Jan25 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE by Houston Family Magazine

January 2025

Let It GO! Things to Get Rid of in 2025

Vol. 36 Issue 1

Mommy Burnout is Real - How to Heal

Think Outside the Lunchbox

For the Love of Learning Top Schools

Chill Thrills Await Experience a one-of-a-kind winter getaway at Gaylord Texan. Discover festive fun for the whole family while exploring acres of extraordinary indoor garden atriums.

Nov. 15 - Jan. 5 ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS PEACE BUUILDING FAMILY 8 Calming Practices

LET IT GO! 10 Things to Stop Worrying About WHAT TO DO WHEN THE SCHOOL

Wants to Remove your IEP Services THINK OUTSIDE THE LUNCHBOX

Creative Ideas for Lunch BOOK BITES 19 Must Reads for Kids & Parents FOR THE LOVE OF LEARNING

4 ways to teach your kids to love school TOP SCHOOLS

Education Directory MOMMY BURNOUT IS REAL

How you can Heal FEED A COLD & A FEVER

Baylor tells us why WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE YOUR CHILD

Something to Laugh About! CALENDAR OF EVENTS

events & activities in January Birding on the Beach, Galveston, Texas

Houston Family Magazine HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

PUBLISHER KIMBERLY DAVIS GUERRA MANAGING EDITOR HOLLY BERETTO CREATIVE DIRECTOR CASEY JOHNSON ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE BEVERLY DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHER AMY GARRETT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROSENDO GUERRA CHRISTINA KATZ VALERIE KOHLER SARAH LYONS CHERYL MAGUIRE AARON NIETO SANDI SCHWARTZ

Houston Family Magazine 800 Town & Country Blvd., #500 Houston TX 77024 Ph: 713.266.1885 hello@houstonfamilymagazine.com

Houston Family Magazine is published monthly by Houston Family Magazine, LLC. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all submitted material. Houston Family is 2020 by Houston Family Magazine,LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without express permission is prohibited .

7 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

Peace Building Family 8 Calming & Centering Practices By Christina Katz

What the world needs now is peace, sweet peace. As families, it's time to activate our potential as peacekeepers on the home front, and then actively take our home-grown peace out into the world. If every family strives for harmony at home, the world must become a calmer, more soothing place. Creating peace at home is a good guiding principle if you want to set a healthy example for your kids of how to let go of the things you cannot change while taking charge of the things you can impact.

For a moment, forget about what others are doing or not doing to keep the peace out there in the big wide world, and focus on what you can do in your own backyard instead. Here are eight ideas to get you started: 1. Guard Against Media Overload. Monitor family media exposure, especially during times of scary news broadcasts or upsetting continual updates. Turn off televisions and radios when children are around. Get kids off the Internet and away from hand-held devices. Silence your cell phone notifications. Tumultuous times are a good time to revert to old-fashioned fun like reading a book, playing a board game, or going for a family walk. If a crisis is not affecting your family directly, don't let the news cycle hijack your day and cause your family unnecessary stress. 2. Cultivate Family Peace Practices. When my daughter is upset or agitated her go-to calming activity is a nice warm shower or bath. For mild upsets or just general distracted behavior, her signing practice comforts and centers her. Drawing is an old friend she can return to time after time to wind down before bed. Find practices that work for each family member. One child may prefer to read a book while another may wish to do something physical to get grounded. Adopt whatever works for each family member.

5. Make A Small Difference. Keep a coin jar out and fill it with loose change. When a crisis occurs, make a donation to support intervention. On an ongoing basis, give what you can to help those in need in your community. Share leftover pantry items with your local food bank and old clothes and belongings with non-profit thrift shops on an ongoing basis. Feel good about steadily being part of the solution however your family feels called. 6. Spread Joy. Refuse to give in to cynicism. Put a positive bumper sticker on your car. Put out a colorful flag in your yard. Decorate your yard with the word 'peace' and other objects that symbolize joyfulness. Add a birdbath or a fountain to your yard or home. Plant a Peace Garden (see sidebar). Have at least one reminder of world peace in each room of your home. Believe in a more peaceful world and do your part to make it happen. Inspirational quotes glimpsed on the way out the door can inspire your family members to new heights of understanding each and every day.

3. Process Disappointments As They Happen. Your child may experience a loss and you may not be aware of it. My daughter seemed to be displaying uncharacteristic behavior until I was able to trace the source of it back to a recent disappointment she'd experienced at school. We often cajole our kids to "be a good sport" without giving them a chance to fully express their feelings. In this case, I was able to seek out some feedback and closure from the teacher involved in the incident. My daughter had a little cry, admitted that she was more disappointed than she had let on, and was back to her old cheerful self within a few hours.

7. Memorialize Losses. Unexpressed grief is like a ticking time bomb driving people to act out in ways they might not otherwise. Take a look back at major losses in your family (and even your childhood) and ask yourself if you have adequately acknowledged your suffering. If not, it's not too late. Ask your spouse the same questions. Then ask your kids. Make sure you are not trying to protect your kids from feelings of loss that are a natural part of being human. Never brush off grief, yours or anyone else's. Come up with creative ways to commemorate major losses in your family and you will help your loved ones move through feelings of sadness and loss so everyone can move on.

4. Bless People In Crisis. Peacefulness is contagious. Don't over-think this. Beam peace at agitated people you encounter. Simply send calm energy to others and assume they got it. If folks you love from far away are suffering, light a safety candle for them. Send positive thoughts, a prayer or a wish for all good things across the miles. Write down positive words and people's names you'd like to bless on little pieces of paper and place them in a 'peace box' of your own creation. Imagine your good intentions spraying out into the world like a giant fountain. Positivity makes a difference, especially for the givers.

8. Live In Today. Anxiety is triggered by focusing on the past or the future at the expense of the moment. We can't control what happened yesterday and we are not at fault for things beyond our control out in the world. However home base can always be an oasis of calm, cool collectedness. We can make the world a more peaceful place if we are peacebuilders before we go out the door. So cultivate tranquility at home, and bring that attitude with you out into the world. If you do, your children will follow in your footsteps. HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 7

Build A Peace Garden

Try to Remember

A peace garden is a place for sowing seeds with intention.

1. Stay calm, cool and collected. 2. Steer clear of overly dramatic types. 3. Protect your children from too much media exposure. 4. Discuss what happened with your family in simple terms. 5. Let family members express how the crisis makes them feel. 6. Take time to bless, pray, or send positivity to those affected. 7. Show love to your family and hug them close. 8. Take a constructive action, like making an online donation, if you can. 9. Attend group events like memorial services or vigils if this feels helpful. Consider dividing the family into two groups and letting one group attend and one group stay home, as needed. 9. Commemorate those who have been affected by a crisis with a safety candle or by displaying a flower. 10. If kids seem shaken or stuck, encourage them to share feelings by writing a letter to those affected by the crisis. 11. Seek professional support if anyone in your family has been deeply affected by a traumatic event. 11. Keep life simple. Go about routines slowly and mindfully. Avoid rushing. 12. Share gratitude you feel. Appreciate little things. Be kind to yourself and others.

Gather seeds in the colder months. Dedicate a plot of ground to your peace garden and refocus on peace each time you plant new seeds. Affirm the growth of peace in the world as you plant flowers and shrubs. Add a place to sit and reflect on your peace garden. Look for ways to incorporate the word 'peace' in your garden. When things rock your world, go to the garden and sit, or send your kids to the garden to tend it. Make a little peace bouquet, take a photo and share the image on social media. A peace garden may mean different things to different family members, so let everyone contribute and interact with it as they see fit. If every family had a peace garden, the world might be a different place.

8 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

LET

IT GO 7 Things to Stop Worrying About this Year By Sarah Lyons Worrying, it’s something all parents do. I am guilty of it, especially when I lie awake at three am, with the silence of the house ringing in my ears. I worry about what I forgot to do, what I need to do, what I should have done, and what I already did. Parenthood is hard. There is always something to be done, someone who needs assistance, and multiple things to worry about. The list is endless but may include everything from feeding your kids healthy foods, to your child’s friendships, to what others think about your choices. Some worries are valid, but many are not worth the time and effort. What if we could learn to let them go?

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

Personal Expectations

What If's

Before I became a parent, I had high expectations for myself as a mother. I had things I wanted to do and things I declared I would never do. After my first child was born, I quickly realized that I would change my perspective on most pre-child declarations. “Let go of the idea that you will be the perfect parent because it won’t happen.” says twin mother Aly Ridgeley of Kansas City. When parents accept that they are doing the best they can, at that moment, for their kids, they will be able to cross this worry off their list.

Parents often worry about things that haven’t even happened yet. What if he gets sick? What if she falls and gets hurt? What if I forget something important? What if he doesn’t make the team? What if’s are not worth the energy they use. Acknowledge they are unnecessary and decide not to waste time on them. Face the problems in front of you rather than worrying about issues that do not exist.

Guilt

“Don’t compare yourself to other parents. Your family is unique. Your circumstances are unique. It would be like comparing apples and oranges.” says Lacey Rodriguez of Leavenworth, KS, “Do the best you can for your family and forget the rest.” Comparing yourself to other parents is never a good idea. Your parenting style for your children will always be different from others, but doesn't mean it is bad. Another pitfall is comparing your children to their siblings or other children their age. Each child has their own unique personality and will develop at their own rate. If you feel your concerns are valid, consult your child’s doctor for peace of mind.

Do you worry that you don’t spend enough time with your child? Do you feel guilty you were not able to breastfeed your child or that you missed a soccer game? Do you feel bad you forgot to remind your son to grab his lunch on the way out the door? The guilt of these things and more can weigh heavily on a parent but you have permission to let it go. It is okay if you miss a game or a school party. We all have to make choices and sometimes those choices cause unnecessary guilt. Once a decision is made, move forward and let go of the feelings of guilt. They will only rob you of enjoying the present.

Outward Appearance A tidy house, a perfectly decorated home, an amazing wardrobe, all organic, home-cooked meals, the perfect marriage, smart, athletic, creative children, and a partridge in a pear tree. We want it all and we want it to be perfect, or at least appear that way. This picture is lovely but it is not a realistic, reachable goal. It is easy to get caught up in what our families look like to others. It does not matter if your children wear perfectly coordinating outfits. Is your child dressed in weather appropriate clothing? Great. Does it match? It’s your lucky day. Social media puts so much pressure on us to keep up with what we believe others are doing. I have a secret for you, Pinterest is not real life and what is posted on Facebook is typically the best of what is going on in reality. Embrace the fact that no one is perfect and nobody's expecting you to be.

Comparisons

Mistakes Every parent makes mistakes and it is easy to spend time worrying about what should have been done differently. The past cannot be changed and although not easy to do, we must let go of things we cannot change. We can learn from our mistakes and continue to do our best in the future. Parents have permission to let go of past mistakes and teach their children to do the same.

Control I am a recovering control freak. With each child we added to our family, I was worn down a little more. When our triplets arrived, it finally dawned on me that I am not in control. Once I realized (and accepted) this fact, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Yes, my husband and I are still in charge of the household, but I cannot control what happens in life. It’s a roller coaster, instead of trying to steer, throw your arms up in the air and enjoy the ride.

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

Things to Hold On to........ Parenthood changes you and while it’s freeing to let go of unnecessary worry, there are some things parents should still hold onto. Interests and hobbies Your relationship with your significant other Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine Friendships Encouragement of others Who you are outside of your role as parents

Cheers to doing our best in 2025!

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 13

What to do when the school wants to

REMOVE Your Child’s

BY CHERYL MCGUIRE

Jennifer’s (name changed for privacy) son was on an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for seven years due to a diagnosis of ADHD and an LD (learning disability) in writing and reading. During her son’s most recent team meeting, the school personnel stated they would like to remove his services since he was doing well in school. Jennifer felt that if the services were removed her son would not continue to receive good grades. According to the National Center for Statistics, the number of students receiving special education services has increased to 7.5 million students ages 3-21 during the 2022- 2023 school year. The National Educational Association states that nationwide the current average per student cost in public schools is $7,552 and the average cost per special education student is an additional $9,369 per student (total average cost is $16,921 per special education student). This additional cost might be a reason school personnel would want to remove services for students who are receiving high grades. “If a child is improving and meeting goals that does not mean declassification is the answer. In my practice, 99% of the time a child’s performance improves due to the IEP services. Removing the 14 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

services could lead to regression,” says Dr. Kimberly Williams, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist with offices in Long Island and Brooklyn, New York. When the school recommends removing your child’s IEP services you can do the following. Please note laws can vary by state or change so please check with your local advocacy system for current information: Enable Your Right to Stay Put “Many parents don’t realize that if a school tries to remove IEP services, they can enact their legal right to ‘stay-put’ which means the services must stay in place,” said Nancy Gardner, Co-Chair of East Bridgewater SEPAC. Under the law, parents are a member of the special education team even though it may not feel that way at times. You can submit a letter requesting that the services “stay put” which means that the IEP cannot be removed.

Get Documents Time Stamped

IEP’s Don’t Expire

Any letters such as a “stay put letter” that you submit need to be time-stamped to prove that the school received the letter. If your case moves to mediation or due process, then you will need documentation to prove your case. If it isn’t timestamped, then school personnel can state they never received it.

According to the Wrightslaw website, “The IEP will not ‘expire’. It remains in effect until a new one is written, or you agree that an IEP for specialized instruction and related services are no longer needed.” If you write a “stay-put letter” then the last IEP remains in place until the disagreement with the school is resolved.

Request Meeting Notes

Check if the Student Achieved the IEP Goals

You can request meeting notes from every IEP meeting. Gardner recommends doing this for every meeting, even noncontentious ones so that you have a record of everything discussed.

“Parents must ask if the IEP goals and the objectives have fully been achieved. ‘Almost there’ or ‘we anticipate improvements’ does not count. If goals have not been achieved you cannot declassify,” says Dr. Williams.

Speak To Free Organizations Every state is required to have a Parent Training and Information Center which is an organization that provides free information to parents of children with disabilities. This organization can provide you with free advice regarding the next steps to take. There are also organizations like SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Councils) that can provide support. “By federal mandate, every state must have a Protection and Advocacy System for people with disabilities. The names each state chooses for this program differ but you should be able to find your state’s program through a Google search using ‘[State] protection and advocacy system.’” says Melanie Musson, special education teacher and educational writer for Free Legal Advice.

Dr. Williams explains that if it is determined that the IEP goals have been 100% achieved, then new goals may be necessary. She says, “For example, if a child has met the goal of writing a four to fivesentence paragraph, perhaps the next goal is independently writing an essay with rich vocabulary and transition words.” Dr. Williams explains that often the IEP goals and objectives are improperly written and the means to objectively measure success is inadequate. She suggests that parents should closely review the IEP goals and have a neuropsychologist review them. Dr. Tamera Foley, CEO of Education 4 All Now LLC recommends that parents say, “Based on the information presented, the child has not met his goals so the IEP has not been met.”

Research Non-Compliance Issues

Request Additional Testing

If the school wants to remove the IEP services the school might not be providing the accommodations. “Often the district wants to declassify because the child ‘does not use' the IEP accommodations. This may be the fault of the school and a noncompliance issue of the district. Children may not use services because they are stigmatized and/or the child may not be a good self-advocate. Using services is not the responsibility of the student, it’s the responsibility of the school team to enforce,” says Dr. Williams.

If you don’t agree with the school’s evaluation, parents have the right to request additional testing. “Parents can ask for an evaluation if one has not been completed within three years by the district. If an evaluation has been completed within three years and the parents don’t agree with the findings, then they can request that the school district provide an Independent Evaluation. Normally the parent is given a list of experts in the area and field to choose from and the amount the district will pay for the evaluation,” says Dr. Foley.

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 15

Use Data If your case goes to mediation or court, then they will want to see data such as official state test scores and evaluations. School grades are subjective and do not count as grounds to remove an IEP. Also, one data point (or evaluation test) is not enough evidence to remove an IEP. “Sometimes schools respond to data and evidence. A parent can research articles explaining that ADHD (or others) is a lifelong disorder. Although children's symptoms can improve, as curriculum demands change, they can still require accommodations. In the situation of the student receiving an IEP for seven years that already implies longstanding needs for support and if changes must occur, it should be gradual and not all at once,” says Dr. Williams. You can also provide other types of data such as a record of the number of hours it takes to complete homework. “Parents can present information that teachers wouldn't necessarily see, such as a log of how late a student stays up completing homework or the stress they express to parents or other trusted adults. Often, school personnel sees high grades and a student well prepared for class without understanding the effort it took to achieve the grades,” says Ruth Wilson, an educational therapist, a high school principal, and founder of The Polytech. Wilson explains that parents are a mandatory part of the IEP and so their evidence of how the student functions outside of the school is critical information that must be considered and written into the present levels of performance section. Dr. Foley recommends that parents say, “Based on the data presented, there is still a gap in the child's academics/behaviors that can only be addressed through specialized supports and services.” Try to Collaborate with the School It may feel challenging to work with the school, but it is important to try to reach a middle ground because that is usually the best option for your child. 16

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

“It is important for parents to work with their school districts. In my experience as an education attorney, the best outcomes for kids occur when parents and school districts work together in a collaborative manner. While that is not always possible, that should be the goal,” says Christine Soto, Esq., attorney at Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Cappelli. Hire An Advocate or an Education Lawyer If you are unable to make any progress in collaborating with the school regarding your child’s special education services, it might be necessary to hire a professional. “There are special education attorneys that cost a small fortune, but there are also non-attorney parent advocates who can be more affordable and highly effective. Many cities have parent advocacy centers that offer lower fees to guide parents through the CSE and IEP process,” says Dr. Williams.

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

Think Outside the Lunchbox

By Sarah Lyons

It’s a new year let’s think outside the box for lunches this month! Some kids are more likely to eat their lunch if they are given a variety of foods rather than the same old thing every day. Here are some ideas to get you thinking outside the lunch box. Wrap it up - fill a tortilla with meat, cheese, and veggies, add your favorite dressing. Fill a Thermos with soup or pasta Send pasta or lettuce salads Dip it - hummus with veggies or crackers, guacamole with chips, or ranch with veggies Leftovers - send last night’s dinner, chicken and pizza make a great lunch Different sandwich - put meat and cheese on a sub sandwich instead of bread or send something unusual like peanut butter and banana (use sunbutter for a nut-free option) Homemade lunchables - cheese, meat, and crackers Kabobs - fill skewers with grapes, tomatoes, cheese cubes, or meat Quesadillas - they are taste great cold too Breakfast for lunch

ok o B s e t Bi

Brought to you by Valerie Kohler, Blue Willow Bookshop

Just Breathe Bear by Christianne Jones Bear learns mindful breathing in this cute, colorful board book. Bear has lots of emotions. He gets worried, sad, and angry (just to name a few). And that’s OK! With a simple mindful breathing trick “In, in, in, and out, out, out.”, Bear can cope with all his feelings--and so can your little ones. Bear Has A Belly by Jane Whittingham A Big, LittleConcepts photographic celebration of children, animals, and our wonderful, diverse bodies. A Person Can Be by Kerri Kokias A one-of-a-kind book that shows how naughty and nice (and other opposite qualities!) can describe the same person --- at the same time! This deceptively simple book uses children’s everyday experiences to explore the complexities of human nature. I Feel!: A Book of Emotions by Juana Medina Do you feel happy? Sad? Calm? Shy? Brave? Proud? This book provides a way for young readers and the adults in their lives to talk about their feelings. Do You Know? Jobs And Work People Do by Emilie Gorostis What jobs are there at a museum? Who creates books? Where do cooks work? The Do You Know?TM series provides in-depth looks at a wide range of popular subjects, appealing to children who want to know everything.

Waffles & Mochi Get Cooking by Yewande Komolafe Explore the globe with Waffles + Mochi and learn about the stories behind the food we eat in this accessible, child-friendly cookbook, based on the Netflix children’s show. Kids Cook Dinner: 23 Healthy, Budget-Friendly Meals by Deanna Cook It’s kids’ cooking night--and they’re in charge of making dinner! This selection of 25 easy, budgetfriendly dinner recipes from the best-selling Cooking Class series teaches kids how to make tasty, healthy meals with easy-to-follow step-by-step photos. Rethink the Internet: How to Make the Digital World a Lot Less Sucky by Trisha Prabu Drawing on her own experiences as a cyberbullied preteen, the twenty-one-year-old CEO and inventor of #ReThinkTM asks readers to consider the consequences before they post, tweet, comment, or text in an effort to stop internet hate. Putting Peace First: 7 Commitments to Change the World by Eric David Dawson Young people are eager to change the world, but often aren’t given the chance. This book by the co-founder of the non-profit Peace First empowers readers to make change happen. Using the inspiring stories of real life peacemakers, each chapter highlights a different aspect of peacemaking. HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 19

FOR THE

OF LEARNING BY CHRISTINA KATZ

20 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

4 WAYS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO LOVE SCHOOL Raising engaged students is not only the responsibility of the teachers and the administrators at your school, it's a job that starts at home with every parent. You may have anxiety, fears, or merely first-day jitters about your child going to school. But if you can muster up your courage and take a one-good-day-ata-time approach, you will find that raising a child who loves school is easier than you might have imagined. Just follow these four simple guidelines, keep your interactions with your school's employees constructive and upbeat, and watch the magic that occurs when your child loves learning. 1. Share to prepare. Tell your child what you enjoyed about school. If your spouse enjoyed school, encourage him to share stories, too. But if you had a difficult time in school, share those stories with someone who is not your child. Talk to another adult about the ways you struggled, and how those struggles might color your expectations of what school will be like for your child. Get your fears and biases about school off your chest and let them go so you won't unwittingly pass them on. Remember, your child is not you. That was then, this is now. By confronting and releasing any back-to-school skeletons in your closet, you open the doors to a positive school experience for your child today. 2. Step back. Some parents have trouble trusting that a school will care about their child as much as they do. And it's true-teachers won't treat your child like a parent would. They will probably expect more. And they will care about your child as educational professionals, who want to challenge your child so she can realize her potential, so let them do their jobs. Smart parents know that school is not just about academics. When your child is in school, she is learning how to be a member of a community. She is learning how to socialize and enjoy playtime. She is learning how to express herself through art, music and physical activity. So take a leap of faith. Remind yourself that the folks who run schools are trained professionals. Trust them with your child's daily education and wellbeing. Then your child will experience every day as an adventure in learning and growing. 3. Be positive and proactive. Try to find something to like about your school on a regular basis. If you don't know what to like then you might not be aware enough. Have a working knowledge of the school layout. Introduce yourself to teachers on open-house days and meet the folks who work in the front office, including the principal. Make sure the teacher knows you are on her team. If you have a miscommunication or misunderstanding with a teacher or administrator, strive to work things out in a calm, pro-active manner. Don't hang on to negative perceptions or try to create negative consensus

with other parents. Confident, secure parents seek solutions not squabbles. Put yourself in the teacher or administrator's shoes before you pick up the phone or shoot off that e-mail. Remember, the way you would like to be treated is the way to behave, always, no matter how you feel in the heat of the moment. 4. Give without strings. Whether you work full time or not, there are typically two types of parent volunteers: those who willingly pitch in and help and those who don't want to spend time at school but do it for their kids. Be honest about the kind of parent you are, so you can find ways to be a cheerful contributor to the school. If you like to pitch in, join the PTA or sign up to be a room parent. You will find plenty of opportunities to contribute, but do so without expectations of payoffs for your child based on your involvement. The benefits for your child come when you happily contribute, not when you use your position as an insider to create an ongoing list of how you would do things differently and better. Remember your role as a helper in the larger scheme of things. Be serviceminded, looking for opportunities to match the school's needs with what you have to offer. Do your best not to criticize parents who are less committed to volunteering than you, unless you wish to be judged back. If you don't want to spend a lot of time at school, acknowledge that your child could benefit from seeing you at school once in a while whether you enjoy volunteering or not. Break the school year up into three parts and try to pitch in to help or chaperone at least once each season. Don't forget to get your spouse involved. Two reasonably involved parents are better than none. And don't feel guilty about not being a parenting association volunteer. There are plenty of ways to contribute that don't funnel through the PTA. Give money to financially support the programs of the PTA, if you can swing it. Then go to your child's teacher when looking for ways to contribute in proximity to your child. No matter how you choose to contribute, when you give the way you want to give, you set a great example for your kids. Parents who invest energy cheerfully and proactively in their child's school stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons, paving the way to success in school for all their children. HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 21

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HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 24

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1424 Sherwood Forest, Houston TX 77043 P: 713-465-0288 TheBranchSchool.Org

As a private school focused on inspiring students to love, learn, and lead, The Branch School instills a drive toward discovery, intellectual resilience, and leadership ability across our preschool, elementary, and middle school program. All of our students, preschool through grade 8, experience projectbased, hands-on learning with a Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) focus. This hands-on, project-based STEAM program makes Branch students deeper thinkers and more enthusiastic learners, laying an important early foundation of scientific knowledge and technological know-how. Our challenging academics and collaborative learning opportunities help each student develop criticalthinking capacities, creative problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning – making us one of the best private schools in Houston.

CHECK FOR OPEN HOUSE DATES

Houston’s only school for Gifted & Talented Students

11059 Timberline Road, Houston, TX 77043 P: 713-647-7246 Rainard.Org

Our Mission: The mission of Rainard is to embrace the needs of gifted children by nurturing the individual’s intellectual growth, social skills, and emotional development in an environment that inspires the joy of learning. Why Parens Choose The Rainard School: We Embrace the Gifted Interest Based Learning We Focus on Nature Multi Age Small Class Sizes Gifted Instructors Learning Outisde the Classroom Gifted Community Fluid Learning Environment To find out more, schedule a tour @ rained.org.

BURNOUT IS REAL

By Christina Katz

28 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

Mommy burnout is real! You never know when it’s coming, but look out when it does. How do you get past it? Here are 20 ways to recharge that mommy battery in only 20 short minutes! We’ve all had them, those mommy meltdown moments. They snuck up on me, usually when I was endeavoring for the umpteenth time to finally get something done. That’s when my baby girl, Samantha, would start to shriek because she wanted out of her two-speed swing, or when one of our three cats would decide to hurl a hairball across the light-colored carpet, and when my lunch would explode in a muffled splat all over the inside of the microwave. Times seem to be uncertain again at the moment with the new president and the continued state of unrest around the world. However, you need to learn to take care of you in spite of all the chaos around you. This month is going to try everyone’s patience so be sure to plot at least one twenty-minute break in your day – the best trick I’ve learned for how to avoid mommy burnout. So next time life gives you twenty minutes, don’t waste a single moment complaining that it’s not enough time, jump right into one of these twenty relaxing rituals instead, and you’ll find that the cure for mommy burnout was in within your grasp all along:

Enjoy the perfect cup of tea and your favorite tea cookies while daydreaming by an open window. My mother used to keep her “special cookies” hidden so the kids couldn’t raid her secret stash. Now, I do, too.

Get your heart rate up with a brisk walk, preferably around the most scenic route in your neighborhood. As you walk, shake those baby-toting or backpack carrying kinks out of your arms and shoulders.

Write four fanciful postcards to your dearest faraway friends. Short on postcards? Find the four prettiest pieces of notepaper in the house and write a handwritten note with the most grown-up pen in the house.

really interest you, staple them, and keep them in a magazine holder for grabbing on the way out the door. Read in the passenger seat, while waiting in line at the grocery store, or anywhere else you find yourself with a few minutes of down time.

Set your DVR to record your favorite funny sitcoms or designate a weekly time to catch up with them on your computer. During these times, shut the door, turn out the lights, and enjoy (with or without commercials). Ah.

In your journal, write your idea of the perfect day. Start with how you would like to wake up and proceed all the way through, hour by hour until the bedtime ritual. Be as descriptive as possible.

Pick up the phone and call your best friend. Read her your perfect day and ask about hers.

Close the shades, put on your headphones, find your favorite dance music, and get down. Don’t stop until your stress and strain shimmy away.

Sit outside under a tree. Listen. Write what you hear in a poem.

Take a mini-vacation to a foreign land – spend $10.00 at an ethnic market on something you would never ordinarily buy.

Flip through your childhood photos or family photo albums. Reminiscing helps us remember what it was like to view the world through innocent eyes.

Buy yourself inexpensive bunches of flowers in season and arrange them in your prettiest vases around the house. During winter, try tangling a strand of Christmas lights through a gathering of bare tree branches.

More fun with old magazines: make a collage of images that represent your future hopes and goals. Flip through that old stack of magazines you never have time to read. Tear out the pages with articles that HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 29

Engage your inner child – finger paint, play with clay, or color with crayons. Focus on the fun of the process, not the quality of the product.

Imagine a natural place where you feel safe and comfortable. What happens when you visualize yourself talking to an older, wiser version of yourself there? Write the results in your journal.

Turn on some soothing music, fire up as many candles as you can find, dim the lights, and sink into a sumptuous bubble bath.

Write a gratitude list for all that you have. Then write a second for all the things you wish you had, as though you already have them.

Be a rock star. Sing in the shower as loudly as you like. Buy soaps and shampoos with scents that inspire you.

Soak your feet in a warm footbath for five minutes. Push the cuticles back with an orange stick and apply two coats of your brightest, most cheerful nail polish to your toes. Be quick, they’ll need a few minutes to dry.

Set your alarm clock for 20 minutes, lie down and start counting backwards from one hundred. When you’re alarm goes off, you’ll be rested and refreshed, whether you fell asleep or not. Once you’ve found your favorite ways to briefly rekindle and relax, post your top five somewhere where you’ll see them, like on the fridge or next to the bathroom mirror. When you steal twenty minutes for yourself, you make life a little brighter for the whole family. Make it a habit and you’ll see.

Mommy burnout can be overcome! 30 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

FEED BOTH A COLD & A By Aaron Nieto, Baylor College of Medicine

Respiratory viruses like rhinovirus – the cause of the common cold – flu and SARS-CoV-2 make the rounds during the winter season, and many people claim to have a remedy to help illness pass quicker. But how much merit do these cures have? An expert with Baylor College of Medicine explains why the coldest time of the year brings sickness and how to prevent and power through some seasonal illnesses. “These seasonal viruses are easily transmitted from human to human as the cold weather brings people closer together indoors and kids are in school,” said Dr. Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology and microbiology and of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “Colder temperatures also allow for viruses to survive on surfaces longer, and the humidity we experience here in Houston also contributes to these viruses being able to survive outside of a host.”

Although the adage encourages you to "feed a cold, starve a fever,” Piedra says people should be trying to get an adequate caloric intake for any illness. Fever, like excess mucus production, is one of many defense mechanisms your body relies on when it is threatened. These mechanisms require energy, which you gain by eating a wellbalanced diet. Sick-friendly meals like soup often contain the appropriate elements of diet, which is why they are commonly recommended to make you feel better overall. Malaise caused by illness may lessen your appetite but try to maintain your eating habits while you are sick. In addition to caloric intake, adequate hydration is also important to helping your body get over a virus. People will often turn to warm tea to soothe sore throats; this also will help keep you hydrated. Those experiencing excessive mucus production that settles in the back of the throat can also benefit from a salt-water gargle as this helps remove blockages and temporarily eases any irritation. “There is also a saying that if your hair is wet and you are in a cold environment, you will get sick. That is partly true,” said Piedra. “You won’t contract a virus, but you may weaken your immune system, which might invite sickness.”

Time may be the best medicine for letting viruses pass, but preventative measures are the best defense against respiratory viruses during the colder seasons. For people 6 months of age and older, flu and COVID vaccines are available. Also, for the firsttime, an RSV vaccine is available for people 60 years old and older and pregnant women at 32 to 36 weeks gestational age. For infants up to 8 months old, a long-acting monoclonal antibody is available to prevent severe RSV infection. Masking and proper hand-washing hygiene also are key to disease prevention. “Antiviral drugs can be prescribed by your physician and are available to ease symptoms of various viruses, like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, but they need to be taken early on in the infection to make sure they are effective,” said Piedra. “If your cold, flu or COVID infection advances and you begin having difficulty breathing, or if you move around and you don’t feel well, reach out to your physician as this may be a sign that your condition is worsening.”

15 SOOTHING SOUPS FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON https://www.allrecipes.com/ gallery/soothing-soups-forcold-and-flu-season/ HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 32

Why You Should Give Your Children Something to LAUGH about !!

BY SANDI SCHWARTZ

33 HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

Sometimes life can be tough. Whether we are feeling anxious about current affairs or dealing with a health issue, something as simple as laughter—believe it or not —can help us persevere. As adults, we tend to get bogged down with our to do lists and stresses of daily life and forget how beautiful it is to let loose and have a good laugh. Unfortunately, most adults do not laugh enough. In fact, one study found that healthy children may laugh as much as 400 times per day, but adults only laugh 15 times per day. If we stop for a moment and observe our children, they are probably laughing and playing freely without the weight of the world on their shoulders. We can learn so much from them when it comes to being lighthearted. It is so important that we raise them in such a way that they will continue to experience fun and laughter throughout their lives. We can create a positive environment for them to grow up in by stopping once in a while to have a laughing fit together. Why Is Laughter So Important? Science shows us that laughter really is like medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing is one of the easiest ways for us to reduce stress and anxiety in our lives. Laughing transforms our body and mind in so many amazing ways, boosting positive emotions like happiness, peace, and humor. When we laugh, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex of our brain is activated. This releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that allow us to experience pleasure and satisfaction. Laughing also reduced our stress response because the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine are lowered. We feel energized since we take in more oxygen-rich air when we laugh. Finally, laughing relaxes our muscles, which soothes tension from stress. In fact, a good laugh can leave your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards. The muscles that help us smile also affect how we feel. When we use these muscles, we trigger a part in our brain that improves our mood. One particular research study involved having participants hold a pencil in one of three ways in order to get them to make certain facial expressions without telling them exactly what they were doing. The first group held the pencil sideways in their mouths to force a smile. The second group stuck the pencil in lengthwise to force a frown.

The last group, serving as the control group, held the pencil in their hands. Participants were then asked to watch cartoons and rate how funny there were to them. The group with the sideways pencils (the “smiling” group) had higher funny ratings than the lengthwise group (the “frowning” group). The control group scored between the other two groups. This study showed how smiling and laughing can really make a difference in how we perceive the world around us. Researchers also found that facial expressions can reduce negative feelings like pain and sadness. In one study, researchers applied an uncomfortable heat to subjects’ arms and then them to make either a relaxed face, an uncomfortable face, or a neutral face. The results showed that the people who made a relaxed face experienced less pain than those who made an uncomfortable or neutral face. This happens because smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, which are thought to minimize any pain we feel. Laughter is beneficial because it also changes how we look at a situation. A silly moment can offer a healthy distraction from negative emotions like anger, guilt, and stress. It sure is hard to feel negatively when you are cracking up! It also gives us a more lighthearted perspective when faced with challenges, and helps us view such events as positive opportunities as opposed to threats. Next, laughter builds resilience, the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress. When children are resilient, they are braver, more curious, more adaptable, and more able to obtain happiness and success. Additionally, resilience can help cushion us from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression because it improves our ability to cope, according to Mayo Clinic. Laughter plays a huge role in how we handle adversity by allowing us to escape from our problems for a little while. By teaching our kids to laugh even in times of pain, we are giving them a key tool that will help them be more resilient as they grow older. Laughing with our kids is so special because it builds a bond with them. These joyous moments create a more uplifting environment at home. What’s really fun is that laughter tends to be contagious, so before you know it your whole house could be giggling up a storm. Finally, the best part of laughing is that it’s completely free and always accessible to us, without any side effects (except for maybe a few aches on your side from laughing so hard).

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025 34

So, how can we laugh more with our kids? Here are 10 ideas to get you rolling (on the floor)… Start a laughing contest to see who can make the other person laugh first. Play fun games like charades, Twister, Pictionary, and Headbanz. Read joke books and websites, and then share your favorites with each other. Create funny stories using Mad Libs or whisper down the lane. Have a family talent show and see who comes up with the funniest routine. Dress up in silly costumes. Watch a comedy television show or movie together as a family. Talk is a silly language like pig Latin. Keep a collection of funny quotes and pictures that you can bring out at anytime to get everyone laughing. Try laughter yoga with your kids. Created by Dr. Madan Katari in 1995 in Bombay, India, this yoga practice combines breathing exercises, yoga, stretching, and laughing. Look for resources like Laughter Friends and Healthyfully.com’s guide to teaching laughter yoga to children.

HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2025

JANUARY 2025

Calendar January 2025

Discovery Green

Buffalo Bayou Wellness Walk

Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership on a free Wellness Walk led by Laura Conely, founder of Urban Paths. Anyone and everyone is invited to walk through the paths of Buffalo Bayou Park while discussing topics including mental and physical health as well as the benefits of being exposed to nature. All ages. Free. 6:30 pm. Every Wednesday. www.buffalobayou.org

In Person: Storytime Join us at the shop for story time every Thursday! We read stories, sing songs, and do an art activity. The themes change weekly. This story time is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Toddlers. Free. 9:30a. Also Jan 9, 16, 23, & 30. www.bluewillowbookshop.com First Thursday at The Bryan The first Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m. in our sculpture garden patio, enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent and shop at our Museum Store. Adult. 4-7 pm. Free. www.thebryanmuseum.org

Radiant Nature An unforgettable adventure for the entire family. In its second year, Winter Day Camp highlights include towering ginkgo and pine trees, a majestic Chinese temple, a geometric dome, pandas with bamboo, Send the kids (ages 5 to 10) with and much more. The interactive zone their lunch and a refillable water again features illuminated swings and bottle and we’ll do the rest. Your an angel wings photo spot, plus a children will be engaged and collection of new immersive, entertained by our science and Instagram-worthy features sure to put nature themed camps, featuring a smile on the faces of visitors of all hands-on activities, games, art ages. projects, new friends, and more. All ages. $28.50 / person, 3- free. Ages 5-10. 9am-3pm. $75 Various times. members, $85 non-members. Also hbg.org/series/radiant-nature Jan 6 & 20.

Are We There Yet? at Screen on the Green

Attempting to win the favor of the newly divorced Suzanne, Nick offers to accompany her children, Lindsey and Kevin, on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Canada to see their mother. All ages. 7-8:30am. Free. www.discoverygreen.com

www.naturediscoverycenter.org

Dance With Me Spice up your evening with a 45minute dance class for two. Enjoy a fun lesson and sip on complimentary champagne. Pre-booking is required for this $45 couples class. Call or text 713-360-3262 to save your spot. Adult. 6 – 7 pm. $45 / couple www.themkt.com

Mommy Mingle Fridays! Get ready for an exhilarating morning of laughter and connection! Indulge in complimentary coffee and breakfast delights courtesy of us (while they're still available), while you forge friendships with fellow moms in a vibrant atmosphere. Bring along your little explorers for an unforgettable playtime adventure at Tot*Spot, our exclusive haven designed for children aged 35 months and under. All ages. 9am-5pm. $19.95 / person www.cmhouston.org

Tree ID Walk

Any season is a great season to learn about trees! Jim McKee will be leading more walks throughout the year to teach us how to identify the trees that live here in Russ Pitman Park. You’ll learn how to use leaf, bark, twig characteristics, and more to identify local trees. 10-11a. Adult. Free. www.naturediscoverycenter.org Sound Healing Meditation Find your center and practice meditation in the spacious and tranquil Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Offered in collaboration with Union is Creation, this meditation series will feature the use of singing bowls and wind chimes to encourage mindfulness and connectivity. Adult. $15. 10-10:45am. Also January 5, 11, 12, 18, 25 & 26. buffalobayou.org/event/soundhealing-meditation-155/

Jan 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Trail mix Features live music, magic, and more! Join us trailside as Andy Roo takes you on an adventure through the AndyRooniverse along with magicians Dave and Jake Rangel. Enjoy unique hands-on pop-ups and giveaways to amp up the fun! Sessions are outdoors, weather permitting. All ages. 10a-11a. Free. www.themkt.com First Saturday Arts Market Featuring dozens of visual artists each month showcasing their work in the Historic Houston Heights. Visitors will find friendly artists with paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and many more popular art mediums. There is always a popular food truck on site and local singer/songwriters can often be found providing entertainment at the market. All ages. 11am-6pm. Free. 540 W. 19th. firstsaturdayartsmarket.com

Galaxy Lights

Embark on a holiday adventure that transcends Earth’s boundaries and transports you to the edge of the universe. Galaxy Lights is a space-themed holiday light show that defies gravity! Create out-ofthis-world memories with a holiday experience beyond imagination. All ages. 6-10pm. $19.95+ per person. Registration required. spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights Esplanade at Navigation Market Visit the East End Farmers Market to sample fresh garden fruits and vegetables, locally produced farm and dairy products, prepared foods, and unique handcrafted wares. All ages. 10am-2pm. Free. eastendhouston.com/market The Light Park Festival Who needs the icy North Pole when you can experience the electrifying vibes at The Light Park? Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of our festive tunes, courtesy of our very own DJ Polar Ice. All ages. 5:30 pm. $49 / car. www.thelightpark.com/katy

Garden Naturalists

Nature Story Time Houston Arboretum

January's topic is 'Bird Beak Buffet.' Meet under the Treehouse Staff Building. Ages 7-13. 10-11am. Free. www.pct3.com/MBG

Nature Discovery Center Naturalists offer weekend Meet the Animals sessions aimed to give you a more in-depth introduction to our animals. Space Center Come learn about their behavior and Houston ecology as well as the characteristics Guided Nature Hikes that make them unique in an Venture out with an Arboretum interactive program with both live Guide for a hike through the animals and natural history Houston Arboretum. Explore our specimens. ecosystems to learn about the local All ages. 2 pm. $5 members, $10 Houston Arboretum wildlife, plants, and natural history non-members. Every Wednesday. of our beautiful nature center. Hikes www.naturediscoverycenter.org will vary but expect to spend 40-45 minutes on the trail. Hikes are free Monthly Winter Bird Walk to the public and are first come, Mary Ann Beauchemin or Eric Duran first served. will lead a monthly bird walk in Russ All ages. 10-10:45 am, 11-11:45 Pitman Park throughout the winter. am. Free. In addition to our “Winter Texan” www.houstonarboretum.org songbirds we have sometimes had Blue Willow Bookshop interesting “migrants” stay and Bumper Cars on Ice overwinter. Most winters we have Slip, slide, spin and crash with some western hummers like Rufous Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery & Black-chinned, and less commonly Green. This timeless amusement a few Calliopes visit the park. Blue Willow Bookshop ride gets an updated twist at 12-1:15pm. Adult. Free. Houston’s only outdoor ice-skating www.naturediscoverycenter.org rink. No license or experience needed to drive! Tickets are $20 Blossom Brigade plus tax for a seven-minute ride. Come out and volunteer with Mercer Children must be taller than 42 staff in the Pollinator Garden and inches to ride. Honeybee Corral. Wear outdoor All ages. $20 / person. 6-10pm. clothing, closed-toe shoes, a visor or www.discoverygreen.com hat and bring a water bottle. Children's Museum Pre-school age and caregiver. The Moth Storytelling 10:30-11a. Free. Also January 15 & – A Very Special 22. Event www.pct3.com/MBG

The Moth StorySLAM is an openmic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. All ages. 7:30-9:45 pm. Free. www.discoverygreen.org Garden Artists Join local artists to create a naturebased 'Plein Air' art project with media that you bring, or you can borrow our sketch pencils and paper. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Ages 10+. 10-11:30 am. Free. www.pct3.com/MBG Gentle Flow Yoga Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga and sound healing. Adult. 6:30-7:30. Free. www.discoverygreen.com

Hatchlings Hatchlings is a nourishing, 100% outdoor play program for young children and their caregivers. Opportunities for unstructured play and investigation in nature have been designed to be accessible to infants and toddlers up to 24 months old. Stories, messy play with natural materials (water, dirt, mud, sticks, leaves), and sensory exploration are part of every gathering. Hatchlings is also for you – a space to meet others, share experiences, and build a supportive community while helping your child develop essential skills for growth. All ages. 10-11 am. Free. www.houstonarboretum.org

Buffalo Bayou Park

Mercer Arboretum

Space Center Houston

Jan 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Student Discount Skate Night

On select Thursdays, high school and college students can show their current student ID to receive $2 off admission. Not a student? Come out and skate anyway! All ages. 5-10 pm. $9 / person, student $2 off. www.discoverygreen.com Kingwood Farmers Market Held every week in the picturesque Town Center Park located behind the shops on the South West corner of Kingwood Drive and West Lake Houston. All ages. 2-6 pm. Free. Every Thursday. www.kwdfarmersmarket.com

Happy Hour Fridays at the MFAH

Meet your friends at the MFAH for the best night of the week. Explore the campus, visit the galleries, and get a drink at the bar. Happy Hour takes place in the Arrival Hall on the lower level of the Kinder Building and museum admission is required. Adult. 5-8 pm. Free. Every Friday. www.mfah.org/calendar/happy-hour Cistern Illuminated A winter lighting experience created for the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This special installation provides a unique perspective on this cavernous underground space, amplifying its 221 columns and seemingly-infinite reflection. All ages. Ages 9+ $15, Student/Senior $12. fareharbor.com Mercer Garden Tour Take a leisurely one-hour walk with a Mercer staff member and discover botanical wonders. Ages 5+. 10-11am. Free. Also Dec 13 910am. www.pct3.com/MBG

Meet the Animals

Weekend Meet the Animals sessions aimed to give you a more in-depth introduction to our animals. Come learn about their behavior and ecology as well as the characteristics. All ages. 2 pm. $5 member, $10 nonmember. www.naturediscoverycenter.org

Buffalo Bayou Hatha Yoga A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body led by Andria Dugas. This Saturday class is a perfect way to start the weekend strong. Adult. 9-10a. Free. Every Saturday. www.discoverygreen.com

Mess Makers

Messy, sensory play is an important part of child development. Together with NDC staff and volunteers, you will explore and create with messy things like mud, flowers, paint, and shaving cream. We will make works of art as well as just good old messy fun. After we make messes together, you’ll go home clean! Ages 3-7. 10-11:15 am. $22 members, $27 non-members. Also Jan 26. www.naturediscoverycenter.org Zumba by Tiny Fitness Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! Ages 16+. 9a Sunday & 6:30p Monday. Free. Every Sunday & Monday. www.levyparkhouston.org

Salsa Beginner Monday

Beginners start Monday! Join us for super fun Salsa dance lessons in Houston. Start your journey today. Everyone welcome. No partner needed. Adult. 7-10pm. $20-39. www.latindancefactory.com Date Night Scavenger Hunts Looking for a cute date night idea? Your hunt is over! Let’s Roam scavenger hunts are the perfect way to create lasting memories with your partner in crime. All ages. $12.99 / person www.letsroam.com

Family Storytime and Craft

Join us for a cross-generational literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program. Ages 5yo and under. 10a. Free. Every Tuesday. www.levyparkhouston.org Boogie Bash- Bears, Bears, Bears Boogie Bash presents “Bears, Bears, Bears”. We’re celebrating the world of bears in honor of National Winnie the Pooh Day. All ages. 11a. $9 / person. woodlandschildrensmuseum.org

Yoga on the Green

Yoga classes will be held every Wed and Friday at 8am and another class starting at 9:15am. Please check with your doctor before participating in these or any other exercise classes. Don’t forget to bring your mat, a towel, and a bottle of water. Be ready to move! Adult. 8-10:15a. Free. Every Wednesday and Friday. www.centralgreenpark.com Slow Flow with Stephanie McCarrey This is an all-levels yoga flow for beginners to experts that will help you build strength and mobility. The Vinyasa flow is set to the beat of the latest top 40 and throwback favorites. Adults. 7p Wednesdays & 8a Fridays. Free. Every Wednesday & Friday. www.levyparkhouston.org

Jan 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Greatest Love Story Ever

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert The Bryan Museum is honored to Relive the magic of your favorite be a part of the Tom Lea Institute’s wizard in Harry Potter and the Tom Lea Trail marking sights in Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Texas that own and display the Based on the third installment of the works of the renowned Texas artist. classic saga, the thrilling tale is In collaboration with the Tom Lea accompanied by the music of a live Institute, Bryan Museum founder symphony orchestra as Harry soars J.P. Bryan will give a presentation across the big screen. From the about the early adult life of Tom Lea moment Harry uses the Marauder’s and his first wife, Nancy Jane Map to when the Patronus Charm Taylor, featuring her artwork and bursts from his wand, you’ll be personal notebooks. transported back into the world you Adult. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $5 love. Members- $15 Non-Members All ages. Various times. $56+. www.thebryanmuseum.org Through Jan 20. www.houstonsymphony.org Time and Space at Artechouse Step through time and space and Mothra v. Godzilla discover Houston’s new home for In this 1964 movie, Japan comes technology-driven art. under attack when Godzilla battles Three unique artistic experiences all the genetically engineered moth reveal our universe through the called Mothra. latest in experiential storytelling. All ages. 7-9pm. Free. Coming to life across 26,000 www.green.com/event/mothra-vsquare feet of immersive, godzilla/ interactive, and cinematic installations, you will get a chance Family Owl Prowl to discover. Looking for a family adventure? All ages. Ages 13+ $30, 4-13 $17, Come and enjoy refreshments (light 3- free. 12-8:45 pm. snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, water, www.artechouse.com and – for the grown-ups – Saint Karankawa : Arnold Brewing Company beer) An Enduring Culture while you meet live owl of Texas Exhibit ambassadors. You’ll learn all about these wise and wonderful birds and November is Indigenous People’s then you’ll join our Naturalists for a History Month, a time dedicated to hike to search for nocturnal animals. recognizing and celebrating the Ages 5+. 6-8 pm. Adult $35 rich histories, cultures, and member, $50 non-member, ages 5contributions of Indigenous 12 $20. peoples across the United States. www.houstonarboretum.org This exhibit’s opening is

particularly significant as it aligns with this month of reflection and education. All ages. 10am-4pm. $5 / person www.heritagesociety.org/karank awa-exhibit

Paranormal Cirque Slow down so you can take it all in…but if you scare easily, you might want to run….as we welcome you into this new world of Paranormal Cirque! Under this Clown Castle, the black and red big top tent, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a "normal" Circus but that of normal has very little! A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony with the evolution of a show that brings you back to when we dream ... and when we had nightmares and fantasies. Ages 13+. Various time. $15-65. Through Jan 26. paranormalcirque.com

Pokemon Tournament Come on out for our free Pokémon Tournament! We will have prizes and vendor booths along with a Pikachu Mascot and a balloon twister!! All ages. 2-4 pm. Free. www.centralgreenpark.com/event /pokemon-tournament/

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market

Every Sunday morning, the weekly Galveston’s Own Farmers Market connects folks to good food to each another. Shoppers can mingle and find fresh local produce, croissants, coffee, spices, meat, eggs, and more. All ages. Free. 9 am – 1 pm. Every Sunday galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com

Celebration of Spirits : Encore The art included invites you to experience the multifaceted nature of the holiday. Some works evoke the warmth of familial bonds, the strength of friendships, and the shared joys that define our existence. Adult. 9am-5:30pm. Free. www.sawyeryards.com

MLK Grande Parade

Be sure to join us for a host of other great MLK Grande Parade events to celebrate the holiday. All ages. 10 am. Free. www.mlkgrandeparade.org StoryTime With Ms. Maria Join us for Storytime on the Green. Every Third Monday of the Month! Kids will enjoy a book read by Award Winning Author Ms. Maria. Every child also gets to do an art project to take home with them!! 7-. 10-11am. Free. www.centralgreenpark.com

Discovery Green

Home School Days Space Center Houston

Heritage Scoiety

Ceramics in the Environment

On view in Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s communityled Craft Garden, Ceramics in the Environment is a plein-air exhibition of site-specific ceramics made over the course of the MFAH’s Glassell School of Art’s Special Topics course. All ages. 10am-5pm. Free. crafthouston.org Rhyme Time for Babies / Toddlers Rhyme Time is a group class focused on gently exposing your child to an environment of music through songs, movement, singing and first introductions to instruments. Ages 6-24 mo. 9:30a. $9 / person, children under 1 free. Every Tuesday. woodlandschildrensmuseum.org

Children's Museum Central Green Park

Houston Symphony

Spirits of the Bayou Boat Tour Houston Arboretum

22 Bollywood & Bhangra Dance This vibrant and entertaining fitness dance class is suitable for all ability levels. It gives a whole-body workout while dancing to the rhythm of joy with the powerful nature of Bollywood and Bhangra Music. Adult. 6 pm. Free. Levyparkhouston.org

Blue Willow Bookshop

Jan 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Step Into a Lively Book Club Discussion In-Person Connect with fellow book lovers at the Heights Historical Fiction Book Club! Join us for great conversations about this month's pick, The Thirteenth Husband by Greer McAllister. Adults. 12:30-2pm. Free. Heights Neighborhood Library. Houstonlibrary.org

National Pie Day

Celebrate National Pie Day at Mercer by embarking on a sweet and savory garden adventure, where you might meet Johnny Appleseed himself! Ages 4 and up. Meet inside the Mercer Visitor Center. Registration required. Ages 4+. 10am. Free. www.pct3.com/MBG Children’s BINGO Bring the kiddos and join our Levy Park team for Children’s Bingo! This 30-minute program is a fun way for children to practice their letters and numbers while earning prizes. Levy Park provides the Bingo cards, markers, and prizes. B-I-N-G-O! 4:30p. Ages 4 to 12. Free. Every Thursday. www.levyparkhouston.org

Wild Kratts Live 2.0

Farmers Market on Navigation

Get ready to dive into another Unique among Houston’s farmers classic Wild Kratts adventure with markets, the East End Farmers the Kratt brothers as they combine Market blends sights and sounds, live action and animation, with cuisine and culture to create an Martin and Chris LIVE on stage and experience that is rooted in one of the rest of the Wild Kratts team on Houston’s most historic screen, at the Tortuga HQ. communities. Experience, live-on-stage, the 10am-2pm. All ages. Free. Every electrifying excitement and the Sunday. inspiring quest of the Kratt Brothers eastendhouston.com/market/ that make the hit television series Wild Kratts a family favorite time Fragments of Memory and time again! Presenting a selection of works All ages. 6:30 pm. $53-96. from the Menil’s permanent www.smartfinancialcentre.net/ev collection, explores the ways in ents/wild-kratts/ which the past imbues present experiences. In their drawings, the Arbor Day featured artists take up Arbor Day is our favorite day: we commonplace embodiments of get to celebrate trees and all the personal and collective memory, incredible things they do! This year such as scrapbooks, snapshots, we’re all about trees for wildlife. Go notes, relics, and odes, to reimagine on a hike to discover how animals how we might access fraught use trees, make some of your own memories and contested histories. wooden woodland friends, learn All ages. 11 am-7 pm. Free. how to make nest boxes, and you www.menil.org may even meet Johnny Appleseed! All ages. 10am-2pm. Free. www.houstonarboretum.org Kids Garden Tour Hey kids! Staff naturalists lead a lively, hands-on, kid-friendly tour of the gardens. Please bring hat and water bottle. Ages 1+ and caregiver. 11:30a12p. Free. www.pct3.com/MBG

Buffalo Bayou Wellness Walk

Houston Arboretum

Cheap Skate Mondays On select Mondays this winter, Goodfellas glide around Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green for just $9 + tax per person (includes skate rental). Three decades of life in the Mafia. The All ages. 5-10 pm. $9 / person, true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, student $2 off. half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is Memorial Market Summer Series www.discoverygreen.com adopted by neighborhood gangsters Immerse your senses in a fusion of at an early age and climbs the ranks flavors, artisan crafts, and one-of-a- Adult Guitar Cafe of a Mafia family under the guidance Whether you are just starting off or kind produce. of Jimmy Conway. wanting to take your skill to the All ages. 3:15pm-5pm. Doors open All ages. 9am-1pm. Free. next level, this class is for you. All 2:45 pm. Adult $16, 12- $11, 1 free www.mvfarmersmarket.org/ lessons are free. Please bring your kid admission per adult ticket. own guitar Registration for this rooftopcinemaclub.com EaDo Food Tour class can be done when you attend Howdy H-Town leads a guided 2- an in person session. Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor mile, 3.5-hour walking food tour of Adult. 2:30-4:30pm. Free. Swift East Downtown, with stops at five Hcpl.net Candlelight concerts bring the magic greeting dining destinations. of a live, multi-sensory musical Shen Yun experience to awe-inspiring locations Seeing art landmarks along the Take your family and friends on a like never seen before in Houston. Get way, you’ll make five stops with delicious bites, including street magical journey and discover new your tickets now to discover the tacos, acclaimed pastries, a flavorful hope for the future! Going out to music of Taylor Swift at the Lone Star see Shen Yun’s elaborate stage Flight Museum under the gentle glow Mediterranean grocery store, and more. production in person is an amazing of candlelight. Adult. 11am-2:30 pm. $90 / person lifetime experience. All ages. 7 pm. $60+. howdyhtown.com/ All ages. 7:30 pm. $80+. feverup.com/m/121518 www.shenyun.com/Houston

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Moonlight Paddle

Discovery Green

Levy Park

Shen Yun Seismique

Taylor Swift Candlelight

Smither Park

Moody Gardens

Jan 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

28 Music in the Garden Build your own garden which will include the seeds of over 20 types of butterfly attracting flowers to bring these colorful creatures to your landscape. All supplies to start your garden are included. Meet inside the Mercer Visitor Center. Ages 2-5 and caregiver. 11:30a-12p. Free. www.pct3.com/MBG Green Mountain Energy at Discovery Green Glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover the holiday magic on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green! All ages. Various time. $18 / person www.discoverygreen.com Tough Broads Out at Night Book Club From one of America’s greatest, most creative novelists comes Again and Again, a poignant and endlessly surprising story about love lost, found, and redeemed. Adult. 7 pm. Free. www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Teen Craft! I

Get ready to craft and create at Teen Craft at the Houston Public Library! Join other teens for a fun and handson crafting experience where you can make unique projects, express your creativity, and hang out with friends. Whether you’re into painting, drawing, or DIY projects, this is the perfect chance to get crafty and showcase your artistic talents. Ages 13-18. 2:30-3:30 pm. Free. Heights Neighborhood Library. Houstonlibrary.org Autobotive For the fourth year, the Houston Auto Show and Houston Boat Show are teaming up to bring you the Ultimate Surf & Turf experience! One ticket grants you access to the latest in automotive and boating technology, along with outdoor activities for the whole family. All ages. 11am-8pm. $17 / person www.autoboativeshow.com

2025 Come and Take It Poker Tournament and Casino Night

The Bryan Museum’s Delegados Advocate Board invites you to the 2025 Come and Take It Poker Tournament and Casino Night! This fundraiser supports the yearly, educational programs onsite at The Bryan Museum and at our greater Houston partner locations. Guests will enjoy a competitive night of games, amazing prizes, top shelf libations, and networking while playing poker with friends and colleagues. Non-poker playing guests have a chance to bet their luck inside the casino! Your sponsorship will provide essential funding for The Bryan Museum to continue to help students expand their knowledge of Texas history while participating in hands-on programs, writing and art contests, and exciting museum exhibitions. Show your love for Texas education while having fun! Adult. 6-10 pm, River Oaks Country Club, Houston, TX thebryanmuseum.org/event/2025poker-tournament/ Toddler Storytime Bring your little ones to our Toddler Playtime for a fun and interactive experience! This event is perfect for children ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Enjoy creative play, celebrate your child's developmental milestones, and connect with other parents and caregivers in your community. Ages 18-36 mo. 10:30-11:30am. Free. Looscan Neighborhood Library. www.houstonlibrary.org

Blue Dragon Tai Chi

Join us at Levy Park with Taoist Healing for Tai Chi and Meditation. Open to all ages and levels, this class is great for those who want to destress, find their inner peace, and increase overall health. 7p Thursdays & 9a Fridays. Adult. Every Thursday and Friday. www.levyparkhouston.org Home School on the Green Our art environment unleashes creativity in children through our curriculum based on Process Art – Art that places emphasis upon the learning taking place rather than the finished product. Kids will bring an art project home every class. All ages. 10-11:30a. Free. www.centralgreenpark.com

NOW EXHIBITING

Houston Museum of Natural Science www.hmns.org Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Sun $25 adult, $16 children 3-11, senior 62+ and college students FREE every Thursday 2-5pm Death by Natural Causes Heinous killers or misjudged miscreants? You be the judge as the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s most lethal exhibit- Death by Natural Causes. Special Exhibit Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths We’re gonna need a bigger exhibit hall. Debuting on a floor all to itself is Sharks! We’re making your dreams come true and bringing you up close and personal with live sharks for a handson experience that will be – dare we say – jawsome. You’ll get a chance to touch a shark and discover what makes these creatures unique – from bait balls to bioluminescence. Further immerse yourself in the world of sharks as every order of shark known to mankind is represented within the exhibition, including a lifesize model of the ancient behemoth, the Megalodon. And don’t forget to pick up a few Megalodon teeth of your own in the island shop. Special Exhibit The Health Museum www.thehealthmuseum.org Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm., Thurs. 9am-7pm., Sun. 12-5pm $10 adult, $8 senior 65+, free for children under 2 FREE on Thursdays 2-7pm DeBakey Cell Lab Gear up with a lab coat, gloves and goggles and travel through experiment stations. Permanent Exhibit Amazing Body Gallery Take a larger-than-life walking tour through the human body and learn more about how your major organs work in this permanent exhibit. This exhibit includes approximately 30 interactive video and audio kiosks that invite guests to pose interesting questions about human anatomy and health information. Permanent Exhibit

CENTER STAGE JAN25

Harry Potter, Jones Hall

THE BOOK OF MORMON Sarofim Hall January 7-12, 2025 This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of The Musical missionaries,Fancy sent Nancy halfway across the world to Main Street Theater spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language. All ages. $40+. Various dates & times my.thehobbycenter.org DECEMBER A LOVE YEARS IN THE MAKING Alley Theatre January 17-February 2 , 2025 Follow the friendship between a creative writing professor and her former student as it blossoms into romance over two decades of exchanged letters, writings, and beloved poems. Let the lyrical dialogue and touching moments transport you through the years, as you witness the power of connection and the beauty of love that endures against all odds. All ages. Various Times. $38+. www.alleytheatre.org BAREFOOT IN THE PARK StageWorks Theatre January 17-February 2, 2025 Fresh off a honeymoon at the Plaza Hotel, free-spirited Corie and her buttoned-down husband Paul, find themselves struggling to adjust to married life in their run-down New York walk-up. Throw in a loopy meddling mother, an eccentric Bohemian upstairs neighbor, and a double date that goes disastrously wrong, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for laughter. Adult. Various times. $26-39. www.stageworkshouston.org

AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIME OF THE TEMPTATIONS The Grand January 17 & 18, 2025 An electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. All ages. $48+. Friday, Jan 17, 8 PM Jan 18, 3 PM & 8 PM www.thegrand.com/aint-too-proud HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN™ IN CONCERT Jones Hall January 18-19, 2025 Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Based on the third installment of the classic saga, the thrilling tale is accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen. From the moment Harry uses the Marauder’s Map to when the Patronus Charm bursts from his wand, you’ll be transported back into the world you love. All ages. Sat 2 & 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $56+ www.houstonsymphony.org The Flying Karamazov Brothers The Grand January 25, 2025 Expect the unexpected with The Flying Karamazov Brothers, featuring the four self-proclaimed eccentric lunatics spicing things up with laughout-loud comedy, wild theatrics, arcane errata, and astonishing juggling feats. They are not Russian, they are not brothers, and they don’t fly but they are “as close to a sure thing that can be found onstage, 100 minutes of cleverness and comedy that go by in a flash” Adult. $31.50+. 8 pm. www.thegrand.com

CENTER STAGE JAN25

Percy Jackson & The Lightining Thief, Main Street Theater

WILD KRATTS LIVE 2.0 Smart Financial Center January 24 , 2025 Fancy Nancy The Musical

The Wild Kratts LIVE! that has kids Main stage Street show Theater across North America buzzing is coming to Sugar Land with an all new show: "Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 - Activate Creature Power!" Get ready to dive into another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris LIVE on stage and the rest of the Wild Kratts team on screen, at the Tortuga HQ. Which creature powers will they activate and what new and amazing 'WOW!' facts will you learn? Experience, live-on-stage, the electrifying excitement and the inspiring quest of the Kratt Brothers that make the hit television series Wild Kratts a family favorite time and time again! All ages. 6:30 pm. $53-96. www.smartfinancialcentre.net/events/wildkratts/ CAMP LOGAN Ensemble Theatre January 24-February 23, 2024 Inspired by actual events, Camp Logan is an award-winning World War I military drama about the devastating explosion of racial tensions that resulted in the 1917 Houston riot, involving an all-black Army regiment stationed in Houston, Texas. Adult. Various times Tickets $25-30. ensemblehouston.com

JULIET Sarofim Hall January 21-26, 2025 Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. All ages. $42+. Various dates and times my.thehobbycenter.org THE LIGHTNING THIEF : THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL Main Street Theater Miller Outdoor Theatre January 26-February 23, 2025 Back by popular demand! When Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he joins his Camp HalfBlood friends, Annabeth and Grover on a quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt. Don’t miss this dynamic rock musical worthy of the gods! Ages 5+ . Various time. $20+. www.mainstreettheater.com MEAN GIRLS Sarofim Hall January 28-February 9, 2025 Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. This naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. But when Cady devises a plan to end their reign of terror, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. All ages. $40+. Various dates and times my.thehobbycenter.org