Idaho Family May/June 2021 by Idaho Family Magazine

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May/June 2021

KART RACING A family affair

HOME ALONE

RELATIVES AS PARENTS

Is your child ready?

A special Idaho group

STORE TANTRUMS Ways to avoid them

Folk dancer Jenna Lopez performs a Mexican dance in a traditional costume from the State of Jalisco, Mexico, Idaho’s sister state

Contents

Features

Volume 9, Number 3 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff Adrianne@globalpsd.com

May/June 2021

Kart racing A family affair

Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043

Idaho Relatives as Parents

I da ho Rela tives as Pa rents

14 Home alone

Is your kid ready?

K i nship C are & F amily S u pport Gr oup

Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com

Serving Boise & Surrounding Areas

Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans

Real Families

Family helping family

Contributors Luke Erickson, Cara Johnson-Bader, Dennis Lopez, Sarah Lyons

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 2021 by Gem Production Co., LLC.

12 Real Money, Career choices

Cover Photo Dennis Lopez Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com

Columns

1st Monday & 3rd Thursday 6:30pm to 8:30pm

For location and additional information contact: IRAPTRVY@gmail.com

Dermatology update

Helpful hacks

In Each Edition

Mohs Surgery and more Stop or lessen tantrums

10 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.

2 MAY/JUN 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine

FREE

May/June 2021

KART RACING A family affair

RELATIVE S AS PARE NTS

A special Idaho grou p

STORE TANTRU M

Ways to avoid them

HOME ALONE Is your child read y?

Folk dance r Jenna Lopez Mexican performs dance in a traditional a from the costume State of Jalisc o, Mexico, Idaho’s sister state

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

GO KART RACING

The right sport for Kuna’s Ford family By Dennis Lopez

his story began because of a torn sleeve. It was a 2020, pandemic summer afternoon and I was shooting photos at the Glenn Morgan Raceway near Star, Idaho. The karts were colorful, the action fast and gave me a chance to work on my motorsports photo skills. Using a telephoto lens, I could pick out individual drivers to follow. That’s how I first saw the tear, and ultimately, how I met the kart racing Ford family from Kuna. The kid at the wheel was driving well, but unlike most of the other drivers and their karts, there was something different about Number Seven. The graphics on the kart were tattered, the numbers faded and the driver’s little racing suit had a visible tear on the right sleeve. It seemed to me that this was a racer with a lot of heart, but a limited budget. I wanted to learn more. It was easy to spot the kid’s grandparents sitting trackside; the couple cheered and waved when Number Seven went by. “Would you like some photos of Number Seven?” I volunteered. “Sure.” And with that brief exchange, I began to learn more about the driver. The driver was then 10-year-old Charley Ford. Later, through emails, I met her dad, Chris Ford, and ultimately the rest of the Ford clan: mother Jamie and youngest son Cam. Chris Ford is no stranger to motorsports; he has raced a variety of cars from bone-stock “bombers” at Meridian Speedway to open-wheel midgets in the Midwest. So when in the course of his work as a Treasure Valley property maintenance technician, he came across a pair of inexpensive-but-neglected go karts, it seemed only natural to buy them for his kids. “It took a while but we were able to make one kart from parts of both,” he remembers. “Our first race was a bit scary. The first time out, the throttle stuck on Charley’s kart and suddenly she was going flat out. She got it under control with the brakes and shut it off with the kill switch without incident.

She got right back in the kart as though nothing had happened.” From that somewhat dubious start, the Fords gained knowledge of both driving and building go karts, in part with the help of the local go karting community. “I can’t say enough about all of the help we have had along the way,” Chris recounts. “People in the karting community are generous with their time and experience. They are there to help anyone who needs it.” He also greatly credits his wife, Jamie, in helping with the formation and growth of the family’s karting efforts. “We could not have done this without her help,” he says. “She has supported and trusted us to be financially prudent, safe, and have fun, without really knowing a lot about the sport.” To some parents, the idea of their child competing in motorsports may seem dangerous or questionable at best; however, Chris Ford believes it is a family sport that provides valuable, quality time with his children. He says the time they spend working on karts each week or time at the race track is time that he knows where his kids are Continued on Page 9

While taking photos at Glenn Morgan Raceway near Star last summer, Dennis Lopez spotted racer Number 7 through his camera lens. Charley Ford, then 10 years old, whizzed around the track in her humble racing outfit, steering her ordinary kart. Eventually, the photographer met her and other members of the Ford family and learned about their enthusiasm for kart racing. (Photo by Dennis Lopez) www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 3

IDAHO RELATIVES AS PARENTS

Helping those who are helping family

By Gaye Bunderson

reviously in the Treasure Valley • Papa John’s contributed pizzas. there existed a support group called • Jump Time allowed the kids to Grandparents as Parents. It actually come in and enjoy its amenities for still exists, but it now operates under free. a different name: Idaho Relatives as Parents. • Churches stepped up in any Current secretary of IRAP, Charlye Hahn, way they were needed. Through explained a number of people were not churches, Christmas gifts were given getting the support they needed because, even to 80 children last year, while at the though they had taken in relatives’ children, same time, an area philanthropic they weren’t the children’s grandparents. group provided dinner for all the Sometimes they were aunts, uncles, and families. others. • A church women’s group gave an Charlye, along with her husband, took in individual who had taken in her her twin great niece and nephew – Austin five grandchildren donations of Tammy Creswell has been looking after and Aubrea – when they were 3½ and their household cleaning items, gifts, and a her granddaughter, Paisley Turner, since mother left them in favor of the lure of drugs; new microwave to replace her the child was 4 years old. Said Tammy: they are now 22 and doing quite well, thanks broken one. “We lost her mother (my daughter) 3½ to the Hahns. • Another area charitable years ago. Paisley is such a treasure and But Charlye (pronounced ‘Charley’) organization provided gift cards we love her dearly and we had a blast at Jump Time that day.” Jump Time admits her first reaction to taking in two very to 35 families. allowed members of Idaho Relatives as young children was not in the affirmative. “I • The Wardrobe supplied quality Parents to come and enjoy its amenities originally said no,” she admitted, “because I clothing to all the foster youth. for free. (Courtesy photo) have four grandchildren older than the twins.” In all, IRAP helped 35 families Her own biological children had grown with all kinds of needs in December up, meaning she would have to backtrack of 2020. The numbers fluctuate considerably on rearing toddlers. Plus, Austin was non-verbal from month to month, but the need is significant. Charlye said and remained that way by at least age 4½. It wouldn’t be an unapologetically, “I want donors. I want more businesses to exercise in merely raising the kids but also giving extra special come on board. I’d like an email list I could use, so if there is a attention to Austin to help him acquire speaking skills. But her need I could reach out to someone who has volunteered and is heart soon motivated her to respond with a yes. The kids came able to help. to live with Charlye and her husband, and the Hahns became “We have a fantastic support group, but Covid put a damper what are called “kinship providers”. Ultimately, they adopted the on our forward momentum.” twins. IRAP has a board. Officers include: Mike Ball, facilitator; Toni Charlye has been involved with IRAP for about 6 to 7 years. Jones, co-facilitator; Sheila Myers, treasurer; and Charlye in her The non-profit changed its name in 2014 to accommodate role as secretary, at present. All the board members have served relatives other than grandparents who were taking in the kids of in the relative-as-parent role. The non-profit also has an advisory other family members, whether through the death of the parents board. or dereliction of parental duty by the children’s father, mother or IRAP maintains a private Facebook account; to access it, both. interested people may email IRAPTRVY@gmail.com to get a “Cousins have taken in cousins’ kids,” Charlye said. link to the account. Information may also be obtained through Child Protective Services is sometimes involved in the extended Idaho CareLine 2-1-1. Go online to 211.idaho.gov and read family arrangements, but frequently it is not. However, the the following about IRAP: “Idaho Relatives as Parents is a children are legally considered foster children until and unless an community of grandparents and other family members who are adoption takes place, even though they’re living with relatives. raising a relative’s child. ... If you are one of the 10,000 kinship The caregivers are eligible for $309 a month through a relative care providers in Idaho, you are not alone and there is support grant fund from the state – and that’s the standard amount no available for you in the community.” matter how many kids have been taken in. “It doesn’t go far,” “Come to a meeting and there’s no judgment,” Charlye said. Charlye said. “We welcome any person with open arms. It’s one safe place that Some businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals have you can feel comfortable in. We always have Kleenex. Tears are pitched in in various ways. To name a few*: okay – happy tears or sad tears. We support and cry with one another.”

4 MAY/JUN 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

She said some people have no pity for grandparents and others taking in family members. They say, “You chose to do it,” to which Charlye replies, “Yeah, they did. But those of us in IRAP get it. We know what they’re going through.” She said another area of contention with people who haven’t walked in their shoes is this attitude: “Why should you parent your grandchildren when you did such a poor job raising your own children? If you’d done better, your son or daughter wouldn’t be on drugs or in jail and they’d be taking care of their own offspring rather than you doing it.” One of the best things a person can be at an IRAP meeting is understood rather than judged. Members have fixed meals and taken them to fellow IRAP’ers who needed them; they’ve given extra beds or dressers, or sat with the kids while the adults had a Date Night. Charlye wants to publicize the non-profit more and has undertaken an IRAP rack project to put cards about the support group in dentists’ and doctors’ offices; and she’s ready to tell fellow

members to put the cards everywhere they go. “I believe people will step up if they know what the needs are,” she said. Regarding taking in the twins, she said: “It was a ministry. I could teach the children, or the children could teach me. And the children taught me things, like patience or a new parenting skill.” A relative-as-parent can’t always use the same set of parenting skills on the newcomers as they did on their own kids. It’s a different paradigm, and different kids. “You have to stretch and find other ways because there’s more than one way.” Even as she was taking care of her great niece and nephew, she was learning and growing too, sometimes realizing, “The lesson is not for the child. It’s for me.” To learn more about IRAP, go to Facebook or contact Charlye Hahn at harlyehahn@teachers.org.

*Many other churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals pitched in to help out Idaho Relatives as Parents during Christmas 2020. Many will be needed this year also, as well as throughout the year. Contact Charlye if you want to help out.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 5

DERMATOLOGY UPDATE

Skin cancer, Mohs Surgery, and tanning beds By Shawna Beechinor, PA-C

NOTE: According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and women age 49 and under are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer except breast and thyroid cancers. Shawna Beechinor, PA-C, a Board-Certified Physician Assistant, sat down with us to talk about skin cancer, skin surgery, indoor tanning, cosmetics, and her favorite ways to help prevent skin cancer, including her favorite sunscreens. (Sponsored content by Dermatology Clinic of Idaho.)

Q. What skin cancer tips do you share most often? A. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. Be aware of new skin growths or a change in a mole and remember that while exposure to UV radiation is the No. 1 risk factor for developing skin cancer, it can also affect areas of the skin not exposed to sun. Finally, if you have a wound that won’t heal, have it examined by a doctor. This type of lesion Shawna Beechinor is generally considered skin cancer until Q. The people of Boise love outdoor proven otherwise. activities. What can we do to help lower our skin cancer risk? Q. Talk to us about tanning beds. A. One of the best ways to help lower your risk is to avoid A. Just one indoor tanning session can increase the user’s the factors that can cause skin cancer, the greatest of which risk of developing melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. For example, try to avoid and basal cell carcinoma. As of 2014, the Food and Drug outdoor activities when the UV rays are their strongest, Administration (FDA) advised that indoor tanning beds and usually from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors, sun lamps emitting ultraviolet radiation must carry a visible use a combination of clothing, wide-brim hats, broadblack-box warning indicating no one should use them under spectrum sunscreen, and lip balm to protect your skin. For 18 due to increased risk of skin cancer. Many countries now the most complete coverage against the sun’s rays, longsleeve, and long-pant sun-protective clothing with Ultraviolet ban minors from the use of indoor tanning beds, and Brazil became the first country to declare a population-wide ban in Protection Factor (UPF) of 30 or higher can protect against 2002. UVA and UVB rays. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and A tan may make you feel like you have a healthy glow, but lip balm with 30 SPF or higher. And don’t forget your eyes! your skin is damaged by UV rays every time you tan. A tan Sunglasses can block 99-100% of UV light, so look for labels is a visible sign of that injury. As the damage builds, you like “100% protection against both UVA and UVB” or accelerate your skin’s aging and your risk for all types of skin “100% protection against UV400.” cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest form of

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skin cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Idaho is one of five U.S. states with the highest skin cancer rates. Our state bans indoor tanning beds for anyone younger than 13 years old and requires in-person parental consent or a doctor’s prescription for minors aged 14 to 17 years old. So, I encourage banning the tan and growing the glow with sunless tanning products. Q. Tell us about your favorite sunscreens. A. There are two types of sunscreen – physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens may also be referred to as mineral or natural sunscreens and contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These types of sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect UV rays, which means they protect against UVA and UVB as soon as they are applied. While physical sunscreens offer the best protection, they are known to cause a chalky-white residue. Nowadays many mineral-based sunscreens are light, easy to apply, and come in various tints to match your skin tone. I prefer mineral-based sunscreens like Elta® MD’s tinted sunscreen, which I use every morning. Chemical sunscreens work by creating a chemical reaction that changes UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreens can often be easier to apply, especially in spray-on form. Whichever type you choose, the best sunscreen for you is the one that you will use routinely. As you search for your perfect sunscreen, be sure to check the label for the following information:

• Broad-spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays) • SPF of at least 30 or higher • Fragrance-free • Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) • Oil-free Q. How is skin cancer diagnosed? Discuss the process and expectations for skin cancer treatment. A. To diagnose skin cancer, a biopsy must be taken and evaluated by a dermatopathologist. The type of skin cancer, and whether it has been detected early or late, will determine the type of surgery required to remove it. If the skin cancer involves sites that do not have much redundant skin, such as the face, hands, and feet, a skin-sparing procedure known as Mohs Micrographic Surgery is often the treatment of choice. This outpatient procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia, is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the precision technique in the 1930s. When using the Mohs technique, the skin cancer is removed using a scalpel, then immediately evaluated under a microscope to determine whether the excision was successful. This process continues, layer by layer, until the cancer is completely removed. If Mohs Surgery is not required, a simple surgical excision will be performed. Regardless of technique, a patient who has had one skin cancer removed is at risk for developing another. Follow-up exams will be required every 6 to 12 months to keep a close eye on the skin. Continued on Page 15

Dermatology Clinic of Idaho is Treasure Valley’s go-to medical practice for trusted skin care and top-notch patient care. Get to know their team by following them on social media and book consultations online at IdahoDerm.com or call 208.376.4265.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 7

HELPFUL HACKS

How to deal with kids’ temper tantrums By Cara Johnson-Bader

has plenty of sleep, has been fed, and you are hy is it always in the middle of both ready for the adventure before you. a grocery store that your child 1. Set expectations with your child – decides to enter a power struggle Make sure you and your child are on the with you? All because he wants same page, such as, “We are going to the birthday cake when it is not his birthday, or a grocery store to get food for our family. candy bar, or a LEGO set, or _________ When we get home we can snuggle in our (fill in what triggers your little one to meltdown fort and read stories with a flashlight.” at a store)! This will help your child have something to As a parent, these moments are stressful and look forward to, as quality time with you is embarrassing, and often tricky to navigate. Cara Johnson-Bader always a preferred event. Please know that you are not alone. In a recent 2. Manage your emotions – How you react during a study, families shared that managing their child when she temper tantrum can either calm the situation or worsen misbehaves is one of their top struggles as a parent. While it. Research tells us that when parents react harshly, I wish I had and could share a magic wand that magically children become more upset, hurt, and scared. It is makes all temper tantrums end, I do have a few tips to help more difficult for them to calm down. Your reaction you navigate and defuse these tricky moments. sets the tone for how your child will respond during a Check your expectations – Make sure your expectation temper tantrum. for your child is realistic. Bringing an overtired two-year-old 3. Talk about feelings – Recognizing and naming to the grocery store will most likely result in a meltdown or feelings is a wonderful way to help your child begin two. Before heading out for errands, ensure your little one managing his feelings in a well-balanced manner. Talk about feelings daily. As an example, say things like, “I see that you are feeling sad right now. How about a hug?” 4. Be a detective – Understanding why your child had a temper tantrum will help you figure out how to respond. Misbehavior is a child’s way of communicating and reaching out to you. You have a lot of practice in decoding your own feelings and have learned how to manage them, but your child is still learning how to deal with her feelings. Try taking a step back for a minute to see the situation from your child’s point of view. It is easier to respond to a temper tantrum in a calm and supportive manner when you understand what caused the reaction. Ask yourself what triggered the temper tantrum. Is your little one overtired, hungry, overstimulated? There may be simple things you can do help your child get her needs met. 5. Think of a temper tantrum as an opportunity – to listen to, care for, teach, and coach your child. You will find it easier to navigate a meltdown. Also, you will reinforce positive behavior patterns, enhance your communication with your child, and experience fewer meltdowns at the grocery store. Cara Johnson-Bader is the Vice President of Marketing and Parent Experiences at New Horizon Academy and mother of two young boys. Learn more about New Horizon Academy at newhorizonacademy.net. 8 MAY/JUN 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine

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and what they are doing. “And they are doing something they like. The neatest part about racing is that unlike many sports, you don’t wait to be called off the bench by the coach. You just do it. In a lot of ways, you are competing with yourself to make the next lap faster or to find a way to [mechanically] make the kart faster. You’re in control.” For 11-year-old Charley Ford, racing is at the top of a very crowded list of interests that includes basketball, track, volleyball and dance. “I’m doing hip-hop now, but am going to start ballet soon,” she explains to me as she and her dad prepped her pink and teal kart for pre-race qualifying this spring. Yet for all of the activities in which she is engaged, it is her racing that sets her apart from her friends. “They really don’t know or understand what I do,” she says. “But most of them think it’s pretty cool.” She also talked a bit about any fears or concerns she had about racing. “It’s a little scary when people are close to you [on the track],” she admits. “I also worry about where other karts are on the track. But I’m not really afraid.” This summer also will mark the debut of 7-year-old Cam Ford into the world of racing.

“He has watched his sister race and now it’s his turn,” said his mother, Jamie. “He’s very excited about racing. I really think that what he and Charley are doing is pretty cool and I look forward to seeing them both race.” As for first-grader Cam, he sums up his entry into motorsports by simply saying that the best part of kart racing is “everything.” If there is any question about whether or not go kart racing is a family sport, it was perhaps answered by Charley when asked who were her heroes. Her answer was simple and unequivocal. “My dad, because of all he does.” For more information about the raceway where the Ford family enjoys kart racing, go to www.snakeriverkarters.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 9

CALENDAR of Events

MAY Area farmers markets

Beginning May, 2021

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

Free Round of Mini Golf for Moms

Farmers markets in the area are open. Don’t forget to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. For more information, go to: • Capital City Public Market in Boise: www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com • Eagle Saturday Market: https://www.cityofeagle.org/170/Eagle-Saturday-Market • Farm to Fork Farmers Market in Caldwell: https://www.indiancreekplaza. com/farm-to-fork-farmers-market-1 (see more information in this calendar) • Nampa Farmers Market: www.nampafarmersmarket.com

To mark Mother’s Day, moms will be given one free round of mini golf from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 9, at Wahooz. Take a shot at the new Cavern’s Mill Golf Course, with 18 challenging new holes.

Meridian Main Street Market

Foster care informational meetings

The Meridian Main Street Market opened April 17 and will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until October 12. It features local vendors, crafters, artists, bakers, youth entrepreneurs, non-profits, musicians, and food trucks. For more information, go to www.meridianmainstreetmarket.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MeridianMainStreetMarket.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2021 play schedule, which includes “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Henry V,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” and “Sleuth.” For more information, go to idahoshakespeare.org.

Roaring Springs Opening Weekend

Roaring Springs will kick off its summer season – weather permitting – from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9, with the new $1.3 million Snake River Run attraction. Roaring Springs will be open weekends starting May 8 and will open seven days a week starting May 29.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Zoo Boise will hold its annual Mother’s Day Brunch from 9 to 10 a.m. Sunday, May 9. Guests will be treated to a buffet breakfast (staff served), zookeeper talk, a special gift for all moms, and lots of time to explore the zoo. Reservations must be made by May 5. Go to https://zooboise.org/event/mothers-day-brunch-4/.

Explore the Refuge

The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit for some outdoor fun. People of all ages may utilize their natural curiosity to investigate nature and be outside. Take the whole family. The refuge is located at 13751 Upper Embankment Rd. in Nampa. Call 208-467-9278 or go to to fws.gov for more information. Foster parents are needed to provide a safe, temporary home for children and youth who are in foster care. Attending an informational meeting will give potential foster parents a basic understanding of who the children in foster care are, the roles and responsibilities of foster parents, and what’s needed to become licensed to foster. During an informational meeting, participants will hear from an experienced foster parent about the rewards and challenges of fostering, and will learn more about the background of some of the children and the length of time it will take to get a placement. The meetings are being held through Zoom, so anyone can join from the comfort of their own home. Meetings are sponsored by Fostering Idaho through the EWU-Family Resource and Training Center. Visit their website at https://familyrtc.org/fosteringidaho/events for the full calendar of upcoming meetings. If you have questions, contact Monique Layton, recruitment coordinator, at (208) 249-0180 or mlayton4@ewu.edu.

Boise WaterShed online

The Boise WaterShed is offering a variety of online programming for people to connect, learn and engage during this challenging time. Whether you are looking for at-home activities, short informative videos, or information for lifelong learning, you may find it at https://bee.cityofboise.org/learn/watershed-at-home/. Also, continue to check out bee.cityofboise.org for updated information and activities throughout the current and coming months.

Boise Art Museum

Boise Art Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There is plenty of space for physical distancing and quiet contemplation at the museum. For the health and safety of visitors and staff, the BAM experience is now no-touch or low-touch, with enhanced disinfecting protocols throughout the building. The museum highly recommends purchasing tickets in advance online at http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/bam-admission-purchase/.

Discovery Center of Idaho n

in actio

at the Nampa Rec Center

SUMMER DAY CAMP Swimming • Rock Climbing • Court Games Crafts • Snacks • Activities and More! Full Day: Member $20, Non-Member $22.50 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 208-468-5858 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT NAMPARECCENTER.ORG

10 MAY/JUN 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine

The Discovery Center is open to the public for exploring. There are some important changes you should know before your visit, including: advanced tickets are required; hands-on exhibits have been removed for now and the Young Learner’s area is closed; masks are required for your entire visit; cards only please – no cash is accepted at this time. For times and other information, go to dcidaho.org.

BUGS Outdoor Field Schools

Youngsters are invited to Boise Urban Garden School to meet new friends and learn about the local environment. Programs will be held throughout spring and summer, including in May. This is a drop-off program. For more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org.

Cinco de Mayo at Indian Creek Plaza

Spicy food, energetic dancing, a burro and bands will highlight Cinco de Mayo at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. There will be taco trucks and delicious beverages. Go to indiancreekplaza.com for more information.

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Mother’s Day Vintage Market Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell transforms into a bountiful outdoor flea market with beautiful jewelry, gifts, antiques, and the perfect odds and ends for a Mother’s Day Vintage Market, set from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8. Go to indiancreekplaza.com for more information.

Western States Summer Miniature Horse Show The Western States Summer Miniature Horse Show is set for May 14-16 at Ford Idaho Horse Park. For more information about this and other events at the outdoor arena, go to www.fordidahocenter.com.

Farm to Fork Farmers’ Market Caldwell is home to one of Idaho’s most diverse crop base, and for generations families have produced award-winning fruits, vegetables, grains and spices – and, now, top notch wines. Get the freshest produce to create excellent meals at home or find the perfect gift from local craftsmen or specialty food producers. The Farm to Fork Farmers’ Market is held in conjunction with the Tuesdays on the Creek Concert Series from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays from May 18 to September 28 at Indian Creek Plaza. Go to indiancreekplaza.com for more information.

Gold panning for all ages Learn how to pan for gold with the Nampa Gold Prospectors from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise. Panning is scheduled in 30-minute increments and will take place outside the museum. The event is free for all ages, and there will be a learning packet for each child who attends. The gold panning is open to families and individuals – and you might strike it rich! Also, the museum will be open for people to see the interesting and beautiful exhibits that tell the story of Idaho. Covid guidelines will be in effect, so plan on wearing a mask. Pre-registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-event-gold-panningtickets-150400765739.

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JUNE Traveling Playground Nampa Parks & Recreation’s Traveling Playground will be out and about this summer from June 1 to August 12. Call (208) 468-5858 for more information, or visit nampaparks.org.

Silver Screen on the Green Nampa Parks & Recreation will offer free family movies at Optimist Park throughout the summer. Grab a blanket, lawn chair, family and friends and head to the park on Friday nights; movies start right at dusk. The season will kick off on Friday, June 4, with a showing of “The Trolls.” June 11 will feature “Spies in Disguise.” For more information and a list of movies, go to nampaparksandrecration.org or call 208-468-5858.

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Roaring Springs in Meridian will join the 12th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson to help spread the message “Swimming Lessons Save Lives” from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, June 17. Nearly 300,000 children and adults in 50 countries have participated in the event in the past 11 years. Sign up to participate locally at www.roaringsprings.com starting June 1.

Friday & Saturday Family Slide Nights Beginning on Friday, June 18, through Saturday, August 28, from 6 to 10 p.m., Roaring Springs will allow unlimited access to water attractions as the sun sets. Admission will be $20.99 + tax per person. For $5 off with a pop can, go to www.roaringsprings.com for more information.

Free Round of Mini Golf for Dads To mark Father’s Day, dads will be given one free round of mini golf from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at Wahooz. Take a shot at the new Cavern’s Mill Golf Course, with 18 challenging new holes.

Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 11

REAL MONEY, REAL FAMILIES

Some thoughts on making career choices

By Luke Erickson

hat do you want to be really “need” the paycheck. Hyatt would call these the when you grow up?” distraction/disinterest zones where you might have It’s such a simple question, isn’t it? SOME passion or SOME skills in what you’re doing, We ask children this question; but you’re not often simultaneously passionate AND and yet, if we’re being honest, many of us proficient at what you’re doing. so-called adults are still trying to answer this And of course, that ever-elusive Group 3, those who question ourselves. manage to work for fun and would do the same work And it’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Many of us or something very similar even if they didn’t need the know what we’d like to do every day… We’d like paycheck. This is what Hyatt calls the “Desire Zone”, to sit on a beautiful remote beach somewhere, or where you love doing something and you’re also really enjoy a cruise, or a campground, or whatever your good at it. Good enough to make a decent living. Luke Erickson ultimate vacation and downtime may look like for you. So now for that humdinger of a question you knew was coming. Long-term retirement? Isn’t that the ultimate goal? To be able How close are you to this fabled group 3? Do you enjoy the to do whatever you want, when you want, with ne’er a concern majority of your waking hours? Or mostly just the weekends? for the company politics, or bosses, a paycheck, or what you In 2016 folks at CareerExplorer.com conducted a study collecting “should” be doing. over 500,000 samples of people in close to 700 career categories But ask any long-term retiree and most are not lounging and asked about their salary and happiness levels. From this data on beaches for years or sitting around doing nothing. That’s they were able to identify those jobs that tended to produce the because we all need a purpose in life and to feel like we’re making happiest and highest paid employees. progress on something or doing something worthwhile. That’s First, the happiest career categories were mostly “right brained”, where hobbies come in. Hobbies are actually work disguised as or rewarded based on creativity. These include video game creative something we “get” to do instead of something we “have” to do. director, music producer, motivational speaker, film director, singer, Jobs and hobbies. Two very different things, right? But both and others. Unfortunately, most of these career choices average work. Do you suppose it’s possible to have a job that pays you relatively low salary levels. enough to live AND actually be something that you “get” to do However, the highest paid, on average, tended to be doctors, instead of something you have to do? That’s the sweet spot, isn’t surgeons and other health related careers. it? The elusive holy grail. Aligning our interests and motivations Now which categories produced both happy and high paid with a job that actually pays well. individuals? Interestingly, not all health related careers derived Do such jobs even exist? The interesting thing is that the answer the same level of happiness. For example, family practitioners, to this question is actually different for each of us. There are immunologist and pathologists tended to score only average some personalities for whom a day of tinkering with formulas on the happiness scale in spite of their generally high salaries, and numbers on a spreadsheet is fascinating and intrinsically while general surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists and rewarding, and yet, there are other people who would consider pediatricians scored high in both categories. Other fields, like pilots, this sheer and utter drudgery. So yes, for some of us these jobs CEOs, and motivational speakers also averaged high scores in both do exist. For others – i.e., those who can’t imagine spending their categories. time doing anything else but mastering the didgeridoo – a decent And jobs that tended to score lowest in both happiness and salary paying job that we truly enjoy might be a little harder to come by. level include janitors, telemarketers, cashiers, stock clerks, retail There are three basic categories that working adults fall salespeople, etc. Not shocking, right? into. Group 1 is the category where our interests and work are So, what is the takeaway from this data? Here are mine. mutually exclusive. Work time is necessary in order to provide First, everyone is different. For example, attorneys don’t generally support for the things we actually want to do. This is the category score high on the happiness scale, but they do score high on the where people really do not enjoy their jobs, are not interested salary scale. It is likely that there are at least a few attorneys who or motivated by the work, and would not have anything to do genuinely enjoy their daily work for the sake of it, and not just for with their job except for the fact that it’s a paycheck. This is the the salary. So it’s still possible to find that balance of happiness and category referred to by Michael Hyatt, author of bestseller Free to salary in this career field; it’s just statistically harder. Focus, as the “drudgery zone.” It’s a way to make a living, but not Next, it’s never too late to consider a career change for yourself. a fun way to live life. Yes you may be in the middle of a career that you spent years and Group 2 is the category that the majority of folks fall into. endless tuition dollars pursuing only to find the happiness or salary Those in this group enjoy their jobs well enough, it’s not ALL or both isn’t nearly what you expected. Should you suck it up and drudgery. BUT there are definitely more than a handful of things stay? Maybe. Or make a huge career and lifestyle change? Maybe. they might change if they were independently wealthy and didn’t OR possibly consider something in between? A lateral company

“

12 MAY/JUN 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine

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move, or a small side-hustle that you really love and don’t do for the money, but could possibly turn into something bigger in 5 or 10 years. Last, no one really sat me down as a kid and talked through this idea of balancing happiness with salary when choosing my career field. I was encouraged by my parents and guidance counselors to identify what interested me and what I was good at. And this was helpful advice, but I still found myself floundering in college for a long time because the truth is that I was interested and semiskilled in a bunch of different things. Perhaps that’s the way it needs to be. For some of us, you can’t really identify what you enjoy until you’ve first tried a few things that you DON’T enjoy! But armed with a little bit of data on career fields that tend to produce happier, better paid people, I might have been able to short track the system a bit. The lesson is, don’t be afraid to have some conversations with your kids. You may not be able to completely circumvent their need for trial and error in choosing their path forward, but then again, a little time spent discussing the importance of balancing happiness and salary has the potential to save years of effort and thousands of dollars. Perhaps it’s worth a conversation or two.

Luke Erickson, Ph.D., AFC®, REALTOR® is an associate professor of personal finance for the University of Idaho. He lives and works in the Treasure Valley. Luke and his wife Rachel have been married for 16 years and live in Meridian, Idaho with their four energetic children. Got questions or comments about kids and money? Email them to erickson@ uidaho.edu and he’ll respond in future articles.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 13

THAT BIG STEP

Is your child ready to stay home alone? By Sarah Lyons

iving kids the responsibility to stay home alone can be a positive and confidence building experience, a rite of passage. Every parent will reach the point where they are faced with the decision over whether or not their child is ready to stay home alone. How do you know they are ready? Children must have the skills and maturity to handle being on their own safely. There is no magical age that determines a child is ready to be home alone, but kids who are ready show the following signs: • Desires to stay home alone and is not fearful being alone in the home • Exhibits good decision-making • Shows that he is aware of others and his surroundings • Proves herself to be responsible and trustworthy • Knows home address and phone number as well as how to get in touch with parents • Can make a snack for themselves • Knows how to use a phone, call a neighbor for help, and dial 911

• Follows simple rules and instructions • Knows basic first aid Leaving kids home alone for the first time is a big step. Even if kids are not planning to babysit, consider enrolling them in a babysitting class because the skills taught there can be very useful for kids who are beginning to stay home alone. If you believe your child is ready, how can parents prepare them for success? Go over the rules – Are friends allowed to come over? Is the child allowed to leave the house? Are there cable channels the child is not permitted to watch? Go over these and any other family rules and make it clear that your child understands. Discuss possible situations – If someone comes to the door, what is the child to do? If the phone rings, is the child to answer? How will they respond if someone asks to speak to the parent? “She is busy right now. Can I take a message?” is a good response. Kitchen safety – Make sure the child knows how to use kitchen appliances and tools and discuss what they are allowed to make in the kitchen. Only cold snacks? Can they use the microwave? Emergency preparedness – Does your child know what to do in case of smoke or a fire? What should he do if there are severe storms? Does she know basic first aid? Post emergency phone numbers and contact information so your child has them in case of an emergency. Discuss who to contact if parents are unreachable (a neighbor, family member or friend). Create a list of “Dos” and “Don’ts” – Don’t play with matches or lighters. Don’t let anyone in the house. Don’t leave the house, except in an emergency situation. Do call and check in when you get home from school. Do work on homework and chores. Each family is different and will have its own list of what is expected. Role play – Act out different scenarios that may arise. Pretend that the child needs to reach you; what will they do? How would they call 911? What would they do in case of a fire? Pretend the phone rings; how will they answer? By walking through different situations, kids will be better prepared if the unexpected happens. Start slow – Begin by leaving the child for a short 1530 minutes at a time and slowly increase. Talk about any questions or problems that may have arisen. Ask your child about their feelings when home alone. If the child is fearful, they may not be ready to be on their own. Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer living in the Midwest.

14 MAY/JUN 2021 | Idaho Family Magazine

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DERMATOLOGY UPDATE — Continued from Page 7 Q. Tell us about cosmetic fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic. When should someone consider getting them, and what they should expect? A. BOTOX is an injectable medication used to temporarily relax the muscles that cause frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. You may see results as early as 24-48 hours, but its full effect will not be evident for up to 14 days. Because everyone’s skin is different, the choice for starting BOTOX is often personal and based on the depth of wrinkling. It is not unusual for people to start BOTOX in their early 30s. To achieve the best results, BOTOX should be injected every three months initially. Over time, injection intervals may increase. Dermal fillers are materials injected beneath your skin and used to help smooth skin and wrinkles and replace volume loss that occurs with aging. There are multiple categories of fillers, and most of them are temporary, with results that last six months to two years. Q. What do you think about the lip-flip BOTOX® procedure vs. cosmetic fillers? A. The “lip-flip” procedure is performed using a few small injections of BOTOX just above the upper lip. This relaxes the muscle that encircles the mouth and allows the upper lip to roll upward, giving the appearance of a plumper upper lip. While dermal fillers may also be used to plump the lips, some patients prefer the more subtle results offered by BOTOX.

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Shawna Beechinor received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Utah and her Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude at Boise State University. After receiving her PA degree, she began her career in interventional radiology in Boise. She then went on to work in dermatology for approximately four years in Nampa, before joining the Dermatology Clinic of Idaho this spring.

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Idaho Family Magazine | MAY/JUN 2021 15

Idaho Family May/June 2021

Articles inside

Helpful hacks

Idaho Relatives as Parents

Dermatology update

Home alone

Kart racing