Lakeside Parent

Lakeside Parent September 2014 | FREE

Award Winning Publication

Expert Answers

Are you a Helicopter Parent?

the know it all ...

it’s what is going on!

abc’s

of Conscious Parenting

Get more at suburbanparent.com

One Mom’s Homework

Confession

A Magazine Mag aga azzin ine ne for fo orr the the he Families Fam amilliie amil es of of Rockwall, Ro occkwal kw wa alll, l, R Rowlett, ow o w Garland and more

Mary shares...

A send off like no other!

I

t’s time. My firstborn is leaving for college. I’m excited about his future and for his new stage in life as an adult. Recognizing that he is at a point in his life when asserting independence from his parents is part of the growth process; I can’t help but know that he still needs us financially and spiritually.

The best way for us parents to nurture our college-age children’s faith is to remain true to our own faith and model good values. This is because our children are watching and will use our model to test other newly encountered models and challenges they will be exposed to. Don’t waiver, stay strong; they are going to challenge you.

Listening is important too. Just pay close attention to every word of their (maybe new) point of view on topics; but don’t waiver from your principles, this would confuse them terribly.

And most importantly we must know that prayer is our power. God knows my child through and through, and just as when we were young and learning to become our own person, God will be there in their time of need.

God will speak to our children in a way that is perfectly “tuned” to them.

So let you child know that you’re praying for them in a way that makes them feel loved; make sure to give them a religious item for their personal space. Nothing too big and showy, just a little something to

remind them of their faith and your faith in them!

And, of course, don’t forget to give them cash! They can’t live on the college meal budget alone!

A Prayer Petition O loving God, help me to adjust and find new ways of caring for my son that are appropriate for this stage of his life. Help me to discern how I am needed now, and help me to find new ways to give him support and confidence.

Please provide good friends, confidants and mentors for Clayton during this time of growth and transition.

Help me to let go of my own need to be such to him, for I realize that these are roles that others must fill during these college years. Amen. SP

Mary Ellen

“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.”

— Thomas Paine

COVER MODEL Madelyn, 6 years old This month’s cover kid is Madelyn! Big-sister to Maybrie, and has been voted “Best Big-Sister Ever!” She has two dogs named Heidi and Henry (sounds more like friends). She loves CHEERLEADING!! Favorite foods include sushi and crab claws. When she grows up she wants to be an OB-GYN. Misty Stagnone Photography, www.mistystagnonephotography.com

Suburban Parent magazines Lakeside Parent 8344 Sterling Street | Irving, Texas 75063 | 972.887.7779 editor@suburbanparent.com | advertising@suburbanparent.com Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

4 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 5

FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY. AS A FAMILY!

3 WAYS TO AVOID CHILDHOOD OBESITY (OTHER THAN WITH FOOD CHOICES)

1. Participate in sports. Studies show kids in sports have less incidence of obesity. Soccer anyone?

2. Play around with the kids. To help your kids maintain a healthy body weight spend time with them in vigorous play; touch football, volleyball, run for fun and play chase. You’re it!

3. Limit Screen Time. This passive activity is tied to weight gain and not just because of the snacking that kids usually do while in front of computer or television!

youshouldknow...

Praise vs. Rewards

Roll up your sleeve, and possibly

When reinforcing kind and caring behavior in our children, research shows that praise is more effective than rewards. Rewards run the risk of encouraging children to be kind only when there is something in it for themselves. Praise on the other hand communicates that being kind is worthwhile in and of itself.

THUMB SUCKING Thumb sucking is a common habit among children. Babies start doing it because of their natural urge to suck.

They continue doing it because it’s comforting and calming. There’s no real reason for concern about it until their permanent teeth start to come in - usually around age 6. Until then, relax. If your child is still sucking his thumb frequently or aggressively after age 4 or 5, or you notice dental problems, try to dissuade him from doing it with positive reinforcement and gentle reminders. Having him talk with your dentist often helps too. Punishing doesn’t help.

Cold or Allergy?

Are those sniffles caused by cold virus or an allergy? Use this simple guide: A sore throat or low fever comes with a cold, and usually accompanied with congestion and yellowish mucus. Lasting about 1 week. With an allergy you may have itchiness and clear runny mucus in the nose, which often results in lots of sneezing! This may persist as long as the allergen is present.

See our “Questions” page for more info on this topic from a Specialist.

6 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

Save a life!

Nearly 60% of Hispanic people have the most needed blood type of all. Give the gift of Type O blood today.

Know that 1 out of 3 people will need blood in their lifetime. It could be from a natural disaster to unforeseen catastrophes; emergency hospital procedures to life-long battles with chronic diseases such as sickle cell; the demand for blood is constant.

The supply is not. And since there is no substitute for this life-sustaining and life-saving resource, only volunteer blood donors who roll up their sleeves can save lives. Giving includes a mini physical!

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 7

momsolvers

questions...

CINDY, MOM OF 1

KENNEDY, MOM OF 3

JOANN, MOM OF 1

asks...

asks...

asks...

Q I have been accused of being a helicopter parent. How would you define “helicopter parent?”

Q My child is 9 years old. Should I

Q My child is overweight. Is this

a

Go easy on yourself! We have an innate need to shelter our children from every upset and possibly take on their challenges and, of course, make decisions for them, you know, in case they get it wrong. However, children do need the freedom to sort out their own problems in order to develop their emotional and social skills, as well as, developing intellectual maturity. Over-parented kids are more likely to be anxious, self-conscious, lack maturity, and have weak social skills. They also can be less open to new ideas, during their school years.

Allow them to learn how to resolve minor conflicts. Remember, “we learn from our mistakes”.

YOUR FAVORITE EDITOR

rely on the eye exam she receives at her pediatrician? Or do I need to have a specialist do an examination? At what age is it necessary to start professional eye exams with an optometrist? I have smaller children too.

a

I recommend infant exams between 6 and 12 months to rule out any barriers to development. Then see them again when they start school and every year through the schoolaged years. 80-85% of learning is visual and sending kids to school with a vision or eye condition can set them back.

TRENT ELLIOTT, OD, ELLIOTT EYE ASSOCIATES, www.elliotteye.com

hereditary?

a

Good question! Research has shown that obesity is linked to health habits, not heredity.

And, overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults, which will put them at a higher risk for serious health concerns.

The goal should be to slow or stop weight gain, allowing your child to grow into his or her ideal weight. Making better food choices and becoming more active will benefit everyone, regardless of weight. And with the whole family involved, it will be much easier for your overweight child to make lasting changes. Be a good role model! Are you getting your recommended five daily servings of fruit and vegetables? Make a “family” plan today. Visit eatright. org for more information and inspiration.

YOUR FAVORITE DIETITIAN

ask... the pediatrician DR. RAY TSAI MyChildren’s

q

I HAVE A CHILD WHO SUFFERS SEASONAL ALLERGIES. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR (SYMPTOMS) THAT SHOULD ALERT ME TO TAKE HIM TO THE DOCTOR? HE IS 7 YEARS.

Many children have seasonal allergies; the symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes, and a mild cough during Fall or Spring. This is often a result of tree and grass pollen in the air. Spending less time outdoors (high pollen days); shower/wash face (when coming back inside); and using a saline nasal spray may help with symptoms. If not, try children’s allergy medicine for children older than age 6, including children’s cetirizine and children’s loratadine. They typically work well and do not require a prescription. Symptoms that get worse or prevent your child from breathing well, going to school, or playing, know it may be helpful to see their pediatrician. Their pediatrician, who has seen them regularly, is the best health care provider to know which additional medications may work best.

RAY TSAI, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer, MyChildren’s, A Pediatric Practice of Children’s Medical Center

EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS to editor@suburbanparent.com, subject “questions” or SUBMIT QUESTIONS ON FACEBOOK.COM/MOMSOLVERS. Either way, we’ll find answers!

8 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 9

COOKIES LOADED WITH

LEARNING PLUS 100% NUT FREE Your child can learn Spanish or English words, the states & capitals, and our Presidents, while snacking!

Perfect for lunches, after-school snacks or a classroom treat. Go ahead, be a homeroom hero!

eyes for you!

FIND THEM: Central Market, Wholefoods, and some Krogers, or www.dickandjanebakingco.com

This new collection of 100 percent bamboo sunglasses are trendy and have a unique advantage. They literally float on water! Totally unsinkable, stylish and fun. You don’t have to worry anymore about losing your savvy investment. Swim on!

FIND IT: HammockandPalms.com, $74.99-249.99

Toddler Carrier!

Keep your toddler safe! SaddleBaby is a uniquely simple and comfortable way for parents to carry their children on their shoulders hands-free! It makes outdoor experiences more enjoyable and safer for both by replacing the traditional method of holding your child’s ankles. For the first time you can safely free your hands to do more and focus on spending quality time with your child. Your little one will LOVE it!

Self-Entertaining Toy! Keep the kids active with Hop & Pop Whale! Just blow it up, fill the spout, let the kids jump and land on the tail, and POP! Play balls go flying in the air for loads of explosive fun.

For an added learning experience, Suburban Parent recommends numbering the balls and let them count them back in!

FIND IT: www.saddlebaby.com, $89

FIND IT: www.fatbraintoys.com, $20

Yoga Spinner Here’s a game that strengthens the body and stimulates the mind. And it’s fabulously fun! Just spin the spinner, and then try to hold the pose it lands on for ten seconds. Do it, and you keep the card! Be the first to collect a card of each color and you win. It’s great for the whole family as it introduces the wonders w of yoga, improves posture, enhances coordination and increases inc flexibility. What other board game can do that?

FIND IT: Toys R Us, $19.99

10 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 11

O

ne of my daily highlights is to walk my 8-year-old daughter, Jessie, to her classroom. I kiss the top of her head and tell her to have a good day. However, today’s morning routine varied. It was a typical drive to school as we practiced a few spelling words for the day’s test. As Jessie exited the van, she did a spin in her dress and a ballet jump in the parking lot. Nothing new there. When we entered the building, she saw one of her male classmates and shouted, “Manatees aren’t fat!” Apparently, she has a friendly feud with a few boys in her class about the weight issues of manatees. Still, nothing out of the ordinary from my independent, free-spirited girl. Then she pulled her book bag from my hand and slung it over her shoulder as she sped to her classroom a few steps ahead of me. I quickly questioned, “Don’t you want a kiss?” She turned around and said, “I’m fine” and off into her classroom she went, happy to start another day. Jessie may have been fine, but I was not.

It was a long walk back to the car.

As I drove home, I thought about what I had heard on the radio a day earlier. The disc jockey reported that 6 to 15 year olds were asked in a survey, “Who do you turn to for advice?” I sure would have hoped the number one answer was Mom and Dad. A few seconds later, the disc jockey said it wasn’t parents. I guessed “friends.” Nope.

Grandparents? Wrong again. Church leaders? Uh uh. It turns out that they turn to Google for advice. Google!

This has the makings of a challenging day. First, I don’t get my morning kiss and now my daughter’s going to turn to the computer for advice instead of her dad.

What will Jessie type into Google? “Should

I let a boy hold my hand?” I can answer that one. “When should dads stop kissing their children?” I can handle that one, too – Never!

“Should I hop on the back of a motorcycle if invited?” Again, an easy answer for me. I apologize to my motorcycle-riding readers in advance, but I don’t want Jessie on a motorcycle...as Taylor Swift would say, “Like, ever.”

After thinking about this for a while, I remember how often Jessie asks me a question and I say “I don’t know. Let’s Google it.”

Okay, so maybe Google and I can co-exist, but not when it comes to select topics. It could be useful, though, for questions like, “Are manatees fat?”

So I Googled it! According to one site, manatees eat a lot of food with low nutritional value, but have little body fat, which is why they don’t like cold water. So, to the boys in Jessie’s class, “My girl was right.” But more importantly, I see advantages to having Google close by, especially if I can search for answers while Jessie sleeps and be prepared with brilliant responses in the morning.

I told Jessie about the survey results shared by the radio disc jockey. She wasn’t surprised. I emphasized that Mom and Dad are always here for her and that she

@PatrickHempfing

12 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

should come to us for advice. I also told her that I Googled manatees and she was right, but that I only checked one site, and that it’s important to review several credible sources because you can’t believe everything you read. Jessie responded, “That’s okay; it proves I’m right so you don’t need to check further.”

She asked me to make a printout of the website for her Show and Tell tomorrow.

I’m glad Jessie is independent and free-spirited. No matter what the future holds, something tells me she’ll be able to handle the boys just fine, as well as other life challenges that come her way. As for me, I know one day I’ll hear, “Dad, you don’t need to walk me to class.” “I want to get my driver’s license.” “I’m leaving for college now.” I just might have to turn to Google for advice.

Until next month, remember to cherish the moments. SP Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer.

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 13

BY LARA KRUPICKA

Blurring the Homework Lines

One Mom’s Confession

D

uring open house at my children’s school I secretly cringe at my girls’ handmade posters next to the projects with multi-color graphs and computer-printed illustrations with neat, precise captions under each one. The creations with my girls’ names on them look amateur in comparison.

But at least my kids complete their homework independently, I think. It’s obvious an adult contributed more than a little to these others.

Okay, so I’ve always been a bit judgmental of parents who insert themselves into their kids’ schoolwork. I’m a rule follower. It’s a matter of principle.

But I also have to admit: I once

14 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

completed my daughter’s homework for her myself.

It was 9 o’clock at night - past bedtime for my seventh-grader. Yet her light remained on. I poked my head around her door to see her sitting on her bed, colored pencil in hand, lips pursed.

“Why are you up?” I asked. I plunked beside her on the bed and looked down at the page on her lap desk. Graph paper. She was coloring it in a geometric pattern of orange and blue.

“It’s my math homework,” she replied. And then she looked up at me, tears pooling in her eyes. “I still have reading to do for language arts,” she moaned. “And I have to fill this whole paper.”

I peered closer at the page. It was only half completed.

“What is this math homework about?” I asked. “What are you supposed to be learning?”

Between sniffles she muttered about patterning and trapezoids.

“Do you understand patterns and trapezoids now?” I asked, rubbing my hand up and down on her back. She nodded.

It wasn’t the first time she stayed up late working on homework that year. Not because she was a slow worker or procrastinator (although she can be both at times). But because the work she got often required intense amounts of manual effort - usually lots of coloring, like this one. And it frequently resulted in her becoming overwhelmed and falling apart.

But with each one she rejected my offers to talk to her teachers about the workload. And she turned down my suggestions to turn in an incomplete project.

I could see this wasn’t going to go well without my intervention. I needed to try something different.

Even as the conformist in me cried “foul,” I knew what I had to do.

I stopped rubbing and held out both hands.

“Give me your homework,” I instructed. “And go get ready for bed.”

“But...” she started to protest.

Then her shoulders slumped and she handed me the pencil and paper, and tucked the lap desk beside her bed. She sleepily dragged herself away to the bathroom.

I can’t believe I’m doing this, I thought as I situated myself at her desk, armed with two colored pencils. My children’s work was their own. They earned their grades fair and square. And yet there I was about to not only help, but actually complete a portion of my daughter’s homework. Or as it appeared to me, ‘busy work.’

Yet in that moment I also knew I was being the best parent to her that I could. This rebel mother had a cause - a bigger picture of her daughter’s school performance and what was in her best interest.

In my mind I had to weigh which

mattered most: an assignment completed by a diligent child who the following day would be drowsy and irritable (and not at all focused in any class)? Or a project done with some “help” allowing the sleep-sensitive girl to have a good night’s rest and a productive school day after?

Her previous objections to my offers for other kinds of assistance told me she was learning about school and the importance of owning her assignments and being conscientious. She also did well at grasping concepts quickly.

In this case I figured she didn’t need to color 48 trapezoids when 24 would suffice. In my mind she had finished her homework enough to comprehend the lesson.

So I attacked the grid with vigor - four squares across orange, then three blue, four orange. I lost myself in the repetition of the work - more like coloring than math.

And never mind that I lack artistic skill. Coloring like a seventh-grader was coming in handy, for once.

I completed several rows before she returned to the room in her pajamas, looking much more settled. I reassured her as I tucked her in that her math homework would be ready in the morning and I would wake her early enough to finish her reading.

In the end the assignment was turned in on time and the reading got done. Even better, my daughter woke up relaxed and more confident about school than she had been in weeks.

We never spoke of the coloring incident after that day. And I haven’t done anyone else’s homework since.

But I learned sometimes it’s better to bend the rules for the sake of the bigger picture. And now I try not to judge parents who contribute to their children’s schoolwork (at least not so much - there are rules after all). I just hope they won’t judge my kid’s projects for looking amateur. SP

Lara Krupicka is mom to three girls, ages 14, 12, and 10.

Which probably explains even more why she doesn’t do their homework for them - who has the time?

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 15

the

{ Your Community Calendar } September 2014

know it all

SP = Advertisers

tue 2 Math Club for K-2nd Grade 4-5pm. Join us for Crazy 8’s Math Club, sponsored by Bedtime Math. Have so much fun you won’t know it’s math!

Come try fun math challenges like Spy Training! Mesquite North Branch Library, 2600 Oates Dr., Mesquite.

Pajama Story Time at the Sachse Public Library 7-8pm. Bring the whole family to the library on the first Tuesday of each month! Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters, and (of course) KIDS are all invited to our special evening story time. It’s a great opportunity to get the whole family together to hear stories, sing songs and do other fun activities. It’s even more fun if you wear your pajamas!

Sachse Public Library, 3815-C Sachse Rd, Sachse, 972-530-8966.

wed 3 Computer Basics Class at the Mesquite Main Library 9-11am. A basic computer class with no experience required. Students are taught how to use the mouse and the basics of what makes up a computer. Registration is not required. SEATING AVAILABLE ON FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. Mesquite Main Library, 300 W. Grubb Dr., Mesquite, 972-216-6220.

thu 4 Prime Time Book Club at the Rowlett Public Library 4-5pm. September is the month to read books about PIRATES! PRIME TIME BOOK CLUB will be held in the Meeting Room every Thursday at 4 p.m. Grade School children ages 6 to 11 are invited to a special book club just for kids at the Rowlett Public Library! Kids will have parts of chapter

books read to them, and then get to participate in their own adventures! The program is free, for children ages 6 to 11, and parents or caregivers must accompany their children to the library. Be sure to check out this story time just for kids! Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main St., Rowlett, 972-412-6161 www.ci.rowlett. tx.us/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=6072.

Math Club for Grades 3-5 4-5pm Join. us for Crazy 8’s Math Club, sponsored by Bedtime Math. Have so much fun you won’t know it’s math! Come try fun math challenges like Bouncy Dice Explosion! Mesquite North Branch Library, 2600 Oates Dr., Mesquite.

Book Club at the Mesquite Public Library 7-8pm. Featured book for September: The Borderland: A Novel of Texas by Edwin Shrake .Patrons of the Mesquite Public Library are invited to join the Book Club. Each Month the Club will read a different book and then meet to discuss it. The Club will meet the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Mesquite Main Library. Mesquite Main Library, 300 W. Grubb Dr., Mesquite, 972-216-6220

Inspirational Book Group at Barnes and Noble, Firewheel Mall 7:30-8:30pm. Barnes and Noble, 190 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland, www.barnesandnoble.com.

Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners 7:05 pm. Shin-Soo Choo bobblehead to first 15,000. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www. texas.rangers.mlb.com.

fri 5 Movies on Main in Rowlett Come on down to Main Street on Fridays in September for a memorable evening

of cinema under the stars! Pack a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn before the movie starts. These free events will have open seating available at 6:30pm with the movie beginning at dusk! Don’t forget to bring your blanket! Parking will be available at Coyle Middle School (4500 Skyline Dr); Herfurth Park (4601 Centennial Dr).Face painting, bounce houses and special entertainment each week. Popcorn and snow cones and other snacks will be provided by local churches! September 5th: The Smurfs 2 (PG); September 12th: Free Birds (PG); September 19th: Monsters University (G).*In the case of inclement weather, the movie will be held at the Rowlett Community Centre (5300 Main Street) Main Street Rowlett (Library Lawn), 3900 Main St., Rowlett, www.ci.rowlett.tx.us/index. aspx?NID=1085.

Library Skills for Homeschoolers 10:30-11:30am. Home School parents and children are invited to explore what the Rowlett Public Library has to offer to the Home Schooled students on Friday, September 5, at 10:30 a.m.

Learn how to borrow materials and how to access databases for free with this hands-on workshop conducted by a librarian. Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, 972-412-6161 www. ci.rowlett.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=93.

Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners 7:05 pm. Friday night fireworks.

Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com.

sat 6 Saturday Movie + Popcorn at the Library! 2-4pm. Join us at the Rowlett Public Library on the first Saturday of the month for Saturday Movie @ Library. Pirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black

16 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Rated PG; 87 minutes. Free for all ages, popcorn included, at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Room.

Saturday, Sept 6: THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS! Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main St., Rowlett, 972.412-6161 www.ci.rowlett.tx.us.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway Races 6pm. Gates Open at 6pm; Races Start at 8pm, Admission $12. Races are most Saturdays Mar-Sept. Check website for specific race dates/times. Devil’s Bowl Speedway, 1711 Lawson Rd., Mesquite, 972.222-2421 www.devilsbowl.com.

Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners 7:05 pm. Chicken Express Beanie to first 15,000. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas. rangers.mlb.com.

sun 7 Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners 2:05 - 5:00 pm $1 Blue Bell ice cream, ages 13 and under. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com.

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers 3:25pm. AT&T Stadium, 925 N. Collins Street, Arlington, www. dallascowboys.com.

Planning a Quinceanera?

12-5pm. Come out to the Quince Girl Expo where you’ll find everything you need for an amazing event! Dallas Market Hall. www.quincegirlexpos.com See ad in this issue.

tue 9 “Colores de Mexico” by Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico 7pm. On September 9th you will have the opportunity to witness the mystifying and traditional Mexican movements of Ballet Folklórico Mexico 2000 that will bring the surrounding community a beautiful musical illustrating Mexico’s rich culture.

“Colores de México,” is a musical that highlights the beauty and romance of traditional Mexico. México 2000 Ballet Folklórico’s performance is a whirlwind artistic tour through that country’s distinct and numerous cultural regions: Queretaro, Danza de Negritos, Yucatan, Danza de Quetzales, Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Campeche, Zacatecas and the Showcase of the Tres Huatecas. Also highlighted in the program are the special Jalisco and Veracruz works performed by children 4-7 years old! “Colores de México” show is a knock-out attraction that showcases pieces for which México 2000 Ballet Folklórico company and children groups had garnered awards at different folk dance competitions throughout the Unites States. For lovers of fine Ballet Folklórico dancing, the performance entitled “Colores de México” will definitely touch your heart strings. General Admission tickets are $15, pre-sale seniors and children under 6 are $12. Granville Arts Center-Brownlee Auditorium, 300 N 5th St., Garland, 214-364-2629 www.Mexico2000.net.

Cooking for Tweens and Teens 5:30-7:30pm. Tweens and Teens, learn how to make the foods you love with confidence. Cooking is easy, rewarding, healthy and fun! Beginners and more experienced cooks will have a great time learning in the Chefsville mobile kitchen. Sachse Public Library, 3815-C Sachse Rd, Sachse, 972-530-8966.

Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels 7:05pm. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas. rangers.mlb.com.

wed 10 MOMS Club of Rockwall Monthly Meeting 10am-12pm. Being a stayat-home mom doesn’t have to mean staying at home. Why not join us for speakers, crafts, playgroups, field trips, MOMS Night Out, and more? MOMS Club® of Rockwall, TX invites you to see what we are all about. Stay-at-home moms and their kids are finding support, friendship, and fun things to do in and around Rockwall County. MOMS Club® provides an opportunity for stay-athome/work-from-home mothers to get together, learn, laugh, become involved in our community, and have fun together.

We are a support group designed just for you, the at-home mother of today.

You are interested in the world around you, want a variety of activities for you and your children, and are proud of your

choice of at-home mothering for your family. We know, because we’re at-home mothers, too. Come join us, we would love to meet you! For more information email RockwallMOMSClub@hotmail.com Rockwall Free Methodist Church, 315 Dalton Rd, Rockwall, Rockwall, 972-772-7577 www.angelfire.com/tx5/rockwallmoms.

The Mystery Book Club at Barnes and Noble, Firewheel Mall 7-8pm, Love to dive into a good mystery? Join our group of mystery lovers to read new mysteries and discuss them the second Wednesday of every month. Barnes and Noble, 190 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland, www.barnesandnoble.com.

La Leche League of Garland 10-11am. Diana: 972-202-7644 Se Habla Espanol; Hannah 972-414-0527; Alison alisonegrady@yahoo.com. Peace Lutheran Church, 2929 S. First St, Garland, www.texaslll.org.

Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels 7:05pm. Nolan Ryan Beef $1 Hot Dog Night. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

thu 11

iV> `Üi °ÌÃy°V

Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels 7:05pm. Fanatics Fan’s Choice Camo Shirt, first 15,000 Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www. texas.rangers.mlb.com.

GrapeFest 2014 Sept. 11-14. The 28th Annual GrapeFest® - A Wine Experience, offers a variety of amenities to make your experience at the festival more enjoyable.

Offering everything from complimentary shuttles to the festival to great Grapevine hotel packages and special rates, GrapeFest is sure to be a fun and enjoyable weekend experience for your whole family! GrapeFest Hours of Operation: Thursday, September 11, 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Friday, September 12, 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

GrapeFest Admission: Admission is free to everyone all day Thursday, September 11 and until 5 p.m. on Friday, September 12.Friday after 5 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday admission: Adults - $8 Children (6 - 12) - $5 Seniors - $5 Weekend passes - $18 Souvenir weekend passes - $23 Downtown Grapevine, 636 S. Main Street, Grapevine, www.grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest-2014/

fri 12 Movies on Main in Rowlett Come on down to Main Street on Fridays in September for a memorable evening of cinema under the stars! Pack a picnic

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 17

the know it all dinner to enjoy on the lawn before the movie starts. These free events will have open seating available at 6:30pm with the movie beginning at dusk! Don’t forget to bring your blanket! Parking will be available at Coyle Middle School (4500 Skyline Dr); Herfurth Park (4601 Centennial Dr).Face painting, bounce houses and special entertainment each week. Popcorn and snow cones and other snacks will be provided by local churches! September 12th: Free Birds (PG); September 19th: Monsters University (G).*In the case of inclement weather, the movie will be held at the Rowlett Community Centre (5300 Main Street) Main Street Rowlett (Library Lawn), 3900 Main St., Rowlett, www. ci.rowlett.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=1085.

Texas Rangers vs. Atlanta Braves 7:05pm. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers. mlb.com

cations. This month, celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with special crafts, Paper Bag Piñatas and Yarn Painting. Free for all ages in the library.

Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, 972-412-6161.

Texas Rangers vs. Atlanta Braves 7:05pm. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers. mlb.com.

sun 14 Texas Rangers vs. Atlanta Braves 2:05pm. $1 Blue Bell ice cream, ages 13 and under. Hispanic Heritage Day Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans 12pm. AT&T Stadium, 925 N. Collins, Arlington, www.dallascowboys.com.

Your Community

Story Times

Garland - Central Branch ...........................................625 Austin St., 972-205-2517 Mon - Toddler Storytime 10am, ages 18-36mo.; Preschool Storytime 11am, ages 3-5 Garland - North Branch ................... 3845 North Garland Ave., 972-205-2802 Wed - Wee Read 10:30am, ages 0-17mo. Fri - Toddler Storytime 10am, ages 18-36mo; Preschool Storytime 11am, ages 3-5 Garland - South Branch ............................. 4845 Broadway Blvd., 972-205-3933 Wed - Toddler Storytime 10am, ages 18- 36mo; Preschool Storytime 11am, ages 3-5. Sat - Family Storytime 10:30am, all ages Garland - Walnut Creek .................................3319 Edgewood Dr., 972-205-2585 Tue - Family Storytime 7pm, all ages Sachse Public Library............................ 3815 Sachse Rd. Bldg. C, 972-530-8966 Thu – Shake, Rattle & Read, 11am, ages 0-4; Preschool Story Time 11am, ages 4-6 Mesquite - Main Branch ......................................300 W. Grubb Dr., 972-216-6220 Tues - Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-5; Evening Story Time 7pm, all ages. Wed - Infant Lapsit Story Time 9:30am, ages 6-12mo; Young & Restless Story Time 10:30am, 13mo -2yrs. Thu - Toddler Time 10:30am, ages18mo-3yrs. Sat - Story Time 11am, ages 6-18mo Mesquite - North Branch ......................................... 2600 Oates Dr., 972-681-0465 Tue - Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-5. Thu - Toddler Time 10:30am, ages18mo-3yrs Rockwall County Library ................... 1215 E. Yellowjacket Ln., 972-204-7700 Mon – Terrific Twos 10:15am, ages 2-3yrs; Preschool Story Time 11:15am, ages 3-6. Tues – Baby Bounce 10:15am; ages 0-12 mos; Preschool Story Time 11:15am; ages 3-6. Wed – Terrific Twos 10:15am, ages 2-3yrs; Preschool Story Time 11:15am, ages 3-6; Listener’s Story Time 1:30pm, ages 4+. Thu - Walkers Story Time 10:15am, ages 12-24 mos.; Family Story Time in Spanish 7pm. Fri - Walkers Story Time 10:15am, ages 12-24 mo.

Rowlett Public Library .................................................... 3900 Main St., 972-412-6161 Mon - Baby Story Time 10am & 10:30am (ages 0-2). Wed - Toddler Story Time 10am & 10:30am (for toddlers).

Thu – Prime Time 4pm (grades 1-4 after-school book program. Fri - Preschool Story Time 10am & 10:30am (preschoolers)

sat 13 Run4Freedom 5K 7am. The Run4Freedom 5K will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Harry Myers Park in Rockwall, TX. The funds raised from this event will be utilized in a couple of ways. We will launch an awareness marketing campaign targeting the eastern corridor of I-30 from Rockwall to Dallas, TX. We will also donate to one or two rescue shelters in India and/or Cambodia where we have relationships. It is our goal and desire to make a substantial contribution to the new rescue home in Chennai, India to provide for the basic needs of the girls coming into the home this fall, and to also be able to provide sponsorship for one or more girls at the rescue home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With your help we can increase awareness of the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, and help bring hope, healing and restoration the survivors. Early bird registration deadline is August 30th.

Early bird fee $25 for 5k and Fun Run (t-shirt included). Late bird and Walk-Up registration fee is $35. Harry Myers Park, 813 E Washington St., Rockwall, Lyly Ledbetter: run4freedom5k@gmail.com.

Mesquite MarketPlace 9am-2pm.

The MarketPlace is a European Style Market with produce, food, artisan/craftsman vendors. The MarketPlace will be located in Historic Downtown Mesquite in the Downtown Square between Main & Davis every 2nd Saturday of the month starting in April through September 9am-2pm. This event supports The Heart of Mesquite. Downtown Historic Mesquite Square, , Mesquite, 866-242-8078.

Saturday Crafts @ the Library!

Paper Bag Pinatas and Yarn Paintings! 2-4pm. Let your creativity loose at the Rowlett Public Library on the second Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. Participants will be given materials to craft wonderful one-of-a-kind fabri-

All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes. Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.

18 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

tue 16 Sachse-Wylie Authors Group (SWAG) Monthly Meeting 6:308pm. Join a motivated group of both experienced and new writers meeting to share ideas and learn from other writers! If you love to write, please attend. Whether your interest is fiction, non-fiction, articles, short stories…you are invited to attend and see if you would like to participate. SWAG meets at the Sachse Public Library on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Ruth Glover (author, career coach and volunteer) facilitates the meetings. She writes career articles and has published MORE than a Paycheck: Inspiration and Tools for Career Change. She is eager to bring together people with similar interests to spark inspiration and creativity for writing. Sachse Public Library, 3815-C Sachse Rd, Sachse, 972-530-8966.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Group at Barnes and Noble, Firewheel Mall 7-8pm. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for the ultimate in science fiction and fantasy books. Barnes and Noble, 190 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland, www.barnesandnoble.com.

11th Annual CASAs for Kids Golf Tournament 9am. TOURNAMENT DETAILS: 9:30 a.m. Registration, Range, Putting Contest 11 a.m. Box Lunch, Final Announcements 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start 5 p.m. Buffet, Awards Presentation CONTESTS & CHALLENGES 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards Putting Contest • Longest Drive • Closest to Pin HoleIn-One • Silent Auction • Raffle Prizes • Door Prizes. Download Registration Form here: http://casaofcollincounty. org/useruploads/files/team_&_player_registration_2014.pdf Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, The Hills Course, 5901 Glen Oaks Dr., McKinney, 972-5292272 www.casaofcollincounty.org.

wed 17 Healing Hands for Arthritis at Massage Envy 8am-10pm. $10 from every massage and facial will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation today. Hours are 8am-10pm.Schedule yours at Mesquite Crossing, 1765 N. Town East Blvd, Mesquite 972-6810101 or Rowlett Crossing, 4301 Lakeview Pkwy, Rowlett 972-463-0101.

Massage Envy, Mesquite Crossing, 1765 N. Town East Blvd, Mesquite. See ad in this issue.

thu 18 Special Story Time at the Sachse Public Library 11am-12pm. Special guests will be at Storytime on Sept 18th.: Mini Encounters and their therapy HORSES! This special group provides trained mini therapy horses to nursing homes, veterans and rehab centers. PLEASE NOTE: The library is closed to the public during storytime, but the doors are unlocked. Please join us even if the signs say “Closed�.

Sachse Public Library, 3815-C Sachse Rd, Sachse, 972-530-8966.

Friends of the Nicholson Library Monthly Meeting 6-7pm. The Friends of the Library Board meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Central Library. Anyone interested in the activities of the Friends is welcome to attend. For more information visit the Friends of the Library page call 972-205-2543.Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library is a community organization supporting and promoting the Library. The Friends sponsors activities to raise funds for the purchase of library materials and equipment, and underwrites programming to beneďŹ t all library users. Garland Central Library, 625 Austin St., Garland, 972.205-2543 www.nmls.lib.tx.us.

Addison Oktoberfest Sep. 1821. Thursday, September 18, 2014 6pm-11pm FREE for All Ages. Friday, September 19, 2014 6pm-Midnight $10-ages 13+; $5-ages 4-12; 3 and under FREE. Saturday, September 20, 2014 Noon-Midnight $10-ages 13+; $5ages 4-12; 3 and under FREE. Sunday, September 21, 2014 Noon-5pm$10ages 13+; $5-ages 4-12; 3 and under FREE. Food and Beverage Coupons: $1 each. Buy In Advance: Food and Beverage Coupons can be purchased online or in person at the Town of Addison Finance Building located at 5350 Belt Line Rd. Addison, TX 75001.

For every $50 purchased in advance, patrons will receive $5 worth of Food and Beverage Coupons for free. Buy During Oktoberfest: Food and Beverage Coupons can be purchased during the event at two locations:-Main Ticket Tent-Biergarten Ticket Tent. Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison, 972-450-2851.

fri 19 Movies on Main in Rowlett Come on down to Main Street on Fridays in September for a memorable evening of cinema under the stars! Pack a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn before the movie starts. These free events will have open seating available at 6:30pm with the movie beginning at dusk! Don’t forget to bring your blanket! Parking will be available at Coyle Middle School (4500 Skyline Dr); Herfurth Park (4601 Centennial Dr).Face painting, bounce houses and special entertainment each week. Popcorn and snow cones and other snacks will be provided by local churches! September 19th: Monsters University (G).*In the case of inclement weather, the movie will be held at the Rowlett Community Centre (5300 Main Street) Main Street Rowlett (Library Lawn), 3900 Main St., Rowlett, www. ci.rowlett.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=1085. ‘til Midnight at the Nasher 6pm12am. ‘til Midnight at the Nasher presents special live outdoor concerts featuring the best in regional music talent and artistic ďŹ lm screenings in the Garden.

Nasher Cafe by Wolfgang Puck will offer an all new menu including picnic dining for two and grab & go snacks. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in social media scavenger hunts, progressive tours and to view the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Reservations for picnic dining for two are taken the Monday - Wednesday preceding the event. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday, September 17 at 5 pm. ’til Midnight at the Nasher is presented with radio support from KXT.7 pm Concert: Goodnight Ned 9 pm Film: The Great Gatsby (G) Nasher Sclupture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas, Texas, 214-2425100 www.nashersculpturecenter.org.

,W¡V )81 DUW QRW ÀQH DUW WEEKEND KIDS’ CLASSES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR LOTS OF KIDS’ CLASSES DURING THE SUMMER MOMMY CLASSES IN THE EVENINGS YEAR-ROUND

3046 Lavon Drive, Ste 145 • Garland, Texas 75040

972.468.9370

paintingwithatwist.com/garland facebook.com/garland.pwat

Plano Balloon Festival Sept. 19-21.

Beginning at 4pm on Friday. Enjoy an action packed weekend of skydivers, hot air balloons, concerts, a huge kid’s fun zone, merchandise vendors, corporate exhibitors and variety of foods... young and old have much in common when they are enjoying the colorful balloons that will ďŹ ll the skies over Plano. Come make memories for your family. Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, 972-867-7566 www. planoballoonfest.org.

sat 20 The Marketplace in Garland 9am-2pm. Come down to Historic Downtown Garland for the Marketplace every 3rd Saturday of the month from April to September. The public is invited to the Downtown Square for growers, produce, vendors and food. This is a great opportunity to support local artisans, craftsman, growers, and merchants. The Marketplace beneďŹ ts the Good Samaritans of Garland. For additional information please contact Jim

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 19

the know it all Griffin at 214-704-1967 or Kirk Lovett at 972-978-7759 or kirk@eventivemarketingsolutions.com. Historic Downtown Garland, Garland, 214-704-1967 http:// www.garlandtx.gov/cals.

2014 Rubber Duck Regatta & 5K 10am-9:30pm. It’s the signature annual fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Rockwall County and Meals on Wheels of Rockwall County! Thousands of spectators watch 5,000 rubber ducks splash into the fountain at the Harbor in Rockwall and race down towards the finish line. Duck Fest kicks off at the Harbor with a 5k and family walk followed by entertainment for the entire family-Corporate Duck Beauty Pageant & Race, Rubber Duck race, Arts, Crafts, Vendors, Food, Inflatables, and as the sunsets we keep the fun going with a live concert, fireworks and a Glow in the Dark Rubber Duck race.

The Harbor-Rockwall, 2074 Summer Lee, Rockwall, 866-242-8078 www. rockwallduckrace.org.

The Harbor Auto Show 2014 11am7pm. The Harbor Auto Show is in its 4th year and has grown to be a favorite of both new and classic car enthusiasts alike. Come and check out all of the great new cars, beautiful classics, great live entertainment and local vendors with unique items! The Harbor-Rockwall, 2074 Summer Lee, Rockwall, 866-2428078 www.theharborrockwall.com.

Repticon Dallas Reptile & Exotic Animal Expo 10am-5pm. Repticon Dallas is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone! Hours: Saturday: 10:00am5:00pm (VIP Entry at 9:00am) Sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm (No VIP Early Entry) Admission: Adults - $10, Children (5-12) - $5, Under 5 - Free Visit our website for special offers on 2-day and VIP tickets Knights of Columbus Center, 2280 Springlake Road, Farmers Branch, Texas, 863-268-4273.

sun 21 Dallas Cowboys vs. St. Louis Rams 12pm. AT&T Stadium, 925 N. Collins, Arlington, www.dallascowboys.com.

mon 22 Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros 7:05pm. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas. rangers.mlb.com.

Dallas Stars Pre-Season Hockey vs. Blues 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.dallasstars.com

tue 23 Friends of the Sachse Public Library Monthly Meeting 7-8:30pm. Who Are the Friends of the Library? The Friends of the Sachse Public Library is a group composed of people who believe in the importance of books, reading, learning, and libraries for people of all ages. The Friends group sponsors events and programs designed to: Add to the cultural life of the community, Encourage gifts, endowments, and memorials, Provide direct financial assistance to the library.

They meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Library to discuss upcoming programs and fundraisers and welcome the ideas of newcomers.

We are a small, dedicated group who truly wants to grow its membership. If you have a couple of hours free during the month, please consider supporting your library by becoming a member of The Friends of the Sachse Library.

Sachse Public Library, 3815-C Sachse Rd, Sachse, 972-530-8966.

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros 7:05pm. Coca-Cola Rangers garden gnome, first 15,000. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

wed 24 Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros 7:05pm. Nolan Ryan Beef $1 hot dogs Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers. mlb.com

thu 25 Just Between Friends Dallas Consignment Event Sept.

25-28. Shop North America’s Leading Children’s Consignment Event. Shop and get 50-90% off retail or earn up to 70% on items you sell. Admission $3 for first day, free all other days. For more info, visit jbfsale.com. See ad in this issue for free admission coupon.

Page Turners Book Discussion Group at the Garland Central Library 7-8pm. Are you a Page Turner? Would you like to be? The Library’s book discussion group meets monthly at the Central Library. Meetings are informal and begin at 7 p.m.

All interested readers are invited to join the discussion or come just to listen.

Walk-ins are welcome. Come on in and see what we’re reading! All interested readers are invited to join the discussion, or just come to listen. Please be aware that photographs and video may be taken at Library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at the Library’s discretion. For more information, call 972-205-2502. Sep. 25

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Oct. 23 City of Women by David Gillham. Nov. 20 Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Dec. 11 My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George Garland Central Library, 625 Austin St., Garland, 972.2052502 www.nmls.lib.tx.us

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics 7:05pm. Dr. Pepper/Albertsons Yu Darvish Replica Jersey presented by Dr. Pepper. First 15,000, 14 and older.

Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com.

fri 26 Family Fun Fridays in Rockwall 6-10pm. Energize your weekend at a neighborhood park. Activities and games begin at 6pm, our feature film will start at dusk. Candy, popcorn, snowcones and glow sticks will be available for purchase. Sept 26-Northshore Park (609 Highland Dr.)-Muppets Most Wanted. Oct 24-Dalton Ranch Park (1714 Tannerson Dr.)-Monsters University Fees: FREE Age: ALL Rockwall Parks, Rockwall, www.rockwall.com.

sun 28 Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics 2:05pm. $1 Blue Bell ice cream, ages 13 and under. Fan appreciation day. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers. mlb.com.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints 7:30pm. AT&T Stadium, 925 N. Collins, Arlington, www.dallascowboys.com.

mon 29 Dallas Stars Pre-Season Hockey vs. Panthers 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.dallasstars.com.

tue 30 Civil War Family Program 6:30-

10am-5pm. Affordable family fun with baby and kids fun vendors, parent resources, entertainment, activities, prizes and more. Adults $10, 65+ and Military $5.

10am-5pm. Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N. Stemmons Fwy, Dallas. www.familyfunexpo.com. See ad in this issue.

8pm. Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Epic Movie “Gone with the Wind” by learning more about the Civil War. Pat Rodgers, lifelong educator and historical preservationist from Historical Guild of Collin County (Chestnut Square), will provide a look into life in Sachse and Collin County during the Civil War. Student activities- churning butter, picking and deseeding cotton, combing and carding cotton, music, news, travel, and authentic letters from Civil War soldiers are a few of the highlights.

This event is free of charge. Sachse Public Library, 3815-C Sachse Road, Sachse, 972-530-8966.

Heroes for Children Heart of Gold 5K & Fun Run 6:30-10am. The

Dallas Stars Pre-Season Hockey vs. Lightening 7:30pm. American

Heroes for Children Heart of Gold 5K and Fun Run is a fundraiser for Heroes for Children. The 5K is held in September to recognize and promote Childhood Cancer Awareness Month within the community. It is designed to be a “family friendly” event in which young or old can participate. The event starts off with our annual commemorative balloon release led by co-founders Jenny & Larissa celebrating the families we helped in 2013. Then we start the Family Fun Run, followed by the 5K Run/Walk. There is plenty of entertainment with prizes and awards, giveaways, bounce houses, face painting, music and more. The Plaza at Galatyn Park, 2350 Performance Dr, Richardson, 214-256-5824 www.heroesforchildren.org/5K.

Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.dallasstars.com

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics 7:05pm. Big Green Egg postgame fireworks show. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www. texas.rangers.mlb.com.

sat 27 Texas Baby & Kidz Expo

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics 7:05pm. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas. rangers.mlb.com.

20 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

Upcoming Events...

Oct 24 15th Annual Celebrating Women Luncheon Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas. www.baylorhealth.com/ celebratingwomen. See ad in this issue.

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea. SP

the F

U pagN e

Hey Diddle Diddle, the Cat and the Fiddle...

We asked area kids for the rest of the above nursery rhyme and here were their responses...

“There’s a spoon in there somewhere; a cow too. May be a knife? Actually, I’m not so sure about the knife. Don’t you know it? Grown-ups should know this stuff. I’m still pretty little.”

— Sarah, a very talkative 5 year old “I know this one. A cow jumps real high over the moon and plates and forks are running around and stars are flying around… It’s just beautiful”.

— Sanjay, age 5 “Bring back that fiddle right now!”

— Angel, age 4 “What’s a diddle?”

— Geri, age 4

Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed.

“The cow jumped after noon?”

— Emma, age 4 “I don’t know about that, it all sounds pretty crazy to me!”

— Adam, age 5 “The cow jumped over the moon. A little dog laughed… and grabbed a spoon??”

— Casey, age 6

— Robert Gallagher

“Oh! My mom says this one! Every time I never had any idea what she was talking about, but I would still smile at her because I thought she was making it up and I didn’t want her to feel dumb about it. I’m pretty glad she was not making that up.” — Jeffery, age 6

LOL with James Estes!

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM MOTHER: Does Your Teacher Like You? SON: Like me, she loves me. Look at all those X’s on my test paper.

MOTHER: What was the first thing you learned in class?

DAUGHTER: How to talk without moving my lips!

Q: WHAT’S A TEACHER’S FAVORITE NATION? A: Expla-nation.

While volunteering in my son’s Kindergarten class, I heard the teacher ask a child what letter she was pointing to. He correctly answered, “D”.

She asked him what sound it made, he answered, “Dog”. She said, “I want to know what sound it makes.” He replied, “Arf, Arf?” SENT TO US FROM JENNY H.

Do you have a funny story about your child?

We’d love to hear it. Send them to editor@suburbanparent.com.

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 21

Off to the Races

I

remember the day my wife and I visited the daycare in our community for the first time. We were expecting our first child and we wanted to check out the facility we had hoped to use. At that meeting, we were provided an information packet that explained the daycare’s philosophies, procedures and policies.

If I close my eyes, I can still see the last line on page 3. In big bold highlights were the words: All children MUST be picked up by 6 p.m. sharp. The word “sharp” was underlined 20 times. If late, the center charged $5 a minute past 6pm. I’ve heard that the highway patrol and department of transportation have that page memorized as well.

They know as well as I do how a policy like that, contributes heavily to the problems associated with rush hour traffic. For, you see, the real wackos on the roadways are working parents trying desperately to reach their children before closing time.

This policy was also why, when I had children in daycare, I hated afternoon staff meetings at work. My boss’s children were grown and out of his house. He had nothing better to do than dance slowly through the agenda. Those of us with kids in daycare groaned whenever the boss called an afternoon staffer. We knew it would go long. We also knew that there was a 50- 50 chance our commute home, in some way, would involve NASCAR skills.

As the clock ticked past 5 p.m., we sat in those meetings looking like a classroom of kindergarteners needing to go to the bathroom. We fidgeted nervously in our seats, glanced repeatedly at the clock, and gave dirty looks at the single people whenever they prolonged the meetings with their productive ideas and team spirit. A few times the meetings extended beyond 5:15 p.m., and that’s when, besides profit charts and Power Point presentations, there were also wide eyed looks and whimpering. It’s also why every pencil in our staff room looked half-eaten like road kill. Those without children in daycare sat in those meetings unaware of the desperation around them - except once when 60

22 | Lakeside Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Lakeside Parent!

year old Heidi Yeltsin apparently had a roast on time bake.

After that day, Heidi never again did anything to prolong a meeting.

She said she felt a bond. Then there was the time our meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. I would have had an aneurysm if there was time. As I sprinted from the building, I had anxious, horrible thoughts that superseded any financial concerns I might have also had. They mostly included images of me driving up to the darkened daycare to find the owner, a couple cops, CPS, and an elderly neighbor all standing in the driveway waiting to arrest me for child abandonment. And that’s when the wrong person cut me off on the freeway. Pulling into the next lane to pass, I rolled my window down and shouted directly at the startled driver: “Thank you very much! Maybe my son will get a nice meal at the foster home!” Boy, how I wish at that moment I had had a better idea what kind of car my neighbor drove.

Now that I have older children, I never do anything to make a meeting run long. I do this, of course, to honor and support those parents with kids in daycare. I also never use a pencil. SP

BY KIMBERLY MUENCH

abc’s OF

PARENTING

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz fghijklmnop

efghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz n abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

wxyz

I

abcd

abcdefghijklmn

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

have read a great many parenting books in my quarter century as a mother...philosophies, theories, how-tos, how-NOT-tos... but the God’s honest truth is my five children have been reared by a woman who has mastered the art of child rearing through trial-and-error. Sure, I’ve had a good role model to encourage and support my endeavors, and I know I absorbed some of what I read in all of those books, but I spend more time than I would care to admit relying on my intuition for what the next right step should be as my husband and I continue to raise our offspring.

So when my youngest [and only] daughter, who is nine, began to have some pretty serious anxiety issues this spring, (completely stumping her dad and myself), I was all over trying to find an answer. I read child development websites, watched national news stories, picked up the latest parenting magazines, read books about managing emotions with her...you name it, I was on a mission to help my child feel her “happy, bubbly, carefree” self again, fast!

A key element in my journey to understand her sudden angst has come from a book entitled, The Conscious Parent, Transforming ourselves, empowering our children, by Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a psychologist from New York who has worked for many years with diverse populations and a multitude of troubled families, She, herself, is practicing what she preaches every day as she and her husband raise their own preteen daughter.

Dr. Shefali makes a number of important points in her book, namely, “Our role is not to fix or mold our children into what WE desire them to be, but rather to create the condition for our children to rise.” — Shefali Tsabary, PhD. Think about it, we repeatedly ask our children to channel their energy into the behavior, personality traits, and activities that WE (and society) deem necessary for success in life.

Achievement in academics, social aptitude (sometimes pushing our introverts to become extroverts), excelling in sports or the arts have become our guiding lights for raising kids today.

Our desire to mold our children into something that may not be a part of their story at all (because we did so as a child, or maybe it is because we DIDN’T do so...) serves only to create a great deal of stress and tension in a child.

However, Dr. Shefali does not look to place blame on parents. We are merely repeating the cycle which was passed down to us from our parents and their parents before them.

Unless we make a conscious decision to learn to become aware and present in our own lives, to work through our own emotional challenges, we will not be able to fully attune to our children’s innate direction and voice.

Won’t you join me on my journey to explore a more significant way to embrace the most important journey we have been entrusted with in life? Practicing the Art of Conscious Parenting is an ongoing look at our personal family stories and my thoughts about parenting in today’s complex world.

Please walk the path with me weekly at www. suburbanparent.com. Together we can work on ourselves, and in turn work towards more enlightened parenting. SP

“Our role is not to fix or mold our children into what WE desire them to be, but rather to create the condition for our children to rise.”

— Shefali Tsabary, PhD.

To Advertise in Lakeside Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Lakeside Parent | 23