Dayton Parent | March 2014

DAYTON

PARENT daytonparentmagazine.com

MARCH 2014 FREE

KIDS & CYBER

SAFETY tweets, hashtags, likes & selfies SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR CHILD

the effects of

TEXTS the

*

children&technology

ISSUE

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DAYTON DRAGONS

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contents table of contents

the children&technology

ISSUE

// MARCH 2014

features

10

TWEETS, HASHTAGS, LIKES AND SELFIES

12

THE EFFECTS OF TEXTS

14

KIDS AND CYBER SAFETY

16

THE FAMILY DINNER TABLE

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31

ONE TANK TRIPS PACKED WITH FUN CAMP AND SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE

pg.

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14

Kids and Cyber Safety

pg.

12

The Effects of Texts

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

8

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

32

MARCH EVENTS

34

ONGOING EVENTS

35

WACKY CALENDAR

on the cover

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A STAY-AT-HOME DAD

FOOTNOTES: THOUGHTS FROM THE MARGINS OF A MOM’S LIFE

24

ASK THE TEACHER

25

MARCH HAPPENINGS

26

THOSE IN THE KNOW

28

NEARBY TO TRY

DELANEY L. COVINGTON (3 Years)

29

PREVENTING SPORTS INJURIES

30

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One Tank Trips Packed With Fun

6

columns 22

pg.

20

in every issue

CHOOSE YOUR OWN SUMMER ADVENTURE

photo by: Krystal Clear Photography

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publisher’s note

RUa tech n00b? NP!

(Translation: Are you a tech newbie? No problem!)

DAYTON

PARENT PUBLISHER

Mary Wynne Cox | Mary@daytonparentmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & SALES DIRECTOR

Katy Mark | Katy@daytonparentmagazine.com

EDITOR

W

Susan Bryant | Susan@daytonparentmagazine.com

elcome to our Children and Technology Issue! If our “text speak” had you scratching your head, you’re not alone.

While our children are growing up as “digital natives” many parents are struggling to keep pace with the everchanging online world kids are such a part of. This month we hope to shed some light on the issues of technology that concern moms and dads the most.

As kids engage more and more by the abbreviated code of texts, how does this style of communication impact their reading and writing skills?

Find out in The Effects of Texts. Social media often plays a huge role in the lives of kids (and adults). Tweets, Hashtags, Likes and Selfies discusses the role parents play in determining which sites kids should visit.

Finally, Kids and Cyber Safety addresses the primary worry of many parents – online safety and security issues for children.

While connecting virtually with one another may be on the rise, the value of “face time” can’t be overstated. The Family Dinner Table discusses the importance of establishing a tradition of mealtime together (even with take out!) and how to make the most of this experience to bond as a family.

Also, be sure to check out our suggestions for One Tank Trips and our Camp and Summer Program Guide too. With spring just around the corner, we’ll help you be prepared to take advantage of all the fun warm weather brings!

Thanks for picking up this issue of Dayton Parent – we hope you enjoy it!

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jennifer Baum | Jennifer@daytonparentmagazine.com Katie Clark | Katie@daytonparentmagazine.com Marisa Brown | Marisa@daytonparentmagazine.com

WEB DEVELOPER

Wendy Cox | Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Karen RIng | Karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Maria Tancredi | Maria@daytonparentmagazine.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Roxanne Burns | Roxanne@daytonparentmagazine.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Wendy Schrepherman | S.Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah McCosham, Michelle Shirk, Jennifer Garcia, Rebecca Wood, Katrina Anne Willis, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Lisa Seibert of DaytonLocal.com, Andrea Massimilian of Dayton Children’s Hospital, Peg Smith of the American Camp Association

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTACT US

daytonparent@daytonparentmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT

Dayton Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2014

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. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more, visit daytonparentmagazine.com

Katy Mark Associate Publisher

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CAIRINS

TOWN HALL

MARCH OF DIMES

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 7

community spotlight community spotlight

One Bistro

Bugs! Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Dayton Ballet ll For this concert, the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Dayton Ballet II will join forces and go downright, well, buggy. Imagine gnats dressed like the Three Musketeers, brandishing swords and wearing hats decorated with big feathers! Or a flea named Ralph, who gets a speech impediment when he tries to eat a giraffe! Or a grasshopper who chews tobacco! Or beetles who try to sail a boat made from a tennis shoe! Join the fun on March 30th and come early at 2:00 p.m. for pre-concert fun activities.

For more information contact www.daytonperformingarts.com.

Single Tickets: $19 | $17 | $12. Show starts at 3 p.m.

2nd Street Market Experience one of Dayton’s staples now that the weather is starting to get a little warmer!

Local vendors literally offer apples to zucchini and everything in between. Find European pastries, unique handmade items, wine, chocolates, freshly baked breads, pies and more. Bring the whole family to experience the vibrant downtown atmosphere. Go to www.metroparks. org for more information. Free parking.

Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 600 E. 2nd St., Dayton

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One Bistro strives to reach out and help serve the privileged and the underprivileged by giving a hand up and not a hand out.

Based in Miamisburg, One Bistro is now expanding to Germantown and Springboro. They are committed to providing healthy, affordable meals in a warm and welcoming environment and embrace a “pay what you can” concept. Any donations received over the suggested price will “pay it forward” to cover the cost of a neighbor’s meal. If a patron is unable to pay, time in service can act as payment. Contact info@onebistro.org to learn about dining and volunteering.

Tiny Thursdays at DAI Join other moms and dads on Thursday mornings at The Dayton Art Institute for the popular child and caregiver preschool program “Tiny Thursdays.” Children ages 2-5 and a caregiver (baby siblings welcome) are invited for story time curated by The Dayton Metro Library, movement activities, a gallery visit and a make-and-take art project. Let the Institute help create a meaningful experience with art for your family. Available 11 a.m.

-12 p.m. each Thursday in March. $6/child with member caregiver; $8/child with non-member caregiver. Call (937) 223-4278 for more information. 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton

Twig3 Mom’s Market Find high quality children’s items, maternity clothing (in-season), books and toys from over 100 sellers at one of the largest resale events in the Dayton region. Sellers are held to a very high standard in regard to item quality, and the selection of items is outstanding. Also, 22% of all sale proceeds, along with 100% of the $1.00 per person entry fee, go directly to Dayton Children’s Hospital. Over $19,000 was donated from the two sales in 2013!

Use the coupon in this magazine for free admission. Visit www. twig3springboro.com for more information. The sale happens March 15th from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. and is located at Clearcreek Elementary 750 S. Main St. in Springboro

GINGHAMSBURG

DARAH

FIVE RIVERS

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TWEETS, HASHTAGS,

LIKES & SELFIES NAVIGATING THE LANDSCAPE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

I

nstagram, Twitter, Ask.fm, SnapChat, Vine… so appealing to kids and so worrisome for parents. How do families decide what they will and won’t allow their children to use?

For Alyssa, Dayton mother of two teenagers, it’s a delicate balancing act.

“Social media changes so frequently,” says Alyssa. “My daughters have had Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Twitter accounts. They’re no longer active on Facebook – probably because I am – but they love Instagram and Twitter. It seems like there’s a new social media app every day, so I try to stay as informed as possible. Although my girls are 15 and 16, it’s still impor-

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|

tant for me to help guide their decisions and monitor their online activity. So far, they’ve been smart about what they share online. We’re open and honest about the pros and cons of social media, so I think that created a strong foundation for them.”

Alyssa’s 16-year-old daughter, Molly, agrees. “My mom and dad have always watched what we do online,” she says. “My sister and I understand that nothing we post to any of our accounts is private… and that once we put it out there, it’s out there forever.”

That’s an important lesson for Alyssa to impart. “I think about their futures a lot,” she says. “I want their social media history to be positive. I don’t want employ-

KATRINA ANNE WILLIS

ers to access their accounts and decide they’re a risk or a liability. I think social media is a great way for my kids to connect with their friends and out-of-town relatives, but it’s also important for them to use it responsibly.”

“Instagram is my favorite app right now,” says Molly. “My friends and I love sharing pictures with each other. Twitter is also popular with my friends. I like that it’s so quick and easy to use.”

No social media platforms are off-limits in Alyssa’s home, but she does regularly monitor and discuss usage with her girls.

“Apps like SnapChat and Ask.fm were never really considerations in our home,” she says. “I think a lot of younger kids are attracted

to these apps, but my girls never were. They tend to gravitate toward the platforms their friends are using most frequently, and Twitter and Instagram are today’s top choices. That doesn’t mean tomorrow will be the same, though. The one constant about social media is that nothing is constant. It’s a moving target, for sure, and my husband and I do our best to remain active, engaged and informed.”

“Personally, I’ve never had an issue with online bullying,” Molly says. “My sister hasn’t, either. But we don’t engage online with people we don’t know, either. That’s a firm rule in our house. So, all of our interactions are with friends – with people we’ve chosen to have online relationships with.”

“Making sure the girls are smart online is our first priority,” Alyssa says. “We’ve made it abundantly clear that they’re not to accept ‘friend’ requests from strangers, that they’re to let us know if anything strange or uncomfortable happens online, that they’re not to engage with people they don’t know. So much of our information is no longer private in today’s digital age, but we can limit the exposure our kids have to less than desirable situations.”

“Spending time with my friends in person is still my favorite activity,” Molly says. “Social media is fun, and it’s an easy way to facilitate plans, but I still prefer talking with my friends one-onone.”

No matter how your family embraces (or avoids) social media, the landscape is continuously changing. As this family illustrates, with ongoing communication between parent and child, kids can access the best of what these sites have to offer and bypass their potential negative effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES FACEBOOK

Facebook is a free social networking website that allows users to create profiles, upload photos and videos, send messages and communicate with friends, family and colleagues.

PINTEREST

Pinterest is a bulletin board-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage themebased image collections (e.g., Home Décor, Favorite Books, Recipes, etc.). Images can be shared (or “pinned”) by other users.

TWITTER

Twitter is a microblogging platform that enables users to send and read “tweets” which are messages limited to 140-characters. Users can send links to articles, blog posts, photos, etc., and favorite posts can be “re-tweeted” by followers.

SNAPCHAT

Snapchat is a photo messaging application that allows users to send “snaps” – photos, videos or drawings with or without text that are viewable for 1-10 seconds and then deleted. SnapKidz is a similar app for those under the age of 13, but drawings and photos cannot be shared with other users.

Instagram is an online photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking service that enables users to take pictures and video, apply digital filers and share them on a variety of social media sites.

tumblr is a microblogging and social networking site that allows users to post multimedia and other content to short form blogs. Users can “block” others from communicating with them, but content is still visible.

PAINTBRUSH

YouTube is a video sharing web site that enables users to upload, view and share videos. Content that is deemed potentially inappropriate is restricted to users ages 18 or over.

MYSPACE

INSTAGRAM

TUMBLR

YOUTUBE

MySpace is a social networking site with a strong emphasis on music.

ASK.FM

Ask.fm is a social networking site that enables users to ask questions of other users with the option of anonymity.

VINE

Vine is a video app that enables users to record and share an unlimited number of short, looping video clips with a maximum length of six seconds.

BOONSHOFT

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 11

THE EFFECTS OF TEXTS HOW FREQUENT MESSAGING IMPACTS KIDS |

D

o you feel like your child never puts her phone down? A research study published by Common Sense Media in summer 2012 found texting to be the most common form of digital communication among teenagers ages 13 to 17. The study revealed that 87% of teens in that age group had communicated by text, with 68% texting daily.

Younger kids are getting in on the action as well. Treavor Bogard, Assistant Professor of Literacy at the University of Dayton, says that many children begin texting between the ages of 10 and 12. Given the popularity of texting, what are its effects on kids’ reading, writing and conversational skills?

TEXTING TROUBLE? When we asked our Dayton Parent readers their thoughts on texting via an informal Facebook poll, responses were mixed. “I would think it would help reading and writing,” says Missi L. Although, she does feel that texting might hinder conversational skills. Teresa D. believes the prevalence of text speak corrupts spelling and writing skills, “which then impacts reading skills and the ability to carry on a conversation.”

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Fortunately, the situation may not be as dire as parents fear.

Studies show no proof of a negative impact on writing as a result of texting, says Professor MaryKate Sableski, Clinical Faculty at the University of Dayton. Bogard notes that texting allows kids to use writing to accomplish things that are ordinarily done in conversation. “Any time kids are writing for real purposes in the world, I think it’s a good thing,” he says.

One downside, however, is that students often use a lot of “textisms” and conventional spelling errors when communicating by text. This can become a problem if they don’t know when to switch to a different form of writing, says Bogard. He recommends teachers have conversations with their students about when it is appropriate to use these types of abbreviations and when they need to use academic language.

Less research has been done regarding texting’s effects on reading skills, says Sableski. Bogard reports that a study published in The Journal of Computer Assisted Living in 2011 on texting and literacy abilities in adolescents, actually shows a positive correlation between texting and reading skills. That said, Sableski believes texting can impact students’ reading comprehension since they become used to reading short sound bites. She says parents and teachers should encourage

students to read longer, connected texts to help them learn to apply comprehension skills in that type of environment. Some teachers have also used technology to help kids become more engaged with their reading by “chatting” about what they have read, says Bogard.

While the “art of conversation” may have changed dramatically in recent years, “we’re not throwing out all of the old practices such as having a face-to-face conversation,” says Sableski. Bogard notes that schools often prohibit their students from using cell phones and “kids are still talking face-to-face.” Sableski believes that it is important for students to learn to text and email. “That is a primary way they will be asked to communicate at their jobs,” she says.

MICHELLE SHIRK THE

BOTTOM LINE Texting and text speak are an inescapable part of modern life.

“Texting is almost like learning another language,” says Sableski. She believes if educators can help students understand the ways that texting is different from conventional writing, “it can really be a very powerful tool.”

Bogard agrees. “I absolutely don’t think [parents] should be worried about it affecting their child’s performance as a reader, writer or speaker,” he says. “I just think it’s one way of communicating among many.”

POELKING

FARHILLS

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KIDS AND

CYBER SAFETY ONLINE SECURITY CONCERNS FOR CHILDREN JENNIFER GARCIA

E

ver asked your kid to help you download an app on your smartphone or set up a Twitter account? It seems like children are born computer experts, but there is still a great deal they don’t often know – like how to protect themselves from cyber criminals.

“I’m a bit old fashioned, and I think online is a great place, but I also think interacting with your friends and family is also important,” says Dave Salisbury, PhD, associate professor of information systems at the University of Dayton. As an expert in cyber security and criminal use of internet technology, and as a parent, Salisbury has some straightforward advice for other parents. “I love my kids, but sometimes (ok, a lot of times) I don’t trust their judgment.”

Innocence and lack of experience are two reasons that children and teens are susceptible to internet criminals. Even with 14 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

out knowing personal information, hackers can still find their way into your home computer through seemingly benign websites. The Federal Trade Commission warns kids to “watch out for free stuff,” such as free games or ring tones where malware may be hiding. Before downloading anything, double-check the source and scan it with security software. Salisbury says, “At least once, I got an email from a gaming organization where my son had signed up. Reputable websites generally only ask for an email and a screen name, but others may ask for more.”

A web site requesting a lot of information is just one red flag parents can watch for to detect malicious websites. Some may mirror the appearance of a well-known, safe site, but can be distinguished by a slightly different web address. In general, .org and .edu websites are considered trustworthy. The best way for parents to be aware of their child’s online behavior is to sit with them, watch their interactions, talk about things they see other users do and know who other users are.

Salisbury recommends some simple tips he uses to help parents know what their kids are up to online: “We limit internet time, check on what websites they’re going on, and all of our kids have their screens turned toward their bedroom doors,” he says. “I put everybody’s email addresses under one account, which I have admin access for. The kids know about this, and they know that I never (really) look at them, unless I see a behavior or trend that gets my attention.”

Most internet routers come with software that can block websites and limit times when devices are online. All of these tools can be helpful, but overall, the advice Salisbury gives is for parents to just spend time with their children as a way to know what they are getting into. “Hang out with them, do stuff with them, engage in their lives, talk with them, meet their friends,” he says. Building that strong, trustful relationship with a parent can give kids the support system they need to deal with most problems they’ll face – online or offline.

INTERNET SAFETY RESOURCES PBS Kids Webonauts Internet Academy Interactive game that teaches key issues of web safety http://pbskids.org/webonauts

Department of Homeland Security Stop. Think. Connect. www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team Unique risks associated with children www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ ST05-002

KidsHealth.org Internet Safety http://kidshealth.org/parent/ positive/family/net_safety.html

WINDOW WINDOW WORLD WORLD

NIGHT STAR

DAYTON DEMONZ

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 15

the family

DINNER TABLE Finding time for this important place to connect |

B

y now, most parents have heard the importance of families eating meals together. Research suggests that children whose families regularly gather for meals have greater academic achievement, better eating habits, higher self-esteem and even less drug use.

However, bringing all members of the family together for a meal can seem nearly impossible at times. Demanding work schedules, different bedtimes for younger children and various extracurricular activities all compete for time – making a family dinner together seem more of an idealistic virtue than a realistic possibility. It can be done though! Try these tips with your family to schedule, and make the most of, mealtimes.

A standing reservation

If all members of your family have an evening that is (somehow!) free each week, make a commitment to share dinner together that day – and stick to it.

Not only will the weekly date become routine, but it will also become something your kids will look forward to.

Making the time to come together as a family should be a top priority says Dr. Gregory Ramey, Executive Director of the Center for Pediatric Mental Health Resources at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “There may be days 16 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

where you eat at different times or some people aren’t there, but the most important thing is setting aside time every week, and working toward a goal.” This may mean adjusting work schedules or saying “no” to extracurricular activities. “As kids get older, it’s ok to say ‘no’ to certain activities, especially if they’re going to have a negative impact on the family,” says Dr. Ramey.

Now you’re cooking

Mealtime should be a “family event,” says Dr. Ramey. The process of making a meal is just as important as the meal itself, so get the kids involved. “Give kids tasks: helping with shopping, meal preparation, setting the table and cleaning up,” he says.

This participation not only helps teach kids responsibility, but can also be very empowering for their self-esteem and sense of community. “Remember,” says Dr. Ramey, “the process of the family meal is not about the food, but rather about communication, compromise and collaboration.”

Dayton native Katie K. says family mealtime was always an important event in her house. “My dad actually did all the cooking, but my younger brother and I would help with prep work and clean up. We even had a garden in the backyard where we helped grow vegetables.” Now a doctor in San Antonio, Texas, Katie says she looks back on those meals

Sarah McCosham

with fond memories. “Plus, all that kitchen assistance has really helped my own cooking skills!” she says.

Dinner conversation do’s and don’ts

Once you’ve gotten everyone together, it’s important to keep family meals positive and fun – something everyone looks forward to. “The dinner table is not a time to discipline kids,” Dr. Ramey says. He explains that dinnertime should be a conversation, not a lecture.

Dr. Ramey also suggests parents beware of questions that begin with “why” which can sound accusatory. “Dinner should be time for a two-way conversation: asking about how the day was, what they liked, etc.”

Instead of using mealtime as an opportunity to reprimand or bring up sensitive subjects, make mealtime a place for children to share their thoughts and ideas.

Asking for kids to talk about their “highs and lows” from the day is one way to get the conversation started.

Above all, remember that family meals are not about the food, but the interaction it brings. By making time together a priority, you are cultivating connection – and that’s what being a family is all about.

THE CAKERY

BELLA MUSICA

LEAPFROGS

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 17

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MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 19

ONE TANK TRIPS PACKED WITH FUN

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS FOUND WITHIN THE STATE | REBECCA WOOD

A

s the weather warms and spring break approaches, your family may be looking for a change of pace. Consider taking a one tank trip to one (or more) of the many familyfriendly destinations within the state, including the following list of favorites.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium spans over nearly 600 acres.

Almost 10,000 animals live in five exhibits arranged by regions of the world. A sixth regional exhibit, Africa, will be added in May. Jungle Jack’s Landing is an amusement park area within the zoo. Visitors can whiz down a log flume ride or take a spin around Jack’s Tea Party, among other rides. The rides will be open for the season in May. Guests can purchase tickets for individual rides or a wristband for access to all the rides.

Zoombezi Bay, a 22-acre water park, is owned and operated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It features 17 water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and more.

The waterpark opens on May 17th for the season. Visitors can 20 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

purchase a pass that includes general zoo and water park admittance.

Also in Columbus, The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) was named the #1 science center in the country by Parents magazine. COSI features over 300 interactive exhibits in more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. Little Kidspace caters to children kindergarten and under.

It includes a water table, health clinic and tree house, among other attractions. Older siblings can enjoy Big KidLab where more age-appropriate activities are planned.

Catch a show at the museum’s Extreme Screen Theater, the largest digital screen in Ohio. An additional cost is required for movie admittance.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium opened its doors in 2012.

The aquarium was designed with young visitors in mind. Exhibits are created at a little one’s eye level. The aquarium showcases two touch tanks where guests can feel green sea anemones at one tank and stingrays at an-

other tank. At the Shark SeaTube gallery, visitors can walk through an 175-foot underwater SeaTube while sharks, moray eels and stingrays swim overhead. The Exploration Station was constructed to resemble a research vessel. Little explorers can steer the ship and visit the captain’s quarters.

Kids not tired yet? Pair a trip to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium with a visit to the Great Lakes Science Center, located just a few blocks away.

African Safari Wildlife Park, situated 20 minutes from Sandusky, is a safe refuge for animals. It offers both drive-thru and walkthru safari tours. It offers both drive-thru and walk-thru safari tours. At the drive-thru tours, visitors can have the opportunity to meet and feed the animals. Animal inhabitants include buffalo, deer, giraffes and more. The oneprice admission provides access to education shows, camel rides, pig races and the safaris. Camel rides, pig races and education shows are only offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Merry-Go-Round Museum sits in the heart of downtown Sandusky. The museum walks visitors through the history and art of the carousel. Guests can watch carvers restore neglected carousel pieces. Visitors can swing around an operating carousel housed in the museum. The admission fee is budget-friendly ($6 for adults, $4 for children 4 to 14, and children under 4 are free).

EnterTRAINment Junction is based halfway between downtown Cincinnati and downtown Dayton. This 80,000 square foot indoor family entertainment center features the world’s largest indoor train display. Visitors can tour the interactive railroad museum. Little ones can climb, slide and bounce in a railroad-themed indoor play area. A new A-MazeN Funhouse provides the feel of a nostalgic amusement park. Admission to the funhouse requires an additional charge.

Many more family-friendly destinations dot the state. Load up the family and enjoy the discoveries!

INT. CONNECTIONS

FAIRMONT

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 21

confessions of a stay-at-home dad

Toddler Penitentiary

True confessions of a stay-at-home dad

By Pete Gilbert

G

reat news! My daughter was recently released from solitary confinement to a general population cell. Perhaps I should explain...

A few months ago we transitioned our two-year-old from a crib to a toddler bed. At first she slept fine, particularly during naps, but lately things have started to change. It’s almost as if one day she realized she didn’t actually have to stay in her bed during naptime. It was no longer a roofless prison cell like her crib. Sure she was gated in the room, but now she could leave her cell and wander around the grounds, while the guard (me) was busy with other things.

She also reached the developmental stage of dressing and undressing BY HERSELF, and don’t you dare try to help her! Now that she spends her naptime quietly wandering around her room (as not to disturb the guard) instead of sleeping, she has plenty of time to try on outfit after outfit. She starts this process by emptying her dresser drawers – completely. After ten to fifteen changes, she decides on

DECOY

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the best outfit for nap (many times it involves a tiara and rain boots).

If orange was the new black, then pink is the new orange.

Now it’s time to put the rest of her cell mates to bed. First she tucks in her bear, then her monkey, occasionally there’s a couple of naked Barbies that need a rest as well. (I wonder what they’re doing time for?) Then it’s story time for her animals, before “Lights Out.” After an hour or so of this behavior, she’s finally exhausted herself enough to fall asleep in the middle of the floor, right around the same time her brother wakes up from his nap.

This guard is never off duty.

-Pete Don’t forget to “like” my page on Facebook at True Confessions of a Stay at Home Dad for daily updates and links to my blog posts.

footnotes

Footnotes: Thoughts from the margins of a mom’s life Train Stories

By Kelly Blewett

H

ave I mentioned that my son loves trains? I’m not sure when it began, and I am not sure when it will end. For William every sighting of a train is something akin to a unicorn stepping lightly from a mythical wood. “Train!” he cries. We stop the car, occasionally, pulling over to a parking lot to best view the train’s passage. We imitate the whistle. We identify box cars and tanker cars.

And, of course, we play trains at home, linking together puzzle pieces of wooden track and hurrying a magnetized locomotive over the grooves. My imaginative son pretends to be a train, hustling around the house announcing, “There are box cars behind me. Look out!”

Predictably I’ve found myself paying a lot of attention to trains, even when my son isn’t by my side.

Such was the case when I was driving alone one night, under a full moon, running an errand. I drove down a busy street, and saw railway in the distance. A giant engine came into view and the whistle

sounded. The train gleamed under the moon. A red light afforded me the opportunity to linger and watch, delighted. The next night when tucking my toddler to bed, I said, “Last night I saw a train in the moonlight.” I told him about the big engine, the bright moon, the cloudless sky, my sense of wonder. And he got it, totally. What could be neater than a train in the moonlight? And now the “train in the moonlight story” has become part of the everyday dialog with my boy, the last thing he wants to hear before he falls asleep.

There’s something wonderful about the way that having children will make you see the world afresh. Sights that once would have chugged by unnoticed become, in this new view, wonders to behold and share. They can even become legends, if only the legends of bedtime stories. My son loves trains, and when his enthusiasm will wane I cannot say. But I am beginning to love trains, too. I am beginning to create train stories, and to share them.

DAYTON LOCAL

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 23

ask the teacher

Ask the Teacher

Cheating, second semester apathy, school stress

By Deb Krupowicz

Q

My son recently cheated on a test. I had no idea he was under so much stress that he felt like he had to cheat to do well. What can I do to help him understand that he does not need to cheat?

A

When a child cheats, whether the child is six or sixteen, first we need to make it very clear that there is no acceptable reason for cheating. It is wrong. If this is the first time your child has cheated, a discussion may be the appropriate consequence at home. Explain how significant the consequences for cheating become as he gets older: receiving a zero on an assignment in middle school, being dropped from the course in high school, being expelled from school in college, being fired from a job in adult life.

There are significant consequences for this behavior.

Then, if the teacher is unaware, require that your son take responsibility for his mistake by telling his teacher. If the teacher is already aware, support the teacher’s consequence.

Require your child to write a note of apology as a way to earn restitution. Whether or not he is feeling genuine remorse, he will be learning the appropriate steps to be taken when he makes a serious mistake.

Understanding why your child cheated is important, but saving that discussion until a few 24 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

days later will prevent your child from receiving a mixed message. You do not want to risk him misinterpreting that there may be an acceptable reason to cheat. However, understanding whether the motivation was peer pressure, internal personal pressure or simply poor preparation will give you the opportunity to teach him some strategies to avoid being in the same situation again.

Q

By this time each year my daughter stops doing homework. She claims that she is bored and just shuts down. Her grades drop, and she doesn’t seem to care. How can I make her do her work?

A

We have all learned the value of praising kids’ positive actions to reinforce a behavior. When praise is not enough to encourage responsibility, other consequences are needed. Children have learned the cause-effect relationship between choices and consequences long before school age. By school age, they should expect a negative consequence when they neglect responsibilities.

This is when parenting gets tough. Make a list of your daughter’s privileges. Include all non-mandatory activities and technology devices. Instead of “grounding” her to stay home for a defined time, select specific privileges and eliminate them indefinitely, re-

quiring her to exhibit responsibility to earn them back. If this is not leading to the desired result, add to the restricted list. No one delights in making a child uncomfortable, but sometimes it is necessary.

Brace yourself for a personal, negative reaction from your daughter. Do your best to remove yourself emotionally. Ignore the cold shoulder. Seize opportunities to show that while you are not going to condone unacceptable behaviors, you love her.

Q

My kids are so stressed about school. I just don’t understand it. School should be fun! Are there ways to bring the fun back?

A

To keep stress manageable, start with the basics. Make sure your children are getting sufficient rest and are eating balanced meals. When those needs are met, children are better equipped to deal with the stress they face.

Although you cannot control what happens in school, you can control other things related to school. Have supplies or-

{

ganized so that homework can happen efficiently and time isn’t wasted gathering what is needed. Stick to a routine to eliminate any additional stress that comes from lost or forgotten homework or materials and to make getting ready for school and completing tasks go as smoothly as possible.

Find ways to make light of homework time. You and your child might take pictures during homework and create funny captions for them to insert some humor. Put a star on a chart for each time one of you says an agreed upon word like “because.” You can call a homework “time out” for a free throw shooting contest on the driveway or a coloring activity at the table. Set a mid-week break time that is homework and activity free – just to play.

Evaluate your child’s weekly schedule. Is it too jam-packed to allow for needed rest? Are there daily opportunities for ample down time? Help your child see that while he or she can certainly do anything and everything that he or she is interested in, it is not in anyone’s best interest to try to do them all at one time.

}

Ask the Teacher is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four and current teacher. Deb holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@daytonparentmagazine.com.

february happenings

March Happenings

Keeping busy while waiting for spring

By Lisa Seibert, Community Executive, DaytonLocal.com

I

t’s been a long, cold, snowy winter. Fortunately for us, Rosie the groundhog from Boonshoft Museum of Discovery did not see her shadow on February 2nd, predicting an early spring. Hopefully, when spring officially arrives on the 20th we will be enjoying warmer temperatures. Enjoy these suggestions for things to do this month and visit www.DaytonLocal.com’s community calendar for even more options!

Super Saturday Family Days at Dayton Art Institute 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton (937) 512-0167 Admission: $5 members; $10 non-members; $2 each additional child The second and fourth Saturday of every month are for art-making fun! Drop in between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. to learn new artmaking techniques and create artwork and memories that

you’ll take home and cherish.

March 8: Scientific Illustration with the Boonshoft and March 22: Art Day with Zoot.

There are many great library systems in the Dayton region that offer wonderful resources for families. Here are just a couple offerings of one branch.

Dayton Metro Library Wilmington-Stroop Branch 3980 Wilmington Pike, Kettering (937) 496-8966 Admission: Free Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, March 10, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Fairmont High School band and orchestra demonstrate their instruments and talents!

Digital Photography Point & Shoot Workshop, March 22, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Learn the basics of digital cameras. Bring your camera and owner’s manual.

Two Dayton TWIGs (Terrific Women in Giving) chapters are hosting resale events featuring children’s clothing, toys, books, games, puzzles, videos, furniture and equipment. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to TWIGS Auxiliary and added to their pledge to Dayton Children’s Hospital. Admission is $1 per adult.

TWIG 3 Mom’s Market - March 15th 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Clearcreek Elementary School 750 South Main Street, Springboro TWIG 45 Mom’s Mart - March 22nd 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Butler High School 600 South Dixie Drive, Vandalia

Five Rivers MetroParks protects more than 15,000 acres. Discover ways to join their conservation team in reforestation efforts, habitat restoration, wildlife management and land stewardship.

Learn more at one of these Conservation Volunteer Orientation meetings. Call (937) 277-4147 for information.

March 4th 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office 409 E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor, Dayton March 19th 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office 409 E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor, Dayton

The Metro Dayton Hikers will lead Sunday hikes in three area parks this month.

March 2nd 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Taylorsville Metropark 2000 State Route 40, Vandalia March 16th 1:30 pm – 4 p.m.

Englewood Metropark 4361 National Rd, Vandalia March 30th 1:30 pm – 4 p.m.

Huffman Metropark 4439 Lower Valley Pike, Dayton

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is hosting the following special events.

March 15th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Family Day: Lighter Than Air Flight 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB The museum’s temporary exhibit highlighting the incredible high-altitude, high speed Stratos jump through fun demos and hands-on activities focusing on balloon travel and the properties of air. Admission: Free March 29th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Systems Go Welcome Home Concert 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB The concert is free admission but tickets are required. Call (937) 255-5924 for more information.

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 25

those in the know

Those in the Know: Real Estate Professionals When is it worth it to pay to have my home professionally staged for selling?

The answer may become apparent after a couple showings. If you receive comments that the floor plan is awkward, they are not sure how they would place their furniture, the space is too small, or the home is “dated”, it’s time to stage. You want potential buyers to say “wow” when they tour your home and proper staging can accomplish this.

The general rule is that the cost of home staging is usually less than your first price reduction.

Long narrow living room? Using two love seats instead of a large sofa can show buyers that they can create comfortable conversation areas.

Small dining room in an open floor plan? Simply adding an S hook and shifting a dining room chandelier over a bit can give the appearance of better flow and the appearance of more space.

Too much furniture is always a problem, keep it as simple as possible. Neutral wall color is also advisable. Over personalized art work can confuse buyers. Keep accessories to a minimum.

26 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

Ask your Realtor for suggestions before listing your home to see if staging would be beneficial.

Many Realtors offer staging advice and some of us provide the service free of charge and may have furniture and accessories to help. If your Realtor does not provide this service, they should be able to give recommendations, or you can contact the BBB! Submitted by Rita Smith of Sibcy Cline, Inc.

There are two other homes in my neighborhood that are for sale along with mine. How can I make my house stand out from the competition?

In order for your home to stand out you must ensure your home is more appealing to consumers than the competition. Take a tour of your competition to know what you are up against. Simply put, your home has to be better.

Keep the following in mind: • •

• •

Better price point. Offer more for the money.

Clean sells. You cannot over clean your home. It should smell clean, look clean and feel clean.

De-clutter and depersonalize.

They are not buying you – they are buying your home.

•

Live simplistically until it sells. Storage units are cheap and worth the investment.

Curb appeal. Paint the front door, put out a seasonal wreath, trim the hedges and make sure the walk-ways are clear and clean. Make sure the outside lighting is functioning.

Lastly, most buyers begin their home search online. Verbiage and pictures are what entice buyers to make the appointment. Make sure your agent invests a fair amount of time and focus on these items. Appealing to the buyer via marketing is your agent’s job and following these suggestions will help get your home sold faster than your competition!

Submitted by Robin Y. Banas, HER Realtors®

If you are new to an area and need to buy a home during a short visit, what are the key factors to consider to ensure a good long-term decision?

If one is new to an area and needs to buy a home during a short visit, there are very important key factors to consider. Above and beyond ones housing needs and requirements, the needs of the family are equally important.

Prior to meeting the transferee,

I believe it’s very important that the realtor learn as much information in advance as possible.

Upon my initial telephone conversation with the transferee, I ask them to describe the style of home that they would like but I also ask for information pertaining to their family. Does the buyer have children? Are the children involved in extracurricular activities? I recently worked with a transferee whose son played Division 1 football and it was very important to the family that I only show properties within a specific area so as to accommodate the needs of his son.

I also encourage a transferee to share as much information as he can pertaining to outside hobbies and things the family enjoys doing during their free time. Do they enjoy horseback riding? Do they prefer to be close to church and shopping or is a more rural area more desirable?

Upon learning as much information as possible, not only do I put together a tour of homes but I will also include a tour of specific areas of interest, provide written documentation with contact information for schools and colleges in the area, offer a care package that includes information on local arts and entertainment and a map of the area for the transferee.

Submitted by Debbie Montgomery, Sibcy Cline Realtor

CHILLER

HAND 2 HAND

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 27

nearby to try [branded content]

Nearby to Try: Gymnastics & Cheer

D

o you have a child that seems to be in constant motion? Is your bed used as a trampoline or your couch a vault for daring tricks? Rather than squelch all that natural energy and enthusiasm, consider channeling it in a positive way through gymnastics and cheer! The Dayton area offers many places where kids can perfect their flips and dismounts in a gym versus your living room. Check out a sampling here!

Busy Kids Gymnastics 3061 Wilmington Pike, Kettering

Experience the FUN! Busy Kids Gym offers girls & boys gymnastics and fun for kids ages 1-13 years old. Parent-N-Tot Gymnastics, Cheerleading & Tumbling, Hip Hop Dance are available as well as the Best Birthday Parties! Summer Camps (ages 4-12), Clinics & Open Gyms will be available with new lesson plans & themes every other week. Busy Kids Gym offers an Inground Tramp, Foam & Resi pits, Tumble Trak & so much more. *New clean facility-Large viewing area.

Come check us out. WE ARE

28 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

THE GYM WHERE LEARNING & TURNING IS FUN! Located just 2 miles from the Greene. Located @ 3061 Wilmington Pk. Kettering, OH. 1 block South of Dorothy Ln. Call today for more info. (937) 298-9191 Owned & operated by sisters- Penny Booher Violette & Shelly Booher Black. Check out our website www.busykidsgymnastics.com

YMCA Busy parents – look no further!

The YMCA of Greater Dayton offers cheer, tumbling and gymnastics throughout the Miami Valley. From cheer programs and preschool tumbling to competitive gymnastics, the YMCA is your trusted partner. Current branches offering these programs include Xenia, Preble County, South (Kettering), Kleptz (Englewood) and the Y at the Heights in Huber. Contact them today for complete details. www.ymcaonline.org

GymQuest Sports Academy 3820 Kemp Road Beavercreek

Is your child full of energy? GymQuest Sports Academy can help.

At our facility we offer gymnas-

tic classes for all ages. Our class programming starts with Parent Participation classes in our PreSchool Room. Mommy or Daddy can help their child safely learn gymnastic basics. Ages for Preschool classes are Walking to 3 years of age. Our Recreational classes include gymnastics and tumbling for boys and girls ages 3 and up. We also offer Competitive Gymnastics. Sessions run monthly. Free trial classes and unlimited makeups are available.

Birthday Parties are held on Saturday afternoons. For general information view our website, www.gymquestsports.com. For pricing and to schedule your Free Trial Class call (937) 4263547 or email debwrightgymquest@yahoo.com

TWIGS Kid’s 1900 S. Alex Rd. West, Carrollton

TWIGS (True Winners In God’s Service) KIDS is a Christian organization which offers a wide range of premium gymnastics, swimming, cheer and tae kwon do classes for children ages 18 months to 18 years! Our Gymnastics Programs are specifically designed to create an educational experience which will help your child gain strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence and encourage a love for fitness! TWIGS KIDS Tumbling

and Cheer Programs will provide progressive skills to help your child enhance their cheerleading experience. From cartwheels to fulls, your cheerleader will WOW the crowd! FREE trial class! Call today at (937) 866-8356 or enroll online at www.twigskids.com

Hand 2 Hand Gymnastics 270 Hiawatha Trail Springboro

Hand 2 Hand is proud of our top notch coaching of tumbling skills. We strive for excellence in all that we do! We offer classes in tumbling, trampoline, acrobatic gymnastics and cheer, beginner through advanced for students aged 2 to 23. We are the only gym in the area that offers athletes a competitive experience in Trampoline & Tumbling and Acrobatic Gymnastics. You can expect low student/instructor ratios, and a background checked, safety certified, and USA Gymnastics certified coaching staff. Our 16,000 square foot facility located in Springboro, OH offers 3 spring floors, 4 in ground trampolines, a rod floor, double mini trampoline, foam pit and tumble track along with a Pre School gym equipped with its own tumble track and smaller sized equipment. Go to www.hand2handgym.com or call (937) 743-1466 for more information.

preventing sports injuries

Preventing Sports Injuries Simple steps to keep your young athlete in the game

By Andrea Massimilian of Dayton Children’s Hospital

A

fter this record-breaking winter in the Miami Valley, it is safe to say that families everywhere are excited that spring is just around the corner! This time of year means greener grass, budding trees and…spring sports! Kids will be digging out their sneakers and practicing their game as they prepare to head outside and play.

Unfortunately, being active in sports can

also mean the possibility of injury. As a parent, it is important to understand that pediatric sports injuries should not be treated the same way as they would be in an adult athlete.

“A child athlete is still growing so when they are injured in a sport, we have to consider the effect on their growth plates and not just their injury,” says Lora Scott, MD, Co-director of Sports Medicine at Dayton Children’s.

“Kids are especially prone to sports injuries during a growth spurt. When we treat these injuries we want to prevent long-term damage in order to let them get back into the game to play the sport they love.”

At Dayton Children’s, the emergency department sees over 2,000 kids with sports injuries every year. These include fractures, concussions, broken bones and other issues. The most common types of injury in children are due to overuse.

Young athletes may feel pain in a certain muscle that bothers them, but because they don’t want to sit out, they keep on playing.

“This is a serious issue because overuse makes the muscles wear down even more, making the injury more serious and harder to treat,” says Scott. “Most kids won’t bring up aches and pains they’re having until it starts affecting their performance. If the pain is enough where they need medicine or ice during a game or practice,

then they should have the injury checked out.”

Overuse injuries can also occur when a child has chosen to concentrate solely one sport.

“I recommend that parents encourage their children to try multiple sports. Choosing just one sport before the age of 15 can lead to burnout and often more injuries. I have also found that these kids are more likely to give up on sports when they are older if they have always just focused on one,” says Scott.

No matter what sports your children decide to play, safety should always be a top priority. Following these simple tips can reduce the possibility of injury:

1. Stay properly hydrated. Make sure to drink two gulps of water at least every 20 minutes.

2. Warm up before stretching. Jogging, arm circles and jumping jacks are fun, easy ways to get muscles warmed up.

3. Stretch before play. A proper stretching routine can help prevent many common sports injuries.

4. Use proper technique. Experts have developed techniques for a reason. By learning the correct technique, your child will be less likely to become injured.

5. Wear properly fitted gear. Make sure equipment and pads are appropriate for the sport being played – during games and practice.

Many sports injuries can be easily avoided.

Have fun this spring – and employ these simple tips to keep your child playing all season long!

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 29

choose your own summer adventure

Choose Your Own Summer Adventure What to consider when selecting the right camp experience

By Peg L. Smith, CEO, American Camp Association

D

on’t let the summer be wasted! Here is what awaits your child: experiential learning opportunities, caring adult role models, time spent in nature and being active, new friendships and fun.

Quality camp experiences provide “all of the above” to over 10 million children annually. Each camp has its own unique way of delivering these experiences and things like session length, activities offered and cost vary from camp to camp. When you’re looking for the right camp this summer, consider the following: Your camper The biggest factor to consider is your child. What are his or her interests? What does he or she want to get out of the camp experience? Make sure he or she is involved in the process of choosing the right camp – this is a family decision!

30 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

Day or resident camp Both day and resident camps are great options! Consider your family’s needs and schedule. The age and maturity level of your child also factor into this decision. Has your child had positive experiences being away from home in the past?

Ask questions After finding camps that interest you, speak with the camp d i r e c t o r.

Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions!

The American Camp Association (ACA) recommends finding out the staff-to-camper ratio, how issues like discipline or homesickness are handled, etc.

Visit the ACA web site for a list of questions to ask when choosing a camp.

First-time campers Whatever camp you choose, make sure first-time campers feel confident about the experience before the first day.

Involving your child in the camp selection process helps them own the decision. Let your child talk about their feelings. Stay positive and express your confidence in their ability to handle camp.

And it doesn’t hurt to send a card or note to your camper that will arrive on the first day!

A parent’s top concern Ask if the camp is accredited by ACA or not. If not, ask why. ACA accreditation is some of the best evidence that the camp is committed to your child’s health and safety.

Choosing a summer adventure should be a fun and thoughtful process. ACA’s parent and family web site, www.CampParents. org, offers guidance, resources and tips from the experts when it comes to choosing and preparing for the right camp. Happy searching, and have a safe and fun summer!

With nearly three decades of experience as a change agent in youth development and transformation, Peg L. Smith is the chief executive officer of the American Camp Association® (ACA). ACA is the champion of better tomorrows — providing resources, research, and support for developmentally appropriate camp experiences. Learn more at www.CampParents.org or www.ACAcamps.org.

camp directory

CAMP CHILLER

DAYTON ROWING CLUB

301 W. Main St., Springfield, OH 45504 | Website: www.ntprdchiller.com | Phone: 937-323-7465 | Dates: June 16-20, July 14-18, August 11-15 | Ages/Grades: 4-11 | Cost: $150 for the week, $35/day preregistration, $45/walk up

124 East Helena St., Dayton, OH | Website: www.DaytonJuniorRowing.org/ LearntoRow | Dates: June 23- August 23 | Ages/Grades: Grades 7-12 | Cost: $90 | Requirements of Campers: must be 5’3” or taller

Camp Chiller introduces your child to ice skating with more than an hour on ice daily. Off ice activities include skating & hockey themed games, art projects, indoor and outdoor activities and more!

Youth Learn-to-Row A 3-day introductory course that teaches rowing terms & technique, how to handle equipment, water safety, and teamwork. Prerequisites: • must be able to swim • students in grades 7 -12 (as of Fall 2014) • 5’3” or taller Register at www.DaytonJuniorRowing.org/LearnToRow.

CAMP MOMMAWATCHI Website:www.campmommawatchi.com | Ages/Grades: preschool and elementary age children | Cost: $24.95 for each camp curriculum purchase

Camp Mommawatchi is an online retailer that specializes in at-home camp curriculum. Our curriculum allows moms to do camps at home with their preschool and grade school children. We currently have four themes - sports, the arts, secret agent and science. Each camp purchased comes with an instruction booklet and digital downloads - everything moms need to host their own camp. Moms and kids will love all of the activities, games, crafts, recipes and field trips. Start a new, fun tradition this summer and make lasting memories with your little ones. Visit www.campmommawatchi. com. (Note: we are not a camp for kids to attend, but a camp for you to do yourself.)

CAPE COD CHILDREN’S FARM 3187 E. Centerville Rd., Spring Valley, OH 45370 | Website: www.capecodchildrensfarm.com | Phone: 937-901-2826 | Dates: starting June 2nd Mondays only 10 -12 2-4 thru August 30th | Ages/Grades: 4-10 years of age | Cost: 50.00 per 2 hour session | Specific Categories: 2 hour day camp in Petting zoo with crafts and pony rides.

Children will enjoy hands on with the animals/ mini riding lesson or pony ride/ zip line/ fishing/ playground.

HAND 2 HAND GYMNASTICS 270 Hiawatha Trail, Springboro, OH 45066 | Website: www.hand2handgym. com | Phone: 937-743-1466 | Hours: Day Camp 8:30am - 12:30pm | Dates: June 23 - 27 July 14 - 18 August 4 - 8 | Ages/ Grades: Ages 4 - 10 | Cost: $99 per child now through April 30 -$125 after

Join us for camp at H2H - each week is carefully planned with snacks, games, a daily craft and lots of gymnastics.

Pick one week or come for them all! All Creatures Big & Small (June), Summer Blockbusters (July), Just Being a Kid (August)! 15% Sibling discount available. $99 through April 30 - $125 after April 30.

JUMP, STOP, SAFARI 801 W. Main St., Lebanon, OH 45036 | Website: www.jumpstopsafari.com | Phone: 513-228-0333 | Dates: 7/22-7/25 and 8/5-8/8 | Ages/Grades: Ages 5-12 | Cost: $79 per child with $5 discount after first child.

Camp Safari is coming to Jump Stop Safari-Lebanon! T-Shirt, snack, beverage, & Arcade tokens are provided. $79 for one child & $5 discount for each sibling, ages 5 to 12! Mega-Playground, team-building, crafts, and Safari Learning Center during 3-hour morning sessions!

GERI’S SUMMER RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM 100 N University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 | Website: www.purdue.edu/ geri | Phone: 765-494-7241 | Financial Aid Offered: Partial, need based schol-

arships available | Dates: June 29 - July 26 | Hours: Two week, all day residential camp| Ages/Grades: Grades 5 – 12 | Cost: 5th-6th grade / one week ($975) , 7th12th grade / two weeks ($1,950) | Requirements of Campers: Documents that provide evidence of high achievement or potential in a talent area.

Hands-on STEM classes, thrilling games (e.g.water balloon dodge ball), field trips, and more. Summer Residential is a summer program for highability students in grades 5-12 held annually at Purdue University. Courses cover a variety of interest areas including: engineering, medical sciences, 3-D printing, art, leadership, chemistry, psychology, and more! Join students from around the world (e.g. Colombia, Greece, China, Saudi Arabia, Korea....) in challenging and enriching experiences you will never forget!

OVERFIELD SCHOOL 172 S Ridge Ave, Troy, OH 45373 | Website: www.overfield.org | Phone: 937-3395111 | Ages/Grades: 3-8 years | Cost: $100 per week | Dates: J uly 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-August 1, August 4-8

Join us for some old-fashioned summer camp fun! Overfield’s wooded campus bursts with opportunities for adventure. Our naturalist will lead children in exploring nature, and in creating art in the midst of the many beauties that nature has to offer. Fort-building, tree-climbing and creek-trekking are all in the works!

SPRING VALLEY ACADEMY PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP 1461 E. Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458 | Website: www.springvalleyacademy.org | Phone: 937-433-0790 | Dates: June 2-July 3 & July 7-Aug 8 | Ages/ Grades: Ages 3-5 (fully potty trained) | Requirements of Campers: fully potty trained.

Oh The Places We’ll Go! Now enrolling preschool children to travel this summer on a journey of exciting discoveries, creativity, fun and learning through different means of transportation. Children will enjoy enriching experiences through special guests, field trips and hands-on exploration. Call today to reserve your spot!

TWIGS KIDS 1900 S. Alex Road, West Carrollton, OH 45449 | Website: www.twigskids.com | Phone: (937) 866-8356 | Dates: All Summer Long! (June 9-Aug. 15) | Ages/ Grades: 4-13 | Cost: $150.00 Weekly Rate or $1,200 for the full summer

TWIGS Kids has AWESOME week long summer camps for kids that like to move! Each week has a special theme with games and activities. Each week includes: gymnastics, trampoline, swimming, giant slip and slide, field trips, and crafts. (Full and half day options available).

UNITED REHABILITATION SERVICES 4710 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH | Website: www.ursdayton.org | Phone: 937-2331230 | Dates: June 9 through August 8 | Ages/Grades: 6 to 17 | Cost: $100-$185 | Specific Categories: Camp for typically developing children and children with special needs

URS’ Summer Camp offers 2, 3 or 5 day per week options, specializing in programs for children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, as well as typically developing children. Our curriculum incorporates science, art, music, literacy, sensory activities and field trips. Enrollment starts in March and space is limited!

YMCA CAMP KERN 5291 St. Rt. 350, Oregonia, OH 45054 | Website: www.campkern.org | Phone: 513-932-3756 | Dates: June 15th - August 9th | Ages/Grades: Ages 5-16 | Cost: $265-$665

YMCA Camp Kern is a year round facility offering a various range of experiences in the outdoor world. Our Summer Camp Program runs as individual one week sessions throughout the eight week summer. We have a variety of programming from Day Camp and Residential Camp, to Teen programs and fully themed Literary Camp such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Rangers Apprentice and Star Wars!

MARCH 2014 [ dayton parent ] 31

calendar march calendar

// MARCH 2014

SATURDAY | 01 Dr. Seuss Bingo

Price: FREE Phone: 937-496-8966 Location: Wilmington-Stroop Branch Library, Kettering http://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/ Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a game of BINGO! Grades K-5.

Litter Bugs Me Day

Price: FREE Phone: (937) 275-7431 Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton http://www.boonshoftmuseum.org/ Join us for a day of honoring and celebrating the earth! Learn how litter hurts our planet and why recycling is so important during an afternoon of special activities. Admission is FREE for guests that show off their amazing coloring page from the Montgomery County Solid Waste District.

SUNDAY | 02 Brunch Leap

Ongoing each Sunday Price: $9.35 per child Phone: (937) 640-3345 Location: Leapfrog, Miamisburg http://www.leapfrogsplay.com Order food upon arrival and have brunch in one of our party rooms following the fun! Leap into the Best Brunch Fun in town! This very popular event provides great fun, exercise and quality time for the entire family! Slide down our Giant slide or see who can jump higher in one of our bouncy house units with mom, dad, brothers, sisters or grandma & grandpa!

32 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

THURSDAY | 06 Pizza, Pop & plots

Price: FREE Phone: 937-496-8966 Location: Wilmington-Stroop Branch Library, Kettering http://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/ 1. Read the book 2. Come to the library.

3.Discuss book while completing #4. 4.

Eat free pizza, meet other teens who read, and have fun!

FRIDAY | 07 Boat, Sportsman & Fishing Show

Through Sunday, March 9th Price: $8.00, Children under 12-Free Phone: 615-686-6414 Location: Dayton Airport Expo Center, Vandalia www.rvandboatshow.com Come on out to the Dayton Airport Expo Center and visit the 2014 Dayton Boat, Sportsman and Fishing show! Over 100,000 square feet of Power Boats, Ski Boats, Fishing Boats, Pontoons, Hunting, and Fishing products will be on display. Bring the whole family for a day of outdoor shopping fun.

The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare Through Saturday, March 8th Price: $15 Phone: (937) 228-7591 Location: Victoria Theatre, Dayton http://www.victoriatheatre.com/ In an age when television, computers and video games reign supreme, the folks at Lightwire Theater (“America’s Got Talent” favorites) bring their use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture, and dance to an unforgettable theatrical experience that brings the clas-

sic stories of THE UGLY DUCKLING and THE TORTOISE & THE HARE to life with dazzling visuals and the creative use of music ranging from classical to jazz to pop.

SATURDAY | 08 Super Saturday Family Day

Price: Family of four: $5 members; $10 non-members; $2 each additional child Phone: (937) 223-5277 Location: Dayton Art Institute, Dayton http://www.daytonartinstitute.org Looking for a fun and creative Saturday afternoon for you and your family? Join us on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month for art-making fun. Learn new art-making techniques and create artwork and memories to take home.

The Music Man

Through Sunday, March 9th & March 14th-16th Price: $13 Phone: (937) 859-8120 Location: Baum Opera House, Miamisburg www.cpamburg.org Harold Hill, a traveling con man, arrives in River City, and convinces the locals to start a band by purchasing the uniforms and instruments from him. His intention is to flee as soon as he receives the money. Librarian Marian Paroo suspects Harold is a fraud, but holds her tongue since her moody brother, Winthrop, is excited about the band. As Harold begins to develop feelings for Marian, he faces a difficult decision about skipping town. Please join us as we unravel Harold Hill’s scheming plan and bring it to life on stage.

SUNDAY | 09 Greater Midwest Cheer Expo

Price: $10 a person, children under 5 are free Phone: 513-554-0818 Location: Dayton Convention Center, Dayton www.midwestcheerexpo.com Come watch some of the best cheer and dance teams compete at the Dayton Convention Center at the Greater Midwest Cheer Expo Spring Fling Cheer & Dance Open Nationals. This is a U.S. Finals qualifier event with 2 full paid bids available!

TUESDAY | 11 Maple Sugar Moon

Price: Registration Required.

Phone: (937) 276-7062 Location: Possum Creek MetroPark, Dayton http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/PossumCreek/ It’s the time of year to be thinking about maple syrup, that wonderful sweet gift from maple trees. Enjoy an American Indian story about how maple syrup was discovered, followed by sweet samples and a cool activity. Ages 3Y-6Y.

WEDNESDAY | 12 Sensory Friendly Roller Skating

Price: (937) 294-4032 Location: Skateworld of Kettering, Kettering http://www.skateworldofkettering.com/ 2nd Wednesday of every month - no loud music or flashing lights!

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FRIDAY | 14 Date Night Train Ride

Phone: (513) 933-8022 Location: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, Lebanon www.lebanonrr.com Want to do something different with your significant other, friends, or family that won’t break the bank? Come join the LM&M railroad for a memorable night! Departing every 2nd Friday of the month, take a nostalgic train ride from historic Lebanon to The Brazenhead Irish Pub in Mason.

Kids Night In

Price: $20 Phone: 937-431-4838 Location: Decoy Art Studio, Beavercreek www.decoy-art.com Perfect date night as the kids stay in at Decoy Studio creating, imagining and having a good ‘ole time meeting new friends. Includes all materials and pizza from Beavercreek Pizza Dive.

Homemade Ice Cream Pint Sale Through Sunday, March 16th Phone: (937) 325-0629 Location: Young’s Jersey Dairy, Yellow Springs http://youngsdairy.com/ Young’s Jersey Dairy’s delicious homemade ice cream is on sale for $1.99 a pint!! All you care to buy, while supplies last. We will start with several thousand pints of ice cream. This is a once a year sale, so don’t miss out! Stock up on Young’s homemade ice cream!

SATURDAY | 15 Dayton Demonz Hockey vs. Danbury Whalers Price: Ticket prices vary Phone: (937) 278-4776 Location: Hara Arena, Dayton http://www.haracomplex.com/ Come cheer on the Dayton Demonz Hockey!

Family Day: Lighter than Air Flight

Price: Free Phone: 937-255-3286 Location: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/education/family/index.asp Family Day will once again feature the museum’s temporary exhibit highlighting the incredible high-altitude, high speed Stratos jump through fun demos and hands-on activities focusing on balloon travel and the properties of air.

Mom’s Market- Benefiting Dayton Children’s Hospital Price: $1 per adult Location: Clearcreek Elementary, Springboro h t t p s : //w w w. fa c e b o o k .c o m /t w i g 3momsmarket Over 100 sellers of high quality gently used children’s items from newborn to early teenager. Toys, games, clothing, bedding, accessories, shoes, baby gear and lots of other child related items.

Entry fee and a portion of each sale is donated to Dayton Children’s Hospital.

Come support a great cause and get some fantastic deals on high quality items.

St. Patrick’s Day at the Market Price: FREE Phone: (937) 228-2088 Location: 2nd Street Market, Dayton www.metroparks.org Come celebrate the wearing of the green at the 2nd Street Market! This year’s event features live Celtic music, followed by dancers from the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance.

SUNDAY | 16 Steam on the Farm

Phone: (937) 278-2609 Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark, Dayton www.metroparks.org The use of steam engines ushered in a new era of efficiency on the farm. Come watch various demonstrations of how steam was used during the time period.

Chores, such as corn grinding and milling, will help illustrate the effectiveness of this agricultural marvel.

WEDNESDAY | 19 Is it Spring yet?

Price: FREE Phone: (937) 434-9005 Location: Cox Arboretum MetroPark, Dayton www.metroparks.org Ever wonder what makes spring come?

Why autumn arrives? Why plants bloom and grow? This class will talk about all these activities and more and how the plant kingdom is so dependent on hormones to make changes!

THURSDAY | 20 The Generations Big Band Price: $5 Phone: (937) 732-5173 Location: Jazz Central, Dayton http://www.jazzcentraldayton.com Family friendly event, bring the kids.

FRIDAY | 21 Kids Night Out Kicking It at Mile High Karate

Price: $20 Phone: 937-204-4257 Location: Mengs Martial Arts & Mile High Karate, Centerville http://www.bestkarateclassesindayton. com/ This event is open to the public, just $20 for 3 hours of learning, exercise, character development, personal protection, social skills, and making new friends.. plus pizza and juice included!

Dayton Home & Garden Show

Through Sunday, March 23rd Phone: 937.604.1537 Location: Dayton Convention Center, Dayton daytonhomeandgardenshow.com Each year we choose a theme for our gardens, interior decorators and floral designers, to follow. This helps create a fresh and unique feel to the show for our visitors, but with continuity that makes sense!! It also creates an added

energy so all will think a little (or a lot) outside the box…which is never a bad thing!! The theme of the 2014 New Dayton Home & Garden Show: “Ascending to New Heights”.

SATURDAY | 22 Nutter Center Sports Card Show

Price: Free Admission & Free Parking Phone: (937) 775-3498 Location: Dayton Nutter Center, Dayton http://www.nuttercenter.com Monthly Sports Card Show at Wright State University’s Nutter Center. Come on out and Buy, Sell, or Trade with the Midwest’s Finest Dealers! Free Event / Hourly Door Prizes.

SUNDAY | 23 Pinot’s Palette Family Painting Day

Ongoing Each Sunday Beginning Sunday, February 16, 2014.

Price: 25.00 per painter Phone: 937-432-9481 Location: Pinot’s Palette, Dayton https://www.pinotspalette.com/miamisburg Bring the whole family for family day Enjoy painting with your children on a 16X20 canvas and make the painting your own. Everyone takes home a masterpiece Ages 6 and up are encouraged to come with an adult.

WEDNESDAY | 26 $5.25 Wednesdays at Cinemark Phone: (937) 490-4900 Location: Cinemark at The Greene, Beavercreek http://www.cinemark.com/ WEDNESDAY Movies are just $5.25! *Restrictions apply. Available at Cinemark at The Greene in Beavercreek.

FRIDAY | 28 The Princess & The Pea

Through Sunday, March 30th Price: $10-15 Phone: 937-433-8957 Location: Town Hall Theatre. 27 North Main Street, Centerville.

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march calendar http://www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/theatre/ Prince Peter is in love with a girl. And she with him! They plan to marry and someday rule the kingdom as king and queen. Sounds lovely! There’s just one tiny, pesky, little test standing in the way.

The kingdom’s by-laws say that a true princess must be able to feel a small pea placed underneath the weight of twenty mattresses. Say what? Recommended for Youth ages 4 & Up / Approximate Running Time: One Hour.

SATURDAY | 29 Ronald McDonald House of Dayton’s Doors of Compassion

Price: $125 per person Phone: 937-224-0047 Location: RMHC, Dayton http://www.rmhcdayton.org Doors of Compassion is a signature event for RMHC Dayton. It includes dinner prepared by one of the area’s top chefs and

served in a private residence followed by an After Party featuring cocktails, a dessert and coffee bar, live music and a silent auction. This event benefits RMHC Dayton and the services it provides as a home-away-from-home to families of critically ill and injured hospitalized children. For more info, visit rmhcdayton. org or follow RMHCDayton on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

SUNDAY | 30 Dayton Demonz Hockey vs. Watertown Privateers Price: Ticket prices vary Phone: (937) 278-4776 Location: Hara Arena, Dayton http://www.haracomplex.com/ Come cheer on the Dayton Demonz Hockey!

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Seussical Jr.

Occurring Every Fri, Sat & Sun Beginning Friday, March 7th Through Sunday, March 23rd Price: $10-15 Phone: 937-433-8957 Location: Town Hall Theatre, Centerville http://www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/theatre/ The Cat in the Hat is back! After all those years stuck on a page…did you ever imagine you’d see him onstage? Meet Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and all the Who’s of Whoville in this imaginative musical romp through the unforgettable world of Dr. Seuss! Recommended for Youth ages 4 & Up / Approximate Running Time: 75 minutes

March Madness at EnterTRAINment Junction

Occurring Daily Beginning Monday, March 3rd Through Monday, March 31st Phone: (513)-898-8000 Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, West Chester www.entertrainmentjunction.com

March Madness Is crazier than ever at EnterTRAINment Junction, “America’s Most Amazing Family Attraction,” in West Chester. Visitors can celebrate the mad, mad A-Maze-N FunHouse at the crazy reduced price of $1.99 with the purchase of a ticket to Train Journey (the world’s largest indoor model train display). Plus, hot dogs are priced at a wacky 25¢ and select items in the incredible hobby and toy shop are reduced as much at 50%. The A-Maze-N FunHouse features carnival-themed walk-throughs that include the region’s largest mirror maze, tilt room, spinning vortex tunnel, rope maze, holograms and more.

Inventors Toolbox: The Exploration of Simple Machines

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, March 1st Through Sunday, August 31st Price: Kids (3-16): $9, Seniors (60+): $10, Adults: $12, Children under 3 and members FREE Phone: (937) 275-7431

Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton http://www.boonshoftmuseum.org/ Discover how mankind has harnessed the powers of physics through the use of basic mechanisms. Scientists and great thinkers alike created simple machines that have catapulted us through the development of our favorite modern day marvels, from the results of the Industrial Revolution to the birth of flight and beyond. Experience the interactive world of mechanical force as you explore the tools that made innovators like DiVinci and the Wright Brothers masters of invention.

I See the Rhythm

Occurring Daily (except Mon) Through Sunday, April 6th Phone: (937) 223-5277 Location: Dayton Art Institute, Dayton http://www.daytonartinstitute.org Explores the creative space where music and art overlap. The artistic urge to merge the language of visual art with

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musical notation, composition and sound is particularly pertinent to 20th century artists and especially important today as artists frequently and freely cross disciplines to create works that are visually and aurally captivating. For the youngest of visitors, The Art Place for Young Learners presents art and song, rhyme and pattern through the lens of classic nursery rhymes which represent some of our first experiences with rhythm.

Bouncing with Books

Ongoing Every Mon & Thurs in March Price: $9.00 Phone: 937-866-8356 Location: Twigs Kids Sports Center, W. Carrollton http://www.twigskids.com/ Come bounce with us. 1 1/2 hours of supervised gym time includes inground trampolines, balance beams, uneven bars, bounce house, and much more.

Also, includes story time and craft Fun for kids of ALL ages.

FOR MORE FUN IDEAS, VISIT DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM At Dayton Parent, we work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate. Occasionally event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.

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