Little Ones Magazine Nov 2011-Jan 2012 by idesign2inc

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November 2011 - Januar y 2012

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Why choose Primrose ? ®

Just ask a mom. an educator, I know what my children need “inAsorder to be ready when they leave Primrose. My son, who attended Pre-K at Primrose, was

”

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Primrose parents rated their children above 90% in school readiness factors Primrose students show 1.3 times more yearly growth than their peers Assessment shows Primrose students perform at about twice the level of their peers

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Homegrown Hometown It’s no wonder Baxter feels homegrown. It was built on family land, with deep roots in Fort Mill that go back for generations. Its inspiration came from America’s small town past. Evidence of this is found everywhere in Baxter; a Village Green, a YMCA, parks, trails, festivals galore, and a Town Center filled with friendly local merchants. Baxter even has an elementary school and public library right in the neighborhood. But it’s the spirit of Baxter and our strong sense of community that make Baxter a real hometown. Make it yours. Visit us today; in person or online.

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Don’t Miss the 6th Annual Fall Fest and Market Day in Baxter Town Center. Fun for the whole family.

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contents 24 52

features Great Gifts You Can Make and Give . .16 By Alyce Christensen Present your friends and family with treats you can produce. Dig In! The Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . .24 By Kiran Dodeja Smith Good eats, meal deals and eating etiquette. Get your food on here. Conquer the Clutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 By Kathy Brown Paper piles and stashed trash be gone! It’s time to get organized. Parenting Children with Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 By Kiran Dodeja Smith Local families share how they coped when life handed them the unexpected.

departments Products to Please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Great gifts and where to get them. Sweater Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Haute looks for the cool season. DJ Dad: Matt Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Recipe for Success: will they turn out OK in the end?

Carolina Cuties! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Starring local little ones, as themselves …

Party Like a Rock Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 By Kiran Dodeja Smith Celebrating another year is even more special for this little girl with a Mitochondrial Disease. Ask the Therapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC Parenting a special-needs child is challenging. Acknowledge your other child’s feelings with help from our resident therapist. Destination: Boone & Blowing Rock . .70 By Kathy Brown Make some unforgettable mountain memories with your crew this winter.

cover: Our adorable cover cutie is 5-yearold Arianna Wilson of Matthews. Ari loves singing, dancing and coloring, but most enjoys being a big sister to her twin siblings, Aiden and Avery. Her dream is to be a princess superhero when she grows up. In the meantime, she makes a great subject for her talented photographing mom, Adeana, who snapped the cover photo. Cover photo by: Bloom, Blush, Blink Photography

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from the publishers . . Volume 6: Issue 28

Photography by Chanda Women today are notorious for trying to take on too much. Moms and non-moms feel both the possibility and pressure to do it all … and strive to make it happen. The often-referenced notion of that “plate” that holds one’s life’s doings has to have grown over the years. And yet, for many females, we keep challenging ourselves by piling onto that plate, making our responsibilities grow and grow. We’ll do this until we either crash and burn, or realize that our plate is too full. Such was the case for me – the second scenario, specifically. Sometime within the last few months, I had an epiphany: I was the one in the scenario mentioned above. I have a business, a husband, four little ones of my own and the desire to get some “me” time every so often. I now have two kids in school whose needs are growing … and they now know when I’m present and when I’m not. My one-word answers to them while typing on my computer no longer cut it for them; they crave my attention. And they deserve it. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I’m not able to give anything in my life 110%. And as a person who thrives on wanting to give my all, I was failing in my own eyes. It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter. Bidding farewell to our readers is something I knew would happen one day, but it certainly doesn’t make it any easier. For the past seven years, you’ve touched my life, many of you who wouldn’t even know it. I’ve thought of you as we planned our editorial calendars; I’ve strived to bring you the most up-and-coming articles and issues possible. I’ve learned from so many of you through your experiences that you’ve shared – from birthday parties to stories of loss. I’ve met wonderful business owners in our area with whom I’ve developed friendships, and I’ve even had random readers approach me in public places, all gestures that have warmed my heart. Change is never easy, and I, for one, am not a fan. But change is not necessarily a bad thing. The positive side of this change is that little ones magazine will go on. In fact, you’re going to see more of it! Starting in 2012, you can look forward to a bi-monthly magazine, offering more of what you love. My fellow mom, business partner and über-fabulous designer, Kerrie Boys, will remain. She is joined by a solid team that I feel confident will bring you a sound product, chock-full of the information you seek. I thank you for allowing me to share with you, for helping me have some of the most memorable years of my life. For this has been one of my most enjoyable experiences ever. But as a famous quote says, “The best chapter of your life has yet to be written.” Good things lie ahead for 2012. Let’s toast to change. Enjoy!

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Co-Publisher/Editor

Kiran Dodeja Smith Co-Publisher/Creative Director

Kerrie Boys Copy Editor

Kathy Brown Sales Manager

Sharon Simpson Sales Executives

Cindy Gleason Jennifer Hansell Terri Johnson Carole Lambert Kim Morton Trisha Robinson Staff Photographers

Photography by Chanda Contributing Writers Kathy Brown Alyce Christensen Matt Harris Keiran Llaneza, PA-C Arden McLaughlin Leslie Petruk MA, LPC, NCC

• • • • • • • • Contact Us: p: 704.677.9159 f: 1.888.887.1431 P.O. Box 1676 Cornelius, NC 28031 www.littleonesmagazine.com info@littleonesmagazine.com Copyright 2011/2012 by MediaAdventure, LLC Little Ones Magazine is published four times per year. Little Ones Magazine cannot assume responsibility of statements made by advertisers. In addition, though editorial pieces are heavily researched, Little Ones Magazine cannot guarantee their accuracy. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission from the publisher.

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Not all children’s hospitals have the same level of expertise and care. Levine Children’s Hospital is the most comprehensive pediatric hospital between Atlanta and Washington, DC, with more than 30 specialty areas and dozens of renowned specialists – specifically in the areas of ER Trauma, Heart Surgery, Neonatology, Cancer and Transplant. There are children’s hospitals and then there is Levine Children’s Hospital – which makes your choice extraordinarily simple.

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book corner By Arden McLaughlin of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Discover Your Library

We had one hot summer and now we’re slowly venturing into fall and winter. So much of me wonders if you’re wishing you had bottled up a bit of that warm sunshine to get you through these colder days?! We, like our little ones, seem to always be looking for the next spot in our lives and rarely enjoying the current one. My challenge for all of us this holiday season is to enjoy each day. Enjoy the long line at the store, because you’re blessed to be able to make the purchase and so are others (economy boost!). Appreciate the millions of parties, because you have friends who love you enough to include you in festivities. Relish the family outings because your family wants you to be near them. And look for little ways to bless your little ones, too. Spend a few extra minutes nuzzled in one of these books and don’t fret if the dishes have to wait an hour longer. The dishes aren’t going anywhere – but the moments with your little ones won’t always be here. Check out a few of these books that I’ve seen recently; they are especially delightful. Over the River and Through the Wood, by L. Maria Child and illustrated by Matt Tavares As a writer with no artistic talent whatsoever, I’m always a little breathless when I see an illustrator pull new life out of an old story or poem. I experienced pure awe when I went through this children’s book. Child's poem is embedded with illustrations that are nothing less than works of art, art that I'd love to see hanging on the walls throughout my apartment. I suggest taking time to walk through the pictures with your children and talk about the details to experience its full impact. My Bear Griz, by Suzanne McGinness Children and their imaginations can keep me entertained for hours. I can spend hours laughing at the stories my friends tell me about their kids’ interactions and conversations with each other. McGinness creatively explores the wild imagination of her debut book’s narrator through a simple story and punchy pictures. Upon completing this book, look at ways your child expands the world around him through imaginary friends and places. You’ll be entertained and he’ll appreciate the extra attention. Scrawny Cat, by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Alison Friend Oh my word, this book will pull at any animal lover’s heartstrings! I know there are lots of anti-cat people out there, but I feel sure that the cat lovers far outweigh the haters. And this book is for the lovers, and anyone who’s ever felt more than a bit lonely. We don’t know how Scrawny Cat lost his home, but the author and illustrator create a picture of pure sadness when we jump into this book. Don’t fret; a happy ending does await our kitty friend, but you’ll have to trudge through a little heartache to get there. This book is a great avenue for teaching your children that life isn’t always easy; struggles happen but they can lead to great joy. The Sniffles for Bear, by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton The drama of a sick bear pours through the pages of this book. It may become a favorite when your little ones are sick, 14

www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

Reading to your

young child

most important things

is one of the you can do to prepare your little one for a lifetime of learning. Research tells us that when you read to a young child, you naturally touch on important pre-reading “building blocks” that begin to develop at birth and must be mastered before your child can become a reader.

Your library can help. 9LVLW FPOLEUDU\ RUJ WR ¿QG age-appropriate reading recommendations and group story times at library near you.

704.416.0101

cmlibrary.org so very, very sick. Bear is sure his cold will do him in, so sure he gets mouse to help him create a will. You’ll laugh right along with your children as you read this tale aloud. The silly factor is pretty high, but aren’t we all a little silly when we’re so very sick? The Flint Heart, by Katherine and John Paterson and illustrated by John Rocco This is a chapter book for your elementaryage children who are ready to conquer a book on their own. It contains an imaginative story and pictures, but since it’s a chapter book it’s not so “babyish.” Plus, it’s a story that most any child will love, whether she’s into fairies or mischief. In a quick snippet, a boy goes on an adventure with his sister and their dog to save his father from an enchanted charm that has taken over his heart (and not for the good!). For children who are ready to read on their own, this should be a “must give” this holiday season! As always, this is only a beginning to the books that await you at your local library. Make plans to visit your branch during this winter season and we’ll warmly greet you at the door! And did you know that your library system has a goal to raise more than $450,000 to put books like these on shelves near you? Visit www.cmlibrary.org/support to learn how you can support the cause.

Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool Children at Bright Horizons grow from thriving babies into explorative preschoolers, guided by knowledgeable caring teachers. OPEN HOUSE Thursdays, November 3, 10, and 17 Leslee Lloyd Child Development Center - 704.510.4100 Bright Horizons at The Learning Garden - 704.548.0792

Discover why Bright Horizons is Charlotte's Premier Preschool Visit us online for event details www.brighthorizons.com/LittleOnesMag

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If you’ve got sugar scrub, you love it. If you don’t have any, you need some! There’s nothing quite like scrubbing a slightly rough yet pleasingly pleasant potion on your skin, while knowing what lies beneath: silky soft skin. This gift is so simple to make and it’s guaranteed to please most any female.

Brown Sugar Scrub ½ cup oatmeal ½ cup almonds ½ cup packed brown sugar 1.5 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ cup almond oil Grind oatmeal and almonds in a food processor/coffee grinder. Combine ground oatmeal and almonds with the next three ingredients. Add additional oil/dry ingredients to reach desired consistency.

Vanilla Sugar Scrub 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup almond oil 20 drops vanilla essential oil* Add essential oil to sugar and stir to combine. Add almond oil gradually, stirring continuously.

*Find essential oils at Earth Fare, Healthy Home Market, Trader Joe’s or numerous places online.

Lemon Sugar Scrub 1 cup sugar ½ cup olive oil 1 – 2 TBS grated lemon zest Mix first two ingredients before adding in the zest. The presentation: This is the fun part! Decorating and personalizing your container can be anything from fancy to fabulous. Since a little bit goes a long way with scrubs, you may want to use cleaned out baby food jars; small mason jars (Hobby Lobby or Michael’s) are also a good option. Decorate the lid with a circular shape of fabric (larger than the lid) glued on top, or simply tie a coordinating ribbon around the neck of the jar. Don’t forget to include a sticker or tag explaining what beautifying product lies within and instructions on how to use it. You can find templates for these online quite simply!

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Let’s be honest: who can’t benefit from a survival kit around the holidays?! Make this one completely your own by customizing it for the recipient. Get a cute bag of some sort – you may even have luck at the dollar store or in the dollar section of Target. Or grab some cute, clear paint cans – you can decorate them or simply tie a cute ribbon on one. Lunch boxes also can be a cute container to use. Or the little pencil boxes in the school section may also fit the bill. Fill the container with some of our ideas or any of your own and attach a clever tag. • Mini bottle of alcohol (if the recipient will appreciate this). Desperate times call for desperate measures! • Pocket date books – to track all of their holiday dates. • Gift tags – homemade or store bought. • Tea bags – for some much-needed relaxation. • Bath salts – since relaxing is not generally an item on the calendar. • Scotch tape – you never can have quite enough of this! • Tylenol/Advil – too much indulging, too much of the in-laws, etc. • Holiday CD – can one really ever have too many versions of “Jingle Bell Rock?” • Notepad – for jotting down all of the never-ending lists. • Starbucks gift card – caffeine for the needed pick-me-up. • Chocolate – what harm will one more do … Have fun creating your own kits!

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday season, and once again you are stumped on what to buy for that great aunt/mother-in-law/best friend. What do you get for that special someone who has everything? Or for the one you know nothing about? Consider a handmade gift â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are meaningful, they can be cost-effective, and they come from the heart. With a little thought and creativity, what was once an (almost!) annoyance can become something to wrap your mind around. Check out some of our suggestions weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve harvested for you. Make them and take them as is, or put your own creative spin on them.

Most every mom (or dad) is always on the lookout for new recipes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have ones that we like, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that we are constantly seeking new and exciting ones. Putting together a list of your favorite recipes for a friend or two is an inexpensive way to give a gift they can appreciate throughout the year. Since you likely have 10 to 25 recipes in your â&#x20AC;&#x153;rotation,â&#x20AC;? pulling the ideas together should be simple. Search â&#x20AC;&#x153;recipe bookâ&#x20AC;? online and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find all sorts of different templates where you can input your recipes (most use Word) and include a photo if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like. If you want to make it fancier and you have a larger budget, try â&#x20AC;&#x153;recipe book template.â&#x20AC;? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find all sorts of different options where you can order a book (or more) and get them sent directly to you. Many of these start at around $19.95.

A homemade recipe book is another great option for a teacher gift; pass out the templates to all of the children in the class and have them include their favorite recipe along with a photo of themselves. Put the book together and give it to their teacher. Or, copy all of the pages and put together books for all of the classmates. Tried and true meal ideas are always appreciated!

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Spices are expensive and often moms are leery about investing in them unless we know the ways we can use them in cooking. Putting together a spice sampler for a group of your friends can combat both of those issues AND get you a gift worth giving! Come up with maybe five or six of your favorites spices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or perhaps you have a special spice rub or blend that you

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Providence Day School exists to inspire in its students a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity, and a sense of social responsibility. PLEASE VISIT WWW.PROVIDENCEDAY.ORG FOR OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION.

3310 10 EEa East st B Blvd., lvd., SSte te 7 Ch Charlotte, arlot te, N NC C 228203 8203 704-335-0501 7044 335335 0501 www.charlottecareservices.com w w w. w charlot tecareser vices. es com DDIJME IJME DDBSF BSF t BBEVMU TFOJPS EVMU TFOJPS DDBSF B SF t Q QFU FU TTJUUJOH J U UJO H N NPSF P SF www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

enjoy. Purchase them in bulk to cut down on your cost, and divvy up the portions into the desired amount you’re going to give. Next comes the most important part: the presentation. If you’ve got baby food jars, these are an obvious container and can be adorably dressed up. If not, or if you’re seeking a more “mod” look, head to The Container Store (new in SouthPark). They have simple 2ounce containers for $1.19 each that can be perfect for this gift. Once you have your containers dressed and ready, you’ll need to display them somehow. A cute basket always works; otherwise, try a bathroom/kitchen/pencil organizer (the long, skinny trays). These can be the perfect presentation for your gift. You can find the latter at any discount store or at The Container Store. In addition to gifting your favored spices and aromas, be sure to include a fun recipe or two to help inspire some uses with the seasoning.

Who wouldn’t want a fun way to display her earrings? This is a fairly simple project that shouldn’t take too long to create; it’s also one most women will fancy receiving! Head to a thrift store/Goodwill near you and pick up a vintage frame. While sizes will vary, try to imagine this being somewhere in the recipient’s room (i.e. don’t get TOO large of a frame!). Purchase some white spray. You can find this at most craft stores (A.C. Moore, Hobby Lobby, etc.) or Home Depot. Spray-paint your frame and let it dry. Next, get some vintage-looking lace at a fabric store near you. Lay the lace on the back side of the frame and cut it slightly bigger than the frame opening. Pull it taut and staple it from side to side, making sure to get the corners. To make it even more taut, staple along the little insides of the frame once you’ve done the side-to-side stapling in the step above. Cut off the excess lace and you’ve got a pretty present your gal pal will love. Want to dress it up more? Get a cute pair of earrings and display them on the new holder for her.

Happy creating – and Happy Holidays!

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Registration begins in November for Winter Session classes that start in January

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Fall into Fitness

Charlotteans are coming up with cool ways to stay healthy this holiday season. Jazzercise

••••••••••••••••••

Most people see visions of Jane Fonda in leg warmers when they hear “Jazzercise,” but this tried and true method of exercise is stepping it up these days, as it continues to shrink waists worldwide. Allegra Hinson, owner and operator of the Jazzercise Charlotte in Myers Park, has been teaching classes for over 10 years. A mother of two boys, Hinson formerly worked in the insurance business, but she jumped at the chance to open a dedicated Jazzercise center. Combining dance-based cardio with stretching and strength training to sculpt, tone and lengthen muscles for maximum fat burn, Jazzercise can burn up to 600 calories in 60 minutes. Moving to the hottest music, Jazzercise is a mix of hip-hop, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, resistance training and jazz dancing. Long gone are the days of leotards and legwarmers. Today’s Jazzercisers are moving to the beat of Usher, Lady Gaga and more as they whittle their waists. Junior Jazzercise is a newer program offered for children ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 18. It combines aerobic dancing with games focusing on exercise and nutrition, plus light strength training. The noncompetitive atmosphere is the perfect setting to introduce children to fitness and healthy living. Girl Scout troops can participate in an hour class and earn a badge for knowledge gained on healthy living. Find out more about Jazzercise by visiting www.jazzercise.com. Hinson, or the Myers Park location, can be reached at 704.335.8452.

BFit

we are a community of families

••••••••••••••••••••••••

Bollywood-style dance has been sweeping the nation since the release of the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionare.” To capitalize on the growing interest in Indian-inspired dance, Charlotte-area friends Seher Khanna and Ashima Kodali opened a studio that offers fitness classes and are excited to share this aspect of Indian culture with locals. “Using music and moves primarily from India, we have put together a fun and effective dance fitness routine that puts the excitement back into working out,” they say. Khanna’s passion for fitness and knowledge of dance, combined with Kodali’s comprehension and training in Kathak (one of the eight forms of Indian classical dance), enabled them to create a moving, inspiring dance workout that is quickly gaining popularity. Their Matthews studio offers 60-minute classes, with 40 minutes spent on highenergy cardio dancing (Indian combined with a little Latin and hip-hop) and 20 minutes that focus on your core/abdominals/etc. Once a week, you can also find a class at the Piper Glen Ballroom, located near Trader Joe’s, where the full hour is spent doing a dance workout. Afraid that your styles won’t sync with the class? Not to worry. The instructors offer options for all levels and assist however they can. Find out more about this entertaining exercise by visiting www.bfitdance.com/.

where you 750 E.9th Street Charlotte, NC 28202

belong

704. 358. 8101 www.TEScharlotte.org Creating Scholars, Nurturing Spirituality and Embracing Diversity in Charlotte’s Center City

Making a World of Difference

British American School of Charlotte Laying the Foundations for learning early in life is critical and engaging young children in a nurturing, structured, educational environment is proven to make all the difference to children’s future success. We are proud to announce the expansion of our Early Years Foundation Stage to include a new 2 year old program, setting an unparalleled standard in early childhood education. Come and take a personal tour and find out first hand why it is we make a world of difference.

704.341.3236 admissionsbasc@wclschools.org www.britishschoolofcharlotte.org

For ages 2 to 16.

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Inexpensive ways to get in the holiday mood with your little ones Put on a holiday CD (or simply turn on one of the many radio stations that play holiday music for weeks in advance) to set the stage in your home. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Make your own wrapping paper with artwork they bring home from school/preschool. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Collect pinecones from outside, adorn them with glitter, and make a pretty centerpiece with your collection. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gather a group of the neighborhood kids and take them caroling from house to house. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Bake and decorate cookies; let your children decide who receives them. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Have your family spend an hour or two purging from their toy collections. Take them to a shelter where they can donate them to other children. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Let your children make their own holiday cards to send out. Get some exercise by walking and delivering them to your friends within walking distance. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Heat up some hot cocoa and turn on the TV for one of the many holiday movies or cartoons being played. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Spend an hour walking and admiring the lights. Pack up the car and drive around nearby neighborhoods to take in their decorations as well. ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pull out your holiday books and enjoy reading seasonal favorites together.

3rd Annual

! s g in k c o t s e h stuff t

Help your little one get in the spirit of giving this holiday season! What: An afternoon of holiday fun and a festive opportunity for your family to work together on behalf of homeless children during this holiday season. When: Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1 – 4 p.m. Where: The Giving Village at Bright Blessings 608-A Matthews Mint Hill Road

You bring the stuffings, we’ll provide the stockings ... and more! Fun and festivities at the event: Create your own “Make & Take” holiday art project North Pole Express train rides Enjoy Sand Art & Holiday Face Painting Service projects like decorating bookmarks and wrapping books Games, contests, tasty refreshments… and more!

more info: www.BrightBlessingsUSA.org contact@BrightBlessingsUSA.org

Bright Blessings will supply h u local ho ndreds of meles with spe s children stocking cial holiday s and bags stu winter fun ffed wit h treats!

Bright Blessings is a local 501c3 non-profit organization serving homeless children and families across the greater Charlotte region www.BrightBlessingsUSA.org

The Premier Preschool in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Matthews & Fort Mill Ages 6 weeks – 12 years Age Appropriate Curriculum Degreed & Certified Teachers Enrichment Activities Open & Spacious Classrooms 6:30a.m. – 6:30p.m.

Before & After School Programs Available All Charlotte Locations are 5 Star Schools

The Academy at Blakeney 5 STAR Private Kindergarten NAEYC Accredited

6250 Blakeney Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28277 704.543.7227 Rea Rd. at Ardrey Kell Rd. www.krkacademy.com

Fort Mill 3009 Highway 160 W Fort Mill, SC 29708 803.802.8977 Off I-77 on Gold Hill Rd. and Hwy 160 near Tega Cay www.fortmillkidsrkids.com

Matthews 5 STAR 5549 Potter Road Matthews, NC 28104 704.821.2005 1.5 miles S.E. of Siskey YMCA at Chestnut & Potter www.kidsrkidsmatthews.com

University Area 5 STAR 2115 Ben Craig Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 704.503.4001 Located off W.T. Harris Blvd and Mallard Creek Rd. www.kidsrkidscharlotte.com

Watch Your Child Over Our Secure Internet Connection

Lake Norman 5 STAR 9620 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 704.655.8883 I-77 N at Exit 25 www.kidsrkids4nc.com

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Get Your Game On! When the weather outside is frightful Family game night can be most delightful! • Pick a designated day for the event. Put it on the calendar and make sure it takes priority. • Perhaps you'll serve a family favorite meal before playing. The food prep can be part of your tradition and something everyone looks forward to. Of course, having simple snacks out for play time doesn't hurt! • Choose your games. Got kids of multiple ages? Select a few different ones that everyone can play. • Though playing is all in good fun, everyone likes to be a winner. Pick up an inexpensive trophy (try Michael's or Hobby Lobby) that the winner gets to keep for a designated amount of time, perhaps until next week's game night. The benefits of game night are plenty! Bonding is an obvious, but feeling connected and even learning can be attained. Turn-taking, patience and teamwork can be taught, and laughter is almost always a guarantee.

Creativity. Laughter. Imagination. All the essentials are here. Kiddie Academy® is NOW OPEN in Charlotte-Blakeney. The Kiddie Academy difference: • Before and after school care provided with transportation • Technology focus: SMART boards and touchscreen computers • Foreign language program featuring Spanish and Mandarin • Secured webcams and keypad entry • Nutritious meals served family style • Convenient Hours Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Registery your Register your our child childbyb byy 12/31/11 and and receive receivee 11/01/11 receiv

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Kiddie Academy® of Charlotte-Blakeney 9310 Blakeney Center Drive

704.543.5581 kiddieacademy.com/blakeney

dreaming of snow days ... snow angels hot chocolate

sledding

Busy ?

Sure you are... We all are... Busy parents don’t have time for themselves. Between juggling kids, work, social commitments and errands there’s just not enough time for most parents to get everything done. KidTime makes it easy for you to spend a night out, catch the movie you have been waiting to see, have lunch with a friend, spend the afternoon shopping, or just catch up on things you never have time for. Without worry and without an appointment!

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Northcross Shopping Center I-77 Exit 25 9715-D Sam Furr Road

Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-9:00 pm Friday 8:30 am-11:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am-11:00 pm Closed Sunday

Please Inquire About Our Upcoming School-Break Camps

A Place Kids Love To Visit

Charlotte Montessori School Inspiring the unlimited potential of the child

Ages 15 months to 6 years School and Extended Day programs Open 7:30am – 5:45 pm, Monday-Friday 12 or 9 month program options available Challenging classroom settings

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, November 3 at 6 p.m.

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Montessori education Practical and academic learning environments Enrichment programs in language, arts and music Focus on independence and problem-solving skills

Experienced teachers Visit our Open House or call for a personal appointment.

www.davidsonday.org s 704-237-5229 College Prep: Age 2 through 12th 'RADE s ) AT THE ,AKE %XIT

Montessori-trained teachers Strong parent-teacher relationships

219 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 www.CharlotteMontessori.com 704.332.7733 www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

dig in:

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the dining guide

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Dining Decorum

hen it comes to eating etiquette, practice makes perfect. Here’s how to prepare your little ones. Dining out shouldn’t be a chore, and it certainly shouldn’t be avoided. While we have suggestions on how to make it an experience that’s satisfying for everyone, there are steps that can be taken ahead of time to prepare the kiddos for a successful meal out on the town.

Tracy Moseley, founder and director of The Etiquette School of Charlotte, has provided the answers to some of our top questions about prepping your kids for eating out.

Q. What are ways parents can practice at home to help their children prepare for being wellbehaved at restaurants? • Sit down for family meals together as much as possible. One of the reasons why manners have been lost in our culture is because of our growing lack of family meals. Children love family time and rituals. Even if you need to buy the food from a fast-food place and plate it, still sit down together. It is not only a time for the child to learn table manners, but a great way for them to learn and practice their conversation skills. • Children love role-playing exercises! You can pretend you are in a restaurant and have them dress up for the occasion. Create a

menu to pass out to everyone and have them sit down properly and order from the menu. Before you do this, go over the things you will be looking for, such as sitting with their seats on the bottom of the chair, no legs wrapped around the legs of the chair, and posture – not too stiff, but not slouched over. Ask them questions as to what they think looks better. For example, “Does it look better if I chew with my mouth open or closed?” Most of the time, they realize what has more of a polished look. When they give you the correct answer, praise them. Make a game of it. • Give the children a list of rules of things not to do at the table and read over them before dinner.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ no walking around. Ask to be excused. • Use your napkin – not your shirt. • No elbows on the table. • No singing at the table. • Eat only off your own plate. • Never put the knife in the mouth or point it at someone. • No burping at the table, but if it slips out, say, “Excuse me.”

• While at the dinner table, use a bell when you see someone break one of the rules and have the children guess which rule was broken. Take turns and allow the children to use the bell as well. Putting them in the position of being the one to look for the mistakes will reinforce the rules. • Create a menu and have the children draw on paper the place setting with the silverware they would use if they were dining from that menu. If you have all of the silverware, etc., you can have them show you how to set the table for that particular meal. • Give them a list of your expectations for being well behaved in a restaurant and see how many they remember. If they remember most all of them, reward them! • Consider sending your child to an etiquette class if these exercises don’t seem to be effective. Children learn better in the presence of their peers. Review the information given to them and reinforce at home. Q. When dining at home, what should parents expect from their little ones? As they get older, how can our expectations change? From the minute you sit them in a highchair, you can begin to teach them! Begin by teaching them “please” and “thank you.” Remember: You are a model and they will repeat everything you say, so try to be the best role model you can be. Rules that should be implemented by 4 years of age: • No playing with the food. • No talking with food in your mouth and chew with your mouth closed. • Chew and swallow each piece of food and do not take another bite until doing so. • Eat with utensils and do not wave them around in the air. • Stay seated during the meals – 26

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Between the ages of 4 and 7 years, the previous rules should continue to be implemented and introduce the following: • The napkins are not to be picked up until the host/hostess does – it could be your mother, father or grandparent. • How to place the napkin correctly on your lap. • Passing is to the right and they should offer it to others before they help themselves. • How to set the table with a simple place setting including a bread and butter plate. • How to hold the silverware correctly. • Awareness of the two styles of eating – American and Continental Style. • Don’t push your plate away when you’ve finished the meal, but instead use the silent signals by placing your silverware in the resting and finished positions. • Practice good posture at the table. By ages 8 -12 years, provided they’ve been introduced to the previous dining skills, children should know the following: • How to navigate a formal place setting. • Holding the silverware correctly, they should be able to master both styles of eating using the silent signals. • How to use a fingerbowl. • Where to place their napkin when briefly leaving the table and when finished. • Conversation skills including speaking about topics that may make someone queasy or uncomfortable. • Place cards and menu cards. • What to do if they drop a fork on the floor or find a foreign object in their food. • Boys and girls taking their seats. Q. In terms of etiquette, up to what age is it appropriate to bring food for your children into a restaurant? Approximately 2 years old, depending on the child, is the age you should stop taking food to the restaurant for your children to eat. If the children have all their teeth and can dine from a children’s menu, they should order from it. Children have a hard time sitting still for very long, so make sure you have coloring books and crayons or some “restaurant only” toys on hand to keep them occupied in case the restaurant doesn’t provide them.

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Kids Eat Free What good would a dining guide be without a complete listing of where the little ones can dine … without paying much more than a dime?

Monday Cabo's Mexican Cuisine & Cantina (Carmel Road near Chuck E. Cheese’s) Time: All day Details: One child per adult www.cabosmexicanrestaurant.com

Duckworth’s Grill and Bar (Charlotte & Mooresville) Time: All day Details: One child per adult *Both locations have kids eat free on Mondays

www.duckworthsgrillandbar.com

Nolen Kitchen (Selwyn Ave.) Time: All day Details: 12 and under; one child per adult www.nolenkitchen.com

Red Bowl Asian Bistro (Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Ballantyne and Huntersville) Time: All day Details: Kids eat for 99 cents. Also on Saturdays. www.redbowlusa.com

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Tuesday Anzi Pizza & Pasta (Stonecrest in Ballantyne) Time: After 4 p.m. Details: Kids eat free off of the kids’ menu www.anzipizza.com

Buono Vita (Ballantyne) Time: 4 – 8 p.m. Details: One child per adult www.buonavitacharlotte.com

Ikea Time: All day Details: One child per adult www.ikea.com/us/en/store/ charlotte/restaurant

Lonestar Steakhouse Skinnyz (Matthews) Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Details: 12 and under; with purchase of adult entrée $8 or more www.skinnyz.com

(Monroe and Mooresville) Time: All day Details: Two children per adult entrée www.lonestarsteakhouse.com

Sonny’s BBQ (multiple locations) Time: All day Details: Kids 10 and under; with purchase of adult meal $8.99 or greater www.sonnysbbq.com

Village Inn Pizza Parlor

(University City) Time: 4 – 9 p.m. Details: Two children per one paying adult www.macados.net

Texas Roadhouse (Matthews, Concord and Gastonia) Time: 4 – 10 p.m. Details: One child per adult www.texasroadhouse.com

Tony Roma’s (Pineville) Time: All day Details: One child per adult www.tonyromas.com

Towne Tavern at Fort Mill Time: All day Details: One child per adult; kids can also watch kid-friendly movies while enjoying dinner in a private movie room. 803.802.2340

The Pizza Peel (Cotswold) Time: All day Details: One child per adult www.tapandpeel.com

Wolfman Pizza (four locations) Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Details: One child/parent; minimum of $7 for parent’s meal www.wolfmanpizza.com

McAlister’s Deli

(Mooresville, Statesville) Time: 4 – 9 p.m. Details: Kids 11 and under; one child per adult www.villageinnpizza.com

(multiple locations) Time: 5 p.m. – close Details: One child/parent www.mcalistersdeli.com

Topz

** Blakeney location has kids eat free night on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

(Ballantyne/Pineville area) Time: All day Details: Get up to 4 Kidz Mealz for 99 cents each with the purchase of a full-price combo meal www.topznc.com

Macado’s

Just Fresh (multiple locations) Time: After 3 p.m. Details: East Blvd. location only www.justfresh.com

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Topz (Ballantyne/Pineville area) Time: All day Details: Get up to 4 Kidz Mealz for 99 cents each with the purchase of a full-price combo meal www.topznc.com

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Fuddruckers

Firehouse Subs

Flying Biscuit Café

(Matthews) Time: 4 – 9 p.m. Details: Kids 10 and under eat for 99 cents; one child per adult www.myfuddruckers.com

(multiple locations) Time: All day Details: Two children for each paying adult www.firehousesubs.com

(Stonecrest and Park Road Shopping Center) Time: All day Details: Kids’ meals are all $1.99 www.flyingbiscuit.com

Wednesday Blu Basil (Cotswold) Time: All day Details: One child per adult; dine-in only www.blubasil.com

Duckworth’s Grill and Bar (Charlotte and Mooresville) Time: All day Details: One child per adult *Charlotte location only on Wednesdays

www.duckworthsgrilland bar.com

Loco Lime Mexican Inspired Grill (Central Ave.) Time: All day Details: One child per adult www.locolimecharlotte.com.

Mama Fu’s (Cotswold) Time: 5 – 10 p.m. Details: Kids eat for 99 cents www.mamafus.com

Thursday Earth Fare (three locations) Time: 4 – 8 p.m. Details: Up to six kids per one paying adult ($5 or more) www.earthfare.com

Gators Hometown Bar and Grill

Q-Shack (The Promenade on Providence) Time: After 4 p.m. Details: Kids eat for $1 with purchase from one adult (one child per adult) www.theqshack.com

(Cornelius) Time: All day Details: 12 and under; one child per adult www.gatorslkn.com

buy a $25 gift card

This holiday season ,

International and Family Friendly! While the name may boast “noodles,” the fare offered at Nothing but Noodles includes much more than the obvious. Global pasta dishes grace the menu, including Asian, European, American and Mediterranean-inspired items. You’ll also find delectable salads, soups, appetizers and desserts. While these dishes will tantalize the tastebuds of adults, the kids’ menu makes it appealing to the little ones, too. Kids’ meals offer sizable portions that include a drink and begin at just $3.99. For those who require gluten-free items, NBN has offerings to suit; they're also sensitive to those with food allergies and can prepare meals just for you. Served in a cool atmosphere that is family-friendly (i.e. loud enough that you won’t care if your child is yelling), it's no surprise that NBN is a family favorite when it comes to eating out!

get a $5 card for yo urself!* *$5.00 gift card is not valid until January 1st ,

2012.

A good meal is the best gift!

www.nothingbutnoodlescharlotte.com 1605 Elizabeth Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204 Across from Presbyterian Hospital

704.295.1466 Also in Stonecrest • 7930 Rea Rd Charlotte, NC • 704.295.4961 www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Steak ‘n Shake (multiple locations) Time: All day Details: One free kids plate for each $8 spent www.steaknshake.com

Tavern at the Mills (Concord) Time: 4 – 10 p.m. Details: One child per adult www.tavernatthemills.com

Zapatas Mexican Cantina (three locations) Time: All day Details: One child per adult; 12 and under www.zapatasrestaurant.com

Saturday

Sunday

Chico’s Mexican Grill

(Huntersville) Time: All day Details: One child meal is 99 cents with each adult dinner and drink purchased www.chicosmexgrill.com

Mama Fu’s

Duckworth’s Grill and Bar

(Cotswold) Time: 5 – 10 p.m. Details: Kids eat for 99 cents www.mamafus.com

(Charlotte & Mooresville) Time: All day Details: One child per adult

Red Bowl Asian Bistro

www.duckworthsgrillandbar.com

*Mooresville location only on Sunday

(Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Ballantyne and Huntersville) Time: All day Details: Kids eat for 99 cents; also on Monday www.redbowlusa.com

Steak ‘n Shake (multiple locations) Time: All day Details: One free kids’ plate for each $8 spent www.steaknshake.com

Libretto’s Ballantyne Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Details: Kids 10 and under http://librettospizzeria.com/

Shane’s Rib Shack (two locations) Time: All day Details: Kids 10 and under; one child per adult www.shanesribshack.com

Multiple Days/ Every Day CiCi’s Pizza (multiple locations) Time: All day Details: Little ones under 3 eat free with paying adult www.cicispizza.com

Denny’s (multiple locations – days vary as indicated below) Time: 4 – 10 p.m. Details: One child per adult Concord – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Mooresville – Every day Rock Hill – Tuesday and Saturday Sunset Road – Tuesday and Saturday www.dennys.com

Providence Road Sundries Time: After 5 p.m. Details: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; one child per adult www.providenceroad sundries.com

yumyumyumyumsomanyoptionsyumyumyumyum 30

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a bright way

to spend your day

veryone wants to pass on strong morals and beliefs to their children. And when it comes down to it, the old proverb that tells us “actions speak louder than words” is so true. Sure, you can tell your children to do something nice for others – but helping them do so and illustrating just how good it feels to help others is priceless. Here at Little Ones, we’re huge fans and supporters of Bright Blessings, a local non-profit whose goal is to bring joy, recognition and support to children and families during difficult and sad times in their lives. So when I heard about their family service day that was being hosted on our school’s day off, I knew it would be the perfect way to spend the free time. I rounded up six of the 12 girls in my eldest’s Girl Scout group, and together they (along with two younger siblings) headed over to the Matthews location to visit the Giving Village, where they’d spend the next hour or so filling a “fun box” – a personalized birthday gift for a local homeless child. On our way over, I tried to explain the scenario: what we’d be doing, why it was important, and how thankful this child would be when he or she received the gift we were making for them. The Giving Village entrance immediately seized the kids’ attention; how could it not? Organized shelves stacked with toys, and rooms full of bright, fun colors captured their gazes. We were led from the entry through a couple of rooms before entering the large workspace, where the girls (and boy) could choose from eight unique themes. Wee-wonder, Game On, Pretty Princess, Dino-riffic and others were options. The kids selected their theme and sat down with a volunteer who helped them adorn their (already cute) box with stickers and such. Next, it was time to “shop” for the box fillers. Shelves held age- and theme-specific items that the kids could choose from, all the while keeping in mind this child they were creating a present for. When the box was full, the volunteers (and moms present) helped display them prettily in the boxes. The kids selected a tag to attach along with a ribbon of choice. On the tag, they included their first name to let the recipient know that they had created it especially for them. While I personally felt that the experience was perfect already, the kids each then got to visit the “Treat Street,” where they filled a goodie bag to thank them for their efforts. The whole event cost us just $10 per child, but the experience itself was worth way more than that. Bright Blessings Director Amy Cervantes says that these family service days have been so popular that they may hold them once a month. If you’re interested in taking your team, club, church group, family or whomever, call 704.846.2329 or email contact@brightblessingsusa.org. While the experience is most suited for children ages 5 and up, there is a small playroom on site for younger siblings ages 2 to 5. ~kds

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out & about

There’s so much to do during these winter months! Here’s a sampling of some activities you won’t want to miss.

« november » Carolina Renaissance Festival What: The 18th Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival is a 16th century, European-style art and entertainment festival combining an outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplaces, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much, much more. Enjoy 22 acres filled with 11 stages of non-stop entertainment, charming cottages and castles, an open-air market with 100 artisan shops, kitchens and pubs, games of skill and people-powered rides. When: Seven consecutive weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from Oct. 8 through Nov. 20. The festival runs

from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Where: Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road (between I-77 and I-85) Visit www.RenFestInfo.com for more info.

11th Annual Fall Festival & Market Day What: Over 160 booth vendors and 4,500+ visitors will be at this fabulous festival featuring moon bounces, slides, prizes, games, hay rides and more. Head to Baxter Village for a fun-filled day! When: Nov. 5 from noon – 6 p.m. Where: Baxter Village (951 Market St., Fort Mill, S.C.) www.villageofbaxter.com has more info.

Mummies of the World Exhibit Opening What: The largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled makes its southern U.S. premiere at Discovery Place. This compelling collection, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies and important artifacts from Asia, Oceania, South America and Europe, as well as ancient Egypt, dating as far back as 6,500 years. When: Opens 11.11.11 and runs through April 8, 2012 Where: Discovery Place www.discoveryplace.org

shop without tots

spectacular Thursday, Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m Grab your girlfriends (or come meet some new ones!) and get ready to complete your holiday shopping without your kids in tow!

SAVE 15%OFF your purchases at the event!

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We’ve got a special night lined up to include: • Complimentary appetizers, wine, coffee and more! • Free goodie bags to the first 50 attendees • Super door prizes • Free gift wrapping, compliments of Toys & Co.

Stone Age Heritage Day

What: Learn the real story behind “Cave Man” technology. Tour the exciting CAVES exhibit and witness Stone Age skills firsthand – stone tool making, spear throwing, cordage and net making, cave art and more. Students can make their own bullroarer and all can attend a special presentation of “Our Ancestors, Ourselves: Our Shared Stone Age Heritage.” Free with Museum admission and for members. When: Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org

Annual Tree Lighting What: A favorite in this area … SouthPark’s annual tree lighting event! Enjoy musical fun with The Mr. Nigel & Friends band and children’s activities. Mr. Nigel & Friends will be joined by Santa and will light the tree. The evening will culminate with a screening of three classic holiday cartoons. It’s all free! When: Nov. 18 from 5 – 9 p.m. Where: SouthPark’s Symphony Park www.simon.com

Creature Feature What: Get up close to a wild turkey! Learn all about this incredible bird and why Ben Franklin thought the turkey would make a great national symbol. When: Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org/

Harvest Day What: Take in an 18th century version of a 21st century Thanksgiving. See open-fire cooking and hearth skills with baking, roasting and boiling. Visit with re-enactors telling the story of Backcountry bonding – the gift of time earned from a busy harvest season for fellowship with family and friends! When: Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org

Sunday Fun Days @ The Mint Uptown What: Families can participate in craft projects, family tours, movement activities, artist demonstrations and more! November’s theme is “Twine, Knot, Wrap and Twist.” When: Nov. 20 from 1 – 4 p.m. Where: The Mint Museum Uptown www.mintmuseum.org

A Plantation Christmas What: Begin the Christmas season by stepping back into the 19th century. Celebrate Christmas in the 1800’s as you tour the plantation house, kitchen, and slave cabin. When: Nov. 25 – 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Latta Plantation www.lattaplantation.org

Belk Carolina’s Carrousel Parade What: The 64th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest gettogethers of the Carolinians during the year. Area marching bands, floats sponsored by local organizations and

SHAPING THEIR FUTURE At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned at any early age are vital building blocks for quality of life. Through our many programs, kids learn their ABCs, sharing and sportsmanship and most importantly how to be themselves. Find out more about all the great ways we’re shaping the futures of children in our communities at ymcacharlotte.org.

YMCA OF GREATER CHARLOTTE

ymcacharlotte.org

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Ask about My Y Pricing – making the YMCA available to all. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

made; then, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take a ride on the train with his elves. A craft follows the fun and includes a candy cane treat. When: The weekends of Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18 Where: The North Carolina Transportation Museum www.nctrans.org

corporations, step and drill teams, entertainers and other specialty units will grace the streets in Uptown for people of all ages to enjoy. When: Thursday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. Where: Uptown Visit www.carrouselparade.org/ for more info.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nutcrackerâ&#x20AC;? What: Holiday Happiness begins with â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nutcrackerâ&#x20AC;? at the Matthews Community Center, presented by Matthews Ballet and Dance. When: Nov. 26 at 7 p.m., Nov. 27 at 3p.m., Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. What else: Adult tickets are $5 and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (12 and under) are $3. www.matthewsnc.com

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Jingle Bell Express What: This train ride runs especially for school groups and features a reading of a Christmas tale and singing of Christmas carols on the train. Teachers who are interested in bringing their students should call in advance to schedule a ride. When: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-2, 6-9, and 13-16 Where: The North Carolina Transportation Museum www.nctrans.org

Santa Train

Christmas in Davidson

What: Meet Santa Claus as he trades in his sleigh for a steam locomotive! Little ones can share their Christmas wishes with him and have a photo

What: Downtown Davidson is transformed into a magical Christmas Wonderland as more than 94 area businesses and the Town of Davidson

Your

L Youth Sports

present three evenings of entertainment, refreshments and special events sure to please children of all ages. Find the holiday spirit with fun, food and festivities! Where: Downtown Davidson When: Dec. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 from 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m. Call 704.892.7591 or visit www.ci.davidson.nc.us for more info.

Hometown Holiday and Holiday Tree Lighting What: A traditional, small-town holiday celebration held in Historic Downtown Matthews. Enjoy an afternoon filled with holiday crafts, activities, entertainment and a tree lighting with lots of surprises! When: Saturday, Dec. 3 www.matthewsnc.com

Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workshop at DSBG What: As the big day approaches, Santa sets up his workshop in order to spend time with some lucky children! Garden elves will be on hand to help children create a special gift for some-

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one on their list, decorate cookies and more. Photos with Santa available. When: Dec. 3, 10 and 17 Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens www.dsbg.org

28th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade What: Bands, floats, troops and more will parade through Downtown Davidson to Downtown Cornelius. Be sure to stay until the end for a visit from Mr. Clause himself! Where: North Main at Griffith Street (in Davidson) When: Dec. 3 at 1 p.m.

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa What: Pull out the kids’ pajamas and get ready for an evening of fun. Attendees will take a trip to the roundhouse where Santa himself will be waiting to hear what’s on your wish list. Listen to stories read by Santa’s helpers and nosh on some cookies and milk; get a picture to remember the event in your scrapbook.

A Homeschool Christmas – Christmas in WWII

When: Dec. 3, 10, 16-17 Where: The North Carolina Transportation Museum www.nctrans.org

Breakfast with Santa What: Enjoy holiday fun, food and personal time with Santa himself. When: Dec. 3 from 8 – 10 a.m. Where: SouthPark Mall’s food court

Holiday Tea at DSBG What: Celebrate the season with a tasting of tea. Savannah's Tea Room will offer a selection of English teas and other delights. Gift baskets and other tea-related items will also be for sale. When: Dec. 4 and Dec. 11; servings from 1 – 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 – 4 p.m. Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens www.dsbg.org

What: On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, experience Christmas in WWII America. Students can see what life was like for soldiers away at war, what Christmases at home were like without them, what types of sacrifices were made, and more. When: Dec. 7 from 12 – 4 p.m. Where: Latta Plantation www.lattaplantation.org

A Candlelight Christmas What: Celebrate an 1820’s Christmas by candlelight. Visitors can meet animals in the carriage barn, see dancing in the house, meet Mr. and Mrs. Latta, enjoy the excitement of children before bedtime, see a Christmas meal being prepared in the kitchen, a slave family celebrating in the cabin, and more. The plantation will be decorated for the season and is sure to be one of the site’s most beautiful events! When: Dec. 10 from 6 – 9 p.m. Where: Latta Plantation www.lattaplantation.org

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A Huntersville Christmas What: Come out to this FREE community event and join the festive celebrations as Huntersville's Downtown is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. There will be pony rides, magic shows, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, a bonfire, storytelling, rides and games, children's crafts, a visit from Santa and much more. When: Dec. 10 from 5 – 8 p.m. Where: Downtown Huntersville What else: For more information, call 704.766.2253 or visit www.huntersville.org.

NOVEMBER 25th

DECEMBER 31st

Experience a wonderland of a half-million lights that blends classic and contemporary design with distinct accents on nature. Discover a captivating Christmas tree created with hundreds of breathtaking orchids, enjoy train displays, carriage rides, sweet treats and create new family traditions and memories that will last a lifetime. Sunday –Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 704.825.449 0, www.DSBG.org Presenting Sponsor

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Additional Supp;ort Provided by

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Simon Kidgets Club Holiday Event at Concord Mills What: Calling all Kidgets (or kids!) to the Holiday Kidgits event. When: Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Concord Mills. Call 704.979.5000 for more info.

The Singing Christmas Tree for Kids: Let it Snow! What: Created especially for children ages 3 to 8, the special one-hour “Tree” offers just the right combination of holiday music, sing-a-longs, dance and puppetry. Start your own family tradition this season with a charming holiday performance that’s perfect for the young “and the young at heart!” When: Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Where: Ovens Auditorium Visit www.carolinavoices.org/treekids.htm for more info.

Breakfast with Santa What: Bring your camera and take your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Come enjoy breakfast and make great holiday crafts. When: Dec. 10; sessions at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Where: Matthews Community Center What else: For ages 2 to 8, tickets are $5 per session (including adults). www.matthewsnc.com

Winter Fest What: A fun-filled family event with tons of activities, games, face painting and food. When: Dec. 16 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Where: Bright Horizons at The Learning Garden http://centers.brighthorizons.com/learninggarden/

Community Menorah Lighting at SouthPark by Lubavitch of North Carolina

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What: Start off the Chanukah celebrations with a Giant Menorah lighting ceremony. Refreshments will be served; event is free of charge. When: Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. Where: SouthPark Mall (Circle Court) Call 704.366.3984 for more info.

« january » Critters in Winter What: Grab your preschooler and get ready to read a fabulous animal tale followed by some crafts and activities relating to winter critters. When: Jan. 13 from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Where: McDowell Nature Center www.parkandrec.com

Creature Feature What: Calling All Cluckers: Chicken Day! Meet feathered fowl friends and learn about the diversity of this popular pet and food supplier. When: Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org/

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” What: This Grey Seal Puppets production uses playful puppetry and a cast of animal characters to give a whole new dimension to Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story. When: Jan. 14 – 15 Where: Wells Fargo Playhouse (in ImaginOn) www.ctcharlotte.org

Celebrate the Season!

Matthews NC

Celebrating all of Matthews great holiday fun, November to New Years!

Join in the fun & festivities this merry season! • Matthews Hometown Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting DEC. 3rd @ the Town Hall Village Green: 232 Matthews Station St. • Downtown Matthews Holiday Stroll DEC. 8th, 5-8p.m. • Breakfast With Santa, DEC. 10th &17th • Gingerbread House Contest • A Very Beary Christmas! Now through DEC 15th @ the Train Depot, 210 Matthews Station St.

• The Nutcracker Presented by Matthews Ballet NOV. 26 & 27, DEC. 3 & 4

Find out more at: MatthewsHometownHoliday.com Presented by:

www.MatthewsFun.org 704-321-7275 Make the season bright!

at Matthews Community D Donate Center, 100 McDowell St. East. C

Matthews

Hometown

Holiday

Celebration

“Thomas & Friends Live on Stage” What: Climb on board with Thomas & Friends for the most spectacular live show of the year. “THOMAS & FRIENDS™ Live! On Stage” is a story for the whole family, teaching life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation. When: Jan. 22 – 23 Where: Bojangles Coliseum www.bojanglescoliseum.com/

Health and Safety Fair What: Discover ways to keep children healthy and safe in a fun-filled atmosphere. Visit the various vendors and stations, including pediatric dentist, eye care, yoga, fireman station, the local health department and more. When: Jan. 26 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Where: Bright Horizons at The Learning Garden http://centers.brighthorizons.com/learninggarden/

8 www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

conquer

By Kathy Bro wn

the clutter

Invest in a label maker, because it’s time to ...

y husband calls me a “stuffer.” Yes, I will admit, I have always been inclined to stuff things places. Until recently, my home seemed tidy on the surface, but if you opened a drawer or a cabinet you’d find dangerous, leaning towers of stashes. I liked to get things out of the way, so I would shove things in nooks and crannies so my counters would be free and clear. Most of us have a lot of stuff, whether it’s important things like bills to be paid or school forms, or less important items that are nonetheless “keepers,” such as random magazine clippings, recipes, addresses or stamps, or birthday cards you need to send. We all have loads of things that need to be categorized and filed. And most moms will readily admit that they crave a better way of managing their time so they can get everyone in their family right where they need to be at the right time with the right gear. Organization seems the key to a better, simpler life. So why aren’t we more organized?

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As you survey your piles and begin to think that the process of organizing it all might bring more pain than gain, think again. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) says that 15% to 20% of the average American’s household budget is spent on buying duplicates of items that were misplaced or lost as a result of disorganization. That’s reason enough to start labeling your goodies. Lest you convince yourself it can’t be done, take heart: NAPO says organization is a process, not a state achieved in one day. Furthermore, there are no cookiecutter solutions to organization. “There are many different personality types, work styles, and environmental influences, so each person must find the system that works best for him or her,” the folks at the New Jersey-based NAPO say. A first step is to determine the areas in which you want to improve, such as filing, clutter control, time

management, maximizing storage space, or juggling projects and priorities. Then get going! The turning point for me came recently when we moved into a new house. As I sorted our stuff for the move, I resolved that in my new house I would be more organized. More streamlined! Less cluttered! Less prone to throw away important things! More “everything I always wanted to be!” I was going to need a little help with this. We all probably need at least a little help with this. I have three children under age 8, and there’s simply not a lot of extra time – certainly not the hours I long for to organize my stashes. I chose two places where I wanted to be most organized – my kitchen and the children’s playroom. Then I called a Charlotte-area NAPO member for help. “Many of us are overwhelmed by this fast-paced, high-demand society,” says Laurie Martin, owner of Simplicity, a local professional organizing company that develops customized organizational solutions and systems. They help organize homes, home offices, estates, technology, stuff for teens and kids, photos, and more. “We are constantly inundated with emails, text messages, phone calls, errands, school events, meetings and doctor appointments,” Martin says. “As professional organizers, our goal is to teach our clients ways to simplify their lives, and empower them to make decisions that result in a healthy mental, emotional, and physical balance.” Luckily for me, Simplicity also offers a service to help organize your move. On the front end this includes helping to streamline the packing process. On the back end it means helping create organized, functional

spaces in the new home. Bingo. The movers delivered everything we owned to our new house on a Friday. That night, my husband and I spent two hours unpacking everything that belonged in our kitchen. We spread it all out on the kitchen table and the counters. Holy moly, it was a lot of stuff – piles of plates and platters and dishes and glasses amassed after nearly 14 years of marriage. I surveyed it all, tried not to cry, and went to bed. The next morning, Anne Steppe of Simplicity Organizers rang the doorbell. Anne came armed with drawer liners (they help things like cooking utensils not slide around – who knew?), clear bins, drawer dividers and the ultra-important key to organization – the label maker! After asking me some questions to figure out my personality and the way I use my kitchen, she set to work organizing my dishes, cutlery, serving pieces, glasses and everything else. She organized by zones, creating, for instance, a cooking zone, baking zone, kid zone, entertaining zone, etc. “Everything should have a definite order,” Anne said, “but it has to make sense for you. My job is to put in a system you can maintain.” Martin expands on this idea. “Every organizational system must be customized to fit the needs of each family member,” she says. “Gathering relevant information is key to discovering how a family functions on a daily basis. In order for organizational systems to work effectively, they must be maintained.” To that end, Anne and I worked side by side. She asked me whether I used various items regularly or hardly ever. She put everyday things in easy-to-reach places and stowed rarely used items out of the way. She

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also put post-it notes on a few hammer and a million stray toy platters: “Did you use me?” If parts. She identified the perfect within a year (and through a drawer to store it all in, then put holiday season) I have not dividers in the drawer to keep it answered yes, it’s time to dig all organized. Every compartment about helping to unload them out and donate them. She got a label. I begged to label a the dishwasher – everything advised a similar system with couple of them “miscellaneous,” cooking utensils, spare serving but Anne would not allow it. pieces and the like. “There’s no ‘junk’ or Anne put children’s cups, plates ‘miscellaneous’ in organizing!” and bowls where my kids could she exclaimed. easily find and grab them, then Next up was the playroom, and created a snack station in a cabinet separate from the Andrea Gill (also of Simplicity) came to work her magic. pantry. We filled clear plastic bins with goldfish, granola Once again, clear, plastic bins and labels played a large role bars and such so my boys and their friends could help in this project. She encouraged me to sort the children’s themselves without rummaging through my pantry. toys and donate the ones they have outgrown. She also Brilliant! suggested putting a couple small bins of toys in the top of a Best of all, Anne labeled every container, shelf and drawer. closet to bring out in a couple months for fresh excitement. This helps prevent items from landing in the wrong When I pull them down, I should put others up and away to location. In addition, not only will the labels help me to be rotated back down later on. remember where to put things, it will aid babysitters, inAndrea grouped toys by genre and by child, when possible. laws and friends when they are helping out in my kitchen. She created a toddler station for my littlest guy where he Most importantly, it means my kids have no more excuses could easily reach items and also easily stow them. She set about helping to unload the dishwasher – everything has a up a “Star Wars” station, a “weapons” depot (I have three proper place and it says so right on the label where they can sons), and a train station. She recommended putting board see it. games and toys with lots of small components higher up out The last thing Anne and I attended to was my kitchen of reach so I can control when they come off the shelf. She “junk drawer,” home of batteries, pens, keys, gum, a gave Wii controllers and games their own cabinet. She

“my kids have

no more excuses

has a proper place ...”

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labeled every bin and shelf, so the kids and their friends will know where things belong and they can help clean up. Overall, she put me at ease, stressing that a house does not have to look like it came out of Real Simple Magazine; you just need to have a system in place that works for you and your family. Andrea left me with a great tip for organizing children’s artwork. Put two pieces of posterboard together and generously staple them together on three sides, leaving one side open. Let your child decorate the outside and label it her art folder. Each time she brings home a “priceless” piece of art from preschool that you don’t display but can’t bear to throw away (or are afraid you’ll get caught throwing it away!), slide it into the posterboard folder. Keep the folder in the laundry room or somewhere out of the way, and every six months pare it down to the pieces you truly want to hold onto forever.

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Other tips from Simplicity on organizing children’s spaces:

• Store toys in clear containers. Label the containers with labels from a label maker or by taking a picture of the contents and taping it to the outside of the container. • Children are more likely to keep a playroom organized when they are involved in the process. Teaching organizational skills to children is important. • Set up the playroom into activity zones. Designate one place for each activity. • Avoid using large bins or trunks for toys. These tend to become a catchall for everything. • Children ages 3 and older are capable of cleaning up after themselves. Set an expectation for cleaning up their playroom.

e h t t u o h it W s a m t Chris

Chaos

Cut down on holiday stress with these organization tips:

• Before the bombardment of presents, encourage every family member to part with at least five belongings or toys they no longer use or love. Play music while they fill a garbage bag with the discarded items, then take your children to donate their toys to those in need. • Consider purchasing one or two large rolls of white and brown craft paper. Seasonalize your packages by keeping various types of ribbon — raffia, grosgrain, or curling, for example — plus French wire, festive rubber stamps, and stickers for the children close at hand. • Give the gift of time, instead of a tangible gift. • Complete your gift shopping and holiday card buying before December, to avoid the stress of the long lines and increased traffic. Source: Laurie Martin, Simplicity

Weeks after our move, I can report success. My kitchen and playroom are still organized. Our stuff – we still have a lot of it, despite our best efforts to purge – is categorized, not randomly stuffed away. After items are used, we are all pitching in to put them back in their proper places. I feel like I am spending a lot less time spinning my wheels trying to find things, and that feels good. I feel more in control, more efficient, and a little more relaxed. I got help organizing after a move, but you can get organized anytime. Use a consultant or do it on your own. Organize your files, your photos, your closets, your garage, the laundry room. If you’re working alone, don’t start on a new room or project until you’ve completed the previous one. Let nothing be miscellaneous. Invest in lots of clear bins and make your joy complete by purchasing your very own label maker (find them at Costco, Staples, etc.). Your friends might make fun of you, but secretly they will be impressed that your cutlery slots are labeled! Finally, do not replace your old junk with new junk. Let’s all try to buy a little less stuff and remain focused on organizing what we have. In the words of the comedian Steven Wright, “You can’t have everything … where would you put it?” www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

fire up the fun in

the great outdoors

oming off of what seemed to be an unusually hot summer, it appears that Mother Nature may have some colder days in store for our winter. Extreme temperatures and a multitude of electronic options often make staying inside an easy solution. But getting outdoors and connecting with nature is essential to the development of the whole child. Playing outdoors, exploring natural artifacts, and caring for living things is critical for the intellectual, social and physical development of the whole child. In fact, research shows that children who explore the natural world and spend regular time outdoors are physically fit, show a greater aptitude toward problem solving, display self-confidence and independence, and often develop keener observation skills and creativity. While never-ending to-do lists and the ease of electronic options often prevail, sometimes it’s not knowing exactly how to engage our children that prevents us from heading out.

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The inevitable “what to do” so often arises. Fear not; often journeying back to your own childhood or simply exploring with your child is the beginning of an experience that doesn’t need a plan. After all, nature’s endless bounty provides continual opportunities for kids to experience something new every day. Simply step outside and take a look around. Observe the changing colors of leaves, an easy starting point for many discussions, hunts and even activities (think collecting various leaves based on color, tree, etc.). How about focusing in on acorns, searching for squirrels and explaining the relationship between the animal and his food? Family pets are also great entry points to the outdoors. For starters, most dogs require (and love) daily walks. Engage your child in this daily ritual and reap the bonding benefits you’ll receive. Not only will you all get outside – it also offers numerous opportunities for discussion. The coat of your

furry friend is shifting. How is it changing? What’s the reason? What are some things she will have to be careful of on cold winter mornings? As you talk with your little one, follow up with a nature walk observing other animals you see scurrying about and ask the same questions. While you both may not know all the answers, you are learning together. And you are building a sense of love and empathy of not only the special pet they see daily, but also of the animals that live in the wild. Show your child different types of animal footprints. You’ll be amazed at how he will spot them at times you simply overlook them! Point out nests in trees and see how many more she’ll notice. Decorate a bird feeder together and place it in your yard. Notice, together, the visitors you’ll attract and research the bird types that live in your neighborhood.

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www.charlotteaquatics.com Despite common beliefs, winter is a fine time to start a container garden of winter vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. Did you know that many children are more likely to eat vegetables that they help grow? Our friends at Charlotte Nature Museum suggest simple science experiments such as taking a potato, placing half in a jar filled with water and suspending the other half out of the water with toothpicks. Place this in a dark place and note the pleasant surprise you’ll find in a few weeks. When it’s simply too cold to go outside, head to Charlotte Nature Museum, which is vibrant with local wildlife. Children can have up-close encounters with a multitude of animals from skunks to owls and birds to butterflies. Your youngest natural explorers have the opportunity to see how the Museum’s ambassador species are taken care of, explore the outdoor Paw Paw Nature Trail, play with natural artifacts in Peetie’s Place as you put on your own Puppet Show, and spend time among free-flying butterflies in balmy Butterfly Pavilion. This Museum, home to Charlotte’s only talking tree (Grandpa Tree), offers daily storytime around the toasty “campfire” and great demonstrations provided by naturalists. Haven’t been? CNM is simply a must-do. The size is perfect for little ones and offers endless opportunities for you to connect with nature. Whether you’re heading to your local museum, taking your furry friend for his walk, building a bird house or collecting acorns, the brisk months are wonderful times to bundle up together and head to the outdoors. Education, exercise and excitement are just some of the many benefits to be reaped. kds

Enjoy A Railroad Christmas! Two great events!

Santa Train

Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 Visit Santa in the roundhouse, have a photo made, and take home a craft. 10am - 3:15pm Sat., 1:30 to 3:45pm Sun. $12/person, Member discounts apply. Tickets available in advance or on the day of the event.

COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA Take an evening train ride to the Roundhouse to sit on Santa’s lap, share hot cocoa and cookies and to make a craft to take home!

Dec. 3, 10, 16-17 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm $15 for adults, $12 ages 3-12 Tickets only available in advance.

Log onto www.nctrans.org for more!

Exit 79 Off I-85 411 S. Salisbury Ave Spencer, NC 28159 704-636-2889 www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

great gifts!

Be thankful for so much to choose from.

My Keepsake Portfolio at Lakeshore Learning Store

Boogie Monster Kit with Book, Leg Warmers and Music CD at Learning Express

Fun, fashionable feathers at Pigtails & Crewcuts Handmade and heartfelt at Dish it Out

Miniature Robots Zibits by Scenario at Toys & Co.

Hunter Boots at Tootsies Too

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off! $1 aircut h

2 exp. 1.31.1

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1001 East W.T. Harris Blvd Suite W, Charlotte, NC. 28213 Located in the Town Center Business Park (behind Harris Teeter)

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More great gifts! Bamboo Building Blocks at Lakeshore Learning Store SmartDogs Slippers at I.C. London

Snuggly Pillow Pets at Famous Mart

Picture perfect at www.photographybychanda.com

Small Personal Item Belt (perfect for lunch money!) spibelt.com

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Pic Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pop by Tomy at Toys & Co.

mosaics • pottery • unique gifts • birthday parties • summer camps • after school classes

Handmade Holiday! Get your gifts done early, visit today! Stop in to check out our new ornament collection Myers Park• •• •704.333.1199 • • Stonecrest••• 704.544.4848 • • •

www.dishitout.net Myers Park location offering adult & children wheel classes

glass fusing • team building • bead bar • handprints • bridal showers • field trips

pottery painting studio

Children’s Shoes

Charlotte’s Best Selection of Fine Children’s Clothing & Gifts Casual to Fancy - Newborn to Teen www.fancypantschildren.com 704-344-0333

Myers Park Shopping Center

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1025 Providence Rd.

Charlotte, NC

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whatever you do, look good doing it!

what to do? what to wear?

Come see Charlotte's best maternity selection in party attire! Strapless embellished tapestry dress from Maternal America Pickles & Ice Cream • The Specialty Shops on The Park 6401 Morrison Boulevard #4a • Charlotte, NC 28211 704.364.1898

Keep cozy this winter in a cuddly soft wrap robe from Eberjey. This style is made from a modal fabric that will wash and wear beautifully. Historic Dilworth • 1419 East Boulevard • Suite F Charlotte NC 28203 • 704.377.7955 Ballantyne Village • 14825 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 135 Charlotte NC 28277 • 704.369.5210

School uniform sweater, button down and slacks by French Toast Famous Mart • 6600 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28213 • 704.596.3132

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I.C.London invites you to a complimentary bra fitting with one of our trained professionals. With sizes ranging from 30-46 and cups from A-M, you will discover what a difference a properly fitted bra can make in the way you feel and look in your clothing.

Historic Dilworth 1419 East Boulevard Suite F Charlotte NC 28203 704.377.7955

Ballantyne Village 14825 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 135 Charlotte NC 28277 704.369.5210

Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

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Present this ad and receive $10.00 off a purchase of $25.00 or more.

Fall into Famous Mart and get your winter uniforms Just in! Large selection of School Uniform Sweaters Largest Selection of School Uniforms in the Charlotte Area Great Savings on Everything You Need to Go to School in Style

Year Round Headquarters for School Uniforms 6600 N.Tryon St. • 704.596.3132 Monday-Wednesday 10-6 • Thursday-Friday 10-7 • Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 1-6 www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

Uggs for all ages Tootsies Too • Myers Park Shopping Center 1025 Providence Rd. • Charlotte, NC www.tootsieschildrenshoes.com • 704.379.1992

Maternal America Maternity Black Quilted Mandarin Jacket Pickles & Ice Cream • The Specialty Shops on The Park 6401 Morrison Boulevard #4a • Charlotte, NC 28211 704.364.1898

Sateen beaded cap sleeve dress in navy by Shoshanna Petal • 1315 East Boulevard • Suite 180 • 704.817.8871

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Empowering parents whose children are struggling with developmental delays The number of children diagnosed with autism continues to grow at an astounding rate. Just four years ago, 1 in 160 children were affected. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts that number at 1 in 110. Autism has been called one of the fastest growing developmental disorders. Parents of affected children are struggling with how to get these little ones the services they need. Learning Connections Unlimited provides home-based early childhood developmental intervention, addressing all areas of development through play. Individual interactive sessions have provided success for families with a child facing developmental delays, autism, Down syndrome, speech difficulties and more. “Through carefully coordinated play sessions, we provide our families with the tools they need to enable them to reach their fullest developmental potential,” says owner and director Pam Orf. One of the group’s niches is working with children who have autism. After working in early intervention for about eight years and witnessing the progress made by children and families under her care, Orf noticed a problem: Children were aging out of her program around age 3 and entering the school system. With many diagnoses occuring around that same age, many children were missing out on essential therapies. “I searched for a certification to be able to work with children with autism that matched my philosophy and was less costly for families,” Orf says. She sought a home-based, developmental, individualized, play-based service, one that could begin around that critical 3-year mark. What she discovered was The P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project. Based on the DIR (Developmental, Individualized, Relationshipbased) theory, this method was created to empower parents and professionals to implement intensive, developmental interventions. “I am able to support families and effectively assist their children move

up the developmental ladder, increase language, and improve social skills [with the P.L.A.Y. Project],” says Orf. “Since the parents are the ones putting in the time, they don't have to pay someone else for that time, making it more cost-effective; the focus is also on their relationship.” While other interventions may cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 a year, these home consultations provide the know-how at approximately $4,000 annually. Within the P.L.A.Y. Project, families receive continued support on top of numerous home visits, videotaping of home interactions with video analysis, suggestions for activities and resources, assessment and progress reports and more. “When I first met Pam, my daughter Katie was just over a year old and was unobservant to her surroundings, lacked communication skills, and became frustrated very easily when she could not complete a simple, age appropriate task,” says Becky Barker. “Now, after one year in the program, Katie is able to communicate her wants and needs verbally as well as by signing, she is less frustrated by things that may take her some time to accomplish, and her attention span has increased tremendously! “The program has also helped me as the parent to recognize and better understand things I can do to help Katie achieve goals and reach important milestones. I would highly recommend this program to any parent who feels their child is struggling with developmental delays.” The feeling is mutual. “It is amazing to watch a family have fun relating to each other and be able to see their child say and interact in a way they have not seen before,” concludes Orf. Find out more about the P.L.A.Y. Project and Learning Connections Unlimited by visiting www.learningconnectionsunlimited.com or calling 704.488.2026.

Early Childhood Developmental Intervention We provide holistic, child-lead, fun methods that will help your child

Is your child challenged with one of the following? • Developmental delays • Autism • Down syndrome • Speech difficulties

reach their fullest developmental potential.

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“Pam continues to impress us at each visit with her creativity. She can take an ordinary game and make it more fun and at the same time encouraging our son to be vocal.” Quote from a local mom whose child is enrolled in the PLAY Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) through Learning Connections Unlimited

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zach

photos by photography by chanda

parenting children with

special

needs 52

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shep

by kiran dodeja smith

unconditional love

Be inspired by these local, loving moms and their stories of trial and triumph.

t used to be that people reacted with pity when hearing the term “special needs” with regard to a child. But in recent years, the spectrum of what is identified as a special need has expanded, and families raising these unique children generally have become more open about their struggles. Now it’s not uncommon to have a special-needs child or have a friend who is parenting one, and people are generally beginning to show more compassion and empathy for these children, rather than just staring or turning away. In North Carolina, about 10% of children under age 5 have special health-care needs, while 17.7% of 6- to 11year-olds fall into that category, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. By definition, a child with a special health-care need includes those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition, and who also require health and related services beyond what is required by children generally. The designation “special needs” has grown to include children with varying levels of numerous conditions, including everything from cancer and autism to dyslexia, anxiety and even food allergies. And though the levels of severity can vary greatly from one child to the next, having a little one with any special need on the spectrum – from the minor to the life threatening – can be painful and difficult for any parent to endure. Initial Discovery No one expects to have a child with special needs. It’s not really on your radar when you’re caught up in the excitement of being pregnant and having a newborn. So, when it happens, it can leave a new mom feeling blindsided and lonely. No one knows that better than Kim Bender. “I’d always known I wanted to be a mom, and having a child with special needs was not what I had hoped for,” says Bender, a local mother of three boys whose eldest son, Colin, was born with a neurological condition in which he has a small head and, therefore, a small brain. It has caused him significant delays overall. “Shocked,” “devastated,” “hopeless,” “scared,” and “sad” are the words she uses to describe her feelings when she received his diagnosis. “I felt quite a bit of grief over the loss of the dream of the boy he would be, and the life we would have as his parents,” she says. Similarly, Hailey Arthur says she grew up knowing plenty of children with special needs, but it was still difficult to accept that her son had cerebral palsy. “It’s not what any of us expected,” she says. Of the special-needs children she knew in her youth, she says this: “I never stopped to think that their mom was just like me. They didn’t go into this knowing that this would be part of their life. When I was pregnant, I was just as concerned about cute maternity clothes and what color to paint the nursery.” She admits that she felt “numb” for about the first year after her son was born. Local therapist Leslie Petruk, who is also the mother of a specialneeds child, explains: “Feeling numb is totally normal – it’s the state of shock that parents go into after hearing that there is

something ‘wrong’ with their child. It is a normal emotional response that is protective – to keep parents from collapsing or being totally overwhelmed by all of the fears that come along with getting the news that your child has some sort of need. Hearing those words is incredibly frightening and our psyche goes into protection mode … we have to digest the information in nuggets on an emotional and cognitive level.” For Jennifer Schulz, whose son suffers from a Mitochondrial Disease called Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD), the discovery of her son’s disability came with mixed emotions. He had showed signs of developmental delays beginning at age 3 months, but he was not diagnosed until he turned 1. “It was a really difficult diagnosis to swallow,” says Schulz, “but we had tried to prepare ourselves.” (Because it is a newer disease, the treatment options are scarce, causing greater stress with the diagnosis.) However, because the Schulzes had known something was not right with their son, they felt a bit of relief that they finally had an answer. “We would have rather had something with a clear-cut treatment available, but we were relieved to finally pinpoint it,” she says. Schulz says she dealt with a lot of personal guilt. “Mito diseases can be genetically related, so I encountered a lot of mommy guilt … I felt like I had passed it on to my son. On the other hand, [the diagnosis] came at such a hard time in our lives that it was almost a relief. It was something that we could ‘blame.’” Guilt is one of the many emotions that parents of a special-needs child may encounter. Feelings of powerlessness, emotional imbalances, anger, depression, stress and relationship problems are also common. Lissa Weinstein, Ph.D., has worked as a clinical psychologist for more than 20 years and has written many articles about developmental psychology. In her book, Reading David, which chronicles her experience raising a dyslexic son, she writes about parents abandoning their child emotionally because he or she is harder to deal with, or because the parent is so disappointed because the child is not “perfect.” “What a child has to know, and what you need to say to them, is, ‘We will deal with this and get through it together. It will be hard, you’re going to have to learn to read in a different way than the other kids, but you will learn to read. And we will do it together.’” For Bender, coming to terms with her son’s diagnosis helped her move forward. “We experienced a lot of love and support from our community,” she says. “I had never felt an outpouring of love like that before having Colin. It helped me keep my focus on the beauty that God gave this specific child to us for a reason. I didn’t know the reason. I didn’t like it. But it helped me move forward with strength. As I accepted his diagnosis, or more his prognosis, I had to let go of much of my controlling nature. Colin was going to learn at his own pace, and I was there to provide love and opportunity. He was going to get looks from people because he wasn’t ‘normal,’ and that was going to be OK with me. My life was going to be forever changed in a way I hadn’t planned for or wanted. But I feel I’ve done my best to embrace it and appreciate what I’ve gained from having Colin.” www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

Early Intervention Early intervention is key for any type of disease, disorder, allergy or related special need. The sooner you find out, the sooner you can begin understanding, accepting and working to get your child the services he or she needs. In North Carolina, early-intervention services are available for children aged birth to kindergarten that have or are at risk for disabilities. Providers include early-childhood special educators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and health professionals. These professionals can work in partnership with parents to help the family – the parents, the child and their siblings – succeed as a whole. Research has shown that starting services early improves a child’s ability to develop and learn. Early intervention can produce substantial gains in physical development, cognitive development, language and speech development and self-help skills. It also can help prevent the development of secondary disabling conditions, reduce family stress, and reduce the need for special-education services once the child reaches school age. First Signs, a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and professionals about the early warning signs of autism and related disorders, stresses the importance of early intervention: “Unfortunately, many physicians fail to identify a developmental delay at an age when the child should be receiving early intervention services. Birth to 3 years is a critical time in a child’s development, so a delayed diagnosis may compromise his or her chances for success.” For Schulz, who waited nine months for doctors to pinpoint the cause of her son’s troubles, getting a diagnosis meant moving forward with the treatment he desperately needed. “I feel prepared going into the rest of his life,” she says. “I can prepare him for anesthesia, keep him out of the heat, and help him avoid other stressors. I now have a background and can help him. We’ve learned that stress and illness are some of the causes of a metabolic crash and can better prepare him. “A year ago we thought we may lose him,” she continues. “He’s stable now and we feel that we have a good handle on how to prepare him.” Some families fear that early intervention will lead to their child being “labeled.” Others assume that their child can simply “catch up” on his own, or prefer that he be playing instead of going through therapy. However, participating in therapy is beneficial in the long run, and it allows the child to be mainstreamed much of the time. And while parents of special-needs children should certainly work with their children on their own at home, to fully equip him for his life ahead, early intervention – diagnosis and working with specialists – is the best scenario. For Mountain Island mom Amy Gamblin, whose son has autism, early intervention was crucial. “Go with your instincts when you think something is wrong,” she says. “Be persistent, because you are your child’s greatest advocate; you are their voice. While some of the results were immediate, others came later, and those were the most precious. Knowledge is to power as early intervention is to autism!” Education Instruction for exceptional children can be a challenge both financially and in terms of availability. That being said, Charlotte is home to many fine options, including specialized schools, specifically targeted learning centers and even integrated programs offered through the public school systems. Programs are available that target learning disabilities, neurological conditions, autism, speech issues and more. Both the Benders and Arthurs have been extremely satisfied with their experience at Easter Seals United cerebral palsy Child Development Center. In the Benders’ case, Colin’s tuition there 54

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was covered by CMS until he reached 5 years of age. During the summer, he attended a program that they had to pay for out of pocket. The cost was $750 a month. Gamblin, whose son Trey is autistic, has had mixed experiences with their public school. “Those that work with [children with] special needs do it with passion and truly love our children ... the frustration comes with those in the system that do not want to work with our children. It breaks my heart to hear a teacher did not want ‘my child’ in the class. Yet, I am always hearing the need to ‘mainstream’ him. I once tried to enroll him in a CMSsponsored summer program; however, I was told I needed to be available in case he had a meltdown ... they did not have the resources. “You can’t pick and choose when you want to involve the special-needs child,” she continues. “The excuse of not having the resources is just not acceptable anymore. The statistics are rising. I have looked into private schools, but the cost can be very high. Unfortunately, for us it is not feasible due to other costs that are needed for care.” Petruk, our resident therapist, is also quite familiar with the educational hurdles that can arise for special-needs children. Her 10-year-old son, Brandon, was born with an XYY chromosome and severe apraxia. In kindergarten, Brandon was placed in a mainstream classroom with 21 children at Smithfield Elementary. He had a full-time aide, but Petruk says he often poured rice from one cup to another while the other children did their lessons. Her research deduced that a private school for Brandon would cost approximately $20,000 a year, in addition to the many therapies and other related expenses they already paid for. Their son did get accepted at Beverly Woods Elementary in CMS, where he has now attended for four years. He’s in a special-needs classroom and joins mainstream students for various parts of the day. Still, she worries about middle school and believes they may have to turn to a private institution down the road. The Petruks have been part of an organization called Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, which has been advocating for legislation that would allow for up to $6,000 a year in tax credits to help pay for private education and therapy for children with special needs. This past summer, House Bill 344 passed. The Petruks were ecstatic, not only for their own child, but for the many other families with special-needs children that will benefit from this tax credit. Financial Burdens After Colin’s birth, Kim Bender opted to stop working and stay home full time with him to take him to his therapies and doctor appointments. “Bumping down to one average salary was tough in itself,” she says. While insurance covers a lot of their medical costs and therapies, they still pay a good amount for deductibles and co-pays. A surgery or excessive sickness can make those costs skyrocket. Bender and her husband applied for The Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C), which provides home- and community-based services to medically fragile children who, because of their medical needs, are at risk for institutionalization in a nursing home. They are still on the waiting list. “[The financial aspect] does put an additional financial strain on us,” admits Bender. “There are other therapy options out there that we’d love to try with him, but the cost is just too high. We don’t cut back on what he needs now, though. We are hoping CAP will come through, and until then, we remind ourselves that it’s unlikely he’ll attend college, so that money can be spent throughout his life on therapies, equipment, etc.” Last January, the Schulzes qualified for CAP/C in addition to Social Security Disability. “That was a huge stress relief off of

us,” Schulz says. “Before that, we were just drowning. We had racked up a lot of medical debt.” For example, they were paying $1,000 per month for formula, $300 per month for supplies to feed their son, $300 for medications, $250 to $300 per month for supplements not covered by insurance, and a staggering $500 to $600 on insurance co-pays. Now, they only pay for the supplements that are not covered. Relationship Stress With financial burdens, feelings of guilt, and the many additional factors that come with having a family member with special needs, it’s no surprise that it can strain a marriage relationship, as well as connections with friends and other family members. Internationally renowned relationship expert and local lady, Dr. Darshana Hawks (Dr. Dar), counsels couples of all sorts and stages and sheds light on the topic. “Having a child with special needs is a lifelong commitment, just like marriage,” she says. “Feeling like you have to do all you can for your child results in putting all that you have into that effort, ignoring or avoiding other areas of your life or yourself.” She lists some additional stressors that can result from having a specialneeds child in the family: • Feelings of guilt. • Thoughts about what went wrong, or worse, what you did wrong. • Unconscious and unintentional attacks against your partner due to pent-up stress and frustration. • Desire to make things manageable and maybe even as perfect as you can for your child. • Less or no focus on the marriage and all focus on your child. • Sacrificing personal needs for your child’s needs. • Redirection of finances towards care for your child. • Lack of support from your spouse, family, or friends. • Inability to have your own needs met or knowing how to ask for them to be met. • Blindly assuming your marriage will survive. “The general number that is quoted for divorce rates hovers around 50%; the rates inch upwards for families with a child with special needs,” Dr. Dar continues. “Unfortunately, the rate is higher as the needs of the child increase. Challenges in life can draw you closer or drive you apart, and having a child with special needs can result in either.” For the Schulz family, having a special-needs child has positively impacted their marriage. “At first, it was a huge, huge stressor,” Schulz says. “But it has brought us closer as a couple; we wouldn’t be at this place with our relationship if we hadn’t had Finn. We’ve become this amazing team together. For my husband to be able to care for Finn as well as I can has made our relationship that much stronger. With that being said, we don’t have very much time for each other. Finn is 24/7; someone has to be ‘on’ at all times. We have to be purposeful in the time we spend together, whether it’s the time we spend together after they go to bed, or whenever. It’s made us grow up even more and to become part of a team. I love that part of our relationship.” The Benders have found that the strain of having a special-needs child has helped deepen relationships with their extended family members. His needs have brought everyone closer, and they have considered moving back up North to be closer to family. However, their situation has presented marital challenges. “We dealt with the emotions and stress of having Colin very differently,” Bender says. “We definitely grew distant from each other and struggled to love each other well through our own pain. Six years in, through counseling and lots of difficult conversations, we are hopefully on the right path, working through our issues to get back to a healthy place. We are fighting hard for it.”

Dr. Dar’s advice for couples with a child with special needs: • Get support from family and friends, but ensure it is support and not advice. • Participate in counseling or coaching - it is less about what’s wrong with you or your relationship but more about you both having quality time to connect with each other, share what’s on your heart and mind, and have an objective person listen in a supportive and engaging way.

• Have a weekly date night with your partner. • Expand your communication and relationship skills by taking relationship classes or by working with a relationship expert or coach. You’ll learn new ways of communicating and connecting with each other and your child. • Organize your life. Put it down in a calendar so that you can look at it and adjust it. Trying to stay organized in your head while simultaneously thinking about your child’s needs along with everything else that’s in your head will just create more stress.

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Two Exceptional Children from the Charlotte Area

Zach Kiefer Mindi Kiefer showed no signs or “markers,” as they say, of having a child with Down syndrome while pregnant. At age 32, she passed all of the preliminary screening tests administered to moms-to-be. Having already delivered healthy fraternal twins, she had no reason to think that her third child would have any issues. Her pregnancy was smooth sailing, but the delivery was anything but. “I had the baby and immediately afterwards I went into surgery for hemorrhaging,” she recalls. “After surgery, I found out that Zach went into the NICU because he had a ‘blue episode’ (due to losing oxygen).” Zach stayed in the NICU for a day and a half; the doctors simply said they were running echocardiograms on him. “Since I didn’t know any better, I didn’t ask any questions,” says Kiefer. She was discharged from the hospital after three days. “I went home after his morning feeding. I remember saying to the doctor, ‘If he can come home, please call me.’ That night we went to the hospital for his last feeding at 9 p.m. We sat next to Zach, and I’ll never forget this. His doctor said simply, ‘I’m so glad you’re here; Zach is doing great, and, oh, he has Down syndrome.’” Kiefer and her husband, Andi, knew very little about Down syndrome at the time but were obviously completely blindsided by the diagnosis. “We were not expecting anything like this,” she says. “They hadn’t told us they were testing him for anything. They told us in front of everyone; didn’t even take us into a private room or anything. We cried. The doctor continued by telling us that we needed to treat Zach like anyone else … then offered for us to leave the baby at the hospital for one more night.” Kiefer’s immediate reaction was that if the baby was healthy enough to be like everyone else, he was healthy enough to go home. She cried the whole way to the house. “The entire car ride, all I could think was, ‘What am I going to do with this child?’” she remembers. Her mom had been watching the twins, who were 2 at the time. When she got home, she turned the car seat to face her mother and said, “We were told he has Down syndrome.” Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which an individual has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Also known as Trisomy 21, the extra chromosome can cause 56

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problems with the way that the body and brain develop. Symptoms can vary greatly and cases range from very mild to extremely severe. “At the very beginning, we were devastated,” Kiefer says. “Completely devastated. It was my husband’s biggest fear.” The doctors advised them against doing their own research on the Internet, yet they couldn’t get in to see a specialist for a week. They were told to nurture their child, but as Kiefer says, they didn’t know where to begin. “I was numb for about a month,” she says. “I didn’t want to know about Down syndrome; I didn’t want to hear stories. I just wanted it to go away. There were lots of struggles initially. It took him a while to learn to nurse. That and us trying to come to terms with it. My husband started researching. We realized that this was what we were dealt and this is what we were going to do to deal with it. We were figuring out ways to cope.” Four years later, Kiefer admits that Zach was like any other newborn. He cried when he was tired or hungry; he napped and liked to be held. “They were right,” she says. “We didn’t need to do anything different with this child.” But when the time came for Zach to start meeting milestones, they jumped right in to intervene with therapy. The Carlton Watkins Center was just what the Kiefers needed. In addition to providing developmental evaluation services to families who are concerned about the development of their young child, they also offer therapy to those in need. Zach received an hour each of speech, physical, play and occupational therapy each week starting around 6 months of age. The best part was that they came to the Kiefers’ house, making the therapies manageable for a mom with twin little ones, as well. While the symptoms of children with Downs can vary in severity, Zach is a highly functioning 4-yearold. Though he doesn’t talk and he’s not potty trained, in all other aspects he is a typical little boy. “He fights with his brother and sister,” says Kiefer. “He wants to play video games; he eats anything and everything. He is a fantastic child. He is SO intelligent – but the communication is missing and he gets frustrated. He does know sign language so he uses that. Other than not talking, I could look at him and think he is completely ‘normal.’” Two years ago, the Kiefers decided to have another baby. They opted to endure additional prenatal testing to prepare themselves for the possibility of having another child with Downs. “We wouldn’t change our lives for anything, especially for Zach. He is my heart,” she says. Mindi underwent the CVS test, which screens for genetic abnormalities, but opted to not do the amniocentesis for fear of the potential

risks to the baby. “We realized that after Zach was born, it wasn’t really that bad. He is the light of our lives.” Their fourth child, who is now almost a year old, is a happy, healthy little boy. Having a child with Down syndrome was never something that the Kiefers would have imagined, and Mindi admits it can be stressful. Her 6-year-old twins are beginning to ask questions about their brother, such as why doesn’t he talk like the 3-yearold down the street, and why is he not potty trained? And both she and her husband can feel strained at times, though they try not to take it out on each other. In fact, she feels that it’s strengthened their relationship; it’s helped them realize what they can accomplish together. “It’s been a great journey,” she concludes. “It’s been stressful; there are days that I cry. There are days I wish I didn’t have to deal with it. But I realize, this is my life. And I’m going to do what I can to make it the best that I can.”

Shepard “Shep” Arthur Like Kiefer, Hailey Arthur had a completely “normal,” healthy pregnancy, followed by a harrowing delivery. After an intense and lengthy labor, her baby was delivered with forceps. There was a complication with the forceps, and baby Shep suffered a skull fracture and brain injury. Because of the sudden head trauma, he began having seizures and had difficulty breathing immediately after being born. Shep stayed in the NICU for seven days until the Arthurs were given the news that they would be able to take him home on Christmas Day. But before discharging him, the doctor in the NICU wanted to run a precautionary MRI. It showed that Shep had experienced serious brain damage from the forceps. The diagnosis was cerebral palsy. “I will never forget the day the doctor sat us down while I had little Shep in my arms and told us that we should prepare ourselves for the fact that he would likely never walk or talk. I was with complete disbelief as I looked into the angelic eyes of my little baby. I was numb for about a year.” Arthur had planned to go back to work after a 12-week maternity leave, but clearly nothing was going as planned. Though she had always imagined she would want to stay home with her children, the Arthurs weren’t in a financial position for her to do so. When their baby was around 10 weeks old, they had a follow-up with their neurologist, who told them to prepare for the worst. The neurologist didn’t think that Shep would walk, talk or even eat on his own. Ever. The doctor told the Arthurs that the best thing they could do would be to stimulate him. Constantly. “Mike and I went home from that appointment and looked at each other. We said, ‘Who will do this besides us?’” Hailey quit her job the next morning, and from there on, she gave her baby constant stimulation. He couldn’t use his hands to hold toys, so she held them for him. She moved his arms to touch the toys. And she took him to therapy sessions day after day. The doctors couldn’t tell them what they could expect from Shep; Arthur admits that this was the hardest part to deal with. (As with many disorders, the severity of cerebral palsy can vary greatly. Therefore, it’s difficult for doctors and specialists to determine how a child will progress over time.) “When we looked at him, I think we always knew that everything would be ‘OK’ … but what ‘OK’ meant was just not clear. That is the worst part about having a child with a brain injury; no one can tell you what their future will be.” Arthur had a group of four or five girlfriends that she had gone through pregnancy with. They formed a playgroup, and she attended on a regular basis after Shep was born. But as soon as the other babies began sitting up, she stopped going. “I couldn’t

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handle it,” she says. “I couldn’t have them talk about their baby sitting up or rolling over when Shep couldn’t even lift his arms. I’ve pulled back from a lot of social events and also [from] my friends; it was just too painful. “As other stay-at-home moms went to the park, had playdates or chatted about their child’s accomplishments, I was busy driving to and from therapies, sitting in waiting rooms, dealing with insurance companies and talking to therapists,” she continues. “Shep’s best friend’s were therapists; it was my – our – new, fulltime job.” Shep continued to progress but was still not talking by the time he was 3. Around that same time, the Arthurs considered adding another baby to their family. Naturally, they had concerns about delivering another baby after their first experience, but Arthur’s new OB/GYN put the couple at ease by suggesting a Csection. “Since we know when and what happened to Shep, it made it easier for me with my next pregnancy,” she explains. That was, until they found out she was pregnant with twins. “Carrying twins puts you at high risk for premature labor and delivery,” Arthur explains. “There is a high rate of cerebral palsy in premature babies and often you see that with multiples. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t do this again. Please, God, I cannot do this again.’” The Arthurs celebrated each milestone of the pregnancy. In September 2007, Hailey delivered David and Lane via C-section at 36 weeks. They were both healthy. At age 4, Shep began walking in a walker, and at 5, he began walking independently. At 8, he still can’t go up steps or up a curb on his own, but it’s something that they work on daily and something his parents feel strongly that he’ll achieve soon. His hands remain his biggest challenge. It’s tough for him to hold onto things, to grip and manipulate them. He needs assistance getting dressed, in the bathroom, using his utensils, getting in and out of a chair, the car, the bathtub, and more. “It is a lot of physical work and very little downtime except when he is sleeping, but it is worth it,” says Arthur. “Shep has a great spirit and wants to try everything. We are fortunate that he is very determined and always wants to do things on his own, so he works hard every day at acquiring new skills.” While Shep has made great strides over the years, it is still an emotional journey for his parents, who are the most loving, 58

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supportive people. “It’s tough because you see his peers doing all these things … the older he gets, it almost gets harder,” Arthur says. “We see kids his age playing on organized sports teams. His peers are at that age when suddenly things are cool and some are not; he doesn’t get it, he’s not at that level. Recently, some kids made fun of him because he loves Mickey Mouse … he’d watch Thomas the Train still if we’d let him, but we try to get him up to his ‘level.’ It’s so tough; you want to compare him to everybody, you want him to do the same things. But he can’t. Still, I’ve come to terms with the fact that he will do those things some day; it’ll just be in his own time. “It’s tough,” she continues, “but at the same time, I can’t tell you how awesome it can be. At the end of the last school year, we were at field day. Shep ran the 50-yard dash with the rest of his class; clearly he came in last … but as he was running to the finish line, the entire school was standing and cheering,” she says with a tear. “Right after Shep was born, I remember our pastor coming to our house to speak with Mike and me. He said something at the time that did not make sense to me, but is abundantly clear now. He said, ‘Shep will be your salvation.’ It is true. My relationship with my husband is stronger because of our challenges with our child. I am closer to God, to my family, my children … all because of Shep. My children are more compassionate, patient (at times) and loving because they have a brother with special needs. Shep is four years older than them, but they will stop at a threshold and make sure Shep can make the step over it. They will often reach out to help him over or wait for him when they know it may take him some extra time to get up off of the floor. We have never had to talk to the twins about why Shep is different. We will eventually, but at this point, they just see that ‘sometimes Shep needs a little help.’ They have asked why he wears the braces on his legs and we tell them that it is just like some of their friends wear glasses to help them see better. Shep wears the braces on his legs to help him walk better. “Shep is such a loving, smiley, wonderful kid. It makes it easy to do it. I’m a very faithful and spiritual person. I truly do believe that this was my path; I am a different person for the better. I think that in everyone’s life, there is a life-defining moment. For some people, it happens later in life; I feel sorry for them. We’ve come through something so big, it’s changed how we view and think of everything in the world. I am so fortunate that this happened to me at such a young age. Mike and I are both able to look at our lives and say, I’m glad that this happened to us; we are better people for it. We don’t take anything for granted.”

by kiran dodeja smith

photos by photography by chanda

a celebration of life mber Greenawalt has always loved parties, so much so that she earned a college degree in special events management. Before starting a family, she spent many late nights tying chair ties and working parties until the wee hours of the morning. But it wasn’t until she had her children that she gained a true appreciation for celebrations. »»»

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Greenawalt and her husband, Brian, have three children. Their first, Sebastian, was born six years ago. At age 3, he was diagnosed with Multicentric Osteoclastoma. Greenawalt explains that, for Sebastian, the disorder essentially meant that giant cell tumors were destroying his bones. Since receiving his diagnosis, he has endured five surgeries, including a craniotomy in which doctors removed a golf-ball-sized tumor from his skull. Mercifully, Sebastian is in remission today, living the life of a healthy 6–year-old. But for the Greenawalts, it wasn’t the end of the road for their medical issues. At the time of Sebastian’s diagnosis, Greenawalt was pregnant with her second baby. Born in August 2008, Savannah fell victim to Mitochondrial Disease. As a result, she has experienced poor growth, hypermobility, hypotonia, gastrointestinal issues, hypoglycemia, asthma, seizures and more. “Mitochondrial Disease is very hard to diagnose and there is little awareness of it, even among doctors,” says Greenawalt. “Savannah's had more tests, surgeries and procedures than I can readily recall with acronyms

in just about every combination of the alphabet as we tried to figure out the cause of her multitude of symptoms. Our hearts ached time and again as we watched her get poked and prodded for test after test, struggling through one illness after another.” Savannah is being followed by numerous specialists and continues to take several medicines on a daily basis to help manage her incurable disease. While her case is milder than some, there is always a chance that her condition will grow worse. The Greenawalts have a third child

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who is perfectly healthy. However, because of the life-threatening medical issues Savannah and Sebastian have endured, birthdays for this family have become a pretty big deal. “It's more than just cake and balloons ... it's a triumph!” says Greenawalt. “We are celebrating the fact that we have had the joy of having these amazing little beings in our life for another year.” Savannah’s 3rd birthday was no exception. Amber planned a Rock Starthemed party – a perfect match for the child’s personality. “Savannah really is a ROCK STAR to go through everything she does and still smile and make everyone she comes in contact with just fall in love with her,” says her mom. “She loves music and dancing more than just about anything, and so the theme completely fits our girl.” Amber’s inspiration was confirmed when she found the “Rock Star Party” line by Spritz at Target and then some fabulous graphics to match by Modern Moments Designs. From there, things just seemed to fall into place. Greenawalt opted to use an Evite instead of printed paper for

invitations. “I've found we get a much better RSVP response with electronic invitations, and I like how the new Evite allows for conversations among guests. I chose one of the customizable designs that featured a record and used a photo of the party plates as the center of the record.” On Aug. 6, 25 of Savannah’s friends from preschool and her neighborhood headed to her house, which had been renamed Greenawalt Arena for the day. Greenawalt had discovered inflatable guitars in the dollar section at Michael’s. They doubled as décor and a favor for each guest; she also

photographed her little birthday girl in rock star gear and placed the photos in themed frames she found in the dollar section at Target. Pulling it all together, she purchased fabric from Wal-Mart on clearance and topped the little tables, completing the ambiance. Upon arrival, all little guests (each decked in rocker get-up as suggested on the invite) were checked in on the VIP list and given a “backstage pass.” They then proceeded down the pink carpet and into the family room where “band practice” was in progress. Mandy Haynes of Music with Mandy got the kids engaged in play with music and instruments, a melodious success, no doubt. After practice (and once all of the guests had arrived), the crew was led upstairs to the playroom, which had been transformed into the concert area. Toys had been escorted out ahead of time, and a backdrop, shiny stars and music notes now graced the walls. No kiddie concert would be complete without lights, fog and a bubble machine, and this party was no exception! The group jammed to the birthday girl’s favorite tunes, each one taking a turn at the microphone and strumming their guitars along with each other. After working up an appetite, the group headed down to the “celeb” spread in the Rock Star Café. There, they noshed on fruit, veggies, chips

and pizza. They washed the kiddie cuisine down with mini water bottles and Jones Blueberry soda, each customized with the birthday girl’s rock star portrait upon them. Icing Smiles, an organization that provides custom celebration cakes and treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child, had coordinated the creation of the cake by local cake company Got What it Cakes. The three-tiered dessert coordinated perfectly with Greenawalt’s color and design theme. But not only did it look pretty, it tasted fantastic. The first layer was vanilla with strawberries and cream, the second marble, and the top cookies and cream. Right before cake, Savannah was feeling a bit fatigued – but just a mere mention of the treat perked her right up. The guests rocked it out a bit more before the musical party subsided. As they left, each child received a toy microphone, star-shaped glasses (both from the Spritz line at Target), a “Rocker Bar” (a Hershey’s Bar with a custom label), Rock Stars (incognito Nerds), and a CD of Savannah’s favorite songs. Amber had purchased clear jewel cases and printed her own labels on Avery CD label paper, which she had affixed to the cases. The CDs, personalized candy and rockin’ toys all were placed into a “swag bag.” In the weeks leading up to Savannah’s birthday, the Greenawalts ran a “birthday campaign” in order to raise money for the Energy Walk for

The deets: Cake: Got What it Cakes Décor: “Rock Star Party” line by Spritz (Target); graphics from Modern Moments Designs; various items from Target, Wal-Mart and Michael’s. Party Attire: Savannah’s tutu and Sebastian’s zebra pants made by Greenawalt’s friend; shirt created with an iron-on jewel appliqué; Amber’s gear was from the Miley Cyrus line at Wal-Mart. Food: Fruit (strawberries, watermelon, pineapple); veggies; pizza from Little Caesars. Entertainment: Music with Mandy Life, an event that funds Mitochondrial Disease research. They set a goal of raising $3,000 and surpassed it, bringing in $3,550 by the day of her party. Their ultimate goal is to raise more than $10,000 (the amount they raised last year) before the Oct. 15 fundraising walk. “Savannah's Rock Star party was a labor of love that took us months to create,” says Greenawalt. “At the end of the day, it was so worth the effort. Every hour of work and every paper jam. It just felt so perfect, and my heart was overwhelmed with joy for our Rock Star and the celebration of her life.”

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ask the therapist By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC

I have a son with autism who requires a great deal of my time and attention. My other two children frequently complain that I don’t spend enough time with them, and I worry about the impact on them of having a sibling with special needs.

Q: A:

As the parent of a child with quires you, as the parent, to set aside the parts of you that special needs myself, this topic feel guilty, overwhelmed, and grief stricken so that you can is very near and dear to my compassionately attend to the feelings that your child is heart. The joy of becoming a sharing with you. Providing your child with understanding parent, particularly for the and empathy when they do share their feelings is crucial to first time, is indescribable. Joy, their continuing to open up about their feelings. If they are excitement, trepidation and met with anger or defensiveness, they will shut down and amazement of the miraculous learn that it is not safe to express their feelings related to birth experience are all emotions one their sibling. may experience. Whether it’s right after birth or when your Don’t assume that they will always hold contempt or anichild is older that you learn that they have special needs, it mosity towards their sibling. Just as you have moments of is yet another indescribable experience. The road that famifeeling cheated or grief stricken, so will they. (There are lies travel varies greatly, but the emotional rollercoaster is times that both my husband and I have felt cheated in not similar. It is a grieving process for loss and landing in a having a “typical” son and the grief hits us at various world of the unexpected and unknown. The times.) If your child shares their frustration impact of a child with special needs affects about the time they don’t get, they are commuGiving your children the whole family, but the burden on the sibnicating that they long for connection with lings often goes unnoticed. Being mindful of and attention from you. As a parent who is permission to name their needs and the challenges they face as a likely exhausted from tending to your child their feelings and to result of being a sibling of a special needs siswith special needs, this can be extremely openly talk about them tough to hear when you already feel tapped ter/brother is critical to their healthy develwithout criticism will opment. out. This is why self-care is so critical. You help them feel It is not uncommon for siblings to feel as can’t care for your children when you don’t though they are being cheated of their parhave anything left to give. You aren’t doing valued. ent’s time and attention and that their sibany favors by running on empty – you have to ling with special needs take precedent over give yourself permission to refuel. You will them. This may be an accurate reality, and out of guilt, it is have more patience, energy, and tolerance overall. This is so not uncommon for parents to get defensive when their child important and I find that moms overall, particularly those brings it up or to justify why they have to give their specialwho have children with special needs, are the worst about needs child more time and attention. What siblings needs to giving themselves permission to go out with friends for an hear is validation of how hard it must be for them that they evening or day away, claiming they feel guilty. This is just don’t get as much time as their sibling. They need you to as important as eating and brushing your teeth … it is part understand how it must seem so unfair for them. This reof keeping yourself healthy and balanced! 62

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Communicating with your other children about their sibling’s special needs so that they understand their condition and that it isn’t something they can “catch” can help alleviate anxiety for them. Siblings may have some embarrassment about their sibling. Helping them talk about those feelings without shaming them can alleviate stress for them. It is also important to discuss how to respond to people if they ask or look at their sibling funny. Our son is non-verbal and he often walks up to people and taps them on the arm and waves to say hello, so we have taught our daughters to say, “My brother talks with his hands,” rather than “He can’t talk.” Siblings may feel guilty that they don’t have the same problems as their brother or sister with special needs and may also feel guilty for the negative feelings that they feel towards them at times. Giving them permission to name those feelings and to openly talk about them without criticism will help them feel valued. Reassuring them that you don’t think badly of them will allow them to feel understood. Sharing feelings you experience and how those feelings come and go is a great way to help your children feel safe in disclosing more of their thoughts and feelings. Allowing your children to discuss the challenges that come along with being a sibling to a special needs brother/sister is imperative. It’s critical that you really listen and don’t try to defend or fix anything. Brainstorm on ideas or ways that they can get their needs met, such as special oneon-one time scheduled once a week or cuddle time at night. Just make sure that you follow through with whatever it is. It can also be helpful to discuss how having a sibling with special needs has enriched your family life. Our family frequently shares the blessings that have come from our son … and there are many. I’ll end with this sweet story: This summer as I was helping my 7-year-old daughter pack for our week at family camp (a camp for those who have a family member with special needs), she asked me, “Mom, did God know that Brandon was special needs when he was in your tummy?” And I said, “Yes, He did.” She thought for a second and then said, “Did you know that he was special needs when he was in your tummy?” I replied, “No, I didn’t know.” She replied, “Well, when I’m married and I have a baby in my tummy, I’m going to tell

God that I want a baby with special needs.” I said (with teary eyes), “Oh, really, why is that?” She replied, “Well, because I know how to love and care for someone with special needs.” My heart swelled, and I replied, “Indeed you do.” So my take-away message from my 7-year-old daughter? Mom, it’s not so bad, this brother of mine who is really pretty special, and in the end, it’s really all about love. Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NC is the director of SteppingStones Counseling & Consulting of Charlotte (www.steppingstonesnc.com) and a mother of three.

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Yucky Bugs

By Keiran Llaneza, PA-C

Be vigilant this winter about these fever-causing viruses in children.

Most of us look forward to fall and all the fun holidays coming up. Unfortunately, the season brings with it some very frustrating winter colds and viruses. Many of these will cause missed days at school, missed days at work, and trips to the pediatrician. Let’s not forget the extra hard work it is for a mom to have a sick little one! As a parent of two girls myself, I can relate with wondering when to keep them out of school, how to prevent spreading of the virus, or when to take them to the pediatrician. I have gathered information on some of the most common viruses I see in our clinic that cause fevers and missed days at school in hopes of helping you, as parents, to confidently make good decisions about your sick little ones. The first virus that always comes to mind is the flu. With “flu shots available” signs posted on doors all over Charlotte, we certainly have to consider the seriousness of this virus. Of course, it is most important that you seek a flu vaccine for any of your children over 6 months of age. The vaccine is now a trivalent mix covering influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B strands. This is the most effective way of preventing the virus. Those at high risk are children under 2, household contacts of children under 6 months, and children with asthma.

These children should receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Up to 42% of preschool and school-aged children will become infected with the flu. Up to 300 flu-related deaths in children were reported to the Centers For Disease Control in 2009. The flu can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, and body aches. Of course, infants cannot express headache and body aches, but will become lethargic, irritable, and often not eat or drink as well. The flu is spread through coughing, sneezing, and touching, so it is very contagious. You should keep your child out of school until 24 hours after the fever has resolved and he is feeling better. When do you go to the pediatrician? If you notice your child is not drinking enough fluids (not peeing in the potty or not having wet diapers), or if your child has a fever for more than five days, you should seek medical care. If you think your child has the flu, keep him home, make him rest, and have him drink plenty of fluids! Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that most commonly causes bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways. This virus is most common from November to April with a peak in January and February. Infants at higher risk are those born before 35 weeks gestation, infants younger than 6 months, infants exposed to second-

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hand smoking, and children with asthma. The most common symptoms to look for are nasal congestion, fever, breathing rapidly (60 to 80 times a minute), wheezing, or persistent coughing. RSV is transmitted through sneezing, coughing and touching, so your child should stay home and away from other children until the fever and wheezing are gone. It is very important to recognize when you should see your pediatrician because of the risk of complications. You should seek immediate attention if your child is having difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly, has pale or blue-tinged skin, severe coughing spells, or if you see sucking of the skin around the ribs called retractions. Roseola is one of the most common causes of high fever in children under 2 years old. It is usually benign and self-limited, but can be a major concern to the parent because of the high fevers. Fevers usually range between 102o F to 104o F. Children with this virus usually act as if they feel fine, but just have fever. They will often play and

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eat normally outside of the fever. The fever typically lasts for three to five days and is followed by a rash. The rash starts on the neck and spreads to the trunk and face. It typically does not itch or bother the child but may last for one or two days. The rash is not contagious, but your child should be kept at home until the fever is gone. The most important reason to see your pediatrician is for the high fevers. Your pediatrician will be able to rule out any other type of infections. The best thing you can do for your child is to treat the fever with Tylenol or Motrin and make sure she drinks plenty of fluids. The best prevention for common winter viruses is simply washing hands. As I type this article, my oldest daughter is sick with fever and laryngitis. I guess there will be no school for us tomorrow! Stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season free of all these yucky bugs! Keiran Llaneza is a pediatric physician assistant at Carolinas Medical Center and a mother of two little girls.

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recipe for

success By Matt Harris

t seems that most families have one sibling who is kind of a screw-up. One kid becomes President of the United States, while the other is a national joke (e.g. the Clinton and Carter families). I didn’t put much thought into the one bad sheep phenomenon until I had children. Before I had kids, I was quick to believe there was a messed-up parent behind every messed-up human – a Dina Lohan for every Lindsay, for example. Since having children, I have started to pay more attention to my friends’ discussions about their siblings. I asked questions to seemingly “normal” people about their brothers and sisters. The discussion would go something like this, with a fictional Mary. Me: “What do you do for a living?” Mary: “I’m a rocket scientist.” Me: “What do your sisters do?” Mary: “One’s a violinist in the New York Philharmonic.” Me: “And the other?” Mary: “We don’t really talk about her. She’s a jerk.”

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Then Mary goes on to say that her black sheep sister is someone similar to the Octomom – only with less ambition and responsibility. I have heard those types of stories over and over again. Frankly, they scare the poo out of me. How do kids raised in the same home by the same parents end up so different? I have to assume that the parents, who raised two kids that turned out well and one that falls somewhere between Jeffrey Dahmer and Homer Simpson, aren’t horrible people. Heck, two-thirds of their children turned out fine. The reason those scenarios scare me is that it seems that parenting might be a big crap shoot.

Snooki. (No offense meant to ex-adult entertainment dancers or Snooki wannabes.) I think we all hope our kid becomes the type of adult we would hang out with, even if they weren’t our offspring. Of course, I realize the odds of your children becoming relatively successful, self-sufficient, cool adults increases by the amount of love you show them and your ability to be a good parent. I know that in many cases there is, truly, a whacked-out parent behind the

whacked-out adults. I hope and pray that my daughters turn out to be way better humans than I ever will be. I want them to be smarter, better looking and more successful then I could ever dream. However, if that doesn’t happen, is it setting the bar too low to just hope they don’t grow up to be jerks? Matt Harris is the co-host of the Matt and Ramona Show, aired Monday – Friday from 3 – 7 p.m. You can email Matt your thoughts at Matt@mattandramona.com.

“I want them to be smarter, better looking and more successful then I could ever dream.” You bust your butt for your children. You love the heck out of them, spend tons of money on them, endure sleepless nights for them, make sure their butts are wiped, attend all their dance recitals and soccer matches (and let’s face the facts, some of them are less than a thrill a minute), and then BAM! One of those little freaks grows up to be a giant A-hole. That’s not a good payoff. Yeah, you still love ‘em, but what the heck went wrong? It would be like spending your whole life building your dream house on the ocean. Then, the day you move in, the sewer backs up, the roof collapses and your “sweet view” of the ocean is replaced with a view of a meat rendering plant. I always thought if you were a good parent, your kids would turn out great. I’m not sure if I am a great father or not, but I do know I’m no Darth Vader. I try my best and love my kids. Now I’m discovering that simply being a loving family is no guarantee that your little princess won’t grow up to be a 35-yearold unemployed stripper, living in your basement watching “Jersey Shore” marathons in her quest to be the next www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

by kiran dodeja smith

travel tips for tots to tweens ver the river and through the woods or over the highways and up in the air … add some kiddos to your travel plans, and determining your transportation is just the beginning. School breaks and holidays make November and December remarkably popular times for travel. But just because you’ve got the kids in tow doesn’t mean you have to fret. With a little planning and the right attitude, getting your boarding pass is just the beginning. First and foremost is flexibility. Got teeny tiny ones? Know that their schedules may go out the window for a few days. Slightly older ones may understand a bit better, but still prepare by keeping them abreast of any changes as they occur (traffic jams, closed roads or cancelled flights). And don’t forget to take time-fillers (electronics, books, portable games) along. Good health should be a focus before you leave. Viruses fly rampant during the winter months and are that much more prevalent aboard an airplane. Stock up on multivitamins and extra Vitamin C and have your family eat a healthy diet prior to departure. Keeping up on your sleep can also be helpful for strengthening your immune system. Been a while since you travelled via plane? Keep up-to-date with what’s allowed on board and more and avoid causing your own traffic jam in the security line by visiting www.tsa.gov. Whether flying or driving, if you’re planning to bring presents, shipping is the way to go. You’ll have to pay for your luggage anyhow, and chances are good that the TSA will open them. Allow yourself extra time to account for the millions of others who will also be shipping during the holidays. Planning to attend an event or visit an attraction at your destination? If you can buy tickets ahead of time, do so. Even if it will cost a small fee, you’ll save in the long run by not having to endure long lines or run the risk of disappointment in the event that it is sold out. 68

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Prep your little guys for what’s in store for them. Explain everything – from arrival to check-in, boarding to sitting – so that they are ready to roll. In your preparations, be sure to include books and information on your destination. These will be ideal to break out during your flight; not only will it keep them busy, it’ll get them excited about the place you’ll be visiting. Airport advice: check in online ahead of time. Choose your seats and potentially save on fees for checking a bag by doing so. Allow for ample time by arriving well ahead of your departure time. Pack smart. We’re talking consolidating to cut down on costs of each piece of baggage you check, as well as making things accessible. Wear your heavy pieces of clothing instead of bagging them. As for carry-on bags, put in the gear that can get you through a day in the event that your luggage is lost. Travelling internationally? Keep copies of your identification (passports, itineraries, contact information, exchange dollars, etc.) in different bags in case your checked baggage gets lost or delayed. Don’t waste time at the airport searching for your lookalike luggage: Identify your baggage with a ribbon/bag tag/something to set it apart from others so that you can spot it and go.

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“ ... have your kids wear slip-on shoes so they can manage getting them off and on by themselves.” Don’t be bothered with lace ties or Velcro in the security line; instead, have your kids wear slip-on shoes so they can manage getting them off and on by themselves. While you may want to stroll your little ones around, if they can walk at a bearable (i.e. not too slow) pace, let them run/walk before boarding. Tire out their little (and big) legs so that they are ready to sit when it’s departure time. Speaking of boarding … there’s no sense in spending more time than you need to aboard the plane. Be one of the last to load on and minimize your time in the small seats. Mentally prepare yourself to be “on” the whole time. Reading the latest issue of Vogue sure sounds nice, but most likely you’ll have to be an entertainer for the duration of your flight. Bring activities to help you out: books, an iPod, puzzle books, portable games and DVD players can help. Filling snacks, gum, and, of course, a binky or lovey are items you surely won’t want to leave home without. Happy travelling!

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mountain memories Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

By Kathy Brown

Tweetsie Railraod

Grandfather Mountain

Boone and Blowing Rock beckon with more family fun than you can imagine – especially in the wintertime.

ou’ll often hear that one of the great things about living in Charlotte is that it’s close to both mountains and beaches. It’s true, so take advantage of it! The beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains is just two hours away and, once there, you’ll find amazing things for families to see and do together, from Family Skiing trains and stunning views to snow skiing and gem mining. Boone and Blowing Rock are two quaint mountain towns located just miles apart, and they both provide a great base for adventurous family fun year-round.

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The Town of Blowing Rock is only three square miles, yet it is home to more than 100 shops, about two-dozen restaurants and nearly 20 hotels and inns. It was recently named the “Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina” in a poll of instate travel professionals and writers. The town takes its name from an unusual rock formation that juts out above the Johns River Gorge. Because of the rock's shape and size, wind currents from the gorge often blow vertically, causing light objects to float upwards Blowing Rock into the sky. Art & History “One of the reasons families enjoy staying in Blowing Rock is the sense of safety here. The town is very small and walkable, and most accommodations are within walking distance to Main Street and downtown. Most folks say the town reminds them of a Norman Rockwell painting,” says Tracy Brown, executive director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority. Just 10 miles from Blowing Rock is Boone, named for the famous pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone. On several occasions, he camped at a site generally agreed to be within the present city limits. Today, Boone is a university town – home to Appalachian State University – and travel journalists have also tapped the town as an “ultimate outdoor adventure destination” in the Southeast. There are so many things to see and do around Boone and Blowing Rock, much more that you can do in just a weekend. We’ve picked five highlights located just minutes from both towns. These attractions are especially good spots for making fun memories with your kids. And since we’re coming up on winter, we’ve provided info on some coldweather activities you and your family shouldn’t miss.

1. TWEETSIE RAILROAD At the top of your list should be Tweetsie, a Wild West family theme park featuring a three-mile, steam-powered train ride through the North Carolina mountains. Shopping, live entertainment, amusement rides and a petting zoo are also found there. “We have been to Tweetsie two times as a family (plus I grew up going there), and I would definitely recommend it. It is great for train-loving little boys especially,” says South Charlotte mom Katie Coleman. “I would say past the age of 7 or 8 they may be a little bored – it is not a high-thrills amusement park by any means. The rides are simple and quick and usually have short lines. The train ride around the park is the biggest draw, at least for us.” She recommends getting there when

the park opens to avoid the crowds. Tweetsie is typically open mid-April through October. Check the Web site, www.tweetsie.com, for ticket prices and hours of operation.

2. GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN Just 15 miles south of Blowing Rock is Grandfather Mountain, where you’ll find breathtaking views from Museum the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, plus a nature sanctuary of global importance. Cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. The bridge has been in place since 1952 and provides 360degree panoramic views. Grandfather Mountain also has a nature museum and a collection of gems and minerals on display, including the largest amethyst ever found in North America. You can photograph native wildlife in natural habitats and hike some of the South's finest alpine trails. Grandfather Mountain (www.grandfather.com) is open all year, weather permitting.

3. MYSTERY HILL It’s a family-oriented, amusement science center – a fascinating exploration of optical illusion and natural phenomena. The Mystery Hill Tour includes the Mystery House – where visitors stand at a 45-degree angle – the Hall of Mystery, the Puzzle Room, and Bubble-Rama. Also on-site are the Appalachian Heritage Museum and the Native American Artifacts Museum, with 50,000 relics. Open seven days a week, year-round. Find details at http://www.mysteryhill-nc.com.

4. THE BLOWING ROCK This is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction – an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging the Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. It’s been welcoming visitors since 1933. The short, scenic walk includes views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill. You’ll also find a small garden waterfall, observation tower and unique gift shops. Visit www.theblowingrock.com for more info.

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Don’t let the fun stop at Christmas. Blowing Rock has a whole festival dedicated to winter fun. The Blowing Rock Winterfest, to be held this year Jan. 26 Early October marked the grand opening of through Jan. 29, is an annual event featurThe Blowing Rock Art & History Museum’s ing a wine auction, live bluegrass music, a new home in downtown Blowing Rock. The chili cook-off and the ever-popular Polar museum’s mission is to promote visual arts Plunge in Chetola Lake. “Winterfest is a and history and to celebrate the rich herway for us to celebrate the fun side of winitage of the mountains. On exhibit through ter rather than staying indoors all the this spring are works by Elliott Daingerfield time,” says Brown at Blowing Rock and a retrospective on the historic hotels of Tourism Development. There’s plenty to Blowing Rock, among others. The museum keep kids enthralled – a dog show, an iceoffers programs and classes for children carving competition, games, prizes, and free and adults, special cultural events and hot chocolates and hayrides. Mom and Dad Blowing Rock educational exhibitions featuring regional can enjoy the fun, too, with all the shopping Winterfest artistic and historic subjects. Visit Blowing Rock has to offer and by dining www.blowingrockmuseum.org for in the town’s cozy restaurants. Visit hours and info. www.blowingrockwinterfest.com for this year’s schedule of events. Finally, this region is home to three great ski resorts where your kids can Don’t be tempted to think you learn to ski. You’ll also find the biggest should avoid the mountains snow tubing resort and winter zipline once winter arrives. Cold (www.hawksnest-resort.com) in weather ushers in even more Eastern America. “Skiing and winter fun in and around Boone and sports is always a great time and big Blowing Rock. For starters, how business around here,” says Brown. about choosing and cutting your “Snow tubing, ice skating, skiing, family’s Christmas tree? snowboarding and sledding are Blowing Rock North Carolina has 1,600 growalways great family time. Any of the Winterfest ers producing an estimated 50 local ski areas have great ‘ski schools,’ million Fraser Fir Christmas trees and the beginner can pick up a lifetime sport in on 25,000 acres. Fraser Fir trees just a couple of hours.” represent over 90% of all species grown in North Carolina, The closest ski resort to Blowing Rock is Appalachian and the North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked Ski Mountain, which also happens be the oldest in the second in the nation in the number of trees harvested. area, and it is well known for its French-Swiss Ski School. (The North Carolina Fraser Fir has been chosen to be the Opened in 1962, Appalachian Ski Mountain has long been official White House Christmas tree 11 times, more than a family and beginner favorite for skiing and snowboardany other species.) Watauga County alone has close to 30 ing. It also has an outdoor ice-skating arena. Visit “choose and cut” locations, which means you should have http://www.appskimtn.com for prices and info. no problem finding the perfect tree to suit your family. Also nearby is “We usually go Beech to get a Mountain Christmas tree It’s easy! Hop on I-85 heading south toward Gastonia. Resort, higher on the weekend Take Exit 17 for US-321N and turn left. Follow this road than any ski after for about 70 miles until you come to Blowing Rock. resort east of the Thanksgiving,” Boone is a further 10 minutes. Rockies. With a says Katie peak elevation of Coleman. “We have been to many farms around the 5,506 feet and a vertical drop of 830 feet, Beech is a fun Boone/Blowing Rock area, but our favorites have been place for experienced skiers. It offers over 95 acres of skiSugar Plum Farms and Big Ridge Tree Farm. We like Big able terrain with 15 slopes and nine lifts. It also has a terRidge because it offers hot cocoa or cider, cookies, a fire rain park, tubing, and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor ice skatpit, visits with Santa and a hayride. We think it is a pretty ing rink. Visit www.skibeech.com. fun family tradition getting bundled up and picking out our Finally, Sugar Mountain Resort in nearby Banner Elk tree in the middle of the beautiful mountains. Plus, the reaches 5,300 feet. Sugar’s summit trails have a 1,200-foot trees are obviously so fresh, smell great, and last a long vertical drop, and the mountain offers over 115 acres of time without lots of messy needles!” skiable terrain. There’s also a new, 10,000-square-foot, outFor more information and a list of Christmas tree farms door ice-skating rink and snow tubing lanes – the perfect around Boone and Blowing Rock, visit activities for kids of all ages. Go to www.skisugar.com for www.ncchristmastrees.com. directions and information.

5. BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM

WINTER FUN

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Getting There!

Photos courtesy of www.ExploreBooneArea.com

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Scenic Route

f you’ll be spending time in the Boone area, carve out time for a drive down America’s most scenic road, the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenery is beautiful, and the various exits along the Parkway will enable you and your kids to sample lots of history and fun. Boone is a wonderful place from which to launch your adventure. Before starting any trip, check in with the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (www.ExploreBooneArea.com). Their Web site is chock-full of tips on places in the area to eat, stay, shop and play. You’ll also find tips for guiding your family down the “ultimate part of the Parkway” – the Boone area portion of the Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. It was “born” in the North Carolina High Country at Cumberland Knob in 1935 and completed near Boone at Grandfather Mountain in 1987. Boone area Parkway landmarks range from Mount Mitchell (the highest peak in the East), to dozens of spectacular waterfalls – among them Crabtree Falls, Linville Falls, and the Cascades. Michelle Ligon, director of public relations at the Watauga County TDA, offers some more suggestions for interesting sites along the Parkway, starting with the town of Boone at Milepost 285.5, via Bamboo Road. “In Boone, families should not miss a visit to Mast General Store's Old Boone Mercantile in downtown,” Ligon says. “Mast offers not only a great line of clothing and kitchen goods, but endless varieties of oldfashioned candies and toys of yesteryear.” Boone Drug (1919), across the street, offers the quintessential soda fountain counter, with great milkshakes, plus a gift shop. The climbing wall at Footsloggers Outfitters, run by guides from Rock Dimensions, makes a great activity for even young family members to test their limits. Dinner at Dan’l Boone Inn means lots of family-style fried chicken, country ham, biscuits and more. Nearby Hickory Ridge Living History Museum (open on Saturday mornings, alongside the county farmers’ market) gives visitors the chance to walk into an 18th century log cabin once inhabited by cousins of Daniel Boone. Continuing on, Milepost 291 is the exit to the town of Blowing Rock, a quaint, historic resort village with numerous shops and restaurants, plus a main-street park where kids and parents can get exercise and fresh air. “The adjacent Broyhill Lake is a great place to linger while feeding the ducks in this large pond,” Ligon says. Also not to be missed are the Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Estate (Milepost 294), Julian Price Park (Milepost 297) – famous for a campground, lake with canoeing and fishing, and the Boone Fork Trail – and Rough Ridge Overlook (Milepost 302). “This one is somewhat strenuous,” Ligon says of Rough Ridge, “but I have done it with my two children under age 5 without difficulty. They loved it!” Grandfather Mountain is one mile off milepost 305, and it’s a key attraction for all communities within a 100-mile radius, Ligon says. And, finally, Linville Falls (Milepost 316) drops 90 feet into the Linville Gorge, called by some "the Grand Canyon of the East." From the Visitor Center, cross over the Linville River Bridge and follow wide, gentle trails to the many overlooks for viewing the falls. Your kids are sure to remember this journey for years to come. For more information about the Boone area, visit www.ExploreBooneArea.com.

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12 days of holidays

So little time, so These are some of our favorite holiday traditions. Take the kiddos to the much-loved “dancing bears.” Synonymous with the holidays, the singing bears provide FREE entertainment that the little ones just love. Never seen them before? Take the train Uptown and find them in Founder’s Hall. Make a day out of it by grabbing lunch afterwards. Even easier are the singing bears at BlackLion in Pineville. Don’t forget your stroller so that you can browse the array of beautiful holiday décor and get some shopping done!

12.

Ice Skating Uptown. A favorite win11. ter tradition: ice skating under the stars, drinking hot chocolate and celebrating the merriment of the holiday. The rink, which returns to the Green in Uptown Charlotte, will provide skaters almost 5,000 square feet of ice-skating surface. More info: www.WBTHolidayOnIce.com. Hop aboard The Polar Express! 10. Head to Bryson City (aka The North Pole) for a trip that’s worth the drive. We’ve known parents to successfully pitch this trip to their kids where the “North Pole” awaits them. A magical one-hour trip aboard the famed Polar Express is a memory they’ll never forget. www.gsmr.com/events/ Polar_Express.php Christmas in Davidson. Give your senses a taste of the season with roasted chestnuts, mulled cider and holiday carols. You just may catch a glimpse of an elf as you deliver your let-

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ter to Santa in the weekend-packed favorite event that helps kick off the season. Mark your calendar for the festivities, which run nightly from Thursday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 3.

Tree lighting. Lights, trees, action! SouthPark, Birkdale, Uptown and more boast tree lightings – the perfect outing to get you and your family in the holiday spirit.

Get the kids involved in giving back! Amidst all the wanting and buying, take some time to volunteer and give back to others. Two great ways to get the family involved include attending/helping at the Stuff the Stocking event on Nov. 13 or the Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale on Dec. 4 at Blackhawk Hardware.

Nothing says the holidays like “The Nutcracker.” Go big and go to the Belk Theater where NC Dance puts on an amazing, unforgettable performance. The Charlotte Youth Ballet also puts on a perfect presentation at a slightly lower cost (Dec. 2 – 4) … or see a super version at a muchreduced rate. Matthews Ballet and Dance presents “The Nutcracker” Nov. 26 & 27 and Dec. 3 & 4. Adult tickets are just $5 and children 12 and under are $3. See some lights! If you’ve never been to McAdenville (near Gastonia), this is a true holiday tradition. Celebrating their 56th year, the town lights up with

much to do! over 450,000 lights. Walk or drive through; details are at www.mcadenville-christmastown.com. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens puts on a beautiful display of illuminations. The garden is decked with 600,000 lights and also boasts old-fashioned trains, visits from Santa Claus, carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats, and other holiday fun! It’s a holiday magical experience for your family and friends. And the Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park in Lake Norman is also one not to be missed. A 2-mile drivethrough features 1.2 million lights and ends with a light show at the end. Pony rides, a petting zoo, a visit from Santa and roasting pits for marshmallows make this a must-do for kids of all ages. Take in a show. Holiday favorites abound, including The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Time Warner Cable Arena), Babes in Toyland (Matthews Playhouse), The Singing Christmas Tree and The Singing Christmas Tree for Kids (Ovens Auditorium). What a great way to get in the mood! Speaking of kids, the Children’s Theater of Charlotte has great holiday plays, including “Junie B. Jingle Bells” and “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Visit www.ctcharlotte.org for more details.

The weather outside may not be frightful, but the Southern Christmas Show is always delightful! Now in it’s

43rd year, the annual holiday tradition features hundreds of holiday merchants sure to get you in the spirit. Grab your girls and head on over to www.southernshows.com/scs for details; this year’s show will run Nov. 10 – 20. If you’re one of the many who can’t get enough bazaars and festivals, check out www.festivalnet.com/ state/north_carolina/nc.html for a great listing of too many to mention! Catch some culture. Honor your holiday and the reason you celebrate it; also take the time to educate your little ones on the holidays that others observe. What a project it would be to learn about and visit other religious celebrations! Discover Diwali (the Indian New Year) by visiting the Hindu Center. Or study Hanukkah by visiting the Beth Shalom Annual Hanukkah party in Lake Norman on Dec. 4 or by taking in the Holiday Hooplah at the Charlotte JCC on Dec. 9. You may be surprised at how interesting and beneficial this can be for your little ones.

Stop and enjoy. This may sound cliché, but in the midst of it all, take the time 1. to sit with your family, to make those cups of cocoa and to put on the merry music. Break out the construction paper and construct some crafts; bake six-dozen cookies and take lots of tastes while doing so. These are the traditions your family will remember and build upon.

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