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Jan/Feb 2020
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MINI JOYS
Heartwarming little horses
KIDS & MONEY Learning through failing
EACH CHILD IS SPECIAL
GOAT YOGA Will dad try it?
Love all the differences
See inside for...
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2020 RESOURCE GUIDE
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Contents
Features
Volume 8, Number 1 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff Adrianne@globalpsd.com Cover Photo Kirsten Cutler @krestone.design.co on Instagram Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Chuck Carpenter, Luke Erickson, Patrick Hempfing, Dennis Lopez, Sarah Lyons, Sandy McDaniel 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 2020 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook www.idahofamilymagazine.com
January|February 2020
Columns
5 11 The Outdoorsman
Emotional Strength
Holidays in Alaska’s backcountry
Children & feelings
12 Real Money, Mini Joys
6
Heartwarming little horses
Don’t Compare
Real Families
Kids & money lessons
14 Tween Daughter & Dad
15
Each child is special
Goat yoga
Departments 23 Wednesday’s Child
Resource Guide 2020
16
Meet Raymond
In Each Edition 4 Editor’s Intro
A Different Family
22
Homeless or hopeless?
New year, some new things
8 Family Events Calendar
Children’s Photos Wanted 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.
FREE
Jan/Feb 2020
Sponsor of
$10 OFF WEDN
ESDAYS
MINI JO Heartwar YS ming little horses
EACH CH ILD IS SPEC IAL
Love all the differenc
KIDS & MONEY Learning
es
See inside for.
through
failing
GOAT YO GA
2020 RE.. SOUR
Will dad try it?
CE GUI DE
Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 3
EDITOR’S Intro
New year, with something new at IFM
S
omeone recently pointed out to me that 2020 is not just a new year, it’s also the beginning of an entirely new decade. The Twenties are here! The last set of 20s, 100 years ago, was known as the Roaring Twenties, and it was highlighted by economic prosperity, technological changes, and the loosening of strict social codes, according to an online source. Hmmm... We’re still in pretty good economic times; we have almost too much technology now; and if our social codes get any looser, God help us. I checked to see what’s on the global calendar for 2020. Here’s some of what I found: • The Summer Olympics will be held July 24–August 9 in Tokyo, Japan, where once again Simone Biles will prove to be a powerhouse for the U.S. gymnastics team. • The 2020 World Expo will open in Dubai on October 20. The theme is, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” Whatever that means. • The U.S. presidential election will take place November 3. That’s the official date, but we’ll hear way too much about it between now and then, so hang on to your hats for that wild ride. • There is a planned launch — tentative date, July 17 — of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission. It will study the habitability of “the Red Planet.” But, really, who would want to live there? • According to UN Climate Chief Christiana Figueres, 2020 is a critical year to limit climate change and avoid irreversible effects. … Is this where we all cross our fingers and hope Ms. Figueres is grossly exaggerating? • And 2020 is a leap year. One extra day to enjoy! • I’m pretty sure a lot of other things are going to happen we can’t predict. On the other hand, most things in our lives will continue on unchanged, just as they have for many years and considerable decades. This year, someone will propose to someone else and get a joyful “yes” in reply. Parents will welcome newborns and give them names they’ve been pondering for months. Animals will be adopted from the shelter and fall in love with their new human family. We’ll give candy hearts for Valentine’s; mark the Fourth with fireworks; get a little too hot in the summer; hold our umbrellas up to rainclouds; and, in general, carry on like previous 365-day time frames and 10-year stretches. Happy birthday to literally everyone, as, at some point in the next 12 months, we’ll all turn another year older. Another thing we’ll all do, starting now, is hope and pray it’s a beautiful and wonderful year.
New transition for Idaho Family
With this edition, Idaho Family Magazine is transitioning to a bi-monthly publication. The issue you are now reading is our January/February issue. Subsequent issues will include March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and November/December. You’ll still find everything else the same.
Resource Guide
If you haven’t been noticing, Idaho Family runs various lists throughout the year to help our readers find familyrelated services they may need. We start off with our annual Resource Guide, which you’ll find in this issue. It’s the biggest annual guide and is full of information all parents may need, including kids’ after-school activities, health and child safety contacts, play groups, crisis assistance, and much more. Other lists throughout the year include: Early Learning Preschool & Child Care Guide, Summer Camps, Back to School Guide, and a Special Needs Guide. These lists are intended to be helpful to you. You may contact me at editorgaye@gmail.com if you have suggestions regarding them.
Subscriptions
You may now get a subscription to Idaho Family by going to our website at idahofamilymagazine.com. A box will pop up that says, “Get the magazine emailed monthly.” You just fill out the brief info and hit subscribe. Pretty easy.
4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
Happy new year and amazing new decade to everyone. — Gaye Bunderson, editor
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EMOTIONAL STRENGTH
Let your children have and show feelings By Sandy McDaniel
A
s I’ve mentioned in prior columns, hearted, “Hi, Bam...” I am a super-fan of Mr. Fred A technique I learned in years of life studies Rogers. His message was about was to replace a negative or painful thought teaching children to feel their with a positive one. So, for example, when it feelings and that it was acceptable to express hurt my feelings that Nick, my 14-year-old feelings. I cringe when I hear a parent say, grandchick, would ignore me, I went to the “You need to man-up!” Translation for that window and envisioned a particular time; I is to swallow your feelings and not feel or had arrived at the Boise airport and could see express them. my family behind a plexi-glass frame. Next I I think there are appropriate ways to heard my son, Scott, yelling, “No, Nick, you express feelings and inappropriate ways as can’t go in there!” Running like a linebacker, well. Throwing a temper tantrum in the store 4-year-old Nick sprinted into the restricted because your mother said no to buying candy Sandy McDaniel area, making a beeline for me. He jumped is not appropriate. Crying because Daddy went into my arms and said, “Hi, Bam!” to work and you will miss him is appropriate and needs to be I give thanks that I have that memory, that I had that time re-directed so it doesn’t become a drama. Re-directed means with Nick. Sadness, selfishness and negativity cannot survive that when a child picks up another child’s toy, you pick up a when surrounded by gratitude. different toy and begin to play with it; the child is re-directed When Peggy Bielen and I created Project Self-Esteem, to a better choice. Sometimes, you can re-direct a child’s one of the lesson themes was, “A feeling isn’t right or wrong, sadness by holding the child and then re-directing with a it just is.” Some parents took exception to that idea, calling positive idea, such as, “It hurts in your heart. Just breathe and certain feelings a sin. My belief (and it doesn’t need to be let the sadness move through your body (silence). Breathe... yours) is that a feeling arrives; it’s what you do with the Are you ready to help me (make dinner, make the bed, etc.)?” feeling that matters. Re-direct. When a child comes home from school saying, “I hate my I had a hard time feeling my feelings when my children teacher!” don’t invalidate those feelings with logic, a lecture grew into their teens and all the energy that had been — “you shouldn’t feel that way” — or putting the child directed to me (single parent) was channeled to their friends. down. Instead, say, “Tell me more about that.” Then listen. Now, many years later, I am experiencing the same feelings Empathize with the feelings. When “all the angry air has with my teen and almost-teen grandchildren. Once greeted been released from the balloon,” ask, “What could have gone by bouncing children, happy to see me, I now receive a halfContinued on Page 13
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Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 5
MINI JOYS
Laurie Bell’s heartwarming little horses By Gaye Bunderson
L
aurie Bell always had a heart for horses. Even though she was raised in the Bench area of Boise and not on a farm, she wanted to own a horse and learn to ride it. The desire started early in her life. “As soon as I was saying Mommy and Daddy, I was saying ‘horse’,” Laurie said. She was able to take riding lessons and once, around the age of 7 or 8, she and a friend got permission to ride horses to school and tie them up at a bike rack before going into class. She eventually got a Welsh pony and a quarter horse when she was 36. As a schoolteacher at the time, she’d hold horse camps and give riding lessons in the summer to her students. Almost 25 years later, she still owns the quarter horse and has given him some friends: 4 mini horses, 1 mini donkey, and 2 little goats. Now she has horses that are more for cuddling than for riding. She no longer lives on the Bench. She and her husband own Mini Joys Ranch, located in the country on North McFarland Creek Road in the foothills near Hidden Springs in Boise. Mini Joys Ranch is more than just a pastime for Laurie. She uses her mini horses to bring comfort to children with special needs, and even sometimes to elderly people. She got her first mini 11 years ago, inspired by an Animal Planet program that showed mini horses visiting children with cancer. After she dried her tears, she said, she just knew she had to do something like that. She started doing research, but it wasn’t about how horses can be used to comfort humans. “I already knew how horses connect with people,” she said. She needed to study business basics — to put on her business brain. She needed to learn how to take horses into schools. And anyone who thinks she’s joking about that needs to know about her primary passion. “We do a lot of things in schools with special needs children,” she said. The “we” stands for her and her volunteers, and the word “wee” could stand for the mini horses that she loads in a tiny trailer and takes into classrooms (and sometimes nursing homes) in the Treasure Valley.
“The mini horses are a likable lot and have been hand-picked to work well with people.” That’s when the horses go to the people; but more regularly, the people come to the horses. Mini Joys Ranch is a beautiful setting for visitors. Laurie and her husband, who teaches at Boise State, have created a space with tables, chairs, and a treehouse. There’s a stream and plenty of trees. The site is nature at its finest, with spottings of an occasional deer, sightings of fowls, and pleasant encounters with squirrels. Children come to the ranch to bond with, pet, and enjoy the mini horses, such as 12-year-old Spunky or 4-year-old Wrangler. In the picnic area, they can enjoy refreshments or their owned bagged or boxed lunches and hear stories written by Laurie and mostly woven around equines. Some of the books include: • “Wonderfully Made: The Story of Hope” — “Life is really special, and all kids are different,” Laurie said. The main lesson of the book is: “Find your strength and make the world better.” • “Big Bully Buddy: Finding Friendship” — This book is about bullying and conveys the idea that it is the bully who has the problem, not the person who is the bully’s target. The book tells children, “There’s nothing bad about you — THEY have challenges.” Laurie said that when she worked as a teacher in the public school system, she realized that a very high percentage of bullies acted the way they did because they felt insecure. The book encourages children to try and understand the bully and where he or she is coming from, in hopes of finding a path to friendship.
6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
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• “Kids & Pets: Much to Give, Much to Gain” — Laurie is a firm believer in the value that pets bring to human lives, and the book takes a special look at children and their animals. The mini horses are vital to everything Laurie does, and she still has a teacher’s heart. For instance, she and some of her volunteers gave a program at Lake Hazel Elementary around the topic, “You Can Be a Hero.” Laurie asked the kids what a superhero is, and the kids replied, “They save or rescue somebody.” Laurie then led them to talk about something they could do to save, rescue, or help somebody — and then to do it. Ideas included helping out a neighbor in need. One of the really fun things was that the mini horses all wore superhero capes to the school. At the end of the program, Laurie told the teacher and class, “E-mail me about what you do to be an everyday hero. I want to tell the horses!” There are 45 group programs from March to early December revolving around the mini horses. Most of them take place at the ranch. “Some programs are for joy and hope,” Laurie said, “but the majority have a teaching component.” There are 3 primary categories of children Laurie and her volunteers work with: • special education youngsters • children referred to them by counselors • children with behavioral challenges And in keeping with Laurie’s original inspiration for owning mini horses, they also sometimes work with kids undergoing medical care, and have events for families with a sick child. They also do some things with mainstream kids and hold two open houses a year for people who just want to bring their children out to see the horses. Laurie suggested people follow Mini Joys on Facebook to see the public events. Laurie trains volunteers in February, and there are 50 active volunteers working with Mini Joys at any given time. “We service hundreds of people a year, all with a volunteer team,” she said. The mini horses are a likable lot and have been handpicked to work well with people. “I pick out calm babies,” Laurie said. She then trains them to be steady-and-ready for people of all ages to see and enjoy. Ninety-eight percent of the programs Mini Joys offers are for schools and non-profits. Mini Joys is a non-profit also, flourishing through donations from people who believe in the work Laurie, her volunteer team, and her animal menagerie are doing.
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Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 7
CALENDAR Saturday Morning Fun
Go to the main branch of Boise Public Library from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Saturdays for Saturday Morning Fun. The program will include drop-in activities for the entire family, such as arts and crafts, science experiments, robot explorations, engineering and building challenges, and more. Go to boisepubliclibrary.org for more information.
Sensory Adventure Night
The South Meridian YMCA holds a Sensory Adventure Night on the third Saturday of every month from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in its Family Adventure Zone. Sized for adults and kids, FAZ is a massive play place that is fun and energizing for all ages and anyone with sensory and other needs. Supervision is required. For more information or a sensory tour, contact Emilee Bell at emilee.bell@ ymcatvidaho.org or 208-331-9622, ext. 506.
JUMP Flavorful Fairytales
The January Flavorful Fairytales program at JUMP will center around the book, “Over & Under the Snow,” about the secret world of hibernating woodland creatures. The program begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 10, in the JUMP Share Studio. After the story, participants will create a wintry woodland picture craft and then make sparkly snowflake rice cakes. There is a ticket price per participant, and all ages are welcome with a parent. Registration ends Wednesday, January 8. For more information or to register, go to JUMP’s master calendar and click on register.jumpboise.org.
“Little Shop of Horrors”
Banner Studios at 1415 1st St. S. in Nampa will present the musical comedy “Little Shop of Horrors” January 10, 11, 12, and 17, 18, and 19, with evening and matinee performances. Monies raised will help support Banner’s Tuition Waiver for Youth, which allows local students to participate in art, dance, music, theater, and summer camp regardless of their ability to pay. For tickets and more information, go to www. thebannerstudios.com or call 208-546-0775.
Interactive Learning Fair
Go to the large conference room of the Meridian Library at Cherry Lane from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 11, and try out a new technology, science experiment, or learn a new hobby. This program is for all ages. Go to mld.org for more information.
Foothills Family Day
The Foothills Learning Center holds special days for families throughout the year. The drop-in programs take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., are free, and do not require registration. The topic on January 11 is “Snow and Water.” Learn about the chemistry behind snow and how most of the water in Idaho comes from snow.
There will be indoor and outdoor activities. The center is located at 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise. Go to bee.cityofboise.org/foothills.
SNAG (Starting New at Golf )
Children ages 4-7 are welcome to learn the basics of golf from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, January 11 and 18, at the Nampa Recreation Center. This player-friendly program contains all the elements of golf and allows for full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting. For costs and registration, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Looking to make a difference in your community while learning new skills? Come to a Teen Volunteer Orientation beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, at the Meridian Library at Cherry Lane. Snacks will be served, and participants will learn how to get involved at the library. Teen volunteers are at least 12 years old and help the library and community by assisting with holds and shelving and summer reading, as well as pitching in with library events. For more information, go to mld.org. (A similar event is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 11.)
Storytail Adventure
Offered the second Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Foothills Learning Center, this program is for preschoolers, ages 3½ to 6 years old and accompanied by a parent or other caregiver, to take part in a ¼-mile trail walk and read a story together along the trail. Afterwards, each child can get creative with a story-related craft. Storytrail Adventures in January and February are January 14 and February 11. There is a $3 fee to participate. Go to bee.cityofboise.org to register or for more information.
Children’s Theatre: The Flower of Sunnymount Crest
Scandinavia’s folk tradition comes to life in a tale of the deep woods where trolls, fairies, and witches keep their secrets. One little girl sets out on a journey to reach her only hope of happiness: a flower on top of Sunnymount Crest. Local children will perform in this original musical, directed by Drama Kids International and presented locally by Caldwell Fine Arts. All parts are cast with local children, and all children will receive a role. Auditions will take place in Jewett Auditorium in two age groups on Thursday, January 16. Go to caldwellfinearts. org for pre-registration, FAQs for parents, and audition materials. There is a $20 participation fee, and ‘scholarships’ are available. There will be 2 performances of the play, one at 7 p.m. Friday, January 24, and another at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 25. Go to the website for tickets and other information.
8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
How to Survive Today’s Food Jungle
Food has changed more in the last 50 years than it has in the last 10,000. Come and learn how to survive today’s “food jungle” — where knowing how to choose the highest quality foods is key to caring for your health — from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 16, in the large conference room of the Meridian Library at Cherry Lane. Everyone is welcome. Go to mld.org if you need more information.
Mommy & Me Preschool
A free preschool class for toddlers ages 3 to 5 years old is set for 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, January 16, at New Covenant Baptist Church, 624 Lake Lowell in Nampa. Children will engage in pre-math, prereading, gross motor and fine motor skills. Arrive 15 minutes early to register for the class and to enjoy a book with your child. Go to ncbcnampa. com for more information. (A similar program is set for February 6.)
WaterShed Weekends
Join the Boise WaterShed every third Saturday of the month for nature and art activities the whole family will enjoy. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, and no preregistration is needed. On January 18, the topic will be “Our Prehistoric Watershed.” View fossils and meet local paleontologists and geologists while participating in hands-on activities to learn about Idaho’s past, including erupting volcanoes. On February 15, the topic will be “Random Acts of Kindness.” Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day by making a pet toy for animals at the Idaho Humane Society or by donating food, clothing and diapers for local homeless shelters. For more information, go to www. BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org.
Homeschool Day at the World Center for Birds of Prey
Join your homeschool community in learning about birds of prey with The Peregrine Fund. During each event, lessons will incorporate the Life Sciences, with special emphases on Adaptations, Habitat, and Wildlife Conservation. The Peregrine Fund is a global leader in raptor conservation, and participants will explore case studies, including the successful recovery of the peregrine falcon and ongoing efforts to save the critically endangered California condor. Live birds of prey will be featured in each session. Sessions in 2020 are set for January 21, February 19, and March 25. Preregistration is required by contacing Curtis Evans at cevans@peregrinefund.org or 208-362-8260.
Splash N’ Dash
Kids and staff do the splashing while parents do the dashing at Splash N’ Dash at the Nampa Recreation Center from 5:45 to 9:45 p.m. on the
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of Events Boise WaterShed Adult Programs
The Boise WaterShed holds programs for children and families but also has a number of programs just for adults, including Friday Night Adult eARThworks, where participants create artworks (or “earthworks”). These classes are taught by a team of artists and scientists who explore science topics and offer lessons in art methods. The topic on January 24 is “Cold Critters.” On February 28, the topic will be “Canis Lupis: Wolves of Idaho.” Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $15 per person. Light refreshments will be available. More information may be found at https://bee. cityofboise.org/event-list/. Registration ends one week prior to class start date.
McCall Winter Carnival
The annual McCall Winter Carnival will run from Friday, January 24, to Sunday, February 2.
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Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com
Be a legend. Insure your life.
This year’s theme is, “It’s a Kids’ World!” During Carnival, enjoy snow sculptures, Torchlight and Mardi Gras parades, live music, daily events from comedy shows to art auctions, snow bike races, a Monster Dog Pull and more. Go to visitmccall.org for more details.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azbakan in Concert
Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 25, at the Morrison Center. Based on the third installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the tale accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen. For tickets or other information, go to morrisoncenter.com.
Idaho Remodeling & Design Show
This home improvement event is set for January 25-26 at Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St. This marks the 20th Annual Idaho Remodeling & Design Show, offering plenty of ideas for renovating kitchens, bathrooms, and more. HGTV’s “Boise Boys” will be featured speakers. More event details are available at idahoremodelshow.com.
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following days: January 24, February 21, March 13, and April 10. Parents may enjoy a Friday evening with each other while Rec Center staff actively entertains their children in the pools. The event is for children ages 3-12. All children must be potty trained. Pre-registration is required. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.
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Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 9
CALENDAR of Events
Story Story Night
For its 10th anniversary season, Story Story Night hits the big time this winter and spring of 2020 at the all-ages JUMP (Pioneer Room) in downtown Boise. There will be true stories told live on stage and without notes. With featured storytellers intermixed with an open story slam, it’s like once upon a time without the fairy tales. Check it out from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, or Tuesday, February 25. Register or get more information at register.jacksurbanmeetingplace.org.
The Wizard of Oz
Presented by Music Theatre of Idaho, this renowned musical will feature all the songs from the MGM movie, including “Over the Rainbow” and “Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead).” The first performance will be held Thursday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Nampa Civic Center and continue on through February 1. For tickets or more information, go to nampaciviccenter.com.
Idaho Scrapbook Show
Join the Idaho Scrapbook Show for its first annual premier Scrapbook and Paper Crafting event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, January 31, and from 10 to 5 on Saturday, March 1, at Expo Idaho. Shop for the latest paper crafting supplies, takes classes, learn new techniques, win prizes, and more. Go to expoidaho.com for more information, or to idahoscrapbookshow.com for advance tickets.
cont.
blues with information and activities centered around Idaho’s great outdoors. Questions may be directed to dyann@kidsfirstcast.org or larry@ kidsfirstcast.org.
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” will be performed at ExtraMile Arena at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, and at noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8. For tickets or more information, go to extramilearena.com.
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Boise Philharmonic – Disney In Concert
The Golden Dragon Acrobats will return to Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus in Caldwell for a 7 p.m. performance on Saturday, February 15. Prepare to be dazzled by the acrobatics, dance, and colorful costumes of these performers from the People’s Republic of China who have toured throughout the U.S. and in more than 65 countries. This is a show for the whole family presented by Caldwell Fine Arts. Go to caldwellfinearts.org for tickets and other information.
Red Shoe Shindig
This brand new event benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho is all about the shoes. Boots, sneakers, pumps — as long as they’re red, that’s all that matters. This is not a gala but an updated take on food, fun and fundraising that is set for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at JUMP in downtown Boise. Cost per ticket is $150. Children are welcome. Attendees will be treated to themed food stations, silent and live auctions, entertainment, and shoe selfies. Come kick up your (red) heels and enjoy a fun evening benefiting families with sick children. For tickets or more information, go to rmhcidaho.org.
du Soleil OVO 23rd Annual Canyon County Spring Home Show Cirque Cirque du Soleil returns to Boise with the show, This annual event will take place at the Ford Idaho Center during the following times and dates: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 7; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 8; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 9. For more information, go to fordidahocenter.com.
Daddy Daughter Date Night
The Nampa Recreation Center has the perfect event for dads to spend a special night with their daughter(s). Daddy Daughter Date Night is set for 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8, at the Rec Center. Dads, don’t miss a great opportunity to connect with your daughter and make lasting memories at an evening of music, dancing, refreshments, activities, and special entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at the Rec Center or online at namparecreation.org.
Cabin Fever Reliever
Kids First Cast will host its 7th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever at O’Connor Fieldhouse in Caldwell from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 8. This is a community event, with something fun for all outdoor enthusiasts, including kids, parents, grandparents, outdoor and fishing adventurers, and shoppers. Gather up your family, friends and neighbors and spend the day shaking off the winter
PAW Patrol Live
OVO. Performances will be held at ExtraMile Arena, 1401 Bronco Ln., from February 27 through March 1 at various times that include matinees and evening perfomances. For tickets or more information, go to extramilearena.com.
Kids Fair 2020
Jump around, be a superhero for a day, touch a boa constrictor, hold a baby lizard, and feed a grumpy old turtle during the Kids Fair 2020 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 29, at Expo Idaho. There will also be stage performances, a magic show, clowns, and more. Go to expoidaho.com for more information.
Education Foundation of the West Ada School District Gala Attend this annual fundraising gala and help support the 40,000 students in West Ada. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in the Galaxy Event Center at Wahooz in Meridian. An RSVP is requested by January 15. For more information, call 208-350-5039 or go to westadafoundation@westada.org.
10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
Join the Boise Phil for a journey into storytelling and music as only the timeless tales of Disney can evoke. Brought to life by the talents of four Broadway-caliber singers and featuring high resolution animated feature film sequences, Disney In Concert will feature iconic moments from “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and more. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Morrison Center. For tickets and other information, go to morrisoncenter.com.
Spring Sports Madness
Nampa Rec Center will hold its 7th Annual Spring Sports Madness event for moms and sons ages 3-13 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Mothers and sons may spend one-on-one time together playing basketball and dodgeball, enjoying other fun games, eating pizza, and having their photos taken together. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.
JOIN US FOR MONTHLY PROGRAMS TODDLER WEDNESDAY
First Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. - noon January 1 No program - BAM closed for New Year’s Day. February 5 Make art with bubbles. Come make art together. Dress for mess! Drop-in, designed for children under 6 years of age. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
STUDIO ART EXPLORATION
First Thursday of the month, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. January 2 Impressionism in the Northwest Paint a personally meaningful landscape. February 6 Ann Gardner Create artwork with light. Drop-in, designed for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
FAMILY ART SATURDAY Last Saturday of the month, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. January 25 Impressionism in the Northwest Paint with texture. February 29 Ann Gardner Experiment with transparency and light. Drop-in, designed for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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The OUTDOORSMAN
Holidays in Alaska’s backcountry By Chuck Carpenter
L
iving in Alaska during the sixties They headed out, making pretty good time, was a lot of fun for my two brothers and started down a steep hill. Mom’s feet and me. We lived out of town a few slipped off the runners. She fell between the miles, and the road to the house runners and grabbed onto the side of the would be snowed in quite often. Lots of snow sled and was dragging along in the snow. The and wind would drift the road in so we would problem was that she was under the brake leave the ole pickup out close to the main road and Dad couldn’t slow the team down at all. and use our dog team to haul groceries and The sled was picking up speed and Dad was everything else from the main road to our telling Mom to let go, but she was hanging house. on for dear life. After about a hundred yards Living where we did we would make sure or so, her pants came down to her ankles and to have everything we needed before the were packed with snow. She couldn’t hold on holidays. It wasn’t easy just to run down to any longer and let go. Chuck Carpenter the store and pick up something that we Dad was then able to quickly stop the dog happened to forget. team and tie them up. He helped poor ole Mom dump the Mom and Dad had been to town and picked up everything snow out of her pants and get everything situated. for the holidays. They parked the pickup near the two-mile They unloaded the sled and changed things around so driveway to our house. Dad hiked home and harnessed up Mom would fit in the basket with the rest of the things. the dog team and mushed back to the pickup. They made it the rest of the way home without any further A dog sled is built so that the person running the dog team mishaps. rides on the runners behind the sled. Everything that is We all had a wonderful holiday, with lots of fun and plenty hauled is put in what is called the basket. It’s the place on the to eat. sled where you haul things or passengers. On the back of the After the holiday and after my youngest brother returned sled there is also a brake to slow down the dogs and to keep to school, he shared the story of my mother’s dog mushing the sled from running into the dogs that are closest to the adventure during show and tell with his first grade class. sled. The driver of the sled (the musher) runs the brake. After Dad and Mom loaded the sled, the basket was full, no Chuck Carpenter, who now lives in Idaho, likes to hunt, fish and trap. He worked on a farm as a boy; then, as an adult, he took a job with the place left for ole Mom to ride. Mom decided to stand on the Department of Interior’s Animal Damage Control, now called USDA runners in front of Dad. Dad stood behind her and would Wildlife Services. He ultimately became a district supervisor. He retired reach around her and control the sled. in 2011.
ter the Nam pa Rec Cen at
Buy a one year membership* & be entered in a drawing to get your membership FREE! *All qualifying entrants must pay for their membership in full between January 1-31, 2020 NAMPA REC CENTER • 131 CONSTITUTION WAY • 208-468-5777
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ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL Idaho’s oldest continually operated Catholic School, educating generations of students for 120 years! Now accepting K-8 enrollment for the 2020-21 academic year Join us for an OPEN HOUSE for prospective families Tuesday, February 25, 9:30-11 am Call 208-342-4909 or visit www.stjoes.com for more information.
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Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 11
REAL MONEY, REAL FAMILIES
A safe place for kids to fail financially By Luke Erickson
I
spectrum is to keep the training wheels on, t’s a new year! Here’s another article make their financial decisions for them, and about setting and reaching your new when they grow up and (maybe) move out year’s goals and resolutions! Just kidding, of the house, they make much bigger and it’s totally not. In fact, it’s very much more costly financial mistakes and then come the opposite. I’m here to tell you that you crawling back to you asking for a bailout. should instead focus on failure. Yes, really. Over-dramatic? Maybe, but you get the For starters, a typical parent will experience picture. feelings of failure at least 9 days out of 10 As an illustration, I present my own (okay, maybe that’s just me). But I’m here household, where I frequently use my own to tell you that I think we should all just kids as guinea pigs to test financial theories. “embrace the fail.” In our house we have decided to give our To be fair, failure should come as no surprise kids a weekly allowance. (More on the because we face a lot of unique challenges Luke Erickson debate between allowance entitlements and as parents. Things like Lego minefields lurking chore-based allowances in future articles.) This allowance surreptitiously on the stairs at 3 a.m., or a wet bed at 3 a.m., accumulates in an app we use to track their running or the words, “Dad, I just threw up” at 3 a.m. Yes, pretty balances. We also split their income into three categories for much anything involving a child at 3 a.m. is not going to end saving, giving and spending (you guessed it, I’ll talk more well. about this in the future). Ignoring the other categories for Add to all this the findings in a recent poll by Experian now, the real question is what we should allow the kids to (one of the three major credit bureaus), showing that in spend their money on. spite of so many public efforts and millions of dollars spent It’s a real challenge. My girls especially have an affinity for to teach your kids personal finance in school, after school, a certain category of toys which basically consist of cheap church, scouts, or through apps, websites, videos, etc., that plastic figures that come in large plastic shells, but in the end you — YES, YOU — the parents will be the primary source of are about the size of one of those 25 cent toys you can get financial education for your children throughout their lives. from gumball machines. But instead of costing 25 cents, they And in case you’re wondering, it is indeed a bad idea to try to can range anywhere from $2-$10 for a single figurine. Don’t fulfill this duty at 3 a.m. worry, you can also buy them in packs of 3, 10, 50, etc., as Not long ago I was in a class in Gooding, Idaho, teaching long as you pony up the proportional bucks. Now, in the end middle schoolers about the merits of learning to save money this is my hard-earned money we’re talking about, right? Am while they are young. I also told them that according to I to sit idly by, whilst my children become conduits to such research, they’ll likely learn far more from their parents reckless and wanton spending in the name of “allowance”? about personal finances than from me and all their K-12 In short, YES. teachers put together. Then I asked if they thought their Well, I’m the supposed “expert” here, so let’s analyze the parents were up for the task of teaching them how to be situation a little closer (trust me, there’s no such thing as a successful with money. … cue the crickets. true expert when it comes to raising kids). While my wife and Now for the good news. Turns out that you don’t have to be I don’t always agree, I tend to take the hands-off approach to perfect with your money to still be a good financial teacher to the kids spending their allowance. In the end, I argue, pretty your little ones. In fact, you might actually be the best money much anything they’re going to actually want to spend their teacher by letting your kids fail. money on is going to be a complete waste of money, in my Say whaaat? That’s right, as any parent can attest, in so opinion. Do you really think my 5-year-old is going to come many cases kids insist on learning the hard way. And money to her mommy or daddy and say, “I could spend my money is no exception. I have a (very unproven) theory that any on cheap overpriced plastic toys, but instead I want to spend it particular child will make roughly the same amount of on this educational workbook, and if there’s enough left over mistakes with money in their lifetime. The only real question I’d like to get some extra vegetables”? is when these mistakes are made and how much they will cost. So, I do indeed let my kids buy cheap, overpriced plastic So, when it comes to how our children handle money, I toys with their allowance. Guilty! BUT the important thing strongly believe that it’s better to let them make mistakes here is we talk through the process whenever they spend. and learn from them while they are young rather than force I remind them of how much they have to spend. I remind them to always make good decisions. The other end of the 12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
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them of other things they had mentioned before that they have said they wanted. We talk over how saving their money instead of spending it means they can save up for bigger and better things, and I give them examples. Keep in mind these “bigger and better” items are still just overpriced plastic garbage to me, but really what I’m doing is taking advantage of a teachable moment. Will they learn these things at age 5? Or age 7? In my experience, not really. But amazingly I’ve noticed how my oldest is usually on the same page with me now when we talk over how he spends his money. He’s started to avoid impulse purchases and save up for bigger items. And, he’s even started to recognize that his spending can benefit others, not just himself: he’s purchased birthday and Christmas presents for others with his own spending money without us telling him to do it. This is the same kid who barely passed the marshmallow test (www.YouTube.com) at age 4 with a sweaty and tattered marshmallow. So, I’m going to call this a victory, and hope that my theories on giving kids freedom to spend and fail will allow them to get some of those life mistakes out of the way while they’re young and the mistakes are relatively harmless. Now if you don’t mind, I know it’s early, but one of my kids is bound to wake up at 3 a.m. with some sort of crisis, so I’m going to go get some rest. Don’t worry, we’ll pick up those Legos later. What’s the worst that could happen? Luke Erickson, Ph.D., AFC®, is an associate professor of personal finance for the University of Idaho. He lives and works in the Treasure Valley and frequently offers community and K-12 guest programs as part of his Extension and Outreach appointment. Luke and his wife Rachel have been married for 15 years and live in Meridian with their four beautiful and energetic children. He may be reached at erickson@uidaho.edu.
Emotional Strength...Continued from Page 5 on that your teacher would act that way?” You may not be able to walk in her moccasins, but being empathetic toward her, and acknowledging that there could have been a reasonable reason for her actions, helps the child to think past his or her own feelings. One time, when my daughter Kathleen was a pre-teen, I saw her sitting out on the front porch crying. I joined her, sitting close to her, barely touching. I said nothing. She continued to cry. I neither interrupted her sadness by touching her or talking to her. I just sat there. Soon, she blurted out, “Emily is mean. She says mean things and does mean things.” I sat there a few seconds more and then said, “Maybe Emily isn’t being taught to be kind at home.” Kathleen scooted under my arm, leaning into me, and we just sat there in the silence of our understanding. Teaching kids to be kind at home requires a consequence for any act of unkindness. If, using my system (parentingsos.com), a child is docked 15 minutes of media time for each act of unkindness, it becomes too expensive for the behavior to continue. Most important is to model kindness. The “old-fashioned” ways of saying “please, thank you, excuse me, you’re welcome” are becoming a lost art. Those words are hallmarks of learning to consider not only the rights, but the presence, of others. Kindness requires empathy, and empathy is taught at home. Ask questions like, “What would it be like to walk in that person’s shoes?” One of the skills I learned from my Buddhist friends is to consider there might be a reason for someone acting out or misbehaving. Instead of retaliating, I wait...and see if there is more to the story. Feelings buried alive never die. Help your children to feel and appropriately express their feelings. For more than 55 years, Sandy McDaniel has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. Semi-retired, she speaks to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone. She is available for parenting talks/trainings in the Treasure Valley and may be reached at sandy@ parentingsos.com. Also, go to YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues.
Kindergaaen Open House Wednesday, February, 26th 12:45-2:15PM
Plan on aaending our Kindergaaen Open House Wednesday, February, 26th 12:45-2:15PM. Bring your child to come meet our amazing teachers, Paaicipate in some stations and see what The Kindergaaen at Ten Mile Christian is all about! Also, check out our classes for ages 6 months to Pre-K. Enroll at www.tenmilecc.com/school Contact Mandy at: mandy@tenmilecc.com Ten Mile Christian Church 3500 W Franklin Rd Meridian, ID 83642
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Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 13
TWEEN DAUGHTER and dad
Will dad try goat yoga for stress relief? By Patrick and J.L. Hempfing
about the mental and physical benefits of goat yoga. Those who do it say it’s a great way of disconnecting from stress. Did I close my mind too soon? Our lives are shaped by our personal experiences. My only experience with a goat came many years ago, when my wife Mattie and I were dating. Her parents were away and it was our responsibility to milk the family goat. We should have asked for directions because how to milk a goat is not as obvious as it seems. There’s a technique to getting the milk to squirt out Patrick Hempfing instead of just squishing it around, which the goat finds highly irritating. It’s safe to say that Mattie’s goat was From Jessie, age 12 not a therapy goat, which is probably why I no longer wish to be up close and personal with goats. When my friend at school told me about goat In response to Jessie’s comment “dogs just aren’t his yoga, it sounded like a ton of fun. Basically, thing,” I feel I must share my first teenage job — a you go into a field, and do yoga while a bunch newspaper carrier. Dogs have a special animosity for of goats walk around and crawl on you. I came newspaper carriers. Luckily, I made it through several years home from school and told my dad about it. of home newspaper delivery while avoiding the angry To me, doing yoga with goats crawling on you guardians of their owners’ property, except for one. I have sounded great, but not to Daddy. He’s not an a tiny scar on my left leg to show for my dedicated service. animal person. With my hard-to-milk goat and dog-chasing-after-me I told Mom about it later, and she loves the experiences, it’s safe to say I’m not as comfortable around idea. She and I are a lot alike in our love for goats and dogs as my wife and daughter. Also, when I take animals. When we are going for a family walk, a walk, I like to get my circulation pumping instead of we will walk around and pet all the dogs we stopping every three seconds to pet a dog, no matter how pass where Dad would rather avoid them. He’s cute it is (Mattie and Jessie think all dogs are cute). not mean to dogs, and he loves our dog, Sadie, Which leads me to Jessie’s final point, “It is good that but dogs just aren’t his thing. we have each other.” On this point I couldn’t agree more. I think Dad should be a little more openJessie and I have helped each other expand our comfort minded when it comes to goat yoga and dogs. It zones. Our family is also blessed in that Mattie and I have is good that we have each other. I get him out of different interests that benefit Jessie. I can already see the his comfort zone, and he gets me out of mine. smiles on Jessie’s and Mattie’s faces when they go work out It is good to try things, because you never know with the goats. I’ll have a smile on my face, too, as a nearby what you may enjoy. Let’s hear my father’s spectator enjoying my cone of ice cream. view. But whether I’m cheering on my goat-yoga exercisers or relaxing with a three-scoop cone of ice cream, one thing is certain ’tween daughter and dad, I love my girl and my girl loves me. This father’s view is quite simple. I have no intention of ever having my view obstructed by goat legs, tails, or any Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, other goat anatomical parts. Having goats bleating and accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He crawling on and around me while I do yoga doesn’t interest is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer. Follow me in the least. Patrick at http://patrickhempfing.com. J. L. Hempfing, now 15, However, Jessie raised a good point about the importance began writing with her dad in kindergarten. Her current hobbies include playing clarinet, saxophone, and piano. She also enjoys of keeping an open mind. Not knowing a single thing marching in her high school band. about goat yoga, I googled it. I was surprised to read Parents deal with stress in a variety of ways. Tennis is my stress outlet, along with eating ice cream and donuts. Obviously, playing tennis is a much healthier choice than comfort foods. Recently, my daughter Jessie came home excited to share a new stress-fighting activity she had heard about — goat yoga. My comfort zone has boundaries, and Jessie keeps trying to expand them. Daily. Before I go further, let’s turn it over to Jessie for her thoughts.
14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
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DON’T COMPARE
Each child is special and individual
By Sarah Lyons
As a mother of six children, I have found myself comparing one child to another many times. Even though I know their physical, emotional, and intellectual development will progress at a rate that is unique to each child and each will have their own strengths and weaknesses, when you are in the middle of a 2-yearold’s tantrum over a seemingly trivial problem, it is hard not to think, “Your sister never did this.” Parents often battle the urge to compare one child to another. It is a natural reaction considering we use comparisons to make decisions involving nearly every other aspect of our lives. When dealing with two or more children, we must do the exact opposite of this natural tendency. “This was hard for me when my son was younger. He had several developmental delays and I would struggle with comparing him to where his sister was at that age,” says Ashley Clark, mother of two. “I knew it wasn’t healthy for any of us and I had to let it go.” Comparing siblings can have negative effects because it can create jealousy, sibling rivalry, feelings of self-doubt, and have negative effects on the parent-child relationship as a whole. We know are children are unique, with their own gifts, struggles, and personality, which all affect how they grow, learn, and develop, but how do we learn to appreciate these differences rather than compare them?
Identify their strengths
When the urge to compare your children arises, identify the strengths of each child. One may have an excellent sense of coordination and therefore may excel in physical development and, later, in sports. Another child may have no interest in sports but have a knack for listening to others and perceiving how they are feeling. Compassion and caretaking may come natural to a child with these
strengths. Elizabeth DeArmond, mother of four, says, “It helps to see how their differences help all of us as a whole. We balance each other out.” While taking notes on strengths, acknowledge areas where each child may struggle and allow more patience and instruction in this area without putting the child down for his or her weaknesses. We are all different and have strengths and struggles; we just need to learn to embrace them for ourselves and our children. As your child grows, learn to keep your expectations in line with the child’s abilities and interests.
Focus on the child’s efforts
Instead of comparing one child’s struggles to another child’s successes, try to focus on each individual child’s efforts and improvements. “I have to remind myself that the kids Continued on Page 21
MORRISON CENTER IDAHO’S PREMIER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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TICKETS: MC BOX OFFICE • (208) 426-1110 • MORRISONCENTER.COM www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 15
2020 RESOURCE GUIDE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & THE ARTS Aquarium of Boise 64 N. Cole Rd., Boise 208-375-1932 aquariumboise.net Aqua-Tots Swim School 3116 E. State St. #180, Eagle 208-938-9300 aqua-tots.com Balance Dance Company 616 S. 8th St., Boise Downtown Boise 208-407-2943 www.facebook.com/balancedance-company Ballet Idaho and Academy 501 S. 8th St., Boise 208-343-0556 balletidaho.org Bodies In Motion 729 W. Diamond St., Boise 208-381-0587 bodiesinmotionidaho.com Boise Art Museum 670 Julia Davis Drive, Boise 208-345-8330 boiseartmuseum.org Boise Philharmonic 516 S. 9th St., Boise 208-344-7849 boisephil.org Born to Succeed Early Care & Education Center 4770 N. Shamrock St., Boise 208-658-5561 myborntosucceed.com Bronco Elite Gymnastics 106 E. 48th St., Boise 208-389-9005 broncoelite.com Caldwell Fine Arts 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell 208-459-5783 caldwellfinearts.org Capital City Ballet Center 9140 Emerald St. #109, Boise 208-378-9752 capitalcityballet.com Champions ATA Martial Arts 2108 Caldwell Blvd. #117, Nampa 208-283-0772 championsmartialarts.win Dance Allegro Academy 3015 W. McMillan Rd. #105, Meridian 208-258-3599 danceallegroacademy.com
Gem State Gymnastics Academy 5420 W. State St., Boise 208-853-3220 gemstategymnastics.com Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council 8948 W. Barnes St., Boise 208-377-2011 girlscouts-ssc.org Idaho IceWorld 7072 S. Eisenman Rd., Boise 208-608-7716 idahoiceworld.com Idaho Shakespeare Festival 5657 E. Warm Springs Ave., Boise 208-336-9221 idahoshakespeare.org Idaho Tennis Association 1076 N. Cole Rd., Boise 208-322-5150 idtennis.com Kindermusik Music Center Studios 12516 W. Fairview Ave., Boise 208-861-6056 kindermusik.com or musiccenterstudios.com Music Lingua Foreign Language For Kids Warm Springs area, NE Boise 208-571-1713 musiclingua.com Nampa Civic Center 311 3rd St. S., Nampa 208-468-5500 nampaciviccenter.com Nampa Recreation Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa 208-468-5777 nampaparksandrecreation.org Social Essence—Etiquette, Leadership, Image Development 208-631-0576 socialessence.com Treasure Valley Family YMCA Locations throughout the valley ymcatvidaho.org
BABY & NEW PARENTS Babysitting Classes American Red Cross, Idaho Chapter 208-947-4357 https://www.redcross.org/local/ idaho.html St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center 208-367-2121 saintalphonsus.org
St. Luke’s Babysitting Classes 208-381-9000 stlukesonline.org
Breastfeeding
Central District Health Department 208-375-5211 cdhd.idaho.gov Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Dial 2-1-1
Mother’s Milk & More 208-484-1899 St. Alphonsus Family Center 208-367-7380 St. Luke’s Breastfeeding Classes 208-381-9000 Women, Infants and Children (WIC) 208-327-7488
Car Seat Safety
Idaho Sound BeginningsEarly Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (ISB-EHDI) 208-334-0829 idahosoundbeginnings@dhw. idaho.gov Sleep Well Children 208-994-9429 sleepwellchildren.com
St. Alphonsus Family Center 208-367-7380
Southwest District Health Department 208-455-5345
St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital 208-706-5437
Hospitals St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center 208-367-2121
Childbirth & Early Education BabySteps 518 N. 8th St., Boise 342-5601, ext. 212 www.BabyStepsIdaho.net
St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center 208-381-2222
Early Head Start & Head Start, Friends of Children and Families First Inc. 208-344-9187 focaf.org
Central District Health Department 208-375-5211
Immunization
Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC) 4355 Emerald St., Boise 208-345-1090 idahoaeyc.org March of Dimes 1553 N. Milwaukee St. #204, Boise 208-336-5421 marchofdimes.org St. Alphonsus Family Center 208-367-7380 St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital 208-706-5437
Health & Child Safety
Southwest District Health Department 208-455-5345
Loss of a Baby Boise Chapter of Compassionate Friends 208-409-4660 tcfboise.org
Midwifery Treasure Valley Midwives 208-343-2079 treasurevalleymidwives.com
Pediatric Dentists
American Red Cross, Idaho Chapter 208-947-HELP Anacker Clinic of Chiropractic 300 Main St., Ste. 103, Boise 208-287-2299 1560 N. Crestmont, Ste. E., Meridian 208-288-1776 anackerclinics.com
16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Idaho Immunization Program 208-334-5931
Dan Streeby, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry 450 W. State St. #180, Eagle 208-939-0600 DanStreeby.com Treasure Valley Pediatric Dentistry 1564 South Timesquare Lane, Boise 208-376-8873 tvpdsmiles.com
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Playgroup and Moms’ Groups
Idaho CareLine Dial 2-1-1
Boise Mothers of Multiples boisemom.org
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Dial 2-1-1
Idaho Moms’ Network idahomomsnetwork.wixsite.com idahomomsnetwork@gmail.com Boise Moms Group-More Than “Just Moms” 208-991-0534 boisemomsgroup.my-free. website boisemomsclub@gmail.com Mother’s of Preschoolers (MOPS) mops.org
Postpartum Support Synergy Birth Services 208-968-3616 synergybirthservices.com
Prevention & Crisis Assistance City Light Home for Women & Children/Boise Rescue Mission 208-368-9901
Safe Kids Treasure Valley 208-381-1719 safekids.org Idaho Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (or Aim Early Idaho) 208-433-8845 (message phone) info@aimearlyidaho.org aimearlyidaho.org Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Infant and Toddler Program 208-334-0900 https://healthandwelfare. idaho.gov/Children/ InfantToddlerProgram/ tabid/4120/Default.aspx Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health 208-433-8845 info@idahofederation.org
Discovery Center of Idaho 208-343-9895
Idaho Project for Children and Youth with Deaf-Blindness 208-364-4012 http://www.afb.org/directory/ profile/idaho-project-forchildren-and-youth-with-deafblindness/12
Fast Lane Indoor Kart Racing 208-321-1166 Idaho IceWorld 208-608-7716 idahoiceworld.com
Rehabilitation Services
Nampa Recreation Center 208-468-5777
St. Luke’s Children’s Rehab Boise: 208-489-5880 Nampa: 208-489-5700 Meridian: 208-489-5099 Caldwell: 208-385-3680
Roaring Springs Waterpark 400 W. Overland Rd., Meridian 208-884-8842 roaringsprings.com
Retail Lakeshore Learning Store 417 N. Milwaukee St., Boise 208-377-1855 lakeshorelearning.com
Wahooz Family Fun Zone & Pinz Bowling Center 1385 S. Marlin Ln., Meridian 208-898-0900 wahoozfunzone.com
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Wings Center 208-376-3641
Aquarium of Boise 208-375-1932
CAMPS Ballet Idaho and Academy 208-343-0556
New Year Resolution... for the HAPPY TEETH! Brush the sugar bugs awayvisit — tous keep smiles in play! Today Cheers to Call 2020!
th!
to Schedule an Celebrate Children’s Appointment !
!
tes ay hy for le!
Ceramica 208-342-3822
Idaho Parents Unlimited 208-342-5884 ipulidaho.org
Dental Health Month 208.939.0600 in February!
February Is Children's Dental Health Month! Dr. Dan Streeby
450 W. State Street •Suite 180 •Eagle, ID
2min2x!
www.DanStreeby.com
BRUSH
2 minutes 2 x a day and eat healthy for a healthy smile! www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Call Today to Schedule an Appointment !
208.939.0600
450 W. State Street • Suite 180 • Eagle, ID www.DanStreeby.com
It’s important for good habits to be developed at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and guns. Help us celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month in February to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.
Brush 2 minutes 2 times a day AND eat healthy for a healthy smile!
Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 17
2020 RESOURCE GUIDE Boise Art Museum 208-345-8330 Bronco Elite Gymnastics 208-389-9005 Camp Meadowood Springs Weston, Oregon (21 miles from Pendleton) 541-276-2752 meadowoodsprings.org Capital City Ballet Center 208-378-9752 Cascade Raft & Kayak 7050 ID-55, Horseshoe Bend 45 minutes from downtown Boise 208-793-2221 cascaderaft.com Eagle Adventist Christian School 538 W. State St., Eagle 208-939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com Gem State Gymnastics Academy 208-853-3220 Idaho Botanical Garden 208-343-8649 Idaho IceWorld 208-608-7716 idahoiceworld.com Idaho Shakespeare Festival 208-336-9221 Idahoshakespeare.org Lakewood Montessori 133 E. Linden St., Boise 208-331-3888 lakewood-montessori.com Music Lingua Foreign Language For Kids 208-571-1713 musiclingua.com Paradise Point Summer Camp McCall, Idaho 208-345-4440 paradise.episcopalidaho.org Rose Hill Montessori School 4603 Albion, Boise 208-385-7674 rosehillmontessori.com Social Essence—Etiquette, Leadership, Image Development 208-631-0576
EDUCATION Academic Enrichment Center for Stepfamily Development 5460 Franklin Rd., #F, Boise 208-322-2908 stepfamilyhelp.com
Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center 7091 W. Emerald St., Boise 208-898-1368 320 11th Ave. South, Nampa 208-466-1077 boisechatterbox.com Eagle Adventist Christian School 538 W. State St., Eagle 208-939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com Idaho Botanical Garden 208-343-8649 Kindermusik Music Center Studios 208-861-6056 kindermusik.com or musiccenterstudios.com Lee Pesky Learning Center 3324 Elder St., Boise 208-333-0008 lplearningcenter.org Music Lingua 208-571-1713 musiclingua.com Puentes Spanish Preschool & Daycare 1605 S. Phillippi, Boise 208-344-4270 puentes.biz Social Essence—Etiquette, Leadership, Image Development 208-631-0576
Adult Education Boise School District Community Education—208-854-4047
Child Care A Bright Child Preschool & Daycare 208-336-7228 A Step Ahead Preschool & Childcare 3348 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 208-473-2420 astepaheadpreschoolidaho.com Born to Succeed Early Care & Education Center 4770 N. Shamrock St., Boise 208-658-5561 myborntosucceed.com Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center 901 W. Resseguie, Boise (Child Care Center) 208-342-1239 1191 W. Grand Ave., Boise 208-424-3387 3641 N. Market Lane, Boise 208-954-5459 giraffelaugh.org
Kid’s Choice Child Care Center 2210 W. Everest Lane, Meridian 208-888-7540 MyKidsChoice.com New Horizon Academy 1830 N. Meridian Road, Meridian 208-887-3880 12692 W. LaSalle St., Boise 208-376-2690 11978 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 208-323-8900 155 E. Boise Ave., Boise 208-386-9108 newhorizonacademy.net Polaris Learning Center 1096 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian 208-629-7451 1323 E. Iron Eagle Dr., Eagle 208-938-9830 6224 Birch Lane, Nampa 208-466-1322 polarislearning.net Puentes Spanish Preschool & Daycare 1605 S. Phillippi, Boise 208-344-4270 puentes.biz
Early Learning A Bright Child Preschool & Daycare 208-336-7228 A Step Ahead Preschool & Childcare 3348 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 208-473-2420 astepaheadpreschoolidaho.com
Eagle Adventist Christian School 538 W. State St., Eagle 208-939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com Foothills School of Arts and Sciences 618 S. 8th St., Boise 208-331-9260 foothillsschool.org Friendship Celebration Preschool 208-288-2404 Gem State Gymnastics Academy 208-853-3220 Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center 901 W. Resseguie, Boise (Child Care Center) 208-342-1239 1191 W. Grand Ave., Boise 208-424-3387 3641 N. Market Lane, Boise 208-954-5459 giraffelaugh.org Kids Connect Preschool 68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 208-898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com Kindermusik 208-861-6056 Lakewood Montessori 133 E. Linden St., Boise 208-331-3888 lakewood-montessori.net
Anser Public Charter School 208-426-9840 Aqua-Tots Swim School 208-938-9300
LearningRx Center – Boise West 208-258-2077
Bodies In Motion 208-381-0587 Born to Succeed 4770 N. Shamrock St., Boise 208-658-5561 myborntosucceed.com Boiseko Ikastola 1955 Broadway Ave., Boise 208-343-4234 boisekoikastola.org Boise State University Literacy Center 208-426-2862 education.boisestate.edu/literacy/ literacy-center/summer-literacyacademy/ Children’s School 208-343-6840 Cloverdale Montessori School 208-322-1200 Cole Valley Christian Schools 208-947-1212
18 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
Cooperative Preschool 208-342-7479 208-703-3823
Montessori Academy 1400 Park Lane, Eagle 208-939-6333 boisemontessori.com Montessori Garden School / Caspari Montessori 9626 W. Victory, Boise 208-562-1420 caspari-montessori.com/ montessori-garden-school Nampa Christian Schools 208-466-8451 nampachristianschools.com New Horizon Academy 1830 N. Meridian Road, Meridian 208-887-3880 12692 W. LaSalle St., Boise 208-376-2690 11978 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 208-323-8900 155 E. Boise Ave., Boise 208-386-9108 newhorizonacademy.net
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Northview Montessori Preschool & Accelerated Kindergarten 7670 W. Northview St., Boise 208-322-0152 northviewmontessori.com
SandCastles Children’s Learning Center 3214 Acre Lane, Boise 208-376-7846 mycpid.com/sandcastles/
Idaho Distance Education Academy (I-DEA) 8620 Emerald #170, Boise 208-672-1155 idahoidea.org
Parkcenter Montessori 649 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise 208-344-0004 boisemontessori.com
St. Joseph’s Catholic School 825 W. Fort St., Boise 208-342-4909 stjoes.com
Parenting Education
Polaris Learning Center 1096 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian 208-629-7451 1323 Iron Eagle Dr., Eagle 208-938-9830 6224 Birch Lane, Nampa 208-466-1322 polarislearning.net
Ten Mile Christian Preschool 3500 W. Franklin Rd., Meridian 208-888-3101 tenmilecc.com/weekdaypreschool
Puentes Spanish Preschool & Daycare 1605 S. Phillippi, Boise 208-344-4270 puentes.biz Riverstone International School 208-424-5000 Rose Hill Montessori School 4603 Albion, Boise 208-385-7674 rosehillmontessori.com
The Ambrose School 6100 N. Locust Grove Rd., Meridian 208-323-3888 theamboseschool.com Wesleyan Preschool & Kindergarten 717 N. 11th St., Boise 208-343-3778 wesleyanpreschoolboise.com
Online Idaho Digital Learning 208-342-0207
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Montessori Academy 1400 N. Park Lane, Eagle 208-939-6333 boisemontessori.com Parkcenter Montessori 649 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise 208-344-0004 boisemontessori.com
Private Schools Boiseko Ikastola 1955 Broadway Ave., Boise 208-343-4234 boisekoikastola.org
208-939-6333 boisemontessori.com Foothills School of Arts and Sciences 618 S. 8th St., Boise 208-331-9260 foothillsschool.org Lakewood Montessori 133 E. Linden St., Boise 208-331-3888 lakewoodmontessori.net Montessori Garden School / Caspari Montessori 9626 W. Victory, Boise 208-562-1420 caspari-montessori.com/ montessori-garden-school Nampa Christian Schools 208-466-8451 nampachristianachools.com
Eagle Adventist Christian School 538 W. State St., Eagle 208-939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com
Parkcenter Montessori 649 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise 208-344-0004 boisemontessori.com
Montessori Academy 1400 N. Park Ln., Eagle
Riverstone International School 208-424-5000
Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 19
2020 RESOURCE GUIDE Rose Hill Montessori School 4603 Albion, Boise 208-385-7674 rosehillmontessori.com St. Joseph’s Catholic School 825 W. Fort St., Boise 208-342-4909 stjoes.com The Ambrose School 6100 N. Locust Grove Rd., Meridian 208-323-3888 theamboseschool.com
Public School Districts Boise School District 208-854-4000 Caldwell School District 208-455-3300 Kuna School District 208-922-1000 Nampa School District 208-468-4600 Vallivue School District 208-454-0445
Idaho IceWorld 208-608-7716 Idaho Shakespeare Festival 208-336-9221 Morrison Center Family Theatre Series 208-426-1110 (box office) 208-426-1609 (main) http://www.morrisoncenter.com/ education/family-theatre-series Pinz Bowling Center 208-898-0900 Roaring Springs Waterpark 208-884-8842 Treasure Valley Children’s Theater 33 E. Idaho Ave., Meridian 208-287-8828 treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com Wahooz Family Fun Zone & Pinz Bowling Center 208-898-0900 Warhawk Air Museum 201 Municipal Dr., Nampa 208-465-6446 warhawkairmuseum.org
West Ada School District 208-855-4500
FIELD TRIPS & DAY TRIPS
Tutoring
Aquarium of Boise 208-375-1932
Brain Balance Achievement Center 3210 E. Chinden Blvd. #113, Eagle 208-377-3559 https://www.brainbalancecenters. com/locations/eagle/
Boise Environment Education Boise WaterShed: 208-608-7300 Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center: 208-493-2530 bee.cityofboise.org
FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT Aquarium of Boise 208-375-1932 Berry Ranch 7998 Hwy. 20, Nampa 208-466-3860 theberryranch.com Bogus Basin Recreation Area 208-503-6866 bogusbasin.org Boise Art Museum 208-345-8330 Boise Hot Air Company 7803 N. Hole In One Pl., Boise 208-941-2625 balloonboise.com Boise Philharmonic 208-344-7849
Discovery Center of Idaho 208-343-9895 Idaho Botanical Garden 208-343-8649 Warhawk Air Museum 208-465-6446 Zoo Boise 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise 208-608-7760 zooboise.org
HEALTH & WELLNESS Chiropractors Anacker Clinic of Chiropractic 300 Main St., Ste. 103, Boise 208-287-2299 1560 N. Crestmont, Ste. E, Meridian 208-288-1776 anakerclinics.com
Pediatric Nutrition
Emergency Care
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Wellness Impact Nutrition 1013 E. Winding Creek Dr. #102, 208-367-2121 Eagle 208-250-5657 St. Luke’s Pediatric Emergency wellnessimpactnutrition.com Deptartment 208-381-2235
Rehabilitation Services
Mental Health Abundant Serenity Wendy Perez 208-918-0380 wendyperez@abundantserenity.co Children’s Home Society of Idaho 740 Warm Springs Avenue Boise, ID 83712 (208) 343-7813
Midwifery Idaho Stork 333 N. 1st St. #260, Boise 208-345-3136 idahostork.com
Treasure Valley Midwives 207 W. Washington St., Boise 208-343-2079 treasurevalleymidwives.com
Children’s Therapy Place Boise – Nampa – Meridian 208-323-8888
Idaho Pediatric Therapy Clinic 13895 W. Wainwright Dr., Boise 208-939-3334 idahopedstherapy.com Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy 7211 Franklin Rd., Boise 208-375-4200 kaleidoscopepediatrictherapy.com
Specialists
Pediatric Dentists Dan Streeby DDS, Pediatric Dentistry 450 W. State St., Ste. 180, Eagle 208-939-0600 DanStreeby.com Delta Dental of Idaho 555 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise 208-489-3580 deltadentalid.com Dental Care for Kids 3235 N. Towerbridge Way #200, Meridian 208-888-7711 https://drbaby2th.com Meridian Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics The Village at Meridian – 2274 N. Eagle Rd. #130 208-893-5440 meridiansmilesdentistry.com Treasure Valley Pediatric Dentistry 1564 S. Timesquare Ln., Boise 208-376-8873 tvpdsmiles.com
20 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
Boise Teen Counseling – Robert Rhodes 3152 S. Bown Way #105, Boise 208-900-8500 boiseteencounseling.com
Family Counseling Services 208-888-5905 FCSmeridian.com
Saint Alphonsus Midwives Locations throughout valley 208-367-1212 https://www.saintalphonsus.org/ midwives/
Idaho Botanical Garden 208-343-8649
Advanced Therapy Care 68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 208-898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com
Center for Stepfamily Development 5460 Franklin Rd. #F, Boise 208-322-2908 stepfamilyhelp.com Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center 7091 W. Emerald St., Boise 888-2796 320 11th Ave. S., Nampa 466-1077 boisechatterbox.com Speech Spot 208-514-9243 boisespeechspot.com Strickland Ear Clinic 1516 W. Cayuse Creek Dr. #100, Meridian 208-375-HEAR (4327)
Special Needs Access Living 690 S. Industry Way #45, Meridian 208-922-2207 accesslivingllc.com Advanced Therapy Care 68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 208-898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com
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Don’t Compare... Continued from Page 15 Ambitions of Idaho 208-466-7443 ambitionsofidaho.org Brain Balance Achievement Centers 3210 E. Chinden Blvd. #113, Eagle 208-377-3559 brainbalanceeagle.com Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center 7451 W. Iron Drive, Boise 208-898-1368 320 11th Ave. South, Nampa 208-466-1077 1710 N. Whitley Ste. C, Fruitland 208-466-1077 boisechatterbox.com Children’s Therapy Place Boise – Nampa – Meridian 208-323-8888 Community Connections Inc. – Adult Day Care Center 208-377-9814 Community Partnerships of Idaho Inc. 3076 N. Five Mile Rd., Boise 208-376-4999 mycpid.com
Cascade Raft & Kayak 7050 ID-55, Horseshoe Bend 45 minutes from downtown Boise 208-793-2221 cascaderaft.com Eagle Parks & Recreation Department Eagle City Hall, 660 E. Civic Ln. 208-489-8763 cityofeagle.org/recreation Idaho IceWorld 7072 S. Eisenman Rd., Boise 208-608-7716 idahoiceworld.com Idaho State Parks & Recreation parksandrecreation.idaho.gov Meridian Parks & Recreation Department 33 E. Broadway Ave. #206 208-888-3579 https://meridiancity.org/parks/ Nampa Recreation Center 131 Constitution Way 208-468-5777 nampaparksandrecreation.org
Gymnastics Gem State Gymnastics Academy 208-853-3220
Framework Learning 1102 N. 21st St., Boise 208-890-0008 frameworklearning.com
Mountain West Gymnastics 60 N. Cole Rd., Boise 208-869-1693 gymnasticsboise.com
Idaho Parents Unlimited 208-342-5884 ipulidaho.org
Wings Center 208-376-3641
Imagine A&R Case Management 208-463-9313 arcasemanagement.com
Champions ATA Martial Arts 2108 Caldwell Blvd. #117, Nampa 208-283-0772 championsmartialarts.win
Speech Spot 208-514-9243 boisespeechspot.com Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association 208-954-7448 Idahodownsyndrome.org
Martial Arts
Legacy ATA Martial Arts 535 N. Locust Grove Rd. #130, Meridian 208-888-1855 meridianata.com
Sports
Team Rhino Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 68 E. Fairview, Meridian 208-846-9119 Idahoujj.com
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Ski Area 208-332-5100
Swim Lessons
Boise Parks & Recreation Department 1104 W. Royal Blvd. 208-608-7600 parks.cityofboise.org Caldwell Parks & Recreation Department 618 Irving St. 208-455-3060 https://www.cityofcaldwell.org/ departments/parks-recreation
Flow Aquatics Swim School 1875 Century Way, Boise 208-855-2212 flowaquatics.com
Tennis Idaho Tennis Association 208-322-5150
Youth Sports Treasure Valley Family YMCA ymcatvidaho.org
are all different and continue to train them accordingly. Eventually they will mature at their own pace and will ultimately grow into productive independent adults,” says Kelly Lawton, mother of five. Things come easily to some people, while others put in lots of hard work to gain the same result. Instead of noting the ease which one child can accomplish tasks, take note and celebrate the child who is putting in the most effort and congratulate them on any improvements made. “Once I embraced their differences,” says Clark, “I could appreciate where they are as little people.”
Celebrate individual milestones As parents, we all desire to be “fair” to all of our children. I noticed as my children grew I became so focused on being fair that I was missing the celebration of the individual milestones that were important and meaningful to each child. Being fair is a great goal, but part of that is appreciating each child’s differences rather than comparing them as a group. For instance, when you notice your child has achieved a new accomplishment, make sure to share it with the entire family at dinner. It lets the child know you pay attention to his or her individual accomplishments. No one wants to hear the words “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” Comparisons feel like judgment to a child. While it goes against our natural instinct, we must learn to see the individuality in our children. “My twin girls are emotionally different, which has led me to parent each one differently. The sensitive one needs gentle corrections while the other responds better to timeouts and words of affirmation,” says Jennifer Klindworth. “When we have the chance, we separate them and go on outings for one-on-one time. It is amazing how different they are when they are not competing for attention.” Loving and appreciating your children for their differences doesn’t mean you love one more than other. It means you have learned to love each one of them for their own unique qualities. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom of six children, including 3-year-old triplets.
www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 21
A DIFFERENT FAMILY
Homeless or hopeless in Boise, Idaho? By By Dennis Lopez
I
t’s a crisp late fall Saturday afternoon in Boise’s Anne Morrison Park. Dozens of people play with dogs of all sizes; even more people take advantage of the warmish afternoon to play Frisbee or simply enjoy the sunshine. A caravan of high dollar SUVs cruises the parking lots looking for a parking place, passing by a tired-looking red van with nearly every inch of it covered in clothing, coats, sleeping bags and blankets. It looks like a portable yard sale. Yet the car and the little family of three-soon-to-be-four that belong to it go unnoticed. This is a story about that family — let’s call the father Bob, his wife Sarah and their 2-year-old daughter, Emma. And just as their van fits in a small spot between upscale cars, they are in a spot between America’s haves and have nots. On this afternoon, I am out looking for photos both for the magazine and the stock photo company for which I do freelance work. It is the dogs that catch my eye and bring me into the park. They are everywhere: running, barking, jumping into the water to retrieve balls or chasing Frisbees across the vast lawns. Okay, but predictable, action shots. But it is the van that draws my attention. At heart, I am a photojournalist. It is my training to poke my unblinking camera into places it often isn’t invited, but somehow, today things seem different. I feel as though taking photos of this family is an intrusion into their private lives. The van is not simply their car, it is their home. Their lives are on display, not by choice, but by circumstances. Normally I would submit photos like theirs to the stock agency with a bland caption reading “Homeless people in Boise take advantage of good late-fall weather to prepare their van for winter,” or something of the sort. But not this time. Something in the viewfinder resonates with me beyond a compelling photo. I feel that I must learn about these people. I first ask the woman in the van for permission to photograph them and after an uneasy couple of minutes, Bob gives me the nod, still unsure of my motives. Much later
he begins to speak to me about his family and their life as it is now. Bob is no newcomer. He’s spent a dozen years in the Treasure Valley. I learn they are a part of a Boise subculture of women, men and children who literally have no place to live. They are urban nomads, spending time in the park during the hours it is open and then shuttling to some undisclosed place within the city where they can park on the street or in a vacant lot, undisturbed for the night. They know the places that serve free hot meals and the days they are served. And they know their world is anything but idyllic. Especially when it comes to finding affordable housing. “We’re looking really hard for a place to live,” Bob tells me. “We have a rent voucher from the housing authority, but can’t find a place to rent.” Part of that problem is a lack of a credit history and even the fees associated with applying for an apartment. “If you can’t check all of their boxes on an application form, you can’t find a decent place to live. We need an affordable place soon, very soon.” He emphasizes the immediacy by carefully patting Sarah’s protruding stomach. “Our baby’s due in a month,” Sarah explains with an air of resignation, rather than hope. “We can’t have a newborn baby live in our van.” Bob says he knows that having a roof over their heads will also be the key that unlocks opportunities for steady work. Right now he finds day labor jobs on Craigslist. I suggest that there are homeless shelters that could provide them better shelter in the coming cold days, but Sarah finds the idea far from the perfect solution. “We did go to one of the local shelters and stayed for a while but it was a terrible experience,” she tells me. “We ended up with bed bugs and they force you to leave and to stay out all day.” From her comments, it’s evident that even on the frontiers of poverty, people still want some control over their lives.
A homeless family lives in this van full of disheveled blankets, toys, and Huggies. For them, it is home, at least for now. (Photo by Dennis Lopez)
22 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
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“As are many of the issues facing the homeless today, there is no linear solution between needs and providing for those needs.” As are many of the issues facing the homeless today, there is no linear solution between needs and providing for those needs. Some of the convolutions are economic, some societal and others, self-created. “I am an ex-felon,” Bob tells me. “I was young and wild and got into a bad fight and ended up going to prison for five years. I have a criminal record as a violent felon that makes getting a job hard. I was 30 then. Today I am in my 40s, with a wife and a child. I’d never lay a hand on another human being to hurt them as long as I live.” He explains to me the difficulties of re-entering society with a criminal past, how potential employers and landlords focus on his past, rather than who he is today. Our discussion is interrupted by little Emma. She is vying for her father’s attention. He surrenders to her needs with a simple sentence. “I gotta go now, my baby needs me.” I shoot a few more frames without enthusiasm. Nothing I can photograph can capture my feelings at the moment. I say good-bye and try to put the little family behind me by shooting more dog images, but it is futile. I return to my car and see the three of them on a blanket in the park. If I erase the images of the crowded van and the knowledge I have of them as people, it would be easy to mistake them for just another family in the park on a crisp, sunny fall Saturday afternoon. But I know better. I know that they soon will pack up their shabby belongings and move to a place where hopefully they can spend the night in safety. That their tomorrow will be like their yesterday, an endless search for the most essential of things most Americans take for granted. And that within a month, a new child will arrive to enter the vortex of poverty that surrounds Bob, Sarah and Emma and an estimated 2,000 other homeless people in Idaho. Note: The author was unable to get an update on this family, their whereabouts, the birth of the second child, or if their situation has improved.
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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD
Raymond, 11, keeps others laughing
The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.
Raymond, 11, enjoys reading, playing basketball, drawing and painting. He loves country music and to be outside with his friends, playing games like Freeze Tag and Capture the Flag. This spirited boy describes himself as kind, smart and good in school. Raymond also enjoys church, pancakes and pizza. Raymond is a sweet boy with big dreams for his future. He hopes to one day be a firefighter or police officer. Raymond needs an adoptive family that will be supportive of his dreams and engage with him in his daily activities. Raymond is very bright and creative. Given all that he has been through, Raymond still manages to keep smiling and keep others laughing. He can be quite the jokester. Raymond’s permanency team is looking for a family that will be able to meet his individual needs and partner with community resources that will continue to help him learn, grow and thrive. If you are ready to start a lifelong adventure full of love and laughter with Raymond, inquire to learn more about this special boy today (see below). 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 cell 208488-8989 if you have specific questions.
Idaho Family Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 23
Forever homes. Dream rates. Whether building, buying, or moving up, ICCU has the home loan to fit your needs: • Fast approvals • No-fee and low-cost loan options • IHFA, FHA, VA and Rural Housing Loans • Construction Loans available
Apply online, or stop by your local branch.
WE BELIEVE home really is sweet. 24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | Idaho Family Magazine
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