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October/November 2012

fright-free

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bond through books for local moms ... by local moms速

Enroll today for a brighter tomorrow. Primrose has a long history of engaging the active minds of children and building a foundation for academic achievement and lifelong success. In fact, the majority of graduating students score in the advanced or above range in elementary school readiness.

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You know the look: itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, stuffiness. This could mean your child has allergies – or something more. At Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, we’re specialists. From identifying allergies to providing a variety of prescription and surgical solutions, our comprehensive approach to your child’s health care just makes sense. As the region’s premier provider of eye, ear, nose and throat care to adult and pediatric patients for more than 80 years, you’ll enjoy the convenience and the reassurance that they are getting the latest techniques and highest quality care. Regain their sense of play. Choose CEENTA.

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It’s got everything you rememberr from where you grew It’s up. up p. Great G neighbors hb andd strong community connections. AV Village illage Green, YMCA, parks, festivals and wide open places pl laces to play play.. A Town Town Center where w you can shop, eat ea at and get ice cream, plus an ele elementary ementary school and pu public ublic library right in the neighborhoo neighborhood. borhood. But Baxter al also so offers new generation innov innovations vations like homes w wired ired for technology technology,, wireless ho hot ot spots, walking trails an and nd a childcare center center.. Plus fast interstate access an and nd big city conveniences just minutes m away away.. Come re rediscover ediscover the way things were, only o better better,, in our next ne extt generation g ti American A i small lll town. t

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The Ultimate Meeting Street.. You Y ou won’ won’tt find a more welcoming welcom ming place to shop, dine and socialize ialize than in Baxter T Town own Center in Fort Mill, S.C. T True rue Southern flavor and hospitality infuse every business on its ch charming harming small-town streetscape. What are you in the moo moodd to try? Asian Fusion? n? Chicken wings? Daily seafoo seafoodd specials? Our restaurants and wine barr offer so much variety in food food an and nd wine, you could eat here everyday. everyday. You’ll You’ll find all kinds of boutiques, specializing ng in everything from ultra-trendy fashion andd high-end denim, to irresistible chocolate confections, confections to gifts for mommy momm my and baby to be. There are spas as for pampering as well as studios for dance, taekwondo taaekwondo and music. From hair salons to coffee and ice cream shops, there’s there’s something s for everyone in Baxterr T Town own Center Center.. Do come in!

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Volume 8: Issue 33

renee & kerrie Photo by Photography by Chanda

Publisher

Sharon Simpson

Creative Director/Co-Publisher

Kerrie Boys Fall is in full swing and I’m trying not to think about the fact that we are already sharing a few holiday stories with you in this issue. I’m also doing my best to be a good parent and limit my children’s screen time during the week, make sure they complete their homework in a timely fashion and arrive safely to their respective extracurricular activities, even when there are times that I think I should just slap a taxi service sign on the side of my car and be done with it. I recently talked the family into taking a day trip to the nearby mountains for some hiking, and after a few initial grumblings, we were on our way. During the drive, my husband and I decided that reconnecting with nature is something that we need to focus on more with our kids, even when the prospect of it gets overshadowed by everyday life and work obligations. Watching the look on my children’s faces as they stood on top of Chimney Rock was priceless, and even they couldn’t help but “ooh and aah” at the spectacular view. To help with our new outlook, I’ve decided to put together a short fall “bucket list” of things I want us to get out and do during the next few months. Maybe, just maybe, by the next issue I’ll be able to report that we did indeed find time to enjoy the following things: 1. The Amazing Maize Race. This is the year we’re finally going to put on our walking shoes, hats, grab a map, and navigate our way through the gigantic seven-acre corn maze at Rural Hill. I live about two miles away from this particular site, so there really is no excuse not to go over there. 2. We’re going to make either a day or overnight trip to Boone and take in a football game at my husband’s alma mater, Appalachian State University. Maybe while we’re there we’ll venture over to that MileHigh Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. 3. I want us to go on a leaf hunt at one of the nearby nature trails and take some candid photos of our adventure. 4. I’m going to make candy apples with my daughter and play the game Trouble with my son as often as he wants, even when he beats me every time. I hope you all find the time to unplug from your everyday obligations for awhile and come up with your own fall bucket lists before the madness of holiday shopping and celebrations begin. You’ll be so glad you did.

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

Editor

Renee Roberson

Sales Executive

Terri Johnson

Sales Executive

Beth Packard

Sales Executive

Sandra Barrow

Staff Photographer

Photography by Chanda Sales Staff Photos by

Michael C. Hernandez, Capture Happy Social Media

Kiran Dodeja Smith Contributing Writers Heather Geiser Matt Harris Lisa Leake Arden McLaughlin Brooke Neal Theresa Payton Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC Christi Wood

• • • • • • • • 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 2012 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.

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contents 10

features

departments

By the Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Book Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

By Renee Roberson Share the love of reading with your child.

By Arden McLaughlin

Ask the Therapist . . . . . . . . . . .29 When Preschool is Playtime . . . .12

By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC Learn how parenting is the ultimate leadership role.

By Heather Geiser One mom describes how she chose the right preschool for her family.

Special Needs Support . . . . . . . .14

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

By Christi Wood Mothers of children with Down syndrome share a remarkable bond.

Shiny fun for everyone.

Fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 What’s new for fall.

From Back to School to Holiday Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Matt Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

By Theresa Payton Your guide to the best educational apps and gadgets for kids.

Homemade Holiday Gifts (That Aren’t Cookies!) . . . . . . . . .20

Parenting can be as frightening as the ultimate thrill ride.

Carolina Cuties . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Starring local little ones, as themselves . . .

By Lisa Leake Get out of your gift-giving rut with these fun ideas.

Have Some Fright-Free Fun with Your Little Ones . . . . . . . . . .26 The best places for tricks, treats, costumes and fun during the month of October.

CT Scans and Your Child . . . . . .34 By Brooke Neal Learn when the benefits of the procedure outweigh risks.

Lights, Camera . . . Asheville! . . .40 By Renee Roberson Visit the Western North Carolina locales from some of your favorite movies.

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

cover: Graceson loves playing outside, riding bikes, and roller coasters. He’s got a silly sense of humor for a 9-year-old and loves his dog, Chloe. Lily enjoys both taking pictures and isn’t shy to have her picture taken, too. As a kindergartner, she loves to be read to, sing out-loud, laugh with great joy, and enjoys painting and playing outside with her two older brothers, Caleb (11) and Graceson. Photo by Michael C. Hernandez

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Reserve Reserve eserve serve erve ve Your Your ur r Spot Spot ot o Today! day! ay! Linda L Li inda Ibsen, Ibsen n, libsen@tescharlotte.org lilibs b en@tescharlott tte. e org or 704. 358. or 7 04 0 4. 3 58 58. 8 8101, 8. 810 8 81 1011, ext. 10 ext. 23 2 237 37 Artwork Artw A rtw rt work rk ffrom rom om m EEric ric i Carleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ca leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ss Book Carl Bo o ookk Thhe Mix The M xed d Up Up Chameleon Chamel C leeon onn Mixed

Get Your Child Fired Up About

Learning, Laughing, And Growing! Experience Kiddie AcademyÂŽ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; come take a tour

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Limited Space available for Fall 2012, Enroll Now! Kiddie Academ Academy myÂŽ of Charlotte-Blakeney Charlotte-Bla akeney

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book corner

Discover Your Library By Arden McLaughlin of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

he crisp autumn air always puts a bit of a bounce in my step. Over the summer I began training hardcore for a sprint triathlon and even through the tri’s finished I’m still participating in the exercises from my training. I’ve really become a lover of running and biking outside. So, I’m incredibly thankful for cooler air! I’m also excited about curling up in a local park and reading some great books. We’re so lucky to live in an area that boasts beautiful scenery for each of us to grab those we love and read, read, read our days away. Check out a few that I’m excited in this edition of Book Corner. And remember, all of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Regional Libraries now have Sunday hours, thanks to additional funding from our main funding partner, Mecklenburg County.

Reading to your

young child

most important things

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

Your library can help.

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

Enjoy! Arden

cmlibrary.org

Some of my favorite moments with children are watching them participate in a first of some sort. Whether it’s a first step or a first school performance, there’s always something so precious about the first time. In Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell’s 10th children’s book My Brave Year of Firsts: Tries, Sighs, and High Fives we get to watch the characters experience learning to ride a bike and making new friends. I love the bouncy language and bold pictures that have become signature statements for Curtis and Cornell.

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704.416.0101

Unique little ones grab my heart because I feel like I’m a unique big one. I love when a child has the courage to be whoever he or she wants to

be. It’s a rare gift and we all can learn from this kind of brave spirit. It’s why I love books like Spaghetti in A Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy and Kimberly Shaw-Peterson. Ralph teases Lucy for her one-of-a-kind spirit on a regular basis. Yet, Lucy has the opportunity to make a defining moment choice when Ralph truly needs help. Read this with your unique little one and look for ways to encourage them to be brave, too. Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! A new Skippyjon Jones book hits shelves this fall, too! Look for Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole by Judy Schachner October 16. In this adventure, the wild Siamese cat who thinks he’s a Chihuahua goes into his closet to be part of the circus with his buddies. The entire Chimichango gang has a role in the performance, but only Skippito the Strong can perform the trickiest of all the stunts. I’m laughing already!

by the

book

By Renee Roberson

Start Your Own Parent/Child Book Club

icture this scenario. A small group of children are gathered together discussing a book they’ve recently read. Next, they work on a craft or building project inspired by the theme of the book and break with refreshments also enjoyed by characters in the story. Sound like a themed activity from your child’s classroom at school? While it could be, the activities could also be on the agenda of a children’s book club. An avid reader, I have to admit I’ve only attempted to join one book club discussion as an adult. I grew discouraged when the group only spent about 10 minutes discussing the book and decided not to return for the next meeting. Because of that experience, I’ve been reluctant to join another book club, but with parent/child book clubs, there is potential for more than just general discussion of books. There are excellent books and online resources to help parents develop ideas for how to form a club, browse through sample reading lists for readers of all ages and choose enrichment ideas to enhance the literature discussions.

The thought of forming a parent/child book club could seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to find creative ways to engage younger readers, but all book clubs are not created equally. With the right organization and a lot of creativity, book clubs are a wonderful way to nurture a lifelong love of reading in your children, as well as the chance to explore new stories with their friends. There are numerous benefits to starting a parent/child book club, even with younger readers. Discussing the books with your child is a great bonding experience, and also provides a way for you to explore difficult topics in a safe way. Book clubs help develop children’s literacy and language skills, too. Read on for ways to help get your own parent/child book club started, examples of themed activities and sample book lists for young readers.

Getting Started

Before you get started, decide how many people you want to invite to be a part of your book club. You want to make sure you have enough children to make the discussion and activities www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

( $ ( ' $$ $) ( &( Younger Readers Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Di Camillo The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner Half Magic by Edward Eager

worthwhile but not so many that each child doesn’t get a chance to fully participate. A group of five to eight children and their parents work well. Next, decide on the role of the parents/guardians in the group. Adults can choose to take turns leading the book discussions, facilitating the related activities and/or preparing the snack for the meeting. Then, decide on how often you want to meet and the best place to bring the group together. There are several different ways to decide what books the group should read, such as: • Members can bring several books in for a group vote • An adult facilitator can bring in titles for the group to vote on • Each member or parent/child gets to take a turn selecting a book for the group The Kids’ Book Club Book: Reading Ideas, Recipes, Activities, and Smart Tips for Organizing Terrific Kids’ Book Clubs by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp is a great resource for parent/child book clubs and includes many different discussion questions and activity guides for various books popular with readers of all ages. Below are two examples from the book: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner (appropriate for grades 1-5) In the first book in the series, the children help a character pick cherries from his orchard, which his cook then bakes into cherry dumplings. Authors Gelman and Krupp include an easy recipe for cherry dessert dumplings made from pie dough and cherry pie filling. For a craft, readers can take inspiration from the many travels of the Alden children and use precut suitcase templates to make their own “Suitcases for Survival” by decorating and deciding which items are absolutely necessary for long trips. Discussion 10

questions can include why readers think the children were scared to live with their grandfather and the importance of getting to know people before making judgments. Half Magic by Edward Eager (appropriate for grades 2 - 5) In the story, four siblings find a magical coin that grants wishes and seems to be an answer to their summer boredom. However, they learn an important life lesson after they discover that the magical coin only grants partial wishes. During one point in Half Magic, the kids take a break and enjoy a hot fudge sundae in Toledo, Ohio, and book club members can have a turn making their own. Children this age are also intrigued by magic tricks — why not let children in the book club take turns presenting their own tricks with or without parent assistance? The book also provides a great discussion question on how the children would phrase their own wishes, knowing that only half of them might be granted.

For the littlest readers . . .

Even the youngest of readers can join the fun of participating in a parent/child book club. For example, there are a variety of activities that work well with the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Preschoolers can take turns sampling from the same feast the caterpillar in the story enjoyed, make a life cycle chart of a butterfly using different shapes of pasta and pre-cut materials or paint their very own version of a caterpillar with washable paints. Participants can learn the differences between Chihuahuas and Siamese cats based on the loveable main character in the SkippyJon Jones books by Judy Schachner (available in first reader formats). Other activities include learning the Mexican hat dance set to music and munching on Mexican fare, such as chips and salsa and quesadillas.

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The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Middle-Grade Readers Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett Frindle by Andrew Clements Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Di Camillo

Additional Resources: Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs by Cindy Hudson Deconstructing Penguins: Parents, Kids and the Bond of Reading by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone The Mother Daughter Book Club by Shireen Dodson The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading By Melissa Stoller and Marcy Winkler

Our Mission is to equip children for life by releasing their God-given potential through the application of God’s Word and excellent academics.

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when preschool is

By Heather Geiser

t some point very early in my first daughter’s life, I realized that I wasn’t going to be the cheerful wellspring of endless creative activities that the parenting magazines led me to expect I would be. Reading articles with titles like “Beating Summer Boredom: 150 Recycling Crafts” and “Do-It-Yourself Toddler Toys” during the very young months of her life I pictured my future self as an energetic all-in-one teacher/cheerleader/party director/chef/toy inventor. I realized quickly how unrealistic that vision was as I tried to keep my home business running while doing my best to raise an inquisitive, independent little mind. I was not equipped to offer her the variety of daily activities and experiences required to keep her learning at the pace that she needed. Preschool suddenly became urgently necessary, not only for the activities but for the social learning that her peers in daycare were getting. We wanted a school that would offer creative activities and help foster our daughter’s independence, allow plenty of outdoor time and support healthy choices. And we wanted to get her started as soon as she was old enough to talk. We started with the preschool at our church: too restrictive, not enough outside time. Then Montessori: amazing, but too expensive. Then, a gymnastics preschool and a traditional preschool where my daughter refused to let me put her down. I turned to the CharlotteMommies.com forum and one preschool was repeatedly recommended: Piedmont Progressive Preschool, a play-based curriculum. We went for a tour and we immediately felt at home. It was informal, the children were exploring at their own paces and there were lots of activities from which to choose. My daughter actually climbed out of my arms and joined the class, digging for buried toys in a sand table. The children spent a large portion of their day outside on the playground, there was a nature trail available for class adventures, and snack time was fresh fruit. In the three years since that tour, I have been asked many times what “play-based” means for a preschool. To us, it

means that our daughter is learning through trial and error, through exploration and in a way that is naturally engaging to her. She uses a stethoscope on a stuffed animal, plants flowers in the garden, paints at an easel, reads to her friends, builds roads with blocks, uses hand tools on wood, and manages a pretend office from a laptop. She is in a classroom of children with whom she is learning to socialize and communicate without a lot of adult intervention since the school emphasizes working through their issues by using their words and not running for a mediator. My second daughter was born halfway through my older daughter’s first year at the preschool. She was in the classroom with me on the days I volunteered as class mom and then during the following year as she got older while I taught crochet classes with some of the other preschool moms. Her personality couldn’t be more different than her sister’s, but she also is ready to leap into the school with both feet, often escaping from me to go play with the older class either outside on the playground or inside the classroom. So now when other parents ask about how our school teaches, I tell them that it is the most natural place for a child to learn: in a comfortable, non-directed environment where they learn to love school and learning. I know this is the very best foundation I can give my kids before they start elementary school, and ultimately that was my goal. Heather Geiser is a work-at-home mom with two energetic young daughters. When she isn’t driving them to school, dance or gymnastics or chasing them through the neighborhood, she can be found at her Macbook doing graphic design for her company, JippityJuice Design.

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A strong academic foundation through the creative arts through the arts

Engage children in a positive learning environment Create the right balance between academics & creative arts Develop well-rounded, motivated, independent, responsible individuals

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Local photographer Melody Serrano of SnookySmiles Photography is shooting images of local children for a 2013 Down Syndrome Awareness Calendar. The proceeds from the calendars will be gifted to the DSAGC to be used to bring speakers, support meetings, and new parent material. For more information, visit her blog at http://snookysmilesphotography.blogspot.com.

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By Christi Wood Photos by SnookySmiles Photography

Local moms fight the battle of Down syndrome together

own syndrome can be all encompassing, a balancing act of sorts of not allowing this chromosomal disorder take over your life, even if in all actuality it is your new life. Welcome to the sisterhood of the DSACG (Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte). When Arden was born and I looked into her eyes I knew that instant that I had a daughter with Down syndrome. Everything stopped. The life I knew was altered. Once the grieving for the daughter I thought I would have had taken its last tear, something magical happened. I could see the people around me â&#x20AC;&#x201D; really see them. I can only compare it to seeing shades of color as vibrant, rich, bright colors. Red was no longer just red, it was this amazing deep rich red. I was viewing life in a completely new way.

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“If your child has special needs you have to hold your head high and move forward like a warrior going through battle. Your role is to set the stage for others to follow.”

The women of the DSACG understand an unspoken language of raising children with Down syndrome. Even your closest and dearest friends and family members cannot speak the language of our sisterhood. We understand the trial of emotions you endure in a typical day. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Love, Envy, Appreciation, Acceptance and Frustration. We get it. I have always found it fascinating when you meet other mothers of children with Down syndrome one of the first questions is always “how did you find out?” We all have completely different stories. We always debate if it would have been beneficial to have had a prenatal diagnosis. The longing for the child you thought you would have is so great at times. The topics at our monthly Mom’s

Night Outs can range from what are the newest therapies to who we think is the best ENT in Charlotte is. As we escape for a few hours, we enjoy a glass of wine and ask who it is attending our upcoming Wine Tour. We laugh. We sometimes cry. We welcome and embrace the new mothers who have entered our private club with a knowing smile and acknowledgment as we once remember our first MNO with the Down syndrome moms group as surreal. We remember asking, why am I here? No thank you, I would prefer an invitation to another group. We were unaware how one day these women would become some of our closest and dearest friends. The DSACG has brought some of the most brilliant women into my life; ladies who I would never had the

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opportunity to meet before Arden. I like to think as them as warriors. If your child has a life threatening disorder or a major accident you have people and friends who grieve with you and come to your aid. If your child has special needs you have to hold your head high and move forward like a warrior going through battle. Your role is to set the stage for others to follow. Lead by example. The moments of deep pain are held in private or blinked away quickly in public. We understand the challenges we face in the future as our little ones leave the adorable cute stage of toddlerhood and development into young adults. We prepare ourselves and we also know that we can send out an SOS text and the troops of our sisterhood will respond in quick

and most importantly to embrace our differences. I believe that life with Arden will make us all better people.

military precision. They will come running to celebrate all that comes with raising a child with Down syndrome. As mothers of children with Down syndrome we do not get the opportunity to truly grieve. We power on since our main goal is to make sure the entire world sees this child as typical, valued and important. Our goal is to make this child rise above any set standards and show everyone what a gift we have. We educate, always. It’s not just that this is our calling; it is our duty. We endure ignorance with a smile and grace knowing we once were also ignorant. I often question my feelings. Do my surrounding friends and family see Arden as this sweet, cute little girl and question why would I not be grateful to have her? Big deal. It could be worse. I do this to myself to ease the pain. I am sure my friends do the same to comfort me and some people who are wise see her as a complete gift and cherish all that she is. Arden has made me appreciate this one life we have

Visit www.dsa-gc.org for more information. Christi Wood lives in Huntersville with her husband David and two beautiful daughters, Andersen, age 9, and Arden, age 3.

2012 buddy walk The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte will hold its annual Buddy Walk on Oct. 6 at Freedom Park from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The goal of the Buddy Walk is to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Your support will help all people and families living with Down syndrome to enjoy a more successful future. For more information, visit www.dsac.kintera.org.

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By Theresa Payton

THE coolest technology for kids

Many of you have sent your older kids off to school and might have little ones in preschool. It might feel like you just finished buying school supplies, but do not put away your checkbooks and credit cards yet, it is time to start planning out your holiday gift giving. We know you do not have a lot of time on your hands so we have done some pre-holiday shopping for you and have recommendations on digital fun for the family along with tips to keep you and your kids safe while you work and play online.

Tablet Apps that Entertain and Are Educational Five Little Monkeys. Good for toddlers through age 5. This is a book collection and uses the popular “5 little monkeys jumping on the bed” song. Books can be played in autoplay. It is visually appealing and keeps the attention of even the most fussy of the wee ones. This will run you about $12.99. Disney’s “Where’s My Water?” Good for ages 7-10. This is a puzzle game that will make them laugh and use their brain. The main character is Swampy the Alligator, a Disney original character. There are more than 100 puzzles to solve. There is a free version and prices vary depending upon device. Doodlecast for Kids. Good for ages 3-5. Your child draws and the app turns it into a story. The story it creates based on his drawing can be shared with anyone with a quick upload to email or YouTube. Cost is approximately $1.99. Whether your little one loves math or is struggling to keep up, apps are here 18

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to help. For the preschoolers, try Counting Caterpillar. For ages 5 to 7 try MathBlaster online. For ages 9 to 12, try CoolMath. (Note: prices vary depending upon your device). Many of us grew up playing board games but nobody wants to huddle more than 2 people around today’s digital devices. Try a product called The GameChanger. It allows you to plug your iPad into its board system so you get the beauty of digital and the space of a board game for a group. $60.

Device Protection If the kids hold your device as much or more than you do, consider the Woogie. The Woogie is going to bring smiles and protection to your device. Think stuffed animal meets protective case. Get one for your smart phones and it comes with a built-in speaker. The Woogie is perfect for entertaining the kids with music, games, or movies, and it also comes with a spot to plug in headphones. Different models run about $19.99. Using devices “on the go can make them easy to lose, especially the smaller ones. If you are going to invest in an iPod nano or your child already has one, consider pairing it with the Slap Band — it’s a great way to turn it into a bracelet and/or functioning watch. I have personally enjoyed one on a long run because you get a timer and music on the go and you are hands free. Depending upon the model, the Slap Band is around $25.

photo by Couture Portraits

7 Tips in 7 Minutes

IMO

Wrap up lunch! {in my opinion}

for Staying Safer Online: 1. Never purchase apps or toys online from sites that you do not know and beware of fakes and counterfeits. 2. Password protect all your devices. 3. Teach your children never to click on pop-ups. 4. Set browser settings to the tightest security and parental controls possible if your children will be using the devices 5. Show your children how to use Google Safe Search tool for all internet searches that they do — Google will do their best to shield your kids from sites you don’t want them to accidentally be exposed to. 6. Do not give your child’s information when registering the gifts, use your own instead. 7. Tell your children to never type in their name, age, gender, address, birthdate or where they go to school on any site ... even if it says they’ll get a free gift. Fortalice is a risk, fraud, and security consulting company serving companies, organizations, consumers and families. Theresa Payton, the founder of Fortalice and author of “Protecting Your Internet Identity: Are You Naked Online?” previously worked for the White House and the banking industry. Payton’s company hosts “Internet Safety Parties” for consumers and also families. They have a “ladies night out,” “company bootcamp,” and “family night” version of the party they can customize accordingly. She is offering our readers an exclusive discount of 15 percent off a party fee if you book before 1/15/13. Call her offices at 704.749.3131or email BB@FortaliceSolutions.com to book your party. Visit www.FortaliceSolutions.com.

eeking a product to send sandwiches in the sack? It’s a snap. Wrap it up with the all-organic Sandwich Wrap made by Michigan-mom Tina Beatty’s company, Eco Lunch Gear. The sandwich wrap first folds around your food and seals with velcro. But wait — it gets better: unwrap it and use the cool creation as a placemat to eat off of. With 100 percent organic cotton used as the material and a sturdy nylon liner, you can feel comfortable in the products coming close to your little one’s lunch. You can also feel good about the fact that it’s made in the USA. And when your kiddo comes home with some sticky stains on the wrap, rest assured that it is machine washable. The product measures 13” x 15” and retails for $9.50. Find super fun prints and more at www.ecolunchgear.com.

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By Lisa Leake

Homemade Vanilla Extract One of my favorite things about this gift (other than how cute the bottles are!) is that you can make them in advance. In fact – this is a gift that will actually get better with time, which is quite the opposite of a lot of other homemade goodies. Simply slit two vanilla beans down the middle, drop them into 375ml of vodka (I used the red Smirnoff) and within a few weeks you will have infused pure vanilla extract that someone can use in all sorts of recipes like granola, pumpkin bread, French toast, and oatmeal. And save some money by ordering your vanilla beans online (with free shipping) instead of buying them at the grocery store!

Seasoning Mixes Whether it’s a meat rub for chicken or pork or a spice mixture for homemade ranch dip (or all three!) this could be yet another unique holiday present. Craft stores like Michael’s and A.C. Moore sell cute little containers and jars – meant for wedding favors – and with one of their weekly 40 or 50 percent off coupons it could be a rather affordable gift idea as well. Attach a recipe card detailing how to use the spice mixes and you end up with another creative gift idea!

Homemade Granola Cereal or Granola Bars This is what we eat (and love) for breakfast almost every single day so I can’t think of a better reason to share it with others. You could give the granola

dmit it. When you think of “making” or “baking” some type of holiday gift you think of cookies. Or maybe candy. No matter what it is I guarantee it’s full of sugar, and collectively there’s just too much of that going around this time of year (in my opinion)! I personally think there are many other little holiday gift ideas that are more exciting – and more original – than cookies, and since I like to play by my own rules here’s some of what I will be giving out this year…

cereal version in a jar or gift bag or make some granola bars with dried fruit and put them in little treat boxes (which is what I gave out last year). Don’t forget a little recipe card to go along with it because you know you’ll leave them wanting more!

Homemade Bread If you make your own bread either in the oven or in a bread maker you have an advantage because that’s just one more very thoughtful and tasty holiday gift you can offer. Whether you want to make the standard Honey Whole-Wheat Sandwich Bread or a Cinnamon Raisin Loaf I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed. I’ve actually given out loaves of bread as “thank you” gifts before, and they were very well received.

Glazed/Candied Nuts and Trail Mixes I have a standard glazed pecan recipe that we love, but don’t be afraid to mix it up by adding extra pepper or even making something with a stronger flavor like Thai Curry Cashews. You could also add in extras like popcorn, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, or unsweetened coconut to make more of a spiced trail mix. The possibilities are endless. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Recipe for Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn Mix You’ll need: 4 cups plain popcorn (about 1/4 cup of kernels). Hint: We use “The Popcorn Trick” for easy plain popcorn 3/4 cup raw cashews 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon dried cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt Parchment paper suggested for baking

Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a small pot over low heat melt the butter and honey together. Mix in the cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Put the cashews in an extra large mixing bowl. Coat them with about a tablespoon of the butter/honey mixture. Spread the coated nuts onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake for 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in the same large bowl evenly coat the plain popcorn – minus any unpopped kernels – with the remaining butter/honey mixture. After the cashews have been in the oven for 6 minutes, take out the tray, add the popcorn to it, and mix it all up together. Stick the tray back in the oven and set the timer for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes open the oven and stir or shake the mixture around on the baking sheet. Set the timer for 2 more minutes. Once again, open the oven and stir/shake the mixture so there are no hot spots that could get burnt. Set the timer for 1 more minute at which point the mixture will once again need to be checked/stirred. Repeat the process of checking/ stirring the popcorn mixture every minute then take it out of the oven once it turns a dark brown (it can burn easily toward the end!). My total bake time was 6 minutes for the nuts then an additional 7 or 8 minutes once I added the popcorn. The popcorn and nuts will be slightly wet right out of the oven, but will harden as they cool.

Lisa Leake is a wife, mother, foodie, and blogger who chronicles her family’s journey on 100daysofrealfood.com as they seek out the real food in our processed food world. Projects include a 100-day pledge to avoid all processed foods and refined ingredients as well as another 100-day pledge on a food stamp budget. Leake’s award-winning blog is receiving national attention from big names like Yahoo!, The New York Times, and Jamie Oliver. 20

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Fun fashions for babies, kids and tweens! Peek A Boo Coutureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fall "Back to School" Fashion Show was held Sunday, September 9th, 2012 Register your child today to model in our upcoming Spring Fashion Show at Peekaboocouture.org Proceeds benefit Victory Junction

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Rock the Bump tee with blinged heart! at Pickles & Ice Cream

Put a sparkle in her eye with this adorable, life-size Huggles doll. at Toys&Co

Shimmer always adds that final touch to any outfit. at Shoe Zoo

Make your notes and doodles shine on this LCD tablet. at Toys&Co

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Add some sparkle to your team colors with custom hairbows. at Sheeky Boutique

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and keep up with area happenings, great giveaways and more! (search “little ones magazine”) ••••••••••••••••••••

Also, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, which provides a listing of up-and-coming events for the month. You’ll never have to worry about what to do! Sign up on our Web site (www.littleonesmagazine.com)

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19905 W Catawba Ave. Suite 106 Cornelius, NC 28031 704.987.7776 www.peekaboocouture.org

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whatever you do, look good doing it!

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Fashion made for fun and comfort.

$" , ( " ' (+$ Soft pima cotton nursing pajama sets from Olian make the perfect gift for mommy and baby! Pickles & Ice Cream • The Specialty Shops on The Park 6401 Morrison Boulevard #4a • Charlotte, NC 28211 • 704.364.1898

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Have her favorite colors incorporated into a custom-made tulle gown ready for a weekend of pretend. The Sheeky Boutique • 1509 West C Street Kannapolis, NC 28081 • 704-932-5850

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A stylish way to show off her sweet but tough side, your little princess will rule the playground in this boot by Roxie. The Sheeky Boutique • 1509 West C Street Kannapolis, NC 28081 • 704-932-5850

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NOW OPEN! The Animals at the Store Can’t Wait for Your Visit! Offering a great selection of styles for boys and girls. Girls-infant through size 6 Boys-infant through size 7 •••••••••••••••••••• Many accessories and gifts too! •••••••••••• Featuring: Under Armour, KSwiss, Saucony, KEEN, Tsukihoshi, Lelli Kelly, Sperry, and more.

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For the love of fabulous... Children’s brands: Bailey Boys, Sir John, Jane Copeland, Little Me, Petite Amy, Austin & Ashley, Mud Pie, & much more. Women’s brands: J Crew, LV, Liz Claiborne, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Coldwater Creek

Upscale resale and new clothing and products for the stylish & thrifty. Custom tutus, headbands, sport team bows and mom pins for cheer and dance.

Jewelry, handbags and shoes.

Offering a formal department for that special occasion. Offering infant to plus sizes

The Sheeky Boutique 1509 West C Street • Kannapolis, NC 28081 Owners Kelly Le Inside Sam Miller Carpet Sales & Meredith M dbetter (mother) iller (daughte 704-932-5850 • Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-2 • Closed Sunday r) For consignment appointment, please call Tues-Thurs.

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Have a

Fright-Free Halloween with Your Little Ones Let’s face it. With Halloween candy and décor arriving in stores right after back-to-school shopping, it’s hard for the children (and many adults) to ignore the excitement of Halloween. Tricks and treats and fun, creative costumes abound, but sometimes the thrills and chills are not for everyone. We’ve gathered a list of local fun but fright-free Halloween festivities that even the smallest children can enjoy.

Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Blast What: Celebrate the fun of Halloween without the scary! Highlights include: a Peanuts Dance Party Show®, Hay Bale Maze, Foam Zone, Fraidy Cat Puppet Show, Mumpkin Patch, “Kiddie-Oke” and Trick or Treating from 2 – 4 p.m. Activities are included with the cost of admission. When: Saturdays and Sundays in October Where: Carowinds www.carowinds.com

Ray’s Haunted Tour and Halloween Carnival What: Join Ray’s Splash Planet for a spook-tacular haunted tour through the Splash Park and/or the kid-friendly carnival in the gymnasium. This event is open to the whole family and promises to provide a howling good time for everyone with games, contests and course, trickor-treating. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Note: Ray’s Splash Planet will close at 3 p.m. on Friday for preparations before the event. When: Oct. 26 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Where: Ray’s Splash Planet www.rayssplashplanet.com

All Hallow’s Eve What: Experience the history of Halloween and its most famous characters! The plantation will host trick-or-treating, Halloween baking in the old kitchen, storytelling, pumpkin painting and a costume contest. When: Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 26

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Where: Latta Plantation www.lattaplantation.org

Schiele-O-Ween What: Schiele-O-Ween is filled with fun and interactive family activities, including cowboy trick or treating, planetarium shows, hands-on activities and a special showing of the stage program “Halloween Tales.” Great for the entire family and kids are encouraged to attend in costume. Advance tickets available. When: Oct. 26; 5 – 6 p.m., members only, 6 -8 p.m., general public Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org

Boo Bash What: Bring the kids for costume contests, face painting, arts and crafts, food, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and music. When: Oct. 27 from 6 – 9 p.m. Where: Bailey Road Park www.cornelius.org

and under, this carnival features hay rides, spooky tattoos, a pumpkin walk, ghostly golf, food and much more. Children can take part in a themed costume parade by dressing up as their favorite superhero! When: Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Stumptown Park www.matthewsfun.com

Bootanical What: This celebration is perfect for little ones who want to celebrate the friendlier side of Halloween. Participate in fun, plant-based Halloween activities and ghoulish games. Search for plants with spooky names like the creepy eyeball plant and bat-faced cuphea. Children who wear their costumes receive 50 percent off admission. When: Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens www.dsbg.org

Boo at the Zoo Not So Spooky Halloween Carnival What: Perfect for children 10 years

What: Head to Asheboro for a magical weekend of safe daytime Halloween fun with trick-or treat

games, magic and storytelling, live entertainment and a costume contest for the children. When: Oct. 27 & 28 Where: North Carolina Zoo www.nczoo.org

Creature Feature: Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers What: It’s a hauntingly good time that is a little spooky, but not-tooscary. Enjoy Halloween treats and learn about all of our little friends that scurry underfoot. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes. When: Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org

“Halloween Fun” at Rural Hill What: This free event sponsored by Rural Hill and the Town of Huntersville promises fun for everyone in your group with games, arts and crafts, balloons, a moon bounce, hayrides, and pony rides and a petting zoo from Zootastic. When: Oct. 27 from 2 – 6 p.m. Where: Rural Hillwww.ruralhill.net

Horseback Riding and Driving Lessons Ages 3 to Adult! Certified Instructors. State of the art Facility – indoor and outdoor riding areas. Join our safe, gentle and loving lesson horses for the pure joy of riding, exercising or competition.

Enjoy the Ride! Horsey Birthday Parties ••••••••••••••••••• “Halter & Hearts” Youth Club & Riding Academy

10610 Kerns Rd. • Huntersville NC

Lenux Stables & Riding Academy, Inc. • www.lenuxstables.com • 704-947-RIDE(7433) www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

& '' ($ "%& '' Charlotte area trick-or-treaters get creative with costumes Matthew Stroud couldn’t decide whether he wanted to be a robot, or a kitten . . .

Cole Thompson loved his Legos® so much he wanted to become one.

Cooper and Chance Panzik decided not to wait until Christmas to give Santa a hand.

Sophie and Darcy Howard decked themselves out as “Paper Dolls.” Jack Howard constructed and helped design his own Snoopy costume.

Drew Howard strolled the streets as a royal king. www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

ask the therapist

By Leslie Petruk, MA, LPC, NCC

Parenting is Leadership In Its Truest Sense arenting truly is the ultimate leadership role. I love this quote by Marianne Williamson; “There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children.” What a true and powerful statement! It’s easy to lose sight of the impact and legacy we are leaving on the world as parents. And with that, comes the responsibility we have as leaders of our children. Leadership is a skill that has been researched and studied for decades. Effective leaders exemplify certain qualities that make them successful. Whether you are leading as a parent to your children or you wear the hat of leadership both at home and in your professional life, knowing and embracing the skills of a good leader will help you build better leaders of tomorrow whether those are your children and/or your employees. As a parent, you hold a particularly important leadership role in shaping the future. In their book “How Remarkable Women Lead,” Joanna Barsh and Susie Cranston researched the characteristics of successful women leaders and confirm in their book what I have always said, that work-life balance is not only a myth that women strive to attain, it’s an immeasurable and illusive standard we set for ourselves. Women can love their work and their children. Mastering the skill of managing these two worlds is the more realistic aspiration. In their research, they uncovered five characteristics that were consistent in successful women

leaders. Interestingly, they all had meaning as foundation. I think whether you are a “stay-at-home” mom or are in the workforce, these are applicable. Using these five characteristics the authors created a model called Centered Leadership as a model for working women/moms. I believe this model can and should be applied for both working and stay-at-home mothers. In leading your children, their success is determined by yours, just as those who you manage in the workplace. Meaning. Know what inspires and excites you, what sustains your energy and enthusiasm and allows you to lead creatively and profoundly. Some stay-at-home moms lose sight of this after changing diapers and doing laundry all day. While children are clearly important to you, it’s important to know and stay in touch with your own passion outside of being a mother. When you have meaning, you are happier which translates into you being more effective, motivating and healthier, overall. The saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” has some truth to it! Happiness also leads to more creativity and research has shown that it improves learning and higher goal achievement as well. Finding meaning in what you are doing is not just cheerfulness, but provides a level of purpose and fulfillment that creates happiness. Framing. Leadership includes the ability to clearly view situations, to adapt, and employ solutions without losing control or perspective. While some women have the natural ability to positively frame things, for others it requires making a conscious choice. This is not about living in denial, but about www.littleonesmagazine.com | for local moms ... by local moms

taking the facts and dealing with them in the most productive and beneficial manner without letting your emotions take over and distort reality. Adaptability is also a skill that comes into play here. Being willing to adjust when necessary and allowing for flexibility is the making of a good leader. Connecting. Collaborate. Whether it is with a mentor in the workforce or a fellow mom, in order to be a successful leader we all need connection. This is the “sisterhood” that I believe all moms should be striving to create with one another and let go of the judgment. Connectedness is a core human need. The synergy that comes from being part of a group creates something that is bigger then the sum of its parts. Women are natural connectors and building relationships is key in both work and home life. Having a strong network of friends and colleagues who will mentor and support you as a professional and a mother is critical to your success. Connecting is something you have to give in order to get. Showing interest in another person and how you can help them is the best place to start. Engaging. Successful leadership involves using your voice, facing fears and taking ownership along with the 30

risks that you face. As a parent there are a lot of fears that we face. Learning to face them with courage and compassion, as a mother and professional, will engage those around you in an effective way. Taking action on opportunities even if it’s a risk requires you to face your fears. Speaking up, seeing opportunity and taking it and taking risks are all ways to engage and become a successful leader as a parent and professional. Energizing. Successful leaders are those who have the skill of managing their energy reserves over time. I believe this involves learning when to say no, paying attention to your own limits and feelings, and asking for help when you need it. Self-care is also a critical part of staying energized. I am always telling mothers (including myself) who are forever putting everyone and everything ahead of themselves, “You can’t give what ya don’t got.” The “to do” list is never going way. Making yourself a priority is a must and learning how to manage your energy and letting go of the idea that work/life balance is attainable is the first step. Stay-at-home moms often struggle with the idea that because they are home, they should have a perfectly clean house with the laundry done and well-balanced meals on the

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table every night at 6 p.m. This myth is a pretty fairytale picture — but it is not reality! So letting go of the unrealistic expectations and learning to manage your energy and care for yourself will allow for better leadership for your home and professional life. There are many ways to re-energize. Find what works for you. Mindfulness practices are easy to employ throughout your day and take only a few minutes. But ultimately, you need to be aware of where your energy comes from and tap into that resource. Whether parenting full time or managing the roles of parenthood and professional, your leadership skills are important to you and your families success. I will end with a quote by Anna Quindlen that the authors of “How Remarkable Women Lead” share at the end of their book that nicely summarizes the journey of leadership for parents and professionals: “The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” Our children are watching us as we lead — do we want them to be perfect or to become who they are meant to be? For information on Leslie’s four-week Parenting Tele-Seminars go to www.overwhelmedparent.com

charity

spotlight group aims to enrich the lives of local families Photography by Chanda

n Aug. 18, nonprofit group The Family Enrichment Movement (TFEM) held its first community event with a Back to School bash at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte with the goal of outfitting area children with proper school supplies, clothing and backpacks for the current school year. Participants enjoyed carnival-style goodies, entertainment and giveaways. The turnout was so great for the event that organizers ran out of 320 hot dogs in the first 45 minutes and 564 children ranging in all ages and grades placed their names on the sign-up sheet for school supplies. Many of the donations for the event came in through Chanda Cares, the philanthropy arm of local photographer Chanda Pope of Photography by Chanda. The Family Enrichment Movementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to equip families with the necessary tools to successfully raise and support their children. They work to provide real solutions to real issues faced by families in the community.

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Below is an offering of services through The Family Enrichment Movement: Chanda Cares - Chanda Cares is a program that provides memories and/or financial assistance to families that have been stricken with immediate life-threatening circumstances. This program also offers a very unique service for expecting mothers that have given birth to a life that received angel wings to soon. For more information, visit www.photographybychanda.com.

Family Alliances & Advocates Family Alliances and Advocates, F2A, is a program that provides counseling for families or individuals in need of mental wellness. Licensed counselors and social workers provide one-on-one and family counseling to address an array of issues that may be hindering the happiness and growth of a family such as grief counseling, couples counseling, parenting skill development counseling, co-parenting skill development and areas of specific diagnosis such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder and many more. EDGE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This program is targeted to children ages 5-12 years who are in need of literacy skills and mentoring. The program lasts the entire academic school year and focuses on a mix of life skill sessions coupled with literacy skills and EOG preparation. The Neighborhood Teen Center is the exact same program but geared towards teenagers 13-18 years. It is a

safe after-school program for teens designed to help families in need of support for teens in their family in areas of gang prevention, substance abuse/ alcohol use prevention, college readiness, job preparedness and volunteerism. TFEM founder Jamie Adams, who also serves as an Assistant District Attorney for Mecklenburg County, recently received recognition as one of Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Impactful Women through WomenWithKnowHow.com. Adams was honored with the award for Elite Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advocate for her work in the community with domestic violence, women empowerment and youth development. Looking to donate or get involved? Visit www.thefamilyenrichmentmovement.org.

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Photo by Joseph Decker

CT Scans & Your Child:

When is the risk worth taking?

By Brooke Neal Abby underwent three CT scans -- one detecting the infection; a second confirming surgical success; and a third, four months later, verifying that the abscess had, in fact, resulted from an infection, not a DNA cyst. This final CT provided peace of mind that the ordeal truly was behind them.

ecent findings linking multiple childhood CT scans with cancer development have caused parents to think twice about allowing such scans for their children. And rightly so. But at what point do the benefits of the tests outweigh the risks? As parents, we’re faced with a million different reasons to worry about our children. We’re bombarded daily with studies and statistics that could send even the most levelheaded of us over the edge. So what is the appropriate reaction when we learn that CT scans in children have been linked to brain tumors and leukemia? Fear of radiation overexposure is justified. But fear of CT scans themselves can be just as dangerous. It all stems from an international study released June 7, 2012 by The Lancet, one of the world’s oldest and most respected medical journals. Specifically, the findings demonstrated direct evidence that 2 – 3 head CT scans before age 15 could triple a child’s risk of developing a brain tumor; 5 – 10 CTs could triple the risk of leukemia. Jointly funded by the US National Cancer Institute and the UK Department of Health, the report studied 178,000 children who had CT exams between the mid-1980s and 2002, following each child for up to 20 years post-CT exposure. 34

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Experts at Charlotte Radiology agree there is validity to the report. But they caution us to do our homework as parents before writing off CT scans altogether. First, do the math. The findings of this study translate to roughly one case each of leukemia and brain tumors per 10,000 children. The chances of your child being injured in a car accident are higher than his or her chances of developing cancer from childhood CT scans. Second, note the dates of the study. CT scanners have improved exponentially since the mid-1980s and are estimated to transmit pediatric radiation doses that are 40 – 50 percent lower than just 10 years ago. Third, consider the commitment of the medical community to “image gently.” Launched in 2008 by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, the goal of the Image Gently Campaign is to protect children from overexposure to radiation by increasing imaging awareness and changing practices. To date, more than 17,000 medical professionals have taken the pledge. “We avoid CT whenever it’s reasonable to do so,” says Marc Mancuso, MD, Charlotte Radiology’s Chief of Pediatric Radiology. “We use alternative imaging, like ultrasound and MRI, when we believe we can get the information we need with less risk to the child. One of our biggest jobs is to serve as gatekeepers of radiology. But there are times when CT scans are medically

Photo by Joseph Decker

necessary, and in those cases we use pediatric dosing to reduce the exposure, thus reducing the risk. CT can be life saving in many circumstances. But I will recommend against it every time if the risks outweigh the benefits.” So when is a CT warranted? What can a CT show you that can’t be seen on an ultrasound, MRI, or other alternative imaging source? Every case is different, so it’s important your child’s doctor is a person you can trust. But CT scans can detect blood inside the skull resulting from a head injury; injuries to the solid organs, like the kidneys, spleen and liver; and life-threatening infections and abscesses. This was the case for Katie Robbins, a Charlotte Radiology employee whose then 6-year-old daughter’s sore throat turned out to be a life-threatening infection. “Abby had a sore throat and fever that worsened over two weeks. Strep tests came back negative. Two rounds of blood work were normal, and no evidence of infection could be seen. Our pediatrician believes in imaging gently, so we exhausted all options before heading to the hospital for a CT. Turns out that was the best decision we’d ever make.” A CT scan showed a retropharyngeal

Abby Robbins, now 9 years old, continues to thrive after emergency surgery to drain a neck abscess three years ago.

abscess in Abby’s neck — an infection that was already beginning to shift her airway. Pediatric and neurological radiologists recommended emergency surgery to drain the infection. “It was terrifying at the time. Emergency surgery on an abscess that was compromising her airway — and had an alarmingly high mortality rate. But scarier still is the thought of what could’ve happened if we’d waited. Or if we’d refused the CT scan altogether.” The bottom line is this: CT is a powerful tool that should only be used when absolutely necessary. But how grateful are we, as parents, that it’s here when we need it? So do your homework. Confirm that your child’s doctors are ACR-certified and have made the commitment to image gently. In the event a CT is recommended for your child, ask these questions: Is there a clear medical benefit? Can alternative studies be used instead? Will only the affected area be scanned? Will child dosing will be used? And most importantly, do the benefits outweigh the risks? For more information on CT scans and children, visit CharlotteRadiology.com and ImageGently.org.

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.

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out & about (

Carolina Renaissance Festival

What: The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a 16th-century, European-style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplaces, a jousting tournament and much more. The festival spans 22 acres and is filled with 11 stages of non-stop entertainment, charming cottages and castles, an open-air market with 100 artisan shops, kitchens and pubs, games of skill and people-powered rides. When: Seven consecutive weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from Oct. 6 through Nov. 18. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Where: Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road (between I-77 and I-85) www.royalfaires.com/carolina

Pick a pumpkin, take a hike or make some fun art as the weather starts to cool

Amazing Maize Maze What: Get lost in a giant seven-acre corn maze featuring more than two miles of interconnecting paths. For an extra challenge, trek through the maze in the dark with a flashlight during one of the Family Friendly Friday or Saturday Night mazes. While you’re there, take a hayride around the farm, play a round of cornhole, explore mini mazes, take a hike or enjoy a picnic. When: Through Nov. 4 Where: Rural Hill www.ruralhill.net

Fall Festival What: Bring the kids for hayrides, contests, games, food, music, bounce houses, face painting and a balloon artist. $10 admission per child; parents are free. Purchase game and craft tickets on site for $5 and $10. When: Oct. 5 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Where: McKinney Academy, 412 Armour St., Davidson www.mckinneyacademy.com

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“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” What: The Peanuts gang’s all here – Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and Sally – in this delightful musical that will have you celebrating childhood, or revisiting it! Charlie Brown just wants to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, while Snoopy and Linus want to daydream. Meanwhile, the rest of the group battles book reports, kites, baseball and misunderstandings in this classic Broadway musical based on the iconic comic characters of Charles Schulz. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. When: Oct. 5 – 28 Where: McColl Family Theatre, ImaginOn www.ctcharlotte.org

Movies in the Park Huntersville What: Take in a showing of “The Muppets” on a huge 20’x25’ outdoor screen with a concert-grade sound system. Admission is free and Brian’s

Blakeney Boo Bash

Dog House Grill has food and drinks for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs (or blankets) and come early for some exciting pre-movie entertainment and give-a-ways. The movie begins at dusk. When: Oct. 5 Where: North Mecklenburg Park

What: Following the 5K Big South Road Race at 8 a.m., The Boo Bash takes place on the Blakeney Lawn with inflatables, pumpkin painting sponsored by Noah’s Art, rides, wax hand molding and food. When: Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Blakeney Shopping Center

Ray’s Splash Planet Celebration What: Come celebrate 10 years of splashes, smiles and water play at Ray’s. The event will include inflatable slides, bounce houses, carnival games, child-friendly activities, food and more. When: Oct. 7 from 1 – 5 p.m. Where: Ray’s Splash Planet www.rayssplashplanet.com

Sunday Fun Days @ The Mint Uptown What: Enjoy family-friendly art projects, healthy living activities, artist demonstrations, and more in these events for all ages. Roam through 100 years of painting history as documented by American father and son artists in the exhibition “The Weir Family, 1820-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art.” See artist Elizabeth Bradford paint, try out miniature-manikin drawing, dabble in Impressionism, and enjoy a19th century pastime, jump roping, 21stcentury style! When: Oct. 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. Where: The Mint Museum Uptown www.mintmuseum.org

Latin American Festival What: Bring the family to sample savory cuisine and take in music, local artists and international crafts; inspiring dance presentations and fun children’s activities. When: Oct. 14 from noon to 8 p.m. (rain or shine) Where: Symphony Park in SouthPark www.festivallatinoamericano.org

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

YMCA OF GREATER CHARLOTTE

ymcacharlotte.org

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

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“Into the Woods, Junior” What: Presented by the Davidson Community Players’ Connie Company, The Brothers Grim “go Broadway” in Stephen Sondheim’s cockeyed fairytale where all of your favorite characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and The Witch – meet and interact on their journeys. A junior version of the Tony Award-winning production, this irreverent fantasy will stir your heart. Appropriate for ages 7 years and older. When: Nov. 10 through Nov. 18 Where: Armour Street Theatre www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

Harvest Day

“The Commedia Pinnochio”

What: The little puppet who wishes he were a real boy comes to life in a slapstick spin on the classic story. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Tarradiddle Players perform this heart-warming story for the whole family, told in the humorous acting

style of Italian Commedia dell’arte. Puppetmaker Geppetto carves Pinocchio out of a magical piece of wood, but the talking puppet can’t stay out of trouble. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. When: Nov. 2 - 18 Where: Wells Fargo Playhouse, ImaginOn www.ctcharlotte.org

19th Annual Carolina

What: Take in an 18th-century version of a modern-day Thanksgiving. See open-fire cooking and hearth skills with baking, roasting and boiling. Visit with re-enactors telling the story of Backcountry bonding — the gift of time earned from a busy harvest season for fellowship with family and friends. When: Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: The Schiele Museum www.schielemuseum.org

Winter Sale 10 years of bringing you a huge selection of high quality items for your family.

OCTOBER 6TH - NOVEMBER 18TH

November 8-10 Thurs 9-7; Fri 9-7; Sat 50% off sale 10-2 The Pointe Arena, Beside Knights Stadium Free Admission and Parking 2266 Deerfield Drive Fort Mill, SC 29715 • I-77, Exit 88

www.foreveryseason.net • 803.327.5473 38

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Creature Feature: Turkey Talk What: Learn all about this incredible bird and why Ben Franklin thought the turkey would make a great national symbol. When: Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Charlotte Nature Museum www.charlottenaturemuseum.org

Sunday Fun Days @ The Mint Uptown What: Enjoy family-friendly art projects, healthy living activities, artist demonstrations, and more in these events for all ages. Experience how cutting-edge 21st century artists utilize wood in remarkable ways in the exhibition “Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art, Craft, and Design,” and see a furniture-building demonstration with a North Carolina artist. You can also explore the art of marquetry, get innovative at the pre-fab furniture lab, and play giant Jenga! When: Nov. 18 from 1 – 4 p.m. Where: The Mint Museum Uptown www.mintmuseum.org

Belk Carolina’s Carrousel Parade What: The 65th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest get-togethers of Carolinians during the year. Area marching bands, floats sponsored by local organizations and corporations, step and drill teams, entertainers and other specialty units grace the streets of Uptown for spectators of all ages to enjoy. When: Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. Where: Uptown www.carrouselparade.org

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Lights, Camera . . .

! ! * '

Take in the sights at some famous movie locations in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Land of the Skyâ&#x20AC;? By Renee Roberson | Photos Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

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ast summer, local fans of the popular book series “The Hunger Games” were excited to learn that preparations were underway for filming to begin in North Carolina. The film was shot entirely on location in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, including Shelby, Black Mountain and DuPont State Forest, with stars of the movie setting up camp at Hotel Indigo in downtown Asheville and the DoubleTree by Hilton Biltmore near the famous Biltmore Estate. Asheville and its picturesque surrounding mountains have been popular with the movie industry since the early 1920s, when “Conquest of Canaan” was filmed in Pack Square in the heart of downtown Asheville. Others movies featuring the Asheville area include “Patch Adams,” “Winter People,” “Forrest Gump,” “Nell,” “Bull Durham” and many others. I lived in Asheville from 1988 to 1999, and always wanted to work as an extra on a film set but never got the chance. I did however, have my share of run-ins with celebrities who were in town filming, such as: • John Larroquette. While in high school, I worked at the box office of a local movie theatre. One afternoon, I sold a ticket for the Hugh Grant movie “Four Weddings and a Funeral” to a very tall man wearing sunglasses. After he entered his theatre, my best friend ran over from the concession stand and asked me if actor John Larroquette (from the television show “Night Court”) had come through my line. Crews were in town filming the movie “Richie Rich” at the Biltmore Estate and I had been hoping Macaulay Culkin would make an appearance, so I didn’t even notice that the man I was helping was also in the movie. • Aidan Quinn. While working at a café in the nearby town of Weaverville I served brunch to Quinn, who was in town filming the movie “SongCatcher.” The café also hosted the wrap party when

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filming was complete. While chatting with Quinn I mentioned that my mother was a huge fan of his work, after which he asked for my cell phone and called her in Texas. She was completely shocked and thrilled and still tells that story to this day. • Andie MacDowell. While the actress wasn’t filming a movie at the time, she now lives in Asheville with her family and I realized one day that I was standing behind her in line at a local restaurant in Asheville. I grabbed a napkin and asked for her autograph. After I returned to work down the street and told my now-husband who I had just spoken with, he bolted out of the office in hopes of seeing her but missed her by a few minutes. Asheville got its start as a primitive outpost in 1797, and was transformed into a resort and therapeutic health center when the railroad arrived in 1880. The town is well known for attracting poets, artists, visionaries and explorers. Upon visiting the area in the late 1800s, George Vanderbilt immediately purchased 120,000 acres that the Biltmore Estate now resides on and author Thomas Wolfe wrote about his hometown in the autobiographical novel “Look Homeward, Angel.” Most recently, author Wiley Cash paid homage to the area with the literary thriller “A Land More Kind Than Home.” Located about two and half hours from Charlotte, the town of Asheville is a great place for families to visit

simply because it has activities sure to suit every personality type. For the outdoor enthusiasts, there are beautiful fall leaves and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway views in the fall, hiking and biking trails, stargazing, waterfalls, natural waterslides, kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting. For those interested in the arts, there are numerous art galleries, working studios in the River Arts District, museums and a thriving music scene, complete with street performers on Friday nights and the infamous Asheville Drum Circle in Pritchard Park during the warmer months. Allyson Neeriemer, a Matthews mother of three, grew up in the neighboring town of Weaverville and lived there with her family until a few years ago.

“I liked living in a small town, but I also enjoyed being close to Asheville,” she says. “It was the best of both worlds. When my children were small, I loved pushing them in strollers down Main street and all of the side streets. We enjoyed eating at Well Bred Bakery, especially when they had live music on the weekends. The girls love Lake Louise and Avery’s

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Little Corner for parks. There is also a nature walk in right in downtown Weaverville that was always a hit with the girls.” In Asheville, Neeriemer recommends The Health Adventure, a hands-on children’s museum open seven days a week that sparks curiosity about health and science with both permanent and traveling exhibits. She also suggests the Western North Carolina Nature Center for visitors (annual memberships are reciprocal with other area zoos and museums), which features more than 60 species of animals, including black bears, river otters and red wolves.

Take a Tour To take in more during your trip, arrange a 90-minute tour through the Asheville Historic Trolley Tours (www.ashevilletrolleytours.com), which travel through the Montford Historic District, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, The Grove Arcade, Battery Park and the Biltmore Village and River Arts District. The movie “My Fellow Americans” featured scenes that were shot in the downtown area of Asheville. Asheville Historic Trolley Tours also offers a “haunted trolley tour” from March through November during the evenings. The Asheville Food Tours (www.ashevillefoodtours.com) are great for adult food lovers looking for a fun weekend getaway. Choose from a Delicious Downtown or Biltmore

Village Tour, where you follow your food guide into several restaurants for intimate food and beverage tastings that consist of no more than 12 people per group.

Christmas at Biltmore Numerous movies, including “Mr. Destiny” and “Hannibal” have been filmed at the Biltmore Estate (www.biltmore.com), which is currently the largest private home in North America. George Vanderbilt built the home in 1895 and it now serves as a popular tourist destination. Visitors to the estate can choose a self-guided tour through the 250-room chateau and surrounding gardens. Discover the link between the present and past at the Antler Hill Village & Winery (included with estate admission), with restaurants, an exhibition hall and theatre, shopping, an outdoor adventure center and special winery experiences. For a little holiday magic, plan your visit for the “Christmas at Biltmore” event that runs from Nov. 3 to Jan. 1, 2013, when

climb the rock

The only problem with figuring out where to stay in Asheville is deciding among the many attractive choices. The city and surrounding towns feature a wide selection of places to stay, whether you’re looking to stay in a hotel the heart of downtown, a quaint bed & breakfast or on the outskirts of the city in a secluded mountain cabin or campground. You’ll even find places that offer pet-friendly accommodations.

Chimney Rock State Park is a majestic attraction that makes a great day trip at just an hour and a half drive away. The park offers camera-worthy picturesque views and five different hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous skill levels. On a recent weekend, our family piled into the car and made the drive to nearby Lake Lure, which also happens to be the place where most of the film “Dirty Dancing” was filmed back in the late 1980s. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant called La Strada, where we sat on the covered deck and had a great view of the Lake Lure public beach area across the street. The menu at La Strada featured a variety of entrees, from pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and other specialty Italian fare. Chimney Rock State Park is just a short drive up the street. After driving up the mountain to the park, we opted to take the 26-story elevator up to the Chimney level so we could conserve our energy for the climb down and other hiking trails. We had to stand in line briefly for the elevator, but once on board, the ride lasted about 30 seconds. Once at the top, we browsed through the Sky Lounge Gift Shop and Deli before heading out to the Chimney, where even our kids gasped at the initial view from the top. Be sure to take your camera because there are plenty of great places to take photos at this attraction. We were in the mood to see a waterfall so we opted to tackle the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, which incidentally, makes an appearance in the 1992 film “Last of the Mohicans” starring Daniel Day Lewis, and we weren’t disappointed. The trail is about a mile and half and hikers are rewarded with the cool mist from the 400-ft. waterfall and a small set of stairs at the base of the falls. The Great Woodland Adventure Trail is also a great trail for families, featuring an interactive half-mile hike tailored to help younger children learn about the animals that inhabit the park. At the end of the trail, kids can visit with some of the park’s animals, such as Grady the Groundhog and a few non-venomous snakes, turtles and toads. It is important to note that while the trails are maintained, they are not paved so strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended. Visitors can rent a child-carrier backpack at the park for $8. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is a must for this type of excursion. The park is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and the cost for admission is $15 for adults, $7 for ages 6 to 15 years, and free for children under the age of 6. For more information, visit www.chimneyrockpark.com. If you want to make a day or even a weekend out of your trip, the town of Lake Lure has a variety of shops and recreational opportunities tailored around the 720-acre manmade lake. Visitors can swim (the beach area even has a splash pad and waterslide), take a boat tour, rock climb, go horseback riding, hike or golf. Canopy Ridge Farm provides an eco-adventure tour with six ziplines, including the Zip Zilla, which is a quick thrill ride spanning 1,000 feet.

For more information, visit www.exploreasheville.com.

www.townoflakelure.com www.canopyridgefarm.com

the house will be decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths and thousands of ornaments.

Stay and Play

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fasten your seatbelt prepare for the roller coaster ride called parenting

By Matt Harris

n this article I decided to write to those of you who have yet to embark on the “little ones” thrill ride. Yes, having children is Space Mountain times one hundred. There should be a sign before you have kids and get on that crazy ride that says, “You must be really sane to ride this ride!” because you will become much more insane as the ride really takes off. So, here are some warnings. Children graze. They are constantly searching for food. Your pantry could be full of delicious treats (healthy and unhealthy), but they will turn up their nose up at everything. They are like unsatisfied royalty at the gifts we the parents/peasants have offered them. While at the grocery store

they will tell you it is the greatest food item ever invented. They will consider the same item at home the equivalent of rotten eggs. Everyday your child will ask, “What time is lunch?” The time they ask will be about 8:30 in the morning, and the same goes for dinner, although that will be asked ten minutes after lunch. Your best-laid plans will fall apart. Amy and I lined up a sleep over for Addison, and an overnight babysitter for Avery. We headed to a hotel, a mere eight miles away. You see, when you have kids you don’t want to waste one minute more than you have to driving to your “child-free” destination. We enjoyed the pool and some adult drinks. We went to our room, ordered room service and a movie. Minutes late the phone rang and it was our overnight sitter informing us that Avery had a fever. We told her to give the 2-year-old some Tylenol and call us back in an hour, if the fever persisted. You know darn well her temperature did not come down. The phone call came just as room service arrived. That little six-hour getaway cost us about one hundred fifty bucks an hour.

Just accept the fact it will happen to you. By the end of a weekend filled with kids’ activities, you will be at your wits end. Sunday, maybe even Saturday night, you will lie to your kids about the time to get them to bed earlier than normal. There is a short window where this works on children. They have to be old enough to know their bedtime is 8 p.m., but not old enough to tell time. So, putting them to bed at 7 p.m. can remain your little secret until then. You will be very happy when your child finds an activity that she loves. You will realize though, with your child’s enthusiasm comes a few negatives. Not negative enough to make you wish they didn’t love soccer, dance, lacrosse, or karate. However, there is a small downside. Number one is the amount of hours you will spend transporting them to and from practices and games. Number two is the amount of money the activity will suck from your wallet. Number three is the constant amount of fundraisers. Number four is that she brings her activity to life at home. That might

mean constantly dribbling a basketball around the house, or, in my case, constantly flipping, cartwheeling, etc. throughout the house. I must add the incessant showing off of their newfound skills. “Watch this!” and “look what I can do!” are cute the first seventeen times. After that ... not so much. The truth is kids are great, but like anyone else you’re around many, many hours a day, they can get on your darn nerves. It’s good to rant about them once an awhile. Just make sure you say, “I love my kids, but ...” before you begin your tirade. I am told, by the patron saint of parents, that by using those words you absolve yourself of any guilt, and no one is allowed to judge you. Okay, maybe it wasn’t a saint who made that decree; maybe it was just a dad writing an article that felt guilty about what he wrote in his previous paragraphs. Matt Harris is the co-host of the Matt and Ramona Show, aired Monday – Friday from 3 – 7 p.m. You can email Matt your thoughts at Matt@mattandramona.com.

classes for ages 18m-14yrs life is short. use more glitter.

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December/January Survival Guide • Cope with holiday stress City Lights • Parades, shopping and more This Year, I’ll . . . • Resolutions to keep Destination • Low Country South Carolina

5th Anniversary

EVENT PARTNERS

FREE, fun service event for all ages to benefit local homeless children

Sunday, December 2nd, 2 – 5 pm The Giving Village at Bright Blessings Stuff-a-Stocking You bring the stuffers, we’ll provide the stockings and winter fun bags to give to homeless children!

Winter Wonderland festivities include: • Create your own ‘Make & Take’ holiday art project • “North Pole Express” train rides! • Sand Art & Holiday Face Painting • Family-friendly service projects • Games, contests and prizes • Delicious refreshments, hot chocolate… & more!

Trim-a-Tree

$5 donation to take a ride on the North Pole Express to visit our “tree farm” to adopt a tree for a homeless child and fill a bag of ornaments!

608-A Matthews Mint Hill Road, Matthews

704-846-Bday (2329) • www.BrightBlessingsUSA.org With the community’s support at this event, Bright Blessings will deliver approximately 600 stockings and 400 trim-a-tree sets to local homeless children in December.

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