Family Times August 2020

AUGUST 2020

FREE

CNY Diaper Bank aims to help families, raise awareness What’s in a name?

How to talk to children about race and racism

the

BABY issue

315 BULLETIN

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Upstate Cord Blood Bank adds St. Joseph’s Hospital to its list of collection sites.

BECAUSE I SAID SO

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Expectant parents face another momentous decision: naming their baby.

LOCAL FACES

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A non-profit organization aims to fill diaper need, raise awareness.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

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What you need to know about introducing your baby to solid food.

PARENTING Experts offer tips and strategies for talking to children about race.

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FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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CONTENTS

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AUGUST 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE

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FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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FROM THE

THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

EDITOR

Each day, families around the country struggle to afford diapers.

Founded in May 2016, the CNY Diaper Bank has set out to change that, collecting and distributing diapers to local families. I talked to founder and president Michela Hugo about the organization’s roots and how a shortage of clean diapers can impact families.

Read the full interview, and learn how you can help, on page 10.

Also in our annual baby issue: The Upstate Cord Blood Bank adds St. Joseph’s Hospital to its list of collection sites (page 7); Neil Davis reflects on choosing a name for his daughter (page 8); and Molly Morgan tells you what you need to know about introducing your baby to solid food (page 14).

It is never too early to talk to your children about race. Experts offer some strategies for starting the conversation on page 16. You can also check out a list of books, shows and other resources.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

AUGUST 2020 | ISSUE NO. 220

GENIUSES AT WORK PUBLISHER/OWNER William Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com CONTENT DIRECTOR Steve Guglielmo PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Karley Harmon CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Karley Harmon GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renate Wood CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh, Neil Davis Jr., Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Molly Morgan, Tami Scott, Janelle Rozzano, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Christy Perry Tuohey, Chris Xaver SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 114)

COURTNEY KLESS EDITOR IN CHIEF

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@familytimescny.com Anne DeSantis (ext. 111) ADesantis@familytimescny.com CONTROLLER Chris Burton (ext. 147) CBurton@familytimescny.com ADDRESS

1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721

INSIDE

familytimescny.com

Turn to page 10 to learn how the CNY Diaper Bank is helping local families.

Advertising deadline for April is March 16. Calendar deadline for April is March 3.

Advertising deadline for September is August 11. Calendar deadline for September is August 5.

Design by Renate Wood Cover Photo by Norah Patrick Photography

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FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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TINY BABY

AMAZING GIFT If you are expecting, all hospitals in Onondaga County now accept donated cord blood.

Donated units can be used for life-saving treatment and medical research to find new cures.

There is no cost to donate.

Collection takes minutes and there is no risk to you or your baby.

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FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

COURTNEY KLESS PHOTOS

UPSTATE CORD BLOOD BANK adds ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

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ocal mothers now have more options when it comes to donating cord blood.

The Upstate Cord Blood Bank added St. Joseph’s Hospital to its list of collection sites on June 10.

The Power to Save a Life Visit the Family Times website to read more about cord blood donation and to see the Upstate Cord Blood Bank staff answer some commonly asked questions.

free + confidential

pregnancy tests options counseling first trimester ultrasounds adoption planning parenting programs baby clothes & supplies post-abortion counseling medical referrals

3519 James St Syracuse, NY 13206 (315) 437-8300 newhopefamilyservices.com

315 BULLETIN

“We are proud to continue former Senator John DeFrancisco’s vision for expanding the cord bank in Central New York, giving families a choice to donate their cord blood to help patients in need of a life-saving transplant,” says Business Manager Ann Marie Straight. “We look forward to growing the program into other upstate regions, making cord blood donation part of each mother’s birth experience.”

The Upstate Cord Blood Bank is one of two public cord blood banks in New York state – the other is located in Long Island City – and 30 around the country, according to its website. In addition to St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Upstate Cord Blood Bank receives cord blood from Upstate Community Hospital, where it is located, and Crouse Hospital.

Typically discarded after birth, the blood in the umbilical cord and placenta is rich in stem cells.

It can be used to treat more than 80 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders. Cord blood is also being used in research for treatment of diseases ranging from cerebral palsy to autism.

For more information about the Upstate Cord Blood Bank, visit upstatecordbloodbank.com.

— COURTNEY KLESS

FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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Name, Please?

Expectant parents face another momentous decision

BY NEIL DAVIS JR.

Y

ou thought of everything. You painted ducks in the nursery, mapped out a route to the hospital and downed prenatal vitamins like they were Tic Tacs. You researched pediatricians and became an expert in car seats. You even calculated what Harvard will cost in 2038. You took every step that an expectant parent should take in preparing for a new baby. But did you truly stop to appreciate the most challenging duty you agreed to undertake when you and your spouse got pregnant: naming that baby?

What’s in a name? Everything. Or so I thought before my daughter was born. I pictured my child’s name as a tattoo that she would wear forever, on her forehead in flashing neon. Every name seemed to come with an underlying connotation that could shape the way the world would view my child. No, not every Phineas will grow up to

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BECAUSE I SAID SO

ISTOCK PHOTO

be a tax attorney and not every Moonglow will live in a commune making friendship bracelets. But inherent perceptions will persist nonetheless.

As parents, you get to decide whether your little ones spend eternity introducing themselves as Spencer or Spartacus, Scarlett or Sahara. So you should take seriously the responsibility you have to grant your child a name that has meaning and influence, a name that will set them apart from the crowd while also making them fit in, a name that suits not just that baby in the bassinette but also the adult that you hope they will someday become. At the very least, you should put in more effort than you did in naming your first car.

“It just feels like a Bandit, doesn’t it?” perhaps you said, revving the engine.

It seems unwise to take the same casual approach in naming a child. Those first few sleepless nights unfold in a torrent of screaming and digestive distress, only some of which comes from your baby. It’s hardly an atmosphere for making rational decisions; it’s a good idea to make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page long before the first diaper change clouds your judgment. “She just feels like a Calamity, doesn’t she?”

I’ve only participated in naming one child, so I’m no expert. That was in 2002 and a lot has changed. There were fewer kids named after cities and nouns. Poppy was a flower and Griffin was a mythological beast. Asher, Scout, Ryder and Knox were barely on the map. Not that there is anything wrong with those names. It’s just that the name pool seemed shallower back then, intensifying one’s desire to pull a name from the deep end.

My daughter arrived shortly after Emily and Jacob had climbed to the top of the most-popular-baby-name lists. Those names were instantly vetoed, as were the rest of the top 10 in an effort to avoid their expected overexposure. Sophia the First isn’t just a TV show, it’s also the nickname of a girl in every classroom across America.

She sits right in front of Sophias the Second and Third, alongside enough Noahs to fill an ark. Sharing a name seems harmless until your child suffers the consequences, giving his classmates cause to point out his more distinguishing characteristics.

In other words, a little originality can go a long way. The key phrase there is “a little.” Too much originality can overshoot the goal in the form of confounding spelling or gratuitous punctuation.

I give kudos to the parents bold enough to try something new, but I also wonder if Chayce will tire of always having to spell his name or if Brit’nee will be upset that hers never appears among the souvenir keychains. Innovative names can walk that narrow line between chic and ridiculous, and I feared that any attempt I made would lean toward the latter.

“It’s pronounced just like the Pokemon character,” I imagined my daughter having to explain. “But the semi-colon is silent, and that’s a soft Q.” The same year my daughter was born, Ross and Rachel named their Friends baby Emma. By no small coincidence, Emma instantly shot into the top five girl names where it remained until recently. That’s just one example, but it drives home the point that baby name popularity can be dictated by the unpredictable currents of pop culture. The next big name could emerge from Duck Dynasty or Game of Thrones, seemingly opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum. Someplace in between is likely where the perfect name lies. You just have to find it.

Of course, my daughter already has it, in my (completely unbiased) opinion. She might not have been born a Sadie but she has certainly grown into one, and now I can’t imagine her being anything but. It seems unlikely that she will wake up one day and say, “I really feel more like a Penelope.”

So maybe it’s not about finding the perfect name. Maybe the true goal is in realizing that a name is just a name, no matter how modern or conventional. We watch as our children grow to fulfill our every expectation, slowly becoming the Quinn or Ezra or Gracie that we always dreamed they would be. We give them names at birth but, in the end, those names do not define their character so much as their character will eventually define their names.

Neil Davis works at Bristol-Myers Squibb and lives in Liverpool with his daughter.

Current #1 Trending Baby Names

“I’m Jacob-with-the-ears in math class,” your son will say with an unaware smile.

“But in gym they just call me Jacob-whoruns-funny.”

Source: babynames.com.

FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MICHELA HUGO

‘A Basic Need’ CNY Diaper Bank aims to help families, raise awareness

BY COURTNEY KLESS

E

ach day, families around the country struggle to afford diapers.

Michela Hugo and the CNY Diaper Bank have set out to change that.

Founded in May 2016, the organization collects and distributes diapers to local families, and in July, it passed the one million mark for 2020. Family Times recently talked to Hugo, the CNY Diaper Bank’s founder and president, about the organization’s roots and how a shortage of clean diapers can impact families.

Families prepare diapers for a recent drive-up distribution event.

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LOCAL FACES

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

1. Can you start by telling me a little about how the CNY Diaper Bank got started?

I learned about diapers not being covered by government assistance, and it was just something that really bothered me as a mom. I researched to see if there were any local agencies that were providing diapers to families, and I surveyed all of them. The ones that I heard back from all said that they never had diapers to give to families, but that families came to them all the time. They were constantly turning families away.

I just knew that I couldn’t turn away from the issue and I decided to start a diaper bank. I gathered a couple friends that were interested in helping, and I followed the resources of the National Diaper Bank network and looked at what other diaper banks throughout the country were doing. We started with a big diaper drive and we collected like 23,000 diapers. We also partnered with six local agencies our first month. From then on, it’s been growing every single month. We distributed just over a million diapers in 2019 and we work with 40 partners now. We are still volunteer, but we continue to grow despite that.

everything they need. We have a stock of cloth diapers and reusable wipes. We have everything you need. We want to make sure parents understand how diapers are used and how to be successful with that. That’s another way that we try to address it.

2. What is your goal?

Our mission is to make sure that all families in Central New York have enough diapers for their infants and toddlers. We also want to raise awareness that diaper need is an issue and it’s a consequence of poverty that a lot of people don’t often consider. Diapers are a basic need and they are not covered by any form of government assistance.

Families that are living paycheck to paycheck, or without a paycheck, there is no safety net in place for them.

Babies have to have their needs met; those early years are critical. Diapers keep babies clean and dry and healthy.

They’re essential. I think people take for granted that everybody has a basic like diapers. It became even more apparent during the early days of the shutdown when store shelves were cleared out because people were panic buying. They stocked up on diapers because they couldn’t imagine being without diapers if they couldn’t leave the house. There are people who live the everyday crisis of not knowing if they’ll be able to get their next pack of diapers or they’ve already run out of diapers and they’re using old diapers or they’re going without diapers and can’t leave the house. I think this pandemic has shined a light on this crisis.

4. What is the effect on families when they can’t get clean diapers?

3. What is the CNY Diaper Bank doing to address this need?

We partner with 40 local agencies that all work with families in various ways, and we provide diapers to those agencies. They can then provide diapers to the families that are being served through their various programs. We’re trying to use diapers as an incentive to get families services that can help them in a variety of other ways, whether that be providing food and nutrition or providing parenting classes. We typically don’t provide direct service.

Last year, we also started a cloth diaper program. We have volunteers who work with families one-on-one to show them how to use cloth diapers and give them

The CNY Diaper Bank distributed 27,000 diapers at the event.

“

We always ask families after they receive diapers how the clean diapers impact them and one of the top responses is that it reduces their stress. Parents are under a tremendous amount of stress when they’re struggling to afford food and diapers and pay their bills and take care of their babies. We know that parents are better parents when they’re less stressed. Providing diapers takes a weight off those parents. Diaper need is a big source of anxiety, and it’s also a major cause of depression in moms.

And we know the impact that stress and anxiety on families can have on the development of children, especially in those early years. We look at is as a concrete way to help families lower that stress level. A lot of times when families are impacted by diaper need, they’re choosing between buying food or buying diapers. And we don’t believe that’s a choice any family should have to make. When they receive a supplement of diapers, it helps them free up funds to pay for that food or pay a bill because diapers cost a lot. Families that are low income are also spending more on diapers than families that are able to afford them because families that are struggling are usually buying smaller packs of diaper, so the cost per diaper is that much higher. They’re not able to afford Subscribe & Save on Amazon.

They’re not able to go to BJ’s and buy a big box. That cost adds up and then they run out faster. So, they’re paying more per diaper in the long run and it’s just not sustainable. continued on page 12

“A lot of times when families are impacted by diaper need, they’re choosing between buying food or buying diapers.

And we don’t believe that’s a choice any family should have to make.”

– Michela Hugo, founder and president of the CNY Diaper Bank

FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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continued from page 11

5. How can Family Times readers get involved in your organization?

The best way to help is to make a donation on our website (cnydiaperbank.org). We are always purchasing diapers to keep up with the demand, so financial contributions, especially now during this pandemic, are especially helpful because the need that we’re seeing has skyrocketed. We were distributing 100,000 diapers a month before the start of the pandemic, and now we’re distributing 185,000 diapers a month. It’s a huge strain on what we’re able to do. We are all volunteers, so every dollar that’s donated goes toward buying diapers. Another way that families can help is if they have leftover diapers or diapers they no longer need or if they have cloth diapers that they’re finished with and they want to pass them on, we accept all of those things. We also accept wipes and diaper cream and soaps. We have a collection bin outside our office in Liverpool, so we encourage people to drop off things.

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. She lives in Jamesville with her husband.

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LOCAL FACES

For more information about the CNY Diaper Bank, visit

cnydiaperbank.org.

VIRTUAL 5K DIAPER RUN Held in honor of National Diaper Need Awareness Week (9/21-9/27), participants can help local families in need. For more information, visit cnydiaperbank.org/events/run.

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Hand to Mouth How to help babies start to sample solid food | BY MOLLY MORGAN

W

hen you first start introducing your baby to solid foods, it can be overwhelming to figure out what is best. I have gone through the process with our two little boys and will provide guidelines along with tips and suggestions based on firsthand experience.

Every child is different and you may need to adjust your approach from baby to baby (and remember that during the first six months, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended – with continued breastfeeding until at least the baby’s first birthday long as that’s what you and your baby want).

When a baby is about 6 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing him or her to solid foods. The goal during the initial phase is to have your baby get to sample foods that are rich in nutrients and varied in textures. As your baby is ready, you can encourage her to start drinking from a cup and using baby spoons and her fingers to feed herself.

A quick note about the process of allowing babies to feed themselves: It is a messy process! I can still picture our boys sitting in their high chairs, peas and yogurt spread all over their tray and themselves.

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There is much debate around spoon-feeding versus baby-led feeding – what leads to the best outcome as far as weight, pickiness, etc. In my experience, ploughing through the messy phase of letting our boys mostly feed themselves has resulted in two children who are overall flexible with what they will eat and who enjoy food. This lines up with the results of a study published in 2017 in JAMA Pediatrics, which found that babies who fed themselves were less likely to be fussy at 2 years old compared with those who were spoon-fed.

During this initial phase, remember to look for your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. For example, if she turns her head while eating, this is a sign she is full. Consider trying to teach your baby simple signs to help her communicate when she has eaten enough; we found this very helpful.

Offer new foods one at a time, and wait three to five days before starting a different one. This is to check for any signs of intolerance such as diarrhea or excessive gas. A general suggested order of food introduction is: single-grain cereal, followed by vegetables, fruit and meats.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

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6 MONTH QUICK TIPS: • When choosing dry cereal, opt for whole grain varieties like mixed grain, oatmeal or rice cereal.

• Cube up foods that are easy to gum, such as watermelon, ripe banana, avocado, peach slices, cantaloupe or blueberries.

• To boost the nutrient density of dry cereals, mix them with breast milk or formula.

• For convenient on-the-go snacks, choose fruit or vegetable puree pouches.

• Introduce pureed vegetables before starting fruits; this can help to avoid getting your child hooked on the sweet taste of fruit.

• Add a nutrient boost to a teething biscuit with a light spread of peanut butter or hummus.

• Lastly, be a role model and persevere.

• When offering a fruit, combine it with vegetables to reduce the sweetness. For example, mix applesauce with carrots or sweet potato.

Here are some tips to help you through this fun and challenging phase.

• Shred cooked meat to make it easy for your child to gum and chew.

• Potentially allergenic foods do not need to be avoided.

Foods like eggs, dairy, fish and peanut butter, etc. can be included. It has even been shown that early introduction of potentially allergenic food like peanuts can help prevent peanut allergies.

Somewhere around 9 months is when babies are ready to advance to finger foods. You can discuss your baby’s readiness at well visits with the pediatrician. When adding in finger foods, provide them at meals along with two to three nutrient-rich snacks a day. Good snacks would be fruits, vegetables or beans, or other protein-rich foods.

Avoid potential choking hazards, such as raw vegetables or hard fruits, whole grapes, dried fruit, peanuts, nuts, seeds, whole hot dogs, popcorn, marshmallows, large chunks of cheese or meat, hard candy, jelly beans or gummies. All meal and snack times should be supervised and ideally occur seated at the table.

9-MONTH QUICK TIPS: • Prepare a batch of soft-cooked cubed vegetables. The following can be a snack or addition to meals: broccoli, peas, sweet potato, squash, carrots or zucchini.

• Keep canned beans on hand or make a pot of cooked beans; they deliver fiber and protein. When first giving them to your baby, first smash them lightly between your fingers.

• Add in naturally soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, canned fruit (in its own juice), cottage cheese, shredded cheese or applesauce.

1. Let your baby see you eating bites of some of the same foods he is; if he is snacking on sweet potato cubes, peas or applesauce, you should have some too.

2. Know that your little one will go through phases when she all of a sudden rejects something that she loved for months. This shouldn’t mean that the food disappears from her eating routine; take a break and reintroduce the food in a couple of days or a week. Or try the same food in different forms. For example, if mashed sweet potatoes aren’t a big hit anymore, try roasted sweet potato cubes.

3. Remind yourself that the body is hardwired not to starve. Don’t just give your baby his favorite foods at every meal. Your baby will naturally eat less at some meals than others and at some growth phases, his intake will drop. Of course, keep an eye on this, and if it persists, discuss it you’re your child’s pediatrician.

My own children definitely had some challenging food phases, especially as toddlers. Persistence in getting them to eat a variety of foods was – and is – worth it. Sure, they would prefer to live on mac and cheese or pizza, but they will eat, most always happily, whatever is served at meals and snacks – from tofu to salad to steak to roasted vegetables. You are the gatekeeper of what comes in your cupboards and refrigerator. For the most part, surround your children with the best choices to nourish their bodies.

Molly Morgan is a registered dietitian and author of three books. She lives in the Southern Tier area with her two children and husband. Visit her website at creativenutritionsolutions.com.

FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT

Racism

It’s never too early to start the conversation. Experts are here with tips and strategies for talking about race, racism, and current events with your kids.

BY JACQUELINE NEBER

This article was originally published on NYMetroParents.com.

P

rotestors have taken to the streets of New York to protest the death of George Floyd. The Black Lives Matter movement is not new, but this might be the first time your child is old enough to have questions about what’s happening in the news or how he can help. And, it’s never too early to talk to your kids about racism, race, and current events. Experts are here with strategies for starting a conversation, fostering empathy, and helping your kids create change. See the end of this piece for resources to help educate yourself and your kids, take action, and push for change and justice.

us in our household talk about police and the narrative around police and Black boys, which he is,” Braswell says. “He was aware of what was going on and maybe even thought I was in danger or in trouble.”

Meet your kids where they are. Ask them what they understand about what’s going on and build a conversation around that.

“I had an answer [to my son’s question], but I didn’t have a six-year-old answer. And so I decided to talk to him about what was happening, but not why it was happening. At six years old, he didn’t need to know Freddie Gray’s name. He didn’t need to know the history of racial tensions in this country. He needed to be explained the situation in the moment that he was living in,” Braswell says. He explained that people were protesting for Freddie Gray because they did not agree with how Baltimore leaders were handling the situation and voicing their opinions—and that protesting is just one way to voice an opinion.

When Kenneth Braswell returned home from protesting the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore in 2015, during which he had been depicted on CNN, his 6-yearold son immediately asked him why he was in the same space as all the police and troops.

“He’s six years old, has some sense of what’s taking place, that something is not right about that. He’s heard

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PARENTING

Braswell is CEO of Fathers Incorporated and author of Daddy There’s a Noise Outside and other books about the rise of Black Lives Matter. He explains that kids are aware—from a young age—of race, maybe more aware than we think they are. But they can still have questions.

Meeting your child where he is developmentally and making the situation easy for him to digest can help him understand concepts like protesting and police brutality.

“

“

Parents: Do not shy away from hard conversations.

Once you start the

conversation, you will

figure out what to say. But

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be transparent. Don’t be in protective parent mode.”

– Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated

Concrete examples help kids understand concepts as well. Braswell gave his son an example of what a protest is by explaining how his son would probably react if Braswell asked him to do homework instead of play. His son immediately understood—and this conversation helped inspire Braswell to write Daddy There’s a Noise Outside to help more families have these conversations.

Annette Nunez, Ph.D., licensed psychotherapist and founder of Breakthrough Interventions, also advocates for asking your older kids about what they know about current events and using their understanding to spark a conversation.

“Have some of those difficult, uncomfortable conversations. Start asking: Do you feel like you’re racist? Why? How do you feel when you’re around people who look different than you? And why is it that you feel that way?” Dr. Nunez says.

It can be difficult to know how to start a conversation, Braswell adds. The most important thing to do is start one.

“Parents: Do not shy away from hard conversations,” he says. “Once you start the conversation, you will figure out what to say. But be transparent. Don’t be in protective parent mode.”

Acknowledge that racism exists and confront your own biases.

Children as young as 3 are aware of differences in skin color, according to Reena B. Patel, LEP, BCBA, licensed educational psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. But no matter how old your child is, one of the first steps in having a conversation about race is acknowledging racism exists, Dr. Nunez says. “It’s okay to talk about race and that racism exists.

Don’t brush things under the rug. When we do ignore the problem and act like everything is okay, what we’re saying to children is that people of color are not being seen and not being heard.”

Beyond acknowledging that racism exists, continue to encourage your child to play with, watch, listen to, and engage with characters and stories that look different than her. Oftentimes we see “different” as “bad,” Dr. Nunez says, but in talking to your child, redefine difference as good. This will help her develop compassion and kindness and help everyone learn.

Furthermore, you can talk to her about how injustices and inequalities feel so she develops an understanding of how other people live, which will further encourage empathy.

One of the most helpful things you can do for your child is confront your own biases, Dr. Nunez continues, and be mindful of your words. For Nathan Chomilo, M.D., a pediatrician and Minnesota’s Medicaid medical director, parental reflection is paramount.

“You have to be actively anti-racist. In teaching our children to be anti-racist we have to look at our own histories,” he said in a Common Sense Media panel entitled Helping Kids Process Violence, Trauma, and Race in a World of Nonstop News on June 2. “[Kids are] noticing differences in how people are treated based on the color of their skin. Talking about how you may be explicitly or implicitly sending messages about race is important.”

Talking to your kids about race is a continuous and evolving process.

Your kids’ questions will likely evolve as they get older, as their understanding of issues change, as your own understanding changes. So keep talking about race and racism. “Keep going back to this conversation with your children. It’s not a one-time conversation,” Dr. Chomilo said.

Allison Briscoe-Smith, Ph.D., the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at The Wright Institute Clinical Program, explained in the Common Sense panel that having small, foundational conversations with your kids over time will allow you and your family to be proactive, not just reactive.

“I think many families are concerned that their proactive conversations will incite or overwhelm children,” she said, adding that it’s important for all families to be proactive, do the work, and figure out what they want to communicate to their kids, especially if talking to your kids about these issues has not been a necessity.

Dr. Briscoe-Smith and Dr. Chomilo spoke on the panel with Jacqueline Douge, M.D., a pediatrician, creator of the podcast What Is Black?, and co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health. The panel was moderated by Jasmine Hood Miller of Common Sense Media and aims to help kids process violence, trauma, and race in a world of nonstop news. You can watch the whole discussion, including answers to questions from parents, on YouTube.

Remember that while discussion is powerful, talking is exactly that— talking. Modeling actions to create change and help others is even more beneficial for your kids.

continued on page 18 FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

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continued from page 17 “It’s not just about discussion. It’s taking a stand and doing something about it,” Dr. Patel says. “We are kids’ first models, first teachers. Just because you may have not done anything prior [to this] doesn’t mean you can’t now.”

These are great resources for educating yourself, helping your kids learn, and donating to the movement for justice.

This video is a great age by age guide for teaching your kids to fight against hate: tinyurl.com/age-by-age-guide.

Books, tv shows, articles, podcasts, and more are great educational tools for both you and the kids. Here are just a few examples:

• Daddy, There’s a Noise Outside features a guide for parents so they can work on educating themselves and talking about this with their kids. Each guide includes suggestions for materials that will spark conversation. Braswell also recommends reading I Had a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the kids.

• Here are some reading suggestions for parents looking to learn more about the historical context of Black Lives Matter and of racism in America: tinyurl. com/books-for-parents. One popular suggestion is White Fragility by Robin Diangelo. Doing your own research will help you have these important conversations with your kids.

• Kids’ Books, Podcasts, and Other Resources About Diversity, Race, and Inclusion: tinyurl.com/book-for-kids.

To show solidarity and push for change: • Get takeout from Black-owned restaurants in your area. Purchase from Blackowned small businesses.

• Donate to New York-based institutions that work to educate the public about race and racism. Braswell suggests the Brooklyn Museum and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

• Donate to organizations that are helping people fight for racial justice.

• Know your rights if you decide to protest in New York City.

• Amplify and listen to Black voices now and in the future. Remember the movement—and the conversation you have with yourself and your kids—does not stop when the protests end.

• Dr. Patel recommends Daniel Tiger and Sesame Street as shows that are great at teaching kids kindness, respect, and inclusion.

COMMUNITY GUIDE Deals, Events, Articles, Employment and More!

18

PARENTING

communityguide.familytimescny.com

ISTOCK ILLUSTRATION

Please note: This calendar was up-to-date at

the time of publication. Please call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website to confirm event details.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 ONLINE: Youth Leadership Academy. 10

a.m.-noon; repeats every Saturday through August 29. Presented by the Live Learn Lead Toastmasters Club. Attendees ages 10-18 can learn speaking skills. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

MOST presents Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. 11 a.m.-noon. Children grades K-5 can learn how mirrors work during a live demonstration by the MOST. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 See Digital Resources

MONDAY, AUGUST 3 Virtual Toddler Storytime. 9-9:30 a.m.;

repeats every Monday and Wednesday through August 31. Join Miss Karen for stories. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius.

Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Baby Storytime (Virtual). 10-11 a.m.; also

August 17 & 31. Children ages 2 and under can enjoy nursery rhymes, songs and more on the library’s YouTube channel. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org.

Jigglebugs Online. 10-10:30 a.m.; repeats

every Monday through August 31. This class for preschoolers features singing and dancing. Visit the library’s Facebook page for more information.

Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 Preschool Storytime & Crafts. 9:30 a.m.;

repeats every Tuesday until August 25. Join Miss Karen on the library’s Facebook page, facebook. com/fairmountcommunitylibrarysyracuse, for stories and crafts using household items. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Drive, Syracuse.

Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Online Story Time. 10:15-10:45 a.m.; repeats

every Tuesday through August 18. Join Ms. Alison on the library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel for stories and songs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Virtual Preschool Storytime. 9-10 a.m.; re-

peats every Tuesday and Thursday through August 27. Join Miss Karen for stories. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Young Naturalists. 1-2 p.m.; also August 11

& 18. Children ages 7-12 can join Rebecca each Tuesday for a nature lesson, activity and more.

NOPL. Free. Registration required: nopl.org.

ONLINE Didgeridoo Down Under. 1-2 p.m.

Children in grades K-5 can learn about Australian animals and culture. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville.

Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Teen Tuesday. 3-4 p.m.; repeats every Tuesday until August 25. Young people in grades 6-12 can take part in a different program each week.

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.

Create a Choose-Your-Own Adventure Story. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can

learn how to write a choose-your-own-adventure story. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale.

Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 Story Time with Miss Sarah. 10-10:15 a.m.;

repeats every Wednesday through August 26. Enjoy a story and a song each week. For more information, visit facebook.com/NOPLibrary. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.

Fun for All Storytime. 11 a.m.-noon.; also

August 12. Children ages 3-6 can enjoy stories, rhymes and songs on Zoom. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/664478100788121. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Wild Wednesdays. 1 p.m.; also August 12 & 19.

Children of all ages can explore the woods with a naturalist and take part in activities. Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville.

Admission: $5/vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 Little Movers. 9:30 a.m.; repeats every Thursday through August 27. Children ages 1-3 can join Miss Karen on the library’s Facebook page, facebook. com/fairmountcommunitylibrarysyracuse, for songs, stories, rhymes and more. Fairmount

continued on page 20

CALENDAR

FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

19

Community Library, 406 Chapel Drive, Syracuse.

Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Bop, Drop & Read (Virtual). 10-11 a.m.; re-

peats every Thursday through August 27. Children ages 4-6 can learn basic dance steps and terminology. The session will also include a story. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727. oflib rary.org.

Online Story Time. 10:15-10:45 a.m.; repeats

every Thursday through August 20. Join Ms. Laurel on the library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel for stories and songs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

ONLINE: Virtual Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; re-

peats every Thursday through August 20. Children of all ages can join Miss Jenny and Miss Briana for a virtual storytime. Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CLDandJ, the day before to see what that week’s story will be. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Imagination Station. 2-3 p.m.; repeats every

Thursday through August 20. The library will provide craft and STEAM ideas, and children ages 5-12 can share their creations during this weekly Zoom event. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

OCPL Presents: Shakespeare Unstaged.

2-2:30 p.m.; also August 13, 20 & 27. Presented in partnership with Syracuse ShakespeareIn-The-Park, families can enjoy scenes, monologues and more. Free. facebook.com/ OnondagaCountyPublicLibraries.

Create Your Story. 3:30-

4:30 p.m. Children grades 5 and under can create a paper house, peg dolls and story dice. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free.

Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Young Writers. 6-8 p.m.; also August 20. Teens grades 6-12 can share their work and do writing activities. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 See Digital Resources

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 See Digital Resources

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 See Digital Resources

MONDAY, AUGUST 10 Take & Make Monday. 9-9:30 a.m. Children

grades K-5 can try a different hands-on activity each week. This week’s activity is a DIY solar oven. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.

20

CALENDAR

Mini Childbirth Education Class. 6-7:30 p.m.

Learn what to expect during labor. Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free. Registration is recommended. (315) 707-8097.

Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8 p.m. This month’s topic is creating an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP). Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 Mythical Creature Notebooks. 3:30-4:30

p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can learn how to create a dragon, unicorn, phoenix or mermaid notebook.

Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free.

Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary. org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 Didgeridoo Down Under. 10-11 a.m.

Children ages 5-12 can learn about Australian animals and culture. Free. Registration required: onlib.org/events/calendar/ didgeridoo-down-under-virtual-event-24826.

ONLINE: Draw to Write. 6-7 p.m. Attendees

ages 12 and up can learn how to write from visuals.

Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 World of Dance. 11 a.m.-noon. Attendees ages 12-18 can learn a dance routine from the Syracuse Strong Lady Eagles. Free. Registration required: onlib.org/events/calendar/world-dance-24827.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

Virtual Science Tellers. 10-11 a.m. Children of

ONLINE: Family Trivia Night. 6:30-7:30

all ages can enjoy a fantasy adventure and dry ice experiments. Free. Registration required: onlib.org/ events/calendar/virtual-science-tellers-dragonsreturn-ice-sorceress-24829.

Superhero STEAM. 2-2:30 p.m. Join Supergirl to learn how to make a thunder machine and more. For more information, visit facebook.com/ NOPLibrary. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 Bouncing Favorites in Scratch. 3:30-4:30

p.m. Children in grades 4-6 can learn how to make objects move using Scratch. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

p.m. Teams of six or less can answer questions about pop culture. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville.

Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 American Girl (Virtual). 2-3 p.m. Children ages 7-12 can learn about the lives of the American Girls.

Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 4921727. oflibrary.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 See Digital Resources

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

ONLINE: Teen Hamilton Trivia Night. 7-8

See Digital Resources

p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can test their knowledge of the hit musical Hamilton. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ. org. (315) 446-3578.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 Yoga for Kids of CNY (Virtual). 5-6 p.m.

See Digital Resources

Children ages 5-12 can learn breathing and visualization techniques. The session will also include games and music. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727. oflibrary.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Virtual Mario Kart Tournament. 2-4

Summer STEAM. 2-2:30 p.m. Learn how to

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

p.m. Teens grades 6-12 can compete in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville.

Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 See Digital Resources

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 See Digital Resources

make a sand volcano and more. For more information, visit facebook.com/NOPLibrary. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 Sketch & Stretch. 11 a.m.-noon. Attendees can

enjoy a virtual yoga class and create a summer collage. Free. Registration required: onlib.org/events/ calendar/sketch-stretch-24854.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28-31 See Digital Resources

DIGITAL RESOURCES

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Website: syracusezooevents.org/ education/learn-at-home.

Salina Free Library

Website: salinalibrary.org.

LOCAL Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Website: baltimorewoods.org/ nature-in-your-hands-at-home.

Corning Museum of Glass

Website: visit.cmog.org/resources.

Erie Canal Museum

Website: eriecanalmuseum.org/ exhibitions/digital-exhibits.

Everson Museum of Art Website: everson.org/ virtual-programming.

Symphoria

Website: experiencesymphoria.org/ media.

The Sciencenter

Website: sciencenter.org/programs.

Website: uticazoo.org/kazoo.

NATIONAL Website: americastestkitchen.com/ kids/home.

Liverpool Public Library

Khan Academy

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST)

Website: most.org/learn/ at-home-learning-resources.

NOPL

Website: nopl.org/free-fun-things-todo-online-during-coronavirus.

Onondaga County Parks

Website: onondagacountyparks.com/ about/family-fun.

Onondaga County Public Libraries

Website: onlib.org/while-youre-home.

LIVERPOOL 8086 Oswego Rd. • 652-1070 CAMILLUS 270 Township Blvd. • 487-1541

Utica Zoo

America’s Test Kitchen Kids

Website: maxwellmemoriallibrary.org/ covid-19.

STAFF ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY

Caring for CNY children for more than 40 years. www.PediatricAssociatesNY.com

Website: museumofplay.org/education/ play-at-home-activities.

Website: fflib.org/ home-learning-entertainment.

Maxwell Memorial Library

Pediatric Associates, LLP

The Strong Museum of Play

Fayetteville Free Library

Website: lpl.org/research/onlineresources/to-take-your-mind-offcorona-virus.

Free Prenatal Consultation

Website: khanacademy.org.

Museum tours

Website: artsandculture.google.com/ partner.

PGA Tour Links to Learning

Website: pgatour.com/links-to-learning.html.

Storyline Online

Website: storylineonline.net.

FACEBOOK Captain Jack for Hire

Facebook page: facebook.com/ captainjackcny.

Invest in what matters.

Academic excellence from a Biblical mindset

We’re planning a 5-day return to the classroom— with remote learning options for this September.

A safe, loving environment where teachers can teach, and students can learn. Check out our reopening plan on our website.

Christian Education grades Pre-K through 12

Lincoln Center

Facebook page: facebook.com/pg/ LincolnCenterNYC.

Calendar listings are FREE!

Onondaga Free Library

Send information about your family-friendly event to: courtneyk@familytimescny.com

Redhouse Arts Center

Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication.

Website: oflibrary.org/programs/ virtual-storytimes-and-kids-activities.

Website: theredhouse.org/ virtual-redhouse.

LISTINGS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 5 FOR THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE.

FAMILY TIMES AUGUST 2020

21

As the region’s teaching hospital, we unite our hearts and minds to improve and protect your health.

Our caring workforce is dedicated to keeping our hospitals and clinics safe.

LEARN MORE: WWW.UPSTATE.EDU / TOGETHER