FREE
February 2018
PARENTAL REALITIES
Goodbye to ‘chutzpah’
HAITIAN ADOPTION A village is blessed
SPRING BREAK CAMPS Lots of options
REFUGE STAR PARTY A night to look up
WORD PROBLEM CHAMPS Your kid can be one
Jessie and Sam Horney of Meridian with their children: Clara, 5; Sammy, 3; and Audrey, 1
Contents
February 2018
Features Listening skills
Create family cohesion
4 12 The Horney Village
6
Refuge Star Party
Columns Parental chutzpah
Volume 6, Number 2 Publisher
J.J. Plew Cover Photo
Raft Media Editor
A night to look up
Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing
Departments New TV Channel PBS KIDS comes to Idaho
Teaching kindness
7
9 Wednesday’s Child
Meet Isaiah
8
10 Adoption
A Different Kind of Love Story
It starts at home
Homework wars
14
Word problem champ
16 11 Crafts
A truce is possible
on a Dime
Skill set for kids
Advice from parents
Picking a pediatrician
Spring Break Camps
Snow craft
18
In Each Edition 3 Editor’s Intro Parenting myths
23 20 Family Events Calendar
2 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
J.J. Plew jjplew82@gmail.com 208-697-2043 Graphic Design
Carol Smiley Distribution
Idaho Distribution Services
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
Smashing some good-parenting myths
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his may be hard to believe — though I doubt it — but there are a number of “myths” about what’s all right to do and what’s not all right to do when you’re a parent. Some of the so-called myths have been around a while, while others seem to have popped up more recently. If you scour the Internet for “parenting myths,” a number of articles appear. I looked through a handful of them in an attempt to be a helpful editor and save you some trouble. I’m including here the four myths that were repeated in nearly every article I read. You may find them surprising until you read the caveats that go with them. Myth No. 1: It’s bad to bribe your child. Okay, so if you bribe your child all the time about everything, it’s bad. But offering him or her an occasional bribe — which could also conveniently be referred to as an “incentive” — can be useful, when done with discernment. An article at www.parenting.com reads: “‘Used selectively, for a specific behavioral goal like toilet training or teaching kids to make their bed, bribery can be positive,’” says Ellen Sachs Alter, Ph.D., a clinical pyschologist at the Family Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.” Children can be rewarded with such things as a cookie when they perform a necessary chore that would otherwise be a struggle to get them to do. The reward may also be nonmaterial, such as visiting Dad at the office, briefly, once a month. The article clearly warns, however: “Of course, if every situation holds the promise of a reward for good behavior, your children will turn into monsters.” Myth No. 2: Arguing in front of the kids is always bad. The argument (so to speak) here was that in general, it isn’t reasonable for children to think that people never disagree. The important thing is to argue with a measure of composure — no verbal or physical abuse. If the kids hear you arguing, let them also hear how you worked things out, and let them know you’re no longer angry with each other. The message being, there is a constructive way to disagree with other people. So if you gotta do it, do it right. No limitless shrieking, hitting, or name-calling and, by all means, do it as infrequently as possible.
Myth No. 3: Don’t pick up a newborn every time he cries. An article at www.parents.com puts it bluntly: “You can’t spoil a newborn. Period. If your baby calms down when you pick him up, he needed to be picked up. But more important, he has to gain confidence that you will respond to his needs, says Maurice J. Ellis, Ph.D., author of ‘Emotionally Intelligent Parenting’. “In fact, during the first six months of life, that’s a baby’s primary job. ‘The critical task at this stage is developing a sense of trust that the world will take care of him,’ Dr. Elias says.” Dr. Elias adds that after the baby is about 6 months old, it is okay to pull back a bit and let the little guy learn that he can, in fact, survive on his own, at least for a few minutes at a time. Myth No. 4: Family always comes first. Well, yes, that’s true in many ways. But a number of articles mentioned the need for moms and dads to take care of themselves, too. They may be parents, but they’re also people with their own unique needs, and if they fail to look out for themselves occasionally, the whole family could suffer. Children don’t need frazzled, overworked parents who come at their beck and call. Grownups, like kids, need time alone to gather their thoughts and pursue something they enjoy — even if it’s just quietly reading a book in the shade of a tree. Their mental health depends on it, and children depend on parents who are steady and sound of mind. — Gaye Bunderson, editor For more information about parenting myths, the following sources may be a big help. Readers Digest: http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/ worst-parenting-tips/ Parents.com: http://www.parents.com/parenting/ better-parenting/advice/14-surprising-myths-aboutparenthood/ Parenting.com: http://www.parenting.com/article/the6-biggest-parenting-myths Fatherly.com: https://www.fatherly.com/parenting/ nurture-shock-debunks-popular-parenting-myths/
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.
On the Cover:
Jessie and Sam Horney of Meridian with their children: Clara, 5; Sammy, 3; and Audrey, 1 www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 3
FOCUS and confirmation
Listening skills for family cohesion By Daniel Bobinski
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hether you’re a parent or shows their own current perspective is grandparent, you probably incomplete, and that can bruise one’s ego realize that many family or make us appear unintelligent. problems occur because of 3. They’re afraid they won’t get a chance for miscommunications. Someone says something their own point of view to be heard. that gets misinterpreted, and the next thing Of course, some people may fear all three you know, feelings are hurt and a relationship of these. becomes strained. The truth is that understanding someone This problem often occurs unintentionally, else’s point of view does not come naturally. but when it does occur, it’s usually because of It’s a learned skill that always requires effort. a universal tendency of mankind — everyone And, we must WANT to listen. wants to be heard first. The problem? I’d like to share something my mentor When people are striving to be heard and taught me decades ago, and I must say, it’s Daniel Bobinski understood first, it’s hard to pay attention to proven quite valuable. Essentially, it divides what someone else is trying to say. listening into two steps, but I need to underscore the fact In addition to hurt feelings and strained relationships, poor that these are only techniques. Without a sincere desire to listening can also erode trust. This is definitely not good for understand someone else, these steps tend to fall flat. family cohesion. Stated another way, “not listening” is a surefire shortcut to our kids not caring what we have to say. Step One: Before I continue, let’s underscore the fact that hearing FOCUS ON THE OTHER PERSON is one thing, and listening is another. To clarify, let’s look at To truly listen, start by focusing totally on the other some definitions: person. This means making good eye contact and halting HEARING: all unnecessary activity. You’ll also need to put your own The act of perceiving a sound by ear opinions aside for a moment (don’t worry; you can share them later). LISTENING: Focusing on another person is a non-speaking activity. Truly trying to understand another person’s point of view Instead of speaking, tune into the other person’s body language and voice inflection to identify his/her core Hearing happens passively. If your ears are functioning as perspectives. designed, you can hear. You don’t have to think. Something Inside your head you might even ask yourself, “What is happens that causes a noise, and if you’re close enough, you this person thinking or feeling?” Is it frustration? Concern? can hear it. No effort is required. Happiness? Disappointment? Is he or she describing a On the other hand, listening is purposeful. It’s an active, problem, or maybe offering a solution to a problem? Is he or conscious choice that requires a purpose in your heart to she expecting a particular action? Looking for help? Relaying understand another person. In other words, you must apply information? mental effort. You might even think of listening as a task that Step One is striving to understand more than the person’s requires your focused attention or it won’t get accomplished. words — it’s looking for nuances in the thoughts and feelings Unfortunately, fear is a big part of why people don’t listen surrounding their words. If you’re a visual person, think of it as well. You can even think of fear as an obstacle that inhibits striving to see the picture that’s inside the other person’s head. listening. What are people afraid of ? They’re afraid that if they’re Step Two: not heard first, they’re not going to be heard at all. SEEK CONFIRMATION ON People are afraid that if they pause making their own case WHAT YOU PERCEIVED so they can understand someone else first, several things may During Step One you may think you understand what’s happen: being communicated, but the other person has no assurance 1. They’re afraid that if they express an understanding of that you do. And actually, neither do you. someone else’s (different) viewpoint, it will come across as Verify your perceptions (which are simply “educated if an agreement exists (even if there is no agreement). guesses” at this point) by getting confirmation from the other 2. They’re afraid that they might learn something that person. For example, you can ask, “If I understand you 4 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
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correctly, you’re concerned about our plans?” Such questions allow the other person to say “yes, that’s it,” or “no, not quite.” If you hear “not quite,” ask the person to clarify, and then ask again. Until you can briefly sum up the other person’s point of view to his/ her satisfaction, true listening will not have occurred. Listening like this builds bridges, not walls. Notice there’s no “disagree” or “agree” in these steps. Only understanding. It’s amazing how people will connect with you when you truly strive to understand them. There’s a lot more we can explore here, but the bottom line is don’t be afraid — just focus on the other person, and then seek confirmation on what you heard. You might be surprised at how well these steps work.
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This article was adapted from Daniel’s forthcoming book, The EQ Factor: Harnessing the power of emotional intelligence.
NEW! SPRING BREAK DAY CAMPS
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 best-selling author and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. Reach him at daniel@eqfactor.net or (208) 375-7606.
March 26 – March 30, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Ages | 6-12 Students can select from a variety of day camps designed to focus on one medium each day. Camp participants will spend time in the galleries and the studios, concentrating on one medium per day. Sign up for individual day camps or the full week! Monday: Painting Tuesday: Drawing Wednesday: Sculpting Thursday: Printmaking Friday: Collaging
Individual Day | $35 ($40 non-members) Full Week | $160 ($190 non-members) CERTIFIED TEACHERS
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Must register in advnace. Visit www.boiseartmuseum.org for details.
for Fall 2018-19 begins February 26th at 8:00 A.M. 473-2420 3348 N. Meridian Rd.
www.astepaheadpreschoolidaho.com
Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 5
STAR-STUDDED event
Wildlife Refuge to host Star Party By Nicholas Carlson
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re the long winter nights getting you down? Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge invites families to embrace the winter season by exploring the night sky at Lake Lowell. The Refuge is offering two free opportunities in February. Have you ever wondered how big space really is? Do you have trouble comprehending how far 93 million miles to the sun really is? Throughout the entire month of February, you can experience the vastness of the solar system by walking a half-mile scale model on the Nature Trail at the refuge visitor center. Start at the bowling ballsized sun and walk the half-mile trail to discover for yourself the distances between planets and how big they are relative to the sun. You’ll have to visit to find out how far you would have to walk to reach Alpha Centauri, the closest star
to our solar system. (But, spoiler alert, you might need to bring your swimsuit if you’re heading there in the scale model.) On Saturday, February 17, you are invited for an evening with the stars at the Refuge Star Party. The event starts at 5:30 before skies darken, but there will be plenty of activities to enjoy. Safely view the sun through solar viewers. Enjoy children’s star stories selected and read by Fiona May from the Caldwell Public Library. Meet a live owl to find out how owls get around at night. Cory Coffman from the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area will give a presentation from 5:45-6:15, but she and the owl will be around throughout the evening. At 7 p.m., astronomer Dr. L. Paul Verhage will give a brief presentation about easy stargazing. One of the main attractions of the evening will be the StarLab from the
Whittenberger Planetarium at the College of Idaho. Crawl inside this portable planetarium for a tour of the night sky. After the sky darkens, and assuming there are no clouds, the Boise Astronomical Society will help visitors observe interesting objects in the night sky through telescopes. “The Refuge Star Party is a stellar event that we look forward to every year,” Refuge Manager Annette de Knijf said. “We’re hoping for clear skies, but we’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the night sky even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.” The entrance road to the Refuge visitor center is located at the intersection of Roosevelt and Indiana avenues in Nampa. This event is supported by Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute AmeriCorps and the Friends of Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge.
REFUGE
STAR PARTY SCHEDULE
5:30, 5:55, 6:20, 7:35, 8:00 – StarLab shows 5:30-6:20 – Solar viewing 5:40, 6:00, 6:20, 6:40, 7:00 – Star stories 5:45-6:15 – Live owl presentation 7-7:30 – Easy stargazing presentation 7-8:30 – Outside stargazing
For more information, call 208-467-9278 or visit fws.gov/refuge/deer_flat. Want to volunteer at the Star Party? Email Volunteer Coordinator Nicholas Carlson at nicholas_carlson@fws.gov to find out about volunteer opportunities. A visitor at the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge gazes at the night sky through a telescope provided by the Boise Astronomical Society at the 2017 Refuge Star Party. (Photo provided by ProImage Photography) 6 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
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New channel brings PBS KIDS to Idaho Submitted by Idaho Public Television
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his February, Idaho Public Television officially launches its fifth broadcast channel — this one full of educational programs for kids, airing all day and night. The Idaho PBS KIDS Channel will be available for free on channel 4.5 in the Treasure Valley. As of February 1, viewers may need to “rescan” their televisions or digital receivers to add the new channel. The channel was already streaming live on the IdahoPTV website (idahoptv.org/kids). The online experience offers an
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integrated games feature, enabling children to toggle between a PBS KIDS show and an educational game that aligns with the learning goal of that show. Programs on the new channel include favorites such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Ready Jet Go!, and Splash and Bubbles. It also includes PBS KIDS favorites not currently available on IdahoPTV, including Fetch with Ruff Ruffman, Cyberchase, WordWorld and others. The channel will also be home to the newest PBS KIDS creation, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, which premiers on February 19. Based on the book series by Victoria Kann, this new series encourages children ages 3-5 to engage in the creative arts and self-expression, covering areas such as music, dance and visual arts. The Idaho PBS KIDS Channel is made possible through founding sponsors who support 24/7 educational programming. Sponsors include CapEd Credit Union, Albertsons, IDeal - Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program, and High Five! powered by Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation.
Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 7
UNKIND is unacceptable
Advice on teaching kids kindness By Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel
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f you have experienced my books, and kindness is my magic wand. The rewards columns, ideas you know that my are so numerous, stories that melt your heart, primary rule for a discipline system is and as I ask my grandchicks when they witness “We are kind.” Some synonyms for kind one of my kindness assaults, “What did that cost — and what did it mean to the person?” It are: considerate, generous, gracious, helpful, costs nothing to touch lives with love (possible humane, merciful, responsive, soft-hearted, rejection, you might say, and that’s only a sympathetic, empathetic, tender, and warm. problem if you need something in return). One of my concerns about over-crowded When someone doesn’t respond to my splash of communities is that the consciousness turns love, I think, “Next!” and there is always a next. from outer-aware to inner-aware. It is difficult to be kind or gracious to another human Children repeat behavior that being if you are not aware they are there! is acknowledged We must stop the idea that being unkind to Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel On the way driving home from a fishing another person is acceptable, and that needs to outing, Nick, age 12, mentioned he caught 37 fish; Evan start at home. If there is zero tolerance for an unkind act and chimed in with, “I caught 27!” Evan caught far fewer fish, as a consequence that catches the child’s attention, the behavior he is only 6. I looked at Nick, tapping him on the leg. “No, will stop. (See “Don’t Feed the Dragon” on parentingsos.com.) Evan,” Nick responded, “I think you caught 29.” We bumped One of my favorite memories is when a friend (who now knuckles. What does it cost to be kind, I always ask. Today has children in college) observed one son saying something Nick heard me. unkind to the other. “You know the rule!” she said. “You Talk to your children in a way they can hear need to stand in front of each other and you (unkind child) After exercising this morning, I went down to kid-sit the need to say three positive things about him.” Children need grandchicks. When I entered their home, all three kids were to be taught that judgment hurts and it is not acceptable to engaged in a media gadget. I said: “Anyone who fails to say judge someone else. You don’t know their story; you don’t ‘Hi, Bam’ will be eating live grasshopper sandwiches for know what kind of lives they are living. lunch.” They all laughed and bounced up to give me a hug. Children need to learn empathy “Fifteen minutes and all media go off!” I said, smiling. At Ask them: “If you could switch places with your sister, and the end of the 15 minutes, all three kids shut off their gadget feel that all she wants is to be your friend, and how hurt she and came to the table for a round of card-playing. Nick feels with your unkind remark, would that help you choose to started to show signs of getting super pouty because he lost be kind or be quiet?” Or: “How would it feel to be the child two hands in a row. “You have two choices, Nick — lighten who is different at your school?” (Take your children to see the up and create some fun for all of us or you are on the couch movie “Wonder.”) And: “What if you were just super-tall — with no iPad until we finish our game,” I said to him. Nick has a little boy voice that is super-cute, and I started laughing nothing you can change — and everyone made fun of you?” at anything he said, which set off the other two kids. I was You teach most by what you model enduring a silly free-for-all when I told myself, “Sandy you I always walk around and say “good morning” to each have two choices...” It was wild from there on out and I person in the swimming pool for water aerobics. One remembered what it felt like to laugh for no reason. morning, I had made most of my rounds and got talking to Be kind. Model kindness. Teach kindness. Have a one of the ladies. From the corner came a comment, spoken consequence for lack of kindness. Let’s change the world one from a man who never spoke: “Aren’t you going to say ‘good child at a time. morning’ to me?” I laughed and walked over to him. “I didn’t forget you; I was saving the best for last.” His otherwise For 54 years, Sandy has been an international speaker and recognized placid expression turned into a beaming smile. (“What did authority on families and children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Meridian and loves that cost?” I asked my grandchildren when I told them the spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. Semi-retired, she speaks story.) to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching When I might have died and required open heart surgery, sessions in person and on the phone. She is available for parenting I decided to up the ante on my previous intent to love talks/trainings in the Treasure Valley and may be reached at sandy@ everyone. In my heart it is me allowing God to love everyone parentingsos.com. Also, go to YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues. through me. I go out of my way to connect with people, 8 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD
Isaiah, 7, loves trampoline jumping
Paula Barthelmess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes. One look at 7-year-old Isaiah will melt your heart. Although Isaiah has difficulty communicating verbally, he is learning to sign and is quick to try to help his caregivers know what his needs are. Isaiah is full of energy and has developed physical ways of letting the people in his life that he trusts and feels safe with know that they are special to him. Isaiah enjoys any activity that fills his sensory needs, including playing with older children and any outside activity,
particularly jumping on the trampoline. Structure and routine help Isaiah to thrive in all areas of his life. A perfect fit for Isaiah would be an adoptive home where he would be the youngest child in the family and that might include a stay-at-home parent. 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.
“I’m committed to meeting clients where they are when they enter my office—and in doing so, some of the modalities I use are CBT, DBT, EMDR, TF-CBT, Sand Tray, Play Therapy and just simple Loving Them Through It.”
Paula Barthelmess Counseling 925 Main St, Suite B Meridian, Idaho 83646
(208) 695-1257 pslujan@hotmail.com
“At Boise Valley Electric, we understand that disaster strikes when it’s • Friendly, Professional Service • Residential and Small Commercial • Local Electricians • Upfront Pricing
No Job Too Big or Small
least expected. We offer 24/7 Emergency Service to ensure the safety of your home and family when you need it most.”
boisevalleyelectric.com
208-367-9070
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Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 9
The SWIHART Family
Adoption: A Different Kind of Love Story By Steven Swihart
Editor’s note: The following story is a first-person account of the adoption journey of Steven and Sherri Swihart. In our pages throughout the year, Idaho Family Magazine will feature personal adoption stories, written by local adoptive parents and highlighting the trials and joys they’ve experienced when adopting children.
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any times adoption blesses a family and provides a loving environment for a child. Other times you are so blessed by adoption, you end up blessing an entire village. Adoption wasn’t something my wife Sherri and I were prepared for. Yes, we had thought about it, wanted a bigger family, even entertained the thought of it when I went off to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake to help as a nurse. Sherri even talked about me bringing home a child who needed a family when I went back a few months later. I remember having an overwhelming feeling that this trip was going to be life-changing. In the airport in Florida, I wrote to each member of the family telling them my feelings. Little did I know that a few days later, a Haitian family would ask me to adopt their son, Jeremiah. He was 3½ years old and was born in Florida when his sister, sponsored by the group I was with, received a cornea transplant. Jeremiah’s mom gave birth to him on the pastor’s bathroom floor the day after arriving in Florida. When the sponsored children were healthy, they went home to Haiti. I said we would adopt Jeremiah. “She’ll say yes,” I reassued the others when they suggested I call my wife first. Sherri just broke down in tears on the phone — and she said yes before hanging up. Then she realized she didn’t know any of the logistics. We told the kids, and our son, Sam, went right to work filling in a hole in the backyard. When asked why, he said he wanted to make sure his new little brother didn’t get hurt. In only five short weeks with lots of planning and logistics, fundraisers, and with the help of amazing friends, Sherri and I flew back to Haiti to adopt Jeremiah. It wasn’t a typical
Jeremiah at age 3 (Submitted photo) 10 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
The Swihart family includes, from left to right, mom Sherri, son Sam, dad Steven (with the family pet), son Jeremiah, daughter May’s boyfriend Alex, and May. (Submitted photo) adoption from another country. No one could tell us how to adopt an American-born child living in Haiti. We should have listened to our translator when he comforted us with the words, “Don’t worry, don’t worry.” Jeremiah is now 11 and very American. Because he was adopted and able to come to the U.S., his Haitian family has a new roof on their home, and his younger brother is cured of tuberculosis. Also, his home village has clean water because our family and others raised $25,000 to get a well drilled, and tanks, purifiers and a generator purchased. In essence, we adopted an entire village. We are so thankful for Converge PacWest for the love they have for Haiti. Converge PacWest is a movement of churches that is working to start and strengthen churches all over the world, including Haiti. Also, our entire Swihart family is forever changed. We have friends, and now an extended family, in Haiti. May, our oldest daughter, is graduating from the College of Idaho this semester with a degree in International Political Economy, and her motivation for getting a degree in that major is largely due to the visit she made to Haiti when she was a sophomore in high school. Bringing up a child from a different culture who speaks a different language and is a little older is not a cake walk. But we wouldn’t change it for anything. This March, we are all going back for a family reunion in Maissade, Haiti, a trip we have been looking forward to for years. www.idahofamilymagazine.com
CRAFTS on a dime
Keep kids busy with a DIY snow craft By Samantha Stillman
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his time of year it is so hard to keep little ones occupied inside. The craft featured this month gives you a cheap and easy sensory project that you can make with your kids, and it will keep them occupied for hours. If your child has very sensitive skin, be sure to test to make sure there won’t be any bad reactions. This is inedible snow so I recommend careful vigilance for little ones. Happy playtime!
Supplies needed: Baking soda
Instructions:
1. Mix baking soda and shaving cream together. You have to play with the consistency as you want it just dry enough that it doesn’t stick like slime to your hands. It needs to be moldable like brown sugar. For a big batch, I recommend using close to the whole box of baking soda and the whole bottle of shaving cream. 2. Pour a bowl of white vinegar and make snowball bombs for some extra fun.
White vinegar Shaving cream (unscented is best) Bowl Something to stir mixture Container to put snow for playtime (optional)
Samantha Stillman is a Treasure Valley crafts instructor and freelance writer. She may be reached at craftsonadime10@gmail.com.
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL Idaho’s oldest continually operated Catholic School, educating generations of students for 118 years! Open enrollment for grades K-8 for the 2018-19 academic year begins February 20th Join us for an OPEN HOUSE for prospective families Tuesday, February 20, 10-11:30 am Call 208-342-4909 or visit www.stjoes.com for more information.
Bravely act like a Saint today! 825 W. Fort Street Boise, ID 83702 208.342.4909 www.stjoes.com st.joes.1900
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@StJoesBoise
stjoesboise
Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 11
The HORNEY Village
When parental ‘chutzpah’ meets reality By Jessie Horney
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y oldest child is 5 years old, so in terms of parenting advice, I’m your basic punch line. My friends and I talk about raising our children every time we’re together, but most of us are early on in the journey, babes in the woods with nothing but our flashlights and instincts to guide us. And by instincts I mean parenting books, research articles, and stories we heard from other people. I laugh when someone asks me for advice because I know I’m about 40 years away from having any real perspective on all of this, but I also love to engage in the fray with other parents. There’s just no way to prepare someone for parenthood. It’s like explaining what it will feel like to survive a plane crash (grateful, but mangled). At baby showers they make you go around the circle and share advice for the new mom; find out you’re pregnant and suddenly aunts have opinions, grandparents have opinions, siblings have opinions; you turn on podcasts, read parenting blogs, and think you’re gathering up everything you need to raise a child. Even during those first few years with your first child, you might think you’re nailing it. You ask yourself, “Why did everyone warn me Sam Horney of Meridian tosses his son, Sammy, 3, in the air; his daughter Clara, 5, and his wife Jessie, holding Audrey, 1, watch from the foreground
12 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
about this? Parenting is easy.” And then maybe you even have a second baby, and for the first few months you ask yourself, “Why do people complain about their kids? Glad I know what I’m doing!” But I have a theory about all that parental chutzpah, that unrelenting smugness of new parents. It’s all gonna end. Whether it’s our first child that breaks us, or our second (nobody makes it to the third fully intact), our ideals will crack just like the precious organic toys we bought for our precious organic offspring who are now throwing those precious toys across the room. And there is a deep, wicked part of me that loves when parents finally have to parent, when they finally have to drag a crying child out of a store or admit publicly that their kid will only eat chicken nuggets, not all those green smoothies and avocado rolls they pinned and planned and Instagrammed. It’s not that I’m rejoicing in their pain or laughing from afar. It’s that I’m thankful for the chance to actually connect. Because it is impossible to raise children with people who won’t be honest about raising children. And honestly, we all did it. We all said we wouldn’t have a house full of toys,
“We all said we wouldn’t have a house full of toys, and that our kids would never talk to us like that, and that our babies would sleep because we would create the perfect sleeping environment, and our kids would work around our schedules, and oh my gosh, remember how dumb we were?”
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and that our kids would never talk to us like that, and that our babies would sleep because we would create the perfect sleeping environment, and our kids would work around our schedules, and oh my gosh, remember how dumb we were? Now that we know, let’s be fair to each other. There’s a lot of talk lately about missing the “village,” about the loneliness of modern parents. Parenthood today isn’t a support group, it’s a beauty pageant, complete with swimsuit and talent competitions. But in all that striving to outdistance one another, we overlook the final result: distance. We are far apart, and we are lonely. There are many reasons for this phenomenon, like our digital lives replacing personal relationships, or playing in our fenced backyards instead of out front with our neighbors, or the image we work so hard to keep up; most of our loneliness is self-induced. We know that if we let people too close, they’ll know the truth, which is, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Yes, the village is helpful, but the village is also observant. I started writing my blog after my daughter was born to create an honest online space. My blog title, “Horney Mom Tells All,” wasn’t just a joke — it was true. I write about everything (while trying to maintain some privacy for my children) and I am continually surprised at the response to that kind of transparency. When I write about being seen in my underwear at Albertsons or the fact that the baby’s first sentence was “That’s mean, Mama,” people aren’t just laughing — they’re relieved. When I write heartfelt posts about
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the dichotomy of mourning my kids’ swiftly passing childhood but also anxiously awaiting the day they stop spilling water at every meal, the halls of the internet echo with a loud “Me too!” I believe in the village, in person and in print. But I also know what it requires. I write not just for the sake of catharsis, but for the sake of community. I won’t lie to you. I’ll let you know that nighttime at our house looks like a version of the shell game, where I wake up and have no idea who is in what bed in any room by morning. I’ll also tell you that I’ve never been more myself than I am now, joyfully struggling through this season of young motherhood with my three beautiful kids. If I could make a line of greeting cards for new parents, I would make one that said on the outside, “Congratulations on a lifetime of heartache!” And then on the inside, “This will be the bravest love you’ve ever known.” I’m new to this magazine — that’s my family on the cover — and I’m excited for this small space each month to share about life in a way that makes you laugh, cry, and look around whatever waiting room you’re in (where you are assuredly only reading this because your phone battery is low), and want to shout out to the strangers around you, “Me too!” (And then have to explain that you Jessie Horney don’t mean the other “Me too” — the one is a freelance writer. with the hashtag. Good luck with that.) Find her at www. See you around! horneymomtellsall.com.
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Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 13
STRATEGIES for success
Homework wars don’t have to happen By Robert Rhodes
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his school year won’t end until accommodations for those with learning, attention spring, and for some teens and or mental health (depression, anxiety, etc.) struggles. their parents, neither will the Homework will never be a pleasant experience homework wars. Most teens juggle for these students, but parents can employ a few their responsibilities just fine, but for some strategies which will limit the damage these battles kids, homework is excruciatingly painful. do to the family. Here are 9 tips to consider: When school begins, the bliss of summer when 1. Set up a culture around homework: Most families are getting along and enjoying each of us respond best to structure and consistency. other’s company gives way to nightly and epic Take advantage of that trait and establish a routine homework battles. Parents typically meet the around homework for your teen. That means child at the door after school and the dance essentially creating a plan around when it is done, Robert Rhodes begins. where it is done, how it is done and the rewards Kids lie about homework, an hour of homework takes two to that follow completion. I believe teens do best when their three, parents’ frustration boils over into threats, kids become homework is tackled right after school. They also do best defiant and everyone eventually goes to bed exhausted. AND when an adult is close by. Many parents choose the kitchen the homework is still not done. For parents this is a mystery. table or have their teens do their work while the parent is But not for these particular teens. They can explain the pain, simultaneously doing their own paperwork. Let the teen know the utter boredom and exhaustion entailed in this nightly that their reward once homework is completed is freedom to family ritual. enjoy the rest of the day. The federal government also understands their pain, and 2. Create a homework place: Involve your teen in selecting a as a result, 504 education plans were created which allow for specific place to do their homework. Stock it with all the supplies
14 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
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typically needed and decrease distractions. Ideally this will become “their” spot and they will take ownership of it. 3. Teach them to break homework down into small chunks and to prioritize: Not every child is as organized as we would hope. Some kids struggle to conceptualize how to complete a task from beginning to end. Helping your child learn to prioritize their workload is especially important given the diversity of assignments and due dates students have to contend with. 4. Allow breaks: For many teens, sitting for two hours straight with their homework is nearly impossible. We tend to want our children to tackle homework in one sitting without breaks. This is unrealistic. Instead allow for short breaks so that your teen can re-fuel. 5. Praise effort, not the end-product: The operative word here is praise. Remember, these strategies are aimed, in part, at eliminating the micro-managing and nagging that typically accompanies homework. Pestering your child only serves to create an adversarial relationship. The primary goal should be for the teen to give 100 percent effort each night. 6. Transfer responsibility to your child and let natural consequences be part of the equation: Setting up the expectation that homework comes before fun allows the teen choices in this daily family ritual. In addition, allow other natural consequences to work their magic. Kids hate to disappoint their parents and they understand the relationship between homework and their grades. And like the parents, they also dread the nightly homework wars. 7. Study Skills Class: I know if I were in high school, this would be part of my schedule every semester. The more homework that gets done at school, the less opportunity for homework battles at home. It is also simply easier to do homework when sitting in a class with other students and a teacher. 8. Get a tutor: Obviously this can be an expensive option and is not available to everyone. However, for those students who struggle with homework, tutors can help not only with organizational skills and the respective subject but also with consistency. Established appointment times work wonders with the routine of homework we want to establish. 9. Ask for a 504: Students struggle with homework for a myriad of reasons not of their own making. If your child falls into this category, contact the student’s counselor and ask for a 504 plan; 504 plans provide accommodations designed to support and enhance the child’s learning experience. All of the above strategies are designed to lessen the burden of homework for all. Most are proactive in nature and should be implemented from the moment your child begins to bring homework home. Establishing the culture of homework that works for the parent and the child is a win-win for all. It will also teach your child independence, personal responsibility and self-reliance. Robert Rhodes has a master of social work from the University of California, Berkeley. He obtained his license as a clinical social worker in 1989. Since then he has worked in multiple settings with children and adolescents. He has been in private practice for the past 16 years. He may be reached at rrhodes.lcsw@gmail.com, 208-900-8500, or boiseteencounseling.com. www.idahofamilymagazine.com
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SKILLS strengthening
Help your child be a word problem champ By Zoie Hoffman
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omework time is challenging for work with math students. These four steps are many, but there is one homework so simple even a kindergartener can use them. task that strikes fear and anxiety Step One: into the hearts of families across Understanding the Problem the nation: word problems. These wordy First, the student must understand the little math tasks seem simple enough but are problem they are solving. This is the step that a big stumbling block for math students. If many students skip because they are eager your child struggles to solve word problems to take the numbers and do something with correctly, or to even start a word problem, you them. To ensure that your child understands are definitely not alone. the problem, read it together and then ask So, why are word problems so tricky? The them to rephrase it in their own words. After short answer is, no matter how you slice it, rephrasing the problem, ask your child, “What word problems are very complex. For young Zoie Hoffman information is given to us in the problem?”, “What do we children, the task of reading the problem can be challenging. not know in the problem?” and “What is this problem asking Then, the child must take the information that is given to them and figure out how to use it to solve the problem. us to find?”. Asking these questions at the beginning of the Many students can read the paragraph, and extract the problem solving process will ensure your child understands information, but still fail to find the correct answer because the task at hand. they lack the skills and stamina to work the problem all the Substep: Estimate way to the end. Students who lack problem solving skills Between the first and second steps I always ask my students often just guess how they should execute, or even flat out give to estimate what they think the answer will be. This helps my up before they find the answer. students further their understanding of the problem, while So, how can you help your child master word problems? beginning to consider what would be a reasonable answer. Show them how to be a problem solver. To do this, you will Step Two: Devising a Plan need to walk your child through problems and model how to Second, the student must determine how they are going to think about solving them. find the answer to the problem. During this step, you might George Polya’s problem solving method is my favorite way encourage your child to draw a picture of the problem, think to guide students through word problems. In 1945 Polya laid about a smaller case, create tables, graphs, visual aids, or look out his four steps to solving problems in his famous book, “How to Solve It.” I have modified these steps slightly for my for similar problems in their notes. Your child will decide
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upon a way they think they can use math to solve the problem. Some students may even choose to write a list of the steps they will take to solve the problem. Substep: Draw I highly encourage my students to draw a picture of the problem before they begin to solve it. Drawing a picture can help your child visualize what the problem looks like and start to think about what they might need to do to work out an answer. If your child is uncomfortable with drawing out the problem, you can encourage them by drawing a few problems as examples. Once they see that their drawing doesn’t have to be perfect, they will be more likely to make their own.
help them think through this process by questioning and visualizing/drawing the real life scenario. Though it takes work, helping your child learn to solve word problems — and in turn become a better problem solver — will benefit them far beyond the math classroom. Don’t be afraid to change the problem solving process, or add substeps based on what your child needs. Zoie Hoffman is a passionate educator and owner of Zoie Hoffman Tutoring, a small tutoring company that provides personalized tutoring services for K-6th grade students in the Boise area, along with online tutoring services for students across the country. You can follow Zoie at www.zoiehoffman.com.
Step Three: Carrying Out the Plan In this step your child will do the mathematical work they laid out in the previous step. It is important that the work is done neatly in case they need to look back at it in a later step.
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Step Four: Looking Back Help your child look back at the answer on which they arrived. Does the answer make sense as the answer to the word problem? If not, help your child go back and check their work. If their work was correct, lead your child back to the planning stage to devise a new plan. If your child is struggling to understand whether an answer is reasonable,
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Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 17
TIPS from parents
Suggestions for picking a pediatrician By Sarah Lyons
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fter your baby is born, you will visit the pediatrician often. In the first year, your baby will have seven well-baby visits. Studies show that first-time parents may visit their child’s pediatrician up to 16 times before baby’s first birthday (www.fitpregnancy.com). A doctor plays an important role in your child’s life and, therefore, you will need to find one that is a good fit for both you and the child. It can be challenging to find a pediatrician that is right for your family. Here are some tips to get you started on your search:
Medicine. Family doctors are trained to treat patients of all ages, including children, but they do not have a specialty in pediatrics. Next, consider the basic office information that can be found online or with a quick phone call. What are the office hours? Do they have walk-in hours? Will the doctor visit the hospital where you will deliver your baby? What hospital will your child be admitted to if needed? Is the office location convenient to your home, work, school, and daycare? Take these things into consideration as you narrow down your list.
Start with recommendations
Visit the office
As a first-time parent, or a family that has just relocated, it is hard to know where to begin your search for a pediatrician. “I asked other moms for recommendations. It’s a great way to see what names came up repeatedly,” said Jill Miller, a mother from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Stacy Cook, nurse and mom of three, suggests asking your ob-gyn for a recommendation. “I figured if they were good enough for my doctor’s kids, then they were good enough for mine,” she said. Some parents, like Nathan and Wendy Hladky of Overland Park, Kansas, chose the same primary care doctor for the whole family. “All four of us use the same doctor. It is super convenient,” Nathan said. Another great way to narrow your search in a new area is to call the local NICU and ask the nurses who they would recommend. “The nurses are more likely to give unbiased feedback,” Rodganna Avery, mom of three, said.
Cover the basics
First you must compare your list of candidates with your insurance policy. “I look to see what providers are in our network then start looking for reviews of those doctors online. I was able to find a doctor that was better than we ever expected,” Stephanie Beaurdry, Texas mom of two, said. Check to see if the the doctor is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. This means the doctor has passed a specialized test in pediatrics. If you choose a family doctor, ask if the doctor is certified in the American Board of Family 18 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
To find out if you feel comfortable in the pediatrician’s office, you will have to take a tour. Call the office and ask if they have times set up for potential patients to come and visit the office; or, if you need to make an appointment, ask if you can interview the doctor at the same time. Remember to ask if there is a charge for visiting. Verify with your insurance company to see if the cost would be covered or if you would be responsible for the fees. When visiting the office, be aware of what the overall environment feels like. Take into consideration if the office staff is courteous, polite, and willing to help. Is the office clean and inviting? Was parking convenient? Do they have separate sick and well waiting areas? Take all of these things into consideration in your decision. If you plan to visit more than one office, be sure to take notes for later consideration.
Ask some questions
After you have decided that the office environment is a good fit, you will need to interview the pediatrician. Pharmacists Darcy and Phil King said: “After collecting recommendations, I scoured their websites, set up appointments and interviewed them. After the visits, it was very clear which was a good fit.” Start by asking how sick appointments work. How long would it take for a sick child to be seen? Is there a good chance the child will be seen by his own doctor? Do you have similar views on health and wellness, such as circumcision, breastfeeding, and immunizations? It is also important to consider what your preferences are. www.idahofamilymagazine.com
Bedside manner
When is it time to find a new pediatrician?
• If your child cries the whole time, that alone is not cause to switch. However, if the doctor doesn’t seem to care or make an effort to soothe your child, you may have a problem. • If you’re unclear why a certain medication is prescribed or why a test is done. • If you can’t come to an agreement, or at least a middle ground, on most issues. • If the location and hours no longer work for your family. • If the doctor often seems inaccessible when your child is sick.
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How the doctor interacts with your child will have a lot of impact on the decision to choose a pediatrician. Do you feel comfortable around the doctor? Does your child? Is the doctor willing to take the time to listen to your questions and concerns? A good beside manner can go a long way in making you and your child feel comfortable. Finding the right pediatrician can be overwhelming, but realize your decision does not have to be permanent. “It’s important to recognize you are not stuck with your decision. You see your pediatrician a lot in those first months, and if there is something really bothering you, it’s okay to switch,” Becky Baldridge, a mother from Olathe, Kansas, said. The parent’s goal is the same as the pediatrician’s: a happy and healthy child. When you find a doctor that is a good fit for your family, you can all work together to reach this goal.
• If the doctor is making you feel bad or consistently reproaching you for parenting choices. • If you feel the doctor is not listening to your concerns. Before switching, discuss your concerns with the doctor. If a compromise cannot be made, it’s time to look elsewhere. Your child’s health is top priority.
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Do you want a doctor who offers choices and lets you decide which one works best for you? Or would you be more comfortable with one who gives a lot of directions? (Suggested questions taken from www.babycenter.com.) Overall, does the doctor seem genuinely interested in your child, or does he seem distracted or rushed? Take your overall impression into account when making your decision.
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1/17/2018 3:33:57 PM Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 19
CALENDAR RMHC of Idaho online auction
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho marked its 30th anniversary on February 1 and will celebrate with an online auction, which will be open from February 1-28. On the first day, the auction will be held from 7 a.m. to noon; each day following that, it will be held from midnight to noon. All monies raised will benefit local Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho programs. Go to rmhcidaho.org for more information as it becomes available, or call 208-336-5478.
Bots & Builders
The Nampa Public Library holds a Bots & Builders program from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month in the library’s Multi-Purpose Room. Tweens, teens and families are welcome. For more information, call 208-4684472 or go to nampalibrary.org.
Family Night at Idaho IceWorld
Every Wednesday, Idaho IceWorld is making you and your family a priority. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., skating is only $5 person, and that includes admission and skate rental. Bring the kids and have fun on the ice. IceWorld is located at 7072 S. Eisenman Rd. in Boise. Go to idahoiceworld.com for more information.
Hat Trick Reading Program
Children ages 5-13 are invited to participate in this reading program, where Idaho Steelheads’ tickets, Steelheads’ baseball caps, and a free skate day are part of the prizes for reading for 20 minutes for 7 days. Visit the Nampa Library, check out a book, read, and then write an essay or draw a picture of the Steelheads. The program runs through February 17. Go to nampalibrary.org for more information.
Home School Families Chess Club
Children, teens, adults and seniors are invited to the Small Conference Room at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District to learn the basics of chess. The program will start at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 5. Go to mld.org for more information.
StarLab: Celebrate Africa
Discover the world around you in Eagle Public Library’s StarLab. Learn how to search the nighttime sky for winter constellations and learn some mythology from several different cultures. This all-week, all-day event will take place in the Meeting Room of the library beginning on Monday, February 5. Come take time to view the sky in the planetarium, make an African drum or mask, and discover what you can do with constellations. Go to libcal.eaglepubliclibrary.org for more information. All ages are welcome.
Rated Teen: Belegarth Medieval Combat Society
virtual reality and robots to arts and crafts, there will be something different every week. Snacks and drinks are provided. The topic on February 6 will be Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. Contact Kevin Booe at 208-972-8200 for more information.
Toddler Wednesday at BAM
On the first Wednesday of each month, children ages 2-3 with an adult are invited to explore art related to Boise Art Museum’s exhibitions. Drop in from 10 a.m. to noon on February 7 and come dressed for a mess. The program is free with the price of admission (BAM members may come without admission fees). For more information, go to boiseartmuseum.org.
After School Fun: Meet the BLM Raptors
Children ages 6-12 are invited to come soar with the raptors from the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, at the Library! at Collister. Participants will also learn about the unique habitat in Boise’s backyard that is home to the greatest concentration of nesting raptors in North America. Families will enjoy a wild, educational presentation by a BLM educator, with live animals and a take-home activity for the kids. Contact Kevin Booe at 208-972-8200 for more information. (Other library branches will host a similar program on other days throughout the month; go to boisepubliclibrary.org for more details.)
Coding Cadets
Children are invited to the Silverstone branch of the Meridian Library District each week to explore the world through code. Cadets in this program will participate in coding projects and games utilizing a variety of different languages and platforms. The program will take place at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 7. Go to mld.org for more information.
The World of Leonardo da Vinci
Children are invited to come learn about “The World of Leonardo da Vinci” at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28, in the Eagle Public Library Meeting Room. Go to libcal. eaglepubliclibrary.org for more information.
Budding Wordsmiths
Are you an aspiring young writer? Do you often daydream about fantasy lands or have conversations in your head with imaginary people? The Silverstone branch of the Meridian Library District offers a Budding Wordsmiths program for children and teens. Attend the program at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, February 8, and explore the craft and enjoyment of creative writing, as well as eat snacks, play games, and make new friends. Go to mld.org for more information.
Teens are invited to the Library! at Collister 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays for fun activities. From
20 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
BUGS family gardening program
Have you ever wondered if you could grow more of the fresh food your family eats? Find out what’s possible in a hands-on class with Ariel Agenbroad, University of Idaho Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, at Boise Urban Garden School’s “Feeding Your Family from the Backyard, Parts I and II.” You’ll explore what your family needs, the basics that will be required, and how to set the foundation for a very productive garden. Part II of the series uses the activities you completed in Part I to design a garden plan to maximize your home food production. You’ll also learn strategic tips to keep your family eating fresh produce all season long. (A third class will be held in March and will cover how to grow more food in any size space, incorporate chickens or other small animals, extend the season, and most importantly, teach you how to use what you have to save money and grow more.) Parts I and II will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 8 and February 15, at BUGS, 2995 N. Five Mile Rd. Fee for Parts I and II is $10 each. For more information, go to bee. cityofboise.org, call 208-376-3006, or email bugs@ cityofboise.org.
Stroller Safari
This Zoo Boise offering is for parents and their children ages 2 and under. Bring walking shoes and cameras for an exclusive guided experience through the zoo. Learn about the wonders of wildlife through up-close animal encounters and activities. Stroller Safari will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m. February 8, 15 and 22; and 10 to 10:30 a.m. March 1, 8, 15 and 22. There is a maximum of 2 children per enrolled adult. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend. Minimum participants 10, maximum 16. Price includes Zoo Boise admission for the day. For more fee information and to pre-register (required), go to zooboise.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 February. • Lake Hazel Branch Library, www.adalib. org/lakehazel, 208-297-6700 February 9, 6:30 p.m., Family Movie Night, all ages February 15, 4:30 p.m., Teen Murder Mystery, ages 12-18 • Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 February 8, 5:30 to 6: 30 p.m., Dog Tales: Read to a Dog, all ages February 9, 4 p.m., Makeiteers (STEM projects), ages 8-12 February 10, 11 a.m., Sensory Enhanced Storytime (for children on the autism spectrum or who are differently abled), ages 12 and under February 17, 11 a.m., Robotics Group, ages 10
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of Events and older accompanied by a parent February 22, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Dog Tales: Read to a Dog, all ages February 23, 4 p.m., Fab Friday Craft, all ages
22nd Annual Canyon County Spring Home Show
The Canyon County Spring Home & Garden Show is set for the following days and times: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 9; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 10; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 11. The show will be held at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. Admission is $3, with children 12 and under free. Go to http:// www.fordidahocenter.com/events/canyon-cospring-home-garden-show for more information.
Family Field Trip Weekend
The World Center for Birds of Prey, 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane in Boise, will hold Family Field Trip Weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, February 10-11. Visitors will see live bird demonstrations, tour the Archives of Falconry, walk the scenic interpretive trail, and participate in making crafts. Regular admission fees apply for adults ($10) and seniors ($8). Children 16 and under will be admitted for free. Go to peregrinefund.org for more information.
Woo at the Zoo
Woo at the Zoo, a “Wild Valentine’s Celebration for Adults,” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 10, at Zoo Boise. Anyone 18 and older may come learn about amorous animals and “animal amore-related” activities. A kid-friendly program for the little ones will be held at the same time, highlighted by animal-themed fun and a pizza dinner. For more information about costs and to reserve a spot, go to zooboise.org.
24th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night
Dads, this is a great opportunity for you to spend some time with your daughter(s) during Nampa Rec Center’s Daddy Daughter Date Night. This year’s event is set for 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, February 10. It will be an evening of fun, entertainment and refreshments. Cost is $9 per person for members and $11 per person for nonmembers. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.
Foothills Family Days
The Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise, offers a family program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. The program on February 10 will be Idaho Explorer Day. Participants will learn to develop their explorer skills by starting a naturalist journal, learning to identify plants, and completing the center’s orienteering scavenger hunt. Learn about Idaho’s explorer history and check out some tools used when the pioneers began moving west. The program is free, and families may come and go as they please. They are even welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the center’s backyard when the weather permits. No registration is required. For
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more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org, call 208-493-2530, or email FLC-Parks@cityofboise.org.
Run 4 Luv
This Valentine-themed half-marathon, 10K and 5K is set to begin at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, February 11, in Ann Morrison Park in Boise. For cost, registration information, and more, go to run4luv.com.
Storytime for the Kid at Heart
Do you miss the days when you were a kid and could go to the library for storytime? Now you can feel like a kid again and listen to entertaining classic and new children stories and do a fun, easy craft. This program for children, teens and adults will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, at the Library! at Hillcrest. (Go to boisepubliclibrary.org for more information about this and similar programs at other library branches.)
Story Trail Adventure Program
On the second Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Foothills Learning Center, parents and their preschoolers are welcome to Story Trail Adventure. They walk the quarter mile trail and read the story pages posted on platforms. Afterwards, each child can get creative with a story-related craft. The story on February 13 is “Big Tracks Little Tracks.” For registration, visit: http://parks.cityofboise.org/ or call 208-608-7680.
Montreal Guitar Trio
A guitar ensemble from Canada will perform on Valentine’s Day at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, at Jewett Auditorium in Caldwell. A 5:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day dinner is planned, as well as a free community guitar lesson at 6:15. This program is a presentation of Caldwell Fine Arts, and more information is available at caldwellfinearts.org, including ticket purchase information, dinner menu, and facts about the trio.
Cocoa and Cards
Children, teens, adults and seniors may come to the magazine area of the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, for a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and the opportunity to play a variety of fun card games. Go to mld.org for more information.
Sweetheart Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Kids, put on your pajamas, grab your stuffed animals and attend evening storytime at the Silverstone branch of the Meridian library from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 14. Storytime will be followed by Valentine crafts and activities, as well as a short movie with popcorn. Then, leave your stuffed animal to sleep over at the library. For more information, see the calendar at mld.org.
February 14, in the Civic Center’s John Brandt Performing Arts Theater. Tickets start at $25 for theater seating; or, purchase the VIP package for $50 per ticket (must be purchased in pairs) and sit in the front of the theater at small round tables for two. The package includes your choice of a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, a rose, chocolate strawberries and Nampa Civic Center wine glasses. For more information, visit www. nampaciviccenter.com or call 208-442-3232.
Romancing the Pen
The Old Idaho Penitentiary will offer a unique Valentine’s Day opportunity called “Romaning the Pen” from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 14. Couples may stroll through the site, read “‘Love’ Stories from the Penitentiary,” and play games like Match-In’ Mates, Honey Bee Heist and Pin the Rose on the Gardener. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate, fireside chats with experts, and self-guided tours. Presentations are indoors and are first-come first-served, with limited capacity. The site will be open for selfguided tours in all publicly accessible buildings. Last admission will be 8 p.m. Tickets are available at BrownPaperTickets.com at a special 2 for $11 price. Regularly priced tickets at the door will be subject to availability.
Free car seat inspections
Four out of five care seats are used incorrectly, according to experts. Make sure yours is correct, with help from the Meridian Fire Department from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, February 15. The car seat checkup is free, but interested parents must call 208-888-1234 to schedule an appointment.
Nampa Public Library Family Programs
Nampa Public Library holds many kid- and family-friendly programs. For instance, here are some of the library’s family programs for February: Petco animal visit, 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, February 15; Chinese New Year, 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, February 16; Right on Target, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 17; Tech Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 24; and Babby Farms’ exotic animal visit, 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 28. The library also hosts storytime programs, teen and tween programs, and the following clubs: The Club, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 7 and 21; Robot Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 14; and Lego Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 27. For more information, go to nampalibrary.org.
Continued on pg. 22
Alexis Cole on Valentine’s Day
Spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart at the Nampa Civic Center, listening to the jazz stylings of Alexis Cole at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday,
Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 21
CALENDAR of Events
Idaho City Chili Cook-Off
The annual Idaho City Chili Cook-Off is set for Saturday, February 17. For more information as it becomes available, go to idahocitychamber.org.
Refuge Star Party
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge invites families to come to the Refuge Visitor Center for an evening with the stars from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17. There will be activities for the whole family, including the College of Idaho’s StarLab, star stories, crafts, meet a live owl, and an hour of stargazing with the Boise Astronomical Society. The free event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 208-467-9278.
Model Train Show
The “Lookout Junction” model train show will be held from noon to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, February 17, at the Library! at Cole & Ustick. A hands-on kids’ operating layout will be featured, along with vintage trains and information on all aspects of model railroading. The event is free. (The model train program is ongoing at the library.)
Watershed Weekend Programs
Individuals and families may drop in to the Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center and explore the free exhibit hall and exterior River Campus during business hours without reservations. The WaterShed, located at 11818 W. Joplin Rd., also offers free ongoing weekend programs for people of all ages on the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program on February 18 is “Our Prehistoric Watershed.” Meet local paleontologists and geologists to learn about Idaho’s past — including volcanoes, prehistoric horses and sharks. See fossil replicas, like the Buzzsaw shark, make and take a fossil cast and dig for bones in a sandbox. For descriptions of lessons and tours, visit www. BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org.
cont.
Our Whole Lives – Adolescent Sexuality
In a caring, compassionate environment, Our Whole Lives helps adolescents in the 7th – 9th grades address their attitudes, values and feelings about themselves, their sexuality and the world around them. By providing accurate, comprehensive, age-appropriate information in the context of values and personal responsibility, youth develop the skills needed to make healthy choices for life. Our Whole Lives will be presented at Saint Luke’s February 19 – March 19. For more information and to register, call 208-367-3454 or visit saintalphonsus.org.
Symphonic Winds and All-Star High School Honor Band
This program, presented by the Department of Music at Boise State University, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 23, at the Morrrison Center. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, go to morrisoncenter.com.
Monster Jam 2018
Monster Trucks will be returning to the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa at 7 p.m. Friday, February 23, and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, February 24. For tickets or more information, go to fordidahocenter.com.
Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Winter Concert
This annual program will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 24, at the Morrison Center. For tickets, visit the Boise Philharmonic website or call 208-344-7849.
Grand Opening Roller Skating
Treasure Valley Skate and Fun Center will hold a grand opening, beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at 4712 W. State St. in the Collister Center. Go to http://treasurevalleyskate.com/ events/.
Ballet Idaho’s Spring Fashion Show
Ballet dancers model handpicked fashions for an evening of elegant style, a silent auction, and dance performances on the runway from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, 501 S. 8th St. in downtown Boise. Go to balletidaho.org for ticket and other information.
Rockin’ Road to Dublin
The Nampa Civic Center will present Rockin’ Road to Dublin, which combines rock and Irish dance, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 1 and 2. For more information, go to nampaciviccenter.com.
Science with Style Gala
Celebrate the Discovery Center of Idaho’s 30th anniversary at the 2018 Science with Style Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 2, at Chateau des Fleurs, 176 S. Rosebud Ln. in Eagle. The adults-
22 FEBRUARY 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine
only event will feature a catered 3-course dinner, drinks, games and demonstrations, silent and live auctions, and more. Retro-futurism themed attire is encouraged by the organizers. For ticket and other information, go to dcidaho.org.
BCT Children’s Reading Series
The Children’s Reading Series at Boise Contemporary Theater will feature the story “Lifeboat” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Filled with ethical dilemmas, “Lifeboat” will absorb children into its wartime setting and fast-paced plot. All stories in the series are recommended for ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Cookies and milk are served with each performance. Tickets are available at bctheater.org or by calling the BCT Box Office at 208-331-9224.
“Willy Wonka Jr.”
Treasure Valley Children’s Theater, the Meridian Arts Commission, Mountain America Credit Union, and The Village at Meridian will present performances of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” at the Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 W. 8th St., at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10. General admission tickets are $8 for adults 19 and up, $6 for youth 3-18, and free for younger children. Tickets will be available at the door or online at treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com.
Spring Sports Madness for Moms and Sons
Nampa Recreation Center will hold is 5th Annual Spring Sports Madness for Moms and Sons ages 3-13 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 10. There will be fun games, basketball, dodgeball, pizza, a photo booth, and more. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org for more information.
YMCA St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run
The YMCA St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run for all ages is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at the Julia Davis Park band shell. There will be a Leprechaun Loop, a 5K course, and a 5-mile course. Awards will be given to the five bestdressed leprechauns and “green runners.” Postrace munchies will be provided by the Treasure Valley Dietitians. For more information, or to register, go to ymcatvidaho.org.
Garden Green-Up for Youth
Preschoolers will get the chance to learn and explore what’s about to happen in the garden in the months ahead at a program from 9 a.m. to noon March 20-22, at Boise Urban Garden School, 2995 N. Five Mile Rd. The three-day program will use a combination of exploration, crafts and stories to instruct children on what exactly happens to the plants over the winter and how the garden will transform over the spring months. Cost is $52.50. For more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org, call 208-376-3006, or email bugs@cityofboise.org.
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2018 Spring Break Camps Below are listed a number of spring break camp options for kids. Other activities are available at libraries and community centers in the valley. If your family isn’t planning a spring break vacation, make sure your children avail themselves of local activities for learning and fun. The camps below fill up fast, so don’t delay in getting a spot for your child.
BAM Media Madness
Boise Art Museum will hold its annual spring break camps for kids ages 6-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26-30. Students may select from a variety of day camps designed to focus on one medium each day. Camp participants will spend time in the galleries and the studios. You may sign up for a single day camp or for the full week. The schedule includes: Monday, painting; Tuesday, drawing; Wednesday, sculpting; Thursday, printmaking; and Friday, collaging. Costs include: individual day, $35 for members and $40 for non-members; the full week, $160 for members and $190 for non-members. Advance registration is required. Go to www.boiseartmuseum.org for details.
Boise Contemporary Theater
BCT offers two fun options for Spring Break Theater Camp. One is for 6- to 9-year-olds, and the other is for 9- to 12-year-olds. (If your child is 9, you may decide if they’d be happier with the younger or older group.) The campers will join with other like-minded kids and collaboratively conceive, write, design and perform a brand new, 10-minute play in one week. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, March 26-30. Cost is $250; financial aid is available. For more information or to register, go to http:// bctheater.org/youth/education/spring-break/. Registration must be completed by March 19.
Boise Parks & Recreation
Boise Parks & Recreation will hold a number of spring break camps March 26-30, including Mountain Discovery...in the Snow, Rec ‘Em, Rock Climbing Camp, Bogus Basin Ski & Snowboard Camp, Youth Mountain Biking-Rocket Riders Camp, and Spring Break Golf Camp (see below). For more information, go to parks.cityofboise.org or call 208-608-7680.
Boise WaterShed
The Boise WaterShed will hold a free Spring Break Drop-In Program, STREAM at the WaterShed, March 26-30. Each day from 10 a.m. to noon, kids are invited to participate in hands-on STREAM activities in the exhibit hall at the WaterShed. For more information, visit http://bee.cityofboise.org/ watershed.
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Idaho IceWorld
Treasure Valley YMCA
Meridian Parks & Recreation
Zoo Boise
It’s Great to Skate Spring Break Camp will be held March 26-30 at Idaho IceWorld. Also, a Spring Break Hockey Camp will be held the same week. The hockey camp will include a 60-minute off-ice session and a 60-minute on-ice session. Players will work on agility, speed, and strength, along with other skills. For more information about either camp, visit idahoiceworld.com. Kids ages 6-11 may enjoy a week of supervised fun, friendship and adventure March 26-30 at Mer-IDA-Moo Spring Break Camp in Meridian. Activities will include arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, reading time, science projects and field trips. Camp will take place at the Meridian Community Center, 201 E. Idaho Ave. in downtown Meridian. There are full-day and halfday options as follows: • Full day: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., $99 • Half day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $79 For additional information and registration instructions, go to meridiancity.org/activityguide or call 208-888-3579.
Boise Little Theater and Treasure Valley Children’s Theater A spring break camp for kids interested in acting will be held March 26-30. For more information as it becomes available, go to boiselittletheater.org or call 208-342-5104, or go to treasurevalleychildrenstheater. com, call 208-287-8824, or email info@ treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com.
The Treasure Valley YMCA invites youngsters to come find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and make lasting memories during the Y’s Spring Break Day Camps March 26-30. Camp topics include STEM, swimming, sports and more. For more information or to register, go to ymcatvidaho.org/programs/youth-programs/ spring-break-day-camps. Zoo Boise will hold spring break youth camps March 26-30. Cost per person per series is $190 for Friends of Zoo Boise and City of Boise residents and $215 for non-residents. Camps will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Go to zooboise. org for more information or to register. This year’s topics are: • Wild by Design (grades 2-6) Participants will spend the week learning about behavior-based husbandry and designed spaces that benefit animals, their keepers, and zoo visitors, all in a way that gives back to nature. The week will include an opportunity for youngsters to try planning a zoo, as well as behind the scenes tours, crafts, and other fun activities. • Zoo Careers (grades 7-10) Participants will be informed about all the skills necessary in running a zoo — everything from fundraising to graphic design to architecture and more. Wildlife conservation and animal care will also be discussed, enabling any youngster potentially interested in a zoo career to explore all the options and how to pursue them.
Spring Break Golf Camp
This camp for youngsters ages 7-15 will be held during the week of March 26 at Warm Springs Golf Course. The camp will focus on all aspects of the golf game and teach each youngster to be able to play a round of golf on their own. It will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all skill levels are welcome to participate. Camp will also include breaks for movies and downtime. Each student is responsible for their lunch each day and should dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Cost is $250 per participant. Call the Warm Springs Pro-Shop at 208-343-5661 to sign up.
Idaho Family Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018 23
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