0316 cp issuu by Midwest Parenting Publications

Cincinnati

PARENT {MAR C H 2 0 1 6}

free

serving cincinnati and northern kentucky parents

the best

consignment sales introducing your child to

THE ARTS

this spring

{great deals close to home}

{WHERE TO START AND WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT}

SHORT RANGE SPRING BREAKS {FUN DESTINATIONS ARE JUST A QUICK ROAD TRIP AWAY}

{PLUS}

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

IN EV E RY I S SU E

contents {MARCH 2016}

{ F EATURES}

16 // Introducing Children to the Arts

{HEALTH & WELLNESS} 14

Where to start and why it is so important

20 // Short Range Spring Breaks Fun destinations are just a quick road trip away

22 // About Last Night

Coping with childhood sleepwalking, nightmares and night terrors

24 // The Best Consignment Sales This Spring Great deals close to home!

04 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

{IN EVERY ISSUE}

ANSWERI NG TOUGH QU ESTIONS

EDITOR'S NOTE

COM M U N ITY SPOTLIGHT

FAM I LY TRAVEL TI PS

ON LI N E BUZZ

{COMMENTARY & PARENTING} 12

FOOTNOTES

PREPARI NG YOU R CH I LD FOR RESI DENTIAL CAM P

A DAD I N FLU ENCE

ASK TH E TEACH ER

{RESOURCES & CALENDARS}

SU M M ER CAM P GU I DE

PRESCHOOL & EDUCATION GU I DE

DAI LY EVENTS

ONGOI NG EVENTS

RESOU RCE DI RECTORY

FU N & WACKY CALEN DAR

EDITO R ' S N OT E

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2015 Silver Award Winner General Excellence Awards Competition

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2015 Silver Award Winner Editorial Awards Competition

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2015 Silver Award Winner Design Awards Competition

meet the staff Publisher Mary Wynne Cox // mary@cincinnatiparent.com

Editor Susan Bryant // susan@cincinnatiparent.com

ADVERTISING & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark // katie@cincinnatiparent.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Charity Kirtley // charity@cincinnatiparent.com Katy Mark // katy@cincinnatiparent.com Melissa Wittenbaum // melissa@cincinnatiparent.com

Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring // karen@cincinnatiparent.com

COMMUNITY Outreach & Social Media Sarah McCosham // sarah@cincinnatiparent.com

Marching into Spring

WEB EDITOR Wendy Cox // wendy@cincinnatiparent.com

GRAPHICS ASSISTANT A heavy coat one day, a light sweater the next. Trapped inside on a blustery afternoon, set free in the warm sunshine 24 hours later. We’re sooooo close! March is that in between month when the anticipation of spring builds bit by bit every day. Fortunately, spring break arrives just in time to give us a little reprieve from the last grasp of winter. While a tropical destination is definitely appealing, it’s not always in the budget. Have no fear! There are great vacation destinations your family will love close to home – check out our recommendations in Short Range Spring Breaks for a few spots within a day’s drive. Need some other ideas to keep the kids entertained? Cincinnati is bursting with art, music, theater and cultural opportunities designed just for them. Not only are these activities fun, but studies show that involving kids in creative endeavors has a positive impact on both their academic

06 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

and social growth. Try reading Introducing Children to the Arts for some suggestions around town to look into. Speaking of spring, have you pulled out the kids’ old shorts and t-shirts yet? Does anything still fit? Children grow so fast, it hardly makes sense to invest in an entirely brand new wardrobe. The solution? Consignment sales! Take a look at The Best Consignment Sales this Spring for a listing of where to find the best bargains around the city. Keep flipping because there’s lots more! And thanks for picking up this issue of Cincinnati Parent – here’s hoping we can all manage our spring fever just a little longer!

Maria Tancredi // maria@cincinnatiparent.com

INTERN Meg Wynne // meg@cincinnatiparent.com

Business Manager Roxanne Burns // roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maggie Loiselle, Trisha Shepherd, Karen Ring, Denise Yearian, Sarah McCosham, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Ashley Albertson

CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@cincinnatiparent.com

CoPYRIGHT Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2015 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 www.cincinnatiparent.com.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

IN EV E RY I S SU E

community {SPOTLIGHT} //WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN MARCH

Francophiles unite!

Enjoy the ballet

Grab your beret and head to Third Sunday Funday at the Taft Museum for a day of free, Frenchthemed fun. Learn to speak some French at the Art Cart, play traditional games with the Alliance Française de Cincinnati and channel your inner Monet by creating an impressionist artwork. A wandering mime from the Cincinnati Circus Company will be on site to delight kids of all ages. Vive la France!

Ballet Toybox is an exciting opportunity to introduce children to the joy of dance. This interactive show designed for ages 3 to 12 features the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company performing a mix of ballet and storybook classics. With a run time of one hour and at just $20 per ticket, Ballet Toybox offers the perfect dance primer for young families.

March 20, 1-4 p.m. Taft Museum of Art

www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ ballet-toybox-1

www.taftmuseum.org/ events/fundays

March 20, 2 p.m. Aronoff Center, Cincinnati

Let your kids be “can”struction workers Head to the Weston Art Gallery on Saturday, March 19 for Families Create! “Can-struct It!” Candy Land CANstruction® Workshop. Kids will use candy, crackers and cookies to make sweet and savory construction creations – that they then get to eat! This event is presented in conjunction with CANstruction® 2016 at the Weston, an international design competition that unites the love of design, art, creative thinking, competition and public service. Local teams race to build whimsical sculptures created entirely from canned goods and packaged food items. After the event, all “building materials” will be donated to the Freestore Foodbank. March 19, 10 a.m. ($5 per child) CANstruction® will be on display March 8-27 Weston Art Gallery, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery/ exhibitions/detail/canstruction-14

Go on a quest for Golden Eggs Celebrate Easter at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Easter Celebration on Saturday, March 26. This egg-citing event features treat stations throughout the park, children’s activities, popular animal egg hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny. Plus, have your family go on a search for the four Golden Eggs hidden around the Zoo. If your family finds one, turn it in at the Welcome Center for an amazing prize! March 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/ easter-celebration/

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See the greatest, most “x-traordinary” show on earth! Now you can see The Greatest Show on Earth like you’ve never seen it before. Ringling Bros. “Circus XTREME” takes their classic show to a whole new level. Prepare to be astonished by amazing circus feats and spectacles that will have you on the edge of your seat – plus the classic circus acts you have come to know and love.

Broadway comes to Cincy You don’t have to live in New York City to experience a Broadway production. Newsies, the Tony award winning musical from Disney is coming to Cincinnati. Based on true events, Newsies tells the story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right while staying true to who you are. Filled with high-energy song and dance numbers, this show is sure to entertain the entire family. March 1 –13 Aronoff Center, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/newsies

Put your ideas in print If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of writing a children’s book or the next Great American Novel, now there is an easy way to have it printed. The Main Library just added an Espresso Book Machine (EBM), a fully integrated, high-speed compact machine that automatically prints, binds and trims retail-quality paperback books. The addition of the EBM not only allows library visitors to self-publish their own books; they can also print content provided by OnDemand Books, which houses more than 7 million in-copyright and public-domain titles. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is only the third public library system in the United States to offer this truly amazing book-making machine.

March 3-6 U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati www.ringling.com/shows/circus-xtreme/

Hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express Catch the Easter Bunny Express for an afternoon of holiday fun. This spring-themed train ride departs on March 20, 25 and 26 from LM&M Railroad in Lebanon, OH. All children will receive a special gift, have the opportunity to take part in an Easter egg hunt and meet Mr. E. Bunny himself! The ride lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and winds through scenic Warren County. March 20, 25 and 26 LM&M Railroad, Lebanon http://lebanonrr.com/easter.html

www.cincinnatilibrary.org/press/2016/BookPrinterpressrelease.pdf

Fall in love with Jane Austen Jane Austen’s trademark storytelling returns to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company stage in March with their month-long production of Emma. This beloved classic tells the story of Emma Wodehouse, an amateur matchmaker with a penchant for meddling in the love lives of others. Her latest mission is to find a promising prospect for her less-thanpromising friend, Harriet. When her efforts to play Cupid go awry, Emma finds herself struggling to undo the damage. Thursdays-Sundays through March 26 Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati http://cincyshakes.com/events/emma/

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

IN EV E RY I S SU E

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COMM E N TARY & PA R E N T I N G

WORDS BY // KELLY BLEWETT

Footnotes //Thoughts from the margins of a mom’s life Playing nice for March I found out recently, though perhaps it’s really common knowledge, that we get our calendar system – right down to the names of the months – from the Romans, who named March after Mars, the God of War. This seems a little paradoxical, even a misnomer, because the Romans also regarded March as a month to celebrate peace. All fighting had to take what we parents might call a “time out” for the month of March because March was the start of the calendar year in Rome. Their month of peace strikes me as roughly equivalent to our January idea of “new year, new you.” Both promote new beginnings and fresh starts. Though I’m no Roman and March is no January, as the mother of two children, I will happily take up this ancient theme of a peaceful March. I sip on my coffee and think: What would an utterly

12 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

conflict-free home look like in practice? I imagine car rides filled not with swatting over the middle seat, but companionable quiet, perhaps even the occasional holding of hands. I envision bed times of happily fulfilled hygienic rituals: teeth brushed without complaint and baths conducted without water splashing onto the floor. I see clean dinner plates (even the veggies!) and enjoyable game times, and that, somehow, the negotiation of Legos between two small parties could be accomplished without tears. I imagine that my son might decide to play his harmonic softly. That my daughter may just decide to put the Fischer Price drum set in the basement for a few weeks. That my dog, God bless him, might be able to get through a day without having his ear pulled (he’s going for angel status, truly). In short, I imagine a world of playing nice.

Of course, like the sulky God of War, who undoubtedly did not care for the armistice carried out in his namesake month, I know that my very real children might not comply with this serene vision. They’ll thwart my good intentions with their perfectly natural orientations and go, inevitably it would seem, toward conflict. The continuing battle waged over a much beloved stuffed animal, the offensiveness of certain articles of clothing, the tragedy of missed opportunities and forgotten toys: all of these will inevitably get in the way of my plan to Play Nice for March. Maybe your home isn’t so different. But even if the month starts out rough, perhaps we can take heart by remembering our own cultural adage about this stormy month that marks the passage between the bitterness of winter and the blossoms of spring: In like a lion, and out like a lamb.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

HEA LT H & W E L L N ES S

WORDS BY // Ashley Albertson, MSW, LISW, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Answering Tough Ouestions What to say when you don’t know what to say Every parent experiences a moment when their child asks something that catches them off guard. Questions related to relationships, sexuality, divorce, etc. can be difficult to answer on the spot. While not every family will answer these questions in the same way, there are some strategies that can help every parent handle the situation in a way that’s comfortable for them and helpful for their child. Here are a few suggestions for the next time you find yourself in a little hot water.

Encourage all questions. Kids are naturally curious about their world. If you react in a judgmental way to their questions, they may feel ashamed for asking them. Let your children know that it’s safe to come to you with any question they have. “One of my children goes to school with a child that has two parents of the same sex. One day my child came home and asked me why this child had two mothers. I told him that this was a great question, and let him express his thoughts on the subject after we had talked.” – Margie, mother of 2

Don’t feel pressured to respond in the moment. Kids seem to have a knack for asking uncomfortable questions in public places. In this type of situation, let them know you’re happy to answer their question but at a more appropriate time. This can be a great way to give yourself a better chance to think about your answer, and it also helps teach children about when it is socially acceptable to ask certain questions. “I was in a grocery store with my 5 year-old son when he tugged on my hand and loudly asked me if this person was a man or woman. I told him that we would talk about it when we got in the car.” – Adam, father of 3

Confess if you don’t know the answer. We aren’t expected to know everything as parents. If your child asks a question you don’t have the answer to, say so. Let him know you will research the subject and get back to him. This approach lets your child know that you value his question enough to help him find the answer. “One Sunday after church my 9 year-old daughter asked me why women couldn’t be (Catholic) priests. I honestly didn’t know the answer to this and told her that we would have to ask the priest next week.”

– Beth, mother of 2 While it’s inevitable that your child will ask you tough questions throughout their childhood, it’s possible to make the experience a positive one by remembering these tips: • Always validate your child’s questions. • Answer in a way that is honest and authentic.

– Joe, father of 4

• Teach your children where and when it is appropriate to ask these types of questions.

Prep the other adults in your child’s life.

• Keep in mind that how you react goes a long way toward the type of relationship you build with your child.

Let babysitters and family members know how you would like uncomfortable questions or certain topics to be handled. This may be as simple as just asking them to direct any sensitive questions back to you. “My 8 year-old daughter recently visited the home of my sister, who lives with her fiancé. On a tour of their house, she was curious why the two of them didn’t have their own bedrooms. My sister let me

14 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

know that my daughter had asked about their sleeping arrangements in case it came up again later.”

There are many topics that can be awkward for both children and adults to discuss. Never feel badly about acknowledging that a question can be a little uncomfortable to answer, because this allows you to talk about why certain subjects are difficult to discuss. As long as you keep the lines of communication open, your child will know that you are the kind of parent he can come to whenever he has a difficult question to ask.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Introducing Children to the arts

{ W here to start and why it is so important } WORDS BY // Karen Ring

Countless research studies have concluded that exposing young children to the arts improves everything from academic performance to self-esteem. The bottom line is clear: the arts play an essential role in a child’s development. “The arts build character, inspire thought, provoke conversation, and awaken cultural awareness, says Roderick Justice, Producing Artistic Director with the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. And it is never too early to begin fostering a child’s love of the arts. “Even before a child is born, they can experience movement and sound. Arts education for an infant or young child is exposure and environmental,” explains Amy Dennison, Program Manager of College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Preparatory and Community Engagement. Fortunately, Cincinnati is bursting with fun and easy ways for kids to get excited about all that the arts can offer.

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For those who are still hesitant, the Cincinnati Art Museum offers a Museum Manners Guide on their website that provides helpful talking points parents can discuss with their children before their visit. While on the website, be sure to look for the museum’s Family Focus Guide that turns a trip through the galleries into an art-themed scavenger hunt.

V i s it a m u s e u m It may seem intimidating to mix young children and priceless works of art, but with a little preparation, a trip to a museum can spark a lifelong love of artwork. The key is starting slowly – don’t plan on seeing the entire museum in one visit. “Twenty minutes is just fine,” Dennison says.

Many museums also offer regular programming designed with children in mind. The Taft Museum of Art 3rd Funday Sundays, held on select third Sundays, feature kid-sized art info, hands-on fun and family-friendly performances – all at no charge. Families can find programs like this and many more on ArtsWave’s CincyArtsGuide (www.Cincy artsguide.com). The calendar sorts events in a variety of ways, including categories for tots, kids and teens.

At t e n d a p e r fo r m a n c e From the ballet to the theater to the symphony – there are so many opportunities to see art in action in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Lollipops concerts offer dynamic musical programs perfect for families with children ages 2-10. “The concerts are active – at one I went to with my own kids, the conductor came out in a Darth Vader costume and used a light saber to conduct! And they’re shorter, so even the littlest ones have less of a chance to get squirmy,” says Hillary Copsey, Director of Communications and Marketing with ArtsWave. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s MainStage at the Taft series introduces children to the magic of live theater through one-hour productions performed by professional actors. “The thematic connections within our productions appeal to children as well as the young at heart,” Justice says. Enjoy everything from interactive concerts to comedy acts during Fitton Family Fridays at the Fitton Center for the Creative Arts. Entertainment is designed to appeal to children of all ages – from preschoolers to teenagers – and a reception of kid-friendly drinks and appetizers is served prior to each show. *continued on page 18

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Those ready to pursue a specific discipline can search the Enrichment and After-School Programs Directory at Cincinnatiparent. com to find classes in dance, theater, music and the visual arts.

Ta k e a c l a s s Perhaps the best way to gain an appreciation of the arts is to create it, and early childhood is the perfect time to dabble in different disciplines to see where interests may lie. That is precisely why CCM developed their stARTS program, which introduces 3 and 4-year-olds to music, dance and theatre through child-friendly experiences. “By not focusing on specific artistic disciplinary skills or techniques, we offer a rich, sensory environment that prepares the young child for further study in our program, whether it be music lessons, acting classes, or dance classes,” Dennison says.

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Whether in a museum or theater, concert hall or classroom, introducing young children to the arts opens their minds to endless possibilities. As Copsey so eloquently concludes: “Exposing children to art helps teach skills such as empathy; when they watch or act in a play, they learn to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Art sparks curiosity; when they look at a painting or watch a dance, they consider how it was done and why, and if they could do it, too. When kids make art, they learn to experiment and re-imagine the world.”

That, in a nutshell, is the beauty of art in all its forms.

Short Range Spring Breaks FUN destinations are just a quick road trip away WORDS BY // Maggie Loiselle

Forget the stress of flying with kids or the exhaustion of driving through the night. A brief stint on the road is all that stands between you and an unexpected spring break destination your family won’t soon forget. Sure, these close-to-home cities don’t feature white sandy beaches or tropical temperatures (outside at least), but the engaging museums, imaginative play spaces and worldclass cultural experiences will provide something for everyone.

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For families with kids of multiple ages Indianapolis, IN – 2 hour drive from Cincinnati Indiana may not scream “spring break destination,” but don’t let that keep you from exploring Indianapolis’ first-class family attractions perfect for those traveling with kids of different ages.

What to do in INDIANAPOLIS Priority No. 1 should be exploring The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (www.childrensmuseum.org) where you’ll see why it’s consistently ranked among the best in the country. From walking alongside a T-rex in the Dinosphere, to digging for buried artifacts and running your own construction site, there’s plenty to fill a day or two. Most of the exhibits feature something for kids of all ages, while the Playscape is designed specifically with babies to preschoolers in mind. Downtown, park in the White River State Park underground garage and explore three great museums from there. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (www.eiteljorg.org) gives kids of all ages an idea of what life in the

1800s was like in its large children’s play area on the lower level. Next door, the interactive exhibits at the Indiana State Museum (www.indianamuseum.org) go well beyond local history, from the Ice Age to modern day, and the museum’s IMAX Theater (www. imax.com/imax-indiana-state-museumoo) features blockbusters and beautiful educational films. And finally, young athletes will excel at the hands-on displays at the NCAA Hall of Champions (www.ncaa hallofchampions.org/index.php). If the weather’s nice, a 15-minute walk will take you through White River State Park, across the White River and past outdoor art displays, to the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens (www.indianapoliszoo.com/ SitePages/Home.aspx), where indoor and outdoor attractions abound.

Whe re to stay Looking for something out of the ordinary? Sleep in a train car-turned-hotel room at the Crowne Plaza at Indianapolis’ Union Station (www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/ hotels/us/en/indianapolis/inddt/ hoteldetail). Retrofitted with modern amenities inside, the “cars” sit in a row all atop a track like they’re ready to leave the station. Guests also have access to the hotel’s sizable pool.

For the thrill seekers Louisville, KY –1 ½ hour drive from Cincinnati Where can you zip through a massive underground cavern, traverse an obstacle course high above huge foam pits and stay overnight in a tent in the middle of the city? Surprisingly, the answer is Louisville, Kentucky.

What to do in Louisville Perhaps best known as home to the Kentucky Derby, Louisville also boasts a walkable downtown packed with museums for all ages and a number of attractions perfect for young adventurers. Spanning 100 acres deep underneath the city, the Louisville Mega Cavern (www.louisvillemegacavern.com) is home to the world’s only fully underground zip line course, aerial ropes challenge course and bike park. The former man-made mine has an average temperature of 60 degrees

year-round and plenty of physical challenges to keep even the most adventurous kids moving. For some bouncing fun, visit House of Boom Extreme Air Sports (www.house of boom.us), which takes the indoor trampoline park to the next level with an obstacle course, trapezes and a slackline. Check the calendar for daily KidsJump (6 and under) and weekly Family Night. Finally, this is horse country, so don’t miss out on riding lessons. The Louisville Equestrian Center (www.louisvilleequestriancenter.com) offers instruction for all ages, from ponies perfect for children as young as 3, to showquality horses for experienced riders. Tired yet? Slow down with a tour of the downtown museums, including the family-friendly Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (www.sluggermuseum.com) and the interactive Kentucky Science Center (www.kysciencecenter.org).

Whe re to stay Look for the giant red penguins to find the unique 21c Museum Hotel (www.21c museumhotels.com/louisville), which is part boutique hotel, part contemporary art museum. The Kid’s Exploration Package includes Kentucky Science Center tickets, a tent for an in-room camping adventure and milk and cookies for your worn-out kiddos. Looking for an indoor pool? Stay at the nearby Marriott Louisville Downtown instead (www.marriottlouisville.com).

For the artsy family Nashville, TN – 4-hour drive from Cincinnati From country music to gospel, contemporary Christian and jazz, Nashville, truly lives up to its nickname of Music City USA, and it’s a great spot for a spring break trip with aspiring musicians in tow.

What to do in Nashville Listen your way through the history of country music and its influences on nearly every other popular music genre at the County Music Hall of Fame (www. countrymusichalloffame.org), where kids can explore instruments in the musical petting zoo and take part in programs for all ages at the Taylor Swift Education Center. Take in a show at the Grand Ole Opry (www.opry.

com) and tour Ryman Auditorium (www. ryman.com), the former home of the opry, where aspiring singers can record their version of one of the classics for $20. Beyond music, get creative with 30 hands-on art stations in the Martin ArtQuest Gallery at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts (www.frist center.org/learn/martin-artquest) and explore a replica of the Parthenon straight out of ancient Greece, complete with a re-creation of the 42-foot statue of Athena (www. nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/ Parthenon.aspx). Have time for another show? Consider the Nashville Children’s Theatre (www.nashville childrenstheatre. org/home) with plenty of daytime performances for all ages.

Whe re to stay When in Music Valley, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ bnago-gaylord-opryland/) is an entertaining, beautiful option with an indoor pool. The sprawling complex features shopping, dining, indoor gardens, waterfalls and even its own Delta flatboat sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Above and Beyond exhibit is focused on flight and space travel, allowing kids to design and test-fly a supersonic jet and experience flight as a bird. Head a bit outside the city to explore two smaller museums with lots of open-ended play – the Myseum (www. stlmyseum.com), complete with a dino dig, magnetic sandbox and a slide that tracks your speed and the Magic House (www.magic house.org) with a giant climbable “beanstalk,” kids construction zone and bubble room. Still have time to spare? The view from the top of 630 foot tall Gateway Arch is still pretty cool (www.gateway arch.com).

Whe re to stay The DoubleTree at St. Louis Union Station is a worthy attraction in its own right, featuring beautiful restored architecture, a 3D show projected on the Grand Hall’s 65-foot-tall ceilings multiple times a night and a full model train display to captivate the kids. If an indoor pool is a must-have for your family, try the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch, with breakfast, early dinner and nighttime popcorn included and within just a five-minute walk from the arch.

For the curious explorer St. Louis, MO – 5 ½ drive from Cincinnati Explore beyond the arch and you might be surprised to find that St. Louis is packed with innovative museums and play spaces created just for kids (and adults) who learn best by doing.

What to do in St. Louis Is it a museum? Is it a playground? Is it art? There’s simply no one way to describe the City Museum (www.citymuseum.org), which spans 600,000 square feet of a former factory building and features a 10-story slide, giant ball pit, roof-top play area, subterranean caves and, just to make things more fun, no map. Kids and adults should wear comfortable clothes and bring their adventurous spirit to explore this modern funhouse made mostly of found objects. A 15-minute drive away, the principles of science come alive at the Saint Louis Science Center (www.slsc.org) through more than 700 hands-on exhibits. New this year, the

So forgo the airport drama or overnight drive, and resolve to explore some unique, close-to-home spring break options this year. One important thing to remember: Before you decide on a destination, it’s a good idea to search online to find out when local schools in the city will be on break, so you don’t arrive to overcrowded attractions. Have fun!

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

about last night

Coping with childhood sleepwalking, nightmares and night terrors WORDS BY // Trisha Shepherd

Many parents consider it a victory when they get their children to fall asleep at a reasonable hour. But what happens overnight can sometimes be a bigger battle. From voices piercing the darkness with blood-curdling screams to footsteps wandering around the house at night, sleep problems can become a nightmare for the entire family. S le e pwa lk i n g According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America Poll, 1% of preschool children and 2% of school-aged children walk in their sleep at least a few nights per week. Diane Strunk-Nimmo from Goshen, Ohio, has experienced sleep problems with both of her sons, ages 12 and 14. “We still have to make sure there are no obstacles or trip

22 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

and fall hazards at night,” she says. “We double-lock doors and windows to prevent them from getting out of the house.” Sabrina Poole from Anderson Township says her 8 year-old daughter Kendall had sleepwalking episodes at least once a week for a few years. “She would end up in my bathroom or hers and she was always babbling about something,” recalls Poole. “She never remembered it the next day and usually fell right back to sleep.” Sleepwalking is just one form of parasomnia, a broad term for unusual behaviors that occur during sleep. According to Dr. Junaid Malik with the Bethesda Sleep Center, these behaviors typically occur during the deepest phase of non-REM sleep. “When it comes out of the early part of the night, it’s usually a parasomnia,” Dr. Malik explains. “When it comes out of the later part of sleep, it’s an REM sleep disorder.”

N i g ht te r ro r s a n d n i g htm a r e s Night terrors often go hand-in-hand with sleepwalking tendencies, and both problems tend to run in families. The child usually screams in terror from bed, but doesn’t respond to efforts to comfort them. Poole says her son Liam’s night terrors were even tougher to deal with than her daughter’s sleepwalking, because he was just two years old and couldn’t tell her why he was so upset. “It took longer for him to calm down,” she says. “Sometimes he would even end up sleeping in my bed if I was just too tired.” Unlike nightmares, night terrors happen during a non-REM sleep phase. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to awaken your child during this phase. “They’re actually in a form of sleep that’s very deep,” explains Dr. Malik. “So they tend not to wake up.”

In regards to nightmares, Mary Jo Heyen, a member of the Association of Dreamwork Practitioners, says letting children talk about their scary dreams is an important way to help diffuse their fears. “In speaking about it, repeating it, [this] helps take some of the charge away. To tell them it isn’t real may not help,” she says. “For the dreamer, in a scary moment, it’s very real. The act of listening to them validates their feelings.”

S o lu ti o n s Dr. Malik says it’s best not to try to awaken your child if they are sleepwalking or having a night terror. Simply redirect them back to bed or help them lie back down, and they will usually fall into a more restful sleep. But with sleepwalkers, parents need to take steps to prevent the child from getting hurt. “Be sure you have safety features in the house such as locks on doors that are above the child’s height so they can’t reach it,” he advises.

“Make sure the windows are always locked in the bedroom.” He says you should also remove any sharp objects from their room, and not leave any glassware in places where it could get knocked over.

The good news is, sleep experts say kids usually outgrow these issues by their teens. You can help prevent these problems by avoiding triggers such as overtiredness, noises and light. If your child’s sleep problems are happening nightly, or affecting their behavior and alertness during the day, Dr. Malik says that’s the time to seek help from a doctor. Strunk-Nimmo says that was helpful to her. “Doctors can and will listen,” she says. “The best advice I would have for other parents is to know you and your child are not alone.”

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

the best consignment sales this spring Kids are expensive – and they grow like weeds. As you dig those spring clothes out of storage, there is a good chance you’ll encounter stretched out tees, shorts that are too short and jackets that simply won’t zip. Before you head to the mall to drop some serious cash on a new wardrobe, why not check out one (or several) of these upcoming kids’ consignment events, where you can get like-new clothing, toys and baby gear for a fraction of the price. Changing Hands Sale Sat., March 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Madeira Elementary, 7840 Thomas Dr., Madeira, OH

This bi-annual sale held in the spring and fall at Madeira Elementary boasts top kids’ brands and baby products. Admission is $1 (cash only); credit cards are accepted at check out (with a $2 fee). www.changinghandssale.com/

West Chester Mothers of Twins and More Spring Sale

Great deals close to home!

Everything for Kids Sale

Rhea Lana’s

Sat., March 12, 9-11:30 a.m.

Sun., March 13 through Fri., March 17 (see website for full schedule)

Receptions Banquet & Conference Center, 1379 Donaldson Hwy, Erlanger, KY

The Everything for Kids Sale is a semiannual sale that offers great deals on gently used infant and children’s clothing, toys and equipment. Hosted by the Northern Kentucky Mothers of Multiples. www.facebook.com/ EverythingKidsSale/timeline

Faith MOPS Baby and Kids Sale Sat., March 12, 8-11 a.m. Faith Church, 5910 Price Rd., Milford, OH

Features gently loved kids’ warm-weather apparel and accessories, maternity clothing, Easter outfits, indoor/outdoor toys, books, games, baby gear, bedding, décor, sports items, DVDs, video games and more! Admission is $1 (cash only); both cash and credit cards are accepted at check out (with a $1 fee).

Rhea Lana’s is a semi-annual second-hand sale held at various locations nationwide. This children’s-consignment-meets-boutique event features high-quality children’s clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, DVDs, baby equipment and maternity items.

Northeastern Mothers of Twins and More Spring Sale Sat., April 9, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Loveland Middle School, 801 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH

Sale features baby and kids’ clothes, baby furniture, strollers, car seats and more! Admission is $1 and all sales are cash only. www.facebook.com/nemotmcsale

http://mopsbksale.com

Tri-State Multiples Children’s Clothing, Toys & Equipment Sale

Sat., March 5, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Lakota East High School, 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township, OH

Scarlet Oaks Career Campus, 300 Scarlet Oaks Drive, Cincinnati, OH

This sale features kids’ clothing from infant to juniors, maternity apparel, kids’ furniture, toys, bikes and baby gear. Admission is $1 (cash only); cash and credit cards are accepted for purchases.

Toys! Toys! Toys! In addition to being a veritable used toy store, this sale has DVDs, videos, games, climbers, kitchen items, strollers, beds, shoes, coats, spring/summer wear, books, baby items and more! General admission is $1 (cash only); $10 for early “Red Carpet” admission. Credit cards are accepted at check out with a $2 convenience fee. www.facebook.com/Tri-StateMultiples-Childrens-Clothing-ToysEquipment-Sale-160318600708728/

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Forest Fair Village, 600 Cincinnati Mills Drive, Cincinnati, OH

http://northcincinnati.rhealana.com/

Sat., March 12, 8:30-11:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. for Red Carpet shoppers)

www.facebook.com/pages/West-ChesterMothers-of-Twins-More-Clubs-Clothingand-Equipment-Sales/512080595497082

WORDS BY // SARAH MCCOSHAM

Almost all of the organizations listed here host fall sales as well, so be sure to ask about future sale dates. Meanwhile, if you want to score a few secondhand steals in between sales, check out one of the following Cincinnati consignment retailers: Once Upon A Child (9 locations in the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton area)

This well-known resale chain sells kids’ clothing and shoes — but the toys are the real jackpot here! You can find all sorts of baby, toddler and kids’ toys at a fraction of retail prices. www.onceuponachildcincydayton.com/

Plato’s Closet (7 locations in the Greater Cincinnati/Dayton area)

Plato’s Closet is the older sibling of Once Upon a Child and stocks the top brands, trends and styles for tweens and teens. www.platosclosetcincydayton.com/

The Snooty Fox (10 locations around Cincinnati)

The Snooty Fox is an upscale consignment store that sells like-new, brand name clothing. If you have clothing to sell, consider opening an account. Or, for a one-time fee of $20, you can drop off your clothing, then check back periodically to see what’s sold (and get cold, hard cash). www.facebook.com/pages/ Snooty-Fox/340390052350

With so many secondhand sales and stores in our area, you could easily stock your kids’ wardrobes and never pay full-price again. And if you sell some of your kids’ gently used items, you may even come out ahead!

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

COMM E N TARY & PA R E N T I N G

WORDS BY // Denise Yearian

Preparing Your Child for Residential Camp Finding the right “sleep away” camp this summer Residential camp can be a wonderful, growth-filled experience that provides your child with invaluable life lessons on how to be independent, responsible and make diverse friendships. So how do you go about choosing the right sleep-away camp? First talk it over with your child and discuss his interests. Finding a camp with activities he will enjoy is important, but it’s also a great place to try something different. Encourage your child to try new experiences. Just because he likes soccer, doesn’t mean he might not enjoy learning a new skill, such as arts and crafts. Next explore the options. Find out about programs each camp offers and ask questions. Sometimes parents find out whether there is quality instruction and enough time for their child to participate in the said activity, and stop there. Take time, however, to learn about other segments of the program too. What concepts or philosophy does the camp espouse? What will your child do through the course of a typical day? If the camp has a brochure, read it carefully, then match it to your agenda and the experience you want for your child.

On the first day of camp, help your child get settled, then leave; don’t stick around too long. If you drive your child to camp, he may cling to you on the way up. Remember, this is something new, and it’s natural even for a veteran camper to be a little hesitant. Once there, however, many kids will shift from being clingy to feeling embarrassed in front of their friends, and parents are often slow to pick up on this.

To determine if your child is developmentally ready for residential camp, do a trial run. Send him to visit a relative for the weekend. How did he do? Did he sleep well? Was he able to care for himself (brush his teeth, take a bath, change his clothes)? Did he adjust to new or different foods? These and other questions will help you decide if your child is ready for the residential camp experience.

Even before sending your child to camp, mail him a letter. This way he’ll have something to open when the mail arrives on the first day. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a note saying you’re thinking of him and hoping he’s having a good time will do. If your child doesn’t write back during his stay, don’t take it personally. Camp is a full-time job for kids.

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Some may be inclined to share it all with their parents, others will get so caught up in the moment that promises to write are forgotten. If you don’t hear from him, it probably means he’s having a great time and enjoying his newfound freedom.

Whether your child goes to camp for one week or the whole summer, send a care package. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just something to let him know you are thinking of him. Just be sure if you are sending food, you know what the rules are about food in cabins, as it could attract bugs and outdoor creatures.

Several weeks before camp, keep your child’s schedule open and stress-free. This will allow him plenty of time to relax and prepare for the big event. In short, plan major summer events like family vacations and camp with a break in between.

Avoid purchasing new clothes for camp. Chances are, they’ll get soiled, stained, or mildewed before they get home – if they even get home! Round up old clothes and shoes and save new items for after camp.

On the last day of camp, arrive on time, and come prepared with a few extra plastic bags. You may need them, especially if your child has wet clothes or muddy shoes that need to be transported.

On the ride home, listen to your child as he shares his experiences with you. And if you look really close you may find he’s grown a little. Not just in height, but in depth of character. Camp has a way of helping kids grow by boosting their self-esteem, increasing their sense of responsibility and helping them mature in their relationships with others.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

CAM P R ES OU R C ES

Summer Camp Guide {DAY CAMPS} Baldwin Music Education Center Summer Programs 3799 Hyde Park Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Rachel Kramer, Phone: 513-351-1109, Email: baldwinmusiceducenter@gmail.com

www.baldwinmusiceducenter.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June-August with flex-terms and options Ages/Grades: Preschool Music Classes for Ages 6-months to 4-yrs & Keyboard Camps for ages 5-10 Cost: $70-$170 Summer is more exciting with music classes to brighten each week! Age-specific, speciallydesigned music classes engage students from the minute they walk through the door. Singing, playing, keyboard time, crafts and more open the world of music to every child. 50+ years experience, trained group music teachers, friendly neighborhood, ample parking and family discounts. Bear Paddle Summer Swim Camps Phone: (513) 285-8855 X4, Mason: 9376 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040, Email: Mason@bearpaddle.com; Oakley Station: 3099 Disney St. , Cincinnati, OH 45209, oakleystation@ bearpaddle.com

bearpaddle.com Gender of Campers: Coe Basic Category: Sports Dates: June 2015 to August 2016 Ages/Grades: 6 months and up Cost: $150.00 Bear Paddle Swim School Summer Swim Camps feature 30-minute daily swim lessons that are skill-focused and feature safety skill development. Bear Paddle’s iron-on swim skill patches teach young swimmers positive reinforcement in an innovative, fun way! Calico Theatre Camp 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia, OH 45103, Contact: Nikki Vargas/ Program Manager, Phone: 513-558-2787, Email: clc-artsandevents@uc.edu

ucclermont.edu/community/arts Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 6-11, 2016 Ages/Grades: K-12 (kindergarteners must be entering 1st grade in fall 2016) Cost: $65-$120 A fully staged musical experience for young actors. The residency begins with an audition.

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Basic Category: Animals, Arts, Special Needs, Sports, Traditional, Winter/Spring Break Programs Dates: June 20-August 5, 2016 Ages/Grades: 2 Yr.-13 yrs old Cost: $190-$215 A camp that has it all! Sports, Nature, Art, Music, Character Growth, Field Trips, Swimming Lessons, using 200,000 square feet of unmatched fun! Nurturing dedicated staff. “mix and match” your weeks or sign up for all 7 weeks. Lunch and transportation included. ACA Accredited. Cincinnati’s Premier Jewish Day Camp.

Children in grades K-12 are cast and wellrehearsed throughout the week, learning lines, songs and choreography that will culminate into an original, musical production. Assistant Directors are also cast to aid in rehearsals and take on essential backstage responsibilities. This season’s show title is “Aladdin.”

Camp-I-Can – The Children’s Home of Cincinnati

CAMP ART ACADEMY

5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Phone: (513) 272-2800, Email: CIC@thechildrenshomecinti.org

Clifton Cultural Arts Center 3711 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, Contact: Lydia Collins, Phone: 513-562-8748, Email: commed@artacademy.edu

http://www.artacademy.edu/com-ed/ com-ed.php Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 13-July 29, 2016 Ages/Grades: Ages 5-12 Cost: $155-245 An award-winning and memorable art experience for your camper! Balancing technical instruction with freedom for self-expression. Camp Art Academy’s curriculum includes fundamental visual art skill building activities, two and three dimensional hands-on experiences, guest artists and creative problem solving with lots of fun! Themes: Week 1: Artful Antics - June 13-17; Week 2: Imaginarium - June 20-24; Week 3: Art Attack! - June 27 - July 1; (No Camp week of July 4th); Week 4: Art of Egypt - July 11-15; Week 5: Picture it! Art that Tells a Story - July 18-22; Week 6: Comic Jam - July 25-29 CAMP AT THE J 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Nikki Downey, Director of Camp at the J, Phone: 513-761-7500, Email: daycamp@mayersonjcc.org

www.mayersonjcc.org/camp-afterschool/ summer-camps/ Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Adventure/Tripping, Arts, School Programs (Before/After), Special Needs, Sports, Traditional Dates: June 6 - August 12, 2016; One, two and three week camp options From American Red Cross swim lessons and archery to arts and crafts, Camp at the J provides great social and educational opportunities that foster friendships and features all the fun that has made camp a summertime staple for kids. Camp at the J offers weekly theme days, sports, and field trips. Camp Chabad 2820 Bearcat Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221, Contact: Rabbi Majeski, Phone: 513-731-5111, Email: info@ campchabad.org

www.CampChabad.org Gender of Campers: Coed

www.thechildrenshomecinti.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: June 1 – August 4, M-F from 7am – 5:30pm Ages/Grades: 5-12 Cost: $185/week child care vouchers are accepted 10 week camp offering traditional activities as swimming, sports, recreational play, music, arts, wellness and gardening. Campers enhance their creativity, leadership and social skills. Our 40 acre campus offers, a swimming pool, gym, playgrounds and walking trails. Child care vouchers accepted. C amp OdakOTa 6642 Branch Hill-Guinea Pike, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Deb Whitcomb, PhD, OTR/L, Phone: 513-791-5688, coti@cintiotinstitute.com

www.cintiOTinstitute.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Special Needs, Traditional Dates: 1st session:6/13/16-7/8/16; 2nd session 7/11/16-8/5/16 Ages/Grades: 6-11 years Cost: one session-$1,875; two sessions $3,450 Camp OdakOTa is a program of Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute (COTI) and is designed to help children with sensory processing difficulties develop meaningful relationships and have fun. Because camp was conceived and developed by occupational therapists, our staff understand your child’s specific sensory needs. Children’s Meeting House Summer Camp 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com

www.CMHSchool.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Adventure/ Tripping, Arts, Traditional Dates: Weeks of June 20, June 27, July 11, & July 18 Come visit our beautiful seven acre campus to see the many things that are taking place this summer. Our camps offer a variety of Arts, Crafts, Nature, Science, Drama, and fun activities for children ages 3-12.

The Children’s Theatre SUMMER Camp 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227; Phone: 513-569-8080; email: pam.young@tctcincinnati.com

www.thechildrenstheatre.com/learning-the-craft/ tct-theatre-camp Basic Category: Arts, Camps & Summer Programs, Enrichment and After-School Programs, Theater Calling all theatre beginners! Join The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati for our one-week-long, themed summer camps! No audition required. Our three camps in June offer day-long training and enrichment in acting, dance, and voice, with professional teaching artists as instructors. Sessions are available for 6 to 9-year olds and 10 to 13-year olds each weekday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM at our brand new facility in Hyde Park. Register now! Sessions will fill up fast! Only 30 participants will be accepted in each age group for each week. Theme weeks include: Week One: Heroes and Villains; Week Two: Pirates and Princesses; Week Three: Fairies & Wizards; Sign up for one week or for all three! Just $225 per week. CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-721-ARTS, Email: summercamp@cincyart.org

cincinnatiartmuseum.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: Monday-Friday, June 13-August 12, 2016 (No camp week of July 4) Ages/Grades: Ages 6-12 Cost: $175 per child/per week. Non-members: $225 per child/per week. Delve into art this summer with eight weeks of classes packed with exciting art projects, gallery games, and fun. Each week, children will discover all aspects of visual art through various themes and activities. Register for multiple weeks to enjoy all the Art Museum has to offer. Registration starts March 1. Cincinnati Ballet’s Kids Dance Camp Cincinnati Ballet Center at 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214, Phone: 513-562-1111, Email: cbacademy@cballet.org

cballet.org/academy Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 6-10, July 18-22, July 25-29 and August 1-5 Ages/Grades: Ages 4-8 Cost: $225-$700 This summer, Kids Dance Camp is filled with amusement park magic as students embark on week-long adventures to the aquarium, the circus, the enchanted kingdom and Toyland! Each day, we’ll be dancing our way through these theme park destinations while introducing students to the steps they’ll need to explore the attractions. Cincinnati Boychoir’s SongFest: Music Camp for Boys Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati OH 45207, Cincinnati, OH 45207, Contact: KellyAnn Nelson, Associate Artistic Director, Phone: 513.396.7664, Email: sing@cincinnatiboychoir.org

www.cincinnatiboychoir.org/programs/songfest Gender of Campers: All-Boy Basic Category: Arts

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Dates: August 1 - 5, 2016 Each summer, SongFest music camp gives boys of all ages (entering grades 2- 12) from throughout the city a chance to sing, participate in sports, learn music theory and play instruments. From an African drum circle, to a choral rehearsal with 120 boys singing together, to a field trip to sing the national anthem at a Cincinnati Reds game, the week is filled with fun and education. There are two tracks - one for younger boys and another for older boys and those with changed voices. Cincinnati Children’s ADHD Summer Treatment Program 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-803-7708, Email: ADHDSTP@ cchmc.org

Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Special Needs Dates: June 13th through July 29th ADHD Summer Treatment Program at Cincinnati Children’s, is a nationally recognized summer camp program specifically designed for children ages 8-12 diagnosed with ADHD. Children receive intensive behavioral interventions while participating in sports, swimming, and educational activities designed to improve behavior, social, and problem-solving skills with a student-counselor ratio of 2 to 1. Cincinnati Museum Center Camps 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203, Phone: (513)287-7021

www.cincymuseum.org/programs/ museum-camp Gender of Campers: Coed Dates: Run through August; New extended hours! Camps now run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, child care available before and after camps. Ages/Grades: Kindergarten - 8th grade Cost: Varies EDUCATION UNPLUGGED! Explore science, technology, history and the arts through creative, hands-on activities and games at Cincinnati Museum Center’s fun and educational Museum Camps! Experience three museums, our five-story, domed OMNIMAX® Theater and behind-the-scenes adventures not available to the average visitor! Whether there’s a day or a week off from school, there’s a camp for that!

Cincinnati Parks’ Summer Nature Day Camps Day camps are located at Ault Park, Burnet Woods, California Woods, French Park, LaBoiteaux Woods, Riverfront Parks and Stanbery Park, Contact: Bettman Center, Phone 513-321-6208 ext 11, Email: ruthann. spears@cincinnati-oh.gov

www.cincinnatiparks.com Dates: Begin June 13; run through August 12 Gender of Campers: Coed Ages/Grades: ages 3 - 14! Volunteer opportunities for children ages 13 – 16. Cost: Fees range from $45 - $80/camp week Beyond our special themes, all camps include hikes, arts/crafts, games, live animals & more hands-on activities! Voted “Best of the City” & “Best of Parenting” for great value in educational, fun outdoors! Older campers & preschoolers attend camp at the same park, same week! NEW: Star Wars & Art Camps. Register online! Cincinnati R eds B aseba ll/ Softba ll C amps Contact: Tim Rappe, Executive Director, Phone: 855-846-7337, Email: Trappe@reds.com Locations: Beechwood HS in Ft. Mitchell, KY; Summit Country Day in Cincinnati, Mason HS in Mason; Harrison HS in Harrison; Reds MLB Urban Youth Academy in Cincinnati; Walton-Verona KY Sports Complex; Centerville HS in Centerville

www.reds.com/camps Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Sports Dates: Reds Urban Youth Academy and Harrison HS: 5/30-6/3, Beechwood HS: 6/6-6/10, Mason HS: 6/27-7/1, Walton-Verona HS: 7/11-7/15, Centerville HS and Summit Country Day: 8/1-8/5, Reds Urban Youth Academy: 8/15-8/19, 2016 Ages/Grades: Ages 6-14 Cost: $395 Official Camps of the Reds. 30 hrs. of World Class baseball/softball training and unforgettable Reds experience. Meet a top player at GABP. 30 hrs. of instruction. Bring a buddy and save $25. Maybe the best baseball camp in America. Camps sold out last year so register early. Activities Included: VIP trip to Great American, full Reds uniform, 4 game tickets.

CincyNature Camp 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150 (Rowe Woods in Milford, OH and Long Branch Farm & Trails in Goshen, OH), Contact: Sharon Renner, Phone: 513-831-1711, Email: registrar@cincynature.org

www.CincyNature.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Animals, Traditional Dates: June-August 2016 Ages/Grades: Ages: 3-13 CincyNature Camps at Cincinnati Nature Center are a fun way for kids, ages 3-13, to use their creativity and imaginations in a safe, friendly environment. These week-long day camps are held in Milford and Goshen, June through August. Register online! Classroom Antics Tech Camps Multiple Locations Throughout Cincinnati, OH, Contact: Tara Foote, Program Director, Phone: 800-5953776, Email: techcamp@classroomantics.com

www.classroomantics.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college Ages/Grades: Ages 7-13 Grades 1-7 Cost: $229 Design video games, produce stop-motion animation movies, code computer programs, or engineer LEGO robots in a Classroom Antics Tech Camp! Many kids ages 7-13 across Cincinnati and N. Kentucky are attending our affordable weeklong Tech Camps. Join us this summer. Limited space is available so REGISTER EARLY. Crash Test Dummies, Junkyard Robots, Amusement Park Science, Blast Off Rockets STEM Camps are located across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Contact: Rollin Robinson, Director, Phone: (859) 462-3340, Email: rollin@sciencematters.tv

http://www.sciencematters.tv Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic Dates: June 13 through July 29, 2016 Ages/Grades: 5-11 years old STEM camps are exciting with fun science projects; camp cheers; sing songs. Each day starts with a camp rally to get the day started with energy and spirit. Camp counselors then lead campers through the first morning project. After the morning project, campers will play a game or engage in a critical thinking project followed by the second science project. We end each morning with a Group RAP (Review, Acknowledge and Praise) and say good-bye to our half day campers. After lunch, we then repeat the agenda in the afternoon with all different projects. Most locations run from 9-3:30 pm for full day camps. The day is full of fun and exciting science, camp games, and songs. Where STEM and fun are one! It’s the “Best Summer Camp Ever”. Dance Camp for Kids by MamLuft&Co. Dance 3711 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, Phone: (513) 494-MLCo (6526), Email: dance@mlco.org

mlco.org/camp Basic Category: Arts, Traditional Dates: July 18-22, 2016 and/or July 25-29, 2016 (1 or 2 week options) Ages/Grades: 5-10 Cost: $180-250 (Early registration, sibling, and second week discounts)

30 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

MamLuft&Co. Dance’s Summer Dance Camp for Kids won “Best Summer Dance Camp” from Cincinnati Magazine in 2012. It is a supportive environment for boys and girls that de-emphasizes pink and princesses. Instead, it teaches cooperation and awareness through Modern Dance, Ballet, and crafts. 9am-3pm, aftercare til 6, early drop-off available. Dance Intensive for Teens by MamLuft&Co. Dance 3711 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, Phone: (513) 494-MLCo (6526), Email: dance@ mamluftcodance.org

mlco.org/teen Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 13-17, 2016 Ages/Grades: 14-18 Cost: $247-278 (Early registration discount) MamLuft&Co. Dance’s Summer Modern Dance Teen Intensive is a new program designed just for teens to explore Modern Dance and to be exposed to other types of dance. Named “Best Dance Company Pushing the Envelope” by CityBeat’s staff in 2012, ML&Co. provides an immersive, supportive, and judgment-free learning zone! Fitton Center Camp Creativity 101 S. Monument, Hamilton, OH 45011, Phone: 513-863-8873

www.fittoncenter.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 20 – August 5, 2016 Ages/Grades: Ages 4-18 Cost: $50-200 Spend your summer with the arts! The Fitton Center for Creative Arts presents Camp Creativity, the perfect destination for children who love to be creative and artistic. Watch their talents develop and shine! Choose from exciting week-long camps in visual art, music, photography and theatre. GORMAN HERITAGE FARM SUMMER CAMP 10052 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241, Contact: Katie Murtaugh, Program Manager,, Phone: (513)563-6663, Email: camp@gormanfarm.org

www.GormanFarm.org/camp Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Animals Dates: June-August/ sessions vary by age and theme; parents should register early! Ages/Grades: Camps for children ages 4-15 Cost: $75-$205/week for members, $100-$285/ week for non-members Be a farm kid! Camp activities include: interacting with barnyard animals, exploring the woods, garden fun, cooking, hiking, crafts, and more. Special themed camps for wilderness, art, cooking, vet and science. Camp sessions scheduled by age group; please see our website for full camp brochure. You’ll never want to leave!

Great Parks of Hamilton County Summer Day Camps Various Great Parks Locations, Phone: 513-5217275, Email: information@greatparks.org

www.greatparks.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Adventure/Tripping, Animals, Arts, Traditional Dates: June-August 2016 What better way to keep the kids outside and active this summer that at a park! Great Parks of Hamilton County provides an fun and safe environment where your young ones will get to explore streams, go on hikes, ride horses, do archery, go kayaking and much more, with experienced and trained staff. Registration begins February 8! For a full list of camps, including dates and fees, visit greatparks.org. I nvent Now/C amp I nvention Phone: 800-968-4332, Email: campinvention@ invent.org, Multiple locations throughout Cincinnati

campinvention.org Dates: Multiple dates available Basic Category: Academic Since 1990, Camp Invention has taken summer fun and transformed it from ordinary to extraordinary! Local educators lead a week of hands-on activities created especially for 1st-6th graders. Boys and girls will spend their time constructing and personalizing a DIY solar-powered cricket with a unique habitat and taking apart electronics to assemble something new. Lessons explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Early registration discounts are available. MCN ICHOL A S H IGH SCHOOL SUM M E R C A M PS 6536 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, Oh 45230, Contact: Christina Mullis, Director of Admissions, Phone: 513-231-3500 ext.5809, Email: cmullis@ mcnhs.org

www.mcnhs.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts, Sports, Traditional Dates: Beginning June 6, 2016 Ages/Grades: Grades 1-9 Cost: Beginning at $60 Launch into Summer 2016 with the Rockets! McNicholas High School is excited to again offer summer day camps for students entering grades 1-9! Camps begin June 6 and include many options in our Rocket Athlete Champ Camps and our Blast Off for Fun Camps. Visit www.mcnhs.org for a full listing. Mount St. Joseph U niversity “Summer A rt C amp ” 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233, Contact: Velma Dailey, Gallery Director, Phone: 513-2444314, Email: velma.dailey@msj.edu

www.msj.edu/ssg Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: July 11 - 15 and July 18 - 22, 2016 Students will enjoy an exciting week at “Summer Art Camp” working directly in the college art studios at

32 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

Mount St. Joseph University. All Art Camps are taught by professional art educators. Materials are provided for a week of fun, hands-on learning experiences. Art Camps are for students entering grades 1 - 8. R eady Set Work! – T he Chi ldren ’s Home of Cincinnati 5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Phone: 513-272-2800, Email: asd@thechildrenshomecinti.org

www.thechildrenshomecinti.org Basic Category: Academic, Special Needs Dates: July 5th - August 4th, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9:00am – 3:00pm Ages/Grades: Ages 14-21 5 week summer work exploration program designed to meet the needs of young adults ages 14 – 21 with autism. Participants receive: a skills training/ assessment, career exploration, community-based assessment, job training and participate in off campus work activities. R edeemer Preschool Summer C amp 2016 2944 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Denise Hoefling, Phone: 513-533-5980, Email: rpsdirector03@gmail.com

RedeemerPreschoolHydePark.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: May 23-26, May 31-June2, June 6-9, June 13-16 and June 20-23 Cost: $75/week; A deposit of $20.00 per week is due upon receipt of application Once again we have planned an exciting summer program at Redeemer Preschool! Camp will be held four days a week (Mon-Thurs) from 9:00-11:30am. Session 2 is Tues-Fri. (Five sessions total, with each session having a different theme). Camp themes and applications available March 4 on our website. All children must be between 3 and 6 years old by June 1st and potty trained. Emergency/Medical forms are due by the first day of camp (if not a current Redeemer student) along with the balance of the program tuition. Lunch buddies will be offered for an additional fee of $6.00 per day and your child may stay until 12:30pm. There will be 12 spaces available. Seven H i lls School Summer Program 5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Jill Romerill, Phone: 513-728-2380, Email: Jill.Romerill@7hills.org

7hills.org/SummerProgram Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Adventure/ Tripping, Arts, School Programs (Before/After), Sports, Traditional Dates: June 13 through August 18, 2016 Ages/Grades: Age 3 - 18 Cost: $180 per week for half-day Weekly Summer Programs open to all Greater Cincinnati area children (ages 3-18). More than 100 half-day and full-day programs available! Register for one week or all eight! Early Care and After Care available. To learn more visit 7hills.org/ SummerProgram or call 513.728.2380.

Summer F un C amp 1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Mrs. Julie Vail, Director of Preschool Ministry, Phone: 513.979.8191, Email: jvail@hpcumc.org

www.hydeparkpreschool.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: August 15 - August 19; 9 am - Noon Ages/Grades: Children ages 3-5 Cost: $165.00 (daily snack & all camp supplies provided) Come join us for some end-of-summer fun at Summer Fun Camp! We will be offering at least two different interactive camps during the week listed above. For more specific information and registration materials please visit our website. Summer F un at Broadway Bound Dance Academy 10580 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Emilie LaRosa, owner, Phone: 513-774-9474, Email: emilieslarosa@gmail.com

www.broadwaybounddance.com Basic Category: Arts Dates: June through August Ages/Grades: 2 - 18 years Cost: $55 on up Broadway Bound Dance Academy is the place for fun and learning all summer long! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to offer our summer dance camps again this year for your 3-5 yr old. Complete dance or tumbling instruction sessions are also available. Reserve you spot today! T I PPI TOE S PR I NCE SS DA NCE C A M P Locations: Blue Ash Rec Center, Blue Ash YMCA, Evendale Cultural Arts Center, West Chester Activity Center, Phone: 513-578-1280, Email: andrea@ tippitoesdance.com

www.tippitoesdance.com/cincinnati Gender of Campers: All-Girl Dates: Various dates throughout June and July Ages/Grades: Ages/Grades: 3-7 Cost: $120 Dates: Blue Ash YMCA: June 13-16, 10 am-12 pm; Blue Ash Rec Center: June 27-30, 6-8 pm; West Chester Activity Center: July 11-14, 6-8 pm; Evendale Cultural Arts Center: July 26-29, 10 am-12 pm Once upon a time, Tippi Toes planned a magical Princess Dance Camp. Young campers will come from near and far dressed in princess or dance outfits and meet princesses, fairies, and ballerinas! The children dance, attend the princess beauty parlor, make crafts, play games, and receive wonderful gifts. WC A Summer C amps 8107 Market Place Dr., West Chester, OH 45069, Contact: Patsy Rabinowitz, Phone: 513-829-2345, Email: info@wcaomd.com

www.westchesteracademy.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Ages/Grades: Ages 3-18 Come join the fun and excitement! Visit: westchesterohiosummercamps.com for a complete listing of music, dance, art, and gymnastics camps. Morning, afternoon, and evening options, Monday through Friday. Family multi-camp discount: Take $25 off each additional camp per family. Register online or call 829-2345.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Y MC A C amp A rrowhead 6703 Yankee Rd, Liberty Twp, OH 45044, Contact: Angie DelNegro, Phone: 513-779-3917, Email: angie. delnegro@lakotaymca.com

www.lakotaymca.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Cost: The weekly cost of camp is for Lakota YMCA members is: $140 for day, $175 for extended day & $115 for CIT. The cost for non-members is: $180 day, $215 extended day & $145 for CIT. Dates: May 23-August 12; Registration begins March 8, 2016 Camp Arrowhead is designed to provide campers with a variety of experiences in a well supervised camp setting. Each week will include a special theme. Don’t miss a great opportunity! Y MC A of Greater Cincinnati Summer Day C amps 2016 12 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Phone: 513-362-YMCA

www.myY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: Registration begins March 5, 2016; Camps run May through August; dates for each camp available on website Ages/Grades: Ages 3-15 Cost: Cost varies depending on each camp. Pricing and camp brochures are available on our website. 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-inTraining programs, Specialty Camps, and Sports Camps)

{DAY & RESIDENTIAL CAMPS} W est Ohio C amps 3 locations, Contact: Lisa Nevels, Administrator, Phone: 614-844-6200, Email: camps@wocumc.org

westohiocamps.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Adventure, Religious, Traditional Dates: June 8, 9, 10 -Day, Residential June 12-July 29 Three choices to attend a One Day Adventure June 8, 9 or 10 for $20 (ages 6-13) at one of our three Ohio locations. Camp Otterbein in Logan, Camp Wesley in Bellefontaine and Camp Widewater on the Maumee River in Liberty Center. Ages 7-17 offer 3, 4 or 6 day camps full of adventure, water and fun. We separate into small family groups to make new friends and bond with counselors. We do worship and bible study to start and close each day. Call or email and visit our webpage for more information. www.westohiocamps.org. Our camps are ACA accredited, practice Safe Sanctuaries and reference and background check all staff.

{RESIDENTIAL CAMPS} Fa lcon C amp

4251 Delta Rd SW, Carrollton, OH 44615, Contact: Dave Devey, Phone: 800/837-CAMP, Email: info@FalconCamp.com

www.falconcamp.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: 2,4,6,8 week sessions, June 19 – August 13, 2016

34 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

Ages/Grades: Ages 6 - 16 Cost: $2340 to varies Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Boys and girls enjoy wide variety of activities with outstanding staff. “Fun for Now, Skills for Life” is motto and environment created at Falcon. Located on beautiful 8 mile Leesville Lake in hundreds of acres of woods, great food, great fun, lifetime of memories. Activities Include sailing, horseback riding, riflery, archery, tennis, crafts, drama, woodslore, canoeing, swimming, kayaks, paddleboards, sports, overnight camping, dances, creative arts, video, mountain biking and much more! Falcon Young Adventure Camp 4251 Delta Rd SW, Carrollton, OH 44615, Contact: Dave Devey Director/Owner, Phone: 800/837-CAMP, Email: info@ FalconCamp.com

www.falconcamp.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: July 31 - August 6 & August 7–13, 2016 Ages/Grades: Ages 6 - 9 Cost: $1170/wk A unique and exciting introduction to overnight camping for boys and girls ages 6 -9. These one-week programs are designed with care to guide the campers in being successful with their first great “Young Adventure” away from home. 1:2 staff/camper ratio provides individual attention, instruction

and parental oversight. (Program same as Falcon Traditional Camp) activities include horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, archery, air rifles, crafts, sports, fishing, nature study, sailing and much more. Pl easant H i ll Outdoor C amp 4654 Pleasant Hill Road, Perrysville, OH 44864, Contact: Ben Radley, Director, Phone: 419-938-3715, Email: director@phoc.org

www.phoc.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Adventure, Religious, Traditional Dates: June 19 - July 30, 2016 Ages/Grades: 1st - 12th grades Cost: $499 / scholarships available Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp is a traditional Christian summer camp in the Mohican area of Ohio. Days are filled with engaging camp activities led by exceptional role models who are committed to helping your child grow socially, spiritually, and physically. Experience the magic that is camp this summer!

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March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

HEA LT H & W E L L N ES S - B R A NDED CONTENT

Simple Tips To Help a Family Travel Well Reducing stress caused by the unfamiliar can make a child’s transition to travel easier Family vacation can be one of the most exciting times for a child, but it can also be one of the most stressful. A new destination and a change in time zone can have a significant effect on a child’s immunity.

are up-to-date on vaccinations. If you are traveling outside of the U.S., check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find out if specific vaccinations or preventative medicine is needed.

Common illnesses while traveling include diarrhea, ear pain while flying, headaches, constipation and even more serious conditions such as deep venous thrombosis. Families can reduce the risk of illness while traveling by adequately preparing for possible scenarios and being vigilant while on their trip.

Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Vacation can

Listen to and care for your body. Consider not traveling if you or your child are sick. When preparing for the trip, consider taking your child for a well-check appointment to make sure they

36 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

often be seen as a time away from normal routines, including healthy eating habits. It is important for children to eat healthy and get adequate hydration while they are away from home. Long car rides should not be seen as an opportunity to snack along the way because it can often interfere with a child’s normal meal schedule.

Adjust to time zones. Traveling to new time zones can throw the body off of its normal

routine. Prepare for the adjustment several days before departure by going to bed an hour or two earlier or later each night.

Minimize stress. Consider ways to make a child feel more at home when traveling, such as bringing their favorite toys or blankets.

Be prepared for sedentary travel. Long car rides and air travel put everyone at risk for headaches and ear pain and for adults, more serious conditions such as deep venous thrombosis. To learn more about family travel tips or to find a Premier HealthNet physician near you, visit http:// www.premierhealthnet.com.

COMM E N TA RY & PA R E N T I N G

WORDS BY // PETE GILBERT

A Dad Influence It Doesn’t Matter It doesn’t matter if your child fed from the breast consuming liquid gold,

Or if they’re sixteen and still throw a fit.

How your child feels about him or herself ranks high up on the list,

Or if they drank that powdery mix from cans that are sold.

When they learned to walk and talk isn’t what matters most,

Can he or she solve problems with words before using a fist?

Just put them in a car seat, tightly strap them down, Get home and realize, “What are we supposed to do now?” It doesn’t matter if your child wears cloth diapers or disposables that cost your last dime, Just take solace in the fact that they won’t be soiling them until the end of time. In the end, it will not matter the age they learned to sit,

Your friend probably fibbed about what his kid can do on his latest Facebook post. So what does matter, you might be asking, if these things are so unimportant? Time spent with them, quality time, is better than any amount of money spent.

When talking about what really matters, start with the golden rule, How he or she treats others at home and at school.

Respecting peoples’ time, property and space will help them along, And please, don’t forget to teach them right from wrong. Kids care less about the grand gestures of which we like to boast, Remember it’s the little things that truly matter the most. Happy parenting!

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

COMM E N TA RY & PA R E N T I N G

WORDS BY // DEB KRUPOWICZ

Ask the Teacher Feeling unliked by a teacher, helping a child thrive academically, divorce and school conferences

My sixth grade son refuses to ask his teacher any questions because he thinks his teacher does not like him. How can I help him with this?

Begin by exploring why your son thinks this is the case. Sometimes this feeling is rooted in having disappointed the teacher earlier by a lack of work ethic or in having displayed poor behavior and being disciplined for it. Teachers understand that neither of these is an indicator of poor character, but that both are a natural part of growing up and learning self-discipline and responsibility. In a teacher’s mind, every day is a new day. If a student feels guilty or embarrassed, he may not know how to get past the reprimand. If this is the case, his apology would go a long way in helping him to move forward. If there is not a specific reason for your son’s concern, ask for his evidence on why he thinks his teacher does not like him. Discuss the multiple interpretations of another’s actions or words that are possible and the difficulty that comes when assumptions are made about how someone else thinks or feels. This is an important life lesson. Suggest to your son that he spend the next two weeks assuming that his teacher likes him. Check in with him frequently to see how this change of perspective impacts his relationship with his teacher. If problems persist, contact the teacher. Before sharing your son’s concern about being disliked, ask for an update on his academic progress, his work habits and his social behavior. If the information provided does not shed light on the problem, explain your son’s lack of confidence in asking questions. She likely will provide some suggestions as to how he can overcome this.

38 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

My second grade daughter likes school, but she just does not seem to make the kind of progress we expect. She has been tested by our pediatrician and at school, but no obvious problems have surfaced. What can we do to help her do better at school?

Children have unique rates of development not only physically, but also academically. If experts have concluded after testing that there is not a learning disability or cognition problem, go back to the basics. Make sure that your daughter is getting plenty of rest and exercise and is eating nutritious meals.

If her physical needs are being met, find ways to support your daughter’s knowledge of basic skills. Read with your daughter daily. Have her read to you. If reading is tough for her, consult your local librarian for books that are appealing but understandable for emergent readers. Read along using a hard copy text as an audio book plays. Practice basic math facts with flash cards and with computer games. If your daughter builds confidence with these basic skills, you will likely see the progress you seek as she develops. Be careful not to push your daughter to the point of her being frustrated or concluding that she is not capable of success. Remain encouraging and supportive. Consider hiring a tutor who is a teacher or a capable high school student for additional support.

My husband and I recently divorced, and I am not sure how to go about handling conferences at school. Should I just assume that the teacher will schedule separate conferences for my former husband and me?

A divorce does pose unique challenges when it comes to handling your child’s school life. The two of you should do everything you can to be sure you are on the same page as far as school is concerned. Discuss ahead of time how homework, test preparation, project work and permission slips will be handled. Arrange follow-up talks at regular intervals to make sure everything is going according to plan. If you are able to do that, scheduling one conference with both of you in attendance should work well. The objective of the conference is to learn about the progress of your child, not to air previous marital struggles. Keeping in mind that both of you are committed to your child’s success will help the focus to stay on your child. If problems are shared by the teacher, agree to meet afterwards to determine your joint strategy for supporting your child. If there is a great deal of tension between you and your husband, consider getting outside help to enable the two of you to work together where your child is concerned. This will be necessary not only in school, but in all areas of your child’s life. He or she will benefit immensely if it is clear that you both have his or her best interest in mind at all times.

A s k the T eacher // is written by Deb

Krupowicz, a mother of four who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Deb has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher @ cincinnatiparent.com.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

ED U CAT I O N R ES O U R C ES

Preschool & Education Guide //CHILDCaRE & PRESCHOOL 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, dance, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available. Limited space - now enrolling! 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513)234-0600, www.ChaiTots.com, Ages/Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

Creative Tots, Mason Creative Tots has specialized in the private education of Toddler, Preschool and Pre-K children for 20+ years. Our holistic approach allows children the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts and Montessori activities. Our modernized curriculum is rich in opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. Enrichment Programs: Spanish, Music, Art, Yoga and Science. 6408 Thornberry Ct., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, www. creativetotsmason.com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 years, Preschool: 3-4 years; Pre-K: 4-5 years

SKIDADDLES Skidaddles offers convenient, flexible, reliable care without reservations. Drop by days, evenings and weekends for a few hours or all day. Feel confident knowing your children will have fun while learning from a qualified staff in a safe and clean environment. Florence: 8660 Bankers Street, Florence, KY 41042, Phone: 859-647-7529, MasonL 5939 Deerfield Blvd Suite 104, Mason, OHIO 45040, Phone: 513-204-3482, www.skidaddles.com

The Compass School

Country Hills Montessori

Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding ReggioInspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour.

Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones.

9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Laura Carr, Phone: 513-683-8833, Fax: 513-683-8456, Email: CompassLC2004@gmail. com, www.TheCompassSchool.com

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 1105 Elm Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362-YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY.org, www.MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.

//MONTESSORI Central Montessori Academy Authentic Montessori environment, serving preschool 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., Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Kristin Patterson, Phone: 513-7425800, Fax: 513-742-5870, Email: info@ centralmontessoriacademy.com, www.Central MontessoriAcademy.com, Grades: PreschoolGrade 6. Enrollment: 100

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School An authentic Montessori school program resting on 8 acres. Extraordinary and rigorous hands-on learning inside and outside of the classrooms creating life long learners, critical thinkers and passionate leaders. 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, www.cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 160

40 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@ chmschools.com, www.chmschools.com/, Grades: 3 - K

The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori Located just 1/2 mile north of Mariemont Square, GSCM is a unique Catholic Montessori school where each child can achieve his or her full potential in academics, faith and life. Set on a beautiful12-acre campus, GSCM features dynamic, nurturing Montessori teachers, individualized learning and self-paced acceleration. 3, 4 or 5 day preschool options, full day Kindergarten, and aftercare available. Spanish program beginning at age 3, unparalleled faith formation with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, art, music, dance and drama enrichment are just few of reasons families love GSCM. Students score 36% higher than national average and 88% better on HS entrance exams. Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12 4460 Berwick Street, Cincinnati, 513-271-4171, www.gscmontessori.org, Grades: 3-year olds through grade 8, including full-day Kindergarten, Enrollment: 200

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, www. 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

The Seven Hills School

Springer School and Center

Mercy Montessori provides a world-class education and a strong foundation for learning and discovery as Greater Cincinnati’s first and oldest Montessori school. Started in 1969, Mercy Montessori is a private, independent Catholic Montessori School offering personalized educational experiences for children from preschool through eighth grade.

An award-winning Independent, non-sectarian and co-educational school serving students two years through grade 12 on two campuses. An intellectually vibrant environment encourages personal attention and the average class size is 15. Educating the whole child with a college-prep, 21st century curriculum.

For more than 40 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 Changes Everything.

2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@mercymontessori.org, www. mercymontessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 292

The New School Montessori 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 and part-time AMS and ISACS accredited programs with healthy lunches included in tuition. 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513)2817999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori. com, www.newschoolmontessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 125

Hillsdale Campus - 5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati; Doherty Campus - 2726 Johnstone Place, Cincinnati, Phone: 513-728-2400, www.7hills.org, Grades: Pre-K through 12

ST. GERTRUDE SCHOOL Saint Gertrude School offers academic excellence in the Dominican tradition: preaching Truth, practicing virtue, and loving one another in Christ. Students from 21 school districts. IOWA testing ranked 4th among 90 Cincinnati Catholic grade schools. Aftercare, outdoor classroom, STEM, Rosary Procession, household intergrade leadership, Latin, professionally coached musical theater, extracurriculars. 6543 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243, Contact: Elaine Nolte, Assistant Principal, Phone: 513-561-8020, stgertrudesch.org, Enrollment: 338

St. Ursula Villa

// NON–PUBLIC Archbishop McNicholas High School Archbishop McNicholas High School promotes a Christ-centered, Catholic community that embraces each student – spiritually, intellectually, morally, and physically. We provide a safe, nurturing, creative, and challenging campus where individuals will grow in knowledge and faith. We equip our students with opportunities and experiences that will enable them to achieve excellence, live out gospel values, and attain full stature in Christ. 6536 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, Contact: Christina Mullis, Director of Admissions and Enrollment, Phone: 513-2313500, www.mcnhs.org, Grades: 9-12, Enrollment: 640

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CHCA’s college-prep curriculum sparks creativity and fuels mastery. CHCA’s culture of vigorous inquiry and persistent effort develops agile, innovative thinkers. As they wrestle with timeless, essential questions, students strengthen their minds and their faith. 11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Natalie Pfister, Enrollment Director, Phone: (513)247-0900, Email: admissions@ chca-oh.org, www.chca-oh.org, Grades: Preschool 3 - Grade 12, Enrollment: 1350

An extraordinary family atmosphere and Christ-centered spirit of St. Angela Merici cultivates independent learners who achieve their potential through small classes, individualized instruction, and nurturing of the whole child. Program offerings begin with Toddler/2-year-old and Traditional or Montessori preschool continuing through Junior High, recognized for outstanding high school preparation. 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Contact: Marta Runnels, Phone: 513-871-7216 x 2101, Email: m.runnels@stursulavilla.org, www.stursulavilla.org, Grades: 2-years-old through 8th grade, Enrollment: 465

//SPECIaL NEEDS Brain Balance

2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Carmen Mendoza, Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513 871-6428, Email: cmendoza@springer-LD. org, www.springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

//TUTORING Langsford Learning Acceleration Centers Is your child on track to be a successful reader? For over 14 years, Langsford has been applying an evidence-based approach to reading difficulties to turn struggling readers into confident and successful ones. Langsford’s approach is to identify the root cause of the reading difficulties and then to implement research-validated approaches to develop confident independent learners. Langsford offers support for reading, comprehension, and writing. Langsford is also an approved Jon Peterson provider; contact us to see if your child qualifies for a scholarship from the Ohio Department of Education. Blue Ash: 9402 Towne Square Ave. Ste B, Cincinnati, OH 45242 & West Chester: 7616 Cox Lane, West Chester, Oh 45069, Contact: Jeff Graham, Executive Director, Phone: 513-531-7400, www.WeTeachReading.com, Grades: All ages

//VIRTUAL Virtual Community School of Ohio Free tuition, free laptop AND Internet. We provide 100% flexibility: Our courses are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus Virtual Community School of Ohio has a College Credit Plus (PSEO) partnership with Ohio Christian University.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer a cutting-edge, drug-free approach to help children improve their ability to learn academically, socially and emotionally. We don’t just work with your child’s strengths or compensate for a weakness. We tackle your child’s issue head on, by addressing the root cause at the most fundamental level.

340 Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, Contact: Ms. Ginger Kehler, Phone: 866-5019473, Email: information@vcslearn.org, vcslearn.org, Grades: K-12, Enrollment: Approx. 1000

12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Phone: 513-257-0705, www.brainbalance

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March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

DAILY EV E NTS

daily calendar {MARCH 2016} TUES 01

FRI 04 – SUN 06

Earth Tuesday Join us in the STEM Discovery Lab for environment and sustainability-themed activities.

2016 Lebanon Quilt & Fabric Arts Show Quilts in Bloom – a special exhibit of handmade quilts, many of which were hand quilted by members of the Lebanon Council of Garden Clubs. For over 15 years this group of avid gardeners and quilters has made a raffle quilt as a fundraiser for the Council, raising thousands of dollars each year to maintain the Lebanon Station (old fashioned train station).

Time: 2-3 p.m., Location: Museum of Natural History and Science, http://www. cincymuseum.org/, Phone: 513-287-7000

WEDS 02 Family Leaf Bud Science Discover the secrets of plant life hidden in leaf buds. We’ll spend time outdoors exploring the nature center’s mature trees where we’ll use a variety of scientific tools, including magnifying lenses, rulers and clippers to collect and observe bud specimens. Following the hike, we will take a more in-depth look at our buds using basic dissection techniques and microscopes. We will use sharp tools in this class; it’s best suited for children ages 7-10. Time: 10 a.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, https://community.cincynature.org , Phone: 513-831-1711

THURS 03 Girls & Books at Blue Ash Do you love to read fabulous books? Join us for great book discussions and activities. For girls ages 7-9. Registration required. Time: 7 p.m., Location: Blue Ash Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnatilibrary. org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-6051

THURS 03 – SUN 06 Circus XTREME It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TRAORDINARY things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience. Be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you’ve never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show On Earth®. Time: Check Ticketmaster for showtimes, Location: U.S. Bank Arena, https://www. ringling.com/shows/circus-xtreme /, Phone: 866-448-7849

42 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

Time: Fri. and Sat.: 10 - 5, Sun: 11 - 4, Location: Warren County Fairgrounds, http://

www.wchsmuseum.org/events/ events-10/2016_lebanon_quilt_%2B_fabric_ arts_show-17, Phone: 513-932-1817

FRI 04 David Kaplan Illusion, music, juggling and deadpan comedy collide in this vaudevillesque spectacle. “The Great” David Kaplan welcomes spectators young and old into a wonderfully strange world they will not soon forget. His most spectacular accomplishment is emerging from the performance in one piece. As his world seemingly crumbles, he manages to tame a rogue bowling ball, juggle furniture, and play melodies on “concert balloon,” turkey baster and his great grandfather’s ukulele, all to the delight of a charmed audience. Time: 6:30 p.m., Location: Fitton Center for Creative Arts, http://fittoncenter.org/ event-series/fitton-family-fridays/, Phone: 513-863-8873, ext. 110

FOTOKids & FOTOTeens Youth Astronomy Club Monthly astronomy clubs for kids 6-9 and 10-15+ years of age (and their parents!) who have a deeper interest in astronomy and are available to attend regular monthly evening meetings. Both clubs meet simultaneously; meeting times change with the seasons. Time: 7 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Observatory, http://www.

cincinnatiobservatory.org/publicevents/ calendar-3/, Phone: 513-321-5186

SAT 05 – SUN 06 7th Annual Scale Model Expo Come by and check out these incredible working miniatures built by the some of the world’s greatest model craftsman! See functioning miniature steam engines, internal combustion engines, ships, boats, airplanes, action figures and more!! This show is free to the public. Come see exhibits featuring: Operating Steam and Gas Engines One Sixth Scale Figures and Dioramas 3/4 inch Scale and Bigger Ride on Locomotives & Railroad Cars R/C Boats and Airplanes Military Models both small and large Operating G-Scale Live Steam Locomotives Model Ships Aircraft Artwork and more! Time: Sat., March 5: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun., March 6: 12 – 4 p.m., Location: EnterTRAINment Junction Expo Center,

http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/ cincinnati_entertainment_and_attractions_ calendar, Phone: 513-898-8000

SAT 05 Family Astronomy: Jupiter and Orion For a brief time, Jupiter is closer to Earth than normal. It appears bigger and brighter… we’ll even be able to see Jupiter’s moons through a telescope. Through stories, we’ll learn how the constellation of Orion can help us find six constellations with eight of the brightest stars in the night sky. Preregistration required. $5 per participant. Time: 7:30 - 9 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, https://community.cincynature. org , Phone: 513-831-1711

West Chester Mothers of Twins and More Club’s Spring Sale This sale features kids’ clothing from infant to juniors, maternity apparel, kids’ furniture, toys, bikes and baby gear. Admission is $1 (cash only); cash and credit cards are accepted for purchases.

Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Location: Lakota East High School, https://www.facebook.com/

pages/West-Chester-Mothers-of-Twins-MoreClubs-Clothing-and-EquipmentSales/512080595497082

SUN 06 A Royal Tea Party Wear your finery and join us for a Royal Tea Party with English Biscuits (cookies)! This event is open to students in Kindergarten through 5th grades. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Time: 1 p.m., Location: Montfort Heights Branch Library, http://programs.

cincinnatilibrary.org/evanced/lib/ eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-4472

Maple Sugaring Day Discover how easy, fun and delicious tapping a maple tree can be. Maple syrup samples, maple-flavored treats and activities will interest the whole family. Join the naturalist for a short hike and maple tapping demonstration. $2/person; payable at the door. Time: 1 - 4 p.m., Location: Woodland Mound/ Seasongood Nature Center, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar#, Phone: 513-5217275

MON 07

WEDS 09

Teen Yoga with Larita Hayden Enjoy a relaxing yoga session with certified yoga instructor, Larita Hayden. Mats and drinks provided.

Photo Booth Have fun in our photo booth, trying on silly disguises and getting your picture taken with your friends! Photos will be printed out from our color printer to take home.

Time: 3:15 p.m., Location: Oakley Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnatilibrary.org/ evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-6038

Time: 3 p.m., Location: Oakley Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnati

library.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp,

Phone: 513-369-6038

TUES 08 Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage brings 50 years of Star Trek to Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Hall for the first time ever. The live concert tour launches in Florida in January 2016 and plays in more than 100 North American cities through April 2016. Time: 8 p.m., Location: Aronoff Center, http:// www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ star-trek-ultimate-voyage, Phone: 513-621-

2787

Yoga for Kids Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yoga instructor Larita Hayden will introduce kids to basic yoga poses. For ages 4-10 with a caregiver. Registration required. Time: 7 p.m., Location: Harrison Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnatilibrary.org/ evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-4442

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Plenty O’ Mischief Feeling lucky? A mischievous leprechaun is up to some silly shenanigans at the farm! Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day adventure as we ask the animals for hints and follow the clues to solve the age-old mystery of what’s hiding at the end of the rainbow. Program includes a wagon ride and time to play in. $6/child, $4/adult; register by 3/6. Time: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks. org/calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

FRI 11 All About Bunnies Register your 2–4 year-old for this exciting program all about one of our favorite fuzzy animals. The program will be followed by story time and a craft. $6/child, register by 3/9. Time: 11 a.m., Location: Miami Whitewater Forest/Visitor Center, http://www.greatparks. org/calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

SAT 12 Cincinnati Cyclones Weiner Dog Races The Cyclones will find out who the fastest dachshund on ice is with a first intermission race. Fans are also encouraged to bring their dog to the game with a special Pucks & Pups ticket. Plus, it’s John Morrell Hotdog Night! Time: 6:30 p.m., Location: U.S. Bank Arena,

http://cycloneshockey.com/ game/2016/03/12/wiener-dog-races

Ohio Young Birders Club -Waterfowl, Gulls, & Terns Youth-focused group for 12-18 year olds who enjoy bird watching. Hosted by CNC volunteer Liz Rising and offering field trips to birding “hot spots.” Must be OYBC member to receive monthly updates on each field session. Check out www.ohioyoung birders.org for more details. Time: 9:30 a.m., Location: East Fork Lake,

http://www.ohioyoungbirders.org

SUN 13

SAT 19

Purim on Wheels Presented by Shalom Family! Rollerskate and Celebrate! It’ll be double the fun for everyone for the rockin’est, rollin’est Purim party since ancient Persia! Featuring a DJ, carnival games/ prizes, facepainting, dinner and more! Free with RSVP by 3/10. Open to families in the Jewish community with children 12 and under in which at least 1 parent is Jewish.

“Can-struct It!” Candy Land CANstruction® Workshop Kids will get to use candy, crackers and cookies to make sweet and savory structures - then eat them!

Time: 5:30-7:30pm, Location: Castle Skateland, http://myshalomfamily.org , Phone: 513-703-3343

SUN 13 – FRI 17 Rhea Lana’s of North Cincinnati Spring Event Rhea Lana’s is a semi-annual children’s consignment event with a boutique like feel. Once each spring and once each fall, consignors fill our store with high quality, gently used items such as children’s clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, DVDs, baby equipment, maternity items and much more! Our shoppers will find great deals on name brand items at a fraction of the retail cost. Times: Check website, Location: Forest Fair Village, https://northcincinnati.rhealana. com/, Phone: 513-258-3699

TUES 15 St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating Learn to decorate St. Patrick’s Day cookies with Lisa from Cincinnati Cake & Candy Supplies. Adults and teens only. Time: 6:30 p.m., Location: Pleasant Ridge Branch Library, http://programs.

cincinnatilibrary.org/evanced/lib/ eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-4488

THURS 17 34th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration of Song and Dance Join us for the 34th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration of Song and Dance, sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library, in the Main Library’s Reading Garden Lounge. Featuring music by Dark Moll and a special performance by the McGing Irish Dancers, this tribute to Irish heritage is family friendly and fun! Time: 11:45 a.m., Location: Main Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnatilibrary. org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-6035

FRI 18 Bunny Jamboree Bring your 3 - 5 year-old to this month’s jamboree. Through crafts and activities, we will learn all about bunnies. $6/child, register by 3/16. Time: 10 a.m., Location: Woodland Mound/ Seasongood Nature Center, http://www. greatparks.org/calendar#, Phone: 513-5217275

44 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

Time: 10 a.m., Location: Weston Art Gallery,

http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/weston-artgallery/exhibitions/detail/canstruction-14 , Phone: 513-621-2787

Easter Extravaganza Join the Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department for the annual Easter Extravaganza at Harbin Park. Visits with the Easter Bunny will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last until the egg hunt, which will take place promptly at 11:00 a.m., and then again following the hunt. There will also be a jellybean-guessing contest, children’s crafts and plenty of prizes. Time: 10:30 a.m., Location: Harbin Park,

http://www.fairfield-city.org/parks/index. cfm, Phone: 513-867-5348

SAT 19 – SUN 20 Easter Spectacular The Easter Spectacular is for kids of all ages and includes lunch, a wagon ride to an Easter egg hunt with a surprise for the kids, a photo with the Easter Bunny, live entertainment and more! Advanced ticket purchase is required. Tickets are $9.75/person, plus tax. Times: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks.org/ calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

Monsters of Baseball Giant puppets bring the history and tradition of baseball alive through songs, stories and poems. There’s room for everyone, including the audience, to celebrate America’s favorite past time. Time: Shows at 1 and 3 p.m. each day, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, http://

www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/visit/plan/ calendar/details/2242-madcap-puppetsbaseball , Phone: 513-721-2787

SAT 19 – SUN 20 & SAT 25 – SUN 26 Easter Bunny Express Hop aboard the LM&M Railroad’s Easter Bunny Express! Enjoy a train ride to the LM&M Junction for a special visit with the Easter Bunny. All children will receive a special gift and have the opportunity to take part in an Easter Egg Hunt! Time: Rides at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Location: LM&M Railroad, http://lebanonrr.com/easter.html , Phone: 513-933-8022

SUN 20

SAT 26

Ballet Toybox Now in its fifth season, Ballet Toybox offers an exciting opportunity to introduce children from ages 3 to 12 to the joy of dance. An interactive performance featuring the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company in a mix of ballet and storybook classics, Ballet Toybox offers a fun way to experience dance and even learn a few moves of your own!

Easter Celebration An egg-citing event for children that includes treat stations throughout the park, children’s activities, popular animal egg hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny. Time: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, http://cincinnatizoo. org/events/easter-celebration/, Phone: 513-281-4700

first live theater experience. A fully immersive musical production featuring a dozen familiar and original songs, as well as an interactive sing-a-long, the live stage show will have fans laughing, singing, dancing and of course jumping in muddy puddles too – just like Peppa. Time: 6:30 p.m., Location: Taft Theatre, http:// tafttheatre.org/events/2016/03/peppa-pig , Phone: 513-232-6220

Time: 2 p.m., Location: Aronoff Center, http://

www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ ballet-toybox-1, Phone: 513-621-2787

Vive la France Grab your beret and head to the Taft for a day of French culture! Learn some French words at the Art Cart, play traditional games with the Alliance Française de Cincinnati, and channel your inner Monet by creating an impressionist artwork. A wandering mime from the Cincinnati Circus Company will delight kids of all ages. Time: 1 - 4 p.m., Location: Taft Museum,

http://www.taftmuseum.org/events/fundays, Phone: 513-241-0343

TUES 22 Callin’ All Cowgirls and Cowboys Hey, buckaroo! Put on your cowboy hat and boots and head to Parky’s corral. Learn the cowgirl way to care for a pony. Bring your camera and take a photo with a cow pony, then saunter over to feed the “doggies” (cows). Program includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Tickets are $6/child, $4/ adult; register by 3/20. Time: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks. org/calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

Changing States of Matter Participants will follow crude oil from its virgin state to gas, and finally to a solid plastic. Next, they will “upcycle” a non-recyclable plastic container into a creation similar to a ShrinkyDink®. Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: St. Bernard Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnatilibrary.org/ evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-4449

WEDS 23 Full Moon Walk Gather ‘round the hearth to celebrate maple season with Dutch oven-baked sweet potato’s. See our collection of historic sugaring equipment then to p your potato with butter, fresh maple syrup and maple-glazed pecans. After, join Cincinnati Nature Center’s Executive Director Bill Hopple for a hike through the sugarbush. Time: 7 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, https://community.cincynature.org/, Phone: 513-831-1711

Easter Egg Hunt Over-the-Rhine’s biggest egg hunt returns to Washington Park Saturday, March 26. Produced by 3CDC, our annual Easter Egg Hunt features 7,500 candy-filled eggs, face painting, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Location: Washington Park, http://washingtonpark.org/event/ easter-egg-hunt-3/, Phone: 513-621-4400

Compass Course Easter Egg Hunt Egg hunts aren’t just for kids, and this year, the bunny made the treats a bit of a challenge to find! Join us for a basic compass lesson before following coordinates from egg to egg on our compass course. Bring your own compass or borrow one of ours. For ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $8/person; register by 3/22.

WEDS 30

Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/ Adventure Outpost, http://www.greatparks. org/calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

Owls of Ohio Find out about these fascinating feathered creatures of the night via a live animal encounter! Hosted by the Great Parks’s Julie Stubbs.

SUN 27

Time: 2 p.m., Location: Corryville Branch Library, http://programs.cincinnatilibrary.org/ evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-6034

Easter Brunch in the Park Bring the family and hop on over for Easter brunch! Celebrate the holiday with the Easter Bunny and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with more than 25 items. Advanced ticket purchase is required. Brunch is $17.95/adult, $8.50/child ages 2–12, plus tax, Free/children under 2. Time: Brunch served at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., Location: Winton Woods/Mill Race Banquet Center, http://www.greatparks.org/ calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

TUES 29 Farm Foodies Rise and shine! Help the farmer feed breakfast to the farm animals, then make and sample farm food provided by the animals. Program includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Cost is $7/child, $5/adult; register by 3/27. Time: 9:30 a.m., Location: Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks.org/ calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is an action-packed live show, based on the popular Peppa Pig television series, designed to deliver to preschoolers and young fans an unforgettable

THURS 31 Challenge a Farmer Flex your mind and stretch your muscles as we work together to complete fun farm tasks. Earn points for speed, creativity and enthusiasm. Can your team outdo our farmer? Recommended for school-aged children, accompanied by an adult. Program includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm. Cost is $6/child, $4/adult; register by 3/29. Time: 9:30 a.m., Location: Winton Woods/ Parky’s Farm, http://www.greatparks.org/ calendar#, Phone: 513-521-7275

THURS 31 – SAT 02 9th Great Homeschool Convention With hundreds of information-packed workshops that are presented by a truly unparalleled group of featured speakers, attendees are able to choose sessions that are most applicable to their own homeschooling efforts. Time: Check website, Location: Duke Energy Convention Center, https://www.

greathomeschoolconventions.com/locations/ cincinnati-oh/

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

ONG O I N G EV E N TS

ongoing calendar {MARCH 2016} Disney’s Newsies

The Art of the Brick

To Kill a Mockingbird

March 1-13

Through May 1

Daily March 5 – April 3

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines…Direct from Broadway comes Newsies, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography,Newsies has audiences and critics alike calling it ‘A musical worth singing about!’ Based on true events, Newsies tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right… and staying true to who you are.

Presents LEGO bricks in a whole new light, demonstrating the potential of creativity and the power of imagination. Features over 100 works of art by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. But rather than paint and canvas, these masterpieces are made entirely of LEGO bricks.

One of the most treasured novels of all time returns to the Playhouse stage for the first time in more than 20 years! Set in Depressionera Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird follows the precocious tomboy Scout and her brother Jem during one life-changing summer. They discover the true meaning of courage when their father, Atticus, a small-town lawyer, defends a black man accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

Time: Check schedule online; Location: Aronoff Center, http://www.cincinnatiarts. org/events/detail/newsies, Phone: 513-6212787

Emma

Hatching Spring Blooms Spring Show Daily through March 16 (closed Mondays)

Start your new year with the sparking colors, invigorating smells and chic designs found in the Krohn Conservatory Hatching Spring Blooms floral show. Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Location: Krohn Conservatory, http://www.cincinnatiparks.

com/event/hatching-spring-blooms-springshow/, Phone: 513-357-2604

Time: Open daily; check website for hours, Location: The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, http://cincinnatiparent.com/ the-art-of-the-brick/, Phone: 513-287-7000

Through March 26

Jane Austen’s sparkling wit returns to CSC’s stage! Amateur matchmaker Emma Wodehouse has a penchant for meddling in the love lives of others. Her latest mission is to find a promising prospect for her less than promising friend Harriet. But when her efforts to play cupid go awry, Emma finds herself struggling to undo the damage. Audiences that clamored for CSC’s productions of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility surely will again when Austen’s trademark storytelling returns to the stage in Emma. Time: Shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. & Sundays at 2 p.m., Location: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, http://cincyshakes.com/events/emma/, Phone: 513-381-2273

Penguin Days Daily through March 11

March to the Cincinnati Zoo and save a waddle of cash! Experience cooler prices and even cooler animals during Penguin Days, with half-price Zoo admission every day and special animal encounters every Saturday & Sunday, January 3 through February 29. Plus, enjoy heated indoor animal exhibits throughout the park. Time: Daily through Feb. 29. Check website for hours. Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, http://cincinnatizoo.org/ events/penguin-days/, Phone: 513-281-4700

A Month of Madness at EnterTRAINment Junction

Shows daily March 3 – May 1

Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences around the world for over fifty years with its humor, warmth, and honesty. Not only is this classic returning to our stage, but is also enjoying a revival on The Great White Way. Time: Check website, Location: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, http://lacomedia.com/ playbill/, Phone: 937-746-4554

CANstruction 2016 March 8 - 27

Organized by the Cincinnati chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration, Canstruction® is an international design/ build competition of the architecture and engineering industry that unites the love of design, art, creative thinking, competition and public service. Local teams race to build whimsical sculptures created entirely from canned and packaged food. After the event, all “building materials” are donated to the Freestore Foodbank. Time: Open Tues. - Sat.: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sun.: 12 - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Location: Weston Art Gallery, http://www.

cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery/ exhibitions/detail/canstruction-14 , Phone:

513-621-2787

Daily March 1 – April 3

We’ve gone Mad! Don’t miss all the crazy deals! Admission to the A-Maze-N FunHouse: The Greatest Funhouse on Earth is only 99¢ with purchase of a Train Journey ticket! Time: Daily, Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, http://www.entertrainmentjunction.

com/cincinnati_entertainment_and_ attractions_calendar, Phone: 513-898-8000

The Mini (Microcinema) Fiddler on the Roof

Time: Showtimes vary; check website, Location: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, http://www.cincyplay.com/, Phone: 513-4213888

March 11 - April 23

The Carnegie is transformed into an experimental film theatre with rotating galleries and screenings programmed by C. Jacqueline Wood. Times: Check website, Location: The Carnegie, http://www.thecarnegie.com/season.php, Phone: 859-491-2030

Star Trek 50th Anniversary Exhibit March 15 – May 26

The Cincinnati Library Comic Con Series 2016 is celebrating Star Trek’s 50th Anniversary with memorabilia from the Star Trek franchise. Original Series through the new reboot films will be on display in the Popular Library of the Main Branch. This event is part of the Cincinnati Library Comic Con 2016 Series. Time: Daily, Location: Cincinnati Library Main Branch, http://programs.

cincinnatilibrary.org/evanced/lib/ eventcalendar.asp, Phone: 513-369-6900

{PLEASE NOTE} At Cincinnati 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.

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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48 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // March 2016

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FUN & WACKY

CINCINNaTI PaRENT // MARCH 2016

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{SOURCES} familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com

March 2016 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM