0715 cp issuu

Cincinnati

PARENT J U LY 2015 // FREE

Serving Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Parents

FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PEDIATRICIAN

GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY

15 old-fashioned summertime activities

BABY GEAR:

Splurges and Saves

PRIORITIZING YOUR PIGGYBANK WHEN SHOPPING FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

P LUS»

SUMMER FUN

WITHOUT THE SUN

INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO BEAT THE HEAT

EIGHT BIRTHDAY TRADITIONS YOU’LL WANT TO TRY

IN EVERY ISSUE

CONTENTS J U L Y 2 0 1 5 // C I N C I N N A T I P A R E N T . C O M

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C O M M E N TA R Y & PA R E N T I N G

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A DAD INFLUENCE

Kids today have it so easy... or do they?

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22

FOOTNOTES: THOUGHTS FROM THE MARGINS OF A

MOM’S LIFE Nine tenths of the law

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ASK THE TEACHER Final grade surprise, excessive computer time and disorganized kids

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WO M E N ’S H E A LT H

28

PRECONCEPTION HEALTH A priority for women of childbearing age

IN THIS ISSUE

14

BOY OR GIRL?

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BABY GEAR: SPLURGES AND SAVES Prioritizing your piggybank when shopping for your little one

FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PEDIATRICIAN

22

SUMMER FUN WITHOUT THE SUN

26

Finding the doctor you’ll want to keep forever

Indoor activities to beat the heat

GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY 15 old-fashioned summertime activities

EIGHT BIRTHDAY TRADITIONS YOU’LL WANT TO TRY Suggestions for that extra special day

29 04

GROW I N G H E A LT H Y FAMILIES

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SUMMERTIME RISKS FOR ABUSE Keeping your children safe with new caregivers

Eight creative ways to reveal the gender of your baby

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CINCINNATI SUPPORT GROUPS FOR MOMS Find the crowd that’s right for you!

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // JULY 2015

IN EVERY ISSUE

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EDITOR’S NOTE

08

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

10

ONLINE BUZZ

RESOURCES & CALENDARS

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PRESCHOOL & EDUCATION GUIDE

36

DAILY EVENTS

38

ONGOING EVENTS

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FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

05

EDITOR'S NOTE 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 MARK ETING // CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark • katie@cincinnatiparent.com SALES DIRECTOR // EVENTS COORDINATOR Jennifer Baum • jennifer@cincinnatiparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Charity Kirtley • charity@cincinnatiparent.com Katy Mark • katy@cincinnatiparent.com Melissa Wittenbaum • melissa@cincinnatiparent.com

Special Delivery

T

hat’s the only way to describe a new baby, isn’t it?

A tiny package that you can’t wait to have arrive. In this special Baby and Maternity issue, we’re ready for some serious baby talk. (It’s one of our favorite subjects!)

First things first… are you expecting a little girl or little boy? Maybe you are waiting to find out yourself on the big day? Whether the news is pink or blue, this is one of the best surprises you’ll ever share with family and friends. For some clever ideas to reveal the gender of your baby, check out our article Boy or Girl? (See the creative way to share the news with a soon-to-be sibling too!)

If this is your first bundle of joy, you may feel overwhelmed (and anticipating major dollar signs) when you see all the baby gear and equipment on the market today. From bottles and burp cloths to baby monitors and bedding, it all seems necessary. And everything is so darn cute, it can be hard to resist. What do you really need though?

Find out in Baby Gear: Splurges and Saves.

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A dvertisin g Coor d i n ato r Karen Ring • karen@cincinnatiparent.com

One of the most important decisions you have to make regarding your baby is who their doctor will be. The right pediatrician not only makes sure your child is developing on track, but is the trusted voice you count on when a rash mysteriously appears or a fever suddenly spikes. Take a look at Five Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician for a “must have” checklist of the doctor you choose.

Finally, as a mom you are part of a universal sisterhood now – so take advantage of it!

Join a local support group for advice, connection, commiseration and even clothing and equipment swaps. It takes a village, right? We’ve got a list of area groups just waiting to welcome you into their tribe.

As always, we appreciate you picking up a copy of Cincinnati Parent. We hope you’ll let us tag along through all the wonderful months and years you have ahead with your little one!

EDITOR

P.S. Need some ideas to keep the kids entertained when it’s just too hot to go outside? Check out “Summer Fun Without the Sun” for places all over town that offer an air-conditioned good time!

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

WEB EDITOR Wendy Cox • wendy@cincinnatiparent.com GRA PHICS ASSISTANT Maria Tancredi • maria@cincinnatiparent.com INTERN Meg Wynne • meg@cincinnatiparent.com Business Manager // Acco un t i ng Roxanne Burns • roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com CONTRIBUTIN G W RITERS Summer Daily, Dr. Emma Hostetter, Lauren Lawson, Sarah Bricker-Hunt, Sarah McCosham, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Pam Molnar, Kelly Blewett, Sarah Painer of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@cincinnatiparent.com Contact U s 9435 Waterstone Blvd., Ste. 140, Cincinnati, OH 45249 P: (513) 444-2015 • F: (513) 444-2099

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.

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE

COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN JULY

Celebrate the Fourth See America’s greatest landmarks – in LEGOS! Lego Americana Roadshow: Building Across America features ten, one-of-a-kind large scale models of American landmarks built from LEGO bricks by LEGO Master Builders. Models include the U.S. Capitol Building, White House, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial.

This free exhibit runs July 3-19 at the Kenwood Towne Center.

Kenwood Towne Centre, 7875 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati

To be or not to be?

Sneak in some literary fun this summer by taking the kids to see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare/ Abridged. This play features all 37 of The Bard’s plays, performed in just 97 minutes by The Ohio Stage Company. It’s fast-paced, witty, physical and sure to entertain.

Tickets are $10, with shows on July 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11 at 8 pm, as well as a 3 pm matinee on July 5.

New Miami High School, 600 Seven Mile Ave., Hamilton, OH www.ohiostage.org/our-season.html

Bring the family to Red, White and Blue Ash on July 4th for music, food, family activities and of course, fireworks! The Doobie Brothers take the stage at 8:15 pm, and fireworks begin at 10 pm. This free event is hosted by the Blue Ash Recreation Commission, and takes place at the city’s brand new Summit Park.

Summit Park, 4335 Glendale-Milford Road in Cincinnati http://blueashevents.com/events_calendar/red_white_and_ blue_ash/index.php

Celebrate Christmas in July!

Think some holiday cheer might help get you through the summer heat? Head over to EnterTRAINment Junction for Christmas in July from June 27 through July 31. In addition to holiday-themed displays and attractions, you can take the kids to see the Big Elf himself for a mid-year checkup! When you’re ready to leave the North Pole, be sure to check out all the rest of EnterTRAINment Junction, home of the world’s largest indoor train display.

EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, OH 45069 http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/cincinnati_ entertainment_and_attractions_calendar

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Enjoy summer cinema Pack a picnic and take the family to Washington Park for a free movie every Wednesday night as part of the Summer Cinema series. This summer’s feature films include classics such as Napoleon Dynamite, Top Gun and Back to the Future. Movies start at 9 pm.

Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, OH 45202 http://washingtonpark.org/event/date-night- movies-14/2015-05-27/

Be an All-Star Cincinnati hosts the All-Star game this year (Tuesday, July 14 at Great American Ball Park) and while tickets may be hard to come by, fans can still participate in the excitement. July 10-14, head to the Duke Energy Convention Center for T-Mobile All-Star FanFest for a chance to enjoy “an unrivaled baseball experience.” If you can’t score All-Star game tickets, check out All-Star Sunday on July 12 at Great American Ball Park. The doubleheader includes the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game.

All Star Game/All Star Sunday: Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way All-Star FamFest: Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/all_star_tickets.jsp

Think you know everything about the Reds?

Take the kids down to the Cincinnati Public Library for “The Great American Pastime: Baseball and the Cincinnati Reds.” This exhibit presented by the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum includes jerseys, programs, photographs, the 1894 score book, a scrapbook from a player on the 1919 World Series team and original newspapers. This free exhibit runs through July 31 at the Cincinnati Public Library’s Main Branch.

Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library, 800 Vine St. www.cincinnatilibrary. org/programs/exhibits.html

Check out the contraband at Krohn Conservatory Did you ever wonder what happens to exotic plants that are smuggled into the U.S. and seized at customs? Well, some are sent to Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory where horticulturists plant them and see what grows. Check out these contraband plants at Krohn Conservatory’s Summer Floral Show: The Healing Garden. The show runs July 4-August 23, Tuesdays-Sundays (closed Mondays).

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for ages 5-12 and free for kids ages 4 and under.

Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive in Cincinnati www.cincinnatiparks.com/index.php/krohn-programs

Go to a festival and come home with a car?

Summer means festivals, and this year’s St. Rita School for the Deaf Festival is a must. This festival boasts the standard selection of games, rides and concessions – plus raffles to win a Kindle, membership to the Cincinnati School, a brand new car or $25,000! Mark your calendars for the weekend of July 10-12 at St. Rita School for the Deaf.

1720 Glendale-Milford Road, Evendale, OH www.srsdeaf.org/StRitaFest.aspx JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE

JULY’S

ONLINE

facebook & weekly e-newsletter contests

BUZZ FACEBOOK TALK WE ASKED:

What’s the best advice your mom ever gave you?

Win Tickets to The Beach Waterpark!

YOU SAID:

If you hang with trash, you’ll start to smell like it! Lol – Leslie T. Do the best that you can. Don’t listen to anyone else − only you know what’s right for your child. – Brittany W. Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you.

Hard to follow, but true. – Anna S. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all :) – Heather F.

Win Lazer Kraze Birthday Party Package

Believe in yourself – Kylie L. That it’s just as easy to fall in love with a good, strong, intelligent man as it is to fall for a not so good man. So choose wisely! – Jillian M. Keep your room clean. No one wants to live with a slob! – Leslie H.

Win Tickets to Coney Island

Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do something − you can do anything you set your mind to! – Katie C.

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FIND US ONLINE FACEBOOK // cincinnatiparent TWITTER // @cincyparent

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Go to CincinnatiParent.com today!

Win Tickets to EnterTRAINment Junction

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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COM M E N TA RY & PA R E N T I N G

A Dad Influence Kids today have it so easy... or do they?

Pete Gilbert

It would be easy for me to say, “Kids these days, they have it so much easier than we did growing up.” And, boy would I be wrong.

It is true that kids today can watch any show they want instantly with On Demand TV, while we had to wait all week to see our favorite shows. Kids have access to every song ever recorded at their fingertips and we had to sit by the radio until our favorite songs came on so we could record them onto cassette. But when it comes to school, things are tougher now than ever before.

Take report cards for example. Remember when report cards were handwritten by your teacher, in pencil? It was almost too

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easy to change the D’s to B’s. If you were really bold you could even change that F to an A. (Not that I ever did anything like that, but it could be done.) Report cards also used to be sent home with kids. If you didn’t want to show your report card to your parents, you didn’t have to, or at least you could choose the best time to give it to them. Let’s say you didn’t want to be grounded for the weekend, you could hide your report card in your backpack all weekend and leave it on the table as you headed out the door to school Monday morning. Proper timing was essential. My daughter’s report card arrives by email. She has no chance of getting her hands on it before I do.

Kids today can’t simply brush off an assignment by telling their parents they didn’t have homework that night either.

Now assignments are posted online, for kids and parents to see.

Also, for better or worse, parents can email teachers 24 hours a day. Parents can also check their kids’ grades online every month, week or day if they choose.

So next time you think today’s kids have it easy, just remember we didn’t have it quite so bad!

For links to all my blog posts please stop by my Facebook page at Facebook.com/adadinfluence and check out my all new page on the Cincinnati Parent web site (formerly True Confessions of a Stay at Home Dad).

Footnotes Thoughts from the margins of a mom’s life

Nine tenths of the law Kelly Blewett

You may have heard the commonplace expression “possession is nine tenths of the law” – a phrase that refers to how ownership of something is easier to maintain if you already have possession of it. In courts of law, lawyers argue and judges rule on individual cases, discussing evidence with words like “documentation” and “clear and compelling testimony.” But on the street? If the shirt is on your back, it belongs to you, man. I can’t help but note how “possession is nine tenths of the law” applies to the way I settle disputes in my living room.

Take, for instance, the case of Blue Chick. This stuffed toy was gifted to my son on Easter. A corresponding Yellow Chick was gifted to my daughter. Blue Chick held no particular appeal to my son, until relatively recently when his little sister decided to pair Blue Chick with Yellow Chick. She aimed to collectively refer to them as The Chickies while pushing them around in a hot pink grocery cart.

Of course outrage shortly followed. The very instant Blue Chick was to become part of The Chickies, my son declared the toy to be the most important thing to him in the world. So, who exactly has the right to possess Blue Chick? I’d love to say that my children determined a way to work out these differences on their own. But no, such freedom would lead only to violence. A higher authority was required to intervene.

Whose testimony was more compelling? Was there documentation to review? Could joint custody be arranged? Well, perhaps, but Mama has no time for such long-range adjudication. In lieu of making a hard and fast ruling on the property of my children, I enforced the “possession is nine tenths of the law” statute. In other words, whoever has the Blue Chick shall keep the Blue Chick for a period of time lasting ten minutes, at which time whoever wants Blue Chick shall be given Blue Chick for another period of ten minutes. I issued these decrees while wielding a spatula for my gavel and an apron for my judge’s gown. I set the kitchen timer, and then prepared to repeat the whole ordeal in a matter of minutes.

In the meantime, I comforted myself with the idea that while this solution was crummy, it was also working well enough to get us through the afternoon. And that’s enough to keep the peace in this law-abiding community.

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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Boy or Girl ?

Eight creative ways to reveal the gender of your baby Lauren Lawson

one of the most anticipated Iis itt’squestions during pregnancy: a boy or a girl? From the moment those two pink lines hit the stick, gender is on the minds of expectant parents, families and friends. Whether you’re feeling tickled pink or true blue, check out these ideas for creative and fun ways to share your baby’s gender!

3. Silly string

For an outdoor party, silly string is a vibrant way to go public with your baby’s gender. Purchase either blue or pink silly string and wrap brown Kraft paper around each can to hide the color.

On the count of three, ask guests to spray their cans of silly string together to learn if it’s a boy or girl. This idea is especially fun for siblings or younger guests at the party.

4. Scavenger hunt

1. Balloon box

Let your news float out with pink or blue balloons. Tuck helium-filled balloons in a large cardboard box and tape the top to keep them hidden from view. When it’s time for the big moment, open the box to let the balloons reveal your baby’s gender.

The balloons also serve as the perfect party decoration (in the right shade of baby too!)

2. Scratch-off cards

Feeling lucky? Scratch-off cards are another fun way to share the secret.

Similar to lottery tickets, these cards cover the baby’s gender with a silver coating. Before the big scratch, ask party goers to place bets on what they predict and then scratch away to find out if it’s a boy or a girl. Those who guessed correctly can win a small prize or just bragging rights! Scratch-off cards can be purchased at party supply stores or through Etsy.com.

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A hunt for the baby’s gender is a playful way to get everyone involved in the big news. Divide party guests into two teams to compete in the gender game. Clues, hints or even gender-specific riddles will help each team discover whether to expect a boy or girl.

6. Special arrival doughnuts

Celebrate the baby’s reveal with co-workers and a dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. These custom chocolate glazed doughnuts are filled with either blue or pink cream and can be ordered in advance at a local Krispy Kreme shop.

7. Lollipop surprise

Kids want to know whether to expect a little brother or sister, too! Blindfold your youngster and give them either a pink or blue sucker. Have your camera ready when they pop out their treat to learn who is on the way!

8. Cute clothesline

5. Sweet treat

Cakes and cupcakes are a sweet way to announce who is on the way. Looking to be surprised as well? Ask the sonogram tech to place the baby’s gender inside a sealed envelope and bring it to a bakery. Have the cake or cupcakes designed with pink or blue frosting hidden inside. Find out the news with your guests and the surprise will be twice as sweet!

Hanging little boy or girl clothing items on a clothesline is a charming way to share the big moment. A pink tutu, a small bow-tie or even a onesie proclaiming the gender is both decorative and effortless when it comes to sharing the news. And, this idea is quite resourceful since the clothes will soon be put to good use!

Finding out if your future includes a little boy or little girl is one of the biggest surprises you will ever experience – have fun sharing this special news with your friends and family!

BABY GEAR:

Splurges and Saves Dr. Emma Hostetter, MD, MPH

Pri o ritizi n g you r piggyba n k w h en sh o ppi n g fo r you r lit tle o n e

F

irst time moms are often big time spenders. From designer diaper bags to retro highchairs, it’s hard to hold back with so many nesting goodies out there. Babies need a lot of stuff – enough to transform your tidy two bedroom apartment into a hoarder’s storage unit! Don’t think the expenses stop once the nursery has been perfected either. Diapers, wipes and organic baby food are about to top your grocery list. Here’s a look at the essentials and the splurges to help you prioritize what’s worthy of your wad of cash.

Where to sleep Restoration Hardware cribs are dreamy, but all your baby really needs is a safe space to sleep. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your newborn sleep in his own bed in your room for at least the first 4-6 months of life. Thus, a full sized wooden crib isn’t even necessary for the nursery early on. Play yards or pack n’ plays are a safe and cost effective option.

These can be broken down, easily stored, moved to another room and used for travel. The Graco Pack n’ Play On the Go Play Yard gets consistently good reviews and runs about $70-80. For a splurge, try the 4 Moms Breeze Play Yard; it runs $300 but offers great durability. With one simple push and pull your bed is up and down.

Road trip Grabbing a good infant car seat is of paramount safety importance. While you may be tempted to save some cash and pick one up at a garage sale, don’t do it. Each car seat should have a VIN number, which allows you to check for recalls, but it can’t tell you if a used car seat has already been in a crash (rendering it unsafe). Many reasonably priced quality new car seats with great safety ratings are available. For example, the Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 gets high safety ratings from Consumer Reports and will only set you back about $65. For a splurge option, check out car seats from Peg Perego Primo or Nuna Pipa. Also, make sure you purchase a car seat that’s compatible with your stroller to make car to stroller transfers seamless! For a stroller splurge ($820), consider the Uppababy Vista. This stroller is an investment but includes a bassinet and can adapt for up to three children as your family grows.

Feed me

Breast, bottle, or both – here are a few recomm-endations that will save you time and energy, keep your infant gas free and maintain your modesty.

* Nursing Pillow Pick your pillow

based on comfort rather than pattern or brand. Although Boppy is a popular choice, less expensive brands have emerged, offering the same comfort. *Continued on page 18

* Nursing Covers Petunia Pickle Bottom Nursing Covers offer adorable patterns, although at a premium price. If you’re on a tighter budget opt for equally cute designs at Target or Amazon. * Breast Pumps It may be worth the price to splurge a little here. The Medela FreeStyle Breast Pump ($400) is a small, quiet, completely portable battery operated pump. Add on the hands free bra and you can pump anywhere while getting some work done in the process. Check to see if your insurance will cover part of the cost. * Bottles While a little more costly, Dr. Brown’s Bottles are known for reducing the amount of air that infants swallow while feeding, resulting in less painful gas bubbles in their tummies.

Kangaroo time Baby carriers are all the rage, and rightfully so! Time spent close to mom improves baby bonding and even greater milk supply for nursing moms. The Moby Wrap is a great option at a reasonable price (around $40), but it might take a little practice to secure the wrap comfortably. The ErgoBaby 4-Position 360, while pricier ($180), is not only comfortable for you, it’s completely versatile for baby. Infant inserts and rain/sun covers make this carrier perfect for all ages, stages and seasons of life.

Have fun planning, purchasing and nesting. Most importantly, remember that more than anything you can buy, what your baby needs most is your love!

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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CINCINNATI PARENT staffers were Asked: What was the one item or piece of equipment you found absolutely essential when your kids were babies?

A baby monitor -- a must have when I was a new mom, although my husband and I learned the hard way that what we said in the baby’s room could be overheard by guests!

– Susan Bryant, Editor

– Mary Cox, Publisher The one item I found as a necessity with twins was a harness! When you have two babies running in two different directions, the harness keeps them attached to you!

– Melissa Wittenbaum, Account Executive

When my second son came along, my Baby Bjorn carrier was a lifesaver. It allowed me to chase after my twoyear-old while keeping my newborn safe and snug next to me. Repeatedly bending down to talk to a toddler while having a baby strapped to your chest is also a great thigh workout.

– Karen Ring, Advertising Coordinator

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It has been awhile since I’ve had babies as my oldest daughter, Wendy, now works for Cincinnati Parent! But I do remember the convenience of the automatic swing (you had to crank it back then) when I had to get a few things done.

We loved our baby aquarium. The soothing soft light helped each of our daughters feel they weren’t alone in a dark room and the calming music and cute little fish did just enough to take their mind off it being bedtime but not overstimulate them.

– Katy Mark, Account Executive

For my oldest, I couldn’t have lived without a baby swing. My youngest wanted to be held at all times, so I always had him strapped to me in a baby carrier. I used it anywhere I needed my hands free because he wouldn’t sit in a stroller, a swing or a bouncy seat.

– Roxanne Burns, Business Manager

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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FIVE TIPS FOR

cHOOS ING A PE DIATRIC IAN Finding the doctor you’ll want to keep forever 4.

Summer Daily

S p e c i a lt i e s

Find out what areas the doctor specializes in and if they are comfortable with special needs issues. “Whether or not you have a kid with special needs, it makes sense to choose a pediatrician who is comfortable with that,” explains Dr. Drasin. Not all special needs are revealed during pregnancy ultrasounds, and if you plan to have other children, this might be a possible concern.

It’s reassuring to know your pediatrician can handle any situation that may arise.

5.

F

or first-time parents, or parents who are looking for new pediatric care, choosing a pediatrician is a big decision. The doctor you pick will be the one you count on not only for routine well visit appointments, but the person that guides you through the inevitable scary high fever episodes, fast-moving rashes and the multitude of other sudden ailments that tend to befall kids. How do you find the best pediatrician for you?

Eileen Bens, a nurse practitioner at Suburban Pediatric Associates, and Jeff Drasnin, a pediatrician at ESD Pediatric Group, understand how overwhelming this process can be. Here they provide their suggestions for finding a pediatrician you’ll be happy with for the long haul.

1.

R e comm e ndat i ons

Talk with other parents who you trust and respect for their suggestions. Find out why they like their doctor or why they don’t, says Bens. Getting a short list to work from gives you a more manageable number of options than the fifty pages Google provides.

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2.

R e s e a rc h

Once your list is narrowed down, do your homework to make certain the doctors you are interested in are qualified. Where did they get their degree? Have they been certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics? This may seem like an obvious step, but it will help you quickly eliminate doctors you won’t want to consider.

3 . Loc at i on a nd Acc e ss i b i l i t y When you have a new baby, you visit the doctor’s office a lot. How far is the office from your home, work or daycare? What is the after-hours call policy? Do they offer same day appointments for sick kids? Will you have access to another doctor if yours is unavailable?

Some offices also offer online resources like a patient portal where parents can get questions answered, schedule appointments and access information like vaccination records. Not only does this technology make caring for your child easier, but Dr. Drasnin also believes it is a good indicator of how progressive the office is, saying “If you’re dragging your feet on technology, what else are you dragging your feet on?”

In p e rson v i s i t

Interview doctors while you are still pregnant.

A good pediatrician will be happy to answer your questions and chat about any concerns you have. Only by meeting in person can you get a feel for how the office runs and the doctor’s personality. Your doctor will do much more than just administer medicine. He or she will also follow your child’s growth and development, discuss behavior and answer any question that you have (no matter how silly or insignificant it may feel to you). “You have to be able to trust the information you get about your child,” says Bens. While many factors come into play when choosing a pediatrician, at the end of the day, you and your doctor are partners in the health and well-being of your child. Developing a good relationship with this professional starts with your first meeting.

Finding the right pediatrician may take some time, but the effort you initially invest in the process will pay dividends later. And – if you find that you have chosen someone that you are not comfortable with, don’t hesitate to make a switch. Your child’s health is too important to leave in the hands of someone with whom you don’t have complete confidence.

SUMMER F UN

WITHOUT THE SUN Indoor activities to beat the heat Sarah Bricker-Hunt

S outdoor activities, but when it’s ummer is the perfect time for

time to cool off, head to one of these local venues for some indoor fun!

Burn off some energy Kids can literally climb the walls (safely) at RockQuest in Sharonville. The facility is set up to accommodate even the smallest, most inexperienced climbers with incrementally difficult climbs to challenge your little explorer to reach new heights on every visit.

Younger kids can easily spend an entire day exploring the air-conditioned fun zone that is Totter’s Otterville. This dynamic “play village” in Latonia, Kentucky features water play, dress-up, building, climbing, digging, dancing and much more. There’s also an onsite cafeteria with plenty of healthy, kid-friendly choices.

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Just about any sporty kid will find something to love at the Kids First Sports Center. This sprawling facility offers a variety of indoor summer sports like soccer, gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, yoga and fencing. And for a splash in an indoor pool, try Hubbard Family Swim School.

Lazer Kraze offers world class laser tag, and indoor trampoline park and a huge arcade with video games. Make a day of it and grab lunch or dinner with a fresh made pizza. (Stop in on Saturdays from 10 am to noon for Munchkin Madness – a time slot reserved just for younger kids!)

exhibits sure to entertain. Don’t miss a Cincinnati classic in the Natural History Museum: the immersive, 500 sq. ft. limestone cavern. The cool, dark cave houses its own Brown Bat colony.

The historic Betts House in the West End is playing host to a new temporary exhibit this summer. Build It! Architecture for Kids is on loan from archKIDecture in Chicago and features interactive architectural models and construction exhibits. Family Fun Saturdays feature hands-on activities for the whole family.

Find a creative outlet Sneak in some STEM The popular Cincinnati Museum Center offers a huge variety of summer events and activities for STEM-loving kids as well as a large collection of permanent

The Cincinnati Art Museum is a gift to the entire region: a world class attraction with free admission. The museum has made a serious effort to reach out to its youngest patrons in recent years, offering programs like the themed Family First

Saturdays, Wee Wednesdays for ages 2-5 and Art in the Making for ages 6-12. The museum even offers 30-minute parent/baby tours.

Head to My Little Red Haus for some unstructured-but-supervised art fun in a bright, creative arts studio in the heart of Old Montgomery. The center also provides classes and private lessons for more in-depth art instruction.

Downtown Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center might seem like an unlikely venue for family fun at first glance, but a visit to the CAC’s UnMuseum is sure to change that perception. The space features interactive modern art exhibits that include many intriguing surprises and thought-provoking elements. Check out Thursday Art Play for younger artists.

Find a fun freebie New “makerspaces” are popping up all over Greater Cincinnati, and they are a fantastic outlet for up-and-coming creators. Kids and families can destruct, construct and collaborate on new ideas and inventions in these supervised creation spaces for no charge. Check out Northside’s Make It Space , The Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library’s Makerspace and the NKY Makerspace in Burlington, Kentucky.

Kids can bowl for free this summer at Strike & Spare Western Bowl , Heid Bowling Lanes and other local bowling alleys! Sign up online at kidsbowlfree.com (search for Ohio).

Escape the heat and enjoy free movies at Esquire Theaters in Clifton, Mariemont and Oakley. A variety of kid-friendly flicks will be shown on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Families can also enjoy some “out of the sun fun” at the free indoor playground at Sharon Woods , Adventure Station.

Whatever the temperature climbs to, there’s plenty of Cincinnati indoor summer activities to help everyone keep their cool!

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Go Outside and Play!

15 ol d - fa s h ion e d s u m m e r t i m e ac t i v i t i e s Pam Molnar

S

ummer is the best time to be a kid. School is out, the weather is great and each day promises a new adventure. At least that is how it used to be.

Today, summer’s biggest rival is the computer screen. With the return of sunny skies, there is no need to bask in the artificial light of a digital display. Instead, encourage your child to gather up the neighborhood kids and show them how to have some old-fashioned summer fun.

Pillow Case Race It’s the same idea as a potato sack race, but easier to come by. Line up the kids and their pillow cases at the starting line and watch them go.

Tug-o-War Start summer off with a splash. Break the group up into teams, find a long rope and stand on opposite sides of a kiddie pool filled with water.

On go, see who will make the first splash of the summer.

Sharks and Minnows Line up the players, called minnows, on one end of the yard. One shark stands in the middle of the yard. The minnows try to cross to the other side of the yard without getting tagged and becoming a shark themselves. Play continues until all minnows have changed to sharks.

Frisbee Tic Tac Toe Draw a tic tac toe board on the driveway with chalk or in the yard with spray paint. Gather four Frisbees for each player and try to get the Frisbees to land in the squares to win tic tac toe.

Water Gun Shooting Range Gather empty water and soda bottles and set up on a deck railing or table edge. Fill your water gun and try to knock them over. On windy days, fill each bottle with an inch of water.

Obstacle Course Dig out the hula hoops, soccer cones and jump ropes.

Use your creativity to set up an obstacle course in the backyard and let the races begin.

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Nature Scavenger Hunt Whether you are in the backyard or a local forest preserve, help the kids make a list of items they can gather and race back to the starting line. Find things like a river rock, pinecone, acorn or a robin’s egg shell.

Watermelon Eating Contest Cut watermelon into half-moon pieces and set in front of each player on the table.

On go, try to eat the watermelon as fast as you can without using your hands.

Five Hundred One player stands at the end of the yard or street with a baseball bat and tennis ball. He throws the ball up and hits it with the bat into the crowd. They try to catch it on a fly – 100 points, with one bounce – 50 points or two bounces – 25 points. Whoever scores 500 first is the winner.

Dodgeball Set up several soft vinyl balls in the center of two teams. On go, charge the center to get to a ball and start throwing them at other players. If a player catches it, the thrower is out.

If he misses the catch or gets hit with the ball, the player is out.

Kick the Can Place a metal can in the middle of the driveway or backyard patio. The players hide while the person who is “it” tries to find them while keeping an eye on the can. If he gets too far away from the can, another player can come out of hiding and kick the can. If the player is tagged, he becomes “it.” If not, he is safe. Play continues until all players kick the can or until a player is found or tagged.

Clothes Pin Tag Everyone clips a hinged clothes pin to the back of their shirt. The person who is “it” tries to grab the clothes pin as they run by.

Water Balloon Toss Stand in parallel lines and pass a water balloon back and forth without dropping it. Change it up by setting one person in the middle of a circle with a bowl on his head.

Players try to toss the balloon in the bowl.

Drip, Drip, Drop Played like Duck, Duck, Goose, this is a fun game for a hot day. Instead of tapping the players in the circle for “duck”, drip a little water from a sponge. When you choose a player to “goose”, yell “drop” and squeeze the sponge over their head before you start running.

Kickball This game is similar to baseball, but it levels the playing field so all ages and skill levels can play. The pitcher rolls a large ball to the “batter” who kicks it with his foot. Like baseball, the batter runs the bases and the opposing team tries to get him out before he gets home.

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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Eight Birthday Traditions

You’ll Want to Try Suggestions for that extra special day

Kerrie McLoughlin

K

ids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout. Never fear!

Below are eight ideas for birthday traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year, and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love!

1. Rise and shine

I like to wake my kids up on their birthday not with, “Get up! It’s time for school!” but with an extra long snuggle and the condensed version of the day they were born. Who doesn’t like to hear their birth story? Adopted and foster children can be told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are.

2. Birthday letter

Every year I type up a birthday letter for each of my children telling them what great things they did and said and learned during the past year. I give the birthday child a copy, then save a copy in a binder and on my computer for myself (because we all know kids can’t keep track of stuff.) The plan is to give each of my children a copy of all their letters when they move out, which means they’ll have somewhere between 18 and 30 letters to enjoy!

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3. Birthday slideshow

With just a few clicks of your mouse you can create a special slideshow using PowerPoint or a similar computer program. Just pop in photos, size them and add cute captions. You can even add some music if you like. After your child watches it about a zillion times, save it to a CD and pop it in a special place (safe deposit box, fireproof box, etc.) so your child will always have it.

4. Photos

I try to take as many pictures as I can on birthdays and even make sure I’m included in some of them! Later we like to get out old photo albums and the birthday kid’s baby album.

5. Special meal

One of my kids loves the neighborhood restaurant where they sing Happy Birthday and are given a balloon to take home. Another is content heading to the local fast food indoor play area and grabbing bites of food in between trips down the slide. Make at least one meal of the birthday child’s day something out of the ordinary!

6. Special treat

We like to hit the cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors to spread the celebration around. A cheaper, and just as special, route would be to make your child’s favorite dessert at home – cookies, cake, banana splits, shakes or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet.

7. Party

If you get a few gray hairs every time you think of planning a birthday party, don’t fret. Consider a bash at a park shelter or a celebration where a local children’s party place does all the work.

8. Birthday weekend sleepover

Warning: this one is not for the faint of heart! I suggest a maximum of three friends to stay the night at your house on a Friday night around the time of your child’s birthday. Order pizza to make life easy on yourself, grab some movies from the library and have them set up their sleeping bags as far away from your bedroom as possible.

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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BRANDED CONTENT

Preconception Health A priority for women of childbearing age

earlier. There are several important steps women can take to boost their preconception health:

Premier Health

• Take folic acid every day to lower risk of birth defects

Preconception health – a woman’s health at the time when she is able to conceive a child – is becoming an increasingly important issue for national health care organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the CDC, that is because birth outcomes in the United States are worse than any other developed country despite advances in medicine and prenatal care in recent years.

Women need to know how important preconception health is, especially if they are not preventing a pregnancy. By the time a woman finds out she is pregnant, there are processes that have already taken place relative to the formation of the baby.

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It’s between two to four weeks that a significant portion of a baby’s organs have already started to develop.

According to research conducted by the CDC, babies whose parents took steps to get healthy before pregnancy, are less likely to be born early or have low birthweight.

They are also more likely to be born without birth defects or other disabling conditions.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says women should prepare for pregnancy before becoming sexually active – or at least three months before becoming pregnant. Some actions such as smoking cessation, reaching a healthy weight or adjusting medicines should start even

• Stop alcohol and tobacco use • Address existing medical conditions • Talk to your doctor about medications, including dietary or herbal supplements, you are taking to make sure they are safe during pregnancy • Make sure vaccinations are up to date • Avoid contact with toxic substances that could cause infection at work and at home • Reach your optimal weight and eat a healthy diet To learn more about preconception health, visit premierhealthspecialists.org/obgyn.

Cincinnati Support Groups for Moms You know the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”? Well, it really does!

Fortunately, there are many organizations in the Cincinnati area dedicated to this very mission. Check out this list of local support groups and get the benefit of learning and connecting with other moms like you.

MOPS MOPS or “Mothers of Preschoolers” is an international organization for moms of children ages birth through kindergarten.

MOPS has 3,900 groups in 35 countries with several in Southwest Ohio. This organization is about connecting, empowering and helping women across the world. Want to start your own MOPS group? Find detailed directions on their web site for doing so. www.mops.org

Mom-to-Mom Mom-to-Mom is a weekly meeting for parents of children any age held at The Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center (CFEC). If you’re looking for support, encouragement and understanding, check out this (free) parents group, which takes place every Thursday from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm. The CFEC also offers classes on baby wearing, potty training and pregnancy – plus a monthly Spanish-speaking playgroup. www.theplaceforfamilies. com/for-parents.html

Moms Club This international organization (“Moms Offering Moms Support”) has several local chapters including groups in Fairfield, Liberty Township and West Chester.

Designed for stay-at-home-moms, this club organizes daytime outings, support services and offers free babysitting at meetings.

Montgomery Moms For moms located in the Montgomery/ Sycamore Township area, check out Montgomery Moms. This group strives to provide support for the whole family by organizing children’s activities, family events and couples outings. From book groups to Halloween parties and farm field trips, this well-organized resource offers many opportunities for local families.

West Chester Mothers of Twins and More Club If you’re a mom to multiples, this club is a must. West Chester Mothers of Twins and More hosts play groups, meetings and outings, as well as clothing swaps and a giant garage sale. Join the group when you’re pregnant to take full advantage of the group’s support! http://wcmultiples.org/

www.montgomerymoms.org

tri-state multiples Mothers & More of Cincinnati Mothers & More is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide programming and community for moms through all stages, phases and transitions of motherhood. The organization hosts monthly meetings, book clubs, moms night out, play groups and field trips. www.mothersandmorecincinnati.com

Mothers of Special Children of NKY This group provides emotional support to mothers of children with special needs, especially those who are just learning of their child’s disabilities. www.mscnky.com/index.html

This group is designed specifically for parents of “higher order multiples” (triplets or more) from the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana areas. This group strives to provide emotional support, networking opportunities, educational information and social activities for its members. With over 100 families in this group, there’s a lot of experience and support to go around – plus bi-annual clothing and equipment sales so families can share and save! www.tristatemultiples.com

Being a parent is hard work, but you aren’t alone! Consider joining one of these local groups for fun, friendship and support (and your kids will love it too!)

For additional information on support groups and services available to families of children with special needs, visit the Cincinnati Children’s web site at www.cincinnatichildrens. org/patients/child/special-needs/ network/support-groups/.

http://momsclub.org/index.php

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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COM M E N TA RY & PA R E N T I N G

Ask the Teacher Final grade surprise, excessive computer time and disorganized kids Deb Krupowicz

When school starts up again, revisit the list. Remind him of his goal regarding his desire for better grades throughout the quarter, rather than just when report cards are issued.

Q:

I hear comments all the time about restricting screen time for my young kids. They love playing video games so much that I just don’t understand what the big deal is.

How can playing video games have such a negative impact on their academics?

A:

Playing video games is not in and of itself problematic. It becomes so when it is the main activity your children want to do with their time.

Q:

My fourth grade son was surprised and upset that he did not get straight A’s for the last quarter of the year. How can I help him understand what goes into determining his final grades?

A:

Begin by showing your son how all of his assignments, projects, quizzes and tests were averaged together to get the number that became his grade. Spend some time substituting other numbers, both higher and lower, to show how this impacts a final mark. Direct his attention to what a missing assignment or a low test score can do to a quarterly grade.

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Of greater importance is helping your child look at the trends in his grades.

What were his strengths and weaknesses in various areas? Perhaps his homework was turned in on time, but his quiz grades tended to be low. Maybe he understood overall concepts but didn’t want to be bothered with homework, yet still got solid test grades.

The essential take-away from your discussion should be that your son understands that grades are something he earns, not something the teacher “gives.” He must feel a sense of ownership about his schoolwork.

Discuss what he can do differently next year to get the grades he wants.

Empower him by talking about his personal responsibility to make improvements. Work with your son to create a list of specific steps to make the changes he desires for next year.

For kids to be successful in school, many aspects of their development must be considered. At the top of that list is physical health. Children must have healthy diets, engage in physical exercise and play daily, and get a good night’s sleep every night. Playing video games excessively cuts into the time that kids get the exercise they need. Many children get so wrapped up in video games that bed time gets pushed later and later.

Reading ability is tied directly to academic success, and reading progress is tied directly to time spent reading. When children play computer games at the expense of reading, they will struggle to advance in vocabulary and comprehension development. That lack of development will have a detrimental effect both short term and long term.

Help your children keep video game playing in perspective. Establish the parameters for when games can be played, prioritizing an hour of physical play, following 30 minutes or more of reading, and ending 30 minutes or more prior to bed time. Also, encourage using some of their computer time for academic games to reinforce educational skills and concepts.

Q:

My daughter is so disorganized. When she heads to middle school next year and has a locker, I don’t know how she will manage. What can I do to help her?

A:

One of the keys to organization is planning, and that requires a routine.

Developing a routine is very tough for many kids. Without planning and a routine, frustration results over finding lost items, missing deadlines and forgetting materials. However, children can learn that they have more time for fun when they are better organized and follow a routine.

Keep the plan simple. Have your daughter start by taping a list to her mirror of what she needs to do before school to be ready for the day. Many of these tasks can be done the night before. She should also have a checklist for what she needs to do at the end of the day. She can create an electronic list on her phone or computer or staple one inside a planner cover. Go over the lists with her frequently so that she understands that she is accountable for using them.

Once the routine for before and after school has been implemented, it is time to tackle “stuff management.” This is a huge challenge! Do not assume your daughter knows how to get her backpack, her locker and her room organized.

Help her label folders or folder pockets, put shelves in lockers, and establish places for her personal belongings.

Learning how to become responsible for her personal belongings and her time is an essential skill to learn now that will benefit her the rest of her life.

A s k t h e T e ac h e r 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.

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preschool and

education guide [CHARTER] Hor i zon S c i e nce Ac ade my C i nc i nnat i We prepare students to succeed in college and the world by offering high-quality, college-prep, STEM education.

1055 Laidlaw Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45237, Phone: (513) 242 0099, Email: info@ horizoncincy.org, www.horizoncincy.org, Grades: K-8th

[CHILDCaRE // PRESCHOOL] T h e C a m p us at K i d s F i r s t We have FULL DAY Kindergarten! Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner.

7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: info@theCampusKF.com, www.theCampusKF.com, Grades: 6 weeks thru Kindergarten

Cha i Tot s E arly Ch i ld ho od Ce n t e r 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

T h e Com pa s s S cho ol 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.

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

Cre at i v e Tot s , M a s on 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.creative totsmason.com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 years, Preschool: 3-4 years; Pre-K: 4-5 years

T h e K i n de r G arde n S cho ol s Together with interaction of child, staff and family, we develop the complete child. In our Kinder Garden, we provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child. Kinder Garden School is devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency in a full supportive, fertile, fun setting.

ENLIGHTENMENT IS OUR MISSION. Blue Ash: 10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash, OH 45242, Phone: 791-4300; West Chester: 5900 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069; Phone: 874-3100, www.KinderGardenSchool.com, Grades: 6 weeks through kindergarten, Enrollment: Please call the school 791-4300 or email Tami Lanham at tami@kindergardenschool.com.

YMCA of Gre at e r C i nc i nnat i 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] Ch i ld re n ’ s Me e t i ng Hous e Mon t e s s or i S cho ol 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: 513-6834757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, www. cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 160

Coun t ry H i ll s Mon t e s s or i 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.

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

G arde n Mon t e s s or i S cho ol S h i n e N u r t u re Ce n t e r A high-quality, nature-focused, & emotionallyresponsible preschool & child care program with healthy food! Shine Nurture Center is nestled into a cove of Mt. Airy Forest and provides a healthy space for the nourishment and growth of young children.

Shine’s core values include promoting holistic wellness, fostering a connection with nature, providing developmentally appropriate care, and allowing for character discovery. ​ 5100 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223, Contact: Katie McGoron/ Administrator, Email: kmcgoron@mykolab.ch, 513-541-0400, http:// shine-childcare.org, Grades: 6 weeks - 5 years

Celebrating over 40 years, member of Cincinnati Montessori Society. Certified/degreed Montessori teachers with combined 70 years experience. Montessori program, full day, and Kindergarten. Individualized instruction, small class size, 1:8 teacher/child ratio.

Offer music, dance, and gym. Large, fenced-in outdoor playground.

1318 Nagel Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255, Contact: Jackie Wofford/Director, Phone: 513-474-4933, Email: gms@cinci.rr.com, gardenmontessori school.com, Grades: pre-school thru Kdg. ages 3-6 years old.

L i t t le Sp r ou t s M on t e s s or i Pre s cho ol & K i n de r g ar t e n 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, capping classes at ten students.

7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-6979021, Email: csawyer@leavesoflearning.org, www.little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kinder-garten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

[SPECIaL NEEDS] Spr i nge r S cho ol a n d Ce n t e r 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.

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

[NON–PUBLIC] [TUTORING]

De Pau l Cr i s to Re y H igh Scho ol Looking for an affordable private school? DePaul Cristo Rey is the Catholic, college-prep high school for families who can’t afford other private high schools. Through our Corporate Work Study Program students work one day a week in professional settings earning part of their education costs. Find out more at www. discoverdepaul.org.

1133 Clifton Hills Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, Contact: Yasmeen Khan, Admissions Coordinator, Phone: 513-861-0600, Fax: 513-861-0900, Email: yasmeen.khan@ depaulcristorey.org, www.discoverdepaul. org, Grades: Grades 9-12, Enrollment: 260

T h e S e v e n H i ll s S cho ol 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.

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

L a ng s ford Le ar n i ng Acce le r at ion Ce n t e r s 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 Location: 9402 Towne Square Ave. Ste B, Cincinnati, OH 45242, West Chester Location: 7616 Cox Lane, West Chester, Oh 45069, Contact: Jeff Graham, Executive Director, Phone: 513-531-7400, www.

WeTeachReading.com, Grades: All ages

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY EDUCATION GUIDE // CON TACT K ATIE@CINCINNATIPAREN T.com

[PUBLIC] C i nc i nnat i P u bl ic SCho ol s

Now Enrolling for Fall!

o

GARDEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL

o oo

o

oo

Our goal is to provide a rigorous curiculum that cultivates critical thinking and technology skills while encouraging collaboration, real-world connections and endless creativity. It’s not just about getting your children ready for graduation.

It’s about getting them into college and preparing them for a thriving career!

Phone: 513-363-0123, cps-k12.org

Call for a tour of our school!

“Where Young Minds Grow!”

Preschool, Kindergarten & Full Day Care

o

Open 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Ages 3-5

(513)474-4933

1318 Nagel Road • Cincinnati, Ohio 45255

gardenmontessorischool.com

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GROW I N G H E A LT H Y FA M I L I E S

Summertime Risks for Abuse Keeping your children safe with new caregivers Sarah Painer, MSW, LISW-S, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Did you know that incidences of child abuse, specifically sexual abuse, are the highest during the summer months?

Kids out of school are often under the supervision of new caregivers, who may not provide the necessary watchfulness to keep children out of harm’s way or may even be abusive themselves.

Reports of child abuse typically increase in the fall when kids return to school and disclose cases of abuse that have occurred over the summer to a trusted teacher or classmate.

Children often know and trust their perpetrators, who will persuade, bribe or trick them to engage in inappropriate sexual acts. A daycare facility, private caregiver’s home or a sleepover at someone’s house are often cited as places where abuse has occurred.

Parents should always be mindful of who their children are interacting with, but especially vigilant during the summer when their normal routine has changed and different adults come into their child’s life.

Keeping your child safe Protecting your kids from abuse starts with knowing the adults that become a part of their day. Here are few tips to safeguard your children: • Do your research when choosing a childcare provider. Make sure your provider is licensed, get personal recommendations and ask any questions you think are necessary for you to feel confident that you have a qualified person taking care of your child.

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• Understand your child’s daily schedule while under the care of someone else. Make sure children are not left alone with individual staff members and instead are among other children and providers throughout the day.

• Ask all babysitters, camp directors, daycare workers, coaches, etc. for copies of references or background checks. Request this information not just from staff members, but from volunteers too.

The more information and background checking you do, the more likely you are to turn up anything that seems amiss.

Helping kids keep themselves safe It is vital to communicate with your children about what is considered inappropriate behavior by adults (or other children.) The American Academy of Pediatrics makes these age appropriate recommendations: 18 months – Begin teaching the proper name for body parts.

3-5 years – Talk to children about their “private parts” and how to say “no!” if they ever feel uneasy with someone’s touch. Make sure they understand that they should always tell you if they are being hurt or made to feel uncomfortable by anyone – including relatives or neighbors.

5-8 years – Discuss the difference between good and bad touches.

Encourage clear and consistent personal boundaries including privacy with body parts. Explain that “games” that involve their body should never be kept secret. Talk about how to keep themselves safe outside your home.

8-12 years – Teach the importance of personal safety and how to respond and get away from inappropriate touching.

Provide examples and discuss rules around sexual conduct. Explain that talking about abuse is critical even if it makes someone feel uncomfortable, upset or embarrassed.

13-18 years – Continue to discuss personal safety and family rules about sexual conduct. Stress the importance of safety in regards to online devices and social media. Talk about what makes a healthy relationship and the importance of consent in regards to sexual interactions.

Child abuse is a topic parents often don’t want to even think about, let alone discuss with their children. But keeping kids safe from perpetrators requires that you know exactly who is caring for them, and also equipping your child with the tools to take care of themselves. Remember that all children, girls and boys, are potential targets and it is never their fault when an adult behaves inappropriately. Let your children know that they have a right to always say “no” to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. And if you are ever concerned about any child being abused, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance and contact the local Child Protective Services agency in your county.

J U LY E V E N T S

DAILY calendar

JULY 2015 WEDS 01

SAT 04

WEDS 08

Blueberry Bonanz a!

July is National Blueberry Month! In honor of this tasty fruit, we are hosting a blueberry bonanza event that is sure to be a treat. We will be reading some of our favorite books that highlight the beautiful blueberry and will create a fun craft that is sure to be refrigerator worthy. We will wrap up this event by enjoying some sweet blueberries on a hot July day. Best for ages 3-5.

Stricker’s Grove 4th of July Firework s Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Ride tickets and food available for purchase. Free admission, $14 unlimited ride armband.

Wednesdays on the Green Clifton Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) is thrilled to bring you another summer of Wednesdays on the Green— weekly free evening concerts every Wednesday in June and July! Each week will feature a new hand-on art project for kids and different food trucks. Kick back in the grass, enjoy the show and meet some new friends on the beautiful lawn at CCAC!

Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, Phone: 513.731.2665, www. bluemanateebooks.com

Red, White and Blue Ash The OneMain Financial Red, White & Blue Ash 4th of July Celebration is the area’s largest Independence Day event in the region, offering free national entertainment, food, drink, a family fun area and the “Biggest & Best 4th of July Fireworks in the Tri-State”. With typical crowds reaching over 100,000 spectators during this one-day event, it is a favorite for locals and visitors alike!

THURS 02 – SAT 04 Northside Rock ‘n’ Roll Carnival Local and national music and sideshow and burlesque acts, plus food, vendors and beer. Free!

Time: 6:00 pm, Location: Hoffner Park, https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Northside-Rock-NRoll-Carnival/196077547101917

FRI 03 16th Annual L aRosa’s Balloon Glow Coney Island comes alive! Live music, family entertainment and Classic Rides make for a fun-filled evening. Later, the evening sky illuminates when hot air balloons of every color glow for all to see. The grand finale for the event is a spectacular Rozzi Fireworks display over the banks of Lake Como.

Time: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Location: Coney Island, Phone: 513-232-8230, http://coneyislandpark.com

Time, 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Location: Stricker’s Grove, Phone: 513-521-9747, http://www.strickersgrove.com

Time: 4:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Location: Blue Ash Summit Park, Phone: 513-745-6259, http://blue ashevents.com/events_calendar/red_white_and_ blue_ash/index.php

Red, White and Boom Cincinnati’s favorite July Fourth tradition returns as JMR and the Cincinnati Pops present a concert full of patriotic and American favorites. The concert caps off with a Rozzi’s fireworks display.

Time: 8:00 pm, Location: Riverbend - Corbett Pavilion, Phone: 513.621.1919, http://cincinnati symphony.org/zurb3/1516_sum02_boom.htm

TUES 07 Movies in the Pl ayscape: Homeward Bound Children’s activity at 8pm; movie begins when it’s dark. Join us at the meadow hill in the Nature PlayScape for a special outdoor movie experience.

Bring a blanket (please no lawn chairs) and a snack or picnic dinner. There will be a short children’s activity at 8pm as we wait for it to get dark.

Members free, nonmembers pay daily admission ($8 adults, $3 ages 4 – 12, $6 seniors and active military).

Time: 8:00 pm, Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Phone: 513-831-1711, http://cincynature.org

R E D W H I T E A N D B LU E A S H AT B LU E A S H S U M M I T PAR K , S AT U R DAY, J U LY 4th

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Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Location: Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Phone: 513-497-2860, http://www. cliftonculturalarts.org/events/coming-events/ wednesdays-on-the-green/

FRI 10 – SUN 12 St. Rita Fest Live entertainment nightly and fun for the whole family! Lots of prizes available… Friday: Win a Kindle Fire, Saturday: Win 4 tickets to Jimmy Buffet in August at Riverbend, and Sunday: Win a Family Membership for 4 to the Cincinnati Zoo (included parking). Grand Raffle is $25,000 cash or a new car! Admission is $2 per person.

Time: Friday, 7pm-midnight; Saturday, 4pm-midnight; Sunday, 1pm-10pm, Location: St. Rita School for the Deaf, Phone: (513) 771-7600, http://www.srsdeaf. org/StRitaFest.aspx

FRI 10 – TUES 14 T-Mobile All-Star FanFest Come see all your favorite All-Star players and see the great Cincinnati baseball legends! Multiple ticket options available, including FanFest Family Packs and the FanFest Eat and Play Combo.

Time: 9:00 am, http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/ all_star/y2015/index.jsp

FRI 10 Oakley Af ter Hour s Mad Tree beer, kids’ entertainment and live music.

Free shuttles from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. around Hyde Park and Oakley.

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Location: Oakley Square, Phone: 513-533-9039, http://www.oakleynow.com

SAT 11 – SUN 12 Civil War Weekend Join us as hundreds of soldier and civilian re-enactors bring the village to life during the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis will be speaking about the struggle with slavery, states rights, and the many battles of the war. Education stations will be set up throughout the village to teach children how people lived during the Civil War. Location: Heritage Village Museum, Phone: (513) 563-9484, www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org/

SAT 11 – SAT 18 Clinton Count y Fair Live entertainment, harness racing, antique tractor pull and demolition derby. Junior and Senior Fair Shows of cattle, sheep, hogs, rabbits, chickens, horses and pets. Admission is $7/person.

Time: 8:00 am -11:00 pm, Location: Clinton County Fairgrounds, Phone: 937-382-4443

St. Cecilia Parish Festival Food, funnel cakes, beer, bid ‘n’ buy, flea market, rides, kiddy games, games of chance, gambling tent, live music. Bingo on Sat-Sun. Petting zoo and chicken dinner Sunday. Check website for daily times.

Location: St. Cecilia Church, Phone: 513-871-5757, http://www.stceciliacincinnati.org

SAT 11

FRI 17

Fa milies Cre ate! “ Wag Days of Sum mer” Resist the city heat at the Weston Art Gallery this July with water and color and creativity.

Whole Again’s Fun to Be Fit Day Whole Again is excited to present Fun to Be Fit Day with special guests Olympic Gold-Medalist Mary Wineberg and Olympic Silver Medalist David Payne! This event is a fitness competition between the kids at all of Whole Again’s summer enrichment sites across the city. Along with the fitness competition, there will be physical activities for the public to take part in along with a Health Fair.

Contact us to become a vendor, sponsor or to pre-register your kids!

Time: 10:00 am, Location: Weston Art Gallery, Phone: (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], http://www.cincinnatiarts.org

SUN 12 Splish, Spl ash Bash Wear clothes that can get wet, because you are in for a sloppy good time as we play all sorts of water games. Explore the world of water as nature’s essential ingredient. All ages will want to drop by and get in on the act. Hands-on fun and learning for all. Free!

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Location: Winton Woods, Phone: (513) 521-7275, http://www.greatparks.org

MON 13 Preschool Story time: Fire Truck Visit!

Meet the firemen from the Sharonville Fire Department. Learn about fire safety and explore a fire truck. Ages 3-6.

Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am, Location: Sharonville Branch Library, Phone: 513-369-6049, http://www. cincinnatilibrary.org/branches/sharonville.html

WEDS 15 – SAT 18 4-H Com munit y Fair Rides, games, and livestock shows daily! Rodeo Saturday Evening! Visit our website for details.

Wednesday to Friday 4pm – 10pm & Saturday 9:00am – 10:30pm Location: Stricker’s Grove, www.hc4h communityfair.org

Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Location: Sports Plus, Phone: (513) 731-1888, http://www.whole-again.org/ fun-to-be-fit/

SAT 18 Star Trek Live in Concert!

The Pops will perform the score live in sync with the 2009 blockbuster Star Trek (PG-13). The fulllength, action-packed film by leading Hollywood master J.J. Abrams reveals the origins of Captain Kirk, Spock and the rest of the USS Enterprise crew with a thrilling orchestral score by Michael Giacchino adding drama and excitement.

Time: 7:30 pm, Location: Taft Theatre, Phone: 513.621.1919, http://cincinnatisymphony.org/ zurb3/1516_sum03_star-trek.htm

SAT 18 – SUN 19 Super Why Adventure waits on this train ride to see Super Why! with the power to read! The LM&M Railroad is pleased to partner with the PBS Kids station in Southwest Ohio; Think TV in Dayton and CET in Cincinnati, to create fun and educational events for the entire family to enjoy. Visitors must purchase a ticket to ride the train, but all event activities are free. Ride times: 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm.

Location: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, Phone: 513-933-8022, http://lebanonrr.com/superwhy.html

FRI 17 – SUN 19 BreyerFest!

Get your tickets now for BreyerFest, the fun family festival for horse lovers of all ages! Lots to see, do and experience! Enjoy pony rides, petting zoo, Splash Dogs, extreme gymnastics from The Tribe who will be teaching American Parkour as well as demonstrating it; the Tonka Fun Zone, Breyer’s Craft Activity Area, enjoy magic tricks and juggling from the Cincinnati Circus Company and lots of great horse acts all day long! Buy tickets in advance online and save!

Location: Lexington Horse Park, Phone: 800-4133348, www.BreyerHorses.com

Food Truck Festival If you love food trucks, you’ll love one festival rolling into Kings Island this summer. The park’s inaugural Food Truck Festival will take place July 18-19 and feature local food trucks from the Greater Cincinnati area.

Location: Kings Island, Phone: (513) 754-5700, https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/ things-to-do/events-and-promotions/FoodTruck-Festival

SUN 19 3rd Sunday Funday: It ’s M agic!

Enjoy a magical Funday at the Taft! Magic will happen all around the Museum as you explore some of the “tricks” painters use at the Art Cart, make a magic wand to take home, and take a tour of the Museum. Magician Brett Sears will have plenty of tricks up his sleeve during his live magic show at 2 p.m.

Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Location: Taft Museum of Art, Phone: (513) 241-0343, www.taftmuseum.org/

WEDS 22 M acy ’s Kids, Cultures, Crit ter s and Cr af ts Festival One of the region’s favorite summer festivals celebrates its tenth year with a goal to “Pay It Forward” with a unique opportunity to help support early childhood literacy. Featuring a lineup of mainstays coupled with brand new acts highlighting cultural dance and music, the event features $1 admission and an opportunity to “Pay It Forward.” (parking not included) Presented by Learning Through Art, Inc. Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Phone: 513.242.6028, http:// learningthroughart.com/events-2/kids-culturescritters-crafts-festival/

FRI 24 What Parents Should Know About Re ading Development This is a FREE community event, RSVP required.

Many children learn to read effortlessly, yet 60% don’t. Of those 60%, 20% have significant difficulty learning to read. This presentation simplifies for parents the complex process of reading by examining the 5 Critical Skills necessary for reading success. You’ll learn the developmental path of good readers, why reading isn’t natural, root causes of reading difficulties (including dyslexia), and why some good readers struggle with comprehension.

Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, Location: Langsford Learning - Blue Ash, Phone: 513-531-7400, www.WeTeachReading.com

High School Musical Jr .

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life in Disney’s High School Musical JR! Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

Although many students resent the threat posed to the ‘status quo’, Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

Time: 7:00 pm, Location: Aronoff Center, Phone: (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], http://www.cincinnatiarts.org

FRI 24 – SUN 26 Gre ater Ander son Days Features live music, games, rides, food, “Anderson’s Got Talent” competition, and fireworks.

Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Location: Beech Acres Park, Phone: 513-474-0003, http://www. andersonparks.com

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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SAT 25

SUN 26

TUES 28

Fa mily Festival: Unmuseum Block Part y!

Drop in and join the fun! Guest artists and educators with a talent for working with children teach hands-on art projects that can be taken home or displayed in the UnMuseum®. Projects use unusual materials and processes that artists of all ages can enjoy. This is an open-house style program, so drop in any time during the offering.

L a zy Sundays Come hang out with us! We’ll provide hammocks and teach you how to hang them in the trees. Then lounge around and enjoy being outdoors as your family plays. Members free, nonmembers pay daily admission ($8 adults, $3 ages 4 – 12, $6 seniors and active military).

All-Star Puppeteer s Make baseball character bag puppets and experiment with a wide range of library puppets that are normally reserved for story time including some puppet techniques.

Time: 1:00 pm, Location: Contemporary Arts Center, Phone: (513) 345-8400, http://www. contemporaryartscenter.org

Time: 1-3:00 pm, Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Phone: 513-831-1711, http://cincynature.org

THURS 30 MON 27

SAT 25 – SUN 26 Tr ain Ride with Clifford Come take a ride on the LM&M Railroad to visit Clifford the Big Red Dog and Emily Elizabeth! Play on the LM&M play set and enjoy various games and activities! Bring kids, grandparents, and friends to enjoy this memorable moment, but don’t forget your camera! Ride times: 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm.

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm, Location: Monfort Heights Branch Library, Phone: 513-369-4472, http://www. cincinnatilibrary.org/branches/monfortheights. html

Sprouts Institute: Music and Movement Discover the magic of music together! Sing, dance, and play instruments in an informal setting. For children up to 5 years old.

Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Phone: (513) 287-7000, http://www. cincymuseum.org

Get Out and Pl ay Join Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s own Mr. Rick and get outside and keep it movin’! Mr. Rick will lead organized games and outdoor activities for kids to enjoy structured play during our summer months!

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Location: College Hill Branch Library, Phone: 513-369-6036, http://www. cincinnatilibrary.org/branches/collegehill.html

Location: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, Phone: 513-933-8022, http://lebanonrr.com/clifford.html

ONGOING EVENTS S hark Br i d ge Daily through December 30th Time: 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Location: Newport Aquarium, Phone: 1-800-406-3474, http://www. newportaquarium.com

For thrill-seekers that dare to cross, Shark Bridge is the only suspension bridge in North America where guests can walk just inches above nearly two dozen sharks. This V-shaped rope bridge is 75-feet long and is suspended over the open water of the 385,000 gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. The new Shark Bridge experience is included with admission or annual pass. $23 Adult, $15 Child (2-12), Free children under 2

F r i day N igh t Gr i ll Ou t s Occurring Each Friday Through Friday, September 4th Times: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Phone: (513)521-7275, Location: Lake Isabella, www.greatparks.org

Leave Friday night dinner to us! Enjoy an evening at the lake with delicious grilled meals from $8.50–$10 and live music on the pier from 6–8 p.m. The park playground and boathouse will also be open for fun activities for all ages.

S c i e nce of Sp or t s Occurring Daily through September 7th Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, http://www.cincymuseum.org, Phone: 513-287-7000

Exhibit challenges your body and mind as you explore how incredible feats of athleticism are just science at work. $5.50-$19.50. Note: Times are from 11:00 am- 6:00 pm on Sundays only.

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Bu i ld I t!

Occurring Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August 22nd Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Location: The Betts House, www.thebettshouse.org, Phone: 513-651-0734

Build It! offers fun activities on construction concepts for children. The exhibit,from archKIDecture of Chicago, consists activities that presenting architectural subjects including roofs, tools, and shapes. Designed for children age three to twelve, the exhibit promotes visual literacy with activities on shapes, color, and symmetries. May 19- Aug. 22, see website for days and times. $2 per person.

S t uc k on Re adi ng Occurring Daily through July 31st Location: Mariemont Branch Library, Phone: 513-369-4467, http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/ branches/mariemont.html

Read at least one book from this month’s featured theme: Dr. Seuss! Then come to the library to complete an activity and earn a magnet. Collect three magnets for three month’s participation to receive a free pizza award from Snappy Tomato Pizza!

R i de T h e Duck s Occurring Daily Through Sunday, November 8th Times: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Cost: Adult ( 13+)- $18 Children (2- 12)- $13, Location: Newport Aquarium, Phone: 859-815-1439, http://newport. ridetheducks.com/experience/ticketinformation.aspx

Ride the Ducks is Greater Cincinnati’s most unique attraction. Splash down and cruise the Ohio River while exploring the historic waterfronts of Newport, Covington and Cincinnati. Enjoy the ride as we pass the World Peace Bell, Historic Riverside Drive, Great American Ballpark, Paul Brown Stadium and much more aboard an amphibious vehicle crafted from WWII-era DUKW vehicles.

T h e L i t t le Me r m a i d Wednesdays - Sundays, July 8th through August 30th Location: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Phone: 800-677-9505, http://www.lacomedia.com

Based on the classic Disney animated feature, The Little Mermaid is a musical favorite for audiences of all ages! This production is sure to thrill in every way, as it showcases beautiful sets, dazzling costumes, and an award-winning score! Check website for daily show times.

S um me r C i n e m a Occurring Each Wednesday Through Wednesday, August 26th Times: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Location: Washington Park, Phone: (513)621-4400, http:// washingtonpark.org

Summer Cinema features a free movie screening every Wednesday at the Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on our civic lawn.

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.

CINCINNaTI PaRENT // JULY 2015

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SOURCES // familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com

JULY 2015 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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