November & December 2019| Dayton Parent

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NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2019

holiday FUN IN DAYTON

9 CAN’T- MISS EVENTS

Give the Gift of Experience

this

season

+ WHY YOU

SHOULD START

SAVING FOR COLLEGE NOW

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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contents

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

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19 departments In Every Issue 06 Letter from the Editor 07 Our Cover Kid

features Resources & Calendars 30 To Do With Your Crew 31 Fun & Wacky Calendar

Around Town 26 Five Rivers

MetroParks Holiday Fun Round Up

Parenting 24 Tips for Holiday Eating

Sponsored Content 12 Mothers Empowered 14 Real Estate Myth

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Give the Gift of Adventure

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Holiday Fun in Dayton

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Saving for College

vs. Truth

Make the holidays memorable by giving experiences as gifts.

9 local attractions to make this season merry and bright.

Before you know it, your child will be on their way to college − so start saving now!

22 Meeting the Needs of All Students

Travel 08 Let's Go on a Cruise!

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DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@daytonparentmagazine.com Associate Publisher & Advertising Hannah Mohler hannah@daytonparentmagazine.com Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@daytonparentmagazine.com Account Executives Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com Brooke Litherland brooke@cdaytonparentmagazine.com

Giving Adventures I am blessed because I married into a very thoughtful and generous family. I could name a hundred reasons why my in-laws are the best, but there is one example that stands out around this time every year.

Each Christmas for the past few years, my sister-in-law has gifted us a family membership to either the zoo or a local museum. She has two children of her own, and although her children are now adults, she remembers what it was like to be bombarded with toys, gadgets, gizmos and stuff during the holidays. So, when Christmas rolls around, she has taken it upon herself to not give my family more things. Instead, she gives us memories and experiences, in the form of a membership that we can use all year long.

we would stay all day. This flexibility is one of the benefits of having a membership. And when you’re a parent of young children like I am, having that flexibility is a gift itself.

As you can see, I’m a big fan of giving — and receiving! — experiences as gifts. If you need some experiential gift ideas for your loved ones this season, turn to “Give the Gift of Adventure” on page 10. (Or if you want to give a gentle hint to your loved ones, show them this article!) It’s filled with ideas for gifting experiences all around Dayton. From museum memberships to classes to camps, there’s something for every family that will allow everyone to spend quality time together. These are the kinds of gifts that keep on giving!

Have a great time making memories this season!

And use it, we do! I am not ashamed to say that last year, we used our membership to visit our local museum every day for five days straight. (By the end of that week, I’m pretty sure everyone who worked there knew our names.) Some days, we would pop in for an hour and check out one exhibit. Other visits,

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

Creative Director Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com Digital Editor Brooke Litherland brooke@daytonparentmagazine.com

Billing billing@daytonparentmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Rachael Dupree, Lauren Lemons, Haley Paddock, Rebecca Todd

Calendar of Events calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

Contact Us daytonparent@daytonparent magazine.com Dayton Parent Magazine is published bi-monthly. Copyright 2019

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.

EDITOR

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Production Manager Karen Ring karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

OUR COVER KID:

RYAN

[age] 5 years old [my favorites] FOOD Pizza SONG You've Got a Friend

in Me

MOVIE Harry Potter & the

Sorcerer's Stone TOY LEGO BOOK Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets

[an interesting fact about me] I’m really good at climbing trees and I can count past 100!

COVER PHOTO BY: Flash Photography

flashphotodayton.com

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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TRAVEL

WORDS BY KAREN RING

Let’s Go on a Cruise!

Set sail on a family vacation to remember.

Get help from the professionals

Thinking about setting sail as a family? You are not alone. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 42 percent of cruise parties travel with children under the age of 18. Why? Because today’s cruise lines offer a little something for everyone all in one place.

“Cruising is a very economical way for families to travel, oftentimes coming in lower in price than a traditional beach vacation,” says Kristen Buckshire, owner and travel advisor with Travel Ease LLC. “The other advantage to cruising with little ones is the ability to visit multiple destinations with only having to unpack once.

For us moms, cruising is a real treat because we don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning a vacation rental, allowing you some time to relax and be taken care of.”

The key to a successful family cruise is finding the right fit for your family. Below are a few things to consider before setting sail.

Make sure the kids’ programming is a good match Keep your kids’ ages and personalities in mind when selecting a ship. All cruise lines divide their youth programming into age-appropriate groups, but different lines take different approaches toward those age groupings. Some offer very narrow

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According to CLIA, 70 percent of guests book their trip with a travel planner, and for good reason.

“Working with a travel planner, such as the planners at Travel Ease LLC, should be the first step in planning any cruise line vacation,” Buckshire says.

age ranges, like 3 to 5, 6 to 8, etc., while others opt for wider groupings, like 8 to 12. You know what will work best for your kids. If you are traveling with an infant, you may want to consider cruise lines that offer a drop-off nursery.

Also consider the types of activities your children gravitate towards on land, and then be sure at least some of those are available at sea. Have an active kid? Look for ships with athletic activities like rock climbing and zip lining. Water-loving kids will appreciate a ship with multiple pools and waterpark-like features.

If you are traveling with teens, look for ships that offer designated teen programming and hangout spots.

Opt for travel insurance Flight delays, illnesses and weather conditions are just a few of the things that can bring even the best-laid plans to a screeching halt.

Purchasing cruise-line insurance can help protect you from loss of nonrefundable advance payments, trip interruption fees and costs of

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

on-board or overseas medical emergencies that are likely not covered by your medical insurance.

“Any time you are planning a family getaway, it is extremely important to protect your investment with travel protection,” Buckshire says.

“Travel protection is something that you will hopefully never have to use, but when you need it, it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Pick the right excursions for your family Most cruise lines have a wide range of excursions to choose from — everything from cooking classes to snorkeling and deep sea diving. “Be careful when selecting shore excursions, as many have strict age requirements as to who can participate,” Buckshire says. “Kids love animal-based excursions, such as stingray experiences, dolphin encounters and eco parks. Many times, a simple beach day is a great option for families, so you aren’t tied to a specific amount of time that comes with a more formal excursion.”

The perks of using a travel planner go well beyond cost savings. A good travel planner is well-versed in the ins and outs of various cruise lines, as well as the specific offerings on those lines. “Our cruise specialists have hands-on experience with a wide variety of cruise lines and destinations to help you determine the best fit for your family,” Buckshire says.

“After assisting you in finding the perfect cruise line and ship, we assist you in finding the best stateroom category and stateroom location to fit your budget. We pride ourselves on making connections with travel suppliers around the globe so that we can provide you with quality shore excursions suggestions geared toward families.”

By following these tips and enlisting the help of a travel planner, you are sure to set sail on a family vacation to remember.

Happy travels!

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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Give the Gift O F ADVE NTU RE

Make the holidays memorable by giving experiences as gifts.

WORDS BY REBECCA TODD

I

t’s a great feeling for parents to see the delighted faces of their children on Christmas morning — their gleaming smiles as the toys begin to pile up. The next part of the morning is often a not-so-great feeling for parents, as it entails pulling out scissors, pliers, hammers and screwdrivers — and that’s just to get the toys out of the boxes. Then by Christmas evening, many of the presents have already been abandoned, at which point, the joy of the season does not seem quite so, well, joyful.

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“One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation,” says Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University who studies the effects of money and happiness. “We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed, but only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.”

The average child in the developed world owns over 200 toys but only plays with 12 of them on average per day. So, this year, consider replacing at least one or two of those toys with gifts of experience that will keep the joy of the season going throughout the year.

TICKETS AND PASSES

MEMBERSHIPS

Tickets or passes to theaters, sporting events, indoor water parks and even festivals and shows that take place later in the year are great gifts for children.

Tickets to local movie theatres, putt-putt golf, trampoline parks and other activities that take place indoors can also make exciting gifts that can be used to break up the winter blues. Even a stay in a local hotel with a nice pool can be a fun adventure for a family during the winter months. In addition, the anticipation of the event in and of itself becomes part of the gift.

The best part for gift-givers is that tickets to events and venues are often available to fit any budget, and are often discounted if you purchase well in advance.

Memberships to museums, zoos, local state parks and other attractions keep the holiday excitement going year around.

Not only can you get memberships for the whole family to most of these places at a sizeable discount, several also include members-only benefits, such as extra discounts and special events. Let’s not forget about the added advantage of being able to skip long lines. As a bonus for the gift-giver, most memberships are available for purchase quickly and easily online.

CLASSES AND CAMPS Dayton and the surrounding areas offer many creative and athletic classes and camps for children. You can find classes for everything from music, theatre

and dance to gymnastics, swimming and baseball. For added enjoyment for you and your child, look for classes you can do with them or as a family.

Gift certificates for spring break and summer camps also make great gifts. Many unique camps are available, whether your child is interested in science and math or learning to build a house. It’s a great way to introduce children to something new, or to allow them to spend time doing activities they already love.

THE BENEFITS OF EXPERIENTIAL GIFTS Studies show that consumers derive value from anticipation, and that value tends to be greater for experiential gifts than for material purchases. As every

parent has inevitably experienced at some point, the joy of material gifts fades quickly and even the most anticipated Christmas toys soon become another discarded heap in the corner.

Rather than scouring store shelves and the internet for those most-have toys of the season, consider giving your child and your family the gift of new adventures and special memories instead. Neither of you will be sorry. The toys will be gone by next Christmas, but the memories of time spent together and experiencing new things can last a lifetime.

DP on the go.

Family-friendly fun at your fingertips. daytonparent magazine.com

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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SPONSORED CONTENT

BROUGHT TO YOU BY MOTHERS EMPOWERED CENTERINGPREGNANCY®

Mothers Empowered Supporting Women During Pregnancy and Beyond

Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman’s life, but it can also be a scary time with a lot of questions and uncertainties. Women in the Miami Valley region who want to try a unique and innovative model of prenatal care that focuses on support and education during pregnancy can find that care at Lifestages Centers for Women. The Mothers Empowered approach to prenatal care follows a national model of care called CenteringPregnancy® which is governed by the Centering Healthcare Institute. Lifestages has been a certified CenteringPregnancy® site since 2012.

Mothers Empowered CenteringPregnancy® offers high-quality, consistent prenatal care in a group setting determined by a patient’s due date. These prescheduled appointments start out every four weeks, then become more frequent until the end of pregnancy, allowing patients to know the exact date and time of all future appointments throughout the entire pregnancy. It also allows patients extended time with their OB care provider (around 90-120

After the birth of their babies, these mothers come back to Lifestages with their new babies for a “postpartum party,” allowing them time for a postpartum checkup and an opportunity to see how the other women in their group are doing since the birth of their babies.

Mothers Empowered is a partnership between the Good Samaritan Foundation and Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV), allowing for extra support and additional resources, if needed. minutes) while enjoying healthy snacks and socializing with other women who are due around the same time as them.

Mothers Empowered uses a facilitative approach to educate women during each group appointment about topics that are important before, during and after pregnancy. A few of these topics include discomforts of pregnancy, breastfeeding, family spacing, comfort measures for labor, completing a birth plan and deciding on the type birth they would like to have (including waterbirth), postpartum depression, newborn care, caring for yourself postpartum and many more.

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DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

These group appointments not only provide excellent prenatal and postpartum care, but they help women to feel more confident and to be more proactive in their own healthcare. Lifestages has seen a reduction in preterm birth rates and an increase in breastfeeding rates, and an increase in patient satisfaction in the mothers who choose Mothers Empowered appointments for their prenatal care.

Lifestages has created an open, welcoming atmosphere to help put new moms at ease. Some women may feel uncomfortable talking in front of others at first, but after a few appointments, everyone begins to open up, sharing more about themselves and learning more about others in their group.

CSSMV recently began a postnatal group on the second Thursday of each month from 1-3 pm at Lifestages to allow our new mothers time to receive helpful parenting advice plus added support from other moms.

If you would like more information on how you can be a part of Mothers Empowered during pregnancy, contact Lifestages at 937-277-8988, ext. 4114, and ask for Lorrie.

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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SPONSORED CONTENT

BROUGHT TO YOU BY REALTOR AMANDA DELONG, COLDWELL BANKER HERITAGE

Real Estate Myth vs. Truth There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about real estate.

Here are some of the more common ones that I’ve come across.

You need 20% down to buy a house.

Most people still think that you need at least a 20% down payment to purchase a home, and that is just not true. The minimum down payment for an FHA (government-backed) loan is 3.5%, and the minimum for a conventional loan (not backed by the government) is 5%. This is very much in contrast to the traditional idea that 20% is a f lat requirement. While it is never a bad idea to put down, many people can only do a minimum.

This is especially true if it’s your first time buying!

You need cash to sell.

Let’s say I have your home listed for sale and a buyer is asking you to pay $10,000 in closing costs, cover the cost of a $600 home warranty and pay for their owner’s title insurance policy costing $1,400. You need $12,000 available in your checking account on closing day, right?

WRONG! All the money comes from your bottom line proceeds

as a seller, so they are paid out of the difference between what you agreed to sell for and what you owe on the property.

A home “passes” or “fails” inspection.

The home inspector isn’t there to approve or deny your wishes to buy the property. Their job is to point out health and safety issues that you may not be aware of and help you understand the future maintenance of the home. The inspector’s report is sometimes hundreds of pages long, which can alarm buyers at first glance, but once they’ve gone through it they understand the pages are

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DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

also filled with the ages of their home’s essentials and approximate remaining life.

Spring is the best time of year to sell.

While it may be true that the springtime brings the greatest number of listings, I would argue that it is not necessarily always the “best” time to sell. First, this is when sellers have the most competition. Buyers have lots of choices!

Second, when it’s a seller’s market and there are 10 buyers interested in the same property, that can drive up the price, which is bad

for buyers, but it can also lead to buyers backing out of the deal.

In the heat of the moment, sometimes a buyer just wants to “win” and then realizes days later that it isn’t a home that will meet their needs. That’s bad for everyone involved!

Finally, in the fall and winter, there are fewer homes for sale, so less competition and more time for buyers to make well-thoughtout decisions. After all, only serious buyers are going to put on their snow boots and coats to go look at a house!

As always, when you’re thinking of making your move, let’s chat. You’re in good hands.

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DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I July / August 2019

WORDS BY HALEY PADDOCK

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Meeting the Needs of All Students Educational opportunities abound at Bishop Leibold School.

At Bishop Leibold School, our goal has always been to meet students where they are and help them reach the academic success that is specific to their individual needs and potential. Through differentiated classroom instruction and small group instructional support, individual strengths are fostered and praised while targeted needs are addressed in each student.

“We offer programs unique to our region such as STEM, Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, The Reading Lab, iReady assessment and lessons, Multi-tiered Student Support, 6 Hats Critical Thinking process and more,” says Dr. Theodore Wallace, principal of Bishop Leibold. “In doing so, we are able to work with our students that need the most help, while pushing our highest achievers so that they are being appropriately challenged in the classroom.”

Bishop Leibold is in the year of a unique partnership with The Reading Lab, a program that provides testing, training and tutoring serving “bright but struggling” minds who are dyslexic.

“Our partnership with Bishop Leibold is distinctive, in part, because we have the opportunity to serve students during the school day,” says Donna Donahue, director of The Reading Lab. “Families really appreciate this in addition to the impact it is having on helping unlock the full potential of their children.”

The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship is a program that provides scholarships to students who are eligible to attend grades K-12 and on an Individualized Education Plan.

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DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

Our STEM program offers robust lessons in science, technology, engineering and math. Students have the opportunity to work through the engineering design process and solve real world problems in the classroom. Bishop Leibold is proud to have won the Ohio Governor’s Award for Excellence in STEM Education for nine consecutive years. This program allows students to develop their skills in these subjects using a hands-on approach and builds teamwork, collaboration and other important life skills. Our STEMP.M. co-curricular adjunct

takes our students to countless businesses across our region to see STEM in action in production and design facilities, labs and more.

Bishop Leibold is also in the process of expanding our preschool program. We have opened the program to families five days a week for the full school day for our four year old program and five days a week for half of the school day for our three year olds. The program is enriched this year using inspiration from Reggio Emilia, a self-directed approach in experiential learning.

To implement such programs successfully requires effective collaboration among staff members and intentional, informative communication between home and school. In the end, it is about what is best for the students entrusted to us at Bishop Leibold School.

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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PARENTING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DAYTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Tips for Holiday Eating Mealtimes can be merrier when you’re mindful about your food choices.

Opt for smaller sizes. Cut the

Friends, family, and food!

Just as the holidays bring families and friends together, they also bring together shared foods to feast on. While it may be tempting to load your plate with as many foods as possible, it’s important to make healthy choices.

“There are multiple holidays packed into just two short months,” says Emilie Westcott, R D, a registered dietitian at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “It can be overwhelming to see so much delicious food at all the parties and try to stick to your normal habits. However, with a little planning ahead you can have a healthy holiday season.”

Here are a few tips to keep you on track: Stick to your plan. Keep your normal meal schedule, even during party day. Skipping meals can make you hungrier and less able to make good food choices at your party. Try eating a little lighter at other meals, like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to keep that hungermonster at bay.

desserts into much smaller pieces. You can try multiple desserts without having to take full portions of each. Also, remember to drink water as much as possible and try making sparkling water drinks with fruit and seltzer water.

Bring it. Bring a dish with an ingredient swap to a party.

Reduce salt by using citrus, garlic, and onions to create tangy f lavor. Swap minced caulif lower for white rice or mashed potatoes to cut carbs. Use whole grains like wheatberries, brown rice, quinoa or buckwheat for fiber.

Scout the line. Make one buffet pass to scout what you really want on your plate. This helps keep you from overfilling before you’re through the line.

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DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

Start with the good stuff.

Hosting a buffet style party? Put the veggie-based dishes at the beginning. Everyone can fill half their plate with veggies first, then move to a quarter of the plate protein and the other quarter starch.

Have patience, grasshopper.

Hosting a sit-down meal? Leave the serving dishes in another room. Then, give yourself 15 minutes after finishing your meal before going for seconds. This helps you determine if you are still hungry and keeps you from feeling overly full.

Get moving. Start a tradition with your family to get moving.

Walk to the park, start a friendly soccer match or game of charades. From players, to scorekeepers, to cheerleaders, everyone can participate!

Stay positive! There are likely going to be times this holiday season that you overindulge and maybe feel bad about it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every day is new, every meal is another opportunity to make healthy choices. Eat what you love, but keep your portions in check, balance your plate with veggies, whole grains and lean meats, and don’t forget to hug all your loved ones this holiday season.

AROUND TOWN

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LAUREN LEMONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

Five Rivers MetroParks Holiday Fun Round Up FOR KIDS:

Between planning, traveling, cooking and shopping, pulling off the perfect holiday can be a challenge. Your Five Rivers MetroParks offers a host of opportunities for families to create new traditions, spend quality time and enjoy the outdoors during the holiday season.

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts you can give your family during the busiest season of the year is time. Be sure to take a break from the holiday bustle to enjoy the following events with friends and family.

FOR FAMILY: Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark Sunday, Dec. 1, Noon-4 pm Experience the sights, smells and sounds of an 1880s holiday on the farm. String cranberries, sample gingerbread and create a craft to take home. Admission is free.

Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk at Aullwood Garden MetroPark Sunday, Dec. 1, 6-8:30 pm Take a luminary-lit evening stroll and then enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa.

Admission is free.

Holiday Evening at Carriage Hill MetroPark Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-8:30 pm Enjoy a candlelit stroll through the historical farm and experience what a holiday evening was like in the 1880s. Listen to traditional holiday music, play parlor games and watch historical craft demonstrations. Admission is free.

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Turkey in the Straw at Possum Creek MetroPark Saturday, Nov. 9, 10-11:30 am Visit the farm to learn all about turkeys, and then dig and play in a pile of straw to find hidden prizes. Admission is $5/family; registration is required and available at metroparks.org.

Santa Visits the Market at the 2nd Street Market Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 am-1 pm and Sunday, Dec. 15, 11:30 am-1 pm

Breakfast with Santa at the 2nd Street Market

Little ones can snap a photo with Santa and let him know what’s on their list. Admission is free.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 9:30-11 am Join Santa and his elves for a tasty breakfast buffet prepared by the Market’s vendors. Admission is $5/person; registration is required and available at metroparks.org.

Holiday Skates at MetroParks Ice Rink Lace up your skates and start a new family tradition celebrating Christmas and New Year’s on the ice at RiverScape MetroPark. The rink is open during special hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Admission is $6/person; skate rentals are $2/person.

Tip for the season: If you’re stumped on what to get your loved ones, remember that experiences make great gifts. Rather than something tangible that could end up forgotten and on a shelf, an experience allows your gift recipient to learn something new and make lasting memories.

For a fun outdoor experience, consider gifting your loved one skating lessons at the MetroParks Ice Rink or a season pass for the entire family.

Learn more at metroparks.org/ice-rink.

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

FOR GROWN UPS: Stock up Wednesday at the 2nd Street Market Wednesday, Nov. 27, 11 am-3 pm Grab last-minute essentials to complete your holiday feast, including desserts, breads, prepared dishes and more. Admission is free.

Artisan Night at the 2nd Street Market Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6-9 pm Enjoy an evening of holiday shopping, music and make-it-yourself holiday gift workshops. Pricing varies by vendor.

Check out all of MetroParks’ winter programs by visiting metroparks.org/programs- events-finder.

PHOTO CREDIT

FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

The trusted resource for Dayton area families for over 6 years.

FIND US IN PRINT AND ONLINE.

daytonparent magazine.com

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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S AV I N G F O R COLLEGE

BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOUR CHILD WILL BE ON THEIR WAY TO COLLEGE — SO START SAVING NOW! WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

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W

hether your child is taking their first steps or headed to their first day of kindergarten, it can seem like time is flying by too fast. Before you know it, your sweet little toddler will be headed off to college, which leaves you with one very important question: How will you pay for it?

It’s no secret that a college education is expensive, and for the parent still buying diapers, the prospect of paying for college can be daunting. The good news is that the sooner you start saving — even if it’s just a little bit each month — the more you will have when your child is ready to fly the coop.

“A lot of times, people don’t enter into this process until the senior year of high school,” says Rob Durkle, associate vice president of enrollment management and dean of admissions and financial aid at University of Dayton. “At that point, you don’t have a lot of time to save, only about 8 or 9 months.”

While putting money into a savings account starting today can be a smart move, there are several savings plans, such as 529 Plans, Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), that will help each dollar saved go even further by offering tax-free earnings that can be used toward college expenses.

CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS When looking at savings plans, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding about how each operates so you can make the best financial decision for your family. Here are some factors to consider with each.

Withdrawal penalties/taxes: Each of these college savings plans has restrictions on how earnings can be withdrawn.

While contributions for each of these accounts can be withdrawn at any time tax-free because the money is contributed after taxes, it’s important to remember that all withdrawals are a combination of contributions and earnings.

To get the most bang for your buck, it’s wise to try to stay within the plan’s withdrawal guidelines to avoid unnecessary taxes and fees.

Account flexibility: When your children are young, it can be hard to know what your savings capability will be like and what type of college they will want attend, if they attend at all. Having an understanding of the flexibility you have with each account in regards to how withdrawals can be used, if accounts can be transferred, and how much you are allowed to contribute each year will help you make the best decision for your family.

How your FAFSA will be affected: Depending on the plan and who holds it, withdrawals may count as income that could put a dent in your financial aid possibilities.

While this isn’t something to dwell on — money saved is better than money borrowed, after all — it’s something to consider if you anticipate needing additional help.

If you need some guidance in making investment decisions, it can be a good idea to seek out the advice of a financial planner or tax advisor. These professionals can help you think through these variables and others.

A LOOK AT THE PLANS Let’s take a closer look at the plans. Bear in mind that these aren’t the only options you have when it comes to saving for your children’s education, but these plans all offer college savings incentives that will benefit you over time.

529 Plan State 529 plans are the most popular college savings investment option. While many states, including Ohio, offer tax incentives for using an in-state plan, you can open a plan in any state for use at qualified universities and colleges throughout the country. 529 plans have limited investment options but offer quite a bit of flexibility compared to the other plans listed here, including high contribution limits (currently $15,000), no age limits for distributions in most states, and easy transferal to another family member (including parents) if the student doesn’t use the funds. For students receiving scholarships, earnings can be withdrawn for non-qualified uses tax- and penalty-free.

Roth IRA Roth IRAs are typically used for retirement savings, and therefore earnings are subject to a penalty if withdrawn before the account holder is 59½ years old unless used toward qualified educational

expenses. Advantages of a Roth IRA over a 529 plan include wider investment options and flexibility with contribution withdrawals. On the flip side, there are contribution limits ($6,000 under age 50) and withdrawals count as income on your financial aid application.

Coverdell ESA Like the Roth, ESAs have a wider investment portfolio than the 529, but the downside is they are extremely limiting in their contributions — only $2,000 per year per student — and all contributions made after age 18 are subject to an excise tax. Also, all funds must be used by age 30 or transferred to another beneficiary to avoid penalties.

KEEP THE CONVERSATION OPEN While your children are still young, there are a lot of unknowns about the future.

Will they attend a state or private school? In-state or out?

These variables can make saving feel a little like a gamble.

“You may have no idea what kind of school a child will choose,” Durkle says. “Think about hopes, dreams and goals, not just the college itself.”

By keeping the conversation about college open, you’ll be able to better plan over time, as well as help your child make a college decision that makes sense for your family’s financial situation, perhaps by finding a less expensive program that will help them meet their career goals. And bear in mind, putting money away, whether for college or for another goal, can never hurt.

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TO DO WITH YOUR CREW

GRANDE ILLUMINATION AND CHILDREN’S PARADE SPECTACULAR IN LIGHTS Visit downtown Dayton at the Courthouse Square on Friday, November 29 from 4-9 pm for The Grande Illumination, featuring live entertainment, carnival rides for kids, holiday games and crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer and much more. Don’t miss the lighting of the huge holiday tree at 7:45 pm.

Immediately following is the Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights. All activities are FREE of charge. The Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by DP&L, continues throughout the month of December. Visit daytonholidayfestival.org for more information.

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A CARILLON CHRISTMAS Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transforms into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic and holiday cheer!

Be prepared to see Santa’s Toy Shop, The Carillon Carolers, head to the Candy Cane Slopes, write letters to Santa, see model train displays, shop at the museum store and lots more! As one of the newest traditions in Dayton, A Carillon Christmas is a sight to see, happening November 21-December 30 from 5-9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 pm on Friday and Saturdays at Carillon Historical Park. The official lighting of the tree will be Thursday, November 21 at 6 pm. Admission is $12 for adults (ages 18-59), $10 for seniors (ages 60+), $8 for children ages 3-17, and free for children under 3 and Dayton History Members!

Visit daytonhistory.org/ events/special-events /a-carillon-christmas for more information.

SANTA’S HOLIDAY IN THE PARK AT JAMES RANCH Celebrate the magic of the season at James Ranch while you visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, see thousands of lights, enjoy holiday crafts, vendors, food and much more December 4-7. As you walk through the park for an even brighter holiday, you will see more than 50 animated light displays throughout the park.

Other activities include opportunities to make ornaments with pines cones, craft candles and create reindeer food to take home for the big day!

Back by popular demand, on Friday night only, live reindeer will return to the park! Visit gcparkstrails. com/events/santasholiday-in-the-park for more information!

DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM I November / December 2019

WOODLAND LIGHTS In its 26th season, Woodland Lights offers a fantasyland of holiday lights and displays along a half-mile wooded path.

The month-long festival will have more lights, more vignettes and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors every year. Every night features all new amusement rides for kids and adults, live animals, carriage rides, bonfires and concessions provided by local vendors. On select nights, you can bring your furry family friend to walk the holiday path or visit with Junior Claus (Santa’s only son!) Visit Woodland Lights Friday through Sunday from November 22-December 1, then nightly from December 6-23. Closed December 24 and 25. Admission is $9, and free for ages 2 and under. Find out more at woodlandlights.org.

NORTH POLE EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE AT LM&M RAILROAD All aboard the North Pole Express! Throughout November and December, grab the family and take an hour-long ride with Santa and his elves all while enjoying hot chocolate, cookies and holiday music!

Every child will receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh and a special “North Pole Express” souvenir ticket!

New this year, all children under the age of 2 are required to purchase a discounted ticket. This ticket includes a juice box, cookie and small toy, and the child must ride on a lap. To reserve your seats in advance or for more information about the magical train ride with Santa, visit lebanonrr. com/northpole.

fun and WACKY DAYTON PARENT'S

Did you know that there is an official holiday for just about anything you can think of?

Here are a few fun days worth celebrating!

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER The most egg-cellent day!

12/3

11/19

MAKE A GIFT DAY

PLAY MONOPOLY DAY

Do it the DIY way.

CARD PLAYING DAY

WOBBLY WEDNESDAY

Anyone for some euchre?

11/3

Whoa!

Permission to do nothing today.

11/21

12/5

The dental kind, not the dance.

Invite your rubber duckie.

11/26

12/8

Make your sweet dreams come true.

Sing your heart out.

FLOSSING DAY

HUG A BEAR DAY

Opt for the stuffed kind, please.

11/8

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD DAY

Try to set a record.

CAKE DAY

BATHTUB PARTY DAY

CHORAL DAY

12/13

VIOLIN DAY

Celebrate the strings.

11/10

12/14

She sells seashells by the seashore.

Go bananas!

TONGUE TWISTER DAY

11/15

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

Save the planet, one bottle at a time.

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

FESTIVUS

12/28

11/20

11/7

12/23

It’s a holiday for the rest of us!

I’ll be the thimble.

ZERO TASKING DAY

GO CAROLING DAY

Fa-la-la-la-la!

11/2

DEVILED EGG DAY

12/20

12/31

NO INTERRUPTIONS DAY

Do not disturb.

MONKEY DAY

12/17

MAPLE SYRUP DAY

Whip up some pancakes.

November / December 2019 I DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

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