FortWorthChild March 2020

20 FORT WORTH EDITION

MARCH 2020

MEET MOM NEXT DOOR

SHELEENA DONEY WHEN YOUR KID IS SIDELINED

BY INJURY

HEART BEAT

THE DANGER OF UNDIAGNOSED HEART CONDITIONS IN ATHLETES

EVENTS TO ENJOY IN MARCH

HIT THE ROAD FOR AUSTIN

+ PRO SPORTS JOBS FOR KIDS

MEMBERSHIP IS H E R W I N D OW to the WO R L D

BE

COME A

ME MBER

Encounter the wonders of the world with a membership to the Fort Worth Zoo. A Zoo membership offers exclusive savings and benefits that will expand your family’s view of nature. Learn about the world’s most awe-inspiring animals, be transported to extraordinary places and witness moments in nature that are as beautiful as they are unforgettable. Immersive experiences. Unbeatable value.

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T O L E A R N M O R E , V I S I T F O R T WO R T H Z O O . O R G / M E M B E R S H I P

pages / M A R C H

2020

FORT WORTH EDITION

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 9 Time Out

When your child can’t play sports

REAL MOMS 13 Mom Next Door / Sheleena Doney

When it comes to motherhood, marriage and more, this mom of two has scored big

16 Briefs / First-Round Picks

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20

ABOVE // Sheleena Doney (with husband Pat and their children) says Hudson’s cerebral palsy diagnosis has made their family extremely close.

Helmets and pads don’t prevent cardiac arrest—so what can we do to protect young athletes’ hearts?

words Gina Calvert

ON THE COVER

MOM NEXT DOOR: NICK PRENDERGAST; HEART: ©ISTOCK; PRIM: CINDY JAMES

Cover Kid: Prim, 6, Crowley Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Hair & Makeup: Lisa Williams / Independent Artist Agency Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Heather Vance Devers EDITORIAL Executive Editor Carrie Steingruber Managing Editor Alexis Patterson

Digital Editor Sydney Blalock Ritchie Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith Editorial Intern Emily Yearwood ART Contributing Editorial Designer Lesley Busby Graphic Designers Susan Horn Ariana Leyva

18 Routines / Stephanie Jarrett

Twenty-four hours in a day isn’t enough for this Arlington mom

KID CULTURE 29 Work With the Pros

What it takes to become a ball boy or girl for one of DFW’s pro teams

32 Travel / The Capital With Kids

Head down I-35 with an itinerary planned by YouTube stars

FEATURE 20 Sudden Heartache

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes

Our Mom Next Door’s family favorites

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT LARGE Lauren Niebes ADVERTISING Account Executives Alison Davis, Becca Hobby, Nancy McDaniel, Diana Whitworth Nelson, Sandi Tijerina PR/MARKETING Audience Development Director Candace Emerson

34 Celebrate / Be Our Guest

Throw a party straight out of a fairy tale

THE AGENDA 41 20 Events You Can’t Miss in March

Dinosaurs, a big red dog and more fun

COLUMNS

6 dfwchild.com / Off the Pages

Ways to kick off spring

46 Confessions / Mom Truths

Potty training and other memorable moments

Marketing/Advertising Strategist Tram-Anh Le ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Leah Wagner Accounting Jeanie Vance Office Manager/Bookkeeper Ann Mathai

DFWChild is published monthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. DFWChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only DFWChild authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of DFWChild are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DFWChild is ©2020 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

dfwchild.com / march 2020

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online / D F W C H I L D . C O M WORDS SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

OFF THE PAGES

what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com Kimbell Art Museum’s spring events are among the many you’ll find on dfwchild.com.

WELCOME TO MARCH: THE MONTH WHEN SPRING OFFICIALLY ARRIVES. There’s the good (the weather will warm up), the bad (then it will drop 20 degrees in a matter of hours, plus—allergies) and the beautiful (our state flower will pop up along every highway). Spring is also a great time to get out and about with your family. Head to dfwchild.com for our top picks for places to go. You’ll also find mom blogs, recipes and more. While you’re checking out our website, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and subscribe to receive this magazine in your mailbox each month.

New Crock-Pot Recipe Favorites

When we think easy dinners, we think Crock-Pot or slow cooker. And when they’re absolutely delicious—all the better.

Our website has Crock-Pot recipes so good that your family will think you spent all day in the kitchen.

Now that spring is here, flowers are on our mind.

Bluebonnets of course get a lot of attention, but have you thought about the season’s other favorite flower? The tulip is about to make its short-lived debut, and lucky for us here in North Texas, there are a few places to enjoy them.

Coffee With Kiddos

Want to get your caffeine fix in a kidfriendly spot? One of our Fort Worth mommy bloggers found some local coffee shops that are sure to please both moms and little ones.

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march 2020 / dfwchild.com

KIMBELL KID: KIMBELL ART MUSEUM; CROCK-POT, TULIPS: ©I ©ISTOCK; COFFEE: THOMAS BOCAGE

Where To Find Tulips Near DFW

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• Each week ends with a showcase for parents to attend.

• Multiple week discount available!

More information at ArtsAcademics.org/Summer

dfwchild.com / march 2020

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DI SC RS ZO O M EM BE

BROKEN LEG: ©ISTOCK; CAST: NOUN PROJECT

noted.

TIME OUT what happens

when your child can’t play sports?

WORDS

A L E X I S

PATTERSON

W

E’VE ALL HEARD ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES of youth sports. Kids learn teamwork. Get exercise. Spend time away from their devices.

Develop a skill that could translate to college scholarships. (Ka-ching!) The benefits are very real.

So too are the reasons you may be concerned about sports. Perhaps your child has a previous injury they can’t aggravate. Or you just want to protect them from injury in the first place.

When you have a child who longs to be on the field (or the beam or the court) but just can’t, how do you manage their inevitable disappointment? Then there’s another factor—helping your child fill the fitness and social gaps. It’s a lot to work through, we know. Here’s your parental playbook. dfwchild.com / march 2020

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noted / T I M E

Rule out hearing loss first

• Pediatric Hearing Evaluation • Hearing Aid Consultation • Auditory Processing Testing Heard it Through The Grapevine Audiology, PC 190 S. Peytonville, #120, Southlake | 817-803-6116 grapevineaudiology.com

“Taking Care of Ears Throughout the Years”

10

march 2020 / dfwchild.com

TOUGH BREAK just going to do it at recess or on the street Sloan Bellissimo can’t participate in her sport with their friends,” notes Hendawi, a father of of choice, competitive cheerleading, for several two who practices with TMI Sports Medicine more months. While cheering with Plano’s and Orthopedic Surgery and is on staff at Cheer Athletics in fall 2018, Sloan broke her Medical City Arlington. “And they’re probably arm. In January 2019, she returned to the more at risk than playing an organized sport, mat. The same day, she re-broke her arm. It because they don’t know the right techniques wouldn’t be the last time, either. and their muscles aren’t as developed.”

“The third break happened last August,” Hendawi adds that in high-impact contact sighs Sloan’s mom, Janeen Bellissimo. “She was sports, there’s significant research going into stunting with her team, and they dropped her.” how protective gear is designed, and rules take During surgery, Sloan’s doctor discovered safety into higher consideration. the bone had turned and never set correctly.

And if you are worried about injury, one The 13-year-old now has a plate and screws in answer may be more sports, not fewer. “The her arm. “They said she would be out of cheermain thing we try to do—especially in patients leading for a full year,” remembers Janeen. who have not reached skeletal maturity or Sloan did not take the news well. “She puberty—is recommend playing multiple was very upset,” Janeen says. “This had been sports,” says Hendawi. “One of the biggest her life. She’s given up birthday parties and issues now is overuse from playing the same sleepovers and school activities for cheer. To sport, playing on multiple teams [for that not have that—it was hard.” sport] during the year.”

Erica Force is a sport psychologist, direcBesides allowing the body to develop fully, tor of sport psychology at Georgetown diversifying athletic interests can help University and adjunct faculty when a child has already suffered an member with the University of injury. After cheer, Sloan took up North Texas. She says that cross-country. “It’s not the same, level of disappointment is not but it gave Sloan something to uncommon among athletes do,” says Janeen. “I think that who can’t play due to injury. was the most important thing I In a vicious circle, these emocould do—[encourage her to] fill tions can even impede recovery. that void.”

“When it’s a longer rehab process, Force says Janeen has just the kids will lose motivaright idea. “You have tion,” Force explains. to help your child “As a result, their know what’s out there progress in recovery beyond the sport they will slow down. They know,” she advises. from Dr. Tariq Hendawi get depressed.”

As a sport psyWhile Sloan’s chologist, Force works Take three months off annually from your depression, anger and with injured athletes child’s main sport and introduce other sports. other emotions were to improve their rehab Allow adequate rest between periods of hard for Janeen to outcomes and chances strenuous exertion. Playing fatigued increases watch, she knows she of returning to play. the risk of injury. can’t budge on the “It’s important not Keep it fun! Talk about interests other than decision to take her to get too down,” she sports, and keep in mind that some of the best daughter out of cheersays. “We want to athletes don’t choose their primary sport until leading for now. “As a sustain their motivahigh school. mom, I’m holding my tion, set goals and ground,” she says. “I help them learn skills can’t chance it again.” like mindfulness and relaxation. They need MORE SPORTS, NOT FEWER to find helpful thoughts.”

My young son is small for his age. In any Janeen says for Sloan, “talking—well, sport, he would play against children who are really listening” to her coaches (some of whom significantly bigger. Brand me an overprotechad also suffered injuries) was instrumental tive mother, but the idea worries me. I had a in finding her new normal. “And give them serious sports-related injury as a child, and something they can control,” Janeen suggests.

I don’t want my son in harm’s way. It hasn’t “Support them in finding something else they been a real issue yet, but I think it’s coming. can do, but it has to be their decision.”

Will I just have to get over my fears?

Sloan will be back to tumbling and stuntDr. Tariq Hendawi—an orthopedic ing as soon as she is cleared. Bottom line, surgeon and team physician with the Texas says Hendawi: You can’t keep your kid in a Rangers—points out that one way or another, bubble. Injuries happen. But he emphasizes kids are going to play. that doesn’t mean sports should be banned “If you tell them they can’t do football or from your child’s life. “I will never tell a child soccer, they’re still going to play sports; they’re he shouldn’t be active.”

Tips for Sports Parents

HENDAWI: MEDICAL CITY ARLINGTON

Communication Struggles?

OUT

Spring Break Wonders at the Modern

March 9–12

Two sessions each day; 11–11:45 am & 2–2:45 pm Take advantage of family programming at the Modern over the course of the week while your school-aged children are on Spring Break. Each unique session includes a tour and gallery project focusing on selected works in the special exhibition, Mark Bradford: End Papers. Arrive early, this program fills quickly. Attendance is limited to 45 children per session; admission is free.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.738.9215

Summer camps and performances

Free Spring Break Monday

London, NYC, LA and Disney Tours

The Museum will be FREE and open to the public on March 9 from 10 am–5 pm.

Private lessons and classes

Expand your child’s world!

TVS.ORG/SUMMER

T R I N I T Y

VA L L E Y

S C H O O L

dfwchild.com / march 2020

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real moms.

RÉSUMÉ

AGE 35 LIVES IN North Richland

Hills HAILS FROM Virginia Beach, Virginia SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband Pat, NBC 5 sports anchor OFFSPRING Daughter Barlow, 7, and son Hudson, 4 ALMA MATER Liberty University, where she earned a degree in business PROFESSION Bookkeeper for a CPA (primarily from home except during tax season), Stitch Fix stylist DREAM JOB AS A KID Firefighter (“I have no idea where that came from, and I definitely would not be cut out for that job now!”) HOBBIES Reading and running

Husband Pat says Sheleena Doney is “the reason why” their family functions so beautifully.

ALL STAR: NOUN PROJECT

mom next door /

SHELEENA DONEY all-star mom WORDS ALEXIS PATTERSON PHOTOGRAPHER NICK PRENDERGAST

I

T’S LIKE A SCENE OUT OF A ROMANTIC COMEDY: Boy spots girl at a party and falls for her instantly. She’s with a mutual friend, someone he caught up with a few minutes prior. He pretends he just spotted the friend and launches into the same conversation they’d already had—he couldn’t think of a better way to introduce himself to the blonde who had captivated him. It works. She ditches her summertime boyfriend, and they live happily ever after.

In this story, she is Sheleena Doney. He is NBC 5 sports anchor Pat Doney. Their meetcute took place during their days at Liberty University; they married shortly after graduation.

Daughter Barlow, now 7, was born while Pat was anchoring sports at a station in Louisville, Kentucky. Son Hudson, 4 ½, arrived after Pat’s career took the Doneys to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Visiting with Sheleena at their home in North Richland Hills, it’s easy to see why Pat adored her right away. dfwchild.com / march 2020

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real moms / M O M

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march 2020 / dfwchild.com

NEXT DOOR

Tell me about your first date with Pat. He called me the day after we met. He was like, “I want to take you out, whatever night. But can you pick me up?” I had a car at school, and he didn’t. So he thought, She’s going to pick me up and then I’ll drive. Well, I pick him up, and I had a stick shift, and he didn’t know how to drive it. So we spent the whole sophomore year with me driving everywhere. I give him a hard time about it now.

How has parenthood changed your relationship? I always tell people when they get married, “Wait [to have children] if you can, a few years, because your life totally changes.”

In a good way, but it definitely changes.

Before, Pat and I used to watch a lot of TV together, and now we choose our time differently.

In what way? Last night, he was home, and we just talked because we have such limited time. I feel like we kind of pass each other a lot because we’re tagteaming with the kids.

If we’re going to get a babysitter, I want to go out to dinner or go do something; I don’t want to sit in front of a TV. Things like that have definitely changed, but parenthood has also changed my love for him. Watching him with the kids—I mean, he’s the best.

He’s so hands-on.

You’re a bookkeeper and a Stitch Fix stylist now, but you took a few years off work after becoming a mom. What was that stay-at-home experience like? We moved here in April 2013, and I joined a moms group that wasn’t going to start until September. The summer was rough, with a 4-month-old; Pat was working, and we had one car at the time. So when he went to work, I was just hanging out at home with the baby. I was desperate for friends. I was like, “I have to get out of the house. All we do is walk to the park and nap.” The moms group was the biggest blessing. All the people I met, they are still my best friends here.

Hudson is adopted. Is adoption something that always interested you? I’ve wanted to adopt since I was probably in middle school.

There was a family at our church who adopted, and it kind of just always stuck with me.

So when things were getting serious with Pat, I was like, “I just really want to adopt, and I don’t know if that’s something you’ve ever thought about.” It was not on his radar at all.

But being the reporter that he is, he did his research on adoption and he was all on board.

What was it like to see Hudson for the first time? We got a phone call on a Saturday morning, and they were like, “We had a baby born last night. Can you come to the hospital?” No notice. So we packed up and went to the hospital. We saw him about 20 hours after he was born. It’s hard to explain; you walk in the nursery and there’s a baby there who a minute ago wasn’t yours, and then he’s yours. It was very emotional. You’re like, “Wait, I didn’t even know about you three hours ago, and now I’m holding you and you are my son.”

When did you realize Hudson was different than Barlow in terms of his development? I remember going to his well visit when he was 6 months old and saying, “I think he’s a little behind.”

When you’re a mom, you hold your kid on your side and they hold their head up. Other babies the same age could do it, but Hudson wasn’t holding his head up.

I was like, “Why?” The pediatrician thought he should start physical therapy, and the physical therapist said that you do the therapy, and if it doesn’t work, then you go see a neurologist. I’m like, “No, I want to go see a neurologist now.” I don’t do well with lingering waiting.

So we went to a neurologist to present our concerns and ask her to order an MRI. She looked at Hudson a bit and said, “I can tell you right now he has cerebral palsy.” The technical term for his brain malformation is schizencephaly. It is like the second most rare brain disorder there is. That caused his cerebral palsy.

How did you react to his diagnosis? Pat and I got in the car and looked at each other and started crying. It was just so sudden.

Then, about a week later, we did the MRI and got the actual results. It was shocking. I mean, seeing the pictures and seeing what’s missing.

“WE GOT A PHONE CALL ON A SATURDAY MORNING, AND THEY WERE LIKE, ‘WE HAD A BABY BORN LAST NIGHT. CAN YOU COME TO THE HOSPITAL?’”

ABOVE // Sheleena Doney says Hudson’s diagnosis made their family extremely close. “It’s put a lot of life into perspective ... It’s made us not care about the silly little things.”

He is probably missing about 30% of his brain.

How did you learn to meet his needs while also meeting the needs of Barlow? It definitely took a while, because there was a really big grieving part where I was probably not the best mom to Barlow and him—but honestly, thank God for Barlow. She is the best with him.

She already is like, “Can I put his medicine in?” She wants to help.

Every night she prays for him: “God, please be with my brother. His arms and legs don’t work very well.” She has a good heart. That’s made it easier. We also do one-on-one things. I try to be very present. I’m room mom at her school. I want her to see me doing those things, knowing she is important.

What does your family do for fun? I started running last year, and I enjoy that. I started pushing Hudson in 5Ks. He’s on a racing team, Team Hoyt. That’s been fun, and it’s a stress reliever. Barlow plays tennis; Pat plays a little, and they’ll ride their bikes to the park and play on the tennis courts. Barlow enjoys that, and she does gymnastics.

Is it important, as a mother, to take time for yourself? Yes. I just feel like it makes you a better mom. If I’m constantly working and doing for everyone else, it kind of drains me. So on a Saturday morning, I’ll say, “I’m going to Target.” Pat will say, “Oh, you want to take Barlow?” I’m like, “No, I want to go to Target by myself. I need to get some groceries, but I also want to walk around and do nothing.” It’s just nice to even just veg on the couch for an hour.

Tell me what you see for your family’s future. I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow, so thinking about the future is like, aagh!

But I want to travel and enjoy things with them. I obviously see us staying here. I always tell my daughter she’s never allowed to move out of Texas. She’s already saying, “I’m going to get married and leave you.” I’m like, “Stop. I don’t want to talk about this.” I think Hudson’s diagnosis has made us super close. We call ourselves the four musketeers. It’s just different. That’s the only way I can really say it. I don’t ever want them to leave, but no, I do. I want Barlow to grow up, get married and have babies, but live close to me. dfwchild.com / march 2020

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real moms / B R I E F S

FIRST-ROUND PICKS what Sheleena Doney can’t live without

FO R LI V E N I N G H E R I N S TA FE E D

2

FO R G E T TI N G AWAY

gAnnual Family Trip “We love taking our kids to my grandparents’ lake house in Tennessee every Fourth of July.

I have been going since I was a child, and I just love watching my kids enjoy everything I did when I was their age. We love to take the kids tubing and jet skiing and make s’mores at night by the fire.” gDream Destination “I have always wanted to go to Greece!”

FO R B I N G E WATCH I N G

I ENJOY THE POSTS FROM THE WANDERPRENEURS. THEY ARE A FAMILY OF FOUR TRAVELING THE UNITED STATES IN THEIR RV. IN MY FANTASY WORLD I THINK THAT WOULD BE SO FUN TO DO FOR A FEW MONTHS.

THE WANDERPRENEURS // @the.wanderpreneurs

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march 2020 / dfwchild.com

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“Most anything on Netflix. I recently watched Cheer and couldn’t stop!” NETFLIX // netflix.com

5

FO R I N - C A R LI S TE N I N G “In the mornings, it’s definitely the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show! I have been listening to them since high school and just love them.”

THE KIDD KRADDICK MORNING SHOW // kiddnation.com

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FO R E NJ OY I N G S P O RT S TO G E TH E R

‘‘

WHILE FOOTBALL IS NO. 1 (GO COWBOYS!), WE DON’T GET TO ENJOY IT AS A FAMILY WITH PAT WORKING ON SUNDAYS. SO I WOULD SAY HOCKEY. WE HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL DALLAS STARS GAMES TOGETHER, AND IT REALLY IS SUCH A BLAST. THE KIDS LOVE IT!

DALLAS COWBOYS // dallascowboys.com DALLAS STARS // nhl.com/stars

SHELEENA: NICK PRENDERGAST; DONEY FAMILY: SHELEENA DONEY; CHEER: NETFLIX; RADIO HOSTS: KIDD KRADDICK MORNING SHOW

1

ALEXIS PATTERSON

‘‘

INTERVIEW

YOUR

DESTIN

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a tuesday in the life of

STEPHANIE JARRETT Stephanie Jarrett is an Arlington-based mom about town, you might say. She spends her days volunteering at her girls’ school, growing her kid-oriented blog (Everything Arlington) and freelancing. Her husband, Brad, works at Lockheed Martin, and together they have three girls: Adelynn, 10, Brynna, 7, and Corinne, 6. Jarrett has also been a surrogate twice, most recently giving birth last year. She loves running, a glass of red wine, traveling and the Missouri Tigers.

4

:30AM Alarm goes off. I wonder if I should hit snooze. I run with a group, so some of my favorite runners will be waiting for me. I get up.

4:55AM I run 1.5 miles to meet my group.

5:15AM We meet up and run a mile. We discuss anything and everything as we run. Definitely cheaper than therapy and way more fun!

5:30AM Get home and walk the dog. Start on my first (well-earned!) cup of coffee.

5:45AM Brad leaves for the office. Start on my second cup of coffee (black, with added collagen).

6:15AM Shower time. I try to be totally ready—dressed, hair, makeup—before I get the girls up.

7AM Wake the girls. The next hour is a complete whirlwind. Showers, hair, breakfast, brush teeth, check backpacks, check lunch menu, tie shoes. Some mornings are harder than others!

8AM Everybody is in the car and we head to school.

8:10AM Pull into the drop-off circle. I listen to the girls chatter about what they will do at school today, who they will sit with at lunch, what they are dreading. They are insightful [conversations] most days.

8:30AM Home again. I turn on Good Morning America and try to catch the last 30 minutes.

I also catch up on world news. I love reading daily email briefings. I’m more connected to the world this way.

9AM Start working on blog and social media content for the day. Some days content is scheduled, and I just make sure it posts and respond to questions and comments as needed.

Other days, I research events and goings-on in the DFW area.

9:45AM I freelance for Savvy Sassy Moms, so I spend time researching articles I have due or snapping photos for them.

10:30AM I also work for Pearachute Kids as a community manager. I work to onboard new partners, so I look into new activity providers and send emails, as well as follow up with contacts from the past few days.

12PM Break for lunch. I’m struggling to take off the last few pounds of baby weight from the baby I had in August as a surrogate. I have a salad from Trader Joe’s.

12:30PM Time to walk the dog again and listen to a podcast. I’m a true crime fan—my husband jokes that I know more ways to off him than makes him comfortable! Crime Junkie—my favorite—is released every Monday, so it’s something to look forward to for my Tuesday dog walk.

1PM Work on more blog content. Update my calendar with event invites I’ve received, work on social media posts, check in on others and respond as needed.

1:30PM I’m a member of the Junior League of Arlington, so I send out donation request letters for our upcoming event. I’m also the fundraising chair for the PTA at my girls’ school, so I send out donation request letters for the upcoming silent auction. Girl Scout Cookie season is upon us, so I update our selling calendar and order badges for the troops I help with.

3PM Grab a bag of SkinnyPop (original is the best) and start a load of laundry. I try to tidy up the kitchen too.

3:20PM Time to pick up the girls. I park at a church nearby, and they walk to the car after the bell rings. I used to meet them at school and walk with them, but Adelynn recently informed me this is “so not cool, Mom.” 4:05PM Arrive home with the girls. Prepare snacks and ask about homework. I set the timer for their daily 20 minutes of reading and switch the laundry to the dryer.

4:30PM Girls are done reading and head outside to play on scooters while I make them dinner.

5:10PM After dinner, leave for ice skating.

Two of my three girls ice skate, and Tuesday is lesson night. The first skates at 5:45 and the second at 6:15. I sit, watch and bring books for my other daughter to read and color.

6:15PM Pack up the skates and grab a straw-

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the Fort Worth area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by DFWChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space.

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march 2020 / dfwchild.com

JARRETT FAMILY: STEFANI ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

real moms / R O U T I N E S

the fine

print

THE BROKEN GIRLS: PENGUIN RANDON HOUSE; MOCHI: MY/MO MOCHI

WHAT SHE’S READING The Broken Girls by Simone St. James WHAT SHE’S WATCHING The Dublin Murders, based on novels by Tana French FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH Jonathon Taylor Thomas FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Urban Union in Arlington.

You can grab dinner at Cartel Taco Bar and have beer at Legal Draft, and then get a cupcake from Sugar Bee Sweets.

BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Nonalcoholic: Culture Cola by Live; alcoholic: a frozen margarita with salt from Fuzzy’s FAVORITE PODCASTS Crime Junkie and Moms and Murder. True crime is definitely stranger than fiction! WORKOUT SHE MANAGES TO SQUEEZE IN I love to run. I can’t imagine not running. I’m also doing Bikini Body—a program that’s 28 minutes, three days a week. LOOKING FORWARD TO Traveling to the Grand Canyon with my family over spring break FAVORITE INDULGENCE Green tea My/Mo mochi ice cream—my family doesn’t really like it, so I never have to worry about someone stealing!

HABIT SHE CAN’T QUIT Twirling my hair SHE’S REALLY BAD AT Saying no. The girls know it.

My husband knows it. I want to do everything, even if I’m in over my head.

berry banana smoothie for the girls at the pretzel place by the rink.

7PM Back home, the girls get 30 minutes of iPad time while I fix dinner for Brad and me. We eat and discuss our days and any important plans for the week.

7:30PM Bedtime routine. Pajamas on, teeth brushed.

7:45PM Harry Potter time! The girls and I started reading the series in early 2019.

We have promised the girls that if we finish the series before Thanksgiving, we will take them to Universal. We’re currently halfway through The Goblet of Fire and loving it.

8:30PM Lights out for the girls.

8:35PM Finish laundry, clean kitchen, load dishwasher. I pick up stray items and prepare the girls’ lunches and backpacks for tomorrow.

9PM I get into bed and respond to emails and any last questions on my social media pages.

9:30PM If I can still keep my eyes open, I try to read for 30 minutes.

10PM Lights out for me—Brad and I are early birds all the way! dfwchild.com / march 2020

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sudden

heartache Helmets and pads don’t prevent cardiac arrest, which can strike seemingly healthy kids without warning. So what can we do to protect our young athletes’ hearts?

S

W O R D S G I N A C A LV E R T

ITTING IN THE PARKING LOT AT PLANO EAST HIGH SCHOOL, waiting to pick up her son after football practice, Karen Schrah received a call that no parent wants: Something happened to her son Zachary during practice. She thought perhaps her 16-year-old had broken a leg, until she saw the ambulance and fire truck at the field house and then was held back from getting close enough to see what was going on.

“When they told me he was being worked on, I knew it was something more serious,” she recalls.

Coaches, teammates and parents began to tell her what they knew, simply that Zac had collapsed while running drills in the field house. Friends and teachers followed the ambulance to the ER, where they waited, prayed and leaned on each other for strength during the two hours doctors worked to save Zac’s life. His family was sitting with him when he was pronounced dead.

Zac’s cause of death was an undiagnosed congenital heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the top two causes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). HCM thickens a portion of the heart for unknown reasons, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. Sufferers can experience chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heart rhythm, or no symptoms at all.

With immediate intervention—such as with an automated external defibrillator (AED), a portable electronic device designed to shock the heart back into normal rhythm—symptoms can be treated successfully.

But unless treated within two to three minutes, HCM will lead to death.

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“It’s just so important for schools to talk about emergency preparedness. Do you know where the AEDs are? Do you know how to quickly apply them?”

those first few moments after her son’s death in 2009 that God must have a plan, that he would support and comfort her, and that something would come from her son’s death.

Zac’s friends and his younger sister Sarah had no such assurance. They wondered how this 6-foot-2, 225-pound kid who was the epitome of health could have had a heart condition serious enough to take his life. How could someone so special, so loved by his friends, so active in outdoor activities and sports, and so full of integrity, team spirit and leadership potential be gone? He’d been the life of the party, an excellent student who planned to go to the University of Texas, become a doctor and save lives. The entire school district grieved Zac’s untimely passing. Until they left for college 16 months later, his friends continued to hang out at the Schrah home and in Zac’s room. They wrestled with the question of why.

Though you may occasionally hear stories like Zac’s on the news, SCA is considered relatively rare. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Matthew Dzurik, medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Cook Children’s, reports that SCA is responsible for 5% of all cardiac-related deaths of children and only 1.3% of all deaths of children.

Likewise, heart conditions that lead to SCA are not on the rise for young athletes or kids in general. According to Dr. Ilana Zeltser, director of electrophysiology at Children’s Health and associate professor at UT Southwestern, “incidences of heart conditions in young people are not increasing, but the degree of performance, families and athletes becoming more competitive, and the use of performance-enhancing measures are on the rise. These, and even the onset of puberty, may contribute to SCAs in those with existing heart conditions.”

Estimates vary for the number of athletes who could experience a significant cardiac event with no prior diagnosis—Dzurik says the best studies put the ratio from 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 80,000, but those studies may include adult athletes, not just teens. For perspective, there are 22

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more than 800,000 high school athletes in Texas, per the National Federation of State High School Associations, so a handful of young athletes are likely at risk and don’t know it.

How is it that deadly cardiac conditions can go undiagnosed? “Sometimes, the first symptom of a heart condition is an irregular heartbeat that quickly becomes an SCA,” Dzurik says. This can happen during extreme exertion, mild activity or even sleep. Asymptomatic disease is, by nature, not easily detected. And until recently, screenings like echocardiograms and electrocardiograms were used only for patients who were showing symptoms.

Then when SCA occurs, not all spaces are equipped with AEDs nearby, reducing the chance of survival by about 10% for each minute without emergency treatment, according to the National Safety Council.

When Schrah learned that an AED might have saved Zac’s life if it had reached him sooner, she knew what she had to do to protect other children.

Within three months, she created Living for Zachary, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of and preventing SCA in other young people. Living for Zachary focuses on educating parents about heart abnormalities, facilitating screenings that might detect them and funding the placement of AEDs where they can be quickly accessed.

“Taking my experience of losing a child and wanting to help others, then actually meeting other parents whose kids have had our heart screening and discovered the need for corrective surgery, or working with adults or kids who have been saved by an AED, has given my life purpose,” Schrah says.

WHAT CAN WE DO? Stories like Schrah’s are every parent’s worst nightmare. When a sudden student death on the sports field makes headlines, fears are ignited, and parents wonder what can be done to protect their child. Questions abound: What should I do to keep my child safe?

Dzurik urges parents not to be afraid of allow-

ing their kids to be active, explaining that heart abnormalities don’t form because of physical activity—though there are risk factors and symptoms that parents should be aware of. (See sidebar, bottom right.)

“The best place to start is with your pediatrician or primary care physician for sports physicals and regular wellness checkups,” Dzurik says.

“If there is a family history of heart conditions or your child has experienced any symptoms, an EKG may be indicated.”

Thanks to new state legislation, parents can now access screenings even without symptoms or a family history of heart disease. Cody’s Law (HB 76) was passed in 2019 in part through the work of the Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Memorial Foundation. The organization was launched by the family of Cody Stephens, a young athlete who succumbed to SCA in 2012 while resting in a recliner on a Sunday afternoon.

Cody’s Law gives parents the right to choose heart screenings for their children, and University Interscholastic League (UIL) examinations for participating in school sports now include information about these optional screenings. SCA strikes non-athletes, as well, and organizations like Living for Zachary can be a source of information and help with the cost of screenings. Note that the law does not make sports screenings mandatory; parents can opt out.

Why are these screenings optional? Why aren’t they mandatory for sports physicals?

The American Heart Association (AHA), the American Pediatric Association (APA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have recommended against mass mandatory heart screenings for student athletes for multiple reasons: 1. The top two undiagnosed heart conditions that can lead to SCA are HCM (Zac’s condition), which Zeltser says can be detected by screenings only about 50% of the time, and anomalous coronary artery, which is missed 90% of the time by screenings. No one screening exists that could detect all heart abnormalities.

“Unfortunately, we cannot find every athlete that will have a heart problem,” Dzurik adds, “no matter how much screening we do.”

AED + ILLUSTRATION: ©ISTOCK

WRESTLING WITH WHY Though devastated, Schrah remembers feeling in

Fortunately, not all heart conditions are imminently life-threatening, and many times symptoms do alert families of the need to seek medical attention.

2. Some screenings result in false positives. A benign condition called athletic heart syndrome (an enlarged heart due to significant aerobic exercise) or even a normal variation in heart rhythm can mimic more serious conditions. A false positive puts families through tremendous stress and takes athletes out of play for weeks while they go through expensive, more invasive follow-up tests that do not uncover an underlying condition.

3. Heart conditions may develop at any time, so screenings would need to be repeated. With nearly 8 million high school athletes in the U.S., the medical system would be overwhelmed by such a large-scale annual initiative. A shortage of trained medical personnel and the AHA’s estimated $2 billion price tag make widespread screening prohibitive at this time for a disease of such low incidence.

Even if only a small percentage of heart conditions can be detected through these screenings, isn’t that worth it?

Schrah, undeterred by this controversy, believes so. “We understand there are some cases in which it is difficult to prevent sudden cardiac arrest,” she says. “My perspective, and the perspective of Living for Zachary, is that if we can save even one child’s life through preventative heart screenings, we believe our mission has been accomplished and families can be spared a lifetime of grief because of it.”

To date, Living for Zachary has facilitated more than 8,000 youth heart screenings at multiple events throughout the year. If a child is unable to attend a free screening event, families can schedule a $55 heart screening at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano. At least three young people have discovered heart conditions through these screenings. According to the Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Memorial Foundation, its screenings have led to the diagnosis of heart conditions in over 90 young athletes.

What else is being done to help keep student athletes safe?

Sports cardiologists continue to seek new and better ways to screen student athletes, and awareness is critical. Educational videos are helping parents and students become more familiar with proper use of protective gear and concerning symptoms.

UIL Texas has provided short videos in English and Spanish covering shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations and passing out.

But receiving by far the strongest push is a strategy that the major national cardiac organizations agree is the most effective for protecting kids from SCA: creating Heart Safe schools.

And this is something parents can help with.

BECOMING HEART SAFE Whether parents opt for screenings, Dzurik

encourages parents to channel their fear and energy into the two most important measures that are known to save lives: CPR and AEDs. Dzurik explains that Cook Children’s works with Project ADAM, a nonprofit named for a teen who died from SCA while playing basketball, to certify schools as Heart Safe. What makes a school or other organization Heart Safe?

1. A cardiac response plan and team 2. The correct number of accessible AEDs within two to three minutes’ reach 3. CPR training for school staff, teachers, coaches and students Cook Children’s reports that 434 Texas schools have been designated Heart Safe, including 258 schools in North Texas—251 public and only seven private. (Find out if your school is Heart Safe at cookchildrens.org.) With thousands more schools, extracurricular organizations and churches in Texas, there’s still plenty of room for parents to get involved and initiate the program where their children could benefit.

“It’s just so important for schools to talk about emergency preparedness,” Schrah says.

“Do you know where the AEDs are? Do you know how to quickly apply them?”

So far, Living for Zachary has funded that training for 1,667 people and donated more than 290 AEDs. And the devices are benefiting more than adolescents. Adults are 3–5 times more likely to experience SCA. “The first AED we donated, just six months after we launched, was to St. Mark’s Catholic Church and School in Plano,” Schrah reveals.

“Two years later, a parishioner collapsed during mass. The AED saved his life, and now he serves on our AED committee and teaches CPR. In fact, every one of our board members is a survivor of SCA, thanks to an AED.” So what’s the best thing you can do to protect your child? In addition to carefully considering your child’s screening needs, you can donate to organizations like Living for Zachary that are working to get AEDs and CPR into schools. (See sidebar at right.) And you can advocate for Heart Safe schools in your community.

“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen in the blink of an eye with no warning, and protecting our schools and youth-based organizations from it is so important,” Schrah says. “One of the best

first steps we can take is to start the conversation with family, friends, teachers and our community leaders.”

Zac’s sister Sarah is also committed to saving lives. Because of his death, she became an ICU nurse. Sarah graduated in December 2018 from Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing and is currently practicing at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano.

For Schrah, heart health advocacy has transformed her outlook.

“Working with parents and kids … has given me an unbelievable joy I never thought I could experience again, a reason to press on and get up every morning,” Schrah says. “The love and joy that has come from being able to carry on and do this in Zac’s memory is overwhelming.”

Life Savers

These organizations are actively working together in Texas to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in students and provide resources to save lives when SCA happens: • Living for Zachary brings youth heart screening events to schools and youth organizations in North Texas and donates AEDs to these groups in order to protect the children they serve.

Plano; livingforzachary.org • Project ADAM, in partnership with Cook Children’s, helps local schools develop CPR and AED programs. cookchildrens.org/ cardiology • The Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Memorial Foundation partners with schools to implement heart screening programs and raise awareness that SCA is preventable. Last year, the foundation helped to pass Cody’s Law, which gives Texas parents the right to request screenings. Crosby (near Houston); codystephensfoundation.org

Heart Check

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends talking to your pediatrician if your child has any risk factors or symptoms for dangerous heart conditions, including symptoms that seem to resolve without incident. These include: • Unexplained sudden death of a young, otherwise healthy family member • Family history of inherited heart muscle or rhythm problems • Congenital heart defect, even one that was surgically repaired • Abnormal heart rate or rhythm that can’t be explained • Chest pain during exercise • Unexplainable shortness of breath • Fainting or having a seizure without warning or while exercising dfwchild.com / march 2020

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BALL BOY: KELLY ERWIN/ TEXAS AIRHOGS BASEBALL; SPORTS ICON: NOUN PROJECT

As a bat boy for the Texas AirHogs, Noah Barton organized equipment, among other tasks, before enjoying games.

WORK WITH THE PROS

the perks of being a ball kid WORDS RUDY KLANCNIK

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HILE HIS BUDDIES WERE TOILING AWAY busing tables, bagging groceries and flipping burgers, Noah Barton was talking about how to hit a curveball with a professional baseball player. And he was getting paid to do it.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had gotten the job as bat boy for the [Texas] AirHogs,” says the 15-year-old Mansfield freshman. “For a first job, I couldn’t have found a better one. And the experience really taught me a lot about how to put in a hard day at work and enjoy it at the same time. It was very fulfilling.”

Like a select group of youngsters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Noah found his peek into the professional sports world to be eye-opening—and definitely never boring. Noah’s day at the park usually started two hours before first pitch and included filling water jugs, dfwchild.com / march 2020

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getting the umpires’ room squared away, skills camps, it’s 13. It’s smart to check out making sure there were enough baseballs for your favorite team’s official website for age the umps and organizing bats and helmets requirements. (See sidebar at direction for in the dugout. Then he could have some fun. more local teams’ requirements.)

“Probably my best lesson was never putting “We want kids who are responsible, things off until later,” he says. “When I had and we interview them to talk about something to do, I did it quickly so then later that beforehand,” says Kelsey Armand, I could better enjoy the experience of the community relations specialist for the game and mix in with the players.

AirHogs. “We prefer bat boys/girls That was the best.” to continue in the job even when Not surprisingly, breaking school begins but understand into the sports world is super that they will have to miss competitive. After all, anyone from time to time since school who’s ever attended a ball game always should come first.” has dreamed of how cool it Travis Charles, director would be to work for a sports of basketball operations for team. Fortunately for kiddos in our the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, loves area, the opportunities his team’s ball kid to work in sports are program—but he numerous thanks to It may be the coolest first job ever, but being emphasizes that the our abundance of kids are there to work. a ball boy or ball girl is exactly that—a job. professional sports “We treat them like Here are some ways to put your kiddo in the teams (more than a employees because best spot to land the gig: dozen). Still, landing they have some very one of these gigs can important jobs to do + Make sure your child is in it for the long be as challenging as haul. Seasons aren’t short. Plus, the job starts at every game,” says defending Luka Dončić well before the game begins—usually two to Charles, whose team on the fast break. plays home games three hours prior—and ends long after the “Being a ball kid at the University of parking lot clears of fans. That’s a huge time is an excellent way Texas at Arlington. commitment away from friends and family, to become part of “You’ve got to take so make sure your kid is fully on board. the Texas Legends care of the officials + Professionally pursue the job. Just like game operation at a before the game, run in the adult world of job seeking, it may young age,” explains errands for players in take a little extra to get the attention Brock Berenato, who both locker rooms, of the team. After submitting an email heads up basketball rebound during to the team’s website, follow it up with operations for the the pregame shoota handwritten note from your kid. That Frisco-based Legends. arounds, work with definitely cuts through the clutter.

“Ball kids rebound the game crew, handle + Focus on job duties versus how cool before the games halftime duties for it will be to hang with Joey Gallo or Dak for our players and the refs and more Prescott. Have your kiddo communicate opposing players, move that they understand the responsibilities rebounding during the ball racks on and shoot-arounds after and are ready to earn their stripes. off the court, mop the halftime.”

Operations people work really hard to floors for slick spots, Charles says while put on a great show every game, and they move towels and other appreciate someone who understands that rebounding sounds gear to and from the fun to any basketballthe job is not all glitz. locker rooms, and playing kid—and it + Put up a lot of shots. Have your kiddo make sure players have apply to numerous opportunities in the is very fun—the pros water or Gatorade can be demanding. area. If the RoughRiders don’t work out, when they need it.

“We’ve actually had there’s the AirHogs. If the Mavs say, “Not “Of course they also some complaints at this time,” try the Legends. Lots of get to see how our from visiting players kids want to be part of the action, so it’s operations staff do when they didn’t important to shoot early and shoot often. their jobs and enjoy love how our kids [watching] NBA-caliber were rebounding and players perform,” he feeding them the adds. “The kids are a vital part of our game ball,” he reveals. “So, yes, it’s important to be day operation.” good at the game to be a ball kid.”

For really good ball kids, an internship UP TO PAR with the team could be in the cards. “We’ve The minimum age for kids to get involved definitely hired interns from our ball kid varies from team to team. With the program,” Charles says. “It’s awesome Legends, it’s 10. For the AirHogs, it’s 15. watching them mature over the course of the For the Mavericks, who choose their Mavs season and blossom into great members of Ballkids from among participants in their our game day staff.”

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Here are some local teams with opportunities for kids:

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS Looking for: Bat boys and ball shaggers Must be: At least 16 years old and capable with the leather— in other words, able to catch a fly ball hit by a professional baseball player How to apply: Visit teamworkonline.com and search “RoughRiders” Frisco; ridersbaseball.com TEXAS AIRHOGS Looking for: Bat boys and girls Must be: 15 years or older How to apply: Email Kelsey Armand (karmand@texasairhogs.com) Grand Prairie; texasairhogs.com DALLAS WINGS Looking for: Ball boys and girls Must be: 16 years or older How to apply: Contact the Dallas Wings office at 817/469-9464 Arlington; dallaswings.com DALLAS MAVERICKS Looking for: 90 Ballkids (per season) to help out on game nights Must be: Ages 13–18 and a Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp or Elite Camp attendee How to apply: Attend camp to receive an application; mavs.com/hoopcamp Dallas; mavs.com TEXAS LEGENDS Looking for: Ball boys and girls Must be: At least 10 years old and a capable basketball player How to apply: Email Byron Bogar (bbogar@texlegends.com) or Brock Berenato (bberenato@texlegends.com) Frisco; texlegends.com

MASCOT: FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS

ALLEN AMERICANS Looking for: Help for the equipment manager, game day promotions and media relations Must be: At least 10 years old, but the age requirement varies based on job responsibilities How to apply: For equipment management roles, email Tim Abbott (tabbott@allenamericans.com); for game day promotions, email Corey Essman (corey@allenamericans.com); for media relations, email Tommy Daniels (tommy@allenamericans.com) Allen; allenamericans.com DALLAS SIDEKICKS Looking for: Interns, as well as kids to help with the in-game charity ball toss Must be: In high school (for internship) How to apply: Email Paul Donaghy (paul@dallassidekicks.org) Allen; dallassidekicks.com

dfwchild.com / march 2020

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travel tips from YouTube mega-stars WORDS ALEXIS PATTERSON

I

F YOUR CHILD IS A YOUTUBE FANATIC, chances are they know all about the Izzys. The longtime Austin residents—known to viewers as Stridor (mom), Eddie (dad) and Bubs (their 6-year-old son)— started making videos in 2016, showcasing their elaborate train-track builds. Fast forward to 2020, and they’ve reached a billion (yes, billion with a B) views on their main channel, youtube.com/theizzys. Today their videos range from creating a LEGO obstacle course for Happy the Hamster to playing video games to opening fan mail from their 920,000 subscribers. We tapped the bona fide YouTube stars to give us their recommendations for a trip to the state capital with kids.

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OUT(SIDE) & ABOUT Spring is a wonderful time to visit Zilker Park. Dubbed “Austin’s mostloved park,” it stretches across 351 acres in the heart of the city. “Take a ride on the Zilker Zephyr train,” Stridor suggests.

There’s also a huge playground, canoeing, the Barton Springs pool, Barking Springs for your pup and more. The Izzys like to start their Zilker Park outings with a family picnic— The Izzys P. Terry’s Burger Stand is their choice.

Later, enjoy the city by land and water with Austin Duck Adventures. “They tell you lots of interesting facts I never knew about Austin, and you get to boat on the lake and quack at people along the way,” Stridor says, adding that you should check Groupon for discounts before buying tickets.

INDOOR FUN The Texas heat can creep up anytime, so it’s good to have some indoor spots on your itinerary.

Stridor recommends The Thinkery,

1 3

Austin’s children’s museum. “We love it here,” she smiles. “We shot a show on it awhile back; you can check it out to get a better feel of it.”

When the kids have worn you out there, make your way downtown to the Central Library. “This place is a work of art,” says Stridor. “I bring kids here just to walk through, and I drink a cup of coffee at the top.”

SUSTENANCE After a full day, both you and the kids are no doubt hungry. According to Stridor, Phil’s Icehouse on South Lamar is a great choice.

“Hello, playground!” she says. “They have ‘parent recess’ prices on beer and wine, and there is an Amy’s Ice Cream.”

When the Izzys have guests, they take them to The Oasis on Lake Travis. “There’s music and tons to see,” says Stridor. “Get there early if you want to sit right on the rail, closest to the water.”

THE BATS When you’ve wrapped up dinner, there’s one more outdoor outing that’s an Austin must. “We have bats!” Stridor exclaims. “They leave their spot under the Congress Avenue Bridge every night and it is amazing. And a little stinky.” But worth it to see North America’s largest urban bat population (we’re talking hundreds of thousands of bats) start their night flight. The bats are

1 / The Thinkery boasts “play-based” learning. 2 / P. Terry’s offers a great burger unique to the Austin area. 3 / Crowds gather to see Austin’s bats. 4 / The Austin Motel is within walking distance of all the South Congress attractions.

active from late March through early fall and begin to move between 7:30 and 9:45pm.

SLEEP IT OFF For a cool hotel pick, Stridor suggests the Austin Motel on South Congress. “It’s weird. I like weird,” she explains. There’s also The Driskill, the iconic property on Sixth Street. “This is my husband’s pick.

Because it’s haunted,” Stridor says.

“He’ll be staying there alone.”

ZILKER PARK austintexas.gov/zilker P. TERRY’S BURGER STAND pterrys.com AUSTIN DUCK ADVENTURES austinducks.com THE THINKERY thinkeryaustin.org CENTRAL LIBRARY library.austintexas.gov/central-library PHIL’S ICEHOUSE philsicehouse.com THE OASIS oasis-austin.com CONGRESS AVENUE BRIDGE BATS austintexas.org/things-to-do/outdoors/ bat-watching AUSTIN MOTEL austinmotel.com THE DRISKILL driskillhotel.com

THINKERY: KIRK TUCK; RESTAURANT: P. TERRY’S; BATS: ©ISTOCK; AUSTIN MOTEL: NICK SIMONITE; FAMILY: THE IZZYS

THE CAPITAL WITH KIDS

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COLLIN DALLAS FORT WORTH NORTH TEXAS

The indispensable resource for 45,000+ new and expectant mothers across the Dallas-Fort Worth area

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Tailored to your family for the perfect fit.

Open days, evenings and weekends.

• Hourly drop-in childcare • Preschool education programs • School age activities

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In Arlington For ages 2 – 12

At Arlington Highlands • 309 Curtis Mathes Way • 817.236.1253 License #892451

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a royally perfect party WORDS ALEXIS PATTERSON

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5 1 & 2 / The party was the perfect opportunity for a themed family photo shoot. 3 / The cake featured a storybook layer and one that matched Belle’s signature dress. 4 / Belle’s friends made cheerful decorations. 5 / Party guests surrounded the actress who played Belle.

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HEN IT CAME TIME TO PLAN her daughter Elyana’s fourth birthday party, Dayna Tolley took a cue from the movie playing on repeat in their home: Beauty and the Beast. And since Tolley is a party planner—in addition to her full-time role as a dispatcher with the Plano Police Department—you can be certain that no detail was missed.

It all started with the party invitations.

“They were shaped like the mirror in the story,” explains Tolley. “I had them cut out. They weren’t box invitations.”

Another unconventional aspect to this party: The children got their party favors as soon as they arrived, and for good reason. “We provided golden yellow Belle skirts and hair bows for the girls and blue shirts with Beast on them for the boys,” Tolley says—attire that perfectly matched the decor. Table centerpieces featured the mystical rose in glass domes and Belle’s beloved books.

The decor also included toy characters from the movie: Chip, Lumiere, Cogsworth … the gang was all there.

The celebration turned out to be a mix of something old (books from their storage shed), something new (plush dolls and rose centerpieces), something borrowed (a “magic mirror” from the florist) and something blue—the jacket worn by the Beast himself. He was, of course, joined by Belle. “The kids were so excited that they screamed,” recalls Tolley of the moment the characters arrived. While the actress playing Belle came from a party service, the Beast was played by Elyana’s dad. “He was a good sport,” smiles Tolley. “It was a full-face costume that got pretty warm.”

After the bounce house (where Tolley notes Elyana spent 95% of the party), balloon art and face painting, they cut into the cake. Tolley gave her trusted baker the celebration’s theme and color palette, and she came up with a stunning fondant creation topped with the story’s title characters.

For Tolley, the best part of the bash was that she could actually enjoy it. “I hired my go-to assistant to come to the party,” she says.

“At client events, I’m handling logistics. But my assistant kept everything running smoothly.” Making for an enchanted day, you might say.

BOUNCE HOUSE Bounce ‘N’ More bouncenmore.com PRINCESS ACTRESS Happily Ever Parties happilyeverparties.com/ n-texas FACE PAINTING AND BALLOON TWISTING Today’s Balloons todaysballoons.com

CAKE Sweet Somethings

by Ashleigh sweetsomethingsby ashleigh.com TULLE SKIRTS The Hair Bow Company thehairbowcompany.com PARTY PLANNING Party On! Events partyonevents-tx.com

BE OUR GUEST: BRANDI MCCOMB PHOTOGRAPHY

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BEST Summer EVER EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE

ONE UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER

SummerYou at All Saints’ 9700 Saints Circle Fort Worth, TX 76108 summeryou.org/fwc

With 233 camps to choose from over 11 weeks of summer for ages three – Grade 12, your family won’t be riding the boredom train. She wants to read and build robots, and he wants to start a business in the morning and play soccer in the afternoon. Find their common ground here. (Or find different camps in the same week to give them space from each other.)

11 weeks of preschool day camps 25+ sports camps led by All Saints’ Varsity coaches 16 business camps for the young entrepreneur 16 creative camps including painting, theatre and dance 56 STEAM camps to keep the wheels turning 5 courses for credit to free up the high school schedule

A one-stop shop for parents.

With extended day options and affordable, weekly camps all on one world-class campus, parents can rest easy knowing that the logistics - and their kids - are well taken care of.

All Saints’ Episcopal School is a leading college preparatory day school in Fort Worth, Texas.

Texas School of the Arts 6025 Village Parkway, Edgecliff Village, TX 76134 Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts 3901 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-717-4544 artsacademics.org/summer

Whether your child is new to the world of arts training or is a seasoned art student, we know your camper will grow and learn with us and have fun doing it! Our highly qualified instructors will guide children toward their full potential as they develop their skills in one or more areas of the arts. Exposure to the arts can help shape children’s views of the world and their place in it.

All camps run Monday through Friday with a showcase for parents at the end of the week.

We offer multi-week discounts and affordable before and after care.

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BEST Summer EVER

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CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

The #1 summer STEM camp Build in-demand skills and discover a passion for technology! At iD Tech Camps, students ages 7–17 kickstart their futures with courses in coding, Fortnite, Roblox, robotics engineering, AI, VR, 3D printing, photography, and more.

In each weeklong session, students explore a top campus with new friends, learn from world-class instructors, and create impressive projects for their portfolios. Small class sizes are guaranteed (no more than 10 students per instructor) to ensure proper pacing for all skill levels.

1-888-709-8324 info@idtech.com iDTech.com

iD Tech summer programs are held at 150 prestigious campuses worldwide, including the University of Texas at Dallas, SMU, TCU, Rice, Westlake Academy, and Imperial College London. While most programs are weeklong (with optional overnight stays at many locations), teens can enroll in two-week, pre-collegiate Academies for an extra immersive experience.

Join us and see firsthand why over 450,000 camp alumni are raving about our programs.

Visit iDTech.com for more information, or call our Camp Specialists at 1-888-709-8324 for a personalized course recommendation.

Open House at both camps on Saturday, March 21.

2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt TX 78024 830-238-4650 RagsdaleFamilyCamps.com

Come spend a day on the beautiful Guadalupe near Kerrville! Our camps are friendly, instruction-oriented and offer more than 50 activities, including sports, horseback and swimming. Also intangibles critical to a child’s success: self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity and working through challenges.

Ragsdale family owned and operated. Stewart est.

1924 and Heart est. 1953. Campers ages 6–16, family style dining, home cooked meals. Friendly!

Camp Clayton 2020 May 26th–August 7th Registration Opens March 2nd

817/923-9888 claytonyouth.org

16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 573-458-2125 • office@bearriverranch.com CubCreekScienceCamp.com

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Sibling Discounts & Financial Assistance Available Preparing Children For Great Lives Through Social Emotional Learning Serving Keller, Fort Worth, Crowley ISDs and Surrounding Areas Check out our Specialty Camps!

Camp hours Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm Call us today 817/923-9888 Visit us online: Claytonyouth.org

Imagine a summer camp where campers eat breakfast with a colony of lemurs, zoom down a zip-line and pet a camel before lunch, and play a camp-wide game of Capture the Flag after dinner! Cub Creek is that camp! With 300 incredible animals and over 100+ classes, we are not your average science camp! Welcoming boys and girls ages 7 to 17 for over 25 years.

BEST Summer EVER

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CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

All Star Day Camp #1: June 9–June 12, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #2: June 15–June 18, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #3: July 6–July 9, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #4: July 13–July 16, Ages 6–14 For more information and to sign up, please visit:

Camps are open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender).

collegebaseballcamps.com/tcu One Week Camps, June Intensive, July International Ages 4–18

Fort Worth Community Arts Center 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth, TX 76107 kidswhocare.org

Kids from across Texas, the US, and abroad come to Kids Who Care’s unique musical theatre camps. By creating a summer performance experience for young artists in a professional venue while working with seasoned professionals and fresh talent, kids are exposed to the process of musical theatre and leadership. From the audition to opening night, Kids Who Care creates a powerful, life-changing experience.

STEM Adventure Camps Science and fun together!

Spring Break STEM Camp 5350 Basswood Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76054 Summer STEM Camp — NEW Location 850 Cannon Dr., Hurst, TX 76054 Longhorn Activity Center 817-231-8537 • LAC@longhorn.org longhornactivitycenter.org/stem-camps

STEM Adventure Camp offers nonstop learning and fun! Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Flight, Physics, Engineering, robotics, and FUN! Each day all summer is a different topic. No repeat lessons!

• Starship Command Bridge! • 4 NASA Space flight simulators!

• Reptile shows • Insects • Robotics • Mission to Mars • Rockets • Fossils • 32 foot Allosaurus skeleton • Slime • Geology • Volcanoes • Gems • Crystals • Engineering • Light and sound labs • Rock Climbing • Archery

Ballet Basics introduces boys and girls, ages 3 to 6, to the fundamentals of ballet. The camp experience also includes crafts, story time and choreography correlating with the theme of the week.

1540 Mall Circle Fort Worth, TX 76116 texasballettheater.org/summer-program

The Junior Intensive Program broadens the perspective of 7–14 year old students with a variety of classes including ballet, modern, jazz and musical theater.

Want more camps?

From sports and STEM to dance and art–we’ve got them all! Explore our not-so-secret weapon, the online directory, at dfwchild.com.

dfwchild.com / march 2020

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20 M A R C H 2 020

FORT WORTH EDITION

MARCH 2020

MEET MOM NEXT DOOR

SHELEENA DONEY WHEN YOUR KID IS SIDELINED

BY INJURY

HEART BEAT

THE DANGER OF UNDIAGNOSED HEART CONDITIONS IN ATHLETES

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EVENTS TO ENJOY IN MARCH

HIT THE ROAD FOR AUSTIN

+ PRO SPORTS JOBS FOR KIDS

DON’T WANT TO MISS THE NEXT ISSUE? GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR MAILBOX. Visit dfwchild.com to sign up for free home delivery.

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MARCH

FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE FARM: KITES

NASH FA RM March 6 Kite flying is a wholesome pastime that ought not be left in the past. Make your own paper kite by hand at the heritage workshop led by the knowledgeable docents of Grapevine’s Nash Farm and then test it outside (when the wind blows at the right speed, of course). Registration is required. $3 per person; free for age 2 and younger.

626 Ball St., Grapevine; nashfarm.org

A DAY OF PERILOUS ADVENTURES

MAR. 21–APR. 5 // SEE DINOSAURS IN LIFE-SIZE ANIMATRONIC GLORY AT GRAPEVINE BOTANICAL GARDENS’ JURASSIC GARDENS EXHIBIT, WHICH ALSO FEATURES GENUINE FOSSILS.

JURASSIC GARDENS: GRAPEVINE PARKS AND RECREATION; CLIFFORD: ADVENTURES WITH CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG; AMERICAN RODEO: RFD-TV EVENTS, LLC

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN: CELEBRATE THE CHANGE

F ORT WORT H B OTA N IC G ARDE N Through April 12 Have you ever seen a butterfly with wings as transparent as actual glass? Come see glasswing butterflies, the much-loved blue morpho and more exotic butterflies from the Americas, Africa and Asia at the garden’s Rainforest Conservatory. Timed admission is $12 for adults, $8 for ages 6–15 and free for children 5 and younger.

Garden/exhibit combo tickets are available.

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth fwbg.org

SCALE TALES

SE A LIF E AQUARI UM G R A PEV I N E March 1–31 Ranger Rick unleashes the stories behind snakes, lizards and more reptiles living the wild life at the aquarium. Come learn what’s behind their harsh exteriors during a month of up-close animal encounters and

educational shows held in the Conservation Theater, free with general admission. Online pricing from $17.99 for adults, $14.99 for children 3–12 years and free for 2 and younger.

3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine visitsealife.com

ADVENTURES WITH CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG

F ORT WORTH MU SEUM OF SCIENCE & H ISTORY Opens March 4 Nine-foot-tall pup Clifford and his human companion Emily Elizabeth return to Fort Worth in this children’s exhibit re-creating locations from the series’ Birdwell Island. Bring your littles to the museum to explore the Birdwell Island Ferry, T-Bone’s Beach, Clifford’s doghouse and Emily Elizabeth’s Backyard Theater, all of which incorporate Clifford’s Big Ideas, such as sharing, playing fair and being a good friend.

Free with general

admission: $16 for adults and $13 for kids 2–18 years. Free for members.

1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth fwmsh.org

MAD HATTER TEA PARTY

ART ISA N CHILDRE N’ S THE AT E R March 6 Follow the March Hare and Mad Hatter even deeper down the rabbit hole in the Artisan’s new Alice in Wonderland, Jr. production by dressing up for a tea party immediately following this Friday performance (also with ASL interpretation).

The tea party includes un-birthday treats, takehome crafts and meet and greets with Alice as well as the whole crew. Tea party tickets are $10; tickets to the performance are sold separately and start at $8.

Meanwhile, Seussical continues on the theater’s main stage through March 21.

444 E. Pipeline Road, Hurst artisanct.com

A MON CA RT E R MUSE UM OF A ME RICA N A RT March 7 With the collection of curiosities and oddities in The Perilous Texas Adventures of Mark Dion now on view, the Carter Museum offers a family day of offbeat tours and all-ages art-making activities inspired by the Texas artist and his travels through the Lone Star State. Come for a Saturday afternoon full of fun and grab a snack from local food trucks. FREE

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth cartermuseum.org/dionday

JOURNEY TO SPACE

BASS PE RFORM A NC E HA LL March 7 Tap your toes to music from popular movies Superman, Star Wars, Star Trek and Apollo 13, performed live by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra while NASA images and videos are projected above the stage.

This family series concert is best for elementary kids and younger; it runs about one hour with no intermission.

Tickets from $11.

525 Commerce St., Fort Worth fwsymphony.org

THE AMERICAN RODEO

AT &T STA DI UM March 7–8 This ain’t AT&T Stadium’s first rodeo. RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo returns to Arlington with top rodeo athletes competing (and sometimes biting the dust) in events including steer wrestling, barrel racing, tie down, and saddle bronc and bull riding. Witness all the cowboys vie for their share

MAR. 7–8 // REAL-LIFE COWBOYS GO FOR A WILD RIDE THIS MONTH AT THE AMERICAN RODEO AT AT&T STADIUM.

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inspired craft your child can take home. Pre-registration is recommended. $5 for the program, plus regular admission: $5 for adults; $2 for children 3–12; free for members as well as children younger than 3.

9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth fwnaturecenter.org

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MAR. 28 // EVEN THE LONGHORNS GET INTO THE IRISH SPIRIT FOR THE COWTOWN GOES GREEN FESTIVAL, HELD IN HONOR OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

of $2 million in prize money.

Single-day tickets from $24; weekend passes from $118.

1 AT&T Way, Arlington americanrodeo.com

TERRAIN RACE

T E X AS MOTOR SPEEDWAY March 7 Trek through mud pits and other obstacles—including rope walls, cargo nets and monkey bars—on this 5K course. Children ages 7–13 are welcome to run the 5K with a parent or guardian, while 2- to 10-year-olds can join the Mini Monkey course (a half-mile, scaleddown version of the adult course).

Parents may follow Mini Monkeys at no charge. Registration will be available with posted start times when you arrive at the venue on race day. Once you’ve earned your virtual reality medal, rinse off the mud with an outdoor shower and stay for the post-run party. Registration up to $40.

3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth terrainrace.com

SKETCHING SERIES: BIG, BOLD AND BAROQUE

K IM BEL L ART M U SE UM March 7 Try your hand at these free drop-in drawing sessions inspired by still life and figurative paintings featured in the special exhibition Flesh and Blood: Italian Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum. Meet in the Piano Pavilion Education Studio for a 30-minute time slot and 42

provided materials. Admission to Flesh and Blood is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, $14 for ages 6–11 and free for children under 6.

3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth kimbellart.org

DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA

FORT WORTH MU SEUM OF SCIENCE & H ISTORY Opens March 7 Premiering at the museum’s Omni Theater, this new IMAX documentary film follows a team of paleoecologists on a quest to Earth’s southernmost continent to understand its transformation to a cold tundra from the forest and swampland it once was. Learn all about the Cryolophosaurus, Glacialisaurus and other dinosaurs that once roamed Antarctica, and visit the museum’s DinoLabs and DinoDig before or after the screening for all-day fun.

Combo tickets for museum admission and IMAX are $22 for adults and $18 for kids 2–18 years.

1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth fwmsh.org

DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX

FORT WORTH NATU R E CENTER & R EFU GE March 7 To mark the birthday of the beloved children’s book creator, the nature center offers an afternoon reading of The Lorax (which has a powerful message about conservation) and a Lorax-

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MODE RN A RT MUSE UM OF FORT WORT H March 9–13 The Modern opens on a Monday to kick off a week of family programming. Score a free hot dog and chips for kids 12 and younger at Café Modern (Monday only) and join docent tours and a gallery project focusing on the special exhibition Mark Bradford: End Papers. Two sessions begin at 11am and 2pm each day. Be sure to come back for the family workshop on Friday to help build a walkable cardboard-and-paper model of Fort Worth landmarks, inspired by Red Grooms’ artwork Ruckus Rodeo on view. FREE 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth themodern.org

KISS ME, I’M TEXAN

Go green or go home at these local festivities honoring both Irish heritage and Texas’ own brand of entertainment.

ST. PADDY’S PICKLE PARADE & PALOOZA

D OWNTOWN MA NSFIE LD March 13–14 The town home to Best Maid pickles throws its annual celebration.

Enjoy two days of free children’s activities and watch or take part in the lineup of silly parades—the pet parade on Friday, the baby parade for 6–48 months on Saturday morning and the pickle parade in the afternoon. Keep an eye out for the red-haired Pickle Queens and the dancing, costumed Pickle Dude.

Main and Broad streets, Mansfield pickleparade.org

COWTOWN GOES GREEN

STO CKYA RDS STAT ION March 14 Gussy up the kids in their green for this St. Patrick’s Day festival featuring an Irish-slash-Western parade after the 4pm cattle drive and all-day kids entertainment on the lawn of the Livestock Exchange Building. Let your littles lasso toy steer made from haystacks, cheer on competitors in the armadillo racing and watch costumed actors stage mock gunfights. Andrew Sevener, a finalist on NBC’s The Voice and an Alvarado native, will perform from 4:30–6pm. FREE 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth fortworthstockyards.com

EMPLOYEE CRAFTSMANSHIP DEMONSTRATION

BURE AU OF E NG R AVING & PRINT ING , WE ST E RN CURRE NCY FACILIT Y March 10–13 Meet the staff responsible for printing America’s paper money when this federal facility welcomes the public for live demonstrations of its equipment and tours on the elevated walkway with a view of the production floor, plus an opportunity to design your own money in the craft area (open to kids 8 and older).

More experts show how they repair damaged bills piece by piece. FREE 9000 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth moneyfactory.gov

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

C ASA MA ÑA NA March 20–April 5 The clever girl with psychokinetic powers outsmarts her cruel parents and school headmistress Miss Trunchbull in this new production based on Roald Dahl’s original story. Witness Matilda become her own hero during three weekends of shows. Tickets from $19.

On select Saturdays, upgrade your experience with a very special tea party in the Reid Cabaret Theatre, where you’ll be joined by Miss Honey and— naturally—Matilda herself. $55; tickets sold separately.

3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth casamanana.org

PAW PATROL LIVE! RACE TO THE RESCUE

T HE T HE AT RE AT G R A ND PR A IRIE March 20–22 When Mayor Goodway goes missing, Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to the rescue—while they also race to the finish line in the Great Adventure Bay Race. See the heroic pups from the animated preschool series on stage as they discover lessons about citizenship, social skills and problemsolving. Tickets from $23. VIP tickets, from $140, include an after-show meet and greet with the characters and more.

1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie pawpatrollive.com

JURASSIC GARDENS

G R A PEVINE B OTA NICA L G A RDE NS March 21–April 5 Come face to face with the Brachiosaurus, T. rex and more life-size animatronic dinosaurs and look up-close at genuine fossils at this temporary

exhibit—which re-creates the prehistoric Woodbine Formation that once existed in what is now North Texas.

“Dinos After Dark” events on Friday and Saturday nights during the exhibit offer special family experiences. $10 per person; free for kids 2 and younger.

411 Ball St., Grapevine gograpevine.com/ jurassicgardens

LEGO TROLLS WORLD TOUR

LE GOL A ND DISC OVERY CE NT ER March 28–April 26 In Trolls World Tour (hitting theaters April 17), Poppy and Branch return to the big screen to stop rockers Queen Barb and King Thrash from destroying all other genres of music. Go on tour-slash-music rescue mission with the Trolls when this new attraction based on the movie comes to the Legoland indoor playground.

Online admission from $19.95; free for children 2 and younger.

3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine legolanddiscoverycenter.com

F O R M O R E F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY F U N T H I S M O N T H , C H E C K O U R O N L I N E C A L E N D A R A T DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR. A N D W H I L E Y O U ’ R E T H E R E , S I G N U P F O R O U R W E E K LY E - N E W S L E T T E R : THE WEEKEND GUIDE.

KID ON STEER: COWTOWN GOES GREEN; MUD RUN: COOL EVENTS; KIDS SKETCHING: KIMBELL ART MUSEUM; PAW PATROL: VSTAR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

the agenda / M A R C H

Wine Glass Help Create Saturday, March 7

$65 + tax, per glass piece

Paperweight Help Create Wednesday, March 11, 2:30–6pm Thursday, March 12, 2:30–6pm $50 + tax, per glass piece

Beer Glass Help Create

St. Patrick’s Day – Hot Glass, Cold Brew!

The workshop includes 2 complimentary servings of beer and light snacks.

Friday, March 13, 1–7pm Saturday, March 14, 1–7pm $75 + tax, per beer glass

Online Reservations Required For All Three Events!

VetroArtGlass.com 701 S Main St, Ste 103 Grapevine, TX 76051 817.251.1668

& FINE A R T GA LLERY

vetroartglass.com

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GRAPEVINE MILLS 972.539.5001 rainforestcafe.com

Exhibit Opens March 4, 2020! fortworthmuseum.org

Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog was created by Minnesota Children's Museum together with Scholastic Entertainment.© 2020 Scholastic Entertainment Inc. SCHOLASTIC and logos are trademarks of Scholastic Inc. CLIFFORD, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG, BE BIG and logos are trademarks of Norman Bridwell. All rights reserved.

dfwchild.com / march 2020

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SPRING FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPRING

FAMILY FUN D I R E C T O RY Shed those winter coats, grab the kids and check out all the season has to offer!

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Adventure Kids Playcare adventurekidsplaycare.com

Adventure Kids Playcare is a unique drop-in childcare and entertainment center for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Your kids will enjoy theme nights, spring break camp, summer camp, daily activities and more! See ad on page 28.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org 817/738-1933

Discover the connection between nature and art during Spring Break at the Carter from March 10–13. Keep your spring break colorful with art-making, gallery games and other fun activities. Visit cartermuseum.org/springbreak for more information.

See ad on page 2.

Artisan Center Theater artisanct.com 817/284-1200

Spring Break Camp: Seussical! Enroll your shining star in an exciting musical theatre production camp during spring break. Also, join us all month for the high-quality, family-friendly entertainment you've come to rely on!

Bureau of Engraving and Printing bep.gov/fortworthtxtours.html 817/231-4001

Let us show you billions of dollars @USMoneyfactory in Fort Worth. Spring break craftsmanship demonstrations are March 10–13. Tour and visitor center open 8:30 am–5:30pm Tuesday through Friday. #FREE admission and parking. See ad on page 6.

City of Bedford bedfordtx.gov/274/artsfest 817/952-2292

City of Bedford ArtsFest is Saturday, April 4, 10am–5pm. 2801 Forest Ridge Drive.

Attendees will enjoy an assortment of food trucks, craft beers, wine, music, cultural entertainment and art.

Clark Gardens clarkgardens.org 940/682-4856

Join us March 9–20 and adventure through nature this spring break. Clark Gardens, a 35-acre public botanical garden, is taking painting, cooking and planting to a new level.

Connect for more information: facebook.com/clarkgardens. See ad on page 10.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark epicwatersgp.com 972/337-3131

Enjoy the perfect 85-degree weather at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, open year-round. Enjoy award winning slides, surf simulator, arcade and more. Visit epicwatersgp.com. See ad on page 17.

First Colleyville Church firstcolleyville.com 817/281-4158

Join us for a community-wide Easter celebration! April 12 at 9am, 10:15am or 11:30am!

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org 817/255-9300

Spend your spring break at the Fort Worth Museum! Discover amazing and bizarre prehistoric creatures in Dinosaurs of Antarctica in the Omni Theater, travel to Birdwell Island in "Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog" and more! See ad on page 43.

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Fort Worth Zoo fwzoorun.com 817/759-7500

Join us April 4 for Zoo Run, a race where you can run wild in support of the wild!

This family-friendly race winds through the zoo and includes a 5K and 1K Fun Run. See ads on pages 8 and back cover.

Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau grapevinetexasusa.com 817/410-3185

Enjoy springtime fun in Grapevine! Ride the Grapevine Vintage Railroad's Day Out With Thomas, visit Nash Farm during Spring Into Nash and explore the New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail & Blessing of the Vines. See ad on page 11.

Kemah Boardwalk kemahboardwalk.com 281/535-8100

With an amazing waterfront location 30 miles south of Houston, the Boardwalk entices you with amusement rides, midway games, charming retail stores, live entertainment and festivals, as well as waterfront restaurants. Spring Break & Weekend Pass available! See ad on page 4.

Kimbell Art Museum kimbellart.org 817/332-8451

Enjoy art making, gallery activities, improv and more at the Spring Break Extravaganza, March 10­–13. Save the date for our next Family Festival/Fiesta de la Familia on April 5, another free family program!

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth themodern.org 817/739-9215

Spring break wonders! Take advantage of family programming while your school-aged children are on Spring Break. Engage in the galleries with a tour and project focusing on selected works on view. Admission is free. See ad on page 11.

Museum of the American Railroad museumoftheamericanrailroad.org 214/428-0101

Visit TrainTopia, a 2,500-square-foot model train experience, at the Frisco Discovery Center! It’s a miniature world of trains that will delight the entire family. Open year-round at 8004 N. Dallas Parkway in Frisco.

River Legacy Living Science Center riverlegacy.org 817/860-6752

Enjoy spring break activities from March 9–13 at River Legacy! Meet some of our animals in an animal investigation and participate in a craft. Visit our calendar for more information. See ad on page 27.

TRWD Flyfest trwdflyfest.com 817/335-2491

TRWD Flyfest returns to Fort Worth on Saturday, March 14. Flyfest is a free, familyfriendly day of fishing, kids activities, food trucks, wine tastings, craft beer and live music on the Trinity River.

Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery vetroartglass.com 214/906-9240

Vetro is a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio and fine art gallery. Vetro offers opportunities for guests to assist in creating their own, unique art glass. Visit Vetro to shop handcrafted fine art glass. See ad on page 43.

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dfwchild.com / march 2020

45

confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

I EXPLAINED NEGATIVE NUMBERS TO MY KINDERGARTNER. HE LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS CRAZY AND CRIED, ‘THAT’S NONSENSE!’ THIS IS THE SAME CHILD WHO TOLD ME THE BOOK HE WAS ASSIGNED TO READ WAS ‘NOT VERY SENSIBLE.’” —ALEXIS, BEDFORD

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march 2020 / dfwchild.com

CO M P I L E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

My husband was getting ready to take my son out to play soccer since he has new shin guards. I stopped them on their way out the door because something didn’t look right. Spoiler alert: They weren’t shin guards … they were Nike slippers!”

—NICOLE, LITTLE ELM

“I’m trying to train my stubborn toddler to use the potty. He’s not into it and refuses to learn.

I decided to show him how to use the potty by showing him myself.

Instead of him taking it in, he says, ‘Yay! Mommy uses the potty. Good job, Mommy!’ and runs out of the bathroom.”

—LATARI, DALLAS

Got a funny parenting moment you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.

“My son has been doing boxing.

Since it’s so hard to connect with teenagers, I joined boxing as well.

Now not only can I kick butt, we have had so many great conversations and laughs over our shared hobby.”

—DANIELLE, FORT WORTH

ONE DAY I WORE ALL BLACK TO WORK. I TURNED TO MY 8-YEAROLD DAUGHTER AND ASKED HER IF I LOOKED SKINNY. SHE REPLIED, ‘YEAH, IN THE DARK!’” —ROSHUN, MCKINNEY

I was explaining to my son that his father and I are always on the same team and don’t fight. He quickly reminded me that I yell at Dad a lot because he ‘farts in the car.’ Then he says, ‘That’s not fair, Mom. Everyone farts! Why can’t we all just let it out when we need to? Unless we’re at the dinner table—then I know we need to hold it in.’”

—ANGELA, IRVING

YOUR TEAM From high school to the pros, we’ve got your team and North Texas sports covered at

/Sports

Real.

Journalism.

There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to a newborn baby.

When you’re a new or expecting parent, the questions never end.

At Cook Children’s, our pediatricians are here to help you answer all of them.

newborncenter.org