Idaho Family 6 2018

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June 2018

SIGN FOR BABIES Infant communication

SUMMER TRAVELING

BATH BOMBS AS GIFTS An easy-peasy craft

How to do it with kids

EXPLORE YOUR STATE See it, learn about it

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Summer Events & Festivals|June, 2018

INDOOR ADVENTURE PARK

Contents

June 2018

Features Rocky Mountain Sign Language

Columns

4

5 Crafting

Made Simple

Infant communication

Bath bombs as presents

14 The Horney Village

Traveling with kids

Valuable free time

Assigning tasks

10

Departments 7 Wednesday’s Child

Children and chores

Meet Auston

8 Adoption

A Different Kind of Love Story

Explore your state

20

Summer Events & Festivals June, 2018

23

It’s worth it!

Plus, more next month!

Publisher J.J. Plew Cover Photo Creative Outlet Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jjplew82@gmail.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Daniel Bobinski, Jessie Horney, Ranny Levy, Sandy McDaniel, Mary Ann Wilcox, Brandy Yearous

6

Kids and summer

Volume 6, Number 6

In Each Edition 3 Editor’s Intro Family reunions

16 Family Events Calendar

2 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly

by Gem Production Co., LLC, is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2018 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EDITOR’S Intro

Reunions provide summers full of fun

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attempted to do some research on how many American families will come together this year for a reunion. I found a few tidbits, but exact statistics were sparse. It’s at least safe to say that somewhere between 30 to 60 percent of U.S. families will reunite this summer, eat hot dogs, play games and reconnect after a year or more spent apart. Will your family be one of them?

My mother’s side of the family has been holding almost annual reunions for more than 40 years. Things have changed a lot during that time. Children have grown up to have children of their own, and many loved ones have permanently gone on to The Big Reunion in the Sky. On the other hand, many things have stayed the same.

My aunts and cousins are all still a lot of fun, for one thing. I think I never feel better than when I’m with family, including extended family.

What about your family? Do you meet once a year or less frequently? Do you have catered or informal events? Do you plan too much or too little? And when do you start planning?

At the last minute or a full year ahead?

My family plans in advance and then everyone decides who will bring what. In the past, one family would be assigned to provide breakfast, another lunch, and then everyone pitched in to provide something for dinner. There has always been PLENTY of food at every get-together.

One of the best reunion spots for us was Niagra Springs near Wendell. The water and rocks were the highlights. There’s a great trail of rocks that peaks up through the beautiful, clear water and you can go a long time walking on and jumping from one rock to another up and down the stream. I have wonderful memories from those reunions.

Another favorite spot was my aunt and uncle’s cabin near Sun Valley. Over the years we played a lot of volleyball there, held a lip sync contest once, and played absolutely absurd games like sticking your feet in empty shoeboxes and racing each other. Most reunion nights ended with an uncle playing the guitar and singing.

Now, reunions are held in different locations, frequently on the Oregon or Washington coasts. Everybody loves the ocean, but I personally find that making time for a weekend nearby is easier than planning for a week away and traveling a long distance.

Many times, people’s schedules just don’t sync, so more and more we have some people show up every year while others of us are occasional no-shows.

One of the few articles I was able to find about reunions was a 2003 article from The Baltimore Sun titled, “It’s all in the family during reunion time,” written by Deitrich Curry. He wrote: “Ranging from small get-togethers to elaborate affairs with caterers and days of scheduled activities, experts say reunions offer families an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and reinforce their collective identity.”

He quotes Laurence Basirico, a sociology professor at Elon University in North Carolina and author of “The Family Reunion Survival Guide.”

“During the research for his book,” Curry writes, “Basirico found in a survey he conducted that most people prefer a gathering that is better planned and less frequent. ‘Family members are more satisfied when their reunions are structured, organized, well planned, larger, longer lasting and less frequent,’ he said.”

I think I can get on board with the idea of biennial reunions. I also like at least some structure, such as where we will meet, what we will do, and what we will eat. The helter skelter of no plans at all — or plans on the fly — sometimes means that despite the fact we’ve all come together to enjoy one another’s company, we’re all now scattered in different directions, doing different things.

If you’re having a reunion this year, do it however you want, as long as everyone is on board with it. The company of people you love and share a common bond with can be very rewarding, whether well-planned or spontaneous. Reunions can be the highlight of your summer and build memories that last a very, very long time. Even 40 years or more.

Source: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2003-05-25/ news/0305250303_1_family-reunions-lewis-family-attend-family — Gaye Bunderson, editor

Children’s Photos Wanted

FREE June 2018

Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child or children on our cover. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 ppi. Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos, the children’s ages, and what Treasure Valley community they reside in. (If chosen for the cover, their last names will not be used without permission.) Send the photos to editorgaye@gmail.com.

On the Cover: Summer Fun at Wahooz

SIGN FOR BA BIES

Infant comm unica

BATH BOMBS AS GIFT S

tion

SUMMER TRAVEL ING

An easy-pea sy craft

How to do it with kids

EXPLOR E YOUR STATE See

it, learn abou t it

See inside for...

Su mm er Eve Fes tiv als nts & |J un e, 20 18 Summer

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Fun at Wah ooz

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 3

ROCKY MOUNTAIN Sign Language

Mom gets big surprise when baby signs

By Gaye Bunderson

A

teach and what children want to learn are often ll signs are pointing in the right different. “Parents want help communicating direction for Paula Wise Baker. with their child about bedtime or going to The 28-year-old is the owner the bathroom.” of Rocky Mountain Sign On the other hand children, especially Language. Her interest in signing began extremely little ones, want to communicate when her baby girl was born two years ago. about their needs and first experiences — Baker had read about a class for parents of hence, why Rose first started signing about infants that helped facilitate communication things she saw above her crib and then about through signing. food, which in a baby’s case is milk.

“Your baby has a lot to say, and with Another misconception is that children just a few simple signs, you can start need to be deaf or hard of hearing to communicating with your baby before he Paula Wise Baker is shown with her 2-year-old daughter, Rose McCall. take advantage of sign language. Neither or she even starts to talk,” read a release Paula started teaching sign language Baker nor her little girl are hearingabout a program called Signing Time impaired. The program Baker’s involved offered locally through the Saint Alphonsus to Rose when she was just a baby and has now started her own sign language in is designed for hearing children with Health System. business to help parents communicate oral skills, though it was originally created Baker took the class, caught on to signing, with their infants through sign.

(Courtesy photo) by the mother of two hearing-impaired and started teaching it to her baby, Rose children, Rachel Coleman.

McCall.

“Signing Time has brought American “I wanted to know at what age she would Sign Language to the early education mainstream. start responding,” Baker said.

Armed with a basic child-centered vocabulary, parents She describes herself as “shocked” when Rose starting and young children are able to communicate in a fun, signing at 6 months. efficient, and mutually beneficial way,” reads a statement “Her first signs were for ‘ceiling fan’ and ‘lights.’ Then at rockymountainsignlanguage.com. “Talking children came ‘ball,’ ‘milk,’ and ‘cracker,’ then ‘dog’ and ‘cat,’” Baker also benefit immensely from learning ASL because until said. “Investigative words like ‘where’ and ‘why’ come later.” our children reach the age of 5, they have the ability to Two-year-old Rose now knows her colors and can count to learn almost anything as long as the learning pathways are 20 in sign language. Baker’s original skepticism about babies established early.” being able to sign was put to rest and soon she wanted to It also does not hamper a child’s ability to speak teach other parents how to utilize signing to communicate verbally. Rose uses oral language like any child her age. with their infants; she discovered other parents were eager to “Communicating verbally and with sign uses the same side learn. of the brain,” Baker said.

“People saw me signing with Rose at the park and they’d Baker has always been interested in working with children; ask, ‘How did you learn that?’” Baker said. she worked with them at summer camps as a young person, Thus began her entrance into entrepreneurialism. She for instance. She is particularly motivated when it comes to received sign language certification through Signing Time early childhood education, and she has joined forces with the and started Rocky Mountain Sign Language in November Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children and 2017. She introduced herself to the public at the Canyon the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.

County Kids Expo that month and began approaching She also said she’s a lifelong learner who has always libraries about the possibility of offering her programs. She worked; for many years, she worked in medical laboratory holds classes at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District and at the Library! at Cole & Ustick in Boise. science. Surprisingly, she didn’t have a model childhood that easily shaped her for success. She grew up in a trailer park.

She also teaches in some day cares around the valley.

Her mother was a janitor who graduated from high school at The classes, for kids 2 and under, are highlighted by age 20, and her father worked in construction. music and videos. “Your kids understand their hands mean “I grew up in poverty and beat the odds,” she said. “I something,” Baker said. It’s the same process that takes place should have never gone to college” — meaning all the when they start to realize their spoken words have meaning. indicators were not in her favor. What did work in her “Learning needs to be child-centric or the kids won’t favor, however, was that she loved learning and her parents learn,” Baker said, explaining that what parents want to 4 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

CRAFTING Made Simple

Bath bombs as gifts

By Brandy Yearous

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f you find yourself wanting to make your mom or someone else very special a personalized gift, bath bombs are a hands-on easy way to make a present for someone in your life. Bath bombs can be dropped into a relaxing bath to give women that fizzy aroma they desire, while softening their skin. Bath bombs bought in stores can be extremely costly. Here is a cost-effective way to make someone feel very special without breaking the bank.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup baking soda ½ cup citric acid ½ cup Epsom salt ½ cup cornstarch 2 tsp. essential oil (your favorite flavor) 2½ tsp. safflower oil 3 drops food coloring 1 tsp. water

INSTRUCTIONS In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup citric acid, ½ cup Epsom salt and ½ cup cornstarch.

In a small spray bottle, add 2 teaspoons of your favorite essential oil, 2½ teaspoons of safflower oil, 3 drops of food coloring (any color) and 1 teaspoon of water.

Spray liquid mixture into dry ingredients, mixing until wet enough to hold a shape. Add mixture to mold of your choosing (I used a plastic Easter egg); let dry for a few hours and remove bath bomb from mold. Add fizzy bath bomb to bath water and enjoy.

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nurtured that love. Her mother took her to the library as frequently as she could. Subsequently, in elementary school Baker ended up reading at a 12th grade level.

“Then, at 12 or 13, I was reading Ayn Rand,” she said.

Her own fondness for learning has led her to want to help children who, like her, are instilled with a desire to grasp all the knowledge they can. Sign language is one thing to learn, but it also facilitates the learning of many more things by igniting curiousity and contributing fuel to young brains firing on all cylinders.

“I want to see kids reading and talking, and get them www.idahofamilymagazine.com

interested in science,” she said.

In March, she began talking with Trailhead North, a startup co-working space in downtown Boise, about opening an office where she might teach kids sign language on the weekends. Her plans were to start small, with about four families. She would also like to eventually work with adults who are hearing impaired, she said, and is working on obtaining funding.

For more information, go to rockymountainsignlanguage.com or email rockymountainsignlanguage@gmail.com.

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 5

OUTDOOR Time

Let kids enjoy summer — but not lazily

By Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel

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ere we go into summer when do for a child what the child can do for him/ children have time “off” from the herself. pressures of school life. Children From age 9 up, children who are taught go from rigorous scheduling to how to do so can do their own wash. You can fewer things to do in a day. Well-meaning schedule wash time for each child on Saturday parents, who want their children to have so the “Oh no! I forgot I need a red shirt for every possible opportunity in life, tend to Monday” crisis gets solved early. Teach how re-build the stress schedule by signing their much soap goes in the wash, where it goes children up for a whole new set of activities. and how to use the appropriate dials. Teach What happened to just being outside? My which clothes can be washed together. Have granddaughter, Chelsea, did a science report a digital timer on a string that goes around on the fact that the use of so much media the child’s neck, so he or she is alerted when is causing both children and adults to have Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel the wash is ready to be moved to the dryer failing eyesight. The remedy? Less time on the — and when the dryer needs to be unloaded. gadgets and at least three hours of sunlight a day.

Teach that clothes folded soon after they are dried are much If you treat the use of TVs, computers, iPods, iPads, etc. as easier to fold-to-wear. Anyone who fails to move wash on library items, you can control their usage. Children should their turn (leaving a pile of wet laundry or dried laundry have one hour of media time a day. (What? Are you kidding in the machine) has just volunteered for another chore (I me? That is the recommendation of the American Pediatric recommend weeding or washing windows).

Association.)

You can pay a child for doing a chore, and my preference is Given that you read my column last month and agree they do it for the right to live in your home. Separate chores that media use needs to be controlled, what do you do with may be listed that are “for money” chores: washing windows, the little dears? Let them play outdoors! Let them have washing the car, yard work, cleaning the garage, etc. unscheduled time to play, catch bugs and just be kids.

Boundaries and consequences are vital for the sanity Another benefit of time off from school is that children of your home. A “we are kind to each other” rule is a can learn to do chores. Somewhere around the age of 18, standard that covers all negative behavior. No unkindness children tend to leave home (yes, it really does happen!). At is to be tolerated. Fighting is verboten (forbidden). Go to that point they need to know how to take care of themselves. parentingsos.com or my “Don’t Feed the Dragon” book for Chores invite them to be aware that keeping a household consequences. Meanwhile, have your summer project be to running requires effort. Little children can dust. Taking out let your children be children. the trash, vacuuming, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, ONE CHORE A CHILD CAN and unloading dishwashers are all trainable chores. Keeping their rooms clean and tidy can be a job in itself. When DO FROM AGE 4 UP IS you teach a child how to accomplish a given chore, be sure to point out the pitfalls in that job. For instance, SORTING LAUNDRY. FROM tell them, “When you dust, don’t go so fast that you AGE 5 UP, A CHILD CAN BE knock over or break things.” There is nothing that will stop a child from wanting to participate in anything faster TAUGHT TO FOLD LAUNDRY than getting in trouble for doing it, or failing. Teach your children to be successful.

AND PUT IT NEATLY AWAY. One chore a child can do from age 4 up is sorting laundry.

From age 5 up, a child can be taught to fold laundry and put For more than 54 years, Sandy has been an international it neatly away. Children are successful with things they are speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of taught to do; teach a child how to fold his or her clothes. If Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. a child folds clothes then throws them into a drawer, dump Semi-retired, she speaks to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and the drawer and have the child do it over. This action invites provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone. She is the child to take time to be neater. If you, as the parent, get available for parenting talks/trainings in the Treasure Valley and may angry and then fold that child’s clothes and put them away, be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com. Also, go to YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues. the child now has a servant who will do his/her work. Don’t 6 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

Auston, 17, a Golden State Warriors fan The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes. uston, 17, is an artistic and creative young man who likes to build model cars. He likes to draw — mostly dragons and everyday things like buildings. When Auston is an adult, he would like to be a mechanic and an artist so he can combine both of his talents by building cars and then painting them a certain way. School is going well for Auston, although he requires some extra accommodations. His favorite subject is PE and his favorite sport is basketball. His favorite team is the Golden State Warriors.

Auston reports that he’s been ready for a family for a long time and sees himself in a happy, loving family. He is okay with siblings but just wants a family who cares about each member and likes to do fun things and spend time together.

He is okay with animals or without. He likes the idea of living somewhere that has the conveniences of a city, but feels like the country — the best of both worlds. In Idaho or out of state is okay with him as well. He doesn’t mind the outdoors and outdoor activities but wouldn’t consider

A

himself an outdoors person necessarily.

Auston wants people to know that he is very caring. He has developed good strategies to help him when frustrations occur and is able to let families know what works best for him. He also wants families to know that (like a lot of teens) he can be very tired in the morning, but he has no trouble sleeping at night. Auston does best when he knows what to expect and has plenty of time to prepare for even small transitions. He has a very big imagination so a family that can help him to develop that in healthy ways would be good.

Auston is sweet and fun to be with. If you can provide him with structure, love, patience, and the flexibility he needs, he will treat your family with much affection and imagination. If you think you can provide the family setting Auston needs, please inquire about him through his profile on idahowednesdayschild.org.

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions.

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 7

ADOPTION A Different Kind of Love Story

‘Unexplained infertility’ – soul-piercing words

By Katie DeWinkle

C

ready.” ory and I got married in I still don’t know why we got that phone March, 2007. We had call. We weren’t licensed for that many been married for almost children, and their ages were outside our 6½ years, living in Nampa, “preferred” age ranges, plus we had also Idaho, and desperately wanting to said we weren’t willing to take kids that start a family. Cory worked on his came from certain abusive situations. family’s dairy farm and I worked Well, these little girls didn’t fit into “our cleaning houses and in a home décor plan.” But we started to realize that maybe store. But I so desperately wanted there was a reason. to just be a stay-at-home-mom. At A quick run to Walmart to stock up on the time, it seemed as though all The DeWinkles’ six little “chicas” (“girls” in Spanish) include, left to right, Brynn, Janelie, milk and bedding and Goldfish Crackers, our friends and family were making Angelina, Raina, holding Cora, and Eleana. and 48 hours later, those four little girls pregnancy announcements daily. It (Photo by Emily Robinson Photography) showed up at our door. Them and all their stung. belongings. Cory and I looked at each We ended up going to a fertility other as they pulled into the drive, and we laughed. Holy. clinic and were diagnosed with “unexplained infertility.” We Smokes. both struggled with guilt and hopelessness. We had been My parents and sister showed up that first weekend and looking into adoption and in vitro but couldn’t wrap our took the girls shopping and helped us take a trip to Zoo minds around the costs.

In August 2010, we were out on a date and heard an ad on Boise. I don’t know what we would have done without my the radio about foster care. We went home and prayed about parents’ support that first weekend of parenting. My dad dubbed the children his “chicas,” as they were the cutest little it and felt like God was calling us to look into this. We called Hispanic girls, and we all fell in love. the coordinator and got into the next class that following They had been living with their Tia (aunt). She wasn’t able month. to care for them all anymore as a foster parent. The care plan The class was hard and emotionally draining. They talked was that these four beautiful little sisters would be with us of attachments and then loss and so much hurt. Six years for about two months until their grandmother in New York had been a long time to wait for children. Could our hearts would be able to adopt them. Until that time, we were just handle this? Could our marriage? Praying it would lead to adoption, parenthood and peace, we kept attending the class, to love and care for them, without getting “attached.” Our hearts were so in love with these girls. They had such love for hoping for clear direction. one another and had been through so much pain and sorrow.

Before we had even finished our month of classes, we got Their biological mother wasn’t able to take care of them a call about four sisters who needed a placement for just anymore and all other family placement options had been two months. Their ages were 6, 4, 3, and 18 months old. I exhausted. They had been in foster care for over 1½ years, immediately said, “Four? That’s too many, too soon. And and we were the fifth placement in that time. only a temporary placement? Nope!”

That first month, we tried to not let ourselves get too I cried all day.

We finished our classes and completed our home-study and attached to them, but it was impossible. We fell so in love with their smiles and personalities. We prayed and prayed. As inspection. Licensed for three kids, ages 0-3, we waited for they were foster children, they still had weekly visitations with another call. their biological family. Their family could see how happy Two days after we had signed our licensing papers, we got the chicas were with us and that they were thriving in our that call. A friend was over having coffee with me. She had home. Even in that short amount of time, they could see such been struggling with infertility too, and it was nice talking to growth and healthy attachments forming in these girls — someone going through a similar situation. things they hadn’t seen before.

I will never forget that day.

The visitations were actually really hard on the girls, and it It was the same caseworker who had made the first call. was taking its toll on the oldest. She was the “mother hen” of Those four little girls still needed a home; otherwise, they them all and was so protective of her sisters. She constantly were going to get separated. … My heart! reminded them that Cory and I weren’t their REAL parents Without checking with Cory, I just told the caseworker, and that their REAL mom was going to get them back and “Yes, we will take them. Give me the details and we will get 8 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

The DeWinkles now live on an alpaca farm in northern Idaho. The family includes, left to right, Eleana; Janelie; Angelina, standing by her dad, Cory; Cora, being held by her mom, Katie; Brynn, standing beside Katie; and Raina. The animals include, left to right, a duck named Sleeping Beauty, a brown alpaca named Liberty Lady, two dogs named Poppy and Violet, and a white alpaca named Sweet Recollection.

(Photo by Emily Robinson Photography) live with them in New York. Those words always stung. It was the reminder that I wasn’t her “mother” in that sense. Part of the adoption myth is that you see your baby and you fall in love. Some of the girls were quicker/easier to love than others. When they are hurting, they think they don’t deserve love or need it. The one-sidedness of that love hurt. But over the next few months, it continued to soften. Change was happening.

The two months of temporary placement turned into three months. At that point, we tried not to get our hopes up. We strived to believe that the New York option was not going to be the end of our story with the chicas. Finally, our caseworker called just before Christmas to ask if we’d be willing to be the chicas’ permanent placement — a.k.a. adoption. Apparently, something came up in their grandmother’s living situation, and the state said that nixed her as a permanent placement option. That left us as the only option.

The following week, the biological mother asked us if we’d be willing to adopt them. I bawled. That love! The mother knew what she was not capable of, and though it broke her, she terminated her parental rights and asked us to be her daughters’ official parents. The magnitude of that love and sorrow still makes me weep. We will be forever grateful to her.

Our oldest fought this termination the hardest. The three youngest had attached themselves to us so quickly that she worried their biological family would be permanently forgotten. We promised her that would never happen. We love their family and are eternally grateful for the four beautiful gifts they gave us. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

In November 2011, the adoption was finalized.

There were so many friends and family members who came alongside us and walked us through. Even today, there are still some struggles that we face with the girls because of their past and circumstances that were out of our (and their) control. However, never for a minute did we regret adopting these chicas into our family. Some days are not easy, but they have blessed us in so many ways, and we can’t imagine our life without them. You have to love them through it all — unfailing love. We aren’t perfect parents and don’t pretend to be. If it weren’t for God’s grace, I wouldn’t be here to tell the story.

We continued to do foster care for about a year. But God closed the door on that phase of our life. As hard as it was to be told “no,” there were other plans in store for our family. In March of 2014, we had a beautiful, healthy daughter born to us. Then again in September of 2016, another daughter! So, yes, that’s now six girls for us!

We moved our family up to northern Idaho to be close to family and bought my grandparents’ alpaca farm on 36 acres, where we live and love. We call it estrogen acres. But we wouldn’t change a thing.

As a mom both biologically and by adoption, I know that adoption requires different parenting. There will always be challenges, even with biological children. But the power of love is amazing. And He will bring complete healing.

Adoption has blessed us and been such an amazing part of our story. We never could have imagined how those piercing words of “unexplained infertility” would eventually bring so much joy.

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 9

ASSIGNING Tasks

Appropriate chores are good for kids

By Mary Ann Wilcox

Editor’s note: The following article is part of a continuing series on teaching age-appropriate responsibilities and a good work ethic to children.

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• Show appreciation for services rendered.

As parents we are often too quick to criticize and too slow to praise and extend love.

Children will live up to our expectations, good or bad. The more positive we are, the more they try to please. If we flood them with positivity and treat their imperfections and failings with humor, they will be more willing to work and find it more enjoyable.

In assigning chores, keep in mind the growth needs of the child and your time needs as a parent.

If teaching the skill requires excessive time, the child is probably not ready (physically or emotionally) to learn the skill. You can always back up and teach skills Task Assignment for Ages 1-2 missed at a developmental stage, but you must Years – Allow the child teach within a current parenting method, to help including: Mary Ann Wilcox Do not assign regular work unless the child • Give children only those jobs that they are physically requests it. Let his help be spontaneous and on a voluntary capable of doing well. basis. Allow the child to help whenever possible. Help at • Always work with a child in jobs that develop personal this level is not too constructive, but the willingness is there. habits until they become second nature to the child.

Capitalize on this willingness and use it to develop good, Making a bed is easy. Making it correctly every day requires happy attitudes about work. Include the child in the routine developing a habit. things you do. Give him some dough to play with while you • Take time to teach children the skills needed to perform bake bread. Let him sit on the counter and watch you cook a task well. Nothing is more frustrating to the child than dinner. Let him pour the ingredients into the cookie batter. to be assigned a job he’s never done before, be given a And then tell him how much you enjoy his help. hasty lecture on what is expected, and left to flounder on Task Assignment for Ages 2-5 Years – his own. The parent then returns to inspect and chastises Work hand-in-hand with the child the child for a sloppy job. How defeating for the child and Work with the child on all assignments until he has the how frustrating for the parent. Take time to teach a child confidence and ability to do the job well by himself. Handcorrectly the first time — it pays many days of dividends in-hand working will take from three months to three years, later. A child should be able to do the job well and as you depending on the task. When the task is learned, allow the expect it to be done, but he can’t do it without proper child to do it himself, but help when requested by the child to training.

• Once a task is learned, be sure to check the job so the child do so.

A child’s request for help on a task that he has performed feels that the task is important and that he is important to successfully many times is often a method of getting your you. You are not only teaching a child to work, but you are attention, your approval. A child may request your help to teaching an attitude of perfection and efficiency. assure himself that he is appreciated. While teaching the • Organize the child’s work for him. Job charts, work wheels, child a new skill, we get very excited about each learned step etc. are helpful. and flood the child with praise. Once the task is learned, we never mention it again.

When a child moves from the crib into a big bed, he changes from a baby into a child. At this point he is ready to accept work assignments along with the rest of the family.

When a child starts school, he is ready to take care of himself on a personal level. He should be able to dress himself, make his bed, pick up his toys and other belongings by himself. In fact, you can say to the child, “You are a big boy now. You are going to school. You are big enough to do these things by yourself.”

10 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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Task Assignment for Ages 5-11 Years – Supervise the Child

If basic and daily homemaking skills have been taught between the ages of 2 and 5, weekly tasks should be developed during this growth period. Children become bored if they are always assigned the same mundane job. They feel the work is beneath their dignity and rebel. Although the child should be expected to continue with his own personal responsibilities, the level of cleaning should change in order to develop higher skills and give the child a sense of challenge. The following steps should be followed to insure self-discipline and full mastery of the skill: You do it while they watch: Teach the child the proper and efficient manner in which to accomplish the task by breaking the task down into a step-bystep procedure. By doing it for them the first time, they can see the level of expectation for the job.

They do it while you watch: Carefully supervise each step so that it is done correctly, but don’t do it for the child.

Question the child on the job done: Ask the child questions concerning what they have done.

Give them a chance to see any corrections that they need to make. Point out anything that they have missed. By doing this, the child will internalize the level of expectation.

Praise the child: When the final step is completed, compliment the child on the job and point out how everything looks when it is finished correctly. Let him feel the joy and praise of a job well-done.

Inspect the completed job: Once the task is learned, reinforce the importance of doing it well by inspecting the job for a period of time. If the job is not done correctly, have the child redo it until it passes inspection. Never do it over yourself.

Trust the child: After a period of time, do not inspect what your child has done, but take the child’s word that the job was done correctly. As you make your daily rounds and observe the general appearance of the house, be sure to compliment the child on his skill and the fine job that he did. If he has not performed at the expected level, draw it to his attention and have him practice doing the job so that he can become more proficient.

If you decide to redo the job instead of leaving it until the child returns, be sure to notify the child of your disappointment in his work and assign him an additional job.

Be objective: Always criticize the job and not the child. Be cool. Teach the child how to do a job “your way” so he knows at least one good way to do it. Once the training period is complete, allow him to do it “his way.” The final product is the important issue, not the methodology. Remember that you have six years to complete this training sequence. Choose two or three skills to teach each year. Choose only those skills that the child is physically ready for.

Task Assignment for Ages 11-14 Years – Direct the Child

The development of a child during early puberty is important for a parent to understand in order to help the child make a smooth transition between childhood and adulthood. During early puberty, a child faces a great many changes. In fact it seems to them that nothing is the same.

This causes a great deal of frustration.

Physical change: Between the ages of 11 and 13, most girls start their menstrual cycles. This causes bodily changes and a rush of hormones. Their bustlines develop, becoming a source of embarrassment. Their tissues soften, making stomachs pudgy

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 11

and thighs flabby. Right at a time when they notice boys and want boys to notice them, girls change from cute little girls to frumpy adolescents.

Most boys reach puberty later than girls, usually between the ages of 14 and 16. At the onset of puberty, a boy starts a giant growth spurt. Their bones grow faster than their muscles, causing them to become uncoordinated and clumsy.

Just when they want to be “big man on campus,” they’re stumbling all over themselves.

Emotional change: With the flood of hormones rushing through the bloodstream, an early adolescent faces emotional instability.

At one moment they can be in complete control of the situation and at the next moment be in tears; because of these changes, a child’s self-image goes down the drain.

It is important for a parent to help the child rebuild his confidence by providing support and activities that a child can succeed in.

Structural change: It is unfortunate that at the onset of puberty the school structure that a child is familiar and comfortable with also changes. The child moves from a contained classroom with one teacher to please to six or seven classrooms with six or seven teachers to respond to. Structure at home usually changes at this point, too. Because a child acts more mature and seems to handle more responsibility than before, parents increase the workload. It would be helpful to the child to relieve him of basic, daily, and weekly cleaning tasks that are not a personal responsibility and use the extra time gained in helping him direct and organize his own life.

As a child enters junior high, a whole new world of opportunity opens up — after school sports, cheerleading, choir, dances, etc. This is an excellent time to teach the child leadership skills. Peer pressure is greatest at this time. It is important to help the child stand up for what he believes and still be accepted by his peers. During this developmental

stage, the level of skills taught at home must meet the maturity level and ability of the child. Deep cleaning skills (the monthly and yearly maintenance tasks and reconstruction activities) are excellent for this age group.

The adolescent child should not only learn the skill but should learn initiative and a self-starting attitude.

Task Assignment for Ages 14-19 Years – The Self-Directed Child

As a child completes this growth pattern and becomes an adult, he should be capable of assuming any task required to run a home and feel confident in doing so.

Your approach in training a child in this age group is as follows: • Interview the child before school starts and help him set goals for the year in all of his areas of responsibility.

• Explain the tasks that you would like him to accept. If the tasks you have in mind are not feasible according to the child’s schedule, then make adjustments.

• If the child does not follow through on the assigned tasks that he has accepted, re-evaluate them with him and help him to do the job.

• Interview the child as often as necessary following your yearly interview in order to be aware of what

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the child is doing, what problems he faces, and how well he is doing on his goals. The more problems, the more interviews. You might need a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly interview to keep communications open.

• Make yourself a part of his life. If a child knows how involved you are, he will come to you for counsel instead of another adult.

• The interview will help you understand what is important to him and allow you to counsel him appropriately and in a manner that will be acceptable to him. The more a child is out of the home, the more often the interviews need to be in order to keep in touch.

• An interview doesn’t need to be a formal situation. Late-night walks, doing dishes together or going for ice cream are some of the best ways to get kids to open up.

The responsibilities taught at this level prepare a child for the adult transition that he will make as he leaves home.

These are areas of great concern for the maturing teenager so should be gladly received.

Clothing needs: Be responsible for his own clothing purchases, repairs, cleaning and laundering.

Activities: Be as financially independent as possible, particularly in the area of activities. He should pay

for all social activities engaged in. This will help him appreciate the cost of entertainment and help him be more selective. When children are allowed to do everything without responsibility, they fail to appreciate the cost of the activity.

Meal preparation: Shop, cook, and plan one meal per week.

Provide service: Be involved in various service projects within the family and outside the home.

Community service is part of college entrance acceptance.

Develop independence in making decisions in all areas of life.

In order for children to enjoy work, you as a parent must schedule it in a way that will not seem overwhelming to the child. In next month’s article we will discuss how to schedule work to accommodate the busy schedules of all family members.

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www.ambitionsofidaho.org Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 13

HORNEY Village

7 tips for traveling with kids

W

By Jessie Horney hen I was 22 years old, freshly married and kid-free, I had the foolish confidence of someone whose main job is to take care of themselves. So when my sister offered me a free plane ticket to visit her in Hawaii — a free ticket which was a carrot on the end of a long stick named “but you have to bring my 3 kids with you” — I was like yeah, sure, bring it on! I think I may have said, and I quote, “How hard can it be to fly with three kids?”

Laughing, laughing, laughing all around, cue my inevitable humiliation and whatever disasters awaited me. No matter WHAT happened on that trip, I would deserve it, if only for the audacity to imagine it was easy.

Everything was fine all the way to San Francisco, where I fed them lunch, the 1-year-old, 4-year-old, and 6-year-old I was about to cart across the Pacific Ocean. We boarded the plane for Honolulu when the 4-year-old announced that her stomach hurt. After we settled into our seats, she leaned over and hurled that airport lunch all over herself. I cleaned her up in the spacious confines of the airplane bathroom with the wet wipes and extra outfit her mom had advised me to pack, praying it was an isolated moment of motion sickness. And then my dear niece proceeded to projectile vomit. For five hours straight. I am not exaggerating. She threw up on her clothes, she threw up on her second set of clothes, she threw up on her seat, she threw up on her sister’s seat, she threw up on her brother’s seat, she threw up on my seat, she threw up on her stuffed animals, and in the very worst move of the entire stomach-emptying episode from hell, she threw up on the DVD players that were my last hope.

I don’t even remember the middle three hours of that flight. I think I blacked out for a while, purely for self-preservation. At one point I asked the annoyed flight attendants for yet another large plastic bag, which I ripped with my teeth to create head and arm holes for my miserable niece to wear as a puke Clara, age 2 in this photo, is ready to ride in an airplane. (Courtesy photo) 14 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

poncho. An older woman walking down the aisle patted my shoulder, then leaned in and said, “Honey, you are a saint.” I gripped her hand, pulled her down to face me, and with wild eyes whispered Jessie Horney shares her tips back, ”These aren’t my kids.” for traveling with children — Since that adventure, I tips she’s learned from personal have traveled thousands and experience. Here, she’s traveling thousands of miles with my with two of her kids, Clara and own kids, by planes, trains, and Sammy, when they were 2 years automobiles, with my husband old and 8 months old.

(Courtesy photo) and by myself. I gladly share all of my hard-won and pathetically earned secret information to make your travels as painless and smooth as possible when accompanied by small, selfish people who think gum is a food group.

1. Take advantage of people’s pity.

For the most part, your fellow passengers are glad to be traveling alone and oh so glad to not be you, and this translates into a helpful attitude. When they ask if they can help, be ready with an answer! Can they hold the baby for a split second while you hoist up your carry-on? Can they pull a bag out from the stroller basket? Can they unzip that DVD case for you? Can they carry your bag up to that bench by Starbucks?

Give them a chance to do a good deed and give yourself a chance to breathe for a split second. Everybody wins.

2. Be the last people on the plane.

Not the first. Never the first. You’re just wasting precious running around time — run their little legs ragged while you can, people. And then you won’t have to wait in a long quiet line, or walk slowly in a line down the aisle, or have to hustle your kids out of the way when you finally find your seats. Go on last. Trust me.

3. Pick the flight with longer layovers or none at all.

Because pre-children, you might have been able to make a 20-minute connection with a bathroom break AND a coffee run, but now you need to find the family bathroom, change a diaper, nurse a baby, let the kids run up and down a few empty hallways, eat lunch, wash hands, repack carry-on bags and then maybe finally buy an overpriced latte. Give yourself enough time to do all of this or plan a direct flight. Short layovers are a bad idea.

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FOR THE MOST PART, YOUR FELLOW PASSENGERS ARE GLAD TO BE TRAVELING ALONE AND OH SO GLAD TO NOT BE YOU, AND THIS TRANSLATES INTO A HELPFUL ATTITUDE.

Clara, 3, and Sammy, 2, sleep in an airport while traveling with their parents. (Courtesy photo)

4. Plan for terrible things to happen.

I always pack two extra outfits for each kid and enough diapers/undies for an entire day without our luggage, and in case of: spilled apple juice, peed pants, diaper blowouts, smeared animal crackers, delayed planes, et cetera ad nauseam. Pack their extra clothes in gallon Ziplocks so that you have somewhere to put their dirty clothes, and don’t forget to bring a fresh shirt for yourself as well.

5. There are no atheists traveling with kids.

I don’t care what you do or don’t believe about a supreme being. When you are 37,000 feet in the air or 237 miles away from your highway exit and one or all of your kids are crying because you can’t hold them / let them walk / feed them lunch yet / find their binky / get them to sleep, YOU WILL FALL TO YOUR KNEES IN PRAYER. You will cry out to God to fast forward time and space and to please make your baby stop crying, and you will whisper a grateful “thank you” when everyone arrives unscathed. There are no atheists in fox holes, and there are absolutely no unbelievers traveling during nap time. So don’t be afraid to go there; you’ll be better off with a prayer on your lips than a curse word. Although a few of my prayers included curse words, so.... Whatever it takes.

represents to billions of people all over the world. You might be getting stressed in the circus of TSA security measures or really tired of hearing your kids ask when you’ll get there, but there’s a mother out there who isn’t sure where her baby’s next meal is coming from. So. Put your shoes on the conveyor belt and be thankful.

7. If all else fails, who cares?

My sister-in-law told me this once. It’s helpful. If things just aren’t going your way, if the day has been long and hard and your baby or toddler just cannot be consoled, please don’t worry about the passengers around you. They will likely never see you or your kids again. They will go on their merry way and not give you a second thought, so why worry about what they think? Most of them probably feel sorry for you, honestly. And if they are actually upset about a helpless, tired, confused baby who dares to (God forbid) cry on a plane....

Who cares? Kiss your baby, close your eyes, and remember that eventually you will arrive.

Happy summer travels to you and yours!

Jessie Horney is a freelance writer and poet.

Find her at www.horneymomtellsall.com.

6. Be thankful.

Recognize the incredible privilege of even being on an airplane or on a road trip, the magnitude of wealth that a plane ticket or a tank full of gas and a working car Jessie Horney www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 15

CALENDAR Alive After Five Summer Concert Series

Attend the Alive After Five Summer Concert Series from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday from June through August at the Grove Plaza, 827 W. Main St. in dowtown Boise; 2018 marks the 32nd year of the program. It’s free to attend. For more information, go to downtownboise.org.

Golf Family Fun Nights

Family Fun Nights are a great way to get the family out on the golf course and save some money at the same time. Every Saturday and Sunday after 4 p.m., spend your evening at Centennial Golf Course or Ridgecrest Golf Club in Nampa. Each group must have at least one adult and one child (17 and under) to receive the discounted rate. For more information, call 208-468-5889 (Centennial) or 208-468-5888 (Ridgecrest). Some youth golf clubs are available for use.

The Hydrotube

The Hydrotube opened June 1 and is located in Boise at the Natatorium Pool, 1811 Warm Springs Ave. behind Adams Elementary School. The facility features a fun and fast, safe water slide with splashdown pool and access to the Natatorium Pool, where the entire family can enjoy a large swimming pool, diving boards, wading pool, turfed sunning area and concession stand. Also, plenty of deck space is provided to accommodate people who want to sunbathe. For fees and hours, call 208-608-7675 or go to parks.cityofboise.org.

Parent and Tot Skate Thursday

Parents and children 8 and under may skate from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. each Thursday at Idaho IceWorld for only $5 per person. This is a special stroller-friendly public skating session. Price includes skate rental. Go to idahoiceworld.com for more information.

CableONE Movie Night in Meridian

Grab your family, friends, and neighbors this summer and join Meridian Parks and Recreation for CableONE Movie Night in Meridian every Friday in June, July, and August. Free familyfriendly movies are shown on a giant inflatable outdoor screen in Settlers Park. Each week, a different community partner joins the fun, sometimes bringing bounce houses or give-aways.

Treats and beverages are available. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. All movies start at dusk.

38th Annual Oldies But Goodies Drags

This classic-car race is set for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 2-3 at Firebird Raceway in Eagle. Adults tickets are $12-$24; kids ages 6-12, $5-$6; and children ages 5 and under, free. Go to firebirdonline.com.

Foodbank Picnic in the Park

The Idaho Foodbank’s Picnic in the Park program will be providing free lunch for anyone 1-18 years old at various sites across Boise from June 4-August 10. To find a site near you, meal service times, and general program information, visit idahofoodbank. org/programs/picnic-in-the-park/.

Storytime with the Meridian Police Department

Go to the Silverstone branch of the Meridian Library District for a storytime and presentation by the Meridian Police Department at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, June 5. Attendees will get to see a real police car. Go to mld.org.

Nampa Public Library programs

Nampa Public Library will offer a number of family- and kid-friendly programs throughout June as follows: • Baby/Toddler Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 5-28 • Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, June 6-29 • The Club, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 6 and June 20 • Corbin Maxey Reptiles, 1 p.m., Saturday, June 9 • Bilingual Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Monday, June 11 • Sensory Storytime, 4:15 p.m., Monday, June 11 and June 25 • Robot Club, 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 13 • Tween Program, 4 p.m., Thursday, June 14 • Groovin’ & Movin’, 10:15 a.m., Monday, June 18 • The Lego Club, 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 26 • Chris Leebrick – Storyteller, 2 p.m., Thursday, June 28 • Tuesday Family Summer Movies, 2-4 p.m.: June 12 – Sandlot June 19 – Coco June 26 – Ferdinand July 3 – Captain Underpants July 10 – Lego DC Super Hero “The Flash” July 17 – Paddington 2 July 24 – Nut Job 2 July 31 – Sherlock Gnome August 7 – Despicable Me 3 Check out all the events at nampalibrary.org.

every Thursday and is recommended for children ages 0-5. Go to mld.org.

First Thursday Family Night

The main branch of Boise Public Library will host First Thursday Family Night from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 7, in the library’s Hayes Auditorium. Each month there will be a program all family members may enjoy. Whether it’s a puppet show, movie, or speaker, you just never know what kind of fun you will find on First Thursdays at the Library! Go to boisepubliclibrary. org.

Family Art Night

A family evening of art and fun will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, in the Children’s Conference Room of the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District. Various art concepts will be explored, and then participants will collaborate as a family to create something. Family members of all ages are welcome. Supplies are limited, so spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to mld.org.

Public Works Week Expo

There will be interactive exhibits, large equipment, demonstrations, kids’ activities, games and giveaways, costumed characters, and free food and soft drinks at the Public Works Week Expo from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at the Meridian City Hall Outdoor Plaza & Lobby. This is a way for people of all ages to learn about Public Works services, projects and contributions to the environment and the community. Go to meridiancity.org for more information.

“Movies Under the Stars”

Eight fun-filled family “Movies Under the Stars” evenings will be held throughout the summer beginning at 7 p.m. and featuring free fun and games for kids provided by the Boise Parks & Recreation Mobile Recreation Van. Capture the Flag and Dodgeball are some of the activities for kids of all ages. At dusk, family-friendly movies will be shown on a 30-foot inflatable movie screen.

“Movies Under the Stars” will take place on the following days at the following locations: June 8, Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Groups, Ivywild Park, 416 W. Ivywild St.; June 16, Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd.; June 23, Bowden conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place Park, 3230 W. Edson St.; July 14, Peppermint to develop a support system, exchange helpful Park, 2030 S. Sumpter Way; July 21, Julia Davis information, talk through issues, share feelings Park; July 28, Sunset Park, 2625 N. 32nd St.; and ways of coping, and keep up to date about August 4, Fort Boise Park, 155 E. Garrison local resources. Join the newest Treasure Valley support group at the Library! at Hillcrest every first Rd.; and August 11, Julia Davis Park. For more Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. If you are information, call 208-608-7680 or go to parks. caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, attend cityofboise.org. the session on June 6; for more information, call Happy Jack Cats Scramble Golf Tournament 208-972-8340.

This first-ever event of its kind in Boise is a fundraiser to help meet the medical needs of local ASL for Children Come and learn American Sign Language through cats and kittens and prepare them for adoption music, dancing, and other activities from 11:30 a.m. into “forever homes.” A shotgun start will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Quail Hollow to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, June 7, in the Children’s Conference Room of the Cherry Lane branch of the Golf Course. There will also be lunch, a raffle, Meridian Library District. The program takes place and a silent auction. To register, go to https:// happyjackcatsgolf.maxgiving.com/.

16 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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of Events Galactic Day at Zoo Boise

All kinds of fun is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Zoo Boise for Galactic Day. There will be galactic-themed enrichment for the animals; photo ops with favorite characters; Star Warsthemed entertainment and exhibits; actor Q&A sessions; and more. Go to zooboise.org for more information.

Homedale Art in the Park

Homedale Art in the Park is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Betty Uda City Park in Homedale. Local crafters, artisans and entertainers will highlight the event. Bring a chair, hang out, and let the kids play at the city playground while you browse. Go to HomedaleArtInThePark.com for more information.

Craft to Give Back

Make a “craft to give back” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 9, in the magazine area of the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District. Join others and make needed items for local charities. Every creation will be donated to a selected organization. All ages are welcome. Go to https://www.mld.org/craft-give-back-0 for more information.

Sheep in the Foothills

The Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center on Sunset Peak Road in Boise hosts family days on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On June 9, the program will be “Sheep in the Foothills,” an annual event. There will be live sheepherding demonstrations, sheep petting, and many other things sheep-related, including lamb sandwiches for lunch. In partnership with the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission, there will be sheep’s wool crafts for the kids, and vendors selling wool products. Parking is limited, so

Month of June

Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

consider carpooling or walking up the trails from Camel’s Back Park. Go to bee.cityofboise.org for more information.

Gene Kleiner Day

Come pay tribute to Gene Kleiner, who donated Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park to the City of Meridian and its residents, at a special annual event beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 9, in the eponymous park. There will be a free concert by the Meridian Symphony Orchestra in the Kleiner Park Band Shell. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs or lawn blankets for seating and are welcome to bring picnics. The park’s concession stand will also be open for business to provide snacks and beverages. All ages welcome.

Kids’ Workshop: Rocks to Products

Join the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology and Midas Gold at 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise for volcanic eruptions, a shark tooth dig, free ore samples, gold panning, and more from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 9. The program is for grades 2 and up. Cost is $5 per youth. RSVP to Eliza Schulz at 208-571-5720 or education@ idahomuseum.org.

Noodle Mania at Lakeview Park

Play and float with foam floatable noodles from 1 to 4:45 p.m. June 9, July 14, and August 11 at Lakeview Water Park in Nampa. For more information, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Saturday in the Park Car Show

The 35th Annual Saturday in the Park Car Show is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Kleiner Park in Meridian. Along with many makes and models of cars, there will also be food trucks, music, and raffle prizes at this family-friendly event.

Pioneer Girl Summer Camp

You may have learned about the Oregon Trail in school, but now you will be able to experience what it was like for pioneer girls during this camp session June 10-15 at Camp Alice Pittenger in McCall.

This is a Girl Scout camp, but if you’re not already a Girl Scout, come find out how to become one.

Girls in 2nd through 12th grades are welcome and may easily register for Girl Scout membership. The camp is $480 per person (includes a horse session), and financial aid is available. More information may be found at www.girlscouts-ssc.org.

Music Jam with Fiddle Express

Children and teens are invited to the Silverstone branch of the Meridian Library District from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 11, for a half-hour performance by Fiddle Express. After that, attendees may participate in a ukulele jam session.

Some ukuleles will be provided, but anyone who has an instrument may bring it along. Go to https://www.mld.org/music-jam-fiddle-express for more information.

Mobile Recreation Van

Join the Boise Parks & Recreation Department for free supervised drop-in activities all summer from June 4-August 17. Boise Parks & Recreation staff members coordinate field games, teach art techniques and serve a healthful snack. (No Mobile Recreation on July 4.) For more information call 208-854-4917.

Traveling Playground

Nampa Parks & Recreation’s Traveling Playground visits various locations from June 11-August 16.

It’s free to participate. For more information, call 208-468-5858 or visit nampaparks.org.

Call Today to Schedule an Appointment !

208.939.0600

450 W. State Street • Suite 180 • Eagle, ID www.DanStreeby.com

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 17

CALENDAR of Events

Baseball Week at Roaring Springs

Players, coaches and families who are part of Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, or Little League baseball teams are welcome to full days of fun at Roaring Springs at a discounted rate during Baseball Week, June 11-15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Go to www.roaringsprings.com for more information.

Wild Wednesday – Water!

Did you ever wonder where all the water you use comes from? Attend a Wild Wednesday activity to learn about water, make edible aquifers, and play fun games from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 13, at the Boise Council Office, 8948 W. Barnes St. This is a Girl Scout activity, but if you’re not a Girl Scout, that’s not a problem. Come and find out what scouting is all about. All girls in grades K-12 are invited. This is a free activity, but registration is required by 4 p.m. June 6. (Not a drop-off event.

Parents/guardians or troop leaders must stay for the full activity. Please, no tag-alongs.) More information may be found at www.girlscouts-ssc. org.

Ada Library Activities

Ada County Library branches feature a number of family- and youth-friendly programs. Following is a brief list of events for June.

• Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 • June 14, 3 p.m., Boise Rock School, all ages • Hidden Springs Branch Library, www.adalib. org/hiddensprings, 208-229-2665 June 11, 11 a.m., Hidden Springs Elementary Gym, Magician Kip Sherry, all ages June 18, 11 a.m., Hidden Springs Elementary Gym, dance to drums with TRICA, all ages June 25, 11 a.m., Hidden Springs Elementary Gym, jump roping and rope tricks with Summerwind Skippers, all ages • Star Branch Library, www.adalib.org/star, 208286-9755 June 12, 2 p.m., Cast Iron Climbing for kids

Food Trucks on Flag Day

Celebrate Flag Day from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 14, in Nampa Rec Center’s backyard. There will be food trucks and family fun. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Marvelous Meridian Playdate

Go to the Marvelous Meridian Playdate and enjoy fun games and activities for young children that encourage early literacy. The program will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, in the Large Conference Room at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District.

Go to https://www.mld.org/marvelous-meridianplaydate-0 for more information.

cont.

Scout Day at Roaring Springs

Discounted admission fees will be available to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and their leaders and families from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 16, at Roaring Springs. Go to www.roaringsprings.com for more information.

Family Snooze at the Zoo Overnight

This event is for parents and children ages 7 and up. Zoo guides will provide evening and early morning treks through the zoo to investigate animals and their habitats, behavior and care.

There will also be activities, games, art projects, and up-close animal encounters, plus an evening snack and continental breakfast. Indoor/outdoor sleeping areas are provided. Upcoming dates throughout the summer include June 16-17, July 6-7, and August 4-5. Pre-registration is required in advance. For more information, go to https:// zooboise.org/events/events-home/snooze-at-thezoo/.

Parents’ Day at the pools

Kids may grab their parents and take them to Nampa’s Lakeview or Lincoln pools for Parents’ Day all day Sunday, June 17. All parents get in free when accompanied by a paying child. For more information, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Free Mini-Golf for Dads on Father’s Day

Dads get a free round of mini-golf for Father’s Day at Wahooz from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, June 17. Go to www.wahoozfunzone.com for more information.

Ponderosa Mystery

Help solve the case of the Ponderosa Mystery and become a camp sleuth using a scientific method at this camp session June 17-22 at Camp Alice Pittenger in McCall. This is a Girl Scout camp, but if you’re not already a Girl Scout, come find out how to become one. Girls in 2nd through 12th grades are welcome and may easily register for Girl Scout membership. The camp is $355 per person, and financial aid is available. More information may be found at www.girlscouts-ssc.org.

Babby Farms Grandparent and Grandchild Excursion

Babby Farms at 5900 El Paso Rd. in Caldwell will host a special event for grandparents and their grandchildren from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19. Babby Farms is a nonprofit organization with a simple mission to give children and adults the opportunity to experience the joy of interacting with a wide range of animals. Most of its animals are hand-raised for this purpose. Pack a lunch and bring your grandchild on this adventure.

Children must be accompanied by an enrolled grandparent. For fees and other information, go to babbyfarms.net or parks.cityofboise.org.

18 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

El Korah Shrine Circus

The El Korah Shrine Circus will perform in the Ford Idaho Center Arena at various times June 22-24. For tickets or more information, go to http://www.fordidahocenter.com/events/el-korahshrine-circus.

The Return of the Red Caboose

The Nampa Train Depot will unveil the Union Pacific 1942 Caboose, after a 4-year restoration project, with a 2-day celebration from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, June 22, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 23. Festivities will kick off Friday night with a 1940s-themed party; a live swing band will perform, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best gangster outfits.

Saturday fun will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast; and at 11 a.m., the Return of the Red Caboose begins with a ribbon cutting and a brass band. Throughout the day there will be rides given on the Operation Lifesaver street train. The museum will be open, and lots of vendors will be selling their goods.

Friday and Saturday Family Slide Nights

Enjoy unlimited access to water attractions during Family Slide Nights at Roaring Springs on Fridays and Saturdays June 22-August 25. From 6 to 10 p.m., enjoy water activities with your family while the sun sets. For more information, go to www. roaringsprings.com.

Nerd Nation

Nerd Nation, billed as “a program as cool as you,” is for tweens 9-12. Each month, there is a movie, a pizza snack, and an interactive activity or craft. Come see what it’s all about from 5 to 7: 30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, in the Large Conference Room at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District. Parents may stay during the program. Go to https://www.mld.org/nerdnation-9 for more information.

Real Life Wonder Women

Adventures aren’t just for fictional characters.

Learn about real life women who were trailblazers in their fields at this camp session June 24-29 at

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Month of June

Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

Camp Alice Pittinger in McCall. This is a Girl Scout camp, but if you’re not already a Girl Scout, come find out how to become one. Girls in 2nd through 12th grades are welcome and may easily register for Girl Scout membership. The camp is $360 per person. More information may be found at www.girlscouts-ssc.org.

at the Dick Eardley Senior Center, 690 Robbins Rd. in Boise. Guild members have spent a year sorting, pricing, and organizing boxes of donations.

Come browse the selection and see what you can find. All reasonable offers will be considered.

Great Northwest Outdoor Expo

Ducks Unlimited will host The Great Northwest Outdoor Expo June 29-July 1 at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. Vendors and exhibitors will use more than 20 acres to create outdoor experiences, and thousands of square feet of indoor exhibit area to showcase outdoor products. There will be handson activities, educational seminars, food, contests, a VIP dinner and more. It’s all family-friendly.

Funds raised during this event benefit wetlands and wildlife conservation. For ticket and other information, go to www.northwestoutdoorexpo. com.

Space Workshop

The Nampa Rec Center will host an art-based Space Workshop from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 2628 for kids ages 6-12. Day 1 will include drawing spaceships and aliens using colored pencils. On Day 2, children will learn cartoon techniques for drawing aliens and their ships using Sharpies and markers; and on Day 3, participants will complete one large space piece using pastels, emphasizing pastel techniques. Cost is $85 for members and $90 for non-members. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org to register or for more information.

Craft Supply and Fabric Sale & Quilt Show

Princess Paradise

The Boise Basin Quilters’ Guild has combined two of its most popular events: the Annual Craft Supply Sale and the Fabric Sale & Quilt Show to give shoppers an opportunity to pick up a bit of everything they need at one spot and view beautiful quilts made by the guild members. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 27,

This “girl’s weekend” for girls entering 1st through 12th grades is set for June 29-July 1 at Camp Alice Pittenger in McCall. Girls get a taste of what Girl Scouts and camping are all about by spending the weekend with a significant female relative in their lives and participating in staff-led activities.

Cost is $150 per person, and financial aid is available. More information may be found at www. girlscouts-ssc.org.

International Asteroid Day

Comets, asteroids, meteoroids, OH MY! Celebrate this stellar holiday at Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd., free from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 30. Solar viewing will be provided by the Boise Astronomical Society.

Many other activities are planned. Details are available at www.idahomuseum.org or by calling Eliza Schulz at 208-368-9876.

Stalwart – A Brothers’ Story

A Youth Summer Play, in partnership with Boise Parks and Recreation (Family), will be presented July 20-22 and July 26-27 at Boise Little Theater. A musical titled “Stalwart – A Brothers’ Story” is based on the true story of the Lind family during World War II. “Stalwart” is a glimpse into the Lind brothers’ life before, during and after the war. The story takes the audience to the Lind home, the military barracks, the combat field and the USO. For ticket and other information, go to http:// boiselittletheater.org/ current-season/.

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 19

EXPLORE Your State

Enjoy Idaho as a family this summer

By Daniel Bobinski

I

’ve long said that Idaho is America’s best-kept secret. At least it was. According Any trip creates to Census Bureau figures, Idaho is now the fastest growing state in the country. memories, but I believe Don’t fret — Idaho is still ranked 39th in those memories can be overall population, so we’ve got a long way to enhanced and family bonds go before we’re as populous as Colorado or Washington. But even with the rapid growth can be strengthened we’ve seen recently, the Gem State is still by making a trip awesome, and it’s full of best-kept secrets.

Why are so many Idaho destinations still “educational.” a secret? Because flashier places get more attention. Las Vegas, Seattle, and San Francisco Daniel Bobinski are heavily promoted tourist cities, and parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park get featured on the cover of travel magazines.

By contrast, Idaho is a large state with limited freeways, so getting to its scenic and historic places isn’t always convenient.

But here is where you have an advantage. Because so many • Most sand dunes “migrate.” Why do the Bruneau interesting places in Idaho don’t get huge crowds, and because Dunes remain fairly stable? you live here, you have easy access to these “secrets.”

• What kind of telescope is used at the observatory?

What follows is a short list of Idaho landmarks you could • What makes the Bruneau Dunes unique compared visit this summer. The list could be MUCH longer, but no to other dunes in North America? matter where you go, what I’m suggesting is more than just a If sand or space isn’t your thing, perhaps your kids might visit. Any trip creates memories, but I believe those memories like to know what living in Idaho was like 150 years go. If this can be enhanced and family bonds can be strengthened by is the case, I recommend a trip to Silver City. This ghost town making a trip “educational.” Also, Idaho is our home. It’s in the Owyhee mountains near the Oregon border is not easy one thing to live in a place, but it’s something more to know to get to, but it’s worth every effort. The cool thing is that this about its history and how that history affected the communities ghost town still has friendly (living) residents, and you can even around you. spend a night in the hotel, which was built in 1863. Talk about For example, take Shoshone Falls. It’s one of the largest taking a trip back in time and learning what it was like to waterfalls in the United States — even higher than Niagara truly live “off the grid.” You can even take informative guided Falls. It’s not hard to print the Shoshone Falls page from horseback tours. If your kids don’t learn five cool facts about Wikipedia and set a goal for each family member to learn five Silver City while there, they were sleeping. facts about the falls. Possible things to learn include: By the way, the only place that serves food in Silver City is • What was its significance to the native population? the hotel. Suggested Silver City questions include: • How have irrigation and natural springs affected • What Idaho “firsts” happened in Silver City? water flow?

• What’s the city’s summer population? The winter • What happened in 1905 that caused the falls to go population? dry, thus leading to the region’s name becoming the • At its peak, how many mines were in operation?

“Magic Valley”?

Lastly, let’s talk about Craters of the Moon. With all the Bonus: Entrance to Shoshone Falls Park is only $3, and it’s recent volcanic activity on Hawaii, both you and your children an easy day trip from anywhere in southern Idaho. may like to see what a lava flow looks and feels like after it’s Bruneau Sand Dunes is another Idaho “secret.” The park cooled. The landscape, devoid of all vegetation, will make you has the tallest sand dune in North America, and it’s also home feel like you’re on a different planet. The area has 60 distinct to the Bruneau Dunes Observatory. If you like camping, you lava flows, and if you want to go below ground, you will be could do an overnighter at the campground and spend a late amazed at how cool the caves can be despite it being hot and night at the observatory. It would be easy to learn five fun facts sunny at the surface. Things your kids might like to learn while doing that, but questions to ask include: at Craters of the Moon: 20 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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KIDS FIRST!

Pup Star goes global in ‘World Tour’

By Nathalia Maria Jackson, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

P

up Star is back and bigger than ever, as the hit singing pup competition goes global.

I am totally into this movie.

It is absolutely hilarious — very entertaining, witty, sassy, incredible and completely a family Friday-night movie to enjoy. It is also perfect for dog lovers.

I love this heartwarming film because it is different: talking dogs — now that’s pretty different. The dogs bring a fun and quirky style with the singing and dancing that will bring the best out of you. This is definitely a fun, big scale musical adventure.

The story follows Tiny, a charming Yorkie, as she joins the launch of the Pup Star World Tour as a celebrity judge. It takes the popular singing dogs on a trip around the world, where Tiny and friends find wonderful new songs to sing from different countries. Each judge chooses their favorite contestant to compete for the new title of Global Pup Star Champion. This film literally makes you get up and dance. When the contest faces a severe threat from a trio of conspirators, you have go see the movie to find out how that is resolved.

Directed and written by Robert Vince, the lead characters and the talent that voices them include Tiny (Kaitlyn Maher), Julio (Jorge Diaz),

Grandpa Growl (John Ratzenberger), Simon Growl (Steve Valentine), Bark (George Newbern), Shep (Reggie De Leon), Rover (Jonathon Mangum), Jimmy Kibble (Brian Hull), Steven (David DeLuise), Butch (Danny Woodbury), Raji (Maulik Pancholy), Lou (Makenzie Moss), Ming (April Hong), Juan (Steve Zaragoza), Kano (Diedrich Bader), Dog Gnarly (Ziggy Marley) and many more.

The dogs’ costumes are glamorous, with all the sparkles, glitter and beautiful colors. The colors really bring great visual effects to the film. When all the dogs from different countries come out to sing in their cultural customs, it really drew my attention. I loved seeing all the different backgrounds and vibes in all of the dogs. The music is remarkable. It really fits the theme of the film and paints pictures of all the different cultures.

My favorite characters are Tiny, who unquestionably is the most adorable judge; Shep, the funny service manager; and Julio, the Mexican pup with a big heart. Most importantly, all the characters are amazing. My absolute favorite part is when the cheaters (I’m

• When was the most recent lava flow?

• The deepest rift in the USA is here. How deep is it?

• How many miles was the longest lava flow?

None of these activities need to be week-long adventures. In fact, many can be done in a day or over a weekend. And, like I said, this list could be MUCH longer, so please forgive me if I’ve not mentioned your favorite Idaho location.

But do think about what a “gem” Idaho is. America’s best-kept secret has so many fascinating places, and you can easily turn visits to these locations into fun learning expeditions that bring your family closer together. What are you waiting for? Pick a place and start planning!

Daniel Bobinski, M.Ed., runs two businesses. One helps teams and individuals learn how to use Emotional Intelligence. The other helps companies improve their training programs. He’s also a homeschooling dad, a best-selling author, and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. Reach him at daniel@eqfactor.net or 208-375-7606. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

not going to tell you who they are) get disqualified from the competition.

The message of the story is “cheaters never win; winners never cheat.” I’ll admit, I’ve never understood the utility of cheating. This film definitely calls you to action. It has a positive message that promotes positive social behavior. I give Pup Star: World Tour 5 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend it for ages 5 to 14 years old, as well as adults.

Tiny, a Yorkie, is a celebrity judge for the Pup Star World Tour.

(Photo courtesy of Air Bud Entertainment)

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 21

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22 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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June Events & Festivals More to come next month for the rest of the summer!

JUNE EVENTS Idaho Shakespeare Festival ISF Amphitheater – Boise Running from June 25 through September 30 (Family Nights on Sundays) 2018 plays: Misery, Macbeth, Mamma Mia!, Pride and Prejudice, and BeehiveThe 60s Musical idahoshakespeare.org Great Garden Escape Idaho Botanical Garden-Boise June through September Every Thursday evening, great music, food and drink highlight this annual summer night event idahobotanicalgarden.org Starlight Mountain Theatre Garden Valley Now through September 1 Marking 19 years of entertainment, the 2018 season will include The Wizard of Oz, Grease, The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, Spitfire Grill and more starlightmt.com Gunfighter Skies Air & Space Celebration Mountain Home Air Force Base June 2-3 Attractions will include U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team, Wings of Blue – U.S. Air Force Parachute Team, ACC F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Tora Tora Tora Airshows, and more; free admission mountainhome.af.mil Murphy Outpost Days Murphy, June 2-3 This is a yearly fundraiser, harkening back to the Old West; events include a longhorn cattle drive, a horned toad race for kids, arts and lost arts, food and music, and more owyheemuseum.org Old Fort Boise Days Parma, June 6-9 Includes a parade; craft, art & quilt shows; a car & tractor show; a carnival and petting zoo; cow pie bingo and a rooster chase; rock climbing challenges; a family dance; and more oldfortboisedays.com Eagle Rodeo Eagle, June 6-9 PRCA rodeo invites everyone to come

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meet the cowboys and cowgirls at the After Rodeo Party; Family Slack Night, free to the public, is June 6. New location at Avimore on Highway 55, just 6 minutes from the old location eaglerodeo.com World Village Festival Capitol Park-Boise, June 8-10 A celebration of Idaho’s cultural diversity, with music, art, film, food, and people; free to the public worldvillagefestival.com Idaho Fish & Game Free Fishing Day June 9 All anglers may fish Idaho’s waters without a license; first-timers are invited to learn to fish at various free events at local fishing sites throughout the state idfg.idaho.gov Savor Idaho Idaho Botanical Garden Boise, June 10 10th anniversary; features an array of wine and food vendors, with each guest receiving a commemorative wine glass savoridaho.org Emmett Cherry Festival Emmett, June 13-16 Have “A Sweet Time” at the 84th annual festival highlighted by concerts and a carnival in celebration of the annual cherry harvest emmettcherryfestival.com Sun Valley Brewfest Ketchum, June 16 5th annual festival hosted by the Ketchum-Sun Valley Rotary, all proceeds go to charities; the event is familyfriendly sunvalleybrewfest.com

Daniel Dopps Memorial Ram PRCA Rodeo Optimist Park Arena Mountain Home, June 22-23 This 13th annual nonprofit rodeo helps raise money for charities in Mountain Home, Elmore County and the State of Idaho; ticket costs include entertainment by the Jeff Palmer Band each night after the rodeo 3drodeo.org Boise Music Festival Expo Idaho Boise, June 23 All day, family-friendly festival features renowned musical acts, as well as carnival rides and more; this year’s lineup includes Robin Thicke, Granger Smith, Echosmith, Baby Bash, Parmalee, and Mat Kearney boisemusicfestival.com Great American Backyard Campout Various sites, June 23 Goal set to reach 100,000+ people across the U.S. camping out to benefit wildlife conservationnwf.org Art & Wine Festival Terrace Lakes Resort Garden Valley, June 23-24 More than 70 vendors participate in the annual summer festival, which is a perfect day trip from the Boise area, traveling along the Payette River Scenic Byway; there will be music, food, and arts & crafts terracelakes.com/-wine-and-art-festival

National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest & Festival Weiser, June 19-23 This long-standing annual event features a parade and live music on a free outdoor stage; food vendors on-site fiddlecontest.org

Treasure Valley God and Country Family Festival Ford Idaho Center Nampa, June 26 This 52nd annual event features Christian bands, military appreciation programs, civic awards, food, fellowship, fireworks, and free admission; this year’s featured speaker will be Nick Vujicic, founder of Life without Limbs godandcountryfestival.com

Meridian Dairy Days Meridian, June 20-23 89th annual celebration marked by a parade, carnival, food, fireworks, entertainment and the crowning of a dairy princess dairydays.org

Gold Dust Rodeo Idaho City, June 29-30 14th annual event seeks to preserve the city’s western heritage through the sport of rodeo; ranch bronc riding was added to the Main Rodeo in recent years golddustrodeo.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2018 23

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24 JUNE 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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