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DAY TO N

SPRING 2017

free

BIRTHDAY

PARTY E TIQ U E T TE TEACHING KIDS TO BE GRACIOUS HOSTS

+

SUMMER PROGRAM & CAMP GUIDE

HAVE THE URGE TO PURGE? WHERE TO TAKE ALL THAT UNWANTED STUFF!

GROWING UP IN THE

great outdoors GET TING CHILDREN TO CONNECT TO THE NATURAL WORLD

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IN EVERY ISSUE

contents SPRING 2017

DEPARTMENTS AGES & STAGES BABIES 08 ALL ABOUT THE APGAR SCORE What it is and why it's done

TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS 10 BIRTHDAY PART Y ETIQUET TE Teaching kids how to be gracious hosts

SCHOOL AGERS

12 TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS How to plan for a positive experience

IN EVERY ISSUE 06 EDITOR ' S NOTE

TEENS

14 TEENS AND ASTHMA Four tips to help kids take charge of their condition

31 FUN & WACK Y C ALENDAR

FAMILY

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MOMS

18 PREPARING HAPPY C A MPERS

22 HAVE THE URGE TO PURGE? Where to take all that unwanted stuff!

20 SUMMER PROGRAM & CAMP GUIDE

DADS

26 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT Girls on the Run

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COLUMNS & GUIDES

2017

28 AROUND THE PARKS Growing up in the great outdoors

24 KEEPING DADS HEALTHY The top health screenings every man should consider

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EDITOR'S NOTE

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

meet the staff Publisher Mary Wynne Cox // mary@daytonparentmagazine.com ASSOCIATE Publisher Katy Mark // katy@daytonparentmagazine.com Editor Susan Bryant // susan@daytonparentmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Katie Clark // katie@daytonparentmagazine.com Charity Kirtley // charity@daytonparentmagazine.com Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring // karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

Spring into Action!

There’s really nothing better than a beautiful spring day, is there? Enjoying a

warm breeze on a sunshiny day, seeing flowers pop up and the grass turn a vibrant green… just watching the world come back to life again is a joy in itself.

Of course, spring fever is in full swing now – has it hit your house? Here are the telltale signs I know our family has a serious case: – My daughter eagerly switches to a spring wardrobe of t-shirts, shorts and flip flops – even if a “spring” day is still only 50 degrees.

– The dogs act even more crazy than usual.

– I am in full spring cleaning mode; suddenly motivated to tackle every space and purge old clothes, toys, books – nothing is safe!

There’s no denying the pull of this season.

Whatever your family’s favorite activities are, make sure to spend some time enjoying them together.

What’s my favorite thing about spring? Knowing we have such a long, long time till it’s winter again.

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GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Maria Tancredi // maria@daytonparentmagazine.com DIGITAL PUBLISHER Wendy Hasser // wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com Business Manager Roxanne Burns // roxanne@daytonparentmagazine.com INTERN Meg Wynne // meg@daytonparentmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa Glidden, Claire Rogers, Andrea Limke, Mary Little, Meaghan Cook, Lauren Lemons, Christa Melnyk Hines CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com Contact Us

daytonparent@daytonparentmagazine.com

– Getting my son to finish (or start) his homework is almost impossible now with nice weather beckoning him outside.

– My husband starts practicing his golf swing in the yard and is itchy to get on the course.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark // katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

P.S. Now’s the time to start planning your child’s summer break! Check out our Summer Program and Camp Guide on page 20 for a list of opportunities available in our area.

Datyon Parent Magazine is published quarterly. Copyright 2014 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.daytonparentmagazine.com.

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BABIES

WORDS BY // CLAIRE ROGERS

All About the Apgar Score What it is and why it’s done The Apgar score, the very first test given to a newborn, occurs in the delivery room immediately after the delivery of the baby. It is a simple and painless rating system to evaluate your newborn’s health.

In 1952, Virginia Apgar first developed the test to standardize assessment of newborns after anesthesia was administered to mothers. It allowed medical professionals to quickly determine a newborn's physical state and decide if any additional medical care or emergency intervention was needed.

“Being delivered and adapting to life outside the womb is one of the most physiologically stressful moments in the human body, but babies were born to make the necessary major cardiovascular adjustments during the first few minutes of

life in coordination with baby's first breath,” says Ginny Dalton, NICU Clinical Nurse Manager of the Kettering Medical Center.

The Apgar test is typically administered one minute after birth and again five minutes after birth. Apgar scores are assigned at 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and five minute intervals thereafter, until two scores greater than or equal to 7 are assigned.

The Apgar test is often referred to as an acronym for: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. Each of these five factors are scored on a scale of 0 to 2 with 2 being the highest score. Doctors, nurses or midwives combine these five factors to determine the baby’s Apgar score, a number between 10 and 0.

A score of 8 or above is ideal. It’s important to note that a lower score does not necessarily indicate poor health. It might simply mean the baby needs special care such as airways cleared or additional oxygen to help him or her breathe.

“Commonly it is only necessary for the newborn to be dried, warmed and stimulated by rubbing on the back or flicking of the heels. It is not uncommon for some newborns to require extra stimulation or suctioning of the mouth, nose and airway through or after 1 minute of life.

If a baby has a low 1-minute Apgar, it does not mean the 5-minute Apgar won't be significantly improved,” explains Dalton.

The 1-minute score indicates how well the baby tolerated the delivery. The 5-minute score determines how the baby is coping outside the mother's womb. The test may rarely be done 10 minutes after birth. Typically, a low score at 1 minute is close to normal by 5 minutes.

Some babies adjust to life outside the womb more gradually. Others are born with health conditions that demand extra medical attention. The majority of newborn babies who initially have low Apgar scores are eventually perfectly healthy. A lower Apgar score is common for newborns who were born after a high-risk pregnancy, complicated labor or delivery by cesarean section. Fluid in the newborn’s lungs or premature delivery can also be contributing factors toward a low Apgar score. A lower Apgar score does not indicate if a child will have serious significant health problem, as it is not designed to predict a child’s future health.

“The medical team caring for the newborn after delivery will stay with and assess the newborn for up to at least 5 minutes of life. One's obstetrician, midwife or nurse will help guide through the delivery, during which many factors may impact the Apgar scores related to the patient's status during and after delivery,” says Dalton.

“The key is to allow the delivering professional and the newborn resuscitation team to function simultaneously and in coordination with the delivering mother to help assure quality care.”

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TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS WORDS BY // Andrea Limke

Birthday Party Etiquette Teaching kids how to be gracious hosts It’s no secret that young children love to celebrate their birthdays. In fact, many begin talking about their next birthday party before the first one is barely over! And although this is “their day” it is also the perfect time for the birthday girl or boy to learn how to make their guests feel welcome and appreciated. Here are a few suggestions to follow before, during and after a birthday party to help your child become a proper host.

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Before the party When it comes to toddlers and preschoolers, repetition and roleplay are two great ways to teach a new idea. “Please” and “thank you” are words that can be introduced at a very young age and practiced often. The key is to be consistent with these phrases and use them yourself so your child can model your behavior. Mary Starvaggi of Cincinnati-based Etiquette Advantage says, “‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ are usually the first manners people learn. Using these terms often makes everyone feel appreciated.” Try roleplaying a few thank you scenarios with your child. Hand them a pretend gift and have them practice saying thank you. You can also switch roles and have your child give you something which you can respond to with an enthusiastic “thank you!”

During the party While the focus of the day is on the birthday boy or girl, it’s also a learning opportunity to reinforce positive social behavior in your young child. As a host, he or she can help greet guests as they arrive, offer to take their coats or show them where the food and drinks are.

For a very young or shy child, even just saying “hello” to friends as they come in the door is a good start. While opening gifts, break out those “thank you’s.” And if your child receives two of the same gift or already owns the item, Starvaggi says to encourage your child to say something like “now I have two, so we can play at the same time.”

After the party Once the balloons have popped and the leftover cake has been eaten, it’s time to send thank you notes. When it comes to proper etiquette, Starvaggi says nothing can replace the written word. “Thank you notes are, of course, the best way

to show graciousness. Train [children] early to hand write, not email, their appreciation.” No matter the age, a child can help with this process. While a parent may have to write the actual note, the child can draw a picture or write their name (even just a scribble) to include on the card as well. Kids can also put notes in envelopes, adhere the stamps and place the cards in the mailbox. All of these small actions reinforce the idea of showing appreciation for the gifts they received and the company of their guests.

A birthday party is a wonderful way to celebrate just how special your child is.

It’s also a great chance to teach kids to appreciate those who have taken time to celebrate with them. By encouraging a few simple etiquette rules along the way, your party-goers can enjoy the experience as much as the honored guest.

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SCHOOL AGERS

WORDS BY // CL AIRE ROGERS

Talking With Your Child About an Autism Diagnosis How to plan for a positive experience A conversation with your child about a developmental disability is a complex and sensitive subject, requiring significant consideration and planning. It’s no surprise that many families wrestle with details like how and when to broach the subject.

Utilize resources for help The Autism Society of Dayton recommends taking advantage of one of the many children’s books about autism. These can act as tools, opening the doorway to a general discussion about autism before shifting into the specifics of the child’s diagnosis. Utilizing books, play or puppets first can be a non-threatening way to educate your child before eventually easing into the

conversation. Some families invite a trusted friend, religious leader or counselor to help facilitate the discussion.

Some parents wonder if their child really needs to know about the diagnosis. Others feel compelled to share sooner than later, especially as the child becomes increasingly aware of their unique differences and challenges. This was the case for Lara Ferrer of Centerville. Her son, Charlie, was given the diagnosis of autism at age two. By the time Charlie had reached his fifth birthday, his older siblings had started to notice differences and ask questions. Lara and her husband, Charles, began discussing how they might approach the subject with Charlie. From the start, they knew they wanted to be very transparent with him when talking about his diagnosis.

“We took the approach of an open book when sharing with Charlie. We wanted him to understand that he was given the diagnosis of autism but that autism does not define him. That is one part of who he is but it certainly doesn’t define him as a person,” says Ferrer.

Here are a few practical suggestions to consider when talking with your child about his or her autism diagnosis.

Consider the best timing Choose a time when everyone is calm and rested to introduce the subject. Consider discussing the topic through multiple small conversations over a period of time rather than one long conversation. It might be helpful to view the discussion as an ongoing talk about autism.

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Think carefully about what you will say

Look for cues from your child If your child (or siblings) are beginning to observe differences and ask questions, it is time to prepare for a discussion. Ferrer remembers the weeks leading up to her conversation with her son. “Charlie had already noticed other kids interacting with adults differently than he did,” says Ferrer. “He realized he had a different way of processing information. Not acknowledging his diagnosis and putting my head in the sand would have been a disservice to Charlie because he would never understand what’s going on or why it’s going on,” explains Ferrer. “Ultimately, understanding his diagnosis took some of the pressure off of Charlie.”

When talking with your child, remember to choose your words carefully, stay positive and use age appropriate language. Remain matter-of-fact. The Autism Society of Dayton advises that parents avoid using technical scientific terminology or sharing too much information and overwhelming your child. You can always share additional follow-up information at a later date. Allow time for your child to process the information, share concerns and ask questions.

Taking into account your child’s perspective and emotions will improve communication.

Emphasize unique strengths and challenges Remind your child that everyone has differences and our uniqueness is what makes us individuals. Selfawareness and knowledge are foundational building blocks to personal growth. Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization, encourages parents to be prepared to talk with their child about his or her specific strengths and areas of challenge. Use concrete language to describe strengths and remain vague when explaining challenge areas. The more your child understands their assets and challenges, the better equipped he or she will be to ultimately advocate for themselves. Take time to

help your child learn when and how to ask for help and who to reach out to when he or she needs assistance. Remember that you are ultimately empowering and honoring your child by giving him language and words to identify his experiences.

Help facilitate connections Seek out camps, workshops and conferences for children with autism so they may interact with other kids on the spectrum. The result is often increased self-esteem as the child forms relationships with other people who experience the world the same way. At the end of the day, many children with autism are encouraged to simply know they aren’t alone.

While talking with your child about their autism diagnosis may not be an easy conversation, thinking ahead about how and what you want to convey will set the stage for future positive discussions. By reminding your son or daughter that autism is just one component of who they are, and reinforcing the many qualities and attributes that make them special, you can help your child have a healthy perspective now and in the future.

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TEENS

WORDS BY // Meaghan Cook, Dayton Children’s Hospital

Teens and Asthma Four tips to help kids take charge of their condition Over 670,000 teens in the United States suffer from asthma .

From soccer practice to hanging out with their friends, it can be hard to keep track of your teen’s asthma. “As children become teenagers, they spend less time at home,” says Belinda Huffman, pulmonary health and diagnostic coordinator at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“They are involved in sports and school activities, often when the parent is not present.

They hang out with friends, away from home activities. Therefore, you should encourage your teen to increase his or her responsibility of self-managing their asthma. If an asthma attack occurs, he or she should know what to do, but more importantly what to do to avoid asthma attacks.”

Huffman suggests these four tips for helping your teen take charge of his or her asthma.

1. Create an asthma action plan with your child.

Start by having your teen involved during the physician’s appointment. Your child should work with the physician in developing an asthma action plan of care, which is simple for him or her to understand. An asthma action plan includes understanding ways to avoid triggers, identifying early symptoms of flare-ups, knowing how to manage a full-blown flare up and knowing when to seek emergency care. Make your teen a copy of the plan so that they will always have access to it for daily use and in

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case of emergency. Request additional asthma education sessions if you feel your teen needs to learn more about his or her asthma. Visit childrensdayton.org to print out an asthma action plan to take to your child’s doctor.

2. Encourage teens to stay away from triggers that may increase asthma.

Talk to your teen about avoiding situations where their asthma may be triggered. Smoke, pet dander and cold weather can cause an asthma flare-up. If your teen is going to visit friends, have them ask if they may run into potential irritants while they are there. Help your teen to eliminate triggers, especially in the bedroom. Hang up wet items and clean up spills that can cause mold, remove clutter to reduce dust, eliminate food that might attract cockroaches and don’t allow pets.

3. Promote your teen’s independence.

Have your child keep their inhaler with them at all times.

Set alarms on their phone as a reminder to use their

inhaler as prescribed by their doctor. There are apps available for this purpose as well. Make sure your teen knows where their inhaler will be at home, school and when they are on the go. Encourage your child with positive reinforcement when their asthma is under control. Remind your teen to always ask for help if they need it. Also, have your teen communicate with their teachers, friends and coaches about their asthma. Doing so lets others be aware of your child’s condition when you are not with them.

4. Have your teen participate in sports and physical activity.

Some parents may think that teens with asthma cannot play sports. However, many professional athletes have asthma. Be sure that your teen’s asthma is under control before they start physical activity and let his or her coach know of your child’s asthma action plan. Also, make sure the coach is aware that your child may need to take a break from physical activity if their asthma flares up.

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COMMENTARY & PARENTING

WORDS BY // Christa Melnyk Hines

Preparing Happy Campers Day and specialty camps should carry a current state childcare license. Additionally, staff should be trained in emergency, communication and safety procedures, behavior management techniques (including handling the common bout of homesickness), and child abuse prevention.

Camp sunshine Day camps are a practical way to introduce children, ages five to 12, to the camp experience. Most center on a theme, like sports, science, nature, technology and the arts.

Ann Bowley says that when her stepson, Trevor, was younger, he enjoyed planning out the day camps he wanted to attend each summer. However, as her son got older he grew more apprehensive about starting over with a new group of kids each week.

"We talked to him about it and he never changed his plans.

We just looked for school mates that might be in camp with him to help him be more comfortable," she says.

Summer camp is a time-honored tradition, rich with activities, newfound friendships and a lifetime of memories. Explore a few ways to make your child's camp experience smooth sailing from start to finish.

"I often hear from parents how amazed they are when their children return home after spending time at camp... about how they seem older and more mature," says Doug Berkel, a YMCA senior program director of Youth Development Services.

S'more than just fun

Avoid camp run amok

According to the RAND Corporation, a non-profit research organization, children who participate in summer programs, like experiential learning activities offered in an organized camp, are less likely to experience a significant summer learning slide.

First, together with your child, decide what skills you want your child to gain and choose a camp that fits her needs and interests, as well as your family's values.

Camp also enhances a child's physical and emotional well-being. Activities build social skills, teamwork and independence, which all contribute to stronger selfconfidence and leadership abilities.

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Check out safety guidelines in the camp's parent handbook. Look for overnight camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). "ACA standards are the most universal and well-known standards adopted by most camps to ensure a quality and safe program," Berkel says.

Camp ability Specialty camps center around one activity like music, art, sports or science. These camps provide children the space to further explore and develop a skill that interests them. "Specialty camps tend to run...partial days and could be a nice addition to regular day camps," Berkel says.

Camp starlight Overnight camps, typically in an outdoor setting, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks and are generally offered for children ages 7 and up. If you aren't sure your child is ready, allow him to spend the night at friends' houses occasionally. Or, as Berkel suggests, take advantage of a weekend family camping opportunity, usually offered in the fall and spring to familiarize campers and their families with the facilities and staff.

Conquer camp blues Preparation and an awareness of what to expect can ease the transition from home to camp. Before your child departs, go over a list of everything she will need. Pack a physical connection to home like a favorite sleeping bag, stuffed animal or pillow.

Also, mail a card ahead of time to ensure it arrives before the end of camp. Tell your child how you look forward to hearing her camp stories, but avoid saying how much you miss her which can trigger homesickness and worry.

Initial nervousness isn't unusual. If your child asks to come home, Whiteside says to consider the situation, but to encourage him to discuss his anxieties with the camp counselor and take it one day at a time.

"Tell him 'Yes, today was hard, but I think it will be better tomorrow' and usually tomorrow is better," he says.

While your child may struggle at first, chances are he'll come home a happy camper with a heightened sense of self-confidence, memorable stories and a passel of new friends to boot.

Fourteen-year veteran Boy Scout leader, soccer coach and father of eight, John Whiteside, is a camping pro. Over the years, he and his children have participated in multiple camps, including sports, band and weeklong scout camps.

MAY 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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CAMP RESOURCES

SUMMER PROGRAM &

CAMP GUIDE Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Fast Track

Five Rivers MetroParks

716 N. Main Street Springboro, OH (Beavercreek location opening soon!)

937-886-4321 – www.aqua-tots.com

Dayton, OH 937-275-7275 – www.metroparks.org

Fast Track is a fast-paced program that runs Monday Thursday for 2 weeks with eight 30-minute lessons. Class sizes are small with a 4:1 student/instructor ratio. Private Fast Track lessons available for additional cost. Ages 2.5+, June 5, 2017 - August 10, 2017

Camp Jabez

Five Seasons Summer Camp

Xenia, OH 937-223-4513 – www.campjabez.org/ Campers will participate in a weeklong variety of activities that will encourage them to explore and appreciate the outdoors in a biblically informed way. Programs can include a time of wilderness education, map reading/orienteering, games, gardening, fishing, archery, and horse riding/training. Riding classes incorporate patience, emotional control, and learning how to communicate with a horse without the use of force or intimidation. We teach respectful boundaries with horses; how to keep an animal out of your space while improving leadership and love. A period of Bible instruction and reflection is included to encourage the campers to enjoy a daily walk with Christ and appreciation of his word. A climbing wall, paddleboats, a planned zip-line and giant swing, or exploring our woods provide an outlet for excess energy in a non-harmful way. Ages 5-16, 6/5/17- 8/11/17, 8:30am-3:30pm

Camp Quest Clarksville, OH 513-601-9701 – http://ohio.campquest.org Camp Quest provides an educational adventure shaped by fun, friends and freethought, featuring science, natural wonder and humanist values. Welcoming to all, we are primarily geared towards children from nonreligious families and combine traditional camp programming with an environment that is supportive of critical thinking and skepticism. Ages 8-17, June 18-24 and July 16-22

East Dayton Christian School 999 Spinning Rd Dayton, OH 937-252-5400 – www.eastdaytonchristian.org East Dayton Christian School offers Volleyball and Basketball Sports Camp opportunities for students in grades 2-6, junior high, and high school. Located 1/2 mile from the properties at Wright Field, EDCS strives to equip students for leadership and service.

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From horseback riding to kayaking, Five Rivers MetroParks offers outdoor adventures for youth ages 7 to 17. Children spend their summer exploring nature, being active outdoors and embarking on new adventures. With weeklong, three-day, single-day and half-day programs, there is a MetroParks camp experience to fit your family’s summer schedule.

June through July

2017

4242 Clyo Rd. Dayton, OH 937-848-9200 – www.fiveseasonssportsclub.com/dayton/ Kids who attended first through sixth grade will have a blast at our all day camp. Campers will have their choice of lunch options (no additional charge). Activities will include sports play, swimming, and fitness based training. Throughout the week they will also participate in fun educational activities such as photography, tie dying and more. Special visits will be made by local professionals. Open to members and non-members preschool through elementary. May 29 through August 11, 9 am to 4 pm with before and after care available.

Kumon Math and Learning Center 6 locations in Dayton 800-222-6284 – www.kumon.com Kumon is an individualized math and reading program that will allow your child to reach their full potential. Whether your goal is to catch up to or study ahead of grade level, the Kumon Program fills in gaps and builds strong math, reading and grammar skills so that your child will be successful and confident in school. Free Placement Testing and Free Parent Orientation provided.

Marmon Valley Ministries 7754 State Route 292 S. Zanesfield, OH 937-593-8000 – http://marmonvalley.com/ about-us/m.v.-ministries.html Marmon Valley Ministries is a Christ-centered horse camp for boys and girls ages 7-17. We specialize in residential half-week and week-long camps for horse crazy kids of all experience levels. In addition to daily riding time, campers have the opportunity to try adventurous activities like archery, vaulting, and rock climbing. We also have Insight Camp for Children that are Blind or Visually Impaired. Camps are offered mid June through early August.

Primrose Summer Adventure Club 1380 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH 440-552-9598 – www.primroseschools.com/schools/ beavercreek At the Primrose Summer Adventure Club, children enjoy exploring interesting topics and continue learning through purposeful play. We build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts® through engagement, activities, fun and discovery. Children have the opportunity to play with ideas, build friendships, exercise their imaginations and explore new places through weekly field trips and exciting in house activities! Ages 5-12 June 5 - August 11

Settler Survival Camp at Carillon Historical Park 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 937-293-2841 – www.daytonhistory.org Step back in time and experience life from an early settler's perspective. Children enjoy hands-on activities while learning what the earliest Daytonians did to survive and thrive in the Miami Valley in the early 1800s. This camp instills a strong appreciation for the history of the region and a glimpse at life in a simpler time. Activities included are woodworking, hearth cooking, candle dipping, heirloom gardening, historical activities and crafts. July 10-14, July 24-28, July 31-August 4 9am-4pm Ages 8-12

Soccer Shots Miami Valley Dayton, OH 937-245-2901 – www.soccershots.org/miamivalley Soccer Shots is pleased to announce that we are offering 5-day camps throughout the months of June and July.

Our engaging children's soccer program focuses on basic and advanced individual skills, while also focusing on character development. Our half-day camps are held on our indoor field at the Soccer Shots office located at 39 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402. Ages 5-12, 9am12pm and 1pm-4pm

Spark Art Studio Summer Camp Series 3126 Wilmington Pike Kettering, OH 937-640-3423 – www.sparkartstudio.com Our 'Best of Dayton' nominated Summer Camp is back!

Camp themes change weekly & include: painting, printmaking, sculpture, tie-dye, mixed media, combined with art history through story telling! Each camper gets their own custom t-shirt & sketch book, plus snack daily!

Fridays culminate in an art show to showcase our work!

Weekly: May 22 - August 18 (excluding July 3-7), 9:0012:00 (after care until 5:00pm available) and ages 3-7 & 8+ (students must be potty trained)

Star City Music Studios Summer Music Camp

TWIGS Kids Gymnastics, Swimming, & Cheer

20 North 2nd Street Miamisburg, OH 937-265-2164 – www.starcitymusic studios.com

1900 S. Alex Road West Carrollton, OH 937-564-8013 – www.twigskids.com

Various camps available for beginner and intermediate music students on piano, strings, brass, and voice. Instrument sampler camps also available for beginner students and Musikgarten early childhood classes for ages birth to 5. Check website for specific camp details. Camps are ages 0-16.

STEM camps (Robotics, Engineering and Coding) at Centerville and Beavercreek Sylvan Learning

The perfect camp for ACTIVE kids!

Gymnastics, Swimming, Slip-N-Slide Mountain, Weekly Group Devotional, Team Games, Crafts, Two Weekly Field Trips and much more! Every Wednesday Pizza lunch will be provided. All other days, must pack a lunch. $165 weekly tuition or single day tuition of $40 for non-field trip days, $50 for field trip days. Siblings receive 10% off tuition. Register for the whole summer and save $250! $30 registration for summer camp (covers t-shirt, bag, and water bottle). Take $5 off registration if registered by April 1st!

March 27-31, April 14, April 17-21, June 5-August 11 (Closed July 3rd & 4th)

441 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Centerville, OH 937-435-0222 – www.sylvanlearning.com Sylvan is offering STEM camps in Robotics, Coding, and Engineering at our Beavercreek and Centerville locations. We have a variety of course offerings and times available throughout the year. Your student will be introduced to basic robotics building using Legos, basic engineering principle with bridge building, and introductory coding! Grades 1-8

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MOMS

WORDS BY // Mary Little and Susan Bryant

Have the Urge to Purge?

“

Where to take all that unwanted stuff!

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

– WILLIAM MORRIS

Goodwill

“

www.goodwill.org/

It’s spring – and that means spring cleaning!

Step one: get rid of stuff. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so donating or selling an item you no longer need could be just the thing someone else is looking for. (And give you uncluttered space in the process.) Here’s a list of local places happy to accept what you’re ready to part with.

Amvets Amvets accepts small household items and clothes to benefit American veterans and their families. They are in need of clothing, shoes, bedding, curtains, houseware and glassware, linens, radios, appliances, etc. Amvets offers a pick-up program and will come to your house to retrieve your items.

DAYTON PARENT MAGAZINE // Spring

www.facebook.com/BicyclesForAll Donate your old bike at Bicycles for All, a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to promote bicycling by offering affordable used bikes and accessories. Proceeds from the sale of used adult bikes support their Free Kids Bike Program where any child can pick out a bike to ride at home.

Clothes That Work

www.amvetsclothingpickup.org

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www.clothesthatwork.org/ Give the professional work clothes you no longer need a new life by donating them to Clothes That Work, a grassroots non-profit that has been providing professional clothing, image counseling and training for job seekers in Montgomery County since 1998.

Goodwill accepts a variety of items and your donations help individuals in the community with job skills training and education. Multiple locations in the area make dropping by a Goodwill with a box or bag of clothes, household objects or other items you’re ready to part with easy to do.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton Restore www.habitat.org Donate furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to Habitat for Humanity where proceeds are invested in building homes in Greene and Montgomery Counties for those needing a helping hand. Items that are too big or too heavy to transport in your vehicle can be arranged for pick up.

Once Upon A Child

St. Mary Development

Selling your items online

www.onceuponachildcincydayton.com

www.stmarydevelopment.org/give-old-furniture

Once Upon A Child buys and sells gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and accessories. Clothing sizes range from preemie to youth 20 and include costumes, dancewear, swimwear, sleepwear, outerwear and dresswear.

Furniture bought and sold at Once Upon A Child includes bassinets, changing t ables, toy boxes, cradles and cribs, dressers, bookshelves and more.

Get cash on the spot for items you wish to sell.

Donate beds, dressers, lamps, tables and more to seniors in need of basic furniture. Pickup can be arranged by calling (937) 222-5555 or scheduling a time on their website. (St. Mary partners with St. Vincent de Paul – see below.)

Interested in making some cash for your unwanted items?

Try sites such as eBay, Craigslist and Amazon Trade-In. To get the best response from your post, try these tips:

Salvation Army https://satruck.org/ Drop off (or schedule pickup for) clothes, furniture, appliances, household goods and other items with the Salvation Army, where proceeds are used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers helping those in need.

St. Vincent de Paul https://stvincentdayton.org/ St. Vincent de Paul aids the homeless and impoverished by providing emergency shelter, clothing, household items and more. Check their website for a “wish list” of items they are hoping to receive as well as the urgent items needed most.

• Read rules and guidelines for posting on each site carefully.

• Take clear photos of your item from

multiple angles and views. Include a

detailed description with brand NAMES, color, dimensions, etc.

• Consider selling items as a group, (couch with a chair, lamp with a table) and offer one price for everything.

• Be realistic in your asking price.

So dive in that jam-packed closet, check out what’s hiding under the bed, collect old toys from the kids’ rooms and see what treasures you can part with. Harness the energy of spring fever and begin the season by enjoying uncluttered, organized spaces!

• Be careful when communicating

with and meeting potential buyers. Keep your personal safety in mind at all times.

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DADS

WORDS BY // Melissa Glidden

Keeping Dads Healthy The top health screenings every man should consider When it comes to maintaining his car, he’ll schedule a tune up. Taking care of his finances? He’ll arrange a meeting with his financial planner, of course. But finding time to stay on top of his personal health? This is one area many men overlook.

There are important reasons for men to schedule regular healthcare screenings, and not wait to see a doctor only when something is wrong. Here are a few of the guidelines recommended by Centers for Disease Control (CDC.gov) and the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus.gov) on the essential screenings men should get – and when.

handy calculator at the National Institute of Health: www.nhlbi.nih.gov)

Eye exams: Between the ages of 55 and 64, you’ll want to schedule eye exams about once every 1 to 3 years to help mitigate the risks of glaucoma and cataracts.

Ages 40 and over Blood pressure: After age 40, experts suggest a yearly blood pressure exam. If the top number is over 140, and the bottom number higher than 90, it’s definitely time for a trip to the doctor.

Diabetes: After age 45, up your diabetes screenings to once every 3 years regardless of your weight. For some, this will be as simple as a quick blood sugar test.

Check with your doctor to be sure.

Osteoporosis, prostate cancer and lung cancer: According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, these screenings – all applicable to men over 50 – vary in terms of their necessity. Men over 50 who smoke or who have a history of smoking would be wise to schedule osteoporosis and lung cancer screenings now. Screenings for prostate cancer should be discussed with your doctor who can help you determine which type of screening would be best for you, and how often you are likely to need them.

Ages 18-39 According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it’s never too early to start keeping tabs on the following:

Blood pressure: If your blood pressure is 120/80 or below, you’re free to hold off on a blood pressure screen for around 3-5 years. Anything above that, and it’s recommended that you start checking it annually.

Cholesterol: If you’re under 35 feel free to skip this test unless you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, in which case the CDC recommends getting a screening at age 20.

Immunizations: 19-year-olds should look into tetanus and pertussis vaccines. Once vaccinated, the U.S. Library of Medicine reminds you to get a booster every 10 years. The pertussis vaccine, in particular, can help keep any babies you are in contact with safe from the potentially fatal whooping cough infection.

Diabetes: For men under 39 years of age, you can skip the diabetes screening so long as your body mass index (BMI) is under 25, or if your blood pressure is below 135/80. (Want to check your BMI? Check out the 24

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Colon cancer: Men under age 50 should be screened for colon cancer if they have a family history of it, or if they have a history of inflammatory bowel disease. All men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colon cancer by way of stool occult blood tests, sigmoidoscopies or colonoscopies. Your doctor can determine which one is best for you.

Immunizations: Maintain your tetanus boosters every 10 years. If you’re over 60, consider being vaccinated for shingles.

Depression: According to the CDC, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in men. If you’re

struggling with depression or anxiety, your family doctor can point you in the right direction for help. If you need to talk with someone immediately, call the crisis line at Samaritan Behavioral Health at (937) 224-4646. They are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Although it’s easy to put off, men really do need to make their health a priority and stay on top of the various issues that can affect them. Taking the time to schedule an appointment today could help avoid dealing with a much larger health concern in the future.

Looking for somewhere to get your health screening scheduled? Try these local offices: South Dayton Family Physicians

Dayton Family Practice Associates

1525 E Stroop Road

3328 Smithville Road

(937) 208-7400

(937) 254-5661

Shiloh Family Medicine

For general lab testing

5900 N Main St #3

CompuNet Clinical Laboratories

(937) 277-9371

1 Wyoming St (937) 208-3666

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

WORDS BY // Mary Little

Girls on the Run Inspiring girls to reach their full potential The typical athletic programs offered to kids today put most of their emphasis on competition and winning. Local non-profit organization Girls on the Run however, takes a different approach, encouraging girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) uses trained coaches to lead small teams through research-based curricula, including dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls develop skills to help them navigate their world and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness – and become physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k event. They also positively impact their communities through a service project.

Two programs are available within GOTR: the elementary program, open to 3rd - 5th grade girls and the middle school program, available to 6th - 8th grade girls.

Aside from running and physical fitness, GOTR teaches girls many life skills. The program enables each girl to gain a deeper understanding of who she is and what’s important to her. During the season, each girl

has the opportunity to develop and improve physical, social and emotional skills and then apply these attributes to other areas in her life, including home, school and her neighborhood. GOTR strives to strengthen character and encourages girls to make wise decisions. Through team-building skills, participants learn how to create positive connections with peers and adults.

Many coaches have expressed positive changes among girls involved in the program, such as improved self-esteem, greater cooperation between teammates, development of new friendships, increased motivation to be physically active and a realization of how capable each girl is as an individual.

A unique aspect of the GOTR program is the community service project completed by each team.

The girls themselves identify what is important to them and with help from their coaches, plan a project to support the group, organization or issue of their choosing.

Each season ends with a celebratory event, where participants from all host sites come together to complete a 5K run. Every girl has a running buddy (a coach, parent or volunteer) alongside her for the entire 5K event. The running buddy serves to provide encouragement and support as she runs the race.

Preparing for and completing the 5K gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement and provides a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The 5K event is not a race because GOTR is not a program training girls to be competitive runners. However, it is a celebration for all participants and family members where the girls are honored and recognized.

The next Girls on the Run of Dayton 5k is Saturday, May 13, at 10 am at Welcome Stadium. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.gotrdayton. org.

Thank you to Christine Sellman, Council Director of Girls on the Run for the Dayton area, for her contributions to this article.

PHOTO CREDIT // Girls

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on the Run of Dayton

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AROUND THE PARKS

WORDS BY // L auren Lemons, Community Engagement Coordinator, Five Rivers MetroParks

Growing Up in the Great Outdoors The many benefits of connecting to the natural world A vital component of providing a well-rounded, immersive early learning experience is exposing children to nature at a young age.

Children who spend time in nature have increased fitness levels, score higher on standardized tests and have lower stress levels than children who spend their time indoors, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

“For thousands of years, the outdoors is where people learned,” says Lauren Asquith, Five Rivers MetroParks education specialist. “Kids learn cognitive, social and emotional skills through nature play.”

According to Johns Hopkins University, researchers have discovered that the human brain develops the majority of its neurons and is most open to learning from birth to age 3. From hearing to linguistics, early learners have an advantage when they are exposed to early childhood care and education programs – especially when they incorporate outdoor experiences.

Scenic sensory play If your child is immersed in an activity that piques their senses, they are participating in sensory play. Integral for early learners, sensory play helps children develop cognitively through exploration, PBS Parents states. Visit your favorite MetroPark to find natural resources that stimulate the senses. For example, playing with water in a stream not only allows children to experience what “cold” and “wet” feel like, it provides them with knowledge of where water naturally occurs in the world.

PHOTO CREDIT // Five

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Rivers MetroParks

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Where to go: From the smell of skunk cabbage to playing with water in the creek, Possum Creek MetroPark has amenities your little one will love. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and then visit the Edible Farm to pet adorable lambs and feed the chickens.

Hit the nature play area at Hills & Dales MetroPark to dig in the sand, then climb the hill and hike down to splash and play in the creek.

Starting in March, the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark is filled with the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Visit the Sensory Garden, Music Maze and sandboxes for some sensory fun.

Motor skill motivation Early learners who spend time playing in the outdoors are developing both gross and fine motor skills. According to Parents.com, research shows that fine motor skills are the foundation for academic learning during school-age years. Fine motor skills are small movements that help develop physical competency, such as dexterity, whereas gross motor skills are bigger movements that develop large muscle groups.

Whether your child spends time climbing a playground or building a castle out of sticks, the skills they need to one day hold a pencil or swing a baseball bat can be cultivated in your backyard or local MetroPark.

Where to go:

Beyond early learning

Visit Englewood, Hills & Dales, Possum Creek, Sugarcreek, Wegerzyn Gardens and Wesleyan MetroParks to discover nature play areas. Different from a traditional playground, MetroParks’ nature play areas give children a chance to climb, jump and discover using natural resources.

While experiencing nature is integral for early learners, the need for outdoor time doesn’t stop once children start grade school. In fact, the Nielsen Company reports the average adult in the United States spends about 10 hours and 39 minutes each day consuming media in front of a screen.

Many of the benefits children experience from spending time outdoors also hold true for adults, from reduced stress to increased fitness levels. Plan a nature exploration with your family by visiting metroparks.org, where you can learn about all the amenities and programs Five Rivers MetroParks has to offer.

“Each nature play area is different, offering new experiences and different habitats,” says Asquith. “Parents are encouraged to play with their children but to also step back and allow children to explore nature and play on their own.”

Find traditional play structures at Eastwood, Hills & Dales, Island and Wesleyan MetroPark, and then use your critical thinking skills to navigate the Bell Children’s Maze at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.

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FUN & WACKY

C A L E N DA R

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

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