February 2021 | Southwest Ohio Parent | Cincinnati

FEBRUARY 2021

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PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY

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ask the

pediatric dentist the straight truth on brushing, baby teeth and everything in between

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

contents

// FEBRUARY 2021

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features

departments

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Ask the Pediatric Dentist

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Planning for Pregnancy

What the experts have to say on brushing, baby teeth and everything in between.

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Gear up for pregnancy by getting healthy Ěś mentally and physically Ěś before trying to concieve.

5 Things Montessori Schools Do Differently This education method focuses on building independence and a lifelong love of learning.

In Every Issue

Teens & Tweens

06 Letter from the Editor 08 News & Notes 10 Local Kids

15 Screens and Teens

Around Town 09 Hidden Gems: Mt. Airy Forest

18 Local Spotlight: Skool Aid

Parenting 25 How Camp Can Curb Loneliness

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Resources & Calendars

24 Education Guide 26 Summer Camp Guide 28 Things to Do in February

31 Fun & Wacky Calendar

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@ohparent.com Associate Publisher + Creative Director Katie Clark katie@ohparent.com

Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@ohparent.com Advertising + Sales Hannah Mohler hannah@ohparent.com Production Manager Karen Ring karen@ohparent.com

Planning Ahead The other day, someone asked me about my kids’ plans for summer camp. “Camp!” I thought. I looked out the window. It was snowing. “That’s right… I need to get on that.” Summer camp enrollment season is one of those things that tends to sneak up on me, and I have a feeling, it might also sneak up on you. Especially after the year that we’ve been through.

But believe it or not, the time to start enrolling for camp is now. Summer will be here before we know it (thank goodness!), and now is the time to start making plans for summer camp.

After experiencing the summer of 2020 (henceforth known as The Summer Which Shall Not Be Named), we as parents deserve a break, and our kids deserve a chance to have the best summer ever. To help you plan a glorious summer full of fun and enriching activities, look no further than our Virtual Camp Fair that will run February 1 - June 30 (OhParent.com/ CampFair) and our summer Camp Guide on page 26.

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From day camps to overnight camps, and everything in between, we’ve made it simple to find the perfect summer activities for your family.

Speaking of plans: Let’s talk about pregnancy. Although we are living in a time when so many things feel out of our control, if you are planning to get pregnant, there is some comfort in knowing that you have some control over the things you eat, do and think in order to maximize the best outcome for yourself (and your future baby). In “Planning for Pregnancy” on page 20, we offer tips for getting your mind and body in the best place possible before trying to conceive.

Here’s to planning for a great month!

Community Outreach + Social Media Sarah McCosham sarah@ohparent.com Haley Paddock haley@ohparent.com

Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@ohparent.com Event Coordinator Brooke Litherland brooke@ohparent.com Billing billing@ohparent.com Contributing Writers Rachael Dupree, Steffy McCourt, Jennifer Thompson Calendar of Events calendar@ohparent.com SW Ohio Parent is published monthly. Copyright 2021 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

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NEWS & Notes

Our monthly roundup of news you can use

celebrate

Black History Month

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DID YOU KNOW?

THAT’S HOW MANY POUNDS OF CANDY CONVERSATION HEARTS ARE MANUFACTURED EACH YEAR, SO WE CAN SHARE SWEET SENTIMENTS LIKE “BE MINE,” “KISS ME,” AND CURRENT TRENDS LIKE “TEXT ME.”

The first candy conversation heart was created in 1866 by Daniel Chase,

Source: mashed.com

Source: spanglercandy.com

BILLION

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brother to the founding father of the candy manufacturer NECCO. Those sweet, sentimental hearts were in danger of extinction in 2018, when Ohiobased Spangler Candy swooped in and saved the day. Spangler returned the Sweetheart candy heart brand to store shelves in 2020.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is currently offering two performances that take a deeper look at key figures in black history. Martin’s Dream takes a closer look at the man behind the dream as it brings Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to life through the power of story, speech and song. Harriet Tubman, Straight Up Outta the Underground, brings the past to the present and changes the future with this one-woman interactive storytelling experience that takes a closer look at the most recognized conductor of the Underground Railroad. Both shows offer a Pick-a-Path option, which includes fun, interactive components where classrooms or students at home can “choose their own adventure” by making different choices along the way.

Learn more at thechildrenstheatre.com/ current-season.

explore arts at home Cincinnati Arts Association’s Arts at Home resource guide offers a hub of virtual arts and entertainment opportunities to keep children engaged in the arts during this extended intermission on in-person shows at Aronoff Center and Music Hall. Explore this valuable resource at cincinnatiarts.org/events/artsathome.

HIDDEN GEMS

WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Mt. Airy Forest

We’re in the throes of winter in Ohio, but outside remains the safest place to be. And if you’re over all of the usual outdoor suspects, you’re not alone.

If you’re looking for a (literal) breath of fresh air, look no further than Mt. Airy Forest.

At 1,500 acres, Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati’s largest metropolitan park. It was established in 1911 out of several unproductive farms in the area, and was the first municipal reforestation project in America.

At the center of Mt. Airy Forest is the eponymous treehouse. Mt. Airy Treehouse is 14 feet tall and connected to 12 trees within the forest. It has whimsical, fairy-tale features, such as a winding (and wheel-chair accessible) ramp; a swirly, shingled roof; and windows comprised of crooked tree branches. Dubbed “Everybody’s Treehouse,” Mt.

Airy Treehouse is as charming, unique and accessible as the Queen City herself – and admission to this beloved attraction is always free.

On the other side of the forest, you’ll find Mt. Airy Arboretum, a 30-acre collection of trees, foliage and f lowers that’s truly magnificent. While Mt. Airy Forest is generally known for its hiking trails and epic treehouse, the Arboretum is perhaps its greatest attribute. The Arboretum features the “best of the best” in terms of foliage and plant life, and reminds us just how glorious and lush Cincinnati truly is.

Mt. Airy Forest is a true Ohio treasure that’s definitely worth bundling up and exploring with your kids — cold and all.

5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati cincinnatiparks.com/west/ mt-airy-forest

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say cheese!

LOCAL kids

Adorable, fun and full of love, pets are just as much a part of our family as the human members. To celebrate Love Your Pet Day on February 20, here are some of our favorite photos we received of our little readers and their pet pals!

Reed (5) with Lewis

Cameron (1) with Kiwi

Aaliyah (2) with Apollo

Emily(8) with Fiona

Connor (2.5) with Shadow

Roba (10) with Gusto Ben (7) with Rosie

Want to see your cute kids on this page?

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We like getting ideas for new adventures, so we want to see where your kids love to play!

Whether it's a park, playground, museum or just your own backyard, email us of photos of your kids having fun (with the kid's name and age, and the location of the photo) to editor@ohparent, and your picture may be selected to appear here!

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ask ask the the WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

PEDIATRIC DENTIST What the experts have to say on brushing, baby teeth and everything in between.

f

ebruary 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 southwest Ohio-area pediatric dentists some of our most pressing dental questions.

Our experts include Dr. Lauren Capozza, DMD, with Loveland Pediatric Dentistry; Dr. Kyle Jackson, owner and board certified pediatric dentist at Centerville Pediatric Dentistry and Keep Smiling Kids; and Dr. Katie Stewart and Dr. John Gennantonio from Sea of Smiles.

W H E N S H O U L D I S C H E D U L E M Y CHILD’S FIRST VISIT TO THE DENTIST? Jackson: Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend children see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. As soon as babies have teeth, they can get cavities. Your pediatric dentist can help prevent cavities before they start.

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HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THEIR FIRST DENTIST VISIT? Stewart: There are many ways to help prepare your child for their visit to the pediatric dentist. There are books to read, TV shows to watch, and even videos on the dentist's website to help show little ones what to expect.

Capozza: The most important thing is to always speak positively about the dentist and anything dental-related. You can practice laying back on the couch and brushing and counting each other’s teeth. Most of the time, less preparation is better! Pediatric dental offices are designed to look welcoming to young children, and the staff are trained in introducing and explaining new things to children.

Jackson: Also, with current COVID procedures, make sure to explain the extra PPE they will see. Mostly, do your best to leave your own dental anxiety at home. Your child may be nervous, so do your best to stay positive, even if you’re not feeling that way.

B A B Y T E E T H A R E N ’ T P E R M A N E N T, S O W H Y SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT CARING FOR THEM? Stewart: Baby teeth provide the foundation for the permanent teeth to come in. They also aid children in everyday functions, such as making appropriate speech sounds and chewing foods. Baby teeth have a nerve supply, just like permanent teeth, and if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow and eventually cause pain and infection.

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Capozza: Baby teeth are in the mouth for 5 to 12 years, and sometimes forever in people who are born without an adult tooth under it! In a short 6 month time frame, cavities can get bigger and affect the nerve of the tooth, causing pain or infection. Bacteria from cavities in baby teeth can spread to adult teeth that start to arrive by age 6 and cause permanent lifelong issues.

WHEN SHOUL D WE BEGIN USING T OO T HPAS T E , AND HOW MUCH? Gennantonio: When the first teeth erupt, it is time to start using children's f luoride toothpaste. When putting toothpaste on a toothbrush for a child under the age of 3, think of a grain size of rice as your guide and don’t worry if your child swallows it. It’s not enough to cause harm.

Jackson: Once children are 3 to 6 years old (or when they can spit effectively), increase to a pea-size dollop of f luoride toothpaste.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children who use f luoride toothpaste to brush have fewer cavities. Additionally, f luoride varnish can prevent about one-third of cavities in primary (baby) teeth.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BEGIN FLOSSING? Capozza: You should f loss your child’s teeth once a day as soon as any two of them are touching. Plastic f lossers and having your child lay back can make this easier.

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Gennantonio: Usually when the teeth come into contact with each other. Most of the time, this is around age 3.

H O W C A N I P R E V E N T T O O T H D E C AY I N M Y B A B Y WHO NURSES OR BOT TLE FEEDS TO SLEEP? Gennantonio: The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry do not recommend putting a child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup with cows milk, human milk or juice at any time. When a child is done nursing, if you can’t brush their teeth, then the next best thing is to wipe their teeth and gums off with a clean, moist washcloth. Brushing is always preferred, however.

Capozza: Toddlers should not eat or drink anything except water the 30 minutes before bed time and then do the B’s: bath, brush (teeth), books, bed as the last items before sleep.

Jackson: Studies show that breast milk itself does not cause cavities, but feeding your child other foods and juices plus breast milk greatly increases their chance for decay. Avoid putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle or sippy cup. Proper brushing and f lossing will help prevent tooth decay. Regular visits to your child’s pediatric dentist are important for their overall oral health.

TEENS & TWEENS

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

Screens and Teens

Tips for setting boundaries and staying on top of your teen’s screen time. social media profiles and accounts have the privacy settings turned on, so that strangers cannot follow them or see their posts. There are several apps to allow parental controls of websites and apps that are accessible on your tween/ teen’s device. There are also apps that can turn your child’s device off after a certain time, or after

We’ve seen images of teens and tweens gathered in crowds with their phones, eyes looking down, as they text and scroll. These images can be alarming.

We want our children to be connected to their friends, and we recognize technology is a part of that connection, but what is healthy?

Some of the biggest questions that plague parents of teens and tweens revolve around screen time. We want to know what guidelines to set, how to keep our children safe, and how much screen time is too much.

Dr. Jennifer France, a pediatrician with a private practice in Cincinnati, has some words of wisdom for parents who may be asking themselves some of these challenging questions.

What are some guidelines that parents of teens and tweens can set for screen time?

Quality of screen time matters.

Social media can be very damaging to tweens and teens. It’s addictive, it’s often negative and it creates difficult-to-achieve ideals that are not consistent with reality.

they have used the device for a certain number of hours.

Size of the screen matters for eye strain. Encourage some of the screen time to be on a larger screen, such as using a television to watch a show or movie.

It often helps to set required amounts of time for non-screen related activities — such as going outside, interacting with family members, reading a book, playing a game — rather than limits on screen time itself. It’s the same end goal, but can be seen in a more positive light by tweens/teens.

How much screen time is too much?

My recommendations have changed some due to the COVID pandemic making more screen time a necessity for a lot of kids. If your tween/teen is doing online school, don’t count that time in your recreational screen time rules, but also don’t forget they have been subjected to a screen for much of the day and their brains and eyes need a break! Two to three hours is a good goal, but give yourself a break if that is not achievable during the pandemic.

Talk to your tween/teen about internet safety — what is appropriate to post or view online and what is not. Encourage them to talk to you if someone is bullying them or making them feel uncomfortable online.

Monitoring your tween and teens screen time can feel like an insurmountable task. Take it one step at a time and be sure to be in regular communication with your child. With proper guidelines, guidance and check-ins, you are helping your child to navigate their screen time responsibly, and to set good habits that will hopefully last a lifetime.

How can parents stay on top of what their teens and tweens are watching online?

If your tween/teen uses social media, you should have access to their account. View their accounts regularly. If they block you, they lose privileges. Make sure the

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AROUND TOWN

WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Local Spotlight: Skool Aid

Enriching the lives of children by providing quality virtual programming for southwest Ohio students.

How does Skool TV support local artists?

2020 turned everything upside down, including the whole “school” experience. In-person instruction was replaced by distance learning, and extracurricular activities moved into the virtual sphere. Amid all this educational turmoil, Skool Aid remained steadfast in its commitment to providing local students high-quality enrichment programming.

Skool Aid was founded in May 2011 by Ian Smith, a Northern Kentuckian with more than 20 years of experience working with children. Skool Aid brings together talented educators with a variety of backgrounds to provide a wide range of enrichment programming in music, fitness, creative arts, drama and more, across all four corners of the tristate. But up until last year, Skool Aid’s programs had always been in person. But that changed with the introduction of Skool TV. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke with Smith about how the nonprofit pivoted to stay true to its mission of educating and empowering local kids, and what’s next for this organization.

Until last year, Skool Aid focused primarily on inperson enrichment. How has that changed?

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Almost all of our activities are made by passionate local artists.

We have musicians teaching music, artists teaching art, athletes teaching athletics. What makes Skool Aid unique is that our programs are formed by the passionate teaching artists who work for the organization.

Before the pandemic, we averaged 50-60 in-person classes and presentations per week at schools across the tristate area, offering everything from classes in STEM and language arts to the performing and visual arts. Now, most of our classes are done [live] virtually via Zoom or Google Meet, but we’re also offering on-demand activities (prerecorded videos) as an option.

We've had to get creative during this time, but we’re still able to connect our teaching artists with students and families.

Tell us about Skool TV. Skool TV is our newest way to bring enrichment to kids and families. It’s a subscription to all of our on-demand classes and activities. We currently have over 120 activities available on Skool TV, and will be adding more as we increase subscribers.

We have activities in everything: music, science, nature, fitness, wellness, art, dance, culture — you name it! A subscription to Skool TV can be purchased by a household for $15/month. We also offer the subscription to schools at a discounted rate so that all of their families have access to it.

Many kids are burned out from screen time. How is Skool TV different from other virtual offerings?

I completely get that — I have a 10 year old myself. The last thing I want to do is give kids more screen time. And with Skool TV, the video is simply our vehicle for the delivery of enrichment. Typically, videos are only around 10 minutes long; the teaching artist encourages students to do an activity off screen, anything from making a craft or cooking a meal, to playing a game or learning a dance.

All of the videos [on Skool TV] have either been purchased outright, or the creators are paid royalties as the videos are used. We are excited that we are still able to help support our teaching artists during this time — just in different ways.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Skool Aid? We are most excited to get to the end of this pandemic and be able to work with students in-person again. We miss doing assembly presentations, playing wheelchair basketball with schools and giving high fives to kids. But, I think we've done everything we can to connect with kids during this pandemic, and I’m excited for the future.

To learn more about Skool Aid or subscribe to Skool TV, visit skoolaid.com.

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PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY Gear up for pregnancy by get ting healthy — mentally and physically — before tr ying to conceive .

WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

t

he decision to have a baby is exciting, whether you’ll be a first-time mom or are 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 Dr. Kristin Coppage, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Good Samaritan Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Cincinnati. Fill your diet with fresh whole foods and lots of water, and cut out processed foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol.

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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

Let Go of Expectations

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.

“Your OBGYN can help you determine the most appropriate type of exercise for you based on your health status, medical conditions and any complications in your pregnancy,” Coppage says.

Every fertility journey and pregnancy is different. You won’t necessarily become pregnant during a certain time frame or feel a certain way when you do. “Try to focus on your own unique experience and don’t let others inf luence how things should be,” Reedy-Kay says. If necessary, turn off or limit social media and set boundaries with real-life people. Use this time instead to focus on things you can control, like your health, and to talk with your partner about the values you want to live into as a family.

Schedule Rest According to Cincinnati perinatal mental health therapist Joslyn Reedy-Kay, MSSA, LISW-S, lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of postpartum depression and anxiety, so developing good sleep habits now is key. Get the advised seven to nine hours of sleep per night by starting a relaxing bedtime routine, turn off screens an hour before bedtime, and minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption. If you work a physically grueling or time-consuming job, you may 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.

Process Past Trauma For some women, past experiences, such as a pregnancy loss or birth trauma, can bring up a lot of emotions when trying to conceive again. “One thing to know is that you will be more anxious during the pregnancy, and that’s an appropriate nervous system response,” Reedy-Kay says. She recommends seeking a trauma therapist or support group to help you process that event.

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, says Reedy-Kay, 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.

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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?

The Montessori curriculum and philosophy of education was developed over 100 years ago and is based on the scientific findings of Maria Montessori. Over the past 100 years, very little has changed in Montessori education.

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.

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Classrooms are multi-age.

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.

“The three-year age grouping that is typical of Montessori schools allows younger children to develop an interest in learning new materials used by the older children and also gives older children a chance to solidify their learning by teaching younger children,” says Laurie Kemp, co-head of school at Gloria Dei Montessori School in Dayton. “A great deal of interest in the curriculum is generated among the children by the other children in the class.”

Hands-on, cooperative learning is encouraged.

Montessori education emphasizes learning through the five senses.

Stations are set up around the classroom, according to subject, for

children to explore. You might see stations for cooking, gardening, cleaning, art, music, library, caring for animals, science and more.

There is no limit to how long a child can stay at a station or work on a particular subject. Once a child takes work off a shelf, they are able to work with it all day, and again the next day if they wish. Repetition is an important part of education, and curiosity and a desire to learn is the child’s guide.

During the day, all subjects are being studied, and information is being introduced when children are most tuned into that information.

As children move about the room from station to station, they learn to work both independently, and cooperatively, with their friends.

The joy of learning is celebrated.

“Every item is taught with a calm, measured delivery that is full of pregnant pauses, slow-moving hands, encouraging attention to details and self-discovery,” Kemp says. “Most materials are selfcorrecting, so guides do not have to correct children as often. Most Montessori guides do not answer questions so much as guide children in finding their own answers. My son told me at 4 or 5 years old that his teacher showed him ‘the work he wanted to learn.’ There is often great respect for the Montessori guides or facilitators or teachers because they have created an enticing environment for their particular age group and, through close observation, for each individual child.”

Students are free to follow their interests.

have had, and are able to enjoy the confidence that comes from mastering tasks. Students also learn to inhibit impulses to take lessons that are only mildly interesting.

They are led by their curiosity and self motivation, with trained and certified Montessori teachers on hand to assist when needed.

Education is individualized and focuses on the whole child.

“There are a few things that I feel are unique to Montessori education, but there are two principles, in particular, which drew me to this field of education,” says Lisa Emery, M.Ed., early childhood director at Montessori Academy of Cincinnati.

“The first is the fact that it is so individualized. Children are not all going to be the same. They are unique in their academic abilities and it only makes sense to teach to these skills and move them through the curriculum accordingly. For example, they may be very advanced in one area, and as such, should have the opportunity to move forward without limits.

Transversely, they may need more assistance in another area and should be given more instruction and time with these concepts to be able to thoroughly understand what is being taught.”

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.

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EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

MONTESSORI

A Million Dreams Learning Center

Central Montessori Academy

New Learning Center now open in Milford, OH! Now Enrolling ages 6 weeks - School Age! We strive to provide an environment, staff, and programs that will enhance and encourage the million dreams of each child, family, and staff member. Through our classroom design, playground design and Christian curriculum, it is this Center’s desire to maintain a joy-filled, peaceful, creative environment for infants and children. We are committed to furnishing such an environment and adding a quality of childcare that is desirable and much needed in our community. • 541 Main Street, Milford OH

Authentic Montessori environment, serving toddler through 6th grade. Small class sizes allow each student to progress at an individual pace. Part-time preschool and extended day are available. Our school is a place of discovery, curiosity, respect and enthusiasm. Come take a tour and see for yourself. Authentic Montessori environment, serving toddler through 6th grade. Small class sizes allow each student to progress at an individual pace. Part-time preschool and extended day are available. Our school is a place of discovery, curiosity, respect and enthusiasm. Come take a tour and see for yourself. • 1904 Springdale Rd.,

45150, Contact: Kate Jordan, Phone: (513) 831-5806, Email: info@amilliondreamslc.org, amilliondreamslc.org

The Campus at Kids First We have FULL DAY Kindergarten!

Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. • 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati,

OH 45249, theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: info@theCampusKF.com

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning. Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio.

Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available. Transportation available to/from Mason schools.

Limited space - now enrolling! • 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

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Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Kristin Patterson, Phone: 513-742-5800, Fax: 513-742-5870, Email: info@ centralmontessoriacademy.com, CentralMontessoriAcademy.com, Grades: Toddler-Grade 6, Enrollment: 100

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years.

CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website. • 927 O’Bannonville

Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@ cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool - 6th grade, Enrollment: 150

Little Sprouts Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio. • 7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

Mercy Montessori Center

SPECIAL NEEDS

Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 60 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning. • 2335 Grandview Avenue,

Linden Grove School

The New School Montessori

Myrtle Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45236, lindengroveschool.org, Phone: (513) 984-2215, headofschool@lindengroveschool.org

Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@ mercymontessori.org, mercymontessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 296

Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society.

Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessoricredentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement.

Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. • 3 Burton Woods

Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, newschool montessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144

NON–PUBLIC Guardian Angels School Guardian Angels School provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a faith-filled experience focused on academic excellence, whole child education, and attention to each child’s unique learning needs. As a school, we push all of our students to earn their HALO through being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others . • 6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org, Grades: Preschool - Grade 8

The Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12.

Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school. • 2161 Grandin Road

Linden Grove School is a stateaccredited, non-public K-8 school offering a specialized learning environment for students with ASD and related learning needs. Our progressive education program integrates academics, social-emotional learning, and specialized therapies. We partner with families to create a respectful, rewarding and supportive environment, inspiring hope for all and providing each student with the opportunity for personal growth and independence. After-school programs and summer camp are also available for enrolled students. • 4122

Springer School and Center For nearly 50 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. • 2121 Madison Road,

Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Jill Wieging, Associate Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513871-6428, Email: jwieging@springer-ld.org, springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

VIRTUAL + RESIDENTIAL P.A.C.E. at National Louis University P.A.C.E. at NLU is a three-year post-secondary program which is designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. P.A.C.E. is one of the leading residential-based programs in the country that integrates employment preparation, independent living skills coaching, functional academic courses and social development into a curriculum that prepares students for independent living through experiential learning. • Phone: (312) 261-3245, Email:

epotter3@nl.edu, nl.edu/paceatnlu; Virtual Program Experience Available: calendly.com/ paceatnlu/discoverytour

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE CONTACT KATIE@OHPARENT.COM

(Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@ summitcds.org, summitcds.org

* SPONSORED LISTINGS

PARENTING

WORDS BY AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

How Camp Can Help Curb Loneliness Have facilitated experiences

Leading camp expert Scott Arizala offers reasons why summer camp is just what kids might need right now, to help cure the loneliness and isolation that they have been feeling due to the pandemic and social distancing measures.

This article was shortened for length and content, and the full article can be read at acacamps.org/ resource-library/ camping-magazine/ camp-loneliness-crisis.

Loneliness was a crisis before the pandemic. And by now, just about everyone is suffering from it. Kids were already having a hard time connecting and making friends.

Then one day in March 2020, we picked them up from school and they didn’t see most of their friends and trusted adults again — at least not in person. Since then, they have experienced a socially distant and masked world — one in which every conceivable thing has been canceled or gone virtual.

Fortunately, some things haven’t changed. Connection is still the best defense against loneliness.

And that’s where camp enters the picture. Camp is and will be a needed respite and dose of normality for all kids.

However, it’s safe to say that being around other people, in relatively close quarters, doing things like singing, eating and playing games, will feel, in a word, weird.

In a New York Times article titled “We’re All Socially Awkward Now,” Kate Murphy (2020) makes the case that being social is like a muscle; when you stop exercising it, it atrophies. Now that most campers are socially out of practice, camp is a great place to intentionally exercise that muscle.

Here’s how:

Develop shared interests with others

they are, who they are becoming, what they are interested in, and what passions they are developing.

Camp can help turn their interests and passions into a defense against loneliness.

Participate in common activities Camp engages kids and gets them working together through an activity. Even just reviewing an activity becomes intertwined with what the campers did together.

Having common activities gives kids a chance to weave others into their story. Those are the connections they remember and that can serve as a strength when they slip toward loneliness.

Camp provides structured distraction and activity, and it’s a great way to keep kids busy and engaged doing enriching activities.

At camp, activities are typically chosen to include an intended outcome. Low ropes experiences and cabin chats at the end of the night are examples of specific activities that can elicit a certain response, growth and opportunity to learn. These experiences that happen at camp connect kids to each other, and they allow kids to learn from each other, and to experience a sense of growth that seems intertwined with others.

Camp activities also create more safe space for kids to share their experiences.

Camp might be the perfect place to bring us back from the brink of a loneliness epidemic. And while no one would wish for the challenge of an ongoing pandemic, there is opportunity to make this season of camp the best it can be.

Reprinted from Camping Magazine by permission of the American Camp Association; ©2021 by the American Camping Association, Inc.

The thing with having more alone time is that we might also have a dawning and potentially deeper understanding of ourselves. Camp is a place where kids can discover their voice with regard to who

February 2021 I ohParent.com

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2021 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE DAY CAMPS

available, depending on interest.

Camp-A-Palooza at Kids First Sports Center

8401 Montgomery Rd , Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Amber Feldman, Camp Director or Toni Brownell, Director of the Early Childhood Education Center, Email: amfeldman@ rockwernacademy.org or tobrownell@ rockwernacademy.org, Phone: 513-984-3770, RockwernAcademy.org/Camp

Greater Cincinnati’s most talked about summer camp experience! Why? Four words: Kids First Sports Center…

108,000 square feet of kids sports heaven! Imagine a summer camp taking place in the country’s largest children’s activity center with exceptional instruction in the most popular children’s recreational pursuits: Swimming, Gymnastics, Dance, Trampoline & Tumbling and Soccer!

Dates: June 1 - August 20, 2021 • Hours: 7-9am - Before Care. 9am-4pm Camp .

4-6pm - After Care • Ages: 5 years old - 15 years old 7900 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Julie Halusek, Email: info@ kidfirstsports.com, Phone: (513) 489-7575, kidsfirstsports.com/camps-events/ camp-a-palooza-camps

Camp at the J Presenting Cincinnati’s Best Day Camp as voted by in the 2020 Best of Parenting poll, Camp at the J! We cannot wait for another magical summer filled with memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Campers will be grouped into pods no larger than 12 with all campers and staff required to wear masks when inside the facility while maintaining a social distance. Sign your kids up for a summer to remember with flexible weekly options available.

Dates: June 14 - August 6 • Hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm *Extended Care Available • Grades: K - 8 8485 Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Anne Goldstein, Phone: 513.722.7241, Email: daycamp@mayersonjcc.org, MayersonJCC.org/Camp

Camp Curiosity at Rockwern Academy Here comes the sun! Join Rockwern Academy's Early Childhood Education Center for a fun, creative camp for little learners. Our small, nurturing school environment and experienced staff help young children discover new skills, gain confidence, and thrive! Campers will enjoy outdoor water activities, arts and crafts, music, storytime, and more.

Camp will operate with the same safety measures that helped to keep our school safe and open during the year.

Dates: Session 1: June 7 - 25; Session 2: June 28 - July 16 (no camp July 5); Session 3: July 19 - August 6 • Ages: 18 months - 5 years (entering kindergarten) • Hours: Full day (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM), half day (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM), 3 (MWF) or 5 (M-F) days/week options. After Care may be

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Cincinnati Art Museum Summer Camp Jump into art with eight weeks of exciting art projects, gallery games, and more! Explore a different theme each week with activities taught by skilled educators and museum staff. Designed for children ages 6–12. Convenient before- and after-care available.

Registration begins Feb. 1 at 11 a.m.

953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati OH 45202, Phone: (513) 721-2787, Email: CAMsummercamp@cincyart.org, cincinnatiartmuseum.org/summercamp

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Summer Camp

Visit our website to see the Summer Camp Programs CMH has to offer your family this year. Our camps offer a variety of Arts, Crafts, Nature, Science, Drama, and fun activities on our beautiful 7+ acre campus. Camps are led by experienced CMH Staff, who are eager to share their passion for learning and having fun with our campers.

Reserve your space NOW! Dates: June 14-18, 21-25, July 12-16, 19-23 • Ages: 3-12 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: office@ cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com

Cincinnati Playhouse in Park Summer Theatre Camp and Performance Academy Join us for a Summer of Play! Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers children and introduction to the exciting world of live theatre! Choose from full day, one-week camps and multi-week performance academy programs.

Camps for ages 6 to 17 offered at the Playhouse in Mt. Adams and in Mason.

person programs for students in grade 3-12 who want a fun and challenging stage experience this summer! Learn more online.

Dates: June and July 2021 • Grades: 3-12 • Cost: $295/week Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-381-2273, cincyshakes.com/summercamp

Greene County Parks & Trails Are your kids ready for summer? Give them the experience of nature & wonder with one or all of the summer camp options with Greene County Parks & Trails! Camps include adventures, art, outdoor skills to learning about Sasquatch, all while being immersed in the natural word! There is something for every curious kiddo from ages 2 up to 17 - Find the ideal match today!

Dates: June- Mid-August • Hours: Varies • Ages: 2-5, 6-9,10-13,14-17 635 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Xenia, Ohio 45385, Contact: Hanna Lamb, Email: hlamb@ gcparkstrails.com, Phone: (937) 562-6440, reservations.gcparkstrails.com/programs

Heritage Village Museum Our 19th century village is the perfect location for history camp! Campers can travel into the past to experience life during the Civil War or discover what life was like for Native Americans. Campers will learn about history through games, crafts, food, songs, and hands-on activities. Native American interpreters and museum docents in historical clothing will lead some of the activities.

Dates: Civil War Camp Jun. 7-11, Native American Camp Jun. 21-25, Immersive History Camp July 12-16 and Aug. 2-6 • Hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There is a come early/stay late option. Campers can be dropped off as early as 8:00 a.m. and picked up as late as 5:30 p.m. for an additional daily fee of $15 • Ages: Ages 6-12 for Civil War and Native American Camps, Ages 13-15 for Immersive History Camp 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241, Contact: Steve Preston, Phone: (513) 563-9484, heritagevillagecincinnati.org/ summer-camp

Ages: 6-17 Phone: (513) 421-3888, cincyplay.com

Cincinnati Theatre Summer Camp Whether you’ve never stepped on a stage before, or have already been bitten by the acting bug, our theatre camps are the perfect place to learn some new skills, make some new friends, and have a whole lot of fun! In

Museum Camps at The Cincinnati Museum Center Explore science, technology, history and the arts through creative activities and games at Cincinnati Museum Center’s fun and educational Museum Camps.

Whether there’s a day or a week off from school, there’s a camp for that.

1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203, Contact: Nora Eskridge, Email: information@ cincymuseum.org, Phone: (513) 728-0082, cincymuseum.org/museum-camps/

Snapology of West Chester TWP At Snapology we understand that children are meant to learn through play! When children are actively engaged in hands-on, interactive learning activities their creativity flourishes and they show a greater interest in school. Snapology engages children using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex & technology, helping your child develop a thirst for knowledge. While the kids are having fun we sneak in the learning!

Dates: 6/7/21 - 7/30/21 • Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm • Ages: 4 to 14 7568 Wyandot Lane, Liberty Twp, OH 45044, Contact: Nicolette Modes, Email: westchestertwp@snapology.com, Phone: (614) 657-7391, westchestertwp.snapology.com

Taft Museum of Art Summer Art Camp Whether your child is thinking about becoming an artist or just likes to have fun making art, our small classes and safe, hands-on activities with experienced teachers will make this a summer of fun. Plus campers will also get to explore a hybrid of experiences thanks to the great art the Cincinnati area has to offer including right here at the Taft.

Dates: Students entering grades 1–3: May 31–June 4 or June 7–11, Students entering grades 4–6: June 14–18 or June 21–25, Students entering grades 7–12 : June 28–July 2 • Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Ages: Students entering grades 1–3, 4–6, 7–12 316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Email: education@taftmuseum.org, taftmuseum. org/families-children/summer-camp

The Summit Country Day Summer Camp The Summit Country Day School welcomes students from the tri-state area to enjoy summer in-person on our Hyde Park campus. With programs for children ages 3-grade 12, parents can take comfort knowing that your child is exploring their curious nature, enjoying time with friends and exploring a new topic or hobby. Both full-day and half-day camps are available.

Registration opens February 1, 2021.

Dates: June 1 to August 6 2161 Grandin Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45230, Phone: (513) 871-4700, summitcds.org/ programs/summit-summer

Dates: May-August • Hours: 9am-4pm • Ages: 5 to 14 * SPONSORED LISTINGS

TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion: 2021 Summer Camps This summer, bring your kids to the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion for sports galore & more. We keep your kids active all summer with our variety of uniquely themed-camp for kids ages five & up. Take advantage of our latest offers this summer & give your child a great camp experience. Enroll by May 1st to receive Special Discounts. Camps are filling up at the Pavilion. Enroll Now! Dates: June 7- August 6 • Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. • Ages: 5-14 6200 Pfeiffer Raod, Montgomery, OH 45242, Contact: LaShaunda Jones, Email: lashaunda_ jones@trihealth.com, Phone: (513) 246-2647, trihealth.com/hospitals-and-practices/ trihealth-fitness-and-health-pavilion/ kids-programs/kids-classes-and-camps

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Summer Day Camps Overnight, day and specialty camps at the Y are all about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it's fun too! (Themed Day Camps, Preschool Camps, Teen Camps, Counselor-in-Training programs, and more).

Dates: Camps run May through August; dates for each camp are available on the website • Ages: 3-15 • Cost: Cost varies depending on each camp. Pricing and camp brochures are available online 12 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Phone: 513-362-YMCA, myY.org/camp

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS Falcon Camp Recognized throughout the midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959.

Beautiful lakefront setting, talented experienced staff and wide variety of activities. Campers choose own schedules within general framework.

Most of all it’s great fun! Special intro for 6-9 year olds. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design.

Dates: June 20 - August 14 in various session lengths • Hours: 9am-4pm • Ages: 6-16 • Gender of Campers: Boys and girls daily activities separate with planned co-ed activities 4251 Delta Rd SW, Carrollton, OH 44615, Contact: Dave Devey, Email: dave@falconcamp. com, Phone: (216) 991-2489, falconcamp.com

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE CONTACT KATIE@OHPARENT.COM

February 2021 I ohParent.com

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THINGS TO DO

FEBRUARY PLEASE NOTE DUE TO COVID-19, THESE EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK TO VERIFY EVENTS ARE STILL BEING HELD AS SCHEDULED BEFORE MAKING PLANS TO ATTEND BY CALLING OR VISITING THE BUSINESS OR EVENT WEBSITE.

MON 01 Kids Drop-In Mondays

Specialized training for growing your little performer’s natural skills and talent through various acting courses, workshops and classes. Ages 6-12. • Time 1:30-2:30 pm, Location: The Audition Room 513, auditionroom513.com

TUES 02 Preschool Storytime

FRI 05 Glow Night Friday Nights

Lasers, music and blacklight transform the whole park into a crazy jumping dance club. Remember to wear a light colored shirt that glows under black light such as white or neon colors. Ages 8+. • Time: 8-10 pm, Location: Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Dayton, skyzone. com/dayton

SAT 06 Lady Llama Canvas

A special painting class for kiddos ages 7 and up.

Follow along step by step to create your own Lady Llama canvas painting! Registration required. • Time: 11 am-12:30 pm, Location: Painting With a Twist Dayton, paintingwithatwist.com

at Home Online stories, songs and other fun learning activities designed to develop the language, literacy and social skills your preschooler needs for school success. Registration required. • Time:

SUN 07 Free Family STEAM Night

WED 03 Playful Picassos Voilà!

Time: 6-7:30 pm, Location: The STEM Lab, Sharonville, cincystemlab.com

10:30-10:45 am, Location: Virtual via Dayton Metro Library, daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE

These classes will introduce your child to crafting, paint and the colors of the rainbow. During each class, your child will make and take home their own masterpiece! Ages 1-4. • Time: 5-6 pm, Location: Vandalia Recreation Center, vandaliaohio.org

THURS 04 Art Play Hike: Mt. Airy

Tree House Explore Mt. Airy Tree House, take part in hands-on art-making and try some kidfriendly yoga poses. Designed for ages 2-6. • Time:

Explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) with your family! Enjoy an exciting evening of hands-on learning activities and games as you become engineers to tackle difficult real-world problems. •

MON 08 Virtual Storytime for

Toddlers Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Recommended for ages 18-36 months. • Time: 9:30-10 am, Location: Virtual via Cincinnati Hamilton County Library, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE

ohParent.com I February 2021

This monthly program focuses on bird identification and ecology. Other nature topics and skills will be taught as they are encountered upon the trail! During the winter months, we will use the daylight to search for birds in the field before returning to the Smith House for indoor activities. Ages 12-17. • Time: 4:30-6 pm, Location: Bill Yeck Park, Centerville, cwpd.org

WED 10 Family Storytime at

Home Join us online for quality family time with books, songs and fun activities for children of all ages and caregivers to enjoy together. Registration required. • Time: 4-4:15 pm, Location: Virtual via Dayton Metro Library, daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE

THURS 11 Cold Hands Warm

Hearts Hike We might have to wear gloves, but we can definitely keep our hearts warm by enjoying a short hike on the paved trail and creating a very special valentine for a sweet loved one! Ages 4-8, pre-registration required. • Time: 4-5 pm, Location: Bill Yeck Park, Centerville, cwpd.org

SAT 13 Preschool Parent & Me

Cooking Class Share your love for learning and cooking with your little one in these fun, interactive Healthy Hands Cooking (HHC) classes.

HHC classes are theme based and start with an age-appropriate nutrition activity to set the stage for learning. Ages 2-5, pre-registration required. • Time:

10-11 am, Location: Vandalia Senior Center, allevents.in/ vandalia/preschool-parent-and-me-cookingclasses/200020521497236

10:30-11:30 am, Location: Mt. Airy Tree House, Cincinnati, facebook.com/events/ 3426098860838015

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TUES 09 Young Birders Club

FREE / free for families!

*ONGOING /a recurring event

*SN / special needs friendly

/ a SW Ohio Parent favorite!

SAT 13-SUN 14

TUES 23 Maple Sugaring

website, Location: Virtual, ascdayton.org FREE

9:30-10:30 am or 11am-12 pm, Location: Rowe Woods, Cincinnati, cincynature.org

TechFEST 2021 TechFest is free family fun with science, technology, engineering and math. Normally held at Sinclair Community College, TechFEST will be held virtually this year to maintain COVID guidelines. • Time: See

SUN 14 Hamilton Winter Market

Storytime Hikes Build a fun outdoor routine with your young child this winter by engaging in maple-related stories on the trail! Check sap pails each week and explore small wonders together. • Times:

Hamilton's historic farmers market moves indoors for the winter. Grab your market bucks and explore vendors and food trucks. • Time: 1:30-4:30 pm, Location:

WED 24 Virtual Storytime:

MON 15 Kids Grab & Go Kits Free

Hamilton Co. Public Library, cincinnatilibrary.org FREE

The Blank Space of Hamilton, gettothebc.com

grab and go craft kits available at all Preble County Library locations. Contact your favorite branch to reserve this week’s kit: marshmallow and toothpick geometry! How-to videos will be posted to Facebook and YouTube. • Time: Library open times while supplies last, Location: All Preble County District Library locations, preblelibrary.org FREE

TUES 16 Tot Tuesdays Museum

activities and crafts just for your little ones, offered both in person and virtually. Free for members. • Time: 10:30-11:30 am, Location: Behringer-Crawford Museum, Covington, bcmuseum.org

Movers and Shakers You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance and enjoy music, movement and fun. Recommended for ages 1-4. Please register to receive an email invitation to this online event. • Time: 9-9:30 am, Location: Virtual via Cincinnati

THURS 25 Baby and Toddler

Storytime @ Home It’s never too early to grow a child’s love of learning. Join us online for nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories that encourage early literacy skills in your child. • Time: 10:30-10:45 am, Location: Virtual via Dayton Metro Library, daytonmetrolibrary.org FREE

SAT 27 Digital Concert: Carnival of the Animals A merry, musical menagerie filled with lions, donkeys, elephants and more. This is the wildest way to introduce even the littlest listeners to the sound of the symphony. • Time:

Bumper Cars + Skating at the UC Health Ice Rink Through February 15.

The ice rink features two different kinds of sessions: Bumpers + Skating ($15): During this split ice-session, a barrier will divide the rink into two sections, with skaters on one side and cars on the other. As a patron, you can enjoy both sides. OR Skating Only ($10): During this session, the entire ice is available for ice skating. Masks required. Reservations can be made two weeks in advance. Review pricing, rink rules, bumper car requirements, and COVID19 information before purchasing your non-refundable spot. • Location: Downtown Cincinnati, myfountainsquare.com/ ice-rink/

Garfield, The Musical with Cattitude Through February 14 (Streaming begins Jan 28). In this musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield awakens to find his birthday has fallen on a Monday.

The horror! To make matters worse, all his friends have completely forgotten it’s his big day. Feeling rejected, Garfield leaves the comforts of home but soon realizes in the outside there’s no T.V., the food is garbage (literally), and animal control is always just around the corner. In the end, Garfield learns little things like, you know, the value of friendship and that “home is where the heart – and the food – is.” Ages 4+. • Location: The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati, thechildrenstheatre. com/shows/garfield-the-musical-with-cattitude/

WED 17 Virtual Storytime:

10:30 am, Location: Virtual via LolliPOPS Family Concerts, cincinnatisymphony.org

Cincinnati Hamilton County Library, cincinnatilibrary. org FREE

ONGOING EVENTS

Woods, Cincinnati, cincynature.org

Everything Thomas at EnterTRAINment Junction February 1 Through 28. An indoor celebration of Thomas the Train with Thomas-themed train layouts, videos, scavenger hunt, coloring and crafts. Enjoy an indoor kid’s train ride, plus all Thomas merchandise is 15%-50% off. • Location: EnterTRAINment Junction,

Penguin Days Through March 12. Enjoy discounted admission and waddle to the Zoo and save money during Penguin Days! Penguin Parades return at 11am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in 2021! (Special walks on MLK Day, Monday, January 18 & Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15). Plus, although it will look a little different than year’s past, daily Penguin Encounters are back every day at 11:00am through February 28! • Location:

Bookworms Join Mr. Mike for Bookworms Storytime on Google Meet. Enjoy stories, songs and activities. • Time: 10:30-11 am, Location: Virtual via

THURS 18 Preschool Nature

Series: Chickadee-Dee-Dee Chickadees are fun birds to search for on a winter day.

We will learn all about their life history, create a craft and take a self-guided hike to search for them. Ages 3-6 with adult companion. • Time: 9:30-11 am or 5:30-7 pm, Location: Forest Walk Park, Dayton, cwpd.org

entertrainmentjunction.com

Sweet Maple Days Through early March.

Explore the sweeter side of winter! Go on a guided hike, tour a maple sugaring house and more. Great for families and adventurers of all ages. • Location: Rowe

Cincinnati Zoo, cincinnatizoo.org/events/penguin-days

FRI 19 Preschool Storytime with

Ms. Janet We can't get together in person, but we can still have fun with stories, rhymes and songs!

Register online to join an interactive story time with Ms. Janet and other kids from Yellow Springs and around Greene County. • Time: 10:30-11:30 am, Location: Virtual via Greene County Public Library, greenelibrary.info FREE

SAT 20

Winter Market at Big Ash Brewing Shop for local and handmade crafts and goods. Plants, gluten-free baked goods, dog treats, jams, jellies and much more. • Time: 12-5 pm, Location:

The Snowy Day and Other Stories

February 12 Through 28. A FREE virtual play for

families & kids! Follow the adventures of Peter and his friends through heartwarming stories about the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure and the excitement of sending the perfect letter to a friend.

Script by Jerome Hairston; Based on the books by Ezra Jack Keats • Location: Virtual via the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, cincyplay.com/productions/the-snowy-day FREE

Big Ash Brewing, Cincinnati, bigashbrewing.com

MON 22 Grab & Go Craft-Snow

Globes Pick up the new themed craft supplies from our ‘Grab and Go’ Center. Supplies are limited. • Time: 12 pm, Location: Preble County Library, preblelibrary.org FREE

SPACE: A Journey to Our Future January 28 Through May 2. This highly interactive exhibition ignites the desire for space exploration and discovery, sparking imaginations, and inspiring new generations of explorers to dream of the possibilities that lie ahead. Highlights include touching actual rocks from the lunar surface and the red planet, exploring a Mars Base Camp while walking through a full-size habitat and work pod, taking a spin on a centrifuge, and looking far into the future of our exploration of the universe. • Location: National Air Force Museum, nationalmuseum.af.mil

Preschool Story Hour at Gorman Farms Through March. Have fun on the farm and in the garden with your preschooler while practicing early reading skills! Gorman Heritage Farm's preschool story hours offer fun and engaging farm experiences paired with the best in children's literature designed for emergent readers ages 2-5 years.

• Location: Gorman Farm, Cincinnati, gormanfarm.org

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SW OHIO PARENT'S

fun & SUN

WACKY calendar 02.2021

MON

TUES

WEDS

1

7 BALLET DAY

KITE FLYING DAY

9

SAT

5

4 WORLD NUTELLA DAY

10 UMBRELLA DAY

READ IN THE BATHTUB DAY

FROZEN YOGURT DAY

PRESIDENT’S DAY

ALMOND DAY

23 PLAY TENNIS DAY

12

MAKE A FRIEND DAY

17

MY WAY DAY

22

11

LOST PENNY DAY

16

WORLD THINKING DAY

3 GOLDEN RETRIEVER DAY

15

21

FRI

SWEATER DAY

8

14

STICKY BUN DAY

2 TATER TOT DAY

NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY

THURS

19

PLUTO DAY CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

24 TORTILLA CHIP DAY

18

TORTELLINI DAY

25

LOVE YOUR PET DAY

26

TOAST DAY TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY

POKEMON DAY

28 TOOTH FAIRY DAY

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

February 2021 I ohParent.com

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