The ABCs of Dinosaurs

Want a DINO-mite way to help your little ones learn their ABCs? Consider using giant beasts that already fascinate kids and tie them into the alphabet.

Because kids start to recognize about half the letters in the alphabet by age 3, grownups can help them connect those letters to their sounds (like B makes the “ba” sound). Educators believe tying those sounds to something that already interests a child helps the pairing stick.

“It is empowering and boosts confidence when children learn long dinosaur names and scientific facts, often learning facts that their grown-ups don’t know!” says Susan Michal, director of early childhood education at The Children’s Museum. “Learning about the world of dinosaurs can increase a child’s vocabulary with rich, interesting, big words. In connection with literacy development, this area of study also spurs curiosity in our natural world.”

Using something they are already familiar with or love often helps. Point to the dinosaurs breaking out of Dinosphere at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Those are Alamosaurs. Their name begins with the letter A and it sounds like the name Al. Go through each syllable similarly. Then, you can tie the physical traits of the dino to living animals of today, such as giraffes. They both have long necks to help them reach leaves in the trees to eat.

Some of the dino names seem long and complicated, but concepts about them are not. Parents can help their kids understand that herbivores eat plants while carnivores eat meat. Create a plant-based meal for dinner one night and a meat-based meal the next. By talking through traits of plant eaters vs. meat eaters, your child learns to pair like things together and compare them to similar topics in the world around them. “Both children and adults are fascinated by dinosaurs — all you have to do is look at their faces as they enter Dinophere,” says Dr. Victoria Egerton, Eli Lily and Company Scientist-in-Residence at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “The museum’s Dinosaur Alphabet is a great way for both children and their adults to learn a little more about dinosaurs and their world.” Dinosaurs in particular have unique appeal to people of all ages. The Children’s Museum recognizes this and will be sharing a lot of virtual content about dinosaurs over the next year as it prepares to welcome the giant creatures of Mission Jurassic. Dinosphere will be temporarily closed for the construction of the new and improved exhibit area. Meanwhile, families can go to our website and social media channels to learn about Dinos from A-Z. There will also be videos available sharing what paleontologists do in the field, how a skeleton is put together like pieces of a puzzle and get a glimpse at what new things visitors will discover when the exhibit opens in February 2022.

Don’t worry, there will still be plenty to explore at the museum. Some of your favorite dinosaurs will move to new locations so they won’t be disturbed during construction. There will also be special programs in Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks revolving around these ancient animals that still captivate us today.

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WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE ask the ask the

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

The straight truth on braces, brushing and everything in between.

february is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so now is a great time to think about your child’s smile and the health of their pearly whites. To find out more about kids’ dental health, we asked Indianapolis-area pediatric dentists some of our most pressing dental questions.

For general questions about dental care, we spoke to Dr. Katie Peterson, DDS, of Prime Smile, and Dr. K. Blair Bumgardner, board-certified pediatric dentist with Kid’s Dentistree.

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY CHILD’S FIRST VISIT TO THE DENTIST?

Peterson: In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.

HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THEIR FIRST DENTIST VISIT?

Bumgardner: If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh. Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving them a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding. There are many different cartoon shows and children’s books that aid in explaining what to expect when going to the dentist.

BABY TEETH AREN’T PERMANENT, SO WHY SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT CARING FOR THEM?

Peterson: Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some baby teeth remain in the mouth for up to 12 years of age.

Bumgardner: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using fluoride toothpaste for young children as soon as teeth appear. Use a smear (or roughly the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste for children from tooth eruption through age 2, and increase this to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children ages 3-6.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BEGIN FLOSSING?

Peterson: Many children have spaces between their baby teeth, and this is normal. Your child should begin flossing once any two teeth contact each other, as a toothbrush will not be able to clean in between them. It will likely require a parent to complete the task properly.

HOW CAN I PREVENT TOOTH DECAY IN MY BABY WHO NURSES OR BOTTLE FEEDS TO SLEEP?

Bumgardner: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a few days after birth, begin wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth every day. Then, brush their teeth twice a day as soon as that first tooth emerges.

For all-things braces and orthodontics, we spoke to Tasha Hall, DMD, MSD, of Hallmark Orthodontics and Rigsbee Hall Orthodontics.

DO I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL MY CHILD’S PERMANENT TEETH ARE IN BEFORE THINKING ABOUT BRACES?

You do not! In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7. By this age, an orthodontist is able to identify possible problems in growth and development that may require early orthodontic intervention.

IS THERE AN IDEAL AGE TO START ORTHODONTICS?

It varies for each individual. Some children will need an early phase of orthodontics around ages 7 to 10 years, and then transition to a secondary phase when they are in their full permanent teeth. Others may only require comprehensive care. What is most important is that a child is consecutively monitored so that an orthodontist is able to treat when the child's dental development is most appropriate for their particular treatment needs.

CAN TEETH STRAIGHTEN THEMSELVES AS A CHILD GROWS?

There is a period of dental development many dentists or orthodontists refer to as the “ugly duckling” stage prior to the eruption of your child's permanent canines or eye-teeth. You may see a gap in the front of your child's mouth and some misalignment of the lateral incisors. It is possible that these teeth push together with the eruption of the permanent cuspids, but it’s not always likely that the teeth come into an ideal bite. It’s important that X-rays be evaluated in order to identify the position of the erupting canines and their probability of eruption.

HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD HAVE TO WEAR BRACES?

The length of orthodontic treatment will be specific to the orthodontic needs of each patient. Some minor cases may take a few months, whereas comprehensive cases can take years to complete. What is most important is discussing the length of treatment prior to starting, as well as maintaining all expected visits, keeping your appliances clean and intact, and communicating any issues or concerns you may have with your orthodontist.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A REPUTABLE ORTHODONTIST FOR THEIR CHILD?

Speak with your general dentist or pediatric dentist, as well as peers and family. You should be able to communicate with your provider and feel comfortable with the plan provided. It may be important for your family to research financial options within your community, as well. All orthodontists have been trained in the specialty and have advanced degrees in straightening and moving teeth beyond dental school. It is worth the effort to find a specialist that will help you achieve your end goal!

PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY

Gear up for pregnancy by getting healthy — mentally and physically — before trying to conceive.

WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

he decision to have a baby is exciting, whether you’ll be a first-time mom or are t hoping to grow your family. As you’re trying to conceive, perhaps more than ever, it’s time to make your health your No. 1 priority. Bringing new life into the world will require both physical and mental strength, so here are some tips for getting your body and mind ready as you approach the beautiful journey ahead.

Maximize Your Nutrition

Even before you conceive, begin eating and drinking like a pregnant woman, recommends Megan Kammer, CNM, MSN, a midwife with HealthNet in Indianapolis. Fill your diet with fresh whole foods and lots of water, and cut out processed foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Folic acid and omega-3s are two nutrients especially important for expectant mothers. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus, and can be obtained by eating leafy greens, beans, nuts and seeds. Omega-3s, particularly DHA and EPA, contribute to healthy brain and retina development in the baby and can help prevent perinatal depression. Eating 6 ounces of fatty fish, such as sardines, salmon, light tuna and anchovies, twice a week can provide you with these nutrients. (Note: High mercury levels in fish can impact a baby's brain development. Find guidance on fish safety here: fda.gov/food/consumers/ advice-about-eating-fish.)

Doctors also advise starting a prenatal up to six months before trying to conceive to give your body a boost of these and other important nutrients.

Move Your Body

If you don’t already regularly exercise, now’s the time to start. Even if balancing a tight schedule, try working up to the doctor-recommended 150 minutes per week, and focus on low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming or yoga. “Get your heart rate up and listen to your body,” Kammer says. “Even if you’re active at work, set aside time to exercise where you are listening to your body specifically.” Talk with your OBGYN about any necessary adjustments to your normal routine specific to your health and pregnancy.

Schedule Rest

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of postpartum depression and anxiety, so developing good sleep habits now is key. Salihah Talifarro, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, a perinatal mental health therapist in Indianapolis, recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night. “If you are currently struggling with sleep, try improving your sleep hygiene by creating a relaxing routine before bed, turning off lights and electronic devices an hour before bedtime, minimizing caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and keeping your bedroom to a cool and comfortable temperature for sleep,” she says. If you work a physically grueling or time-consuming job, you may also start considering ways to ease up a bit to accommodate your pregnant body.

Review Your Medications

If you’re on any medications, check their safety for use during pregnancy. Work with your OBGYN, primary care physician, or mental health therapist to find replacement medications or taper doses if necessary. OBGYNs without a background in psychiatric medications can call Postpartum Support International’s Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line to speak directly to a reproductive psychiatrist to determine an appropriate medication for an expectant mother, Talifarro says.

Process Past Trauma

For some women, past experiences, such as a pregnancy loss or birth trauma, can bring up anxiety when trying to conceive again. This is a normal nervous-system response, and Talifarro recommends seeking a therapist or support group to help you process that event. “A therapist brings support and therapeutic skills to the table, which is very beneficial for someone to be able to unpack their thoughts and feelings and move towards emotional healing,” she says.

Let Go of Expectations

You can’t expect to become pregnant during a certain time frame or feel a certain way when you do. “Every pregnancy from mom to mom is different, and even in one mom, from pregnancy to pregnancy can be very different,” Kammer says. Try not to let others tell you how your experience should be, and if necessary, turn off or limit social media and set boundaries with real-life people. Instead, use this time to focus on things you can control, like your health, and to talk with your partner about the values you want to live as a family.

Find Outlets for Stress

Finding a way to release stress can be helpful when coping with the changes that go along with conception and pregnancy. While each woman’s way of relieving stress will look different, some things to explore adding to your daily routine include movement techniques, deep breathing, journaling, meditation, creative expression, and even crying and hugs.

Build Your Team

Use the time while trying to conceive to build up your pregnancy support network. These people can include your partner, supportive family and friends, and birth professionals, like an OBGYN or midwife, mental health therapist, and doula. Also schedule a check-up with your physician and dentist, and consider adding specialists, like a chiropractor or acupuncturist, who may help get you with body alignment for pregnancy and birth.

Above all, as you embark on this journey, take care of yourself and allow yourself space to experience this transitional phase with openness and love.

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

’m sure you have heard of Montessori education, but have you wondered exactly what that means? With so many options available for education, it can be hard to keep it all straight. Montessori classrooms differ from what is commonly found in the traditional classroom and can help to build a foundation for lifelong learning. So what makes Montessori schools different?

“Montessori education has been a significant part of the international field of education for over 100 years,” says Tara Franke, primary teacher and head of school at Northside Montessori School in Indianapolis. “The curriculum and philosophy are based on the scientific findings of Maria Montessori. And in fact, very little has changed over the past 100 years. You can walk into a classroom and find the same incredible works that Maria created for her initial classroom.” So what are those things? What makes the Montessori classroom different? And how do you know what will be the best fit for your child? These questions can be challenging for parents who are considering different approaches to education. For parents who are considering Montessori education, here are five things that separate it from the bunch.

Classrooms are multi-age.

One of the first things you may notice when you enter the classroom is that the children seem to be different ages. The Montessori classroom is a multi-age classroom that spans a three year cycle. In this environment, with older and younger children learning together, the older children are able to work on their leadership skills in the classroom, and help their younger friends, as they had once been helped themselves.

Montessori education emphasizes learning through the five senses. Stations are set up around the classroom, according to subject, for children to explore. There is no limit to how long a child can stay at a station, or work on a particular subject. Curiosity and a desire to learn is the child’s guide.

Instead of standing in front of the class and instructing, or using worksheets, teachers set up the stations to encourage exploration. You may see stations for cooking, gardening, cleaning, art, music, library, caring for animals, science and more.

During the day, all subjects are being studied. Children learn to work both independently and cooperatively with their friends.

Students are free to follow their interests.

At Northside Montessori, there is a two and a half to three hour time span of free choice every morning. During this time, the children have an opportunity to take their time and concentrate on what interests them the most.

Free choice is an important part of the Montessori philosophy of education. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace and to explore what interests them. They are led by their curiosity and self motivation, with trained and certified Montessori teachers on hand to assist when needed. “We observe and foster growth of the child's physical development, social development, cognitive development and emotional development,” Franke says. “As a Montessori teacher, it is our job to meet each child where they are every single day. The child enters the classroom, which is prepared in a way to set each child up for success, and knows that they are entering an environment that is based on respect and kindness. They are also given the opportunity to learn at their own pace and learn about the things that interest them the most.”

Progress is not measured with grades.

According to the International Montessori Index, there are no grades, or other forms of reward or punishment in a Montessori education. Assessment is by portfolio and the teacher's observation and record keeping. The test of whether or not the system is working lies in the accomplishment and behavior of the children, their happiness, maturity, kindness, and love of learning and level of work.

At a Montessori school, differences are respected and celebrated. Children are encouraged to work at their own pace, and are driven by their desire to learn, in an environment that fosters curiosity, wonder and exploration. As they work with their friends, and are nurtured and encouraged by their teachers, a lifelong love of learning will be developed — and this love of learning will hopefully last a lifetime.