Complimentar y
April/May 2013
spring! private schools trek the creeper trail asthma in children
# for local moms ... by local moms速
Era. I
t all started with a simple idea. Design a neighborhood to build community. A place where neighbors share more than just lot lines. They share an enduring sense of community. Where front porches, sidewalks, parks and town center become an extension of your family room. And the entire neighborhood is your home. This is Baxter Village. An authentic pedestrian village with small town charm. A Town Center filled with friendly merchants, an elementary school, YMCA, public library, Village Green, scattered parks and trails and enough community events to fill a calendar. A true success story, Baxter has served as a model for thoughtfully planned development across the country. Influencing the creation of tomorrow’s hometowns!
And now after 15 years, we are nearing the end. There are limited opportunities available to buy a new home in Baxter Village. So, visit us in person or online today to secure your place in history! t $PUUBHF )PNFT GSPN UIF T t $MBTTJD )PNFT GSPN UIF T t $VTUPN )PNFT GSPN UIF T t )PNFTJUFT GSPN UIF T
Toll Free at 877-570-HOME Facebook.com/BaxterVillage
BaxterVillage.com
Accreditation you can trust. Primrose Schools was the first preschool organization to be accredited by AdvancED (SACS CASI), the gold standard in educational accreditation. This is the same body that accredits over 30,000 schools across the U.S. and worldwide, touching more than 15 million students each year.
Primrose School at Eastfield Village . . . 704.947.3266 Primrose School at Afton Village. . . . . . . . 704.788.8860 Primrose School at Park Crossing . . . . . . 704.542.3883 Primrose School at Austin Village . . . . . . 704.821.9300
Music, Spanish, Computer Technology Balanced student assessment Curriculum and programs developed in consultation with experts
Primrose School of Lake Wylie . . . . . . . . . . 704.926.4955 Primrose School of Cornelius . . . . . . . . . . . . 704.895.3300 Primrose School of Lake Norman . . . . . . . 704.658.0460 Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools, The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts, and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. Š2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.
Summer Theatre Camp Ages 8 – 18 JUNE 17 – AUGUST 8, 2013 Spirit Square Center for Arts & Education 345 N. College St. - Education Studio Charlotte, NC 28202
REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW $50 Registration fee to hold a space
$125 per Child per week ** No Registrations Accepted After June 9, 2013
You May Reserve Space Via Phone Up To May 28, 2013 **Finale Performance Of “The Star That Hangs Closest To The Earth”**
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center August 9 & 10 2013 Star Productions International in collaboration with the Ezekiel and Ruth D. Lowe Seniors Foundation present an 8-week theatre summer camp held at Spirit Square Center for Arts & Education.
Reserve your child’s space today 980.202-9149
Mom ... free yourself of the cover-up Schedule your body contouring complimentary consultation today to be ready for summer vacations and days at the pool. Book your procedure by May 31st and receive a free skincare treatment (up to $125 value) Non Surgical – Minimal downtime CellulazeTM • Liposonix® • VIORA Surgical - Liposuction • Tummy tucks to get rid of your “baby fat” Breast augmentation &/or fat transfer to the breast to give you back your fullness **consultation required Offers expires April 30th, 2013
Ask about our skincare specials
Phone: 704-366-6700 American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
Plastic Surgeon and Award Winning Artist 439 N. Wendover Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211
Email: info@drbednar.com
www.drbednar.com
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
3
Volume 9: Issue 36
renee & kerrie Photo by Photography by Chanda
Publisher
Sharon Simpson
Creative Director/Co-Publisher
Kerrie Boys The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children. — Elaine Heffner I fully admit that I always look forward to Mother’s Day. It really doesn’t matter what we do to celebrate the day, as long as we spend it together as a family. The reason I love celebrating it so much is because I also get to celebrate the positive change that came over me once I became a mom. I grew up as an only child, and in my younger years, I wondered if I would make a good mother because I didn’t have a lot of experience with children. It took me a long time to admit this, but before children I was more than a little self-centered, sad, and often unable to see the bright side of any situation. That changed the moment I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter. I spent the next nine months with a perpetual smile on my face, and although I was scared about the prospect of becoming a parent, I was also elated. I knew I needed to try to be a better person so my daughter could have a positive role model. Fast forward almost 10 years and I am now the mother of both a daughter and son, and they are two happy, healthy, intelligent and compassionate children. I still can’t believe they’re mine. I won’t lie and say that every day is perfect, because I want to be honest here. There are days when I sit down after they’ve gone to bed in the evening and think about how I could have handled situations differently. Sometimes they ask me questions and I struggle to give them the “right” answers, and I don’t always have the most patience. But I still wake up each and every day excited to see them both and share new opportunities and experiences together. I want to take better care of myself, both mentally and physically, so they can have me around for as long as possible. Quite simply, they changed my life. Here are a few things I’ve learned since becoming a mother: • There is nothing cuter than two children trying their hardest to keep a surprise from you. • You can never have too much coffee. • Ice cream can make everything better. • A handwritten note with the words “I love you, Mom. You’re the best!” is far more valuable than any Picasso. • Apologizing to your kids and admitting you were wrong about something is so much harder than apologizing to any adult. There is always time for a game of UNO, Battleship or Checkers. Even when the kids beat you almost every single time. On Mother’s Day this year, I encourage you to take a few moments and try to see the world through your child’s eyes. You might be surprised, but I know you’ll be grateful you did.
4
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Editor
Renee Roberson
Sales Executive
Beth Packard
Sales Executive
Fern Howerin
Sales Executive
April Rozzelle-Woolford
Staff Photographer
Photography by Chanda Sales Staff Photos by
Michael C. Hernandez, Capture Happy Social Media
Kiran Dodeja Smith Contributing Writers Richard Jones Arden McLaughlin Barry Robert Ozer Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC Keiran Llaneza, PA-C Rebecca Vincent
• • • • • • • • 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 2013 by MediaAdventure, LLC Little Ones Magazine is published six 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.
NOW ENROLLING
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics
&&OR OR !GES AND D 44RANSITIONAL RRANSITIONAL +I +INDERGARTEN INDERRGARTEN G
Our unique envir environment virronment allows us to pr reparre your child hild for success in their prepare elementary beginnings. ginnings. Get your ur child started with the building blocks of a smart, and healthy lifestyle. estyle. Ask us about our ur
pr rograms including: ding: programs s Soccer Shots s Flip n Fly s Pr Preschool reschool Basketball sketball Clinic s 7E 7EE+IDS EE+IDS 4RI 4RIATHLON RIATH HLON 0REP 0RE EP
Visit Us On Facebook
2XU 2IÀFLDO +HDOWKFDUH 6SRQVRUU
9HUKRHII 'ULYH +XQWHUVYLOOH
Visit Us Online at www.hffa.com
contents 22
departments features
8
Book Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
The Grace of Gavin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
By Arden McLaughlin
The Ogrim family shares the story of their son and his fight to survive. By Renee Roberson
Ask the Therapist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Help your child get the most out of pretend play. By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC
Decisions, (School!) Decisions . . . .12 How do you decide what type of school is best for your child? By Renee Roberson
Little Ones Loves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Private Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Carolina Cuties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Take a look at some of area’s best private academic institutions.
Starring local little ones, as themselves . . .
A peek at must-have fashion and products.
A Night to Remember . . . . . . . . . . .19 19
The Queen City Mom Prom invites women to celebrate motherhood and support a great cause, too.
Trekking the Virginia Creeper Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
22
Hop on a bike and have a fun outdoor adventure in nearby Abingdon, Va. Photos by Jeanette Charlet
How to Be a Dad, From Two Dudes Who Know . . . . . .28
19
Two Charlotte dads offer advice from their new parenting book. Richard Jones and Barry Robert Ozer
A Mother’s Day Wish List . . . . . . . . .30 Need some new reading material? Find a book here you won’t want to put down.
Mascot Mayhem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Lark is a happy 2-year-old princess who loves to play with her big brother. She also enjoys swimming, flowers, balloons, story time, dancing and playing the violin. Lark lives up to her name with her singing everyday, anywhere!
Tips for keeping childhood anxiety about costumed characters at bay. By Rebecca Vincent
Photo by Photography by Chanda
Grab Your Inhaler, Spring is Here! .32 How to develop an asthma treatment plan for your child. By Keiran Llaneza, PA-C
6
cover:
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
THE P REMIER PRESCHOOL in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Matthews & Fort Mill Accredited Kindergarten at select locations Secure online viewing of your child Ages 6 weeks – 12 years Age appropriate curriculum Degreed & certified teachers Enrichment activities 6:30a.m. – 6:30p.m.
Summer Camps for school-aged children!
Before & After School programs available ALL LOCATIONS ARE ACCREDITED BY:
ALL CHARLOTTE LOCATIONS ARE 5 STAR SCHOOLS The Academy at Blakeney 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 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 2115 Ben Craig Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 704.503.4001 Located off W.T. Harris Blvd and Mallard Creek Rd. www.kidsrkidscharlotte.com
Summer Camps!
Lake Norman 9620 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 704.655.8883 I-77 N at Exit 25 www.kidsrkids4nc.com
Daily Horseback Riding, Drive a Horse to buggy, Horse Care, Arts and Crafts, Paint a Live horse, Games, and EVERYTHING Horsey!
Lenux Stables is a 35 acre farm close to I-77 in Huntersville, with a State of the Art Stable- we have highly trained, fun loving instructors, and gentle loving horses. Discounts on family members and multiple camps.
Tiny Tots Camps, ages 3-6 Mon-Wed 9-1 10610 Kerns Rd. Huntersville NC
Horsemanship Camps for all abilities Mon-Fri 9-3
Riding Lessons available 7 days a week for all ages and all abilities.
& Riding Academy
Call today to sign up. Our camps fill up quickly!! 704-947-RIDE (7433) or Email info@lenuxstables.com
www.lenuxstables.com
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
7
Gavin
By Renee Roberson Photos by Photography by Chanda
Two years after a traumatic brain injury, Gavin Ogrim continues to beat the odds
or Fred and Angela Ogrim, their son Gavin is a miracle child, and in more ways than one. After suffering a traumatic brain injury during birth and spending six weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Levine Children’s Hospital, Gavin was released into hospice and doctors told his parents he would likely not make it through his first week at home. Not only did he make it through the first week at home, but he celebrated his second birthday in January and is even crawling, pulling up on furniture and cruising. He’s obsessed with Mickey Mouse, and he clearly adores each member of his family, who all maintain a positive attitude when it comes to Gavin’s journey, as well as his everyday needs. “We try to be positive,” says Angela. “I can’t harbor negative feelings. Gavin requires 24-hour care.” The past few years have been a whirlwind for the Ogrim family. For starters, they didn’t believe they would have any more children after undergoing in-vitro fertilization in order to conceive their second child, Sofia (at
8
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
the time, they also had a 13-year old daughter, Mackenzie). They were surprised to learn they were expecting another baby when Sofia was still an infant, but thrilled nonetheless. But when Angela went into the hospital for what was supposed to be a normal delivery, the delivery nurse thought Angela’s heartbeat was the baby’s and didn’t realize Gavin had stopped breathing. Because of this, Gavin was deprived of oxygen for an unknown amount of time before the birth. He was born unresponsive on Jan. 13, 2011 and the on-call pediatrician worked to restart Gavin’s heart and intubate him. Because no one was sure how long Gavin had been deprived of oxygen, he needed to be transported from Lake Norman Regional Medical Center to Carolinas Medical Center. Doctors hoped a new cooling therapy, called Hypothermia Protocol, could stop swelling in Gavin’s brain and help him begin breathing on his own. However, transporting Gavin during that time proved difficult. In order for the Hypothermia Protocol to work, he had to receive it within the first five hours of being born. There weren’t any available ambulances at LNRMC or CMC that day so the hospital had to hire an ambulance from nearby Catawba County. Gavin reached Levine Children’s Hospital in just under five hours and received the 72hour cooling therapy. He was then moved to the NICU, where he began breathing on his own. Gavin stayed in the NICU for six weeks, where doctors told the Ogrims it didn’t appear that the cooling therapy had worked, and they didn’t believe Gavin would survive. He began showing signs of cerebral palsy, where the muscles in his arms, legs and neck would lock up and he would cry out in pain. Because of the brain injury, Gavin was also lacking a swallow reflex, something he still doesn’t have at age 2 years. During his first month, Gavin underwent surgery to receive a Gastrostomy Tube so nutrition could be delivered directly through his stomach. From Gavin’s CaringBridge.org site • Jan. 28, 2011 This week has been encouraging. Gavin has started moving his arms and legs quite a bit. He has physical therapy every day.
A major milestone today was the removal of his oxygen tube. It is nice to see his face. The doctors kept the oxygen near by but feel confident he will get stronger and not need to return it to him. We really need him to start swallowing and are praying hard for it to return. But after about five weeks in the hospital, the Ogrims were told they could take Gavin home and received devastating news regarding their son’s condition. “They assigned us to hospice,” says Fred. “The doctors told us sometime during the first week he would just stop breathing— and it wouldn’t be our fault. He wasn’t improving enough.” From Gavin’s CaringBridge.org site March 4, 2011 After two weeks of being at home, we’re getting used to taking care of little Gavin. We’re seeing improvements here and there. He spends more time awake and when he is awake he seems to be very alert and looks around a lot. One thing we’ve discovered is that he's a little spoiled ... this boy loves being held. When he gets fussy one of us will pick him up and he quiets down right away usually. He can’t get enough love and that’s ok with us. Gavin survived his first week at home and began his visits with a home health nurse. The Ogrims admit they had difficulty finding a pediatrician who would take on Gavin as a patient, because his case was so unique it was difficult to develop a treatment plan for him. When Gavin was six months old, the Ogrims researched Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and were excited to find out there was a facility in Huntersville. For 40 days, they traveled from their home in Mooresville so Gavin and Fred could spend time in a chamber where Gavin received a specialized treatment consisting of pressurized oxygen, known to be beneficial in treating a number of ailments, including brain injuries. From Gavin’s CaringBridge.org site • July 9, 2011 I was playing with Gavin this morning and singing him a silly song that Fred made up for him. Watching him stare at me (most likely he was wishing that I had a better voice). He started smiling so big, not just a smile, but a real genuine interaction.
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
9
I think back to being in the NICU and hearing the doctors tell us that he “may not make it and if he does, there may not be much to him.” Fred and I would look at each other and sometimes we would not know how to respond. It’s the most odd feeling and the most empty feeling to hear that about your child . . . They don’t know our son. Gavin is going to be a doctor someday or a football player or a surfer or a doctor who surfs (Fred’s favorite scenario). On these good days in the NICU, I would say all I need to see and hope to see is a smile. I can’t wait for that day. The past two years have been filled with ups and downs and twists and turns that no one could have ever planned. After the first few months, the early indications of cerebral palsy diminished, but Gavin still isn’t out of 10
the woods as far as an eventual diagnosis. In February 2012, Gavin was officially released from the hospice program. He has now seen numerous specialists all over the state, undergone countless procedures, recovered from two bouts of pneumonia, had his adenoids and tonsils removed and most recently, suffered a bowel obstruction and underwent a 12-day hospital visit to have a GJ tube put into place. After every setback, the Ogrims say Gavin bounces back with a fierce determination as if to say, “What do you have for me now?” Disability insurance and help from Medicaid helps the Ogrims pay for the costly expenses required for Gavin’s care. He also receives early intervention services for speech, physical and occupational therapy. Over time they found a neurologist that they love who is positive about Gavin’s progress. When he was first born, an MRI pinpointed several areas of his brain with damage, but at a more recent visit, the signs of damage were barely visible. They are hopeful that Gavin will eventually learn how to swallow and not have to receive his nutrition through a feeding tube any longer. They were encouraged when Gavin recently showed a gag reflex at doctor’s appointment. “He’s very cognitive,” says Fred, “and all things considered, he’s doing really well. The neurologist thinks the swallowing will eventually be learned. The brain is complicated.” Life with a special needs child presents numerous challenges, but the Ogrims try to keep things as normal as possible for their two other daughters, Mackenzie, now 16, and Sofia, who is 3 years old. Luckily, Angela’s parents live close by and they have a great support system of friends and family. “We don’t want the girls to grow up and only remember doctor’s appointments,” says Angela. “We try to do extra things for the girls so their lives can remain normal. Gavin has a really good support system—that keeps us sane. And Fred’s a really hands-on dad!”
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
From Gavin’s CaringBridge.org site Jan. 2, 2012 We’ve heard the saying many times, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but never knew how true that was until we had Gavin! We don’t know what we would do without the help of our family and friends. Our family has helped us in many ways. It has been a tough road but we can say that we've been to the bottom and things can only get better from there. The Ogrims say the next obstacle Gavin needs to overcome is to put on weight. They are looking forward to possibly taking him to Disneyland this summer, as Angela still has family that lives there and Gavin would love to meet his hero Mickey Mouse up close and personal. They remain optimistic about his future and are determined to give him every possible advantage. Down the road, they are also considering taking Gavin to The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, a nonprofit center whose goal is to take brain-injured children and help them to achieve normality physically, intellectually, physiologically, and socially. “Having to drive down to the NICU every day, not knowing if it was going to be his last day, we felt like we were living in a nightmare,” says Angela. “You can’t be prepared for your child being taken away from you immediately after the delivery. We’re just lucky to have him. Things are looking a lot brighter these days. All the odds were stacked against him.” Visit http://www.caringbridge.org/ visit/gavinogrim to learn more about Gavin’s story.
book corner
Discover Your Library
Reading to your By Arden McLaughlin of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
In the middle of the various “snow storms” we had this year (or lots of cold, cold rain) did you ever think we’d make it to the new life of spring? As I sat on my porch the last few days and soaked in the early morning sun I saw them ... A few buds on the trees! Yes, spring is here and like our little ones, we’re ready to hit the great outdoors. I find myself also searching for the latest and greatest books to enjoy while enjoying the warm sun (or to escape a spring thunderstorm!). And I’m guessing you spend time searching your library and bookstore for these great books, too. Here are a few I found for you!
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 a library near you.
Arden
I will tell you I love a ladybug. There’s something so endearing about these little critters. I also l-o-v-e spending time with my mama. What a joy for me to discover Ladybug Girl and Her Mama, a board book by Jacky Davis and David Soman. In this Ladybug Girl (because it’s a series!) we see Ladybug Girl explore the garden and enjoy a movie with her mama. Read this book with your precious little one and talk about special trips you do together. When I saw that the protagonist of Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt thought the idea of camping sounded pretty vile I knew it was a book for me. As much as I enjoy being outside, I do not like idea of spending the night outside. Let’s play all day and then head home for a nice shower when the day is done. In Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping, Scaredy feels quite like I do, but has to head into the woods to accomplish a very important mission. This book will make you laugh and hopefully help with anyone a little too afraid of non-scary things.
704.416.0101
cmlibrary.org Lately I find myself captivated by nonfiction books, especially ones involving some sort of underdog story. I do believe we spend a lot of time reading cartoony books to our little ones and neglect the beauty of a true story because it’s harder to find books they will enjoy. Enter The True Story of Miracle Man by Lois Szymanski. In the book, a little girl named Cynthia and her father find a Chinoteague Pony near death, and the story of their dedication to the injured animal will warm every animal-loving heart. And, though I’m sure I’m a full year late to the game, I’m obsessed with Sophia Grace and Rosie. I’m not only overwhelmed by their talent, but also just how captivated we all are by them. The fluffy dresses and precious banter of these cousins can be found in their book, Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie written by the two cousins and illustrated by Shelagh Mcnicholas. It’s so good! Looking for books on a budget and an opportunity to support your library? April is National Library Month and many Friends of the Library groups host book sales to benefit libraries during this month. Check out the sale hosted by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Friends at 1330 Central Avenue, from April 12-20, 2013. For times, visit www.cmlibrary.org. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
11
By Renee Roberson
decisions, (school), decisions! Three families share their search for the perfect learning environments pring brings longer days, warmer weather and an all-around sense of new beginnings. But for many parents in the Charlotte area, it’s also the time to begin finalizing decisions about school for the fall. By April, most of the charter schools have conducted lotteries to determine which children will fill slots designated for the upcoming school year, and public elementary schools begin sending out enrollment packets for children in their school district. Parents seeking other options can begin tours of private schools, as there are many to choose from in Charlotte (for more information, see our special section on these on page 14). With so many educational options available, deciding on which school will be the right fit for both your child and family can be overwhelming. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools alone, there are 159 schools serving grades K-12, and that doesn’t include public schools in Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston, Lincoln and York counties. We talked to three local families about how they decided which school would be the best for their children. Read on for things you should consider when exploring schools. 12
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
School Decision: Private Wesley Chapel resident Danielle Webb began researching schools when her son was 3 years old, because he has an August birthday and she and her husband wanted to find a school that would be academically challenging for him in preparation for kindergarten. They took time to research early school programs (both for primary and TK) in private and Montessori schools and also visited private childcare centers in the area. An acquaintance mentioned Charlotte Preparatory School so they attended an open house and information session, and then began the application and interview process. Webb says they were thrilled with Charlotte Prep’s Early School, but when the time came for their son to enroll in kindergarten, they researched three other private schools in South Charlotte—Providence Day, Charlotte Country Day and Charlotte Latin, so they could get an overview of what each school offered. She and her husband took turns attending information sessions for all the schools and they ultimately decided to keep their son at Charlotte Prep. When it came time to enroll their daughter in school the decision was a lot easier, they already knew they wanted both of their children at the school. “Our primary considerations were, in this order, academics, intellectual and instructional freedom, faculty/staff interest in/engagement with students, emphasis on development/cultivation of life and leadership skills and a feeling of community within the school,” says Webb. “At some level, convenience and cost were considerations, but our educational philosophy for our kids has been to do whatever we have to in order to provide the kids the best educational opportunities, so we basically knew we were going to be paying a ton and driving forever no matter which private school we selected.”
School Decision: Magnet and Public For the Withers family, who live in the CharlotteMecklenburg School District, they had to juggle the very different needs of two children. They moved in order to have a Matthews address so their older daughter could enroll in Butler High School. For their younger daughter, they needed the move to enable her to stay enrolled at her school, Chantilly Montessori, a magnet school in CMS that provides multi-age classrooms for pre-K through 6th grade. CMS Magnet Programs are theme-based to promote the students’ interests, abilities and talents. Because their youngest was transitioning from a Montessori program, Withers and her husband knew they needed to research middle school options carefully. “The biggest help to us by far was the “shadowing” day that was offered by Sedgefield and Randolph Middle Schools,” says Donna Withers. These were invaluable tools to us and also prevented us from making what I feel would have been a huge mistake . . . However, the shadowing we did at Randolph IB confirmed that the school had the potential to be an excellent fit for my daughter. It was the deciding factor on us choosing that school as our first choice in the magnet lottery. I am very grateful for the shadowing opportunity and really wish more schools offered that.” Withers says transportation also played a big factor in
deciding which school their youngest child would attend. They wanted to consider a few charter schools but they don’t provide transportation. Private schools required a large financial obligation. Some magnet schools offer bus options for children that live within five miles of the schools. Because Withers works, she had to find a solution that would also coordinate with her work schedule. “You have to make sure you have the best ‘fit’ for the way your child learns. Everyone is so different. When it comes to magnet options you really do have to educate yourself and look at the whole picture,” she says.
School Decision: Charter Christine Watley’s family lives in Huntersville in the CMS School District. The mother of two daughters says she did a lot of research when deciding on schools. “I toured many open houses and knew we wanted something non-traditional with a focus on the whole child. We decided that the Community School of Davidson and Corvian Community School would be good fits for our family so those are the ones we applied for.” Local, state and federal tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools. The schools have open enrollment with no discrimination, no religious associations and no tuition. The only requirement to get into a charter school is the availability at the school in the requested grade. However, with the growing popularity of charter schools, receiving a spot for your child in a school’s lottery is not always easy given the large number of applicants each year. Watley says the charter school format appealed to her because they wanted a school that only had six hours of instruction per day, rest periods for younger students and movement breaks, parental involvement and a focus on health and nutrition. “I think the absolute most important thing is determining what your child or children’s needs are as well as what is most important for your family. We knew a traditional school was not for us so we did not apply to any of the more traditional schools. A good fit for your child is so important. My daughter is so very happy and all her needs are being met at her school and we are excited that our younger daughter will be attending next year.”
Tips for Selecting the Right School for Your Child • Does your child need a more structured environment or a less structured environment? • Does your child need more individual attention? • Does your child need more challenging work? • Is your child logical or mathematical? • Is your child musical or artistic? • How far are you willing to have your child bused? • How far are you willing to drive your child to school? • Do you have before or after-school care needs? • Does your child need a language-acquisition program? For tips, visit www.education.com.
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
13
private school
a
s a parent, there are a number of reasons as to why you might be seeking out private school options. Perhaps you feel your child would thrive in a school that offers both a top-notch academic setting and faith-based curriculum. Or maybe you’re looking for a school that offers multi-age classrooms that follow the Montessori philosophy. Recent years have seen a rise in the number of students enrolled in private schools. According to statistics from the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education, a reported 96,096 students were reported as having attended private schools in the state of North Carolina in the 2011-2012 term, and 19,545 of those students were from Mecklenburg County. But with so many offerings, how can parents decide which one will benefit their child the most? “All private schools will tout their academics, arts, sports, etc.— the most important thing is deciding which school will ignite an intellectual passion in your child and then simultaneously fulfill, nurture, challenge and expand that desire to learn,” says local mom Danielle Webb, who researched schools with her husband before settling on the private school both of her children now attend. Here is a look at some of the different types of private school offerings in Charlotte.
Charlotte Preparatory School Charlotte Preparatory School’s educational mission is built on academic excellence, character development, and the warmth of a nurturing, child-centered community. • Early School students launch their learning careers with the enriched benefits of a Montessori foundation. • Lower School students thrive in an accelerated and engaging curriculum, balanced with attention to their developing characters and very real need for play. • Middle School students receive the careful, individualized attention crucial to navigating these years of growth and change. Through our formal leadership curriculum, advisory groups, and opportunities for athletics, clubs and activities, our students develop self-confidence and strong understanding of who they are. Parents are intimately involved in the education of their children every step of the way. Charlotte Preparatory School believes that ages 2-1/2 to 14 are the years of most formative learning, and that our more intimate environment enables us to provide the greatest education value. Visit www.charlotteprep.org or call 704.366.5994 to learn more. 14
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Countryside Montessori School Located in the University City area of North Charlotte, Countryside Montessori School is dedicated to providing education for children, from toddlers through high school students, consistent with the Montessori philosophy. The school’s mission is to endow students with the desire and ability to learn and the self-understanding and social awareness necessary for healthy, productive lives. Countryside boasts three wooded campuses divided into three distinct programs: preschool, elementary and middle/high school. The preschool and elementary classrooms are designed for independent work and are equipped with a full array of hands-on Montessori materials and up-to-date learning equipment for each stage of development. The middle and high school programs offer a holistic approach that addresses the needs of the adolescent student and extends learning beyond the classroom with internships, intercessions, and individual study. Arts, athletics, foreign language, environmental and service learning complement the classroom experiences. Countryside Montessori School, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit, independent school, accredited by SAIS/SACS and the American Montessori Society. Find out more about Countryside Montessori School by visiting www.countrysidemontessorischools.org or by calling 704.503.6000.
Building a love of learning. Starting at age 3. Now accepting applications. Visit our website, or call for more information. 704-541-1326 / www.omni-montessori.org www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
15
Davidson Day School
Leaders
GROWING
CHARLOTTE PREPARATORY SCHOOL PLEASE JOIN US FOR A CAMPUS TOUR Spending time on our campus is the best way to experience Charlotte Prep. We host drop-in tours every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. - no appointment necessary! WWW.CHARLOTTEPREP.ORG
CONSIDER COUNTRYSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
WE GROW LEADERS HERE...
… and have been doing so for the years. past
30
Countryside is the only independent school in North Carolina offering the complete cycle of Montessori education from Toddler to college preparatory High School. Campus tours each Wednesday at 9:30am
w w w. c o u n t r y s i d e m o n t e s s o r i s c h o o l s . o r g
16
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Davidson Day School was founded in 1999 as an independent school of excellence for Lake Norman area families. Conveniently located at Exit 30 off I-77, the school serves students from preschool through grade 12. At all grade levels, the curriculum at Davidson Day prepares students for success throughout their entire lives, not just in college. An impressive student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and maximum class size of 18 ensure that each student receives individualized attention. Each child’s education is guided by a personalized Student Growth Portfolio that fosters knowledge, life skills, critical curiosity and global leadership. The world-class education also includes championship sports teams, outstanding arts programs, clubs, service learning opportunities and a Belize archaeology research campus. Davidson Day’s Early Childhood program, which starts at age 2, offers both traditional and Montessori classrooms. In addition, all Early Childhood students take Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, art, music, theatre, technology and physical education classes weekly. Schedule your personal admission tour by calling 702.237.5229 or emailing admissions@davidsonday.org.
Omni Montessori In 1985, a small group of parents joined together to establish an authentic Montessori school in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the years, the city and the school have expanded. However, the goal of Omni Montessori School has endured— to nurture children who are independent thinkers, creative problem solvers, and life-long learners. Omni currently serves more than 200 students from age three to grade nine. The seven-acre Main Campus in south Charlotte is home to the Primary and Elementary programs, and Omni’s middle school is located on the thirteen-acre Land Lab campus in nearby Waxhaw, North Carolina. Omni’s Mission: • Developing skilled resourceful and caring members of society who value discovery and who contribute with purpose to the world around them. • Providing a child-centered environment that offers an individualized and integrated curriculum, and programs for parent education and support. • Creating significant relationships between teacher, parent and child, and building a community that remains stable in spite of necessary changes. • Seeking and celebrating diversity. • Adhering to the teachings of Maria Montessori and the high standards of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). For more information please visit www.omni-montessori.org
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) offer an environment of strong academics where 100 percent of the high school students graduate and 99 percent go on to higher education. In addition, our elementary and middle school students consistently score well above the national and local averages on standardized tests. These results are important, but what has made Catholic schools a viable alternative in Charlotte for over 80 years is the moral and spiritual elements that are a
part of every facet of the schools. Our schools focus on strong Catholic values and traditions, and make these values and traditions part of every school day from prayer life to behavioral expectations. Respect for ones self as well as others is an important aspect of a Catholic education and students experience the discipline necessary to develop respect for teachers and other students, as well as for themselves. MACS is comprised of six elementary schools, two that also have a middle school on its campus, as well as a middle school and two high schools. For admission information, call 704.370.3273 or visit our web site at www.charlottediocese.org/macs.
Providence Day School For more than 40 years, Providence Day School has fostered in each student a passion for learning, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a commitment to personal integrity. As a school, we exist to inspire. We are committed to providing our students with the opportunities to acquire the knowledge, insight, and first-hand experiences needed to live in our global society. We understand the need for play, socialization, rest, creativity, and experiential learning. We truly value family and work ceaselessly to build meaningful, life-long connections with our parents, grandparents, alumni, and other supporters. Providence Day School is an independent, coeducational, TK-12 college preparatory school. For more information, please visit www.providenceday.org or call 704.887.6000
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Faith
Tradition Academic Excellence
For over 80 years, Catholic Schools have provided a
faith based education dedicated to academic excellence to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Children learn in an environment where the teachings of Jesus are promoted and upheld as core values of both school and life.
Visit one of our nine schools and see what a Catholic education can mean to your child.
Now Enrolling for the 2013-2014 School Year Admissions: (704) 370-3273 MACS admits students of any race, color, religion or ethnic origin
Visit us at: www.charlottediocese.org/macs
Charlotte Catholic High School Christ the King Catholic High School Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School St. Ann Catholic School St. Gabriel Catholic School St. Patrick Catholic School St. Mark Catholic School St. Matthew Catholic School Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
17
“What started as a dream and desire to give back has become a labor of love with the ultimate goal to raise funds for pediatric cancer research,� says Arning.
18
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Queen City Mom Prom celebrates mothers, raises money for pediatric cancer By Renee Roberson • Photos by Themba Imagery
ore than two years ago, Huntersville resident Kellye Arning saw a segment about Moms Proms cropping up all over the country on a morning television show and became intrigued. Arning and several of her friends had been involved with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in the past, and they had been brainstorming ways to organize an event to help the charity that was near and dear to their hearts. >
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
19
“Mom Prom came about because we’d all been looking for a way to give back to those moms who have given so much of themselves,” says Arning. “All of us had some involvement with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in the past, and we knew that we wanted to host an event to raise money for such a worthy cause, but we weren’t sure what type of event we should host. We discovered that Mom Prom has found success in other markets, so we decided to bring this popular idea to Charlotte. Months of meetings, brainstorming sessions and planning began.” Arning and her friend Lauren Verlander, of Davidson, quickly gathered friends, started forming committees, assigning jobs to volunteers and meeting with donors and vendors to organize the event, which raised more than $20,000 for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. This year’s Queen City Mom Prom will take place on April 26 at the Havana Banquet & Ballroom in Cornelius. Event attendees are invited to don their favorite “little black dresses” and attend this ultimate ladies-night-out, designed to celebrate women in all stages of motherhood. The evening begins with a walk down the pink carpet and includes free valet parking, prom photos, appetizers and desserts, drinks, dancing, shopping at the Mom Prom “Boutique” and a raffle. Each attendee will receive a Thirty-One “swag bag” filled with sponsor goodies, discount offers and other surprises. Attendees can also visit a complimentary photo booth and pose for fun mementos from the evening. The event will also honor several “Prom Queens,” local moms whose children are currently battling cancer or have 20
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
in the past. Melissa Gibbs, wife of Joe Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, served as last year’s official SpokesMom and will do so again this year. In 2007, the Gibbs family discovered their son had acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the young age of 2 years. After three long years of treatment, he went into remission. Gibbs believed that by being part of the inaugural Queen City Mom Prom and telling her family’s story, she could encourage other women to attend the event and support the cause. “Before I had a child with cancer, I knew about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and organizations like it. It pulls at your heart strings, but the commitment level isn’t there until you are personally affected,” she says. “Once we were in that subculture of pediatric cancer and met people who were walking the same walk and actually dealing with things far more threatening than we are, we became much more aware and impacted. If I can help bring visibility to this, then I’m happy to do it.” “What started as a dream and desire to give back has become a labor of love with the ultimate goal to raise funds for pediatric cancer research,” says Arning. “It’s going to be an amazing event, and we hope that women throughout the community come and join us on the pink carpet.” Tickets for the event are $50 in advance and $60 on the day of the event. Can’t attend the event but still want to make a contribution? Visit www.queencitymomprom.com to learn how.
About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer: Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by parents inspired by their son’s fight against cancer. Today pediatric cancer remains the number one disease killer of children in the United States, due in large part to a lack of funding for research and into new and improved therapies. Through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals,
organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to change the facts of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. For more information, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501©3 public charity. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by the law.
Party!
Choose one of our packages or customize your own theme party • Princess • Tea • Relaxation Spa • Dolly & Me • Jazz Me Up! • 80s Rock Star • Hair Finesse We also host Playdates & Glam • Its T-shirt Time • and much more Dates, schedule yours today!
Mention this ad and get $30 off your first event and $15 off your second event 163 South Trade Street Suite E Matthews, NC 28105
980-224-3394 • www.glendiglam.com
Glendi, the greek wo rd meaning Par ty, ... So, Let the Fun Times Begin!
Space available for Group Meetings, Baby Showers, Bachlorette parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Girls Night Outs, and much more!!!! • Follow us on Facebook www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
21
little ones loves
Colorful, comfortable and bump-fitting, our swimsuits are tried and true styles that mommies-to-be LOVE. at Pickles & Ice Cream www.picklesandicecream.com Running will be easy as a summer breeze in these boy’s New Balance® shoes at Shoe Zoo www.shoe-zoo.com
For those pop-up cloud bursts, make sure you have your pop-up umbrella! visit mybluebumbershoot.com
She will stay cool in her Under Armour® at Shoe Zoo www.shoe-zoo.com
It’s a wrap! She is a mermaid. at Karrousel Kids 22
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Fun at the beach is in the bag. at Shower Me with Love
Say see ya later alligator to the sun in this cute bucket hat! at Little Otter Swim School
Having the Best Dressed Kids, Never felt So Good! Lake Norman’s upscale consignment boutique featuring new and gently used clothing, shoes, outerwear, accessories, toys, books, baby equipment, furniture, décor, gifts and more ... Join us monthly for “Mommy’s Night Out” See our facebook page for other upcoming events!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Stop by, Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
The Whimsical Wardrobe Upscale Children’s & Maternity Boutique I 77, Exit 28, 20830 Torrence Chapel Road (Shops on the Green) Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 797-1419 www.whimsical-wardrobe.com & find us on facebook
Come See What the Animals Have In Store For Spring and Summer! We offer the best selection of shoes for boys and girls in the Lake Norman area! Styles by KEEN, Umi, Livie & Luca, Sun-San Salt-Water Sandal, Chooze, and More! •••••••••••••••••••••••• We Now Carry TOMS® and Under Armour® apparel for Sizes 4-7 •••••••••••••••••••• Many accessories and gifts too! 610 Jetton St., Suite 140 • Davidson, NC 28036
704-895-7989 • Like us on Facebook
www.shoe-zoo.com www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
23
24
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Trekking the Virginia Creeper Trail
Photos by Jeanette Charlet
he Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34mile trail that winds down through the Blue Ridge Mountains from Abingdon, Va. to the small town of Damascus, has been called “the best rail-trail in the East.” The former railroad had its tracks removed in the late 1970s and today, tens of thousands of visitors visit the area for biking, hiking, camping, fishing, relaxing and exploring the charms of Abingdon and Damascus. There are numerous bike rental companies in the area that can provide a variety of bicycles for each member of the family. Best of all, embarking on a bike ride on the beautiful Virginia Creeper Trail, a 2/12 to 3-hour drive from the Charlotte area, is so much fun, your family won’t even realize they’re burning calories! We talked to Huntersville mom and blogger Jeanette Charlet about her family’s recent visit to the trail. Visit her blog at www.travelandphotography.com for travel ideas and to see more photos from her family’s trip. Read on to find out about renting bikes, enjoying the scenery, photo taking tips on the trail, and how to best prepare for the ride. Q. How did you first hear about the Virginia Creeper Trail? What time of the year did you go? A. We first heard about the Virginia Creeper Trail from a family friend. He and his family had recently gone and told us
what a great family trip it was so of course we wanted to do it right away! We went in October, which was a great time of year because of the beautiful fall foliage. The weather was a little cool, especially in the upper parts of the trail, but it was totally worth it because of the spectacular color! Q. Did your family rent bikes or take your own? A. My husband and I rented bikes through JC’s Outdoors, but we brought our children’s bikes because we wanted them to feel as comfortable as possible on their first ride. Looking back at it now we should have rented all four. Character bikes are not quite as durable as mountain bikes. Q. Tell us a little about some of your favorite spots along the trail. Where did you stop to eat? A. We stopped A LOT, which is why it took us so much longer to finish the ride than what we were expecting. Typically, they say that the 17-mile ride from Whitetop to Damascus takes about 2.5 to 3 hours but it took us at least four hours. The photographer in me wanted to capture every beautiful spot and www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
25
time got away from us because there’s so much beauty along the trail. The major stops we made were the Green Cove Station and the Virginia Creeper Café to eat. Everything else was photo-op and scenery stops. The Green Cove station has a great playground, a store, and restroom facilities. This is a great spot to stretch and let the kids run around. We ate dinner at The Virginia Creeper Café which is the only restaurant directly on the trail. They serve hamburgers, hot dogs, subs, ice cream, and homemade desserts. 26
Q. Where did you stay after you completed the bike ride (B&B, hotel, campground, etc.)? A. Call us crazy, but we actually drove up and back the same day! Our schedule didn't allow us to make a weekend out of it and we wanted to do it before it got too cold out. Plus, it was the tail end of peak fall colors so we had to get there and back! Q. I understand you're planning another trip to the Creeper Trail soon. What, if anything, will you do
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
differently this time? A. We are! I am looking forward to going in the spring where I think it will look totally different. In my head I envision my photographs side by side, beautiful fall foliage vs. that fresh spring look. We will do a couple things differently. For starters, we will get started earlier in the day. Toward the end of the ride it was getting dark and we were nervous that we were not going to make it back before nightfall. Next time we want to have enough time to enjoy everything and not feel rushed. Secondly, we will stay
overnight. That will give us a chance to explore Damascus; I hear it's a great little town. We will also pack more snacks, water, and even a picnic lunch. There are a couple spots to get refreshments, but it never hurts to have them on hand. Finally, the last thing we will do differently is rent bikes for all of us. We laugh now, but my youngest rode her character bike and about 10 miles into the ride she got a flat tire! Unfortunately, we didn't come across any rangers to fix it so the last part of the ride my husband had to pull her. It made the end of the ride quite interesting! Q. How do you get ideas for the places you feature on your blog, www.travelandphotographytoday.com? A. Hmmm....I don’t think I can pinpoint it to any one way! I love getting ideas from friends, searching the web for fun family activities, and looking through magazines. Once I have an idea of where we want to go I research the area and read a lot of reviews. Q. Do you have any photography tips for families wanting to capture the best possible pictures for a Creeper Trail visit? A. Find the right light. This one is so important, especially since the trail is so very shadowy. If you look at the ground and see patches of shadows and light spots those are going to carry over on what you’re shooting. If you’re photographing a person try to put them in a fully shaded spot! Take lots of pictures. If something strikes you snap a picture. If it makes you smile, chances are it's something worth capturing. Also, try to take a photo from a different angle. This can give a whole different perspective to the photo. Instead of standing in the middle of the trail with your subject directly in front of you try standing on something a little higher and maybe having your subject on one edge with the trail in the center. Look for details, get high, get low to the ground, and zoom in. For more information on the Virginia Creeper Trail, visit http://www.vacreepertrail.com. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
27
how to be a from two dudes who know
T
wo Charlotte dads, Richard Jones and Barry Robert Ozer, have teamed together to write what they call “the book we wish we’d had when we first became dads.” Packed with fun hilarious top 10 lists and pop quizzes for new pops, A Dude’s Guide to Babies: The New Dad’s Playbook (available from Sellers Publishing) shows readers how to see the funny side of fatherhood and how to strengthen a Dad’s fu (think kung fu, only with more diapers and fewer mystical quests). Read on for an excerpt from the chapter appropriately titled “You-haul . . . a lot.” Being in a relationship, you know that a woman can pack a whole lot of stuff when they go on long trips. Well, having a baby means that what women pack is really nothing compared to what you’re going to have to bring along for the little dude. We kid you not—even walking to the curb to check the mailbox can turn into an adventure if your little dude suddenly needs to get changed. So going somewhere that’s not within sprinting distance from your home? That requires some forethought and some packing. And the self-confidence to pull off something truly different. You’re going to have to have a diaper bag. The first thing we’re suggesting is that your family has at least two diaper bags. One can be for your wife, and that can be as cute (or not) as she wants to make it. It will have all the pouches and spaces and detachable changing pads and temperature resistant pockets to keep the cold side cold and the hot side hot. We wouldn’t be surprised if it even has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
28
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
dad . . . The thing of it is, no matter how tricked out it is with all the latest gadgets, there’s almost no chance you’re going to be able to go outside with that thing over your shoulder and still call yourself any kind of a dude. Sorry, but it’s true. And that’s coming from a couple of dudes who think they look good in pink. Unfortunately, most makers of diaper bags that are designed to carry stuff like spare diapers, baby wipes, extra clothes, bottles, etc., think in terms of frilly flowers and pretty pinks and rainbows and stars. They also don’t think about the different sizes between men and women. Women, generally, are smaller. Men, generally, are larger. For example, we need longer straps to carry all this stuff comfortably. Of course, can we really be
comfortable while we’re carrying something more suited to a 12-year-old girl? Probably not. That’s why we suggest you come up with your own solution to carrying all the baby stuff. The first thing you’ll need to go out and do is to go out to some place that sells cheap men’s clothing and buy as many pairs of cargo-pocket shorts and cargo-pocket pants as you can afford. Make sure they’re cheap, because they will get stuff on them that you won’t believe. Richard: This is so very true. Once I had kids, I started living in cargos. In fact, that’s still major source of tension between me and She Who Has Her Own Fashion Opinions. She wants me to wear something other than cargos, but I don’t have them. Cargo pockets are just too darn useful. Especially when you carry
around a five-pound wallet. Barry: Personally, I like clothes that are less absorbent. That way, the spills that happen, and oh they will happen, won’t leave too many stains. I like stuff like sweatsuits made from microfiber materials and even those new pants that are stain resistant. Depending on your little dudette’s age, you can almost get by with only cargo pockets to carry your stuff. Use the normal pockets for your wallet and keys and such. Use the cargos for baby stuff. If your little dudette needs a bit more stuff than that, we suggest you go out and get yourself a sturdy backpack. Not the we’re-going-on-a-three-weekEuropean-trip-size backpack, but a good-sized one. Visit www.adudesguide.com for more.
about the authors Richard Jones is an award-winning newspaper reporter, fiction writer, and teacher. As Richard E.D. Jones, his short stories have been published in numerous places, both pixel and print. He lives in Charlotte with his darling wife, known to him as She Who Must Be Loved, and their three sons.
Barry Robert Ozer is a financial advisor for an international firm. An awardwinning former salesperson for IBM, Barry moved on to found several companies. He and his wife decided to adopt their children, going from no kids to four in the span of six months. Barry and his family live in Charlotte.
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
29
need some !
Put these books on your Mother’s Day wish list! If you liked: Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner Try: The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult What it’s about: Sage Singer befriends an old man who’s particularly beloved in her community. Josef Weber is everyone’s favorite retired teacher and Little League coach. They strike up a friendship at the bakery where Sage works. One day he asks Sage for a favor: to kill him. Shocked, Sage refuses…and then he confesses his darkest secret - he deserves to die, because he was a Nazi SS guard. Complicating the matter? Sage’s grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. If you liked: The Help by Kathryn Stockett Try: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom What it’s about: When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family. Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, 7year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin. Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. If you liked: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Try: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green What it’s about: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was pre30
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
pared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs ... for now. Two years post-miracle, 16-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; posthigh school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. If you liked: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Try: The Dinner by Herman Koch What it’s about: It’s a summer’s evening in Amsterdam, and two couples meet at a fashionable restaurant for dinner. Between mouthfuls of food and over the polite scrapings of cutlery, the conversation remains a gentle hum of polite discourse—the banality of work, the triviality of the holidays. But behind the empty words, terrible things need to be said, and with every forced smile and every new course, the knives are being sharpened. Each couple has a 15-yearold son. The two boys are united by their accountability for a single horrific act; an act that has triggered a police investigation and shattered the comfortable, insulated worlds of their families. As the dinner reaches its culinary climax, the conversation finally touches on their children. As civility and friendship disintegrate, each couple show just how far they are prepared to go to protect those they love.
grab your inhaler!
By: Keiran Llaneza PA-C
32
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
pring is coming. The flowers will bloom and the trees will blossom. Most of us will start to plan our vacations and look forward to breathing the fresh spring air. However, for the 6.2 million children who suffer from asthma, this is not a fun time. The spring air filled with dust and molds can be troublesome for an asthmatic child. As a mother of an asthmatic little girl, I can empathize with the sleepless nights from coughing, the countless hours sitting with the nebulizing machine, and the worry that comes along with having a child with asthma. As a clinician, I hope to help you recognize the triggers for asthma and develop a good treatment plan. You can work together with your pediatrician to decrease the amount of asthma attacks your child may have this spring.
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
33
Asthma is a major issue among children and can limit their ability to play, learn, and sleep. It causes many missed days at school and is the third leading cause of hospitalizations in children under 15. Unfortunately, no one knows the cause of asthma, but we do know there are certain triggers that can be avoided. Asthma is a condition that causes the small airways of the lungs to become inflamed and narrow, causing the child to have a hard time moving air through the lungs. Asthmatics seem to have a very reactive airway that is triggered by things in the environment or by respiratory infections. The most common triggers to recognize are as follows: 1. Both cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke are harmful to the lungs of a child with asthma. 2. An upper airway infection also known as a bad cold is a very common trigger. When a child has significant congestion and sinusitis, they may be prone to wheezing. 3. Cats are the most troublesome due to their dander, but dogs can be a trigger as well. 4. House dust mites are a common trigger for some children. 5. Tree molds and pollen can be another trigger for some. 6. Interestingly, one of the more common triggers for the inner city is a cockroach, but we will not talk about that one . . . Just call the exterminator!
versus emergency medicines. Make sure your pediatrician or nurse educates you on how to use the equipment correctly. For instance, once your child is old enough (usually between ages 2-3) you can switch to an MDI (metered dose inhaler) with spacer instead of the nebulizing machine. This will save you so much time and can be much more effective in the older child. Your pediatrician should also educate you on how long to use your medications. For example, some inhaled steroids you should use for 4 weeks after an asthma attack to aid in complete healing of the lungs. Do not be afraid to ask questions and become educated. Researchers have also found that taking a Vitamin D supplement is helpful in reducing asthma attacks. Vitamin D works to boost the immune system. The current recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children is 400 IU’s of Vitamin D. Your regular chewable multivitamin has 220 IU’s, which is under the recommendation. For my child, I will give a multivitamin and a chewable Calcium gummy (with added 200 IU’s of vitamin D). These can be found over the counter at any pharmacy and are in the same section as the multivitamin. Asthma is a multifactoral disease that requires a lot of planning and education. It can be overwhelming. It is important to be educated and proactive in your child’s asthma so you can recognize the triggers and prevent extra doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. As parents we want
Unfortunately, no one knows the cause of asthma, but we do know there are certain triggers that can be avoided.
It is important to recognize these triggers and know which ones may affect your child. I find it easier to recognize by keeping a journal of my daughter’s asthma attacks. Note where your child was, what or who was around them, and how was it best treated. I can now predict when she is about to have one and can be prepared with medication. What do we do after recognizing the triggers? Visit your pediatrician and develop and “Asthma Action Plan.” This plan will identify the severity of your child’s asthma. It will give you a plan of when to use maintenance medicines
34
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
nothing more than to have a healthy child that enjoys playing and learning. Recognize those triggers, get an “Asthma Action Plan,” and go enjoy the spring air! Keiran Llaneza is a working mother of three precious girls ages 5, 2, and 4 months. After finishing graduate school at MUSC in Charleston, she moved to Charlotte. She has worked as a pediatric physician assistant at Carolinas Medical Center for 8 years working in pediatric surgery, Emergency Room, and now in general pediatrics.
From Birth through College, your child’s health is our focus. As an independent solo practitioner, you and your child will come to know and trust Dr Arnold Snitz with your families health and wellness. Even through those pesky teenage years, Snitz Pediatrics will be there to answer questions. You will also find a certified lactation consultant to guide you through a successful feeding experience and even help you choose the proper breastfeeding equipment.
Arnold I. Snitz, MD, FAAP Board Certified Pediatrician Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
SNITZ PEDIATRICS, PA
Ginger R. Snitz, RN, IBCLC Certified Lactation Consultant Breastfeeding Equipment & Rentals
Call today to schedule a consultation. New patients are always welcome. Eastover Medical Park, 2620 E. Seventh St. Charlotte, NC 28204-4375
www.snitzpediatrics.com • 704.332.7141
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
35
ask the therapist By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC
the importance and
power of play lay is a natural and complex part of every child’s development. Research shows that play is not only important, but also crucial for healthy child development. Free and imaginative play is all too often substituted these days with scheduled activities, team sports and computer and/or TV time. Overscheduling our children has a negative impact on their healthy social, educational and emotional development. While many parents believe starting their children young in these activities and getting them to read as early as possible will give them an “edge,� research actually shows otherwise. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Children need their younger years to develop the foundational skills
36
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
“By engaging with your children in their play it allows you to enter their world and experience it through their eyes.”
that will then allow them to move into more complex learning. Age 3-5 should be focused on exploring the world, imaginative play, and developing social skills. During these critical years the brain is laying the groundwork and the neuro-pathways in their brains for the years of learning to come. It is through play that children learn how to interact with the world. They experiment with new skills and relationships while exploring their imagination and creativity. Through their play, children learn how to master new skills as they move through each developmental stage. By playing with friends children learn social skills and how to interact with their peers—learning socially appropriate behaviors and self-help skills while also building their confidence. Learning how one’s behavior impacts others and how peers will respond is a great benefit of play. It is also through interactive play that children learn the lessons of give and take, sharing, conflict resolution and empathy. These are all very important foundational skills. By engaging with your children in their play it allows you to enter their world and experience it through their eyes— particularly if you allow them to guide the process. This is a great way to bond with your children and learn how to “speak their language.” It provides them with a venue that
is safe and natural for them to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As a result you are able to get a glimpse into their inner world. Through the metaphor of play you can also help your child resolve problems that arise whether a conflict with you, a sibling or a friend and to learn problem solving skills when other dilemmas or upsetting events occur. For parents who are going through a divorce, have experienced a death of a loved one or a pet, or are facing any other family stress, talking to your child through her play will likely open him up much more then trying to sit down and ask them how she is feeling or thinking. For example, you can invite your child to draw out her feelings about a situation using art and craft materials or you can ask them about how her doll or favorite terminator figure is feeling about not living in the same house with daddy. This is a great way to use your child’s language to communicate around more emotionally loaded events or situations. This works particularly with younger children who are unable to communicate directly or find the words to tell you how they are feeling. Play is how they process and make sense out of things and through play, your child can communicate very clearly what is going on with her if you allow her to lead the process. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
37
Here are some things to consider when you engage in play with your child: • It should be fun! • It should not involve imposing an agenda on your child or seeking a particular outcome. • It requires an engagement on your part— allow him to tell you what to do and how to do it (this helps him feel in control when there are not many things children truly do have control over and can also help you learn a lot about your child!) • The focus should be on the process versus the product. If you are engaging in a play activity or art project, it’s the connection that occurs between you and your child while you are doing the activity not the result that is important. • Your child may go from one activity to another—not completing (or at least what our adult minds would consider as completion) of any one thing … and that’s okay! • Let your children guide the process and use their imaginations, and engage yours too! There is plenty of scientific evidence showing the benefits of play include improved academics, school adjustment, social adjustment, and emotional development. Play also enhances learning readiness, problem-solving skills and lays the groundwork for your child’s ability to acquire learning behaviors that will be much needed in school. Play has also been well documented to improve a child’s creativity, develop imagination, dexterity, physical, emotional and cognitive abilities. Clearly, play is an integral and important part of every child’s development. The next time you want to connect with your children, are having a difficult time relating to or understanding them, experiencing a lot of conflict/defiance with them or dealing with any type of life stressor, try playing with them. You may just find that it reduces the power struggles, helps you understand them better, lightens the mood and allows them the freedom and safety to open up to you, and you might even enjoy it in the process!
play outside! 38
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC is the Director of The Stone Center for Counseling & Leadership which serves children, couples and families. You can get more information on her and her practice at www.thestonecenternc.com.
out & about Back on the Rack Children, Teens & Women Consignment Sale What: Start your spring shopping with quality, gently used clothing in an organized setting. Expectant mothers invited to the pre-sale on April 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. See website for specific sale hours. When: April 4 – 6 Where: Monroe Agricultural Center www.botrconsignment.com
Musical Petting Zoo What: Make your own music! The Musical Petting Zoo, presented by the Symphony Guild of Charlotte, brings real instruments to ImaginOn for children to try out. When: April 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Where: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center www.imaginon.org
North Carolina Science Festival What: Discovery Place is proud to be a strategic partner
Where to go for festivals, outdoor play and Earth Day!
and is hosting and conducting an array of activities, events and hands-on demonstrations with topics ranging from paleontology to astronomy. During this multi-day celebration, enjoy hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances. When: April 5 - 21 Where: Discovery Place www.discoveryplace.org
Mini-Masters Art Workshops – Caterpillars and Butterflies What: Take a stroll around the museum grounds to collect materials for a nifty nature bracelet. Inside, make colorful caterpillars and butterflies inspired by the books of Eric Carle! Pre-registration required. Ages 3 – 5 years with an adult. When: April 10 from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Where: The Mint Museum Randolph www.mintmuseum.org
Pinkalicious What: Based on the insanely popular book series,
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
39
Creativity is contagious,
pass it on. – Albert Einstein Family Fundays @ The Mint Uptown
40
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink love affair lands her a case of Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. With Broadway-style show tunes, dancing cupcakes and a sparkling story, “Pinkalicious: The Musical” is a treat worth indulging in! When: April 12 – May 5 Where: McColl Family Theatre, ImaginOn Theatre www.ctcharlotte.org
Treasure Island What: Meet courageous Jim Hawkins, irrepressible Long John Silver, and a host of unforgettable characters as they engage in swashbuckling sword fights, double crosses and mysterious secrets while searching for hidden treasure. This show is a great adventure for members of the whole family! When: April 13-21 Where: Armour Street Theatre, Davidson www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org
Earth Day Play Date What: Celebrate Earth Day by getting your kids outside to connect with nature in Fort Wild! Observe demonstrations on backyard gardening for kids, creating backyard wildlife habitats or just enjoy mucking in the mud in the mud café. When: April 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
Second Annual Teddy Bear Breakfast What: During this family-friendly event, where Dr. Thomas Moore will be the musical entertainment and emcee, children will experience a reading from ImaginOn, and enjoy a performance from the Charlotte School of Ballet in addition to breakfast. Every child will receive a donated bear where they can go to the Accessory Corner and decorate their bear; a fun Teddy Bear Parade will follow. Parents can participate in a silent auction. Proceeds will go towards providing literacy backpacks filled with books and items for children in Charlotte who are currently homeless. When: April 20 from 9 – 11 a.m. Where: Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte www.smartstartofmeck.org
Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games What: Bring the whole family for this fun event that offers something for everyone, Scottish or not! Enjoy pipe bands, a Kids Zone, musical acts, heavy athletics, historic dancing and more. When: April 20-21 Where: Historic Rural Hill www.ruralhill.net
May 4-5, 2013 The Park Expo & Conference Center Charlotte, NC
Sunday Fun Days @ The Mint Uptown What: Enjoy family-friendly craft projects, family tours, movement and healthy-living activities, artist demonstrations, and more! April’s theme is “Go Green!” Celebrate the eve of Earth Day by exploring nature in art, recycled craft projects, and a woodturning demonstration. When: April 21 from 1 - 4 p.m. Where: The Mint Museum Uptown www.mintmuseum.org
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
41
BeachFest Matthews
photo by Couture Portraits
What: Go ahead and get your toes in the sand! BeachFest Matthews has rides and amusements, boardwalk style food, shagging and more. Bring the family to celebrate spring and have some fun! When: April 26 & 27 Where: Stumptown Park www.beachfestmatthews.com
Movies in the Park – “Brave”
"
A Best Bet Carseat
IMO
{in my opinion}
What: Sponsored in part by Radiant Life Fellowship, community members are invited take in the film displayed on a 20’x25’ outdoor screen with a concert grade sound system. Admission is free and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets for a fun movie night. When: May 3 at 6 p.m. The movie begins at dusk. Where: North Mecklenburg Park www.huntersville.org
Charlotte Symphony Lollipops – “Once Upon a Time” What: Family members young and old will enjoy performances of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Frog Prince” by the Brothers Grimm, and the Russian folktale “The Firebird.” When: May 4 at 11 a.m. Where: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts www.blumenthalarts.com
T
raveling to Grandma’s? Or taking the train? Don’t lug that large, obnoxious carseat; instead, opt for the portable, foldable and (your newest) lovable booster seat. Bubble Bum is an inflatable, super soft booster seat that deflates, allowing it to be tossed in the trunk, carried with your carry on, or packed in a backpack. Weighing a whopping 1 pound, Bubble Bum can sneak into small places—such as the back row when you want to seat three kids in a row. Serious about safety, the booster seat is suitable for kids ages 4 to 11 weighing 40 - 100 lbs. and has been tested and approved to the ECE R44.04 standard and crash tested to meet the USA FMVSS213 standards. Please visit www.bubblebum.co/ for more information on usage/safety and to see the numerous awards that the booster, which retails for $39.99, has won. Available for purchase through Amazon.com.
42
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Family Fun Days at the Lake What: Bring the family out for a good time of activity while taking in the beauty of the lakes that are in Davidson. Kayaks, canoes, and/or paddleboards available for use. If you have your own, bring it out and get out on the water. There will also be educational opportunities on water safety including how to properly use watercrafts. Life jackets are available, but limited. When: May 11 at 10 a.m. Where: 750 Jetton St., behind Davidson Day School www.davidsoncommunitycalendar.org
Fairy Festival What: Spring has sprung and something is a flutter. What better time to get close to the forest fairies? Don your fairy wings for fairy and hobbit house building, dramatic story time and a live butterfly release in Butterfly Pavilion. When: May 18 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
Get Outdoors! Play Festival What: Where else can you catch a fish, bake a mud pie or build an awesome stick fort? Families and kids of all ages will have a blast at this festival that’s all about getting outside, being active, and having fun in nature. Activities will include canoeing, hunting for bugs, building sand castles, making mud art and more messy fun. When: May 18 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Teaching kids to swim since 1996 Offering morning classes – Perfect for preschoolers!
YOUR CHILD WILL BE Healthier • Safer • Smarter
ENROLL TODAY 704.341.9673 • info@charlotteaquatics.com
www.charlotteaquatics.com
Dream. Where: Latta Plantation Nature Center www.parkandrec.com
Dance. Believe.
Meet and Greet with Live Animals What: Come and encounter Reedy’s animals close up and ask the questions you’ve been dying to know the answer to. There might even be an opportunity to touch some of these creatures! When: May 18 from 2 – 3 p.m. Where: Reedy Creek Nature Center www.parkandrec.com
Summer Camp Signup & Fall Registrations Fort Mill - Baxter Village 967 Market St. 803-396-jazz (5299)
Cooking Mini-Chefs What: Children ages 3 – 6 years can learn the importance of eating smart, staying active and improving your health through this hands-on cooking class. When: May 23 at 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center www.parkandrec.com
South Charlotte 11532 Providence Rd., Suite O 704-889-TOES (8637) DANCE ACADEMY
www.millerstreetdanceacademy.com
... so much more t han a dance st udio. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
43
Managing Mascot Mayhem
a
fter my first night in the costume I came home and admitted to my husband, “I think I ignored 10 kids because I couldn’t see them.” A large nose extending from my face, a padded head surrounding my peripheral vision and a vow of silence significantly limited my interaction. But I loved the high-fives and shy waves, so I continued to dress up as a fun-loving mascot for the children’s program at our church. That night in the dog suit and every night thereafter introduced me to children as thrilled as I was to exchange hugs and fist-bumps. I also encountered horrified tots climbing their parents’ legs to get away. With summer approaching it is more likely that children will encounter a mascot or costumed character. Sporting events, amusement parks, birthday parties and even some retailers are adopting lovable, oversized performers to engage young ones. For most children these are exciting additions and instant friends. For others though, they create anxiety and uncertainty in an unfamiliar environment. “Anxiety is normal and rational,” Tammy Gold, a licensed psychotherapist and parenting coach at Gold Parent Coaching, says. “Usually between 6 and 18 months, stranger and separation anxiety is common.” And let’s face it, mascots can be strange. In her book Growing Up Brave, Dr. Donna Pincus, Director of the Child
44
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
By Rebecca Vincent
and Adolescent Fear and Anxiety Treatment Program at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University, emphasized the preschooler age range as particularly vulnerable to anxiety due to costumed characters and similar creatures. “Between the ages of 3 to 5 or 6, your child is figuring out what’s real and what isn’t … Things not functioning the way he knows real things do is upsetting.” So what does this mean for parents? Gold offers a simple suggestion, “Prepare ahead of time … Explain who this is, what this is, tell them what they’re going to see and give them a story. For example, this is a bear, he practices with the football team.” She follows with a strong caution, “Don’t force them to interact.” Experts and mascots agree on that last point. The purpose behind any costumed character is to create fun. A screaming child forced into a hug is not good for anyone. Lindsey Roycraft, Director of Community and Team Relations for Charlotte Knights baseball, spoke on behalf of the team mascot Homer the Dragon, and she specifically says, “Homer will not approach anyone. He waits for the kids to approach him.” Parents also have a role in creating a safe and positive experience for those children who do not hesitate to engage. “Homer always tries to interact with a child for a minute or two,” Roycraft says, but she encourages parents to be careful because “his costume is difficult.” His tail is wrapped around the waist of the person inside so if an excited child or even a teasing adult yanks it, they could cause him to fall. Characters will have different costume restrictions so teach your children to play with respect—by telling them and by modeling it. When I shared my experience of not being able to see a child due to the snout on my costume, Roycraft confirmed that Homer has a hard time seeing anyone below his knees because of his own very large nose. In my case, an insightful parent picked up on my costume-induced blindness and made a casual remark, “Go ahead and put your hand up there for a high-five, son.” That was my cue to start looking for a little one. The activities that a character performs are varied depending on context—from casual waves and high-fives to signing autographs and playing games to Homer riding an ATV. Every action is further compounded by the reality of lugging around a heavy and hot suit. If you don’t see a favorite character for a bit, they’re likely cooling off for a couple minutes. Help your children understand that the mascot loves to see them but has to spend time doing other things. There was one other situation I wanted to ask Roycraft about in regards to Homer: is he allowed to pick up children for hugs or photographs? As I suspected, and as is the case when I’m in costume, the answer is “no.” Don’t be offended if a mascot indicates he cannot hold your little one for a picture—it’s for
For more info on handling childhood anxiety, read:
Growing Up Brave: Expert Strategies for Helping Your Child Overcome Fear, Stress and Anxiety by Donna B. Pincus, Ph.D
his safety and your child’s safety. This rule may or may not be the same for every character you meet, but be aware that some variation may exist for everyone’s benefit. In the end, parents, mascots, and children all want to have a good time. Parents can facilitate the experience by providing context for anxious tots, and encouraging safe behavior for playful kids. Rebecca Vincent is a Charlotte-based freelance writer, mother to one, and occasional mascot. During her daughter’s naptime she blogs about books, writing, faith, and parenting at http://rebeccarvincent.com/blog. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
45
carolina
Roman Albert Jewett
Photo by A.J. West Photography Madalyn Maureen Jewett Mylan Alissa Clay
Photo by A.J. West Photography
Photo by M.Clay Photography
Emalynn Cate Goddard
Photo by Angel Eye Portraits
Eli Martin
Photography by Heather Anne Photography
Micael Turner
Photography by Matilda Geter Reid
Parker & Preston Breelove
Photo by Erica McRae Charlotte, Sinclair & Reilly Jane Llaneza
Photo by Audra Bender Photography 46
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
Chloe Maloy
Photo by Cassie Elizabeth Photography
Do you have a cutie you’d like to submit? Send your digital photo to cuties@littleonesmagazine.com with the child’s name, guardian’s name, and photographer credit. Photo MUST be HIGH RESOLUTION or it will not be considered.
Isabella Grace Smith
Photo by Laura Payne
Lillian Coach
Emmilyn Grace Wheeler
Photo by Heather Gaydeski Photography
Photo by Artuza Photography
Kinley & Emery Stilwell Josiah Potts Keller Marie Fahrland
Photo by Olan Mills
Photo by Alicia Sutton Photography
Photo by Michelle Neira
Rocco Sellitti
Photo by Portrait Innovations Harmonie Bounds
Photo by Nettie Eyes Photo
Graham Oliver Bonfiglio
Photo by Katie Bonfiglio www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
47
Need Babyproofing? We Can Help! Child Safety Products • Professional Installation
“Patients’ Choice” Award 2012 “Compassionate Physicians” Award 2012
Come and join our School for 2 weeks for FREE
social, emotional, and character development through Martial Arts training
Please ask about our AWESOME summer camps!
Serving Charlotte & Surrounding Areas
---------------------June 17th - 21st August 5th - 9th
803.548.9936
www.palmettochildproofing.com
704-658-0544 653 Brawley School Rd. Mooresville, NC 28117
www.rtberry.com
"
Trial programs available monthly
!
“a little this and a little that”:) Sign up today to get our monthly e-newsletter!
Get info on exciting events, activites and things to do. Sign up today by emailing info@littleonesmagazine.com and listing “e-newsletter” in the subject.
for local moms ... by local moms® 48
www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms
tune in to summer Our June/July issue will be packed with warm weather fun! Amazing Animals • Fun with family pets Shining Stars • Children in the arts The Road Ahead • Local day trips
704.906.8739 ... www.photographybychanda.com
Wendy st Wendy stopped opped breathing breathing 92 times an hour while sleeping sleeping,, as rrevealed evealed b by y a sleep study a att T The he S Sleep leep Center C enter at at S SouthPark, outhPark, a division of C Charlotte harlotte E Eye ye Ear N Nose ose & T Throat hroat A Associates, ssociates, P.A. P.A. It’s no w It’s wonder onder she w woke oke up e exhausted xhausted and with ttears ears in her ey eyes es ev every ery morning. morning. With With help from from our physicians, ph ysicians, however, however er,, she is now now getting a good nigh night’s t’s sleep sleep.. Ho How w did she do it? FFind ind out aatt w www.goodsenses.com/wendy ww.goodsenses.com/wendy
WE JUST M MAKE AKE SENSE.
GOODSENSES.COM GOODSENSES.C OM
704.295.3000 800.654.3368