified, Perinatalcertified

Vital Motion Chiropractic

Le, Van DC

Stonebriar Family

Chiropractic

LeNormand, Christina DC, Webster-certified

Grounded Wellness

Pham, Linda DC

Injury Clinic, The

Rams, Sterling DC, Webster-certified

Our Well House

Spector, Ashley DC

Spector Chiropractic

GRAPEVINE

Ardoin, Adam DC

Liberated Chiropractic

Dierolf, Tyler DC, Webster-certified

Liberated Chiropractic

Moulton, Kael DC

Moulton Chiropractic

Worden, Nathan DC

Moulton Chiropractic

HASLET

Esparza, Nicole DC, Webster-certified

Platinum Family Chiropractic

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

Martz, Michelle DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CCN, CTN

Trinity Wellness Center, PC

IRVING

Peebles, Nikki DC, CACCP, Webster-certified

Renew & Restore Wellness

Pham, Linda DC

The Injury Clinic

Price, Jamienne DC

Mindful Chiropractic & Wellness

KELLER

Bulkley, Emily DC

Embrace Balance

Family Chiropractic

Herring, Jake DC, Webster-certified

Innate Connection Chiropractic

Himango, Morgan DC, Webster-certified

Alpha & Omega Chiropractic

Moore, Rachel DC

Align My Spine

Nguyen, Johnny DC

Thrive Chiropractic

Rapp, Stacy DC

Embrace Balance Family

Chiropractic

Traweek, Hannah DC, Webster-certified

Alpha & Omega Chiropractic

Uc, Stephany DC

Thrive Chiropractic

LEWISVILLE

Byrne, Kelly DC

Forever Young Chiropractic

MANSFIELD

Puente, Emily DC, CACCP, Webster-certified

Bridge Family Chiropractic

MCKINNEY

Anderson, Anika DC

Invigorate Chiropractic

Bhatia-Mendoza, Aanchal DC, Webster-certified

Tula Chiropractic & Wellness

Fisher, Elizabeth DC

Wellness in Motion

Chiropractic

Galipp, Amber DC, CST, Webster-certified

Legacy Family Chiropractic

Juneau, Christopher DC

Wellness in Motion

Chiropractic

Osterman, Lacey DC, PX Doc, Birthfit Leader, Webster-certified

Invigorate Chiropractic

Romanies, Jackie DC

Emerald Wellness & Dr.

Matt’s Wellness Center

NORTH RICHLAND

HILLS

Adetola, Yinka DC

North Hills Chiropractic Health Center

Paeltz, Justin DC, Webster-certified

City Point Chiropractic

Paeltz, Kara DC, Webstercertified, CST, SpBAP City Point Chiropractic

Taylor, Kirsten DC, MS, Webster-certified City Point Chiropractic

PLANO

Chin, Shannon DC Power & Life

Family Chiropractic

Farrar, Kevin DC

Farrar Family Chiropractic

Romanies, Jackie DC Emerald Wellness & Dr. Matt’s Wellness Center

PRINCETON

Renfroe, Reily DC, Webster-certified Origin Chiropractic

PROSPER

Rodriguez, Kara DC, PX Doc

Social House Chiropractic Walding, Collin DC, PX Doc

Social House Chiropractic

ROANOKE

Beck, Jenna DC

Bridlewood Chiropractic Roberts, Andrea DC, Webster-certified Essentials for Wellness

Family Chiropractic

ROCKWALL

Cardwell, Katrina DC

T3 Chiropractic

Conlon, Jessica DC

T3 Chiropractic

Marzluff, Cassidie DC, Webster-certified T3 Chiropractic

SOUTHLAKE

Godfrey, Mary Beth DC, Webster-certified Prime Chiropractic

Otteman, Matt DC KinActive Kids

Peebles, Nikki DC, CACCP, Webster-certified Renew & Restore Wellness

York, Meghan DC, CACCP, PX Doc, Webster-certified, Perinatal-certified

Loving Life Chiropractic

SUNNYVALE

Pankoke, Alexandria DC, Webster-certified Dr. Mama Bird at enKindle Chiropractic

Pankoke, Paul DC, Webster-certified enKindle Chiropractic

WEATHERFORD

Goode, Darcy DC, CAC, Webster-certified HQ Chiropractic TX

WYLIE

Blankenship, Meghan DC, Webster-certified Whole Life Chiropractic

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

FORT WORTH

Lewis, Emily MA, LPC, ASCDS-certified

Emily M. Lewis Counseling

FRISCO

Kazemi-Mohammadi, Leza (Reza) PhD, LPC-S

Kazmo Brain Center

Mena, Nicole MS, LPC-Associate

Kazmo Brain Center

PROSPER

Simmons, Brittany LMSW Connections Wellness Group

RICHARDSON

Hickox, Sarah MA, LPC, EMDR-certified Explore Counseling & Wellness

COUNSELING

ADDISON

Campbell, Kittie MS, LPC Kittie Campbell, LPC, PLLC

BENBROOK

Jennings, Kate LPC-S Bug & Bee, The COLLEYVILLE

Daugherty, April LCSW

Mid Cities Counseling Center, PLLC

See ad on page 34

Webb, Sascha MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC Well Counseling Center, The COPPELL

English, Amy MA, LPC Coppell Family Therapy

CROWLEY

Daugherty, April LCSW

Mid Cities Counseling Center, PLLC

See ad on page 34

DALLAS

Chavez, Jacqueline MEd, LPC

Mend Counseling

Gabel, Keila MSW, LMSW Center for Social Success

Gorena, Tori MA, LPC, RPT

Sparrow House Counseling

See ad on page 33

Griffing, Melissa MS, LPC, RPT, NBCC

WellNest Counseling

Jett, Noel PhD, LPC-Associate Center for Social Success

Kinsella, Karen MS, LPC, LMFT

Center for Social Success

Kiriaki, Romilyn MA, LPC, NCC

New Leaf Therapy Dallas

Lozano, Erin MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S

Center for Social Success

Min, Yunji LPC-Associate HOPE Child & Family Center of Texas

Palmer, Sunnie LMSW

Beckloff Behavioral Health Center

See ad on page 35

Scott, Ashley MS, LPC, RPT North Dallas

Counseling Group

Solley, Kayla MA, LPC, RPT, EMDR-trained HOPE Child & Family Center of Texas

Tabor, Hallie LPC, RPT HOPE Child & Family Center of Texas

Thomason, Erica MS, NCC, LPC HOPE Child & Family Center of Texas

Van Pelt, Emily PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S Emily Van Pelt, PhD

FARMERS BRANCH

Cepeda, Anita MA, LPC Taylor Counseling Group

FORT WORTH

Alvarez, Valerie DSW, LMSW EmpathyHQ

Blake, Jennifer MS, LCSW Brighter Possibilities

Family Counseling

Booher, Erin PhD, LPC-S, NCC Erin Booher Counseling Falk, Niels LCSW

Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Gill, Sarah LPC-S Terra Therapies, PLLC

See ad on page 33

Guhl Huckabay, Courtney LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC Terra Therapies, PLLC

See ad on page 33

Hackler, Rachael MS, LPC, EMDR-trained TrueSelf Counseling & Coaching, PLLC

Honardar, Rebecka “Becka” LPC

Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

mom approved

Hulce, Anreah LPCAssociate

Terra Therapies PLLC

See ad on page 33

Infinger, Andrew LPCAssociate, EMDR-trained Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Ishaq, Karishma MS, LPC

Charisma Counseling, PLLC

Johnson, Rhonda LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S, EMDRconsultant, SEP

Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Kallmeyer, Melinda LPC-S

EmpathyHQ

LeGrice, Lee PhD, LCSW

Dr. Lee LeGrice

Millican, Emily LCSW-S

Terra Therapies, PLLC

See ad on page 33

Nowlin, Brad LMFT, MBA

Brad Nowlin Counseling

Richard, Angelica LCSW

Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Smith, Rhonda MS, LPCAssociate

EmpathyHQ

Taylor, Anastasia “Stas”

MSSW, LCSW-S

EmpathyHQ

Thompson, Kareecia MS, LMFT-S, EMDR-trained

Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Villa, Gabriela “Gaby”

LMFT-Associate

Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Villanueva, Madison

LPC, NCC

Terra Therapies, PLLC

See ad on page 33

Wallace, Rane MS, LPC, LCDC, SAP

Fort Wellness Counseling

FRISCO

Bogaev, Emily MS, LPC, NCC

Bella Vista Counseling & Wellness

Dowell, Janet

MSW, LCSW

Kazmo Brain Center

Ericson Singhvi, Priya LPC-S, LMFT-S, EMDR-trained Meaningful Minds Therapy

Hoover, Samantha MS, NCC, LPC

Thorn & Rose Counseling

Lee, Kyung Hee “Kelly”

LPC-Associate

Life Tree Counseling Center, Inc.

Moein, Tannaz PhD, LPC-S

Kazmo Brain Center

Sam-Kpakra, Victoria LPC, NCC

Kazmo Brain Center

Smith, Allison MEd, LPC, RPT Kazmo Brain Center

Van Pelt, Emily PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S Emily Van Pelt, PhD

Vasquez, Pamela MS, LPC Kazmo Brain Center

KELLER Willis, Jennifer LPC, PMH-C Jennifer Willis, LPC PMH-C

PLANO

Fleming, Amy MA, LPC Gracestone Counseling

Koen, Traci LPC-S, RPT-S Brightway Counseling & Wellness

Manes, Gretchen MEd, LPC, RPT Gretchen Manes, MEd, LPC, RPT

Talamantez, Bryna LMFT Talamantez Therapy

Wisdom, Dean ThM, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC Wisdom Professional Counseling

WYLIE Hughes, Jennifer MA, LPC-S Sage Minds Counseling

Ruetz, Courtney LMFTAssociate Counseling Center of North Texas

CRANIOSACRAL FASCIAL THERAPY

DENTON

Black, Deleena LMT, CFT Its Fascianating Pediatric Therapy

ENERGY HEALING

DALLAS

Gachelin, Lorraine VSTCLP My Chakra Center

FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

FRISCO

Vitt, Carrie FNTP

Our Well House

HOLISTIC MEDICINE

FORT WORTH

Block, Mary Ann DO The Block Center

MANSFIELD

Métoyer, Melissa

MRC, RYT, RCYT

My Resurrection Fern

PARK CITIES

Métoyer, Melissa

MRC, RYT, RCYT

My Resurrection Fern

MASSAGE THERAPY

ADDISON

Morris, Liliana LMT/MTI

Lilies Healing Hands Massage & Body Work

FORT WORTH

Cariveau, Cristina LMT

Livewell Collective

Helm, Melanie LMT, CFT Four Rivers Massage Therapy

FRISCO

Morris, Liliana LMT/ MTI

Lilies Healing Hands Massage & Body Work

Santiago, Raoul LMT

Our Well House

MUSIC THERAPY

FORT WORTH

Michel, Madison MM, MT-BC

Heart & Harmony

Music Therapy

Tenpas, Jordan MT-BC

Heart & Harmony Music Therapy

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

ALLEN

Rees, Lindsay MOT, OTR Kidz Therapy Zone

BURLESON

Mullins, Megan OTR

Children’s Therapy Solution

Taylor, Sabrina OT

Children’s Therapy Solutions

COPPELL

Brobst, Amber OTR

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

DALLAS

Adair, Samantha PT, DPT, MS, OTR, SIPT Cert. Integrative Pediatric Therapy

Medley, Jemila MS, OTR/L, CES

Mommas in Motion

Reneau, Keelie MOT, OTR Theraplay Associates

FORT WORTH

Augustin, Ludine

OTD, OTR/L

Beelieve Pediatric Therapy

Smith, Carly MOT, OTR

Allison’s Therapy Corner

Tewmey, Laura MOT, BCBA, OTR/L

Tewmey OT

Vaughn, Lakin OTR

Genesis PT & Wellness

Whitfield, Julie OTD, OTR

Allison’s Therapy Corner

FRISCO

Brobst, Amber OTR

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

Youssef, Sarah OTR/L

Triumph Physical Therapy & Wellness Center

HURST

Jenson, Tricia OTR

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Keshishian, Megan OTR

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

JUSTIN

Brown, Terra OTR/L

Therapedia, LLC

KELLER

Brown, Terra OTR/L Therapedia, LLC

LEWISVILLE

Johnson, Jessica

OTR/L, CIMI

Thrive n Play

RICHARDSON

Hodge, Leeann MOT, OTR

A Therapy Connection

Lim, Daisy OTR

Comprehensive Therapy Services

McDougal, Liz MOT, OTR/L

Comprehensive Therapy Services

Whisenant, Lisa OTR

Genesis PT & Wellness

SOUTHLAKE

Fowler, Lauren OTR

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Hespe, Caitlin OTR

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE TREATMENT

SOUTHLAKE

Barker, Matthew DO

Integrative Pain & Wellness Center

PHYSICAL THERAPY ADDISON

Loupe, Ally PT, DPT

Genesis PT & Wellness

ALEDO

Berner, Nikki PT, DPT

Fem Method Pelvic Health, The

ARLINGTON

Abraham, Oluwayeni PT, DPT

Triggered Physical Therapy

Duncan, Josephine PT, DPT

Triggered Physical Therapy

Henry, Bryanna PT, DPT Triggered Physical Therapy

BURLESON

Love, Savannah PT, DPT, CPST

Children’s Therapy Solutions

COLLIN/DALLAS COUNTIES

Dougherty, Amie PT, DPT

Milestones at Play Physical Therapy & Wellness

DALLAS

Babb, Brynn DPT

Genesis PT & Wellness

DENTON/TARRANT COUNTIES

Short, Chasity PT

Blue Bee Collective, PLLC

FORT WORTH

Barrett, Allison PT, DPT

Beelieve Pediatric Therapy

Bowman, Jessica PT, DPT Livewell Collective

Holt, Jen PT, DPT

Genesis PT & Wellness

Miller, Hailey PT, DPT

Genesis PT & Wellness

Pellacani, Megan PT, DPT

Genesis PT & Wellness

Wright, Katherine PT, DPT, CLT

Livewell Collective

GARLAND

Jones, Abby PT, DPT Warren Center, The

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

Hanna, Rimoun PT, DPT Triumph Physical Therapy & Wellness Center

Schultz, Jena PT, DPT, PCS Driving Development

MCKINNEY

Basile, Morgan PT, DPT Fit Pelvis, The

Girlinghouse, Katy PT, DPT, PCES

Fit Pelvis, The

PROSPER

Basile, Morgan PT, DPT Fit Pelvis, The

SOUTHLAKE

Heisey, Emily PT, DPT KinActive Kids

PLAY THERAPY

ALEDO

Garrett-Farhat, Lisa MEd, LPC, RPT Farhat Family Counseling, PLLC

DALLAS

Mullins, Kimberly MA, LPC, RPT, EMDR-trained Open Table Counseling

Sewell, Erica MSW, LCSW-S, RPT, CAS Full Circle Counseling & Family Services

DENTON McCoy, Jason LCSW-S, RPT-S TREEfort Child & Family Therapy

FORT WORTH

Colatriano, Jaime LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR-trained Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Dorough, Chelsea LCSW-S, EMDR-certified Center for Counseling & Family Relationships

Johnson, Nikolaus “Nik” MS, LPC, RPT, EMDR-consultant Mind Matters PsychiatryMD

MCKINNEY

Schumann, Brandy PhD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, CCPT-S, CPRT-S Therapy on the Square

PLANO

D’Amore, Kelsey LPC-S, RPT, EMDR-trained

Connect To Thrive Counseling

Dunham, Katie LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR-trained

Connect To Thrive Counseling

House, Kim MEd, LPC-S, RPT

Brave Space Counseling

Rees, Sarah MS, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC

Brave Space Counseling

RICHARDSON

Ritzi, Rochelle PhD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, CCPT-S, CPRT-S

Bright Spot

Counseling Center

PRENATAL & POSTPARTUM YOGA

MCKINNEY

Lonn, Tory RYT500, RPYT, E-RYT200, YACEP The Fit Pelvis

PSYCHOLOGY

DALLAS De Jesús-Pérez, Marisol PhD

The Center for Integrative Counseling & Psychology

FRISCO

Kirmse, Raquel PsyD

Pediatric Neuropsychological Services

See ad on page 34

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

FRISCO

Sullivan, Jean RDN, LD Vitalfood Therapy LLC

SPEECH THERAPY

ADDISON

Rollins, Amanda MS, CCC-SLP

Kidspeak, LLC

ALEDO

Bullock, Jacey MS, CCC-SLP

KLC Pediatric Therapy

ALLEN

Nopper, Kim MS, CCC-SLP

Kidz Therapy Zone

ARLINGTON

Taylor, Nancy MEd, CCC-SLP

Shine Behavioral

BURLESON

Crouch, Sydni MS, CCC-SLP

Children’s Therapy Solutions

McCarley, Heather MS, CCC-SLP

Children’s Therapy Solution

Stepan, Emilee MS, CCC-SLP

Children’s Therapy Solution

Turner, Mackenzie SLP-Assistant

Children’s Therapy Solutions

Watkins, Hannah MS, CCC-SLP

Children’s Therapy Solutions

COPPELL

Augustine, Molly MS, CCC-SLP

Holland Speech & Consulting

Cato, Jamie MS, CCC-SLP Holland Speech & Consulting

Centeno, Daniela MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT Monkey Mouths Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Morgan, Kelsie MS, CCC-SLP Holland Speech & Consulting

DALLAS

Betzen, Rachel MA, CCC-SLP Dallas Reading & Language Services

Brown, Allison MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S Children’s Health Rehabilitation & Therapy Services, Cityville

Chambers, Sarah MS, CCC-SLP Chatterbox Therapy Center

Coates, Clare MS, CCC-SLP Creating Voices

Davidson, Megan MS, CCC-SLP

Creating Voices

Friedman, Laura MS, CCC-SLP Bloom Speech & Language Therapy

Grant, Annie MS, SLP-A, CF-SLP

Social Communication Connection

Martin, Meg MS, CCC-SLP

Social Communication Connection

McFarlin, Michelle MS, CCC-SLP

Social Communication Connection

Runyan, Alexandra MS, CCC-SLP

Social Communication Connection

Shirmanesh, Mitra MS, CCC-SLP

Tulips Feeding & Speech Resources

Thompson, Ramie MS, CCC-SLP Callier Center for Communication Disorders

Tuttle, Kandace BS, SLPA Chatterbox Therapy Center

FORT WORTH

Dailey, Melissa MS, CCC-SLP

Allison’s Therapy Corner

Greene, Grace MS, CCC-SLP

Allison’s Therapy Corner

Henslee, Shanielle MS, CCC-SLP

Allison’s Therapy Corner

Holt, Shelby MS, CCC-SLP

Allison’s Therapy Corner

Jordan, Hayley MA, CCC-SLP

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Miller, Cady MS, CCC-SLP

Little Voices Speech & Language Therapy

Mills, Allison MS, CCC-SLP

Allison’s Therapy Corner

Romagosa, Michelle

MS, CCC-SLP

Allison’s Therapy Corner

FRISCO

Estep, Leah MS, CCCSLP, CAIP, ADHD-RSP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Gianni, Ciera MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, CAIP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Heard, Marissa MS, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Nelson, Allison MS, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Roddy, Jeanine MA, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Schoenemann, Keri MS, CCC-SLP, CAIP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Vovakes, Ariel MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

HURST

Wilson, Rhonda MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, ASDCS

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

IRVING

Jackson, McKenna MS, CCC-SLP

First Steps Pediatric Therapy Specialists

MCKINNEY

Larson, Brittany MS, CCC-SLP, CAIP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Olson, Maggie MS, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Roddy, Jeanine MA, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

PROSPER

Magloire, Tamika MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, CAIP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Nelson, Allison MS, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

Roddy, Jeanine MA, CCC-SLP

Frisco Feeding & Speech Therapy

RICHARDSON

Ledbetter, Kendra CCC-SLP

Comprehensive Therapy Services

SOUTHLAKE

Callahan, Catherine MS, CCC-SLP

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Church, Marcia MA, CCC-SLP

Pediatric Speech Stars

Gerbing, Grace MS, CCC-SLP

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Parkinson, Vanessa BSc Hons, CCC-SLP

Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

Woodby, Emily MS, CCC-SLP Monkey Mouths

Pediatric Therapy

See ad on page 32

COLLIN COUNTY

Hancock, Christian MS, CCC-SLP

Heart & Soul Speech

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

DFW AREA

Mathew, Jasmine CTRS

Jasmine’s Beat

Amber Brobst, OTR; Catherine Callahan, M.S., CCC-SLP;

Daniela Centeno, M.S., CCC-SLP, C/NDT; Lauren Fowler, OTR;

Grace Gerbing, M.S., CCC-SLP; Caitlin Hespe, OTR; Tricia Jenson, OTR; Hayley Jordan, M.A., CCC-SLP; Megan Keshishian, OTR; Vanessa Parkinson, BSc. Hons, CCC-SLP; Bari Pham, AuD;

Rhonda Wilson, M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC, ASDCS & Emily Woodby, M.S., CCC-SLP Audiology, Occupational Therapy & Speech Therapy

Monkey Mouths is the premier pediatric speech pathology, occupational/feeding therapy, and audiology provider in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With more than 19 years serving the community, we have grown from a small practice to six locations, all while maintaining our signature level of care and commitment to improving the lives of our patients and families. We see patients in clinic in the following locations: Coppell, Fort Worth, Frisco, Hurst, Southlake and Stephenville.

Our mission is simple; to love others well. We believe that every patient is unique, and our therapists are the best in their fields, creating a path forward for each child. We are highly collaborative, and compassion and innovation are the cornerstones of our work with patients and their families.

Scheduling a timely evaluation and treatment are a priority for us! We look forward to working with your child. Call to schedule an evaluation today at 817-479-7019 or visit our website at monkeymouths.com

Monkey Mouths Pediatric Therapy

Offices in Coppell, Fort Worth, Frisco, Hurst, Southlake & Stephenville

817-479-7019

monkeymouths.com

Amber Brobst, OTR Catherine Callahan, M.S., CCC-SLP

Daniela Centeno, M.S., CCC-SLP, C/NDT

Grace Gerbing, M.S., CCC-SLP

Caitlin Hespe, OTR

Megan Keshishian, OTR

Vanessa Parkinson, BSc. Hons, CCC-SLP

Bari Pham, AuD

Rhonda Wilson, M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC, ASDCS

Emily Woodby, M.S., CCC-SLP

Tori Gorena MA, LPC, RPT Counseling

Sparrow House Counseling is led by a passionate team of licensed professional counselors and psychologists who each have a heart to serve and provide both individuals and families with high-quality care.

Our child and adolescent team specializes in CBT, PCIT (parent child interaction therapy), play therapy, parent consultation, and evaluations for autism, learning disabilities and ADHD. Our goal is to work with a family to promote the health and well-being of each child/teen. We utilize evidence-based interventions (meaning interventions that have been proven to be efficacious in research and practice) to treat a variety of pediatric concerns.

We want to congratulate our Mom Approved child and adolescent therapist Tori Gorena! Tori’s areas of clinical work include anxiety, parenting struggles, depression, play therapy, grief, trauma and behavioral concerns in children and teenagers. She finds great purpose in walking alongside children and teenagers as they are finding healing in the midst of struggle. She joins our previously awarded Mom Approved psychologist Dr. Cristina Sevadjian and therapist Jessie Skinner!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Sparrow House Counseling Instagram: @sparrowhousecounseling

Sparrow House Counseling 8150 N. Central Expy., Suite M-1065 Dallas, TX 75206 214-736-9955

sparrowhousecounseling.com

Courtney Guhl Huckabay LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC; Emily Millican LCSW-S; Madison Villanueva LPC, NCC; Sarah Gill LPC-S & Anreah Hulce LPC-Associate Counseling

3x Mom Approved

Terra Therapies is in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, on the Trinity Trails. Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional, and ethical mental health services to the DFW community. Our therapists tailor mental health services to each individual client, focusing on creating a welcoming, non-judgmental and positive environment for everyone that we serve.

Terra Therapies provides in-person and virtual counseling services to people of all ages including traditional talk therapy, child and adolescent counseling, play therapy, group counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, parent support, expressive arts therapy, EMDR therapy, and therapeutic intensive counseling sessions.

Terra Therapies, PLLC 3200 Riverfront Dr., Ste. 108 Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-887-9505

info@TerraTherapiesTX.com

TerraTherapiesTX.com

Courtney Guhl Huckabay, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, is the founder and owner of Terra Therapies and has grown our therapeutic mental health practice to include a well-rounded team of specialists that can meet the needs of our DFW community. Courtney Guhl Huckabay, Emily Millican, Madison Villanueva, Sarah Gill, and Anreah Hulce are honored to be nominated by our clients to be included in the ranks of other professional wellness providers and hope to continue to serve the DFW community with mental health services for all ages.

Jennifer Keese MEd, CAS, BCBA, LBA

ABA Therapy

2x Mom Approved

For 10 years Concept Connections has provided quality ABA therapy to children, teens and adults on the spectrum. We specialize in verbal behavior ABA therapy. Verbal behavior focuses on communication and relationship building as the keys to behavior improvement, learning and self-esteem. Our centers offer ABA, OT, speech, music therapy, social skills groups and educational services.

Our founder Jennifer Keese has been in the field of autism intervention for over 20 years. Jennifer is a teacher, BCBA, certified autism specialist and mother to a son on the spectrum. Jennifer founded Wind Rose Academy in 2018 to provide individualized educational and vocational training to students on the autism spectrum.

Concept Connection Autism Centers are located at:

Fort Worth: 1309 Washington Ave., Fort Worth, TX • No wait list

Frisco: 6814 Lebanon Rd., Suite 101, Frisco, TX

Plano: 1717 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, TX • No wait list

Concept Connections

972-786-4093

info@concept-connections.com concept-connections.com

April Daugherty LCSW

Counseling

Mid Cities Counseling Center is an experienced group practice with offices in Crowley and Colleyville that sees clients ages 4 and up . We provide individual, couples and family therapy through a variation of evidenced-based treatments: DBT, CBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, Tribunal, and play therapy. We are knowledgeable and compassionate therapists who provide therapeutic intervention to improve our client’s mental health and emotional well-being. We have providers that are EMDR Trained, Gottman Trained, Certified Clinical Trauma, Certified Anger Management, Certified Prepare Enrich Couples. We provide services in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with flexible scheduling, reduced fee and insurance options. Schedule online or call to begin the journey.

Mid Cities Counseling Center, PLLC 805 FM Rd. 1187, Suite B Crowley, TX 76036  5005 Colleyville Blvd., Suite 211 Colleyville, TX 76034  817-888-8131 • midcitiescounseling.com

Raquel Kirmse PsyD

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Pediatric Neuropsychological Services specializes in the assessment of children from the ages of 2 and up to college entry. Neuropsychological assessments can help families understand their children and the impact that their symptoms or difficulties may have at school and/or at home. Evaluations are comprehensive and catered specifically for each child, in order to provide parents with a personalized plan to support each child.

Pediatric Neuropsychological Services

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Ste. 240 Frisco, TX 75034 469-887-0208

pedsneurotx.com

Jordan Faver MA, LPC, ATR Art Therapy

If traditional therapy may not have worked for you in the past, you’re in the right place.  Art Therapy in Counseling is more about the creative process rather than the final product, so there’s no need to be Picasso here! It’s my aim to create a therapeutic environment where you feel seen and heard while utilizing creative expression to expedite your healing journey. Call now for your free consultation!

JF Counseling & Art Therapy, Faver Creative, PLLC Telehealth: 817-832-4319 jordanfaver.com • favercreativepllc.com

Sunnie Palmer, LMSW Counseling

Sunnie is simply an amazing therapist for kids, teens and adults. Sunnie enjoys working with preschool-age children, neurodiverse children and adults, and separated or divorced parents who struggle with co-parenting. She is especially ‘in tune’ with families going through divorce, having worked in a law office as a paralegal for a number of years. Sunnie is very deserving of this honor, as she has proven to be exceptional in so many respects at Beckloff Behavioral Health Center. You can be sure of having an excellent experience with Sunnie as well as our other amazing professionals at our center. Beckloff Behavioral Health Center 17210 Campbell Rd., Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75252 972-250-1700 • drbeckloff.com

special needs.

MAYBE

IT’S

ALL new and confusing. Maybe it’s something you’ve done for years. But if you have a child with special needs, you know the ARD meeting is a key in your child’s education.

This annual meeting can feel stressful for even the most seasoned parents of kids with unique needs. But you can go into it prepared and ready to talk through your child’s diagnosis, education and accommodations if you do a little work in advance. Here’s how.

BRUSH UP ON THE BASICS

ARD stands for Admission, Review and Dismissal, a meeting to review your child’s eligibility for special education and related services. Once your child is determined eligible, you’ll work with a team of general and special education teachers, service providers and administrators to review your student’s current level of academic functioning and performance and create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

The IEP will identify your child’s academic goals and objectives for the school year, what related services they will need and where those services will be implemented, says Sharon Ramage, J.D., who practices special education law with The Ramage Law Group in McKinney.

While ARDs are required to be held annually, you can call additional meetings if you think they’re necessary (like if your child isn’t showing progress or there are any issues with the current IEP), says Melissa Griffiths, advocate, speaker, trainer and owner of DFW Advocacy. But she cautions that they shouldn’t be called excessively. If you do want to request an additional meeting, it must be done in writing, and “the rules say the school shall promptly convene the ARD meeting,” Ramage says.

How to prepare for the annual meeting to be your child’s best advocate

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Know Your Rights

In ARD meetings, as a parent of a child with special needs, you have the right to:

• Be a meaningful participant in the development of the program

• Ask questions if you don’t understand something

• Request an independent educational evaluation (at the school’s expense) if you disagree with the school’s evaluation

• Ask for the meeting to be recorded

• Sign the IEP in disagreement

• At least five days’ notice before an ARD meeting

• Ask for a break or to reconvene the meeting at a later date if everyone can’t come to agreement

• Bring someone with you to the ARD (an advocate, attorney or anyone with specific knowledge of the child)

• Request for due process with the TEA if you don’t agree that the school district is giving your child an appropriate education or if you don’t agree with your child’s evaluation, educational placement or the services they need.

WHAT TO KNOW AND BRING

Once you have an ARD meeting scheduled, it’s normal to feel anxious but there are things you can do ahead of time to reduce some of those unsettling feelings.

It’s a good idea to get a list of acronyms that are commonly used during ARDs, so you know what exactly is being discussed. Texas Education Agency’s spedtex.org is a good resource for this. And if you need clarification once you’re in the meeting, don’t hesitate to ask.

If your child already has an existing IEP, read it through and make sure you understand everything. Jot down any new skills your child has developed, any areas they’re struggling in, if anything could be done better or differently, what you liked about the previous school year and any questions you may have.

Ramage also recommends reviewing your child’s progress reports and evaluations, so you can go into the meeting with a prioritized list of what you want for your child. She cautions that you likely won’t get on your list, so come prepared with data and documentation for what you feel is most important.

In addition to progress reports, Atwood suggests getting records of the services your child has been receiving in school. This way, you can see documentation of their work

There are a few other things you should review and bring with you to the meeting, including independent evaluations (if you have them), progress reports from outside therapy providers and/or tutors and information about how your child is at home. Griffiths also suggests writing an “about me” page

for your child and updating it annually to include things like your child’s likes and dislikes, how to best interact or not interact with your child and a photo to give the school a more holistic picture of your child.

And don’t forget a notebook to jot down notes, questions or ideas during the meeting.

CHANNEL EMOTIONS INTO ADVOCACY

ARD meetings can be very emotional for parents for many reasons. They can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. You might feel outnumbered with how many people from the school are in the meeting. And you’re discussing areas in which your child is struggling compared to their peers.

Atwood, Griffiths and Ramage suggest the following tactics to keep the emotions at bay and be the best advocate for your child:

• Stay focused on your child and their needs.

• Bring support if you think you’ll need it.

• Be knowledgeable and firm about what your child’s needs are.

• Speak in a clear, calm voice. In Ramage’s experience, when a parent gets emotional in a meeting, the school can become defensive.

Above all, Griffiths recommends you “try really hard to take it from that perspective of, this information sounds difficult, but it doesn’t mean that [your] child is not important or is not going to progress or is not going to be successful in life,” she says. “It’s just this is, at this point in time, where they’re struggling, and these are the things that we can work on.”

WORDS KATELIN WALLING

SENSORY PLAY, DELIVERED

Curated boxes for kids with unique needs

sUBSCRIPTION BOXES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY seem to be everywhere we look these days, from crafts, fitness and self-care to clothing, books and snacks. And with good reason too: They’re curated experiences sent directly to you—and who doesn’t love getting mail that isn’t bills and junk?

There are even boxes created just to bring sensory play right to your door. While this type of play is beneficial for all children, it’s particularly beneficial for those who are neurodivergent, says Dr. Sara Feldman, a

DFWChild Mom-Approved ABA therapy provider and CEO and owner of The Helm ABA, which has locations in Dallas, Allen, Lewisville, Irving and Denton. The benefits can be twofold: regulation and reinforcement.

“Within therapy settings, sometimes kiddos will want to have access to [sensory toys] as an opportunity to help regulate themselves and prepare themselves to learn and then other times kids will want to work for something,” Feldman says. “So one is ‘I’m using it to regulate, so I’m able to learn’ and the other would be, ‘That’s my preferred way to engage in fun and recreation.’”

KEEP IN MIND that while there are age ranges listed for each sensory subscription box, these are general guidelines. You know your child’s independence, learning and developmental levels and needs, so you’ll know which box is most suitable for your child. Here’s a look at some of our favorites:

BOX OF SENSORY TOYS

This sensory toy subscription box for children was created by a long-time K–12 educator-turned-therapist, and Feldman says she wouldn’t be hesitant to get it for kids of all ages. There are four box options to choose from (monthly boxes come with six to eight toys and quarterly boxes come with nine to 12 toys), and each has girl, boy and unisex options.

All items included in the boxes are chosen based on their therapeutic or skill-building benefits, like fidgets, putty and items for oral motor, fine motor and/or gross motor skills. Feldman particularly likes the idea of the themed boxes that are occasionally available. It’s “a nice way for grandparents to be able to give something that’s actually useful because gifting for kiddos that are on the spectrum can kind of be hit or miss,” she says.

increase emotional regulation. Each PRE (proactive regulatory experience) Box includes a PRE Story about the situation, visual cues for children to understand what will happen, tips for parents on how to talk to and prepare their kids and ideas to play with what’s included in the box.

Other items in the box include toys that look like real things your child would encounter. The doctor sensory box, for example, comes with toy versions of doctors’ tools (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, bandages, etc.) and Play-Doh. “This box is really cool. And I haven’t seen anything like that out there,” Feldman says. “It gives you all the different things that you could think about if you needed to talk about [an experience] like, ‘We’re going on an airplane, what would that be like?’ So it’s almost like a sensory desensitization opportunity as well.”

integration disorder. The store specializes in sensory solutions for children of all ages and diagnoses, from weighted blankets and compression clothing to sensory toys and aromatherapy.

The sensory packs are targeted to your child’s specific needs, including sensory tools for frustration, textural input variety pack, age-based sensory input variety packs, homework and remote learning focus pack and a durable fidget pack. Because they target specific needs, Feldman says they’re a great option once you know what your child likes and needs. And just like the other options, these packs can be delivered right to your door.

Ages: All ages

Price: $75 per sensory pack, available for purchase online or in-store Find it: 1220 Coit Road, Suite 102, Plano; stacyssensorysolutions.com

Durability: If you have a child who enjoys chewies, or an oral-motor input, you’ll want to make sure those items are very sturdy and safe.

Affordability: Is the box cost-effective and does it fit within your budget?

Variety: If you’re not sure what kind of input your child prefers, look for a box that includes multiple types of sensory inputs to explore. That way, you’ll be able to narrow down what specifically your child is drawn to.

Ages: Fidget toy box: 8–12; VIP box of sensory toys: 4–9; school sensory box: K–5th grades; Teen sensory box: 13 and older

Price: $26.99 fidget toy box (monthly); $45.95 VIP box of sensory toys (monthly); $75.95 school sensory box (quarterly); $75.95 teen sensory box (quarterly) Find it: boxofsensorytoys.com

PRE BOX

This sensory subscription box was created by two Dallas-based pediatric speech-language pathologists, utilizing the Emotional Regulation Approach to prepare children for new experiences like going to the dentist or getting a haircut, and

Ages: 3 and older

Price: $52 for 1 month; $50 per month for three-month and sixmonth subscriptions Find it: getmyprebox.com

STACY’S SENSORY SOLUTIONS

While this isn’t technically a subscription box, Feldman says Stacy’s Sensory Solutions store in Plano is one of her go-to recommendations for sensory toys. The inspiration for the Plano store came from Stacy creating products for her oldest daughter, long before she was diagnosed with sensory

When choosing a sensory box for your child, Feldman recommends keeping a few things in mind:

LinkED gives comprehensive neuroeducational testing to determine your child's learning profile, learning differences or disabilities, ADHD or autism. LinkED also gives educational consultations and Highlands aptitude testing for college and career.

www.link-ed.org

Where you can get the answers you need.

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

FUN FOR ALL

8 events for kids of differing abilities

MEOW WOLF

Open daily year-round

GRAPEVINE MILLS

The only thing more fascinating than this immersive, permanent exhibition that debuted over the summer (the first in Texas) is that it’s also a Certified Autism Center. That means the staff has been trained in interacting with and supporting visitors with autism. Ask about the free sensory bags with noise reduction headphones, sunglasses and sensory toys and—later this year—for the visual description for blind and low vision guests. Admission from $45 for adults; $40 for children; under 4 free. 866/636-9969; meowwolf.com

SPECIAL NEEDS

MOVIE SCREENINGS

August 19–October 7

STUDIO MOVIE GRILL, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Excited for summer blockbusters on the big screens but don’t love

the booming speaker systems? Us too. That’s why this chain of theaters turns down the volume, leaves the house lights up and encourages free movement during these Saturday morning showtimes. Catch new releases Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on August 19, Blue Beetle on September 2 and  Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie on October 7 at theaters in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano and The Colony. FREE 469/405-8529; studiomoviegrill.com

HUGAPALOOZA

August 26

KLYDE WARREN PARK, DALLAS

There will surely be lots of hugging, yes, but this event is really a singalong concert made by music therapists for kids to feel the love. And this year’s hug-fest heads outdoors to Dallas’ front lawn. Bring your 2 to 10-year-olds on this Saturday morning for the concert, plus light

refreshments and a special needs resource fair. FREE 817/268-0020; kidlinks.org

DANCING QUEEN

September 1–3

WILLOW BEND CENTER OF THE ARTS, PLANO

It’s a disco party on Labor Day weekend when the North Texas Performing Arts’ Starcatchers troupe performs the music of ABBA. See the all-ages musical, a Mamma Mia! adaptation choreographed by Mom-Approved Recreational Therapist Jasmine Mathew, on stage at Rodenbaugh Theatre. $12 advance tickets; $25 for front row. 972/422-2575; ntpa.org/starcatchers

WALK-N-ROLL FOR SBANT

September 9

BURGER’S LAKE, FORT WORTH

On the Saturday after Labor Day, keep the water fun going during the Spina Bifida Association of

North Texas’ 14th annual family picnic. After a half-mile walk and roll around this spring-fed swimming hole, parents are welcome to take their kids for a dip in the clear water, which has several zero-entry areas, and enjoy games and a free lunch. Register by September 1. FREE 214/728-9294; walknrollforsbant.org

AUTISM SPEAKS WALK

September 16

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, FORT WORTH

Movement, activities, friendship and solidarity—That’s why families continue to turn out for this annual fundraising walk. If the crowd gets too crowded, feel free to retreat to the designated quiet space. And if Fort Worth is too far a hop, save the date for the November 4 walk at Grandscape in The Colony. Free to walk; fundraising encouraged. 469/810-1158; autismspeakswalk.org/dfw

DOGFEST DFW

September 30

THE SOUND AT CYPRESS

WATERS, DALLAS

Do you have a trained service dog? Or an otherwise lovable family dog?

Bring them with you to this annual party hosted by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that provides expertly trained service dogs to those with disabilities—for free. Help support their mission by registering for this family fun day of dogthemed games and more activities for kids. FREE Fundraising is encouraged. 214/259-4670; canine.org/dogfestdfw

STATE FAIR SENSORY

FRIENDLY MORNINGS

October 4–18

FAIR PARK, DALLAS

Think a trip to the fair is out of reach for your child? Maybe not. Plan your trip for a Wednesday between 10am and 1pm when the midway silences its usually raucous noises and flashing lights so all guests can explore the game booths and other entertainment in a calmer environment.

Stay tuned for more details about designated quiet zones where you can break away from the madding crowds. Daily admission from $15 for adults and $10 for children; under 3 free. 214/565-9931; bigtex.com

Explore Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal, a new immersive arts exhibition in Grapevine that’s also a Certified Autism Center.

vnatexas.org

VNA Children’s Haven provides compassionate, expert care for patients (prenatal to age 21) and their families living with serious illness. Our team will provide the support and care needed in the comfort of your home.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit, please contact Aaron (469) 781-6774 or gethelp@vnatexas.org

School GUIDE

Are you looking for a school that’s as passionate about your child’s education as you are? Get to know the institutions that excel in fostering a lifetime of learning.

Preston Hollow Presbyterian School

Individualized instruction for students who learn differently

Preston Hollow Presbyterian School is Dallas’ oldest private school dedicated to educating bright children with mild to moderate learning differences.

SERVING GRADES K–6TH

Applications open in October for the 2024-25 school year

For more information about our program and tours, visit our website at www.phps.org

9800 PRESTON RD. | DALLAS, TX 75230 | 214-368-3886

After-School Activites Directory

AGES

Arise Acting Studio

DFW area

817/488-0009 • ariseactingstudio.com

Coco Coders cococoders.com/?aid=yqo306

Gideon Math & Reading

DFW area

855/344-3366 • gideonmathandreading.com

Gymboree Play and Music Southlake

Southlake • 817/421-9300

gymboreeclasses.com/en/locations/tx/southlake

Kimbell Art Museum

Fort Worth

817/332-8451 • kimbellart.org

Margo Dean School of Ballet

Fort Worth

817/738-7915 • margodeanballet.com

National Children's Chorus: Dallas Chapter Dallas nationalchildrenschorus.com

North Texas Performing Arts

Plano, Fairview, Frisco, Dallas, Southlake

972/422-2575 • ntpa.org

River Legacy Nature Center Arlington

817/860-6752 • riverlegacy.org

RSM (Russian School of Mathematics)

Coppell, Plano 469/963-0090 • mathschool.com/locations/coppell

Stemtree of North Dallas

Dallas • 469/972-7836

stemtree-of-north-dallas.jumbula.com/view#/20232024-school-year-programming

TCU Music Preparatory Division

Fort Worth

817/257-7604 • musicprep.tcu.edu

Texas Ballet Theater School

Fort Worth, Richardson

817/763-0207 • texasballettheater.org/tbt-school

YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Dallas • 469/902-9079

ymcadallas.org/locations/school_age_services/ after_school

5–19 yrs

6–12 yrs

4–14 yrs

DESCRIPTION

Our mission is to teach life skills through stage skills. It is our passion to inspire and nurture both the artistic and personal growth of our students through acting, singing, dance and professional-level productions. See ad on page 15.

Give your child a head start with live, online weekly coding classes. We deliver fun and engaging group or private coding lessons for children ages 6–12 years. Try a 4-week trial at 50% off.

The Gideon program is designed to build confidence through academic mastery of math and reading skills. Individualized and self-paced, Gideon's step-by-step curriculum makes school (and beyond) EASY. Sign up online for a free placement!

0–5 yrs

5–12 yrs

3 yrs–adult

5–18 yrs

Play is a fundamental component of every one of our programs. Through play-based learning, your child is challenged physically, cognitively and socially. Join us after school in sports, art and music! Call for more information.

At Kimbell Kids Drop-In Studios, children 12 and younger (and their adult companions) enjoy art through gallery explorations and related studio-art projects on selected Saturdays at 1pm. Free; sign-up begins at noon. See ad on page 26.

Offering ballet for all ages and levels starting at age 3. Also flamenco dance, jazz/ contemporary, and adult ballet and flamenco. Fall classes begin August 28. Home of Ballet Concerto. Inspiring dance since 1950. See ad on page 10.

The GRAMMY-winning National Children's Chorus Dallas Chapter, based in Preston Hollow, rehearses weekly on Thursdays, with local performance opportunities in addition to international tours and concerts at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and more! Ages 5–18. See ad on page 19.

5–18 yrs

5–18+ yrs

4–16 yrs

Grades K–8

Infant–18 yrs

3–18 yrs

NTPA develops the character of youth through performing arts education and family entertainment. Dozens of acting classes, theatre and film productions are available for grades K–12 for both new and experienced actors and technicians. See ad on page 6.

Our enrichment classes provide nature lovers of all ages the opportunity to experience various science, art and outdoor adventures at River Legacy Nature Center. See ad on page 21.

RSM is an award-winning, after-school math enrichment program trusted by parents for over 25 years across 75+ locations in North America. Our unique approach consists of a continuous K–12 curriculum. Locations in Coppell and Plano.

Expose your child to a variety of STEM programs (robotics, coding, electrical engineering, science, and math) all in one place. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit into your routine!

From early childhood music to private lessons for older students, the TCU Music Preparatory Division offers a wide variety of instruction. See ad on page 65.

Texas Ballet Theater School offers classes that range from beginner ballet to elite professional training. Curriculum is based on the Royal Academy of Dance and all students have performance opportunities throughout the year. See ad on page 13.

4–16 yrs

YMCA after-school care offers safe supervision, enrichment activities, social interaction, healthy snacks, convenient hours for working parents, affordability and an inclusive environment for children to learn, grow and have fun. See ad on page 8.

Trey of Dallas

Audrey of Watauga

Kendall of Garland

Apollo of Argyle

playbook

Blissfully unaware Olaf the snowman fantasizes about soaking in the summertime heat. See him on stage in the Broadway musical Frozen August 10–20.

LETTIN’ OFF STEAM

➽ 27

CAN'T-MISS EVENTS IN AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

PRISMATIC

Through August 27

SPARK! DALLAS

Come step through a portal to this immersive art experience where each room is decorated in a single color and theme. This pop-up exhibition is open on weekends and with extended hours on August 12. General admission: $23 adults; $21 children; under 2 free. Adults-only nights

on August 5 and 18 for $33.

214/421-7727; sparkdallas.org

MEASUREMENT RULES

Through September 9

AMERICAN AIRLINES

C.R. SMITH MUSEUM, FORT WORTH

How long is an airplane? How wide and tall? Your kids can learn all about measurement in aviation at this STEMbased summer exhibition created by the Children’s

Museum of Pittsburgh. Free with general admission: $12 adults; $6 children; under 2 free. 682/278-9085; crsmithmuseum.org

DESTINATION: DINOSAURS

Through September 30

DALLAS ZOO

Watch out, they spit—and hiss and roar and growl in the zoo’s latest walkable exhibition. You’ll see more than 100 total

dinos stretched across a halfmile trail that includes a Kid Zone with story readings and a fossil dig. Exhibition tickets are $6 for nonmembers, $4 for zoo members, plus general zoo admission. 469/5547500; dallaszoo.com

DRIVE-IN AT DART

August 4

DART NORTH CARROLLTON/ FRANKFORD STATION

Who else has been hum-

ming the “Peaches” song to themselves all summer? Just me? Well even you and the kids can still enjoy this screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie on this Friday night when DART turns its parking lot into an old-fashioned drive-in movie experience, with food trucks on-site.

FREE 972/466-9804; cityofcarrollton.com

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

playbook / THINGS TO DO

➽ JURASSIC WORLD LIVE TOUR

winners of the costume contest will earn Hall Pass gift cards to the food hall. $30 per team of up to six players. 972/846-4255; legacyfoodhall.com

CINDERELLA

August 24–27

MAJESTIC THEATRE, DALLAS

We can never get enough of fairy tale princesses— and Lyric Stage is gracious to provide, opening its 30th season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway version starring Black actress and singer Rachel Nicole Poole in the title role. Take your kids to hear her sing “Impossible” on stage at this historic downtown venue. Tickets from $38. 214/871-5000; ticketdfw.com

KIDZ BOP LIVE

August 26

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES

August 4–25

MONUMENT REALTY

PGA DISTRICT, FRISCO

This Omni PGA Frisco Resort isn’t just for golfers. Movie lovers are welcome to the Friday night screenings on the video wall. Come lay your blanket on the turf (sorry, no lawn chairs allowed). Be sure to come on Saturday, August 5, too, for a screening of Monsters University, $1 ice cream cones and a school supply drive benefiting Frisco ISD Education Foundation. FREE pgafrisco.com

DOLLAR DAY

August 8

DALLAS ZOO

$1—On this day, that’s all you’ll pay for vadmission to one of the top zoos in North Texas. As you can imagine, many others will want to get in on the deal and tickets will sell out, so book your tickets in advance online. Under 2 free. There will also be $1 and $2 deals on snacks, and you can bring your own water bottles for free refills at water stations around the zoo too. Additional tickets needed for special exhibition Destination: Dinosaurs. 469/554-7500; dallaszoo.com

KID FLICKS

August 10–11

THE MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

So your kids have watched every single blockbuster in theaters this summer, but they haven’t seen these: The cool, artsy films made for kids and starred at this year’s New York International Children’s Film Festival—now on view for two days at The Modern’s Auditorium, with new, state-of-the-art film and sound equipment. Best for 5 and up. FREE 817/7389215; themodern.org

FROZEN

August 10–20

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH

As we wait patiently for details about a Frozen III movie, this Tony-nominated Broadway musical based on the original film hits the stage in Fort Worth. Revisit the fictional Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa as they journey into the great unknown (read: a comfortably air-conditioned theater). Recommended for ages 6 and older. Tickets from $33. 817/212-4280; basshall.com/frozen

JARED’S EPIC NERF BATTLE

August 11

AT&T STADIUM, ARLINGTON

For kids who love a good Nerf war in the backyard, don’t miss the world’s larg-

est foam blaster play day on the field at Cowboys stadium. Load up on extra foam darts and join the party on the field covered with obstacle courses and end-zone activations—all this hosted by Guinness World Record holder Jared Guynes. Open to all ages. $32 general admission includes stadium tour. blasterbattle.com

JURASSIC WORLD LIVE TOUR

August 11–13

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, DALLAS

This live show has a whole new story line, all the stunts, the Gyrospheres rolling through the valley, and 24 film-accurate dinosaurs from the iconic franchise. Come before the show for an experience (included with your seat tickets) for an up-close experience with the Baby Bumpy from Netflix’s Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous and the iconic Jeep. Tickets from $25. 214/665-4797; jurassicworldlivetour.com

DISNEY TRIVIA NIGHT

August 15

LEGACY HALL, PLANO

You could say you’ve been training for this your whole life. Enlist the Disney fanatics in your family to join you for this all-ages trivia night. Top three teams and the

with an orchestra and a DJ scratcher live on stage. Tickets from $39. 214/8800202; attpac.org

ADDISON

OKTOBERFEST

September 14–17

ADDISON CIRCLE PARK

Of all the Oktoberfest parties around North Texas, here at Addison’s kids 12 and younger can join in the German competitions too at the Kinderzelt (children’s tent). Don’t miss the games including the Mini Masskrug, holding out a glass stein (minus the bier) for as long as you can, and more children’s games on Saturday and Sunday. $10 single-day general admission; under 10 free. Free for all ages on Thursday and Sunday. 972/450-2800; addisonoktoberfest.com

THE PAVILION AT TOYOTA MUSIC FACTORY, IRVING

A new generation of KIDZ BOP kids performs in DFW on their nationwide Never Stop Live Tour. Dance along with them on YouTube to learn the steps before the show and don’t miss this one-of-a-kind pop concert for kids. Lawn tickets are $25. Seats from $29.50. VIP packages include a meet and greet. 469/840-9730; kidzbop.com/tour

CRITTER CLUB

September 9–October 28

FAIRVIEW TOWN CENTER

No time for an all-day zoo trip? Stop by this shopping center on Saturday mornings for face time with a rotating guest list of exotic creatures, including a spider monkey, Chinese water dragon and Fennec fox (those ears!). And stay for the face painting, activity sheets, and prizes. FREE 972/363-2209; fairviewtowncenter.com

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE LIVE IN CONCERT

September 13

MAJESTIC THEATRE, DALLAS

The PG-rated movie starring Spider-Man as Black teen Miles Morales (it’s sequel was in theaters this summer) is back on the big screen too, this time

ADDISON OKTOBERFEST

GRAPEFEST

September 14–17

DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE

This annual festival is all about Texas wine, but everyone under 21 can get in on the fun too. Don’t miss the GrapeStomp for some friendly competition a la I Love Lucy (kids ages 13 and under can stomp for free) and much more entertainment on the carnival and midway and in the KidZone. $10 adults, $5 children; under 6 free. Free for everyone on Thursday. 817/4103185; grapefest.com

AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM

September 16–November 5

DALLAS ARBORETUM

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is the theme for this year’s fall festival and we love the throwback to the classic 1966 animated film. Come join the Peanuts gang as they wait for the mysterious

It washes down storm drains that lead directly into creeks, lakes and the Trinity River. It is untreated and can carry pollutants, sediments and trash directly into our local water resources.

• Please report anyone dumping used oil, chemicals, toxic materials, litter or yard debris in the storm drains by contacting 3-1-1.

wheredoesitgo.com

Dallas is on the path to environmental stewardship, but everyone needs to help. We can make a difference if we all do our part.

Learn more or request a presentation or your organization, school or business by contacting City of Dallas Stormwater Management at 214-948-4022 or Stormwater@DallasCityHall.com

playbook / THINGS TO DO

TINY TEXANS

EAGER TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE with your baby or toddler? These venues and events specifically cater to parents with kids 4 and younger.

BUBBLES EAT & PLAY

➽ PRISMATIC

Great Pumpkin to appear and celebrate Halloween. Free with general admission: $20 adults; $14 children; under 2 free; $3 for Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org

FORT WORTH OKTOBERFEST

September 21–23

TRINITY PARK, FORT WORTH

If you’ve got a weenie dog like I have, there’s nothing cuter than the Dachshund Dash. (Go online to register yours.) There’s also nothing like sharing a freshly baked German pretzel or rockin’ to polka jams by Alex Meixner at this uniquely German fest. Come hop on the carnival rides and find more fun under the Aktivität Tent. Adult admission starts at $10, depending on the day; free for children with a paying adult. fortworthoktoberfest.com

PLANO

BALLOON FESTIVAL

September 21–24

OAK POINT

PARK, PLANO

Most hot air balloons are teardrop-shaped but not all of them. Bring the kids to see what other shaped balloons you can spot in this year’s fleet. They’ll be on display during sunrise launches and sunset balloon glows, and available for tethered rides too. $30 adults; $20 children. Festival admission: $10 adults; $5 children; free for kids 36 inches and under. 972/8677566; planoballoonfest.org

MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

September 24–October 14

DALLAS CHILDREN’S

THEATER

Opening DCT’s 40th season is this musical based on the 1988 Caldecott Honor Award book. Think of it, they say, as a Cinderella story based in Zimbabwe with African songs and traditional dancing and drumming. Recommended for 5 and older. See site for pricing. $5 for sensory performance on September 30. 214/740-0051; dct.org

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

September 29–October 22

FAIR PARK, DALLAS

Get ready for lots of new attractions including the Guinness World Recordbreaking Soap Bubble Circus and Dinosaurs at the Lagoon, with a 57-foot-tall Alamosaurus. Daily admission from $15 for adults and $10 for children; under 3 free. Sign up for the free Little Lone Stars Club for fair discounts and a birthday card from Big Tex. 214/565-9931; bigtex.com

PARTY ON THE PORCH

September 30

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, FORT WORTH

This always-free museum hosts its annual party out on its front lawn. Reserve a free ticket online and come for the evening of live concerts, food trucks and art activities inspired by its newest exhibition, The World Outside: Louise Nevelson at Midcentury. FREE 817/7381933; cartermuseum.org

Daily year-round

FAIRVIEW TOWN CENTER

At this newly-opened family café, parents can enjoy a coffee and food at dining tables right alongside play zones designed for little ones. Let them explore the sensory board wall, mini ball pit, toddler village and a preschooler village—and you can order from a healthy menu with lots of meal and snacks options for picky eaters. $9.99 for play access. Forget your diapers? Ask the staff for a complimentary diaper. And stay tuned for workshops and an outdoor play area coming too. 302/522-7648; thebubbles.space

LITTLE ADVENTURERS STORY TIME

Through September 4

DALLAS ARBORETUM

For story readings that inspire a love of nature, head to the arboretum’s Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden where on weekdays at 10:30am, staff read aloud from books like We Are Water Protectors. To join, meet inside First Adventure, which is a walled, largely shaded play garden designed for kids 5 and younger. It’ll be still hot but well worth the price point. Main garden admission is only $3 during August; free admission to the children’s garden on September 2–4. Puppet shows in the Glade resume weekends starting September 23. 214/5156615; dallasarboretum.org

FAMILY PROGRAMMING

August 8–September 15

DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

The DMA offers an extensive calendar of activities specifically for the younger crowd and their caregivers, including Art Babies for up to 24-month-olds, Toddler Art for 2- to 3-year-olds and Arturo’s Art & Me for 3- to 5-year-olds. Go online to all see the dates and register, then meet in the galleries for songs, story time, games and art activities. $10; $7 for DMA members. 214/9221200; dma.org

PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY CLUB

August 4–September 15

FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER & REFUGE

You’ll get an up-close look at some country critters during these Friday morning programs for 3 to 5-year-olds. Sign up online, then meet at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center for stories, crafts and a hike and to learn more about snakes (on August 4 and 18) or amphibians (on September 1 and 15). $8 per child, plus general admission: $6 adults; $2 children; under 3 free. 817/392-7410; fwnaturecenter.org

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, VISIT OUR ONLINE CALENDAR AT DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR

Trusted by Parents Since 1972

A Philosophy that Works

Trusted for More than a Half Century

“Throughout the last 50 years, Little Tyke has remained committed to developing a culture where our children, families, and faculty are nurtured, loved, and educated in a stable, safe, and caring environment. We pride ourselves in this family-centered approach, where everyone who enters our doors becomes a part of the Little Tyke Family Legacy.”

—Alex & Brandy Little, President/Vice-President, Owners

Child Care & Preschool Directory

Feeling overwhelmed by all the local child care and preschool options? It’s tough to find the right people to care for your child when you’re not around. Here’s a handy guide to make that important decision easier.

Challenger School

Multiple locations

challengerschool.com

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: 3 yrs–1st grade

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

Come in for a tour—see the excitement, focus, fun and achievement for yourself! Our results are unmatched at any price. See ad on page 63.

Crown of Life Lutheran School

6605 Pleasant Run Rd. Colleyville, TX 76034 colschool.org

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: PK2–8th grade

Capacity: 262

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes We are ALL IN at Crown of Life! See ad on page 44.

Dallas ISD

Multiple locations prekdallas.org

Hours: 8am–4pm

Ages: PK3–PK4

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: No

Dallas ISD offers a variations of PreK 3 and PK4 programs across the district in our local neighborhood schools. See ad on page 4.

Guidepost Montessori

Multiple locations

guidepostmontessori.com

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: 6 wks–12 yrs

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: No

Guidepost Montessori has 13 locations in DFW, virtual and homeschool. Our curriculum fosters independence, creativity and a love of learning. See ad on page 26.

The Hockaday School

11600 Welch Rd. Dallas, TX 75229 hockaday.org

Hours: 7:30am–4pm

Ages: 4–18 yrs

Capacity: 1,110

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: Yes

Hockaday is a private PK–12 all-girls college preparatory school. See ad on page 52.

Holy Trinity Catholic School 3750 William D. Tate Ave. Grapevine, TX 76051 holytcs.org

Hours: 7:55am–3:20pm

Ages: PK4–8th grade

Capacity: 500

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

We offer an amazing PK4 program where students can enroll in our 3-day or 5-day

schedule. Our hours are 7:55am–3:20pm. See ad on page 49.

Hope Day School

5910 Cedar Springs Rd. Dallas, TX 75235 hopedayschooldallas.org

Hours: 8am–5pm

Ages: 6 wks–5 yrs

Capacity: 60

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: No

We offer a unique, and highly engaging curriculum grounded in nature, arts, festivals, farm-to-table activities, delicious food and caring relationships. See ad on page 21.

Kiddie Academy of Mercer Crossing

12800 Mercer Pkwy. Farmers Branch, TX 75234 kiddieacademy.com/ academies/mercer-crossing

Hours: 6:30am–6:30pm

Ages: 6 wks–5 yrs

Capacity: 200

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: Yes

Our proprietary curriculum prepares children for school. We are Parent Partners to nurture children’s social, physical, emotional and intellectual development. See ad on page 18.

The Lamplighter School 11611 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75229 thelamplighterschool.org

Hours: 8:15am–3:15pm

Ages: PK–4th grade

Capacity: 470

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

Discover Lamplighter! Learn how your child can be challenged and stretched academically while holding on to the wonder of childhood.

See ad on page 47.

Little Tyke Learning Centers

Multiple locations

littletykechildcare.com

Hours: 6am–6pm

Ages: 6 wks–12 yrs

Capacity: 1,398

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

Parent-trusted for over 50 years! Our schools offer educational programs designed for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. See ad on page 59.

The Oakridge School

5900 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington, TX 76013 theoakridgeschool.org

Hours: 8am–4pm

Ages: 3 yrs–12th grade

Capacity: 700

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes Teachers use discovery to engage students in experiential learning. Owls love to learn and feel good about their accomplishments! See ad on page 45.

Our Redeemer Lutheran School 7611 Park Ln. Dallas, TX 75225 ordallas.org

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: 1 yr–6th grade

Capacity: 250

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

We offer early childhood education in a Christ-centered environment with Spanish, music, outdoor learning and Stretch-n-Grow included. See ad on page 19.

Pediatrics Plus

6025 Sports Village Rd. Frisco, TX 75033 pediatricsplus.com

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: 6 wks–6 yrs

Capacity: 120

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: No

Our Developmental Preschool empowers children to

conquer their worlds! Therapy services are also available in collaboration with our preschool program. See ad on page 39.

Small Miracles Academy

Multiple locations

smallmiraclesacademy.org

Hours: 6am–6pm

Ages: 0–13 yrs

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: Yes We are affordable and reliable quality childcare. See ad on page 67.

Southwest Christian School

6816 Dan Danciger Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76133 southwestchristian.org

Hours: 8:10am–3:30pm

Ages: 3+ yrs

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

Each child is a gift from God where we seek to grow the whole child—heart, mind and body. See ad on page 46.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

2016 Willis Ln. Keller, TX 76248 seton.school

Hours: 8am–3:15pm

Ages: 3–5 yrs

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes Caring faculty nurture students in our faithful Classical Catholic curriculum helping them fall in love with truth, goodness and beauty. See ad on page 47.

Trinity Lutheran Children's Center

3621 Tulsa Way Fort Worth, TX 76107 tlcfw.org

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: 6 wks–5 yrs

Capacity: 130

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: No

TLCC is a ministry to the community, providing emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spirtual growth with loving care. See ad on page 14.

The Westwood School

14340 Proton Rd. Dallas, TX 75244 westwoodschool.org

Hours: 8:30am–3pm

Ages: 12 mos–5 yrs

Capacity: 120

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

Our Montessori preschool program is where children will build the foundations of independence and begin their "education for life."

Windhaven Academy

5900 Communications Pkwy. Plano, TX 75093

windhavenacademy.com

Hours: 7am–6pm

Ages: 6 wks–5 yrs

Capacity: 196

Before-School Program: No

After-School Program: Yes

Mom-owned, boutiquestyle center with a modern approach to childcare and a focus on customer experience! See ad on page 15.

Xplor Preschool and School Age

Multiple locations

xplorpreschool.com

Hours: 6:30am–6:30pm

Ages: 6 wks–PK

Capacity: Varies

Before-School Program: Yes

After-School Program: Yes

Xplor Preschools provide early learners the perfect balance of learning and play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. See ad on page 21.

For more child care options, visit our Best Places directory at dfwchild.com/directory.

MERMAID MAGIC

4 Places to be part of their world

AWASH IN PEARLS, shells, iridescence and scalloped edges—#mermaidcore has gone mainstream. This, of course, is more recently thanks to Disney’s liveaction blockbuster The Little Mermaid, a remake that’s ignited a whole new generation of mermaid enthusiasts. (Disney also greenlit an animated series for preschoolers, Ariel, to debut in 2024.)

If your little ones are caught up in the frenzy and you’re looking for more ways to make mermaid culture part of your world—we’re right there with you. We sought out where in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond you can take your little girls and boys to see, meet and swim alongside costumed mermaids—professionals, aficionados and environmental activists included.

MERMAID CAPITAL OF TEXAS

San Marcos was once the home of the Aquarena Springs theme park at the aquiferfed Spring Lake where for decades aquamaids performed in a submarine theater. Today, the city’s mermaid legacy continues with the annual Mermaid Promenade & Downtown Street Faire, returning Saturday, September 23. This event is well worth making the trip on the first weekend of fall. The two-hour parade begins at 10am, followed by the fair until 6pm. Of the approximate 100 floats, expect to see one

from Mermaid Society, the local nonprofit of river guardians that puts on the fest. This diverse group of freshwater mermaid ambassadors, called AquaReinas and AquaReys, educates local youth about environmental issues and river conservation.

Festival co-director Jamie Shelton, whose mersona (mermaid persona, get it?) is an ancient ocean mermaid named Zahira, suggests families to nix the body glitter and jewels (to keep it out of river) in their own costumes and to bring a rolling cart so kids can lay out in their mermaids tails.

New to the fair this year: an expanded kids’ zone with mermaid selfies, live animal interactions, A.R.R.R.T. (Art, Recycle, Reuse, Reimagine Together) activities, and wholesome games like “pin the sea creature on the mermaid.” Follow on Facebook at @mermaidsocietysmtx for event updates.

While you’re visiting San Marcos, be sure to experience mermaid culture by seeking out the 10 hand-painted mermaid statues on display around town, go tubing the San Marcos River or ride the glass bottom boats at the Meadows Center. // San Marcos, 512/825-2819; mermaidsocietysmtx.com

THE TEXAS POOL

Have you ever seen a mermaid slide down a water slide? Merpeople are welcome to splash and play anytime here at the Texas Pool in Plano, one of the only guaranteed mermaid-friendly pools in North Texas. This historic, volunteerrun pool that’s shaped like the State is also filled with saltwater (adding buoyancy)—all welcoming conditions for members of the Texas Pool Merfolks Pod.

Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to join the pod for casual Mermaid Meetups, held on select days through the summer season. But as Janet Vermillion Moos, the Texas Pool Foundation CEO, explains that as mermaids are magical creatures, there’s no guarantee they’ll show up on certain days. Saturdays get crowded quickly, so she says the best meetup times for families to join are Tuesday around 5:30pm and Sunday noon–6pm through Labor Day. (Lifeguards are on duty during the summer). Families are welcome to reach out to mermaid ambassador Hannah Nash. She coordinates or hosts informal lessons. Depending on the time of year, mermaids may be available for private parties too.

The can’t-miss event of the season, though, is the Mermaid Tea Party on Sunday, August 13 from 2–6pm. Come to have your photo taken with mermaids—and possibly pirates too—and enjoy snacks like Goldfish crackers and lemonade. $10 per person; free for Texas Pool members. // Plano, 972/881-8392; texaspool.org

SEAQUEST FORT WORTH

Inside Ridgmar Mall, at this aquarium unique for its many interactive animal experiences, you can encounter resident mermaid, Marina. You’ll regularly find her swimming among the stingrays and tropical fish, on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am–4pm. Come see her perform tricks underwater and chat with her as she leans over the edge of the tank. Parents, you can also request Marina to join your child’s birthday party at SeaQuest. Do your kids want to get in with the stingrays too? Book a snorkeling

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

➽ ABOVE: Scaled up for 2023, the kid-friendly Mermaid Promenade & Downtown Street Faire in San Marcos is the destination for mermaids of all sizes, shapes, colors, genders and backgrounds to flaunt their tails.

! Safety First

Careaga and Vermillion Moos both recommend the Fin Fun brand for affordable options for kids, but be aware that wearing a monofin or tail restricts movement and can increase the risk of drowning. Kids should first be strong swimmers before ever moving on to dolphin kicks. Fin Fun recommends eight must-follow safety tips, including: always swim with adult supervision, slip on your mermaid tail while sitting poolside, and practice removing the tail or fin in the shallow end. Learn more at finfunmermaid.com about becoming “mermaid tail ready” and visit dfwchild.com to read our new series on water safety.

experience (wetsuit and snorkeling gear are provided) to get a taste of what it’s like in the wide open ocean. Open daily; general admission is $19.99 for adults; $13.99 for children; under 2 free. // Fort Worth, 817/731-5357; fortworth.visitseaquest.com

MERMAID DREAM SCHOOL

Ready to meet mermaid royalty? Lenisa Ann Careaga is a former Miss Mermaid Texas and Miss Mermaid USA (among other titles) and a mermaid pageant coach. You may also recognize her from Netflix’s MerPeople docuseries, episode four. She’s a certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) mermaid instructor and owner of Mermaid Dream School, which serves the Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Houston areas.

Careaga and her school’s network of mermaid princesses are available for swim lessons (small class sizes only, for children as young as 6) as well as birthday parties, book readings and “mermaid for a day” photoshoots in a tail on land or underwater. You can even book a mermaid play time, where kids can learn about things like bubble kisses and mermaid language. To keep the fantasy alive, Careaga’s fiancé serves as her mertender, dressing up as a sailor or a fisherman to carry her into the party and place her poolside. Sweet, right? Follow her on Instagram @lenisalove and @mermaiddreamschool to check her out, and email her at mermaiddreamschool@ gmail.com to inquire about her classes or parties in advance. // DFW area, mermaiddreamschool.com

JUNTOS BAILAMOS

Dances, parades and pageantry for Hispanic Heritage Month

WORDS CORRIE PELC

TEXAS IS A CROSSROADS where two cultures meet. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else in the country, Hispanic heritage runs deep. Hispanic and Latino people make up almost half of the state’s population, lending cultural influences that have become uniquely Texan.

So when National Hispanic Heritage Month comes around—September 15 to October 15—we do it big. Here are ways to honor contributions by those who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and Central and South America, and have fun while learning more about the histories and cultures of these countries. ¡Celebramos!

DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN

Join the Dallas Arboretum’s sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, September 9–10. The highlight of this year’s festival is the Quinceañera Fashion Show inside Rosine Hall on Saturday. Budding fashionistas will adore the pageantry of watching

15- and 16-year-olds swirl through the show in their beautiful, full-length Quinceañera gowns. Afterwards, enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations in the Entryway Plaza, along the Paseo, and shop Hispanic vendors. And while there, don’t forget to visit the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which is hosting its free Kelley Family Days. All activi-

ties are free with garden admission. // Dallas, 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

A Quinceañera festival with a showcase of sparkling gowns, ballet folklórico and a parade of Latin American flags are part of the monthlong Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage from Septem ber 15 through October 15. This garden-wide celebration will feature special exhibits, performances, events, and shopping opportunities. Check online for a full schedule of activities, including free admission for the kickoff event on September 15, and Family Night on September 29 where you’ll see the Leonard Courtyard decorated as Frida Kahlo’s famous home. // Fort Worth, 817/463-4160; fwbg.org/celebramos

LATINO CULTURAL CENTER

This downtown Dallas center known for its vivid colors and rotating exhibits and events is still finalizing plans for their celebrations, but as of press time, they plan to bring back the annual Hecho en Dallas, starting September 15. This popular exhibition showcases the works of Dallas-area professional artists. Check online for a full schedule of programming as it’s announced. // Dallas, 214/671-0045; lcc.dallasculture.org

OLD SETTLER’S RECREATION CENTER

Bring the whole familia to this annual Mexican Independence Day Celebration in McKinney, where all the free fun is a nod to Mexico. Grab some grub from the food trucks, dance to live mariachi music and take in the colorful spectacle of ballet folklórico by Mexico 2000. The City of McKinney Parks & Recreation Department hosts this festival at this rec center on Saturday, September 16 from 3–9pm. // McKinney, 972/547-7480; mckinneyparks.org

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

Along the historic route of the cattle drives, colorful floats and horseback riders in traditional Hispanic clothing will take the place of longhorns for the Stockyards’ Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration & Parade. The parade takes place along Exchange Avenue starting at 11:30am on Sunday, September 17, followed by live music throughout the historic district until 2pm.

Later that day, come experience the art of charreria (Mexican rodeo), Caballos bailadores (dressage or dancing horses) and folklórico. It’s all part of a two-hour equestrian show called

➽ ABOVE: Take in traditional dances and vibrant costumes at the Fort Worth Stockyard’s Mexico en la Sangre, capturing the art of the Mexican rodeo.

Mexico en la Sangre (Mexico in Our Blood) inside the Cowtown Coliseum. Tickets are $20 for children; $30 for adults. // Fort Worth, 817/625-1025; fortworthstockyards.com; 817/625-9715; cowtowncoliseum.com

AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Bring your dancing shoes and your appetite to the Latinidad Festival, a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, September 23 in Annette Strauss Square. Explore authentic Latin American cuisine (birria tacos, anyone?) and enjoy live music, cultural arts and craft activities just for kids. Shop the Latinidad Mercado, a pop-up market curated by Hecho Con Amor and support local Latino-owned businesses. // Dallas, 214/880-0202; attpac.org

ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Mariachi music, folklórico dancers and cultural crafts are part of the Arlington library’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library on Saturday, October 7. And when fall programming begins in September, Arlington’s East Library and Recreation Center is expected to continue its Spanish story times, called Cuentos, on Thursday mornings at 10:30am. // Arlington, 817/275-1351, arlingtonlibrary.org

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY CENTER

Crafts and a bounce house for the kids, vendors to shop for Mom and Dad and free food and performances for all. There’s something for everyone in the family at this Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 7.

While you’re there, check out the student artwork that’s on display inside the center September 15–October 15.

Maybe your child’s will be showcased too?

Students of all ages from all across the Metroplex are invited to submit their Hispanic Heritage Month-inspired art by September 13—and it’s free to participate. // Dallas, 214/670-8418; dallasmlkcenter.com

OAK CLIFF CULTURAL CENTER

Come see this colorful new exhibition by Romulo Martinez, a Venezuelan-born mixed media artist who now lives in the DFW area. His solo exhibition of paintings, drawings and small sculptures will be on view at this Dallas cultural center from through October 7. // Dallas, 214/6703777; occc.dallasculture.org

TCU Music Preparatory Division

From early childhood music to private lessons for older students, the TCU Music Preparatory Division offers a wide variety of instruction. Music Together classes for infants to age 8, private piano, voice, instrumental and string lessons for all levels.

MULTIPLE SPOTS AVAILABLE:

• Private lessons in guitar, flute, harp – minimum age 6 years old

• Private lessons in violin, viola – minimum age 4 years old

• Private lessons in voice – minimum age 13 years old

• Limited spots available for private piano lessons, minimum age 5 years old

• Computer lab for theory instruction – offered for students enrolled in private lessons

Contact: musicprep@tcu.edu or 817-257-7604

• Music Together ® (infant–age 4)

• Music Together ® Rhythm Kids ™ (ages 4 –8)

• Music Together ® Generations (infant–age 4)

Register Online: musicprep tcu.edu

Contact: earlychildhoodmusic@tcu.edu or 817-257-6134

aBOUT 15 SECONDS after we pulled up to the campsite, she had them.

Hook. Line. Sinker.

My two boys, 9 and 7, jumped out of the truck and inadvertently into the path of a girl (Carly, about 6 or 7) staying just a few dozen feet from us. With a clenched fist, she walked to the picnic table, said hi and slapped down what looked like a handful of mud and grass.

Mostly, because it was a handful of mud and grass—along with a giant, exotic bug sitting at the top, one that matched an identical giant bug crawling all over her face.

“I love bugs!” she announced. Mesmerized, my kids let out a collective “woah.” And at that moment, I knew I lost my boys’ attention for the entire weekend.

Poof, gone. And so was the plan to entertain them and win their approval with the games and foods I had packed to the rafters of the truck.

This bug-loving siren had lured them in and all focus was on her. The bugs were a great start. Carly followed that up with offering to play with them while their thoughtless parents did boring stuff like pitch the tent (lame), make dinner (snore) and generally prepare their lives to survive two nights in the wilderness (seriously, Mom and Dad, are you even trying to vacation?).

Next, she made a power move by bringing over plenty of slime toys that you could fling and have stick to anything. And according to Carly’s wisdom, these were not just any ordinary slime toys.

“This is premium slime, the best slime you can get anywhere. Why would you get bad slime anywhere else?” Carly said, describing the quality of goo like a sommelier waxing poetic over a vintage bottle of Bordeaux.

Slime? Swoon. Fancy slime? Double swoon. I hadn’t prepared any talks yet about dating and girls, but maybe I needed to think this one through.

If she somehow managed to break out lightsabers and discuss the awesomeness of Jedis and wookies, my boys may have each dropped to one knee and proposed to her out of sheer instincts.

Fortunately, and with great timing, my wife was more successful, finally getting their attention with the promise of a campfire and s’mores.

As I prepared the first toasted marshmallow for my graham crackers, this little girl got me thinking: What does a first young crush look like? For me, my first crush came about their age and was about sports. It was the girl who actually tried hard and wanted to play and talk baseball with me, unlike the other girls who couldn’t be bothered.

Her: Sure, I’ll bat leadoff!

Me, blushing: What a woman!

Whether we are smitten by bugs or baseball, however, the real formula for young love’s success? Attention. Despite the juicy bug, time was really the most valuable gift Carly brought to the table that weekend. It was a great reminder that time trumps all gifts.

end. They took turns telling stories that turned into fishing tales; each story getting bigger and bigger, eventually crossing into fiction.

“You jumped into the water from how far away, Michael Phelps?”

“How many times have you counted to 1,000, my young Ivy League school prospect?”

The one-upmanship was truly breathtaking at times—which of course meant a steady stream of bickering and calls for fact checking on each other’s stories.

Easy, Casanovas. Pump the brakes on the need to impress this Kindergartener.

“SLIME? SWOON. FANCY SLIME? DOUBLE SWOON. I HADN’T PREPARED ANY TALKS YET ABOUT DATING AND GIRLS, BUT MAYBE I NEEDED TO THINK THIS ONE THROUGH.”

This back and forth continued until we arrived at the final day of the trip. My young goofballs began to take stock of the weekend and realize that their time with Carly was drawing short. As they saw the inevitable march of time ending their romantic encounter, a peace offering was shown to them once again by the girl who always showed up for them—bugs or not.

Mom had come through with breakfast s’mores.

Swoon.

And apparently, that slime is thicker than blood.

The only downside to their newfound friend? My boys’ collective competitiveness kicked in hard. Each time Carly would stand within eyesight, my boys would say or do anything to win her attention—the closest thing they had to romantic affection.

There was no rose on the line, but they competed for her attention most of the week-

Sorry, Carly, but even the coolest of camping vixens ultimately fall short of the quickest path to their young hearts: Mom.

And chocolate with marshmallows. But mostly, Mom.

That said, thanks for the memories, Carly, as well as the unintentional pointers with getting my young boys’ attention. I’ll be sure to dig up bugs and pack slime for our next camping adventure.

The premium slime, of course, from the place you mentioned. Why would I get bad slime anywhere else?

WORDS JOSH FARNSWORTH

ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

The Fort Worth Zoo’s newest habitat is now open. Home to some of the world’s top hunters, Predators of Asia & Africa offers a closer look at lions, tigers, cheetahs and more of the fiercest animals on the planet. Featuring lush landscapes, opportunities for enrichment, and several new species to the Fort Worth Zoo, the reimagined habitat promises more roar than ever before! fortworthzoo.org