Safe Summer Fun
Tips from Dr. Otto Velasquez, M.D., PhD, FAAP
What Matters Most
Spending Quality Time with Your Kids
Top Places to Visit This Summer
Welcome to the first issue of Rio Kids, the Valley’s newest parenting resource magazine! Being a mother of two, I saw the need to have a local magazine feature information about OUR kids. There are several activities and fun places to enjoy with your child in our own backyard. Rio Kids will provide you the latest information on child-related topics, local events geared for family fun, and activities you can enjoy with your
children. We are pleased to bring you Dr. Otto Velasquez, President of RGV Kids, a non-profit organization, who will keep you up-to-date on how to keep your child healthy and happy. We would like to thank our advertisers for making it possible for us to bring you this valuable information. Let’s help support their businesses and say you saw it in Rio Kids!
Nancy
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved. Rio Kids Magazine reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions, or consequences arising from it. Rio Kids Magazine shall be held harmless indemnified against any third party claims. Rio Kids Magazine accepts no claims made by agents or contributing writers. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of Rio Kids Magazine or the publisher. Advertisements appearing in Rio Kids Magazine present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. Rio Kids Magazine is printed in the U.S.A. We assume no responsibilty for advertising claims made in this publication. All correspondence and submissions by readers/ advertisers to this publication become property of Rio Kids Magazine.
SAFE SUMMER FUN By Otto Velasquez MD, PhD, FAAP
President, RGV Kids*
S
ummer is synonymous with fun - family gatherings, outdoor activities, pool parties, trips to the beach. But like any other season, to enjoy summer to the fullest safety and prevention should be in parents minds to protect little ones. Here are a few tips: FUN UNDER THE SUN • Infant skin (babies under 6 months) is extremely sensitive to sunburn. Covering up is the best line of defense. Adequate clothing and shade (lightweight long pants, long- sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats) are infant’s skin best friends. • Limit the use of sunscreen in infants as it may give parents a false sense of security. In older children, apply sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) 30 minutes before going outside. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days. • Avoid or limit sun exposure during peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. • Remember that water and sand reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.
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* RGV Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our children and youth. Visit us at www.rgvkids.org
POOL SAFETY • Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. • Self-closing and self-latching gates that open out from the pool are recommended. Latch should be inside the fence at a height small children can’t reach. • Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. • Avoid inflatable swimming aids like “floaties”. They are not substitute for approved life vests and can give children and parents a false sense of security. • Swimming programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning. • Keep rescue equipment (e.g. hook, life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
HEAT SAFETY • Heat stress and heat shock are constant dangers during our hot Valley summer. Intensity of outdoor activities should be closely watched and limited whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels. • Children should be well hydrated before outdoor physical activity. During activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, even if the child does not feel thirsty (5 oz for small children, 9-12 oz for teenagers). • Clothing should be light colored and lightweight. Limit clothing to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat evaporation is a natural mechanism to maintain normal body temperature. BUGS, BUGS, BUGS • South Texas bugs come in all color and sizes. Avoid areas where insects nest and congregate, such as stagnant pools of water and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
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• Do not use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child. Avoid dressing your child with bright colors or flowery prints. • Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided. Sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours, but insect repellent should not be reapplied to avoid toxicity. •Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes. DEET may be toxic if not used correctly. • The concentration of DEET in products range from less than 10% to over 30% (please read the label). Thirty percent is the highest recommended for infant and children. • The major difference in the efficacy of DEET products relates to their duration of action. Products with concentrations around 10% are effective for periods of approximately two hours. As the concentration of DEET increases, the duration of activity increases; for example, a concentration of about 24% has been shown to provide an average of 5 hours of protection. • The safety of DEET does not appear to relate to differences in these concentrations. A prudent approach is to select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors. It is generally agreed that DEET should not be applied more than once a day. Use it sparingly on exposed skin only. • DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age, on the hands of small children, under clothing, around the mouth or eyes, on irritated skin, or near food. One final word: Summer means lazy days but should not mean lazy bodies or minds. Encourage your child to be active and limit TV watching and video games. Encourage reading, or even better, read with your child. The bonding and the memories will last a lifetime.
Have Fun!
What Matters Most Spending Quality Time with Your Kids By Vanessa Villareal
A
s working parents it is sometimes difficult to put time aside to do the things we enjoy. All too often, that can include the most important things in life, like spending time with our spouses and especially our children. Although we must all make a living to support our families, we should also consider the drawbacks that come with neglecting the importance of quality time. By setting aside more time for our children, we will not only strengthen their belief that they are loved and appreciated, but we will strengthen our relationships with them as well. By following just a few simple steps and altering some of our daily routines, we can significantly improve the bond we have with our children. Making Time to Play Possibly the most memorable parts of your child’s day are the moments he or she spends at play. During whatever time your busy day will allow, engage in free play and allow yourself access into their world. Ask them what they like to do and fully embrace it. Too many parents have completely lost the art of free play and because they restrict their imaginations, they in turn do the same to their children’s. And too often, this playtime becomes too rule-bound for children to fully enjoy and benefit from. Although it is important to incorporate learning into playtime, it is just as important to allow children to just have fun. So avoid turning playtime into “education” where all-out fun takes second place. Try to see
taking them to a park and participating in their playtime instead of just observing from the park bench. Consider that these play dates will improve the bond between you and your child, and will also encourage activity and creativity, which are more beneficial than simply propping them in front of a TV set. Active play will also help children learn how to socialize, and how to express themselves freely. They learn how to share or take turns, and even how to follow rules. In developing a stronger relationship with you in this way, children are more likely to develop better behavioral skills and stronger relationships in general. And more importantly, playing and spending time together encourages open communication. Spending Quiet Time Together Many children tend to misbehave when they feel like they are not getting enough attention at home. Some kids act up in school in order to get the attention they ultimately crave. These little warning signs are probably your child’s way of telling you he or she wants more of your attention. Countering this behavior can be as simple as sharing more quiet time with your child. Sitting and watching their favorite movies or reading with them before bedtime can help let them know how important they are to you. Research has shown that bonding with your child through reading can be beneficial to them in many different ways. If he or she is still too young to read, take the time to slowly go through a picture book and allow them to create their own story. This simple process can help accelerate their creativity and love for books. The benefits of reading to your children are as crucial to their development as having them read to you. Be patient with your children in the early stages of reading. Emphasize the importance
“Although it
is important to incorporate learning into playtime, it is just as important to allow children to just have fun.
”
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t h i n g s from their perspective. Children enjoy playing make-believe games, and though you may feel silly at first, you should try embracing that imaginative world with them. Try simply
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of sounding out individual letters instead of jumping in to correct their mistakes and possibly discouraging their attempts. This freedom to read and be creative builds a stronger bond between you and your child, and making sure to keep it a fun enjoyable experience will ensure they will benefit from it completely. This is also a preferable alternative to too much multi-media stimulation like TV or video games before bedtime, which can actually delay sleep, because they may over-stimulate the brain. Bonding at Meal Time Sometimes our busy schedules don’t allow us the time to cook meals for, or even sit down to eat with our families. We end up rushing to the nearest fast food restaurant just to make sure our children get something to eat. Aside from this being a less healthy alternative to cooking homemade meals, it also robs us of more time we could be spending with them. Say, for example, your work day begins at 8:00 am. You wake up as late as you possibly can to get those extra precious minutes of sleep before racing off to work and waving a quick goodbye to your kids. So why not try waking up a few hours early to cook breakfast for your family? This can benefit everyone, since you will overcome that morning rush and feeling of grogginess when you start your day. Talking to each other in the morning will also give everyone’s brain a jump start, and your family will also grow to appreciate that extra effort you’re making. Your children will feel pampered, loved and closer to you in the end. If you can’t manage this on a daily basis, try it at least a few times a week. Learn your kids’ favorite foods and surprise them. If this is still impossible for you, make sure that you at least have dinner together as a family, as this time will encourage high levels of open communication and allow you to be more in tune with your child’s emotions. Other sacrifices like leaving chores or work until after your child has gone to bed can ensure that you’ll make the most of your time together. Overall it comes down to the little things. Have an open mind in terms of what you are able to sacrifice and be mindful of the fact that at the end of the day, your family is what matters most.
By Vanessa Villareal
s Let’
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here are few words that excite kids quite as much as “summer vacation”, regardless of the destination. If you’re worried about spending too much money or traveling too far, or if you’re just looking for something interesting to do on the weekend, we’ve done a little research and discovered some great places right here in the Rio Grande Valley. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or just looking to have all-out fun with your kids, we have something just for you. Children’s Museum of Brownsville The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is not your ordinary museum. It’s a learning facility geared toward children, infants to 8 years of age, that combines a mixture of fascinating exhibits with hands-on learning tools. Children get to actively engage in activities while socializing and working with other kids. From the “Dr. Bones Health Clinic” where they put on lab coats and stethoscopes and examine toy patients, to the “Wind, Water, and Weather Center” where they can learn about and experience incredible weather phenomena right before their eyes, to the “Under the Sea” exhibit where they can reel in fish from off the boat deck, or explore undersea adventures below the boardwalk. This museum takes your children through even more incredible exhibits that take learning and fun to a whole new level. In addition, they offer Community Nights, which are open to the public free of charge, as well as Circus Camps, Summer Day Camps, and a host of other events that stimulate the imagination. An added bonus? The museum also provides party packages with a selection of creative party themes, pizza, cake, and craft activities, all at very affordable prices. Quinta Mazatlan Looking at the historic 1930’s adobe mansion you might not imagine that it would cater to children. This amazing estate does way more than offer an amazing setting for weddings, conferences, and receptions; it also provides indoor and outdoor adventures for you and your family.
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Children get to participate in various summer camps where they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor games, wildlife exploration and treasure hunts. Educational sessions vary between examining bizarre insects, gardening and discovering wild plants, learning about the Earth, conservation and recycling, among many others. Quinta Mazatlan also provides educational programs for field trips, as well as Girl and Boy Scout programs which help children connect with nature and increase environmental awareness through handson activities. Quinta Mazatlan is also one of nine World Birding Center sites, devoted to protecting the natural habitat and increasing appreciation of birds and wildlife. You’ll love the warm inviting atmosphere this estate has to offer, as your children learn about and experience the natural and cultural history of the Valley. South Padre Island Summer is here and there is nothing like a day at the beach! Look no further than our very own South Padre Island to experience the finest coastal resort in Texas. The island offers incredible saltwater fishing, a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, eco-tourism, and select watersports. It is also home to the Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center, where you and your family can experience the popular and exciting dolphin watch. Your children can learn about dolphins and how they live, as well as experience marine life through various touch tanks and aquariums. The Island is also home to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, where your family can enjoy great water rides, kid-friendly playgrounds and all around family fun. Schlitterbahn also boasts its premier underwater helmet-diving experience, SeaTrek, where you can surround yourself with amazing aquatic life while walking in zero gravity! What’s great about these three destinations is that you don’t have to go far or break the bank to have a great time with your family. And remember, wherever you decide to go, kids are happy just to be spending time with you! So have fun, relax, and make the most out of it.
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Grilling Word Find
Colibri Discoveries ANGELIC YOGA SESSIONS. Innnovative exercises, songs and stories to strengthen little bodies and build character. For children ages 5 and up. Date: Weekly hour long sessions from July 7th to July 25th, 2008. Please contact Irma Burr, B.A. Psychology, M.ED at (956) 454-5240 or Greg at the McAllen Creative Incubator at (956) 687-2787.
Fun at Quinta Mazatlan
956-688-3370 www.quintamazatlan.com The following activites are happening this month at Quinta Mazatlan. Nature’s Discovery Camp Kidsenjoy a combination of indoor and outdoor adventure games, wildlife exploration, treasure hunts and art! Dates: Tuesday - Friday Ages: 6 to 12 years For more information about registration call (956) 681-3370. July 8-11: Forest Explorers Have fun as an explorer who is tracking wildlife! July 15-18: Earth Week Fair & Recycling Environmental Detectives will learn the three R’s of recycling July 22-25: Earth Art “Visualize the sounds of birds” through art projects July 29 - Aug. 1: Junior Master Gardener Discover wild plants and get your hands dirty! Evening Family Explorations- Dates: Thursdays in July Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm Ages: Families
(Children ages 7 and up) July 10 World of Birds Discover the amazing world of birds with a take home craft and scavenger hunt! July 17 Stella Luna Story Time Special appearance by Stella Luna, a young bat who shares her special story July 24 The “Diary of a Worm” Story Time Explore the hidden world of worms and create a take home craft July 31 Going Buggy Investigate fascinating insects and create a cool flipbook. Children’s Adventure- Families will enjoy an interpretive presentation on the trails followed by a nature themed art project. Dates: Saturdays Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm Ages: All Ages July 5 - That’s Cool! Do all birds fly? Explore the world of flightless birds and other facts. July 12 - Inspiration Nation! Draw inspiration from Quinta Mazatlan as you create a craft from nature. July 19 - Red, White, & Blue: Recycling Starts with You! Discover the fun you can have recycling. July 26 - Animals Homes! Make your own animal home in your backyard! Dance Conservatory of McAllen Presents Aladdin Jr. August 2 at the McAllen Civic Center
Color Time!
Crossword
Crafty Ways to Keep Kids Busy this Summer (ARA)
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W
hile all children eagerly anticipate the lazy days of summer, most parents know that early anticipation can quickly turn into the dreaded “there’s nothing to do”attitude. While keeping boredom at bay for up to three months can be a challenge, a little advance planning and a handy list of projects and activities can inspire a summer that’s educational and entertaining. Keeping kids busy not only makes the summer special, it makes educational sense. Activities encourage imagination and exploration, while keeping kid’s brains working and ready to learn
“Your local craft stores offer ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer.”
during the next school year. Your local craft stores offer ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer. The following are some ideas to get involved with your children.
Activities * Start a family garden. Allow your children to make holes for seeds or plants. For quicker results let them pull weeds. Older kids can plant, prune and harvest. Holey Soles shoes are perfect for gardening. Kids can personalize them with paint, and mud and dirt will rinse off with a garden hose. * Have a picnic at the local park or pool. Kids can help prepare the food, pack the basket and can even make and decorate placemats to bring along. * Plan a show or play. Consider a puppet show. Choose a favorite story, or help kids write one of their own. Follow the
s i m p l e directions for Fun Stick Puppets that can be found at any craft store to make foam puppet characters, and then invite neighbors and friends to the show. Crafts * String beads to form necklaces and bracelets. A d d wooden hearts personalized and painted, or found objects like small shells, sea glass or stones. Homemade jewelry is a favorite gift of grandmothers, babysitters and teachers. * Create a scrapbook. Highlight the school year or a summer family vacation, glue in mementos such as tickets, trinkets and photos. * Use colored chalk. Allow your kid’s creative side to come out. Create art on sidewalks and driveways, the rain will do the cleaning for you. Younger children will enjoy “painting” the driveway with water. This is a long-term project, because the water keeps drying. * Make bookmarks for library books. *Make your own games, try a glow-in-thedark toss for hours of evening enjoyment. * Decorate a messenger bag. Plan for the inevitable end of summer by picking up a canvas messenger bag. Kids of all ages will enjoy personalizing their bags with iron-ons, studs, and jewels, and they’ll proudly use them throughout the school year. Courtesy of ARAcontent
ARTConnection
5240 N. 10th St., Ste. 2 McAllen, TX 956-330-4335 956-483-7319
•Ages 4 and Up •Adults Welcome
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Camps Cultural Center for Language Studies 2901 N. 10th St., Ste. N McAllen, TX 956-687-2257
Dance Conservatory of McAllen 4320 N. Bicentennial Blvd McAllen, TX 956-682-7417
Little Gym 6500 N. 10th St., Ste. N McAllen, TX 956-687-5353
Danzar Academy 2022 Orchid Ave. McAllen, TX 956-661-1288
Gymboree 5103 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-971-0114
Deborah Case Dance Academy 5240 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-682-2721
Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset McAllen, TX 956-688-3370 www.quintamazatlan.com Childcare Valley Kids Connection 2602 Cornerstone Blvd. Edinburg, TX 956-618-2223
Gymnastics Little Gym 6500 N. 10th St., Ste. N McAllen, TX 956-687-5353
Daycare Learning Academy 2201 W. Dove McAllen, TX 956-630-0908
Martial Arts TNC Martial Art 6500 N. 10th St., Ste. K McAllen, TX 956-630-2262 Music Gymboree 5103 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-971-0114
Classes Arts & Crafts Gymboree 5103 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-971-0114 Art Connection 5240 N. 10th St., Ste. 2 McAllen, TX 956-330-4335 956-483-7319 Kidz Art www.kidzartrgv.com 956-682-0129 956-330-4652 Manichaus 1301-B N. Main St. McAllen, TX 956-207-0940 Cooking Young Chefs Academy 6601 N. 10th St., Ste. A-9 McAllen, TX 956-687-2922 Dance Little Gym 6500 N. 10th St., Ste. N McAllen, TX 956-687-5353 Gymboree 5103 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-971-0114
Jing’s Gymnastics & Dance 1817 Mozelle St. Pharr, TX 956-702-4967
Mozart House 1701 W. Dove Ave, Ste. C McAllen, TX 956-683-8838 Melhart Music Center 3325 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-682-6147 Yoga/Meditation Colibri Discoveries McAllen Creative Incubator 1001 S. 16th St. McAllen, TX 78504 956-454-5240 – Irma Burr 956-687-2787 Health Dentists Dr. Melissa Rivera DDS Family Dental Care 4500 N. Raul Longoria San Juan, TX 956-787-9866 Doctors Dr. Juan Aguilara 807 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX 956-782-7993
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Dr. Arlene Sanchez 2123 Jackson Creek Ave. Edinburg, TX 956-381-4888 Ashley Pediatrics 801 E. Nolana Loop McAllen, TX 956-686-2700 Dr. Jaime Medrano 415 S. Airport, Ste. E Weslaco, TX 956-973-5024 802 E. Expressway 83, Ste. A La Joya, TX 956-585-6575 Medical Equipment Priority Medical Equipment 817 N. Ware Rd, Ste. 2 McAllen, TX 956-630-0023 Entertainment Children’s Museum of Brownsville Dean Porter Park Brownsville, TX 956-548-9300 Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center 956-299-0629 Schools Our Lady Of Sorrows 1100 Gumwood McAllen, TX 956-686-3651 Central Christian School 1320 Nolana McAllen, TX 956-687-2340 Discovery School 1711 W. Alberta Edinburg, TX 956-381-1117 Retail Bath Junkie 5240 N. 10th St. #9 Petite Plaza McAllen, TX 956-661-8844 Children’s Orchard 5021 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 956-631-9600 Restaurants Double Dave’s Pizza 7700 N. 10th St., Ste. H McAllen, TX 956-994-DAVE (3283)
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*Offer valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. ExistingPlay & Music customers are not eligible. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time in Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.
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